Softball 2025-expectations?

[RollTide-YNWA]

I think the Oklahoma St coach is worth a look.

 

[Krymsonman]

We played Oklahoma State today down in Florida and took a 3-1 lead into the bottom of the 7th. Briski came on in the 5th and was pitching well despite having her pitching arm all wrapped up. She lost it in the bottom of the 7th and gave up 4 straight hits sandwiched around a fielders choice out at home plate. The last hit, a two run single gave Oklahoma State the win. We had a couple of chances to add runs earlier in the game but couldn't get the big hit.

It's still early, but we kind of look like last year. We have a couple of ladies that are making good contact, but we can't put any good rallies together. The way Briski's arm was wrapped up I'm wondering if we're over-using her already.

And what's up with Kennedy Marceaux. She was our all-everything recruit this year. Why is she not playing much? Is she injured or is she not sucking up to Murphy enough. I think her bat could help, at least as a DH or something. Or will she be the next big name moving down the road.

 

[bamamc1]

Alabama softball recruiting class:

Alabama Softball Adds Six for 2025 National Signing Day Class - Alabama Athletics

Alabama softball welcomed six new members to its family Wednesday on National Signing Day. The high school seniors will join the Crimson Tide next fall ahead...

rolltide.com

 

[HSV_1969]

Definitely a disappointing weekend going 1-4 in Clearwater. Contributing to that disappointment is losing the lead in I think 3 of those games.

As far as players, Vandagriff is a stand-out and one of the definite bright spots on the team. As a Freshman, she has been the team's most consistent hitter (.517 avg), and has great speed on the bases. Pupillo has also been a good addition to the offense as a transfer. Riley and Briski have looked good at times pitching, but haven't looked elite.

I agree with others that this feels a lot like the last couple years. I saw the graphic during the game yesterday reminding us that Alabama had a losing record in the SEC for the first time last year. Unfortunately, I would predict the same again this year from what I have seen so far.

For me, there is some reason for optimism in that some of the early losses this year have occurred in games where Alabama had more game control than the opponent then one disastrous inning dooms the outcome. Three games from Clearwater that definitely fell in that category for me were the losses to Liberty, UCLA and OK St. Hopefully, the team can improve through the year and win those type games.

 

[81usaf92]

Alabama softball recruiting class:

Alabama Softball Adds Six for 2025 National Signing Day Class - Alabama Athletics

Alabama softball welcomed six new members to its family Wednesday on National Signing Day. The high school seniors will join the Crimson Tide next fall ahead...

rolltide.com

If we didn’t get Moten then we would be behind Auburn, Georgia, and Mizzou in that class. We also did very bad in the 24 class in terms of recruiting whereas our SEC rivals improved.

Again the question remains… “ is Alabama a national championship contender or a team that is just happy getting to the Supers and occasionally winning a series”. Because we aren’t consistently recruiting like we are going to challenge the big dogs.

 

[RollTide-YNWA]

The thing that bothers me is that it seems like, for a lot of our players, their best year is their first one, which tells me they aren't improving much while playing for Alabama. I think that's a coaching issue. There are exceptions to every rule and I haven't done a deep dive on this, so I'll admit it could be off.

Also, I noticed the sleeve on Briski's arm as well. I couldn't tell if it was for injury, preventative support, or protection.

 

[bamamc1]

View attachment 49242

If we didn’t get Moten then we would be behind Auburn, Georgia, and Mizzou in that class. We also did very bad in the 24 class in terms of recruiting whereas our SEC rivals improved.

Again the question remains… “ is Alabama a national championship contender or a team that is just happy getting to the Supers and occasionally winning a series”. Because we aren’t consistently recruiting like we are going to challenge the big dogs.

Well it’s a top 7 class that my niece happens to be a member of. I spoke with her travel ball coach (one of the top organizations in the sport) who seems to think pretty highly of Murphy. Hopefully, they can improve over last year going forward. RTR

 

[catsbane]

If I read the link correctly, it looks like Palozzi is the big get in that class although Moten and a couple of the others look pretty solid. I am not particularly optimistic about this year* but we have some good young players, Giles, Vandergriff for sure, Marceaux and Hubbard possibly. IF Murphy can keep them from bolting to the portal after this season, then I think we have the makings of an improved team and one that can be competitive down the road.
Regarding the recruiting of power hitters, it's not that we haven't (altogether). Heivlin set the Michigan single season HR record as a senior. Dowling was the career HR record holder in Illinois without the benefit of playing her senior (covid) season. They just never produced like I thought they might.
* That said, we have had some freakish defensive collapses this year and that from reputedly solid defensive players, that likely cost us a couple of games. If we can get THAT stabilized, we might still make some noise this season.

