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College baseball has played a key role in the background of many of the 2017 World Series players and coaches … although you wouldn’t know it simply by listening to the various television broadcasts during the past few weeks of postseason play.

A lean and lanky Justin Verlander (three-time World Series pitcher with Tigers & Astros), shown here during his college career at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Va.

(Full/obvious disclosure: this site is focused on college baseball, and yes I was a college baseball SID for nearly 20 years before covering the sport for the past 10 … but it’s not too much too ask for the networks to share important/basic biographical  information about these players’ backgrounds. Viewers literally can count on one hand, often one finger, the number of college baseball references during any of these three-hour, or five-hour, broadcasts. In many cases, we have gone several weeks through the postseason now with NO mention of the college background for numerous players during these assorted broadcasts.)

** Note: scroll throughout this page for historical photos of 30 different Astros & Dodgers players/coaches who played college baseball (some are included at bottom of the page).

>> CLICK HERE for a similar CB360 breakdown of the 2016 MLB All-Star Game and its connections to college baseball.

Dave Roberts (Los Angeles Dodgers manager) in his playing days at UCLA. Current Dodgers reserve second baseman Chase Utley (former World Series champ with the Phillies) also played collegiately at UCLA and is pictured near the bottom of this page.

As detailed below, and by various measures, the number of college baseball products scattered throughout the Astros and Dodgers rosters significantly dwarfs the number of players who entered pro ball directly from high school (on average, by a ratio of 2.5-to-1 but often closer to 3-to-1). This lopsided comparison holds true for the coaching staffs as well, led by two former conference rivals (Pac-10, now Pac-12) who are managing these World Series teams: Houston’s A.J. Hinch (Stanford) and L.A.’s Dave Roberts (UCLA). Not surprisingly, the overwhelming majority of each of their coaching staffs all played college baseball back in their early playing days – including Astros bench coach/soon-to-be Red Sox manager Alex Cora (Univ. of Miami).

Astros centerfielder George Stringer, shown taking a rip a few years ago during his career at the Univ. of Connecticut.

College baseball – particularly during recent years – has proven to be an excellent venue for preparing players for their often quick journey to the Major Leagues (with many, including former LSU standout Alex Bregman, rapidly transitioning to the big leagues). Equally important, the college baseball student-athlete experience provides countless intangible benefits to each player, impacting his life both on and off the field. And most will forge lifelong friendships from those college years, with athletes and non-athletes alike.

A svelte and clean-shaven Justin Turner (current Dodgers third baseman), back in his his playing days at nearby Cal State Fullerton.

The combined 25-man World Series rosters for the Astros and Dodgers include nearly three times as many college baseball products (28) as players who entered pro ball directly from U.S. state-based high schools (10). The other 12 World Series players include four from Puerto Rico and two each from Cuba, Japan and Venezuela (plus one each from Curacao and the Dominican Republic).

• 2017 WORLD SERIES ROSTERS
(25-man; Astros & Dodgers)
> 28 College Baseball Products
(21 DI; one D2, one D3, one NAIA, 4 JC)
… 2–Arizona State, Arkansas, CS Fullerton, Georgia, LSU & Virginia
… 1–Cal, UConn, Miami, Mich., Neb., ODU, Rice, Texas A&M & UCLA
… D2: Texas Permian Basin; D3: Berry GA; NAIA: St. Xavier IL
… JC: Middle Georgia St, Yavapai AZ, Palm Beach FL St, Lamar TX
12 from outside mainland U.S.
… 4–Puerto Rico; 2–Cuba, Japan & Venezuela;
1–Curacao & Dominican Republic
10 direct-from-high school
… 2–CA, GA & NC; 1–AZ, CT, FL & TX

Former LSU shortstop Alex Bregman has sparkled for the Astros throughout the postseason, with both his bat and his glove while manning the hot corner at third base,

• ASTROS World Series Roster (25-man)
> 13 College Baseball Products
(7 DI; 1 D2, 1 D3, 1 NAIA, 3 JC)
… 2–LSU; 1–Ark., Fullerton, UConn, ODU & UVa
… D2: Texas Permian Basin; D3: Berry (GA); NAIA: St. Xavier (IL)
… JC: Middle Ga. St, Yavapai AZ, Palm Beach FL St
7 from outside mainland U.S.
… 3–Puerto Rico; 2–Venezuela; Cuba & & D.R.
5 direct-from-high school (CA–CT–FL–GA–NC)

• DODGERS World Series Roster (25-man)
> 15 College Baseball Products (14 DI; 1 JC)
… 2–Arizona State & Georgia
… 1–Ark., Cal, Fullerton, UGa, Miami, Mich., Neb., Rice, Texas A&M, UCLA & UVa
… JC: Lamar (TX)
5 from outside mainland U.S.
… 2–Japan; 1–Curacao, Cuba & Puerto Rico
5 direct-from-high school (AZ–CA–GA–NC–TX)

Rich Hill – one of the three lefthanders in the Dodgers postseason 4-man starting rotation – pictured during his college days at the University of Michigan.

