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We've shown flashes, but nothing consistently enough to think CM can get this team going so late. I think he's pushed every button. Doesn't mean they won't win tonight. Could see one of those flashes...it just needs to carry over for the next two weeks so we can get into the ACC Tournament.
Exactly, but they only give us small glimpses of what they can do. I'm actually thinking tonight will be another
The problem is the weekend series. They haven't shown us anything sustainable in a month or so.
Injuries are certainly playing a part. Yet, poor base running, poor plate discipline, coaching head-scratches with pitchers, pitching in general…these guys just seem to have lost any semblance of confidence. Defensive mistakes, walks, poor decisions, etc. - all of these compound on one another and when they do this group can’t recover. Early in the season they showed grit and the ability to come back. I think we just didn’t see the problems because of the results.
Have to win that game in the 10th. Nobody out,Humphrey on second. Unconscionable.
Watching the enthusiasm from Humphries after hitting that double was something that I had not seen him exhibit previously, and frankly not as evident overall from this roster as in years past. Isaac’s range and his glove have been impressive all season, but last night given the opportunity, he showed his arm is truly MLB level.
Oh well, this team had some impressive moments (last double play) and more than just a few opportunities to put this game away, but too many errors at the wrong time, too many pitching mistakes and not enough critical hits with runners in scoring position.
In truth, this team has been its own worst enemy all season.
Oh well, this team had some impressive moments (last double play) and more than just a few opportunities to put this game away, but too many errors at the wrong time, too many pitching mistakes and not enough critical hits with runners in scoring position.
In truth, this team has been its own worst enemy all season.
Watching him and Beard lead the comeback was like going back in time. That run not scoring will haunt us on selection day.
I know why CM went with Cook late instead of Beard,but wish he had given his veteran 3rd baseman the chance really get himself going.
And….Beard tweeked something on his wild throw error to first earlier in game. Also, many on the Premium Board and here are acting like this team is dogshit. They are not a .500 team. They are not a sub .500 team. They have nice winning record amd they have good team. However, multiple ACC teams this year are better than good. That is going to result in losses. I wish they were better than just good (decent/average) but that isn’t the case. Still holding on to hope…hope that Clemson can drop some games, the Cards can win >50% of their remaining ACC games.
They are projected out of the postseason. There’s a real chance they won’t even make the ACCT. But, a lot of the hard feelings stem from high expectations. Despite losing quite a bit, the returning contributors were thought to be pretty good, and the newcomers were expected to be very good. The two have fallen short. Then there’s the pitching, the blown leads, the errors, the mistakes, no clutch hitting. It’s been ugly, honestly. 7 games to go. This weekend doesn’t bode well.
Yes, the season is a bust and McDonnell has a lot of soul searching to do. It's not that unusual for an elite level coach to have to make adjustments after as subpar season or two.
In all sports, the best coaches have lean seasons, but they stay elite because they adjust with the players and the times. McDonnell has to somehow keep his top recruits in college or turn to the transfer portal. If not, we're going to see more seasons like this one.
In all sports, the best coaches have lean seasons, but they stay elite because they adjust with the players and the times. McDonnell has to somehow keep his top recruits in college or turn to the transfer portal. If not, we're going to see more seasons like this one.
There is a lot of truth to Bardman’s realistic approach to this UL baseball team ……. as we have some pretty good wins, including 2 out of 3 against SEC competition, and the one loss to Vanderbilt was in extra innings. Not an excuse, but a lot of our losses were close by one-run that flipped the ACC series. Additionally it should be noted that we played a late stretch of the season without Knap and Payton that were sorely missed.
On the other hand, so many of those losses were a result of some of the most disastrous self-inflicted mistakes, and distributed throughout every phase of the game.
I really appreciate Sean Moth’s commentary, as he sees as much of this team as anyone, and he has repeatedly acknowledged having witnessed events this season that he has never seen before ……. so often referring it to it as “bad luck”. He is the consummate UL fan, yet he tempers his criticism most appropriately.
Personally, I believe this team is still worthy of post season consideration if they can finish off the rest of the season by taking the series against both UVA and FSU.
On the other hand, so many of those losses were a result of some of the most disastrous self-inflicted mistakes, and distributed throughout every phase of the game.
I really appreciate Sean Moth’s commentary, as he sees as much of this team as anyone, and he has repeatedly acknowledged having witnessed events this season that he has never seen before ……. so often referring it to it as “bad luck”. He is the consummate UL fan, yet he tempers his criticism most appropriately.
Personally, I believe this team is still worthy of post season consideration if they can finish off the rest of the season by taking the series against both UVA and FSU.
Win at least 5 of last 7 (incl 4/6 ACC), have FSU + 1 other team finish below them (very possible), show well in ACC Tourney, get stuck in UK's regional and raise some hell.
Gotta dream.
Gotta dream.
I also have heard Moth say this squad makes the worst mistakes at the wrong time.
Very true.
This^^^^^^
I’ve said multiple times - this team is its own worst enemy. And, as noted above, the mistakes come at horrible times. Back-to-back mistakes have occurred way too often. They have had their chances for sure and just haven’t gotten it done. The great teams find ways to win those games. That is why I stated this team is good - not great. They have the potential to make a run. Question is…will they?
Perfect example. Who else do you want up with Humphrey on 2B and no outs tied? Knap - get the bunt down and let Benson try to get him home with less than 2 outs. Take a strike. Offer weakly at the next pitch while trying to pull back. Backwards K. Wow!