Perhaps it's a result of attempting to figure out all the Big Ten tournament possibilities. Maybe it's the ongoing rain. Maybe I've got a bad case of the Mondays. In the end, it doesn't matter, I just need to vent.
PLAYING HOSTS
Most long-time readers here know that I'm in favor of a neutral site for the Big Ten Baseball Tournament. It makes sense on every level, but one. Alas, the "one" is a biggie. Baseball is a non-revenue sport. That means the Big Ten Conference office views baseball like we view a colonoscopy -- a necessary evil.
With that dazzling attitude towards the oldest sport on most campuses, the Big Ten is in no hurry to pretend like it cares about baseball. So when the subject of a neutral site arises, they dismiss it with the usual "if baseball has a neutral site tournament, then golf, tennis, soccer, curling and every other non-revenue sport is going to demand the same thing and we just cannot afford that."
Yeah, right. You can operate a television network, but you can't find enough change in the couch to borrow a quality minor league park for five days? Sorry, I ain't buyin' that line.
However, if the conference is determined to stick their head in the marketing sand and avoid a neutral site for the baseball tournament, is it asking too much to hold it in one of the venues suitable for such an event?
By suitable, I mean, acceptable for everyone involved -- players, parents, coaches, school officials, conference officials, media and fans. Here are a few requirements:
The park should have lights. It rains in the midwest on occasion. Sometimes games get postponed. Having lights helps the games to be played. It also cuts down on 9:00am starts. I love breakfast with batting practice, but the general public doesn't. Did I mention many in the potential ticket buying public have day jobs? Lights should be mandatory to host the tournament.
Ideally, there should be access to batting cages. There should also be clubhouses for the home and road teams. Excessive? In 1970, yes. In 2008, not so much. I wouldn't be a stickler for either of these items, but it is a championship event and we do have access to these at some venues in the conference. Why settle for less?
It should have a decent pressbox. The media shouldn't get soggy covering the tournament. Neither should ADs, SIDs and the various other personnel filling the box. No pressbox, no hosting.
It should have concession stands, running water and plumbing. That means bathrooms, not port-a-poddies. I can't see anything wrong with demanding basic facilities for your patrons. As further evidence, I heard an interview with legendary Louisiana State coach Skip Bertmann. Coach was asked what was one of the first things he did to Alex Box Stadium to increase attendance. He said he added diaper changing facilities.
We want people to like college baseball and come back. Help your audience take care of life's essentials. If you can't meet this requirement, you can't host.
I know, I know. Very few Big 10 parks can host the tournament under these parameters. Honestly, I'm okay with that. Would it give some schools an advantage? I suppose it would, but having a quality park gives that program an advantage regardless. Don't you think the folks who have such facilities are going to show them off to recruits, thus giving them an advantage over the other programs long before the tournament ever takes place?
Besides, there's nothing wrong with acting like the tournament is a championship event of some import. That's because it is. The winner goes onto the NCAA Tournament.
CBS' CLOSES EYE TO BASEBALL COVERAGE
Has anyone else noticed that the baseball coverage on the website formerly known as CSTV has taken a nose-dive since the CBS generals have taken over? Their baseball homepage has been almost static for weeks. The photo of the Stanford player hasn't changed in over a month. They appear to have jettisoned friend of BTH, Doug Kroll, while you have to hunt for Eric Sorenson's latest entries. If Kroll was indeed let go, and I have absolutely zero proof of that (I'm a blogger, I'm expected to engage in speculation), Big E's stay at the eye network is probably in danger, too.
Hey, CBS big-wigs. Original content, especially on college baseball, is difficult to find. Don't you want to be different? How about cool? Keep the bald-headed, rock-and-roll, Omaha-lovin' guy around. In fact, find him a couple of cohorts. I hear this Kroll guy knows something about college baseball and might be available.
VOTING IN THE DARK
Do you ever wonder how in the world anyone votes in a college baseball poll? Seriously, if I had to participate in a weekly poll, I'd be in trouble. If I head down to the ballpark, I don't get to see the games on television. If I stay home or put the games on DVR, it's not like I'm guaranteed to see the top teams in the land each weekend.
I currently receive, courtesy of my cable provider and a growing monthly bill, the aforementioned CBS College Sports plus three Fox College Stations -- Atlantic, Central and West. Between the four of them, I get a minimal amount of live college baseball each weekend. I might get one or two top level games, but the majority of games being broadcast, especially on the Fox networks, are often games not affecting the rankings or repeats from weeks ago.
There's also no one providing a quality highlight package, either. It's not a college football Saturday night where you can at least get a taste of what the elite level programs have done that day. College baseball is almost played in a media blackout, nationally speaking.
I can't see how coaches or the media can come to informed decisions about the ranking the programs each week or voting for All-Americans or the Player of the Year awards. We, and, yes, I'm including myself here, are all voting in the dark.
Showing posts with label CSTV. Show all posts
Showing posts with label CSTV. Show all posts
Monday, May 12, 2008
Wednesday, February 27, 2008
Lots Of Links
A staple here at BTH, a post filled with nothing but other people's work. The good news is that there is steadily more to choose from each season.
The Big Ten's Players of the Week are Northwestern's Mike Kalina and Ohio State's J.B. Shuck.
You can preview Iowa's trip to Nashville.
Michigan tied the New York Mets in an exhibition game on Tuesday afternoon, while the Wolverines' next opponent, #1 Arizona State, might be in a bit of hot water.
Michigan State has a nine game stretch beginning at the Lamar Invitational. A Spartans' baseball preview can be found here.
Time for some DQ. The Minnesota athletic department previews the Dairy Queen Classic.
CSTV's Eric Sorenson rightly implies that I'm a hack (well, all of us internet guys, not just me) and does leave space to mention a couple of Big Ten programs in his Sunday Summations.
It's not directly baseball related, but Michigan State basketball coach Tom Izzo isn't all that excited about the Big Ten Network right now. (Hat tip to Ian at Bless You Boys for pointing me towards the Detroit News link.)
Happy Valley Hardball does the sabermetric thing and provides hitting stats for the entire Big Ten and the Nittany Lions.
