Softball team changes

[brewerjamie15]

Let's plan to have Jimbo pitch next game. I'd like to see AL get some pitching practice in as well so he's ready. OK Al?

Lets plan on the Matt at third and Nick at SS to be a regular change as well.

I'm going to hit next game, but due to my hand injury, I doubt I can play at second base.

I'd also like to see the lineup from last week continue where the last out was made bring into effect the daisy chain lineup which will remain the norm for the season.

I'll be handling the pre game umpire meeting from now on, we need to make sure someone on the bench will mark score when our team is on defense, and we need to address our right field situation. I'll be posting RF's deal shortly and we will be tabbing someone to be our every game first baseman.

[Jimbo]

Jamie, I appreciate the offer. Practicing with Houlie Saturday I was kinda sorta OK. Today I met with valpocrewsader and I struggled. Maybe my arm was a bit tired from Saturday, who knows.

 

If you want me to start, I'll be happy to start. Just be prepared to have a short lease and don't hesitate to use it.

[razzzorsharp]

Who do we got as a backup then, from what I saw Robin19 was pretty accurate. As far as the SS/3B, it doesn't bother me what position I play but if Matt feels more comfortable at SS, I would not mind going back to 3rd at all.

[bball123h2]

If I'm not the everyday first baseman, I'd like to throw my hat into the outfield party.

[RightFieldCoder]

I'd like to throw my hat into any position that will get me on the field for more innings. Like I said in another thread, if the team starts to intentionally take pitches I don't think I'll be that effective. I'll try to pitch BP on my other teams to get some practice in if you need me, though.

[valpocrewsader]

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As far as the SS/3B, it doesn't bother me what position I play but if Matt feels more comfortable at SS, I would not mind going back to 3rd at all.

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It's cool. If I wanted to play SS, I guess I should have played better.

 

I'll just have to think back to that fun sliding catch I had in shallow right a couple weeks ago and live off of that for the rest of the season. Not many opportunities for fun plays like that at 3B ... especially with fouls being outs, lol.

 

BTW, I would also be up for playing some 2B this year. I'm gonna miss running out to receive cutoff throws, being in on double plays, and using my range to track balls in the shallow outfield. Besides, shouldn't someone with wider shoulders be manning 3B? I'm not sure my 138 pound frame is exactly prototypical. http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif

 

On a critical note, I am somewhat curious why we're taking serious measures to improve the defense at this time (changing left side infield, sorting out right field, installing a permanent 1B), while at the same time contenting ourselves with the daisy-chain batting order on offense. It sends mixed signals. "Let's be as good as we can on defense, but merely equitable on offense." Maybe there's a rationale there. Use good defense to keep things close ... go with "equal at bats" to keep everyone equally involved and not hurting anyone's feelings? I don't know. It just seems wrong that we'd point out defensive shortcomings and make changes based on that ... while at the same time, if Ajay makes the last out in a game, Houlie will be batting 14th in the next game. It pokes holes in the "for the good of the team" argument when talking about defensive adjustments.

[brewerjamie15]

Bball is who I'd like at first base. Let's consider that a rest of the season type thing.

I still want to look at RF and RC, but I think that we can consider several positions sealed as far as starters or key defensive players.

 

Pitcher

Probably going to see if Jimbo can get comfortable there. I'd like to back him up with AL and or Zak.

 

Catcher

Brian will usually and Radman, (right?) replaces him

 

First Base

Kenny is the main man there, backed up by ??

 

Second Base

Honestly, I think I do fine there and I don't have any errors. I'll start there. Back up for second base is Robin 19 if he's not someplace else. I'd like to see him get more defensive time.

 

Third Base

Valpomatt doesn't believe me, but I think he'd be good there. Let's put you there for another game or two and then we could probably swith you back to short, and I like being your double play partner, but for now, let's slow it down a bit and see what happens. SS will be backed up by ??

