Reigning Big 10 Pitcher of the Yr. Looks To Right Buckeyes

Chris Webb of Buckeyestatebaseball.com is a new contributor to Collegebaseball360.com.  He was at Friday’s 7-1 Ohio State win over Indiana to see OSU’s Alex Wimmers strike out 14 Hoosiers.  Here are his thoughts.

CLICK HERE to see more Friday results and performances.

Columbus, OH– Have you ever shared a hug with a longtime but forgotten friend that just felt right? That felt like for one small moment you were exactly where you needed to be, at exactly the right time?

Today I welcomed home Division I Ohio college baseball.

While I have seen a handful of games this season, wrote about hundreds of others, a certain feeling wasn’t there. Tonight that feeling returned. Led by Alex Wimmers dominating performance over Indiana, Ohio State showed the promised that had them being touted as a potential Omaha-bound team.

This was the team those who bleed Scarlet & Gray hoped and looked for. This was the team leading the way to another great spring of collegiate baseball in Ohio. Finally it felt like Ohio DI baseball is right where it should be.

Buckeyes Cruise in Showdown of Champions

Columbus- Few things in life ultimately live up to it’s hype. That trip to Myrtle Beach? Yeah you’re on vacation one of the 11 days of the year it rains. The bike you bought yourself as a New Year’s resolution to get in shape? It’s still sitting in the garage corner waiting to be rode. For whatever reason, things rarely turn out how you think, hope, and expect them to be.

Alex Wimmers is proving to be an exception of expectations.

Nothing was as hyped up as the right-handed pitcher Wimmers entering the 2010 collegiate baseball season here in Ohio. The Cape Cod League’s #3 prospect, a  Preseason All-American, a projected first-round draft pick, the makings where there, regardless of performance, to fail to meet what was expected of the Buckeye ace. Midway through the season Wimmers has not only met all expectations, he’s exceeding them.

With his first start from the Bill Davis mound this season, Wimmers made sure the cost of attendance was merited for the Scarlet and Gray faithful who braved a stiff wind and temperatures falling into the 40s to support the home team. Assuming one is sane and realizes a 14-strikeout, complete game effort in which he scattered six hits yielding just one run is worth the $5 or $10. Especially when the game features the reigning conference champions and tournament champions, with two teams coming off of Regional showings sharing the field.

While weather may have played a role in limiting the crowd to just 1,269 in attendance, the Hoosier bats needed no thermometer to find out why their bats were ice cold.

After outbursts of 26 and 12 runs in their previous two games, Indiana came into the contest as Wimmers toughest test to date. A leadoff double on a green-lighted 3-0 count, followed by a second-consecutive 3-0 count to the next batter, made it appear that the night was going to be long and un-Wimmerseque. The remainer of the inning showed it would be wise to doubt the All-American.

The 3-0 count quickly turned into the first of many strikeouts, a mere three pitchers later. Then facing the two most dangerous left-handed hitters in the Big Ten in Jerrud Sabourin and Alex Dickerson, strikeout victims two and three were rung up. Sabourin who entered with a .480 average saw the number fall to .466 with a 1-for-4 effort, while Dickerson who entered with a .444 clip and 21-game hitting streak, finished 0-for-4, losing .28 points on his average.

After sending two of the most prolific hitters in the conference down swining, the thought went from an off-night to, lights out night.

“Once he settled down, ther’s no doubt he made it tough on Indiana’s hitters tonight” Coach Bob Todd stated afterwards.

No doubt at all.

In the complete game, Wimmers threw 85 of his 121 pitches for strikes. 12 of the 14 strikeouts were swings-and-misses. While 21 balls were put in play, 28 pitches were swung on and missed by the Hoosiers. After a first inning in which 10 pitches were for balls, over the next six innings, only 11 pitches were balls.

“When he’s on the mound I don’t need a glove in the field” left-fielder Zach Hurley joked after another Wimmers gem. “I think maybe one or two balls all season have come my way.”

It was Hurley who put the Buckeyes out in front, doing enough himself to leave the game to Wimmers. The Buckeye leadoff hitter went 3-for-4 on the evening, drawing a walk, and driving in a run. Hurley also scored the games first run, coming around from first after a leadoff infield single, on a Cory Kovanda double.

“I take pride in being the leadoff hitter. Just trying to get a hit every single time. I’m the first up to represent or offense every game and I just look to get things going with a bang” the senior outfielder who turned down a  professional contract from the Florida Marlins added.

For nearly the entire game it appeared Hurley’s run would stand as the only support Wimmers needed.

“He had all three pitches tonight. He was able to keep hitters off balance with the curveball and change-up… When you have a guy like Alex Wimmers, who is an awfully good pitcher, having all three pitches going for him it’s going to be an awful night for hitters” Todd the reigning Big Ten Coach of the Year added.

With nearly a dozen scouts on hand, Wimmers showed why he is a highly-coveted prospect, but a few other Buckeyes would also make a lasting impression on Major League brass.

Providing all of the insurance Wimmers would need, in the bottom of the fourth, a first-pitch, opposite field leadoff

Stephens rounds third after his seventh home run

home run over the right-field wall for center-fielder Michael Stephens made it a 2-0 game. Stephens, the clean-up hitter, joined Hurley and Kovanda  as Buckeyes with multi-hit games, carrying the Ohio State offense.

“You gotta play loose. If you play tight that’s when you make start to make errors. The biggest thing for me is to go out there and have fun. If a team likes you, they’ll take a shot on you, if not you go out there and just enjoy it. For us as seniors, it’s our last year going out in front of Bill Davis and the crowd.” Stephens stated deflecting any additional pressure after a 2-for-4, two run effort, home run, and double effort.

“Mentally, you have t be sharp every game, whether 100 scouts, or no scouts, you have to play the same every game.” Stephens added.

