2007- BigPoppa's Central Region Rankings: (previous ranking)
1.(2) Augustana (10-1) CCIW- Only blemish on their record is a 5-4 loss to Grove City in Port Charlotte, FL. The Vikings appear to be the cream of the crop in the Central Region right now. Their head-to-head battles with Carthage will determine their CCIW chances.
2.(NR) Washington U (13-4) UAA- Their 10-1 record outside of the UAA is a nice addition to their impressive 13-4 start. Could be tough to beat in May.
3.(4) Wartburg (8-4) IIAC- Looking for their 11th straight IIAC title. I have seen very little so far that would prevent them from achieving that.
4.(3) Aurora (6-4) NATHCON- Big non-conference matchups with CCIW teams will determine their regional status this year. Should walk through the NATHCON.
5.(1) Carthage (6-4) CCIW- Could a very dangerous team if they start hitting. An ERA in the 1.50 range should keep them in nearly all of their games this year.
6.(NR) Concordia-Chicago (7-5) NATHCON- A nice start that could parlay into a conference title if the cards fall right for them. Tilts with Edgewood and Aurora will be huge for their regional status.
7.(6) Webster (8-7) SLIAC- Currently on top of the SLIAC. Will need to get hot in the conference season in order to knock of Fontbonne, MacMurray and Westminster.
8.(NR) Edgewood (5-4) NATHCON- Up and coming program in the region that surprised a few teams in the past few seasons. Look for them to be near the top of the NATHCON by the time it all finishes.
9.(NR) Loras (7-3) IIAC- Off to a great start, but has not faced top-notch competition as of yet.
Any thoughts or reactions? Who did I miss?
Poppa, I think your rankings are pretty close. Though I do think that Carthage will creep back to the top very soon. Here is what I predict for the end of the season ranking:
1. Carthage-cciw
2. Augustana-cciw
3. Aurora-nathcon
4. Wartburg-iiac
5. Edgewood-nathcon
6. Webster-sliac
7. Coe-iiac
8. Concordia-Chicago-nathcon
It is tough to tell early as teams play vastly different levels of talent in their spring trips.
Quote from: Captain Morgan on March 20, 2007, 11:27:15 AM
Poppa, I think your rankings are pretty close. Though I do think that Carthage will creep back to the top very soon. Here is what I predict for the end of the season ranking:
1. Carthage-cciw
2. Augustana-cciw
3. Aurora-nathcon
4. Wartburg-iiac
5. Edgewood-nathcon
6. Webster-sliac
7. Coe-iiac
8. Concordia-Chicago-nathcon
It is tough to tell early as teams play vastly different levels of talent in their spring trips.
I like your rankings, but I doubt the NCAA would put two CCIW teams in the top spots. It is usually a CCIW team and Aurora/Wartburg as the #1, 2 and 3 teams in the region. This has changed in the last few years with the importing of out-of-region teams to the Central Region for the post-season: Mississippi College, College of Mt. St. Joseph and Emory University to name a few. I would expect the same to happen again this year.
CCIW Baseball Standings
Augustana 10-1
Carthage 6-4
Wheaton 3-4
North Park 2-4
Ill. Wesleyan 2-4
North Central 2-5
Elmhurst 1-3
Millikin 1-4
SLIAC BAseball
MacMurray 0-0
Lincoln Christian 0-0
Fontbonne 8 8
Webster 8-7
Maryville 8-7
Greenville 7-8
Westminster 4-8
Blackburn 3-7
Principia 3-9
Eureka 2-6
IIAC Baseball
Loras College 7-3
Wartburg College 8-4
Central College 6-3
Buena Vista Univ. 2-1
Cornell College 7-4
Coe College 7-5
Simpson College 4-6
Luther College 2-3
Univ. of Dubuque 4-8
NathCon Baseball
Edgewood 7-4
Aurora 6-4
Concordia Chicago7-5
Benedictine 5-5
Concordia Wisconsin 5-7
Lakeland 0-0 4-6
Marian 4-6
Dominican 3-7
Rockford 2-6
Wisconsin Lutheran 1-5
Maranatha 0-0
MSOE 0-15
Independents
Wash U 14-3 (Actually in the UAA, but I list them as an independent as they are they only UAA team in the Central Region)
Nebraska Wesleyan 8-3
Chicago 2-1
Clarke 3-7
Quote from: BigPoppa on March 19, 2007, 03:35:55 PM
2007- BigPoppa's Central Region Rankings: (previous ranking)
1.(2) Augustana (10-1) CCIW- Only blemish on their record is a 5-4 loss to Grove City in Port Charlotte, FL. The Vikings appear to be the cream of the crop in the Central Region right now. Their head-to-head battles with Carthage will determine their CCIW chances.
2.(NR) Washington U (13-4) UAA- Their 10-1 record outside of the UAA is a nice addition to their impressive 13-4 start. Could be tough to beat in May.
3.(4) Wartburg (8-4) IIAC- Looking for their 11th straight IIAC title. I have seen very little so far that would prevent them from achieving that.
4.(3) Aurora (6-4) NATHCON- Big non-conference matchups with CCIW teams will determine their regional status this year. Should walk through the NATHCON.
5.(1) Carthage (6-4) CCIW- Could a very dangerous team if they start hitting. An ERA in the 1.50 range should keep them in nearly all of their games this year.
