[CTcard]

I have only seen a few games this year. But it looks like the top of the lineup has just feasted on fastballs. They really have jumped on pitchers who are unable to throw off speed pitches for strikes consistently. Get ahead in the count, then wait for the fastball.

The bottom of the lineup on the other hand looked really solid vs. Stivers who was able to change pitches, speeds and locations very effectively otherwise. Troy, Park and Crampton were able to lay off of the big change up and the fast balls that he threw just outside the strike zone, both of which Graham, Huff and Bowser could not resist. They waited until they got a pitch to hit. It was really a treat to watch how they handled the bat. Haskins pinch hit was also a great piece of hitting. Like Stivers, Levi Wells also threw a really effective change up. Haskins got behind 1-2, got the count to 2-2, fouled off a tough change up, then sat on the change up (might have been a slow curve) that he slapped into left field. Kudos to the coaches and kudos to the discipline of the players even under the pressure of postseason play. Hope it continues.

Roughly speaking, this is what I have seen as well with regards to how the top and bottom of the lineup handle power pitchers and junkier guys. It definitely seemed that way in the games versus Texas State, though it may be an oversimplification over the season. 

Of course, Wells and particularly Stivors weren't just junk ballers. Stivors stuff was pretty impressive. By memory, he was throwing fastballs 93+, sliders in the low 80s, and curves in the mid 70s. With good movement. Apparently some times he has control issues, but only walked one in that final game. 
Graham and Bowser looked completely lost against Stivors, both striking out all three times they faced him - Graham twice on three pitches. Bowser seemed awfully happy to see the fastball throwing Wood - and celebrated by getting the ninth inning rally going with a bomb.

[CTcard]

I have only seen a few games this year. But it looks like the top of the lineup has just feasted on fastballs. They really have jumped on pitchers who are unable to throw off speed pitches for strikes consistently. Get ahead in the count, then wait for the fastball.

The bottom of the lineup on the other hand looked really solid vs. Stivers who was able to change pitches, speeds and locations very effectively otherwise. Troy, Park and Crampton were able to lay off of the big change up and the fast balls that he threw just outside the strike zone, both of which Graham, Huff and Bowser could not resist. They waited until they got a pitch to hit. It was really a treat to watch how they handled the bat. Haskins pinch hit was also a great piece of hitting. Like Stivers, Levi Wells also threw a really effective change up. Haskins got behind 1-2, got the count to 2-2, fouled off a tough change up, then sat on the change up (might have been a slow curve) that he slapped into left field. Kudos to the coaches and kudos to the discipline of the players even under the pressure of postseason play. Hope it continues.

Roughly speaking, this is what I have seen as well with regards to how the top and bottom of the lineup handle power pitchers and junkier guys. It definitely seemed that way in the games versus Texas State, though it may be an oversimplification over the season. 

Of course, Wells and particularly Stivors weren't just junk ballers. Stivors stuff was pretty impressive. By memory, he was throwing fastballs 93+, sliders in the low 80s, and curves in the mid 70s. With good movement. Apparently some times he has control issues, but only walked one in that final game. 
Graham and Bowser looked completely lost against Stivors, both striking out all three times they faced him - Graham twice on three pitches. Bowser seemed awfully happy to see the fastball throwing Wood - and celebrated by getting the ninth inning rally going with a bomb.