Summer League Rosters, Part II

I've received some email about Part I of my review of summer league rosters. It appears BTH readers demand more, so here's Part II.

Alaska Collegiate
Chris Cullen, MSU, Matsu Miners

Northwoods League
Caleb Curry, IOW, Alexandria Beetles
Mike Wilson, MIC, Alexandria Beetles
Drew O'Neil, PSU, Battle Creek Bombers (*)
Lars Davis, ILL, Duluth Huskies (*)
Joe Bonadonna, ILL, Duluth Huskies
Allan Donato, PUR, Madison Mallards
Jordan Comadena, PUR, Madison Mallards
Daniel Webb, ILL, Madison Mallards
Chris Roberts, MSU, Madison Mallards
Dusty Napoleon, IOW, Madison Mallards (*)
Eric Nielsen, PUR, Madison Mallards
Adam Abraham, MIC, Mankato Moon Dogs
Tim Ryan, MIN, Mankato Moon Dogs
Ben Geelan, IOW, Mankato Moon Dogs
Jeff DeSmidt, MIN, Mankato Moon Dogs
Nate Hanson, MIN, Mankato Moon Dogs
Jason Christian, MIC, Mankato Moon Dogs
Alan Oaks, MIC, Mankato Moon Dogs
Craig Lutes, ILL, Rochester Honkers
Derek McCallum, MIN, St. Cloud Riverbats
Eric Van Matre, PUR, Thunder Bay Border Cats
Scott Shaw, ILL, Waterloo Bucks
Tanner Roark, ILL, Waterloo Bucks
Michael Giller, ILL, Waterloo Bucks
Steve Gerstenberger, MSU, Wisconsin Woodchucks
Justin Potes, MSU, Wisconsin Woodchucks

Texas Collegiate
Cory Wine, PSU, McKinney Marshals
Jon Kibler, MSU, Weatherford Wranglers
Mike Monterey, MSU, Weatherford Wranglers

Clark Griffith League
Chris Berset, MIC, Vienna Senators

Coastal Plains League
Aaron Martin, ILL, Fayetteville Swampdogs
Dominic Altobelli, ILL, Fayetteville Swampdogs
Ben Reeser, ILL, Fayetteville Swampdogs
John Schlichter, ILL, Fayetteville Swampdogs
Brandon Doherty, MSU, Petersburg Generals
Michael Lorentson, PSU, Petersburg Generals
Peter Wolff, MSU, Petersburg Generals
Tyler Cox, IU, Spartanburg Stingers
Mike Powers, MIC, Wilmington Sharks
Nate Recknagel, MIC, Wilmington Sharks

Atlantic League
Brian Ernst, PSU, Kutztown Rockies
Joe Blackburn, PSU, Kutztown Rockies
Rob Yodice, PSU, Metro NY Cadets

California League
Nolan Moody, MSU, San Luis Obispo Blues

Mountain League
Kyle Knudson, MIN, Fort Collins Foxes
Jon Hummel, MIN, Fort Collins Foxes

Valley Collegiate
Justin Brauer, IOW, Harrisonburg Turks
Jon Moore, PUR, Harrisonburg Turks
Mike Dufek, MIC, Winchester Royals
Josh Edgin, OSU, Winchester Royals
Justin Miller, OSU, Luray Wranglers

Hawaii League
Kenneth Avila, NU, Kuai Menehunes
Landon Nakata, PSU, Waimea Waves

I believe this will conclude my preview of summer league rosters. Although, I admit I could have inadvertently missed an entire league. (New ones are popping up all the time.) I also believe there's a great chance I've missed an individual player or seven. Or ten. Along the way, some individual team webpages didn't open, some didn't easily provide me with the data I was looking for and then there are the times my eyes got blurry scrolling down pages and pages of names.

If you notice I've made an error or overlooked someone, please drop me a note. My thanks to those who have already contacted me with updated information.

Summer League Rosters, Part I

Per usual, a number of Big Ten players are participating in wood bat leagues this summer. Here is the first part of my look at summer league rosters. Remember, these are tentative rosters. Changes are not only possible, but probable. (*) Indicates a player selected in the MLB Draft.

Great Lakes League
Mike Kalina, NU, Anderson Servants
Brad Henke, IU, Anderson Servants
Billy O'Connor, IU, Cincinnati Storm
Tony Kennedy, OSU, Cincinnati Storm
Zach Hurley, OSU, Cincinnati Storm
Danny Rosenbaum, IU, Cincinnati Storm
Billy Kitchen, IU, Cincinnati Storm
Darren Sizemore, OSU, Cincinnati Storm
Cory Rupert, OSU, Columbus All-Americans
Ryan Dew, OSU, Columbus All-Americans
Jake Hale, OSU, Columbus All-Americans (*)
Evan Crawford, IU, Delaware Cows
Brian DeLucia, OSU, Delaware Cows
Mike Jacobs, Iowa, Great Lakes Mariners
Matt Gerbe, Mich, Great Lakes Mariners
Jeff DeCarlo, Mich, Great Lakes Mariners
Eric Best, OSU, Licking County Settlers
Joe Vicini, IU, Licking County Settlers
Eric Arnett, IU, Licking County Settlers
Matt Bischoff, PUR, Lima Locos
John Karr, PSU, Southern Ohio Copperheads

Cape Cod League
Kevin Hoef, Iow, Bourne Braves
Zach Putnam, Mich, Chatham A's
Ryne White, PUR, Cotuit Kettleers
Chris Fetter, Mich, Cotuit Kettleers
Josh Lindblom, PUR, Cotuit Kettleers
J.B. Shuck, OSU, Cotuit Kettleers
Kyle Day, MSU, Harwich Mariners
Josh Phegley, IU, Wareham Gatemen

Central Illinois League
Tony Sedlmeyer, PUR, Danville Dans
Connor Sestak, PUR, Danville Dans
Dan Black, PUR, Danville Dans
Kevin Cahill, PUR, Danville Dans
Johnny Lee, MSU, DuPage Dragons
Kyle Heim, Iow, Quincy Gems
Tyson Blaser, Iow, Quincy Gems
Ryan McFarlane, MSU, Quincy Gems
Wes Freie, Iow, Quincy Gems

Maloney Staying

The Ann Arbor News is reporting that Rich Maloney is remaining as Michigan's coach. Good news for the Michigan program, although a total waste of my previous post.

Maloney To Tennessee?

Michigan head baseball coach Rich Maloney is rumored to have interviewed for the vacancy at Tennessee. Michigan AD Bill Martin has confirmed that permission was granted for UT to speak to Coach Maloney.

I don't really want to make too big a deal about this yet. There is quite a distance between interviewing and actually getting the job. Besides, the Tennessee gig is a good one, even if I thought Rod Delmonico got unfairly kicked to the curb, so I can't blame Coach Maloney for listening. (Again, listening and accepting are two different words for a reason.) I certainly cannot be mad at UT for calling Maloney. Getting a northern program to the heights Michigan has achieved in such a short time is impressive. Maloney's probably on everyone's short list, so the courting dance shouldn't surprise anyone.

As such, I should probably wait to see how all this pans out. There are any number of possible conclusions ranging from not going to UT to going somewhere else to returning to the Maize and Blue. However, let's keep two things in mind.

First, I'll be more surprised if Maloney doesn't get the Vols job than if he does. He's a good coach. He can sell a program. He's got a track record in the MAC and the Big Ten. How many other super regional coaches are going to be available? If he interviews, he's the front-runner in my biased mind.

Second, and clearly most importantly, there is not much Big Ten baseball news to chew on, so why not run wild with this? Look, I'm a blogger. As with all bloggers, I have a duty to ignore journalistic ethics, make pointless assertions and spread unverifiable information. (What's that? The regular media does this, too? Wait, does that mean I can get paid for this?)

