Opinion (long & winding road)

[Charlesroast]

I am frustrated & just want to say this, because I love baseball, am an old fart, and want IU baseball to be nationally relevant. I have been a Mercer defender here and still believe he is well suited to lead this program for decades and with national prominence. However, like all of us he has warts, and some of them are showing in the first three games. IMHO he needs to address some specific problems starting today. This individual game doesn’t mean squat regarding the season goal of reaching the tourney. But this team has two weeks to make serious improvements or there will be long term program consequences. I don’t know what the IU response will be with regards to more scholarships and coaches starting next year, but if this team with hosting and super regional goals fails to get a bid it sure can’t help get the additional $ for those changes. Without that commitment of money it doesn’t matter who the coach is.

Often dealing with problems in your best players has broad team impact. That approach is certainly available. His two best players in all likelihood lead Power 5 baseball in two most unfortunate statistics, Cerny-errors, Taylor-Ks.

1. Tyler Cerny is a talented player and we are fortunate to have him. His inability to make routine plays (throws to first base) makes him a liability. This was a problem last year and it remains. Today he should be the DH. He should remain there until he gets needed help and solves the throwing problem or if not he remains at DH, is moved back to second base, or sets.
2. Devin Taylor is super talented and again we are fortunate to have him. His defense is ordinary and actually less than his physical abilities indicate regarding his potential. However, his refusal to slap pitches to the near empty left side when faced with the overshifts is, to me a coaching problem. Again this is a problem that goes back to last year. Devin either addresses it early today or he is replaced, and remains out with only DH opportunities.

There are approach problems that the coaches need to address but getting the teams attention should start today. This team needs to show marked improvement over the next two weeks or there will be long term program consequences. I don’t know what the IU response will be with regards to more scholarships and coaches next year, but if this team with hosting and super regional goals fails to get a bid it sure can’t help get the additional $ for those changes. Without the money it doesn’t matter who the coach is.

Pitching is still important and there have been a few positive signs there, although we don’t know how good UNLV & Xavier are. Brummel and Thomas have potential to be in the top 4 or 5 starters list. I hope they get regular innings starting today.

 

[kraft cheese+macaroni]

I am frustrated & just want to say this, because I love baseball, am an old fart, and want IU baseball to be nationally relevant. I have been a Mercer defender here and still believe he is well suited to lead this program for decades and with national prominence. However, like all of us he has warts, and some of them are showing in the first three games. IMHO he needs to address some specific problems starting today. This individual game doesn’t mean squat regarding the season goal of reaching the tourney. But this team has two weeks to make serious improvements or there will be long term program consequences. I don’t know what the IU response will be with regards to more scholarships and coaches starting next year, but if this team with hosting and super regional goals fails to get a bid it sure can’t help get the additional $ for those changes. Without that commitment of money it doesn’t matter who the coach is.

Often dealing with problems in your best players has broad team impact. That approach is certainly available. His two best players in all likelihood lead Power 5 baseball in two most unfortunate statistics, Cerny-errors, Taylor-Ks.

1. Tyler Cerny is a talented player and we are fortunate to have him. His inability to make routine plays (throws to first base) makes him a liability. This was a problem last year and it remains. Today he should be the DH. He should remain there until he gets needed help and solves the throwing problem or if not he remains at DH, is moved back to second base, or sets.
2. Devin Taylor is super talented and again we are fortunate to have him. His defense is ordinary and actually less than his physical abilities indicate regarding his potential. However, his refusal to slap pitches to the near empty left side when faced with the overshifts is, to me a coaching problem. Again this is a problem that goes back to last year. Devin either addresses it early today or he is replaced, and remains out with only DH opportunities.

There are approach problems that the coaches need to address but getting the teams attention should start today. This team needs to show marked improvement over the next two weeks or there will be long term program consequences. I don’t know what the IU response will be with regards to more scholarships and coaches next year, but if this team with hosting and super regional goals fails to get a bid it sure can’t help get the additional $ for those changes. Without the money it doesn’t matter who the coach is.

Pitching is still important and there have been a few positive signs there, although we don’t know how good UNLV & Xavier are. Brummel and Thomas have potential to be in the top 4 or 5 starters list. I hope they get regular innings starting today.

Gross overreaction after 3 games.