6.(NR) Concordia-Chicago (7-5) NATHCON- A nice start that could parlay into a conference title if the cards fall right for them. Tilts with Edgewood and Aurora will be huge for their regional status.
7.(6) Webster (8-7) SLIAC- Currently on top of the SLIAC. Will need to get hot in the conference season in order to knock of Fontbonne, MacMurray and Westminster.
8.(NR) Edgewood (5-4) NATHCON- Up and coming program in the region that surprised a few teams in the past few seasons. Look for them to be near the top of the NATHCON by the time it all finishes.
9.(NR) Loras (7-3) IIAC- Off to a great start, but has not faced top-notch competition as of yet.
Any thoughts or reactions? Who did I miss?
I gave it my best shot. Here is the ABCA regional rankings:
1. Augustana (12-1)
2. Washington (16-4)
3. Warhburg (11-6)
4. Luther (8-3)
5. Carthage (7-6)
6. Loras (6-4)
7. Webster (10-7)
Not bad at the top, and one opinion is as good as another after that I think. Not sure I don't like your list better than the actual one.
After seeing Loras play tonight, they are definitely not the 6th best team in the central region.
Quote from: knarocky22 on March 27, 2007, 10:54:58 PM
After seeing Loras play tonight, they are definitely not the 6th best team in the central region.
I am guessing they may be the product of a weak early season schedule?!
Updates NATHCON BASEBALL
Marian 2-0(6-6)
Concordia-Wi. 2-0(7-9)
Benidictine 1-0(7-5)
Concordia-Chi. 3-1(10-6)
Rockford 3-1(6-7)
Edgewood 2-2(9-6)
Lakeland 2-2(6-8)
Wisc. Lutheran 2-2(3-9)
Marantha 0-2(0-2)
Aurora 0-3(6-8)
Dominican 0-4(5-11)
MSOE(provisional) (0-19)
Too early to tell who is really the team to beat but with the way the conference schedules are the team with the deepest pitching staff will have the edge as you need 4 starters to get thru the conference
conference website: northernathleticsconf.com/sports/baseball
Maybe Big Poppa might want to change that prediction that Aurora will walk thru the NATHCON. maybe they will turn it around but they are not the team they have been in the past. Had to replace a lot of pitching and a few big bats from last year
Quote from: soxfan14 on March 29, 2007, 10:31:40 AM
Maybe Big Poppa might want to change that prediction that Aurora will walk thru the NATHCON. maybe they will turn it around but they are not the team they have been in the past. Had to replace a lot of pitching and a few big bats from last year
I hold true to my prediction.
Quote from: knarocky22 on March 27, 2007, 10:54:58 PM
After seeing Loras play tonight, they are definitely not the 6th best team in the central region.
Well it is the Central Region...and a down year for it as it looks at that.
Loras did play a few decent teams in Florida (Wittenberg, Heidelberg, King's) and Northern Iowa before, obviously, Augustana. They're 2-4 in those games. Not sure Augustana's really played any better competition.
I didn't say Augustana had played any tougher of a schedule. However, seeing both teams on the same field, Augie is simply head and shoulders better than Loras. I just think there are other teams in the central region better than the Duhawks.
No I understand that...just saying I don't think Loras' schedule is any worse than most of the region minus Wartburg, Carthage and maybe a couple others.
Nathcon standings
Concordia/ Wi. 2-0(7-9)
Concordia/ Chi. 4-1(12-6-1)
Rockford 3-2(6-8)
Aurora 3-3(7-9)
Edgewood 3-3(10-7)
Lakeland 3-3(7-9)
Benidictine 2-2(8-7)
Marian 2-2(6-6)
Wi. Lutheran 2-2(3-9)
Dominican 1-5(6-12)
Maranatha 0-2(3-6)
MSOE(provisional) (1-20)
Concordia Wisconsin 6-0 -- 11-9 .
Concordia Chicago 5-2 13-8-
Rockford 3-2 . 7-8 .
Aurora 4-4 . 10-10 .
Edgewood 3-3 11-7
Lakeland 3-3 7-9
Marian 2-2 . 6-8
Wisconsin Lutheran 2-2 3-9
Benedictine 2-4 8-9
Dominican 1-5 6-12
Maranatha 0-4 3-8 .
MSOE~ --- -- --- 1-20
NATHCON standing as of 4/9
The next ABCA poll will be released April 24.
ABCA/Collegiate Baseball
NCAA Division III Central Region poll (April 10, 2007)
1. Washington University (22-5)
2. Wartburg (15-6)
3. Carthage (10-6)
4. Augustana (17-5)
5. Illinois Wesleyan (10-7)
6. Luther (11-5)
7. Buena Vista (9-4)
8. Edgewood College (11-7)
Updated Central Region Rankings:
1. Washinton (MO) 24-8
2. Wartburg 21-8
3. Illinois Wesleyan 22-8
4. Luther 21-5
5. Edgewood 22-9
6. Carthage 19-11
7. Augustana 23-8
8. Concordia (IL) 21-10
Thoughts?
I feel that IWU should be a bit higher as they are running through the CCIW at 15-0 right now. What are the chances that BOTH Wartburg and Luther get a bid? Is Edgewood as good as they look... is Carthage as bad as they look?
I believe that is Concordia/chi. ranked #8as Concordia/wi. 's record is 15-13 and chicago's is 21-10-1
I think Wartburg and Luther's records are a result of weak conference as there are only 3 teams above .500 in the conference. Piling up wins in a weak conference get you a good w-l record but not a indication of how good you really are.
