The Good
Fundamental Baseball:
Historically teams like CSF have really exposed a lack of fundamentals in the Smith era. We were unable to defend against bunts. Did not run the bases well. These teams put pressure on us and we broke.
Our bunt defense was pretty good in limited opportunity. Of course there was the Lampe speed both scoring on an infield single from 2nd as well as scoring on a deep fly from 2nd. But, there was also a play involving Kai Murphy. We had 1st and 3rd with 0 outs. We hit a shallow fly ball to RF and Kai tagged from 1st to 2nd knowing that the RF was going to be focused on the runner at 3rd. Advancing to 2nd took away the double play ball. In my mind this shows an advanced understanding of the game. Kai anticipated what the CSF player was going to do and therefore was able to put ASU in a better position.
When I watch guys like Lampe, Murphy, Swift, and Ferri among others they are constantly doing those little things.
Kai did a similar thing when he took a great secondary lead, read ball in dirt, and advanced to 2nd. Plays like that win games and we have guys that have a high baseball IQ and make those plays over and over.
The Bad
We aren't getting production from our older hitters. Swifty is solid. But, I expected more from Jump, Major, Cheema, and especially Baez* coming into the season.
The goal for this year is a Super Regional or a top 15 season finish. For that to happen we need to see the OPS for at least 3 of these 4 hitters take a huge step up.
The Ugly:
Obliviously injuries have been ugly
Looking forward to the series with the Ducks. Interested to hear the good, bad, and ugly from my fellow fans. Especially those of you who were lucky enough to be in attendance like @Joe Healey
Fundamental Baseball:
Historically teams like CSF have really exposed a lack of fundamentals in the Smith era. We were unable to defend against bunts. Did not run the bases well. These teams put pressure on us and we broke.
Our bunt defense was pretty good in limited opportunity. Of course there was the Lampe speed both scoring on an infield single from 2nd as well as scoring on a deep fly from 2nd. But, there was also a play involving Kai Murphy. We had 1st and 3rd with 0 outs. We hit a shallow fly ball to RF and Kai tagged from 1st to 2nd knowing that the RF was going to be focused on the runner at 3rd. Advancing to 2nd took away the double play ball. In my mind this shows an advanced understanding of the game. Kai anticipated what the CSF player was going to do and therefore was able to put ASU in a better position.
When I watch guys like Lampe, Murphy, Swift, and Ferri among others they are constantly doing those little things.
Kai did a similar thing when he took a great secondary lead, read ball in dirt, and advanced to 2nd. Plays like that win games and we have guys that have a high baseball IQ and make those plays over and over.
The Bad
We aren't getting production from our older hitters. Swifty is solid. But, I expected more from Jump, Major, Cheema, and especially Baez* coming into the season.
The goal for this year is a Super Regional or a top 15 season finish. For that to happen we need to see the OPS for at least 3 of these 4 hitters take a huge step up.
The Ugly:
Obliviously injuries have been ugly
Looking forward to the series with the Ducks. Interested to hear the good, bad, and ugly from my fellow fans. Especially those of you who were lucky enough to be in attendance like @Joe Healey
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