The first scrimmage started late since it was pouring at 3:30. I didn't realize they would still be scrimmaging so I missed the first inning. I stayed for about 4 innings until I had to leave. Here are some notes I jotted down. Also, our fall practice jerseys have very time numbers on the back so it was difficult to identify any fielders.
Pitching:
Over 4 innings I saw 2 pitchers for each squad. Doxakis and Saenz started and were replaced by Richardson and Birdsell (Fr).
Dox sat 88-90 with his fastball on the stadium gun. He looked sharp at first as he struck out 2 batters in a row before giving up 3 straight hits including a HR. Then he settled back in to retire the rest.
Saenz was 87-88 on his FB but occasionally touched 90. Had a nice slow curve around 76. Very noticeable drop in velo. In the both innings he let the inning get away from him with walks after giving up a hit. When he missed he tended to miss high and to his arm side with the fastball.
Richardson looked good in his two innings. Also sat high 80s with the fastball. Had a pitch he threw in the low 80s as well but couldn't tell what pitch. Worked quickly and the only run he gave up was unearned on an error by Walters at first trying to start a 3-6-1 DP.
Birdsell was lighting up the gun with a FB around 92-94 that touched as high as 96. He struggled with command though. During one stretch he threw probably 6 straight fastballs at eye level. He did show a really quick pickoff move to get DeLoach at 2nd with the bases loaded.
Fielding:
As I mentioned it was hard to see who was fielding in each position. Shewmake played SS for his squad while the other one had the Ole Miss transfer Blaum. Blaum brings a ton of energy to the field and is very vocal. Showed off a strong arm from short and also made a great diving play to snag a grounder up the middle and fire to first.
The two starting catchers were Coleman and Hoehner. Coleman blocked a few pitches in the dirt and had a throw behind the runner at second that looked fine. Hoehner also looked good behind the plate and nearly caught Wingate stealing second on a bang bang play that the coaches ultimately ruled safe.
We also have a LF (maybe Watson) that has an absolute cannon for an arm.
Batting:
Morris had a monster HR off the scoreboard off Saenz. Watson (Fr) also had a HR off Doxakis that he really got a hold of.
Ty Coleman (Fr) is pretty tiny but showed great plate coverage. Drove a single into left that was about shin high after fouling off a pitch well outside. Great bat to ball skills. Wingate also showed good contact although I doubt he will ever hit to the pull side or with any power. Both hits were solid singles to right and right-center but not a ton of power behind them.
Other players with hints that I saw were Waltersand Blaum with singles, and Hoehnerwith a double. DeLoach also had a 10 pitch at bat with Birdsell where he ultimately walked.
The only players who really struggled at the plate were two true freshmen. Townsend had 2Ks where he just didn't look comfortable and Dilullo has a long, lanky frame (6'2 185) and had trouble uncoiling to catch up with fastballs.
I hope to make tomorrow's game but if not I will definitely make Friday.
Pitching:
Over 4 innings I saw 2 pitchers for each squad. Doxakis and Saenz started and were replaced by Richardson and Birdsell (Fr).
Dox sat 88-90 with his fastball on the stadium gun. He looked sharp at first as he struck out 2 batters in a row before giving up 3 straight hits including a HR. Then he settled back in to retire the rest.
Saenz was 87-88 on his FB but occasionally touched 90. Had a nice slow curve around 76. Very noticeable drop in velo. In the both innings he let the inning get away from him with walks after giving up a hit. When he missed he tended to miss high and to his arm side with the fastball.
Richardson looked good in his two innings. Also sat high 80s with the fastball. Had a pitch he threw in the low 80s as well but couldn't tell what pitch. Worked quickly and the only run he gave up was unearned on an error by Walters at first trying to start a 3-6-1 DP.
Birdsell was lighting up the gun with a FB around 92-94 that touched as high as 96. He struggled with command though. During one stretch he threw probably 6 straight fastballs at eye level. He did show a really quick pickoff move to get DeLoach at 2nd with the bases loaded.
Fielding:
As I mentioned it was hard to see who was fielding in each position. Shewmake played SS for his squad while the other one had the Ole Miss transfer Blaum. Blaum brings a ton of energy to the field and is very vocal. Showed off a strong arm from short and also made a great diving play to snag a grounder up the middle and fire to first.
The two starting catchers were Coleman and Hoehner. Coleman blocked a few pitches in the dirt and had a throw behind the runner at second that looked fine. Hoehner also looked good behind the plate and nearly caught Wingate stealing second on a bang bang play that the coaches ultimately ruled safe.
We also have a LF (maybe Watson) that has an absolute cannon for an arm.
Batting:
Morris had a monster HR off the scoreboard off Saenz. Watson (Fr) also had a HR off Doxakis that he really got a hold of.
Ty Coleman (Fr) is pretty tiny but showed great plate coverage. Drove a single into left that was about shin high after fouling off a pitch well outside. Great bat to ball skills. Wingate also showed good contact although I doubt he will ever hit to the pull side or with any power. Both hits were solid singles to right and right-center but not a ton of power behind them.
Other players with hints that I saw were Waltersand Blaum with singles, and Hoehnerwith a double. DeLoach also had a 10 pitch at bat with Birdsell where he ultimately walked.
The only players who really struggled at the plate were two true freshmen. Townsend had 2Ks where he just didn't look comfortable and Dilullo has a long, lanky frame (6'2 185) and had trouble uncoiling to catch up with fastballs.
I hope to make tomorrow's game but if not I will definitely make Friday.