I attended many games last season.  What I saw was a good team, not great but good.   The team just didn't click offensively and defensively in the same game.  The hitting rarely came through in clutch moments.  The starting pitchers were kept in too long due to not enough quality in the pen.  As well there were too many costly errors at crucial moments in games.  And there were even multiple times of what could be chalked up as just bad luck! 
I can easily give examples of all of these observations. I am sure coach smith will work to improve on all of these.  There are some very good players on the team which makes me have a positive outlook for the coming season.

As far as summer ball I think if there are those who have an opportunity to play coach should let them and even encourage them.  For those who want to take classes in the summer and have weight training etc. they should be accommodated as well.  Not every player will want or be given summer ball opportunities.

Early returns on this philosophy is not looking good.  Will the program deny summer opportunities to their players this year as well?

I actually think no summer ball is a great idea! I played for 3 summers and was coached by guys who had very limited coaching experience. I would be overused and not given adequate rest for my next outing. My arm was on the verge of ruins by the end of the summer. How can you determine if this is working after just one year. 

Rob Smith brings in 2 championships in his first 5 seasons. Only took Joe 24 years.