(Updated 7/13) 2021 MLB Draft and Roster Management Discussion Thread

[vol66]

He pitched 42 innings for an SEC team and had a 3.0 ERA. I’ll take that any day of the week.

AbsoF’nlutely!

 

[DukeDaisySam]

He pitched 42 innings for an SEC team and had a 3.0 ERA. I’ll take that any day of the week.

What was his ERA in SEC games?

 

[DukeDaisySam]

Just so you know, not trying to make you feel bad here, but that’s a bit awkward since Kirby’s dad has been known to post in these fora. Not a big deal though. Also, Kirby has incurred a number of devoted fans, both for his play and for his spirit, so may not get much agreement on the take. As with all players there are ups and downs, but I think a lot of us are looking forward to seeing more of the stache out there on the mound next year.

Well, I’ll apologize but I don’t think I said anything controversial.. I simply made an observation based on what I saw on the field. I thought that was what discussion boards were for.

 

[Volprofch05]

Well, I’ll apologize but I don’t think I said anything controversial.. I simply made an observation based on what I saw on the field. I thought that was what discussion boards were for.

No problem! Just a forewarning on the off chance that the discussion might get heated and go downhill.

 

[Volunteer08]

Well, I’ll apologize but I don’t think I said anything controversial.. I simply made an observation based on what I saw on the field. I thought that was what discussion boards were for.

Volprof didn't say it was controversial. He said it was a bit awkward, but not a big deal. He's just letting you know the environment you're in if you didn't already know.

 

[td23]

You stated your opinion. That is what the board is for. That doesn't make it easy to hear as a parent. As a parent, you know coming in that your son is gonna take some tough criticism. I'm a huge Kirby fan and expect more from him every time he goes out there. That's how much I believe in him.

 

[OldTimer]

You stated your opinion. That is what the board is for. That doesn't make it easy to hear as a parent. As a parent, you know coming in that your son is gonna take some tough criticism. I'm a huge Kirby fan and expect more from him every time he goes out there. That's how much I believe in him.

and as a teammate, he's even a better dude.......always the first one out of the dugout congratulating guys as they come off the field.

 

[Volprofch05]

What was his ERA in SEC games?

Ok, you're putting me to work here. From UT stats, I count 14 runs given up in 26 innings of SEC play, which equates to an ERA of ~4.84. That includes two appearances against Arky, two against Vandy, etc. I don't think a lot of our pitchers had pure overpowering stuff this year (for example, comment below), but they got it done.

 

[txbo]

He pitched 42 innings for an SEC team and had a 3.0 ERA. I’ll take that any day of the week.

That's right.

I'd like to see him and several other guys just rest their arm this summer.

 

[preacherman20]

I'm the dad and don't have a problem with anything that you said, except as some do on here, your statements do not match the facts, statistics. He gave up 5 HR's in 42 innings which is 1 per 8 innings which puts him in the middle of the pack of the guys who threw 30 innings or more. His ERA would be almost the same in SEC as it is overall. The only games that he had high ERA's was Vanderbilt and Texas A&M which is the same for several pitchers. I don't know that I have been sold completely on him or most of our pitching staff when it comes to overwhelming batters but we find a way to get it done. Could he develop something else, absolutely and him and Anderson are already working on it. he will never be the 95 mph guy but with his location and 5 pitches he won't have to be. I said here the other day that he almost throws too many strikes but I don't think anyone will ever complain about that. He also had 3 walks in 42 innings so he is going to get hit more than most but they know when they put him in he will not walk guys and give them a chance to get outs. I think I also know why his time got limited at the end. He got a huge chance to play as a somewhat new guy when Redmond struggled a little in the early SEC games. Kirby pitched some in the places that normally would have been Redmond's. Then Redmond found his groove back and Kirby got pushed back a spot. They did what they should have done and gave the senior the chance over the Covid Freshman. But he was in the bullpen throwing almost every game in the regional, super regional, and Omaha so no faith lost in him.
Again, you or anyone on here will not offend me if you talk about my son or any other player/coach if the statistics back it up. It is like the discussion of Beck's fielding. Back it with statistics because most coaches will take .985 all day long.

 

[VolnJC]

I'm the dad and don't have a problem with anything that you said, except as some do on here, your statements do not match the facts, statistics. He gave up 5 HR's in 42 innings which is 1 per 8 innings which puts him in the middle of the pack of the guys who threw 30 innings or more. His ERA would be almost the same in SEC as it is overall. The only games that he had high ERA's was Vanderbilt and Texas A&M which is the same for several pitchers. I don't know that I have been sold completely on him or most of our pitching staff when it comes to overwhelming batters but we find a way to get it done. Could he develop something else, absolutely and him and Anderson are already working on it. he will never be the 95 mph guy but with his location and 5 pitches he won't have to be. I said here the other day that he almost throws too many strikes but I don't think anyone will ever complain about that. He also had 3 walks in 42 innings so he is going to get hit more than most but they know when they put him in he will not walk guys and give them a chance to get outs. I think I also know why his time got limited at the end. He got a huge chance to play as a somewhat new guy when Redmond struggled a little in the early SEC games. Kirby pitched some in the places that normally would have been Redmond's. Then Redmond found his groove back and Kirby got pushed back a spot. They did what they should have done and gave the senior the chance over the Covid Freshman. But he was in the bullpen throwing almost every game in the regional, super regional, and Omaha so no faith lost in him.
Again, you or anyone on here will not offend me if you talk about my son or any other player/coach if the statistics back it up. It is like the discussion of Beck's fielding. Back it with statistics because most coaches will take .985 all day long.