• World Series Starting Lineups – Both of Houston’s top starting pitchers – RHP Justin Verlander (Old Dominion) and LHP Dallas Keuchel (Univ. of Arkansas) – are college baseball alums, as are two members of the Dodgers postseason starting rotation: LHPs Rich Hill (Univ. of Michigan) and Alex Wood (Univ. of Georgia).

When looking at the nine position players who typically have started for each World Series team (18 total), eight of them are college baseball players (including the regular CF and 3B for both teams) while six others are from foreign countries (or Puerto Rico), and only four entered pro ball directly from a stateside high school.

Current Astros DH/catcher Evan Gattis has an amazing story tracing his path to the big leagues. That journey included benefitting from the college baseball experience, at the (D2) University of Texas-Permian Basin (pictured).

The Astros regular starters who played college ball include Bregman (LSU), CF George Springer (Univ. of Connecticut), RF Josh Reddick (Middle Georgia JC) and DH/C Evan Gattis (Texas-Permian Basin). Catcher Brian McCann is the only Astros regular position player who entered pro ball directly from a U.S. high school baseball background, with the other Houston regular starters hailing from Cuba, Venezuela (2) and Puerto Rico.

• • •

Current Astros centerfielder Chris Taylor converted to the outfield earlier this season, after playing previously in the middle infield (including in college, as the starting shortstop while at the University of Virginia, pictured).

The Dodgers regular starting position players have included four college baseball products, three direct-from-high-school, and two players from outside the continental U.S. Both of LA’s catchers – Austin Barnes (Arizona State) and Yasmani Grandel (Univ. of Miami) – spent their formative years in college baseball, as did 3B Justin Turner (Cal State Fullerton), CF Chris Taylor (Univ. of Virginia) and infielder Logan Forsythe (Univ. of Arkansas).

> 2017 WORLD SERIES STARTERS <
Starting Rotations:
4 College Baseball Products (all DI)
Justin Verlander (Astros; Old Dominion)
Dallas Keuchel (Astros; Arkansas)
Rich Hill (Dodgers; Michigan)
Alex Wood (Dodgers; Georgia)

3 Direct-from-High School Products
Clayton Kershaw (Dodgers; attended HS in Texas)
Lance McCullers (Astros; HS in Florida)
Charlie Morton (Astros; HS in Connecticut)

1 Foreign Player – Yu Darvish (Dodgers; Japan)

Current Dodgers utility infielder Logan Forsythe played collegiately at the Univ. of Arkansas (pictured), where his teammates included current Astros ace lefthander Dallas Keuchel (pict. below).

Starting Position Players (including DH); 18 total:
8 (9) College Baseball Products (6/7 DI + D2, JC)
3B Alex Bregman (Astros; LSU)
CF George Stringer (Astros; UConn)
RF Josh Reddick (Astros; Middle Georgia St JC)
DH/C Evan Gattis (Astros; Texas–Permian Basin/D2)
C Austin Barnes (Dodgers; Arizona State)
… or Yasmani Grandal (Miami)
2B Logan Forsythe (Dodgers; Arkansas)
3B Justin Turner (Dodgers; CS Fullerton)
CF Chris Taylor (Dodgers; Virginia)

4 Direct-from-High School Products
C Brian McCann (Astros; high school in GA)
1B Cody Bellinger (Dodgers; HS in AZ)
SS Corey Seager (Dodgers; HS in NC)
OF/DH Joc Pederson (Dodgers; HS in CA)

6 Foreign Players (incl. Puerto Rico)
1B Yuli Gurriel (Astros; Cuba)
2B Jose Altuve (Astros; Venezuela)
SS Carlos Correa (Astros; Puerto Rico)
LF Marwin Gonzalez (Astros; Venezuela)
OF Yasiel Puig (Dodgers; Curacao)
OF/DH Kike Hernandez (Dodgers; Puerto Rico)

____________

Current Astros reliever Chris Devenski is one of three former Cal State Fullerton players associated with the 2017 World Series teams, along with Dodgers standout third baseman Justin Turner and Astros reserve infielder J.D. Davis (part of Houston’s lateseason 40-man roster).

• World Series Reserves –In addition to the 13 players referenced above, there are 15 other members of the World Series teams who are college baseball products. These 15 (mostly DI, plus a D3, NAIA & three JC players) are primarily bullpen pitchers, plus a couple reserve position players:

2B Chase Utley (Dodgers; UCLA)
OF Andre Ethier (Dodgers; Arizona State)
OF Derek Fisher (Astros; Virginia)

RHP Chris Devenski (Astros; CS Fullerton)
RHP Will Harris (Astros; LSU)
RHP Collin McHugh (Astros; Berry (GA)/D3)
RHP Luke Gregerson (Astros; Saint Xavier (IL)/NAIA)
RHP Ken Giles (Astros; Yavapai (AZ) JC)
RHP Brad Peacock (Astros; Palm Beach (FL) St JC)

Former University of California pitching standout Brandon Morrow (a type-1 diabetes inspiration story) has been a workhorse out of the Dodgers bullpen and could become the second pitcher (first in 44 years) to pitch in all seven World Series games. Interestingly enough, the record-holder (Brandon Knowles; Oakland A’s 1973) crossed paths with Morrow a few years back, as Knowles was the Toronto Blue Jays rehab pitching coordinator when Morrow was in that organization/often-injured  from 2011-14.

