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By Collegebaseball360.com Editor Sean Stires

Considering the collapse of the Metrodome roof over the weekend and the winter storms around the country, we’re transitioning out of our “Fall Notebooks” to “Hot Stove” this week. We will be taking a break in the near future for the holidays, but we will begin our 2011 conference previews after the first of the year.

Shine Some Sun On A New Idea…

There’s been a lot of conversation about uniform start dates to the college baseball season over the last few years. One of the biggest points of contention has been how to make the season work fairly for teams from northern cold weather schools and teams from southern climates alike. Oklahoma generally benefits from warm weather (although it does get cold in Norman in February and March), but OU head coach Sunny Golloway has an idea on how to make the college baseball season work for everyone.

Sunny Golloway

Golloway’s idea would move the college baseball schedule to the summer, which would also mean changing the way college baseball players attend classes. “I think baseball players should go to school in the summer full-time. I think baseball players should go to school in the spring full-time,” he recently told CB360 contributor Chris Webb. “I think in the fall…should be like our summer. That’s where our athletes should take three or six (credit) hours, be able to relax more and have some down time. And then let’s start in the spring, getting going.”

Golloway argues that college baseball currently gets lost in the large shadow of the popularity of college basketball and “March Madness”. He also thinks that college baseball stadiums around the country would have a better chance to be filled by starting later in the spring when temperatures are warmer. Golloway says the shift in the season would also allow for a better opportunity at a national television contract that would give fans the chance to “fall in love” with college baseball they way they have with college hoops and college football.

golloway-tv Click the “Play” button to listen to more of Golloway’s comments.

What do you think about the idea of a summer college baseball schedule?  Cast your vote now!!

View This Poll

Save Cal Baseball Drive Continues…

Cal Baseball continues to get closer to its goal of being reinstated. A recent message via Facebook from the “Save Cal Baseball” group says they are “VERY close” to their goal of $10 million raised to reinstate baseball and the other four sports that got the ax at Cal back in September. Those other sports are men’s and women’s gymnastics, women’s lacrosse and rugby. The group’s goal has been to have that $10 by January 1, 2011 and then raise another $2.5 by next year to keep those sports running for the next four years. The immediate problem specific to the baseball program is continued uncertainty. Two current Cal players plan to transfer after the current fall semester. Prized freshman pitcher Eric Jaffe will go to UCLA, where he will apply for an NCAA waiver to play in 2011. Infielder Brett Bishop plans to go to Fresno Community College. Sophomore ace Justin Jones (10-6, 4.22 ERA) could also transfer to Oregon, although he will stay at Cal for the upcoming season.

Todd Walker

The Hall On The Bayou…

Former LSU and MLB baseball player Todd Walker was recently inducted into the Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame. Walker was a first-team All-American in 1993 and ’94. He was named the College World Series MVP while helping the Bayou Bengals to the ’93 national title. Walker set the SEC’s all-time records for hits, runs, RBIs, and total bases in his three season at LSU. He went on to a 12-year Major League career after being taken with the 8th overall pick in the first round of the 1994 draft. He was inducted into the College Baseball Hall of Fame last year and was also named to CWS Legends Team earlier this year.

Dinner With A Side Of Murphy…

Former Arizona State baseball coach Pay Murphy is no longer working in college baseball, but he’s still around the game. Murphy is on the lecture circuit giving seminars to high school players who aspire to play at the next level. A release for an upcoming event in the Chicago suburbs says Murphy will “explain how the college recruiting process really works and will inform you on what college coaches look for in players. Also discussed will be work ethic, desire, intangibles and the importance of academic success which starts in high school.” Murphy is also currently employed by the San Diego Padres.

Villanova football/baseball star Matt Szczur

Hail Szczur…

Two-sport star Matt Szczur (pronounced SEE-zur) and the Villanova football team are at it again. Szczur scored four touchdowns and threw for another to lead the Wildcats to a 42-24 win over Appalachian State to advance to the FCS football playoff semi-finals over the weekend. Villanova is the reigning FCS national champion. Szczur played baseball at Villanova last season and signed with the Chicago Cubs after being taken in the 5th round of this year’s MLB Draft. He also took time off from Villanova’s baseball season in 2010 to donate bone marrow to 19-month-old girl with leukemia. VU baseball teammates Christian Culicerto and Marlon Calbi both play for the football team as well. CLICK HERE to read more about Villanova’s playoff win.

