I don't know who will end up playing 3rd, but I highly doubt anyone will be able to keep Mia Williams out of the every day lineup.
Mia is a talent, no doubt. But, seems to me, that most people are ignoring Alyssa "Lou" Hovermale. The kid can play. She and Lefty for several years locked down the Athletics Mercado left side of the infield with Lefty at short and Lou at third. Hovermale can hit and play defense.
Agree that Hovermale will, also, probably be a regular player. Remember in 2022 Skylar Wallace started the season at first base and only moved to short after Reagan Walsh couldn't handle shortstop. Also, Eva Brown is an excellent hitter as well as a super pitcher and she played first base when not in the circle. Tim Walton will have a lot of options, for sure.
This team is currently in a very precarious position. They have two super stars and a great recruiting class coming in. They need more. The transfer portal will determine whether they will get back to the team we are used to.
Think you are totally right. But I think that is the case even if Delbery stayed. Not sure she was ever going to be a reliable pitcher at this point. Think we needed 2-3 pitchers from the portal regardless.
If we could get an elite level hitter, so be it. Otherwise, I don't know we need to pad the roster with less than that on offense. We may need to let the kids coming in have a year to get their feet on the ground. It is already a toss up how you get playing time for the kids that need it in order to develop and succeed. We desperately need an elite level transfer pitcher to allow Keagan and Ava time to grow. With Lexie leaving, two would not be too much. I can't escape the feeling that Walton's entire program is at a crucial crossroads. He either does what is necessary in various areas or we continue with mediocrity. And, for everything that means anything....please don't screw up Keagan Rothrock and Ava Brown. As it stands now, the possibility exists.
Delbrey entered the transfer portal a little while ago, in case anyone hasn't read the Softball Portal thread.
I think this hits the nail on the head. Just a feeling based on how Delbrey was used (or not used) this year, but I think CTW soured on her and she knew it. She may have been the only pitcher with experience next year -- had she stayed -- but I think she saw the writing on the wall. I really hope she lands well out of the portal and develops to her full potential.
I don't envy Tim. A lot of tough decisions he needs to make this off season. Going to be interesting what's to come with this program.
I know some of the family and I heard it was coming, very unhappy with her coaching at UF..loved the school.
Skylar needs some better hitters in the lineup or she will set the record for the most walks in the NCAA for a single season.
Imperative now that TW hits the portal for at least 3 and maybe 4 pitchers. And I think it is obvious Florida needs a fresh voice and set of eyes for the pitching coach.
If Walton doesn't get rid of Bosch, how will that affect recruiting down the road when young pitchers hear Delbrey's story? She doesn't seem like a complainer or full of ego - comes across very humble and down to earth.
We really don't know what goes on behind the scenes. There is the possibility TW told her she would be better off in a different program.
playing devil's advocate, but did not the incoming pitchers know the situation here in regards to pitching development, did they or others not do background checks?
Very true, but it's very concerning that Delbrey came in as the #2 rated pitcher in her class and after a good freshman year digressed - surgery, coaching, both?
