Baffled

[enjyretirement2020]

I have been around baseball all my life, but now having grandchildren that are starting into the sport, I am getting into the college scene more and more.

Having attended this past weekends' series against GA State, I am a bit confused. I am a retired engineer and I know I'm more analytical than most, and baseball can be over analyzed but there are some major red flags that are coming up with this coaching staff. After delving more into the stats and media guides, there are some strange if not questionable moves being made.

The position assignments as well as the lineup changes are just baffling to me. Is this some sort of "new" baseball, you know like the kids these days have a "new" math. I found it hard to explain the game to my grandson when what he is observing is far from the norm. Can someone explain this to me? Has the game really changed that much?

 

[Comebakatz3]

Can you explain a bit further on what exactly confused you? Do you mean, for instance, why was Schultz, who is listed as an INF playing centerfield, or are you referring to something like the shift that we see where we have multiple guys on the right side of the infield and no one on the left side against a lefty?

 

[enjyretirement2020]

Can you explain a bit further on what exactly confused you? Do you mean, for instance, why was Schultz, who is listed as an INF playing centerfield, or are you referring to something like the shift that we see where we have multiple guys on the right side of the infield and no one on the left side against a lefty?

Yes, the position assignments as well as the lineup order. Are the rosters and media guides wrong?

The shift has been utilized for a while now, but yes, I am more referring to the position players, pinch hitters, DH.

 

[Comebakatz3]

Yes, the position assignments as well as the lineup order. Are the rosters and media guides wrong?

The shift has been utilized for a while now, but yes, I am more referring to the position players, pinch hitters, DH.

Well, kind of. It is a big confusing, so I will try to explain it. UK has a ton of guys who can play the infield, especially at 2nd, SS, and 3rd. Those players are Ritter, Schultz, Lewis, Grace, Estep, Plastiak and Church. Ritter is the best defensive player in the infield that UK has, so he locked down SS rather easily and despite relatively poor hitting. That left the others to basically fight it out for the other two spots.

Estep was (IMO) seen as the likely guy at 3rd as he did well there last year and hit well last year. Plastiak was vying for that spot as well as a JUCO transfer. Church was, I believed, the odd man out as he was a freshman and likely wouldn't play over the others. However, Estep started the year on COVID protocol and Plastiak played 1 game and struggled. Game 2, Church played and did outstanding and he kept starting at 3rd until Saturday. Estep returned to the lineup this Friday and played 2nd, but Saturday they moved Estep to 3rd and sat Church. I couldn't tell you why they decided to sit Church and play Estep at 3rd the rest of the weekend. I think Church had a couple poor games at the plate this week, but I don't know if that was enough to sit him. I don't know, moving forward, if they will continue with Estep at 3rd and Church on the bench, or what.

At second, the logical choice is Schultz. However, Lewis returned as a senior and he did really well hitting the ball last year. So, I think the coaches were hoping that Lewis would continue hitting the ball like he did a year ago and that they could have him at second and put Schultz in the OF. So, they moved Schultz to the OF basically just a few weeks before practice started, and he is still learning there. They first had him in left and this week moved him to center. So, the coaches keep trying to get Lewis and Grace to work at second, but both have struggled hitting. It seems like they will continue to force this, but again... it is possible that they move Estep to 2nd and have Church at 3rd. I have no idea why Grace/Lewis keep getting chances when they have combined for 3 hits in 30 at bats.

For the outfield... the logical candidates to start the year were Hill, Shelby, and Rhodes while Anu was the DH. Hill is the best defensive outfielder and has a ton of range and a no-quit type attitude. Shelby has proven to be a good defender in center and has a lot of power, but has struggled to hit for average. Rhodes is a converted outfielder who is still learning the position, but he hit over .400 a year ago and he struggled at 3B with a ton of errors, so they moved him to OF. However, Shelby fell out of grace and struggled in the fall, so he lost his starting position and they moved Schultz to the OF. I still don't know why the coaches decided to move Hill out of the starting position as he was hitting .280 when they benched him. They benched him this week, essentially, for Anu to go into left. It has been widely reported that Anu is very poor as a defender. Just does not have a great feel for the position. However, Anu is a big threat at the plate.

A factor into the OF change was Trae Harmon. Coaches moved Harmon to the DH and Anu into LF and Harmon hit .500 on Tuesday. So, they kept playing Harmon and he kept hitting.

I think, in short... what you are seeing is UK giving up defense (especially in the OF) to get more hitters (especially power guys) into the lineup. So, that is why you see a lot of guys playing positions that might not be reflected on the roster or guide.

In terms of pinch hitting... I don't think much of it makes sense. Some of it this weekend was just subbing in guys to allow them to play when we had big leads, but many times these subs didn't make sense even in close games.

Hope that long-winded explanation provides some value. haha

 

[enjyretirement2020]

Well, kind of. It is a big confusing, so I will try to explain it. UK has a ton of guys who can play the infield, especially at 2nd, SS, and 3rd. Those players are Ritter, Schultz, Lewis, Grace, Estep, Plastiak and Church. Ritter is the best defensive player in the infield that UK has, so he locked down SS rather easily and despite relatively poor hitting. That left the others to basically fight it out for the other two spots.

