OSU, PSU Schedule Notes

While neither Ohio State or Penn State have released their schedules for 2007, I can pass along a bit of information about some of their opposition next year. The first nugget comes from Ohio State. The Buckeyes are hosting their own tournament at the New York Yankees complex in Tampa, Florida (the tournament announcement comes amidst a review of the OSU freshman class). The dates are February 23-25 and, in addition to the Bucks, the field is comprised of James Madison, Kansas State and Seton Hall.

JMU posted a 38-21 mark last year and can boast of 2006 co-National Player of the Year, Kellen Kulbacki. Kansas State was 31-20 a year ago and Seton Hall went 21-34.

Thanks to a tip from my friend at the College Baseball Blog, I've learned about one road trip for Penn State in '07. The Nittany Lions are going to travel to Chapel Hill to take on the University of North Carolina. While the Heels have suffered some losses to the professional ranks, UNC can still field a challenging lineup featuring All-America SS Josh Horton and 1B/3B Chad Flack.

Illinois' 2007 Schedule

It's got plenty of "TBA" spots, but the University of Illinois has posted it's 2007 baseball schedule. Even with an incomplete list of non-conference foes in front of us, it's safe to say that the Illini tackle some better than average competition outside the Big Ten. Louisiana-Lafayette and Texas-Arlington certainly aren't cupcakes. If the remainder of their pre-conference slate maintains that level, Illinois should be plenty tough come Big Ten action.

In conference, Dan Hartleb's squad will visit Purdue, Northwestern, Iowa and Michigan. Ohio State, Minnesota, Indiana and Michigan State all travel to Champaign in '07. Midweek contests against Illinois State, Western Michigan, Bradley, Eastern Illinois, Southern Illinois and Missouri round out the "conference" portion of Illinois schedule.

Obviously, there is going to be more news on this as we learn who will comprise the remaining pre-conference schedule, but for now it's good to get a look at a second schedule from a Big Ten program.

Answering The Call For Stats

In my last post about summer league stats, I asked that if anyone could provide more data to email me. Well, ask and ye shall receive. Checking the BTH email today, I find a note pointing me to Purdue University's summer league stat recap. Here are some of the highlights of the Boilers' wood bat experience.

Ricky Heines went north to Alaska and posted a 4-0 record for the Peninsula Oilers. In 30.1 innings of work, Heines fanned 21 and posted a sharp 2.08 ERA. Purdue firstbaseman Andy Preston was Heines' teammate in Alaska and was named to the league's All-Star Team. The Oilers captured the Alaska League title.

Andrew Groves, another Purdue hurler, played in the California Collegiate League and also had a fine season against the wood bats. Groves threw 27.2 innings going 3-1 with a 2.60 ERA.

Jordan Comadena stole 17 bases and scored a tremendous 41 runs while playing for Madison in the Northwoods League. Comadena was a NWL All-Star selection.

For a look at all the Boilermakers' summer fun, click on the link above. (Note: it's a .pdf file.) Thanks to the BTH reader for bringing this recap to my attention and for stopping here. If you have any summer league numbers from Big Ten players, I encourage you to do what this fan did and pass them along.

Reviewing Summer League Numbers

I've been meaning to scan over the summer wood bat league stats for a while now, but just got around to it today. I am positive I overlooked somebody from the Big Ten, those fonts on the stat pages can be pretty small, the information rather incomplete and I just don't have every player's name memorized, so I ask for forgiveness in advance. If I missed your son, teammate or even you, please don't hesitate to email me and point out my oversight.

Starting in the Cape Cod League, Minnesota's Cole DeVries posted a 3-2 mark with a 3.31 ERA in seven starts. The Gophers' Friday starter (a presumption on my part) tossed 49 innings while fanning 50 batters. That total was good enough to tie DeVries for third place in the Cape in K's. I'll hazard a guess here and suggest that DeVries will contend for the Big Ten Pitcher of the Year Award in '07.

Also in the mix for top pitcher next year will be Ohio State's Dan DeLucia. (You can make a very convincing argument that DeLucia, OSU's Friday starter in '06, was the top pitcher in the Big Ten last year.) The Buckeyes' lefty went 2-3 on the Cape. DeLucia had a 3.55 ERA in 38 IP.

Fellow Buckeye southpaw, and yet another potential Player of the Year in '07, Cory Luebke, started six games, going 3-2 with a 2.84 ERA.

Ohio State sent more than just a couple of arms to the Cape. Matt Angle had a fine summer with eventual champion, Cotuit. Angle's .292 average was good enough for 8th in the league. His .412 OBP was the third best on the Cape. Angle also managed to steal 14 bases this summer. (If Angle posted these numbers in the prestigious Cape League while playing for a university a bit further south, he's mentioned as a potential All-America in 2007.)

Buckeye backstop Eric Fryer played at Harwich. The righthanded hitting catcher/outfielder hit .250 with two homers and nine RBI.

Another multi-position star, Michigan's Doug Pickens, donned a Chatham uniform. Pickens, as usual, played the outfield, secondbase and catcher on the Cape. He drove in 13 runs while hitting .215.

The Cape League totals show a Dan Sattler working only five innings going 0-1, I'm assuming that's Purdue's Dan Sattler. Not sure what led to the limited work--jumping to another league, lost in a number crunch, injury?

One Big Ten player who did appear in two leagues is Iowa's Travis Sweet. Sweet played in the Cape League and the Central Illinois League, as well. While with Falmouth on the Cape, Sweet hit .176, but was 1-0 with a 1.04 ERA in 8.2 IP. Sweet also spent time with Quincy in Central Illinois, where he hit .302 with two HR's and 12 RBI. The Hawkeyes' righty went 1-1 with a 6.00 ERA in the Central Illinois league.

Ohio State's Josh Hula spent time in the Great Lakes and Cape Cod Leagues this summer, as well. Identical to Purdue's Sattler, Hula didn't get large amounts of playing time at either stop, so it's another case of wondering what limited his action this summer.

Penn State infielder Matt Cavagnaro was a star in the Texas Collegiate League. Cavagnaro's 60 hits paced the league as did his five triples. His 37 runs scored were the third best mark in Texas. Cavagnaro was a two-time player of the week. His strong summer may be a precursor to All-Conference recognition in 2007.

Big Ten Freshman of the Year J.B. Shuck picked up right where he left off. The top newcomer in the conference had such a strong summer in the Great Lakes Collegiate League, Shuck was named by Baseball America as the top pro prospect in that wood bat league. The Ohio State star hit .364 and stole 11 of 16 bases this summer while going 2-0 from the mound with a dazzling 0.95 ERA. I think he's going to be on everyone's short list as pre-season All-Conference and Player of the Year Awards. After an impressive summer, All-America nominations aren't out of the question, either.

Michigan had it's own prized freshman perform dual duties in the Great Lakes League. Adam Abraham, who was selected as the Big Ten Tournament's Most Valuable Player in his inaugural season, hit .287 with 12 RBI in the GLL. The Wolverines righthander also had a 2-2 record and a 2.89 ERA. Abraham will be on some pre-season watch lists, as well.

Michigan's Mike Wilson didn't post eye-popping summer numbers (an ERA over 7.00), but his live arm got scouts attention. Baseball America's staff has him ranked as the 7th best prospect in the Great Lakes League this summer.

Michigan State pitcher Mark Sorenson's GLL season went so well, he also made Baseball America's list of top ten pro prospects in the the league. Sorenson's 6-0 mark and 1.71 ERA was impressive to more than a few.

Fellow Spartan, Kyle Day played for Hays in the Jayhawk League. The MSU catcher hit .371 with 7 HR's, 27 RBI and 31 runs scored. His strong bat earned him a ranking as the fifth best pro prospect in the league according to, you guessed it, Baseball America. (I really should not be paying for that subscription as much as I toss their name around here.)

Posting big offensive numbers was also the norm for Purdue's Ryne White. The Boilermakers slugger hit .329 with four dingers 28 RBI while slugging at a .475 clip in the Central Illinois League.

Other players whose names I found included Ohio State's Jacob Howell (.284 in the Great Lakes League), Wes Schritzinger (.282 in the GLL), Jason Zoeller (.209 in the GLL), and Trey Fausnaugh (2-2, 2.95). Shawn Roof of Illinois (.268, 20 sb in the Coastal Plains League). Northwestern's Tommy Finn (.205, Central Illinois), Michigan's Kevin Cislo (.276, GLL), MSU's Steve Gerstenberger (.247, 13 RBI in the GLL).

Again, I encourage you to contact with the names of the players I didn't recognize here. I'll add to this list or create a new post, if I find more data.

