Points and Questions

[big-e]

Like others on this forum, I am a fan in support of the players and baseball program. After years preparing for DIV I, we were predicted to be in last place. We lost many good players last year, but we have talent to be competitive and win games. What seems to be our biggest loss was in a pitching coach. I am not a college coach, but have played sports like many here. So my question is what can be done or will be done to get this program on a positive course. We played two of our best games starting conference play against Kennesaw loosing by only 1 run. We saw a change in the pitching rotation, good offense with a fired up dugout. Game 3 went back to the same strategy and coaching to loose big again starting in the first innings. 

QUESTION: If we are to start the same pitchers with highest ERA, most runs and hits why would we not have a bull pen ready rather than wait until the hole is so deep the offense can not catch up. (Game 1 and 2 Kennesaw) If the pitching coach understands individual abilities and limitations, why would he not develop that rather than demand and change to get pitchers down out of sync and in a loosing situation. 
There have been many good comments here and points. One questioned if it was pitching or coaching. I say a good coach can bring out the best not the worst in any player. Therefore, pitchers would be better if the coach knew how to motivate, teach and utilize the talent for what works. We have had several games we could have should have, but the coaches let us get into such a hole it was lost in the first innings.
 Just wandering if the coaches or anyone else analyzing the statistics to see the holes and strengths.

[brandon]

If your one of the players family dont get too upset at what I'm about to say because I dont mean it the way yall are probably going to take it.

Maybe the coaches we have right now are getting the very best out of the players we have right now. I understand we have players good enough to be competitive. And to be honest, being competitive dont mean you win, you can lose every game you play and still be competitive. The point is, we dont have the players to be at the top of the ASun. But at the same time we would probably win the SWAC. We have lost games to some good programs that are in good baseball conferences. And we have won a couple against them too.

Point is, I dont think the players are up to this level yet. But there is a lot of younger players that will get better, probably right before our eyes in the middle of games, and that gets me excited to watch, win or lose.

[big-e]

I agree and have reviewed and analyzed the statistics. We have some young talent and producing Freshmen and Soph. I have been addressing and asking question in respect to the future. The record, reputation and attitude going forward will affect the recruiting of any coach. There in lies the real issue in moving up to D! and our future. I will hope others will begin to ask questions of Keehn hiring this pitching coach. I for one hope their are parents and Alumni reading and reviewing to contact the AD. All should be interested in the reputation of UNA in all areas of athletics and scholastic. This will effect interest and quality of future students and players. Can we agree to get the word out that our baseball program needs better direction with qualified coaches.

[knuckleball]

I think you both have good points. However, I do think that the style and attitude was totally different last year with Hancock and I am disappointed that we haven't been able to continue on an upswing into this year. I really did see players, especially pitchers, that started the a little shaky last year, but continued to steadily improve both physically and mentally under the direction of Hancock. The players held him in high respect. Respect that he earned and deserved from them. This year, if you sit near the parents or overhear the players, you will quickly get the vibe that there is no admiration of this new coach. We are a weaker team, but we definitely have enough talent to be competitive if the coaches can inspire these guys to play to their highest potential, provide them encouragement and direction and lead them to win so they can gel and gain confidence as a team. Apparently, this guy doesn't allow pitchers to long toss, doesn't condition them for endurance and restricts them by choosing one or two pitches for them to "specialize" in. Now, I realize that is one strategy, but usually you develop the player's best pitch. From what I have been told, he has "assigned" them certain pitches without consideration of what they are already good at. Now, maybe that was just someone complaining, but the results are the same. The coach doesn't inspire his players. I'm just not sure that is the best logic. I can also see that our pitchers seem to tire out quickly. We have guys that come in and pitch well for two innings, start to struggle by the third and by the fourth they are done. Unfortunately, the coach doesn't seem to see the fatigue before allowing multiple runs to be scored. Now, that might be because the players are not up to par, but if you as a coach learn/know the limits and the strengths and weaknesses of your players, shouldn't you be able to recognize that before you have taken a toll on the pitcher and discouraged your batters that now have to find a way out of the hole? I just know I have seen great coaches do a lot more with less talent we I have seen poor coaches do nothing but fire coat tails.