LHP Tony Cingrani (Dodgers; Rice)
RHP Josh Fields (Dodgers; Georgia)
RHP Brandon Morrow (Dodgers; California)
RHP Ross Stripling (Dodgers; Texas A&M)
LHP Tony Watson (Dodgers; Nebraska)
RHP Brandon McCarthy (Dodgers; Lamar (TX) JC)
____________

• Extended Rosters (40-man & DL) – Finally, the Astros and Dodgers expanded late-season rosters (40-man, plus some 60-day DL players) include 20 more former college baseball players (16 of the 20 played on the DI level, with only one JC):

C Kyle Farmer* (Dodgers; Georgia)
IF Tim Locastro (Dodgers; Ithaca/D3)
IF Rob Segedin (Dodgers; Tulane)
OF Curtis Granderson* (Dodgers; Illinois-Chicago),
OF O’Koyea Dickson (Dodgers; Sonoma State/D2; 60-day DL)
OF Andrew Toles (Dodgers; Tennessee; 60-day DL)
* = played in earlier postseason rounds/25-man roster

IF J.D. Davis (Astros; CS Fullerton)
IF Tony Kemp (Astros; Vanderbilt)
IF Colin Moran (Astros; North Carolina)
IF A.J. Reed (Astros; Kentucky)
IF Tyler White (Astros; Western Carolina)
OF Preston Tucker (Astros; Florida)

Current Dodgers reserve outfielder Curtis Granderson, who played earlier in the 2017 postseason and has been a three-time all-star during his 14-year MLB career, played collegiately at the University of Illinois-Chicago (UIC; pictured).

RHP Walker Buehler (Astros; Vanderbilt)
RHP Brock Stewart (Astros;  Illinois State)
LHP Grant Dayton (Astros; Auburn; 60-day DL)
LHP Adam Liberatore (Astros; Tenn. Tech; 60-day DL)

LHP Tony Sipp (Astros; Clemson)
RHP Mike Fiers (Astros; Nova Southeastern/D2)
RHP James Hoyt (Astros; Palomar JC)
RHP Brady Rodgers (Astros; Arizona State; 60-day DL)

Former University of Arkansas ace lefthander Dallas Kuechel has assumed the same role with the Houston Astros (while adding his distinctive beard), winning the 2015 AL Cy Young Award and helping lead Houston to the 2017 World Series.

> 2017 WORLD SERIES TEAMS <
(40-man rosters + 60-man DL; 91 players, Hou. 43/L.A. 48)
• 48 College Baseball Products (37 Division I; 3 D2; 2 D3;
1 NAIA; 5 JC)
• 25 outside mainland U.S.
(9–D.R., 5–Ven., 4–P.R.,
2–Cuba/Japan,
1–Curacao/Mexico/S.K.)
• 18 direct-from-high school
(7–CA, 2–AZ/FL/GA/NC/TX, 1–CT)
… The Astros full breakdown (from the above grouping) includes 23 former college players among the 43 total, plus 12 foreign-based players and only eight direct-from-high school (ratio of 2.9 college-to-HS).
… the Dodgers full 40-man + DL similarly includes 25 total former college players, 13 from outside the mainland U.S. and only 10 direct-from-HS (2.5 ratio).
•

____________

Many baseball managers are former catchers and that is the case with current Astros skipper A.J. Hinch, who was a starting catcher at Stanford (pictured) during his collegiate career.

• World Series Coaching Staffs – When looking at the Astros and Dodgers combined 16 primary coaches, exactly two-thirds of them (12) played college baseball back in their formative years, including both managers, all four of the pitching/hitting coaches and one of the bench coaches (see below).

Current Dodgers pitching coach Rick Honeycutt was a standout two-way players at the University of Tennessee (first base/pitcher), where he won a Southeastern Conference batting title (.404) before embarking on a 21-year Major League Baseball pitching career.

Seven of the eight primary members of the Astros coaching staff are former college baseball players, led by the manager Hinch (Stanford) and bench coach Cora (Miami), plus both pitching coach Brent Strom (USC) and hitting coach Dave Hudgens (Arizona State). Another USC baseball product, Rich Dauer, is the Astros first base coach, while Gary Pettis (Laney (CA) JC) mans the third-base coaching box for Houston. Bullpen coach Craig Bjornson (Nicholls State) rounds out the seven members of the Astros core coaching staff who are college baseball alums (six of the seven played DI).

