DISCUSS: Is the recent success an overwhelming positive or reminder of fall from dominance?

[Sebastian Font]

Figured this debate deserves a thread rather than being discussed in the regional projection thread. Seems to be a far gap between those who feel this success means nothing and those who are overly excited by this hot streak.

In my opinion a middle ground exists (not trying to fence sit here) as the fall from grace is undeniable especially considering how we are a blue blood baseball program (40+ year regional streak, multiple national titles). But while we should demand to get back to that, its not going to happen overnight. A hot streak like this has had some of the most life Canes baseball has seen in years and shows promise to what we can do, there should be optimism with some of the returning peices we will have.

 

[Allabouttheu95]

This program has fallen so far that we need to celebrate making regionals again. It should pain every fan to read what I just wrote but its unfortunately where we are at as a program

 

[F-MarioCristobal]

Step in the right direction and it has been fun. Makes me even more ****ed about the L to FAU, 2 L's to FIU, the L to Stetson, L to UCF, dropping the series to UConn, being swept by Wake, and I'd even add how poor our bats were against UNC and UF in both series' first 2 games. Could have another win easily over top 5 UNC to bolster the resume.

Of those 5 mid-week L's - probably should have been at worst 4-1. Inexcusable regardless.

Takes time to get the pieces right on an overhauled team on the weekend, so the early season L's to UConn, UF, Wake, etc. are somewhat understandable. Would be really nice to have had been better than 3-9 in those 4 weekend series mentioned above. .500 in those 12 and it would be completely different.

Not that it would be back to the glory days, but it would be a completely different conversation right now if we had those 4 more mid-week wins and those 3 more weekend wins. Would be looking at 36-11 and with our SoS, easily hosting. Similar record teams sitting in the top 5, too.

A lot of what if by me. Guess that is the next logical step for the program in getting back. This year, would be ahead of schedule and expectations to host a regional and it's definitely possible. Expecting a 2 seed now. Hopefully make it to the regional final and don't get embarrassed. Maybe steal it and get to a super would be this year's best case scenario.

 

[DMoney]

Need to build on it in the Portal. It’s easier to sell an upward trajectory. We can’t compete long-term when we’re second to last in the ACC in runs scored.

 

[Angry Ibis]

This program has fallen so far that we need to celebrate making regionals again. It should pain every fan to read what I just wrote but its unfortunately where we are at as a program

It is not going to happen overnight. FSU happened overnight by hiring the right coach. Period. No more excuses. Enjoy the hot streak, but accepting mediocrity is what got us here. And here is below FSU, below UF and losing regularly to FIU and schools tiers below us in Florida.

 

[jps2344]

Figured this debate deserves a thread rather than being discussed in the regional projection thread. Seems to be a far gap between those who feel this success means nothing and those who are overly excited by this hot streak.

In my opinion a middle ground exists (not trying to fence sit here) as the fall from grace is undeniable especially considering how we are a blue blood baseball program (40+ year regional streak, multiple national titles). But while we should demand to get back to that, it’s not going to happen overnight. A hot streak like this has had some of the most life Canes baseball has seen in years and shows promise to what we can do, there should be optimism with some of the returning peices we will have.

Obviously winning is fun to watch. Glad for the guys being willing and able to dig themselves out of what they were mired in.

But reality is, especially for anyone who I’d say is 40+ or close to it, the state of this program is disappointing beyond belief. Furthering the disgust are the last two head coaching decisions the athletic department made. G and JD are good baseball men. But neither had any business getting the nod when they did. Especially JD (nothing against him personally) after how things went with G. If there as ever a time to nuke the program with some outside juice it was the day G was gone.

There was a time when title ix could have very easily killed the success the program was having. For those unaware, 11.7 scholarships to go around a full squad with the financial obligation the players had was tough times. There were ways around it. But if anyone had an excuse to be mediocre it would have been Coach Morris. What I’m getting at is there’s zero excuse to have a mediocre club with the financial playing field having changed so much relative to then. I’m not advocating or reliving the glory days of Coach Morris as I believe he left at close tot he right time. But a guy like him would have killed it with the lack of financial restrictions programs operate with today. $, plus brand, plus fertile personnel grounds amongst other variables should have this program disappointed with anything less than a 40 win season.

Again, glad for the guys as much as anyone. But if you think this team stands a chance when they go against the elite programs in order to make a run and at a minimum to the World Series you’re joking yourself. Not enough depth, top end talent, and difference makers.