Centenary beat Penn State, 7-6, in the first game of a doubleheader for the Nittany Lions. Gents' OF Matt Webb continued his torrid start by going 3 for 3 with two RBI. Webb also swiped a pair of bases running his early season total to an impressive ten. Brandon Fulenchek ran his record to 2-0 with the win.
PSU starter Mark Wyner didn't last long today, taking his first loss of the year. 2B Matt Cavagnaro went 3 for 5 with a pair of RBI. CF Garrett Field also had a trio of hits plus two RBI.
The Lions are taking on K-State this evening to round out their twinbill today. Centenary will be PSU's opposition when the weekend series concludes tomorrow.
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Friday, February 16, 2007
K-State 5 Penn State 0
Penn State opened their 2007 season with a 5-0 loss to Kansas State. Wildcat 2B Brett Scott had a pair of hits, two stolen bases, scored once and drove in another run. Sophomore sensation CF Byron Wiley had two hits, a RBI, a run scored and stole a base, as well. KSU's Brad Hutt went 6.2 IP to earn the win. He fanned five and walked two. Jason Linn worked the last 2.1 innings to earn his first save.
Craig Clark started for PSU. Clark fanned seven in five innings, but also walked six. He took the loss. Six Nittany Lions each collected a hit.
Penn State continues their opening weekend tomorrow with a doubleheader. K-State and Centenary will be the opposition.
Craig Clark started for PSU. Clark fanned seven in five innings, but also walked six. He took the loss. Six Nittany Lions each collected a hit.
Penn State continues their opening weekend tomorrow with a doubleheader. K-State and Centenary will be the opposition.
Thursday, February 15, 2007
How Many New Faces In Bloomington?
Indiana University continues to post profiles of the newcomers to the Hoosier baseball team. I owe an apology to any new players I may have missed, but I just figured they would eventually run out of new faces to feature. Oh, how wrong I was. At this rate, Coach Smith may have to hand out those nifty "Hello, My Name Is" badges before practice. Regardless, here are the most recent entries.
J.T. Larson
Josh Phegley
Danny Rosenbaum
Joey O'Gara
Justin Morales
Kipp Schultz
J.T. Larson
Josh Phegley
Danny Rosenbaum
Joey O'Gara
Justin Morales
Kipp Schultz
Illinois Battery Preview
The University of Illinois has begun a series previewing their 2007 squad. Their first feature looks at the pitching staff and the catchers.
BTH: On The Air
Tomorrow night I'm scheduled to be on WCBN radio in Ann Arbor with the voice of Michigan baseball, Steve Schuster. Yes, I'm surprised, too. Not surprisingly, Steve has invited me on to talk about the 2007 Michigan baseball team and the Big Ten in general. If you are curious, listen in around quarter after seven tomorrow evening.
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.
Penn State's Weekend Opposition
The Penn State Nittany Lions are about to open their season with four games. Robbie Wine's side will have two games against Centenary and two more against Kansas State.
Centenary has already played seven games this season. Their record as of tonight is 3-4. Their leading hitter is 3B Cameron Penny who has collected 12 hits in 29 at bats. That's a .414 clip. RF Matt Webb is slugging a mere .750 with two double, a triple and a homerun. And, unless I'm reading it incorrectly (which is possible), Mr. Webb has also walked 10 times. That an OPS of 1.356. Not bad even if it is only seven games. Catcher Alex Moldonado leads the Gents with seven RBI.
Brandon Fulenchek is 1-0 with a 2.77 ERA in 13 innings pitched. Will Kaage (0-0, 4.76) and Jeremy Sheehan (1-1, 5.56) have each tossed 11.1 innings in '07. The lone save of the year was credited to Aaron Bronson. Freshman Dakota Robinson has pitched in only four innings, but has one of the Gents wins and a loss, as well.
The Nittany Lions first opponent will be KSU. The Wildcats, just like PSU, have yet to play a game this season. KSU lost six of its top seven hitters from a year ago, so they will lean heavily on sophomore OF Byron Wiley. As a freshman, Wiley started 44 games while hitting .297 with five homers, 10 doubles and 27 RBI.
On the mound, Chase Bayuk and Brad Hutt both return. Bayuk, a LHP, was 7-2 with a 3.52 ERA in '06. Hutt, a junior RHP, went 7-4 with a 4.01 ERA.