Thanks! I've seen a couple make the observation that the way they used Kirby in relief of Will often hurt him since they had similar styles? That he would have been better used behind Chad or Blade? I'm not qualified enough to know which pitchers throw how fast or what pitches they have...any credence to that thought?

 

[td23]

Thanks! I've seen a couple make the observation that the way they used Kirby in relief of Will often hurt him since they had similar styles? That he would have been better used behind Chad or Blade? I'm not qualified enough to know which pitchers throw how fast or what pitches they have...any credence to that thought?

We pay qualified guys alot of money to make those decision.

 

[DukeDaisySam]

I'm the dad and don't have a problem with anything that you said, except as some do on here, your statements do not match the facts, statistics. He gave up 5 HR's in 42 innings which is 1 per 8 innings which puts him in the middle of the pack of the guys who threw 30 innings or more. His ERA would be almost the same in SEC as it is overall. The only games that he had high ERA's was Vanderbilt and Texas A&M which is the same for several pitchers. I don't know that I have been sold completely on him or most of our pitching staff when it comes to overwhelming batters but we find a way to get it done. Could he develop something else, absolutely and him and Anderson are already working on it. he will never be the 95 mph guy but with his location and 5 pitches he won't have to be. I said here the other day that he almost throws too many strikes but I don't think anyone will ever complain about that. He also had 3 walks in 42 innings so he is going to get hit more than most but they know when they put him in he will not walk guys and give them a chance to get outs. I think I also know why his time got limited at the end. He got a huge chance to play as a somewhat new guy when Redmond struggled a little in the early SEC games. Kirby pitched some in the places that normally would have been Redmond's. Then Redmond found his groove back and Kirby got pushed back a spot. They did what they should have done and gave the senior the chance over the Covid Freshman. But he was in the bullpen throwing almost every game in the regional, super regional, and Omaha so no faith lost in him.
Again, you or anyone on here will not offend me if you talk about my son or any other player/coach if the statistics back it up. It is like the discussion of Beck's fielding. Back it with statistics because most coaches will take .985 all day long.

I want to tread very carefully here because of the sensitivity of the situation. I wish him well going forward.

 

[vol66]

Kirby’s SEC only stats…

 

[preacherman20]

I've never had to make those decisions with the information that they have. When I was a high school and travel ball coach, it was limited to what I had at my disposal. Some times I went with a guy just like the one who was pitching if the other was having success and some times I changed it up. I will say that when Will had success you could count on Kirby/Redmond having success. Some times you have to mix it up and some times you just replicate with a different pitcher. It is strange because we saw this year that Kirby and Redmond both had success following each other which is in reality almost a complete duplication of the other with a different main offspeed pitch but it worked. I have had college coaches tell me it is a feel thing and what you believe in your heart. I will agree with TD23 they make a little more than I do to make those decisions plus they see the guys on an everyday occurrence. They know what they want to accomplish and who can do it. I will put my trust in them. Some times it is where in the lineup they are and how long you are planning to throw them. College baseball pitching is a creature of its own because you will bring guys in for one batter which may be one pitch or to finish a game. We saw Kirby and Mabrey come in for one batter on several occasions this year. You are hoping the left handed pitcher gets the left handed hitter to roll over and you get a double play. Each is different.

 

[Volprofch05]

I'm the dad and don't have a problem with anything that you said, except as some do on here, your statements do not match the facts, statistics. He gave up 5 HR's in 42 innings which is 1 per 8 innings which puts him in the middle of the pack of the guys who threw 30 innings or more. His ERA would be almost the same in SEC as it is overall. The only games that he had high ERA's was Vanderbilt and Texas A&M which is the same for several pitchers. I don't know that I have been sold completely on him or most of our pitching staff when it comes to overwhelming batters but we find a way to get it done. Could he develop something else, absolutely and him and Anderson are already working on it. he will never be the 95 mph guy but with his location and 5 pitches he won't have to be. I said here the other day that he almost throws too many strikes but I don't think anyone will ever complain about that. He also had 3 walks in 42 innings so he is going to get hit more than most but they know when they put him in he will not walk guys and give them a chance to get outs. I think I also know why his time got limited at the end. He got a huge chance to play as a somewhat new guy when Redmond struggled a little in the early SEC games. Kirby pitched some in the places that normally would have been Redmond's. Then Redmond found his groove back and Kirby got pushed back a spot. They did what they should have done and gave the senior the chance over the Covid Freshman. But he was in the bullpen throwing almost every game in the regional, super regional, and Omaha so no faith lost in him.
Again, you or anyone on here will not offend me if you talk about my son or any other player/coach if the statistics back it up. It is like the discussion of Beck's fielding. Back it with statistics because most coaches will take .985 all day long.

