What about you BHD, What's your take after the 1st 3 games? Parky
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Parky...
Here is my take after getting up close and personal at Pepperdine...
Yep, pretty much...
Hate to say I was right but...
Pitching: My pitching prediction was right on the money, it appears that the top arms are currently in limbo which leaves UNLV with little margin for error against a top 15 ball club like Pepperdine...
...add some un characteristically bad UNLV base running and pickoff moves and you have them losing two out of three...That being said, UNLV could easily have taken the first, the second they looked real good, the third they ran out of pitching.
Bright spots...
I hate to be right again but…I was right on, 6’6” LHP Skogley is the REAL deal. I mean REAL. He went 3 innings and even at 75%, he had legitimate heat and only gave up 1 hit and has some wicked off speed stuff..Look for great things from him for the next two years...
More really bright spots...Freshman 3B Scruggs and Transfer DH Miller show SERIOUS screen clearing power…I saw they both hit balls over fences, over 70 foot screens, even over the palm trees behind the screens....Three innings after Scruggs first home run (of two in the series) the Pepperdine video announcer commented, “that ball still hasn’t landed!…”
Freshman catcher Brenly has real sweet stroke and looked very comfortable behind the plate.
Three...First, Pickoff moves. Had 3 errors on Pickoffs in the series, cost UNLV the first game and seriously hurt them in the third. Very discouraging. Second. Base running. Got two players picked off base. Third, General hitting. The hitting was below what I had expected, particularly the returnees, SS Cruz being the lone bright spot.
I’m going to go out on a limb, I like this team. A great deal. I like what they bring. I like the pieces. I like the future. Get the pitching healthy, get the hitters going, get the newcomers some experience, and watch out...You’ll end up with great chemistry, fence busting power, shutdown pitching, great coaching,...
Rough schedule for the next few weeks however...
I’m optimistic and patient....
The futures so bright I have to...
44
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Parky...
Here is my take after getting up close and personal at Pepperdine...
quote:I know it is a long season but did things happen like you would have thought?
Yep, pretty much...
quote:Will they be ready for Pepperdine?...I love what Coach Goldsmith does with talent and the team always over achieves and competes...I would never count them out... but #11 without some arms...smoke and mirrors?....
Hate to say I was right but...
Pitching: My pitching prediction was right on the money, it appears that the top arms are currently in limbo which leaves UNLV with little margin for error against a top 15 ball club like Pepperdine...
...add some un characteristically bad UNLV base running and pickoff moves and you have them losing two out of three...That being said, UNLV could easily have taken the first, the second they looked real good, the third they ran out of pitching.
Bright spots...
quote:Here is guy to watch: Skogley 6'6" LHP...
I hate to be right again but…I was right on, 6’6” LHP Skogley is the REAL deal. I mean REAL. He went 3 innings and even at 75%, he had legitimate heat and only gave up 1 hit and has some wicked off speed stuff..Look for great things from him for the next two years...
More really bright spots...Freshman 3B Scruggs and Transfer DH Miller show SERIOUS screen clearing power…I saw they both hit balls over fences, over 70 foot screens, even over the palm trees behind the screens....Three innings after Scruggs first home run (of two in the series) the Pepperdine video announcer commented, “that ball still hasn’t landed!…”
quote:Any surprises?
Freshman catcher Brenly has real sweet stroke and looked very comfortable behind the plate.
quote:Any disappointments?
Three...First, Pickoff moves. Had 3 errors on Pickoffs in the series, cost UNLV the first game and seriously hurt them in the third. Very discouraging. Second. Base running. Got two players picked off base. Third, General hitting. The hitting was below what I had expected, particularly the returnees, SS Cruz being the lone bright spot.
quote:What is your assessment?
I’m going to go out on a limb, I like this team. A great deal. I like what they bring. I like the pieces. I like the future. Get the pitching healthy, get the hitters going, get the newcomers some experience, and watch out...You’ll end up with great chemistry, fence busting power, shutdown pitching, great coaching,...
Rough schedule for the next few weeks however...
I’m optimistic and patient....
The futures so bright I have to...
44.
Nice Oh 44 
I would agree with your assessment. The pick off moves and the base running killed UNLV.