A Bit Of Fall Ball

Jake Toohey, who had a great summer playing in the Northwoods League, provides some insight on Illinois baseball heading into fall practice.

Indiana head coach Tracy Smith shared some of his thoughts prior to the Hoosiers autumn warm-ups.

Buckeyes Pace Attendance, Again

Ohio State fans, this post's for you. Well, in part, anyway. The Buckeyes' faithful get a tip of the ol' ball cap as they, once again, led the Big Ten in attendance in 2006. Ohio State not only lead the Big Ten in fans in attendance, but came in 24th overall in college baseball.

Their national ranking is made more extraordinary when you realize that the Buckeyes played far and away the fewest home games of the universities in the top 25. OSU played a mere 17 home dates, while the next closest team was Notre Dame with 24 home games. Bob Todd's squad averaged over 2,000 fans per game.

As is often the case in Big Ten matters, Michigan also can boast a bit. According to Boyd Nation's breakdown, the Wolverines are amongst the best teams to invite to town. Rich Maloney's team was ranked as the 19th best team to increase attendance. Go check out Mr. Nation's work and get a look at '06 attendance figures.

Ohio State's Shuck Earns Praise

Baseball America has been reviewing the collegiate summer leagues and OSU's J.B. Shuck garnered some recognition. Shuck, the Big Ten's Freshman of the Year in 2006, pitched and hit in the Great Lakes Summer League. You can read up on Shuck's summer here. (Scroll down past the league reviews.)

Visting The Big Boys

While only IU has released it's 2007 schedule, in reviewing the slates of non-conference schools, we can see that a few Big Ten institutions are taking on some of college baseball's big names next year.

Purdue leads the charge with a tour of The Peach State. The Boilermakers will visit the Georgia Bulldogs from February 23 - February 25. Little over a week later, Purdue continues it's tour of the SEC with a stop in Alabama to take on Auburn, March 9 - 11.

Coach Schreiber and the Purdue Atheltic Department deserve some extra credit. Their non-conference schedule has been rather impressive in recent years. The Boilers administration isn't afraid to visit anyone. In the position the Big Ten schools find themselves in, especially in terms of RPI, it's very important for the conference's schools to schedule quality non-conference opposition and Purdue has done that as well as anyone in the Big Ten.

Illinois isn't ducking the elite schools, either. The Illini are loading up the bus (or plane) and heading to Knoxville to play Tennessee from March 2 - 4.

Finally, last year's conference Cinderella, Northwestern, is going to the Lone Star State to play Texas Tech, February 9 - 11.

Now, if we can just get some of the traditional big boys to dig out their jackets and travel north.

(Hat tip: College Baseball Blog.)

Technical Difficulities

I'm in the process of making the switch to the updated version of Blogger. This has lead to a number of technical issues--things like this site not appearing. My apologies to all, especially both of my loyal readers and those making their initial visit courtesy of Skilton's Baseball Links.

I expect these matters to arise until the Blogger folks get a handle on the migration process and work out all the associated bugs. Thanks for stopping in and being patient.

The DQ Lineup

It appears the 2007 Dairy Queen Classic field has been set. According to the University of Arkansas' official site, The DQC will feature the Razorbacks, The Citadel, Mississippi and, of course, Minnesota. The Gophers host The DQ, one of the country's top tournaments, at the Metrodome from March 2 - March 4.

Indiana's 2007 Schedule

Here is Indiana's 2007 baseball schedule. The Hoosiers pre-conference slate isn't completely filled in, but that three game visit to Florida State seems daunting enough.

Kudos to the IU's sports information department for being the first university in the Big Ten to publish their '07 slate.

The Transfer Market

The Big Ten has a number of players opting to apply their craft elsewhere this summer. Baseball America has published the list of athletes opting to transfer and the Big Ten is far too well represented.

Perhaps, the most notable departure is Troy Krider leaving Michigan State. Krider has gotten plenty of playing time with the Spartans -- playing in all 56 MSU contests while batting .355 -- and I suspected he would be in the running for an All-Conference selection in '07. Alas, Mr. Krider has chosen to leave East Lansing, although he hasn't decided where he is headed yet.

The other player whose name jumped out at me is the previously invisible Cameron Satterwhite. The Indiana OF/DH is headed to Cincinnati after playing only briefly for the Hoosiers in 2006. Satterwhite was really starting to look like an offensive force when he suddenly disappeared from IU's roster in the middle of the conference schedule. This is the first most of us have seen or heard of the slugger since.

Also on the list of those transferring out of the Big Ten are Ohio State's Dan Barker (RHP) and Josh Hula (C), Indiana's Jon David and Jason Drew, MSU's pitchers Mike Takashima and Matt Trausch.

The only player heading into the conference is Josh Lindblom. Lindblom is leaving Tennessee and taking the mound for Purdue in 2007.

August's # 1

It's August. It's also about as far away from the start of the next college baseball season as you can get. However, what have I been thinking about? If I were a member of the voting media, who would I vote as the number one team in the country heading into 2007?

My answer is South Carolina. The Gamecocks impressed me last year and have a number of players returning in '07. I guess that makes South Carolina my pre-pre-season number one.

Cape League Complaints And My Solution

John Manuel, of Baseball America fame and fortune, writes that scouts weren't terribly impressed about the Cape Cod League All-Star Game. Seems a number of the quality arms in the league couldn't pitch due to a variety of factors. That left a series of less than top flight pitchers for the scouts to evaluate. Our scouting friends were so up in arms, pardon the pun, that they will probably complain back to their Major League employers who will take the summer wood bat league to task for not providing them with the talent they anticipated seeing.

My thought is that the scouts should complain about their employers as they are part of the problem. This is going to run over a sacred cow or two, but let me pose a philosophic question anyway. Do we really need the Cape League? Or wood bat summer leagues, in general, for that matter?

Yes, the college players do need a place to play during baseball's peak time of the year. From that perspective, I understand the need for all the summer leagues. Yet, why should MLB scouts get so up in arms over one all-star game? What has made these summer leagues so important? The reason is simple--wooden bats.

When the college kids leave campus, they leave all the metal bats behind. In the summer, scouts get to evaluate both hitters and pitchers in a setting that more closely resembles MLB action. Thus, when the kids they want to see play against each other don't participate, scouts get a bit edgy. They have a very small window to look at the nation's collegiate stars in this environment. When your livelihood comes from making proper recommendations, it's understandable that you get cranky when your opportunities to evaluate are hampered.

Let's also realize that MLB is footing a portion of the bill in many, if not most, of the summer wood bat leagues. MLB is helping cover the cost of the bats, presumably, so they can judge their prospective future employees in the optimum setting. Again, not having your best players play comes off as biting the hand that feeds you. Which leads me back, in part, to my original question.

What if MLB decided to stop funding the summer leagues and sent the money to the NCAA? What if, instead of a few weeks of wood bat action in the summer, college players got to play with wood bats all year long? I'm not looking to destroy the summer wood bat leagues, but I am curious why they can get money from MLB and the NCAA cannot? Even if their is some archaic rule in the NCAA that prohibits such a move (and who would believe the NCAA has archaic rules on the books?), if MLB offered the money, couldn't the NCAA really just re-write the rule?

Such a move would really be a win-win for both MLB and the NCAA. MLB would get several extra months, if not years, to evaluate talent using and facing wooden bats on a regular basis. Wouldn't this create plenty of scouting chances? Might proper evaluation lead to less drafting errors and save money--in theory anyway? (Hey, I'm selling a concept here, play along.)

The NCAA also gains as one of the biggest complaints I hear about the college game from general baseball fans is the "ping" of metal bats. It doesn't faze me, obviously, but it clearly keeps some from embracing the game. If attendance and interest rose in the college game, players in the NCAA might become more recognizable and fans might get more interested in things like the MLB Draft. Again, how this hurts anyone is beyond me.

(As an aside, I also figure some minor league teams might get a bit anxious at the thought of the NCAA using wood bats. Some kids, although not a significant amount, might opt for two years of college baseball (minimum) instead of heading off to the big league farm system straight from high school. From strictly a budgetary standpoint, would having fewer minor league franchises save MLB money? Again, this is just a thinking-out-loud moment.)

I realize that if MLB stopped funding the use of wood bats in college, the summer leagues prestige may fall. Some would probably fold. While I'm not looking to crush this cottage industry, I think it's time to take another look at this entire set-up. Clearly, the best case scenario would be one where MLB steps up to the plate and funds both the NCAA and the summer wooden bat leagues so they can evaluate the players from March until August.

