2022 Baseball Mega Thread

[T-Dog]

In the last two series (six Sun Belt games), App hasn't scored a single run after the 4th inning. In the Texas State series, App scored a single run after the 4th inning in all three of those games.

So this team is good jumping on pitchers early, but can't hit crap against Sun Belt bullpens or guys going through the lineup a second or third time.

[hapapp]

This team can’t buy a break. Up 3-2 and the wind was blowing in all game. Then it shifts and is blowing hard out to right and Coastal hits 2 dingers that plate 4 runs. Then the wind shifts back to blowing in.

It’s amazing the rationalizations we find to explain our losses. Our 3-12 conference record is not a product of just some bad luck.

It isn’t rationalizing anything to justify anything. Just stating what I observed. The half any prior ended with a player for the good guys tattooing a pitch that went to the right center wall with the wind blowing in. Next half inning, the wind shifted and two balls hit to the same spot left the yard. It changed the dynamic of the game. Period. Some of ya’ll just look for stuff to make you unhappy.

I guess I just get tired of hearing after each loss, if this either happened or didn’t we would have won. We are 3-12 and have loss 9 straight conference games. But some just shrug as if to say “oh well.”

I’m not calling for heads to roll but my expectations are for us to better than cellar dwellers. We’re halfway through Belt play and the level of competition is a bit easier in the 2nd half. I’m hoping we find our groove.

I get it. But where did my comment come across as “oh well.” I was at the game and watched the flags and remarked on it.

I’m not saying that wasn’t the case. But it always seems like there was something besides our poor play that caused a loss. That’s a general statement that is often offered as an explanation. That is not specifically directed at you.

My point is right now we are not a very good team and there are some legit reasons why. But there is no reason to deny that this season has been anything but disappointing. That doesn’t show a lack of support for the team or that you don’t pull for them. I certainly don’t call out any individuals. And the season is not over and I remain hopeful we see some improvement.

[NewApp]

I thought that perhaps we had turned the corner last year,and I mean to respectability in the conference.My expectations are frankly that we play .500 ball most of the time and make a run to the NCAA's a every 3-5 years.Is this asking too much?Coach told me when he was hired that the goal was regional contender sooner rather than later, then Omaha.I like the guy a lot and want him to be successful .I want us to be successful.He has to shake things up , and soon.He may not have another year.

Those were the exact expectations I laid out on page 9 of this thread but was lambasted by AppSt94, WVAPPeer, spacemonkey, and Appgrad78 on various talking points for setting my expectations too high and DARING to hold the coaching staff accountable.

I’m sorry to be blunt but unless you have the ability to fund the program and as you posted on Twitter, “Call Chris Pollard and double his salary,”; Your insistence on holding coaches accountable are irrelevant. Gillin will do what he needs to do at the end of the season. If he thinks a change needs to be made, he will and you Sir will feel validated. If he doesn’t, will you acquiesce that you might not understand all that you need to understand or will you sit in the corner and hold your breath until you get what you want?

I was here at App during our all world years! From 2010 to 2014 and let me tell you the funding was fat worse then. We had a great coach that recruited NC well and had a team that wanted to develop and win. It is 100% possible to still do this and the fact that some think Kemrit can do if have lost their minds. He was a budget hire from the beginning and has given us less than budget results. This state has too good a hs baseball culture to watch us suck this bad. It's time Gillan eats the Kermit sucks cookie and starts looking for someone that won't embarrass us as donors and alumni.

We were not in the SunBelt conference 4 of those years. Doesn't that make a difference?

[AppSt94]

It’s amazing the rationalizations we find to explain our losses. Our 3-12 conference record is not a product of just some bad luck.

It isn’t rationalizing anything to justify anything. Just stating what I observed. The half any prior ended with a player for the good guys tattooing a pitch that went to the right center wall with the wind blowing in. Next half inning, the wind shifted and two balls hit to the same spot left the yard. It changed the dynamic of the game. Period. Some of ya’ll just look for stuff to make you unhappy.

I guess I just get tired of hearing after each loss, if this either happened or didn’t we would have won. We are 3-12 and have loss 9 straight conference games. But some just shrug as if to say “oh well.”

I’m not calling for heads to roll but my expectations are for us to better than cellar dwellers. We’re halfway through Belt play and the level of competition is a bit easier in the 2nd half. I’m hoping we find our groove.

I get it. But where did my comment come across as “oh well.” I was at the game and watched the flags and remarked on it.

