Im sure every staff thought that. The difference is this staff is recruiting, especially that position, at a level never before seen here.
So we'll have top tier options, all of which will be 100% in on football.
Ponatoski (sp?)
- Thread starter Anon1760448236
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Im sure every staff thought that. The difference is this staff is recruiting, especially that position, at a level never before seen here.
So we'll have top tier options, all of which will be 100% in on football.
He was rated 56th in the nation as a SS and DH. Dropped to 200’s when he went pitching full time.
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With the way the lineup is looking we will be more offense driven this year. Have to hope Cloud and Lee improve defensively
Ponataski will probably be in the Pen this year and will have a chance to develop from there. He won't start in a high pressure role, but he could certainly move that direction as the season moves along. I agree with the poster that said Willoughby is probably the mid week starter early and could move to the weekend or a high leverage BP role late. The definitely need to find some INF help though.
If Willougby isn’t your 3rd weekend starter, who is?
I would be shocked if he begins as the midweek starter. And if P begins in the pen, he likely should be regularly starting in the INF too.
My hope is that by postseason, Harris and Cleaver are joined by the two FR to be our 4 man rotation.
I think PJ Craig gets the 3rd weekend spot to start the season. Alderman is another option if he builds on his last appearance from this season. Willoughby needs to start at midweek and get used to the college grind. I’m expecting zero from ponatoski if he plays full football season.
You may be right about Craig. I had overlooked him. Hopefully, he can transition to tougher competition. If not a starter, I could see him as a long inning guy on the weekends if a starter struggles. Good to have options. I’d still be surprised if Willoughby isn’t one of the weekend guys by end of season. I know you aren’t ruling that either. Too much talent imo to not be used in prime time
Yea Craig is an innings eater which is good. Willoughby def has the talent. Need to build up to getting through at minimum 5 innings. That’s what the midweek starts would be for. Everything leads into conference play and getting a set rotation for that.
I am mostly worried about the pen (perennial concern) and our lack of offensive depth. Outside of Tharnish, Brown, VC, Hindle, we are unproven. Chrisman should slide in. Cloud will be counted on to step up. How you project the lineup?
The pen is always a concern to me. Need the transfer from New Mexico to make it to campus. Need lefty arms. As far as batting lineup it should be very good. Catcher is the big question mark. If it was me I’d go
CF Tharnish
RF van cleave
2b Hindle
1b brown
SS Lee
DH Peltier
LF Kelsey / Christman
3b cloud
C Jackson
SS 3b and DH are all up in the air. Peltier can play some SS and cloud can move around some. I hope we put an emphasis on defense with those 2 spots. Outfield defense should be elite. Could even put BVC at DH and have Kelsey Tharnish and Christman making an insanely speedy outfield.
I hope you are right but it seems like it never actually works out that way nowadays
Seems like the right move, especially in the NIL era. He can probably double dip in football and baseball NIL and get paid way more than a rookie minor league guy.
My prediction: no.
I also doubt he is the most talented guy in the room, but time will tell. I hope we have a lot of talent and he is the most talented. That would be nice.