Turn2

I don't think Kendall Rogers has a clue. Knowing Erstad. . . he's not sure if he wants to be a full time assistant coach because of the time commitments...I don't think he's up for the Head Coach gig. I was told again this morning unless someone really impresses during the interview its Will Bolts job to lose. Agreed. Plus, Will is more likely to keep Erstad on too. Someone has made mention that MA micromanaged the effectiveness out of Erstad as the season went on--I think giving Erstad another year to prove he can make a positive impact would benefit this team greatly. Also, the comments from the Lincoln and Omaha papers suggest that our moving to the Big 10 really isn't impacting us that much in our search. Seems like coaches like an easy road to the CWS tourney more than the RPI damage, and the Big 10 currently is as easy as it gets for a major conference. Plus, there are few schools north of the Mason-Dixon line with as much support (financially and otherwise) for their baseball program as Nebraska enjoys. Oddly that topic was covered on both ESPN radio and I think 590 yesterday or the day before (move to the big 10 hurting the search) and most people didn't really see it as a huge issue in today's wold an the way that NU does baseball. The pointed out schools like Rice (good climate but sh**ty conference) as having a good program despite some odds. They also stated facilities are huge and Nebraska is one of the better places in the Nation and definitely top in Northern teams. As far as MA. . he was always a micromanager and it kept his team ad odds a little bit. I know some of the players kind of soured a touch (rumors as I haven't confirmed with a coach or player)on Darrin and his style but that sometimes happens when someone up above undermines your authority with your players. Your right....rumors

The quote below is from the Journal Star article announcing Anderson being fired. I cut and paste the quote from Newman, because it is interesting that all of Anderson's main asst. will meet with Osborne tomorrow. Typically, once people find out that you have been fired, you are already gone...not the three assistants. Very interesting. It's unclear if Osborne plans to name an interim coach. Newman said Osborne asked to meet later with him and the other full-time assistant, Dave Bingham, along with Erstad.

There was a kid in Beatrice, Dageford? maybe, that went to play ball in Louisianna at one of the schools that wasn't LSU. I believe he was top 10 in the nation a couple years ago in homeruns and was a preseason all-american. He has tons of family/friends in Nebraska but apparently Anderson didn't want him. This is a grapevine deal, and I'm usually critical of others when they use this source of information, but I have more than one friend with connections to players on the baseball team and the two I have talked to about it both say the players don't much care for Anderson and that he's not a guy they care to associate with off the field. For whatever it's worth. Wow, that's weird, you just described every college coach in america Every college coach in America is an @$$hole that people don't want to be associated with? Could have fooled me. Huh. I get a completely different vibe about Bo and Co. when players, old and current, discuss the staff. IIRC, there's even a big party at the end of the Red/White game, where the winners get steak and the losers hot dogs, and the coaches and players all get along. But, I may be reading stuff wrong. Huh, I don't recall saying just Nebraska coaches.

First day of eligibility is April 10

There was a kid in Beatrice, Dageford? maybe, that went to play ball in Louisianna at one of the schools that wasn't LSU. I believe he was top 10 in the nation a couple years ago in homeruns and was a preseason all-american. He has tons of family/friends in Nebraska but apparently Anderson didn't want him. This is a grapevine deal, and I'm usually critical of others when they use this source of information, but I have more than one friend with connections to players on the baseball team and the two I have talked to about it both say the players don't much care for Anderson and that he's not a guy they care to associate with off the field. For whatever it's worth. Wow, that's weird, you just described every college coach in america

Hacker, here is my deal as frustrating as the season has gone there are a lot of factors that have gone into that. That is why I have butted heads with you and a lot of other MA haters. Yes there are instances where you just shake your head at Mike, but there are just as many that are not of his doing, but those with the glasses on only see it one way, you at times are included. However you have also admitted that you let your glasses skew that opinion. I am ok with that, but it just becomes a broken record, and a lot of times has nothing to do with it. I have told you I am not pro MA or an apologist(I have said I have called him out and will) but what many of you must realize that nothing will come of it this year. The Big X move bought him another year and TO may play the Doc card about letting MA recruit to the new indoor facility as well. It probably is gonna happen. The difference between me and others is that I have accepted that fact. This administration(TO) will not go down that road quickly. Again am I happy with that fact, a lot of times no, but can I control it? No. As for the offense, the most frustrating thing is the inability to get key hits. Runners LOB is a staggering number this year. Sometimes all it takes is one game and things just snowball, hopefully that may be the case. I look at Erstad just as much as MA when it comes to the hitting. I do give a pass for it being Erstad's first year with these guys. Pitching, I have been suprised the walks are way down, but the staff is still way to streaky. I think a lot of fans may be thinking what if, when Ehler's becomes eligible and shows what he can do. Will see if it keeps up, and again when Logan is back they will be better. What goes from here who knows. We can only hope for the best. It is still early for me to throw this team and staff under the bus. And as far as tonight, I like NU's chances. Great game played so far. How the pen is worked will be the key. awesome post and I could not have expressed my thoughts/opinion any better.