Centenary has already played seven games this season. Their record as of tonight is 3-4. Their leading hitter is 3B Cameron Penny who has collected 12 hits in 29 at bats. That's a .414 clip. RF Matt Webb is slugging a mere .750 with two double, a triple and a homerun. And, unless I'm reading it incorrectly (which is possible), Mr. Webb has also walked 10 times. That an OPS of 1.356. Not bad even if it is only seven games. Catcher Alex Moldonado leads the Gents with seven RBI.
Brandon Fulenchek is 1-0 with a 2.77 ERA in 13 innings pitched. Will Kaage (0-0, 4.76) and Jeremy Sheehan (1-1, 5.56) have each tossed 11.1 innings in '07. The lone save of the year was credited to Aaron Bronson. Freshman Dakota Robinson has pitched in only four innings, but has one of the Gents wins and a loss, as well.
The Nittany Lions first opponent will be KSU. The Wildcats, just like PSU, have yet to play a game this season. KSU lost six of its top seven hitters from a year ago, so they will lean heavily on sophomore OF Byron Wiley. As a freshman, Wiley started 44 games while hitting .297 with five homers, 10 doubles and 27 RBI.
On the mound, Chase Bayuk and Brad Hutt both return. Bayuk, a LHP, was 7-2 with a 3.52 ERA in '06. Hutt, a junior RHP, went 7-4 with a 4.01 ERA.
PSU Quotes From Media Day
Penn State head coach Robbie Wine and shortstop Scott Gaffney were part of the university's spring sports media day. Gopsusports.com has posted some quotes from the event from both men.
Two things I found interesting. Coach Wine's preview of the team is certainly a must read. As a fan of the conference and college baseball, in general, I was very intrigued to see that there is a movement to have the Big Ten switch to three game weekend series from the current four game format. It would be a great move, if the conference embraced such a transition.
Two things I found interesting. Coach Wine's preview of the team is certainly a must read. As a fan of the conference and college baseball, in general, I was very intrigued to see that there is a movement to have the Big Ten switch to three game weekend series from the current four game format. It would be a great move, if the conference embraced such a transition.
Two Wildcats Claim Weekly Honors
The Big Ten Conference announced its first set of Player of the Week Award winners. Northwestern's Dan Schwartz was named the Pitcher of the Week and Wildcats' 1B Jake Goebbert claimed the top hitter honors.
Monday, February 12, 2007
Tech Too Much For NU
I apparently cannot read quite as well as I thought I could. Northwestern did have another game this past weekend. So much for the cold forecast and my reading skills. Unfortunately, NU lost to Texas Tech, 4-3. Red Raiders SS Kyle Martin drove in a pair of runs and C Matt Smith homered to lead the TT attack. Colt Hynes earned his first victory of '07 for Tech.
For the boys from Evanston, Matt Diedrich took the hill. A Wildcat frosh, Dierich went five and two-thirds allowing all four Texas Tech tallies. Another NU freshman, 1B Jake Goebbert, continued the hot start to his collegiate career. Goebbert had two more hits in the loss. Goebbert went 7 for 14 over the weekend. LF Caleb Fields, 2B Jake Owens and SS Tommy Finn also collected two hits a piece.
Northwestern is now 1-2 while Tech is 2-3. (Although, the NU boxscore indicates the 'Cats are 1-3. Win vs. Tech Friday. Loss to WIU Saturday. Loss to Tech yesterday. With my reading ability in question, perhaps I'm missing something here, as well.)
For the boys from Evanston, Matt Diedrich took the hill. A Wildcat frosh, Dierich went five and two-thirds allowing all four Texas Tech tallies. Another NU freshman, 1B Jake Goebbert, continued the hot start to his collegiate career. Goebbert had two more hits in the loss. Goebbert went 7 for 14 over the weekend. LF Caleb Fields, 2B Jake Owens and SS Tommy Finn also collected two hits a piece.
Northwestern is now 1-2 while Tech is 2-3. (Although, the NU boxscore indicates the 'Cats are 1-3. Win vs. Tech Friday. Loss to WIU Saturday. Loss to Tech yesterday. With my reading ability in question, perhaps I'm missing something here, as well.)
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Big MAC Love For EMU
Congratulations to Eastern Michigan. The Eagles downed Tennessee today, 6-3. A very big road win for EMU.
For further reading, here's the UT analysis (distributed via CSTV, thus making it appear like a national news recap). For extra credit, note what the Volunteers' review doesn't mention.
For further reading, here's the UT analysis (distributed via CSTV, thus making it appear like a national news recap). For extra credit, note what the Volunteers' review doesn't mention.