If the performance Wimmers showed is duplicated game in and game out, the reigning Big Ten Pitcher of the Year is going to need a second trophycase for the hardware headed his way.

“Felt today I could throw any pitch, any count, against any batter” Wimmers said after the victory moved him to 7-0, a mark matched only by 2007 Big Ten Pitcher of the Year Cory Luebke.

“I knew Indiana was a great team coming in. They’re a good fastball-hitting team, and if they weren’t able to lay off my changeup, I’m going to keep going after them until they make an adjustment.”

If the Hoosiers who entered the contest with a .329 team average, the third-best collective average in Big Ten play, what is to expect of Wimmers over the final six weeks?

“I just attack hitters like anyone is the best in the country” Wimmers added.

Expect Wimmers to rise to the occassion with little exception.

Ohio State looks to capture the weekend series tomorrow in hosting Indiana at 1:05 from Bill Davis Stadium. Drew Rucinski will take the mound for Ohio State, opposite Indiana ace Drew Leininger, who enters the contest with a Big Ten leading 1.66 ERA, edging out Wimmers for the top honor after the Buckeye’s one-run complete game lowered his mark to 1.68.

Indiana (14-14, 1-3) @ Ohio State (18-7, 3-1)
———————————————–
Indiana…………. 000 000 010 –  1  6  1
Ohio State………. 100 311 10X –  7 10  2
————————————————

Clash Of Last Year’s Champs On Tap

Ohio State was last year’s regular season Big Ten champion, while Indiana won the conference’s postseason tournament.  Chris Webb from Buckeyestatebaseball.com has provided us with an extensive preview of this weekend’s series in Columbus, OH as well as a Q & A with Indiana head coach Tracy Smith.  Next week Chris and I will record a podcast to talk about this series as well as other key Big Ten happenings.

From here through the conclusion of the season, I’ll provide insight into a Big Ten weekend series here on CollegeBaseball360. – Chris Webb

After a season in which three teams advanced to Regional play in Indiana, Minnesota, and Ohio State, all eyes were on the Midwestern conference to see if the 10 schools can continue to make strides in closing the gap between a once-proud conference and the power conferences of the country.

Receiving the most off-season hype and buzz was the Ohio State Buckeyes. After advancing to the finals of the Tallahassee Regional, the Bucks were ranked as high as 14^th in the preseason polls, receiving the lofty ranking by Collegiate Baseball. With 8 everyday starters returning to the lineup and All-American Alex Wimmers anchoring the pitching staff, Ohio State appeared to be the team to return the Big Ten to Omaha.

After a 17-8 start, which has seen inconsistent play throughout, Ohio State has fallen from every ranking and hope the upcoming weekend spurns them into second-half success, playing baseball worthy of a team headed to Omaha.

Bill Davis Stadium

Once the crown jewel of Northern ballparks, Bill Davis Stadium is now in it’s 14^th season as the on-campus home for Ohio State. This weekend Bill Davis welcomes coach Tracy Smith and his Indiana Hoosiers for a key conference clash.

While Ohio State was the Big Ten regular season champion a year ago, Indiana ran through the field in the six-team Big Ten Tournament, held just minutes from Bill Davis at Columbus’ Huntington Park, the home of the AAA Columbus Clippers. In winning the postseason tournament, Indiana advanced to their second-ever NCAA Regional. While the Hoosiers went two-and-que in the Vanderbilt Regional, proof was shown that under Smith, Indiana is not far from becoming a regional power.

With two of the top contenders for the 2010 Big Ten crown squaring off, here is a look within the series.

Indiana Hooisers (14-13 overall 1-2 Big Ten)

@

Ohio State Buckeyes (17-8, 2-1)

Expected Rotation

Game 1 Friday April 9th, 6:35 PM:

LHP Matt Igel (0-3, 9.00) vs. RHP Alex Wimmers (6-0, 1.98)

Game 2 Saturday April 10th, 1:05 PM:

LHP Drew Leininger (4-1, 1.66) vs. RHP Drew Rucinski (3-1, 2.53)

Game 3 Sunday April 11th, 1:05 PM:

RHP Walker Stadley (3-2, 5.06) vs. RHP Dean Wolosiansky (2-3, 5.60)

Team Comparisons

Category…. Indiana…… Ohio State
RPI…………. 131…………… 114
SOS…………. 93……………. 212
IRS…………. 129……………. 89
Hitting…….. .329…………. .344
ERA………… 6.42………….. 4.56
Fielding…… .963………….. .956
HR………….. 41………………. 20
2B…………… 59………………. 46
3B…………… 6…………………. 9
SLG………… .522……………. .479
BB…………… 93……………….. 99
SO…………… 197………………. 112
OBP…………. .404…………….. .412
SB……………. 36-54………….. 13-23
OBA…………. .306…………….. .311
SO…………….. 174………………. 181
BB…………….. 124………………. 78
H………………. 294………………. 283
XBH………….. 90………………… 50
WHIP……….. 1.74………………. 1.63
Saves………… 4…………………… 7

About Indiana

The Hoosiers are coming off of an weekend series versus Michigan where the Wolverines took 2 of 3 on the road winning the first two games 16-10 (10) and 6-4. However the lasting thought of that series is the 26-6 shelling Indiana put on the Maize & Blue in Sunday’s getaway day.

Jerrud Sabourin (IU photo)

A midweek win over Ball State brought Indiana above .500 for the first time all season.

Leading the way offensively for Indiana is the Big Ten’s version of the Bash Bothers in Jerrud Sabourin and Alex Dickerson. Sabourin leads the Hoosiers with a .480 average (59-for-123) with six home runs and 31 RBI. Behind him in the lineup as IU’s cleanup hitter is Dickerson with a .444 average ( 52-for-11), 10 doubles, and a Big Ten leading 12 home runs in route to 39 RBI.

