Gator Country

MadduxFanII · 02-13-2013, 05:20 PM

That's what GC's Facebook feed is saying.

I always like to see young arms, but the entire plan for this season was to lean on Crawford and Whitson. They would pitch lights out, giving us a great chance of winning two games even with an unproven offense.

The season outlook darkens dramatically if we can't do that.

GatorChoice · 02-13-2013, 07:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MadduxFanII

That's what GC's Facebook feed is saying.

I always like to see young arms, but the entire plan for this season was to lean on Crawford and Whitson. They would pitch lights out, giving us a great chance of winning two games even with an unproven offense.

The season outlook darkens dramatically if we can't do that.

I agree. This is quite a blow. Still looking forward to the season, and hope the kid recovers from whatever the issue really is.

GatorJeff · 02-14-2013, 06:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DoubleDown11

Apparently Larry Vettel reported Crawford, Simpson, Shafer on the radio today.

Simpson is monster. Looks about 6' 7", 225lbs.

DoubleDown11 · 02-14-2013, 09:26 AM

Simpson definitely brings some credentials. This probably means he was in line to be the #3 anyway. Shafer I just don't know about as a weekend starter, but that's why they play the games.

The non-conference portion of the schedule is going to be huge. The Gators are going to have to establish roles very quickly because the first 5 SEC series are against teams ranked in the top 15.

jsc28 · 02-14-2013, 09:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DoubleDown11

Simpson definitely brings some credentials. This probably means he was in line to be the #3 anyway. Shafer I just don't know about as a weekend starter, but that's why they play the games.

The non-conference portion of the schedule is going to be huge. The Gators are going to have to establish roles very quickly because the first 5 SEC series are against teams ranked in the top 15.

I agree, I think Simpson was in line for the #3. Essentially these first 18 games are going to be auditions to see who will start when we play Kentucky.

MichaelJoeWilliamson · 02-14-2013, 12:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DoubleDown11

Apparently Larry Vettel reported Crawford, Simpson, Shafer on the radio today.

sounds right

gatorbogey · 02-14-2013, 01:40 PM

they'll be another 'Tucker' in the lineup! this time on the mound though. does the Section E Hecklers keep the 'Let's Go, TUCK!' chant?

Shafer on the mound will provide an opportunity for another outfielder to see some action on a regular basis. wonder who that will be? Connor Mitchell? Reid? Roberson? Dicks? Dent?

austingator · 02-14-2013, 01:49 PM

Not sure I see Shafer as out third best guy. He seems more of a middle to closer role. None of these guys wil go far into their first starts anyway as all are on pitch counts.

MadduxFanII · 02-14-2013, 05:54 PM

Per Kendall Rogers on Twitter, the Whitson family is saying that Karsten will miss the season. He did not require "full surgery," however, to "clear up some abnormalities."

MadduxFanII · 02-14-2013, 05:54 PM

Rehab should take about four months. Whitson is "fully prepared" to return to UF for his redshirt junior season next year, though Rogers thinks the draft is still a possibility.

jsc28 · 02-14-2013, 07:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MadduxFanII

Per Kendall Rogers on Twitter, the Whitson family is saying that Karsten will miss the season. He did not require "full surgery," however, to "clear up some abnormalities."

Sounds like a partial tear, but not fully torn. We sure are secretive about it though.

DoubleDown11 · 02-15-2013, 10:35 AM

Interesting quotes from Sully here.

http://www.baseballamerica.com/today...3/2614722.html

He's basically saying he's keeping Kish, Gibson, and Mags in the bullpen because of the low pitch counts of starters and as insurance in case the young guys falter. So the implication is that Simpson and Shafer aren't necessarily better pitchers, but when looking at the staff as a whole, it makes sense for them to start with the other guys getting extensive work behind them. Interesting approach.

MadduxFanII · 02-15-2013, 10:45 AM

It's an interesting strategy. I don't love it, but O'Sullivan has more than earned a lot of leeway when it comes to handling a pitching staff.

GatorChoice · 02-15-2013, 11:10 AM

Here are Sully's quotes in the Gainesville Sun article about the other two starters:

Quote:

Along with Crawford, the other starters heading into the opening series are true freshman Tucker Simpson and Shafer, UF's newest two-way player.

“Justin didn't pitch a whole lot last year because we didn't need him to,” O'Sullivan said. “He's earned his starting role. Our hitters are 2-for-38 against him since we started scrimmaging.

“We originally had him slotted in the (bullpen). He's been really good. I think he's kind of forced our hand to put him in a starting role.”
O'Sullivan said Simpson, a highly rated true freshman, also has earned his role as the No. 2 starter.

“He's 6-6 and he's got a great feel for the strike zone,” O'Sullivan said. “He's got four pitches. He's got an advanced feel for a changeup, and he's around the zone. The most important thing is he's very competitive.

“He's pitched in some big games. He's been on the national scene for quite some time. He's certainly ready for this challenge.”

MadduxFanII · 02-15-2013, 03:20 PM

An SBNation Padres blogger got in trouble for this post, titled "Karston Whitson Schadenfreude," which was essentially a smug, "Ha ha, this guy who turned down the Padres and got hurt" post.

The blog later pulled the post and apologized for it.

Gatorgal04 · 02-15-2013, 04:30 PM

Quote:

“He's 6-6 and he's got a great feel for the strike zone,” O'Sullivan said. “He's got four pitches. He's got an advanced feel for a changeup, and he's around the zone. The most important thing is he's very competitive.

WOW. A freshman with 4 pitches. That's amazing.