With that as a backdrop, let me pose a (long) question in light of this news. What does it say about a program when your currently spending millions of dollars in facilities upgrades, you have won back-to-back regular season conference titles, you have won your first NCAA regional in over two decades, you are returning a team that might be in the top 10 next season at one of the most prestigious universities in the country and the head coach that has rebuilt your entire program is interviewing elsewhere?

From my chair, it affirms a the sentiment that the Big Ten will never be anything more than a mid-major in baseball. If Michigan can't keep it's head baseball coach with all the momentum that has been built under Maloney's guidance -- both on and off the field -- how in the wide world of sports are they going to keep the next guy? And, with apologies to all around the conference, if Michigan doesn't have either the courage, capital or clout to secure their baseball coach does anyone else in the Big Ten?

Seriously, if this identical situation were happening anywhere between State College and Iowa City, would any of those other nine programs shell out the money to keep their baseball coach? My gut and my brain both say "no". They would all go searching for a new guy. Doesn't that thought scream "mid-major conference"? (Can you imagine the outrage if this were football and Michigan was feeding SEC schools coaches?!?!?!)

Before Volunteers' fans sick a hound after me, I openly admit that the UT baseball job is higher up the food chain than Michigan's. However, I happen to believe that a few Big Ten programs can become big time jobs, as well. Michigan is one of those jobs. Now, if Maloney leaves after getting the Michigan program to this level, is he sending the message that he doesn't share my feelings about the long term future of Michigan baseball? Would Maloney's departure be saying, in effect, this is as good as Michigan and the Big Ten are going to get?

This also makes me wonder a little bit about Michigan's commitment. I say a little bit because the administration has put some dollars into baseball recently. The cynic in me would point out that quite a bit of the money came from a donation from New York Mets' owner and Michigan alum Fred Wilpon. That more negative side might also suggest that the money comes a decade after Ohio State built a state-of-the-art ballpark on campus and around the same time Penn State opened their new, fabulous yard. That was peer pressure more than a commitment. In spite of the administration's motivation, with all the money they've laid out, shouldn't keeping the man that restored their program be a priority?

Now, there is an obvious financial line in the sand that even I would not cross. If the folks in Knoxville, or anywhere else, want to make Coach Maloney a lottery winner, I can't blame Michigan's administration for saying "We wish you well". However, I'm hopeful that Michigan will not let a little bit of cash cost them their baseball coach. A whole bunch of cash? Well, ...........

That brings me to a final item for this evening's "brief" look at this developing story. Let's take this to the next logical step. Let's assume Maloney bolts Ann Arbor for Knoxville and financial independence, warmer temperatures and a desire for Creamsicles. Who gets the Michigan job? That's a great question. I wish I had a great answer.

Here is what I know about the job at Michigan. Or better phrased, here's what I think Michigan's coach should be. I believe you need to be young and energetic (although, I always presumed those two went together). You need to be willing to promote the snot out of program. You need to shake every hand. Attend every banquet. Accept every interview request. You need to elevate baseball without getting overwhelmed with football's status. Oh, by the way, you need to be a good baseball coach who can recruit and preferably with some previous head coaching experience. More preferable would be experience winning.

May I make a single, off-the-top-of-my-head suggestion? How about Scott Stricklin at Kent State? I don't know much at all about Coach Stricklin's background, so I put his name out there with an asterisk, but I think he meets all my perceived requirements. He's young at 36. He has shown a willingness to promote his program -- I've seen an in-game television interview and his interview with Brian Foley at the College Baseball Blog. He's played in the minors. Stricklin was an assistant at Georgia Tech. He's led the Golden Flashes to a 104-65 record in three years at KSU. (Another asterisk on his record at KSU. It's my math.) That includes a regular season title, this year's MAC tournament crown and he's got a coach of the year award, to boot.

That's not to say there's not another candidate I might like out there better, but my initial thought was Coach Stricklin. He might not want to leave his Alma mater, but there won't be too many better jobs available than Michigan's should it become open. He deserves an interview, if interested.

Perhaps, the most interesting thing to come out of a potential change of coaches will be what happens to the current players. By Maloney's own admission, Michigan could be a Top 10 program in the pre-season rankings next year. However, if he departs, how many of those players will exit, as well? Will a new coach be able to keep them in Ann Arbor and, if so, can he get them to the next step -- Omaha?

One does wonder if Maloney opts for greener (or more orange) pastures right now, if some in Ann Arbor will be left with bitter feelings.

Update: Michigan Daily's Courtney Ratkowiak talks with Zach Putnam about Maloney's interview.

Frosh Awards

Ping! has announced it's initial All Ping! All Freshman Team. Amongst the honorees are several Big Ten players. Evan Crawford, of Indiana, was a second team choice at secondbase. Ohio State's Cory Kovanda made honorable mention at the same position. Michigan State's Chris Roberts landed on the third team outfield. Purdue's Matt Bischoff was selected as a first team pitcher. Tony Sedlmeyer, another Purdue pitcher, made the honorable mention list.

Oregon State Ends Michigan's Season

As you probably know by now, Oregon State eliminated Michigan, 8-2, in today's super regional game. The loss ends Michigan's NCAA run and their 2007 campaign. The Beavers, the defending champions, will return to Omaha.

Honestly, it was not the way the Wolverines would have wanted to go out. In contrast to yesterday's sharply pitched and played game, today's effort was filled with giveaways -- wild pitches, balks, passed balls and, most damaging, walks.

Senior Eric Rose was the star for Michigan. The Wolverines' centerfielder hit a pair of solo homers. It was a fine performance by one of the best CF's in Michigan history.

While I'm disappointed for the players and, yes, myself, it was a fine season for Rich Maloney's side. They played well against a number of top ranked teams, won the Big Ten's regular season title and the Nashville regional. Those are all things to be proud of.

I tip my cap to the 2007 Michigan Wolverines. It's was a great ride.

Oregon State 1 Michigan 0

In a tremendous pitcher's duel, Oregon State beat Michigan, 1-0. Michigan's Zach Putnam and OSU starter Jorge Reyes were nothing short of spectacular. Reyes, with some help from the Beavers' bullpen, limited Michigan to just four hits. Putnam allowed one only hit, a two-out RBI single from Joey Wong in the ninth inning. Wong's hit proved to be the game winner.

Putnam worked 8.2 innings striking out eight and walking three before yielding to Michael Powers. Powers set down the lone batter he faced in the ninth. OSU's Reyes went seven innings giving up three of Michigan's hits and walking no one. Joe Paterson worked 1.1 innings giving up one hit. Eddie Kunz came in to get the last two hitters.

It was simply a masterfully pitched ballgame on both sides. With a combined five hits, there isn't much offense to talk about.

The two sides meet again tomorrow. The time has not yet been determined. It will either be 4:00 p.m. or 7:00 p.m. EST.

No Game, Just Commentary

As the super regional between Michigan and Oregon State got washed out today, I've got no game action to review. As such, I've decided tonight's a good time to share some observations, suggestions and wild speculation with you.

As is usually the case around here, this material is in no particular order. A term paper or something for work gets days of organization and review. Blogging? A few hours, tops. It doesn't make me the world's greatest blogger, but it does keep my marriage on solid ground.

* We've got our first two College World Series teams. Rice and Mississippi State are headed for Omaha. No surprise the Owls return, but MSU? I'm thinking most of us didn't pick the Bulldogs in that portion of our bracket.

* While at the Big Ten Tournament, I was told that a couple of programs experienced a higher rate of broken bats this season. Sure enough, another bat bit the dust during the Big 10 tourney. The bat I saw crumble wasn't even from one of the programs complaining about the problem. Anybody have any insight as to why the bats are breaking this year?

