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So last year was a pretty bad experience for everyone involved with the Diamond Dogs, as made clear by a 23-33 record replete with poorly-timed errors and late-inning meltdowns. But honest to God, I think this team is going to be pretty good in 2008.
Ten games into the season, they’re averaging close to eight runs per game (7.7), and that’s in series that include those against the No. 1 team in the country and the two-time defending champs.
Baserunning is still a concern (”worst baserunning team EVER” is a very common phrase thrown around by Diamond Dave Williams in the press box), and there have been some walks and unearned runs; the Diamond Dogs have lost all three of their Sunday games by one run, and all were games they could have (if not should have) won, but it hasn’t felt the same as it did in 2007…..
Gordon Beckham and Rich Poythress aren’t going to continue hitting a combined .505, but the offense looks to be solid and appears like it will stay that way (the addition of Michael Demperio, a transfer from Texas, has been huge at the top of the lineup, and freshman Lyle Allen has played well).
“Coach Perno always stresses seven runs a game and we’ll win,” Demperio said last week. The Diamond Dogs are doing that.
Last season got to the point where it was all mental, but I don’t see that type of weakness in the Diamond Dogs this season. They’re not going to be a top-10 team by any stretch of the imagination, but the demons are exorcised and I think this team has a chance to surprise some people and challenge for a trip to Omaha…….
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