Notes from today’s media session featuring David Pierce, Andre Duplantier II, Zach Zubia, and Silas Ardoin:
(Photo via @TexasLonghorns on twitter)
--- David Pierce noted that Texas will roll into this weekend’s Cal State Fullerton series with the same starting rotation on the mound (Elder, Madden, Cobb).
--- A big question that has yet to be answered is who will be the everyday second baseman on this team. Coach Pierce mentioned multiple combinations of infielders at second and third that they could try, in an effort to find a long-term solution. Such as Duplantier playing third base which could push Cam Williams to second.
“If Dre comes back healthy and looks good swinging the bat, could be a chance you bounce Cam over there (to second base). I like Cam and second more so than Dre,” Pierce continued, “I thought Stehly played well the other day and had a couple of good at-bats. He’s going to have an opportunity, and Dixon and Ford are not out of the mix.”
--- When speaking on Tuesday’s disappointing loss to Arizona, Pierce was quick to point out one of the few positive takeaways from the game, which was striking out 16 opposing batters. However, he also pointed out that the pitching staff’s inability to command the fastball is something that is holding them back. If they can get better in that area, more positive results are on the way.
--- After playing 13 games in 20 days, Pierce decided to give the team a more relaxing week leading up to the weekend series, something that didn’t happen very often last year. He described pitchers taking batting practice, outfielders turning double plays and so on, teammates just having some fun. It was time for them to catch their breath and let loose a little bit before getting back down to business.
I believe this to be mostly a move to help the freshman, who are going through the rigorous routine for the first time. That doesn’t mean that the veterans, such as Zach Zubia, couldn’t also take great benefit from some time off from the everyday grind. This time also gave them a chance to talk more about areas that need improving.
Zubia said, “communication has been really good about what we need to work on as a team and as individuals. Having an open forum for us has been really helpful. Just to be able to do that for an hour or so yesterday was awesome.”
--- Both Duplantier and Zubia were excited to have their folks watch Texas play in Houston last weekend. Zubia said he had 15 direct family members in the stands as well as 20 or 30 more friends who came to Minute Maid Park.
--- There seems to be a building bond between Silas Ardoin and Ty Madden. It was evident in a funny moment at today’s media availability when Madden walked by the session and told Silas he looked nervous at the microphone.
Ardoin said afterwards, “I feel like he has full trust in me, and I have full trust in him. As y’all can tell, he likes to pick on me too, like I’m his little brother.”
(Photo via @TexasLonghorns on twitter)
--- David Pierce noted that Texas will roll into this weekend’s Cal State Fullerton series with the same starting rotation on the mound (Elder, Madden, Cobb).
--- A big question that has yet to be answered is who will be the everyday second baseman on this team. Coach Pierce mentioned multiple combinations of infielders at second and third that they could try, in an effort to find a long-term solution. Such as Duplantier playing third base which could push Cam Williams to second.
“If Dre comes back healthy and looks good swinging the bat, could be a chance you bounce Cam over there (to second base). I like Cam and second more so than Dre,” Pierce continued, “I thought Stehly played well the other day and had a couple of good at-bats. He’s going to have an opportunity, and Dixon and Ford are not out of the mix.”
--- When speaking on Tuesday’s disappointing loss to Arizona, Pierce was quick to point out one of the few positive takeaways from the game, which was striking out 16 opposing batters. However, he also pointed out that the pitching staff’s inability to command the fastball is something that is holding them back. If they can get better in that area, more positive results are on the way.
--- After playing 13 games in 20 days, Pierce decided to give the team a more relaxing week leading up to the weekend series, something that didn’t happen very often last year. He described pitchers taking batting practice, outfielders turning double plays and so on, teammates just having some fun. It was time for them to catch their breath and let loose a little bit before getting back down to business.
I believe this to be mostly a move to help the freshman, who are going through the rigorous routine for the first time. That doesn’t mean that the veterans, such as Zach Zubia, couldn’t also take great benefit from some time off from the everyday grind. This time also gave them a chance to talk more about areas that need improving.
Zubia said, “communication has been really good about what we need to work on as a team and as individuals. Having an open forum for us has been really helpful. Just to be able to do that for an hour or so yesterday was awesome.”
--- Both Duplantier and Zubia were excited to have their folks watch Texas play in Houston last weekend. Zubia said he had 15 direct family members in the stands as well as 20 or 30 more friends who came to Minute Maid Park.
--- There seems to be a building bond between Silas Ardoin and Ty Madden. It was evident in a funny moment at today’s media availability when Madden walked by the session and told Silas he looked nervous at the microphone.
Ardoin said afterwards, “I feel like he has full trust in me, and I have full trust in him. As y’all can tell, he likes to pick on me too, like I’m his little brother.”