Five other regulars are batting north of .300 to give Indiana its lofty .329 team average. Indiana is aggressive on the bases, and though Sabourin and Dickerson provided powerful bats, the Hoosiers are balanced enough to string off runs going station to station.

On the mound Indiana once again touts an impressive pitcher who will via for Wimmers in the Big Ten Pitcher of the Year race. On the strength of a consecutive scoreless innings streak that reached more than 25 innings, south Drew Leininger is 4-1 with a conference leading 1.66 ERA with 30 strikeouts and nine walks in 43.1 innings. Chris Squires is the Hoosiers’ closer coming in with four saves, a 3.74 ERA, and 2-1 record.

About Ohio State

Ohio State returns home after winning a weekend series in the Windy City against Northwestern. Wins of 11-1 and 11-6 where sandwiched by an 8-2 loss to the Wildcats to give the Bucks it’s 2-1 weekend. In playing just their second game at home of the year, Ohio State defeated Xavier on Wednesday to improve to 17-8 on the year.

While Ohio State enters the weekend with the Big Ten’s top hitting team, and second-best pitching staff, the Buckeyes have yet to string together a series of games where both aspects are in sync. Also leading to the team’s inconsistencies is the performance in the field. A fielding mark of .956 has led to 32 unearned runs crossing the plate for the Bucks’ opposition.

As expected the pitching staff is led by Wimmers who looks to collect his second-consecutive Big Ten Pitcher of the Year award. Drew Rucinski steps into the rotation after starting the season as Ohio State’s closer, the Buckeyes #2 pitcher leads the team with four saves in a sign of his conversion.

Dan Burkhart-#15 (OSU photo)

Offensively Ohio State boasts the Big Ten’s reigning Player of the Year, in catcher Dan Burkhart, giving Ohio State one of the nation’s best battery. Burkhart (.378, 18 RBI) the 3-hole hitter, is surrounded in the lineup by centerfielder Michael Stephens (.384, 6 HR, 23), first baseman Ryan Dew (.368, 3, 23), outfielders Zach Hurley (.373, 5, 26), and Brian DeLucia (.384, 4 21) as the team’s main power source. Infielders Cory Rupert (.400), and Cory Kovanda (.390) set the table for the Buckeyes balanced lineup.

Series History

Ohio State leads the series, 154-98, winning 15 of the 27 conference meetings. Last year the two split two meetings. Ohio State won a non-conference game in Florida 2-0. Indiana won 13-3 in the Big Ten Tournament from Huntington Park. The last series victory for Indiana came in 1996.

Key Matchup

Ohio State starters versus Indiana 3-4-5 hitters. Michael Early (.321-4-14) joins Sabourin and Dickerson as the conference’s most potent middle of the order. Most important is the fact that Sabourin and Dickerson are left-handed hitters which pose a threat to Ohio State’s all right-handed rotation. Obviously if these three are clicking things are in Indiana’s favor. If the Bucks can keep the trio to a .300 average or lower, the Bucks are well on their way to a weekend series victory.

Special Feature: Q&A with Indiana’s Coach Tracy Smith

CW: By now you’re probably tired of talking about it, but last year’s team lost a lot of talent. When a coach has such a removal of talent due to early-entrees leaving via the draft, does the program feel like it’s starting over in a way? Are losses like that “projected” and planned around in recruiting to keep the cupboard as full as possible?

Tracy Smith (IU photo)

TS: Some were projected. We planned to lose the five top 10-round guys, but the ones we did not plan for were the two that signed in the 30-something rounds. We didn’t see that coming until the very end of the season and those are the ones that have impacted this year the most because both those kids were to be in our top 3 in the rotation.

Now, add the injury to Monar the first weekend, we have been without our projected top 3 starters all year. Pretty tough on us, but we have found a way to win some games anyway.

CW: Perhaps an effect of some of the departures is having your son, Casey, early-enroll and in essence play Division I baseball during his senior year of high school.

Where there times before the process when you had to approach the situation different as a parent and coach? And now is the joy of coaching your son one of the biggest thrills of your coaching tenure?

TS: We knew we were going to be thin when O’Gara and Dunning signed late, but it wasn’t until we saw it with our own eyes in the fall did we realize just how thin we were.

Casey was being recruited by a couple of other schools, and once he decided IU was where he wanted to go I started to get this idea of bringing him early. He is a pretty smart kid, and has been around my programs all his life, so I think he saw the opportunity this year which led to his decision.

Coaching your kid is a joy and a challenge at the same time. Given the fact that he decided on the mid-year matriculation into IU so late, we elected not to put him in the dorms. Yes, he is living at home this semester, and this is the challenge I am referring to. If he screws up he not only gets it at school, but he gets it at home and that has made for some interesting dinner conversations.

I have jokingly said that if we are speaking with each other by the end of the year that will be a major accomplishment. All kidding aside, I am thrilled to be coaching my own kid. Far too often in this business we (coaches) invest a significant amount of time developing other people’s kids so it is nice to give your own some of that time.

CW: Speaking of the pitching staff, are you able to update the status of Monar?

TS: He is working his way back slowly. We hope we can get him back at some point, but I am not counting on it.

CW: In stepping in for Monar as the #1 pitcher, Leininger appears to be having an “Arnett-type” year where an outstanding season seemingly comes from nowhere.

What did you see from Drew before this season that an outbreak like this wasn’t out of the question? What so far this season has impressed you the most with his performances?

TS: I would be lying to you if I said I thought he was going to be having this type of season, but we always thought he could have success at this level. He has made some changes to his delivery that have really helped him.