Edgewood is pretty solid (good defense, good hitting and 3 solid starters)
Carthage's story is one that happens every year at all levels of baseball (Lots of talent but just not able to consistently put it all together on the field at the same time)
I'd know how to fairly quickly research this myself if this were basketball, but anyone know the results vs. common opponents for Wartburg and Luther vs. IWU (and Carthage and Augie, for that matter)?
Do any of these teams with a strong finish have a chance at a NCAA bid as the Nathcon does not yet get a automatic bid?
Concordia Chi. 21-11-1
Edgewood 22-9
Rockford 18-11
I doubt it. Augustana was 31-10 last year and didn't get a bid. Edgewood would have to win out I think to get in. I think CUC and Rockford might be on the outside looking in already.
Concordia-Chicago had a chance to at least put a feather in the cap yesterday, but IL Wesleyan came back from a big deficit, scoring in each of the last 3 innings to overcome an early 8-run deficit and stun the Cougars.
Based on my calculations (feel free to correct me if I am wrong), the in region records of these teams are:
IWU: 21-5 .807% (KEY WINS: 3-0 vs Carthage, 2-1 vs Augustana- KEY LOSSES: 0-1 vs Washington, KEY GAMES LEFT: CCIW Tourney)
Carthage: 20-7 .741% (KEY WINS: 2-1 vs Augustana- KEY LOSSES 0-3 vs IWU- KEY GAMES LEFT: 5/8 vs Concordia-Chicago, CCIW Tourney)
Augustana: 18-8 .692% (KEY WINS: 1-0 vs Concordia-Chicago- KEY LOSSES: 1-2 vs IWU, 1-2 vs Carthage, CCIW Tourney)
Any one have info on the other Central region contenders?
Washington
Wartburg
Luther
Concordia-Chicago
Edgewood
Why it is that the only school from the Nathcon that gets mentioned or forecast as a Pool B/C qualifier seems to be Edgewood.
Concordia/Chi and rockford have a w-l record that is similiar
Even though the Nathcon does not have a automatic bid,i would think that if someone wins both the reg. season and the conference tournament they should be the only school worthy of a bid if there is one.
2007 NAC Standings
School NAC Overall
Edgewood 13-3 23-9
Rockford 15-4 23-11
Marian 12-4 18-10
Concordia Chicago 12-5 23-12-1
Concordia Wisconsin 11-7 16-18
Benedictine 8-10 14-20
Lakeland 8-10 12-20
Aurora 7-11 14-18
Dominican 6-10 12-20
Wisconsin Lutheran 2-16 3-23
Maranatha 1-15 5-20
Quote from: BigPoppa on May 02, 2007, 11:34:28 AM
Based on my calculations (feel free to correct me if I am wrong), the in region records of these teams are:
IWU: 21-5 .807% (KEY WINS: 3-0 vs Carthage, 2-1 vs Augustana- KEY LOSSES: 0-1 vs Washington, KEY GAMES LEFT: CCIW Tourney)
Carthage: 20-7 .741% (KEY WINS: 2-1 vs Augustana- KEY LOSSES 0-3 vs IWU- KEY GAMES LEFT: 5/8 vs Concordia-Chicago, CCIW Tourney)
Augustana: 18-8 .692% (KEY WINS: 1-0 vs Concordia-Chicago- KEY LOSSES: 1-2 vs IWU, 1-2 vs Carthage, CCIW Tourney)
Any one have info on the other Central region contenders?
Washington
Wartburg
Luther
Concordia-Chicago
Edgewood
IWU also has a come-from-behind victory over Concordia-Chicago under its' belt.
Edgewood split with Ripon and beat Washington-St. Louis non-conference.
Quote from: BigPoppa on May 02, 2007, 11:34:28 AM
Based on my calculations (feel free to correct me if I am wrong), the in region records of these teams are:
IWU: 21-5 .807% (KEY WINS: 3-0 vs Carthage, 2-1 vs Augustana- KEY LOSSES: 0-1 vs Washington, KEY GAMES LEFT: CCIW Tourney)
Carthage: 20-7 .741% (KEY WINS: 2-1 vs Augustana- KEY LOSSES 0-3 vs IWU- KEY GAMES LEFT: 5/8 vs Concordia-Chicago, CCIW Tourney)
Augustana: 18-8 .692% (KEY WINS: 1-0 vs Concordia-Chicago- KEY LOSSES: 1-2 vs IWU, 1-2 vs Carthage, CCIW Tourney)
Any one have info on the other Central region contenders?
Washington
Wartburg
Luther
Concordia-Chicago
Edgewood
Please forgive if i have made a mistake but here the in region records of some nathcon teams
Edgewood 20-9(24-10overall)
Key win/Lose 1-0 vs. Washington,1-1 vs. Ripon,1-1vs. Con/Chi.1-1 vs. Rockford
Remaining games 2 vs. Con/Wi.,and Nathcon tour.
Con/ Chi. 17-10-1(22-12-1 overall)
Key win/lose 1-1 vs. Edgewood,1-0 vs. Rockford,0-1 vs. IWU,0-1 vs. Augustana
Remaining games 2 vs. Marian,1 vs. Rockford, 1 vs. Carthage and Nathcon tour. if they qualify
Rockford 21-7 (23-12 overall)
Key win/lose 1-1 vs. Edgewood, 1-0 vs. Augustana, 0-1 vs. Con/ Chi., 0-1 vs. IWU
Remaining games 2 vs. Beloit, 1 vs. Con/Chi and Nathcon tour.
