Season Outlook

[t7017s]

As always... Well said Hays.

[Ashockalypse]

Sit back and enjoy......

[oldguy24]

YOUNG, YOUNG, YOUNG,,, Thats all I hear and read. I have a question. What is the difference between a 19 year old painting corners with a 90mph fastball versus a 22 or 23 year old? If the youngsters are consistent they will be fine. I remember what Kerry Wood was doing when he was 19. I'll take talent and ability over experience any day.

[shocks771]

Re: Record

Actually, 771, your guess has the Shocks at 38-18 (18-6 MVC) going into the Valley tournament.

I personally think 18-6 in the Valley is optimistic, considering how even some pretty good recent Shocker teams have shown a knack for losing the occasional silly game in league play. On the other hand, a couple of rainouts may lead to substitute games against lesser teams that could add in a cheap win or two. So I wouldn't be surprised if you're right, or close, and if so I defintely like their chances of winning 40.

I'll certainly go with your guess over Mr. sub.-500 KC, who also said the Shocks would lose on the court at Koch by 24 to Ceighton and 17 to UNI. If anyone's below .500 it's more likely to be KC on his picks than WSU on the diamond.

Thanks! Obviously my addition skills were very bad yesterday.

[Shocker85]

I have a question. What is the difference between a 19 year old painting corners with a 90mph fastball versus a 22 or 23 year old? If the youngsters are consistent they will be fine. I remember what Kerry Wood was doing when he was 19. I'll take talent and ability over experience any day.

That's a nice sentiment, however, if a kid is that good he would sign a pro contract. As I said above, experience + confidence is huge in baseball.

It has been said "Baseball is 90% mental -- the other half is physical." With the mental part comes the consistency and experience.

We'll start to learn a lot about this team real soon.

--'85.

[oldguy24]

I agree shkr85. Hopefully the scouts missed on a couple of these kids. We will find out real soon.

[goshox24]

I like the 38 - 40 win predictions. That is about where I see this team. The schedule actually works out well a chance to get some wins early in February and early March, and then Pepperdine and Long Beach on consecutive weekends at home. This team will play well at home and should see plenty of action before conference play starts at the end of March. Predictions mean nothing. It is time to play ball.

Go Shocks.

[Shocker85]

I also think the schedule sets up well.

Fla. competition isn't too tough. NDak and BYU shouldn't be tough.

The TCU roadie will be a real challenge and let them know where they stand after 8 games. The Spring break series will let the kids face some real big-time competition. If they get spanked by Pepperdine and/or LBSU, they'll get a real attitude heading into the start of conference play. If they win most of the Spring break games, they'll be brimming with confidence.

As usual, the MVC isn't too tough. MoSt brings a lot of experienced players and good pitchers back and could win the league. Creighton seems to succeed with that horrific small-ball they play and win more than they lose. The rest of the league is ... well ... about like normal.

Baseball in 5 minutes!!!!!!!!

--'85.

[KC Shox]

Lookin' good. I'm no Hays but damn! Can I get a witness!?! :D

[WstateU]

Lookin' good. I'm no Hays but damn! Can I get a witness!?! :D

:good: :good:

[ShockerFever]

KC = God.

I was wrong.

All the other koolaid drinkers need to come here and eat some crow too.

[shocker3]

I can appreciate the optimism, but really folks, an overhaul of our entire pitching, 2 returning starters, a lot of younglings, I predict a 27 win regular season.

You really think KC is right about us only winning 27 games?

I think he is still wrong about that.

That means we would have to go 7-16 in the remaining regular season games and a minimum of 3 games in the Valley tourney.

I just don't see that happening.

[ShockerFever]

Have you seen the way we've played the last week shocker3?

I know the Valley sucks, but damn, so do we..

[ShockRef]

Based on the recent level of play, I'll be happy if they reach 30.
At this point, you have to get a few props to KC. It doesn't make it any better, but they will end up a lot closer to 27 than 40 wins. 8)

[WstateU]

Based on the recent level of play, I'll be happy if they reach 30.
At this point, you have to get a few props to KC. It doesn't make it any better, but they will end up a lot closer to 27 than 40 wins. 8)

Be careful or KC will become top heavy. :D