FYI: Chat on … 12-12:30 Friday

Come if you can. We’ll talk about the Rebels.

– PA

BASEBALL: Looking at bunt defense

Arkansas, as they did with many Ole Miss pitchers last weekend, clearly figured out Drew Pomeranz. One thing that contributed to a raucous outing for the freshman left-hander, however, was the inability of he and his teammates to defend a bunt on the right side of the infield.

In a five-run third inning the Razorbacks twice notched bunt singles on the right side near first baseman Matt Smith.

Smith is extremely athletic and has speed that’s better than his size would lead you to believe. He also has a lot of confidence and sometimes appears to take off after balls that might be better left to the second baseman, catcher or pitcher. Sometimes the best defense for a first baseman is to run and cover the bag.

Ole Miss coach Mike Bianco says sometimes the bunt defense can “show (Smith’s) inexperience,” but the redshirt freshman first baseman is only part of the problem. At times second baseman Zach Miller failed to cover, and at times the coaches had Smith out of position, back when he should have been up for instance.

“There were three bunts over the course of the game but only one he shouldn’t have attacked,” Bianco said. “Some of our best players here, Stephen Head for example, have struggled with those plays.”

Smith fields the position well, but Saturday wasn’t the first time this season that’s been a problem for Ole Miss. Regardless of the point of origination, that’s an area opponents can exploit until the necessary adjustments are made.

– PA

FYI: Checking Friday chat interest

WIthout committing yet to a lunchtime chat on Friday, I’m wondering how many might be interested in participating. If it’s not a good time we can try it next week. Lunch time really is the best time for me. I think the chat text is something that people read even when the chat is finished, but obviously the whole deal works better if a few people are able to participate.

Thoughts?

– PA

BASEBALL: Non-league schedule complete

Rebels pitch well, score enough to beat Jackson State. Can they win enough SEC games to make the two tournaments? Nine games remaining starting this weekend at No. 11 Georgia.

– PA