Providing your potential future workforce with the tools of their job at a younger age? Expanding the game's popularity at lower levels? Getting more time to evaluate players? Why, again, is this not a good idea?

Update (8/2/06): I emailed someone with far more knowledge about this subject than I--which I realize could be just about anyone--and learned that one possible issue may be Title IX. The theory is that because of Title IX, if MLB tossed money at the NCAA and equal amount would have to go to women's athletics. That does provide a rather large obstacle. I'd say an unnecessary one, but that might get me in trouble.

There is also the matter of whether or not there really is enough wood bats out there to supply all of D-I. I'm going to be the last guy to encourage stripping our forests to make bats, so if it's even debatable, it's probably not a good idea. I would like to think that some of these companies are actually re-foresting (if that's the proper term for planting more trees), but I don't really care to ponder that, either.

The last point is one of the bat manufacturers and their "relationship" with the NCAA. I leave that statement for you to read between the lines.

An Indiana Stats Question

I received an email from fellow baseball fan Steve Guthrie. Steve has asked for some assistance. As I couldn't give him a definitive answer, I'm tossing this one to BTH readers. Here's Steve's query (with my editing the email into paragraphs at different points, as it didn't exactly copy and paste well; my apologies to Mr. Guthrie):

2006 is the second season I will have made a Big Ten card set available free to people for use on the APBA table baseball game. I get my data almost completely from team websites and have never seen anything like the way Indiana handled their 2006 stats.

The batting stats for three players are included in the 2006 Indiana team totals on their website but are not listed as individual players; hence the player totals don't add up to the team totals. I have never seen this kind of data expulsion done before. There are two pitchers left out of their pitching table, too. None of the five are listed on the fielding table on the Indiana site. (The Big Ten website has all players listed only in fielding tables - the five missing ex-Hoosiers are all listed there.) I did some work to dig up the data for the missing players in the Indiana boxscores.

These player situations really call out for explanations.1) Brett Sager batted 6th starting Game 1 as the Hoosier second baseman. He went 0 for 2, booted his first fielding chance, and was substituted for after six innings. He pinch-ran for the catcher in Game 3 and never appeared again. His stats are gone. 2) Steve Head started 35 of Indiana's first 43 games as their thirdbaseman. He made only one more appearance (in Game 47) going 1 for 2, scoring twice. He never appears again in the last nine games. His stats are gone. 3) Cameron Satterwhite didn't play until Game 16 but soon made an impact as the Hoosier DH. After the team's 37th game, Satterwhite was batting .386, slugging .516, and on base 42.6 percent of the time as the cleanup hitter. He never appeared in a game again. His stats are gone.

What happened to these players? Web searches turn up nothing. I will e-mail 2006 Indiana Batting and Pitching tables as Excel spreadsheets that include the five dropped players to anyone that might want them.

Again, I can't provide Mr. Guthrie with any solid information. I suspect there is a combination of youngsters that dropped out, were dismissed from the school or opted to transfer elsewhere, but that's all speculation. It's also doesn't explain the stats being erased from IU's records.

If anyone has an answer to Steve's inquiry, feel free to post it here or drop me an email. I'd leave Steve's email address, but it would just get filled with all the spam I get now. Thanks to any and all that can shed some light on this matter.

MSU's Grewe Profiled

Much to my amazement, there is a link to a feature about a college baseball coach on the ESPN.com homepage today. Even more astounding is the fact that the baseball coach profiled is from the Big Ten--Michigan State's David Grewe. It's the off-season and a Big Ten baseball coach gets a story on the Worldwide Leader's website? Go figure.

Regardless, it's great for the conference, in general, and for Grewe and the Spartans, specifically.

Cavagnaro's Texas Two-Step

Penn State's Matt Cavagnaro is tearing up the Texas Collegiate League. For the second week in a row, Cavagnaro was named the league's Player of the Week.

Penn State's New Yard

The New York-Penn League, via Minor League Baseball.com, takes a look at State College's new ballpark, Medlar Field at Lubrano Park. Penn State, which is sharing the new facility with the State College Spikes of Class A, begins playing at Medlar Field in 2007. I definitely hope to visit the new park next season.

Oregon State Raises The Bar

Oregon State's College World Series triumph should have ramifications in the Big Ten. Why? Because the Beavers' title run makes it that much more difficult for teams from the north to complain about their spot on college baseball's totem pole.

If the Beavers can play in consecutive College World Series and win one, why on Earth can't schools in the Big Ten? Or the Big East? The lament many--myself, first and foremost--point to in regards to the north's disadvantage in college baseball is weather. Why Corvallis isn't as rainy as we might think, they get less rainfall than Chicago according to the Corvallis Chamber of Commerce, it's not exactly the warm, enticing weather of the souths-east and west.

We always hear that high school players want to play in Texas, California and Florida because of the ideal weather conditions and the baseball tradition of college's super powers. Well, if kids are willing to go to Corvallis to play baseball, where the weather isn't perfect and their history is ancient to the average high school senior, they should be willing to try Columbus, West Lafayette or State College.

Then there's Oregon State's overall image. Ask anyone to name the best schools for athletics and I suspect that three Big Ten universities--Michigan, Ohio State and Penn State--would be mentioned before Oregon State by everyone who responded to the question. Another five to six Big Ten programs also might get the nod before the Beavers. That might not be an accurate portrayal of how Oregon State's athletics actually perform on the field, but it's a perception of success.

Again, if high school players are going to attend a state university to play baseball, there is no reason to believe that Michigan State, Penn State and Ohio State can't compete with Oregon State for recruits, if their image is better or equal to the Beavers, which I believe it is.

Consider revenue streams, as well. Does Oregon State have more money to spend in it's athletic budget than anyone in the Big Ten? Do they have more alumni to solicit funds from? Do they have more former or current pro players (in all sports) to hit up for cash than the schools in the Big Ten? It's difficult to argue finances when Oregon State's probably not bringing in the same capital that many Big Ten schools are.

The Beavers also overcame a disadvantage no one in the Big Ten has to--competition. Oregon State is playing in one of college baseball premier conferences. Pac-10 baseball powers Stanford, USC, UCLA, Arizona and Arizona State are regulars in the NCAA Tournament field. If the Beavers can climb to the top of the ultra competitive Pac-10 while playing in a less than ideal climate for baseball, there is no reason the Big Ten can't produce a few programs to compete with the nation's elite baseball teams.

Certainly, Oregon State does have some advantages over northern schools. Just showing up to play each week versus a fellow Pac-10 opponent increases their RPI. Win or lose, they get points. They also get to play three games on the weekends, not four like Big Ten programs do. And, yes, the weather isn't quite as bad as some might believe. (Even if it rains, that must mean it's too warm to snow, right?) However, there is no solid reason that several Big Ten programs can't match Oregon State's success.

For at least the last decade, only Ohio State has pushed the envelope, in baseball terms. In building Bill Davis Stadium, in pacing the conference in attendance, in hosting a regional, the Buckeyes have attempted to make the next step. Ohio State has slowly forced other Big Ten schools into keeping pace. I doubt if Penn State or Michigan would be making stadium changes if the folks in Columbus hadn't done so first. Now, Oregon State's emergence has raised the bar even higher for Big Ten baseball programs.

If Big Ten programs don't begin to rise as a baseball powers, it will simply be because neither the conference or the individual institutions have the will to do so. All the other necessary tools are at their disposal. Oregon State has set the bar, let's see if anyone in the Big Ten is willing to aim that high.

Thoughts On The CWS

Let me share a few random thoughts I have about the just completed College World Series.

* I admire the toughness of Oregon State, emerging from the loser's bracket and dropping the first game of the CWS Championship round, but is it too much to think that North Carolina's sloppy defense handed the title to OSU?

* At what point do college coaches have a responsibility to their pro prospects in regards to limiting pitch counts? As a Detroit Tigers fan, I was more than a bit concerned over the number of pitches (over 300) Jonah Nickerson threw over the two weeks in Omaha. Didn't he pitch on three or less days of rest twice?

Nickerson wasn't the only OSU hurler to get an excessive workload, but he seemed like the most visible. As kids like Nickerson harbor professional dreams, don't college coaches have some responsibility to make sure they can succeed in their careers like any other instructor would? Doesn't throwing that often increase the odds of arm injury and shortened careers?

* I like Mike Patrick and Harold Reynolds in the ESPN booth, although with their other obligations, I doubt they spend too much time prior to June 1 paying much attention to college baseball. As a result, they do stumble around a bit. In spite of this, Patrick's CWS work is far better than his football work. He seems much more at ease and his work more fluid. Maybe he broadcasted baseball originally?