You take that and add that to his already tough mindset and smooth delivery, maybe we shouldn’t be surprised. His consistency has been very impressive to me. He locates his pitches well and has consistently hit spots.

CW: Looking at the bats, you’re middle of he line-up is anchored by Sabourin and Dickerson. As the two had very solid 2009 campaigns, as a coach was there a lot of instruction needed for the duo to continue to excel?

Or was it a matter of letting good players be good players and only a matter of time before they picked up where they left off in 2009?

TS: Honestly, I have always believed coaches give themselves too much credit when it comes to players performing well. At IU, we try to instill an attitude of ownership in our kids. If you do well, take the credit. If you do poorly, don’t start pointing fingers.

So with these two, we pretty much give them an environment to develop their already extraordinary talents. Sure, as a coach you make some changes or suggestions that you think will help them, but for the most part if you have a player (or players) like these guys that already have a pretty good understanding of theirs swings, you just set up your bucket of balls behind the L-screen and feed them strikes during BP, the rest pretty much takes care of itself.

CW: Who are some of the players outside of those two that have really played well and filled in for the collective holes left by Josh Phegley, Evan Crawford, Kip Schultz and company?

TS: Freshman Micah Johnson has performed very well. He has provided the power we lost with Schultz and the speed we lost with Crawford. He is a very good player. Mike Earley is starting to give us more consistent at-bats, and from a senior that is what you expect. He also brings a toughness that you would love to see in all your players.

With Phegley, you had a catcher that understood the game. Coming into the year, we had 3 catchers that all bring a little something different to the table. The time we started playing more consistent baseball coincided with the time Dylan Swift took over behind the plate. He may not have the offensive numbers of some of the other guys, but he does a great job of handling our very immature staff during games.

CW: You have been as vocal as any coach in regards to the NCAA’s Universal Start Date and when it should be. Now that we’re in year two, what are your thoughts on the process after having it in a 13-week, and 14-week format?

TS: First, I am impressed that you knew I was vocal about this. I don’t mind the 14-week format, but the additional week was put on the “wrong” end of the season. By adding the additional week on the front end of the season, the NCAA has spoken loud and clear with regard to what it thinks about the schools playing baseball in the north – they don’t really care.

There is no other sport (outside of softball) that has the competitive disadvantages present like college baseball. The advantages and disadvantages, depending on what part of the country you are from, have a HUGE impact on your opportunity for post season play.

I don’t have enough time to give all the reasons, but clearly by adding the week to front of the college baseball season, the rich just got richer!

CW: There was a vote to go back to a 13-week schedule if the 14th week was not added on the back end. Why was that the approach being taken? Doesn’t a 13-week schedule hinder northern programs as much as southern in a compacted schedule?

Or was it just a matter of, we’re not having a 14th week at the front end until Hell freezes over?

TS: We, northern schools, have been dealing with schedule compaction as long as we have been coaching. We were used to it. But, when you add the week on the front end you have eliminated any chance for northern schools to schedule more home games.

More home games usually means a better chance to win. I have always said the term “home field advantage” was created for a reason. By adding the week on the front end, it ensures more road games for the northern schools, thus adding the potential for more RPI points to already inflated RPI numbers of southern conferences.

Many would argue that I am just complaining, and that the baseball is better in the south. Well, that may be true (I don’t agree), but I would like to see how some of these schools would perform early in the season if they were practicing on gym floors with little, or in most cases, no practice time on baseball fields.

I think if guys in the south experienced what the coaches in the north face year in and year out, then maybe they would be more sympathetic to our cause. I doubt it though, because they are at such a competitive advantage right now, why would they want to level the playing field. You got me going, didn’t you?

CW: Now that you are going… Discuss the current state of the Big Ten. It was mentioned last year following the Big Ten Tournament where four teams have had hopes of a Regional selection, with Illinois ultimately falling short, that it is ever-improving.

While on paper the Big Ten appears down from a year ago, what does it say that a program like Michigan State is on the rise as well as your continuing of building the Indiana program?

With OSU, Michigan, and Minnesota as established programs, do you feel the Big Ten is on the verge on taking the next step and perhaps narrowing the gap on the power conferences, and what has led to the revival?

TS: Well, I think the gap is closing. You have a lot of schools investing in their baseball programs, thus increasing expectations on winning.

However, what gets little discussion, and is probably this biggest reason the conference struggles to compete on a national level consistently is the fact that other conferences can over-sign. Teams in the Big Ten that recruit a significant number of high level talent have to lay back and wait to see how the draft plays out on how many guys they are going to lose.

Look what happened to Michigan last year. They win the Big Ten the year before, and fail to qualify for the tournament the next year. Is it because Coach Maloney was a great coach one year and bad one the next? No! He lost a ton of underclassmen and was not able to use their money until the players actually SIGNED a contract in the summer.

Who are you going to find that late to replace that kind of talent? You are not. We are experiencing a little bit of that ourselves this year.

Now, I do believe the Big Ten recognized this as a huge disadvantage for our league and instituted a rule change this year that allows schools to over sign up to one scholarship spread over two players.

It does help, but when other schools are over signing by 6-8 scholarships, the playing field is not even close to being even. The part that drives me nuts is nobody talks about this issue. Everyone wants to talk about weather, and huge stadiums, etc., as being the things the hold our conference back, but it’s not. The issue of over-signing is the real problem.

My friends who coach at southern schools laugh when I tell them that we can’t over-sign kids until our underclassmen physically sign a contact. They are like, “how in the heck do you guys recruit?” I have my response down to a science now, I put my hands behind my back and say, “like this.”

That said, I am not saying I agree with over-signing to the level most southern do it, because it can create some ugly scenarios where kids are “run off.” Again, too many reasons and not enough time to respond. But what I would like to see is some consistency with regard to the issue of over-signing.