The 2017 World Series coaching staffs include two current managers (Hinch & Roberts) who are former college baseball players, plus soon-to-be Red Sox manager Alex Cora, the current Astros bench coach and a former college player at the University of Miami.

Five of the Dodgers eight primary coaches are college baseball products, most notably the manager Roberts (UCLA), pitching coach Rick Honeycutt (Tennessee) and hitting coach Turner Ward (South Alabama) – along with bullpen coach Josh Bard (Texas Tech) and third base coach Chris Woodward (Mt. San Antonio JC, in Walnut, CA).

Both of the Dodgers bullpen catchers – Rob Flippo (Univ. of the Pacific) and Steve Cilladi (Kansas Wesleyan) – played college baseball, as did one of the Astros bullpen catchers (Carlos Munoz/Alvin JC).

________________________

Photos of additional 2017 World Series players/coaches who are college baseball products included below:

Dodgers LHP Alex Wood (Univ. of Georgia)

Dodger catcher Austin Barnes (Arizona St.).

Astros outfielder Derek Fisher (University of Virginia)

Dodgers second baseman Chase Utley (UCLA)

Astros RHP Will Harris (LSU)

Dodgers veteran outfielder Andre Ethier (Arizona State)

Dodgers LHP Tony Watson (Univ. of  Nebraska)

Dodgers RHP Ross Stripling (Texas A&M)

Dodgers RHP Josh Fields (Univ. of Georgia)

Dodgers LHP Tony Cingrani (Rice)

Astros pitching coach Brent Strom (USC; University of Southern California)

Dodgers hitting coach Turner Ward (University of South Alabama)

Astros first base coach Rich Dauer (USC; University of Southern California)

Dodgers bullpen coach Josh Bard (Texas Tech catcher)

 

 

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Both The Good & The Bad…

It’s no surprise that offense has been down, while pitching numbers have been better so far this season. However, nobody predicted James Madison would erupt for 91 runs with those new bats in a four-game sweep of Bucknell to open the season. Jake Lowery and David Herbek have combined to lead not only the Dukes, but also the nation with 14 and 12 home runs, respectively, while also sitting among the nation’s Division One leaders in sever other offensive categories.

Following is a look at some other surprises, both good and bad, to this point in the season.

Pleasant Surprises…

Danny Hultzen is 6-0 with a 1.36 ERA in 2011

Virginia was supposed to be good this year, but Brian O’Connor’s Cavaliers have been flat-out great so far. UVA debuted at #15 in our Preseason Composite National Rankings, but is 29-2 overall and 11-1 in ACC play heading into this weekend’s showdown with Georgia Tech. The Cavs lost just one game in the month of March-their series finale against Florida State. They’ve done anything but mash the ball out of the yard en-route to their 29 victories. Keith Werman has nearly twice as many sac bunts (13) as his team has home runs (7), while they still average 7.3 runs a game with a .300 team batting average. Danny Hultzen (6-0, 1.36 ERA) is second in the nation with 78 strikeouts for a pitching staff that’s so deep that midweek starter Will Roberts, who pitched a perfect game last week, is riding a 21-inning scoreless streak. Virginia has a 1.93 team ERA with 333 strikeouts and just 64 walks this season.

Fresno State was a team that many thought deserved an NCAA bid in 2010, but the Bulldogs (38-25) just missed the field of 64 after Hawaii ended their reign of four straight WAC Tournament titles. Offense wasn’t a problem for Mike Batesole’s squad, but the pitching staff ended the season with a 6.05 ERA. Things have been much different for the 2011 edition of the Bulldogs (20-3). Greg Gonzalez (6-0, 1.36 ERA) fronts a pitching staff that sports a 2.50 ERA. The senior led the staff with 73 strikeouts last year, but he already has 52 Ks with just 9 BB in 46 1/3 IP in 2011. Charlie Robertson has slammed the door at the end of games with 9

Fresno State's Charlie Robertson is among the DI leaders with 9 saves.

saves in 10 appearances. He is yet to surrender an earned run in 16 1/3 IP this year. Like everyone, Fresno State’s offense is still adjusting to the new bats. Most notably Jordan Ribera, who hit .343 and led the nation with 27 home runs last year. He is batting just .244 with one HR and 7 RBIs in 23 starts in ’11. Dusty Robinson has picked-up the slack though, with a .321 BA, 6 HR and 19 RBIs.

Georgia was just 16-37 last year with a dismal 5-23 record in the SEC. Outfielder Zach Cone (.363, 10 HR, 53 RBIs) was practically the entire offense for Dave Perno’s Bulldogs, while the pitching staff had a bloated 8.51 ERA with no complete games. The Bulldogs (15-14, 6-3) are one win from matching last year’s overall win total, while a series win over LSU and a sweep of Mississippi State has already exceeded last year’s conference win total. Georgia also boasts wins over UCLA, Florida State and South Carolina. There’s still work to be done, but where UGA is now is a far cry from a season that started by being swept in a 3-game series at Stetson.