* I believe I've mentioned this here before, but the Big Ten and Big East are hammering out the details to establish a challenge series like the Big Ten has with the ACC in basketball. The Big Ten/Big East baseball challenge should be on the docket by 2009. (I don't think they can get it into the '08 slate, but you just never know.)

Hopefully, this series will create some additional exposure for both conferences. I would expect to see the Big Ten Network pick-up coverage, but it's premature to announce anything concrete.

* In his Thursday Thoughts column, CSTV's Eric Sorenson mentions Vanderbilt's persistence in stomping on home plate. Not only did Vandy make a point of each run scored, but their firstbaseman spent all of Sunday night spiking the baseball each time an inning ended with the ball in his possession. Not satisfied to toss it or roll it back to the mound, he had to spike it like he scored a TD. Or, as Eric suggests, he's angry.

If those two ongoing theatrics weren't enough, I felt that David Price gave the Michigan dugout a stare down in Monday's game. After the All-American set down the Wolverines in the top of the ninth, it appeared to me that Price finished his jubilant cry with a brief, but direct look into Michigan's dugout.

Now, could I just be a pro-Michigan guy over analyzing this? Yep. Could it be I was just so annoyed by the other Vanderbilt antics that I was looking for more trouble? Absolutely. Could it be that I'm just an old guy that doesn't embrace all these new forms of on-field exuberance? Without question.

However, if you are the number one team in the land, at home, in a regional you are supposed to dominate, is it necessary or even appropriate to be quite so animated? Their actions just seemed over-the-top to me.

(I'll spare you the traditional "Where I come from, if you did that stuff you'd get knocked on your butt the next time you stepped in the box" speech. I'll also skip the story about walking to school uphill, both ways, in six feet of snow.)

* Surprisingly, Tennessee and Florida both have job openings. However, I wouldn't be surprised if a Big Ten or Big East coach is rumored to be on either UT's or the Gators' short list. (Or, for that matter, a Big West or WCC coach.) If a mid-major coach can get into the regionals, why not consider them?

* Wild Speculation Alert: Word has it Purdue is looking for the right piece of real estate to build a new ballpark on. Let's hope that's more than just a rumor.

* Friend and blogging ally Ian Casselberry and I were thinking of watching today's super regional in an Ann Arbor watering hole. Come to find out, only a few of them had ESPNU. When those that did were quizzed if they would have the Michigan/Oregon State game on most were tepid in their response. It was like "Well..... if somebody is really interested, we might".

Come on. This is in Ann Arbor. Ann Arbor, Michigan. Home of the University of Michigan. I know the Detroit Tigers and New York Mets game was running at nearly the same time, but it's the super regionals and your school is in it. Besides, it's a nearly perfect June weekend day. How many people are going to drag themselves into a sports bar in the middle of the afternoon on a day like this? Wouldn't you encourage us to arrive to watch the program's biggest game in twenty years?

Clearly, I haven't gotten everyone aboard the college baseball bandwagon yet. The blogging continues.

* For those who follow the other nine schools in this conference, I am starting to review summer league rosters and hope to post something outlining that within the next seven to ten days. Regardless, I would encourage you to check out the Summer League Blog.

* For the record, I'm in favor of the Big Ten having the conference tournament at a neutral site. I think the advantages (like knowing a year in advance where to book a hotel, playing in better facilities, making it look like the conference cares about baseball) out number the disadvantages (the regular season winner no longer having home field advantage). That said, I was told that conference and university officials remain opposed to the idea.

As it was explained to me, it's a problem of equity. If the Big Ten baseball championship is held at a neutral site, the coaches of the other non-revenue sports are going to ask for the same thing and no one is prepared to work out the logistics for every single sport having an off-campus event.

I guess I understand the equity issue. However, I believe one thing and one thing alone can toss the equity issue out the window -- money. If the Big Ten baseball tournament was a revenue producer, this wouldn't be a discussion. However, as the tournament probably costs them more money than they make, they aren't going to give them special consideration.

I would offer this objection to the conference's objection. The Big East hosts a neutral site baseball championship. So do a number of the power conferences. While the big boys of college baseball might make some cash in this process, does the Big East? If they do, is it because it's at a neutral site?

At some point, somebody in this conference needs to understand that perception is reality. If you treat baseball like a second rate sport, and the Big Ten does, then the public will react accordingly. It's a self fulfilling prophecy.

* In reviewing attendance at the Big Ten tournament, I'm convinced that I'm one of about only ten to fifteen people who actually paid to get in. Everybody else got in with credentials or freebies. It's no wonder it's a non-revenue sport.

* Nobody is happier with the way northern schools have played this year than I, but the question remains "Is this an anomaly or a trend?". I'm hoping for the latter, but it's just too soon to tell. It will be interesting to see if Michigan and Louisville, in particular, gain any recruits because of their tournament success this year.

That's all for tonight, boys and girls. I hope you enjoyed this rambling commentary. Remember tomorrow's super regional game is on ESPN. No U, this time.

Rain Out

Today's game between Michigan and Oregon State has been rained out. The two sides will meet tomorrow at 4:00 p.m. Monday's game will be at either 4pm or 8pm. A Tuesday game, if necessary, is TBA.

Super Regional Previews And Picks

Jimmy at Southern College Sports.com offers this preview of Michigan's Super Regional encounter with Oregon State. The boys make some predicitions at the end, as well.

Brian Foley of the College Baseball Blog also previews the Wolverines match-up with the defending national champions and offers his prediction.

CSTV's Eric Sorenson looks at all the Super Regionals.

Baseball America's Aaron Fitt previews the Saturday Supers and today's Supers.

Kendall Rogers of Rivals. com provides his preview of the Corvallis Super Regional.

Gaining Momentum

Michigan's post-season success has garnered them some ink in the local fish wraps. No, not the Ann Arbor News, although they do report on Michigan baseball. I'm talking about the Detroit newspapers. The Detroit News ran this piece on Michigan's triumph this week and today the Free Press gave a profile of 1B Nate Recknagel.

Player profiles in the Detroit newspapers? Half the time they don't even report scores from the Big Ten let alone provide player features. Yes, boys and girls, that dramatic win over Vanderbilt has had its rewards for Rich Maloney's squad.

Keeping Up With The Draft

I'm attempting to assemble a list of all the Big Ten players selected in the 2007 MLB Draft, however, it's been a bit more challenging than I anticipated. (Let's just say that MLB.com's sort feature isn't working quite as well as I might like.) Regardless, here is the list I've compiled thus far. If I missed anyone, please let me know.

Let's also keep in mind that some of these players do have college eligibility left and may opt to return to school for another year of college baseball.

#63 Cory Luebke, P, Ohio State - San Diego
#102 Lars Davis, C, Illinois - Colorado
#219 Matt Angle, OF, Ohio State - Baltimore
#259 Drew O'Neil, P, Penn State - Cincinnati
#311 Eric Fryer, C, Ohio State - Milwaukee
#342 Andrew Groves, P, Purdue - Colorado
# 361 Gary Perinar, P, Minnesota - Detroit
#379 Scott Gaffney, SS, Penn State - Cincinnati
#430 Dan Lyons, SS, Minnesota - Washington
#434 Craig Clark, P, Penn State - San Francisco
#493 Mike Mee, OF, Minnesota - Arizona
#519 Jason White, SS, Iowa - Baltimore
#577 Kyle Day, C, Michigan State - Chicago (NL)
#591 Jon Fixler, C, Indiana - Houston
#600 Dusty Napoleon, C, Iowa - Oakland
#601 Andrew Hess, P, Michigan - Detroit
#625 Jake Hale, P, Ohio State - Toronto
#638 Matt Cavagnaro, 2B, Penn State - Pittsburgh
#891 Travis Sweet, OF, Iowa - Houston
#931 Jon Kibler, P, Michigan State - Detroit
#996 Caleb Fields, 2B, Northwestern - Pittsburgh
#1018 Shawn Roof, SS, Illinois - Detroit
#1394 Gary Amato, P, Penn State - Pittsburgh
#1444 Doug Pickens, C, Michigan - Cleveland

Congratulations to all that have been selected.

