Why not pitch Pickens a couple of innings yesterday when we had a big lead? Get her some no-pressure NCAA experience,
work out the nerves a little? Seemed like the perfect opportunity, no, as the Vols will likely need her going forward, if only
for innings.
My chief long-term complaint with Weekly is that she does not seem to know how to manage and build confidence in pitchers
who are not going well or struggling a bit. With her it has always seemed: If you're good and pitching well, you pitch; if you're struggling,
you don't pitch, or you pitch less and get the quick hook, which tends to drain confidence. Really good pitchers are easy to manage;
pitchers who are more up and down need smart management.
I know nothing about Indiana, but let's assume from here on in the tourney the competition is increasingly tough, and the stakes higher, and so if she thinks she needs Pickens for an inning, two/three innings, or to get a left-handed hitter out in a tight spot (though this doesn't happen much in softball compared to baseball), you'd be bringing her in more high-pressure situations. That's why, in my view, yesterday was a good opportunity to give her a taste of NCAA tourney action. Or maybe she plans to ride Rogers and Gottshall all the way. That's possible---but I'd still want to take advantage of an opportunity
to give my talented young pitcher some big-tourney innings, as I presume she'll be relied on heavily next year. It will be interesting to see how the coach manages our pitchers as this tourney unfolds.
work out the nerves a little? Seemed like the perfect opportunity, no, as the Vols will likely need her going forward, if only
for innings.
My chief long-term complaint with Weekly is that she does not seem to know how to manage and build confidence in pitchers
who are not going well or struggling a bit. With her it has always seemed: If you're good and pitching well, you pitch; if you're struggling,
you don't pitch, or you pitch less and get the quick hook, which tends to drain confidence. Really good pitchers are easy to manage;
pitchers who are more up and down need smart management.
I know nothing about Indiana, but let's assume from here on in the tourney the competition is increasingly tough, and the stakes higher, and so if she thinks she needs Pickens for an inning, two/three innings, or to get a left-handed hitter out in a tight spot (though this doesn't happen much in softball compared to baseball), you'd be bringing her in more high-pressure situations. That's why, in my view, yesterday was a good opportunity to give her a taste of NCAA tourney action. Or maybe she plans to ride Rogers and Gottshall all the way. That's possible---but I'd still want to take advantage of an opportunity
to give my talented young pitcher some big-tourney innings, as I presume she'll be relied on heavily next year. It will be interesting to see how the coach manages our pitchers as this tourney unfolds.
