Gator Baseball 2024 OFFICIAL ROSTER/Transfer Tracker/Lineup???

Thanks for the Garrison comment. From the time he signed, there has been a LOT of praise for his defensive skills, but my observations have all three catchers rated about the same overall on defense. Garrison looks smooth, but he hasn't been superior to the others on blocking bad pitches or throwing out runners and hasn't produced at the level of that hype. I'm VERY glad he's on the squad and I anticipate benefits as the season goes on. His squeeze bunt was a beauty, but I hope he produces much more offense than that. Heyman hasn't caught fire at bat, but if he finishes the season with a BA of around .280 and continues to produce HRs and RBI at his current rate, I'll be happy. Won't that put his stats at about BJ's production last year? He hasn't shown the same spark and leadership as BJ, yet, but he's about three years younger. I agree that tha batting order needs to reflect current production with guys noving up or down in the order based on who's hot. Russell batted off a tee right into my face before the game and also took BP and pounded the ball, but still has an elastic brace on his wrist. I anticipate a plate appearnce in the next week, maybe PH.

 

Good point on Heyman, I think expectations and perceptions may be a little off. He's hitting 280, leads team in walks, and showing some power. BT hit 246 last year, set strikeout records, and had a similar HR pace to what Heyman has. Luke hit 314 last year so I'm guessing he will likely inch up to 300 again, but while he's not on fire right now I'm not overly concerned about his production at this point

 

And for clarity—Luke is a true sophomore.

 

Good chance Tuesday night's game gets rained out.

 

Heyman should do fine and hit in the .300 range as he did last year and his D is solid. He does not, however, have BT's extrovert personality and leadership skills. That's a major plus in a catcher as we saw with Mike Rivera in his day, and I believe Mike has worked well with Luke refining his defensive skills.
Note: Luke is a true sophomore but is draft eligible as turns 21 in July (I believe).

 

The St. Mary's Gaels from the West Coast Conference are 8-3. They started winning 2 of 3 from Oakland, took 3 of 4 from Utah Valley, then this past weekend won 3 of 4 from Seattle. They have a Tuesday game hosting San Jose St. before heading to Gainesville. Hitting .316, 25 HR, 49 BB, 72 K's, 16-21 SB and slugging at .625. Team ERA is 4.92, WHIP 1.56, 12 HR, 48 BB, 111 K's, .268 BA against. Not a bad team.

 

That’s half the fun though. Finding out which of the kids have the mental makeup to make the pitches when the lights are on. It’s early. Plenty of arms and will find a few to step up.

And reading all the collective comments on Luke really makes me shake my head. He hasn’t started real hot and is still hitting 280 and you guys are doubting him pretty good. Kid can hit and will hit.

 

Shelly should be suspended tomorrow, right? If the game is canceled, does he still have to sit weds?

 

yes he has to sit out the next game that is played.

 

So no game tomorrow, moved to April 30th. Hopefully the weekend rain doesn’t get in the way…

 

Matt Prevesk is leading UCF in hitting with a .432 BA, slugging .568. Their team BA is .332, 8 HR (4 by Andrew Estrella), 42 BB, 10 HBP, 66 K, 9-13 SB. 7 starters are hitting over .300. Hope our pitchers are up to the task.

 

IMHO the best thing for our new guys is to finish on a strong or positive note each outing…..Arms will get stretched out and pitch counts built up as the season progresses.

Their mindset to be driven to accomplish their goals is a must.

 

McNeillie not performing to date is surprising as he looked solid in scrimmages. This is a pivotal start for him and for Sully to assess as he's always said... 'when the lights are on." Who can handle the pressure and perform.

On Matt Prevesk; I was surprised that he didn't get more chances in his time with us. Had an opportunity to speak with a family member last year who was quite unhappy about his lack of playing time. I undertsand, as anyone who suits up, wants to play and not ride the bench. Wish him luck as he gets the opportunity but- top Florida guys want to play for Sully.