Trinity staff is pretty deep, has 4-5 that touch 90+ which is unusual for a D3 staff.  Flores did get mono which kept him out.  I don't know when Nittoli initially had arm issues but he definitely was injured in the Centenary series (as well as Chaumette).  I suspect it was much earlier.  Even with the pitching injuries, it was the offense and defense that struggled far more than the pitching.   Sometimes it just doesn't go your way.  They should be poised for a good run next year. 

Quote from: 108 Stitches on March 07, 2016, 04:37:39 PM
JSG,

They lost ~ 275 of their ~460 innings from last year and you don't replace those easily, and/or it takes time to develop a more inexperienced staff. Gray has historically struggled early in the season and with the past staffs it did not matter, with a limited staff it becomes more visible, he will get it together by the end of the season I am sure. They are not the second best team in the country  right now IMO, but can develop into a very tough team to beat if the pitching develops. (I thought they were as good a Corland last year and unfortunately ran into some scheduling and weather issues so we will never know)  From what I have seen looking at comments and schedules I think the West Regional will be a little easier this year than in the past, but again it is all about playing well at the end of the season, and there is TON's of baseball to be played.

I agree their pitching has been a bit less than last year.  Nelson has been very good, I'm curious to see if he gets more innings as a starter or if they keep him available for closing out some games as well.  They do have some talent, it will be interesting to see if some of the less experienced pitchers rise through the season.  They also have a Freshman who has yet to see the field who was in consideration for the starting rotation until he went out with some arm soreness just prior to the season start.  He was experiencing some command issues at times, but was said to have the best stuff and velocity on the staff.  Smith compared him to Ben Klimesh as being their best pitching recruit in some time.  Who knows if he gets back or if it helps even if he does.  But at least there is one potential additional bullet in the chamber.
I saw Centenary play a couple of times last year and they were very scrappy and talented in some areas.  If Trinity keeps at its currently level, I would expect them to win the conference and tournament, but I would not count Centenary out.  They played with aggression and attitude when I saw them.