Welcome home, fellow Gator.

The Gator Nation's oldest and most active insider community
Join today!
  1. Hi there... Can you please quickly check to make sure your email address is up to date here? Just in case we need to reach out to you or you lose your password. Muchero thanks!

Ongoing UF Softball Commentary

Discussion in 'GatorGrowl's Diamond Gators' started by ocalaman, Feb 20, 2022.

  1. rickjs1

    rickjs1 Premium Member

    1,639
    947
    293
    Jan 6, 2023
    Something I don't think I've ever pointed out, or if I did I didn't emphasize it enough. Taylor got a ton of posts and videos partially because she's that good and mostly because that is all that is consistently available vis-a-vis the rest of our kids. Only the Batbusters broadcast every game and provide game stats. I did the same for Kaylie Matsuno, who plays on a different Batbusters' team. Or would have except her highlights were rare as compared to Taylor with a couple highlights every game. If any of our other kids played for an organization where I could provide the same coverage, I would have done it.
     
    • Like Like x 1
    • Fistbump/Thanks! Fistbump/Thanks! x 1
    • Winner Winner x 1
    • Informative Informative x 1
  2. Porschegator

    Porschegator GC Hall of Fame

    1,043
    454
    1,763
    Aug 15, 2016
    Canton Ohio
    You have me convinced. I wouldn't be surprised if Taylor becomes the superstar of this freshman class.
     
    • Agree Agree x 3
  3. rickjs1

    rickjs1 Premium Member

    1,639
    947
    293
    Jan 6, 2023
    Not a clue. I think eventually for sure but she could get beat out by Townsen unless Tim can find a way to play both. Or it could be the reverse. Neither kid should be on the bench.
     
    • Agree Agree x 2
  4. lg4uf_

    lg4uf_ VIP Member

    3,147
    1,010
    313
    Mar 13, 2023
    The OF will be an interesting competition
     
    • Like Like x 1
  5. ufjaz

    ufjaz All American

    427
    46
    1,753
    Jan 3, 2010
    Sahuarita AZ
    The outfield line up will be determined by the noise from their bats.
     
    • Agree Agree x 2
  6. ocalaman

    ocalaman GC Hall of Fame

    7,841
    3,150
    2,498
    Jun 30, 2018
    Right field is the only OF position up for grabs. Nobody is taking CF or LF from Falby & Otis, even if they start out in a slump. Both are seniors who have performed at an elite level for 3 years.
     
    • Agree Agree x 4
    • Winner Winner x 3
  7. bigDgator

    bigDgator GC Hall of Fame

    7,466
    526
    338
    Apr 3, 2007
    Kendra is a senior? Holy crap that went by fast.

    That's the downside of college athletics. They come in as a clueless freshman, you get to watch them grow and mature and then they are gone.
     
    • Agree Agree x 3
  8. rickjs1

    rickjs1 Premium Member

    1,639
    947
    293
    Jan 6, 2023
    Taylor is a true lefty. I have never seen her anywhere other than in the outfield. Wonder if she could convert to first base? Just a thought and, if that were to happen, it would open up problems for others who would have to sit. Agreed that no possible way Korbe or Kendra are out of the lineup.
     
    • Like Like x 1
  9. ocalaman

    ocalaman GC Hall of Fame

    7,841
    3,150
    2,498
    Jun 30, 2018
    Fall practice will be very interesting and will probably be pretty intense. You kept up with the travel team players way more than anyone I know and have provided all of us with a ton of insight. Appreciate it a lot.
     
    • Agree Agree x 5
    • Like Like x 1
  10. orangeblue77

    orangeblue77 GC Hall of Fame

    1,422
    457
    188
    Feb 19, 2023
    Florida
    These are good problems for the softball program to have :)
     
    • Agree Agree x 2
    • Like Like x 1
  11. ufgator72sb

    ufgator72sb GC Legend

    726
    562
    273
    Aug 4, 2023
    I directly asked CTW and Ryan Dunn about the 2025 “First Pitch on the Diamond” event. CTW responded and said it’s on. They haven’t selected the date yet. He said it would be in late January or the first weekend in February.
     
    • Informative Informative x 3
    • Like Like x 1
    • Fistbump/Thanks! Fistbump/Thanks! x 1
  12. ufjaz

    ufjaz All American

    427
    46
    1,753
    Jan 3, 2010
    Sahuarita AZ
    Your reply is most logical and probably right. I don't disagree in general.

    I was "what iffing" being in CTW's shoes. Given the plethora of OF talent fighting for playing time - especially offensive talent, how would I determine who is most ready to play RF this year (or god forbid - sub for injuries to Falby or Otis)? Well, there is no better time than the pre-conference games to maximize the opportunity (especially in the less-competitive games) for the OF candidates to show their potential impact. That is what I meant by saying "the line up will be determined by the noise from their bats."

    Specifically, for me that means giving Shumaker and Thomas (or McLellan, or even Walsh to a lesser degree) plenty of outfield playing time and plate appearances. Again, IMHO, sitting Falby and/or Otis for a few games to maximize the data to make the best decision who gets RF when the SEC games begin is the right decision. I would expect Otis and Falby to understand the logic as good teammates.

    And actually, I would expect the same for the infield situation. I'm a big believer in giving the newcomers opportunities to show their wares.