Cal State Bakersfield is well on its way to eclipsing last year’s win total. The Roadrunners are off and running to a 20-7 start after finishing with a 26-30 record in 2010. Bill Kernan’s squad hasn’t shied away from tough competition either. The DI independent has wins over top 10 opponents Arizona State and defending national champion South Carolina along with series wins over Washington and Ohio State. Ryan McIntyre (.363, 10

Tommy Hoenshell has helped spearhead Bakersfield's pitching staff.

doubles, 4 triples, .966 OPS) leads an offense that has five regulars hitting above .300, but it’s pitching that’s really fueled Bakersfield so far. Tommy Hoenshell (5-3, 1.97 ERA) has two complete games and leads the nation with 64.0 IP, Jonathon Montoya (5-1, 3.06 ERA) is tied for the DI lead with four complete games and closer Martin Medina (1-1, 2.45 ERA, 5 saves) has 19 strikeouts in 14 2/3 innings to date.

Cal may or may not be reinstated beyond this season, but the Golden Bears are doing everything they can to make 2011 memorable. Dave Esquer has his team off to a 19-7 record, including 5-1 in the Pac-10, in what could be the program’s swan song. The pitching was expected to be good in 2011, but so far it’s been flat-out great. Justin Jones and Erik Johnson are each 4-1 with respective 2.47 and 2.08 ERAs, while Kevin Miller (3-2, 0.63 ERA, 1 save) has been nearly lights-out in a swing role. The senior has made three relief appearances and five starts, with a team-high 53 strikeouts and just 7 BB in 43.0 IP. Cal has a balanced offensive attack. Six regulars are batting between .317 and Austin Booker’s team-best .346, while eight players have accounted for the team’s 12 home runs.

Central Florida’s sites have been set on Omaha since Terry Rooney left his job as an LSU assistant to take over in Orlando. Now in his third year, Rooney has a team that’s starting to make some noise. The Knights (20-9) opened Conference USA with the program’s first ever series win over Rice only to be swept last weekend by Southern Mississippi.  However, UCF responded by toppling Florida 4-3 Tuesday night in Gainesville. D.J. Hicks (.347, 6 HR,

UCF's D.J. Hicks is among the top overall Conference USA hitters this season.

1.008 OPS) leads an offense that has seven starters batting above .300. Freshman Ben Lively (5-0, 1.88 ERA) has been UCF’s top weekend starter, while relievers Nick Cicio (1.08 ERA) and Joe Rogers (2.04 ERA) have each made 11 appearances out of the Knight’s bullpen, combining for 8 saves and 42 Ks with 5 BB in 44.0 IP.

Stetson (22-7) is another Florida school that’s exceeded most expectations so far. The Hatters need just five wins to match the win total of last year’s team that finished 27-31. Head coach Pete Dunn’s 32nd edition of the Hatters is also just five wins away from matching its 14 Atlantic Sun Conference win total from 2010. Robert Crews (.378, 3 HR), Nick Rickles (.345, 10 doubles, 3 HR, 28 RBIs) and Mark Jones (.343) have provided the bulk of the offense, while relievers Robbie Powell (4-0, 1.05 ERA) and Jake Boyd (2-0, 2.45 ERA) have combined for 8 saves in 31 appearances. The pitching staff has notched 232 strikeouts with 94 walks so far this season.

Head-scratching Surprises…

Connecticut was the darling of the north heading into the 2011 season. The Huskies brought back most of their line-up and pitching from last year’s team that won a school record 48 games and hosted an NCAA Regional. Most is the key word. UConn struggled to an 8-9-1 start to the new campaign without table setter Pierre LePage (.327, 63 R, 29 SB) and top run producer Mike Olt (.318, 23 HR, 76 RBIs), who were both drafted last June. The Huskies (15-10-1) have won seven of their last eight and look like they are back on the right track after sweeping St. John’s last weekend. Ace pitcher Matt Barnes (5-2, 1.00 ERA, 2 CG) has been as dominant as advertised. After starting the season in the Saturday starting role, he’s now the Friday night man. The UConn staff currently sports a 2.78 ERA, which should go a long way toward curing what ails Jim Penders‘ team now that Big East play is here.

UCLA road its pitching and a scrappy offense to a national runner-up finish in Omaha last year. The Bruins might have to lean on the arms of Trevor Bauer and Gerrit Cole even more this year. UCLA hit .304 as a team and averaged 6.8 runs a game last year, but those numbers are down to .244 and 4.0 through 24 games this year. John Savage’s Bruins (14-10) weren’t a team built on power to begin with (Dean Espy’s 9 HR led the club last year), but they have just four home runs to date in ’11. Seven different Bruin regulars batted .308 or better last year, but Cody Keefer’s .293 currently leads the team. Bauer (5-1, 1.46 ERA), who leads the nation with 82 Ks, and Cole (3-2, 2.06 ERA, 57 K) and the staff have been overpowering, with a 2.06 staff ERA and 259 strikeouts vs. just 74 walks in 218 2/3 innings this season. But consider this: After a 22-game win streak to start the season, UCLA didn’t lose its first game until April 2 last year. They lost 17 times in 68 games last year, but they have already lost 10 games this season.