I don't like the way analytics has changed the game either, but high K rates from your best hitter are highly tolerated in all baseball circles these days. Even so, Devin only struck out 15% of the time last year, so too early to draw any conclusions. And you're neither going to bench your leading power hitter for an abundance of Ks nor ask him to become a slap hitter to the opposite field if you want to continue to recruit top end talent, win and have a job.

 

[Mas-sa-suta]

I am frustrated & just want to say this, because I love baseball, am an old fart, and want IU baseball to be nationally relevant. I have been a Mercer defender here and still believe he is well suited to lead this program for decades and with national prominence. However, like all of us he has warts, and some of them are showing in the first three games. IMHO he needs to address some specific problems starting today. This individual game doesn’t mean squat regarding the season goal of reaching the tourney. But this team has two weeks to make serious improvements or there will be long term program consequences. I don’t know what the IU response will be with regards to more scholarships and coaches starting next year, but if this team with hosting and super regional goals fails to get a bid it sure can’t help get the additional $ for those changes. Without that commitment of money it doesn’t matter who the coach is.

Often dealing with problems in your best players has broad team impact. That approach is certainly available. His two best players in all likelihood lead Power 5 baseball in two most unfortunate statistics, Cerny-errors, Taylor-Ks.

1. Tyler Cerny is a talented player and we are fortunate to have him. His inability to make routine plays (throws to first base) makes him a liability. This was a problem last year and it remains. Today he should be the DH. He should remain there until he gets needed help and solves the throwing problem or if not he remains at DH, is moved back to second base, or sets.
2. Devin Taylor is super talented and again we are fortunate to have him. His defense is ordinary and actually less than his physical abilities indicate regarding his potential. However, his refusal to slap pitches to the near empty left side when faced with the overshifts is, to me a coaching problem. Again this is a problem that goes back to last year. Devin either addresses it early today or he is replaced, and remains out with only DH opportunities.

There are approach problems that the coaches need to address but getting the teams attention should start today. This team needs to show marked improvement over the next two weeks or there will be long term program consequences. I don’t know what the IU response will be with regards to more scholarships and coaches next year, but if this team with hosting and super regional goals fails to get a bid it sure can’t help get the additional $ for those changes. Without the money it doesn’t matter who the coach is.

Pitching is still important and there have been a few positive signs there, although we don’t know how good UNLV & Xavier are. Brummel and Thomas have potential to be in the top 4 or 5 starters list. I hope they get regular innings starting today.

Winning is not everything.

It is the only thing.

All of the goals, hopes, dreams and aspirations you talk about can never be realized without winning. Full stop.

Winning in baseball is about getting one more run than the other team when the game is over. Can't score that run unless batters get on base. As a kid, I was taught, with two strikes, choke up the bat handle, get a piece, put the ball in play. Walking back to the dugout with the bat in your hand never beat anyone!

One run.

Shortstop (and arguably catcher) is the most important part of ending up with getting one more run than the other guy. The defensive mistakes being made can never lead to winning ball games. Never.

One run.

Last season, the number of walks given up by this team was unconscionable. The extra plate appearances given up cost that team a number of games.

One run.

This weekend, we had one runner picked off, and another tagged out after oversliding a base...

This coaching staff does not teach smart fundamental WINNING baseball.

My opinion as a fan.

 

[biglewexpress]

Gross overreaction after 3 games.

I don't like the way analytics has changed the game either, but high K rates from your best hitter are highly tolerated in all baseball circles these days. Even so, Devin only struck out 15% of the time last year, so too early to draw any conclusions. And you're neither going to bench your leading power hitter for an abundance of Ks nor ask him to become a slap hitter to the opposite field if you want to continue to recruit top end talent, win and have a job.

That’s an understandable sentiment, you never really want to change a kids tools. What Devin has to understand is everything in this game is earned. Until he proves he can be a threat middle/away, he won’t see any pitches he can really handle.

He also needs to understand that he will lose lots of money when scouts label him an average/above average pull side hitter only. He’s not a 40-60+HR/year prospect. His unwillingness to just play the game and get on base, and adapt to how teams pitch him will cost him bonus money. His impact isnt to only hit HRs for his team, Everything is earned in this game.

 

[biglewexpress]

I am frustrated & just want to say this, because I love baseball, am an old fart, and want IU baseball to be nationally relevant. I have been a Mercer defender here and still believe he is well suited to lead this program for decades and with national prominence. However, like all of us he has warts, and some of them are showing in the first three games. IMHO he needs to address some specific problems starting today. This individual game doesn’t mean squat regarding the season goal of reaching the tourney. But this team has two weeks to make serious improvements or there will be long term program consequences. I don’t know what the IU response will be with regards to more scholarships and coaches starting next year, but if this team with hosting and super regional goals fails to get a bid it sure can’t help get the additional $ for those changes. Without that commitment of money it doesn’t matter who the coach is.

