Augie Making Changes

by LarrySabu on Mar 17, 2010 4:26 PM CDT

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.

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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