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Gator Baseball 2024 OFFICIAL ROSTER/Transfer Tracker/Lineup???

Discussion in 'GatorGrowl's Diamond Gators' started by Matherly87, Jun 6, 2023.

  1. TheBoss

    TheBoss Premium Member

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    Thanks for the Garrison comment. From the time he signed, there has been a LOT of praise for his defensive skills, but my observations have all three catchers rated about the same overall on defense. Garrison looks smooth, but he hasn't been superior to the others on blocking bad pitches or throwing out runners and hasn't produced at the level of that hype. I'm VERY glad he's on the squad and I anticipate benefits as the season goes on. His squeeze bunt was a beauty, but I hope he produces much more offense than that. Heyman hasn't caught fire at bat, but if he finishes the season with a BA of around .280 and continues to produce HRs and RBI at his current rate, I'll be happy. Won't that put his stats at about BJ's production last year? He hasn't shown the same spark and leadership as BJ, yet, but he's about three years younger. I agree that tha batting order needs to reflect current production with guys noving up or down in the order based on who's hot. Russell batted off a tee right into my face before the game and also took BP and pounded the ball, but still has an elastic brace on his wrist. I anticipate a plate appearnce in the next week, maybe PH.
     
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  2. apkgator

    apkgator GC Hall of Fame

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    Good point on Heyman, I think expectations and perceptions may be a little off. He's hitting 280, leads team in walks, and showing some power. BT hit 246 last year, set strikeout records, and had a similar HR pace to what Heyman has. Luke hit 314 last year so I'm guessing he will likely inch up to 300 again, but while he's not on fire right now I'm not overly concerned about his production at this point
     
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  3. 74nole

    74nole GC Hall of Fame

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    And for clarity—Luke is a true sophomore.
     
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  4. ocalaman

    ocalaman GC Hall of Fame

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    Good chance Tuesday night's game gets rained out.
     
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  5. Matherly87

    Matherly87 GC Hall of Fame

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    Yep and unsure about Wednesday as well. I'm thinking on Tuesday of waiting until 3-4 PM to check the radar if there's any hope of going up but 80% chance of rain with thunderstorms doesn't look good. At least Wednesday the rain is more likely in the morning and clearing later on.
     
  6. Matherly87

    Matherly87 GC Hall of Fame

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    Before Friday's first game I was worried about the two midweek games and who we would have ready to pitch. But with what happened on Saturday and Sunday, that has completely flipped. Plus we might only play on Wednesday with rain most likely on Tuesday. You see on Saturday Peterson had early trouble and Sully held back on a few arms I thought he would use if ahead, namely Satin and Philpott. Then Sunday went so well with Cags, Sully was able to go straight to Slater and Neely. So now Wednesday looks like Sully needs to get Philpott in there for some much needed action with Satin ready to come in when needed. Smith and Witmer could also see action but I'm sure Sully would like to get Jameson, Clemente, or Purnell a short appearance to help build back some confidence on a midweek.

    I haven't looked ahead at St Mary's this weekend but I assume FAU and UCF might be the tougher challenge.
     
  7. gator1977

    gator1977 GC Legend

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    Heyman should do fine and hit in the .300 range as he did last year and his D is solid. He does not, however, have BT's extrovert personality and leadership skills. That's a major plus in a catcher as we saw with Mike Rivera in his day, and I believe Mike has worked well with Luke refining his defensive skills.
    Note: Luke is a true sophomore but is draft eligible as turns 21 in July (I believe).
     
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  8. ocalaman

    ocalaman GC Hall of Fame

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    The St. Mary's Gaels from the West Coast Conference are 8-3. They started winning 2 of 3 from Oakland, took 3 of 4 from Utah Valley, then this past weekend won 3 of 4 from Seattle. They have a Tuesday game hosting San Jose St. before heading to Gainesville. Hitting .316, 25 HR, 49 BB, 72 K's, 16-21 SB and slugging at .625. Team ERA is 4.92, WHIP 1.56, 12 HR, 48 BB, 111 K's, .268 BA against. Not a bad team.
     