Often dealing with problems in your best players has broad team impact. That approach is certainly available. His two best players in all likelihood lead Power 5 baseball in two most unfortunate statistics, Cerny-errors, Taylor-Ks.

1. Tyler Cerny is a talented player and we are fortunate to have him. His inability to make routine plays (throws to first base) makes him a liability. This was a problem last year and it remains. Today he should be the DH. He should remain there until he gets needed help and solves the throwing problem or if not he remains at DH, is moved back to second base, or sets.
2. Devin Taylor is super talented and again we are fortunate to have him. His defense is ordinary and actually less than his physical abilities indicate regarding his potential. However, his refusal to slap pitches to the near empty left side when faced with the overshifts is, to me a coaching problem. Again this is a problem that goes back to last year. Devin either addresses it early today or he is replaced, and remains out with only DH opportunities.

There are approach problems that the coaches need to address but getting the teams attention should start today. This team needs to show marked improvement over the next two weeks or there will be long term program consequences. I don’t know what the IU response will be with regards to more scholarships and coaches next year, but if this team with hosting and super regional goals fails to get a bid it sure can’t help get the additional $ for those changes. Without the money it doesn’t matter who the coach is.

Pitching is still important and there have been a few positive signs there, although we don’t know how good UNLV & Xavier are. Brummel and Thomas have potential to be in the top 4 or 5 starters list. I hope they get regular innings starting today.

It’s things I’ve said here for a long time, you have to be really solid defensively in the middle of the field if you want to win at a high level at this level. It’s something Mercer has never had a willingness to prioritize. Good/great teams kill you when you give extra base runners,

 

[Mas-sa-suta]

That’s an understandable sentiment, you never really want to change a kids tools. What Devin has to understand is everything in this game is earned. Until he proves he can be a threat middle/away, he won’t see any pitches he can really handle.

He also needs to understand that he will lose lots of money when scouts label him an average/above average pull side hitter only. He’s not a 40-60+HR/year prospect. His unwillingness to just play the game and get on base, and adapt to how teams pitch him will cost him bonus money. His impact isnt to only hit HRs for his team, Everything is earned in this game.

Your remark about 'unwillingness ' caught my attention. Are you saying he refuses to adapt, or that the 'light' just hasn't come on for him?

 

[biglewexpress]

Your remark about 'unwillingness ' caught my attention. Are you saying he refuses to adapt, or that the 'light' just hasn't come on for him?

I’m sure he’s aware. I’ve said here before, he prioritizes offense. My example was when he came here he was looking for more production as SS and basically benched Jeremy Houston post injury. Jeremy was a Mendoza line hitter (.220) at best, but he was an above average/elite defender at SS at the time.

Mercers willing to live with average defenders in favor of their offensive production. That’s always who he’s been since he’s been here. You can’t have average defenders in the middle of the field if you expect to win at a high level.

 

[All4UIU]

It's gonna be a very looonnngggg. season. We suck!

 

[Mas-sa-suta]

I’m sure he’s aware. I’ve said here before, he prioritizes offense. My example was when he came here he was looking for more production as SS and basically benched Jeremy Houston post injury. Jeremy was a Mendoza line hitter (.220) at best, but he was an above average/elite defender at SS at the time.

Mercers willing to live with average defenders in favor of their offensive production. That’s always who he’s been since he’s been here. You can’t have average defenders in the middle of the field if you expect to win at a high level.

I get it about Mercer...but the question was directed to Taylor's 'unwillingness ' to adapt.

Half a dozen Hall of Fame SS were lifetime .260 hitters...

 

[biglewexpress]

I get it about Mercer...but the question was directed to Taylor's 'unwillingness ' to adapt.

Half a dozen Hall of Fame SS were lifetime .260 hitters...

I don’t think he would unwilling to adapt. But some guys are recalcitrant no matter how much you tell them the realities of their game.

I guess the better way to say it is: if he’s unwilling to adapt to what teams are doing to him, it will cost him lots of money.

 

[Mas-sa-suta]

I don’t think he would unwilling to adapt. But some guys are recalcitrant no matter how much you tell them the realities of their game.

