Quick pick and write-up.
When you compare these two teams one obvious advantage comes out for Texas. They have a well-rested, healthy, very good pitching staff vs a banged up, tired, very good UF pitching staff. It really is too bad what happened to Horne because he emerged as the Gators ace. Then Boss comes in against ASU and pitches a phenomenal game but burned up 5 innings. Ball has not been 100%. This is UT's big advantage to start the series.
UT is a team that pitches well, plays solid D, as we all know. The one thing I think they do best is constantly put pressure on the defense. They bunt runners over in scoring position constantly and I have seen a lot of other teams melt because inning after inning they have someone in scoring position and eventually just wears teams down. I do not know if the Gators D can handle that constant pressure. The Gator D can be very good at times but also boot the most routine play. That will be another interesting aspect to the game.
The Gators strength is senior experienced pitching. They have 3 starters (well 2 now) that can eat up innings and a few guys in the pen who can do the same. They have a few hitters that put a lot of pressure on the opposing D. After 3-4-5 ABs if you make a mistake placing a ball as a pitcher they can make you pay. With one swing of the bat if the Gators are down they can get right back in the game.
Bottom Line: Think Texas has too much for Florida. They have been there 6 Zillion times and this is Florida's first final. The pressure is all on Florida and I expect them to make numerous errors and allow Texas' small ball to get in their heads. Not to mention the significant pitching advantage Texas has. Pitching means everything. And when you pitch and play great defense likes Texas does you are virtually unbeatable.
My Prediction: I like Texas tonight and for the series. :toast:
When you compare these two teams one obvious advantage comes out for Texas. They have a well-rested, healthy, very good pitching staff vs a banged up, tired, very good UF pitching staff. It really is too bad what happened to Horne because he emerged as the Gators ace. Then Boss comes in against ASU and pitches a phenomenal game but burned up 5 innings. Ball has not been 100%. This is UT's big advantage to start the series.
UT is a team that pitches well, plays solid D, as we all know. The one thing I think they do best is constantly put pressure on the defense. They bunt runners over in scoring position constantly and I have seen a lot of other teams melt because inning after inning they have someone in scoring position and eventually just wears teams down. I do not know if the Gators D can handle that constant pressure. The Gator D can be very good at times but also boot the most routine play. That will be another interesting aspect to the game.
The Gators strength is senior experienced pitching. They have 3 starters (well 2 now) that can eat up innings and a few guys in the pen who can do the same. They have a few hitters that put a lot of pressure on the opposing D. After 3-4-5 ABs if you make a mistake placing a ball as a pitcher they can make you pay. With one swing of the bat if the Gators are down they can get right back in the game.
Bottom Line: Think Texas has too much for Florida. They have been there 6 Zillion times and this is Florida's first final. The pressure is all on Florida and I expect them to make numerous errors and allow Texas' small ball to get in their heads. Not to mention the significant pitching advantage Texas has. Pitching means everything. And when you pitch and play great defense likes Texas does you are virtually unbeatable.
My Prediction: I like Texas tonight and for the series. :toast:
arty:
