Fall Ball

[earsky]

Okay, so the newest edition of Cardinal baseball started in earnest yesterday with everyone reporting to practice at Patterson. Time for a renewed vigor to get back where we belong-among the elite programs in the country.

This group looks to be flying way under the radar,which imo helps unify the players to work together to get there. There are lots of returning pieces to build from as Mac and Co. look to build a competitive and complete squad. Of course, there are questions too but let's wait and see how the transfers,Freshmen and RS Freshmen are able to contribute to the cause.

Looking forward to seeing what we've got with pitching and infield, two huge question marks. Can't wait for these scrimmage to start in a few weeks.

 

[TheRealVille]

Okay, so the newest edition of Cardinal baseball started in earnest yesterday with everyone reporting to practice at Patterson. Time for a renewed vigor to get back where we belong-among the elite programs in the country.

This group looks to be flying way under the radar,which imo helps unify the players to work together to get there. There are lots of returning pieces to build from as Mac and Co. look to build a competitive and complete squad. Of course, there are questions too but let's wait and see how the transfers,Freshmen and RS Freshmen are able to contribute to the cause.

Looking forward to seeing what we've got with pitching and infield, two huge question marks. Can't wait for these scrimmage to start in a few weeks.

Man, I have to admit Louisville baseball is far down in my mind currently with Cards sports. Baseball in general has been bad for me as being a Braves fan this season can attest. No one can remember a top team being so decimated with injuries.

And with the excitement of football about to commence and the surprising dominance in the Bahamas for the hoops team, there's just not enough room in my aging brain to conjecture on Louisville baseball. It seems a thousand days away.

But I will say this. Coach Mac best get it turned around in 2025 or his seat is going to be as hot as it has ever been.

 

[earsky]

That's why I'm posting on the baseball board. It's part of the problem as some perceive it to be,as we regularly talk bball and football year round. No difference to me talking baseball in the Fall as the new faces go through practice and Spring football. I can do both or all 3 😁.

 

[TheRealVille]

Oh I agree. I'm not taking anything away from you. I have talked baseball in the fall plenty of times. It's actually unusual for me to be so apathetic, but like I said, baseball has been brutal this season for me.

I check the baseball board daily. My Tyler Fitzgerald thread still has no replies. He's a former Card that's been a big surprise for the Giants this season.

 

[earsky]

My Tyler Fitzgerald thread still has no replies

I gave it a like🙃

 

[earsky]

So seriously though,the Program needs more support in any way that Cardinal fans can give it. More fan support, more financial support and more getting behind the Program when the chips are down. Especially when ACC play starts,we need to get to the park like last night at the Bats game for UofL night. That's my 2,now back to baseball. Intrasquad scrimmages coming soon with warm weather, byob,free admission and hopefully high caliber baseball.

 

[earsky]

Scrimmages starting next weekend per Tucker Biven.

 

[nccardfan]

Scrimmages starting next weekend per Tucker Biven.

Any reports?

 

[earsky]

Not yet but I'll be getting my walks in @ around the ballfield this week. Scrimmages this weekend I think.

 

[earsky]

Ok,so I just started getting my toes wet over here at 3rd and Central today with this latest edition of Cardinal baseball.
Got to see Forbes and West going at it. I'll say, I thought the pitchers certainly competed against a group of hungry hitters.

Impressions really other than watching some serious looking baseball players fighting for a spot,lots of new faces. The youngsters look fast and small like Alex and the transfers are all big dudes.

Gonna need a minute just to put numbers and names together. I liked the competition between pitchers and hitters today,with sprinkles of dynamite defensive gems.

 

[earsky]

We're scrimmaging!
Probably the forecast pushing it up.

 

[earsky]

The reports will trickle in,but I did see about 4 innings yesterday.
The star of the day,Freshman Tague Davis(#13) 1B/DH who had 2 dingers for the Red squad.
#27 Bayram Hot,transfer from Marist looks all the part as the new third baseman. Both of these guys are physically impressive.
There is no shortage of little guys either, as Mac has put together a team that looks to have both power and speed. We will challenge for National stolen bases this year.

Stay tuned as it is much harder to nail down the new pitchers...

 

[earsky]

Four guys look to rotate early for the 3 outfield positions.
King Jr
Moore
Lippe
Toledo transfer Garret Pike.

 

[earsky]

Anybody go to West Lafayette yesterday or have any more insight about possible breakout performers from the 15 inning scrimmage? Only bits and pieces on social media. Hoping to see some more stats come out today..

 

[nccardfan]

From Purdue's website,

Purdue Athletics is planning to offer a live stats feed via StatBroadcast in conjunction with a free live video feed on the Purdue Baseball Facebook page. However, both offerings will not be archived for on-demand views after the 14 innings are complete.

I just saw on another site, a final score of 17 to 17????

 

[earsky]

From Purdue's website,

Purdue Athletics is planning to offer a live stats feed via StatBroadcast in conjunction with a free live video feed on the Purdue Baseball Facebook page. However, both offerings will not be archived for on-demand views after the 14 innings are complete.