    Last edited: Mar 4, 2024
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  9. Matherly87

    Matherly87 GC Hall of Fame

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    At least with the Gaels we start with Fisher, Peterson and Cags and also have Slater and Neely. That should be more than half the battle pitching wise. The key at this point is who does Sully use instead of them.
     
  10. orlgator

    orlgator Premium Member

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    That’s half the fun though. Finding out which of the kids have the mental makeup to make the pitches when the lights are on. It’s early. Plenty of arms and will find a few to step up.

    And reading all the collective comments on Luke really makes me shake my head. He hasn’t started real hot and is still hitting 280 and you guys are doubting him pretty good. Kid can hit and will hit.
     
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  11. paidinfull

    paidinfull GC Hall of Fame

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    Shelly should be suspended tomorrow, right? If the game is canceled, does he still have to sit weds?
     
  12. MatsideObserver

    MatsideObserver GC Hall of Fame

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    yes he has to sit out the next game that is played.
     
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  13. triplegator84

    triplegator84 Freshman

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    So no game tomorrow, moved to April 30th. Hopefully the weekend rain doesn’t get in the way…
     
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  14. Matherly87

    Matherly87 GC Hall of Fame

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    Luke McNeillie gets the start on the mound for Wednesday. UCF going with Cade Boxrucker 5.14 ERA RHP.

    3 5 UCF (PDF) - Florida Gators
    McNEILLIE'S MIDWEEK: Milton, Ga. native RHP Luke McNeillie will make his second-career start on Tuesday vs. FAU. Despite struggling in his first start at Stetson, McNeillie picked up the win with 2 2/3 scoreless relief innings on three hits and one strikeout in his career debut on Feb. 24 vs. Columbia. As a senior at Milton HS, McNeillie was named All-Region 6-7A First Team and the Milton High School Pitcher of the Year.
     
  15. ocalaman

    ocalaman GC Hall of Fame

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    Matt Prevesk is leading UCF in hitting with a .432 BA, slugging .568. Their team BA is .332, 8 HR (4 by Andrew Estrella), 42 BB, 10 HBP, 66 K, 9-13 SB. 7 starters are hitting over .300. Hope our pitchers are up to the task.
     
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  16. Matherly87

    Matherly87 GC Hall of Fame

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    I believe someone once said its going to get interesting. For McNeillie this seems like a game he only needs to go thru the lineup once and then go to the bullpen. It doesn't have to be a pitch count thing but more of pitch to everyone once before any damage is done. I hope Philpott is ready to go as well.
     
  17. 74nole

    74nole GC Hall of Fame

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    IMHO the best thing for our new guys is to finish on a strong or positive note each outing…..Arms will get stretched out and pitch counts built up as the season progresses.

    Their mindset to be driven to accomplish their goals is a must.
     
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  18. gator1977

    gator1977 GC Legend

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    McNeillie not performing to date is surprising as he looked solid in scrimmages. This is a pivotal start for him and for Sully to assess as he's always said... 'when the lights are on." Who can handle the pressure and perform.

    On Matt Prevesk; I was surprised that he didn't get more chances in his time with us. Had an opportunity to speak with a family member last year who was quite unhappy about his lack of playing time. I undertsand, as anyone who suits up, wants to play and not ride the bench. Wish him luck as he gets the opportunity but- top Florida guys want to play for Sully.
     
  19. Matherly87

    Matherly87 GC Hall of Fame

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    I must say I'm a little surprised that Philpott is not starting since he has not pitched since last Wednesday. McNeillie had the problematic appearance in Miami giving up 4 runs makes you wonder how determined Sully must be for McNeillie to be the midweek starter and have Philpott ready for mid relief I guess. As 74 said is my thinking as well Sully has to use these opportunities to build confidence and hopefully get these guys out with a positive attitude instead of a bad inning.
     
  20. Matherly87

    Matherly87 GC Hall of Fame

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    Another comment that we should not forget when evaluating McNeillie and Peterson. Let it not go over time that McNeillie and Peterson both pitched in the second game at Miami which is the one with all the rumors about Miami stealing pitches. If its true then the stats for these two arms are grossly mistaken in this young season. Call the game an anomaly if you like but their ERAs could be considered falsely figured into the final numbers. So for now I'm going to look at McNeillie's ERA about half of what it should be or least consider it TBD.
     
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