WIU Beats NU, 13-9
Western Illinois beat Northwestern, 13-9, in the Wildcats second contest of the new season. Antonio Mule and Jake Goebbert each had three hits to pace the NU attack. NU freshman Cole Livermore started going five innings while yielding only two hits and one earned run. Livermore also fanned five, but walked four.
The rest of Northwestern's scheduled games this weekend have been cancelled due to the cold. The Wildcats (1-1) will return to the field February 23 to face Lamar.
The rest of Northwestern's scheduled games this weekend have been cancelled due to the cold. The Wildcats (1-1) will return to the field February 23 to face Lamar.
Northwestern Downs Tech, 13-9
Northwestern opened the 2007 campaign by dropping Texas Tech, 13-9. Aaron Newman, Jake Owens, Caleb Fields and freshman 3B Kenneth Avila each collected three hits. Antonio Mule knocked in three runs, while Owens, Fields and another freshman, 1b Jake Goebbert, had two RBI each.
Dan Schwartz notched win number one for the 'Cats. He went six innings, fanning three and walking three. The senior lefty allowed four runs, only two earned. Freshman David Jensen earned his first collegiate save.
Dan Schwartz notched win number one for the 'Cats. He went six innings, fanning three and walking three. The senior lefty allowed four runs, only two earned. Freshman David Jensen earned his first collegiate save.
BTH Preview 2007: Ohio State
Ohio State Buckeyes
Head Coach: Bob Todd
2006 record: 37-21 (19-12 in conference play)
2006 RPI: 99
Projected 2007 Big Ten Finish:
Baseball America - 2nd
Collegiate Baseball - 2nd
National Rankings:
Collegiate Baseball - #40
PG Cross Checker - #30
At The Plate: In spite of losing the enormous contributions of Big Ten Player of the Year 3B Ronnie Bourquin and SS Jedidiah Stephen, Ohio State will still have a solid offense in 2007. CF Matt Angle (.369) should lead the OSU hit parade. A consensus first team All-Big Ten selection in 2006, Angle spent his summer playing with the big boys in the Cape Cod League. 2B Jason Zoeller (.337/5/27) was, like Angle, a first team All-Big Ten selection last year. C Eric Fryer (.368/5/52) and a nice season with the bat and managed a second team all-conference selection. OF Jacob Howell battled injuries for most of the year and yet still found himself on the All-Big Ten third team.
On The Mound: OSU simply has the best pitching staff in the Big Ten. All four weekend starters -- Dan DeLucia, Cory Luebke, Jake Hale and J.B. Shuck -- return. DeLucia, heading into his second full season as the Buckeyes’ Friday starter, doesn’t get much respect from the national college baseball media, but does register lots of wins. Luebke is considered the best pro prospect of the quartet and Shuck is coming off a season where he earned the Big Ten Freshman of the Year Award and was named a Freshman All-America. Ohio State also has closer Rory Meister back in the fold for 2007.
The Schedule: This may be Ohio State‘s biggest obstacle this year. The Buckeyes lack any non-conference games of substance. Combine a weak RPI non-conference slate with the traditionally poor Big Ten RPI ranking and the Bucks may find themselves in a position to have to win the conference tournament in order to secure a NCAA berth. OSU will need to win early and often this season or win the tournament to capture a NCAA berth.
Bottom Line: Ohio State should be pretty darn good. They return an experienced pitching staff and have a lineup featuring a number of veteran standouts. Yet, the word I keep hearing out of Columbus is “defense”. I think the Buckeyes believe that their “D” hurt them last year and have made it a focus of this off-season. If they get good pitching, hitting and defense, what’s left? Just winning. The Buckeyes should contend for the Big Ten title. Even if they don’t, I believe they will beat the majority of the teams on their schedule and make the NCAA’s.
Head Coach: Bob Todd
2006 record: 37-21 (19-12 in conference play)
2006 RPI: 99
Projected 2007 Big Ten Finish:
Baseball America - 2nd
Collegiate Baseball - 2nd
National Rankings:
Collegiate Baseball - #40
PG Cross Checker - #30
At The Plate: In spite of losing the enormous contributions of Big Ten Player of the Year 3B Ronnie Bourquin and SS Jedidiah Stephen, Ohio State will still have a solid offense in 2007. CF Matt Angle (.369) should lead the OSU hit parade. A consensus first team All-Big Ten selection in 2006, Angle spent his summer playing with the big boys in the Cape Cod League. 2B Jason Zoeller (.337/5/27) was, like Angle, a first team All-Big Ten selection last year. C Eric Fryer (.368/5/52) and a nice season with the bat and managed a second team all-conference selection. OF Jacob Howell battled injuries for most of the year and yet still found himself on the All-Big Ten third team.
