Wednesday, December 28, 2005
Longhorns Still # 1
The Rosenblatt Report has selected Texas as its pre-season # 1. The defending champions appear ready to sweep the initial polls.
Kunkel, Hilligoss Earn All-America Selection
Michigan catcher Jeff Kunkel and Purdue shortstop Mitch Hilligoss were selected to Collegiate Baseball Newspaper's pre-season All-America Team. Kunkel (.384/.462/.516) was named to the second team while Hilligoss, the Big Ten's batting average (.404) and hits (92) leader in 2005, garnered third team recognition.
Friday, December 23, 2005
Happy Holidays
I want to thank all of you who stop in and wish you and yours a happy and safe holiday season.
Texas Tops Poll
Defending national champion, Texas tops Collegiate Baseball Newspaper's initial college baseball poll. The Longhorns are followed by Florida, Oregon State, Nebraska and Rice. No Big Ten school claimed a spot in the Top 40. Ohio State was the only squad from the conference that received votes in the pre-season poll.
While I am discouraged to see only the Buckeyes get any pre-season love from the voters, I was happy to see the Beavers (ranked third) and Notre Dame (#22), two programs in less than ideal climates, make the top 40. In addition, it was very good to see both Central Michigan and Maine on the list of others getting votes. Clearly, I am hoping the cold weather schools can improve on their rankings, or lack thereof, as the season progresses.
While I am discouraged to see only the Buckeyes get any pre-season love from the voters, I was happy to see the Beavers (ranked third) and Notre Dame (#22), two programs in less than ideal climates, make the top 40. In addition, it was very good to see both Central Michigan and Maine on the list of others getting votes. Clearly, I am hoping the cold weather schools can improve on their rankings, or lack thereof, as the season progresses.
Tuesday, December 13, 2005
Hilligoss, Kunkel, Wycklendt Named All-Americans
The National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association has selected three Big Ten players to it's pre-season All-America squads. Purdue's Mitch Hilligoss is the second team All-American shortstop. Kunkel, Michigan's catcher, was tabbed as a third team selection. Northwestern outfielder Anthony Wycklendt was also selected to the NCBWA third team.
Iowa Pitcher Has Cancer
The University of Iowa announced that pitcher Casey O'Rourke has cancer. The junior underwent surgery yesterday and will miss the upcoming season. Our thoughts and prayers are with O'Rourke and his family.
Monday, December 12, 2005
OPS: '05 And '06
As some of you might be aware, during the season I try to tabulate OPS numbers for the Big Ten. I attempt to give you a list of those players managing to stay above 1.000. As my blogging declined as the season progressed, I never got a final look at the leaders. However, I've recently had the chance to glance through the 2005 stats and here's what I've come up with.
According to my math, and please feel free to correct me, five Big Ten hitters finished above 1.000 in OPS this past season. Drew Davidson of Illinois was first at 1.041. Pat McMahon, Northwestern's catcher, came in second at 1.028. Steve Caravati of Ohio State, who missed a good portion of the campaign, jumped all the way up to third at 1.026. After the Buckeye star was Dusty Bensko, another Illini member, at 1.023. Yet another member of Illinois' baseball squad rounded out the top five. Catcher Chris Robinson came in at 1.011. (Note to my Detroit readers: Robinson is in the Tigers system now.)
I've also begun a very cursory search of returning leaders. In checking on the Wallace Award nominees out of the Big Ten, McMahon has the highest OPS mark. Jeff Kunkel, Michigan's backstop, would be second at .978. Purdue's Mitch Hilligoss had a very good .964 OPS in '05. Matt Lewis, Penn State, was above 1.000 for much of last year, but finished at .907. Finally, Michigan State's Troy Krider had an .882 OPS.
According to my math, and please feel free to correct me, five Big Ten hitters finished above 1.000 in OPS this past season. Drew Davidson of Illinois was first at 1.041. Pat McMahon, Northwestern's catcher, came in second at 1.028. Steve Caravati of Ohio State, who missed a good portion of the campaign, jumped all the way up to third at 1.026. After the Buckeye star was Dusty Bensko, another Illini member, at 1.023. Yet another member of Illinois' baseball squad rounded out the top five. Catcher Chris Robinson came in at 1.011. (Note to my Detroit readers: Robinson is in the Tigers system now.)
