(SB) Ongoing UF Softball Commentary

I’d say reset rather than restart but yeah I’m right there with you! I’m betting our Gator Girls feel the same. If they don’t then that’s a problem. Time to draw the line in the sand. Ocala mentioned awhile back that he thought the team should have a players only meeting, air out whatever and decide together what kind of season they want to have. Ocala is pretty smart so I hope they had/have that player meeting and I hope it went well/goes well.

 

Yeah I’m aware she wasn’t a number one target and perhaps the reason why was because of some mechanical issues but a complete overhaul seems extreme and extremely unlikely to be successful. I’m sorry, I’m also a softy with an underdog complex lol.

 

I’m not a huge fan of completely overhauling a player this late in their career. She’d been pretty successful and was highly rated with whatever quirks the florida staff didn’t like.

I have seen some pretty large overhauls work on the baseball side. Changing arm slots and trying to create more repeatable mechanics. I’ve seen this do wonders for injuries and control. I’ve also seen guys that never recover and fade into the abyss. Coaches do what they think is best for the team. They’re not always right though.

 

I agree… reset!

 

Getting a good example of our lack of pitching today vs Stetson …

 

From the 4th/5th arm

 

Watching Stetson. At some point in time, the effectiveness of the pitching coach becomes a question as well as the management decision when enough is enough.

 

It was Stetson, but Liv did her job, one hit, 8 batters faced, she got 7 of them out, 2Ks, no BBs or HBPs. She threw just 31 pitches. She got the win. Honestly, I think she needs confidence and some defense behind her. I was pleased with her performance.

 

And more opportunities

 

watching the ou v osu matchup. OU ace is a HEAVY drop/changeup pitcher. Those seem to be the two pitches the offense has struggled against most in the Thomas hitting era.

 

Gator softball has always “struggled “ with change ups. It’s apparently an undesirable pitch to swing at which I understand. However if the opposing pitcher is consistently landing that change up in the strike zone you have to adjust and murder that ball! Consistently being behind in the count is not where you want to be. If the pitcher is struggling then by all means be patient, take walks and pass the bat. If the pitcher is throwing strikes then hit them! Hit a few and I bet pitcher starts throwing balls because they scared.

 

I have loved softball for forever... played, coached at the varsity high school level, would watch games when I saw that they were on, etc. But... I didn't follow college softball closely until I randomly went to a Gators game in 2021, and the rest is history!

 

Wouldn't be cool if Liv got a chance to pitch against Ole Miss and just plain shut them down.

 

Stats aren't everything but they sure are a good indicator. Gators in conference play are 6th in BA, 8th in ERA, & 10th in fielding %. This needs to improve or there is no chance for a WCWS.

 

Maybe the above stats aren't as bad as I thought. Last year's the team finished 1st, 11th, & 8th in conference and still made it to WCWS

 

I want to say this about Gabi Comia. She maybe the best teammate on the squad. She is the first out of the dugout to greet a teammate when they do something good and gives him hugs. She cheers them on no matter whether she’s in the game or on the bench. This is just an observation by me. I hope she can continue to grow as a player on the field and match her enthusiasm as a teammate. She loves being a Gator in my observation.

 

Keep the positive at bats and vibes Gators!!
You can feel that Korbe is back and our team feeds off her energy so very much!!
Kendra is so important!! Just feel Korbe is the blood of this team.... It's a lot for anyone to handle, but I truly believe she's more than up to the task

Go Gators!!

 

One last note on UAA reported @ $6m loss on all sports except football and basketball. There is a chart on the 23-24 budget page 7 (2023-2024 Executive Budget Summary (PDF) - Florida Gators) that showed revenue and expenses. It shows $50m in revenue from royalties and other. I believe this includes SEC and NCAA shares for video and championships, etc.
Softball and baseball and not unlike professional sports which would also show an operating loss without the TV and royalties.

 

Next seasons SS imo. It’s hard not to like her. Btw I think the ONLY time she’s ever still is when she’s standing in the batters box lol!