On The Mound: OSU simply has the best pitching staff in the Big Ten. All four weekend starters -- Dan DeLucia, Cory Luebke, Jake Hale and J.B. Shuck -- return. DeLucia, heading into his second full season as the Buckeyes’ Friday starter, doesn’t get much respect from the national college baseball media, but does register lots of wins. Luebke is considered the best pro prospect of the quartet and Shuck is coming off a season where he earned the Big Ten Freshman of the Year Award and was named a Freshman All-America. Ohio State also has closer Rory Meister back in the fold for 2007.
The Schedule: This may be Ohio State‘s biggest obstacle this year. The Buckeyes lack any non-conference games of substance. Combine a weak RPI non-conference slate with the traditionally poor Big Ten RPI ranking and the Bucks may find themselves in a position to have to win the conference tournament in order to secure a NCAA berth. OSU will need to win early and often this season or win the tournament to capture a NCAA berth.
Bottom Line: Ohio State should be pretty darn good. They return an experienced pitching staff and have a lineup featuring a number of veteran standouts. Yet, the word I keep hearing out of Columbus is “defense”. I think the Buckeyes believe that their “D” hurt them last year and have made it a focus of this off-season. If they get good pitching, hitting and defense, what’s left? Just winning. The Buckeyes should contend for the Big Ten title. Even if they don’t, I believe they will beat the majority of the teams on their schedule and make the NCAA’s.
Thursday, February 08, 2007
BA's Fitt Talks Midwest Baseball
In response to a reader's inquiry, Baseball America's Aaron Fitt recognizes some of college baseball's midwest powers. Specifically, he mentions both Michigan and Ohio State. (He also gives love to Notre Dame and some MAC programs.)
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
BTH Preview 2007: Penn State
Penn State Nittany Lions
Head Coach: Robbie Wine
2006 record: 20-36 (13-29 in conference play)
2006 RPI: 174
Projected 2007 Finish:
Baseball America - 8th
Collegiate Baseball - 8th
At The Plate: 2B Matt Cavagnaro (.292/4 HR/31 RBI) should be in the mix for an all-conference selection. After posting good numbers during the regular season last year, Cavagnaro had a strong summer in the Texas League. 1B Corey Wine has the highest batting average (.306) amongst the returning starters and should begin to exhibit some long ball power this year. OF Brian Ernst finished a point behind Wine in batting average a year ago and should hold down one of the corner outfield spots. Some of the folks in Happy Valley are intrigued by a pair of junior college transfers -- C Rob Yodice and 3B/OF Mike Deese.
On The Mound: This might be the Nittany Lions strength heading into the year. PSU returns three of its starters from a year ago -- Mark Wyner (3-8, 4.46), Seth Whitehill (2-3, 3.33) and Craig Clark (3-8, 5.50). Another JUCO product, Ryan Stobart could grab a weekend slot, as well. Coach Wine also has a number of veteran arms returning to his bullpen. If the staff can take the next step in the maturation process, PSU could have a solid pitching staff in 2007.
The Schedule: I can sum up Penn State’s schedule in one word. That word is difficult. The highlights of their non-conference action are three at national runner-up North Carolina and another three game set at Wichita State. Did I mention that Oral Roberts also appears on their pre-conference slate, too? Their Big Ten journey concludes with back-to-back weekend series at Michigan and at home versus Ohio State.
Bottom Line: It’s all about the new ballpark at PSU this spring. Medlar Field at Lubrano Park is the Nittany Lions new home. If it can create some additional interest and revenue for the baseball program, this season should probably be considered a success. However, you are looking for a prediction, aren’t you? Well, as usual, your guess is as good as mine. Probably better. I could make a case that PSU could finish anywhere between fourth and ninth. Not a very bold statement, I admit. But, I just can’t get a feel for this year’s club.