It’s exciting to think about Anderson and our young guys scheming in the lab to concoct new pitches

 

[youcancallmeAl]

I've always believed in the old adage about pitching: Work fast. Change speeds. Throw strikes.

Stats tell a lot, and from the stats, Kirby is that kind of pitcher. He fills up the strike zone. Because he doesn't have overpowering stuff, he gets hit more than we'd like. On the plus side, he let's his defense help him. And he doesn't walk anyone, and that's HUGE. And he strikes out a batter per inning. All in all, he is successful at this level. A little improvement to miss bats a little more and bring down the era and he'll have a real good season.

 

[WGWTFA98]

I've never had to make those decisions with the information that they have. When I was a high school and travel ball coach, it was limited to what I had at my disposal. Some times I went with a guy just like the one who was pitching if the other was having success and some times I changed it up. I will say that when Will had success you could count on Kirby/Redmond having success. Some times you have to mix it up and some times you just replicate with a different pitcher. It is strange because we saw this year that Kirby and Redmond both had success following each other which is in reality almost a complete duplication of the other with a different main offspeed pitch but it worked. I have had college coaches tell me it is a feel thing and what you believe in your heart. I will agree with TD23 they make a little more than I do to make those decisions plus they see the guys on an everyday occurrence. They know what they want to accomplish and who can do it. I will put my trust in them. Some times it is where in the lineup they are and how long you are planning to throw them. College baseball pitching is a creature of its own because you will bring guys in for one batter which may be one pitch or to finish a game. We saw Kirby and Mabrey come in for one batter on several occasions this year. You are hoping the left handed pitcher gets the left handed hitter to roll over and you get a double play. Each is different.

Thanks for your perspective. I have loved rooting this team on the past 2 years - was wondering if what you hear from your son matches what it looks like from the outside in terms of how much Tony V and the coaching staff pour into the team and how seemingly close the team has been on and off the field?

Also curious how Kirby is feeling about the upcoming season with the roster changes

 

[VolnJC]

I've always believed in the old adage about pitching: Work fast. Change speeds. Throw strikes.

Stats tell a lot, and from the stats, Kirby is that kind of pitcher. He fills up the strike zone. Because he doesn't have overpowering stuff, he gets hit more than we'd like. On the plus side, he let's his defense help him. And he doesn't walk anyone, and that's HUGE. And he strikes out a batter per inning. All in all, he is successful at this level. A little improvement to miss bats a little more and bring down the era and he'll have a real good season.

Nothing worse imo than facing a fast working pitcher when you are losing and running out of innings...I know as a hitter I hated it and would intentionally call time to the disgust of the umpire lol

 

[TheMookieMonster]

Kirby had his share of struggles, but so did Kumar Rocker and Jack Leiter, the #2 and #11 draft picks. Pitching is difficult and it doesn’t matter how elite your stuff is there will be ups and downs along the way. Guys will figure out your strengths and weaknesses and will attack them. It’s about how you adapt. Kirby served his role well enough. Even the best bullpen arms have “meltdowns” or give up home runs. It’s why baseball has such a long regular season.

 

[preacherman20]

Thanks for your perspective. I have loved rooting this team on the past 2 years - was wondering if what you hear from your son matches what it looks like from the outside in terms of how much Tony V and the coaching staff pour into the team and how seemingly close the team has been on and off the field?

Also curious how Kirby is feeling about the upcoming season with the roster changes

They are very close. You would think that there might some over competitiveness about them since many are fighting for the same positions but I've not seen it or heard it. Kirby and Redmond are best friends on and off the field and truly pull for each other even though they are almost identical and definitely fight for time on the mound. Kirby and Mabrey were roommates this past year and helped lead a Bible study together at their apartment. I believe it is true across the board. Many have talked on here about chemistry and that is huge in sports, especially baseball, I think. I don't think they are sure of the roster enough for next year to have any concerns yet. They know who is coming back for sure and who is being added. Many of these guys played with and against each other so there are already many bonds there and connections. Coach V does a great job of building that teamwork and camaraderie throughout the year. He had breakfasts together at least once a week during the end of season and playoffs just to get guys together away from the field. I think he knows exactly what to do to put this new team together. I also know some will be happy by the end of fall, some will not be happy and still stay, and some will be gone. Mine personally knows this fall and next year he either does his job or someone takes it. Great life lesson. He is working on adding velocity and adding a new pitch like most of the pitchers. I'm sure all were given something to fix this summer/fall.

 

[OldTimer]

 

[TheMookieMonster]

 

[OldTimer]

We pay qualified guys alot of money to make those decision.

why pay those guys huge salaries when all they have to do is get on the baseball forum at Volnation......hell, they should be looking at the forum during games too, it would make their job a lot easier.

 

[TheMookieMonster]

Man, the competition for infield spots is going to be brutal. I mean BRUTAL. Competition breeds excellence, but it’s going to be so interesting to see how this shapes out with the roster now.