The Schedules Continue To Roll In…

As of our latest tally, only roughly 40 of 300 Division One 2011 college baseball schedules are yet to be released. We have done our best to post them on our Schedule Page as they have been announced throughout the fall. We have also made some new additions to the Schedule Page this year. You will now be able to access 2011 schedules, 2011 rosters, 2010 team statistics, and 2011 team statistics (as they all become available). Be sure to bookmark the Schedule Page for easy access to all this information throughout the 2011 college baseball season!

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Click this link to get your officially licensed Notre Dame t-shirts for just $5 from Dugouthats.com!!

In college athletics few names, if any, are as recognizable as Notre Dame. In college baseball no name lives by itself such as Omaha. For Mik Aoki, his goal is to reunite one of the sporting world’s most prominent names with college baseball’s ultimate destination.

On July 13, Aoki became the 20th head coach in Notre Dame baseball history. In his first press conference as the Irish skipper, nearly right off the bat Aoki touched on the Notre Dame name, and the goal of getting to Omaha.

Mik Aoki

“I think that this is a place that arguably, Notre Dame is the biggest brand name in college athletics, and one of the best academic institutions in the country,” said Aoki. “I feel that that model is one that can help us get back to Omaha.”

Getting back to Omaha is not a simple task for the Irish. Since the NCAA went to the current 64-team tournament field, Notre Dame’s 2002 College World Series appearance is the only trip to Omaha a “Northern” program has made. While the Irish were able to overcome the odds nearly a decade ago, times are not what they once were in South Bend.

That College World Series appearance came in the middle of a grand era in Notre Dame baseball. With Paul Mainieri at the helm, the Irish appeared in NCAA Regional action every season from 1999-2006, hosting Regionals in ‘99, ‘01, ’02, and ‘04. The end of the eight-year tournament run, would coincide with Mainieri’s exit as the coach took over at LSU. In Mainieri’s 12 seasons from ’95-06 the Irish won 71 percent of their games, going 533-213-3.

With Mainieri leaving town, seemingly so to did Notre Dame’s existence in the national spotlight. As Dave Schrage followed as the next Irish coach, the college baseball community knew the mighty shoes Mainieri left would be hard to fill, however few saw the fortunes that would lie ahead for the Irish.

After a 28-28 record in Schrage‘s first season, Notre Dame would improve the next two, going 33-21-1, and 36-23. With the number of wins increasing over the previous two seasons, expectations were high for Notre Dame in 2010. In a season where the faithful expected the Regional drought to end, it would be another streak that ended, a more ominous one.

What unfolded was a 22-32 season as Notre Dame finished sub-.500 for the first time since 1987, so long ago that no current Notre Dame baseball player was yet to be born. After going 119-104-1 in four seasons Schrage was relinquished of his duties, opening the door for Aoki.

Aoki knows the task in front of him. He knows that at Notre Dame the expectations are high and his results will not fly under the radar as was the case during his previous stop. At Boston College, where Aoki spent six seasons, the college was in the heart of a heavy professional sports metropolitan.

At Notre Dame being affiliated with a major university and premiere athletic department comes raised expectations and a brighter magnification. The raised stakes did everything but shy Aoki away from taking the job.

“I think that was part of the attraction of this job,” said Aoki. “I think that in the way that it’s supported, the name brand of Notre Dame, the tradition, and the very recent tradition that this place has, I really truly believe that this program is capable of competing at a national level, at a very high level, a Omaha-type level… I think of this being an Omaha-type program.”

“It’s not a pressure, it’s something I embrace about the program,” Aoki added. Aoki points to the potential that the Notre Dame program has as one of, if not the most influential aspect of his decision to take the job.

“When you look across the Midwest and the Northeast, there are only a handful of programs that you can truly say are Omaha-type programs. I would not have left Boston College, which I think is a great place that I truly loved being at, I would not have left that situation to come to anything short of what I think Notre Dame represents and the potential Notre Dame has.”

Part of what Notre Dame represents is a strong, passionate, and loyal fan base. Discussing his short time at Notre Dame Aoki speaks highly of those around him. While Aoki knew of the expectations to win, the infinite potential the program has, and past success, the amount of support the program receives and realizing the attention paid to the program, exceeded any expectations he had of his new job.

“The one thing that did exceed my expectations was the level of interest in Notre Dame baseball and Notre Dame athletics in particular,” said Aoki.

“Obviously the interest the people have in the football program goes without saying, but I think it extends beyond football to all of the sports at Notre Dame, and certainly baseball is included. That part of it is something I really have not been at a place where the people are as locked in on things as they are here.”

What did happen in Boston was that Aoki was able to turnaround a dormant program in a very difficult ACC. For that to be the case in the Big East for Notre Dame, Aoki alludes to two tasks he and his staff are working to improve.

