Breaking down the Baseball team: Infield/Catcher

Posted by N2daWild on 11/20/23 at 7:31 pm

I have taken some liberties of where I have placed players based on what I think they are best suited. I have Jones at 1B and Pearson at 2B. I'm also putting Guidry and Thompson at pitcher only for now.

They way I have it listed is 8 infielders.

1. White
2. Braswell
3. Jones
4. Pearson
5. Nippolt
6. Milam
7. Kucherak
8. Roellig

Three catchers

1. Milazzo
2. Neal
3. Travinski

Infield:

1. White - White didn't scrimmage this Fall but was there in the dugout, chomping at the bit. White strikes fear in opposing teams at the plate and we need to find one more batter that can bring the fear factor as well. White had shoulder issues most of last year. Lets hope a clean bill of health will produce an even better year in 2024.

2. Braswell - All I can say is thank goodness we signed him in the portal. What a great find by Jay's team. The defense has always been there and he has very quick hands. He has the size but never hit for power. His BA was also lacking at S.C. So far this Fall he has tied for the team lead in HR's and has the highest BA. Super find in the portal.

3. Jones - I think Jones is starting at 1B. He has better hands then Travinski and needs to be in the lineup somewhere. He has also improved as a defensive catcher but not sure how much time he will spend there this year. Jones hasn't had a great Fall and he needs to figure out the strike outs. When he hits the ball, good things happen. He is too dangerous to leave on the bench. So let's hope he figures things out.

4. Pearson - I thought Pearson struggled some in the OF his freshmen year and was greatly improved his sophomore year. It seemed like he learned the position to me. I don't see the same thing at 2B. He looks very comfortable and natural there. It looks like he grew up playing MIF in his youth. I could be way off but that is what it looks like to me. His hitting has been not great this Fall but he has already shown he can do it. So we just need him to come around when the games start.

5. Nippolt - He seems to be in good shape and is very versatile. I'm surprised his BA isn't higher because he seems to make good contact when hitting. Until he actually does it, his hitting remains in question. He is a good player to have on the team and gives quality back up where needed.

6. Milam - I think Jay's expectations were really high for Milam. He flashes defensive skills but has not been consistent. He makes good contact when hitting but unfortunately many of his hits are caught for deep flies. I'm not sure he quite has the power to get it over the fence. He could still emerge as our second baseman but right now I am giving that job to Pearson.

7. Kucherak - I really like Kucherak but the hitting needs to come around. His defensive skills have been very good this Fall and he is very calm and composed for a freshmen. He needs some time to get used to the pitching at this level but it's not like he is completely overwhelmed. He could play some this year but I think he is still a year away from really contributing.

8. Roellig - Similar to Kucherak in that the defense has been really good but the bat lacking. He is also very calm and composed for a freshmen like Kucherak. He needs time as well to catch up with pitching at this level. His defense is good enough to play now but might need another year for the hitting to be effective.

Catcher:

1. Milazzo - What a great story he is. If he continues hitting like this, it will be a big plus for this team.
The defense has always been there and the hitting has arrived. He doesn't step towards third when he hits anymore, in case anyone is wondering.

2. Neal - He is still coming around from injuries and hasn't had a grear Fall. I don't think anyone is doubting his talent and he should play plenty. I was hoping to see more power in his bat this year but it looks similar to last year. Like Milam, he makes good contact but it gets caught at the wall.

3. Travinski - He might just be my favorite player. There is something about his humor, demeanor and hitting that I enjoy. Defensively he is the same. Not a liability but some balls will get past him. I'm hoping he emerges as that second feared bat in the lineup behind White. I'm expecting a big year from him offensively and I believe he will be our primary DH when not catching.

Summary: Braswell was like striking gold and I hope he continues to impress. Guidry and the heralded MIF's have not shown capable of hitting at this level as of yet.
We are so blessed at catcher. I didn't expect to get Milazzo and Travinski back this year and we are going to really benefit from that. Their abilities and leadership are going to do a lot to carry this team.