I am glad you used the word civil. This word reminds me that, to this point, our banter hasn't crossed a line (IMO). I have enjoyed the sparring and look forward to more, but this subject, IMO, has run it's course. We have gotten (I started it) off subject and begun trash talk (playful insults and condescending remarks). I choose to leave it at that. Below is definition of small ball per Wikipedia. I stand corrected regarding sac flys as they pertain to "small ball". I believe that there are a few comments that validate some of my arguments as well. Good Luck HuskerHacker and have a Blessed day! In the sport of baseball, small-ball is an informal and colloquial term for an offensive strategy in which the batting team emphasizes placing runners on base and then advancing them into position to score a run in a deliberate, methodical way. This strategy places a high value on individual runs and attempts to score them without requiring extra base hits, or sometimes without base hits at all, instead using bases on balls, stolen bases, sacrifice bunt or sacrifice fly balls, the hit-and-run play, and aggressive baserunning with such plays as the contact play. A commonly used term for a run produced playing small-ball is a "manufactured run". This style of play is more often found in National League game situations than in the American League due in large part to the absence of the designated hitter in the National League.[1][2] Teams may incorporate a small-ball strategy for a variety of reasons, including: They are confident that their pitching staff will allow very few runs, thus one or two runs may win the game. The opposing pitching staff allows few hits, especially extra-base hits, and small-ball may be the best way to score runs at all. The team lacks consistent hitters and must find a way to score runs with few base hits. The team has several members who are very quick and are likely to steal bases, or go from first base to third base on a single. The team is in the late innings of a close game and a single run will tie the game, break a tie, or extend a narrow lead. Most commonly, a small-ball strategy will be employed during the course of a game, such as in case #4, above. A team could also start the game with the intention of playing small-ball, but then change from this strategy at some point during a game, depending on circumstances, such as when the opposing pitcher is struggling or has left the game, or if the team is ahead or behind by several runs.

You might be old enough to be my father (if your 70+) but I'm your "Daddy" on this message board.

Serious question- Are you a 14 year old boy or a woman? Like a woman or a teenage boy, you have trouble admiting when you are wrong and know about as much as a woman or a boy would know about baseball.