Luebke, Davis Taken In MLB Draft

Ohio State's Cory Luebke and Illinois' Lars Davis have both been selected on Day 1 of the Major League Baseball Draft. Luebke, the conference's Pitcher of the Year, was the first Big Ten player selected as the sixty-third overall choice to San Diego. Davis, the Big Ten's Player of the Year, was taken by the Colorado Rockies with the 102 pick overall.

These were the only two Big Ten players selected as I write. I suspect we will see quite a few more tomorrow.

Congratulations to both Luebke and Davis. I wish them well at the next level.

Purdue Pitchers Honored

Purdue's Matt Bischoff and Tony Sedlmeyer were named to Collegiate Baseball's Freshman All-America Team. The first year Boilermakers pitchers were the only Big Ten players selected to the annual squad. Congratulations to the Purdue stars on their much deserved acclaim.

Post-Regional Links

Michael Spath, of The Wolverine.com, reviews the regional championship game.

CSTV's Eric Sorenson passes out grades to all 64 teams.

Kendall Rogers, Rivals.com, gets a look at a stunned Vanderbilt side.

Baseball America's Aaron Fitt talks regionals and super-regionals.

Michigan's triumph has them back in BA's Top 25.

Detroit Free Press writer Mark Snyder recaps Michigan's win.

Bryan Mullen, ESPNU, files this report on the Nashville Regional.

The Michigan Daily's Courtney Ratkowiak thinks the Big Ten proved it's worth this past weekend.

Next Stop: Corvallis

Michigan's opponent in the Super Regional will be the defending national champions, Oregon State. The Beavers ended Virginia's year, 7-3, and will host the Wolverines beginning Saturday. Saturday's contest will begin at 3:00 p.m. Sunday's affair starts at 4:00 p.m. If necessary, a Monday finale will begin at 7:00 p.m. All times are EST.

ESPNU will broadcast Saturday's game. Sunday's game is on ESPN. The Monday game will be on either ESPN or ESPN2.

Michigan Stuns Vanderbilt, Wins Regional

Freshman Oaks lifts Wolverines past top ranked Vanderbilt, 4-3

It was the stuff of legend. It's the tenth inning. Scored tied, 3-3. Vanderbilt has their ace pitcher on the mound. David Price, All-America and probable first pick in the Major League Baseball draft, has come out of the bullpen an inning earlier. With an out recorded in the tenth, Michigan head coach Rich Maloney calls for a pinch hitter.

The righthanded bat Maloney summons is that of freshman Alan Oaks. Oaks enters the game hitting .188. What can you expect from a .188 hitting first-year player against the top ranked team, in their home ballpark, with a chance to advance to a super-regional on the line? Did I mention Price, the undefeated lefty is still on the hill? Did I mention Oaks is pinch hitting for Zach Putnam, Michigan's first team All-Big Ten pitcher and DH? (I'm still waiting word on why that switch occurred.)

Oaks hangs tough and works the count to 3-1. Price then throws what appears to be a fastball. Oaks swings and .......... the ball is still sailing. The light hitting, barely used freshman clears the left-centerfield wall, sends Price to the showers, ends Vanderbilt's season and lifts Michigan into the Super Regionals. The final from Nashville, Michigan 4 Vanderbilt 3.

I'm still stunned. Thrilled, but stunned.

I figured Michigan could hang with the 'Dores, as so many Big Ten teams have played well against college baseball's big boys, but win the regional in such convincing fashion? In Nashville to boot? Incredible.

The difference was starting pitching. Michigan's starters shutdown the Vandy lineup twice. Today, it was Chris Fetter's turn. Fetter was nothing short of terrific. The sophomore righthander gave up seven hits over seven innings, walked two and allowed only two earned runs. Adam Abraham relieved Fetter and got the win. Michael Powers came in to take over for Abraham and got a well deserved save.

Pedro Alvarez, a good a college baseball player as their is, took Fetter deep over the centerfield fence to give Vanderbilt their first run. Nate Recknagel countered with a monster solo shot of his own for the Wolverines. Recknagel had three hits in the game to lead Michigan. (Here's the box score.)

I'm sure the national media will explain away the Michigan triumph. The Commodores stopped hitting. They didn't have enough arms to play in this kind of event. Winning the powerful SEC took too much out of them. Vandy really should have won all three games versus Michigan. Yada, yada, yada.

Yeah, well, what happened to the easy regional, boys?

Seriously, Michigan could have just as easily won all three games against Vandy. In front of a hostile crowd, Mike Wilson and Fetter plain baffled the 'Dores and Michigan lost a slugfest by three runs in Nashville when Vandy had to win to survive. Michigan was the better team this weekend. How about we give the young men in Maize and Blue some credit? (And, yes, I'm a Big Ten homer.)

Michigan now awaits the winner of the Virginia/Oregon State game to see whom they will play in the Supers.

Congratulations to Rich Maloney and the University of Michigan on their regional championship.

OSU, Minnesota Ousted; Vandy Beats Michigan

Texas A & M eliminated Ohio State from the NCAA Tournament with a 10-4 win. The Aggies Blake Stouffer hit for the cycle to lead A & M past the Buckeyes. Stouffer had six RBI. Justin Miller and Cory Rupert each had two RBI for Ohio State.

The Buckeyes finish 2007 with a 38-24 record and a Big Ten Tournament Championship. The Aggies get another shot at Louisiana-Lafayette in the championship round of the College Station Regional.

Fresno State ended Minnesota's season with an 11-6 triumph. Brian Lapin homered and had two RBI for the Bulldogs. FSU catcher Ryan Overland had three RBI. Minnesota's Derek McCallum was a perfect 4 for 4. Bryan Jost had four RBI and a homer.

The Gophers finish the year at 41-18. Minnesota placed three players -- Derek McCallum, Bryan Jost and Dan Lyons -- on the All-Regional Team. Cal State Fullerton beat Fresno State to claim the regional title and advance to the super regionals.

Vanderbilt beat Michigan, 10-7, to force a Regional Championship Game. Commodores 1B Brad French drove in four to help keep their season alive. Michigan's Jason Christian also had four RBI. The two teams meet again this evening in a winner-takes-all contest.

Michigan Surprises Vandy, Gophers Send USD Packing

A pair of victories by Big Ten programs have sent two national seeds to defeat. Michigan dropped top ranked, and national number one seed, Vanderbilt, 4-3, very early Sunday morning. Kevin Cislo got a run scoring infield single in the top of the ninth to move the Wolverines into the Regional Championship series. Cislo's RBI came in the wee hours of Sunday morning as Michigan's game against #1 Vanderbilt got pushed back several hours by rain.

Nate Recknagel put Michigan up 3-1 with a three run double in the sixth. Vandy's Matt Meingasner tied it at 3-3 with a two-run homer in the eighth. Michigan answered right back in the top of the ninth. Adam Abraham singled to lead off the inning. Doug Pickens' sacrifice bunt advanced him to third. After an out, Abraham moved on to third on a wild pitch, which set-up Cislo's two-out heroics. Cislo and Abraham, who posted a save, each had two hits a piece. Recknagel led the way with his three RBI.

Mike Wilson kept Michigan in it by tossing 7.1 innings tough innings before yeilding to Michael Powers. Powers, who pitched two-thirds of an inning, notched the win. Abraham came on to pitch the ninth.

Michigan awaits the winner of today's Austin Peay/Vanderbilt game. Tonight's game will begin at 8:00pm.