San Diego has been to the NCAA Tournament in four of the last five seasons, but the Toreros will have a tough time getting back this year. San Diego (7-19) is off to one of the worst starts in Rich Hill’s 13-year tenure. USD currently sports a .256 team batting average, .325 on-base percentage and 4.82 ERA. The holes in the weekend pitching rotation left by Kyle Blair (8-4, 2.84 ERA) and Sammy Solis (9-2, 3.42 ERA) have been tough to fill on the mound, while the bats of Chris Engall (.416) and James Meador (.391) have left a big offensive void as well. To its credit, San Diego has played a tough schedule, with losses to the likes of Vanderbilt, Oklahoma, Cal, Coastal Carolina, and Fresno State.

New Mexico had its best season in nearly 50 years in 2010, but things have been different this year. After earning the program’s first NCAA bid since 1962, the 2011 Lobos are off to a 9-20 start, including eight straight losses to start the campaign. However, Ray Birmingham’s squad returned just one position starter and six pitchers from last year’s team that went 38-22. Birmingham’s teams have always been offensive minded, but it’s hitting a whopping 80 points below last year’s .346 team batting average, while reaching base at a .342 clip (down nearly 70 points). The lack of offense, combined with a 6.05 staff ERA has been a recipe for  misfortune so far. Give Birmingham credit though. He knew what kind of turnover he would be facing this year, but still scheduled the likes of Arizona State, Oklahoma State, Arizona, and Oklahoma. The first of two conference series against TCU is this weekend.

Oregon is off to just a 14-12 start after an NCAA berth in just the second year of existence in the program’s return. The 40-24 record and that postseason appearance brought high expectations and a top 10 ranking coming into 2011. Like UCLA, George Horton’s offense is know for its small ball approach, but the Ducks are waddling to the tune of a dismal .229 team batting average and a .310 slugging percentage. Aaron Jones (.310) and Danny Pulfer (.301) are the only Ducks batting above .300, while K.C. Serna, who hit a team-best .348 in ’10, is struggling at .194 this season. Oregon scored just three runs in last week’s sweep at the hands of Arizona State to open Pac-10 play, making this weekend’s home series against Washington huge.

Dugouthats.com has officially licensed 2010 College World Series memorabilia year round!

From t-shirts and caps to limited edition prints commemorating the last CWS ever played at historic Rosenblatt Stadium. Dugouthats.com also always  hats of your favorite college teams like LSU, Texas, Cal State Fullerton, Long Beach State, UCLA, South Carolina, Miami and more.

Toreros Control Their Destiny In The WCC

San Diego

Event Highlights Southern California College Media Day

Top Chef winner Steve Rodriguez of Pepperdine (Photo Matt Brown)

Media Day event. Combined with the SoCal Media Day was the second annual NCAA Baseball Coaches Cook-Off as coaches from the Big West, Pac-10, Mountain West and West Coast conferences showed off their skills behind the hot plate.

Competing from the Big West in this “Iron Chef”-style competition were Larry Lee (Cal Poly), Dave Serrano (Cal State Fullerton), Steve Rousey (Cal State Northridge), Mike Gillespie (UC Irvine), Doug Smith (UC Riverside), and Bob Brontsema (UC Santa Barbara). Joining them in the competition were defending champion Chad Kreuter from USC, Jason Gill from Loyola Marymount, John Savage from UCLA, Rich Hill from San Diego and Steve Rodriguez from Pepperdine.

Coaches teamed with an ESPN Zone chef to prepare an entree in a 20-minute time period and present their creations to a panel of judges. The dishes were

USCB's Bob Brontsema (photo Matt Brown)

graded on presentation, creativity, and most importantly taste. Along with competing for top honors in all three categories the coveted “Top Chef” honor was also awarded for the highest overall score.

Serrano redeemed himself from last year where he won the “Dug Out” award, given to the lowest scoring entree, with the most creative award this year as his Hot Corner spicy tacos impressed the judges. For the second straight year, Brontsema came out on top as the winner for best presentation. His secret…showing his school spirit by spelling UCSB in red peppers on the side of the dish. Completing a Big West-sweep of the three honors was Lee, who used a family secret recipe for his cajun tacos that garnered him best taste accolades.

As the Big West coaches were celebrating the sweep of the three initial awards, they were quickly silenced when Rodriguez was announced as the “Top Chef” of the event with his delicious spicy chicken alfredo dish.

The most surprising announcement of the day was the recipient of the “Dug Out” and “Kitchen Nightmare” awards. Both honors were handed to Kreuter, last year’s “Top Chef” winner, for his chicken pasta creation. Along with the title of worst chef, he was given a Paula Dean cookbook, bottle of Pepto Bismol, Easy-Bake oven and a fire extinguisher.

