Regarding the line up....

Posted on: October 20, 2016 at 13:44:40 CT

Burnside will be the starting SS for the next 4 years here. She just looks like a natural in the field and has one of the strongest arms I've ever seen at Mizzou. Where she hits in the order is anyone's guess. She clearly has a lot of power (once EE gets her to stop pulling the ball foul down the left field line so often) but she will need to hit for a high batting average if she is going to hit 2nd or 3rd in the lineup. I think that's possible.

Nash is clearly going to lead off. But I wouldn't count out Cayla Kessinger hitting #2, she has a really sweet swing and some power too. We need someone hitting behind Nash that can make contact. And as you say, Sanchez, Rathburn, Pierce, and Mack make a nice middle of the order.

I would be fine with a batting order something like this:

Nash
Kessinger
Sanchez
Pierce
Burnside
Rathburn
Romaine
Mack
The 3rd outfielder

Kooyman is a potential offensive force, I'm hoping she steps forward and brings a big bat to the lineup, but it looks like the remaining spot in the lineup is going to be in the outfield and I don't think that's her natural position. The infield I think is going to become set with Sanchez, Burnside, Romaine, and Pierce, Mack is a lock at catcher, and Nash and Kessinger will hold down 2 of the 3 OF positions.