Not time to panic about baseball…yet

We’re not used to losing streaks in baseball at Carolina, nor should we ever get that way.  But just because we’ve lost a few recently after a very hot start, I don’t think we should overreact. 

First off it should be noted that our pitching staff has been lights out, even through our recent “struggles.”  And with Gumby returning to form of late after some early hiccups, that will only get better.  I will take our starting rotation over anyone’s.  This is important because when it counts for Omaha, give me deep pitching over deep hitting anyday. 

But yes, we have definitely struggled at the plate since the conference schedule started.  Granted the schedule has been brutal and we don’t get to play Clemson anymore.  So some of that was to be expected.  But I will admit we are weaker in the lineup than I thought we’d be.  Yes, we need some noticeable improvement if we’re going to think about Omaha. 

I still think we’ll get there.  Despite how “horrible” things have gone in our minds, we are 2 games out of the best record in the SEC.  (This is being written the day we open the series at Auburn so that could change either way starting tonight)  We have half of the conference schedule left too.  Not a bad place to “bottom out” IF we have bottomed out. 

Auburn is last in the West and is tied for the worst record overall so we should certainly win at least 2 this weekend.  I think we will.  Then we get Alabama at home next week so it’s hard for me to take seriously the notion that it’s “over” as some chicken-littles have.  We just need to suck it up, get over the close losses to Florida and start playing ball like we’re capable of doing.  And for those who are starting to whisper about Coach Holbrook, go soak your heads.  You question him, you question Ray Tanner too.  Coach Tanner hand-picked him as his successor and he will be fine. 

Stop looking for land mines and start seeking out opportunities.  If any program at USC deserves that it’s baseball.  Why is it that Carolina fans are always 1 game away from their next losing streak while other teams view it as 1 game away from their next winning streak?  Here’s hoping for a good weekend on the Plains and a series win.  We need it and it would set up a VERY big weekend at “The Ray” when the Tide rolls in. 

Stay calm and keep focused folks.  As we know in Columbia, Championships happen in June on the diamond, not April. 

It's a great time to be a GAMECOCK!