I’m not saying that wasn’t the case. But it always seems like there was something besides our poor play that caused a loss. That’s a general statement that is often offered as an explanation. That is not specifically directed at you.

My point is right now we are not a very good team and there are some legit reasons why. But there is no reason to deny that this season has been anything but disappointing. That doesn’t show a lack of support for the team or that you don’t pull for them. I certainly don’t call out any individuals. And the season is not over and I remain hopeful we see some improvement.

All fair. It is frustrating to watch. It is disappointing to see. But here is the reality. We moved from the SoCon to the Sun Belt which is a better league. We haven’t finished better than 9th in any season while in the Sun Belt. So is this our new norm? Meh. I hope not, but how do we get better. IF we were to go shopping for a new coach this off season, anyone worth their salt is going to want a commitment to facility upgrades. Would we be in a better position to comply when we can’t now? How much would an IPF for baseball/softball assist in development? A covered infield with multiple hitting stations and mounds in a climate controlled environment.

I appreciate that you aren’t calling individuals out since it most assuredly isn’t a people issue.

[APPdiesel]

Next 4:

Tuesday 6pm at 26-7 Wake Forest #10 RPI

3 gm series at 11-20 UL Monroe #153 RPI
Fri 7pm
Sat 3pm
Sun 2pm

App is #134 RPI.

In theory we should be able to pick up a couple wins against a team that is roughly just as bad as we are.

[hapapp]

It isn’t rationalizing anything to justify anything. Just stating what I observed. The half any prior ended with a player for the good guys tattooing a pitch that went to the right center wall with the wind blowing in. Next half inning, the wind shifted and two balls hit to the same spot left the yard. It changed the dynamic of the game. Period. Some of ya’ll just look for stuff to make you unhappy.

I guess I just get tired of hearing after each loss, if this either happened or didn’t we would have won. We are 3-12 and have loss 9 straight conference games. But some just shrug as if to say “oh well.”

I’m not calling for heads to roll but my expectations are for us to better than cellar dwellers. We’re halfway through Belt play and the level of competition is a bit easier in the 2nd half. I’m hoping we find our groove.

I get it. But where did my comment come across as “oh well.” I was at the game and watched the flags and remarked on it.

I’m not saying that wasn’t the case. But it always seems like there was something besides our poor play that caused a loss. That’s a general statement that is often offered as an explanation. That is not specifically directed at you.

My point is right now we are not a very good team and there are some legit reasons why. But there is no reason to deny that this season has been anything but disappointing. That doesn’t show a lack of support for the team or that you don’t pull for them. I certainly don’t call out any individuals. And the season is not over and I remain hopeful we see some improvement.

All fair. It is frustrating to watch. It is disappointing to see. But here is the reality. We moved from the SoCon to the Sun Belt which is a better league. We haven’t finished better than 9th in any season while in the Sun Belt. So is this our new norm? Meh. I hope not, but how do we get better. IF we were to go shopping for a new coach this off season, anyone worth their salt is going to want a commitment to facility upgrades. Would we be in a better position to comply when we can’t now? How much would an IPF for baseball/softball assist in development? A covered infield with multiple hitting stations and mounds in a climate controlled environment.

I appreciate that you aren’t calling individuals out since it most assuredly isn’t a people issue.

We actually had a winning record last season in Belt play, in a shortened season where we finished 7th.

[Stonewall]

Thinking about players that have been in the program for a few years, how much have they really improved? Year after year the teams we play seem much more athletic and physically developed, which is a separate issue -at least somewhat.

[t4pizza]

We just are not a good baseball team. The first place to look to change that is the coach and his staff. If we want to have a successful baseball program, we need to find a new coach because this one has had more than enough time to get it done and he hasn't been able to do so. Anyone that doesn't agree with this simply isn't paying attention.

[AppSt94]

We just are not a good baseball team. The first place to look to change that is the coach and his staff. If we want to have a successful baseball program, we need to find a new coach because this one has had more than enough time to get it done and he hasn't been able to do so. Anyone that doesn't agree with this simply isn't paying attention.

If we supplied the baseball program with resources necessary to compete at the same level as other programs, I would agree. The bottom line is that we don’t. I’m not making that statement in terms of keeping Kermit. But anyone out there that can deliver and has proven to deliver, is going to want additional resources allocated to the program as a condition of employment. Resources that we don’t have. I suppose we could siphon some money off of the football and mens basketball budget.