I was not impressed with Pepperdine's hitting but they played smart sound defense. On UNLV's best day verses Pepperdines best day, If the series was played later in the year I would bet my house that UNLV could sweep Pepperdine if the pick off moves and the base running are improved.(If's an's and butts) ! I thought there was one bad coaching decision sending a runner home when they were down 7 runs only to be thrown out at the plate. Over all this team could be exciting and maybe even explosive. Parky
I would agree with your assessment. The pick off moves and the base running killed UNLV.I was not impressed with Pepperdine's hitting but they played smart sound defense. On UNLV's best day verses Pepperdines best day, If the series was played later in the year I would bet my house that UNLV could sweep Pepperdine if the pick off moves and the base running are improved.(If's an's and butts) ! I thought there was one bad coaching decision sending a runner home when they were down 7 runs only to be thrown out at the plate. Over all this team could be exciting and maybe even explosive. Parky
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Parky,
Would agree...
The base running and pickoffs will certainly be fonrt and center this week. Coach Goldsmith will see to that.
Yes, there were some interesting moves by the coaching staff...would have loved to have seen Skogley get the start in the second game, even for two or three. Can any of the freshman bring it? How about Scruggs? His UNLV Bio says he was a very successful HS pitcher. Rumor has it that he has been throwing. While I would refrain from pitching him much, in this pinch with the staff stretch very thin and a chance to get a BIG win over a ranked opponent,I would have loved to see him throw.
Explosive is a term that would definately describe UNLV. With all due respect to the Waves, who did just exactly what they had to do, I see a great deal more upside to the Rebels. They are a really fun group to watch.
This is a team I would not want to be facing late in the season.
An exciting year is looming for the Rebels...
44
Parky,
Would agree...
The base running and pickoffs will certainly be fonrt and center this week. Coach Goldsmith will see to that.
Yes, there were some interesting moves by the coaching staff...would have loved to have seen Skogley get the start in the second game, even for two or three. Can any of the freshman bring it? How about Scruggs? His UNLV Bio says he was a very successful HS pitcher. Rumor has it that he has been throwing. While I would refrain from pitching him much, in this pinch with the staff stretch very thin and a chance to get a BIG win over a ranked opponent,I would have loved to see him throw.
Explosive is a term that would definately describe UNLV. With all due respect to the Waves, who did just exactly what they had to do, I see a great deal more upside to the Rebels. They are a really fun group to watch.
This is a team I would not want to be facing late in the season.
An exciting year is looming for the Rebels...
44
Scruggs pitch? No report on how he would do against college pitching. I think I would like to see him hit instead,forget the pitching. Let Luca, Skogley the Sr's and Jr pitchers on the team handle the Bump. Time to focus on The Titans. Might be rough, you know they are going to wanta rough up some Rebels after taking that beating from Stanford. Not optimistic but if the Rebels win 1 and play the other games close I think that would be a moral victory. But as they say in Baseball "the ball can bounce funny sometimes". Parky
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Parky...
While I would normally agree...It is not normal to have your top 4 pitchers down at once...Scruggs can do it all...One of the things I really like about Gouldsmith is that he will do what it takes...
Agree...facing a stirred up Fullerton bunch while missing your stud pitchers presents a real problem...But Navarro should be ready and Skogley looked great last week even at 75%...and if there is one thing UNLV can do it is hit...I say UNLV gets 1...2-4, and getting better every week...
44
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Parky...
While I would normally agree...It is not normal to have your top 4 pitchers down at once...Scruggs can do it all...One of the things I really like about Gouldsmith is that he will do what it takes...
Agree...facing a stirred up Fullerton bunch while missing your stud pitchers presents a real problem...But Navarro should be ready and Skogley looked great last week even at 75%...and if there is one thing UNLV can do it is hit...I say UNLV gets 1...2-4, and getting better every week...
44.
Oh 44 Total Disappoint this week end. Absolutly no hitting, Pitching was bad, but the worst was the base running particularly Sundays lost where 2 men got thrown out at the plate and 3 got picked off. I saw no improvement in any area. Well so much for winning 1 game out of the series. Parky
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Parky...
Can't argue with any of that...hitting dropped off, baserunning no better than before, pitchers still ailing......
...
On the other hand...can see why Fullerton is highly thought of...
