I have fired a few head coaches on tigerforums from time to time, even I know it's way too premature for this kneejerk reaction.
I agree with the majority of this thread. Although I do see some chinks in Maineri's armor, every coach has them. On a side note: CPM left Verdugo in too long in my opinion (tonight). He was up around 100 pitches, and Maineri plans on pitching him on 4 days rest (sunday). Now I understand that Verdugo has been nails in the past month or so, but will having a possible dead arm on the mound for 3 Innings Sunday (maybe dead arm is a bit presumptuous, how about tired arm) really the best idea considering what it may cost us post-season wise. Why not bring in Coleman a few batters early (who has also been nails) and let this kid out around the 80 pitch count. While I don't know how an extra 20 or so pitches will effect Verdugo Sunday, if he comes out with little to no control, or doesn't have any bite to his heater and gets smacked around...then CPM may regret letting this kid get himself out of the jam. (he really didn't get out of the jam, gave up the lead on a double if i remember correctly). Comments?
John....It is my pleasure to present you with the first annual Tiger Forums BNC Trophy. You've earned it. :thumb: BNC - "Brown Nosers Championship"
Bradford dude, Bradford. PM is all up on dat. There's a pretty good read on Rivals if you subscribe. It's about PM not having a plan. Matter of fact, it's titled, "Tigers have no pitching plan." http://www.lsu.rivals.com/content.asp?CID=800244 Pretty sad when sumpin like that appears on your own team's forum but it's no secret. I'll be surprised if we don't lose some pitchers on the roster next year before this is all said and done. With all the PM talk I decided to read up a bit- like John would do- and I'm surely hearing a lot of talk about his decisions. I was well aware of the pitching ones but am hearing some not to good things about his game day coaching/bone head calls. Can't buy that. Since winning games obviously prolongs your season (Tournaments) for him to do that would be hurting a young team by missing out on those "Extra" games/experience, imo. Crossing fingers and hope you're right cause his clock is ticking. In fairness, I don't think Skip could even come back and get close to duplicating what he did in the 90's.
WOW! I cannot believe I'm reading this. You doomsayers need to chill just a little. Tiga: In my years on earth I've learned to believe half of what I see and nothing that I read. You're developing a negative mindset already, based upon hearsay and innuendo. As far as my comment about PM not coaching to win the SEC. I meant that he probably realizes that this team isn't there yet and he's looking toward the future and utilizing his players to determine exactly who can do what in what situation. Certainly, in the heat of a game, he's trying to do what he can to get the win.
To me, the Friday night game sets the tone for the whole SEC series. I'd start Bradford Monday (screw Bradford from the bullpen for 2 innings) and for once win the Friday night game and see how that sets the team up with a little confidence for the next 2. Also, I posted in an earlier baseball thread that the team plays as tense as any team I've ever seen. You can't play any sport tensed and lacking confidence. And from what I've seen on the field, they are a reflection of Mainieri himself, pacing back and forth with batting gloves on........ They don't look like they are having fun in the least.
You say that and point a finger at others about being "doomsayers"? I thought tirk was cynical and you were caustic. What are you basing that on? I wonder if he realizes they ain't in the SEC Tournament yet either? Not that the SEC Tourn is the end-all but Smoke never missed it, this could be PM's second year to. Win MaineriFan, Win- you gotta win.
They aren't fun to watch anymore, I don't know what it is. They have no charisma, it doesn't really seem like they play with any fire or desire. I watched the UGA series this weekend and the Tulane game last night and I have come to the conclusion that any remainence of the mystique of LSU baseball is gone
Mainieri's SEC record last season, and Smoke's the year before were nearly identical (PM had a tie game). Smoke got in, PM didn't. Doesn't mean Smoke was better, just means records of other SEC teams were different. There are going to be bumps and bruises along the way. You could tell by looking at Smoke's final team, that we were a few years away from competing again. That doesn't change just because the bag of lard is gone now. It still needs to be rebuilt.
they're just in a funk like any struggling team--til last night. when you have new faces across the board, players will question the coach with repeated close losses. this is normal. but CPM cant abandon his plan midstream because its not working. he is being strong and staying the course because its led him to wins in the past. as he should. he should just be a bit more flexible with the players. he has a good pitching coach but is at a point where every decision he makes backfires. hes been overmanaging quite a bit. just the opposite of smoke. need to find a happy medium. at least he threw verdugo last night. he needs to let up on his players some so they can enjoy the game more because its a kid's game and should be played as such. although, its easy to pile on when down, like rivals is doing, the key is patience. rivals slamming the guy does no favors to this team. give this guy 2 more years, allow him to settle in with his own philosophies and recruiting then evaluate. in the meantime, support the team and kids. they want to win more than anyone else and its tough trying to live up to the past that is skip bertman baseball. those days are never returning...anywhere. being near or atop the west most years should be attainable however.