The Buckeye Nine has a Q&A with Ohio State pitcher Dan DeLucia.
Tom at The Baseball Zealot opted for the wrong guest for TBZ Radio's 40th episode. Yes, it's me. I'm blaming all the snow I had to shovel for my rambling performance. Of course, what my excuse it isn't snowing?
The Big Ten's Players of the Week are Northwestern's Mike Kalina and Ohio State's J.B. Shuck.
You can preview Iowa's trip to Nashville.
Michigan tied the New York Mets in an exhibition game on Tuesday afternoon, while the Wolverines' next opponent, #1 Arizona State, might be in a bit of hot water.
Michigan State has a nine game stretch beginning at the Lamar Invitational. A Spartans' baseball preview can be found here.
Time for some DQ. The Minnesota athletic department previews the Dairy Queen Classic.
CSTV's Eric Sorenson rightly implies that I'm a hack (well, all of us internet guys, not just me) and does leave space to mention a couple of Big Ten programs in his Sunday Summations.
It's not directly baseball related, but Michigan State basketball coach Tom Izzo isn't all that excited about the Big Ten Network right now. (Hat tip to Ian at Bless You Boys for pointing me towards the Detroit News link.)
Happy Valley Hardball does the sabermetric thing and provides hitting stats for the entire Big Ten and the Nittany Lions.
The Buckeye Nine has a Q&A with Ohio State pitcher Dan DeLucia.
Tom at The Baseball Zealot opted for the wrong guest for TBZ Radio's 40th episode. Yes, it's me. I'm blaming all the snow I had to shovel for my rambling performance. Of course, what my excuse it isn't snowing?
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
CSTV Previews The Big Ten
Eric Sorenson got the job of previewing the Big Ten race for CSTV. His submission can be found here. Fellow CSTVer Doug Kroll provides us with a post on Michigan's upcoming season. Finally, Wolverines' P/DH Zach Putnam is ninth in CSTV's preseason Player of the Year voting.
Monday, December 17, 2007
Winter Links
A day after our first significant snowfall of the winter, I'm providing a few baseball links to help keep our minds on warmer thoughts. I toss in a ongoing rant to help melt the ice, as well.
First, there's Rivals.com top Midwest programs. The Big Ten manages to land three of the top five places. (Yes, I'm going to make you click on the link to see which three and in what order. Sorry.)
Rivals also mentions the Michigan/Ohio State baseball rivalry.
Michigan's Jason Christian is "On The Radar" of Doug Kroll's list of top returning shortstops.
I can't recall if I posted this one before, but Rivals Baseball Editor Kendall Rogers also offered up this piece on Michigan's success.
MORE WALLACE AWARD RANTING
In keeping with BTH unwritten policy, here is the link to CSTV's Kroll's blog about the Wallace Award Watchlist. (The unwritten BTH policy states that if you mention this blog, and I know about it, you get a link here. Oh, and it helps if you say something positive. Negative comments are generally just emailed to me.) As Doug points out, a number of lesser known baseball programs landed multiple award nominees.
Here, again, is my problem. No, not being obsessive-compulsive. That's a different problem. The issue I'm typing of is one where Southern Illinois lands three Wallace Award nominations and Michigan gets only two. Ohio State has only one. So, SIU has three players as good as Nate Recknagel, Jason Christian, J.B. Shuck and Jake Hale, all of whom got overlooked. It's lunacy.
Not only do noted baseball programs like Brown and Delaware land two players -- just as many as the Wolverines and one more than Ohio State, "my" Oakland University can't get a single nod? Seriously, are any of the three, yes, three Appalachian State players selected mathematically more likely to win the Wallace Award than Golden Grizzlies Andrew Stafford or Justin Wilson? The simple answer is no. So why not honor the kids and help the program by including them?
Don't get me wrong, I say let the Salukis have three nominees. Give Brown and Delaware as many spots as seem deserving, but don't leave out the other players that warrant a pre-season nomination. If you are worried about the list being too big, then, perhaps, you pass out the honor a bit too loosely. As it stands now, over 200 names make the watchlist. What's a few more going to hurt? Your reputation?
The College Baseball Foundation -- overseers of the Wallace Award -- either needs to modify their standards to keep the list smaller or expand the list to include everyone worthy of the recognition.
First, there's Rivals.com top Midwest programs. The Big Ten manages to land three of the top five places. (Yes, I'm going to make you click on the link to see which three and in what order. Sorry.)
Rivals also mentions the Michigan/Ohio State baseball rivalry.
Michigan's Jason Christian is "On The Radar" of Doug Kroll's list of top returning shortstops.
I can't recall if I posted this one before, but Rivals Baseball Editor Kendall Rogers also offered up this piece on Michigan's success.
MORE WALLACE AWARD RANTING
In keeping with BTH unwritten policy, here is the link to CSTV's Kroll's blog about the Wallace Award Watchlist. (The unwritten BTH policy states that if you mention this blog, and I know about it, you get a link here. Oh, and it helps if you say something positive. Negative comments are generally just emailed to me.) As Doug points out, a number of lesser known baseball programs landed multiple award nominees.
Here, again, is my problem. No, not being obsessive-compulsive. That's a different problem. The issue I'm typing of is one where Southern Illinois lands three Wallace Award nominations and Michigan gets only two. Ohio State has only one. So, SIU has three players as good as Nate Recknagel, Jason Christian, J.B. Shuck and Jake Hale, all of whom got overlooked. It's lunacy.
Not only do noted baseball programs like Brown and Delaware land two players -- just as many as the Wolverines and one more than Ohio State, "my" Oakland University can't get a single nod? Seriously, are any of the three, yes, three Appalachian State players selected mathematically more likely to win the Wallace Award than Golden Grizzlies Andrew Stafford or Justin Wilson? The simple answer is no. So why not honor the kids and help the program by including them?
Don't get me wrong, I say let the Salukis have three nominees. Give Brown and Delaware as many spots as seem deserving, but don't leave out the other players that warrant a pre-season nomination. If you are worried about the list being too big, then, perhaps, you pass out the honor a bit too loosely. As it stands now, over 200 names make the watchlist. What's a few more going to hurt? Your reputation?