I've also begun a very cursory search of returning leaders. In checking on the Wallace Award nominees out of the Big Ten, McMahon has the highest OPS mark. Jeff Kunkel, Michigan's backstop, would be second at .978. Purdue's Mitch Hilligoss had a very good .964 OPS in '05. Matt Lewis, Penn State, was above 1.000 for much of last year, but finished at .907. Finally, Michigan State's Troy Krider had an .882 OPS.
National Recruiting News
Baseball America has this list of the top 100 high schoolers and where they have committed to play their collegiate ball. To this point, unfortunately, not a single one has opted for a Big Ten institution. In fact, not one of the top 100 players in the land have committed to a school in a cold weather state.
I wonder why some of the financial powerhouse institutions--like Michigan, Ohio State and Penn State--don't put more heat on the NCAA to correct this glaring inequity? We can debate the success of such equality programs as Title IX, but shouldn't this geographic bias stop, as well? I have a difficult time believing that Michigan, OSU and PSU wouldn't be more successful in the recruiting wars if they were being played on a level surface.
I'll save more whining about this subject for a later post. I know you are looking forward to it.
I wonder why some of the financial powerhouse institutions--like Michigan, Ohio State and Penn State--don't put more heat on the NCAA to correct this glaring inequity? We can debate the success of such equality programs as Title IX, but shouldn't this geographic bias stop, as well? I have a difficult time believing that Michigan, OSU and PSU wouldn't be more successful in the recruiting wars if they were being played on a level surface.
I'll save more whining about this subject for a later post. I know you are looking forward to it.
Sunday, November 27, 2005
Wallace Award Watch List
The College Baseball Foundation has released its 2006 Brooks Wallace Award watchlist. A number of Big Ten players have made the pre-season list for the Wallace Award, given annually to the top player in college baseball. Jeff Kunkel, Michigan (C), Matt Lewis, Penn State (OF), Pat McMahon, Northwestern (C), Troy Krider, Michigan State (DH/ATH), Brian Blomquist, Illinois (P), Mitch Hilligoss, Purdue (SS), John Gaub, Minnesota (P) and Cory Luebke, Ohio State (P) all garnered nominations.
College Baseball Video Game
Much to my surprise, I stumbled across this article on the 2006 release of a college baseball video game. (Thanks to the Rosenblatt Report and Section B, Florida State's fan site.) EA Sports, a big name in the industry, is behind the project. I'm confident that the game will have some shortcomings, as it's an initial effort, however I am encouraged to see college baseball get more recognition.
Update: Here is press release about the game.
Update: Here is press release about the game.
Friday, November 18, 2005
More 2006 Schedules Announced
Michigan State and Illinois have released their 2006 baseball schedules. The '06 season will be the first for head coaches David Grewe with the Spartans and Dan Hartleb at Illinois.
Recruiting News
Here are some press releases about the latest recruiting class at the respective university: Michigan, Michigan State, Illinois, Indiana and Minnesota.
Courtney Linehan, of the Daily Illini, offers this overview of Illinois recruiting class.
Courtney Linehan, of the Daily Illini, offers this overview of Illinois recruiting class.
Sunday, November 13, 2005
Michigan Names Captains
The University of Michigan baseball team announced it's 2006 captains. Click here to see the press release naming seniors Paul Hammond, Drew Taylor, Jeff Kunkel and A.J. Scheidt captains.
MSU Extends Olds Park Deal Thru 2010
Good news for Spartan baseball. Well, it's good news from my prespective anyway. Michigan State University and the city of Lansing have extended their agreement for the Spartans to play in Oldsmobile Park through the 2010 season.