“There is talent on this team, however I think the talent level is thin. Number one obviously we have to do a good job recruiting players, then secondly, we have to do a really good job of developing player.”

Often when the development of a player is read about, asked of, or discussed, the mind thinks of bigger, stronger, and faster. For Notre Dame and Aoki the development goes beyond physical measurables and starts with the mind being right.

“The big thing from a mindset standpoint is for our players to feel like baseball is the best part of their day again. I think that has been lost for some of the guys in the program. That its fun and that its something that is definitely worth the time, the effort, the extra hours that they’re going to need to put in to be the type of program that gets back to Omaha.”

Mentioning that he feels that a little of the passion for the game of baseball has gone adrift among his players, Aoki and his staff are making it a concerted effort to make sure that America’s pastime is enjoyable.

“I think we need to do a good job as a coaching staff of coaching them and coaching them hard, but making sure that we’re sending a really positive message to them and that they have fun,” spoke Aoki.

“Because when you boil it all down it’s just a stinking game you know. It should be something that is fun, and in my opinion it should be something that is a hell of a lot better than figuring out calculus derivatives or something like that. I like to think they look forward to practice, the challenge, and the journey of making themselves better players.

So far Aoki feels his message is getting to his players.

“By and large I think our kids have done a really good job of trying to buy into what we’re selling of working and getting back to having some fun while we’re playing and practicing, and working at getting better.”

Making sure fun is evident in the game of his players is a staple Aoki hopes sticks with his program. But do not mistake installing joy and passion in the game as a substitute for working hard and competing relentlessly.

“We talk to our guys all the time that regardless of who you’re playing, whether it’s a big-name team like Florida or Texas, or a lesser known team in a non-conference game, that we’re going to play it the same way,” said the coach.

As Aoki digs in and is ready to turn the tide for the Blue and Gold, he expects that a program with his fingerprints is going to work hard, be mentally tough, and compete with pride day in and day out.

“Those are the three biggest things… compete like crazy, work like crazy, and have some fun while doing it.”

And if all of those things come together?

“I think the sky is the limit at this place.”

The first installment of Inside the Webb heads down to Louisville where off a school-record 50 wins and national-seed season, the Cardinals are aiming to soar even high in 2011.

In Louisville that world is a pretty darn good place to be in.

To say the 2010 season did not end as envisioned for Louisville is an understatement. As the No. 7 National Seed in the NCAA Tournament, big things were expected from the Cardinal as McDonnell’s veteran-squad was expected to head to the College World Series for the second time in program history, the second time in just five years.

However a heartbreaking Regional in which Vanderbilt upset the host Cardinals in a back-to-back days to end the Louisville season at appeared to many to be the start of a tumultuous time.

Within one week of season’s end, Louisville, who finished 2010 with a 50-14 mark, would see 10 players drafted with four incoming freshman as well being tabbed by MLB clubs.

On top of that, assistant coach Chris Lemonis was one of four finalists for the vacant Ohio State head coaching position, while pitching Coach Roger Williams was being courted by National Champion South Carolina, for a vacancy on their staff.

Suddenly it appeared Louisville’s seat at the grown-up table with the elites of the college baseball world would be pushed to corner, forcing the Cardinals to rebuild and revamp their suddenly powerful program.

Well I’m sorry to inform the LSUs, Fullertons, and South Carolinas of college baseball, don’t push aside Louisville just yet.

Though the Cards were hit heavily by the draft, Stewart Ijames spurned a professional offer, as three of the four incoming freshman headlined by eighth-round selection Dace Kime.

Both Lemonis and Williams are back to their duties in the Bluegrass state digging in alongside McDonnell, and the program few are paying attention to is again back to work, trying to yet again move the bar higher, which with a young group has McDonnell excited and eager to dig in.

“There is a lot of respect from the previous classes did…but there is still a lot to accomplish,” said McDonnell.

What type of expectations are in Louisville?

“We want to win our first national championship, we have a high bar but we’re very hungry.”

It is true Connecticut has two elite prospects in pitcher Matt Barnes and outfielder George Springer. However McDonnell was quick to point out that he also can boast a roster with top talent as the Cape Cod League’s Top Prospect Award went to Cardinal closer Tony Zych. Fellow pitcher Derek Self had a good summer as well in the prestigious league, and second baseman Ryan Wright was a Team USA member alongside Springer. Those three along with Ijames show the cupboard is not bare.

Though it may be young in spots.

“A lot of experience left, and we had a big recruiting class, we’re going to be young, stated McDonnell. “But we’re excited about this freshman class, they’re talented.”

