Thanks for the comments, I really appreciate them. Note that I have come to rely on the after action reports from Boozer92 during the Fall games the past few years since I am out of state and am not at the games AND, of course, comments during the regular season. Straight up calm reporting, the type I value the most. Tell it how it is. No emotion-fueled rants good or bad. I look forward to another season of your reporting.
I tend to be an optimist. We did not hit well during the Fall and our hitting has been up and down the last few years, with lots of slumps, but they came through when they had to more times than not. Regardless of how the last season turned out we did hit well enough to reach a #1 ranking (first time since the 1980's?). I am keeping my fingers crossed and holding my breath hoping and hoping that the bats come around.
Sidne made the Pac12 all-Freshman team in her one year at Washington, usually in a relief role, and she showed signs of brilliance last year in what we saw of her (darn injury). Pannell was awesome two years ago in a relief role at Mizzou, with 16 saves (no starts), but not as good last year (7 starts, lot of appearances but only 3 saves). Lessentine was really, really good at times last year but other times not. Best on the staff in BA against (.179). These three need to have a lot of success this year. Hopefully at least one of the other three will 'really step up' and do well. I am still really interested in what Taylor Brown can do (have her for four years so hopefully good things!). We have given away far too many free bases the past few years. Walks, hit batters, wild pitches. Unfortunately, at some really bad times. Maybe, just maybe, we can get this under control.
I will miss the arms in the outfield (and Jaz had a rocket arm, too) but I think they have a lot of range and great gloves so they might keep a lot of balls from falling that normally would. I still remember Kramer's catch over the bullpen wall in LF last year. I have the video saved somewhere.
The coaches will probably continue with their aggressive base-running. Annsley is super-fast and should do really well in a PR role (as will Hailey and Scout) but we once again have some burners in the starting lineup. Annsley had a great BA in HS and a ton of SB's. If she has a great glove might be hard to keep her out of a starting role if she gets a chance to show what she can do. Gosh, imagine her range in the OF with that speed - wow!
Hard to tell since I do not see the practices but if Ariel really is going to see action behind the plate we might see Ariel and Maddie get most of the time there in February. The one who hits best might be the starter when SEC play starts. We have had some really great hitters at that position in the past - past time to have that again. [in 2027 might be Ariel at 3B and Maddie at C]
The last SEC series of the season is against OU. They are still the premier pro team in college softball even though Tech and the sips are catching up. It is great that it will be at home and hopefully by that time we can give them a run for the money. Early tests vs Tech, Oregon (Amari !!) and UCLA will be interesting.
It will be interesting to see how the starting lineup changes from opening day to the first SEC game.
Sure am looking forward to opening day, as always.
Aggie Softball is Built Ford Tough !!