Estep was (IMO) seen as the likely guy at 3rd as he did well there last year and hit well last year. Plastiak was vying for that spot as well as a JUCO transfer. Church was, I believed, the odd man out as he was a freshman and likely wouldn't play over the others. However, Estep started the year on COVID protocol and Plastiak played 1 game and struggled. Game 2, Church played and did outstanding and he kept starting at 3rd until Saturday. Estep returned to the lineup this Friday and played 2nd, but Saturday they moved Estep to 3rd and sat Church. I couldn't tell you why they decided to sit Church and play Estep at 3rd the rest of the weekend. I think Church had a couple poor games at the plate this week, but I don't know if that was enough to sit him. I don't know, moving forward, if they will continue with Estep at 3rd and Church on the bench, or what.

At second, the logical choice is Schultz. However, Lewis returned as a senior and he did really well hitting the ball last year. So, I think the coaches were hoping that Lewis would continue hitting the ball like he did a year ago and that they could have him at second and put Schultz in the OF. So, they moved Schultz to the OF basically just a few weeks before practice started, and he is still learning there. They first had him in left and this week moved him to center. So, the coaches keep trying to get Lewis and Grace to work at second, but both have struggled hitting. It seems like they will continue to force this, but again... it is possible that they move Estep to 2nd and have Church at 3rd. I have no idea why Grace/Lewis keep getting chances when they have combined for 3 hits in 30 at bats.

For the outfield... the logical candidates to start the year were Hill, Shelby, and Rhodes while Anu was the DH. Hill is the best defensive outfielder and has a ton of range and a no-quit type attitude. Shelby has proven to be a good defender in center and has a lot of power, but has struggled to hit for average. Rhodes is a converted outfielder who is still learning the position, but he hit over .400 a year ago and he struggled at 3B with a ton of errors, so they moved him to OF. However, Shelby fell out of grace and struggled in the fall, so he lost his starting position and they moved Schultz to the OF. I still don't know why the coaches decided to move Hill out of the starting position as he was hitting .280 when they benched him. They benched him this week, essentially, for Anu to go into left. It has been widely reported that Anu is very poor as a defender. Just does not have a great feel for the position. However, Anu is a big threat at the plate.

A factor into the OF change was Trae Harmon. Coaches moved Harmon to the DH and Anu into LF and Harmon hit .500 on Tuesday. So, they kept playing Harmon and he kept hitting.

I think, in short... what you are seeing is UK giving up defense (especially in the OF) to get more hitters (especially power guys) into the lineup. So, that is why you see a lot of guys playing positions that might not be reflected on the roster or guide.

In terms of pinch hitting... I don't think much of it makes sense. Some of it this weekend was just subbing in guys to allow them to play when we had big leads, but many times these subs didn't make sense even in close games.

Hope that long-winded explanation provides some value. haha

Yes, the OF looked to be very shaky, the players did not look comfortable. Confusion on where to throw the ball, speed was very slow, not reading the ball off the bat, not backing up in a timely manner, etc.

The long known fact is defense wins ballgames, so I am assuming that is not the philosophy here at UK? Poor defenders are placed into a game situation when you have a rather large lead. Not the case? Not to be rude or sarcastic, but its good to know.

Yes, the Lewis/Grace assignment was confusing after looking at the low avg. stats/guide as well as Anu/Hill/Schultz/Shelby. Is this the norm; to just convert players to fill their positions? Speed and defense are two things you cannot teach, those are natural abilities.

Do they not spread the lineup? Spread your power hitters out, use your best bat as cleanup? Are the corners harder to play at this park?

The wins so far this season are not quality wins, they are just stat boosters, in my opinion. What happens when the SEC season begins? Do they usually line things out correctly? Sounds like a no.

Thank you for clarifying things. I just do not know all the history behind this program.

 

[dtjr]

Well, kind of. It is a big confusing, so I will try to explain it. UK has a ton of guys who can play the infield, especially at 2nd, SS, and 3rd. Those players are Ritter, Schultz, Lewis, Grace, Estep, Plastiak and Church. Ritter is the best defensive player in the infield that UK has, so he locked down SS rather easily and despite relatively poor hitting. That left the others to basically fight it out for the other two spots.

Estep was (IMO) seen as the likely guy at 3rd as he did well there last year and hit well last year. Plastiak was vying for that spot as well as a JUCO transfer. Church was, I believed, the odd man out as he was a freshman and likely wouldn't play over the others. However, Estep started the year on COVID protocol and Plastiak played 1 game and struggled. Game 2, Church played and did outstanding and he kept starting at 3rd until Saturday. Estep returned to the lineup this Friday and played 2nd, but Saturday they moved Estep to 3rd and sat Church. I couldn't tell you why they decided to sit Church and play Estep at 3rd the rest of the weekend. I think Church had a couple poor games at the plate this week, but I don't know if that was enough to sit him. I don't know, moving forward, if they will continue with Estep at 3rd and Church on the bench, or what.

