We have the hitters this year for sure but seems at least early on our relief pitching is not where it needs to be. I know I've been picking on Purnell but the guy just doesn't have it. If we have a 8 run lead then he's ok for an inning but walks and runs is not what you want in a relief pitcher. He gives me no relief. However, others need to step it up too.
I wonder if we will see any Finnvold this week. Not saying he is huge for the rotation but still an unknown this year.
I know he had four against Stetson. I seem to recall a seldom used catcher having three in a game not too long ago. Something like Greenfield? Not him. Must be somebody else.
Back from the game. Even though we won easily there was some sloppy play that needs to be cleaned up. Can't count on seven dingers every game to cover up mistakes. Cags had a rough first inning and then looked great for a while. I noticed that he was losing velocity as the game wore on. Home plate blue had batters from both teams complaining about low pitches away being called for strikes. I know it isn't right but once an umpire establishes a strike zone he needs to be consistent even if it isn't a strike by the rule book. It is much worse for an ump to keep changing the strike zone in the course of a game.
I like Purnell as a one batter situational reliever with his sidearm action against righties. That can be a major role on a team. But only if he can throw strikes.
Really glad to see Halter unload on a pitch for a homer. See, he doesn't have to bunt to get a hit. LOL. Maybe that will break the ice for him.
Well the team has proven they can hit. Defense still with work to do, esp behind the plate.. Pitching just giving up waaay toooo many free passes. Gotta trust their stuff and challenge the hitters.
It has been my experience that fluctuating velocities are more common than not throughout the 13-24 months window of TJ rehab. The more important thing is the ability for the arm to recover/rebound for it’s next time out while regaining the strength for velocity and durability.
First need to trust the guys playing behind you before trusting your stuff. Otherwise you are pitching for strikeouts. How many double plays have the Gators turned? And how many potential double play balls have the opposing teams hit?
Purnell does not have good enough stuff to overcome his lack of command. He started struggling in 2022 once UF got into SEC play and those struggles have continued into this season. Ficarrotta and Slater are in the same boat also and until all three can locate better and avoid walks (and HBPs), not sure any can be truly trusted in high leverage situations.
Cags gets an earned run because of the botched double play. By rule an official scorer cannot assume a double play on an error so without the error the runner from third scores on a fielder's choice that would have happened without the error.
Nobody does. Lack of command means you cannot pitch. You can just throw. There is a difference. Great "stuff" with no command is not pitching. It is just throwing. I have seen some days when Purnell could locate but just not this season. I am not ready to throw him under the bus as of yet.
