Gator Baseball 2022 Roster/Lineup/Batting Order

87–

Throughout the years there have been several different times and teams where I have seen coaches employ the scenario you’re describing with a “Jud” leading off and a “JY” hitting ninth—I have always been a big fan of the tactic because IMHO once the game is rolling you’ve basically got back to back lead off type hitters coming up to kick start your offense (if needed). But that’s just me.

 

I personally think too much was concluded from 2020. The schedule was poor and it was early. I think you have to rely on 2021 data for any decisions at this point and Jud has too much swing and miss at this point for me to want him at 3-5. If he simply cut down on the Ks and got sac flies, he is fine in the 3-5 spot.

 

Right now, yes I would have him 6th. He went 10 straight games to end the year without one RBI. There were some anemic offensive games to end the year so it isn’t like he was alone in a lack of production but that won’t get it done for one of your best hitters. His last two RBIs were solo HRs against UGA (Game 2 of that series).

Now do I think those last ten games are necessarily indicative of 2022, no. But until he proves his potential by producing even groundout and sac fly outs for runs at a minimum, I wouldn’t put him in the heart of the order.

Of course I am not Sully and I don’t go to practice.

I would have Armstrong, Thompson and Calilao in my 3-5. At least I think I would…

 

Guys, I think we're all pulling in the same direction... and we want the best for this team but I have to say, we've been waiting for Jud to do more at bat for three seasons- and yes he covers big ground in CF but he's killed many a rally with unproductive outs at the plate. He became HR happy (with early season success) and that comes at a cost to team. I'd drop him in the order unless he changes his approach but Sully has his faves and dropping him may shake confidence. We'll see.

 

Just cutting down on the massive number of Ks/shortening up with 2 strikes would go a long way. I know he is a better hitter than that, it's a little maddening after 3 years

 

He showed really positive signs in Hoover after his brutal Arkansas series. Not enough time in the G-ville regional where apparently the entire team took two games off so hard to say if Hoover was turning a corner.

 

87—

As @gator1977 said—everybody’s heading in the same direction—I’m glad to hear that Jud’s working on going oppo—the true progress will be to see him lightning it up wherever it’s pitched. That will be music to our ears!

 

I remain forever scarred by his USC/Ole Miss stretch last year lol.
What was it, like 0-20 with 15 strikeouts...hits a homer, then another 0-5 with couple more K's. It was mind boggling.

 

I remember that stunning stretch and Sully finally dropped Jud to the 5 hole mid way through Ole Miss series and Gators pulled out a win with Carrion (now gone) doing double duty on the mound in relief. Knew after that stretch the Gators were in trouble for a trip to Omaha.

 

Just my opinion as to what I saw and know about the peaks and valleys of the game—it appeared that he was trying to hit the proverbial 6-run home run……which we also know doesn’t exist—

 

Good comments on the OF lineup options and you didn't even mention Prevesk or Robinson. While Jud is set in center, hot or cold hitters could force changes elsewhere. I feel Thompson had the best fall of anyone, but he could move to third or second to make room in the OF. Only Thompson, Guscette and DFabien hit well all fall and Sully has been willing to find a place for hot bats.

 

Prevesk exceeded my expectations at the plate in the fall, thought he played really well. I don't think it happens, but I still somewhat prefer Thompon at 3b and KC in right with Armstrong full time at 1b.

 

I gotta agree @apkgator - Thompson’s routes to fly balls can give you that bad feeling in your stomach if ya know what I mean. I know he’s a must in our lineup but I like KC in RF too.

 

Yeah...and I am NOT a fan of Armstrong at third. Would play D Fabian or one of the catchers there before that option

 

Agreed-in my way of thinking Armstrong needs to move to first and take ground balls until he can say “I got this”!!!