The College Baseball Foundation -- overseers of the Wallace Award -- either needs to modify their standards to keep the list smaller or expand the list to include everyone worthy of the recognition.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
CSTV Links And Shameless Self Promotion
In addition to his football beat, CSTV's Eric Sorenson has been cranking out monthly baseball columns this off-season. In October, Eric mentioned yours truly and this little piece of cyberspace while discussing the stadium projects underway around the conference.
Now, saying nice things about BTH doesn't get you a link in return. Well, come to think of it, yeah, it does get you a link. However, it doesn't necessarily get you a timely one. (Sorry, E. I've been watching a little basketball and enjoying the off-season.)
This month, Eric reviews his 2008 Omaha predictions and stops to ponder a certain Big Ten program.
While I'm plugging CSTV employees, Doug Kroll has his list of top returning firstbasemen and Michigan's Nate Recknagel gets an "On The Radar" mention. That places Recknagel in the top ten returning firstbasemen. At a position that's traditionally loaded, that's high praise.
Now, saying nice things about BTH doesn't get you a link in return. Well, come to think of it, yeah, it does get you a link. However, it doesn't necessarily get you a timely one. (Sorry, E. I've been watching a little basketball and enjoying the off-season.)
This month, Eric reviews his 2008 Omaha predictions and stops to ponder a certain Big Ten program.
While I'm plugging CSTV employees, Doug Kroll has his list of top returning firstbasemen and Michigan's Nate Recknagel gets an "On The Radar" mention. That places Recknagel in the top ten returning firstbasemen. At a position that's traditionally loaded, that's high praise.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Kroll's Top 25 - Fall Edition
Deep breath in.
Exhale.
Another deep breath in.
Exhale.
Forgive me. I'm trying to calm down. I was doing rather well until I came across CSTV's Doug Kroll's fall Top 25. Kroll does admirable work and I figured this off-season list would give me an idea where the national media perceived Michigan stood a few months removed from a Super Regional appearance.
I started to look for where Kroll had Michigan ranked. I zipped past the top five. Then, the top ten. Fifteen came and went and still no sight of a team that beat number one overall seed Vanderbilt to capture a regional title.
The top twenty disappeared before I finally stumbled upon Rich Maloney's troops at number twenty-two. Twenty-two? Twenty-freakin'-two?!?!?!? A team that returns nearly all of its players from a regular season conference title, a regional tournament crown and a super regional appearance can't get a ranking above twenty-two?
Now, this alone might have me cranky. However, the topper for me was Kroll's summary of the Wolverines:
Breath, Brian, breath.
Yes, winning the conference is a goal for Michigan. It's also a goal for Ohio State, Minnesota, Illinois, Penn State and the other five teams in the Big Ten. Of course, I'm thinking that winning their conference crown is also a goal for Texas, Louisiana State, Stanford, USC, North Carolina, Oregon State and any other elite baseball program in the land.
Exhale.
Another deep breath in.
Exhale.
Forgive me. I'm trying to calm down. I was doing rather well until I came across CSTV's Doug Kroll's fall Top 25. Kroll does admirable work and I figured this off-season list would give me an idea where the national media perceived Michigan stood a few months removed from a Super Regional appearance.
I started to look for where Kroll had Michigan ranked. I zipped past the top five. Then, the top ten. Fifteen came and went and still no sight of a team that beat number one overall seed Vanderbilt to capture a regional title.
The top twenty disappeared before I finally stumbled upon Rich Maloney's troops at number twenty-two. Twenty-two? Twenty-freakin'-two?!?!?!? A team that returns nearly all of its players from a regular season conference title, a regional tournament crown and a super regional appearance can't get a ranking above twenty-two?
Now, this alone might have me cranky. However, the topper for me was Kroll's summary of the Wolverines:
22. Michigan (42-19, Lost In Corvallis Super Regional)
Winning the Big Ten is always the goal for the Wolverines, so knocking off No. 1 seeded Vanderbilt in the Regionals last season was icing on the cake. Two-way star Zach Putnam is back for his junior season to lead Big Blue.
Breath, Brian, breath.
Yes, winning the conference is a goal for Michigan. It's also a goal for Ohio State, Minnesota, Illinois, Penn State and the other five teams in the Big Ten. Of course, I'm thinking that winning their conference crown is also a goal for Texas, Louisiana State, Stanford, USC, North Carolina, Oregon State and any other elite baseball program in the land.
Suggesting that Michigan or any other Big Ten program only has eyes on a conference title sounds more like football talk from the Seventies than current baseball thinking around the Big Ten. (The conference office notwithstanding.) This just in: This ain't football, Bo and Woody aren't coaching anymore and the Seventies are thirty years in the rear view mirror.
I'm not sure how many times I've heard Coach Maloney speak, but he rarely goes on for very long without mentioning Omaha. The college baseball media may believe it's folly, but the goal for Michigan is to play in the College World Series. That's not just the prevailing thought in Ann Arbor, either.
Does anyone think that Ohio State and Penn State have spent all that money building state-of-the-art ballparks just to host a Big Ten conference tournament? I've talked to people at both programs and they can't wait for the chance to host a regional. (In the Buckeyes case, another regional.) Does that sound like anybody's ultimate goal is the conference crown?
What of the other programs? Well, let's see, Michigan State, Purdue and Indiana are either renovating, building new or have plans to build new parks. Illinois is currently remodeling and hoping to lure a Frontier League team to partner with them, so they can upgrade even more. Minnesota, a program with plenty of CWS history, recently announced the outline for a new Siebert Field, as well. This increased financial commitment to facilities speaks to a goal that exceeds just a Big Ten banner.
It's not only shortsighted to believe that Big Ten programs have smaller goals than the schools in college baseball's power conferences, but it was unfair to the Michigan players and coaches to dismiss their regional victories over Vanderbilt as "icing on the cake". One would have hoped that Michigan would have garnered some respect after dispelling all the media's preconceived notions prior to the Nashville Regional.
By placing a veteran Michigan team so low in the Top 25, it only affirms that most of the college baseball media still view the Wolverines regional triumph as little more than a fluke. Never mind those regular season wins over programs like Mississippi State and Oklahoma. Forget the one-hit, one-run loss in the Super Regional opener at Corvallis against defending national champion Oregon State. (As if anyone played OSU better, let alone in their building.) No, that Nashville performance had to be luck.
