Posted by Sanddevil on January 07, 15 at 17:08:42:
ASU brought in 6 new HS recruits plus a 2 yr transfer from Kansas.I would say the new incoming pitchers are the most impressive, Bre Macha a local pitcher from Red Mtn HS in Mesa and Dale Rydnak from Illinois were very impressive during the Fall schedule.
I expect both of them to be part of the starting rotation this year along with Kelsey Kessler,a Jr transfer from University of Kansas.Kelsey did not pitch during the Fall schedule she was ineligible but will pitch this season!I really expect those 3 pitchers to make up the starting rotation this year.
Shea Koepnick is another pitching recruit but will redshirt this year due to surgery.Dani Nelson is a local player from Gilbert HS,she was backing up Nikki Girard at 2nd base.Brynley Steele third baseman from Calif was backing up Haley Steele , they're not related Haley is a senior from San Diego,Brynley is a incoming frosh from Orange County.Nichole Chilson is the other incoming recruit,she will be playing in the outfield, like I said the strength of this class will be the pitchers.
I really think this year's pitching staff has the potential to be better than last year's staff,it may be hard to believe because last year we had Dallas & Popescue but I really believe now days you need 3 quality pitchers instead of two,last season when Pops got hurt during the end of the season and could not pitch during the regionals it really hurt ASU chances of advancing.
ASU returns most of it's lineup.Chelsea Gonzales will replace Cheyenne Coyle at SS.Chelsea is quite a hitter I expect her to have a outstanding year as a starter.Jennifer Soria will replace Alix Johnson at CF.Jenn is another player I expect to have a big year as a starter.Sierra Rodriguez will be given a shot at replacing Bailey Wigness at RF,the rest are all returning starters!
ASU will have a veteran lineup with good hitting but the key to how the season goes will be determine by how well the new incoming pitchers perform.