Oklahoma v A&M

[93players]

Texas A&M has been outhitting opponents with home runs. This power style was successful, but they did lose 17 games this year. The OU matchup is bad for A&M because OU has more power than A&M and a healthier pitcher. The top programs ride pitchers way too much during the season and their arms and shoulders are ready to completely give out by the time the tourney comes around. The over reliance on one pitcher causes other top pitchers to avoid these teams or to transfer or convert to other positions. But let's assume, A&M has to stick with Dumezich and OU will pitch Ricketts. What could A&M do to beat OU.

Texas is the team that scored on OU. I wonder if A&M could really improve by mixing in some speed with that power. They have speed on the bench. I think some batters with speed could really change the defense and pitching that OU must bring against A&M.

By staying with the power hitters, there are many slower players in the field. I must say, A&M outfield looked pretty average against Baylor and against OU. They have not had to field many balls. That outfield misplays balls all of the time. They give up extra bags. For a team that pretty well could have any Texas high school player, I think they are underperforming.

Of course, this record is a dream for most schools. But I am judging talent on the bench, talent they could have, and what they are doing with it. Also trying to stir up some Aggies to respond. I do predict that many top team pitchers are so worn out, there could be some surprises in the CWS.

[DonnieS]

Like you said, its all about choices.

[93players]

Coach Evans was clearly outcoached in the series. But, in my opinion, her choices during the season really hurt A&M's competitiveness in the playoffs.

[DonnieS]

Coach Evans was clearly outcoached in the series. But, in my opinion, her choices during the season really hurt A&M's competitiveness in the playoffs.

If she had a healthy Mel things would have been different. Not saying Tamu would have won but it would have been a good series. Now if you want to blame Evans for Mel being in her current condition you may have a valid point but I wouldn't say she was out coached in the series.

I don't know - the games I have seen OK play, it just seems like a great big cat playing with its food.

[93players]

Coach Evans pitched Mel way too much. Mel 44 game appearances, Ricketts 39, Luna 35 -- unlike Luna's first two years where she was in the mid 40s. The fallacy in women's softball is that the game does not affect arms and shoulders. Talk to an orthopedic doctor and it is repetitive injuries of pitching and thowing for years in the same sport. The coach is the sole decider of how many innings the lead pitcher will go. I won't even touch the decision to bat her all season when there are bench players who have been top batters at Gold Nationals.

A&M's outfield is way too slow for Oklahoma. Over half of the batters are too slow as base runners. The only way they can score is a home run so a one dimensional hr power vs hr power -- OU will win. I enjoyed the balance that Tenn has in their lineup and field. Power and speed beat the national champion. A&M would have lost that series even though their talent level is very high.

[PDad]

Texas A&M has been outhitting opponents with home runs. This power style was successful, but they did lose 17 games this year. The OU matchup is bad for A&M because OU has more power than A&M and a healthier pitcher. ...

The numbers don't support that - TAMU's .572 Slug% was just a little lower than OU's .590 due to the difference in Avg (.304 vs .338). TAMU had more extra-base hits including triples and HRs. IMO the big difference is OU's hitters are willing to take a walk - they had 103 more BBs (325 vs 222) - and a much higher OB% (.467 vs .409) to go with their power.

Gotta give credit to the TAMU team and their fans for their generosity towards the tornado victims. They originally intended to collect items to take on the bus with them, but the response was so big they had to use a moving van. OU is housing victims in their dorms, so I'm confident it worked out well.

[4s dad]

One of the A&M incoming freshman is a speedy center fielder. So maybe next year.

[DonnieS]

One of the A&M incoming freshman is a speedy center fielder. So maybe next year.

Would her number be #4?

[4s dad]

One of the A&M incoming freshman is a speedy center fielder. So maybe next year.

Would her number be #4?

I wish! DD plays 3B/C. They played together on the HS team.