I like the limits our conference has put on over-signing. Now, if we could get the rest of the country to buy into the Big Ten Conference’s rules, wouldn’t if be great? However, I say again, why would they? They are at too much of a competitive advantage under the current system to want to change.

As someone who is trying win every game I play, I guess I understand their position. But if the NCAA wants to do what is “right,” it will address the issue of over-signing, and adopt legislation that truly benefits our student-athletes all the while creating a more competitive environment for all of college baseball, not just some of it.

Alright, I am off my soap box.

A New CB360 Contributor Provides Insight

It’s time to welcome a new contributor to Collegebaseball360.com.  Chris Webb follows everything that is college baseball in the state of Ohio on Buckeyestatebaseball.com.   Whether it’s Divsion I, II or III if it happens in college baseball in Ohio you’ll find it there.  Here’s a great preview of the six Ohio MAC teams heading into conference play.

The first five weeks have been full of ups and downs, twists and turns, upsets and letdown across the board for our MAC schools. As we hit week six of the Division I college baseball season, the upcoming weekend kicks off conference play in the MAC.

Where preseason MAC-East favorites Bowling Green and Kent State stumbled out of the gate before rebounding in the last few weekends, the division has a pair of teams that have flown under the radar in Akron and Miami, looking to take home a championship. Where Toledo is the only Ohio team in the conference, the Rockets have started fast and stayed strong, looking like a team on a mission. Back in the East, the Bobcats hope conference play welcomes the start of good fortunes.

Buckeye State prepares you for MAC play in our conference primer, giving the ins and outs of what has transpired, the players vital to their team’s success, and what to expect in the 2010 slate of conference games.

Akron (11-8)

Quick Facts:

Offensive: .313 (Average) 36 (Doubles), 3 (Triples), 20 (HR)  131 (RBI)  .463 (Slugging) .381 (On-base) 6-10 (Stolen bases)
Pitching/Defensive: 5.36 (ERA) 3 (Saves) 100 (Strikeouts) 64 (Walks) .306 (Batting Average Against), 28 (Errors), .962 (Fielding Percentage)

Non-conference Recap

The Zips ride into MAC play higher than any other team.  With modest expectations in the preseason, a fifth-place finish in the MAC-East preseason coaches poll, Akron certainly has exceeded expectations. A revamped pitching rotation, players emerging from injuries, and strong leadership has fueled the Zips fast start.

Centerfielder/closer Drew Turocy has been a one-man wrecking ball, after missing the 2009 season with Tommy-John surgery. The red-shirt sophomore leads Akron in batting average, RBI, stolen bases, and saves. Providing power behind Turocy is fellow outfielder senior Jake Plata. Plata launched five of his team-high seven home runs over Akron’s spring break, leading him to receive Louisville Slugger National Player of the Week honors. The senior trio of captains, shortstop Kevin Haas, DH Kyle Hallett, and first baseman Brian Kordal all boast averages north of .300 in hopes of ending their career with their first MAC tournament appearance.

On the mound Akron has a quartet of reliable starting pitchers as it’s disposal. In Andrew Brown, Ben Danzinger, Scott Foster, and Alex Loftin, Akron sports four pitchers with at least two wins, and ERA’s of 4.60 or lower. While sophomore closer Chris Bassitt remains out with an injury, Turocy has filled in nicely in the closer’s role picking up three saves to lead the club. Each start has averaged more than six innings per start, keeping the bullpen fresh and well-rested.

Akron’s best win of the year is a 13-11 victory on the road at New Mexico State in the lid-opener of a four game set. The Zips also have a victory over Minnesota, and two over UNC-Wilmington.

Expected Rotation

Alex Loftin: (3-2), 3.60 ERA, 35.0 IP, 25 K, 13 BB, .281 BAA

Andrew Brown: (3-2), 3.41, 31.2 21, 12, .297

Ben Danzinger: (2-2), 4.60, 31.1, 14, 7, .286

Closer: Drew Turocy (0-0), 5.06, 3 SV, 10.2, 13,  .310

Key Players

CF Drew Turocy: .411 (average), 3 (home runs), 21 (RBI), .622 (SLG), .419 (OBP), 3-3 (Stolen Bases)

SS Kevin Haas: .333, 1, 13, .429, .400

DH Kyle Hallett: .333, 1, 15, .444, .392

C John Turk: .322, 1, 7, .424, .373

OF Jake Plata: .267, 7, 27, .600, .360

MAC Expectations

Coming out of nowhere, as things stand of today, Akron would be the MAC’s representative in the NCAA post-season by many across the country. Pitching has led the resurgence of Pat Bangtson’s program with a deep and productive line-up to supplement. Not very aggressive on the bases, and outside of Plata, not overly powerful, the Zips scrape together runs with a solid plate approach and consistency at the dish.

Still, success of Akron will rest on the arms of their pitching staff. Being four-men deep, the depth and versatility will allow Bangtson multiple options in deciding how to approach a weekend, and keeping his team in a position to take every weekend series. While you cannot garner a Regional berth during MAC play, aligning yourself and having momentum going into the MAC Tournament will allow yourself a greater chance to succeed. Early results have led to have no reason to believe this cannot be the season Akron receives the conference’s automatic bid.

Bowling Green (6-9-1)

Quick Facts

Offensively: .321, 31, 9, 12, 11, .471, .395, 22-30

Pitching/Defensively: 7.02, 3, 89, 69, .315, 34, .942

Non-conference Recap

Going into MAC play, the Falcons are 6-9-1 with a weekend sweep of Eastern Kentucky being the bright spot so far. The offense has been what has powered Bowling Green so far and kept the team in almost every game. Getting On-Base has not been a problem for Bowling Green, maintaining a .395 OBP with the team batting average being a superb .321. Along with those stats the Falcons have amassed a gaudy .472 slugging percentage. Stud senior T.J. Blanton has six of the nine home runs hit so far by the Falcons along with a team high 19 of the 111 RBI’s recorded.

