Lineup Tweeks for SEC Tourney

I’m liking your breakdown here @apkgator - I tend to favor Colby at third for his defense but I can see trying to get Thomas opportunities as well.

I’m not trying to imply that we should implement small ball as a big part of our offense but with Robertson I’ve already said I would have him bunt his way out of his slump-that gives him the opportunity to contribute and perhaps gain confidence back and start seeing the ball better.

Completely agree with resting BT’s legs for postseason baseball.

 

If we are for sure a top eight national team with a spot then I would try getting some other players playing time while resting those that have minor dings or just need some rest. I can see Sully resting some players, it's not like we have to win it all just to get a spot in a regional somewhere. I'd like to see Fabian and Evans get some playing time too.

I think Sully will do something along those lines. But I can also seeing him play to win it all... with the guys that brought us here.

 

Thanks for starting this thread Apopka. I appreciate everyone's input on discussions like this. We all have opinions to share and none of them are right or wrong because it gives us a chance to consider other possibilities. Keeping an open mind allows for new ideas to grow and sometimes make a positive difference.

 

Elephant in the room. Robertson needs to bunt a lot more. If he doesn't like it, or can't do it, time to move on until next year.

 

Third is the real pickle here. I have no idea what Sully might be doing. Will he consider left/right match ups (not usually), possibly the 3rd base line defense (doesn't seem to ever mention it), perhaps the hot bat for the day (that only lasts a game or two). Sully might consider starting someone different each day in Hoover and see if they have a good day and given another opportunity. Foul ground at Hoover doesn't look that much bigger than what we have at Condron. Granted I've never been there to see it. So Sully's choice might be more of a feeling like he talked about with Fabian two weeks ago and Thomas getting the PH. If it were me I'd start Halter on Wednesday and decide on Thursday based on how Colby did.

Robertson has fallen into the black hole at the plate to speak mildly. But I don't see Sully pulling him from CF. The pair of Langford and Robertson work well together and cover the left side really well. I'm with 74 though and wish Robertson would bunt his way out of it. Granted any attempts of late have been rather ugly but if he had no other choice he might put more effort into it.

Sully will continue to start Riopelle behind the plate as long as Sproat and Waldrep are pitching. Alternatives would be to flip BT and Heyman after pitching changes, depending on game conditions, or start Heyman with Cags pitching. Sully comments to often on his trust with Riopelle calling the game behind the plate.

 

I think the answer is you go with your gut during upcoming practices. If someone is looking good making contact with the ball you put them in there along with the core guys who have been consistent the whole season. I do know this. You can’t put someone in the batting order going forward who will strikeout all the time. You need to identify your core contact hitters and don’t be scared to move them around in the batting order.

 

Yeah, I think BT is doing very well behind the plate, and Heyman is killing it at first base. So why mess with that line-up, unless you want Jac at first base. I'm glad I don't have to decide this.

However, we need a consistent third baseman for sure... whether it's Thomas, Fabian or Halter. I wish one would take command at that spot. I wonder if Heyman could play third base... Jac on first and BT at catcher. Heyman on third base would be insane... if he can play it. The outfield could use some work, but I would not move Langford from left-field. H's too valuable and consistent there.

Let's get the bats going either way... it's near crunch time, and the time for moving players around should be settled in Hoover.

 

I just wanted to add, I think it's great to see Sully still trying to improve our lineup so late in the season. The last couple of seasons have kept us baffled at the lack of changes in the second half of the season. Any change Sully made was after weeks if not month of wondering why no changes were made.

 

What happened to Fabian? Did I miss an injury??

 

Not that I’m aware of-he had the productive AB’s a week or so ago but since then he’s looked overwhelmed again. To me his defense at 3rd base is a little loose. It’s called the hot corner for a very good reason.

 

Some surprising numbers possibly as far as strikeout percentages:
Thomas 38%
Fabian 29
Heyman. 27
Shelnut. 27
Evans. 26
Robertson 25
Halter. 17

Halter also 3rd best on the team in BB/K ratio.
An eye opener for me was Cags with only 13 walks. He is a free swinger but I would think he will get a little more selective down the road and not swing at as many bad pitches.

 

One other for comparison
Riopelle 34%

 

Those percentages seem too high: Are you guys dividing by At Bats as opposed to plate appearances? BT’s had a ton of walks, hbps and a few sacrifices.

 

Well I was responding mainly to the questions on the bottom of the order and their strikeout potential.
BT is making a lot more contact the last month. Previously the majority of his swings were whiffs but now there are a lot more foul tips.

 

I have confidence in Thomas at 3B, but I think Colby is the better option. He pushed .300 a few weeks ago and his glove work is best of the three. I want Fabian to succeed, but he has not played defense at 3B nearly as well as he has at 2B or SS and he shouldn't be in the lineup if he isn't hitting.

 

yes...they arent dividing by PA. They using AB which is incorrect

 

You are correct it was using AB.
BT has 17 more strikeouts than the next closest UF player but he has really become much more disciplined and is seeing the ball better the latter part of the season. He is not swinging and missing near as much any more.