The excitement of the newcomers centers around Adam Engel, Kime, Alex Chittenden, Ty Young, and Kyle Gibson. Many are raving of the shortstop Engle and his athleticism, McDonnell said he broke all of the Cardinal’s physical fitness records upon entering Fall practice. Kime is going to be special according to his coaches, while Chittenden, in the infield, and Gibson, behind the plate, are both making pushes for insertion into the UoL lineup.

The infusion of youth will complement the veterans who may not have been everyday starters in the past, but have experience and are expected to perform. Prime example of that is in the outfield where a returning star is entrenched, with a player who not a starter in 2010, but has seen plenty of playing time.

“We’re going to be experienced in the outfield, two of the three spots will have veterans starting” eluded McDonnell.

A year ago Ijames hit .324 with 14 home runs and 63 RBI before being selected by the New York Yankees in the 29th round. The offensive prowess the second-team All-BIG East performer displayed, alongside Nate Holland who missed all of 2010 with a hip injury, but has 56 games under his collegiate belt, will heavily be depended upon.

Moving into the infield, like fellow classmates Ijames and Holland, junior Ryan Wright’s big bat is expected to lead the way. As second-team All-American, first-team all-conference selection, before being tabbed to the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team, Wright led the Cards in RBI with 80, was second on the team with a .366 average, second in home runs with 16, and stole 10 bases. Whether it is Chittenden or Engle who is his double-play partner, at second-base McDonnell has one he would trade for none.

Or Wright’s twin-killing partner could be a returning player looking to seize the moment. That prospect is not lost on McDonnell.

“Its going to be different than last year,” said McDonnell of a lineup that has question marks. “There is a chance for a lot of guys to step up and play, to have everyday roles. They see the opportunity in front of them.”

On the mound Louisville has the unique duty of replacing two All-Americans, yet still have an abundance or riches.

Louisville will need to replace their Friday night ace in Thomas Royse as well as closer Neil Holland. Those are big holes to fill, but showing the mark of a consistent contender, McDonnell has options.

The closer’s role will be the easier of the two tasks to fill as Zych has all but secured that spot, providing the Cardinals with the luxury of having a closer who can dial it up to 96.

How the weekend rotation will shake out is a completely different task, a chore that could ultimately determine the success of Louisville in 2011, as an emphasis on pitching and defense replaces a mindstate of hang ‘em and bang ‘em the offensively talented Cardinals have enjoyed the last few year.

McDonnell pointed to sophomores righties Justin Amlung and Matt Koch as two among five or six that are fighting for weekend innings.

“Last year as freshman we threw those two into the fire and they handled it well. Credit Williams as he gets them ready to compete.”

Competed, and competed well the two did. Amlung finished 5-2, with a 4.27 ERA and 55 strikeouts, in 65.1 innings over 20 games which included 10 starts. For Koch, his 2010 record was 3-0 as he recorded 31 strikeouts pitching in 11 games, maing six starts, compiling a 3.27 ERA in 44.1 innings.

When you add in Self’s 7-0, 4.52, 50-strikeout, 61.2 innings season, with a pair of sophomores returning after missing all of 2010 with injuries in RHP Mike Nastold (2-0, 3.52, 28 K, 32.1 IP in ’09) and LHP Keith Landers (1-0, 3.86, 10, 9.1), and the high ceiling of Kime, you begin to wonder is it wise to pencil in the Huskies as the Big East champ just like that?

While they know with just seven juniors, and four seniors, they’re not going to get the preseason love that was showered in years past, that they’ll need to prove it on the diamond first, that suites McDonnell fine. While it may take outsiders a bit longer in 2011 to take notice, those within Louisville’s world led by McDonnell are doing just fine.

“Expectations have changed here. I told the coaches following last season’s finish, that ‘if you’re in the thick of it, knocking on the door year after year, you’re going to have heartbreak’ you learn from it. It is good that our fans, administration, coach, and players were crushed. They expect postseason success, and we’re going to continue to make a great commitment here in college baseball.”

From Collegebaseball360.com Editor Sean Stires: Collegebaseball360.com is very happy to welcome a new contributor to our site. Chris Webb runs Buckeyestatebaseball.com, and now he will be bringing his insight to this site. Here’s what Chris has to say about our new joint endeavor:

While I have contributed content for CB360 in the past, focusing on Big Ten and the Mid-American Conference, I am proud to announce that going forward I will be a regular contributor to the site, providing commentary and news stories from the college baseball world in a new College Baseball 360 column “Inside the Webb“.

Going forward, Inside the Webb will have original content from every Friday. From coach and player interviews, to commentary on pressing issues within the game, Inside the Webb hopes to bring a new voice to the college baseball community, enhancing College Baseball 360’s scope, professionalism, and ability to cover the sport.