[t4pizza]

We just are not a good baseball team. The first place to look to change that is the coach and his staff. If we want to have a successful baseball program, we need to find a new coach because this one has had more than enough time to get it done and he hasn't been able to do so. Anyone that doesn't agree with this simply isn't paying attention.

If we supplied the baseball program with resources necessary to compete at the same level as other programs, I would agree. The bottom line is that we don’t. I’m not making that statement in terms of keeping Kermit. But anyone out there that can deliver and has proven to deliver, is going to want additional resources allocated to the program as a condition of employment. Resources that we don’t have. I suppose we could siphon some money off of the football and mens basketball budget.

I do not know the budget in comparison to our peer programs, but I am sure we are not spending a tremendous amount on baseball and I doubt we ever have. I do know that our coach has been here long enough to turn it around if he was capable of doing so. I am not saying to fire him now, but if we want a winning program we can't keep extending coaches who don't have winning records. I think his contract is up next summer, and I doubt there is any way he gets a career winning record at App in that time. If a coach can't achieve at least a winning record in 6 years, I just don't think we should retain them.

[AppSt94]

We just are not a good baseball team. The first place to look to change that is the coach and his staff. If we want to have a successful baseball program, we need to find a new coach because this one has had more than enough time to get it done and he hasn't been able to do so. Anyone that doesn't agree with this simply isn't paying attention.

If we supplied the baseball program with resources necessary to compete at the same level as other programs, I would agree. The bottom line is that we don’t. I’m not making that statement in terms of keeping Kermit. But anyone out there that can deliver and has proven to deliver, is going to want additional resources allocated to the program as a condition of employment. Resources that we don’t have. I suppose we could siphon some money off of the football and mens basketball budget.

I do not know the budget in comparison to our peer programs, but I am sure we are not spending a tremendous amount on baseball and I doubt we ever have. I do know that our coach has been here long enough to turn it around if he was capable of doing so. I am not saying to fire him now, but if we want a winning program we can't keep extending coaches who don't have winning records. I think his contract is up next summer, and I doubt there is any way he gets a career winning record at App in that time. If a coach can't achieve at least a winning record in 6 years, I just don't think we should retain them.

That’s fair, but I have to ask. Is a winning record a reasonable ask given what he is playing with? I get some on here see this as accepting failure and not having expectations, yada, yada, yada. But changing out the coach doesn’t necessarily fix the problem. If it were that easy, Kansas wouldn’t be the worst football team year in and year out.

[WataugaMan]

If we're not providing the baseball program with the resources necessary to compete at the same level as our peer institutions, then why do we even bother having a team? Do our conference peers really put significantly more resources into their baseball program than we do? This makes absolutely no sense, something doesn't sound right here. Someone please enlighten/educate me here.

[t4pizza]

We just are not a good baseball team. The first place to look to change that is the coach and his staff. If we want to have a successful baseball program, we need to find a new coach because this one has had more than enough time to get it done and he hasn't been able to do so. Anyone that doesn't agree with this simply isn't paying attention.

If we supplied the baseball program with resources necessary to compete at the same level as other programs, I would agree. The bottom line is that we don’t. I’m not making that statement in terms of keeping Kermit. But anyone out there that can deliver and has proven to deliver, is going to want additional resources allocated to the program as a condition of employment. Resources that we don’t have. I suppose we could siphon some money off of the football and mens basketball budget.

I do not know the budget in comparison to our peer programs, but I am sure we are not spending a tremendous amount on baseball and I doubt we ever have. I do know that our coach has been here long enough to turn it around if he was capable of doing so. I am not saying to fire him now, but if we want a winning program we can't keep extending coaches who don't have winning records. I think his contract is up next summer, and I doubt there is any way he gets a career winning record at App in that time. If a coach can't achieve at least a winning record in 6 years, I just don't think we should retain them.

That’s fair, but I have to ask. Is a winning record a reasonable ask given what he is playing with? I get some on here see this as accepting failure and not having expectations, yada, yada, yada. But changing out the coach doesn’t necessarily fix the problem. If it were that easy, Kansas wouldn’t be the worst football team year in and year out.

I never said it fixed the problem but it at least addresses the inability of the coach to get it done at App State. Other baseball coaches have been able to have winning records at App, so I think it is reasonable to ask. I am sure there are a lot of things that can be done to help our coach, but at the end of the line that has always been the case and yet some coaches have been able to overcome the obstacles and win. That is what I expect from our coaches, an ability to overcome the obstacles and have a winning team. Again, not saying we should fire him in the middle of his contract, but I don't think we should ever renew or extend a coaches contract that has not had a winning record while at App State. I understand others may feel differently but I have yet to be impressed by any of their arguments for extending coaches with losing records. Just doesn't make any sense to me.