Gotta say it...one bright spot...Scruggs had some good success on the mound...another, Bonnell seems to to be back...
Found it interesting that the line up was shaken up.
Heck, at least Reno is not ranked....important series...ever the optimist: UNLV takes 2 of 3...
44
Parky...
Can't argue with any of that...hitting dropped off, baserunning no better than before, pitchers still ailing......
...On the other hand...can see why Fullerton is highly thought of...
Gotta say it...one bright spot...Scruggs had some good success on the mound...another, Bonnell seems to to be back...
Found it interesting that the line up was shaken up.
Heck, at least Reno is not ranked....important series...ever the optimist: UNLV takes 2 of 3...
44
I only listened to the one cal game and thyey started okay but folded. I had to leave so they were ahead when I left. They need some work. They have used very limited pitching so far.
Oh 44 I forgot, Bonnell did have a good series at the plate. I also found it odd that the lineup had changed. I hope Buddy has not given up on a few of player already. I hope it was just a move to see what else he has got. I would hate to see Big Boy Chad Miller not getting a chance to jack a few out. I am going to go out on a limb and say UNLV will get it's fist series win against Reno. Get the broom
I have never seen the Reno field but if it is high at elevation Miller, Bird & Scruggs might get a few bombs. We have to see how much playing time they get or if they will split time.
I have never seen the Reno field but if it is high at elevation Miller, Bird & Scruggs might get a few bombs. We have to see how much playing time they get or if they will split time.
Well when I said get the broom I didn't mean for UNLV to be swept. Well another man thrown out at the plate (tying Run in the 9th) @ Reno , and more line up changes. UNLV needs to get well soon. Maybe playing at home will changes their luck. Parky
Any new input on UNLV Baseball Program since last post was 3 years ago. Is it a pitcher un-friendly park like Reno? My main question is how do the program help tone down temptation/lifestyle in Vegas?
Why don't you send a PM to Observer 44. His son is a senior at UNLV and he can fill you in on everything.
Thanks for info Mr. IF08. Enjoy your Turkey.
Hey hey 23!
Yes definitey a pitcher unfriendly ball park, and a pitcher unfriendly league....hitters are advised to come to put up stats, so there are many good hitters...
...on the other hand last years #1 MLB pick a RHP, came out of the MWC...and the opportunties for pitchers are great as many pitchers are advised by travel coaches and others not to play in the MWC...meaning that opportunity exists...also scouts are clear that if you can put up pitching stats in the MWC you can do it most anywhere...also the conference is on the rise, had 3 teams in the regionals last year and could have had 4. TCU is now an Omaha level team.
Great Question! Temptation? Vegas?...??? Com'on...Vegas?
...But seriously, here are the things to consider...IMO...
1. I'll go out on a limb here...Few college campus are immune from Many/most every college campus, particulary the residential ones with student ghettos, have an large element of temptation/achohol/dope culture sometimes on campus or very nearby that is ready willing and available to entertain, and entrap all college students underage or not. Many schools have "student ghettos" that simply throb every weekend...beckoning students. In other words it's always there and available, regardless of age.
2. Most college Kids, (but particularly those without discpline, without focus, without a plan - academic/atheltic/career)) are attracted to this element....no matter which schoool it is. Athletes, particularly baseball players, usually have a very strong motivation to keep those urges somewhat in check...they have a "job" and a dream...most take that pretty serioulsy, UNLV or elsewhere.
3. For better or for worse, UNLV is a commuter campus. There is limited dorm living (supervised)on campus and there is no real student ghetto next door. The lifestyle off campus/beyond the dorms and beyond freshman year is clearly 30 something. Apartment living, scattered away from the school, frankly in better neighbohoods, mixed in with the bigger working population. As much as it ight seem like a natural, you will not see UNLV of the list of top party schools. Has to do with the demographics and the geographics.
4. The vast majority of the culture of excess in Vegas is over 21...the vast majority of the stupidity and adult excess that goes on in Vegas is people over 21 coming to town to do exactly that...get 21 stupid, then leave. This 21 culture is also exceedingly expensive, at least in the clubs....and Boys/players have a hard time getting into the cubs that they want to be in, those clubs are not only 21, but they cater to available women and RICH guys who will pay big bucks at the door to party with them. The kids/players actually have the real audacity to frequently complain that there is nothing to do unless you are over 21.