I'm probably more upset about this than normal because Kroll is usually more balanced in his assessment about northern programs than most of his media brethren. (Sans fellow CSTVer Eric Sorenson, of course.) To see his general underwhelming preview makes me pessimistic about what the rest of the college baseball media is going to say about the Big Ten and Michigan heading into 2008.
Thursday, September 13, 2007
Still No Badgers
On the heels of Oregon's return to the college diamond, CSTV's Doug Kroll wonders about the remaining BCS programs not fielding a baseball team. His column includes a few comments from Wisconsin AD Barry Alvarez. Suffice to say, the return of Badgers baseball isn't on the horizon.
Tuesday, July 03, 2007
Buckeyes In Omaha
You read that correctly. CSTV's Eric Sorenson is predicting that Ohio State will be in the 2008 College World Series. (No doubt they are forming a posse in Ann Arbor as I type.) Don't take my word for it, go read his his column.
I have to go rest now. I've apparently got two more weeks of intense blogging on the docket for '08. I also need to figure out how I'm going to get to Nebraska next June.
I have to go rest now. I've apparently got two more weeks of intense blogging on the docket for '08. I also need to figure out how I'm going to get to Nebraska next June.
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Post-Regional Links
Michael Spath, of The Wolverine.com, reviews the regional championship game.
CSTV's Eric Sorenson passes out grades to all 64 teams.
Kendall Rogers, Rivals.com, gets a look at a stunned Vanderbilt side.
Baseball America's Aaron Fitt talks regionals and super-regionals.
Michigan's triumph has them back in BA's Top 25.
Detroit Free Press writer Mark Snyder recaps Michigan's win.
Bryan Mullen, ESPNU, files this report on the Nashville Regional.
The Michigan Daily's Courtney Ratkowiak thinks the Big Ten proved it's worth this past weekend.
CSTV's Eric Sorenson passes out grades to all 64 teams.
Kendall Rogers, Rivals.com, gets a look at a stunned Vanderbilt side.
Baseball America's Aaron Fitt talks regionals and super-regionals.
Michigan's triumph has them back in BA's Top 25.
Detroit Free Press writer Mark Snyder recaps Michigan's win.
Bryan Mullen, ESPNU, files this report on the Nashville Regional.
The Michigan Daily's Courtney Ratkowiak thinks the Big Ten proved it's worth this past weekend.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
CSTV Links
I'd like to talk about the conference race, but time doesn't permit that this evening. I hope to get to it tomorrow. Until then, I'll leave you with some links to three items at CSTV worth checking out. (And, no, I'm not getting a dime from the network.)
Both Michigan and Minnesota remain in CSTV's NCAA Tournament projections.
Alas, both Mike Mee (Minnesota) and Lars Davis (Illinois) are no longer garnering votes in CSTV's Player of the Year race.
Eric Sorenson talks with Minnesota Head Coach John Anderson. It's a must read.
Both Michigan and Minnesota remain in CSTV's NCAA Tournament projections.
Alas, both Mike Mee (Minnesota) and Lars Davis (Illinois) are no longer garnering votes in CSTV's Player of the Year race.
Eric Sorenson talks with Minnesota Head Coach John Anderson. It's a must read.
Monday, May 14, 2007
A Little Monday Post
Yes, I'm still working on the All-Weekend Team. It's a bit like pulling teeth this week. Lots of players with extremely similar stats. (Who deserves it more -- the guy with 5 runs and 3 RBI or the guy with 3 runs and 5 RBI?) Rest assured, I am going to provide the AWT at some point. Tuesday being my first choice.
Until then, might I suggest reading Eric Sorenson's Sunday Summations? Eric was in Minneapolis last weekend as the Gophers hosted Ohio State. E's got lots to say about just about everything -- the city, the ballpark, the players, the ump. Although, I don't think he said anything about the food. What's up with that?
Until then, might I suggest reading Eric Sorenson's Sunday Summations? Eric was in Minneapolis last weekend as the Gophers hosted Ohio State. E's got lots to say about just about everything -- the city, the ballpark, the players, the ump. Although, I don't think he said anything about the food. What's up with that?
Tuesday, May 08, 2007
Regional Predictions And Other Links
CSTV's Mark Etheridge offers up his weekly projection of the 64 team field. Michigan and Minnesota both make Mr. Etheridge's cut.
Minnesota's Mike Mee and Illinois' Lars Davis continue to receive votes in CSTV's weekly Player of the Year poll.
Here's Jason Grodsky's recap of the Illinois series at Michigan for the Daily Illini.
Indiana Daily Student's John Wustrow looks back at IU's three defeats at the hands of Iowa.
The Wolverine perspective of the Illinois series is provided by Andy Reid of The Michigan Daily.
Penn State thirdbaseman Mike Deese has an interesting ride. The Daily Collegian's Jon Blau gives the details.
Mark Znidar, The Columbus Disptach, talks about Ohio State's Sunday loss to Michigan State.
Minnesota's Mike Mee and Illinois' Lars Davis continue to receive votes in CSTV's weekly Player of the Year poll.
Here's Jason Grodsky's recap of the Illinois series at Michigan for the Daily Illini.
Indiana Daily Student's John Wustrow looks back at IU's three defeats at the hands of Iowa.
The Wolverine perspective of the Illinois series is provided by Andy Reid of The Michigan Daily.
Penn State thirdbaseman Mike Deese has an interesting ride. The Daily Collegian's Jon Blau gives the details.
Mark Znidar, The Columbus Disptach, talks about Ohio State's Sunday loss to Michigan State.
Friday, May 04, 2007
Welcome, Stitch Heads
I should take a moment to welcome those of you who have been led here by CSTV's Eric Sorenson. Eric, the Grand Poobah of Stitched-Ball Nation, has been sending props this way for a couple of days. First, in an interview with Corn Nation, then in his weekly Thursday Thoughts column.
I thank Eric for his praise of Big Ten Hardball and welcome all of his readers to college baseball in the north. Don't worry, though. It's May. We haven't seen snow in weeks.
