Why is our pitching under-achieving?

[RocketCityDawg]

MSU baseball. We should be better.

 

[8dog]

We have given up 5 runs in two games.

But as a whole, half of the guys we were counting on have major injuries.

 

[Hoover Dawg]

Not sure what team you are watching. Huntsville/Biloxi Stars?

 

[57stratdawg]

RIP Joe Davis Stadium

 

[engie]

Are you kidding? Please tell me you are.

 

[Hoover Dawg]

Did they finally demo that old dump?

 

[karlchilders.sixpack]

We have lost two games, because we could not throw strikes.

Primarily.

We need a cod lock closer, can you name that guy?

 

[Hoover Dawg]

Picked a stupid day/weekend to complain about pitching.

 

[karlchilders.sixpack]

I'm not complaining

just choosing to question the situation.

Otherwise, go 17 yourself.

 

[512taylor]

Shouldn't you be in bed by now?

 

[karlchilders.sixpack]

Alright then

you tell us, who will our closer be?

Seems the position is open.

 

[engie]

That's the thing about week 2. Roles generally aren't set -- especially when you have SEVEN returning pitchers out with arm injuries. Including arguably 5 of your top 6 overall arm talents. Ford, Small, Padgett, Breaux, James all borderline top 10 round talents coming in. And Hughes isn't too far off of that. It's like people just crawled out of the closet and glanced at the baseball field -- and are losing their minds about a reality that all of the decent baseball posters told you for months was coming.

 

[Leeshouldveflanked]

We haven't recovered from Mini-Me....we have 6 pitchers with major arm injuries

 

[57stratdawg]

It's still standing, but it is a dump. Rumor is a new ballpark downtown is on the 10 year plan.

 

[Hankp22]

Im worried about the short term because of injuries

We lost a ton of great baseball players last year. It is nearly impossible to replace a guy like Dakota Hudson. And then you lose guys like Sexton, Houston, and Brown. Two of those guys were SEC experienced and all three were extremely talented.

Point being, coming into the season, we had several elite arms to replace. And looking at it now, James and Padgett are out for the year and both are very talented. Ethan Small has potential to be one of the most electric pitchers we've had come through Mississippi State. We all know what Rigby can do. And then you also add Smith and Hughes to the list.

It is fair to be worried about pitching because we're having to find replacements for some of the best arms I've seen come through MSU. And we are having to do it with some top level talent on the bench hurt.

It seems to be the theme for the year across our big 3 sports. But this season is going to be Jekyll and Hyde on the baseball field. To me, it's about putting yourself in a spot to get streaky at the end of the year. Looking at our scorecard today, it's obvious were testing a lot of combos. I feel like each day is a competition for a spot in the lineup. The same can be said for our staff.

I really like what I see from Price, Self, and Ashcraft. They will be a very talented group as they continue to progress.

I like that we are aggressive on the bases and it appears we can hit for little bit of power. That's going to keep us in some games. This season is going to have some highs and lows. From a long viewpoint, I'm very excited about the trajectory of our baseball program.

 

[karlchilders.sixpack]

Thank You

...
Good post.