Earlier in the evening, Minnesota sent more shock waves through college baseball, as the Gophers eliminated host San Diego, 6-5, in ten innings. The hero out west was freshman 2B Derek McCallum. McCallum's RBI single plated Kyle Baran in the 10th and kept Minnesota's season alive.

The Gophers appeared the have the upset clinched heading into the ninth. Minnesota led 5-0 before the final frame began. Mike Mee's homer and three RBI had paced the Gophers to the lead. However, San Diego, the national number eight seed, responded with a five run top of the ninth. USD's comeback was highlight by Logan Gelbrich's three run, game tying bomb.

Dustin Braebender pitched eight tremendous innings in a head-to-head showdown with USD All-American pitcher Brian Matusz. Matusz worked 7.2 innings giving up seven hits and four earned runs, walking no one and striking out seven. Braebender countered by scattering seven hits, a walk, two earned runs and fanning five. Gophers' closer Josh Oslin worked the last 1.2 innings to post the win.

The win kept the Gophers season alive and closed the books on 2007 for San Diego. Minnesota will play Fresno State Sunday night at 7:00pm.

Ohio State Bounces Le Moyne, 6-5

Ohio State eliminated LeMoyne from the NCAA Tournament with a 6-5 ten inning win. Matt Angle's single scored J.B. Shuck in the first extra frame and keeps Ohio State's season alive. The Dolphins year comes to a close.

Angle had two hits and three RBI. Jacob Howell had two hits (including a homer), two runs, two RBI and stole a base. Big Ten Pitcher of the Year Cory Luebke tossed all ten innings for the Buckeyes. The OSU lefty gave up nine hits, five earned runs, struck out seven and did not allow a walk.

Ohio State awaits the loser of the Texas A & M/Louisiana-Lafayette game.

Fullerton Drops Minnesota

Cal-State Fullerton defeated Minnesota, 7-1, in the opening game of the San Diego Regional. The Gophers now fall into the loser's bracket. Both Minnesota and Ohio State will be trying to avoid elimination tomorrow. Not the start I had hoped for.

Michigan Wins, Ohio State Loses

Michigan beat Memphis, 10-7, in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament. Nate Recknagel homered, tripled and drove in three for Michigan. Doug Pickens also had three RBI. The Wolverines will play the winner of tonight's game between Austin Peay and #1 Vanderbilt.

Louisiana-Lafayette scored a run in the bottom of the ninth to beat Ohio State, 5-4. Nolan Gisclair went 4 for 4 with a homer and 2 RBI. OSU's Jacob Howell and Justin Miller each had three hits a piece. The Buckeyes will now get the loser of host Texas A & M and Le Moyne.

NCAA Tournament Time

Alright, it's time to get down to tournament talk. There are the usual suspects chatting up the tourney and I think I can provide enough links to other tournament related information that you should stay busy for a few minutes, anyway.

Here are how the three Big Ten programs previewed their regional. Michigan, Minnesota, Ohio State. Plus, here's the Big Ten's press release about the three universities.

Next, here are the links to all the schools in each regional that has a Big Ten representative.

NASHVILLE REGIONAL
Vanderbilt
Austin Peay
Memphis
Michigan

SAN DIEGO REGIONAL
San Diego
Fresno State
Minnesota
Cal St. Fullerton

COLLEGE STATION REGIONAL
Texas A & M
Le Moyne
Ohio State
Louisiana-Lafayette

CSTV's Eric Sorenson previews the opening round of the NCAA Tournament in his Thursday Thoughts. Sorenson's ally, Doug Kroll, passes out love to St. John's. I'm happy to see the Big East land three teams in the field, as well. It's a good sign for everyone in the snowbelt to see as many teams from north of the Mason-Dixon line get in The Dance.

(Mandatory Midwest Disclaimer: While I'm happy for the Big East, I do get annoyed as it seems the east coast bias manages to pervade even college baseball. I don't believe for one stinkin' second the Big East is generally superior to the Big Ten. Yet, year-after-year, the Big East gets far more media attention than the Big Ten. Ridiculous. Had to get that in. Thanks for sitting through my inferiority complex.)

Yet another CSTVer, Glenn Tanner, takes a look at the top eight national seeds and their opposition this first weekend.

Texas college baseball blogger supreme, Joanna, notes the long delays between games of the regionals. It appears the NCAA has set them up like day/night doubleheaders in the Majors. Very odd.

Baseball America's Aaron Fitt discusses how the teams in the field were chosen. Think: strength of schedule.

Along those same lines, Corn Nation landed an interview with Damani Leech, NCAA Director of Football and Baseball. This Q & A took place prior to the announcement of the field, but is well worth the read.

My friends over at the College Baseball Blog look at all the regionals as do our allies over at Southern College Sports.com. The SCS boys go all out. Nice job.

Boyd Nation does his annual review of the selection committee's job and provides a variety of numbers for the entire field of 64.

The gang at Ping! make their predictions, too.

See, more than enough quality tournament coverage to go around. Hope you enjoy this weekend's action.

A Few Stray Links

Here are some of items of note around the Big Ten.

Let's begin with the final official RPI of the regular season. If you don't wish to scroll down the whole list, here are the Big Ten programs in order. Michigan is at #46. Minnesota follows at #49. Penn State is next at #62. Tournament champion Ohio State is at #72. Iowa checks in at #103. Michigan State is #112. Illinois finished at #141. Purdue is #188. Indiana came in at #195. Northwestern finished at #215.

Illinois' Lars Davis was named a second team All-America.

The Michigan State baseball season is reviewed.

Northwestern freshman Kenneth Avila was chosen for the NCAA National Leadership Conference.

A couple of Boilers, Dan Sattler and Chadd Blasko, get a chance at the next level.

The 2007 Big Ten All-Tournament Team. I don't think I provided a link to this before. Sloppy work on my part.

Wolverines, Gophers Are In

The drama didn't last all that long. Less than ten minutes into the NCAA Selection Show, we learned that both Michigan and Minnesota had joined Big Ten tournament champion Ohio State in the field of sixty-four.

Ohio State is the three seed in the College Station Regional. They will open with second seeded Louisiana-Lafayette. The one seed is, obviously, Texas A & M, who open with fourth seeded Le Moyne.

Michigan is the second seed in the Nashville Regional. They open with Memphis, the second seed. The host is Vanderbilt, the one seed and top seed in the entire nation. The Commodores will take on Austin Peay.

Minnesota, a third seed in the San Diego Regional, makes a trip out west to face traditional superpower Cal State Fullerton, the two seed. The one seed is San Diego who opens with a game against Fresno State, the fourth seed.

Congratulations to all three programs on making the NCAA Tournament. I'll state the obvious, I wish you much success. I also anticipate a much better showing than the general public does.

Just some other quick thoughts as I've got got a barbecue to fire up. (Charcoal, not propane, by the way.)

* I'm surprised the Big Ten got three teams in. Happy, but surprised.

* I'm surprised the Big East got three teams in. Six northern schools, including four at-large bids? Who would have thought that?

* I'm surprised the SEC got only five. I expect the complaining to begin in earnest.

* I cannot believe College of Charleston didn't make it. I thought Gonzaga kind of got shafted, as well. Other than that, I thought the committee did a pretty good job.

* Apparently, going two and out in the Big Ten Tournament didn't have much bearing on Michigan. They ended up a two seed. I figured a three was the best they could hope for having lost some steam over the last month. Of course, they did end up the in the regional hosted by national number one, Vanderbilt. One might view that as punishment.

* I'm also a bit surprised Ohio State got a three seed. I wasn't crazy about their non-conference schedule and they weren't terribly high in RPI, either. I know the folks in Columbus and me, for that matter, will take it, though.

* I could be crazy, but I have a good feeling about Minnesota out west. It's based on nothing but my initial reaction.