[Yosef84]

Any App fan who isn't disappointed in this season (baseball), clearly isn't paying attention. That said, this is the toughest schedule I remember us ever playing. Right now, in various polls, two of the SBC teams we've played are ranked in the top 25 (Texas State and GS) and others are getting votes. Unfortunately, Georgia State is also having a breakout year(also getting votes) and so it Troy so I don't really see this season turning out pretty. I will leave the evaluation to those who know a lot more about baseball than I do (not a high bar). I am sure that DG will have some candid conversations and we will see what happens. I'm definitely NOT in favor is taking action for the sake of appearance. Kermit Smith knows baseball, but I don't know if he's the guy who can get us there or not. DG knows the constraints that the Coach has to work with. If he believes there is a plan to take us forward, I would support keeping Coach Smith. I do hope we can get this train back on track though.

[WataugaMan]

The season isn't over yet, there are 15 more conference games before tournament time. Hopefully, things will get better (don't see how it can get any worse) and we'll get it turned around.

[AppSt94]

We just are not a good baseball team. The first place to look to change that is the coach and his staff. If we want to have a successful baseball program, we need to find a new coach because this one has had more than enough time to get it done and he hasn't been able to do so. Anyone that doesn't agree with this simply isn't paying attention.

If we supplied the baseball program with resources necessary to compete at the same level as other programs, I would agree. The bottom line is that we don’t. I’m not making that statement in terms of keeping Kermit. But anyone out there that can deliver and has proven to deliver, is going to want additional resources allocated to the program as a condition of employment. Resources that we don’t have. I suppose we could siphon some money off of the football and mens basketball budget.

I do not know the budget in comparison to our peer programs, but I am sure we are not spending a tremendous amount on baseball and I doubt we ever have. I do know that our coach has been here long enough to turn it around if he was capable of doing so. I am not saying to fire him now, but if we want a winning program we can't keep extending coaches who don't have winning records. I think his contract is up next summer, and I doubt there is any way he gets a career winning record at App in that time. If a coach can't achieve at least a winning record in 6 years, I just don't think we should retain them.

That’s fair, but I have to ask. Is a winning record a reasonable ask given what he is playing with? I get some on here see this as accepting failure and not having expectations, yada, yada, yada. But changing out the coach doesn’t necessarily fix the problem. If it were that easy, Kansas wouldn’t be the worst football team year in and year out.

I never said it fixed the problem but it at least addresses the inability of the coach to get it done at App State. Other baseball coaches have been able to have winning records at App, so I think it is reasonable to ask. I am sure there are a lot of things that can be done to help our coach, but at the end of the line that has always been the case and yet some coaches have been able to overcome the obstacles and win. That is what I expect from our coaches, an ability to overcome the obstacles and have a winning team. Again, not saying we should fire him in the middle of his contract, but I don't think we should ever renew or extend a coaches contract that has not had a winning record while at App State. I understand others may feel differently but I have yet to be impressed by any of their arguments for extending coaches with losing records. Just doesn't make any sense to me.

I understand and I can’t say I disagree with you on renewing or extending the contract of a coach with a losing record. My only caveat is asking if one truly understands the obstacles in place. And if the overarching sentiment is that “who cares if there are obstacles, overcome them and win,” is any different in the empathy department of the ones who some feel are ok with accepting mediocrity? The point is that we have had coaches that have won here before, but not playing this level of conference competition.

Kermit has one year left on his deal. Gillin has laid out expectations for the program based on what he knows to be the obstacles. If Kermit is meeting them, then he will stay and may even get extended. If he isn’t, then Gillin will move on and search for a new HC. We shall see.

[AppSt94]

Kermit makes $135k. Southern Coach makes $292k. Coastal $402k. Louisiana $350k. With that type of pay disparity, you either get a guy like Pollard who wins and leaves or you have to keep scraping the sides looking for diamonds each time.

[WataugaMan]

Therefore, it's the coaching salary. Since Kermit make a mere $135K we're getting what we pay for. Interesting.

[AppSt94]

In a manner of speaking, yes.

[WataugaMan]

In that case, maybe he should have stayed Division 2.