Who would you keep?
Sophomore infielder who works hard and has a good attitude.
Junior infielder who doesn't work hard and will not start but can hit a little bit but will not be the dh. Has proven for two years he is not willing to work hard.
Both players would be the third back up infielder.
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Seems like an easy answer, but need a little more info. What level, HS? V or JV?
varsity level
The bottom line is one works hard and the other one doesn't. They both aren't going to play in any meaningful varsity game. The junior would have an opportunity to be a pinch hitter if he shows can work hard but the last 2 1/2 years he hasn't shown he is willing to work hard.
The sophomore is playing jv this year but might take the juniors spot on varsity as an extra body.
The school must be stacked deep with infielders if they are going to stack 3 deep. Is there a better infielder on JV to where the soph won't get play time there either? IMO, better to keep the sophomore if he shows more potential and invest the time in his development. I just don't like keeping players just to keep them if they have no chance of contributing, with a few exceptions, because it takes reps away from developing players
... They both aren't going to play in any meaningful varsity game...
Based on your assessment of the opportunity above, doesn't really sound like the best scenario for the harder working sophomore. He wants that letter no doubt, but better to start and be a leader on jv than sit the varsity bench all year, IMO. Plus you state that the jr could potentially help you with a decent ph bat. He hasn't worked to earn a bigger role which is on him, but has enough skill to serve the squad as a ph so that's best for the team. Meanwhile soph is playing, getting better, and getting ready to make a difference on varsity next year.
Sophomore will start on jv and be the third back up infielder on varsity. The junior would be the same spot but have an opportunity to pinch hit if he doesn't have any discipline issues. Whether that's showing up late or being lazy in practice. Probably not worth the 4 months of aggravation to deal with a kid who might get 10 at bats.
... They both aren't going to play in any meaningful varsity game...
Based on your assessment of the opportunity above, doesn't really sound like the best scenario for the harder working sophomore. He wants that letter no doubt, but better to start and be a leader on jv than sit the varsity bench all year, IMO. Plus you state that the jr could potentially help you with a decent ph bat. He hasn't worked to earn a bigger role which is on him, but has enough skill to serve the squad as a ph so that's best for the team. Meanwhile soph is playing, getting better, and getting ready to make a difference on varsity next year.
I like this approach...
Keep the sophomore on the JV where he can play. IMO, sitting him on the Varsity bench will accomplish nothing. Let him play.
As for the Jr. If you really don't want him because of his attitude, find someone else.
Which one has the hottest mom?