At second, the logical choice is Schultz. However, Lewis returned as a senior and he did really well hitting the ball last year. So, I think the coaches were hoping that Lewis would continue hitting the ball like he did a year ago and that they could have him at second and put Schultz in the OF. So, they moved Schultz to the OF basically just a few weeks before practice started, and he is still learning there. They first had him in left and this week moved him to center. So, the coaches keep trying to get Lewis and Grace to work at second, but both have struggled hitting. It seems like they will continue to force this, but again... it is possible that they move Estep to 2nd and have Church at 3rd. I have no idea why Grace/Lewis keep getting chances when they have combined for 3 hits in 30 at bats.

For the outfield... the logical candidates to start the year were Hill, Shelby, and Rhodes while Anu was the DH. Hill is the best defensive outfielder and has a ton of range and a no-quit type attitude. Shelby has proven to be a good defender in center and has a lot of power, but has struggled to hit for average. Rhodes is a converted outfielder who is still learning the position, but he hit over .400 a year ago and he struggled at 3B with a ton of errors, so they moved him to OF. However, Shelby fell out of grace and struggled in the fall, so he lost his starting position and they moved Schultz to the OF. I still don't know why the coaches decided to move Hill out of the starting position as he was hitting .280 when they benched him. They benched him this week, essentially, for Anu to go into left. It has been widely reported that Anu is very poor as a defender. Just does not have a great feel for the position. However, Anu is a big threat at the plate.

A factor into the OF change was Trae Harmon. Coaches moved Harmon to the DH and Anu into LF and Harmon hit .500 on Tuesday. So, they kept playing Harmon and he kept hitting.

I think, in short... what you are seeing is UK giving up defense (especially in the OF) to get more hitters (especially power guys) into the lineup. So, that is why you see a lot of guys playing positions that might not be reflected on the roster or guide.

In terms of pinch hitting... I don't think much of it makes sense. Some of it this weekend was just subbing in guys to allow them to play when we had big leads, but many times these subs didn't make sense even in close games.

Hope that long-winded explanation provides some value. haha

Excellent write up.

The Hill move to the bench totally baffles me.

 

[Comebakatz3]

Yes, the OF looked to be very shaky, the players did not look comfortable. Confusion on where to throw the ball, speed was very slow, not reading the ball off the bat, not backing up in a timely manner, etc.

The long known fact is defense wins ballgames, so I am assuming that is not the philosophy here at UK? Poor defenders are placed into a game situation when you have a rather large lead. Not the case? Not to be rude or sarcastic, but its good to know.

Yes, the Lewis/Grace assignment was confusing after looking at the low avg. stats/guide as well as Anu/Hill/Schultz/Shelby. Is this the norm; to just convert players to fill their positions? Speed and defense are two things you cannot teach, those are natural abilities.

Do they not spread the lineup? Spread your power hitters out, use your best bat as cleanup? Are the corners harder to play at this park?

The wins so far this season are not quality wins, they are just stat boosters, in my opinion. What happens when the SEC season begins? Do they usually line things out correctly? Sounds like a no.

Thank you for clarifying things. I just do not know all the history behind this program.

Glad you're asking.

I think you are correct. I think the OF is very shaky and I think it will probably cost us in the future. While some conversions happen, it is pretty unusual to see all 3 outfield spots go to guys who do not play there that naturally. Rhodes moved there a year ago, so he is getting used to it and learning it pretty well. Schultz is an athlete, but hasn't played there much. Anu has played there, but is just not good at it and really has no where else he can play. It is one thing to just catch a fly ball, but entirely another to actually know and do well at the intricacies of the position. That is what we will miss with those 3 out there. The corners are definitely difficult in KPP, especially left. The issue is just that there is not much foul territory between the wall and the fair/foul line. So, if you are running that way after a ball near the line you have to worry about the wall. It is more dangerous in left because more hitters will hit from the right side, but the problem is the same in right.

Coming into the year the belief was that UK pitching and defense would be suspect, but that hitting would be very good. However, when things got rolling the pitching and the defense proved to be pretty good while the hitting was lackluster. Our 2 losses came last weekend against Ball State where we scored just 5 combined runs in the 2 games. So, coaches made some of these changes to shakeup the lineup and get more runs. It at least worked in 1 game.

What is, IMO, odd about this is that they didn't really try to shakeup the lineup in terms of who was hitting where as much as they just made changes and took people out. It was at that point they moved people around as well. So, Anu went from hitting 5th to hitting 2nd and Rhodes dropped to 3rd while Collett went to 4th. They moved Harmon in to hit 5th.

I am not sure what the heck the coaches will do moving forward. I tend to believe that they will be happy with that 16 run game and will believe that the lineup from that game will produce and they will stick with that for as long as possible. However, I don't know. I mean, it worked on Friday with Estep at 2nd and Church at 3rd and they changed it and put in two guys hitting sub .150 on Saturday and Sunday. So, it partly feels like they are playing who they want to play and trying to make it work.