(By the way, E, my mother wants to have a word with you about this "pimping" nonsense.)
I thank Eric for his praise of Big Ten Hardball and welcome all of his readers to college baseball in the north. Don't worry, though. It's May. We haven't seen snow in weeks.
(By the way, E, my mother wants to have a word with you about this "pimping" nonsense.)
Thursday, April 26, 2007
CSTV Profiles Illini's Hudson
University of Illinois two-sport star Kyle Hudson is featured in a piece by CSTV's Doug Kroll.
Monday, April 23, 2007
The Big Ten Is "IT"
I missed this post from Eric Sorenson, CSTV's baseball guru, on Thursday, but it is still worthy of sharing. Eric did a list of the "IT" things in college baseball. Well, guess who he selected as the "IT" conference?
- The IT conference: The Big 10 I'm not saying they've got the best win percentage or best RPI or anything, but this has been a great year for the Big 10ers. Michigan and Minnesota lead the way with a number of marquee wins. In a nutshell, everyone has improved significantly this season.
To quote the late Mel Allen, "How about that?!".
(Sorry, I missed that post, E. These adult responsibilities keep me from reading everything I should. At least that's the excuse I'm currently using.)
- The IT conference: The Big 10 I'm not saying they've got the best win percentage or best RPI or anything, but this has been a great year for the Big 10ers. Michigan and Minnesota lead the way with a number of marquee wins. In a nutshell, everyone has improved significantly this season.
To quote the late Mel Allen, "How about that?!".
(Sorry, I missed that post, E. These adult responsibilities keep me from reading everything I should. At least that's the excuse I'm currently using.)
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Some National Love From CSTV
CSTV.com's Doug Kroll wrote a piece on northern baseball, in particular, focusing on the new facilities in the Big Ten Conference. It's worth a read for those interested in such things. (A baseball column about northern schools? Maybe Sorenson is wearing off on the CSTV staff?)
Speaking of Eric, he has both Michigan and Minnesota in his Mid-Major Top 10. Now, thinking of Big Ten programs as mid-majors is no doubt going to cause some discomfort for old school football and basketball fans. To which I say "Good". Be annoyed enough at the thought of your program being a mid-major to, at very least, put some more money into baseball. At most, write a few checks, show up at the yard and support your team. Besides, we would love to see you.
Speaking of Eric, he has both Michigan and Minnesota in his Mid-Major Top 10. Now, thinking of Big Ten programs as mid-majors is no doubt going to cause some discomfort for old school football and basketball fans. To which I say "Good". Be annoyed enough at the thought of your program being a mid-major to, at very least, put some more money into baseball. At most, write a few checks, show up at the yard and support your team. Besides, we would love to see you.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Links-A-Plenty
Valpo steamrolled Northwestern, 10-1. I'm just not sure what to say.
Indiana State's triumph over Indiana, 9-7, is equally puzzling. Andrew Means had four hits, scored three times and drove in two. Jon Fixler had three hits and three RBI.
Michigan's Adam Abraham, Purdue's Alex Jaffee and Illinois' Mike Stankiewicz were named the Big Ten's (Co-)Players and Pitcher of the Week, respectively.
We've got regional projections! CSTV.com takes a stab at the 64 team field. Both Michigan and Minnesota are in.
CSTV's Eric Sorenson named Michigan as his Midwest team of the week. Eric also called out the polls for not having the Wolverines in the Top 25. See, it's not just me.
Here are Warren Nolan.com's RPI figures for your review. For comparison, here are the latest pseudo-RPI numbers from Boyd's World.
Ping! Baseball.com has the University of Michigan as it's Spotlight Team of the Week. (Yeah, it's a season preview piece, but I'll take all the Big Ten love I can find.) The gang at Ping! also have Michigan ranked number 25 this week.
Ohio State designated hitter Jacob Howell is one of thirty finalists for Lowe's Senior CLASS Award. Howell is the only Big Ten player on the list.
Paul Cordes of The Minnesota Daily wraps up the Gophers homestand against Iowa.
The Indiana Daily Student's Lee Hurwitz previews IU's game against Indiana State. (Yes, I gave the result of this game earlier. Work with me here, I'm trying to dig up every piece of Big Ten baseball news I can find.)
Alex Prosperi of The Michigan Daily profiles Doug Pickens.
The finale of the Penn State at Michigan State series is reviewed by Tom Keller of The State News.
Jake Simpson of The Daily Northwestern recaps NU's Sunday encounter with Illinois.
The Daily Collegian's Chris Agostini notes Penn State's big win over MSU Sunday.
Purdue's offense versus Indiana is the topic for Brian Petraits of The Exponent.
Yes, boys and girls, I'm working on the All-Weekend Team. Maybe today. Maybe tomorrow. Be patient.
Indiana State's triumph over Indiana, 9-7, is equally puzzling. Andrew Means had four hits, scored three times and drove in two. Jon Fixler had three hits and three RBI.
Michigan's Adam Abraham, Purdue's Alex Jaffee and Illinois' Mike Stankiewicz were named the Big Ten's (Co-)Players and Pitcher of the Week, respectively.
We've got regional projections! CSTV.com takes a stab at the 64 team field. Both Michigan and Minnesota are in.
CSTV's Eric Sorenson named Michigan as his Midwest team of the week. Eric also called out the polls for not having the Wolverines in the Top 25. See, it's not just me.
Here are Warren Nolan.com's RPI figures for your review. For comparison, here are the latest pseudo-RPI numbers from Boyd's World.
Ping! Baseball.com has the University of Michigan as it's Spotlight Team of the Week. (Yeah, it's a season preview piece, but I'll take all the Big Ten love I can find.) The gang at Ping! also have Michigan ranked number 25 this week.
Ohio State designated hitter Jacob Howell is one of thirty finalists for Lowe's Senior CLASS Award. Howell is the only Big Ten player on the list.
Paul Cordes of The Minnesota Daily wraps up the Gophers homestand against Iowa.
The Indiana Daily Student's Lee Hurwitz previews IU's game against Indiana State. (Yes, I gave the result of this game earlier. Work with me here, I'm trying to dig up every piece of Big Ten baseball news I can find.)