    If CTW is as savvy as I think he is, I would expect him to take advantage of this opportunity. Altho, that being said, CTW did some illogical things (at least to me) last year. I didn't understand his use of the pitching assignments. I thought he over-used Keagan and Ava and Olivia had many unused opportunities for pitching time. I think we were all surprised that Keagan didn't burn out. Also, playing Mia as consistently as he did, had a few posters pulling their hair out. Personally, I am glad he stuck with her. I think she will have to a lot to prove to start at 2nd base.

    But ... as we all know, overall things turned out pretty well, soooo what do I know?
     
    Last edited: Sep 6, 2024
    • Like Like x 2
    • Agree Agree x 1
    • Friendly Friendly x 1
  13. ufgator72sb

    ufgator72sb GC Legend

    726
    562
    273
    Aug 4, 2023
    Does anyone know when the 25 scholarship comes into affect? It may play a part on keeping our players on our star studded roster. If it is in affect this year, it would mean that all 20 players are on full scholarship. It certainly would come into play about playing time. Softball and competing in the SEC is certainly a top reason to be a Gator. But a chance to earning a top degree is important as well. Changing schools can hurt the pursuit of the latter.

    With that in mind. Taylor, Townsen and Cassidy may be content with platooning in RF because all three are certainly assured for filling all three outfield positions in 2026. In the infield, I don't envy CTW. It will be a tough choice of who will play where. Right now, Ava and AK probably have the edge at their positions. Shortstop will be a toss up between Kenleigh and Rylee. Who ever wins the SS position will have the other one be in the other keystone position at 2B. Mia is most likely on the bench unless her bat really improves. I certainly agree with ufjaz, in the non-conference games, give Lou, Gabi, Brooke, Mia, Reagan, and Layla reps to see how they handle the different infield positions. At the DP, Reagan is the starter. Ava probably has the lead for her backup when Reagan is playing an infield position. Jocey has the catcher position, as well as Korbe and Kendra in their respective positions.

    The competition begins. I am so looking forward to Fall Ball. Let's see how all of this falls out.
    I certainly hope the 25 scholarships are already in play. I don't want to lose any of these players next June. Good luck ladies!
     
    Last edited: Sep 7, 2024
  14. ufgtr77

    ufgtr77 Senior

    256
    171
    1,703
    Apr 22, 2024
    Revolutionizing College Softball: The Impact of Increased Scholarships on Athletes, Coaches, and Programs. The landscape of college sports is set to undergo a seismic shift beginning in the 2025-26 academic year, following power conference commissioners' finalization of new roster limits. Revolutionizing College Softball: The Impact of Increased Scholarships on Athletes, Coaches, and Programs - Florida Fastpitch
     
    • Like Like x 1
    • Informative Informative x 1
  15. ufjaz

    ufjaz All American

    427
    46
    1,753
    Jan 3, 2010
    Sahuarita AZ
    I would like to point out that altho the NCAA will allow up to 25 softball scholarships, the schools may choose to, or can't afford to, offer fewer scholarships (probably the smaller schools like James Madison, UL, etc.). So every player may not be on scholarship.

    Contrarily, the bigger schools may "stockpile" players. I harken back to the Bear Bryant days when there were no football roster limitations. Bama stockpiled most of the southern talent leaving most other schools with bare bone rosters. I believe this kept the SEC from growing into the dominant conference we see today.

    Now maybe the impact to softball won't be as extreme. But couple it with the portal, I can't help but fear the worst - plenty o' room for transfers regardless of full rosters.

    I like a system that spreads out the talent among many schools. Don't get me wrong, I like the situation CTW finds himself in. I am a greedy Gator, but you got to look at the big picture
     
    • Agree Agree x 1
  16. ufjaz

    ufjaz All American

    427
    46
    1,753
    Jan 3, 2010
    Sahuarita AZ
    BTW, according to the above article, the new scholarship limits are in effect for the 2025 - 2026 season, not this coming year.
     
    • Agree Agree x 1
  17. ufgator72sb

    ufgator72sb GC Legend

    726
    562
    273
    Aug 4, 2023
    I really figured as much for when the new scholarships come into affect; however, I am going to give now, so that funds are there when CTW needs to award them.
     
    • Winner Winner x 1
  18. scrappygator

    scrappygator VIP Member

    3,082
    1,559
    2,663
    Jan 15, 2009
    Gainesville, FL
    July 1.
     
  19. notexgator

    notexgator VIP Member

    767
    385
    1,883
    Apr 3, 2007
    For everyone interested in the fall battles for positions, here is the schedule all of these are home games except UNF in Jax:
    10/25 6:00 pm. - Jax
    10/27 2:00 pm - FSU
    11/1 - UNF
    11/3 - Mercer and Fla SW
    11/7 - ST Leo
    11/8 - - UCF
    11/20 - Central Fla College

    Should be very interesting. I went to a practice last week and every 3rd ball hit by Mia left the park. When Taylor hit they were ropes and reminded me of the Great Amanda.
     
    • Fistbump/Thanks! Fistbump/Thanks! x 3
    • Winner Winner x 3
    • Like Like x 2
    • Informative Informative x 1
  20. paidinfull

    paidinfull GC Hall of Fame

    6,407
    1,581
    2,538
    Feb 22, 2017
    Hopefully Mia can find some consistency with her bat this year. We know she’s got pop. She doesn’t have to have the highest ba on the team, but she’s gotta be an rbi machine if it stays sub 300 level. She’s likely going to be pushed by the underclassmen harder than she’s ever been pushed before. That’s for sure. Can she lock down a spot?
     
    • Optimistic Optimistic x 2
    • Agree Agree x 1