SEC play is a whole new ball game and is extremely difficult. So, we will see how some of these guys do. They won't get the same mistake pitches in league play that they have so far this season, and it typically hurts batting averages. So, we will see who adjusts and who doesn't and whether the coaches themselves adjust.

 

[enjyretirement2020]

So what I am hearing is that I am not the only one scratching my head which is good to know. IF you do the right things at the beginning of the game, then you don't panic and make rash decisions if you get behind. That's what it looked like at times this weekend. There was a slight chaotic feel.

So at the end of the season we will have to wait and see if the "offense over defense" approach worked. If I was a betting man, I would take that bet as a "no". From looking at the past SEC and NCAA tournaments, the defensive teams fair way better. But who knows, maybe this is "new baseball".

 

[Comebakatz3]

So what I am hearing is that I am not the only one scratching my head which is good to know. IF you do the right things at the beginning of the game, then you don't panic and make rash decisions if you get behind. That's what it looked like at times this weekend. There was a slight chaotic feel.

So at the end of the season we will have to wait and see if the "offense over defense" approach worked. If I was a betting man, I would take that bet as a "no". From looking at the past SEC and NCAA tournaments, the defensive teams fair way better. But who knows, maybe this is "new baseball".

I think most of us here often scratch our head at our manager.

UK's pitching staff is really young. We have 5 starters that we've used to this point and 4 of those 5 are freshmen or sophomores. The sophomores only got to play for less than 20 games a year ago, which they obviously didn't pitch in all of those. Right now, despite the youth, UK's pitchers lead the SEC with the lowest ERA and they are 2nd in the country in strikeout to walk ratio. Our ERA is actually probably something like top 5 or 10 in the country. So, that has been excellent so far. However, the issue is with our schedule. It has not been good. In fact, it is ranked 192nd according to one site. Things change quickly this weekend as we go into SEC play. So, can our pitching continue to be good, or will we see a major drop off once we get into the meat of the schedule? If it remains good then we should be in most games regardless of the hitting. The pitching, with such a K to walk ratio can also hide a lot of defensive issues. So, again... can UK pitching keep up similar numbers, or will there be more balls put into play and more chances for the defense?

Those things sliding will really determine where UK goes and does this season. If our pitching slips to what we've had in previous years then things could be really really ugly. A lot of question marks about what might happen.

 

[CliffDweller25]

We're 11-2. We've played 10 error free games. We are not going to put 8 players out there that all hit .400 and make every play in the field. Coaches are tinkering to find the right combos. I realize the opponents haven't been SEC quality, so we'll see what happens soon.

 

[cats1068]

I think most of us here often scratch our head at our manager.

UK's pitching staff is really young. We have 5 starters that we've used to this point and 4 of those 5 are freshmen or sophomores. The sophomores only got to play for less than 20 games a year ago, which they obviously didn't pitch in all of those. Right now, despite the youth, UK's pitchers lead the SEC with the lowest ERA and they are 2nd in the country in strikeout to walk ratio. Our ERA is actually probably something like top 5 or 10 in the country. So, that has been excellent so far. However, the issue is with our schedule. It has not been good. In fact, it is ranked 192nd according to one site. Things change quickly this weekend as we go into SEC play. So, can our pitching continue to be good, or will we see a major drop off once we get into the meat of the schedule? If it remains good then we should be in most games regardless of the hitting. The pitching, with such a K to walk ratio can also hide a lot of defensive issues. So, again... can UK pitching keep up similar numbers, or will there be more balls put into play and more chances for the defense?

Those things sliding will really determine where UK goes and does this season. If our pitching slips to what we've had in previous years then things could be really really ugly. A lot of question marks about what might happen.

The head scratcher for me is 28 playing the 7 and hitting in the 2 hole. He can’t play in the field and when it’s a pressure situation at the plate he either K’s makes an out. I just don’t get the love affair for him. And 30 and 37 not playing is behind me. It gets for real this weekend and I guess time will tell if their decisions

 

[Comebakatz3]

I think that last night was about the results that most baseball fans, and experts, expected out of Kentucky this season. That 'we'd hit the ball, especially with a lot of power, but that we'd struggle pitching.

Instead, all year we've seen the pitching be outstanding while much of the hitting struggled. So, the question moving forward is: will the real UK baseball team please stand up?

 

[dtjr]

I think that last night was about the results that most baseball fans, and experts, expected out of Kentucky this season. That 'we'd hit the ball, especially with a lot of power, but that we'd struggle pitching.

Instead, all year we've seen the pitching be outstanding while much of the hitting struggled. So, the question moving forward is: will the real UK baseball team please stand up?

I think what we saw yesterday will be typical for the upcoming SEC portion of the schedule.

Poor defense, some good some bad pitching and some offense.

Overall maybe sneak in a series or two but mostly go 1-2 on the weekends.

I really I hope I am wrong.

 

[enjyretirement2020]

I think that last night was about the results that most baseball fans, and experts, expected out of Kentucky this season. That 'we'd hit the ball, especially with a lot of power, but that we'd struggle pitching.