It would seem to me that there is one spot open, perhaps 2?, I would think that Edgewood, Augustana and Rockford are battling out for it, with Carthage and Conc-Chicago with outside shots. I show the top 3 as following
Augustana, 22-9 in Regtion (71 %) with QOWI of 9.39, key region games of loss of 2 of 3 to IWU, loss of 2 of 3 to Carthage, loss to Rockford
Edgewood, 20-9 in Region (69%) with QOWI of 8.93, key region games of split with Rockford, split with Ripon, win over Washington (MO),
Rockford, 24-8 in Region (75%) with QOWI of 9.16, key region games of split with Edgewood, win over Augustana, loss to IWU, split with Pomona Pitzer.
Alot will still be played out, especially the CCIW teams as many of thier regioinal opponents are teetering between class ratings for QOW points.
If either Rockford or Edgewood wins out thier tourney I would think that would put the winner in semi decent position, the loser definetly on the outs.
Quote from: goldengear on May 05, 2007, 05:40:28 PM
Edgewood, 20-9 in Region (69%) with QOWI of 8.93, key region games of split with Rockford, split with Ripon, win over Washington (MO),
Update on this, Edgewood split with Conc - Wisconsin today, makeing thier Region Record 21-10 (67.7%) and dropping thier QOWI to 8.741, so they don't seem to be going in the right direction.
Carthage won another couple, don't have thier numbers to share, if anyone does please chime in, maybe they can still get in this.
Don't know if anyone knows for baseball, but for basketball a QOWI of about 10 is bubble territory for a pool C. All those QOWIs look too low to be serious contenders.
I am going to bet that with Edgewood struggling a bit last week and Carthage winning 11 straight that the Redmen will show up in the regional rankings this week. It could all come down to a game versus Concordia (IL) on Tuesday.
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on May 05, 2007, 09:04:12 PM
Don't know if anyone knows for baseball, but for basketball a QOWI of about 10 is bubble territory for a pool C. All those QOWIs look too low to be serious contenders.
Yes, I have been wondering about the QOWI's, too.
I think that baseball is different in that teams play a 3 or 4 game series, and rarely sweep the series against comparable talent.
Those 2 extra losses is enough to drop the QOWI by 0.500.
I am wondering if the QOWI bubble is about 9.500.
Big Poppa, you want to try your hand at Carthage's QOWI? I'm going to try with IWU this evening (though I may be a bit shaky on opponents' in-region records - in basketball it would be a breeze, but the data is not yet up on this baseball site - maybe by next year!).
Augie's sweep of Wheaton obviously improved their in-region winning%, but actually lowered their QOWI - someone computed it at 9.39 before the weekend; I'd guess it is about 9.30 now.
Projecting final QOWIs: tourney wins for Augie, Carthage, and Elmhurst would be 15 each over IWU, Augie, and Carthage; 11 over Elmhurst (8 points less for losses). Wins and losses for IWU would be reduced by one since they'd be home games. (These assume that losses would not drop anyone to a lower category, or wins raise them - I don't think anyone is that close to a boundary-line.)
Ralph,
That belatedly occurred to me, also! Aside from the absolute extremes, winning percentages are rarely as high or low as in basketball, so QOWIs would also tend to be less extreme. I'm pretty sure the 'bubble' is below 10, but unsure where it is - 9.5-9.6 seems like a pretty good guess. But those particular QOWIs still seemed a bit low to be viable contenders.
Quote from: goldengear on May 05, 2007, 05:40:28 PM
It would seem to me that there is one spot open, perhaps 2?, I would think that Edgewood, Augustana and Rockford are battling out for it, with Carthage and Conc-Chicago with outside shots. I show the top 3 as following
Augustana, 22-9 in Regtion (71 %) with QOWI of 9.39, key region games of loss of 2 of 3 to IWU, loss of 2 of 3 to Carthage, loss to Rockford
Edgewood, 20-9 in Region (69%) with QOWI of 8.93, key region games of split with Rockford, split with Ripon, win over Washington (MO),
Rockford, 24-8 in Region (75%) with QOWI of 9.16, key region games of split with Edgewood, win over Augustana, loss to IWU, split with Pomona Pitzer.
Alot will still be played out, especially the CCIW teams as many of thier regioinal opponents are teetering between class ratings for QOW points.
If either Rockford or Edgewood wins out thier tourney I would think that would put the winner in semi decent position, the loser definetly on the outs.
Does Rockford have a chance at breaking into the central rankings?They have won 11 of last 12 (only loss to IWU by 1 in 12innings)
And would winning the Nathcon tour give them a outside chance at a ncaa bid?
Never got around to figuring out Carthage info, if someone has it please chime in, also Conc-Chi who maybe is still alive. For my original 3 contenders for the last? spot
I've got Augustana now at 9.294 with a 25-9 region mark
I've got Edgewood with a 8.87 and 21-10 region mark
I've got Rockford with a 9.278 with a 25-8 region mark
This is through todays action for the teams above, but a word of caution in regards to Augustana, alot of thier opponents are teetering on the border between the point classes, for example Augie has 3 wins over Monmouth, including one today, who I show as being 15-14 in region going into thier conference tourney so if they tank up there it could cost Augie 6 points which is like .18 to augies qowi. There are also some other opponents who are teetering, I have to take a look to see if any has fallen the right or wrong way for Augie with the last few games of the schedules, so the above qowi of Augie might not be balls on. For Edgewood and Rockford thier numbers should be pretty exact as the NAC has fallen alot clearer as to opponents in region winning percentages.
