While watching a Gophers fall-ball game 4 years ago, I fell into conversation w/ another spectator. He turned out to be Jessica Allister's uncle, an English prof at St. Olaf. He pointed out that there were some first-year players on the field who "are potential superstars." Among them were Fiser, Partain, & Lindaman. Kemmetmueller was also in that class. I wonder: Do any of the incoming players in 2020-21 deserve that potential superstar status? It would be interesting to hear any opinions.
To be a starter you have to be outstanding at the plate
or on the field. The Superstar does
both and you can usually see recognize it pretty quickly
. I remember seeing DenHartog play when she was 15 or 16 and recognizing immediately that she was something special. The odds are good with a class this size to have one or two superstars in there.
I’ve seen most of the new players play and I would say Kinch has a lot of potential. I don’t think that she will be that power hitter that we need, but she‘s probably the answer at catcher, our biggest need this year, while also contributing at the plate, like Emma did.
Denson has immediate impact potential and fills the need of a quality OF and puts speed on the bases. She should find a spot and/or push Brooke in her first year.
Dueck is a power hitter
and a power pitcher. Not quite DenHartog power at bat, not quite Fiser power in the circle, but lots of potential, and in one package. Like she did with Fiser, Piper will need to improve her change up. I see her getting some innings and competing for that #2 spot. Possibly DH if not pitching?
I’ve been following Hollifield for the last year or so, although I haven’t watched her play. Flosoftball and some others have given her some attention, and I hope they’re right. Her HS stats are good but I’m not sure if that translates to Power 5 competition. She plays for Atlanta Vipers-Holbrook, which is a very competitive team, but is their #3-4 pitcher and doesn’t hit much for them. I’m hoping Jamie and Piper recognized something Holbrook hasn’t.
Ehlke has plenty of power. She can crush the ball and makes a lot of good contact. I’ve not seen her against great pitching but definitely potential at the plate. The question is, will there be a place for her on the field? Compete for DH?
Evans is pretty solid all around, but will be hard pressed to compete with Kinch at catcher. She’s very athletic and a competitor, so maybe she can push Kinch and still find a spot.
I’ve seen most of the others play and they are all good picks. Not superstars, in my opinion, but future contributors.