1. Burl's BA has been steadily climbing and though no "hitting streak" existed his OBA% shows improvement. Also, his position in the lineup dictates for him to "swing away". 2. When the second inning started, small ball wasn't something that one would consider. However, after scoring a run, having a runner in scoring postion with no outs, getting said player to 3rd and then allowing a free swing (getting the ball in the air and deep) to drive said runner in is playing small ball and would have been done by 90% of managers. This also closes the run gap and thereby places more pressure on the starter. Anderson had the chance to score at least one more run in said inning and instead we left the runner stranded. Oh and BTW, if you're going to question my baseball knowledge, do so with a respectable question instead of one so easily defeated. 3. I think, in most instances regarding small ball when one is down by 8 runs, your comment would be correct. However, when down by now 7 and a runner on 2nd with no outs I would easily find others that would play small ball to get another run or two and thereby cutting into the score, gaining the momentum. In later innings, you're absolutely correct, in the 2nd however (especially in college ball and the fact that you have a pitching staff that is hot) you are completely wrong. Lastly, small ball is old school? Maybe it is but it works, hence the reason so many major's are returning to the "old school" small ball game. Couple recent Links: Fowler working on small ball approach Digging the small ball and finally, directed at T2 and whoever else it was taking pop shots at my baseball knowledge a little advice. Making unintelligent assumptions at another's knowledge without knowing said individual and/or having openly spoken with said individual simply shows your arrogance and immaturity. Not to mention your inability to factually state opinion. It is however rather enjoyable to show the facts and put said person in their place. edit: one other link, Garrido and Texas have small ball success 1. Burl's BA has been steadily climbing and though no "hitting streak" existed his OBA% shows improvement. Also, his position in the lineup dictates for him to "swing away". I am not going to continue to argue whether Corey was a hot hitter or not...he wasn't. Instead I am going to focus on a comment you made in the above statement. This particular situation, Nebraska has runners at 1st and 3rd with 2 outs and the top of the order on deck. Your comment indicates that it is alright for the NINE hole batter to "swing away" because of the position they bat in the order....is this correct? That is ridiculous! If nothing else, because of where Nebraska was in their line-up, with runners on base, you want the NINE hole hitter to do everything possible to get on so that the Top of the order (presumed best hitters) could hit. 2. When the second inning started, small ball wasn't something that one would consider. However, after scoring a run, having a runner in scoring postion with no outs, getting said player to 3rd and then allowing a free swing (getting the ball in the air and deep) to drive said runner in is playing small ball and would have been done by 90% of managers. This also closes the run gap and thereby places more pressure on the starter. Anderson had the chance to score at least one more run in said inning and instead we left the runner stranded. Oh and BTW, if you're going to question my baseball knowledge, do so with a respectable question instead of one so easily defeated. The situation you describe above is not "small ball", it is called baseball. There is not one coach in ALL of baseball that has a sign for a sac fly. By the way, ground ball anywhere other than the pitcher would have been a better option. With a 7 run lead, OSU is playing back, meaning they would concede run for an out. At least with a ground ball, the defense has to field, throw and catch (more chances for an error). Maybe we can add this sign to our offense...LOL 3. I think, in most instances regarding small ball when one is down by 8 runs, your comment would be correct. However, when down by now 7 and a runner on 2nd with no outs I would easily find others that would play small ball to get another run or two and thereby cutting into the score, gaining the momentum. In later innings, you're absolutely correct, in the 2nd however (especially in college ball and the fact that you have a pitching staff that is hot) you are completely wrong. Lastly, small ball is old school? Maybe it is but it works, hence the reason so many major's are returning to the "old school" small ball game. Couple recent Links: ://colorado.rockies.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110317&content_id=16993010&notebook_id=17000058&vkey=notebook_col&c_id=col http://www.sportsnet.ca/baseball/2010/10/22/carson_pitching_playoffs/ Following response is for no. 3. Only type of small ball coach Anderson could have used was the squeeze play. If this had worked, the score would have been 8-2 with 2 outs, nobody on and 8 hole hitter up in the bottom of second. No thanks, I want my hitter trying to drive the run in, in this situation. Hacker, did you read the articles that you linked? I doubt that you did. Fowler article is about a player working on his bunting for base hit skills. Yes, this would fall under the "small ball" definition but is not THE DEFINITION of "small ball" only a part of it. Other article, "Digging the small ball", means baseball (small ball in the headline = baseball), versus larger ball sports. Nothing in article about bunting, stealing, squeeze plays, etc. HuskerHacker, really enjoying this banter back and forth with you. Hope the experience is fun and educational for you.

How is Burly riding a hot bat? Second inning, inning you are referencing, he hadn't hit yet and was hitting about .250 on the season with no hitting streak. Be my guest and ask some baseball guys if they would play small ball in the bottom of second down 8-0. Won't find any...that includes me. By the way please recreate for me your idea (how you would have managed the second inning using small ball. Below is the hitters and what they did: Kash- hbp farmer- double kash scored Christensen- ground ball to second Farmer to third Sheffert- K Cooper- walk Burly-K How would you use small ball? Can't wait to see your response. Their starter 1.07 era Freeman was 1.77 going into game last night. Know your facts better before you open the pie hole. Will check back in later to take you to baseball school some more.

