OK, starting with who's on 1st. How about trying the 0.827 hitting HS catcher Josey White. Nobody is going to take Kendyl's job so another option is needed to get Josey's bat in the lineup. Josey could play 1st and possibly rotate some with Kendyl at 1st and Josey at C. This could keep both bats in the lineup, develop a backup and eventual replacement C, and give Kendyl a rest when she needs it. Especially in tournament double (even triple!) headers.
Who's on 3rd? Back in the 2018 thread, I suggested DenHartog. Then another, more insightful member (Rugger14) suggested Hansen at 3rd and DenHartog to OF to replace Dani. DenHartog may have better speed. Stronger throwing arm? The coaches will have to decide this one.
OF. Jensen to CF seems a natural given her speed and fielding ability. DenHartog to replace Dani?
SS. This one ain't broke but Burns ("great eyes and soft hands" per Coach Trachsel) could work her way into the lineup as the season proceeds if she fields as well as Brandt but hits better. There could be a very interesting three way competition at SS.
DP. Lindner maybe worth a try here given she is a "slap hitter". This could mean she is good at advancing runners in a small ball attack. Lindner would also be competing for OF time (with DenHartog? and others).
Lindner will play in the outfield. Jamie likes to play some small-ball, use pinch runners, and steal bases so a speedy player like Lindner will get a chance to compete. DenHartog is a name I like at SS if she can hit D1 pitching. Although I could see her in the OF as well if Maddie makes a move back to 1B. SS will be a fun battle to watch. Brandt and Arneson won't be giving playing time away without a battle. Arneson was not healthy so I think she will be back to 2017 form next year. Burns is an interesting darkhorse.
I think Hansen could be in a battle at 3B with Macy Gill. Gill was stuck behind Parlich. Again, a lot will depend on who can hit D1 pitching. Gill didn't get many chances this year. The wildcard is that the loser of the SS battle is likely going to compete here.
Alex Velasquez hit OK without a lot of chances to get comfortable. I could see her getting some time at DP or possibly at 1B. I am not sure she has the speed to play OF on this team with a serious upgrade in speed.
White seems like a great DP candidate who could spell Lindaman and let her DP from time to time.
Burns is another one who is interesting. She will get a look at SS.
Chell and Kemmetmueller are returning upperclassmen who will compete somewhere. Anne Miller is somewhat of an unknown as well since she didn't get many chances this year. Tough for her to compete at catcher with Lindaman and with White coming in she could get stuck in the middle.
Thompson would have run a lot this year but she was out for the year with an injury. She is Ellie Jensen fast so I think we will see her a lot on the bases next year.
I think Lowary will be used more next year. A little bit odd in the softball world but I could see her getting 2-3 innings to give Fiser a break now and then. Hopefully Smith can fully recover and be a #2 who can get a lot of innings. I think Brandt will play a similar role to what she did this year. A possible starter when you need her and a solid arm in relief. Hannah Bailey is a pitcher to watch. Piper made a lot of changes to her mechanics this year so we will see what she can do in year #2. I expect her to get more innings.
Looking forward to fall ball! Only a few months away!
