Unless Anderson stops trying to manage like its a pro game his days are numbered.
i concur. always playing small ball. which is fine usually in later innings. but in the first couple...... it irks me
....why? So does Texas' style of play irk you also? Wish it irked me....
In my opinion, Texas wins because of players and not style of play. Texas style of play is appealing to others because they win. They win because of pitching and defense not because of offense. Offense is very conservative and is based on scoring 1 or 2 runs and winning with pitching and defense. Problem with Texas last year and this year, and in near future, other programs (UCLA, TCU, CAL ST. FULL, FLORIDA, ETC)can match their arms but have better offenses. Texas gets any player they want in Texas...especially pitchers. Their ballpark is pitcher friendly and thus they recruit to that.
By the way, Texas is looking for a Sunday starter and a closer. They have plenty of candidates but none that will be as good or better than Brandon Workman or Chance Ruffin last year. Also, Texas projected starting catcher is out for season. Their two candidates will be projected left fielder and a freshman. Both are average to below average defensively. Also, hearing that Cole Green is having motivational issues...will believe that when I see it. Texas may have to rely on freshman more than in past...last time they had to rely on this many freshman was 2008. Oh yeah, Nebraska took two of 3 in Austin that year.
The reason they play small ball on offense is because they have the strong pitching and defense... That's what we've tried to have, and it works... That's what I'm saying..... I didn't say Texas' style of offense, I said Texas' style of play.. which includes offense and defense...
Yes, I knew what you meant. I understand why someone would prefer that style of play...especially if they knew they could recruit that type of pitching year in and year out. However, I think their are programs that are equally as blessed with pitching but they are more potent offensively or willing to be more aggressive on the bases. Last year, the Tampa Bay Rays were the second highest scoring offense in the American League despite the fact that they had one of the lowest batting averages. Their style of play is what I would like to immulate...Madden coached under Scoissa(?) and that is where he learned. Style is much more than sacrifice bunting. Their style is an aggressive style built around taking the extra base, i.e bunting, stealing, hit and run, 1st to third on a 1B, second to home on an infield ground ball, bunt and run. This stratgey is developed through practice, scouting, team speed, etc.
Not saying that Nebraska will beat Texas 2 out of 3 this year (Nebraska has a lot to prove) but Texas is not the same this year and is ripe for the picking....JMO