5. Even so The UNLV athletic department is very aware of the tempations, very aware of the public perceptions and sensitivity and the kids are counseled. Nearly two decades ago the basketball program was heavily villified for being out of control and heavily NCAA dinged. Ever since the compliance department once of the tightest in the country. Ever since most every player infraction of any consequence makes the papers, the columnists bring up the "Rebel nature" of the program, reminding the readership about the bad old days...and the program winches. Yes, the program is very aware. Yes the program makes a real effort to avid that kind of publicity. The tolerance is small.
6 Frankly, IMO, the baseball program is currently living on it's high academic status...not it's wins. The kids they recruit are pretty straight, motivated and many are very high academic. IT is cuurrently a culture with a purpose....baseball and academics.
44
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Yes definitey a pitcher unfriendly ball park, and a pitcher unfriendly league....hitters are advised to come to put up stats, so there are many good hitters...
...on the other hand last years #1 MLB pick a RHP, came out of the MWC...and the opportunties for pitchers are great as many pitchers are advised by travel coaches and others not to play in the MWC...meaning that opportunity exists...also scouts are clear that if you can put up pitching stats in the MWC you can do it most anywhere...also the conference is on the rise, had 3 teams in the regionals last year and could have had 4. TCU is now an Omaha level team.
Great Question! Temptation? Vegas?...??? Com'on...Vegas?
...But seriously, here are the things to consider...IMO...
1. I'll go out on a limb here...Few college campus are immune from Many/most every college campus, particulary the residential ones with student ghettos, have an large element of temptation/achohol/dope culture sometimes on campus or very nearby that is ready willing and available to entertain, and entrap all college students underage or not. Many schools have "student ghettos" that simply throb every weekend...beckoning students. In other words it's always there and available, regardless of age.
2. Most college Kids, (but particularly those without discpline, without focus, without a plan - academic/atheltic/career)) are attracted to this element....no matter which schoool it is. Athletes, particularly baseball players, usually have a very strong motivation to keep those urges somewhat in check...they have a "job" and a dream...most take that pretty serioulsy, UNLV or elsewhere.
3. For better or for worse, UNLV is a commuter campus. There is limited dorm living (supervised)on campus and there is no real student ghetto next door. The lifestyle off campus/beyond the dorms and beyond freshman year is clearly 30 something. Apartment living, scattered away from the school, frankly in better neighbohoods, mixed in with the bigger working population. As much as it ight seem like a natural, you will not see UNLV of the list of top party schools. Has to do with the demographics and the geographics.
4. The vast majority of the culture of excess in Vegas is over 21...the vast majority of the stupidity and adult excess that goes on in Vegas is people over 21 coming to town to do exactly that...get 21 stupid, then leave. This 21 culture is also exceedingly expensive, at least in the clubs....and Boys/players have a hard time getting into the cubs that they want to be in, those clubs are not only 21, but they cater to available women and RICH guys who will pay big bucks at the door to party with them. The kids/players actually have the real audacity to frequently complain that there is nothing to do unless you are over 21.
5. Even so The UNLV athletic department is very aware of the tempations, very aware of the public perceptions and sensitivity and the kids are counseled. Nearly two decades ago the basketball program was heavily villified for being out of control and heavily NCAA dinged. Ever since the compliance department once of the tightest in the country. Ever since most every player infraction of any consequence makes the papers, the columnists bring up the "Rebel nature" of the program, reminding the readership about the bad old days...and the program winches. Yes, the program is very aware. Yes the program makes a real effort to avid that kind of publicity. The tolerance is small.
6 Frankly, IMO, the baseball program is currently living on it's high academic status...not it's wins. The kids they recruit are pretty straight, motivated and many are very high academic. IT is cuurrently a culture with a purpose....baseball and academics.
44.
Thank you very much Mr. Observer 44. Can you tell me the strong points of the coaching staff?
Ryanrod23
Got your pm, thought I would just answer it here....