Perhaps, I'll have more on this later today. Again, I wish all the Big Ten programs the best and hope their supporters can get out to the regional sites.

Tournament Day 5: Ohio State Wins Championship

Remember way back on Tuesday when I suggested "Anybody can win the 2007 Big Ten Conference Tournament. Anybody."? On Sunday, sixth seeded Ohio State proved that claim to be true. The Buckeyes beat Minnesota, 4-2, to win the Big Ten Conference Tournament and claim the conference's automatic bid to the NCAA Tournament. They are the first sixth seed to ever win the Big Ten Tournament.

OSU won on the strength of the pitching of Cory Luebke and Jake Hale plus a two run, pinch-hit double off the bat of Michael Arp. Luebke, the conference's Pitcher of the Year, worked the first 7.2 innings giving up seven hits, a walk and both Gophers runs. Luebke yielded to Hale who went the rest of the way to earn his fourth victory of the season. It was Hale's second win of the tournament and both he and Luebke were named to the All-Tournament Team. Luebke also was named as the Most Outstanding Player in the 2007 Tournament.

Arp's big hit came in the eighth when he batted for freshman Ryan Dew. With the scored tied at 2-2, Arp came to bat with two outs and two on. Arp hit a shot down the leftfield line to score both runners and give the Bucks the 4-2 margin that would be the final score.

Jacob Howell, who was also named to the All-Tournament Team, and Justin Miller led OSU with two hits a piece. Minnesota's Matt Nohelty and Kyle Baran, both All-Tournament team members, as well, countered with two hits each for the Gophers.

Gary Perinar started and went seven innings for Minnesota, striking out eight, while giving up six hits, three walks and three earned runs.

The Gophers advanced to the championship game by posting a come from behind win versus Penn State, 4-3, in eleven innings Sunday morning. The game resumed in the seventh with PSU up 3-2. Saturday's rain forced the game to be completed early Sunday. A two-out RBI single from Nohelty tied the game in the ninth and Jeremy Chlan's 11th inning RBI double won it for the Gophers.

Nohelty's three hits and two RBI paced the Gophers attack. Bill Johnson worked the final four innings giving up just three hits and was the winning pitcher. Johnson was named to the All-Tournament Team.

Another All-Tournament selection, 2B Matt Cavagnaro had two hits and two RBI for PSU. Garrett Field and Rick Marlin also had two hits a piece for the Nittany Lions.

While conference play has concluded in the Big Ten, three baseball programs still have a big day ahead of them. Later today we learn who Ohio State will play in the opening round of the NCAA Tournament and we will see if Michigan and Minnesota will make the field of 64. Obviously, I'm hopeful that both get in.

Tournament Day 4: Weather Wins

Rain delayed the start of today's first game between Penn State and Minnesota. Once underway, the Nittany Lions and Golden Gophers managed to reach the seventh inning stretch before rain forced the field to be covered again. This time the rain prevailed and the remaining two and a half innings will conclude tomorrow morning beginning at 10:00am. When, and if, play resumes, Penn State is leading Minnesota, 3-2.

Saturday's scheduled second game between Ohio State and the PSU/Minnesota winner will take place Sunday at 12:05pm. That game could be the championship game, if OSU wins. If the Buckeyes fall in Sunday's 12:05pm start, there would be one more game at 3:35pm to determine the Big Ten Tournament champion.

Of course, more rain is in the forecast, so we may end up with no more baseball played at all. In which case, I presume Ohio State will be declared the champion on the basis of its 3-0 record thus far.

Tournament Day Three: PSU Bounces Michigan & Illinois; OSU Beats Minnesota

I admit that's the longest post title ever. However, it was a day worthy of a protracted headline. Our Friday began with Penn State eliminating top seeded Michigan, 6-5, in ten innings. Penn State headed into the ninth inning leading 5-2 behind good outings from Paul Hawkins (5.0 IP, 6 H, 0 BB, 2 ER) and Matt O'Grodnik (2.2 IP, 4 H, 0 BB, 0 ER) and with closer Drew O'Neil on the hill. O'Neil, PSU's first team All-Big Ten closer, had been nothing short of dominant in recent showings. (Hey, he was first team all-conference for a reason.)

With the Wolverines staring elimination in the face, they mounted a three-run ninth inning comeback that forced extra innings. In the tenth, PSU's Cory Wine cleared the right field wall for his fifth homerun of the season and put the Nittany Lions up for good. It was a tension filled game, as both teams faced elimination.

Wine, who had hit a big two run triple earlier in the game, led PSU with three RBI. Wine, Matt Cavagnaro and Garrett Field each had two hits. O'Neil, who lost the save opportunity, did pick up the win.

Nate Recknagel and Derek VanBuskirk each had three hits a piece for Michigan who must now waiting for Monday to see if their 39 win season will result in a NCAA tournament invitation. (Hopefully, I'll have more on that in a bit.)

Penn State's win moved them into the second game of the day, a contest with Illinois. The Illini led 2-1 after seven innings. In the eighth, PSU put five on the board to secure a 6-2 triumph. Freshman John Karr worked 5.1 innings allowing six hits, two walks and two earned runs. Matt O'Grodnik (4-3) posted the win pitching the last 3.2 innings giving up just one hit.

Rob Yodice's three run double was the highlight of the Nittany Lions five run eighth. Joe Blackburn had two hits, scored twice and had a RBI. Mike Deese had three hits and two RBI.

Illinois' Shawn Roof had a pair of hits and stole his fortieth base of the year. Scott Shaw tossed a very strong 7.0 innings giving up three hits, a walk and three runs only two of which were earned. Shaw also struck out six, but took the loss.

Their second win of the day kept Penn State's season alive and eliminated Illinois from the tournament. The Nittany Lions have become the Kings of Elimination. So far, they've taken Iowa, Michigan and Illinois out of this tournament.

In the last game of the day, Ohio State rallied to beat Minnesota, 10-9, in 11 innings. Jacob Howell, who went 5 for 7, drove home Chris Macke with the game winner in the 11th. Eric Fryer, Justin Miller and Cory Rupert each had two RBI a piece to lead OSU. Rory Meister was the last Buckeye hurler standing and got the win. The veteran righthander worked 2.2 innings and gave up one hit and no runs.

Dan Lyons had three hits and three RBI for the Gophers. Mike Mee, who clearly appears ailing, also had three hits. Nate Hanson had two hits and three RBI.

I have to come clean and admit I bailed on this game early. I had some things to take care of back at the house, so with the Gophers up 9-5, it looked like a good time to sneak out early. Obviously, I made another poor decision.

As for your Saturday schedule, Minnesota, the second seed, will play in tomorrow's 3:35pm elimination game against Penn State, the third seed. Sixth seeded Ohio State moves onto the championship game tomorrow night at 7:05pm. The Buckeyes will await the winner of Minnesota/Penn State. Should OSU win that affair, they would be conference tournament champions. A Buckeye loss Saturday night forces a Sunday re-match for the Big Ten's post-season crown and an automatic berth into the NCAA Tournament.

In what is already a far too long a post, I'm going to pile on. Here are some random things I've chosen to share with you.

* In a story shared on-the-air by the voice of PSU baseball, Justin Weyman, Nittany Lions 2B Matt Cavagnaro didn't much care for a bat, so he hung it from a noose in the hallway behind the dugout.

* It was not a good day for closers.

* Pitchers for tomorrow's game will be decided by coin toss. Maybe the winner of the hot dog eating contest can pitch the next inning? Seriously, this tournament does become an endurance contest for your pitching staff. I wonder if all the remaining games will be like tonight's Minnesota/Ohio State game -- high scoring and, thus, slowly played? Of course if it's slow enough, next year's recruiting class might be eligible before the game concludes.

