I've been a bit worried about this for a few years now. The big schools have started pumping more money into softball and you can tell. In a sport where we've had no issues competing with top programs for the last 30 years or so, it will get harder and harder to do so.
It isn’t just the bad play and the losses. It’s the blatant confusion and blank looks on the players’ faces when they miss fielding or get struck out. It reads as “I don’t care” or “one of y’all can get it”. The energy is way off. The dugout is also very quiet most of the time.
Can anyone tell me what type of defensive scheme Veach is trying to incorporate? I saw twice yesterday where the fielder covering 2nd base on a throw from the outfield was a good 8 feet off of the bag when fielding the throw. These were tag plays but the fielder was so far off the bag, there was no way to get an out. It wasn't like the throw drew the fielder away from the bag. The outfielder threw to where the infielder was standing. Also, he has the 3rd baseman playing 5 steps in front of the bag for a right-handed power hitter but has them playing behind the bag on a left handed hitter or slapper. It's crazy the way he lines them up. Also, the hitters have been chasing bad pitches all season. No patience at the plate. When the Cajuns had the bases loaded in the 1st inning yesterday in the 1st game, Ellstead chased a ball at her chin that led to a double play. In fact, she hit into 2 double plays yesterday. I thought hitting would be a strength this year but so far that hasn't proved out.
Lots if negative energy with these postings
I keep hearing this. But, what I don't understand is what is the result of them spending more money?
We have top notch facilities, what many believe is a top notch coach and it seems like we are signing top notch players.
I know NIL will probably allow the big schools to get better players. Is that whats happening?
It is a real question. Can you please explain it without passing judgment on me for asking?
I think it's just that pretty much every program now in the SEC and vast majority in the Big 12 and PAC 12 have decided to get very serious in softball over the past decade. We were very serious when Yvette built up the program, and Lotiefs continued it. But honestly, the last few years Lotief was here and now in Glasco's tenue, you've seen many of the big money athletic program who 15 years or so ago didn't give much thought into softball suddenly invest in and take the sport very seriously, especially those in warmer weather states. The sport has grown in popularity, thus creating better players at younger ages across the South, West Coast and Midwest, and probably across the whole country.
This isn't the same college softball landscape as the Girouard and early Lotief years.
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