HuskerHacker, I know why you want to always talk about firing coaches rather than baseball, it's because you don't know baseball!!! Bottom of 2 (we just gave up 8 runs, inning begins for us with a run scored and a double with no outs, things look good) Kalk is HBP, Farmer Doubles, Kalk scores .... still no outs Christensen grounds out, Farmer advances (acceptable) 1 out Sheppard strikes out swinging (unacceptable) (again, where was the short swing, get the ball in play and Farmer scores) Cooper walks, Burleson strikes out swinging (acceptable) (still no short swing, fences or bust) First of all, why is it alright for Burleson to swing and miss and not Scheffert? Secondly, choking up with 2 strikes is passe'. Some out there still teach that approach, but not many...Erstad is one of the "not many". By the way, if choking up was so effective, why wouldn't hitters do it all the time? IMO, hitting with 2 strikes is a mental approach, not physical. Are there runners on base? What is the score? What inning? What type of pitcher am I facing? Sometimes, you just have to tip your cap to the pitcher. However, since this is still a debatable subject, I will admit your opinion is valid...but not valid concerning Scheffert and Burleson. Bottom of the 8th: Again the lead off reaches Again, no small ball.. next three batters fail to advance the runner Your comment above is NOT debatable. When you are down by 5 runs in the 7th, 8th (late in the game) YOU DON'T PLAY SMALL BALL (1 OR 2 RUN INNINGS). You don't risk outs by stealing! You don't give away outs by sac. bunting! Your goal is base runners....the more the better. Once we fell behind 8-0, small ball was not an option. My last comment has to do with the entire tone of you post. You decide to pick on our offense in a game where we scored 7 runs. 6 of those runs were against the starter who came into the game with a 1.05 era (there's a stat for ya). Starter had given up only 3 earned runs all year. Last night he gave up twice that many in less than 9 innings pitched. When you score 7 runs on a teams Friday night pitcher and lose, hitting/offense wasn't your problem. What is really interesting to me, is that last Sunday you were all over our pitching and pitching coach for giving up 3 runs on Sunday. Didn't focus on the fact that we scored "0" runs, you were more worried about first pitch fastballs Defense: C+ (we continue to make defense mistakes (errors) and its cost us. In last nights game a defensive hesitation in the first inning led to 3 runs scored. Continue this and our Big 12 success will be at or near the bottom of the conference. On the other hand, our fielding % is up from a year ago.) Here's another stat for you, NU is tied with A&M for fewest unearned runs allowed (in Big 12). Don't think defense is an issue like you graded it. We are as good or better in every area this year than in last couple of years. Significant upgrade at first and catcher....that was my last comment.

edit 2: You mister Turn2 have posted that Newman throws first pitch fastballs because they are 90 plus with movement. If so... why then a 85 mph curve into a 25 mile per hour wind with a 3 run lead? This not what I said. Again, my inability to communicate effectively with the written word. Below is what I said and what I meant by below commentary is, Keller was being asked to throw more first pitch fastballs because he wasn't commanding his slider. Even the best fastball pitcher will struggle if they throw first pitch fastballs all the time...it's called being predictable. Oh yeah, for your own personal education...nobody in baseball throws an 85 mph curve, slider yes. [b]1. Newman being to predictable because he is calling nothing but first pitch fastballs- first of all the kid has a 92-94 MPH fastball and Tech only had four hits in 8 innings. I will take that any day of the week. Second of all Keller was struggling with command of his slider. Two of Tech's 3 runs were lead-off walks...very important with these new bats to not walk batters, especially lead-off batters. Start off with strikes and this will open up the pitch selection, even though he was struggling with command of slider. [/b] To bad my opinion "pisses you off". Maybe you should stop reading what I post. If you reread my post, you will see that I have never argued for Coach Anderson or any coach. I offer perspective if I think blame is being directed inappropriately in a specific situation....again, JMO. I will not argue for or against a coach keeping his job....and this is my right.

HuskerHacker, You don't anger me, you frustrate me. Posters all over the net use message boards to ventilate their frustration about their schools head coaches. Since most of these posters have some intelligence, they can use stats, compare apples to oranges, to make their points. Additionally, they will misrepresent the information (intentionally or unintentionally); i.e blaming Coach Anderson for our poor offensive out put when he has nothing to do with our offense except coaching third. I know what you are going to say, "coaching third has a huge impact on our offense". This would be true if he was still giving our best hitters the take sign with 3-1 or 2-0 counts, but he isn't. Coach Erstad is in control of our hitters approaches! Anderson calls hit and runs, bunts, suicide squezze....approach is Erstad. Bases loaded K's with less than 2 outs is and approach issue. Lack of 2 out knocks with runners in scoring position is an execution/approach issue. One of the fewest base on balls in Big 12, approach. NOT TRYING TO THROW ERSTAD UNDER THE BUS! I believe the team is still transitioning from one philosophy to Erstad's and this takes time. I was simply trying to make a point. Let's substract our runs scored against Doane and UN Kearney and compare our runs per game scored to; Oral Roberts, Creighton and DBU. Haven't done the math but I would bet we would fair pretty well. Again, why can't we talk baseball instead about coaches. I am sorry that I got this involved with this discussion!

