I said way back in November I wasn't "overwhelmed" at all with the promotion and hire of Gibbs but as it's been pointed out Andy left at a really awkward time after fall ball. We really won't ever get the full scoop on how hard Mainieri pursued other candidates and I've always thought this may be a temporary plug until he's able to find that perfect fit as he did with Cannizaro.

The season hasn't unfolded as the fanbase thought it would thus far. I think a majority were expecting a 2013 or even 2015 dominance each game, each weekend but this roster has had numerous injuries at key spots and they are starting 4 freshmen in every day lineups if you count Walker in the rotation.

Mainieri's teams typically peak in May and I'm not against this team going through hardships in March as they figure out roles. Slaughter, Smith, and Watson are going to mature with every at bat and the lineup will eventually find it's hot streak with balls finding holes. In college baseball it really is all about getting hot at the right time and this lineup along with front line pitching has the talent to make a deep run in the postseason.

There needs to be tweaks to the batting order and I hope he starts tonight to get the team to in a way turn the page and start a new chapter. The talent is there and when it all clicks this team will be dangerous down the final stretch.

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Posted by ell_13

Member since Apr 2013

85167 posts

Posted on 3/30/17 at 11:34 am to ProjectP2294

quote:
Strall 4 10 8 20%

So he's let 8 of 10 inherited runners score.

Made a joke last week that I'm waiting for a pitcher to tell PM to gfh if he tries to bring in Strall in the middle of an inning with runners on.

This post was edited on 3/30/17 at 11:35 am

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Posted by tigerbait2010

PNW

Member since May 2006

29335 posts

Posted on 3/30/17 at 11:38 am to Adam4848

good stuff, thanks for the input. there's obviously going to be some growing pains from Gibbs. I did hear that Skip thinks highly of his potential.

one more question: are you still a fan of Dunn? Maybe we just caught a tough break with Mckay's injuries, but it's so damn depressing still not having that solid Sunday starter

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Posted by Adam4848

Member since Apr 2006

19015 posts

Posted on 3/30/17 at 11:54 am to tigerbait2010

quote:
I did hear that Skip thinks highly of his potential.

Gibbs is going to be a fantastic coach, totally agree but obviously he's just getting into the game and he doesn't have as much in game experience which is hindering his ability to relate to the players in key situations.

In the perfect scenario he would be shadowing a more experienced hitting coach where he could do more individual work.

quote:
are you still a fan of Dunn?

I've always been a fan of Dunn but that's not to mean I agree with everything he's done. I think you'll be very impressed with Walker, he's one of those no nonsense guys that will be a 4 year starter at this program. Hess is going to eventually be a Friday or Saturday guy, the Tue-Wed starts for him right now are going to pay big dividends down the road.

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Posted by tigerbait2010

PNW

Member since May 2006

29335 posts

Posted on 3/30/17 at 1:38 pm to Adam4848

awesome stuff, thanks again