Gator Baseball 2023 Official Roster Tracker/Lineup???

Taking another look at the batting order possibilities.

3B - Colby Halter (L)
CF - Wyatt Langford (R)
1B - Jac Caglianone (L)
C - BT Riopelle (L)
DH - Luke Heyman (R)/Tyler Shelnut (R)
RF - Ty Evans (R)
LF - Richie Schiekofer (L)/Michael Robertson(L)
SS - Josh Rivera (R)
2B - Dale Thomas (R)

Once again Halter should get the leadoff spot based on his summer results but I'm wondering how long that will last when we get to SEC play. I really like Langford in the 2 spot since he can make things happen with his bat and on the base paths. Wyatt, Jac and BT are going to give pitching staffs lots to think about, especially if anyone gets on base. DH is the biggest unknown since we haven't seen any of the new guys step into the box yet. Evans could slide up or down in this lineup depending how he starts the season. I'm not giving up on Prevask though in RF. I believe Schiekofer will get the start in LF but I'm pulling for Robertson to really step it up this year. Lastly if this lineup is so good that Rivera and Thomas are the 8 and 9 hitters then we are definitely loaded.

 

I don't disagree but who would you suggest in the 2 spot? Langford also gives you speed early in the order, even more so than Halter. I recall checking Schiekofer has a good average but does not do well stealing bases, something like 2 for 5 last season, don't hold me to that. Rivera and Thomas are lower averages that are usually lower in the order. (Oh wait, I've got Jud Fabian on line two.) For me if Robertson is able to claim a starting spot and can hit then he moves up to the 1 or 2 spot. Thereby moving WL, JC, BT all down a spot.

 

Great approach to the problem and again I can't disagree. All thoughts are valid at this point until Sully starts to narrow in. Personally I don't see Sully putting BT in the two spot based on last year keeping him in the 4th spot almost all year long. Sully really favors BT even though some might not like it otherwise. I like tracking the OBP as you probably followed many of my stat trackers last year and supported Jud Fabian staying higher in the order. You are correct that stolen bases don't matter to Sully because of how he calls the game for many years now. I prefer to keep pressure on the defense and wish we played more small ball especially when we get a lead.
Overall my purpose for posting a what if batting average is to inspire exactly this. Gator baseball fans wanting to engage in healthy conversation about what's best for this team. So thanks for offering your thoughts. Now let's see who has another better idea.

 

Definitely is a possibility. I'm all for Robertson winning a spot. I'm unsure after sitting out a year if he will be ready for some stiff competition with the three outfield spots. I don't believe Schiekofer would be coming in without a real chance of getting playing time and makes we wonder if Sully knows more about Robertson's chances. I haven't seen much between these two making plays or long throws to home but I have to think Schiekofer has the advantage with the bat until proven otherwise. If Robertson is the best fielder and hitter then yes I'd put him in CF and possibly leading off.

 

I said possibly. I was replying to jdgator and his comment about Robertson and it being a possibility. The way I see it anything is possible until fall ball starts. I'm assuming Robertson would have a very good average as well to even be considered. He is the fastest player we have and would be a base stealing threat every time he gets on. Langford hit .355 last season and even better this summer. I'm hoping he can drive in more runs with more runners on base if he is in the 2nd or 3rd spot. As you can see in my batting order in post 584 I have Halter leading off assuming he can continue his success at the plate from the summer leagues. Robertson is only listed as a backup possibility dependent how he looks when he gets another chance after sitting out. If Halter and Robertson struggle then I would expect Sully to go with Langford again even though we might score less runs. I said might.

 

What I really like most about all the freshmen we had last year is how many sophomores and second year players we have now.