I like Reynolds' personality, always have, but I can't get past his comments in 2003 about contracting the Detroit Tigers. He does a solid, if unspectacular job in Omaha. Like Patrick, you do get the feeling he likes the work and that's half the battle.

I'm a big Kyle Peterson fan. The ex-Stanford pitcher does cover the college game year-round and played in the CWS. I'd like to see ESPN expand Peterson's role. Studio host, perhaps? Maybe they have given him more responsibility on ESPNU, but, alas, my cable provider doesn't offer The U. Regardless, Peterson should get more airtime.

Erin Andrews is fine. Easy, boys, I mean she does acceptable work. I'm not thrilled about these in-game coach interviews--the college baseball equivalent of the worthless exchange with football coaches heading in/out of the lockeroom at halftime--but, it's not like Andrews came up with the idea. She's just doing her job. I'm just not crazy about sideline reporters, so I'm biased from the start.

* I'm sad to see another season depart, but Oregon State is a deserving champion.

Cavagnaro Grabs Honor

Penn State's Matt Cavagnaro was named the Texas Collegiate League's Player of the Week for June 22. The Nittany Lions' infielder is pacing the summer wood bat league in hits with 26 and is amongst the leaders in runs scored (13) and on base percentage (.522).

More CWS Posts

SI On Campus has a couple of posts on the College World Series this week. The first is entitled "Why You Should Watch The College World Series" and the second is "Field of Dreams" which gives you the feeling of the party surrounding Omaha this week. Brief entries, but worth reading.

Last week, SIOC, pondered the question that has befuddled millions, why isn't college baseball more popular? Some of the response are stereotypical--aluminum bats, lack of television coverage, quality of play, blah, blah, blah. However, solid observations were made, as well. Check them all out.

DeLucia Is Player Of The Week

Ohio State's Dan DeLucia was named the Cape Cod League's Pitcher of the Week. DeLucia is doing for Coltiut in the Cape what he does for the Buckeyes--win ballgames. DeLucia is 2-0 and has already tossed a complete game shutout while pacing the premier wood bat summer league in innings pitched. (Correction 7/1/06: According to the Cape's stats page, as of June 30, DeLucia does not have a complete game or a shutout. I'm fairly clueless in general, but I must have obtained that data from somewhere. However, that's twice in a week that I've flubbed something, so it must be me. Regardless, my apologies to Dan, his family, the OSU fanbase, Cotuit, the Cape League, myself and anyone else potentially offended.)

Other Big Ten stars playing on the Cape include Buckeyes' Matt Angle, Cory Luebke (1-0) and Eric Fryer. Michigan's Doug Pickens, Iowa's Travis Sweet and Minnesota's Cole DeVries (1-0). (I apologize if I missed anyone. Feel free to leave a post or email me if you know of any other Big Ten players in the Cape Cod League.)

CWS Championship Set

The College World Series championship will come down to a three game battle between North Carolina and Oregon State. Game One between the Tar Heels and Beavers is on Saturday night. I'll skip predictions--as I really have no idea who is going to win and I don't want to give the kiss of death to either program.

On The Dotted Line

Iowa CF Nate Price has signed a contract to play in the Chicago Cubs organization. Another former Big Ten star to sign on with the pros is Ronnie Bourquin. The Ohio State standout, and conference Player of the Year, was a second round choice of the Detroit Tigers.

Tennessee Transfer

Purdue University has announced that pitcher Josh Lindblom is tranferring from Tennessee. The West Lafayette native will be a part of coach Doug Schreiber's 2007 rotation.

Official Recaps

The Big Ten Conference has compiled a list of all the Big Ten players selected in the Major League Baseball draft. The only two I might have missed from my coverage were Michigan State's Jeff Gerbe (Detroit) and Ryan Basham (Toronto). I had heard Gerbe got picked, as I get plenty of Tigers coverage, but the Basham selection eluded me.

The official conference site also reviews the 2006 season. Northwestern University's stellar '06 Big Ten campaign is relived here.

Big Ten Television Network

According to a published report, the Big Ten will announce tomorrow the creation of it's own cable television network. The new network will begin in 2007 and it's coverage will probably be comprised mostly of non-revenue sports.

I think it's safe to assume this means Big Ten baseball might get some consistent air time. Of course, the baseball programs will be vying with softball and other spring sports, but it's still an opportunity for additional exposure.

I'm cautiously optimistic about this proposed network. I clearly excited about the possibility of getting to see some additional games without a road trip. It would make covering the conference easier. Of course, it might make the ol' blog obsolete, but only time will tell.

A big hat tip to Ian of Sweaty Men Endeavors who gave me the heads up on this one.

CWS Time

There is a good chance I won't be posting here again before Sunday, so I had best get in anything I have to say about the College World Series now.

The Rosenblog, Baseball America's blog from Rosenblatt Stadium (and beyond), is already in full swing. Time to note that I have to get to Omaha for the CWS.

Another site you should visit is CWSOmaha.com. It's a standard link in the right hand column, but it can't hurt to give it some extra attention right now.

The folks attending the championship game are going to receive this poster. Three Big Ten players made the poster--Ohio State's Steve Arlin, Michigan's Barry Larkin and Minnesota's Dave Winfield. Yes, boys and girls, there is a history of baseball success in the Big Ten.

Of course, I'm presuming CSTV is going to continue it's fine tournament coverage, as well. I'm also hoping someone will be blogging from Omaha.

If you are wondering about the magic that is the CWS and Omaha, you need look no further than this re-printed column by Joe Posnanski courtesy of CWSOmaha.com and The Kansas City Star. Great, now I want to go even more.

There is no reason to believe this tournament won't provide it's usual array of memorable moments. I hope all of are able to enjoy the CWS.

Miller Grabs BA Honor

North Carolina junior Andrew Miller was named Baseball America's Player of the Year today. Miller, the sixth overall pick in the amatuer draft, went 13-2 for UNC and posted a 2.11 ERA.

Miller also heads BA's All-America team for 2006. No players from the Big Ten were selected to any of the three star squads.

New Blog, New Photos

I've stumbled upon this blog about Rice baseball. Take a look at some of the photos of the super regional between the Owls and Oklahoma.

Ronnie Bourquin: All-America

Ohio State thirdbaseman Ronnie Bourquin collected another post-season honor today. Bourquin was named a first-team All-America selection by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association. Bourquin not only grabbed first team honors, but was the only member of the Big Ten to be named to any of the first three All-America squads announced today.

Flack Powers Heels To Omaha

I left the computer long enough to watch the last few innings of the Alabama vs. North Carolina game on television. UNC trailed, but plated four runs in the bottom of the eighth to take a 6-4 lead. The big blow was a three run home run off the bat of Chad Flack. In the top of the ninth, 'Bama answered with a three run jack off the bat of Alex Avila to give the Tide a 7-6 lead. "Roll Tide" was ringing throughout the park.

In the bottom of the final frame, Mr. Flack stepped to the plate once again with one runner on base. I'm watching this transpire and thinking to myself "What if this kid homers, again? Wouldn't that be incredible? Alabama would not only lose the game, but suddenly their year would be finished. If Flack could somehow go yard one more time not only would the Heels win, but they go to Omaha." Then I thought "Isn't this why we watch? Isn't this what the tournament is really all about--the anticipation, the possibilities, the tension?"

I had all those thoughts just moments before Flack hit a walk-off home run and gave UNC an 8-7 triumph. It was amazing. What a swing in emotions, on both sides of the field. Carolina thought their eighth inning might be enough, only to have Alabama respond. Then, the Tide supporters must have figured it was their night after Avila's yard work and UNC fans had to be pondering another game tomorrow, but then came Flack's second bomb in as many innings.

In just the eighth and ninth innings, Flack went yard twice and drove in five to send the Heels to Omaha. You have to be impressed with UNC's multiple comebacks, however, having spent several days watching the seasons and the careers of a number of Big Ten teams and athletes come to an end, I feel worse for 'Bama and their supporters. It's difficult to lose, but to be so close--including regaining the lead dramatically in the top of the ninth--and still fall short is probably more heartbreaking.

An outstanding game, though. One that neither UNC or Alabama fans will forget.

I can't seem to get the Oregon State vs. Stanford feed online and ESPN2 is broadcasting the Fullerton vs. Missouri affair, so no trees for me apparently. Fullerton is winning as are the Beavers, but it's early. Although at 5-0, CSF appears to be in complete control. OSU is up 3-2, so I'm considering that game still up for grabs.