When deciding on colleges my son made a list of the "top five schools he would like to attend". He also made another list: characteristics of a school that were a "must have"....
west coast or desert area
big school feel including a football team and basketball team - good college life
close to home with a little distance (4 hr drvie)
the ability to compete for playing opportunities
the feeling that he would have the ability to succeed in the classroom by good academic fit and student academic services
a coaching staff that he felt could take him to the next level
Frnakly, this second list is the most important. Because he got calls from several schools and he was very honest from the first call... no stringing along. East coast school, nope..... small religious school, nope..... You favorite school most likely will not be where you will attend. The school that likes you, that needs you, that you can afford, that you can get in to, that meets the criteria of your "must have" list is probably where you are going to go.
For my son that was UNLV, it met his must have list.
Now, for specifics on the coaching staff... that is really not something my son would get chatty about. I know my son respects all of them fully and feels they care about him genuinely. What I have seen personally is this: Coach Gouldsmith does not miss one small detail on the field. The guy sees everything. He pays attention. Move your foot 1/2 a step right or wrong and he will see it. I would bet he is the same off the field...... Coach Martinez has brought in some great recruiting classes the past couple of years. I really expect that the Rebels will perform well in the next years.
The Las Vegas life is a non issue for us. There really are no "Las Vegas" temptations above any other school. Actually when you live in LV and see the devastation that "the LV life" can bring it is a big turn-off. And, the players are so busy that there is not time to be tempted.
On the great side, the Thomas and Mack Center is where all the entertainment comes though town and the kids see some great stuff right next door to the dorm. A few weeks ago when I was in town a really cool rodeo was there..... My son loves basketball so he is in heaven right now. (Actually, when he was on his official visit he would have shook hands at the basketball center... for me it was the academic advisor...my son knew halfway through his visit that the school had everything he wanted for his college experience. ) Coach Gouldsmith has a great team in place to take care of the team.
I can tell you that my son is in a very good spot personally... He loves where he is at and who he is with and thinks he can contribute and make a difference.
Got your pm, thought I would just answer it here....
When deciding on colleges my son made a list of the "top five schools he would like to attend". He also made another list: characteristics of a school that were a "must have"....
west coast or desert area
big school feel including a football team and basketball team - good college life
close to home with a little distance (4 hr drvie)
the ability to compete for playing opportunities
the feeling that he would have the ability to succeed in the classroom by good academic fit and student academic services
a coaching staff that he felt could take him to the next level
Frnakly, this second list is the most important. Because he got calls from several schools and he was very honest from the first call... no stringing along. East coast school, nope..... small religious school, nope..... You favorite school most likely will not be where you will attend. The school that likes you, that needs you, that you can afford, that you can get in to, that meets the criteria of your "must have" list is probably where you are going to go.
For my son that was UNLV, it met his must have list.
Now, for specifics on the coaching staff... that is really not something my son would get chatty about. I know my son respects all of them fully and feels they care about him genuinely. What I have seen personally is this: Coach Gouldsmith does not miss one small detail on the field. The guy sees everything. He pays attention. Move your foot 1/2 a step right or wrong and he will see it. I would bet he is the same off the field...... Coach Martinez has brought in some great recruiting classes the past couple of years. I really expect that the Rebels will perform well in the next years.
The Las Vegas life is a non issue for us. There really are no "Las Vegas" temptations above any other school. Actually when you live in LV and see the devastation that "the LV life" can bring it is a big turn-off. And, the players are so busy that there is not time to be tempted.
On the great side, the Thomas and Mack Center is where all the entertainment comes though town and the kids see some great stuff right next door to the dorm. A few weeks ago when I was in town a really cool rodeo was there..... My son loves basketball so he is in heaven right now. (Actually, when he was on his official visit he would have shook hands at the basketball center... for me it was the academic advisor...my son knew halfway through his visit that the school had everything he wanted for his college experience. ) Coach Gouldsmith has a great team in place to take care of the team.
I can tell you that my son is in a very good spot personally... He loves where he is at and who he is with and thinks he can contribute and make a difference.
Ms Playfair,
Thank you very much for your input. This is great stuff. The 2nd list is really good since we will be in the same boat as yours geographically. Good luck to your son this spring. I will send another PM. It's never too early to start the process and the more info you have, the more prepared you will be.
RR23
Thank you very much for your input. This is great stuff. The 2nd list is really good since we will be in the same boat as yours geographically. Good luck to your son this spring. I will send another PM. It's never too early to start the process and the more info you have, the more prepared you will be.
RR23
