Thoughts on the alumni game???

[TXThorn]

I'm dying to hear what the current players looked like in the game. Any info on the play of new guys? Anyone look improved from last year? I know it's not setup like a typical game and guys go in and out, just carving some Texas baseball. Even any player info from practice would be great.

 

[s102r18]

Mostly factual with just a bit commentary, but Joanna's writeup is now available.

 

[BClear]

I went to the game and am willing to throw in my two cents worth! Hard to draw many conclusions from one game and a maximum of one inning from any pitcher but here are some observations:

Milner and Stafford both looked good. Stafford had 3 K's! So we should be solid in replacing Workman as the third starter.

Hard to imagine anyone as good as Ruffin was last year, but we have a lot of arms to choose from. Not counting Jungmann, Green, Milner and Stafford (who I see as starters), five other pitchers threw a shutout inning. Stayton Thomas got hit hard a few times but is a competitor. Some Central Texas kids - Urban (3 K's), Thornhill and McGirahan all looked solid.

Especially enjoyed Thornhill (freshman form Cedar Park) pitching because his Dad was nearby pacing and talking under his breath with each pitch. If the kid is half as competitive as his Dad, we have found a gem! We have a lot of incoming freshman arms so our pitching depth should be awesome.

Our defense looked excellent and our hitting weak. No surprise there considering we lost Keyes, Moldenhauer and Rupp. And with the rules changes with the bats, we are looking at some low scoring games this year. We had 6 hits for the game and only one extra base hit.

Our middle infield looks weak at the plate and our corner outfielders don't have much power. We do have a lot of options with the freshman players. One freshman started (Peyton) in right field and led off and five others were substituted during the game. Summers could push Etier at 2b and Kjerstad in rf went 2-2 with a triple. Weiss looked excellent on defense at 3b.

Overall, it was a beautiful day for baseball at the Disch! I think our pitching and defense will carry us a long way. Just hope we find some more pop in our bats.

 

[GemStateJim]

Many thanks to Joanna for that inning-by-inning summary. Good stuff.

Seeing some of those all too recently active 'Horns on the alumni roster made me a bit wistful.

 

[kjgirl]

Some of the freshmen looked pretty good and had a few hits. I can see some of the the new guys battling for starting positions. It will also be interesting to see who starts at catcher. I think Walsh is in the lead but doesn't have that position locked up.

Pitching will be good again.

 

[TXThorn]

Thanks to all...much appreciated.

 

[madcow]

Watch several of Kjerstad's games in HS ... kid can flat out hit. Think he's gonna help us big time.