Check out CSTV's on-site blogs the rest of the night. CSTV's thirsty baseball maven Eric Sorenson is stationed at the Fullerton Super Regional, while Lindsay Schnell is in Corvallis.

Update: Stanford has tied it at 3-3.

And The Nominees Are....

It's award time around college baseball. Like every other sport, there is no shortage of hardware being distributed. Let's get a look at some of college baseball's award nominees.

The Roger Clemens Award goes to the top pitcher in the game. This year's finalists are North Carolina's Andrew Miller, Houston's Brad Lincoln, Rice's Eddie Degerman and Washington's Tim Lincecum.

The National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association hands out the Dick Howser Award. The Howser is given to the Player of the Year in the collegiate ranks. The aforementioned Mr. Lincoln (Houston), Mr. Degerman (Rice) and Mr. Lincecum (Washington) made the Howser final cut, as did outfielder Kellen Kulbacki (James Madison).

The NCBWA has already handed out one award. Don Czyz of Kansas was named the Stopper of the Year. Which, as the name implies, goes to the top closer in college baseball.

As mentioned here before, or at least it had better have been, Jeff Kunkel of Michigan is amongst the three finalists for the Johnny Bench Award. Miami's Eddy Rodriguez and East Carolina's Jake Smith are the other two backstops nominate to be given the Catcher of the Year nod.

The Brooks Wallace Award is another Player of the Year honor. The semi-finalist list, issued in late May, is lengthy. Click here for a PDF list of all those included. In addition to those players repeatedly mentioned above, Ohio State's Ronnie Bourquin made the list. Again, unless I slacked off, this probably got mentioned at BTH prior, but there's nothing wrong with repeating myself when the conference gets some baseball attention.

Putnam Avoids Surgery

Michigan freshman Zach Putnam doesn't need surgery on his elbow. According to Antoine Pitts of The Ann Arbor News, Putnam does not have a tear and will begin a rehab program that should allow him to rejoin Michigan's rotation at the start of next season.

Lots Of Yard Work

I was watching the Super Regional between South Carolina and Georgia and saw the Gamecocks jack out five consecutive homers. Yes, five in a row. I have to echo Joanna's sentiments, I have never seen anything quite like it.

All this yard work was done in a hurry. Nine pitches, five homers. It was like BP. Or Home Run Derby. The poor Dawgs even changed pitchers and the new guy immediately saw his offerings land on the other side of the fence. These were not cheap taters, either. Several of these landed a county or two away. They were those majestic, no-doubt-about-it types. In all, the Gamecocks clubbed eight homers. It's was an incredible offensive display. Needless to say, SC won.

Georgia Tech and Clemson have advanced to the CWS. Other than Tech avoiding adding to their recent string of post-season disappointment, there is no shock that either program is Omaha-bound.

I'm watching game two of Alabama and North Carolina. I like this picture-in-picture I can do with MediaPlayer. I can blog and watch. Very cool. Hat tip to ESPN and the NCAA for providing the feed online. Smart move all the way around. Oh, 'Bama is up, 3-2.

Hey, can the Big Ten work out a deal to get games broadcast online? Somebody call the conference office and make a suggestion. Oops, I forgot. It's football season in the Big Ten, now. Can't be bothered with baseball. (Did I say that out loud? Was that sarcasm? Sorry about that.)

Back to the Supers, I'm hoping to see the Stanford vs. Oregon State game tonight. Truth be told, I like the Stanford program. Although, I wasn't all that impressed with this year's squad. They've surprised me by getting to the super regionals. I guess the traditional powers are traditional powers for a reason--even in down years they are pretty good.

I have to admit that with all this college baseball action on the tube (and online), I'm ready for the next Big Ten season to get underway today. Too bad I have to get through another winter and an overdose of football first.

Freshmen All-America Team

The Big Ten is well represented on this year's Freshmen All-America Team. The team, chosen by Collegiate Baseball, has five members of the Big Ten on it. Conference champion Michigan placed two first year players on the squad. Zach Putnam was named as a pitcher and Adam Abraham, coming off being named the Outstanding Player of the Big Ten Tournament, was tabbed as a multiple position player.

Another multiple position honoree is Ohio State's J.B. Shuck. The Buckeye standout was also named the conference's Freshman of the Year. Two outfielders round out the Big Ten's selections. Matt Nohelty of Minnesota and Ryne White of Purdue were also amongst the best freshmen in college baseball this year.

On To The Pros

Major League Baseball held it's annual draft earlier this week. I would have gotten to it sooner, however, between my priorities and Blogger being down most of last night, I could get to it until today.

I'm fairly pleased with the number of Big Ten players chosen. Does it rival the baseball rich conferences? No, but there is some indication that the guys at the next level believe some of the players in the Big Ten are good enough to get a shot. Here is a list of the Big Ten players chosen.

Prior to the draft, Iowa closer Tim Gudex signed with the Chicago Cubs and Michigan catcher Jeff Kunkel inked a deal with the Detroit Tigers.

In the draft, the Tigers tabbed another Michigan product, lefthander Paul Hammond. Minnesota lefty John Gaub was chosen by Cleveland. A pair of Northwestern hurlers were drafted, as well. George Kontos went to the New York Yankees while Big Ten Pitcher of the Year Dan Brauer was selected by the Philadelphia Phillies.

Three Ohio State Buckeyes heard their named called during MLB's First Year Player Draft. Big Ten Player of the Year Ronnie Bourquin went in the second round to the Tigers. Jedidiah Stephen will begin his professional career in the Baltimore Orioles organization. Cory Luebke was selected by the Texas Rangers.

Purdue managed to beat the Buckeyes by one, as four members of the Boilermakers were drafted earlier this week. Shortstop Mitch Hilligoss will join the Yankees minor league system, Milwaukee grabbed closer Chris Toneguzzi, Jay Buente went to Florida and Dan Sattler was selected by Texas.

Penn State lefty Alan Stidfole signed with Toronto after the draft and will join his brother in the Blue Jays' system.

Vanderbilt 5 Michigan 4

The score does say it all. Vanderbilt was just a bit better today and they eliminated Michigan from the NCAA Tournament with a 5-4 triumph. Outstanding Commodore 3B Pedro Alvarez and RF Ryan Davis each went yard against the Wolverines for the second straight game.

Doug Pickens and Nate Recknagel countered with some yard work of their own, but it wasn't quite enough. Chris Fetter did start for Michigan and took the loss. The win went the Nick Christiani

Again today, Michigan did have opportunities to prevail against Vandy, but just couldn't close the deal. For the second straight year, Michigan's season ends in the Atlanta Regional after going 1-2. I've said this before, and I'll say it quite a bit more, but Big Ten teams have to start advancing in the tournament.

This Michigan side certainly had the right mind set--that just being in the field wasn't enough. Unfortunately, that didn't translate into wins. In spite of their elimination, you cannot convince me that Michigan is significantly worse than Vanderbilt. Yes, the SEC team prevailed, but it was hardly a beatdown.

It's not going to stop all the typical fan banter, or common belief, that the north cannot compete with the traditional southern/western powers. I hope that with the continuing commitment to baseball by many snowbelt programs that college baseball's playing field might be getting a bit more balanced.

Hopefully, next season more than one Big Ten team gets into The Dance, they can host a regional and advance. (I'm not asking for much, am I?)

The win gives the Commodores a second shot at host Georgia Tech in the championship of the Atlanta Regional. The loss not only ends the year for Michigan, but concludes play for all the representatives of the Big Ten Conference.

It's been another fun year of baseball in the Big Ten. From Northwestern's improbable run for a conference crown to the emergence of freshmen throughout the conference to Michigan's double championships and tournament appearance, it's been an enjoyable, unpredictable season.

This year, I got to meet some of those directly involved with the baseball programs at Big Ten universities, met some great fans and got to attend the entire Big Ten Tournament. I hope to do more of the same in 2007.

So, what am I going to do here next? I think I'll save that for my next post.

Michigan Bounces Stetson, 11-1

Michigan avoided elimination today by pounding Stetson, 11-1. Paul Hammond started for the Wolverines and tossed a complete game six hitter. Hammond fanned six and walked only one. CF Eric Rose paced the offensive assault by collecting three hits, three RBI and scoring three runs. Sophomore 1B Nate Recknagel also drove in three on a bases clearing double.

The Wolverines (43-20) stay alive in the Atlanta Regional and now await the loser of tonight contest between host Georgia Tech and Vanderbilt. (Note: Tech is leading 7-3 in the ninth inning.) Michigan's next game is scheduled for 1pm Sunday. I'm going with the assumption that Chris Fetter will be Michigan's starting pitcher. Comcast Local is scheduled to broadcast the game.