Short Stop

Nick is a good choice over there and he'll be backed up by ??

 

I think that Robin19 could back up any infield position, so let's consider that option. maybe a rotating start for you r19 as well.

 

AJ- are you comfy in the outfield? You'd be a fine infielder too, as long as you don't throw the ball to me any time soon.

 

LF

Good wheels, good arm, Houlie24 followed by??

 

LC

AJ has done excellent, no reason tochange, besides, I don't think we could improve that position.

 

RC/R

Yet to be determined I guess. I'd like a good arm out there but that area does not seem to get a whole bunch of action. How do I resolve this?

 

I don't want anyone insulted or slighted by these suggestions. They are suggestions, not absolutes. If you are not comfortable with my ideas, lemmie know and we'll change it. Just because you've been suggested at pitcher, catcher, or Right Field does not mean your glove is being hidden. I'm attempting to put who helps us most defensively in the field first. I'm all for giving guys a shot at different positions, but I won't know to do it if you don't ask.

Matt brought up a good point earlier about defense and offense. Matt said it appeared to him that shoring up the defense and not looking at the batting order is a bad idea. I disagree. From watching our team on defense, we can stop probably 4-6 runs a game by not making stupid throws to first, not letting a bouncing ball get past an outfielder, and playing back a few extra steps on a hitter that's burned us in the past. If we did that each game, we'd have at least one more win right now.

Generally, we generate runs which is the nature of softball. Solid defense can win games, we all know that. Hitting is very important but going by OPS, SLG, AVG, is not practical because we would have to adjust the lineup every game. Spreading singles hitters with power guys is a good idea and with that principal in mind, we should be just fine. If this idea is way out there, let me know.

 

If your name is not mentioned here, don't be alarmed I am bad with names, I still don't know half of your names. I'm gong to take over some more of the details for a bit to be a better manager for the remainder of the season and in the future.

[Houlie24x]

Six year olds in t-ball play with a lineup that gives the team the best chance to win. Im sure a group of adults can handle it. I don't have a problem with the daisy chain, but why are we just trying to improve the D? We could probably score 2-3 more runs a game with our best lineup.

 

Going by ops works just fine. Why does it matter if we have to move a few people around each game? Nobody is going to hit any better just because the people around them are different. Plus this keeps everyone motivated to do their best in every at bat even if we are down by a lot.

 

I also think if Matt wants to play SS and Razzor wants 3b then why not let them? They are both good fielders so I don't see why they can't play where they want.

[nullbyte]

I'll throw in as a backup IF as well... felt good at 2B last week, but that seems to be a popular spot and I'm flexible.

 

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I still want to look at RF and RC, but I think that we can consider several positions sealed as far as starters or key defensive players.

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Just to be clear, I have no problems with my playing time to this point. I honestly rather like having half the game to concentrate on hitting (seeing-eye singles take focus, man!), helping out with the scoring, or doing whatever I can to help... but it sounds a bit like we're moving away from the equal playing time mantra. To this point I haven't played a full game on defense, and that's cool -- I only offer it as an example, because there may be others and I don't want to see someone else slighted by lack of mention. Anyhow, maybe I'm wrong; just wanted to bring it up as a concern.

[nullbyte]

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RC/R

Yet to be determined I guess. I'd like a good arm out there but that area does not seem to get a whole bunch of action. How do I resolve this?

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From watching our team on defense, we can stop probably 4-6 runs a game by not making stupid throws to first, not letting a bouncing ball get past an outfielder, and playing back a few extra steps on a hitter that's burned us in the past.

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Just brainstorming.. but here's a wild and crazy thought that might address a few defensive issues. Point one: balls are rarely hit to the right side of the outfield (I once played four innings out there in a game, without having to make a single move). Point two: balls frequently dribble through the left side of the infield, in the SS/3B gap (though not as often as they might -- solid D over there).

