Just saw this dropped. I'll add notes after I listen.



First tidbit of new info that we haven't heard through TA, is that Bear is getting some reps at first. Brauny alluded to a new name at first but I don't think he shared who it was.

Sounds like the infield will be some combo of Bear/Gavin/Hacopian/Royo/Partida and Kellner.

If Bear can be average or better at first defensively, I'd bet Becker catches either Sundays or Tuesdays. Early season it might look like Bear at 1st, Royo 2nd, Haco SS, Gavin 3rd.

Earley was very complimentary of the freshman and how they carry themselves, especially Partida and Kellner.

These goobers asked him if he and Nick Magione (UK head coach) talk a lot. Mike was professional, but I did laugh out loud when they asked...

This has been hinted at since Cliff was hired, but there will be a much more versatile approach this year, where we mash when the conditions allow it, but the "base offense" will be around getting on base and moving runners.

Thanks! Good interview

JW1612 said:

---

Thanks! Good interview

---

I laughed out loud when they asked if he was close with Magione from UK.

Haha I did too. He kind of scoffed at that question. It was great!

ReelAg6 said:

---

JW1612 said:

---

Thanks! Good interview

---

I laughed out loud when they asked if he was close with Magione from UK.

---

They obviously didn't see the footage of the last time they "talked".

Listened to it myself and this is what I felt we missed last season. We didnt try nearly enough to take BB to then churn into runs. I don't want small ball but lets get walks with more frequently.

My concern

Will Bear be 'adequate' defensively at 1B?

A good defensive first baseman can save you a bunch of outs / runs, a not-so-good 1B can, well, cost you.

i.e., it's not an easy position to play, as many people might think.

RR

MMantle said:

---

My concern

Will Bear be 'adequate' defensively at 1B?

A good defensive first baseman can save you a bunch of outs / runs, a not-so-good 1B can, well, cost you.

i.e., it's not an easy position to play, as many people might think.

RR

---

It sounds like Bear at 1st base is more just a way to have less wear and tear at catcher, but still keep him in the order to maximize offense.

I would imagine this is more done in low-profile games like mid-weeks. Any big games is more than likely to have him catching.

MMantle said:

---

My concern

Will Bear be 'adequate' defensively at 1B?

A good defensive first baseman can save you a bunch of outs / runs, a not-so-good 1B can, well, cost you.

i.e., it's not an easy position to play, as many people might think.

RR

---

I agree 1000% and we were missing that last year. The stats show we fielded .974 but we missed a lot of outs that weren't necessarily ruled errors, but elite teams make. You can't give SEC clubs extra outs/opportunities.

If there was a position on the field that I would expect to be able to translate well to first, it would be catcher. Bear has been very good defensively behind the plate. If he can handle a slider in the dirt with a 3000 spin rate, he should be able to handle a bad hop at first.

Fantastic interview. Earley seems much more comfortable this year. Really pumped for the season.

RetvrnAg said:

---

Fantastic interview. Earley seems much more comfortable this year. Really pumped for the season.

---

Comfortable is the last thing Earley should be feeling after last year my friend

you know what the hell I meant. I can already tell this season is going to be exhausting with some of you. Absolutely insufferable

You have stars. The ignore feature will be your friend

I liked hearing that we aren't going to be chasing home runs and blaming the weather all year. That's certainly a step in the right direction.