Unfortunately for Coach Danny Schmitz, the pitching staff has staggered through the non-conference portion of the schedule. While reliever Ross Gerdeman has amassed a 1.42 ERA over 19 innings pitched, the team as a whole have combined for an underwhelming 7.02 ERA. The staff have struck out 89 and walked 69 in 132 innings pitched and given up a .315 BAA.

Bowling Green has played a tough non-conference schedule so far, going to Kentucky on three separate weekend series to play Louisville, Kentucky, and Eastern Kentucky. The team lost the first six games of the season before going down to Florida during spring break, where they were able to defeat Northeastern for the first win of the season. The squad was only able to play five games out of the eight scheduled due to rain, but went 3-1-1 over those five games.

Expected Rotation

Brennan Smith: (1-2), 11.57, 18.2, 15, 18, .388

Michael Frank: (0-1), 4.98, 21.2, 14, 6, .279

Kevin Leady: (2-1), 4.76, 22.2, 18, 7, .281

Key Players

OF T.J. Blanton: .456, 6, 19, .895, .484, 7-9

SS Jon Berti: .397, 0, 8, .476, .441, 10-12

OF/C Ryan Schlater: .396, 1, 13, .566, .444, 2-3

2B Logan Meisler: .351, 0, 13, .566, .465

MAC Expectations

Offensively the Falcons should be able to slug it out with any team that comes their way in-conference, they have scored seven or more runs in 10 of the 16 games played so far. T.J. Blanton is a player to look out for and will be in contention for player of the year in the MAC conference. The senior belted four home runs in the Eastern Kentucky series, all on the same day during a double-header. The 2009 Academic All-MAC selection has a .895 slugging % so far and is hitting .456. Speedy lead off hitter Jon Berti leads the team with 10 stolen bases in 12 attempts, with Blanton the only other player on the team who has attempted to steal more than three stolen bases, swiping seven bags in nine attempts.

If Bowling Green is to win their third straight MAC Regular Season title, it is the pitching staff that will be the key for that is the most glaring weakness. The starting rotation consists of Brennan Smith, Michael Frank, and Kevin Leady, whose combined average ERA is a 7.10 over 63 innings pitched. The bullpen is led by Ross Gerdeman and Patrick Martin who have given up a combined seven runs in 31.2 innings of relief. For as potent as the bats have been for Bowling Green, the pitching has been just as shaky having allowed a .408 OBP and collected a WHIP of 1.81 so far.

Kent State (9-12)

Quick Facts

Offensively: .281, 55, 7, 17, 114, 439, .362, 17-25

Pitching/Defensive: 5.72, 3, 130, 110, .289, 24, .971

Non-conference Recap

The general thought regarding Kent State going into the season was talented, but young, especially on the mound. Nothing shows the youth of team more than inconsistencies. Where the Flashes would have a solid weekend at the plate, the performance on the mound was less than desirable. When the pitching came through, the bats were cold. Playing a challenging schedule out of the gate doesn’t help either. Though Coach Scott Stricklin sets the bar high for his program, he understands the battles his team faces.

“Every program in the North sees inconsistencies early in the season. Errors, bad base running, bad plate approaches, struggles on the mound, its comes with playing outside for the first few weeks. It’s tough to play three games then sit for a week. Now that we’re playing midweek games, you’re seeing guys come around” Stricklin in the sixth season stated.

Still the skipper expects more from his players. “They have to know they’re accountable not to just themself, but to the team” Stricklin added in regards to players needing improvement. Needing hardly any improvement is sophomore shortstop Jimmy Rider who Stricklin referred to as Kent State’s most consistent playing. With a .376 average headed into MAC player, its hard to disagree. Anthony Gallas and Travis Shaw have provided the Flashes with power, each swatting five home runs. Ben Klafczynski and Jared Humphrey’s each are hitting over .300 as mainstays in the order.

The individual success at the plate has yet to be matched on the mound.  With four starters who have started at least three games each, none sport an ERA below 6.00. Robert Sabo, Ryan Mace, David Starn, and Kyle Hallock have had their ups and downs but will be the group Stricklin counts on.

“We have four guys for three spots. We’ll use the midweek games to determine who will be the three that start and who goes to the bullpen, right now nothing has been determined” Stricklin stated.

“All have been good at times, all have been bad at times as well. what plays an important role as well is who can be the best out of the bullpen. The first guy out (of the bullpen) is very important” the coach added.

With Starn, and Mace being sophomores experiencing heavy playing time for the first time, bumps were expected. In addition to Hallock, and Sabo, a red-shirt junior who was drafted in 2009, the group is talented. Only time will tell if the on-the-fly learning will allow the pitching staff to lead the Flashes to prominence.

Expected Rotation

David Starn: (2-1), 6.59, 27.1, 23, 11, .359

Robert Sabo: (1-3), 6.12, 25.0, 19, 15, .296

Ryan Mace: (0-2), 6.26, 23.0, 11, 6, .235

Closer: Brett Weibley (1-1), 2.00, 2, 12.0, 8, 10, .194

Key Players

SS Jimmy Rider: .376, 1, 15, .505, .431, 4-6

2B/OF Jared Humphreys: .307, 1, 13, .500, .384, 4-7

OF Ben Klafczynski: .318, 0, 11, .412, .392, 1-1

OF Anthony Gallas: .310, 5, 25, .583, .398, 2-2

1B/3B Travis Shaw: .302, 5, 18, .547, .380

MAC Expectations

Surprising as it might sound, hitting and not pitching is the current worry around the Kent area. With a team that has a collective average of .281, the offense does have room for improvement. Golden Flash faithful hope a strong showing in the Coca-Cola classic, the last weekend before conference play, carries over into MAC competition.