Update: The Yellow Jackets did beat Vandy, 7-3. The Commodores and Michigan will meet for the second time in this regional tomorrow afternoon. However, on Sunday, it will be an elimination game.

Bourquin Named All-America

Ohio State thirdbaseman Ronnie Bourquin was named to Collegiate Baseball's third team All-America squad. Bourquin who paced the Big Ten in a number of categories, including batting average, on base percentage and slugging percentage, was the only Big Ten player to receive All-America recognition.

Manhattan Pulls Off Upset Of Nebraska

Manhattan pulled off a major upset this afternoon dropping #6 Nebraska, 4-1. The Cornhuskers entered the game not only ranked sixth nationally, but were one of the eight national seeds in the tournament (think one of the four #1 seeds in the NCAA hoops tourney), were 7th in RPI and sixth in Boyd Nation's ISR's. They were also playing at home.

Conversely, the Jaspers came into the field of 64 unranked, with an RPI number of 142 and an ISR of 181. Basically, nobody on Earth, not even Manhattan's faithful, figured they could win today. Mathematically, it was nearly impossible, as well. Whip out your cliches here, but that's why they play the games.

Those who have covered this game much longer than I might disagree, but this has got to be one of the more surprising results in tournament history. To me, it's equivalent to a #15 seed beating a #2 in the NCAA basketball tournament. The big difference, of course, is that the Cornhuskers have not been eliminated from the tournament. They just fall into the loser's bracket, another loss away from being finished.

Strike up a win for the little guy and one for schools in the north. Congratulations, Manhattan.

Michigan Falls, 5-2

Vanderbilt's power was too much for Michigan this afternoon. Behind the strength of three homeruns, the Commodores beat the Wolverines, 5-2. Michigan did have opportunities to climb back into the game, they left eight runners on base, but couldn't muster enough offense to keep pace with Vandy's longball attack.

Drew Taylor came on in relief of the injured Zach Putnam (6-2) and pitched pretty well. Taylor did, however, give up two homers in the fifth to extend Vandy's lead from 3-2 to the final score. Matt Buschmann (6-4) tossed a complete game for Vanderbilt.

Pedro Alvarez, Brian Hernandez and Ryan Davis all went yard for the Commodores. A.J. Scheidt had a solid game driving in both Michigan runs and playing some fine defense at thirdbase. Adam Abraham scored twice for the Wolverines.

The loss knock Michigan into the loser's bracket where they will play the loser of tonight game between host Georgia Tech and Stetson. Michigan's next game in the Atlanta Regional will take place tomorrow at 1pm. For those in southeast Michigan, Comcast Local is scheduled to air the game.

I have not heard whether regular number two starter Chris Fetter will take the hill Saturday or if Paul Hammond, who got bumped from starting today, will pitch in the elimination game tomorrow.

Putnam Out; Vandy Up 3-1

It's only the bottom of the second inning in Atlanta, but Vanderbilt is already up 3-1 over Michigan. To compound the Wolverines dilemma, starter Zach Putnam has just been removed from the contest with an arm injury. Drew Taylor is going to replace Putnam with two Commodore runners on base.

Putnam, the highly touted freshman, has struggled from the very first batter this afternoon. He has been unable to locate the strikezone and was finally pulled with what appears to be a problem with his forearm.

Putnam had just returned to his role as Michigan's number one starter after spending several weeks lower in the rotation due to what was then labeled a tired arm. You have to wonder if today's issue is the same problem Putnam has been battling for the last several weeks.

It is only the second inning, but things are not going well for Rich Maloney's squad early on.

Putnam To Start Tomorrow And Other Michigan Links

Antoine Pitts of The Ann Arbor News reports that Zach Putnam will start for Michigan in tomorrow's opening game of the NCAA tournament. Paul Hammond had replaced Putnam several weeks ago as the Wolverines number one starter when Putnam had experienced a sore arm.

I'm not terribly surprised at the switch, as Hammond wasn't terribly effective in the Big Ten Tournament, and Putnam only lost his job due to injury. The strength of Michigan has been it's starting rotation and nearly all the parts have been interchangable. This change shouldn't throw off the team in any way.

Mr. Pitts also explains why the Michigan team's Big Ten Tourney celebration was understated and discusses the emergence of transfer Nate Recknagel.

Michigan's Jeff Kunkel is named as one of the three finalists for the 2006 Johnny Bench Award. The Bench Award is presented annually to college baseball's top catcher.

Baseball America previews the Atlanta Regional.

A look at the Wolverines first round opponent, Vanderbilt, courtesy of Bryan Mullen of The Tennessean.

Links! We've Got Links Here!

I'm almost past my baseball hangover. My sunburn is healing. I think I might be able to enjoy a hot dog, again. I'm able to form partial sentences. On occasion. With that in mind, how about I let some others do the writing for me? Here are some links you might find entertaining.

SEBaseball.com's Mark Etheridge tells us what to look for this weekend at the tournament. Mr. Etheridge also gives us a peek at the mythical NIT Baseball field.

Kendall Rogers, of the Rosenblatt Report, previews the Malibu Regional.

Boyd Nation breaks down each regional in his Breadcrumbs Back To Omaha column.

Beesball let's the Michigan, and Big Ten fans, get a look at Georgia Tech from their perpsective.

Kendall Rogers, who this time appears at the new Rivals.com College Baseball site, offers this look at the Lexington Regional, the Houston Regional and the Austin Regional.

The entire tournament gets a once over from Will Kimmey and the gang at Baseball America.

BA.com also provides the brave with a NCAA Baseball Tournament Bracket Challenge.

Hosting A Regional

I thought Michigan should have submitted a bid to host a NCAA Regional. I believe they should have taken the opportunity to capitalize on the team's success and build some fan interest heading into their stadium renovation project.

While I know the administration would rather wait for the renovation to be complete before inviting the nation in, I think that hosting would have brought along some credibility and excitement to the program. It also might have gotten Rich Maloney's squad a bit more local press coverage than normal.

Both major Detroit papers might send a reporter or a photographer to Ann Arbor for a couple of hours, or a local television station might have a cameraman grab some footage for their Sunday night sports wrap-up shows, but neither are about to ship anyone to Atlanta to follow Wolverines baseball.

The crowds for the Big Ten Tournament were good and would probably be even better for a NCAA regional. The thought of bringing in a national power or two, might have intrigued both the Michigan faithful and general baseball fans who rarely get to see the nation's best teams on display, let alone in person.

Do I really need to point out that it could have been a recruiting tool, as well?

Hosting a regional would have made the program appear to be on the rise, even if it went two and barbecue. Now, if the Wolverines drop two straight and end up spectators, or simply don't advance, it ends up a very small paragraph in the Detroit papers and probably won't get any mention on metropolitan news broadcasts.

All that said, I don't think they had any chance at hosting a regional. If Notre Dame, which is considered the standard bearer for northern baseball, can't win a regional after claiming the Big East regular season and tournament titles, Michigan wasn't about to host, either.

However, if you put in a failed bid, so what? You tried to get your kids another home series. You made an attempt to lift the program to the next level. You don't lose anything trying. Win a bid, however, and you've got another weekend of publicity and the program gets a boost without the aid of a new facade on the stadium.

Sure it's a risk bidding for a regional, but it was a risk worth taking.

Michigan Heads To Georgia Tech

The tournament field was announced this afternoon. Michigan doesn't head west to Corvallis, as a number of folks thought the Big Ten Champions might, they head south to play in the regional hosted by Georgia Tech. In addition, to having the Yellow Jackets, the Wolverines are in a regional with Stetson and their opening round opponent, Vanderbilt.

This is not an easy regional. The Jackets (45-16) are one of the eight national seeds, in more simple terms, one of the eight teams favored to be in the College World Series. That's bad enough. Stetson (38-22) may not be a household name to fans of Big Ten football and basketball, but they can play baseball. Finally, there is Michigan's (42-19) first opponent, Vanderbilt. The Commodores (36-25) are darn good. I've seen them two or three times on television and they have a very solid team.

If the average college baseball fan was asked to put in order who would win this regional, I suspect it would be: Tech, then Vandy, Stetson third and the Wolverines last. It's painful, but true. Did I mention this is not an easy regional?

That doesn't matter, however. There are no easy regionals. Michigan, and Notre Dame, for that matter, needs to win NCAA Tournament games regardless of the opposition. They need to bring some credibility and respect to baseball in the north. It needs to begin somewhere, it may as well begin in Georgia.

