Seriously, with Sammi, Rachel, Laura and Syd even with no new pitching this team would have contended for the top half of the league. Any of the four could change the game with one swing. But thats not going to happen now.
Just my opinion, but Butler would contend for the Mo Valley Title or at least a top three this year. Two pitchers over 66mph and one at 63 along with a fourth who could be 62 or better by spring. Plus, they have several girls who will move on to Division I schools. Bottom line is that HCKB is not going to pick up a pitcher out of high school who can get the Shocks to where they want to be. They are not there. Every top pitcher in HS down to the sophomore level is committed or close to it and thats not just in Kansas, its a national issue. Shocks are going to have to go the JUCO route and either Grizzly who started both games could do the job or at least help. If the Shocks want Berlin, they are going to have to get to work soon as she is on the "hot list" I believe the other girl has an "official" this weekend at a Big 12 school. HCKB has players on the way, but finding a pitcher is going to take some special recruiting. I thought Katie threw well and looked to get better as the game went on. Keep in mind this Butler team played Arkansas a 2-1 game also out of the SEC. When they put the top nine on the field, it should get better. Right now, coaches are just looking to figure out what they have and merge into a team concept.
Let the coaches coach and see if the players improve. They made some mental mistakes (both teams) that they shouldn't make in the spring like trying to get a lead runner instead of the sure out, overthrowing cutoffs etc. Butler has several players who could help WSU out in the future. Also, didn't a JUCO pitcher from Illinois or somewhere around there bail on them?
Also, looks like the Shocks are taking in the OK State tournament this weekend and looking. These coaches aren't just going to sit around and do nothing.
Oh, I did expect before the game to see Butler sweep based on the talent level so there was a positive for the Shocks.
Just my opinion, but Butler would contend for the Mo Valley Title or at least a top three this year. Two pitchers over 66mph and one at 63 along with a fourth who could be 62 or better by spring. Plus, they have several girls who will move on to Division I schools. Bottom line is that HCKB is not going to pick up a pitcher out of high school who can get the Shocks to where they want to be. They are not there. Every top pitcher in HS down to the sophomore level is committed or close to it and thats not just in Kansas, its a national issue. Shocks are going to have to go the JUCO route and either Grizzly who started both games could do the job or at least help. If the Shocks want Berlin, they are going to have to get to work soon as she is on the "hot list" I believe the other girl has an "official" this weekend at a Big 12 school. HCKB has players on the way, but finding a pitcher is going to take some special recruiting. I thought Katie threw well and looked to get better as the game went on. Keep in mind this Butler team played Arkansas a 2-1 game also out of the SEC. When they put the top nine on the field, it should get better. Right now, coaches are just looking to figure out what they have and merge into a team concept.
Let the coaches coach and see if the players improve. They made some mental mistakes (both teams) that they shouldn't make in the spring like trying to get a lead runner instead of the sure out, overthrowing cutoffs etc. Butler has several players who could help WSU out in the future. Also, didn't a JUCO pitcher from Illinois or somewhere around there bail on them?
Also, looks like the Shocks are taking in the OK State tournament this weekend and looking. These coaches aren't just going to sit around and do nothing.
Oh, I did expect before the game to see Butler sweep based on the talent level so there was a positive for the Shocks.
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