Pitching...
We definitely need our good ones back who can come back. After that we need some new players who are better than the ones already here. This is probably going to be very telling about Burroughs playing any new players up over current players. That has to happen in a program that really does want to be the best that it can be and not just some sort of feel good place.
I actually think some of our current relievers can be good if they are developed right. Are they expected to get 1 out? Get us out of a 2 on and 1 out inning? Expected to give us 6 outs to get to a closer? Expected to close most games and get us 3 outs 2-3 times a week? Until now, I don’t know that they have any confidence because it didn’t seem there were any definitive roles for any pitcher outside of hoping our starters gave us 5 innings.
I know college is different than MLB, so a pitchers role isn’t as strictly defined as it can be at the next level. But we all know Kyle Griffen was a 2 batter pitcher. After that, he gets ripped. Crigger was the guy who could give us 3 solid innings a good amount of the time. Our coaches may or may not be good at recruiting pitchers. In my opinion, that remains to be seen because it was obvious that our coaches poorly managed our arms. And that is putting it mildly.
Not sure why Tech didn't list correct classifications in 2021. Since everyone got the extra year, classifications on the 2021 roster should have been the same as 2020 for returnees.
Heard a rumor we got another lefty pitcher. Have no idea about details. Anyone heard that?
Haydan Toal- Tioga High School Class of 2022
LHP
2021 Stats
13 Games Started; 9-3 Record, 65 IP, 44 H, 9 ER, 16 BB, 101 K's, 0.97 ERA, 0.92 WHIP
Also led team with 3 HR's, 25 BB's, 9 HBP; had .279 BA, but .483 OBP
Matulia - Rockford Rivets. https://twitter.com/JoeMatulia/statu...98865583247368
It's going to be an interesting off-season to watch here. Keys to watch for:Only have 3 catchers with none signed for 2022 (I think), so it will be important to keep them all here. Also, the need to spread out the playing time some more. Hasler did well when Corona was out. Slaughter didn't much beyond mop up duty a few times. Would like to see that change. The addition of mid-week games should help this.
- Keeping the team together. How many and who transfers?
- Key replacements for Bates and Wells
- Pitching improvements. Holding runners on 1st.
Who can play Center? Myers? (Didn't watch a game to see his arm) McConnell? New guy? Very Solid 5 OF's so the additions would be cherry's on top.
3rd Base: Is Gunter Wells available? Hunter's twin. Should still have 4 years of eligibility. Trust me NCAA. Would I lie to you?!?!!? Ok, ok... the next guy doesn't need to be Hunter (or his twin Gunter) but need a bat that's good enough defensively to not be a liability.
Gonna be hard to replace Bates and Wells. Of course, Tech has had players of this quality before, just did, so no reason we won't again...hopefully next year.
Why is Alex Ray in the transfer portal?
Also looks like we are picking up a Jackson Lancaster from Mizzou but I can’t find much on him. Maybe he was hurt?
Edit: Nvmd found him. 2.45 ERA but only 7.1 IP. He also hit some but his average was .184, so we would probably focus him on pitching.