Also if Edgewood doesn't win the tourney, they will probably drop below .667 as well in region, which will adversly effect Rockford, Concordia etc.
Rockford gets the split with the West Regionally Ranked team, Pomona-Pitzer!
That is one of the criteria.
Did some math on Carthage, they seem to be in the middle of the pack of contenders, I have thier region record at 23-9 (.718) and the QOWI at 9.156, same caution must be used as with Carthage as they have teeting conference opponents. Key results are 2 of 3 from Augie, 0 for 3 from IWU.
Unfortunately, late-season games count with the NCAA absolutely no more than early season games - finishing strong probably SHOULD help, but it is NOT among the criteria. I sympathize with Carthage and Rockford supporters (among others), since IWU lost their first 4 in-region games (and 5 of the first 7) before winning 24 of 27!
If I calculated QOWI correctly (in a few cases I was unsure of in-region record and hoped their overall record would be in the same category), IWU currently stands at 9.794 - probably fairly safe for a C as long as they win at least a couple more but don't win the tourney.
Augie and Carthage both seem a bit low in QOWI (though remember that that is ONLY one of several criteria), but might rise enough in the tourney to be considered if they make the title game.
EDIT: If goldengear is correct about Monmouth, IWU's QOWI is actually 9.91 (would fall to 9.85 if Monmouth goes 0-2). I apparently found bad data and had them as a sub .333 team!
Well I show them at 17-15 overall, take away a split with Robert Morris of Springfield (NAIA), as well as a win over Iowa Wesleyan (NAIA). That makes 15-14, but as I look closer I don't think Missouri Baptist is D3 either and they have a loss to them so that would be 15-13, so I think they will hold to the over .500 record.
Corrections appreciated.
CCIW TOURNEY:
On Thursday, May 10, the Red Men open play at the CCIW Baseball Tournament at Illinois Wesleyan University's Jack Horenberger Field in Bloomington, Ill. Carthage, second-seeded in the tournament, will take on third-seeded Augustana College (Ill., 29-10) at 6 p.m. on Thursday, May 10. Top-seeded Illinois Wesleyan will play fourth-seeded Elmhurst College (16-20) in the first game that day at 3 p.m. The tournament continues with games at 11 a.m., 2 p.m. and 5 p.m. on Friday, May 11. The championship round begins on Saturday, May 12 at Noon.
http://www.cciw.org/spring_baseball/index.php (http://www.cciw.org/spring_baseball/index.php)
NATHcon Tourney:
2007 Baseball Tournament
Opening Rounds
Friday, May 11 - RiverHawks Stadium, Rockford, Illinois
Game 1 9:00am #1 Rockford College vs. #4 Marian College
Game 2 12:30pm #2 Edgewood College vs. #3 Concordia University Chicago
Game 3 4:00pm Game 1 winner vs. Game 2 winner
Game 4 7:30pm Game 1 loser vs. Game 2 loser
Final Rounds
Saturday, May 12 - RiverHawks Stadium, Rockford, Illinois
Game 5 10:00am Game 3 loser vs. Game 4 winner
Game 6 1:30pm Game 3 winner vs. Game 5 winner
Game 7 5:00pm If necessary, same teams as Game 6
http://northernathleticsconf.com/sports/baseball/tournament/ (http://northernathleticsconf.com/sports/baseball/tournament/)
SLIAC Tourney:
http://www.sliac.org/mens3/mbaseball/ (http://www.sliac.org/mens3/mbaseball/)
IIAC Tourney:
Game Teams Results/Time
1 #4 Central vs. #5 Buena Vista Thursday, 1:00 p.m. at Daniels Park **
2 #3 Loras vs. #6 Simpson Thursday, 1:00 p.m. at Veterans Stadium
3 Game 2 winner vs. #2 Luther Thursday, 4:00 p.m. at Veterans Stadium
4 Game 1 winner vs. #1 Wartburg Thursday, 7:00 p.m. at Veterans Stadium
5 Game 1 loser vs. Game 3 loser Friday, 10:00 am
6 Game 2 loser vs. Game 4 loser Friday, 1:00 pm
7 Game 3 winner vs. Game 4 winner Friday, 4:00 pm
8 Game 5 winner vs. Game 6 winner Friday, 7:00 pm
9 Game 7 loser vs. Game 8 winner Saturday, 10:00 am
10 Game 7 winner vs. Game 9 winner Saturday, 1:00 pm
11 Game 7 winner vs. Game 9 winner Saturday, 4:00 pm (if necessary)
http://www.iowaconference.com/men/baseball/tournament/2007.htm (http://www.iowaconference.com/men/baseball/tournament/2007.htm)
New central rankings out
Central
1. Illinois Wesleyan (30-9)
2. Wartburg (26-11)
3. Washington (30-9)
4. Augustana (30-10)
5. Luther (26-9)
6. Carthage (28-11)
7. Edgewood (25-11)
8. Webster (27-12)
Those are NOT The new rankings, the rankings don't come out until Thursday. That is the ABCA Poll, no bearing on the official NCAA rankings or touney selections.
