Softball Offseason

[SlickRick]

I'm not sure your first statement is true. I'm not trying to be critical, but, I am a stats guy and I don't believe stats lie. The stats are right there in black and white for everyone to see. Here's what stands out to me. There are six players currently on the team who saw a lot of playing time last year and will more than likely be back for 2026. Out of those six players, only one of them hit above 300. Combined, those six players had 24 extra base hits and a total of 58 RBI. Take out one player who had 31 RBI out of the equation and the other five players had a total of, are you ready for this? 27 RBI.

Can any of these players who did not hit .300 this year, hit .300 next year? Can any of these players get more than 15 extra base hits? Can any of the five players who combined for 27 RBI somehow miraculously each hit 30 RBI? So, unless somehow, these players are coached up and somehow improve at the plate, I see a very similar team on the field to what was on the field in 2025.

With Wheeler returning and Delbrey and Hoover at full strength, the Cajuns could have the best pitching staff in the SBC. The question is, will the offense provide enough run production to support the pitchers?

"Statistics are like bikinis. What they reveal is suggestive, but what they conceal is vital."

[RoarMan]

I think, for insurance, a transfer pitcher would be a good thing. Here's why. I've seen Mackles pitch. I went to one of her high school games. In that game, against a team from Baton Rouge, she gave up 13 runs, including three home runs. In my opinion, she is nowhere near to being ready to successfully pitch at the collegiate level. I think she will be red-shirted. With Wheeler, Delbrey and Hoover available, I doubt very seriously if Noble will see much time in the circle.

So, get a reliable transfer pitcher in case one of the proven pitchers gets injured.

[SlickRick]

I think, for insurance, a transfer pitcher would be a good thing. Here's why. I've seen Mackles pitch. I went to one of her high school games. In that game, against a team from Baton Rouge, she gave up 13 runs, including three home runs. In my opinion, she is nowhere near to being ready to successfully pitch at the collegiate level. I think she will be red-shirted. With Wheeler, Delbrey and Hoover available, I doubt very seriously if Noble will see much time in the circle.

So, get a reliable transfer pitcher in case one of the proven pitchers gets injured.

I believe VB mentioned a pitcher from Campbell that looked decent and could be someone Savannah W. could possibly get over here. IMO, we won't get a Berzon caliper pitcher to transfer here.

[RoarMan]

You can massage the stats all you want. But again, they are there in black and white for everyone to see. Smith is the only player that was capable of driving the ball last year.

[SlickRick]

You can massage the stats all you want. But again, they are there in black and white for everyone to see. Smith is the only player that was capable of driving the ball last year.

Agree...Rowe and Credeur didn't have it this year and it hurt!

[cajunref]

You can massage the stats all you want. But again, they are there in black and white for everyone to see. Smith is the only player that was capable of driving the ball last year.

Spot on. Possibly Vasquez is she is coached up correctly.

[lcitsh]

Updated list:

Appalachian State - 6
Coastal Carolina - 4
Georgia Southern - 2
Georgia State - 3
James Madison - 2
Louisiana - 1
Marshall - 6
South Alabama - 6
Southern Mississippi - 4
Texas State - 1
Troy - 13
ULM - 2

[VObserver]

I agree, hence my wish for a Berzon, Goold, Cellura or similar pitcher from the portal.

I believe Knox will have more extra base hits than Hayden and Falterman combined did last year, and that Williams will at least double the 6 extra base hits she had this season. Vasquez should have 40+ RBI and Smith 50+. I also believe that our program is good enough to attract 3 position players appropriate to our defensive needs and also capable of producing a combined 100 RBI.

[JMV JustMyView]

You must be forgetting Smith's 43 RBI and 18 extra base hits... We are returning 102 of our 196 RBI from last season and 42 of our 78 extra base hits. The picture is not as bleak as you painted it.

I do agree with your assessment of the pitching staff.

Smith hit over 300. He was talking about players under 300.

[JMV JustMyView]

I believe VB mentioned a pitcher from Campbell that looked decent and could be someone Savannah W. could possibly get over here. IMO, we won't get a Berzon caliper pitcher to transfer here.

You never know. Have to make that phone call or the answer will always be no. Also the Cajuns do have some NIL funds to work with.