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Coach Murphy's Responses
This Week's Winner of the ASU baseball cap is Travis Kennedy of Kirkland, WA!
Jeff Davis (Gilbert, AZ)
Coach Murphy, my question to you is pertaining to your pitching staff. I was wondering why R. Milner is being seen less and less coming out of the Devil's bull-pen? His stats seem to be better than most of the relievers we see take the field.
Also, in most questions asked of your pitching staff, his name seems to never be mentioned, whether good or bad. As a loyal fan and spectator, it is my opinion that Milner has done his job and done it well when called upon.
Coach Murphy: Milner has done well and deserves more chances. He hasn't handled tight situations as well as he could and he hasn't thrown strikes at key times. Up until now, our staff has kept us in the race.
Travis Kennedy (Kirkland, WA)
What are some of the most important factors in the decision making process that help you to
determine the rotation of your starting pitchers and working in your bullpen? In other words, when do
you decide to give a start to one of your relief pitchers?
Coach Murphy: Usually a starter must be in condition mentally and physically to go through the order at least twice. He must be able to handle adversity in the first inning. Also, you don't want to disrupt a reliever who can give you two key outings in a series.
Allen Alexander (Montgomery Village, MD)
I seem to recall an article on ASU baseball a few years ago that indicated that ASU used wooden
bats in practice. I am not sure why - was it to prepare players for professional ball, does it make for
better bat speed when using the aluminum bats? Continued success this year!
Coach Murphy: Using wooden bats helps players both psychologically and physically. They have smaller "sweet spots" which force you to use your hands more. Also, you must get started or the ball doesn't jump. Psychologically, they feel good when using wood (the same as professional players).
Bill Patterson (Jefferson City)
Coach Murphy, do you utilize information provided by recruiting services? If so, to what degree? What
is the best source for information about high school baseball players? Do you or your staff attend
many showcases?
Coach Murphy: Our best source is seeing guys play. We also use recommendations from their high school coaches and scouts. It is also important to play on quality summer teams or at showcases.
Robert Benge (Carrollton, Texas)
In your opinion, who is the best catcher in the history of the program?
Coach Murphy: I'm not really qualified to speak about history - only the last six years. Based on that time frame, my answer is Casey Myers.
Thanks again to all the fans writing in to "Ask the Coach"!