Quote from: goldengear on May 08, 2007, 03:00:34 PM
Those are NOT The new rankings, the rankings don't come out until Thursday. That is the ABCA Poll, no bearing on the official NCAA rankings or touney selections.
Sorry, my bad
i'm a idiot
Quote from: goldengear on May 07, 2007, 01:01:05 AM
Well I show them at 17-15 overall, take away a split with Robert Morris of Springfield (NAIA), as well as a win over Iowa Wesleyan (NAIA). That makes 15-14, but as I look closer I don't think Missouri Baptist is D3 either and they have a loss to them so that would be 15-13, so I think they will hold to the over .500 record.
Corrections appreciated.
St. Ambrose is not Division III either, which was one win for Monmouth.
Quote from: soxfan14 on May 08, 2007, 04:18:12 PM
Quote from: goldengear on May 08, 2007, 03:00:34 PM
Those are NOT The new rankings, the rankings don't come out until Thursday. That is the ABCA Poll, no bearing on the official NCAA rankings or touney selections.
Sorry, my bad
i'm a idiot
No, we are just all trying to learn this stuff better. :)
Welcome aboard! We are glad to have good fans joining us!
Reminds me of a Sienfeld, George goes "I am Constanza, King of the Idiots"
One thing that will hurt the Central region Pool C teams is that the SLAIC will get a team into the regional through the auto-bid system which bumps one of the higher ranked regional teams out of the picture.
No it won't. Pool C teams are selected nationally. There's no minimum or maximum per region.
NCAA has released its new regional ranking:
http://www.ncaasports.com/baseball/mens/polls/diviii (http://www.ncaasports.com/baseball/mens/polls/diviii)
Crossposted to the blog for discussion.
http://www.d3sports.com/dailydose/category/ncaa/regional-rankings/
Quote from: Pat Coleman on May 10, 2007, 03:51:17 PM
Crossposted to the blog for discussion.
http://www.d3sports.com/dailydose/category/ncaa/regional-rankings/
Thanks...
IIAC TOURNEY: http://www.iowaconference.com/men/baseball/tournament/2007.htm (http://www.iowaconference.com/men/baseball/tournament/2007.htm)
1 #4 Central vs. #5 Buena Vista Buena Vista, 6-5
2 #3 Loras vs. #6 Simpson Loras, 14-10
3 #2 Luther vs. #3 Loras Luther, 16-9
4 #1 Wartburg vs. #5 Buena Vista Wartburg, 12-2 (8 innings)
5 #3 Loras vs. #4 Central Loras, 3-2 (10 innings) [Central eliminated]
6 #5 Buena Vista vs. #6 Simpson Friday, 1:00 pm
7 #1 Wartburg vs. #2 Luther Friday, 4:00 pm
8 #3 Loras vs. Game 6 winner Friday, 7:00 pm
9 Game 7 loser vs. Game 8 winner Saturday, 10:00 am
10 Game 7 winner vs. Game 9 winner Saturday, 1:00 pm
11 Game 7 winner vs. Game 9 winner Saturday, 4:00 pm (if necessary)
SLIAC TOURNEY: http://www.sliac.org/mens3/mbaseball/ (http://www.sliac.org/mens3/mbaseball/)
Friday, May 11
2:00 pm
Game 1 #1 Webster vs #4 Maryville @ Maryville
Game 2 #2 Greenville vs #3 Blackburn @ Principia
7:00 pm
Game 3 Winner Game 1 vs Winner Game 2 Principia
Game 4 Loser Game 1 vs Loser Game 2 at Maryville
Saturday, May 12
3:30 pm
Game 5 Loser Game 3 vs Winner Game 4 at Principia or Gordon Moore
6:30 pm
Game 6 Winner Game 3 vs Winner Game 5 at Principia or Gordon Moore
9:30 pm
Game 7 Winner Game 6 vs Loser Game 6 (if necessary)
CCIW TOURNEY: http://www.cciw.org/spring_baseball/2007resultspage.php (http://www.cciw.org/spring_baseball/2007resultspage.php)
Thursday, May 10 (at Illinois Wesleyan's Horenberger Field)
Game 1: Illinois Wesleyan 11, Elmhurst 0 (Box Score)
Game 2: Carthage 12, Augustana 4 (Box Score)
Friday, May 11 (at Illinois Wesleyan's Horenberger Field)
Game 3: Carthage 10, Illinois Wesleyan 3 (Box Score)
Game 4: Elmhurst vs. Augustana, 2 p.m.
Game 5: Game 4 winner vs. Illinois Wesleyan, 5 p.m.
Saturday, May 12 (at Illinois Wesleyan's Horenberger Field)
Game 6: Carthage vs. Game 5 winner, Noon
Game 7: If necessary, repeat of Game 6, 3 p.m.
In other Central region action... NathCon Tourney:
In NAthCon Action:
#1 Rockford 7
#4 Marian 0
#3 Concordia (IL) 3
#2 Edgewood 2
Rockford/Concordia this afternoon with Marian/ Edgewood tonight in an elimination game.
For those unable to attend the tournament, the NAC will provide on-line links for real-time audio coverage and statistics. For the live internet audio feed, visit http://www.edgewoodcollegeeagles.com/nacbaseball/audio.asp. For live, up-to-the-minute statistics, visit http://www.edgewoodcollegeeagles.com/nacbaseball/stats.asp.