This is the kind of deal struggling cold weather climate schools need. It's nearly impossible for a northern institution to build this type of facility for baseball, nor could they justify it at many schools, as baseball isn't a revenue producer. However, making this kind of arrangement with the local minor league franchise creates an opportunity for all.
The city gets more use out of their investment and the university's baseball squad plays in a tremendous park which almost has to help recruiting to some degree. Better recruits translates into better teams, which translates into better attendance, which creates more revenue, which makes me sound like President Reagan talking about "Trickle Down Economics", but you get the idea.
This is the kind of deal struggling cold weather climate schools need. It's nearly impossible for a northern institution to build this type of facility for baseball, nor could they justify it at many schools, as baseball isn't a revenue producer. However, making this kind of arrangement with the local minor league franchise creates an opportunity for all.
The city gets more use out of their investment and the university's baseball squad plays in a tremendous park which almost has to help recruiting to some degree. Better recruits translates into better teams, which translates into better attendance, which creates more revenue, which makes me sound like President Reagan talking about "Trickle Down Economics", but you get the idea.
Friday, October 21, 2005
2006 Schedules
Three schools have already posted their 2006 schedules. Northwestern, Ohio State and Purdue are looking ahead to the upcoming season. The links are to each university's press release.
Big 10 Draft Results
Courtesy of the Big Ten's official site, here are the conference's players that were selected in the Major League draft.
Future CWS Dates
Got any plans to visit Omaha? Here is a list of future College World Series dates.
The CWS is still high on my list of "Things To Do". I've knocked off attending an All-Star Game and visiting the Hall of Fame, again. I doubt '06 is possible, but I had doubts about the ASG and HOF, too. You just never know.
The CWS is still high on my list of "Things To Do". I've knocked off attending an All-Star Game and visiting the Hall of Fame, again. I doubt '06 is possible, but I had doubts about the ASG and HOF, too. You just never know.
Thursday, May 12, 2005
Michigan vs. Notre Dame
I saw the last several innings of the Michigan vs. Notre Dame contest on Comcast Local last night. Michigan prevailed, 7-6. The Wolverines are going to end up with a pretty good RPI number, in light of wins against North Carolina, Georgia and Notre Dame, but if they don't win the conference tourney, they are staying home.
It was great to see yet another college baseball game on television this year. My thanks to the NHL for the lockout which has given ESPN and others time to broadcast more college baseball.
It was great to see yet another college baseball game on television this year. My thanks to the NHL for the lockout which has given ESPN and others time to broadcast more college baseball.
Friday, May 06, 2005
Long Overdue Post
Okay, I've been missing. Well, more like Jennifer Wilbanks, I wasn't really missing, but you didn't know where I was. Just as in the case of the runaway bride, I'm fine, but didn't have much to say. Honestly, it's difficult to produce, or find someone else producing, information on Big Ten Baseball, so I didn't have much to boost the site with. However, I am obviously back and it's time to play catch-up.
Not much has changed since my attention was distracted from this site. Illinois still sits atop the conference standings. According to Boyd Nation, the college baseball stat guru, the Illini have a pseudo-RPI ranking of fifty-two. Not surprisingly, that's the highest number amongst B-10 teams. Of course, the Illini can't get any love from the nation's Top 25 poll voters.
What is surprising about Nation's rankings is that Michigan, with a sub-.500 conference record, is the second highest seed in the Big Ten. Those early non-conference wins versus North Carolina and Georgia have certainly helped Michigan's RPI, pseudo as it may be. However, I still believe that the Wolverines will need to win the conference tournament to get into the regionals.
Minnesota remains in second place in the Big Ten, but is joined there by Iowa. The Gophers have a lowly pseudo-RPI mark of 129, while Iowa chimes in at 155. Like Michigan, the only way the Gophers or Hawkeyes advance to the NCAA's is to win the Big Ten Tourney.
The only way for the Big Ten to land more than one team into the Regionals is to have Illinois capture the regular season title convincingly and have another team win the conference tournament and automatic berth that comes along with that honor.