“I have now been on both ends of the spectrum,” commented Kreuter. “Sometimes you get knocked down and you just have to get back up and fight. I will be back next year swinging.”

(Release)

Gonzaga Looks For WCC Repeat After Winning First Crown

Reigning WCC Player of the Year James Meador of San Diego

Student-Athletes: Four WCC players were named to the ESPN the Magazine/CoSida Academic All-District VIII First Team, the most by any conference in the district.  Evan Wells of Gonzaga, Ryan Wheeler of Loyola Marymount, Bryant Kraus Portland, and Drew Johnson of San Francisco all made the team.

The West Coast Conference looks to rebound from a down year in 2008.  After sending three teams to the NCAA Tournament in 2007 and two in 2008, only Gonzaga made it in 2009.  The Bulldogs go after their second straight WCC crown after capturing their first ever conference title last year.  However, several contenders are ready to make a run this year led by San Diego and Pepperdine.

Gonzaga

2009 Season: (36-18, 14-7)

Nickname: Bulldogs

Head Coach: Mark Machtolf

Location: Spokane, WA

Vitals: .299 BA, 39 HR, .390 OPB, .971 Fld%…4.44 ERA, 11 SVs, 422 K, 180 BB, .284 Opp. BA

Outfield Strength: CF Drew Heid (.355 BA, 8 triples) and LF Matt Castellitto (.278 BA, team high 9 HR) returns to lead the Bulldog offense.

Tough to Replace: The Bulldogs must fill the holes left by C Tyson Van Winkle, who led the team with a .362 BA, 27 doubles, and a .543 Slg%, and WCC Pitcher of the Year Matt Fields, who posted an 8-1 record with a 3.47 ERA and 74 Ks.

Strong Like Bull(dog): A challenging non-conference schedule awaits Gonzaga.  Included are matchups against Missouri, Kansas, Texas Tech, Notre Dame and UC-Irvine.

Loyola Marymount

2009 Season: (30-29, 13-8)

Nickname: Lions

Head Coach: Jason Gill

Location: Los Angeles, CA

Vitals: .297 BA, 42 HR, .380 OBP, .971 Fld%…5.65 ERA, 9 SVs, 404 K, 198 BB, .304 Opp. BA

Who’s Next: Loyola Marymount has to deal with the loss of their top two offensive threats due to the graduations of OF Angelo Songco and 1B Ryan Wheeler.  Songco (.360 BA, 15 HR, 63 RBI) led the Lions in nine offensive categories and was the only WCC player to be a semifinalist for the USA Baseball Golden Spikes Award given annually to nation’s top collegiate baseball player.  Wheeler finished the 2009 season with a .319 BA while pounding out 20 doubles, 9 HR and 48 RBI.

Feast or Famine: 2009 saw its ups and downs for the Lions.  After winning 8 of their first 10 games, LMU lost their next 10 only to win the next 8.  Wins included victories over 5^th-ranked UC-Irvine, 6^th-ranked Cal State Fullerton and a four-game sweep of defending national champion Fresno State.

Jump right in: The Lions open the 2010 season with a three game series against 8^th-ranked UC-Irvine.

Pepperdine

2009 Season: (31-23, 12-9)

Nickname: Waves

Head Coach: Steve Rodriguez

Location: Malibu, CA

Vitals: .284 BA, 43 HR, .361 OBP, .982 Fld %…4.52 ERA, 12 SVs, 477 K, 223 BB, .240 Opp. BA

Pepperdine's Denny Duron

Golden Gloves: Pepperdine led the WCC with a .982 fielding percentage, committing only 36 errors all season, 23 fewer than the second place team, Gonzaga.  INF Denny Duron earned WCC Defensive Player of the Year honors going 42 games while committing only 3 errors.

Big Arms: The Waves top two pitchers, Jr. LHP Matt Bywater (6-1, 3.57 ERA, 66 K, .217 Opp BA) and So. RHP Cole Cook (7-3, 3.69 ERA, 79 K, .195 Opp. BA, 1 SV) return to lead one the top pitching staffs in the WCC.

Nothing But the Best: A challenging non-conference slate features games against Cal State Fullerton, UC-Irvine, LSU, Stanford, and UCLA.

Portland

2009 Season: (25-26, 7-14)

Nickname: Pilots

Head Coach: Chris Sperry

Location: Portland, OR

Vitals: .290 BA, 50 HR, .361 OBP, .969 Fld %…5.32 ERA, 12 SVs, 295 K, 171 BB, .298 Opp. BA

Taking Flight: Portland’s 25 wins a year ago is the highest total in the 12 year tenure of head coach Chris Sperry.

Foundation for the Future: 20 of the 32 players on the 2010 roster are freshman or sophomores.