* I can't seem to recall if the playing surface at Ray Fisher Stadium is going to be changed during this renovation. I've seen a number of bad hops this season including a few more today. If it's not part of the renovation, maybe it should be.

* CSTV is going to broadcast the would-be championship game tomorrow at 7:05pm.

* Anybody else starting to get concerned about the chances of Minnesota and/or Michigan landing an at-large bid? I must admit that I haven't reviewed all of the other conference tournament action, but the more upsets around the country, the more difficult it becomes for Big Ten programs to grab an at-large bid.

It's not that the Gophers and Wolverines aren't deserving, but their conference tournament losses combined with some upsets beyond the Big Ten provide the NCAA tournament committee with ample opportunity to justify overlooking both programs. Yes, yes, I know -- all the projections have both schools in The Dance. Well, projections had Dewey over Truman, Custer over the Native Americans and thunderstorms today.

* Kudos to the Michigan administration for getting the conference tournament t-shirts on sale Wednesday. I called you out when they weren't ready last year, so I applaud your timely efforts this season.

* Thanks to Tom, The Baseball Zealot, for saying nice things about this weblog and me, for that matter. If you follow Illini baseball, I would encourage you to check out Tom's site.

* I also have to thank Brian at MGoBlog for referring his readers here. First, CSTV's Eric Sorenson. Now, MGoBlog. I may just have to retire. There is no where to go but down from here.

I welcome all the MGoBlog readers aboard. If you can get past the decline in quality from Brian's blog to here, you'll be fine.

Tournament Day Two: OSU Upsets Michigan; Penn State, Minnesota Win

Sixth seed Ohio State stunned rival, and top seed, Michigan, 4-2, on the second day of the Big Ten Tournament. Once again, the story for the Buckeyes was their starting pitching. OSU's Jake Hale pitched a complete game scattering eleven hits and three walks. In spite of a somewhat elevated hit total, I never felt like Hale was in much trouble. He was usually ahead of the hitters and only had a few rough spots, including a nail-biting ninth.

Jacob Howell and Tony Kennedy had two hits a piece to lead the Buckeyes. Doug Pickens had three, Kevin Cislo and Brad Roblin had two hits each in pacing Michigan's attack.

The win allowed OSU to stay in the winner's bracket and advance to play Minnesota in Friday's 7:05pm start.

The Gophers made their first appearance of the tournament and promptly banged out sixteen hits and ten runs to beat Illinois, 10-3. Dan Lyons and Kevin Carlson led the hit parade with three each. Brian Jost had four RBI while Kyle Baran had two hits, three runs scored and three RBI.

Tom Buske picked up the win. Buske allowed seven hits and a walk in 6.2 innings pitched. Bill Johnson worked the last 2.1 innings allowing just one hit.

Brandon Wikoff and Mike Rohde's two hits a piece were the leaders for the Illini. If I have my tournament bracket filled out correctly, Illinois gets to wait to play until 3:35pm tomorrow. The Illini will play the winner of the Penn State and Michigan game, another elimination game.

Iowa became the first team eliminated from the tournament when Penn State prevailed in today's first game, 5-3. PSU's Craig Clark won his sixth game of the year by going seven full innings and yielding nine hits, three walks and two earned runs. Drew O'Neil came out of the bullpen to pitch the final two stanzas. O'Neil didn't allow a run or hit and fanned two of the six batters he faced.

Matt Cavagnaro led PSU with three hits. Cory Wine led them in RBI with two, both coming on a triple. Kyle Riffel and Ben Geelan both had two hit games to lead Iowa. Travis Sweet hit a laser out of the yard, it was his eighth homer of the season.

Just to recap Friday's schedule, Penn State and Michigan will play an elimination game at 12:05pm. That game's winner will play Illinois at 3:35pm. The second game will also be an elimination game. The final game of the day will see Minnesota and Ohio State play at 7:05pm.

The winner of tomorrow's second game (Illinois vs. Michigan/Penn State winner) will go on to face the loser of Minnesota/Ohio State in Saturday's 3:35pm game. Got all that? What you have right now is Minnesota and Ohio State in the winner's bracket, thus in the driver's seat. Everyone else is fighting for survival.

Thursday was the second spectacular weather day in a row. Tomorrow begins a trend in the opposite direction. Per usual, I've seen varying reports on just how much precipitation we can expect and when it's most likely to fall. At minimum, we run the risk of getting soggy tomorrow. Keep the rain gear handy, folks.

Tournament Day One: Blowouts Are The Norm

The Big Ten Tournament opened with Tanner Roark leading the University of Illinois to a 12-3 win over the University of Iowa. Roark tossed a complete game nine hitter. The Illini righthander was aided by five doubleplays. Everytime the Hawkeyes appear to be mounting a comeback, a doubleplay ended their hopes.

Mike Rohde drove in three to lead Illinois. Daniel Webb, Shawn Roof and Nick Stockwell had two RBI a piece. All-Conference OF Travis Sweet led the counter attack with three hits and two RBI for Iowa.

Game two saw Ohio State score three in the first, two in the second and one each in the third and fourth and cruise to a 10-3 over Penn State. Cory Luebke, the Big Ten Pitcher of the Year, looked a like a Pitcher of the Year. The OSU lefty gave up three hits, three walks and no runs over seven innings. The Buckeyes seventeen hit attack was led by Jacob Howell, Matt Angle and Tony Kennedy with three hits a piece. J.B. Shuck had three RBI.

Brian Ernst and Matt Cavagnaro each had two hits for Penn State.

Iowa and Penn State will meet at 12:05 pm tomorrow in the first elimination game of the tournament. The second game of the day will see Illinois take on Minnesota at 3:35 pm. The finale is scheduled for 7:05 pm and is match-up of Ohio State versus Michigan.

The weather tomorrow is supposed to be warm and sunny. A near record high is on tap. Although, the scoreboard at The Fish indicated it hit 100 degrees today. That's going to be hard to top.

The Long And Winding Tournament Preview

Anybody can win the 2007 Big Ten Conference Tournament. Anybody.

Conversely, all six teams are perfectly capable of going two and barbecue. (Is anybody having a bbq, by the way? Of course, I'm invited, right?)

This is the most wide open conference tournament in years. I think there are two primary reasons for this. 1) The teams in the Big Ten are just plain better baseball teams in 2007. Look at the number of Big Ten programs that beat some of college baseball's big boys this year (Ex: Penn State over UNC, Michigan over Mississippi State, Minnesota over Arkansas). If Big Ten programs can go on the road and beat the sunshine boys, they can all beat each other.

2) Each school's pitching can be erratic. If you've got good starters, your bullpen is probably a question mark. If you've got a tremendous bullpen, your starters get squirrely from time-to-time. In some instances, especially late in the year, entire pitching staffs have gone belly up.

As the pitching as been so difficult to get a handle on, it's hard to guess which team has an edge heading into the tournament. The bottom line will probably be that whomever pitches best this week wins. An insightful thought, I know. But, how much did you pay for this insight? Sometimes you do get what you pay for.

Having said all this, let me provide an array of short concepts that will provide, well, will provide me with an outlet to share these ideas. You can decide if they make an ounce of sense.

The Favorite: Whether you love 'em or hate 'em, Michigan has to be the pre-tournament favorite. They've now won the last three championships the conference plays for : '06 regular season, '06 tournament & '07 regular season. They are at home. (Yes, they've been better on the road this year. I still think the players and coaches would rather have this tournament in Ann Arbor.) They have the highest RPI of anyone in the Big Ten. They have the most dynamic offense in a conference with a number of teams that can swing the bat.

The Hot Team: Penn State. The Nittany Lions have won nine of their last twelve conference games. Three weeks ago, Penn State won the series versus Purdue. Then, PSU won three in Ann Arbor two weeks ago and took three more from a revived Ohio State squad this past weekend. Drew O'Neil is plain nasty out of the 'pen and the Lions don't lose leads very often. An under-appreciated starting rotation keeps PSU in nearly every game.

