Apologies, but this is going to be a lazy post, mainly created to have an on-point discussion area for the weekend series with Stanford. I’ve been too busy this week to crunch numbers or come up with a slant for this series.
My gut feeling is that since Stanford isn’t an elite team, the Beavers will take two of three to even out last weekend’s loss.
As I write this, “KRhod” gives up a two run jack to give Stanford a 5 run 7th. I’m still sticking with my prediction though, because I feel like winning versus inferior opponents is the Beaver’s Modus operandi.
The scary thing is how much has to go right for these guys to win a game versus good competition. Pitching, defense, and offense all have to be on. If one area is off, it’s lights out. There’s no margin for error. You can win with that type of talent if you have heart and moxie (e.g. the “gashouse gang” did it for years), but these guys seem to be going through the motions.
It’s probably safe to say that we need some pitching besides Peavey, Robles and Gorton… and Gaviglio when he’s on.
Can we get our recruiting class in now?
Can we get our full recruiting class without the draft taking half of them?
My opinion: when it comes to pitching, there are guys who “keep you in the game” and guys who single-handedly win you games. The Beavers are loaded with the former and don’t have a single of the latter, which brings the two other phases (defense and hitting) into the equation, and they are average at one of those and are atrocious at the other. Which is why everything needs to go right for these guys to win a game versus good competition, which is why they are below .500 in the conference.
I still think they take the next two and come out tomorrow with a fire under their collective ass, but would I put a cent on it? No.
And again, I have to say I like Oregon…they have pitchers who are shutting people down and a ton of moxie, saying they should have won the ASU series and “those guys weren’t that good.”
Man, if only we had that kind of confidence bordering on hubris. It helps you win games believe it or not.
I like UO too. They started things off right last year by hitting the local talent hard. These guys would have been Beavs if the Ducks had no team. Kudos to them for playing ball.
I’ve said before that I worry that Casey is targeting the best players and not targeting those who might play in the NCAA’s. UO will suffer this fate as they mature. But we’re faced with this reality now.
Because Casey won titles with local talent, the pro scouts took more notice of our local talent. I truly believe that this team would halve its losses with Kyrell Hudson leading off. Pitching is a different story. Peavey was yanked in the 7th, and all hell broke loose. 20/20 hindsight tells us that was a mistake.
I only like four of our pitchers to win any one game. That’s excellent for a post-season series. But it sucks for trying to get to the post-season.
Add to that an ability to only wake up in the fifth inning, and we’re screwed.
It’s a long season, and we have an excellent coach. So I’m not going to be tossing any bath water. But these kids need to wake up.
Oh, I should clarify, I don’t like Oregon, but what I meant to say is I like the attitude of their players and program.
I agree about Hudson. Santos and Miller at the top is a major part of what is killing the offense. I’d almost prefer Boyd or Hayes batting 1 and 2 and worry about the middle of the lineup later. This team should not have anything resembling a set lineup. It should be set daily by determining matchups for that particular game and pitcher. Bunting should be utilized way more; stolen bases, hit and runs, etc. Casey is using this approach of sitting back and waiting for the leadoff hitters (whether game or inning) to get on base and others to drive them in. Well, he doesn’t have Ellsbury et al. anymore and he needs to realize this sooner rather than later. Folsom is the hottest hitter of late, why not move him up in the lineup to cash in any early on base opportunities? Just, things like that. Casey is a great coach, but my one peeve this season has been his handling of the lineup. It’s not coming together on its own volition so it’s time to play small and creatively.
I like the Ducks because I know a couple kids on the team. I appreciate the local flavor of the roster. Beyond that, I root for the Beavs.
I’m always a proponent of small ball. But I’m also a Dodgers fan, so that might have something to do with it.
Hmmm…that was an embarrassing loss. But perhaps that will incite something in the Beavers today and they will come out with angry bats…one can only hope.
I really look forward to today’s game. Last weekend they won the first game, which took some pressure off. This week we’ll see how they respond behind the eight ball. I think it’s going to be positive the next couple days. If not, we’re going to have to start discussing whether or not this team even makes the tourny.
Sweetness!!! Nice HOMER!!!
Man, I just got home and missed most of this game.
Also see Oregon drubbing UCLA–ugh.
It’s funny how Parker says Boyd is a clutch hitter every time he’s at bat with a man on base. This comment is based off one double he hit versus Utah.
Damn Angry…you and I were discussing the Ducks the other day. I am choking on my own bile now, but I have to say that the 2nd year Ducks are playing better baseball then the Beavers.
I cant find it now, but there was even an ESPN blurb about how the Ducks are lining themselves up for a Regional and this was before their apparent series win against the Bruins which may happen within the next hour.
How the hell can this happen? Of course, the Beavers could pound the hell out of the Quacks and re-establish order. It is up to them.
I don’t know how good the Ducks are. They might just have no expectation/pressure on them. Maybe when they are ranked, as they will be after this weekend, they’ll play tight and not as well.
Beavs are definitely playing tight. Miller just lined out to end the 9th. I do not think this team is built for extra frames and now feel this will be a loss.
Ah yep, there is it.
2 run hr.
I have recently just been paying closer attention to Beaver baseball of this season. I payed attention close enough when I was in high school back when they won the back to back NCAA Titles. I was out of state for 2 years and was busy with other things and football was more on my mind. So I would say Nationally OSU is known as a university through football and baseball. Basketball they are laughed at and ridiculed. Football they have are more known for inconsistency in Oklahoma and surrounding states. And in Ohio, Florida, and most east coast, they are known for football with the exception of all nationally acclaimed baseball colleges. (That’s for the identity thing.)
As far as the hitting is concerned….it’s horrible and that’s why the Beavs lose games. It sounds to me that Oregon has hitting and good outfielding. Our outfielders should be quick people with good gloves…2 runs were given up on a triple in the 7th I believe..so that’s the theme…the 7th inning is when they start to lose it. wouldn’t you say?
Is this series even worth discussing anymore? I don’t really care what happens today since this season is going nowhere. Well, I like to see our team have a good winning percentage, historically, and give us something to be proud about…so sure, win the game.
And it keeps getting uglier by the inning. I am surprised that the Oregonian has not jumped on the Duck story. They should be in the top 25 in the next poll, although they are getting beat today.
Yeah, Ducks and Beavs are going to trade spots. Rightfully so. Still some time to right this ship but it’s fading fast. Give it one more weekend before putting the fork in these guys.
As we all figured, Ducks and Beavs trade spots.
http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/college/top-25/2010/269837.html
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