Ongoing UF Baseball Commentary

Agreed. Kendrick is another player who seemed to do quite a bit better against conference pitching/better competition.

 

Josh can be solid and a run producer and look out!!

 

I like the fact that KC is getting it going with the bat. The other guys as well. Hopefully Armstrong gets more consistent at the plate as well. Last few games have been nice to read about. Hopefully the video of teams past lit a great fire/desire in these guys and it will be a great year!
GO GATORS!!!!

 

Keep working hard Gators—we see the ground you’ve gained—make it pay off to the point that it’s fun to go to the yard every day!

 

Absolutely @ocalaman — while I didn’t specify in my post before this one I meant ground gained across the board. Pitching, Defense, Offense—our execution being both spread throughout the lineup, Base running, and team attitude.

Our approach to all aspects of the game is well ahead of our efforts last year.

 

Great recap @ocalaman !

 

Glove is excellent and saved us runs. He’s by far our best glove there.

 

Just found this from Sully-

“We made an emphasis on [small ball],” O’Sullivan said. “We have to have the ability to score runs different ways. Obviously, I think we’re a really good offensive team, but, when you face really good pitchers – and tonight was that example and [Friday’s] another example – you’ve got to be able to do different things.

Love the change in approach.

 

Sounds like he is thinking Omaha where relying on the long ball is not the way to win.

Added in edit: I am not a big fan of small ball early in the game. When you have a line up with some power it takes away potential big innings.

Now late in a close game it is critical that your team is able to execute small ball for that one run that makes the difference.

 

Agree that Sully is thinking big pic but I’d say big pic would apply here w winning a series against a LSU or an SEC tournament game. A run manufactured small ball way tends to have a psychological effect on the opponent.
I’m beyond thrilled that our team has transformed and is thinking bunt at any point. Y’all know how I feel with the guard that thinks that a 3 hole hitter can’t bunt. It’s about winning and doing whatever it takes to win.

 

Missed the live action, just watched the replay and a lot to like. Always great to beat canes in coral gables, esp in dominating fashion.

Encouraged by Manning's performance, too bad he couldn't hold on for the win. Threw more fastballs than usual I think and was effective, breakers not so much. Purnell has been amazing, high 80s with a lot of movement and throws strikes.

Defense seems much improved, great catches by Thompson and Fabian. Infield D was solid. Still a little concerned about the catching position, but that's probably picky.

Hitters have an improved approach, hence all the walks, not too many wild swings at balls in the dirt and many of the outs were line drives. Great to see KC with 2 HRs this weekend and Armstrong with a seeing eye single. Good to know we can bunt if need be.

Still early tho.

 

Really impressive weekend for the Gators. To lose on Friday night with Barco and come back and win the next two easily was great to see. Incredible outing by Sproat - we've all been waiting to finally see that happen - hope it continues. Can't say enough good things about Nick and Blake. With Nesbit and Pogue joining the mix, the pitching situation is improving by leaps and bounds. Great defense and more of an attacking, aggressive offensive. This season should be fun!

 

Mat—

Completely agree—I think we might be in for a real treat. The one thing that’s a lil’bothersome (that might be lookupable ) has got to be the physical and mental errors we have unexpectedly witnessed from our catchers. I surely didn’t see anything like that coming. Hopefully some drills and mental preparedness will correct the issues.

 

Agreed 100% - we have been sloppy behind the plate no matter who is in there. My second pet peeve lol is that we have had 3 "swipe and miss" tags at second (and I think with 3 different infielders) rather than letting the runner slide into the tag. Guess you're doing well when it's the little things - haven't heard anyone call for the hitting coach to be fired yet so that's a good thing.