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After another productive fall ball slate, optimism continues to grow around the Light as the season draws nearer. And while this year I wasn’t able to attend as many scrimmages as I would’ve liked (Skipped as many classes as I could), I was still able to get a decent read on the team through the practices I did attend as well as contacting some sources. With all that said, here are my immediate thoughts after fall ball:
- Immediately the biggest change is the physicality on the roster, this looks like a legit ball team. That's the first thing everyone mentions when they see the team for the first time. In the positions of power (1B, 3B, and DH for example), Miami will likely have players all over 6-foot-3, with athletic players scattered around the rest of the field. Physicality isn’t the most important thing on the diamond, but it sure goes a long way in winning the mental battle against some of the top teams.
- You know what does win ballgames though? Talent. That’s exactly what Miami has gotten over the offseason. Last year's group had talent, but its real prowess was with their mental fortitude and grit — the intangibles. That’s why I was looked at like crazy last year when I said the team could make a Super Regional run, because on paper the talent wasn’t there. However, this year the talent is all there. Miami returns its top four hitters from last year and pairs them with impressive hitters in Alex Sosa, Brylan West and Cian Copeland. And while the ’Canes did lose some arms, they’ve replenished in the form of Richmond transfer Ryan Bilka and other high-ceiling additions. The combination of returning cornerstones and hand-picking portal pieces works in the modern era — a method I expect J.D and co. to continue utilizing in the coming years.
- And yet with all the talent talk, I left out some of the most exciting pieces for this season — the freshmen. I mentioned early in the fall last year that A.J Ciscar and Tate DeRias would work their way into being stars as freshmen, and this year I’m calling my shot on the offensive side with Gabriel Milano and Alonzo Alvarez. They both have that “it” factor where they don’t look like freshmen on the field, their approach at the plate is veteran-like where they fight until they get their pitch and don’t miss. The problem is both are kind of blocked at their position for everyday reps. As a catcher, Alvarez likely won’t be replacing your top transfer in Sosa, but could serve as the backup and an option at DH as a switch-hitter. Milano has a better chance at taking the starting spot from transfer second baseman Vance Sheahan, but will also likely be reduced to splitting time as a platoon hitter. Again, this is a good problem born out of an increase in talent across the board.
- Position battles worth monitoring:
- Second base: Sheahan vs. Milano
- Designated hitter: Copeland vs. Milano vs. Alvarez
- Sunday starter: Evans vs. Bilka (if they choose starter route over pen)
- Closer: Pretty much every bullpen arm at the moment
- Three impressive pitchers: Bilka, Evans, Collera
- Three impressive hitters: Ogden, Cuvet, Galvin (Plus the two freshmen mentioned above)
- Last year it was pretty clear on who would be cut to return to our 35/36 man roster. This year it looks like it’s going to be a much harder discussion. There will likely be some really talented players who will have to make way.
- With all the talent across the board, I believe that this team will be a candidate to host a regional and should return to the Super Regionals. However, I’m hesitant to make the claim of an Omaha side. When you look at the Omaha teams over the past few years, the sheer amount of high-level arms they have is just ridiculous. I believe we have some quality arms, but would really need 1-2 more guys to really make that jump (Keep an eye on Frank Menendez’s return for example).
- And if any of y’all have any questions I’ll do my best to answer them.
