Okay here's batting order Plan B if you're a Halter lead off fan.... Batting Order??? 2B - Colby Halter (L) CF - Jud Fabian (R) RF - Sterlin Thompson (L) LF - Wyatt Langford (R) 1B - Kenny Calilao (R) DH - Kris Armstrong (S) C - Mac Guscette (R)/BT Riopelle (L) SS - Josh Rivera (R) 3B - Deric Fabian (R) I refuse to put Calilao in the 4th spot because I can't conceive having Langford in the bottom half of the order as seen in the last few practices. Once I get back for the game Friday I'll update it again to whatever Sully goes with.
Brandon Sproat is one of the important keys to the team's success, especially early on where the coaches are trying to figure out who they can rely on. O'Sullivan has invested a lot of time and effort into Sproat and will probably give him every opportunity to be the Saturday starter. They NEED him to be the guy, because if not him then there will be some trial and error trying to figure it out. To be a great team, don't you need at least 2 consistently reliable weekend starters? Most teams have that already established and I hope Sproat proves himself early so that question mark can be put to bed.
Sproat has the talent no doubt. Power arm, did well vs upper tier hitters this past summer with TEAM USA. The question is the age old question—can he compete when the lights are on and the chalk lines down. He will have to do the same things that everyone does that’s successful. Keep himself in “pitcher’s counts”—hit his spots—be able to use his complete repertoire of pitches—pitch, don’t throw. Sounds easy enough—guess what? Just like Jimmy Dugans said-“If it were easy, everybody would do it”. His biggest hurdle IMHO is a straight FB—great velo but a straight FB. I wish him and all our Gators the best for this season that is upon us.
Please know like all of us I want Sproat to be very good as the Saturday starter. I've continued to see him struggle this spring and are putting out warning signs to watch for. For me its more about wondering what Sully is contemplating if his problems continue. As Sully said in his PC yesterday giving the starts to the guys that have earned and invested themselves. Sproat fits that prerequisite. I just hope he's learned to miss some bats more often.
The Gators announced their promo schedule for baseball that includes 5 nights of fireworks during SEC play along with plenty of other giveaways. Hopefully that will help the turnouts. Baseball Announces 2022 Promotional Schedule - Florida Gators Fireworks (LSU - 3/25, Arkansas - 4/8, Tennessee - 4/23, Kentucky - 4/29, South Carolina - 5/20)
Shame. He had some great stuff. Things seemed to snowball after that jack against USCe. Wish him the best.
I'm assuming you have personal knowledge about Specht and I wish him the best. I can't find anything about where he went or what he decided to do. As for other UF portal guys, Cory Acton is at Georgia with Nolan Crisp, Jordan Carrion is at FSU, Ryan Cabarcas is at FIU, Chase Centala is at UCF, Hunter Mink is at USF where his brother Tanner is a pitcher, along with INF Roberto Pena (remember him?), Brock Edge is at North Florida, and Cal Greenfield is a Financial Advisor for Raymond James in Jacksonville. I can't find any info. on Specht or Jordan Butler. Remember former Ole Miss QB John Rhys Plumlee? He's now an outfielder for UCF.
Can you believe it, with one day to go here's Corey Robinson.... Corey Robinson - Baseball - Florida Gators
Still watching for the game notes or an update on the weekend rotation. Barco, Manning, and Coppola have all been pitching really good lately.
Heard several days ago Sproat would not be in the starting rotation. Heard Sully say it. He’s better suited to close. Just not a starting pitcher. He develops a off speed pitch I may change my mind.
I think Sully will pitch those that have shown some consistency if we are talking starters. Sproat will hopefully light it up out of the pen.