UAB

[BamaSis]

38,TII,JoJo....what's UAB look like this year? I haven't really heard anything about them yet. Should we worry..should we not? After this wekend i'm hoping for a good pick us back up game. Our boys played real hard Sunday, it just seemed the hits didn't fall in the right sequence. Also what does everyone think of the lineup change on Sunday?

 

[JoJoforHeisman]

From what I have read, the Blazers are pretty tough this season. They even moved into the rankings for a couple of weeks here recently. Undoubtedly they will be up for the game against Bama because they consider it to be the biggest contest on their schedule. Currently, the Blazers are 18-5 and 3-2 in C-USA. Mississippi State drilled them 14-5 in a recent midweek matchup and Birmingham-Southern is probably the best team UAB has beaten thus far. UAB's top player is probably Canadian import Kyle Leon, a solid offensive right fielder who can hit for both average and power and even has some speed. They have two seriously dangerous base-stealing threats in leadoff man Steve Martin (18 SBs) and center fielder Sam Clark (13 SBs). It looks like they are going to be very aggressive on the basepaths and may try to test the arms of our catchers. Defensively, they don't seem to be anything spectacular. Their shortstop has eleven errors on the season. I have no idea who they will try and start on the mound, but the top of their rotation looks to be respectable. Keep in mind, though, that their wins have come against the likes of Mississippi Valley State, Ball State, Alabama State, and a handful of other doormats.

No matter how strong Alabama is, UAB will always give the Tide problems. We simply cannot afford to take them for granted. For them, this game is about pride more than anything. Though the Blazers have a decent overall record and some good numbers, the Tide is clearly the superior ballclub. Hopefully we can jump out in front early and put them away quickly. It will be interesting to see what kind of lineup Coach Wells produces for this one. Norris, Woodward, and Beagle could be likely candidates to start on the hill for the Tide.

As for the lineup changes, you never know what Coach Wells will decide. Nathan Meiners went 2 for 4 in his first start at third base and didn't commit any errors, so he may be getting a serious look at the hot corner. Hecklinski will almost certainly be back in the lineup against his old team and will stay there. He was probably just given a day off on Sunday.

 

[38 Special]

It's weird saying "nationally ranked UAB". They are solid. I look for Woody to start as he did twice last year and beat them both times, putting up 8 K's at the Joe. JoJo's right, they always play us tough and will be tougher this year. There are no more easy wins this season.
As far as the lineup changes, I wasn't thrilled about Hecklinski being out of the order. However, I'm with JoJo, that won't happen again. I'm okay with Meiners at 3B, but I still like Redding in LF. I'm just glad to see alot of different guys getting PT, we'll need them down the road.

RTR
38

 

[BamaSis]

Thank you guys...we can always depend on ya'll for the scoop.RTR!!!