Instead, all year we've seen the pitching be outstanding while much of the hitting struggled. So, the question moving forward is: will the real UK baseball team please stand up?

Spread out the "power" and get people on base. Your outfield cost you several runs, ill-timed errors at the same position, so pitching wasn't the only struggle. Again, lackadaisical play in the outfield, with no knowledge of where to go with the ball, slow getting to the ball and bad judgement off the bat. They had two outs when most of the runs were scored, you have to be able to get those outs. You can hit home runs all you want but if you cannot stop them on the other side of the ball, you will lose. They scored 8 and it wasn't enough. You hit 5 home runs and so did they, the difference was they had guys on base. Coaches and fans, including me tend to forgive and overlook bad play once a player hits a home run or does something that changes the game, but usually the bad (or lack of) skillset will show up over and over until knowledge and experience is gained.

I also noticed at the end of the game, there was no pinch runner going in for #33 Harmon. Is he fast? That shows a coach that gave up, and yes, you will argue they were down by several runs, but what does that show your team? You are a coach that concedes? Last night the major flaws were exposed and the SEC will more than likely bring it more into the forefront.

 

[Comebakatz3]

Spread out the "power" and get people on base. Your outfield cost you several runs, ill-timed errors at the same position, so pitching wasn't the only struggle. Again, lackadaisical play in the outfield, with no knowledge of where to go with the ball, slow getting to the ball and bad judgement off the bat. They had two outs when most of the runs were scored, you have to be able to get those outs. You can hit home runs all you want but if you cannot stop them on the other side of the ball, you will lose. They scored 8 and it wasn't enough. You hit 5 home runs and so did they, the difference was they had guys on base. Coaches and fans, including me tend to forgive and overlook bad plays once a player hits a home run or does something that changes the game, but usually the bad skillset will show up over and over until knowledge and experience is gained.

I also noticed at the end of the game, there was no pinch runner going in for #33 Harmon. Is he fast? That shows a coach that gave up, and yes, you will argue they were down by several runs, but what does that show your team? You are a coach that concedes? Last night the major flaws were exposed and the SEC will more than likely bring it more to the forefront.

Harmon runs well for a big guy, but I wouldn't call him especially fast. It makes less sense when you have Lewis, Grace, Hill, and Shelby who are all much faster and better base runners than Harmon. Also strange given how often we have pinch ran this year, and we didn't do it in this one.

I dunno… it is weird to not really be happy with the hitting after having 13 hits, scoring 8 runs, and having 5 home runs. Still, that just doesn’t feel that sustainable, and I worry that when we have games that we aren’t hitting the long ball, we’re not going to score all that much. I mean, you can kind of look at these past 4 games… almost 60 percent of the runs were off of home runs. That can be great, but just doesn’t feel like we can get that regularly. So, I fear we’ll have a lot of games where we struggle to score because we don’t do that well with timely hitting and with stringing together hits.

Our team ERA before yesterday was 1.99 and it was the best in the SEC. It is now 4th best and dropped to 2.43. Still had 13 strikeouts, which is very good, but obviously just gave up too many hits and the defense did not show up.

 

[enjyretirement2020]

Harmon runs well for a big guy, but I wouldn't call him especially fast. It makes less sense when you have Lewis, Grace, Hill, and Shelby who are all much faster and better base runners than Harmon. Also strange given how often we have pinch ran this year, and we didn't do it in this one.

I dunno… it is weird to not really be happy with the hitting after having 13 hits, scoring 8 runs, and having 5 home runs. Still, that just doesn’t feel that sustainable, and I worry that when we have games that we aren’t hitting the long ball, we’re not going to score all that much. I mean, you can kind of look at these past 4 games… almost 60 percent of the runs were off of home runs. That can be great, but just doesn’t feel like we can get that regularly. So, I fear we’ll have a lot of games where we struggle to score because we don’t do that well with timely hitting and with stringing together hits.

Our team ERA before yesterday was 1.99 and it was the best in the SEC. It is now 4th best and dropped to 2.43. Still had 13 strikeouts, which is very good, but obviously just gave up too many hits and the defense did not show up.

Notice your last 5 words......tell-tale sign.

 

[MAYHOO22]

I think what we saw yesterday will be typical for the upcoming SEC portion of the schedule.

Poor defense, some good some bad pitching and some offense.

Overall maybe sneak in a series or two but mostly go 1-2 on the weekends.

I really I hope I am wrong.

Right now, if they went 1-2 against Vandy, Florida, SC, and UT, I would be thrilled!! Need to win or sweep Mizzou, Bama, and UGA to have any chance to make SEC Tourney.

 

[Big_Blue_1018]

Right now, if they went 1-2 against Vandy, Florida, SC, and UT, I would be thrilled!! Need to win or sweep Mizzou, Bama, and UGA to have any chance to make SEC Tourney.

Yeah, they’re not sweeping Georgia. The Mizzou series is crucial. 2 out of 3 is a must. Lose that series, or even forbid you get swept, it’s an uphill battle that I just don’t think Kentucky can weather. I hope I’m wrong though.

