sure why I'm even entertaining this, bcause you don't even know what players are on the roster, and nobody is saying we didn't suck those years, but you have to use some context.
As DS and others stated, Cohen had solely built his team around small-ball, which fit the old ball fine. He made these statements BEFOREHAND, so you cannot say "well he was just using excuses after the ball was changed." The ball was essentially changed overnight, with no time for us to change our recruiting.
This wasn't just an offensive deal either, it was geared towards our pitching too. Just look what happened to Ross.
Now, you can be simple-minded and think Cohenz sucks and it was the bats, or you can look at all the evidence and draw a logical conclusion.
This his is essentially our first full year of reacting to th changes, and just look at the difference.
Again, I aknowledge we sucked last year.
I understand you've got me lumped in with the anti-Cohen Sky-is-Falling idiots on this board, which is fine, but I'm not sure why.
I did hate the Adidas bats, but they did indeed suck. That is why they are gone this year. Given a choice, zero players elected to keep using them.
I haven't been a fan of Cohen's style the past few years. I hated the small-ball tactics, even when the college game somewhat dictated you play that way. Several teams still used power pitching and power hitting effectively during those seasons. Cohen's style was boring to watch in my opinion, and we were losing, making it even harder to watch.
I've always said I didn't want Cohen fired, but if we made a change I'd be fine with it. I'm really not invested in him in any way, but if he made the necessary changes and won, great. If not, next man up.
I'm still learning who the new guys on the roster are because they are new. I like them. It's a good solid lineup and a good team. We have guys who can drive the ball in the gaps and occasionally put one over the wall. I like that.
We have over 20 guys who can throw in the 90's. I like that. We have a handful of closers with big-time power pitches and nasty breaking balls. I like that too.
I'm a fan of State baseball, not a huge Cohen guy, but I like winning. If he wins, I'm all in.