Hey guys,
Nick Ruland here with the SP. Just thought I could throw a few thoughts out there on opening weekend. I may not be a college baseball expert, but I was thoroughly impressed with the Sun Devils this past weekend. Yeah I get it, UMW hadn't practiced outdoors all year yadda, yadda....
How can you argue against the numbers ASU put up this weekend? I don't care if it's batting practice, to be able to hit the ground running like that tells me a lot about the program (I am trying to familiarize myself with).
Did we learn anything about this years team from this weekend? I'm not sure I can offer the depth of perspective to fairly answer that question. I can say that Murphy was not exactly dazzled when I spoke with him on Sunday. Perhaps my perceptions are a little misguided on that subject. I think I'll leave that alone until I can figure it out.
So maybe the half-glasser says all we learned is that Ramirez can turn on a below-average fastball. Or maybe that ASU can take advantage of an outfield that displayed very little range or competency.
I saw a pitching staff that threw strikes. An offense that sprayed the ball all over the field and executed situational hitting fairly well. A defense that can make spectacular plays. I saw athletes for ASU that should give them confidence in tight games. I also saw balls go out to center that really carried. I don't think power is going to be as big a problem as some would believe.
What do I know. I am listening and learning. Fair to say we'll know a little something after this next week.