Big Ten Tournament: Day 5

As you probably know by now, # 23 Michigan won the Big Ten Conference Tournament title over Minnesota, 9-4. The Wolverines captured both the regular season and tournament championships. The win gives Michigan an automatic spot in the NCAA Tournament field. (More on that a bit later.)

Rich Maloney's squad posted single runs in the first three innings then, in the fourth, hung five more tallies on the Gophers and never looked back. CF Eric Rose was the offensive star collecting three hits and three RBI. Adam Abraham, who was named the Most Outstanding Player of the Tournament, also hit a solo homer.

Craig Murray got the start for Michigan and pitched 4.2 innings before giving way to Michael Powers (4-0) who completed the last 4.1 frames and merited the victory. The Gophers scored twice on each Michigan hurler, but only one of Murray's runs was earned.

Minnesota had plenty of chances, as they connected for eleven hits and received five free passes, but failed to keep pace with the Wolverines offense. Andy Hunter had three hits and Kyle Baran's two RBI paced the Gophers' attack.

What seperated #23 Michigan from the rest of the Big Ten this year was pitching. In particular, starting pitching carried the Wolverines to the Big Ten titles. Paul Hammond and Chris Fetter were named first team All-Big Ten. Zach Putnam garnered second team accolades.

While seniors pitchers like Hammond, Drew Taylor and Craig Murray were counted on to be leaders, it was the emergence of their freshman arms that proved to be the difference.

Fetter, Putnam, Adam Abraham and Michael Powers helped lift Michigan from title hopeful to conference champions. This tournament was evidence of that. Michigan won four times en route to the crown and each of the freshman--Fetter, Putnam, Abraham and Powers--earned a win.

In addition to Abraham being named the Outstanding Player, the Big Ten announced it's All-Tournament Team. Abraham was named to the team as a pitcher and a designated hitter.

Now, it's on to baseball's Big Dance for the Wolverines. Where Michigan plays will be announced tomorrow. Many of the pundits have suggested either a trip to Corvallis to take on Oregon State or, possibly, Lexington to play in Kentucky's regional. That's speculation, of course. Michigan could end up just about anywhere, but in looking over the regional hosts, UK is the closest site.

Michigan, who played the best defense in the Big Ten, did not look good defensively this week. That will need to improve, plus the Wolverines need to continue to get quality starting pitching in order to play well next weekend. I'm hopeful they can put together a strong showing for the conference and northern schools, in general.

Certainly, the strength of whatever regional they are assigned will be a major factor.
I'm sort of hoping that not playing at home, not having the burden of being the favorite, will help Michigan in the NCAA's. We will all have a better idea what is going on at this time Monday.

I'd love to hear Ohio State's name get called during the selection show tomorrow, but I just don't see them overcoming their low RPI number, just as Minnesota won't. In spite of their incredible second place finish in the regular season, Northwestern's overall record eliminated them from the NCAA's before the Big Ten season began.

Finally, here is a link to some photos from Saturday's action--Michigan vs. Ohio State and the Wolverines vs. Minnesota. They loaded in reverse order, but you still get the idea.

Can You Pitch?

Just a thought or two before I head out. Who on Earth is left to pitch for either side today? If it wasn't bad enough that both teams have been through starters 1-4, last night's slugfest forced more arms out of the 'pen. I'm not even going to hazzard a guess as to who will take the mound today.

One thing I will suggest is that we might be in for more offensive fireworks today. With a drained pitching staff, warmer weather (high 80's today) and two teams that combined to score twenty runs last night and you've got the makings for another track meet. Of course, having said that, I've probably all but assured a 1-0 pitcher's duel.

Regardless of the outcome, today is the last day of the tournament. It's been a great experience, but boy, oh boy, do I have a lot of work around the house I need to catch-up on. Five days away from the real world and you get behind. The rain predicted for tomorrow better hold off until I get done grilling. (I'm firing up the BBQ for lunch tomorrow. I know one thing that won't be on the fire--hot dogs. I've seen enough of them for a while.)

Big Ten Tournament: Day 4

In the first game of the day, #23 Michigan defeated Ohio State, 3-2. The Buckeyes managed only four hits off a trio of Michigan hurlers led by starter Zach Putnam. Putnam (6-1) pitched 6.2 innings of three hit, one run baseball. Ben Jenzen and Adam Abraham followed Putnam to the hill and each allowed only one hit a piece.

For the Wolverines' offense, Derek VanBuskirk had a double, run scored and RBI.

The Buckeyes didn't do themselves any favors by committing three errors on the day. Nor could they take advantage of the seven walks issued by Michigan's pitchers. Their own starter, Jake Hale, countered Putnam's strong effort working seven innings while allowing seven hits, two walks and three runs. Only one of the runs was earned, however.

Once again this afternoon, Michigan displayed the formula that carried them to the Big Ten regular season crown--strong starting pitching and timely hitting. The Wolverines have also been rock solid defensively this year, but they have not been anywhere near as good with the glove this week.

Michigan's win eliminated Ohio State from the tournament and, barring the unexpected, probably finishes the 2006 season for Bob Todd's squad. The Buckeyes finish at 37-21 unless the are chosen as an at-large team for the NCAA Tournament which seems unlikely as of this moment.

The Wolverines victory meant that they got to play Minnesota in the second game of the day--a potential championship game for the Gophers. Unfortunately for the Minnesota faithful, if a championship is coming, it won't be until Sunday, as Michigan beat Minnesota, 11-9.

This was a good old fashioned slugfest. Adam Abraham was the star for Michigan. Abraham started as the designated hitter and went 2 for 4 with two RBI. Abraham (5-3) also pitched five innings of relief work giving up nine hits, but alllowing only one walk and one run.

Mike Schmidt drove in three runs and Nate Recknagel hit a bomb (the ball went out over the 375 ft. sign) amongst his three hits on the evening. Gophers' SS Dan Lyons had three hits, including a homer, scoring twice and driving in four runs.

The Gophers entered the ninth inning trailing 11-8. With two outs, Minnesota began a rally. Two singles and a walk later and the Gophers had the bases loaded with the winning run coming to the plate. One run did eventually cross the plate, but that's all the Gophers could muster in the last frame.

Both teams will play for the Big Ten Tournament Championship tomorrow (which is technically now today) at noon. The weather is expected to be sunny and warm for the last game of the year in the conference.

It's late, again, so I'll leave off here and I'll try to blog something after I get some sleep and the sun comes up.

Baseball Hangover Blogging

I'm feeling a bit out of sorts this morning. For the last three days, I've been getting ready to head towards Ann Arbor at this time. This morning, I'm back behind the keyboard as the tournament doesn't resume until 3:30pm this afternoon. What no BP until after lunch? Who's heard of such nonsense? (I can already see where next week's return to work routine is going to be unpleasant.)

In spite of my baseball hangover this AM, I'm going to try and blog along. Let's begin with last night's late tilt between Minnesota and Ohio State. As I reported much earlier this morning (see previous post), the Gophers beat the Bucks, 7-3. For the third straight game, Minnesota got a solid effort out of it's starter.

Friday night's strong start was courtesy of Dustin Brabender, who in 7.1 innings gave up three runs on eight hits and four walks. The Buckeyes were also hurt by three hits, including two doubles, and three RBI from number nine hitter catcher Chris Herbert.

This is why I had "a feeling" about Minnesota. The Gophers are doing exactly what I thought they might--pitch very well and get some timely hitting. Either OSU or Michigan is going to beat Minnesota twice to claim the automatic NCAA Tournament spot. That seems like a large task right about now.

I'm guessing OSU will start Jake Hale. I'm less certain of whom Michigan will send to the mound. If healthy, perhaps, Zach Putnam? A battle of freshman righthanders in an elimination game would be interesting. It's supposed to be warm and sunny, as apparently summer has decided to arrive on Memorial Weekend.

Let me complain some here, too. What would this site be without me whining, anyway? Why on Earth is the Big East Baseball Tournament getting so much love? Seriously, who in the BE is a baseball power? Yes, Notre Dame is good, I'm not here to debate that. However, is the Irish baseball program really significantly better, either now or historically, than the programs at Minnesota, Ohio State or Michigan (who, oh by the way, beat ND)?

I'm not here trying to diminish the Big East. I'm really not. Anyone who visits here even semi-regularly knows I'm always promoting baseball in the snowbelt, not bashing it. (Hey, I might even start covering the BE next season.) I'm just trying to get some perspective on why the BE has got a prime spot on CSTV.com's Championship Central page and the Big Ten gets the usual red headed step child treatment? Live blogging from the Big East site, but not one from the Big Ten? It's makes it look like the Big Ten is far less a baseball power than the Big East, which is simply incorrect.