I look forward to being a catalyst in College Baseball 360’s growing coverage, and will strive to deliver informative, unique, and interesting content.

Cards Must Overcome McDonnell’s Suspension

Chris Lemonis will help run the Cardinals during Dan McDonnell's three game suspension.

nation, especially without a quality leader like McDonnell guiding the ship, the talent that comprises the Louisville roster will make the job of assistant coach Chris Lemonis a lot easier.

A trio of All-Americans will be on display this weekend for Louisville starting with third baseman Phil Wunderlich who headlines a lethal Cardinal attack.

Wunderlich, a Junior, leads Louisville with 20 home runs, while being tied for third on the team in average (.357) and RBI’s (58).

The leading hitter for the Cards is first baseman Andrew Clark who comes into Regional action with a .377 clip, along with 12 home runs, and 58 RBI.

Ryan Wright is the Cardinals’ leading run producer with 77 RBI to compliment his .366 average.

To speak to the depth of the Louisville sluggers, the team boasts seven starters with averages north of .310, which could have been even greater if the programs top offensive prospect – Josh Richmond – hadn’t been lost for 40 games due to a wrist injury.

With Richmond healthy, the team carries a .317 cumulative batting average, while collecting 156 doubles, 9 triples, and 85 home runs in 60 games, equating to a gaudy .517 slugging percentage, along with an on-base percentage of .402.

The aggressiveness as the plate continues on the base paths as 80 bags have been swiped in 103 attempts, led by Cardinal Catcher Jeff Arnold, who leads the team with 16 stolen bases.
Wunderlich has swiped 12 himself as well.

As impressive as the offensive numbers are, the pitching staff might one-up their peers.

Thomas Royse was named a 3rd Team All-American this week by Louisville Slugger. (Louisville photo)

As a team Louisville has a 3.71 ERA while collecting 454 strikeouts in 550 innings. Seven Cardinal pitchers with at least 30 innings have ERAs sub-4 with a pair of All-Americans that bookend the staff.

At 9-1, Thomas Royse is the leader of the Louisville rotation. Royse has a 2.91 ERA in 99 innings with 94 strikeouts. Opponents who bat .252 off Royse don’t fare much better against the rest of the pitching staff, as opposing offenses (.261 ave) are finding it difficult to string hits together.

The other All-American arm the Cardinals have is closer Neil Holland. With 16 saves Holland is one of the best in the country, a sentiment reflected by his 2.10 ERA, with 52 strikeouts in 51 innings of work. Holland has held the opposition to a stingy .153 batting average while collecting eight wins on the season.

Justin Amlung (5-1, 4.01), and Dean Kiekhefer (4-3, 4.31) are two starters with at least nine starts between them. If not seeing action in the rotation Bob Revesz (1-1, 1.95), Matt Koch (2-0, 3.55), Derek Self (7-0, 4.53), and Tony Zych (4-2, 5.47) will see action in relief.

With such a complete program, Louisville is the favorite in their own regional.  McDonnell’s suspension should do little to derail this team, if not bring them closer together.

Louisville has it all this year on the diamond.  Contact, power, speed and a quality pitching staff that has a lights-out Friday night starter, along with a great closer, and several other quality arms,  Vanderbilt will have a hard time eliminating Louisville, even with the loss of their head coach this weekend.

In securing a national seed, the Cardinals are looking forward to hosting a Super Regional, and will leave no rock unturned in that pursuit.

Wolverines vs. Buckeyes This Weekend In Big Ten

After a slow start to the season Michigan finds itself in a four-way tie for first place in the Big Ten Conference standings heading into this weekend’s showdown with Ohio State.  In this podcast interview Collegebaseball360.com Big Ten correspondent Chris Webb talks to Wolverine head coach Rich Maloney about his team’s turnaround this season as well as the extension of the college baseball season and its impact on Northern schools, RPI and more.

Rich Maloney

* NOTE: Maloney references Notre Dame’s 2002 CWS team in this interview.  He is correct that Florida State was ranked #1 in the nation when the Irish defeated them in the Tallahassee Super Regional.

This week Sean Stires and Chris Webb (from Buckeyestatebaseball.com) are talking about how things are shaping-up in the Midwest.  They talk about this weekend’s key Big Ten series between Ohio State and Michigan State, as well as the future of OSU head coach Bob Todd, MAC leaders Toledo and Kent State and 2009 NCAA teams Xavier and Wright State.

Webb1

Segment #1

Webb

Segment #2

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
————————————————

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