I see the Central looking this way right now:
1. Luther
2. Wash U
3. IWU
4. Carthage
5. SLIAC Champ (Webster?)
6. Wartburg/Augustana
Just wondering if Rockford is goin to .get a central ranking or consideration for a NCAA bid .Seem like alot of schools get mentioned for a bid but never Rockford, Why?
Inregion record 28-8
overall 29-12
won Nathcon reg. season
won Nathcon tour.
split with #21 Pomona -Pitzer
Beat Augustana who always gets mentioned as a candidate
2-2 against regionally rankeds teams
I know they have not been up there year in and year out like some programs but lets judge teams on what they do this year as roster and coaching changes can cause a team to drop a little or improve quickly from year to year.
Of the various points you mentioned, here's what the committee actually looks at:
Quote from: soxfan14 on May 12, 2007, 10:07:30 PM
Inregion record 28-8
2-2 against regionally rankeds teams
They also look at Quality of Wins Index fairly heavily. No idea what Rockford's is, however.
A week ago goldengear calculated Rockford's QOWI at 9.16. After the tourney wins, I would guess it would be up to 9.4-9.5. Combined with a 78% in-region record and a split with RR teams, I would think they would get serious consideration (pool B first, not directly pool C).
I would think they would be more in consideration for the 6th Pool B spot, from what everyone on this site seems to say they would be going after it along with Ithaca, York (Pa), Tomas More, and Washington and Jefferson.
By my analysis, they would seem to be ahead of Thomas More, Washington Jefferson and York (Pa). Ithaca would seem to be a little above them, certainly in qowi, but Ithaca is from a funky little 4 team conference so who knows who they really played.
The Rockford qowi surely went up in the tourney, but that would be tempered somewhat by Edgewood losing (and dropping below .667 in region) and Marian losing 2 in the tourney to drop below .500 in region (more due to losing 4 throw away games earlier this week to UW- schools, I think they had thier catcher pitch one of them)
I come up with 9.36 for Rockford's QOWI.
For ease of calculation on my part, I sorted the schedule by home and away/neutral, then regional winning percentage.
Date Opp RR WPct. Pts
Mar 03, 2007 vs Pomona-Pitzer Coll. W 10-9 23-8 .742 15
Mar 03, 2007 vs Pomona-Pitzer Coll. 6-7 L 23-8 .742 7
*Apr 01, 2007 at Concordia Chicago 5-6 L 21-12 .636 5
*May 06, 2007 at Concordia Chicago W 5-0 21-12 .636 13
^May 11, 2007 vs Concordia Chicago W 7-5 21-12 .636 13
^May 12, 2007 vs Concordia Chicago W 10-6 21-12 .636 13
*Apr 22, 2007 at Marian College 5-15 L 17-18 .486 3
*Apr 22, 2007 at Marian College W 23-16 17-18 .486 11
^May 11, 2007 vs Marian College W 7-0 17-18 .486 11
*Apr 28, 2007 at Concordia Wisconsin W 5-4 16-19 .457 11
*Apr 28, 2007 vs Concordia Wisconsin W 11-4 16-19 .457 11
4/15/2007 at Univ. of Chicago 0-1 L 13-16 .448 3
4/15/2007 at Univ. of Chicago W 7-0 13-16 .448 11
*Apr 21, 2007 at Aurora University W 1-0 13-18 .419 11
*Apr 21, 2007 at Aurora University W 5-3 13-18 .419 11
3-May-07 Beloit College W 4-2 10-14 .417 11
3-May-07 Beloit College W 5-1 10-14 .417 11
2-Apr-07 at Clarke College W 9-3 10-16 .385 11
24-Apr-07 at North Park Univ. W 6-5 13-21 .382 11
*Apr 10, 2007 at Maranatha Baptist W 11-2 2-20 .091 9
*Apr 10, 2007 at Maranatha Baptist W 18-0 2-20 .091 9
2-May-07 Illinois Wesleyan 1-2 L 28-9 .757 6
17-Apr-07 Augustana Coll. Ill. W 9-4 27-11 .711 14
*Mar 27, 2007 Edgewood College 2-6 L 22-12 .647 4
*Mar 27, 2007 Edgewood College W 8-4 22-12 .647 12
*Apr 18, 2007 Benedictine Univ. 3-6 L 14-17 .452 2
*Apr 18, 2007 Benedictine Univ. W 3-0 14-17 .452 10
*Mar 25, 2007 Dominican University W 8-0 16-21 .432 10
*Mar 25, 2007 Dominican University W 12-2 16-21 .432 10
19-Mar-07 Beloit College 5-7 L 10-14 .417 2
20-Mar-07 Beloit College W 7-0 10-14 .417 10
1-May-07 UW-Platteville W 12-9 12-20-2 .382 10
*Apr 29, 2007 Lakeland College W 9-8 9-16 .360 10
*Apr 29, 2007 Lakeland College W 13-12 9-16 .360 10
*Apr 23, 2007 Wisconsin Lutheran W 8-7 3-19 .136 8
*Apr 23, 2007 Wisconsin Lutheran W 10-0 3-19 .136 8
Total: 337, divided by 36 games, 9.36
It's been pointed out that some games I have listed as neutral are actually home. That lowers the QOWI to 9.22.
