I want to know what your thoughts are on the 2-9 start for the Silver Hawks. I think my frustration displayed itself nicely in the early inning deficit tonight, but what are you, the fans, thinking? Leave your comments below.
Just so you know, I have the blog set up so that I have to approve the comments before they are posted. If I don't publish them tonight (since a man's gotta sleep), I'll publish them in the morning when I wake up. Any comments that are ridiculously harsh, inappropriate, or just plain dumb will not get published. It's my blog, I make the rules :)
This is not an exercise in slamming the team. Rather, it's a way to talk about why you are encouraged, why you are discouraged, or other things you feel about another slow South Bend Silver Hawks start to a season.
giving up a little over 5 runs per game. 21% of all runs allowed have been unearned. though offense has a decent average, a lot of two out hits and too many runners stranded. Its early but they will have to find a way to cut down on runs allowed, errors, and early outs in innings. As they get to know each other better, they should play together better also and start winning like they are capable of.
ReplyDeleteThe start doesn't surprise me at all. As someone who has been around the park for many years, I have seen it year after year. They are young guys, who are just begining to adjust to the minor league life style at this level. They are still coming together as a team, and getting to know the coaching staff, and this year the new playing surface. I have seen great potential so far this season, they just need to find ways of pulling it together. It is early and there is a lot of baseball left to be played.
ReplyDeleteWhat frustrates me is these slow starts under Haley. Is it Haley? Is it the organization? is it just dumb luck?
ReplyDeleteYou mentioned on the radio last week about being aggressive on the base paths, I believe you pointed out the lack of stolen bases and under Haley, the team has had the least amount of stolen bases than any team. He mentioned using the squeeze play and that we might see it in South Bend, I often hear the strategy but hardly see it on the field. I'd love to see the team be more aggressive on the base paths.
I have mixed feelings on the importance of the W/L record, which may not be as important when compared to player development. While I wrestle with the importance of W/L vs Player Development, I want to point out my opinion that part of Player Development is instilling the importance of Winning and doing what needs to be done on the field to win.
Dave
Owen, thanks for asking. The 2-9 record doesn't bother me a bit. I think everyone needs to give this team a little more time. Coach Haley is one of the best, imo. Player development is more important in the long run than the W/L. This Silver Hawks team is loaded with talent. Again, give the team some time. They won't disappoint.
ReplyDeleteAlso - Owen, you are doing a great job. Thanks.
I am surprised by the slow start. In some ways, it is similar to last year. Before the season started, I thought we would be better defensively, have better leadership, be faster on the bases and hit a little better than last year. I thought the weakness would be the pitching. Overall, the pitching has been better than expected. Like last year, we are not getting hits with RISP, not having quality at-bats consistently, and not playing great defense consistently. I know it's early but it's early for the other teams, too. Like the others, I also believe this team will get better but I'm not convinced that this will be as good of a team as I expected.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the question.