Alex Prosperi of The Michigan Daily profiles Doug Pickens.
The finale of the Penn State at Michigan State series is reviewed by Tom Keller of The State News.
Jake Simpson of The Daily Northwestern recaps NU's Sunday encounter with Illinois.
The Daily Collegian's Chris Agostini notes Penn State's big win over MSU Sunday.
Purdue's offense versus Indiana is the topic for Brian Petraits of The Exponent.
Yes, boys and girls, I'm working on the All-Weekend Team. Maybe today. Maybe tomorrow. Be patient.
Friday, March 30, 2007
Some Big Ten Love
Eric Sorenson, of CSTV fame and fortune, says some nice things about the baseball programs in the Big Ten in his Thursday's Thoughts feature. Eric is one of the few, okay, he's the only national baseball writer that routinely acknowledges the programs in the north. (If I'm not mistaken, CSTV is using a picture of Michigan's Chris Fetter on it's homepage linked to E's article.)
By the way, does anyone in Big Ten country have a cable provider that picks-up CSTV?
By the way, does anyone in Big Ten country have a cable provider that picks-up CSTV?
Monday, March 05, 2007
Thoughts From The Weekend
Yes, it's another thrilling edition of "Thoughts From The Weekend". In today's episode, I'll clean up some missing links from Sunday, look at some of the big wins since Friday and try to crank out another All-Weekend Team. Who knows what else I might type, so why not tag along?
Boxing Up Those Links
There were several boxscores that I never got around to providing links for Sunday night. While I suspect that if you were truly interested you would have obtained this information by now, it gives me something to fill space with.
There's Game One between Minnesota and Arkansas. The Hogs prevailed 5-1, not that we need to revisit that final. Of course, there's Game Two, as well. The Gophers emerged victorious, 10-5, in the finale of the Dairy Queen Classic. I do wonder if the doubleheader splits with Ole Miss and Arkansas will serve Minnesota better in the RPI and SOS categories? If The Citadel had been able the make the trip, the doubleheaders would never have happened. Perhaps, we will look back on this as a boost to the Gophers at-large tournament hopes. (Should they need an at-large berth.)
There's Purdue's 13-1 drubbing of Western Kentucky. The win gave the Boilers a weekend sweep. Purdue bats started out hot and stayed that way all weekend long.
Finally, in a game that I had no information about 48 hours ago, Michigan State pounded on St. Joseph's 22-1. Yep, that's a twenty-two. Needless to say, there were plenty of offensive stars to choose from. However, in the interest of keeping you informed, freshman RF Eli Boike paced the Spartans with four RBI. 1B Evan Friedland had three hits, three RBI and scored three times. Brandon Doherty and Steve Gerstenberger had three hits a piece, as well. Craig Brookes got the win going five innings allowing only two hits and a walk.
Beating The Big Boys
The Big Ten had a good showing this weekend. Big Ten programs downed Mississippi State (in Starkville), Troy, #15 Arkansas, #16 Mississippi, #3 North Carolina, Notre Dame and #22 Nebraska.
There will undoubtedly be naysayers. I can hear their excuses already. Iowa won a rain shortened affair both days. Minnesota played at home. Penn State should have been swept, but for a fluky ninth inning homer. Michigan altered its pitching rotation to beat Mississippi State. This is a down year for "fill in the school a Big Ten program beat this weekend here". Yada, yada, yada.
While Minnesota's doubleheader splits with #15 Arkansas and #16 Ole Miss and Michigan's Saturday sweep of Troy and Mississippi State were great for both schools and the conference's street cred (not to mention their RPI), both programs are considered powers, albeit Big Ten powers. What should raise an eyebrow south of the Mason-Dixon line is that neither Iowa or Penn State are considered among the Big Ten's baseball elite.
Yet, Iowa pummeled a Notre Dame program -- the only one in the snowbelt that has any credibility with the national media, then turned around and came back from trailing 8-0 to beat the 'Huskers, 12-8. Rain, schmain. The Hawkeyes beat up Irish and Cornhusker pitching. It might not happen again, but it did happen this weekend.
Meanwhile, Robbie Wine's young men gave highly ranked North Carolina (Baseball America has the 'Heels #1) all they could handle over three days. The Nittany Lions managed only one late inning triumph, but lost Sunday by only a run and handled themselves rather well in hostile territory. A Big Ten program goes on the road against a Top 5 nationally ranked program and you think "embarrassment". I think it's safe to say that PSU wasn't embarrassed.
Now, before you dismiss my clearly biased praise, take a look at one national media guy said about the Big Ten's weekend. CSTV's Eric Sorenson has some love for the entire conference in his Teams of the Week feature. Way to spread that love, E.
The All-Weekend Team
I could probably just name every Purdue batter to the All-Weekend Team and be safe. The Boilers beat the snot out of the ball this weekend. However, to keep things balanced and avoid charges of laziness or being a Purdue homer, I'll assemble a team with something in addition to Boilermakers. Oh, please remember the math here is mine. I was not a math major. For good reason. Anyway, here goes.
C - Lars Davis, Illinois (8 for 15, 2 3b, 5 runs, 5 rbi)
C - Spencer Ingaldson, Purdue (9 for 13, 3 2b, 8 runs, 2 rbi)
1B - Ryne White, Purdue (7 for 11, 3 bb, 6 runs, 5 rbi)
2B- Evan Crawford, Indiana (8 for 15, 4 runs, 3 rbi)
SS- Keith Haas, Indiana (5 for 13, HR, 3 runs, 6 rbi)
3B- Nate Recknagel, Michigan (6 for 14, 3 HR, 4 runs, 6 rbi)
OF - Kyle Hudson, Illinois (8 for 12, 4 runs, 5 rbi, 2 sb)
OF - Jordan Comadena, Purdue (9 for 15, 2 hr, 3 2b, 7 runs, 6 rbi, 2 sb)
OF - Travis Sweet, Iowa (6 for 8, 5 runs, 4 rbi, sb)
OF - Mike Mee, Minnesota (6 for 13, 3 2b, 3b, 3 runs, 2 rbi, 2 sb)
DH- Andy Preston, Purdue (7 for 12, 2 HR, 4 runs, 5 rbi)
SP - Cory Luebke, Ohio State (W, 7 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 3 BB, 11 K vs. Lehigh)
SP - Zach Putnam, Michigan (W, 7 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 6 K vs. Miss. State)
SP - Ricky Heines, Purdue (W, 6 IP, 6 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 7 K vs. Western Ky.)
