Starting Rotation vs. Vandy?
Jun 24, 2013; Omaha, NE, USA; Mississippi State Bulldogs starting pitcher Trevor Fitts (31) delivers a pitch during the second inning in game 1 of the College World Series finals against the UCLA Bruins at TD Ameritrade Park. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
The starting rotation has basically been flipped on its head this year. That’s really no surprise as it has been the trend the last few years. But as this team continues to evolve over the course of the year, we are faced with a huge series right now: #3 Vanderbilt at Dudy Noble.
MSU has gone from an opening weekend rotation of Woodruff, Fitts and Hudson to Woodruff, Fitts, Sexton and Hudson to trading Bracewell for Sexton to dropping Woodruff and Hudson in favor of Mitchell last weekend vs. UGA.
With Ross Mitchell’s complete game effort in Athens, Coach Cohen has said one of the spots belongs to him…he just doesn’t know if it will be Friday or Saturday.
Trevor Fitts hasn’t done anything to lose his job. He has been pretty consistent, although not in any way dominating. He should get another shot, and I wonder if it may be on Sunday. MSU will need an excellent performance out of each pitcher that takes the hill this weekend, and that’s something we have yet to see out of Trevor. He’s been good, but not great. And Vandy’s pitchers have been great….all their starters are 1.63 ERA or below (and the relievers are just as good). Pitching him on Sunday will give Cohen and Thompson the full range of options knowing their bullpen situation should they have to get Trevor early.
That leaves the final spot, which I think should be the Saturday spot. Most likely it’s between Ben Bracewell and Preston Brown. Bracewell has had a couple of quality starts and he’s looked good every time out with the exception of last week vs. UGA. P. Brown hasn’t given up a run in any of his three starts…so that bodes well, ha. Brown is a ground ball pitcher and with the way he’s been pitching I think I’d like to see him get the call in Game 2, with a quick hook knowing BB is in the pen.
Could we see Brandon Woodruff or Dakota Hudson back in the rotation? I would highly doubt it because they’ve been shaky this year and a team like Vanderbilt just doesn’t leave a lot of room for error. I think Hudson could be a dynamite short reliever this year throwing 96+ mph heaters in the late innings, and Woody should get the start on Tuesday vs. Southeast Missouri.
Whoever gets a start this weekend will have to be on their A game. Vandy’s pitching is so good, and their hitting isn’t too shabby either. Cohen and Thompson will have their hands full with these decisions and hopefully they will work out for the best.