Not quite sure where Coach Newman was going with those comments, but it doesn’t exactly relax me. The “marshmallow” remark, in particular, begs the question: did he just throw his own pitching staff under the bus? Considering how much these guys have been getting hammered in the court of public opinion, calling them out publicly is a risky proposition. The staff might finally “man up” or, since the season’s a lost cause anyway, they could shut it down completely. It could go either way.

when you put it in the fire?

in this case, is Eric Newman.

I don’t think the pitchers who come into Nebraska are any under allusion as to what they’re getting into – my understanding is that the guy is very intense, and very disciplined.

He’s speaking directly to his players….. he’s telling them in no uncertain terms that they’re either going to be marshmallows or diamonds – their choice if they can withstand the heat of his gaze, his work outs, his temperament.

Coal wouldn’t dare burn itself out if Eric Newman is the fire. He doesn’t give that choice. Marshmallow or diamond, that’s it.

Maybe we could use that as a theme for the coming season… the next year.

you put the coal under an enormous amount of pressure. Heat would just burn it.