 

[bamamc1]

Bama “Small ball, slappers in action”

https://twitter.com/i/web/status/1892023522672738411

 

[TideATL70]

Definitely a painful trip to Clearwater. Vandagriff has been a breath of fresh air, reminds me of Coach Kayla Braud. Briski HAS to cut down on the walks. Love the increase in SB's and Dingers but pitching has got to improve. I think it will!! Last night I was only able to follow on Twitter but a little concerning to give up 4 to Jax St???

 

[bravo6]

Could this be Murphy’s swan song?

 

[JDCrimson]

I hope so.

Could this be Murphy’s swan song?

 

[bravo6]

I hope so.

I've heard quite a few guys at work saying the same thing. Wondered if it was just here, or a larger sentiment among softball fans.

 

[HSV_1969]

Overall the Easton Bama Bash was a positive for the team this weekend. They had a slow first game, losing 2-1 to Virginia Tech, then won the next 4 games. The bats were really improved. Some of that may be attributable to the two games on Saturday against Drake where Alabama scored 30 runs in 8 innings (both games ended in run rules in the mid-5th inning).

Abby Duchscherer started the season going 0-13 through the first 7 games at the plate, but was on fire in the last week. She now has a .355 average for the year (11-31), and went 6-6 in the last 2 games against Drake and Virginia Tech. She was named tournament MVP for the weekend.

There are still a lot of tough series this year in SEC play with Georgia, Oklahoma, Florida, Texas A&M, LSU, South Carolina and Mississippi St. so earning a winning record in league would be an accomplishment, but coming out of this weekend, I feel better about the team than going into it.

 

[Krymsonman]

Overall the Easton Bama Bash was a positive for the team this weekend. They had a slow first game, losing 2-1 to Virginia Tech, then won the next 4 games. The bats were really improved. Some of that may be attributable to the two games on Saturday against Drake where Alabama scored 30 runs in 8 innings (both games ended in run rules in the mid-5th inning).

Abby Duchscherer started the season going 0-13 through the first 7 games at the plate, but was on fire in the last week. She now has a .355 average for the year (11-31), and went 6-6 in the last 2 games against Drake and Virginia Tech. She was named tournament MVP for the weekend.

There are still a lot of tough series this year in SEC play with Georgia, Oklahoma, Florida, Texas A&M, LSU, South Carolina and Mississippi St. so earning a winning record in league would be an accomplishment, but coming out of this weekend, I feel better about the team than going into it.

BAMA has a good team, but I want to see them hit the ball well against good competition. So far that hasn't happened much.

 

[4Q Basket Case]

BAMA has a good team, but I want to see them hit the ball well against good competition. So far that hasn't happened much.

Hasn't happened in several years. If not for Bailey Hemphill, it would be even longer. After Hemphill, the team has been positively painful to watch at the plate -- way too many three-pitch strikeouts, lots of swings at bad pitches, innumerable runners left on base. Post-Montana Fouts, pitching has been tough as well....though in fairness, Fouts was one of the best collegiate pitchers of all time.

Murphy is 59 and has been head coach since July of 1998 -- working on 27 years. For two years prior to that, he was an assistant in Tuscaloosa.

I don't know the exact date he started as an assistant. But he's nearing 30 years total service, the last several of which he's been making right at or over $500K per year. I'm not sure how the State of Alabama's pension fund works at this level. But assuming it's substantially the same as for more workaday employees, you can estimate a pension of about $300K a year.

59. Healthy. Great opportunity for consulting and/or announcing. $300K a year guaranteed income for life. There are worse circumstances leading into retirement.

If it's the 30-year mark he's aiming for, he's earned the courtesy of a spot as Special Assistant to the Athletic Director (or something similar) to notch the last months, then ride off into the sunset.

 

[TideATL70]

Basket Case, the more I think about it, the 30 yr thing makes a lot of sense. Of course, also the fact that coaching (or any profession you truly love) is incredible hard to walk away from.

 

[HSV_1969]

Good start to the weekend. Set the program record with now 6 Straight victories by run rule.

 

[4Q Basket Case]

Good start to the weekend. Set the program record with now 6 Straight victories by run rule.

While I know it can’t continue in conference play, that’s good against anybody.

Let’s see if we’re better against SEC pitching. The last few years have been so bad that I’ll need to see it before I can buy in.

 

[Krymsonman]

While I know it can’t continue in conference play, that’s good against anybody.

Let’s see if we’re better against SEC pitching. The last few years have been so bad that I’ll need to see it before I can buy in.

That's my take. Yes, we've won several in a row now, but I don't call Furman, UAB, etc to be quality competition. We have a good team. We always do. But I want to see how we do when we get into SEC play where there are a lot of very good teams.