(SB) OGT-Florida vs Rutgers 3/12/23 2:00 SEC+

Munro was a one of a kind catcher and I read an article the other day making the claim that she may be the best softball catcher ever. She never hit much for average, but always seemed to have productive outs and get clutch hits when needed the most. She was a true leader and fantastic defensive catcher. Special.

 

This one is very interesting to me. I think you hit the nail on the head with "power potential." For the #4 spot, her average is not really stellar.

I'm also surprised that CTW doesn't use up his one sub with her in every game when she gets a single. She was on 1B today and the hitter (forgot who it was) got an easy stand-up double after the ball was fumbled in the outfield. Gigante took 3B but I think most runners would have had a chance at home.

I made the same comment in the thread on the game last night that we lost, late in the game and CTW didn't sub for her on 1B. Why not?

 

Personally, I would have Walsh hitting 4 and Gigante 5 or 6, maybe Goelz hitting ahead of her as well. I do wonder how Gigante will do against SEC pitchers. But right now she's hitting .306 with a .760 slugging percentage, behind only Echols and Wallace. Her OPS is 1.218, again behind only Echols and Wallace. She has 4 HR and 4 doubles and 15 RBI in only 36 at bats, with 10 walks, a HBP and 8 K's. Roe is hitting .319 in 47 at bats with 1 HR, 3 doubles and 13 RBI, 8 walks, 3 HBP and 3 K's, a slugging percentage of .468.
Other than improved pitching, Walton stated before the season that his top goal was to increase power production and I guess he sees Gigante as part of that, at least for now. Running is a liability, though, as she's a DP waiting to happen and I, too, have wondered why he didn't sub for her on the bases a few times.

 

I’ve been a big supporter of Gigante since she signed. She reminds me of a young Mia Davidson of Miss State. She’s a true freshman and has hit two slams already in only 36 at bats

A year in our nutrition program and our strength and conditioning program and she could become an All SEC type of player.

Pollard is going to be special as well - looking back on this class, Walton did a great job since Sam Roe completed that signing class - all three have gotten plenty of playing time so far and have been contributors.

Pollard actually leads the team in doubles with 7 in only 38 at bats.

 

It would be interesting to know why TW took a chance on Olivia and brought her here from California. She was not highly recruited and her high school accolades were no big deal. Just one of the reasons TW is one if not the best softball coaches in US.

 

She was a little under the radar due to missing time with injury....I think TW saw the potential