(SB) Ongoing UF Softball Commentary

I remember Reid had a stress fracture in her foot last season. I wonder if that is still plaguing her due to poor recovery.

 

My take on it is this:
Imagine there was no runner on, and the batter hit a tweener and the ball dropped legitimately (no error). The fielder picks up the ball to throw to first, but no chance to get the batter. That's a legit hit, right?

Now imagine the same scenario, but with a runner on first. The fielder still has no chance to get the batter, but the runner uses bad judgement, or falls down, or is slow, or whatever, and the fielder throws her out at second. The batter still deserves a hit and the runner is forced at second - but not because it was the fielder's choice (it was her only option) - ergo base hit and out at second. It's a tough situation for the runner, but next time she will need to hedge closer to second.

I believe that is covered in case (4) of Rick's rules quote.

 

Her new nickname will be Arlis.

 

Broadcast mentioned yesterday that she was still dealing with back issues, so they are playing it careful.

 

Nope. (4) is for when you try to get the runner but miss even though you could have thrown out the batter. A fielder's choice. Remember that all of those instances in that part of the rules is for "when no hit is credited". There are also a million times when you can't get the batter....for instance deep in the hole at short....but you are able to make a 6-4 play to get the runner. Fielder's choice and no hit.

 

All of this is why scoring a game is one of my most favorite things to do. I spent eight years as the official scorer for my grandson's various travel teams. I score most of the Athletes Unlimited games. I'd probably score a Slippery Rock game if I had nothing better to do. I scored games for fun for many years before that. I do a complete scorebook for every Gator game that is on tv. Don't do it for radio only. I love it and it keeps me far more informed in the entirety of the game than if I just watched and tried to remember what happened before.

 

They gave another hit to UNF tonight on a clear FC. An “everyone gets a trophy” official scorer is gonna cost us a no hitter at some point this year.

 

I see. Case (1) applies in our scenario. The runner was forced out by a batted ball, hence no hit awarded. I stand corrected.

 

Question for those in the know:

What are the odds that UF has Keegan Rothrock back for at Auburn next weekend?

 

Ordered ESPN+ yesterday so I can watch the gymnastics regionals next week.

I received the bonus of being able to watch UF at North Florida. I've have to say that looked like a cage they were playing in with so little foul territory. It's easy to forget how good of a job UF did with the renovation of KSP.

 

The only thing they missed in the renovation of KSP was bleachers in centerfield. I wish CTW would get a cost estimate done for centerfield bleachers and maybe we can do a fundraiser through the Diamond Club to put them in.

 

All do respect but the university brings in millions of dollars through athletics each year. I think they can cover the cost of bleachers.

At some point fans pay for tickets, they spend money in NIL to pay the players the university should cover stadium costs.

Love the Gators and college sports but eventually enough has to be enough. The model of the “fan” paying for everything will not last over time as the years go on in my opinion.

 

It's by far the crappiest stadium we play in. It violates the three cardinal rules of stadium construction: (1) first row should be even with the playing field -- first row at UNF is about 12 feet off the ground; (2) fans should enter at the REAR, find their aisle, and walk DOWN -- the main concourse at UNF is in front of the seats, meaning that every person going out for a hot dog or whatever blocks the view of the game; (3) most seats should be unobstructed view -- at UNF there are very few seats where you can see the entire field.

I may not know crap about softball, but I'm a stadium snob.

That said, they had two additional grandstands in the outfield this year and the entire stadium was completely packed, with fans virtually everywhere. No empty seats -- or even a decent place to stand remaining.

I'd hate to be an Osprey fan and have to deal with this stadium every home game, but a couple times a year it is an interesting perspective. And the campus is very pretty and seems to be on the upswing -- ongoing construction everywhere, just like UF.

 

University of No Football does not prioritize sports.

 

The original renovation plan had several rows of permanent seats just behind the current open viewing section of the right field fence. With season tickets virtually sold out every season adding permanent seats there would seem to make dollars and sense.

 

Walton has publicly stated he wants some outfield seats. If he will get them with this administration is another question.

 

A&M comes back late to take the first game from Bama. But Bama has an extremely impressive freshman hitting leadoff. Kid named Audrey Vandagriff. 6' tall blonde kid...track star...spitting image of Taylor although possibly not quite as strong looking. Hitting .430 and already with 39 stolen bases. She just might challenge Taylor for freshman of the year. Difference to this point is in the power numbers which should give Taylor a stronger lead. Audrey has two HRs and something like 18 rbis. Still, a very, very good looking young player. Which, given past history, means she'll be looking to transfer after this year.

 

Continue the pipeline lol

 

And honestly she SHOULD be able to only have to to throw enough to shake the rust off and get comfortable again. The rest of the arms are more than capable in this series as long as our bats and defense show up. Need to find that consistency