I know, I know. The Big Ten blows, right? They have a horrible RPI. Well, kids, you are correct. Last I checked, the RPI numbers do favor the Big East over the Big Ten--by one whole stinking spot. The BE is 14th, the Big Ten 15th. Yeah, that's a major difference.

Critics might argue that Notre Dame, Connecticut and St. John's all have better pseudo-RPI numbers than anyone in the Big Ten outside of Michigan and ND is higher than the Wolverines. True, but I'll take Minnesota and Ohio State over UConn and STJ and you can keep your numbers. The difference between the schools is minimal, and theoretic, at best.

In the end, I realize that by giving love to the Big East, CSTV (and everyone else) are pandering to the Boston-New York-Philadelphia mega fanbase. I'm nuts, not stupid. The players and coaches in the Big Ten don't get a fair shake on this one and it's my job to point that out.

I got an email from college baseball blogging buddy, Joanna, about my ranting on umpires. Seems the Big XII folks aren't very impressed with their men in blue, either. Does anyone think the umps in their conference are, generally, doing a good job? What can be done to correct it, if not?

I had best stop here to get some other things done before it is time to pack up for Ann Arbor. Before I go, I have to point out that Big Ten Hardball set a record for hits yesterday and has already surpassed the highest monthly total I've ever had. As always, I thank you for stopping in.

Big Ten Tournament: Day 3

Four baseball games in one day is quite a few even for me. Yet, I did see the majority of innings played in today's quadruple header played at the Big Ten Tournament. As usual, I continue to learn things, alas some I cannot report, but it was a fun and tiring day. Here's the action that took place.

The day began before lunch with Minnesota dropping Michigan, 6-2. (Remember when I said I had a crazy feeling about Minnesota?) Gopher starter Brian Bull (7-4) pitched gave up only two runs in eight innings to earn the victory. Luke McLean had four hits, Dan Lyons three for Minnesota. Doug Pickens hit a two run homer for Michigan.

In game two, Northwestern sent Purdue home, 8-4. George Kontos pitched a complete game triumph. The righthander did allow twelve hits, but struck out seven en route to his third win of the year. The offensive highlight for NU was rightfielder Antonio Mule's titanic homer to dead centerfield. Mule also paced the attack with three hits.

All-Big Ten shortstop Mitch Hilligoss went 3 for 4 and drove in two Purdue runs. The Boilermakers finished the season at 31-27.

The win over Purdue meant Northwestern got to play in the very next game. However, the results would be much different. The Wildcats dropped game three of the day to Michigan, 8-3, and have been eliminated from the tournament.

Nate Recknagel, Jeff Kunkel and Adam Abraham each had two RBI. Recknagel led the Wolverine hit parade by going 4 for 5 with his sixth dinger. Michigan starter Chris Fetter worked 6.2 innings allowing two runs on seven hits. The freshman righthander also fanned seven.

Mule, again, led the NU offense. He went 3 for 4 with another homerun, his 11th, but it wasn't enough as the 'Cats season ends with a 26-33 record.

The last game of the day has just gone final. Minnesota beat Ohio State, 7-3. (See, I just had this feeling about John Anderson's squad.) I expect the stats to be along shortly, but I will probably finish blogging before then. Use the links on the right to dig out the numbers, if you need them.

This result means OSU will play Michigan tomorrow afternoon with the winner playing the Gophers for the championship. If the Gophers win the late game tomorrow, they will claim the title. If the OSU/Michigan winner goes on to beat the Gophers, then there will be a Sunday game between the two teams to determine who wins the tournament and gets the Big Ten birth in the NCAA's.

Some random observations before calling it a night (and a pretty darn long day, too). It seems to me that the warmer the weather, the better the ball flys at Fisher Stadium. Last I checked, Saturday was scheduled to be the warmest day of the tournament thus far.

Do people actually say "Excuse me" anymore or is that just out of style? I can't tell you how many people walked right in front of me, basically occupying the identical space, without the slightest acknowledgement that I was being inconvenienced.

Yes, I bought my tournament t-shirt. Thanks to Jeff for his suggestion. Jeff, I opted for long sleeve, but if the short sleeve are still around tomorrow, I may put your plan into affect.

College teams, at least those in the Big Ten, bunt too much for my taste. As just one example, number three hitters with no outs and runners on base square around. Maybe I've been too unduly influenced by the pro game, but it seems strange to sacrifice what, in theory, is the best hitter in your lineup. If your best hitter can't be counted on to drive in runs, what makes you think the next guy's odds are better? (In fact, the odds simply can't be better if the next guy's average is lower.)

A tip of the cap to the Fisher Stadium ground crew. After Thursday's nasty thunderstorm and today's early rain, they managed to keep the field playable. Nice job.

Big Ten Tournament: Day 2

I enjoy the casual atmosphere of batting practice. There is, however, something about batting practice in the morning that I find serene. I don't know what it is about morning BP that I find so comforting, but it is. I think the world would be a better place if I could watch batting practice each morning. Well, fine, my world would be a better place.

Tomorrow, I'll get to enjoy that experience even earlier than I have the last two days. The fifth game of the tournament--Minnesota vs. Michigan--was postponed this evening and re-scheduled for 10am Friday. I guess I'll need to haul my lazy behind out of bed earlier. Of course, there is still plenty o' rain in the forecast for Friday, so the entire schedule tomorrow is dicey.

As for what did occur today, Purdue bounced Illinois, 10-5. Mitch Hilligoss went 3 for 4 with a homer and Spencer Ingaldson was 4 for 6 with three runs scored for the Boilers. Jay Buente (6-4) went the distance giving up all five runs on ten hits.

The Illini got two RBI a piece from Ryan Hastings and Trevor Huisinga. Illinois finishes the year at 29-29.

In the second game, Ohio State stomped on Northwestern, 9-0. Jedidiah Stephen hit a three run homer and Ronnie Bourquin went 3 for 3 with three runs scored to lead the Buckeyes' offense. Eric Fryer also homered for the Buckeyes.

OSU managed to plated six runs on Pitcher of the Year, NU's Dan Brauer. (Only three were earned runs, though.) Brauer lasted eight innings giving up ten hits and not fanning a single OSU batter. Brauer's performance reflected what seemed to be the Wildcats opening game jitters.

Buckeye starter Cory Luebke pitched eight innings allowing only three hits. Rory Meister came in to close out the affair.

Now, if I am correct, which I admit is the minority of the time, we have a quadruple header on tap for Friday. I suspect the weather may force more games into Saturday and, possibly, Sunday, but I'll try to get to Ray Fisher Stadium early just to see if anyone is in action around breakfast. (Technically, by ten in the morning I'm on breakfast number two, but that's a story for another day.)

Oh, remember those tournament t-shirts I lamented not seeing yesterday? Well, lo and behold, they arrived promptly around the ninth inning of game one today. (Note: I'm not taking credit for this development.) Of course, yours truly was nearing the end of his cash supply, so I have to wait for tomorrow to live up to my end of the deal. Hey, if they were there yesterday, when the tournament began, I would own one now.

I have now seen five games at Fisher Stadium in three days (I was at last Saturday's contest between Iowa and Michigan), and there is a theme that is repeating. The fans don't like the umpires. No, not personally. Every group of fans think their guys aren't getting the calls. Every fan base believes the officiating in Big Ten contests is poor, at best. I don't care which Big Ten school you support, all can agree--the umps stink.

My initial reaction to this is two-fold and completely contradictory. First, as I think the Big Ten dismisses baseball in general (which is the topic of another post I need to get to), there might be a very good chance that they don't hire quality umpires or just don't care about how well they perform their jobs. Since baseball is not a revenue sport, why should they care? (See also: If an ump is lousy, but no one is there to see it, does it really matter?)

The opposite thought is probably one you've heard before. If I hate the officiating because I think my team is getting screwed. And you hate the officiating because you think your team is getting screwed is it possible that the officials are actually just calling it even? Or, possibly, calling it accurately?

Sure, the critics could argue that bad umping, even it is equally poor for both sides, is still bad and should be unacceptable. Point taken. However, to think they are all bad across the board seems like stretch, doesn't it? See, I told you I had conflicting thoughts on this.

Well, that's all for tonight edition of BTH. If you are at the tournament, stop by and say hello. I'll be the guy at the t-shirt stand looking dumbfounded trying to figure out whether to get the long sleeve or short-sleeve model.