Of course, the downside of that is that the rest of the country will not be happy to see a bubble school from a power conference get left out because a Big Ten upstart, with an RPI in the 100's, crashes the party by winning the conference tournament. I say "Tough", but I can see the argument against having such low seeds make the regionals.
For those of you who have had sleepless nights awaiting my Big Ten OPS report, here it is. Seven conference players have managed to keep an OPS above 1.000. Dusty Bensko of Illinois has an OPS of 1.084. Indiana's Zach Boswell follows at 1.049. Third belongs to Pat McMahon, who I don't think has spent a single week off this list. The NU catcher is at 1.044. Jeff Kunkel of Michigan makes his first appearance in the club at 1.028. Kunkel's teammate, Matt Butler is next at 1.013. Jay Brant, Indiana, is in sixth place at 1.009. Michigan State's Ryan Basham closes out the field at 1.006.
This weekend's conference schedule looks like this. The first place Illini host Northwestern. Purdue visits Michigan. Ohio State is at Penn State. Indiana plays host to Michigan State. The big tilt is in Iowa City where the Hawkeyes host Minnesota with second place in the conference at stake.
Here are some links to prepare for your college baseball weekend. Yahoo! provides three links to Big Ten school newspaper reports from Indiana, Minnesota and Illinois. Will Kimmey's Weekend Preview is here. If you scroll way down, you can find a tidbit on ex-Gopher Glen Perkins here. Boyd Nation's weekly feature, Breadcrumbs Back To Omaha is here.
Enjoy the weekend.
Not much has changed since my attention was distracted from this site. Illinois still sits atop the conference standings. According to Boyd Nation, the college baseball stat guru, the Illini have a pseudo-RPI ranking of fifty-two. Not surprisingly, that's the highest number amongst B-10 teams. Of course, the Illini can't get any love from the nation's Top 25 poll voters.
What is surprising about Nation's rankings is that Michigan, with a sub-.500 conference record, is the second highest seed in the Big Ten. Those early non-conference wins versus North Carolina and Georgia have certainly helped Michigan's RPI, pseudo as it may be. However, I still believe that the Wolverines will need to win the conference tournament to get into the regionals.
Minnesota remains in second place in the Big Ten, but is joined there by Iowa. The Gophers have a lowly pseudo-RPI mark of 129, while Iowa chimes in at 155. Like Michigan, the only way the Gophers or Hawkeyes advance to the NCAA's is to win the Big Ten Tourney.
The only way for the Big Ten to land more than one team into the Regionals is to have Illinois capture the regular season title convincingly and have another team win the conference tournament and automatic berth that comes along with that honor.
Of course, the downside of that is that the rest of the country will not be happy to see a bubble school from a power conference get left out because a Big Ten upstart, with an RPI in the 100's, crashes the party by winning the conference tournament. I say "Tough", but I can see the argument against having such low seeds make the regionals.
For those of you who have had sleepless nights awaiting my Big Ten OPS report, here it is. Seven conference players have managed to keep an OPS above 1.000. Dusty Bensko of Illinois has an OPS of 1.084. Indiana's Zach Boswell follows at 1.049. Third belongs to Pat McMahon, who I don't think has spent a single week off this list. The NU catcher is at 1.044. Jeff Kunkel of Michigan makes his first appearance in the club at 1.028. Kunkel's teammate, Matt Butler is next at 1.013. Jay Brant, Indiana, is in sixth place at 1.009. Michigan State's Ryan Basham closes out the field at 1.006.
This weekend's conference schedule looks like this. The first place Illini host Northwestern. Purdue visits Michigan. Ohio State is at Penn State. Indiana plays host to Michigan State. The big tilt is in Iowa City where the Hawkeyes host Minnesota with second place in the conference at stake.
Here are some links to prepare for your college baseball weekend. Yahoo! provides three links to Big Ten school newspaper reports from Indiana, Minnesota and Illinois. Will Kimmey's Weekend Preview is here. If you scroll way down, you can find a tidbit on ex-Gopher Glen Perkins here. Boyd Nation's weekly feature, Breadcrumbs Back To Omaha is here.
Enjoy the weekend.
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