We are speaking to Butch Thompson this morning to preview this weekend's series at Vanderbilt. Here's a summary...
** Everything with Joseph Gonzalez has been positive. The last step he has to take is within himself. He will pitch Sunday. Carson Myers will stay on Saturday and Chase Allsup Friday. What happens moving forward will depend on this week. Thought Tuesday we had the best pitched game we've had all year. Will give this group an opportunity this weekend before making any potential moves.
** Vanderbilt has real arms. We've seen good arms and great hitters in non-conference but not the depth and upper level of pitchers that Vandy will put out there. Vandy also has speed. Going to get up there early to get acclimated to their turf field.
** Bobby Peirce took batting practice Tuesday, travelled Tuesday. Weiss didn't travel Tuesday. They're back from illness. Butch expects team to be intact this weekend. Carter Wright did a great job stepping in at catcher with Ike Irish going to outfield. Caden Green stepped up and hit a HR Tue.
** Gavin Miller is pushing for more playing time, starting spot. Has earned it. Been swinging the bat well. He's dominated the routine play at 3B.
** Infielder Eric Guevara could come back in the next couple of weeks. We thought he would be out for season. Would give us more depth in IF and potentially push for a spot. Talented freshman.
** Conner McBride is not giving up a lot of hits right now. He's stepping up and would be top candidate for the weekend if they need to make a move. Has done an amazing job on Tuesday starts.
** To be a competitive team in this league, the middle and backend of the staff is important. Cam Tilly has done a phenomenal job backing up a starter. That's a huge role. Want him to continue to do that for this staff. Tilly, Bauman, Armstrong, Cannon all very important pieces of bullpen right now. Tilly is definitely good enough to be a starter but his bullpen role is very important. He's in a good spot and don't want to mess with it.
*****THAT'S ALL*****
** Everything with Joseph Gonzalez has been positive. The last step he has to take is within himself. He will pitch Sunday. Carson Myers will stay on Saturday and Chase Allsup Friday. What happens moving forward will depend on this week. Thought Tuesday we had the best pitched game we've had all year. Will give this group an opportunity this weekend before making any potential moves.
** Vanderbilt has real arms. We've seen good arms and great hitters in non-conference but not the depth and upper level of pitchers that Vandy will put out there. Vandy also has speed. Going to get up there early to get acclimated to their turf field.
** Bobby Peirce took batting practice Tuesday, travelled Tuesday. Weiss didn't travel Tuesday. They're back from illness. Butch expects team to be intact this weekend. Carter Wright did a great job stepping in at catcher with Ike Irish going to outfield. Caden Green stepped up and hit a HR Tue.
** Gavin Miller is pushing for more playing time, starting spot. Has earned it. Been swinging the bat well. He's dominated the routine play at 3B.
** Infielder Eric Guevara could come back in the next couple of weeks. We thought he would be out for season. Would give us more depth in IF and potentially push for a spot. Talented freshman.
** Conner McBride is not giving up a lot of hits right now. He's stepping up and would be top candidate for the weekend if they need to make a move. Has done an amazing job on Tuesday starts.
** To be a competitive team in this league, the middle and backend of the staff is important. Cam Tilly has done a phenomenal job backing up a starter. That's a huge role. Want him to continue to do that for this staff. Tilly, Bauman, Armstrong, Cannon all very important pieces of bullpen right now. Tilly is definitely good enough to be a starter but his bullpen role is very important. He's in a good spot and don't want to mess with it.
*****THAT'S ALL*****