After scoring 26 runs in the final two games, Stricklin is pleased with what he saw. “It was good to finally swing the bats. We think and feel we’re a good offensive team, but we haven’t shown that we are. We’re trying to teach and need our players to be more consistent, and we think they’ll coming around” Stricklin proclaimed.

Still it is hard to overlook the questions reside in the pitching staff. Having lost a lot of innings due to graduation and the MLB Draft following the 2009 season, the quartet of starting pitches have yet to prove they can be successful game in and game out. With flashes of brilliance here and there, the potential is there, but will 2010 yield a season of production.

You can never count out a Stricklin-led team, but there is reason to view Kent State with caution. Nonetheless Stricklin feels his team is ready for conference play. “They know whats at stake. They know to reach NCAA postseason play you have to win the conference tournament, and how you play now will shape your odds of getting there and succeeding.”

Miami (9-10)

Offensively: .287, 33, 5, 20, 131, .441, .353, 25-26

Pitching/Defensively: 7.33, 5,  114, 56, .338, 22, .967

Non-conference Recap

Entering MAC play with the conference’s toughest non-conference schedule to date, Miami has had its ups and downs, but have fared well in the early portion of the 2010 schedule. Where injuries have sidelined two of the RedHakws top offensive threats in Bryce Redeker and Jon Edgington, other players have emerged providing head coach Dan Simonds with a multitude of options during conference play.

“Things feel pretty good. We would like them to be a bit better, but we’re feeling pretty good” Simonds stated. “For having just one home game, things have gone alright. Starting pitching we feel is pretty good, we have three quality starters, and we’ve been able t overcome a few injuries in Redeker and Edgington. Redeker had just hit for the cycle before going out for four weeks after the fourth game, but guys have stepped up.”

Of those who have stepped up, perhaps none more than two-way player Jordan Jankowski. Serving as a catcher and DH along with the team’s closer, Jankowski has been a forced with his .375 average. All-MAC outfielder Adam Eaton continues to add to a stellar career with a robust spring so far. In 19 games, Eaton has collected five doubles, three triples, five home runs and is a perfect 11-11 on the bases. Adam Weisenburger, Zak Hatfield, and Brad Gschwind all are hitting over .300 for a deep lineup.

On the mound the success hasn’t been as fortunate for the RedHawks who have a team ERA of 7.33. Still Simonds knows he has quality arms in the group. “We’ll have Tyler Melling (1-2, 9.11), Brooks Fiala (1-1, 8.20), and Mac Thoreson (1-1, 3.72) as our weekend guys” Simonds stated. While the numbers might appear less than desireable for a weekend rotation, Simonds feels they don’t tell the entire picture, especially when the tough non-conference schedule, which included games with Clemson, and Michigan State, along with weekend sets at Auburn and Louisiana-Lafayette.

“Guys are now getting into rhythm. Baseball is a game of rhythm, of routine. With timing and the flow of games, getting back to having midweek games and guys in a set routine really helps.” Continuing Simonds would add “Our non-conference schedule prepares us for MAC play. Playing these clubs (Clemson and Auburn) exposes our weaknesses. It shows us what we need to work on, but we’re also going in there to win and it shows our guys we can complete with anyone.”

Expected Rotation

Tyler Melling: (1-1), 9.11, 26.2, 15, 6, .368

Brooks Fiala: (1-1), 8-20, 26.1, 14, 7, .330

Mac Thoreson: (1-1), 3.72, 9.2, 9, 1, .342

Closer: Jordan Jankowski (1-1), 6.52, 3, 9.2, 15, 6, .263

Key Players

DH/C Jordan Jankowski: .375, 3, 13, .675, .419

OF Adam Eaton: .342, 4, 21, .658, .437, 11-11

C Adam Weisenburger: .338, 3, 17, .559, .427

IF Zak Hatfield: .333, 1, 4, .521, .396, 2-2

IF Brad Gschwind: .311, 1, 13, .405, .378

MAC Expectations

While the RedHawks have had solid success against a tough schedule, there is still work to be down for Miami, mainly on the mound. Miami has a stout bullpen with a handful of relievers  posting sub-4.00 ERA’s but the rotation that Simonds is fond of, needs to live up to the billing.

Offensively Miami plays an aggressive brand of baseball that will keep them in most games. An already deep lineup gains more with the return of Edgington this weekend (.286, 6 RBI), and Redeker down the road. The depth provides Simonds with options, though the head coach isn’t too fond of having a roster consistently influx. Eaton will continue to be one of the MAC’s premier players and set the tone out of his leadoff spot.

As is the key to nearly every time in the MAC, pitching will lead the way for the RedHawks. Maybe not on the level to knock off the conference favorites, it would be foolish to count Miami out just yet. However, in the a fourth-place finish, right where the coaches tabbed them in the preseason, seems just.

Ohio (2-15)

Offensively: .277, 29, 3, 17, 91, .422, .358, 13-15

Pitching/Defensively: 7.48, 0, 96, 69, .345, 42, .936

Non-conference Recap

Few things have gone right for the Bobcats who enter the weekend’s action on a seven-game skid, losing 13 straight to Division I teams. With just two wins overall, one against DII West Virginia State one would think bright spots are hard to find. While true, the bright spots that are there shine and glimmer. Most notably is the season preseason All-American outfielder Gauntlett Eldemire is having. Through the 17 games, Eldemire’s .433 average leads the team, as does his eight doubles, 19 RBI, and six stolen bases.

Also enjoying success at the plate if Kris McDonough, and Robert Maddox who offer support and protection for Eldemire, having a combined six home runs and 24 RBI. Both reach base at a .392 clip. Where there are highs offensively, there are lows pitching.