 

[Big_Blue_1018]

I’ll add this. You really don’t want to go into those last two weekend series vying for a spot in the conference tournament. Florida, USC and Vandy is a rough way to end the year. But, let’s hope that UK can take care of Mizzou and start SEC off right. Go Cats!

 

[8titles]

Ironically most of his decisions are based on metrics and data. He firmly believes in the science of baseball and won't get married to a lineup or shoe horn anyone into a position where there isn't data to support it. They don't just look at speed, they look at reaction time, efficiency to the ball, eye hand metrics that indicate those that are better at catching a fly ball on the run vs playing infield, etc.. Some would say to a fault but it's his thing and he's 100% invested in scouting, recruiting and playing only those that stack up on paper. It's the same way with his game situations. Example: Golden rule is don't make the 3rd out at 3rd base. His philosophy is that you can score from 3rd 19 ways that you can't score from any other base, so if the situation is right he will risk an out to get a runner to 3rd.

 

[dtjr]

Ironically most of his decisions are based on metrics and data. He firmly believes in the science of baseball and won't get married to a lineup or shoe horn anyone into a position where there isn't data to support it. They don't just look at speed, they look at reaction time, efficiency to the ball, eye hand metrics that indicate those that are better at catching a fly ball on the run vs playing infield, etc.. Some would say to a fault but it's his thing and he's 100% invested in scouting, recruiting and playing only those that stack up on paper. It's the same way with his game situations. Example: Golden rule is don't make the 3rd out at 3rd base. His philosophy is that you can score from 3rd 19 ways that you can't score from any other base, so if the situation is right he will risk an out to get a runner to 3rd.

I understand this but also feel you can mess up by relying too much on this type of information.

Baseball is probably the most reliant sport on feel and using your head in certain situations. A baseball player thrives on positivity and feel not just what the numbers say.

This has driven me crazy with the Reds for many years not only with David Bell as he totally relies on analytics vs what Dusty Baker did just being a players manager with no sense of stats.

There has to be a happy medium.

 

[enjyretirement2020]

Ironically most of his decisions are based on metrics and data. He firmly believes in the science of baseball and won't get married to a lineup or shoe horn anyone into a position where there isn't data to support it. They don't just look at speed, they look at reaction time, efficiency to the ball, eye hand metrics that indicate those that are better at catching a fly ball on the run vs playing infield, etc.. Some would say to a fault but it's his thing and he's 100% invested in scouting, recruiting and playing only those that stack up on paper. It's the same way with his game situations. Example: Golden rule is don't make the 3rd out at 3rd base. His philosophy is that you can score from 3rd 19 ways that you can't score from any other base, so if the situation is right he will risk an out to get a runner to 3rd.

Show me the data on #28 Anu playing outfield? All indications point to being a DH not an outfielder. He plays who he wants to play from what I've seen which of course is his right; he is the head coach, but don't try and convince people that his actions are data driven because they are not. Have you seen #28 stats against lefties, they are atrocious but they still allow him to switch hit? So there is data on that one.

Two of your starters are batting below .200 in conference play....will the lineup change based on this data? You have 2 fifth years and a red-shirt junior on the bench, considering they have SEC experience, wouldn't they be better suited than a sophomore and a junior? They at least have data/stats against SEC opponents, and seems like they have speed along with experience in their positions.

 

[8titles]

Show me the data on #28 Anu playing outfield? All indications point to being a DH not an outfielder. He plays who he wants to play from what I've seen which of course is his right; he is the head coach, but don't try and convince people that his actions are data driven because they are not. Have you seen #28 stats against lefties, they are atrocious but they still allow him to switch hit? So there is data on that one.

Two of your starters are batting below .200 in conference play....will the lineup change based on this data? You have 2 fifth years and a red-shirt junior on the bench, considering they have SEC experience, wouldn't they be better suited than a sophomore and a junior? They at least have data/stats against SEC opponents, and seems like they have speed along with experience in their positions.

Never said I had the data or necessarily agreed to it. Just have been around him in multiple settings enough to hear about it.

 

[Comebakatz3]

I think 8titles is correct that he heavily relies on analytics. That's fine and all, but I also think it can be faulty. There is no world where Anu is more talented in any way as an outfielder than either Hill or Shelby. With Schultz you have inexperience but he can improve if he continues to play there. Anu has experience. He's tried to play there a long time and he just doesn't have the skill needed.

Still, the question really is... Harmon or Hill and what they give you. Harmon is hitting over .300 overall but in 2 weekends against subpar SEC pitching that's dropped to .167 (IIRC). Hill has one at bat where he reached on a questionable error. He's had something like 3 other SEC plate appearances and he either walked or got hit by a pitch in each of those, so an OB% of .750. He also is tied for the most steals in the league (he and Schultz have 4 each). Those stolen bases helped UK win the Saturday Mizzou game.

Another one also becomes Hill or Estep. Estep is hitting poorly in league play. It's his first time seeing SEC pitching. It will only get harder. Both he and Harmon can improve and should. Still, it's certainly possible to move Schultz to 2nd and put Hill back in center.