I guess the better way to say it is: if he’s unwilling to adapt to what teams are doing to him, it will cost him lots of money.

I think you have a good grasp on the mindset of a lot of athletes today. The most successful coaches seem to be the ones who can teach winning as a team over personal aims. I think this is where IU Hoops has crashed.

 

[Charlesroast]

I think you have a good grasp on the mindset of a lot of athletes today. The most successful coaches seem to be the ones who can teach winning as a team over personal aims. I think this is where IU Hoops has crashed.

ptrich, thanks for all you do to provide info on the team and college baseball. I apologize for starting this thread. I ignored very good advice I received years ago: Opinions are like a certain body orifice, everybody has one and most of them stink.

 

[Bucket Getter]

ptrich, thanks for all you do to provide info on the team and college baseball. I apologize for starting this thread. I ignored very good advice I received years ago: Opinions are like a certain body orifice, everybody has one and most of them stink.

I’m not exactly sure what you are apologizing for. This is a fan forum. We should be able to freely discuss or even debate the good, the bad, and the ugly. When our crew stinks up the entire first 4-game weekend of the season, there’s always going to be some worries expressed here. And there should be. This weekend looks a heckuva lot like The Battle of Atlantis. And we now know that was a huge indicator of troubles to come.

 

[ptrich]

ptrich, thanks for all you do to provide info on the team and college baseball. I apologize for starting this thread. I ignored very good advice I received years ago: Opinions are like a certain body orifice, everybody has one and most of them stink.

I think it's a good thread to start and something like this is needed to vent after a flawed start to the season. I do think this team will rebound, and we have some pitchers that have shown great promise going forward.

Surely, our hitting will come around after not a great start to the season from that standpoint. We are going to be a high strikeout team, and that has been an issue for the past few seasons, and we had 14 Ks today with some killing scoring opportunities.

The lack of good fundamentals is a real concern and that cost us in three of the four losses, although today was a pretty clean game, but one out of four games is not going to cut it. Mercer has pretty much decided to live with Cerny's error issue, so I guess we have no choice but to go with the flow as fans.

 

[jseebold]

I think it's a good thread to start and something like this is needed to vent after a flawed start to the season. I do think this team will rebound, and we have some pitchers that have shown great promise going forward.

Surely, our hitting will come around after not a great start to the season from that standpoint. We are going to be a high strikeout team, and that has been an issue for the past few seasons, and we had 14 Ks today with some killing scoring opportunities.

The lack of good fundamentals is a real concern and that cost us in three of the four losses, although today was a pretty clean game, but one out of four games is not going to cut it. Mercer has pretty much decided to live with Cerny's error issue, so I guess we have no choice but to go with the flow as fans.

Thanks guys for having this forum to vent. My son is Gavin Seebold. I talked to him briefly before he got on the bus this afternoon. The team is extremely disappointed with this weekend, but still have confidence. A lot of talent here and the guys are determined to have a great season.

This coaching staff is great with the kids and will get this pointed in the right direction. I thought the pitching was pretty solid all weekend. Offense will be there and the defense will improve. Don’t give up on these guys, they are great kids who are working very hard. Thanks all.

 

[ptrich]

Thanks guys for having this forum to vent. My son is Gavin Seebold. I talked to him briefly before he got on the bus this afternoon. The team is extremely disappointed with this weekend, but still have confidence. A lot of talent here and the guys are determined to have a great season.

This coaching staff is great with the kids and will get this pointed in the right direction. I thought the pitching was pretty solid all weekend. Offense will be there and the defense will improve. Don’t give up on these guys, they are great kids who are working very hard. Thanks all.

Your son was one of the positive factors in the tournament. Starting the season on the mound in his first start as a Hoosier, it took him an inning to settle in, but he was really effective after that inning. I see him and Gilley being a big factor in the rotation as the season wears on.

 

[jseebold]

Your son was one of the positive factors in the tournament. Starting the season on the mound in his first start as a Hoosier, it took him an inning to settle in, but he was really effective after that inning. I see him and Gilley being a big factor in the rotation as the season wears on.

Thanks. Appreciate the kind words. He and Gilley have become good friends. They are both fierce competitors. This pitching staff is aggressive and expecting a good season. Not sure how they have looked in the past but I expect good things and they love Glant! This team is going to make everyone proud. Thanks for the support.

 

[jseebold]

One last thing. Being in Surprise for all 4 games, I will also say the “Baseball Gods” owe us a few the rest of the season . If we catch any breaks at all we go 3-1. Oh well, turn the page and start winning now. Thanks guys.

