Burnt Orange Nation: An SB Nation Community

Navigation: Jump to content areas:


Pro Quality. Fan Perspective.
Login-facebook
Around SBN: MLB Trade Deadline: Phils, Astros complete Roy Oswalt deal

Augie Making Changes

Looks like Augie has made a couple of changes to his everyday line-up.  Cohl Walla has rightfully moved ahead of Kyle Lusson as the starting left fielder (this move was in the works from the outset and was just a matter of time).  The Horns needed Walla's offense (plus, he's an excellent glove) as collectively the team is hitting just .264 - and this is after two of their biggest offensive days. 

Tant Sheppard is the only starter hitting over .300 (he's at .318) while Connor Rowe and Kevin Lusson keep sliding backwards.  Rowe K'd 4 times against Rice yesterday in the Horns 10-6 loss.  Rowe is a gifted glove man and being a great center fielder, he'll remain in the line-up -  his bat is expected to come around.  Texas needs Kevin Lusson's glove at 3rd so he'll likely remain in the line-up, but there are no big expectations for him offensively - whatever he brings to the plate is a plus right now - he's a soph so Augie will likely give him some room.

The other move of note is that Russell Moldenhauer has been relegated to the bench so the Horns catcher of the future, Johnathan Walsh can move into the line-up as the DH.  A freshman, Walsh is showing a big-time upside and will likely give Rupp some relief from behind the plate from time to time.  Cameron is slumping at present, his average having fallen to .254 after having been near the top of the team during the first month of the season.  Thru 17 games he is stuck on just 8 RBI's - not what you'd hope for from your 3-hole hitter.  Montalbano has had a couple of good moments off the bench (I think he did get 1 or 2 starts) but is unlikely to crack the starting outfield unless Augie moves Keyes to DH.

All comments, FanPosts, and FanShots are the views of the reader-authors who create them.

0 recs  |  Comment 8 comments |

Story-email Email Printer Print

Comments

Display:

Just a general question

how do people see this affecting team chemistry? I’m not nearly as versed in baseball as the bigger sports so I’m not sure what kind of issues these moves create (if any) compared to football/basketball/etc.. I heard C Way mention on one broadcast that kyle lusson wasn’t too happy to have montalbano taking his spot.

by drbadass on Mar 17, 2010 5:14 PM CDT reply actions  

Kyle Lusson hit .170 last year

And is at .231 this year. I’m not sure he has anyone else to blame but himself. As far as chemistry, this is a team led by the pitchers. I don’t think Lusson being replaced, especially if it improves the offense, would affect chemistry too much. Now if Ruffin had been forced into the closer role and was complaining all season, then that would probably affect the chemistry significantly.

by 40AS on Mar 17, 2010 5:40 PM CDT up reply actions  

Agreed

Kyle doesn’t have many chips to play with at this point in his U.T. career. He’s been given a chance and has yet to fulfill the requirements placed on an outfielders offensive responsibilities. I don’t think he’s a kid who’ll create internal problems. I can understand if he got upset if he lost his spot to Montalbano – but he lost it Walla so he really has no valid argument to make.

by LarrySabu on Mar 17, 2010 6:19 PM CDT up reply actions  

Kevin Lusson

I don’t think he’s going anywhere, but I don’t think it’s because of his glove. He’s fielding percentage is .902, which is pretty awful. His bat is starting to come alive, it was around .180 a few weeks ago, and the guy just gets on base. He’s OBP is .450. I actually think he’ll stay at third because of his bat and his good eye.

Connor Rowe isn’t that worrisome, I think he’ll come around. He’s got pretty good power and is a great defender. The team is hitting much better the last few games, hopefully it’ll be contagious.

by 40AS on Mar 17, 2010 5:37 PM CDT reply actions  

Augie's words...

I heard Augie say he liked Lusson’s glove and that he stabilized the 3rd base position. He’s far from a great 3rd sacker but may be the best option they have – he’s no David Marole – but who is?

by LarrySabu on Mar 17, 2010 6:22 PM CDT up reply actions  

I wonder who will start game 3 against Nebraska

Cole Green or Austin Dicharry?

"You've got to think lucky. If you fall into a mudhole, check your back pocket - you might have caught a fish" -- Darrell Royal

by SpiritOfTheFedora on Mar 17, 2010 6:20 PM CDT reply actions  

Comments For This Post Are Closed


User Tools

Welcome to Burnt Orange Nation, a blog dedicated to University of Texas athletics. Get BON updates via Twitter.
Start posting about the Longhorns »

Join SB Nation and dive into communities focused on all your favorite teams.

Connect_with_facebook

SPONSORS

SBNation.com Recent Stories

Photo +14 updates

QB Jeremiah Masoli Headed To Ole Miss After Being Dismissed From Oregon

Photo

With Apologies To Randy Edsall, The Big East Remains Mostly Harmless

FILE -- This is an Oct. 18, 2008 file photo showing Connecticut corner back Jasper Howard (6) trying to get the crowd into the game during the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game against Rutgers, in Piscataway, N.J.   Jasper Howard had his little sisters' names tatooed on his chest. His friends say it was a constant reminder of why he was at U Conn _ to provide his family with a better life than the one he had in Miami's Little Haiti. (AP Photo/Mel Evans, File) link

In Defense Of Big East Football

More from SBNation.com >


Site Editors

Pb3_small Peter Bean

Dark_pumpkin_small awiggo

Photo_57_small GhostofBigRoy

Contributing Authors

Gse_multipart20834_small 40AS

Pigeons_small billyzane

Zombie_profilepic_small Horn Brain

Learned_hand_better_small learned hand

Jersey_front_small 54b

Small whills

Me_small burnt in ny

Small TheElusiveShadow

Rosebowl_small txtwstr7

Brandedbevo1024x768_small dimecoverage

Whataburger_small Hopkins Horn

Dkr_small InDKR'sShadow

Peterson_small ElongatedHorn