Key Returners: So. RHP Kyle Kraus (4-6, 4.00 ERA) and Jr. RHP Zach Varce (3-5, 2.69 ERA, 9 SVs) lead the young pitching staff, while Jr. INF Riley Hendricks (.344 BA, 31 RBI) and So. INF Kris Kauppila (.336  BA, 20 doubles, 8 SB) return to lead the Pilot offensive attack.

San Diego

2009 Season: (29-25, 11-10)

Nickname: Toreros

Head Coach: Rich Hill

Location: San Diego, CA

Vitals: .319 BA, 47 HR, .381 OBP, .961 Fld %…5.07 ERA, 12 SVs, 425 K, 190 BB, .274 Opp. BA

Big Hitters: San Diego was the top hitting team in the WCC in 2009 with a .319 team BA.  They were led by Jr. James Meador (.376 BA, 80 H, 45 RBI), who was named the WCC Player of the Year, and So. Zach Walters (.377 BA, 13 doubles, 4 triples).

Mound Marvel: Sr. RHP A.J. Griffin became a starter during conference play last year posting an 8-3 record with a 3.33 ERA and 3 SVs.  His 28 career saves are tied for most in WCC history.

Close to Home: The Toreros leave the state of California only three times this season.  The first is March 26-28 for a three game series against Coastal Carolina.  An early April trip to Tempe to play a pair against Arizona State, and a five game swing to Oregon to face Portland, Oregon and Oregon State in May complete the interstate road trips.

San Francisco

2009 Season: (28-28, 12-9)

Nickname: Dons

Head Coach: Nino Giarratano

Location: San Francisco, CA

Vitals: .296 BA, 41 HR, .375 OBP, .968 Fld. %…5.09 ERA, 9 SVs, 371 K, 194 BB, .278 Opp. BA

Fleet Feet: Sr. OF Zach Kim swiped 42 bases in 2009 breaking the single-season USF record.  For the year, the Dons stole 107 bases in 129 attempts, a staggering 83 % clip.

Strong Arm Returns: 1^st team All-WCC P Doug Murray returns to head the USF staff.  As a junior, Murray went 9-0 in 18 starts posting a 3.77 ERA while striking out 45.  Murray was the only WCC pitcher to finish the season undefeated.

Save the Dates: USF hosts Rikkyo University from Japan in a special exhibition game at Benedetti Stadium March 3^rd.  The Dons also take on St. Mary’s April 16^th at AT&T Park, home of the San Francisco Giants.

Santa Clara

2009 Season: (19-34, 6-15)

Nickname: Broncos

Head Coach: Mark O’Brien

Location: Santa Clara, CA

Vitals: .286 BA, 24 HR, .356 OBP, .966 Fld. %…6.31 ERA, 7 SVs, 399 K, 170 BB, .312 Opp. BA

Key Returners: Two of the three Santa Clara players that garnered 1^st team All-WCC honors last year return this year’s squad.  Sr. C Geoff Klein (.379 BA, 81 H, 56 RBI) led the WCC in batting average and hits in 2009 and anchors the everyday lineup this year.  Sr. RHP Nate Garcia (7-5, 4.33 ERA, 96 K, 3 CG) will lead one of the younger pitching staffs in the conference.

Youth is Served: The Broncos’ 2010 roster includes 20 first-year players and 14 true freshman.

Welcome back: RS JR. Tommy Medica played in just 9 games last year before a shoulder injury sidelined him for the remainder of the season.  He was leading the team with a .429 BA while scoring 9 runs and collecting 7 doubles at the time of his injury.  For his career, Medica is a .361 hitter, 3^rd best in SCU history, and the WCC batting champ his freshman year in 2007.

St. Mary’s

2009 Season: (28-27, 9-12)

Nickname: Gaels

Head Coach: Jedd Soto

Location: Moraga, CA

Troy Channing

Vitals: .288 BA, 50 HR, .374 OBP, .965 Fld. %…5.35 ERA, 9 SVs, 364 K, 180 BB, .295 Opp. BA

Young Gun: 3B Troy Channing earned WCC Freshman of the Year honors after winning the conference triple crown becoming just the third player in WCC history to accomplish that feat.  For the season, Channing hit .379, crushed 20 HR, and drove in 75.  Channing also was just one of two freshman to be a semifinalist for the Dick Howser Trophy.

Tough Road to Hoe: Trips to UC-Irvine, Tulane, Southern Mississippi, and Stanford highlight a challenging non-conference road schedule.

Need a Staff: Three of the Gaels top pitchers from a season ago are gone.  Brian Justice, Scott Schneider and Nathan Gonzalez combined to earn 15 of the team’s 28 wins in 2009.  Sr. RHP Brandon Berl (2-2, 4.01 ERA, 6 SVs) and So. RHP Kyle Barraclough (4-5, 4.70 ERA) lead the staff.

West Coast Conference Predictions

2010 Champion: Pepperdine, with San Diego fighting with them down to the wire

2010 Player of the Year: James Meador—San Diego

2010 Pitcher of the Year: Matt Bywater—Pepperdine

(By Collegebaseball360.com contributor Shawn Lewallen)