 

[biglewexpress]

Lots

I think it's a good thread to start and something like this is needed to vent after a flawed start to the season. I do think this team will rebound, and we have some pitchers that have shown great promise going forward.

Surely, our hitting will come around after not a great start to the season from that standpoint. We are going to be a high strikeout team, and that has been an issue for the past few seasons, and we had 14 Ks today with some killing scoring opportunities.

The lack of good fundamentals is a real concern and that cost us in three of the four losses, although today was a pretty clean game, but one out of four games is not going to cut it. Mercer has pretty much decided to live with Cerny's error issue, so I guess we have no choice but to go with the flow as fans.

Lots of games left to play, this team has the potential be a 35/40 win team.

 

[Bucket Getter]

I very well could be wrong about this, but after watching all 4 games this year - and most of the games over the last 13 years - it seems like our defensive alignments are off. So many balls either go over our head or into a huge gap. Even the little flares over the infield. We rarely make the plays it seems like everyone we play makes rather routinely. Is it poor scouting, poor pitch execution, lack of athleticism? Or something else?

Sometimes the game of baseball feels like the gods owe us, but it could be a much more realistic explanation.

 

[Next time]

My two cents & probably change can be given back.
Offensively, Taylor’s not a lead off guy and you have a freshman hitting .089 behind him. Probably a chance to move the top around a bit. Mercer is not a get on base, create havoc, situational coach. His teams can put up runs in bunches, but it’s unbelievable how many runners they leave in scoring position. Strike outs seem to always be high and base running/awareness is average at best.
Defensively, someone said it best. Mercer chooses offensive every time, period. This is very short sided and I love the Jeremy Houston reference about his defense but this leads me to my next point.
Mercer is very freshman focused and I’m sure it’s how he gets a few of these guys. He is 1000% committed to playing freshman and several have been that good. But some haven’t and some need time to find their way. It’s Mercer’s MO, but I hate what I’m seeing at a few positions so far.
Pitching, Glant might be the nicest guy in the world but he’s not getting the most out of his staff. You can’t have so many drafted(talent) and them struggle so consistently, year after year. IU will come in 3rd or 4th in the B10 and be in conversations for a regional, but things have to change really quick for that to happen. But, I’ll still go to my handful of games and listen on the radio. I hope Mercer and staff prove that I know nothing and should stick to my day job.

 

[kraft cheese+macaroni]

I hope Mercer and staff prove that I know nothing and should stick to my day job.

I mean, while criticism is fair, I think he's already proven this. We're consistently among the best 3-4 teams in the conference every year. When has IU baseball ever done that?

 

[Mas-sa-suta]

I mean, while criticism is fair, I think he's already proven this. We're consistently among the best 3-4 teams in the conference every year. When has IU baseball ever done that?

That's all well and good. But, if the goals are to host Regional and Super-Regionals and to get to the CWS, being the 3-4 team in a very pedestrian baseball conference is not saying much.

 

[Irregulars]

Thanks guys for having this forum to vent. My son is Gavin Seebold. I talked to him briefly before he got on the bus this afternoon. The team is extremely disappointed with this weekend, but still have confidence. A lot of talent here and the guys are determined to have a great season.

This coaching staff is great with the kids and will get this pointed in the right direction. I thought the pitching was pretty solid all weekend. Offense will be there and the defense will improve. Don’t give up on these guys, they are great kids who are working very hard. Thanks all.

Don't be a stranger and be sure and come back. Information is knowledge and the more you can provide the better off this collection of well meaning fans will be. Thanks

 

[Next time]

That's all well and good. But, if the goals are to host Regional and Super-Regionals and to get to the CWS, being the 3-4 team in a very pedestrian baseball conference is not saying much.

That’s my point. The talk is he’s building the monster to host and win regionals. I really believe the Mercer/Simons recruiting combo brought in the best talent IU has seen in a long time, so the talent is there. Now it’s how does IU make the next jump & some of the points folks have made are coachable skills, approaches, etc.. Mercer and staff have to adjust or refine or else we’ll be a top 3-4 team in the B10, make a few regionals, miss a few and hope we strike it just right to make it to a super.

 

[Bucket Getter]

I was never real excited to finish 3-4th in the previous B1G. There’s a better than average chance that now slides to 6-8th with this year’s additions. No way that qualifies for anything in the postseason.