SP - Craig Clark, Penn State (ND, 8 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 3 BB, 2 K vs. UNC)
SP - Josh Lindblom, Purdue (W, 7 IP, 9 H, 3 ER, 0 BB, 7 K vs. Western Ky.)
RP - Drew O'Neil, Penn State (W, 2 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 1 K vs. UNC)
Ok, I cheated a bit. I took two catchers this week. Oh, like you could have picked just one. I crammed in an extra outfielder, too. I just couldn't leave any of the four guys out. I also slid Michigan's Recknagel over to third. Hey, he did play there this weekend, it's just not his normal position. Alright, maybe I cheated quite a bit. It was exceptionally difficult to bypass anyone this week.
In spite of my various alterations, I more than likely missed someone. If I did, please email me.
I hope you enjoyed this edition of my weekend round-up. Hopefully, I can get next week's to you in more prompt fashion. Remember, March is here. College baseball will be back here soon.
Boxing Up Those Links
There were several boxscores that I never got around to providing links for Sunday night. While I suspect that if you were truly interested you would have obtained this information by now, it gives me something to fill space with.
There's Game One between Minnesota and Arkansas. The Hogs prevailed 5-1, not that we need to revisit that final. Of course, there's Game Two, as well. The Gophers emerged victorious, 10-5, in the finale of the Dairy Queen Classic. I do wonder if the doubleheader splits with Ole Miss and Arkansas will serve Minnesota better in the RPI and SOS categories? If The Citadel had been able the make the trip, the doubleheaders would never have happened. Perhaps, we will look back on this as a boost to the Gophers at-large tournament hopes. (Should they need an at-large berth.)
There's Purdue's 13-1 drubbing of Western Kentucky. The win gave the Boilers a weekend sweep. Purdue bats started out hot and stayed that way all weekend long.
Finally, in a game that I had no information about 48 hours ago, Michigan State pounded on St. Joseph's 22-1. Yep, that's a twenty-two. Needless to say, there were plenty of offensive stars to choose from. However, in the interest of keeping you informed, freshman RF Eli Boike paced the Spartans with four RBI. 1B Evan Friedland had three hits, three RBI and scored three times. Brandon Doherty and Steve Gerstenberger had three hits a piece, as well. Craig Brookes got the win going five innings allowing only two hits and a walk.
Beating The Big Boys
The Big Ten had a good showing this weekend. Big Ten programs downed Mississippi State (in Starkville), Troy, #15 Arkansas, #16 Mississippi, #3 North Carolina, Notre Dame and #22 Nebraska.
There will undoubtedly be naysayers. I can hear their excuses already. Iowa won a rain shortened affair both days. Minnesota played at home. Penn State should have been swept, but for a fluky ninth inning homer. Michigan altered its pitching rotation to beat Mississippi State. This is a down year for "fill in the school a Big Ten program beat this weekend here". Yada, yada, yada.
While Minnesota's doubleheader splits with #15 Arkansas and #16 Ole Miss and Michigan's Saturday sweep of Troy and Mississippi State were great for both schools and the conference's street cred (not to mention their RPI), both programs are considered powers, albeit Big Ten powers. What should raise an eyebrow south of the Mason-Dixon line is that neither Iowa or Penn State are considered among the Big Ten's baseball elite.
Yet, Iowa pummeled a Notre Dame program -- the only one in the snowbelt that has any credibility with the national media, then turned around and came back from trailing 8-0 to beat the 'Huskers, 12-8. Rain, schmain. The Hawkeyes beat up Irish and Cornhusker pitching. It might not happen again, but it did happen this weekend.
Meanwhile, Robbie Wine's young men gave highly ranked North Carolina (Baseball America has the 'Heels #1) all they could handle over three days. The Nittany Lions managed only one late inning triumph, but lost Sunday by only a run and handled themselves rather well in hostile territory. A Big Ten program goes on the road against a Top 5 nationally ranked program and you think "embarrassment". I think it's safe to say that PSU wasn't embarrassed.
Now, before you dismiss my clearly biased praise, take a look at one national media guy said about the Big Ten's weekend. CSTV's Eric Sorenson has some love for the entire conference in his Teams of the Week feature. Way to spread that love, E.
The All-Weekend Team
I could probably just name every Purdue batter to the All-Weekend Team and be safe. The Boilers beat the snot out of the ball this weekend. However, to keep things balanced and avoid charges of laziness or being a Purdue homer, I'll assemble a team with something in addition to Boilermakers. Oh, please remember the math here is mine. I was not a math major. For good reason. Anyway, here goes.
C - Lars Davis, Illinois (8 for 15, 2 3b, 5 runs, 5 rbi)
C - Spencer Ingaldson, Purdue (9 for 13, 3 2b, 8 runs, 2 rbi)
1B - Ryne White, Purdue (7 for 11, 3 bb, 6 runs, 5 rbi)
2B- Evan Crawford, Indiana (8 for 15, 4 runs, 3 rbi)
SS- Keith Haas, Indiana (5 for 13, HR, 3 runs, 6 rbi)
3B- Nate Recknagel, Michigan (6 for 14, 3 HR, 4 runs, 6 rbi)
OF - Kyle Hudson, Illinois (8 for 12, 4 runs, 5 rbi, 2 sb)
OF - Jordan Comadena, Purdue (9 for 15, 2 hr, 3 2b, 7 runs, 6 rbi, 2 sb)
OF - Travis Sweet, Iowa (6 for 8, 5 runs, 4 rbi, sb)
OF - Mike Mee, Minnesota (6 for 13, 3 2b, 3b, 3 runs, 2 rbi, 2 sb)
DH- Andy Preston, Purdue (7 for 12, 2 HR, 4 runs, 5 rbi)
SP - Cory Luebke, Ohio State (W, 7 IP, 3 H, 2 ER, 3 BB, 11 K vs. Lehigh)
SP - Zach Putnam, Michigan (W, 7 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 3 BB, 6 K vs. Miss. State)
SP - Ricky Heines, Purdue (W, 6 IP, 6 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 7 K vs. Western Ky.)