The Pitching Staff To Watch Out For: Ohio State. Coach Bob Todd inserted Jake Hale into the rotation two weeks ago and the Buckeyes first three starters are now Cory Luebke, Hale and J.B. Shuck. All good. All have pitched in the conference tournament before. Are three starters enough to win it all? Maybe.

Nobody Loves Us: Iowa. If one program is going to throw around the "Us Against The World" speech, it's the Hawkeyes. They just can't get no respect. An unimpressive RPI. A fourth place finish. It seems like Iowa is in the shadows. Although, these Hawks can swing the bats with anyone in the Big Ten. Jason White, Travis Sweet and Dusty Napoleon all finished the year with an OPS above 1.000. That's real good, boys and girls. Their pitching has been just good enough, but losing closer Mike Schurz does hurt their chances in this format.

If You Don't Get To Them Early: In my mind there are three clubs with exceptional bullpens. Minnesota has the double-headed monster of Josh Oslin and Kyle Carr. Penn State's Matt Ogrodnik and O'Neil (there seems like there should be a nickname for a bullpen led by two guys with last names starting with o) aren't far behind. Illinois counters with Omar Kadir and Jake "I got us in the stinkin' tournament" Toohey. I would normally include Iowa, but losing Schurz drops the Hawkeyes bullpen some.

Comeback Kids: Illinois. The Illini needed two wins to get to the little dance (that's the conference tournament). They fall behind Friday, 4-0, after two innings yet win the game. Needing only one win, they get crushed in both games Saturday. Down 7-0 to Michigan State on Sunday, with their entire season on the line, Illinois makes another comeback to win 8-7 and gets in the tournament. Can this continue? Can the Illini faithful take it, if it does? Do the Illinois kids have anything left in the tank?

History Should Teach Us Something: Last year, I liked Minnesota. I opined at the time that history told me to watch out for John Anderson's team. Those who don't learn from history are doomed to repeat it, right? Well, recent history, including dropping six of their last twelve (NU and IU took four of six) makes me ponder where the Gophers are right now. Yet, I refuse to ignore history. If Minnesota can beat Arkansas, Mississippi and Pepperdine, they can take out the other five teams in Ann Arbor.

The Official View: Here is the link to the Big Ten's preview of the tournament. (Apparently, non-conference games don't mean much in Chicago.)

Is That Rain?: The weather forecast is typical for May. Wednesday is supposed to be warm (pushing 90, perhaps) and sunny. Trouble may arise come Thursday. I've seen thundershowers called for and I've seen another forecast predicting a second straight sunny, high eighty degree day. Amazingly, both forecasts are courtesy of The Weather Channel -- one online the other on tv. I guess they've got their bases covered regardless of what happens.

Overall, we've got nice on Wednesday, a toss-up on Thursday, water from the sky on Friday and rain with some noise on Saturday. Did I mention the temperatures are going to drop each successive day, as well?

I'll tell you the same thing I said last year, pack everything -- sunscreen and shorts to umbrellas and jackets.

All-Conference Picks: Another official announcement from the home office in Chicago. The Big Ten has names it's Players of the Year and their All-Conference Teams. Congratulations to Cory Luebke and Lars Davis on being named Pitcher and Player of the Year, respectively. (FYI: I can never decide if I want to name an All-BTH team or not. I'm leaning towards an All-Freshman Team, but even that's not definite. If you have an opinion or would like to nominate a freshman -- or two -- drop me an email.)

Let's look at some numbers. The PRPI indicates Boyd's World Pseudo-RPI as of the time I write this. I'm assuming you realize the first two sets of numbers are each school's record in the Big Ten followed by their overall record. You knew that, right? All that is followed by their record against the rest of the tournament field.

Michigan (21-7, 39-14; PRPI - 40)

vs. Minnesota 0-0 (4 games canceled)

vs. Penn State 1-3

vs. Iowa 3-1

vs. Illinois 2-2

vs. Ohio State 4-0

Minnesota (18-9, 38-14; PRPI - 54)

vs. Michigan 0-0
vs. Penn State 2-1 (1 canceled)

vs. Iowa 3-1

vs. Illinois 3-1

vs. Ohio State 2-2

Penn State (20-10, 28-24; PRPI - 71)

vs. Michigan 3-1

vs. Minnesota 1-2 (1 canceled)

vs. Iowa 1-2

vs. Illinois DNP

vs. Ohio State 3-1

Iowa (17-13, 31-21; PRPI - 93)

vs. Michigan 1-3

vs. Minnesota 1-3

vs. Penn State 2-1

vs. Illinois 3-1

vs. Ohio State 1-3

Illinois (16-14, 30-25; PRPI - 140)

vs. Michigan 2-2

vs. Minnesota 1-3

vs. Penn State DNP

vs. Iowa 1-3

vs. Ohio State 1-1 (2 cancellations)

Ohio State (15-15, 33-22; PRPI - 89)

vs. Michigan 0-4

vs. Minnesota 2-2

vs. Penn State 1-3

vs. Iowa 3-1

vs. Illinois 1-1 (2 cancellations)

I did a couple of additional stats, beyond the standard batting average and ERA you can find at the Big Ten's official site, just out of curiosity. I'm not sure it means a thing, but here is how the tournament field stacked up in OPS and WHIP ratio. Their overall conference ranking appears in the parentheses.

OPS
Michigan 908 (1)
Iowa 884 (2)
Illinois 848 (3)
Minnesota 840 (4)
Ohio State 798 (6)
Penn State 745 (9)

Walks + Hits/Innings Pitched
Michigan 1.449 (1)
Minnesota 1.461 (2)
Penn State 1.467 (3)
Ohio State 1.503 (4)
Illinois 1.712 (8)
Iowa 1.760 (9)

I thank you wading through this unorganized preview of the Big Ten Tournament. I'll try blogging each evening after the tournament concludes for the day, so stop by each day for a recap. Keep in mind, though, it could be late before the post goes up.

OPS A Day Early

If everything goes according to plan, I'll be in Ann Arbor for the conference tournament tomorrow and will blog about it once I return. (Sorry, no live blogging from The Fish.) That means I may not have time to complete my weekly look at on base plus slugging percentage on its usual day. That being the case, I've opted to provide the list a day early.

This, most likely, will be my final OPS list of the season. The conference tournament numbers may be included into the "official" mix, but the regular season is over from my perspective. I will point out that the minimum number of at bats to qualify is still 100. That's probably a bit low, but I'm happy with it and that's all that matters. Here is how the 1.000 + OPS club looks for 2007:

1) Ryne White, Purdue 1.184
2) Lars Davis, Illinois 1.146
3) Travis Sweet, Iowa 1.098
4) Nate Recknagel, Michigan 1.084
5) Jordan Comadena, Purdue 1.075
6) Derek Van Buskirk, Michigan 1.038
7) Jason White, Iowa 1.033
T8) Dusty Napoleon, Iowa 1.021
T8) Mike Mee, Minnesota 1.021
10) Zach Putnam, Michigan 1.009

Some Monday Links

SEBaseball's Mark Etheridge predicts the tournament field. Yes, Michigan and Minnesota made his cut.

Boyd's World RPI's as of today.

Jason Grodsky of the Daily Illini writes about Illinois' comeback win against MSU Sunday.

Indiana Daily Student's Linnea Coulter recaps the Hoosiers' win against Minnesota.

Michigan's series win at Iowa is the subject for Andy Reid of The Michigan Daily.

Friend of BTH, Tom at The Baseball Zealot, is sort of happy about the Illini making the tournament.

Michigan remains in Baseball America's Top 25.