Head Coach: Robbie Wine
2006 record: 20-36 (13-29 in conference play)
2006 RPI: 174
Projected 2007 Finish:
Baseball America - 8th
Collegiate Baseball - 8th
At The Plate: 2B Matt Cavagnaro (.292/4 HR/31 RBI) should be in the mix for an all-conference selection. After posting good numbers during the regular season last year, Cavagnaro had a strong summer in the Texas League. 1B Corey Wine has the highest batting average (.306) amongst the returning starters and should begin to exhibit some long ball power this year. OF Brian Ernst finished a point behind Wine in batting average a year ago and should hold down one of the corner outfield spots. Some of the folks in Happy Valley are intrigued by a pair of junior college transfers -- C Rob Yodice and 3B/OF Mike Deese.
On The Mound: This might be the Nittany Lions strength heading into the year. PSU returns three of its starters from a year ago -- Mark Wyner (3-8, 4.46), Seth Whitehill (2-3, 3.33) and Craig Clark (3-8, 5.50). Another JUCO product, Ryan Stobart could grab a weekend slot, as well. Coach Wine also has a number of veteran arms returning to his bullpen. If the staff can take the next step in the maturation process, PSU could have a solid pitching staff in 2007.
The Schedule: I can sum up Penn State’s schedule in one word. That word is difficult. The highlights of their non-conference action are three at national runner-up North Carolina and another three game set at Wichita State. Did I mention that Oral Roberts also appears on their pre-conference slate, too? Their Big Ten journey concludes with back-to-back weekend series at Michigan and at home versus Ohio State.
Bottom Line: It’s all about the new ballpark at PSU this spring. Medlar Field at Lubrano Park is the Nittany Lions new home. If it can create some additional interest and revenue for the baseball program, this season should probably be considered a success. However, you are looking for a prediction, aren’t you? Well, as usual, your guess is as good as mine. Probably better. I could make a case that PSU could finish anywhere between fourth and ninth. Not a very bold statement, I admit. But, I just can’t get a feel for this year’s club.
Monday, February 05, 2007
TBZ Interviews Illinois' Hartleb
University of Illinois head baseball coach Dan Hartleb is interviewed in this week's Baseball Zealot Radio Podcast. My thanks to Tom at TBZ for giving me the heads-up on this one.
Friday, February 02, 2007
Meister, Jenzen On Stopper List
The National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association has released its Stopper of the Year watchlist. Included on this pre-season list of the nation's top closers are two members from the Big Ten Conference. Michigan's Ben Jenzen and Ohio State Rory Meister are amongst those the writers felt merited early consideration for the annual award.
Thursday, February 01, 2007
BTH Previews
Since the blog began, I've been wanting to do team previews before the start of each season. Well, this is the year. I'm going to begin my pre-season previews this evening. In these capsules of each program, I'll be providing a basic primer. I'm going to look at offense, pitching, schedules and conclude with my "bottom line". These previews are by no means definitive and are certainly not comprehensive, so if you care to share any information about your school, I encourage you to email me or add something in the comments section.
My goal, other than trying to learn something about each team myself, is to provide the non-baseball fans an introduction to the names and faces around the conference and to shine some light on those players overlooked by the national media. (Let's not get me started down that road, yet. We've got all season to pursue that subject.)
In addition to looking at each of the ten teams, I'll probably toss in various lists and any other subjects I feel merit both our attention. I don't really have a schedule for posting them, but you can count on two things. First, I will be previewing the teams in reverse alphabetical order. (That means I begin with Purdue.) Second, I have every intention of having the whole series of previews on the blog by February 23. I think nearly every Big Ten baseball club will be in action by that day.
Thanks, as always, for tagging along. I appreciate the time you invest in this blog and hope you enjoy the Big Ten Hardball Previews.
My goal, other than trying to learn something about each team myself, is to provide the non-baseball fans an introduction to the names and faces around the conference and to shine some light on those players overlooked by the national media. (Let's not get me started down that road, yet. We've got all season to pursue that subject.)
In addition to looking at each of the ten teams, I'll probably toss in various lists and any other subjects I feel merit both our attention. I don't really have a schedule for posting them, but you can count on two things. First, I will be previewing the teams in reverse alphabetical order. (That means I begin with Purdue.) Second, I have every intention of having the whole series of previews on the blog by February 23. I think nearly every Big Ten baseball club will be in action by that day.
Thanks, as always, for tagging along. I appreciate the time you invest in this blog and hope you enjoy the Big Ten Hardball Previews.