The Bobcats’ top two pitchers Ryan Bores and Bryce Butt each have 0-4 ledgers on the year and ERA’s above 7.00. The rest of the staff has been serviceable, led by the Trimbur bothers. Brock has a 1.98 ERA in 13.2 innings with Ben donning a 2.77 mark over 13 innings. The problem for coach Joe Carbone is very rarely do his relievers come in with the lead.

Expected Rotation

Bryce Butt: (0-4), 12.00, 18.0, 9, 4, .471

Ryan Bores: (0-4), 7.65, 20.0, 8, 9, .359

Seth Striech: (0-1), 9.64, 9.1, 5, 5, .325

Key Players

CF Gauntlett Eldemire: .433, 3, 19, .716, .519, 6-7

OF Kris McDonough: .340, 2, 7, .489, .392, 2-3

1B Robert Maddox: .329, 4, 17, .557, .392, 2-2

3B Bryan Barnes: .328, 2, 6, .534, .443

MAC Expectations

If you’re a Bobcat faithful you obviously are very worried about the pitching. If you’re a fan of baseball, you’re worried about the pitching. Where Ohio has a solid lineup, the starting pitching is prone to having nightmarish outings, putting the team in such a hole that a respectable day at the plate goes for naught.

MAC play gives new hope for Ohio who has had a lost season up to this date. In the game of baseball anything can happen, especially in a conference without proven success on mounds across the conference. Still it is hard to consider any situation that the Bobcats can threat the MAC-East favorites. However there is still reason to see Ohio play as Eldemire is an elite talent and one of the two best players in the MAC. The centerfielder is a joy to watch and has the potential to carry a team when hot. Just will the pitching provide the star with enough backing?

Toledo (11-7)

Offensively: .313, 50, 4, 20, 123, .495, .368, 23-31

Pitching/Defensively: 4.58, 4, 107, 76, .253, 27, .962

Non-conference Recap

Whereas the other five Ohio MAC programs play in the East Division, Toledo calls the West division home, though technically it is more eastward than Bowling Green. Geography aside the Rockets in the West brings balance to the MAC. Where three possibly four teams will duke it out in the East, Toledo will only have Ball State standing in their way of a West Division crown.

Coming into MAC play as the conference’s most complete team, the Rockets boast a team batting average of .313, and an ERA of 4.58. On both sides of the ball coach Cory Mee’s squad is getting it done. Where six Rockets are hitting better than .300, their power-hitting shortstop Jared Hoying comes into the weekend hitting just .274, but already has eight dingers on the year, along with five stolen bases. No team in the MAC has a power hitting speedster atop their line-up like Hoying who sets the table nicely for a lineup that has two .400+ hitters.

It gets better for Mee. On the mound Toledo like Akron, has a rotation with ERAs sub-.500. With Mike Hamann, Lincoln Rassi, and Kyle Shaw, Toledo sends out three pitchers capable of going the distance each time out. The trio is complimented by five relievers with ERAs under 4.00, including lights out closer Matt Zahel who has three saves in eight appearances.

Top to bottom Toledo has it all. Pitching, hitting, power, base running, the Rockets are off to an 11-7 start that has victories over Pittsburg, Winthrop, and two on the road at Cincinnati on it’s resume.

Expected Rotation

Kyle Shaw: (2-1), 4.98, 20.1, 13, 5, .247

Mike Hamann: (2-1), 2.92, 24.2, 20, 2, .241

Lincoln Rassi: (1-1), 4.87, 20.1, 9, 16, .222

Closer: Matt Zahel (0-1), 3.38, 3, 8.0, 8, 3, .294

Key Players

DH Matt Delewski: .425, 0, 8, .500, .442, 1-2

OF Jason Edwards: .400, 2, 7, .550, .435, 1-1

C Aaron Dudley: .371, 1, 11, .486, .430, 1-3

3B Joe Corfman: .343, 1, 15, .500, .390, 5-6

2B Tim Krofcheck: .309, 4, 15, .574, .399, 2-4

SS Jared Hoying: .274, 8, 22, .685, .357, 5-6

MAC Expectations

Like Akron in the East, pitching has led Toledo to be considered alongside Ball State as the West Division’s favorite, if not ahead of the Cardinals. The Rockets truly have everything needed to not only cruise through conference play, but win in the all important conference tournament and lock up the automatic bid. From hitting to fielding, pitching to running, Toledo has done everything well up to now.

Where the West Division is weaker than the East, providing the toughest challenge for Toledo might be complacency. Mee will need to keep his team from reading their clippings and staying focused on the field. It helps that the Rockets are a veteran team and should have no problem doing so. Nothing should keep Toledo from the MAC postseason, and once in the cards are in their favor.

A deep and good bullpen combined with a good rotation gives Toledo the upper hand over its competition. The batting order has numerous weapons, enough to overcome a slump here or there, as evident by Hoying’s slow start. Expect Toledo to cruise through the MAC-West, until the season’s final weekend when the Rockets play the Cardinals. It works in favor of Toledo that the season-ending series is at home, which gives us enough reason to think Toledo will be the West’s champs, from there the auto-bid and tournament championship is there for the taking.

Statistical Comparision

Team, W-L, AVG, ERA, RPI, SOS (As of March 25th)

Akron .313, 5.36, 11-8, 176, 189

Bowling Green .321, 7.02, 6-9-1,  121, 92

Kent State .281, 5.79, 9-12, 155, 120

Miami .287, 7.33, 9-10, 111, 70

Ohio .277, 7.48, 2-15, 282, 175

Toledo .313, 4.58, 11-7,  87, 159

David Arnold of Rollalongbaseball contributed with the Bowling Green Preview

Filed under: Division I