Earley talks strategy entering cold weekend series against Cal Poly

On Thursday's edition of TexAgs Live, Texas A&M baseball head coach Michael Earley joined us to preview this weekend's series against Cal Poly. Earley gave injury updates as the Maroon & White prepare to host the Mustangs for a three-game set at a cold Blue Bell Park.

Key notes from Michael Earley interview

• We are going on as planned, regardless of the weather. People have asked if we want to move it up on Friday, but it's colder during the day than it is at game time. As of right now, we are on schedule, so it'll be a little cold.
   
• I didn't know what to do with myself on Tuesday after the McNeese State game was canceled. I had a good Tuesday dinner with the family, so that was nice. I was upset, though — just like when I was a kid, and it rained — because I wanted to play so badly.
   
• Nothing simulates a game, but we have machines and technology that allow us to do that. I anticipate three nine-inning games this weekend, so there are some positives on the sports performance part of the McNeese game getting canceled.
   
• Waiting to get the right pitch is about having a low heartbeat and not being afraid to get to two strikes. We try to make these guys understand the pitches they can handle the best. There are no take signs. No one's telling anyone to walk. If you can't do damage, wait for your pitch or wait for the next one. If the ball’s right down the middle, I'd love for you to swing at it.
   
• It was a little different when I got the job at Arizona State. I was just teaching hitting. They had a different philosophy of early contact. It's more of a studying and self-reflecting on players. You’ve got to get on base and swing the bat, so make sure you have a good pitch.
   
• It was great for Terrence Kiel II and his confidence to get named the co-SEC Freshman of the Week. Kiel played really well. I didn't even see when he caught that ball that he kind of leaned against the fence, but I love that. He’s just being comfortable. I'm excited to see him get back out there this weekend.
   
• We will continue to be cautious with Caden Sorrell. I don't anticipate him playing this weekend, especially with the temperatures. It might not be next week, either. I'm not playing him until he's 105 percent ready.
   
• Josh Stewart is good to go. He threw Tuesday, which is awesome. He's not built up to go back-to-back days, but he's on the right track, and we will see him this weekend.
   
• Gavin Grahovac has a little shoulder tightness, but he looked good in that game on Saturday and hit a back-side homer. I'm just getting those at-bats under his belt. He's got a little of a left shoulder deal, but he is further along right now this weekend than he was two weeks ago. He'll be alright.
   
• It'll be the same starting pitching rotation. They are built up a little more, but we'll take the that into account. The pitch count will be what it was last weekend. Weather is a factor, but you want to win and continue to build. We don't want to take a step back because of the weather, so as long you're sitting there, it's very fluid, to be honest with you.
   
• Blake Binderup has been awesome. It's been awesome to watch him come in and make the switch. He's a top dude. It doesn't matter win or lose, but if I get into a brawl, I want him with me. When you're playing the way he's playing, he's one of the toughest guys on the team, and that's the kind of guy you want. The skies are the limit for him. I'm a big believer in him, and he just needs to get more comfortable out there.
   
• We want to have an impact on everyone who comes into our program. Binderup worked hard last year, and now he's a year more confident and a year better. There was the fly ball error in the game, but other than that, he's improved defensively. This one is everything we've asked of him leading up to his point.
   
• Brad Rudis can do anything you ask of him. He can start, close, come in the middle, bridge to the closer, and he has leadership qualities from the moment he's been in. There's nothing too big for him. I lean on him a lot as a voice of the pitchers to the head coach. Once we build up his pitch count, he will play a massive role. I don't sleep any differently with Rudis. You can give him the ball, win or lose.
   
• With the Mustangs, it'll depend on how much they get on base. We will see how the weather conditions go. Don't be shocked if you see a single and an immediate bunt from them. You'll probably see it plenty this weekend weekend.
   
• The synergy of our coaching staff is good. We knew what the roles were in the game. I caught myself trying to do too much, and I had to reflect and realize everyone was doing what they were supposed to do and keep rolling. The anticipation surrounding game one plays a part in it, but they know what I expect out of them and what the players expect. They're doing that. I like being around the guys I work with, which helps a ton. If you're doing your job and you care, that's all you ask for. High-level focus, wanting to win and making the guys better.