BP with DLoe Part 3

BP with DLoe Part 3

Maryville, Mo. - This is the third and final installment of the B2R's exclusive interview with Northwest Missouri State University's Bearcats baseball team Head Coach Darin Loe.  The B2R sat down with Coach Loe to discuss his thoughts about the upcoming 2016 season.

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B2R - "Would you implement a 7-8-9th inning bullpen similar to what made the Royals successful the past two years with Herrera, Davis, Holland in 2014, and Herrera, Hochevar, and Davis in 2015?  Would that be successful in college baseball?"

DLOE - "I think we will look at doing something like that this spring.  All of our bullpen guys can bounce back really well and will need to do so when we play 3 single 9 inning games in a weekend.  We have a lot of great pieces on this pitching staff and we will work hard to get the best pitcher on the mound every inning."

B2R - "Of the players that red-shirted last season, name the players that you think will earn playing time heading into Spring 2016 season?"

DLOE - "Catcher Jay Hrdlicka swung the bat very well all fall.  He is coming off of shoulder surgery and time behind the plate will be determined by his arm strength which is improving every day.  In either case, it looks like we need his bat in the lineup every game.  Nick Gutzmer had a great fall swinging the bat and we will look at him as a situational pinch hitter."

B2R - "Of the returning veterans, name the players that significantly improved from the 2015 season?"

DLOE - "I think the hitting of James Holler and Luke Wilkinson has improved due to age and strength.  As mentioned, Nikko Pablo was dominating against both left and right handed hitters.  Brad Roberts learned a slider over the summer and will be a great pitch for him.  John Osborne had great control of his pitches and will be a valuable piece to the pitching staff."

B2R - "The 2016 schedule is out and the Bearcats will travel to Memphis, Tennessee, this spring to open the non-con slate.  How do you feel about heading to Tennessee instead of Oklahoma or northern Texas to start a baseball season?"

DLOE - "We are excited to go somewhere new.  That first week will be a good challenge for us with the teams we face but will be an opportunity to take a look at a lot of players and lineups.  We are excited to get back after the holidays and get back to work in preparation of a great year."

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There you have it, Bearcat Nation.  Your Northwest Missouri State Bearcats baseball team will open its 2016 season on the road in Memphis, Tennessee, on February 6th and play Christian Brothers University.  First pitch is set for 1pm.

Go Cats!!

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