I just saw on another site, a final score of 17 to 17????

Per X, that’s probably right. 14innings I think,with the Cards up big 9-1 early.

 

[earsky]

IU Sunday I believe. Probably a similar scenario as Purdue. Not sure of the starting time, probably noon or 1. Byob and food, free admission.
Let's get this football win on Saturday then get back out to Patterson on Sunday for some baseball ⚾️

 

[earsky]

Noon Sunday

 

[nccardfan]

Noon Sunday

Any insight as to who we would see as a starting lineup, position wise? SP?

 

[earsky]

Any insight as to who we would see as a starting lineup, position wise? SP?

Look for Forbes to start. I also think West and Hartman could be in that weekend rotation. Probably either one of the transfers or a Redshirt for the other spot. Now,I’m saying that based on only what I know from last season. Detmers could crack it or Tucker if he’s not closing. We would have to find a new closer.

The outfield looks like King,Lippe,Moore,Rose and Toledo transfer Pike. At least one of these guys could be dhing on and off.

Across the infield is where it’s gonna be interesting. Alex, transfers Shiver,Edinger and Neighbor battle in the middle while transfer Hot,Monroe looks the part at 3rd. Freshman Tague Davis battling transfer Nate Early at 1st. Klein and Tagger Tyson catching.

Ok,so out of all of that,I could probably nail down maybe 3-4 position starters and Forbes as likely starters. They are literally competing for those spots this Fall.

 

[earsky]

I think this Tague Davis kid has a chance to break home run records over here. Best looking Freshman hitter I've seen over here since Binelas. He hit 2 the last time I saw him a couple of weeks ago. Two solo shots today..

 

[earsky]

Dickerson hitting for the cycle today. That looked like a statement to me. The ball explodes off his bat.
He's likely as big of a loss as Kilen. We sometimes forget both of those guys were drafted out of HS and part of the #3 class that included Forbes and Biven.

 

[nccardfan]

Look for Forbes to start. I also think West and Hartman could be in that weekend rotation. Probably either one of the transfers or a Redshirt for the other spot. Now,I’m saying that based on only what I know from last season. Detmers could crack it or Tucker if he’s not closing. We would have to find a new closer.

The outfield looks like King,Lippe,Moore,Rose and Toledo transfer Pike. At least one of these guys could be dhing on and off.

Across the infield is where it’s gonna be interesting. Alex, transfers Shiver,Edinger and Neighbor battle in the middle while transfer Hot,Monroe looks the part at 3rd. Freshman Tague Davis battling transfer Nate Early at 1st. Klein and Tagger Tyson catching.

Ok,so out of all of that,I could probably nail down maybe 3-4 position starters and Forbes as likely starters. They are literally competing for those spots this Fall.

I didn't see you mention Alicia? Hes going to be the starting SS/2B right?

 

[earsky]

I didn't see you mention Alicia? Hes going to be the starting SS/2B right?

Yes I mentioned him by his first name-Alex.

I think he's got the inside track at short. Transfer Shiver played third and short yesterday. He's a Senior and I'm sure he's not here to sit,but I think it's between him and Hot at third-right now.

As was the case last season, it appears there are 3-4 guys that will probably be cemented at their positions. Alicea looks like one,Rose,Klein,Davis and probably King,although if those guys aren't producing, there are guys nipping at their heels. Rose will likely and hopefully be a first team all ACC performer. Who else? We lost imo two guys in Kilen and Dickerson that were potentially all ACC type guys.

 

[AnotherCFD]

I think this Tague Davis kid has a chance to break home run records over here. Best looking Freshman hitter I've seen over here since Binelas. He hit 2 the last time I saw him a couple of weeks ago. Two solo shots today..

That’s refreshing news.

 

[earsky]

That’s refreshing news.

MIGHT be the steal of the class. Hate to jinx it but he's having a great Fall and looks to have the edge at 1st base.

 

[earsky]

Another Fall Ball comes and goes as the Pizza Bowl series wraps up. As it turns out, one team was more than slightly better than the other. I'm gonna try to tidy things up for those interested,but what it tells me short answer-there are more spots both in the batting order and for coveted weekend starting pitchers than what I would've thought going in. It is what it is and I hope to highlight some of the new faces hoping to barrel themselves into being a major part of this team.

Stay tuned..

 

[Bardman]

Earsky…translate for me. I read your post twice and interpreted two different ways. One, you thought returning players would grab starting roles over new guys? Or, not enough guys separated themselves to straight-up earn the starting spots?

 

[earsky]

Earsky…translate for me. I read your post twice and interpreted two different ways. One, you thought returning players would grab starting roles over new guys? Or, not enough guys separated themselves to straight-up earn the starting spots?

The team that I thought would take the series didn't. I guess I'd start there. I would think guys that played a TON last year would easily be able to hold onto starting spots or move up from a back up role last season. That's not the case. There will be some surprises I think.

 

[earsky]

I should add that in Mac's video from last week he talks about the guys transferring in to play one final season. These 4th and 5th year guys are here to try and get a national championship. It's showing in a big way.