The best managers make good players play like great players- This is the only comment I agree with!!!! You can not compare Creighton to Nebraska. DBU is independent....REALLY???? Oral Roberts is in the Summit....your out of your mind!!!! People in Texas say, "don't go to A&M if your a hitter" Van Horn, with those facilities, underachieves. HuskerHacker, welcome to the year 2011...Anderson DOES NOT have anything to do with the BATS, Erstad does. Oh, and by the way, Nebraska is second in Big 12 in runs scored.

Wish our athletes, in every sport, would play with a chip on their shoulders instead of a controlled belief that everything will work out in the end. (I write this with a voice in my head reminding me of how proud I am of our athletes conducting themselves respectfully and us not having to apologize to other fans for conduct similar to that of the Fresno State players.) Maybe Anderson should try to light a fire under these young men with the "us against the world" mentality? Couldn't agree more with you. However, there is a balance between chip and passive, respectful and arrogant. This fall during the Red & White series, two coaches and two players were calling each other out. "I going to whip your effin a$$ if you don't"....... I liked it, I liked the fire, the passion. Don't play the game afraid to lose! Don't disrespect your opponent and DON'T fear them either. Play the game hard and as if it were the last time you would play the game!

I appologize for not making my point clear. I am not a big fan of writing, hence the poor writing skills. However, I would like to clarify my thoughts regarding Keller and the Nebraska pitching staff. Keller- IMO, best pro pitching prospect on the roster. Big frame, big arm and the kid, age wise, should still be a senior in high school (turns 19 this summer). Has had no individual pitching instruction, other than coaches he has played for. Big, young, raw and already having good success. The raw part is what leads to his lack of command but makes me excited about this kid. Once the light switch goes on with him and his secondary pitches, he will be dominant. Point I want to emphsis, he is still having success...<3.00 era, as a freshman, is very good. He has great poise and presence on the mound. Cudo's to the coaches for getting this kid. The fact he is still struggling with the command of this pitch is certainly not Anderson...he doesn't coach pitchers. Since he didn't have a pitching coach growing up, he probably taught himself how to throw a slider or curve and it was probably wrong. Nebraska pitching staff- best since 2008. Has a chance to be better. Also, very similar with the mix of power arms and finesse. I really like our pitching staff and when we get Ehlers, it will be even better. Bonus thought- IMO, we will see growing pains with Erstad as our hitting coach. Every starter this year has at least one year under their belt with a different Husker hitting coach and his philosophy's. Erstad is learning the players and they are learning him. Our hitting or lack there of, cost us the game Sunday, not the pitching. Our pitchers held Tech to 3 runs. Tech threw 2 pitchers for 8 innings with > 5.5 era and we didn't score 1 run against them and only had 1 hit after the 3rd inning. I am huge Erstad supporter and think he will bring a big time offense to Nebraska, but may not be till next year or earliest end this year.

The University of Nebraska has spent a large amount of resources on this program and the resources continue to be thrown down the gutter. I won't apologize for my desire to have a baseball team that is both respected and feared. We've lost our "home field" advantage over the last three year performance. We can't compete with teams like Texas Tech, let alone TexA$$, Baylor and Oklahoma. I continue to hope for a sign of improvement but I continue to watch my hopes crumble and therefore I continue to hope this is the make it or break it year for Anderwatson. Either take us to regional play or get the pink slip. HuskerHacker, I have said before, if you want to talk baseball I am all in. If you want to talk about Coach Anderson, I will not participate.

