This might seem like an overstatement but

[57stratdawg]

Next weekend's Oregon series is incredibly important for the future of MSU baseball.

We have 13 non-SEC games remaining. If we assume MSU needs 35 wins to even get into the hosting discussion, and say we go 1-2 against Oregon, you're looking at ATLEAST a .500 SEC record required. That's assuming we win everything with Troy, ULM, MTSU, etc.

If this team loses two next weekend, there won't be any reason to think it could go .500 in league play.

Losing two of three will likely end our hosting hopes for 2016 and, considering what's likely to leave after this season, it's hard to see that happening in 2017. That isn't exactly a great outlook considering the lack of results since 2013.

 

[ronpolk]

You have way more confidence in this team than I do if you are still thinking about hosting.

 

[Uncle Ruckus]

From what I've been able to listen to, and read about online, I'm not expecting it. Looking at where we're at right now I don't expect us to be .500 in SEC play. Hopefully we'll get hot at the right time and could make a run in someone's regional, but I don't think it will be in Starkville.

 

[57stratdawg]

Perhaps. I thought this team had the talent to host a regional preseason. Trying not to overreact.

 

[gymdawg.sixpack]

We will sweep oregon!

 

[ronpolk]

Perhaps. I thought this team had the talent to host a regional preseason. Trying not to overreact.

This team has some talent. I think we make a regional but I'd be shocked if we host. I think the future is bright for state, just based on talent. However, I honestly have a lack of faith in Cohen, which is a first for me. His constant changing of the lineup and just goofy in game decisions is getting old. I hate to feel that way cause our run to the finals a few years ago was maybe the most fun few weeks as a state fan I've ever had but unless something drastically changes, I'm ready to move on.

 

[patdog]

I've thought from the beginning that expecting to host was expecting too much. This team had a LONG way to go from last year to even make the tournament. I think that's a much more realistic goal, and I think we're right on track to achieve that goal. To host was probably always going to require a plus .500 SEC record anyway.

 

[KurtRambis4]

I disagree

If this team loses two next weekend, there won't be any reason to think it could go .500 in league play.

with this. Oregon has maybe one of the best starting pitching staffs in the nation. I'm not so sure losing 2/3 would mean we couldn't be over .500 in league play.

 

[Uncle Ruckus]

Pretty much how I feel. That run from the supers to the championship was nearly euphoric for a life long msu baseball fan. But the constant changing of the day to day lineup to go along with the in game 'matchup' decisions has made me start to think it could be time for a change. I also didn't think I'd ever say that. I'm grateful for what he did in 2013, but he's been here 8 years. If we don't make the tournament it would be 50% of his time here that he failed to make the post season. That's unexceptable. Im not giving up yet but it's very concerning.

 

[patdog]

Just checked Oregon's schedule. Interesting that they're playing at Alabama on Thursday before the 3-game series this weekend, so this is a 4-game weekend for them. Wonder if they'll pitch that 4-1-2-3 or 1-2-3-4. I would guess the former, so this won't have much effect on our series.

Edit: Of course, we all know how Ron Polk would have pitched it. Too bad he's not their coach.

 

[rugbdawg]

Oregon can't hit...so there's that. We should take 2 of 3. No excuses.

Oregon lost a game 1-0...in 14 innings.

 

[missouridawg]

A theory to consider.... Marrero, MANGUM, Braeux, and Stovall are all very important keys to this team. They will, most likely, get better as the year progresses.

If our pitching staff comes together, we will be over .500 in SEC play.

 

[57stratdawg]

Hopefully it'll eat up a bullpen guy.

 

[BiscuitEater]

We have 13 non-SEC games remaining. If we assume MSU needs 35 wins to even get into the hosting discussion, and say we go 1-2 against Oregon, you're looking at ATLEAST a .500 SEC record required.

Has any SEC team ever hosted with less a .500 or less SEC record?

 

[KurtRambis4]

I think we should

sweep. They're just a top 10 team, right now.

 

[engie]

1-1/2 games behind where we need to be now. 2-2 this week holds serve IMO... Anything better would put us back on track

 

[GhostOfJackie]

Pretty much how I feel. That run from the supers to the championship was nearly euphoric for a life long msu baseball fan. But the constant changing of the day to day lineup to go along with the in game 'matchup' decisions has made me start to think it could be time for a change. I also didn't think I'd ever say that. I'm grateful for what he did in 2013, but he's been here 8 years. If we don't make the tournament it would be 50% of his time here that he failed to make the post season. That's unexceptable. Im not giving up yet but it's very concerning.

This is what bugs me as well. He messes with the lineup way too much and he has been doing this for too long.

Go back and look at the stats on the Hail State website. In 12 games we have started 4 different players at 2nd and Catcher. We have started 3 different players at 3rd and left field, not to mention the others who have subbed in to play at these positions. Some of these changes were made after a guy had been the starter at the position for a few games in a row. I understand its the beginning of the season and you have to find the right spots for people, but ****. At some point you just have to let the guys get comfortable as the "starter" in a position. This also causes their hitting to be "spotty". He continues to make way too many changes, way too long into the season.

It's hard for me to admit that we were wrong about Cohen, but if he doesn't host this season I'm done with him. Hosting 1 time in 8 years is not acceptable even if we make the tournament.

 

[ronpolk]

This is what bugs me as well. He messes with the lineup way too much and he has been doing this for too long.

Go back and look at the stats on the Hail State website. In 12 games we have started 4 different players at 2nd and Catcher. We have started 3 different players at 3rd and left field, not to mention the others who have subbed in to play at these positions. Some of these changes were made after a guy had been the starter at the position for a few games in a row. I understand its the beginning of the season and you have to find the right spots for people, but ****. At some point you just have to let the guys get comfortable as the "starter" in a position. This also causes their hitting to be "spotty". He continues to make way too many changes, way too long into the season.

It's hard for me to admit that we were wrong about Cohen, but if he doesn't host this season I'm done with him. Hosting 1 time in 8 years is not acceptable even if we make the tournament.

Regardless of how this ends with Cohen he was not a mistake. We played in the national championship series. We have a good baseball history and he produced the best season in school history.

 

[patdog]

There is no excuse for the constant tinkering with the lineup. With only 11.7 scholarships, you can't have quality starting-caliber depth at every position. If you're constantly moving that many players in and out of the lineup, you either don't know who your starters are, or you don't have anyone capable of starting at this level. Either way, it's a huge fail for the coach.