So, those moving parts are all factored. It's not an easy decision, so I get that, but I'm not real sure we've gotten it correct. After Sunday we should have more data. Haha

 

[Comebakatz3]

I will also say that it is really interesting how limited UK was or has been in pinch hitting and subs in league play. I think only Hill and Shelby have pinch hit so far. So, we're very limited in that aspect.

Also fear that Hazelwood is going to be out for a bit and what that might do to our bullpen.

 

[micatz]

Hazelwood being out won’t really hurt our bullpen, but it will DEFINITELY hurt our starting pitching!! They will probably move Hagenow into the rotation and hope for the best. But Hazelwood was our lone SEC experienced starter and that will hurt bad

 

[Comebakatz3]

Hazelwood being out won’t really hurt our bullpen, but it will DEFINITELY hurt our starting pitching!! They will probably move Hagenow into the rotation and hope for the best. But Hazelwood was our lone SEC experienced starter and that will hurt bad

It's one less arm and means we might have to lean on the bullpen even more instead of leaning on the experienced senior. Likely Hagenow moves to the starting role, but then it becomes a question of how he does and how deep in games he can consistently go. If he isn't the guy then he may go into the bullpen and someone else start. So, the effect can be pretty far reaching.

 

[enjyretirement2020]

I think 8titles is correct that he heavily relies on analytics. That's fine and all, but I also think it can be faulty. There is no world where Anu is more talented in any way as an outfielder than either Hill or Shelby. With Schultz you have inexperience but he can improve if he continues to play there. Anu has experience. He's tried to play there a long time and he just doesn't have the skill needed.

Still, the question really is... Harmon or Hill and what they give you. Harmon is hitting over .300 overall but in 2 weekends against subpar SEC pitching that's dropped to .167 (IIRC). Hill has one at bat where he reached on a questionable error. He's had something like 3 other SEC plate appearances and he either walked or got hit by a pitch in each of those, so an OB% of .750. He also is tied for the most steals in the league (he and Schultz have 4 each). Those stolen bases helped UK win the Saturday Mizzou game.

Another one also becomes Hill or Estep. Estep is hitting poorly in league play. It's his first time seeing SEC pitching. It will only get harder. Both he and Harmon can improve and should. Still, it's certainly possible to move Schultz to 2nd and put Hill back in center.

So, those moving parts are all factored. It's not an easy decision, so I get that, but I'm not real sure we've gotten it correct. After Sunday we should have more data. Haha

So what is the real reason they put him in centerfield to begin with? He was a 2nd baseman, correct?

 

[Comebakatz3]

So what is the real reason they put him in centerfield to begin with? He was a 2nd baseman, correct?

Well we can look at it in a couple ways I guess.

The benefit of the doubt way would be to say that he knew that he log jam in the infield. Those guys, like Church and Estep, couldn't play OF as effectively as Schultz, so Schultz got the move out there to left before being moved to center when Harmon started to hit.

The more critical reason is that there really wasn't anyone else. Shelby and Hill play OF, but apparently Shelby hit very poorly in the fall and I've heard he had a blow up that put him in poor standing with the staff. So, that's why he never had a chance, and why/how Schultz got that chance. Why Hill, on the other hand, lost his spot makes no sense. He hit very well in the fall and was doing well early.

Maybe it's a mix of the two. Regardless, the OF is below average defensively. It almost cost us the game tonight. Anu could have had one that dropped and allowed them to score. Schultz had one as well. Neither go as errors, but they're clearly defensive mistakes.

We will see what happens going forward. League play has been pretty good so far. We will see if that continues.

 

[enjyretirement2020]

Well we can look at it in a couple ways I guess.

The benefit of the doubt way would be to say that he knew that he log jam in the infield. Those guys, like Church and Estep, couldn't play OF as effectively as Schultz, so Schultz got the move out there to left before being moved to center when Harmon started to hit.

The more critical reason is that there really wasn't anyone else. Shelby and Hill play OF, but apparently Shelby hit very poorly in the fall and I've heard he had a blow up that put him in poor standing with the staff. So, that's why he never had a chance, and why/how Schultz got that chance. Why Hill, on the other hand, lost his spot makes no sense. He hit very well in the fall and was doing well early.

Maybe it's a mix of the two. Regardless, the OF is below average defensively. It almost cost us the game tonight. Anu could have had one that dropped and allowed them to score. Schultz had one as well. Neither go as errors, but they're clearly defensive mistakes.

We will see what happens going forward. League play has been pretty good so far. We will see if that continues.

I went back and listened to the opening press conference and Coach mentioned that Hill was the one that stood out in the Spring, defensively and offensively, said he impacted the game on both sides. I did read where he was coming back from an injury? It's just odd that you would have natural outfielders with experience and not utilize them. Sounds like he is playing Russian roulette and it could implode any minute.