Post like this that create misinformation. HuskerHacker, your dislike for Anderson and the coaching staff in general cloud your judgment about the game and what really happened. I was at all three games this weekend, so let me point out some inconsistencies with your above comments: 1. Newman being to predictable because he is calling nothing but first pitch fastballs- first of all the kid has a 92-94 MPH fastball and Tech only had four hits in 8 innings. I will take that any day of the week. Second of all Keller was struggling with command of his slider. Two of Tech's 3 runs were lead-off walks...very important with these new bats to not walk batters, especially lead-off batters. Start off with strikes and this will open up the pitch selection, even though he was struggling with command of slider. 2. Anderson was very emotional and IMO argued a correct call more than he should. Throw from farmer took Asche into runner (up the line toward second) to the point, runner had no chance to slide. It was bang, bang and IMO the right call by umps. 3. With all the Bo Pelini stuff last fall and Anderson's short temper in the past, it is rumored that TO has given Coach Anderson an order to keep his cool. I know I wanted Anderson to get his money's worth after they called Kash out for leaving early on a tag up. That was a horrible call and no way the plate ump can see runner at third and catch 50 ft. behind first on the line at the same time. Anderson came sprinting toward the ump but caught himself, argued and then went back to coaching third. If anything, blame TO (IMO) for putting Anderson in a position where he can't show emotion. Note: I am purely speculating about TO giving Coach Anderson orders to calm down.

Your calculations for an "acceptable" record in the 23 games listed is 19-4. That is doable in my mind but I think the word I would use is ambitious. In those 23 games, we play 12 conference games of which 6 are away. We play KSU, Creighton (twice) and Wichita State in non conference games. Winning every series, beating Creighton both times and splitting between KSU and WSU would be good. I would put that at 19-4....uh, I agree with you. However, I would think 16-7 would be acceptable. Especially if we win the conference series.

Anderson has nothing to do with our offense, other than coach third base. Hitters are coached exclusively by Erstad. Erstad doesn't teach our guys to check swing, on a 2-0 count, at a slider in the dirt. I enjoy talking baseball. If the board begins to develop in to a coach witch hunt, then I will quietly go away. Texas A&M lost to Florida International yesterday 2-1. Texas lost to Brown yesterday, and according to a friend of mine would have lost other game if not for one player (Brown lost 4-3 and one player for Texas hit a Grand Slam, game 2 was 7-3 Brown). Missouri lost a series to Illinois at Chicago and a game to LeMoyne. Rice is 9-7 and lost 7-0 midweek to Sam Houston State. TCU got beat 7-3 by Houston Baptist. That is the same team that Nebraska put up 40 runs in 4 games last year on. Point being, early in the season and a lot of adjustments by hitters to be made. With the way our pitching is shaping up and the ability our hitters have, supposedly, we have a chance to finish high in Big 12. "It's not how you start, but how you finish"

Husker Hacker, Gonzalez shoved the baseball up our A&& today. I never felt like Nebraska was a threat today. Not one batter looked like they were capable of getting a hit in a crucial situation. I am still optimistic and think we will be alright. Hitting is as much mental as anything and I think Erstad is having to build a lot of hitters up from the bottom. FSU's approach at the plate is much more confident than ours....even when we are in hitters counts.

Don't know why you thought game 1 was the only game we would win? Regarding the fan frustration of hitting, or lack there of in key situations. I can promise you that the coaches and players are more frustrated than the fans. It was not the pitching, but lack of execution by the hitters. 3 K's with at least 2 runners on base and a bases loaded, no out, full count, ground into double play. By the way, Fresno scored at least 3 runs on plays that our defense should of made. Fresno did not win the game yesterday....Nebraska lost the game. I will say this, IMHO, this season does not have the same feel as last two years. I expect this team to battle every Big 12 team and win more than they lose in conference. Everything we are going through right now is a learning opportunity; situational hitting, starting pitching, relief pitching, base running. Players and coaches are learning what this team can and cannot do and what this team needs to do a better job of.

Husker Hacker, do you have an apple? I have an orange, maybe we can compare! 13 hits, 7 walks, 3 HBP, 1 error....and we score 5 runs...WOW! Must of been the Fresno pitching staff.

Not sure who you were talking to huskerswrkhavoc, but my comparison of UCLA and Fresno was strictly pitching comparison. You are right, Fresno will be a better hitting team than UCLA. They will pitch good, but not close to what UCLA can pitch. Still may see same results that UCLA saw, but not because their pitchers are the same as UCLA...because they aren't