Next Year's Lineup

[shockfan89_]

I think we need to keep Flynn as a starter. We will be losing Kelley and probably Cooper after next year so he needs to be groomed for a weekend starting role.

Gene/JT need to go out and find a JC kid that can hit. I don't care if he is a base clogger and has to DH. We need a .350 15HR type guy regardless of fielding ability or speed. I think having someone like that in our line up with Clint and Jones would make everyone a MUCH better hitter. Just one, PLEASE!

[BostonWu]

flynn would give the shox a huge advantage for mid week. then come tourney time middle relief or 4th starter if needed in a regional. Cooper will be leaving after next year and you want Flynn ready to step in as a starter. I think Sossman has the makeup needed to be the closer.

Next year with 4 absolutely solid starters and what should be an improved offense im going to raise my expectations to ................................regional host, possibly a national seed :D

So for WSU that means wining majority of midweek games so that means keep flynn right there.

just my two cents.

I like this idea a lot. Always seems as if the coaches have some unwritten rule that the midweeks have to to go unproven frosh. I understand the developmental aspect of midweek slots but when you have a full stable of horses you've got to use them to their full potential.

[shockfan89_]

I agree that mid week wins are very important especailly for the RPI. I am not sure if it matters if it is Flynn or Lowell but we will have a quality 4th starter next year no matter what. That is the good news.

If our offense can improve a little more than marginally (which it better) we should be able to win enough games in the MVC that we should be in good shape to win the conference.

I think the coaches will move our best remaining pitcher to the 3rd weekend starter rather than having them start midweek. I understand this logic since we will probably lose both Kelley and Cooper after next season, but don't tell me weekend MVC starts take anymore of an adjustment than facing top ranked Big 12 teams and their potent bats all year...

[WSUwatcher]

Starters

Personally, I'd love to see the Shockers have five quality starters so they could go back to what they frequently did in their era of dominance, which was to use a real rotation.

I fear that WSU and Kemnitz have fallen into the weekend-midweek trap that pervades the college game as a result of the shortage of quality pitching in college baseball. That makes it tough when you play in a lesser conference, because it's important for RPI purposes actually to win some of those non-league games rather than just playing them. Next year, though -- especially if one or two new guys step up -- they could actually have five or six capable starters, which would give them a fighting chance against anyone anytime.

[rrshock]

I'd be surprised if Baez is in the 3 hole next year (.275 w/ .360 slugging%). I think somebody else will step up, maybe Bennett (.338 w/ .490 slugging%)?

FYI-Springer hit .398 this year (thru 5/2/09) with 9 hr and 50 RBI in 49 games. Stole 3 bags. In 08' he went .424, 4, 47 with 7 bags.

I'll go out on a limb and say whatever the lineup is, we will score more than 5.37 runs/game. (8.01 08'; 6.35 07'; and 6.57 06')

That trend doesn't look good. I would hope it would be more, but you never know.

[Dan]

They need more pop on offense wherever that may come from. Judging from the results this year, I don't think anyone's position should be safe, except maybe Mckeever at 1st base.

[ShockerFever]

Re: Starters

Personally, I'd love to see the Shockers have five quality starters so they could go back to what they frequently did in their era of dominance, which was to use a real rotation.

I fear that WSU and Kemnitz have fallen into the weekend-midweek trap that pervades the college game as a result of the shortage of quality pitching in college baseball. That makes it tough when you play in a lesser conference, because it's important for RPI purposes actually to win some of those non-league games rather than just playing them. Next year, though -- especially if one or two new guys step up -- they could actually have five or six capable starters, which would give them a fighting chance against anyone anytime.

The pitching isn't the issue, as demonstrated this weekend.

[shockfan89_]

Assuming Gould signs a pro contract, which one of the WSU signees have the best chance to make an immediate impact next year?

[shock10]

Players to pick from as of now.

Pitchers:
Hoch LHP Sr.
Smith LHP So.
Flynn LHP So.
Lowell LHP So.
LaBrie LHP Fr.
Fleming RHP Sr.
Johnson RHP So. RS
Cooper RHP So.
Muncrief RHP So. RS? Injured
Kemp RHP Jr.
Sossamon RHP So.
Banwart RHP So.
Guy RHP Sr.
Kelley RHP Jr. RS
Mateychick RHP Fr. 28th round
McGreevy RHP Fr.

Catcher:
O'Brien S So.
Lassley R Sr. RS
Ryan Hege R So.

First:
McKeever R Sr. RS
Gilmore R Sr.

Middle Infield:
Baez R Sr.
Grimes R So.
Goro R Fr. 46th round
Davidson R Fr.
Harbutz S Fr.

Third:
Springer L Jr.
Coy R Fr. RS

Outfield:
Bascue R Sr. RS
Jones L Sr. 39th round
Engrav R Jr.
Caster R Jr.
Hall R So. RS?
Green R Fr. 44th round
Bayliff L Fr.
Bennett L Sr.

Did I forget anyone? 41 guys and only 27 can get aid?
Now down to 36 is that right?

[SB Shock]

Did I forget anyone? 41 guys and only 27 can get aid?

Well actually it is only 27 that can get partial scholarships. I'm sure the university does everything it can to make sure that they maximize their financial aid from the university if eligible.

[SpanglerFan316]

http://blogs.kansas.com/shockwaves/page/2/

Northern Iowa outfielder Travis Bennett has told Wichita State coaches he will transfer to WSU and play for the Shockers next season. He will be a senior and be eligible to play right away because UNI is dropping the sport.

shock10 wrote "Bennett L Sr." as one of the outfielders. ???

[shock10]

Yes

[shock10]

Does anyone know whether any of the freshmen that are comming are switch hitters of left handed hitters as we need left handed hitters. IMO

[pogo]

At least two of the new position players are lefties.

[SpanglerFan316]

Did anyone post this? http://www.kansas.com/sports/shockers/story/841790.html