(SB) Ongoing UF Softball Commentary

But, remember some of next year's players committed in the 6th grade, so
Aric had nothing to do with them.

 

True re Mia, not sure on Keegan's commit date. He reeled in the rest, certainly with a big assist from CTW

 

Unbelievable stat. Was watching Oklahoma Oklahoma State game and announcers said that during Oklahoma's 38 game winning streak the Sooners have only been behind in 11 innings.

 

I've been one of the harshest critics of Sarah Longley, beginning way back when she was a just a pinch hitter, and then when she became the starting SS. But in the last couple of weeks, she has really come into her own. Not only batting, but some rocket pickoff throws to 2B. Glad to see her go out on a high note.

And as CTW mentioned at Senior Day -- what a versatile player. His comment got me to thinking -- has she played every position except for pitcher and 3B?

On another note, for awhile I've been meaning to ask whether anyone else has noticed this or I'm imagining things -- it seems like CTW is "protecting" steals much more than years past by having the hit/run on. I think I've seen more Gators (who would have been safe) trot back to 1B after the batter fouls off the ball than ever before.

 

I do believe Rothrock has been committed for a long time as well. The other 4 in the class were September 2021 commits, I think. Bosch has to go and I agree with bringing in an accomplished female pitching coach. If Thomas stays, so be it. Apparently his recruiting is good and the offense has been serviceable.

Also want to give Sarah Longley her due. She has raised her average quite a bit recently and has delivered some big hits and made some nice throws.

 

Sarah has a year left if she wants it. Does anyone know what she is going to do?

 

Keagan committed some time before she was 14 because I started intently watching her when she played 14U (and have never stopped) because I knew at that time she had committed. Mia also. They both played that year on Tennessee Mojo and won the PGF National Championship with Keagan pitching almost 100% of the time and Mia hitting a 6th inning bomb in the championship game to seal the win.

 

Keegan committed Dec 2017.

 

Oklahoma looked human so far this series. Oklahoma State had a chance to beat Oklahoma in game 2 but pitching once again let them down. No idea what's going on with Maxwell lately isn't the same pitcher she's been in the past.

 

After watching Sarah this weekend not cover home, have 2 passed balls, virtually no hitting, can't throw out a bunt, etc with a "real" catcher at first, I am pleased that she is graduating and I wish her a great success in her future life. I gave up getting on her half way through the year because Tim loves her and she will start no matter how poor she does. Oops, Tim pinch hit for her in the 7th and our other catcher got a critical hit. Her BA has improved in the SEC from last year but after 4 years in the SEC, she still does not hit her weight in SEC play. No Regional in Gainesville, for the first time in Tim's tenure here. My guess is two and done in the SEC tournament. If that is not cause for major changes in Tim's staff and his talent evaluation, then we are destined for a future like our old Soccer Coach (Becky B) gave us. Just good enough but not ever improving. I do not want Tim to fail, I wish him nothing but the best but he will have a very tough decisions to make to get us back to a top 4 national program. My greatest fear is that Skylar will be p----d off at what we are doing and transfer to another school for her graduate year.

 

For those expecting a big upgrade next year, I would kindly point out that Pollard, Delbry and Roe were all top 5 national recruits. And they didn’t bring us back, and aren’t even top half of the league players.
Something is way off in the program right now thwt I can only hope Walton has the courage to tackle in the off-season.

 

I doubt that Skylar would bolt. I heard her say on a Podcast she starts graduate school in May.

 

2 of those 3 have had injury issues, and Roe skipped her senior year of high school which I hated. Regardless, all are still relatively young.

 

The thing I most admire about Bama's Nick Saban is he has never lost the fire. He hates losing far more than he loves winning. I'd bet many of you are wired the same way. I know I am. But, that can be tough to do when you've won B2B NC's and parlayed that into a $350K + salary. And are virtually unfireable. And no, put away the bacon, I'm not suggesting CTW be fired.

As far as this season went, I think CTW figured out early on that the returning pitchers were average at best, and that the transfer pitchers weren't the cavalry. Then couple that with eight Grad Students or Seniors that aren't anywhere close to the strength of this team. Go look at the stats, Charla Echols is the same player in 2023 that stepped on campus in 2020. Does the entire coaching staff deserve criticism for that? I'm convinced CTW accepted it was going to be a bumpy 2023.

Next season will be interesting for sure. Six of the nine starters in todays game will be back. The #1 incoming class of SB recruits will be in the fold. Hope springs eternal.

PS: The Gators were the preseason pick of the SEC Coaches to be the 2023 Champs.

PSS: Dear 8-lbs. 6-oz. newborn infant baby Jesus, please let Keagan Rothrock be legit.

 

Keagan is amazing and has so much poise in the circle. She recently pitched a perfect game and we are finally going to have a strikeout pitcher on the staff. Maybe 2 but I cant find too many videos on Ava pitching. If changes are made and a new pitching coach comes in we are going to see Keagan and ave exceed their expectations.

 

Good old "IF" that scrappy, 1990, sandman and I have been asking for the last 3 years. I will believe it when I see it (and I sure hope for it). It appears that many others are also now on board. Hope Tim responds but I am not holding my breath.

 

Changes in staff are mandatory this offseason. No way to sugarcoat it. The developmental mode of the staff is clearly broken with 0.0% uncertainty. CTW HAS to fix this, and the time is now.

It's Great To Be A Florida Gator.