BTH Preview 2007: Purdue
Purdue Boilermakers
Head Coach: Doug Schreiber
2006 record: 31-27 (15-17 in conference play)
2006 RPI: 104
Projected 2007 Finish:
Baseball America - 5th
Collegiate Baseball - 4th
National Rankings: PG Cross Checker #100
At The Plate: The Boilermakers return one of the Big Ten’s top hitters in sophomore 1B/OF Ryne White. In his debut season, White hit .352 with six homers and forty-two RBI. His numbers, including an OPS of .966, landed him on the Freshman All-America squad. He’s also on the short list for Big Ten Player of the Year consideration in ‘07. White will get help from OF/C Spencer Ingaldson. Ingaldson, like White, was a second team All-Big Ten choice in 2006. The red shirt senior hit .327 a year ago with 22 RBI. He also led the Boilers in sacrifice bunts.
The Boilermakers will probably need returnees OF Alex Jaffee, OF Jordan Comadena and 2B Eric Osborn to improve on last season’s numbers, if their offense is going to be consistent. I’ve also told been to watch for contributions from 1B Andy Preston.
On The Mound: Purdue should have a very strong rotation in 2007. RHPs Ricky Heines (5-3, 4.16) and Dan Sattler (5-7, 3.14) were both third team All-Big Ten last year. Expect both to improve on their ‘06 totals. The Boilers also have a couple of new faces that could make a big impact. RHP Josh Lindblom transferred to Purdue from Tennessee. Lindblom is a West Lafayette native with a low 90’s fastball. Baseball America considers Lindblom the top newcomer in the Big Ten. Another pitcher that might provide immediate dividends is Tony Sedlmeyer. Sedlmeyer (RHP) originally signed to play at LSU before changing his mind and opting for Purdue.
The Schedule: Coach Schreiber usually offers his ball club one of the best non-conference schedules amongst Big Ten programs. This year is no different. The highlights are three games at #19 Georgia and three more contests at Auburn. There is also a road game at Notre Dame. In conference action, Purdue gets to travel to Michigan, but hosts Ohio State. It’s another tough slate for the Boilermakers in 2007.
Bottom Line: If their starters can pitch close to their potential, I think the Boilers will be a better pitching team in 2007 than in 2006. Finding a dependable closer would help greatly. However, I think their offense might not be quite as good this year as last. In the end, Purdue should make the conference tournament in 2007. A finish between fourth and sixth is most likely.
Head Coach: Doug Schreiber
2006 record: 31-27 (15-17 in conference play)
2006 RPI: 104
Projected 2007 Finish:
Baseball America - 5th
Collegiate Baseball - 4th
National Rankings: PG Cross Checker #100
At The Plate: The Boilermakers return one of the Big Ten’s top hitters in sophomore 1B/OF Ryne White. In his debut season, White hit .352 with six homers and forty-two RBI. His numbers, including an OPS of .966, landed him on the Freshman All-America squad. He’s also on the short list for Big Ten Player of the Year consideration in ‘07. White will get help from OF/C Spencer Ingaldson. Ingaldson, like White, was a second team All-Big Ten choice in 2006. The red shirt senior hit .327 a year ago with 22 RBI. He also led the Boilers in sacrifice bunts.
The Boilermakers will probably need returnees OF Alex Jaffee, OF Jordan Comadena and 2B Eric Osborn to improve on last season’s numbers, if their offense is going to be consistent. I’ve also told been to watch for contributions from 1B Andy Preston.
On The Mound: Purdue should have a very strong rotation in 2007. RHPs Ricky Heines (5-3, 4.16) and Dan Sattler (5-7, 3.14) were both third team All-Big Ten last year. Expect both to improve on their ‘06 totals. The Boilers also have a couple of new faces that could make a big impact. RHP Josh Lindblom transferred to Purdue from Tennessee. Lindblom is a West Lafayette native with a low 90’s fastball. Baseball America considers Lindblom the top newcomer in the Big Ten. Another pitcher that might provide immediate dividends is Tony Sedlmeyer. Sedlmeyer (RHP) originally signed to play at LSU before changing his mind and opting for Purdue.
The Schedule: Coach Schreiber usually offers his ball club one of the best non-conference schedules amongst Big Ten programs. This year is no different. The highlights are three games at #19 Georgia and three more contests at Auburn. There is also a road game at Notre Dame. In conference action, Purdue gets to travel to Michigan, but hosts Ohio State. It’s another tough slate for the Boilermakers in 2007.
Bottom Line: If their starters can pitch close to their potential, I think the Boilers will be a better pitching team in 2007 than in 2006. Finding a dependable closer would help greatly. However, I think their offense might not be quite as good this year as last. In the end, Purdue should make the conference tournament in 2007. A finish between fourth and sixth is most likely.
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