Kentucky Baseball 2025

[Tskware]

I would like to see Burkes get a break on weekend, only catch 2 of the 3 games, and none mid week. Should help his hitting which was a real drag on the lineup last season.

 

[briarcreek]

My early prediction for the opening day lineup:

1. Montoya, RF
2. Lawrence, 2B
3. Koontz, 1B
4. Marcy, CF
5. Hage, LF
6. Small, DH
7. Burkes, C
8. Bell, SS
9. Gargett, 3B

SP: McCay

 

[3632]

*Don't be surprised if you see McCoy pitch more than play the field. But there also isn't a natural 1B with any experience on the roster so someone has to back up Koontz. McCoy did arrive at UK as a 1B.

*Burkes had a wrist issue that was addressed and he is rehabilitating.

*Harris is going to be a big piece of the staff. I'd be surprised if he sees any AB as a positional player this season.

*Bell will start in the middle infield, likely SS.

*The thing that is readily apparent is the physicality of this team, particularly the freshmen (compared to years past). You may see Ryan Schwartz and Nolan Belcher get opportunities too.

Harris was always a long shot to be a position player at the sec level. Not enough bat speed. Plus being a big bodied lefty pitcher is in more demand than a one position fielder. Hes not a velo guy or ‘stuff’ in his fb but has pretty solid breaking ball that stays down…has to draw swings on them/throw them for some strikes though. Supposedly they haven’t even had him take swings in a while.

With the portal and transfer stuff college sports have gotten older and older and fewer spots go to freshman so most of them at p5 type schools are going to be pretty physical coming in now just to be able to get a spot .

 

[ctroberts1024]

My early prediction for the opening day lineup:

1. Montoya, RF
2. Lawrence, 2B
3. Koontz, 1B
4. Marcy, CF
5. Hage, LF
6. Small, DH
7. Burkes, C
8. Bell, SS
9. Gargett, 3B

SP: McCay

Burkes will hit 4 or 5. Ming loves him in that spot. Also think Bell will hit 2 hole. Switch hitter and if he’s a true first round talent, he needs more at bats throughout a game. I know his bat is the weakest part of the game but him being a switch hitter and speed, he’ll be a perfect bunt guy in the two hole and will see a ton of pitches.