SP - Craig Clark, Penn State (ND, 8 IP, 4 H, 2 ER, 3 BB, 2 K vs. UNC)
SP - Josh Lindblom, Purdue (W, 7 IP, 9 H, 3 ER, 0 BB, 7 K vs. Western Ky.)
RP - Drew O'Neil, Penn State (W, 2 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 1 K vs. UNC)
Ok, I cheated a bit. I took two catchers this week. Oh, like you could have picked just one. I crammed in an extra outfielder, too. I just couldn't leave any of the four guys out. I also slid Michigan's Recknagel over to third. Hey, he did play there this weekend, it's just not his normal position. Alright, maybe I cheated quite a bit. It was exceptionally difficult to bypass anyone this week.
In spite of my various alterations, I more than likely missed someone. If I did, please email me.
I hope you enjoyed this edition of my weekend round-up. Hopefully, I can get next week's to you in more prompt fashion. Remember, March is here. College baseball will be back here soon.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
You Cannot Be Serious
Eric Sorenson came out with his Hope List for 2007. Amongst the items the CSTV baseball guru hopes for:
- I hope some of the officials who decided to jack with the baseball season
start date are forced to sit at a regional in Baton Rouge or Austin when the
temperature and humidity are both hitting 100, while up in South Bend it's a
pleasant 80 degrees; then, think about who has the biggest weather disadvantage.
Say it ain't so, Eric.
Oh, how this pains me. I'm a Sorenson fan. No, not the "Eric-needs-a-restraining-order" kind of fan. I just enjoy his work. He combines humor and insight with a true passion for the game. Yet, E, could not be more looney tunes for suggesting any northern school has a weather advantage under any circumstance.
I realize that the climate in Baton Rouge and Austin might not be ideal for baseball in June. I'm down with that. However, as intolerable as the heat and humidity are in the south in June, the cold and snow make it impossible to play the national pastime in February, the month the schedule makers are cutting, in the north. Note I said impossible not difficult or unpleasant. February in the snowbelt can be simply hazardous. And March isn't all that favorable, either.
To suggest that a week (or two) of play in exhausting heat is somehow worse than the cold and snow that eliminate a month's worth of potential home games is a stretch, from where I sit. Of course, where I sit, we just received about eight inches of the white stuff with temperatures that haven't been above freezing in weeks. So, my opinion is clearly biased.
There is also the issue of a northern school even hosting a regional. Let's face it, that doesn't happen much. Yes, the committee does go to great pains to give us in the north an obligatory regional. Sometimes we even get two! Yippee! However, that's a rare occasion. And hosting a super-regional? You've got to be kidding.
We could rectify some of this problem if even a few of college super powers had the courage to show up for a non-conference series north of the Mason-Dixon line in March. (Minnesota's Dairy Queen Classic, aside. Domes don't count.) Alas, pigs will fly before southern or western schools make habit of scheduling road series with northern schools in March. Or April. Or May.
The the implication in Eric's statement that no one is getting "jacked" under the current scheduling format. Northern schools facing a month to six week long road trip to open each season get jacked. They get jacked out of home games. They get jacked out of potential gate receipts. They get jacked out of a true opening day. They get jacked out of return visits from college baseball's elite.
My hope is that those who oppose the universal start date are forced to either a) sit in the ballparks in Columbus, Evanston or Ann Arbor every weekend in February, b) sit through every inning of every home date at those venues in March or c) shovel my drive in both months while their favorite (undoubtedly southern or western) program plays home games; then re-think who really has the biggest weather advantage.
- I hope some of the officials who decided to jack with the baseball season
start date are forced to sit at a regional in Baton Rouge or Austin when the
temperature and humidity are both hitting 100, while up in South Bend it's a
pleasant 80 degrees; then, think about who has the biggest weather disadvantage.
Say it ain't so, Eric.
Oh, how this pains me. I'm a Sorenson fan. No, not the "Eric-needs-a-restraining-order" kind of fan. I just enjoy his work. He combines humor and insight with a true passion for the game. Yet, E, could not be more looney tunes for suggesting any northern school has a weather advantage under any circumstance.
I realize that the climate in Baton Rouge and Austin might not be ideal for baseball in June. I'm down with that. However, as intolerable as the heat and humidity are in the south in June, the cold and snow make it impossible to play the national pastime in February, the month the schedule makers are cutting, in the north. Note I said impossible not difficult or unpleasant. February in the snowbelt can be simply hazardous. And March isn't all that favorable, either.
To suggest that a week (or two) of play in exhausting heat is somehow worse than the cold and snow that eliminate a month's worth of potential home games is a stretch, from where I sit. Of course, where I sit, we just received about eight inches of the white stuff with temperatures that haven't been above freezing in weeks. So, my opinion is clearly biased.
There is also the issue of a northern school even hosting a regional. Let's face it, that doesn't happen much. Yes, the committee does go to great pains to give us in the north an obligatory regional. Sometimes we even get two! Yippee! However, that's a rare occasion. And hosting a super-regional? You've got to be kidding.
We could rectify some of this problem if even a few of college super powers had the courage to show up for a non-conference series north of the Mason-Dixon line in March. (Minnesota's Dairy Queen Classic, aside. Domes don't count.) Alas, pigs will fly before southern or western schools make habit of scheduling road series with northern schools in March. Or April. Or May.
The the implication in Eric's statement that no one is getting "jacked" under the current scheduling format. Northern schools facing a month to six week long road trip to open each season get jacked. They get jacked out of home games. They get jacked out of potential gate receipts. They get jacked out of a true opening day. They get jacked out of return visits from college baseball's elite.
My hope is that those who oppose the universal start date are forced to either a) sit in the ballparks in Columbus, Evanston or Ann Arbor every weekend in February, b) sit through every inning of every home date at those venues in March or c) shovel my drive in both months while their favorite (undoubtedly southern or western) program plays home games; then re-think who really has the biggest weather advantage.
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