Tonight, Anu just doesn't get a read off the bat. He looks confused on which way to move and waits too long to react coupled with his lack of speed, that's a disaster waiting to happen. Schultz is either lazy, doesn't get a read off the bat or doesn't trust himself catching the ball, so he plays it off the wall which I noticed is happening more and more with every game. I've noticed Schultz does not have the arm to play center field either. He doesn't run under the ball, he catches it too flat footed.

 

[Comebakatz3]

I went back and listened to the opening press conference and Coach mentioned that Hill was the one that stood out in the Spring, defensively and offensively, said he impacted the game on both sides. I did read where he was coming back from an injury? It's just odd that you would have natural outfielders with experience and not utilize them. Sounds like he is playing Russian roulette and it could implode any minute.

Tonight, Anu just doesn't get a read off the bat. He looks confused on which way to move and waits too long to react coupled with his lack of speed, that's a disaster waiting to happen. Schultz is either lazy, doesn't get a read off the bat or doesn't trust himself catching the ball, so he plays it off the wall which I noticed is happening more and more with every game. I've noticed Schultz does not have the arm to play center field either. He doesn't run under the ball, he catches it too flat footed.

Last year Hill and Shelby collided when going for a dying quail in left center and Hill broke his wrist. He had to have surgery and rehab and all that fun stuff, but to my understanding he was pretty much 100 percent by the time fall practice came along. So, the injury is not a factor in him not playing currently.

We will see how the OF plays out. It has cost us runs so far and I am sure that some pitchers are not real happy about the fact that we're giving up extra outs and extra bases at least once or twice a game.

 

[enjyretirement2020]

Last year Hill and Shelby collided when going for a dying quail in left center and Hill broke his wrist. He had to have surgery and rehab and all that fun stuff, but to my understanding he was pretty much 100 percent by the time fall practice came along. So, the injury is not a factor in him not playing currently.

We will see how the OF plays out. It has cost us runs so far and I am sure that some pitchers are not real happy about the fact that we're giving up extra outs and extra bases at least once or twice a game.

I think I said it before, if I was the pitching coach, me and the head man would be having a chat.

Was wondering if any of this "benching" has to do with draft situations? Who might come back? Who will be gone for sure? Being given an extra season due to Covid? I know some college coaches "hold back" players for reasons they won't divulge but everyone knows it's just to keep them from being drafted.

 

[Comebakatz3]

What I think is kind of interesting is that UK hasn’t tinkered with their lineup a ton. We are 22 games in and we have changed the top 4 hitters just 1 time. That, interestingly, corresponded with Harmon coming in to DH. So, we started the year like this:

Schultz (LF)
Rhodes (RF)
Collett (1B)
Anu (DH)
Rubalcaba (C)
Hill (CF)
Plastiak (3B)
Ritter (SS)
Grace (2B)

Now, we look like this:

Schultz (CF)
Anu (LF)
Rhodes (RF)
Collett (1B)
Harmon (DH)
Kessler (C)
Church (3B)
Estep (2B)
Ritter (SS)

The bottom 5 have changed a pretty good amount as certain hitters get hot and cold and as we change catchers. The top 4 has changed just 1 time. I just find that interesting that the 1 time we made a change to the top 4 it also corresponded with Anu moving to left and Schultz to center. So, basically the only time we have had a switch in positions, we also had a switch in the first 4 hitters. Everything else has been moving the bottom 5 in some way.

 

[Comebakatz3]

I think I said it before, if I was the pitching coach, me and the head man would be having a chat.

Was wondering if any of this "benching" has to do with draft situations? Who might come back? Who will be gone for sure? Being given an extra season due to Covid? I know some college coaches "hold back" players for reasons they won't divulge but everyone knows it's just to keep them from being drafted.

I have no idea if this is playing a factor, tbh. However, I do know that UK could be left with a very bare cupboard next year. We have these guys who are eligible to go to the draft or will graduate after this year:

Collett
Anu
Schultz
Rubalcaba
Ritter
Kessler
Harmon
Hill
Shelby
Plastiak
Lewis
Liebert
Rhodes
Estep (I think these last two are old enough to leave, even though they are just sophomores).

So... essentially we could lose someone at every single position.

Pitching we could/will lose:

Ramsey
Hazelwood
Daniels
Jones
Harney
Harper
Marsh
Degen
Kammin

Not sure if Lee or Stupp are eligible after this year. Would depend on their age.

 

[enjyretirement2020]

I have no idea if this is playing a factor, tbh. However, I do know that UK could be left with a very bare cupboard next year. We have these guys who are eligible to go to the draft or will graduate after this year:

Collett
Anu
Schultz
Rubalcaba
Ritter
Kessler
Harmon
Hill
Shelby
Plastiak
Lewis
Liebert
Rhodes
Estep (I think these last two are old enough to leave, even though they are just sophomores).

So... essentially we could lose someone at every single position.

Pitching we could/will lose:

Ramsey
Hazelwood
Daniels
Jones
Harney
Harper
Marsh
Degen
Kammin

Not sure if Lee or Stupp are eligible after this year. Would depend on their age.

So get the wins this year because next year it looks like you will be starting from scratch