And while a factor for both sides, the home plate ump was definitely a factor. He was inconsistent at best. Easy for any pitcher to struggle when you have no concept of what’s a strike. Has to ratchet up the tendency to get rattled out there.
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A couple of thoughts about a couple of things being discussed here:
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Throwing gas is great, but we get too hung up on radar readings. Some pitchers can throw 90 effectively because the ball has movement and is tough to pick up out of the hand. Some guys throw 97 and get lit up. And even the hardest-throwing pitcher needs a plus secondary pitch. Gas ain’t enough. Jacob deGrom threw 100 mph, but it was his slider that made him dominant.
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When I talk about an “elite arm,” I mean someone whose stuff is good enough to attack hitters directly, rather than trying to fool them or nibble at the corners. If you throw your best pitch and their best hitter takes their best swing, who’s gonna win?
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Speaking of nibbling: I’ve been shocked by the umpiring. The strike zones seem very generous compared to what I’ve seen in regular season college ball (and certainly generous compared to pro ball). I wonder if that’s intentional.
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Fresh asked about stats. I keep it basic: strikes and balls. A lot of first-pitch strikes, a high strike-to-ball percentage. A lot of Ks and a lot of swings-and-misses hint at dominant stuff. Few Ks and a lot of foul balls hint at good but not put-away stuff. Pitch ahead in the count, and you have the advantage. Pitch behind, and hitters can sit and wait for their pitch. And, for heavens sakes, make them earn their bases. Florida certainly earned their first two runs in the ninth, but it was the walk and the HBP that ultimately lost the game.
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Yeah you’re explaining it better than me. My main point is that there are probably 0 guys getting drafted early in this pitching staff.
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Bottom line is there is a reason MLB plays 162 games and 7 game series becuase baseball shouldnt be decided in one game. Anything can happen and does. Leaving Berry in as long as he did was inexcusable. Idc if you have to use the game 2 starter to get outs in the 9th, you do it. He should be smart enough to use Woolfolk in low pressure situations instead of in the biggest spot of the year. Damn it.
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Not this year. Probably not more than a couple that are getting drafted at all this year, or even signed as free agents.
I think Woolfolk possibly goes early, certainly in the middle, when he’s eligible. He’s got a strong enough arm that teams will take a chance on his potential alone. But I’m not sure he’ll reach that potential in college as long as he’s playing two sports.
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Question largely for @KarlHess or anyone else who knows, how do we project for next year? Just glancing at the roster you’re losing Parker and Edginton who are out of eligibility, and obviously Teel and Gelof to the draft…… is that it? Maybe O’Donnell and Early as well?
Will definitely lose O’Donnell to the draft too.
Early’s postseason probably has him 67/33 gone via draft but his lack of velocity may depress his draft stock.
Best rule of thumb though is that if a player is drafted, they’re gone in the 20 round draft era.
Otherwise it’s just too soon to know about the 2024 roster yet with the draft and portal season pending. Too many moving parts to come.
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Is there any chance at all Farmelo makes it to Charlottesville?
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Like 25% maybe? It’s not zero but not high either.
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Thanks Karl. I talked to someone a week or so ago who loves the kid. Told me he is a game changer, he’s that good.
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He’d almost certainly start in CF for us next year if he passed on the draft for some reason.
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Keith Law has Farmelo going 30 in his mock draft btw
Who is does TCU have starting on the bump today?
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Happy Father’s Day to all you guys to whom it applies. My children have arranged meeting for dinner in a restaurant near Richmond, about half way between our house and our son’s. The dinner is at 3:00, it’s an hour drive each way, so I should be out of my house between 2:00 and 5:00. Luckily nothing important going on then.
Seriously, not only did they not know when the game would be, seeing them is much better than anything else I can think of today. I will record it and watch it if we win. Actually, I can sneak peeks of it on my phone (but not too many)
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Happy Fathers Day @Ahooiam1 , that sounds like a perfect day! And to all the dads out there!
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I don’t see anywhere that they’ve announced it and I’ve looked last night and this morning.
Based on what they’ve been doing recently, Sam Stoutenborough is their most likely option.
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Happy Father’s day as well. I think you have a great family just for the timing they made for you
today. You can have a great afternoon with your kids and not have to suffer part of the ultimate heartbreaking we will surely see again today…
Have a great time!.
Edit: Tape the game just in case. Miracles do happen
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Thanks! That’s funny. I definitely will keep your edit in mind.
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Need a hit or 2 outta that 3/4 hole
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Feels like a matter of time before the offense explodes in this game