 

What if we brought one of those right-fielders in to play as an extra infielder on the left side? OF could be aligned like RC, LC, and LF against the typical right-handed pull hitter. IF would look like it would if there was a crazy shift to the left, but with a regular 2B position as well. Might need adjustments depending on the opponent.. but it's a thought. Feel free to shoot it down http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif

[Brian the Automator]

[ Why does it matter if we have to move a few people around each game? Nobody is going to hit any better just because the people around them are different. ]

 

I don't know, man. I blame my bad offensive production on the fact that their pitchers are working around me because I don't have adequate protection http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif

 

But seriously, I don't care where I hit. As long as I get a couple of at-bats a game, i'm happy.

[Jimbo]

Jamie: I accept your challenge!

 

Looking forward to Thursday.

 

On edit: I prefer not to scorekeep the innings I'm pitching (to keep my mind focused).

[AJAY]

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AJ- are you comfy in the outfield? You'd be a fine infielder too, as long as you don't throw the ball to me any time soon.

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Jamie, I am extremely comfortable in the outfield. I love it out there. I honestly don't see myself being a great infielder just because my arm and elbow are better suited for the longer overhand throws rather than the shorter sidearm throws that infielders tend to make. I can play infield on an emergency basis if needed, but I prefer outfield.

 

I do want to express a vote of confidence for Matt (ValpoCrusader) as a shortstop. He has done a great job this season both in the games and in the practices. I have faith in both him and Razzzorsharp.

 

If you want to change positions and all, that is fine. I just would prefer that we don't have too many guys playing out of position all at the same time.

[RightFieldCoder]

Nullbyte, we can try that, but teams will start hitting them down the RF line or between RC and LC. I'd rather be burned by the seeing eye singles than the watch-em-rolls to parts of the field with no defenders.

[brewerjamie15]

Houlie-

Fair enough about the lineup. If you guys feel that daisy chain is not the best option, I'm willing to go with whatever.

How about this idea;

If you want a real nice lineup, how about 2-3 of -you- guys on the team come up with a lineup and then hammer it out? Jimbo has done it frequently, my choice is not too popular, so how about if someone else helps out and suggests a lineup?

 

Nullbyte- I am pretty sure that I said all players should have played full games by now in the outfield. I even asked at a game if everyone had a chance to do so. Did you tell me? I don't remember. You can play the full game this Thursday if you'd like. I have absolutely no problem with that. I'll put ya in RC if that's ok? You can be the weekly starter out there if you want to.

[nullbyte]

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Nullbyte- I am pretty sure that I said all players should have played full games by now in the outfield. I even asked at a game if everyone had a chance to do so. Did you tell me? I don't remember. You can play the full game this Thursday if you'd like. I have absolutely no problem with that. I'll put ya in RC if that's ok? You can be the weekly starter out there if you want to.

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Yeah, I was one that raised my hand, but it didn't work out that week.. no big deal, then or now, like I said -- just want to make sure everybody's cool with what's going on. I'm fine with playing wherever, any amount.. even if that's on the bench the whole game, if anyone wants some more PT or Jimbo's playing and we need a scorekeeper. Just want to do my part.

[DougJones43]

just so everybody knows, i will be unable to attend this week's game (June 29 vs Bay Street Pub). i should be at all the remaining games after that, and will be willing to play any OF position or 1B, whenever it works best for the team. heck, maybe i could even try pitching and throw them for a loop with my lefty junk http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif .

 

good luck on thursday, guys.

[valpocrewsader]

To be clear, I think giving Razzorsharp some starts at SS is win-win. If he plays improved defense, the team has been helped. In our ealry practices, both of our names were mentioned for SS ... if he would have been able to attend more practices, he easily could have started the season there.

 

Honestly, SS is a very tiring position to play. You expect every ball to come at you, and it feels like you're involved in 50% of the plays. There are definitely some reasons for me to look forward to 3B. I'd just like to make a request to get some innings somewhere in the middle infield before the end of the season, if possible.