The only real statistic that matters is the fact that Carolina in 3-6 in 2012 and was 7-2 in 2011.
The scoring numbers may be surprising. In 2011, USC scored 4.11 runs/game in the first 9 SEC games (4.55 for the whole season). This years Carolina scored 4.67 runs/game. So, overall, the scoring offense isn't worse.
In terms of clutch hitting, in 2011 thru 9 games, Carolina batted .250 with 31 RBI, 3 doubles and 17 Ks. In 2012, Carolina batted .221 with 25 RBI, 3 doubles and 21 K. So, the difference isn't too terribly much since USC wasn't a great clutch hitting team last year, either. The major difference I saw was the fact that USC is missing Wingo who about single-handedly makes the difference in average and RBI due to his production last year. The K:BB ratio was 34:15.
The big difference has been relief pitching. In 2011, Carolina had a 1.45 ERA and 1.032 WHIP. This year the numbers jump to 3.92 ERA and 1.436 WHIP. The K:BB ratio is 36:20. Take Price out of the picture and the ERA soars to 5.33 and the WHIP to 1.776.
What do these numbers mean? They may mean that the move of Price to the pen stabilizes the pen enough for Carolina to return to form. A second important thought was that Carolina played Kentucky in the first 9 in both years and UK sucked last year.
In all, I'm still optimistic.
So, maybe it isn't time to hit the panic button just yet.
The scoring numbers may be surprising. In 2011, USC scored 4.11 runs/game in the first 9 SEC games (4.55 for the whole season). This years Carolina scored 4.67 runs/game. So, overall, the scoring offense isn't worse.
In terms of clutch hitting, in 2011 thru 9 games, Carolina batted .250 with 31 RBI, 3 doubles and 17 Ks. In 2012, Carolina batted .221 with 25 RBI, 3 doubles and 21 K. So, the difference isn't too terribly much since USC wasn't a great clutch hitting team last year, either. The major difference I saw was the fact that USC is missing Wingo who about single-handedly makes the difference in average and RBI due to his production last year. The K:BB ratio was 34:15.
The big difference has been relief pitching. In 2011, Carolina had a 1.45 ERA and 1.032 WHIP. This year the numbers jump to 3.92 ERA and 1.436 WHIP. The K:BB ratio is 36:20. Take Price out of the picture and the ERA soars to 5.33 and the WHIP to 1.776.
What do these numbers mean? They may mean that the move of Price to the pen stabilizes the pen enough for Carolina to return to form. A second important thought was that Carolina played Kentucky in the first 9 in both years and UK sucked last year.
In all, I'm still optimistic.
So, maybe it isn't time to hit the panic button just yet.
Last edited by a moderator: