Our Pitching Is Fundamentally Sound?!

[msreason]

Like the President Bush comments on the economy (echoed by Obama strangely enough) our pitching staff has what it takes. It seems odd that every pitcher has had a rough start to the Spring season. But, you do see that most of them have shining moments. Looking at a team ERA of 6+ is indicative of a need to work with these talented young men to fine tune their skills. I have no inside info, so that may be going on as we speak. Let's hope that Meggs realizes that he can't throw the baby out with the bath water regarding his staff. Work with them, one-on-one with solid advice of both the fundamentals and the fine points and I think we can get the team ERA into the normal range.

[BankShot]

What would project as an MVC "norm?"

In today's collegiate world of cryogenic, electrolyzed, multiple polymer bats, a "6" ERA isn't really that bad. Make 'em use wood, and their batting averages drop by .150+ pts!

College baseball is too offensively one-sided today...and only half of the problem is PITCHING.:krazy:

[msreason]

I took you up on the challenge. Here are the team ERA's in conference:

N. Iowa 5.11
Evansville 5.21
S. Illinois 5.16
Creighton 4.77
Wichita St. 4.33
Bradley 7.06
Mo. State 4.59

So, to be with the leaders we need to be at 5.0 or under.

[ISUCC]

after today, the top 5, adding Illinois State to that list

Earned run avg
--------------
1. Illinois State...... 4.23
2. Wichita State....... 4.33
3. Missouri State...... 4.59
4. Creighton........... 5.03
5. Evansville.......... 5.12

ISU is 6.18 after the ILS game Sat., last year ISU ended with an ERA over 7.00 I think

http://www.mvc.org/baseball/2009stats/lgteams.htm

[msreason]

So, what do you think? Need to get down to that 5.0 range? Agree that we have the talent? Yes, we also need consistent offense...but a finer edge on the arms is important.

[bent20]

ISU's pitching was terrible last year and as I've said before, I don't think we can expect a huge turn around in one season. We're still early in conference play, so I remain optimistic.