Quote from: Pat Coleman on May 13, 2007, 12:42:44 PM
It's been pointed out that some games I have listed as neutral are actually home. That lowers the QOWI to 9.22.
That does not bode well for Rockford. Is there a chance they get in a get shipped out?
IF they get in, then there's probably a good chance they go north, IMO. Big if. I do think someone from the Central is going north go...chance it might be Carthage, though I hope not. I'm hoping they send the SLIAC champ (Webster I'm assuming, I don't care enough to actually look it up), though it depends I guess on how they're going to backfill the Central; whether it's Hope, Millsaps, Mount St. Joseph's, or someone else.
Doing something like moving Carthage north and Mount St. Joes west or Millsaps south would make some sense. Moving Carthage north and Hope west would only weaken a traditionally weak region.
But last year they moved some teams more than 500 miles for what seemed like no real good reason other than competitive balance, so if they follow that again, it's going to make it a lot harder for us to figure them out.
Central Region:
Pool A's- Carthage, Luther, Webster
Pool B- Washington University, (Rockford? )
Pool C- Illinois Wesleyan, (Wartburg?, Augustana?, another region's team?)
One has to think that Luther will be #1, Wash U #2?, and Carthage and IWU #s 3 and 4 or #s 4 and 3 (don't want Ypsi to jump on me).
Webster will be a #5/6 seed and that leaves one or two spots open for Rockford(doubtful), Augie(third in CCIW season, second in CCIW tourney) and Wartburg IIAC season #1 and tourney #2)... or does one of them get in, but shipped somewhere else (possibly to the West Region)? This is a very interesting region.
I sure hope that Carthage and IWU are not 3 and 4 (in whichever order!) - I'd like to see another matchup, but let's save it past the first game! (In basketball and football, they nearly always avoid conference matchups in the first round - is that also the norm in baseball?)
Hope to see you in the WINNERS' bracket, then again in the title game(s)!
I also hope they avoid a Carthage/IWU first round matchup.
Quote from: BigPoppa on May 13, 2007, 07:28:38 PM
Central Region:
Pool A's- Carthage, Luther, Webster
Pool B- Washington University, (Rockford? )
Pool C- Illinois Wesleyan, (Wartburg?, Augustana?, another region's team?)
One has to think that Luther will be #1, Wash U #2?, and Carthage and IWU #s 3 and 4 or #s 4 and 3 (don't want Ypsi to jump on me).
Webster will be a #5/6 seed and that leaves one or two spots open for Rockford(doubtful), Augie(third in CCIW season, second in CCIW tourney) and Wartburg IIAC season #1 and tourney #2)... or does one of them get in, but shipped somewhere else (possibly to the West Region)? This is a very interesting region.
Although i respect your opinion and knowlesge when it comes to CCIW teams it would be nice to acknowledge that there are some other conferences that also play pretty well.
For you to suggest Rockford is doubtful but Augie and Wartburg you list their credentials seems like you don't seem to show much respect for them or the teams from the NATHcon.
As some one who has seen all of these 3 teams play in person I believe Rockford is just as worthy or maybe even more so . I watched Wartburg in Arizona as they split with Aurora( the team that you said would walk thru the Nathcon but actually finished 8TH).
I witnessed Rockford play throughout the season (including a 9-4 win over Augustana)
It's not for me to say if Rockford is more deserving than the other 2m as my view is slanted towards them, but if you really believe the 3rd place team in the CCIW is beter than a team that won both their reg.season and conference tour., i would say put down the CCIW kool aid.
I hope the people selecting the NCAA teams don't dismiss Rockford as easily as you seem to.
Quote from: soxfan14 on May 13, 2007, 09:28:54 PM
For you to suggest Rockford is doubtful but Augie and Wartburg you list their credentials seems like you don't seem to show much respect for them or the teams from the NATHcon.
As some one who has seen all of these 3 teams play in person I believe Rockford is just as worthy or maybe even more so . I watched Wartburg in Arizona as they split with Aurora( the team that you said would walk thru the Nathcon but actually finished 8TH).
I witnessed Rockford play throughout the season (including a 9-4 win over Augustana)
It's not for me to say if Rockford is more deserving than the other 2m as my view is slanted towards them, but if you really believe the 3rd place team in the CCIW is beter than a team that won both their reg.season and conference tour., i would say put down the CCIW kool aid.
I hope the people selecting the NCAA teams don't dismiss Rockford as easily as you seem to.
I am simply going off what I believe the NCAA will do. The QOWIs back my opinion. It is not a slight against the NathCon, but I do not see the Central region getting two Pool B bids (Wash U is a lock). I think the NCAA agrees with me. Rockford has not been in the regional rankings for quite some time. Both IWU and Augie have been and IWU is a lock for the tourney. Augie made it to the CCIW final and beat a highly regarded IWU team in the process which upped their QOWI more than Rockford's wins over the weekend. Numbers don't lie.
Do I think it is right that the NathCon may not get a team in... no, but I can easily forsee it happening. It has nothing to do with not respecting the NathCon, it has to do with a feeling. I can see Rockford getting in, but being shipped to another region.
I don't think that Rockford gets shipped to another region if there is a plane flight involved. The beauty about 53 teams is that it provides some flexibility in scattering the 6-team and 7-team brackets.
Quote from: soxfan14 on May 13, 2007, 09:28:54 PM
Quote from: BigPoppa on May 13, 2007, 07:28:38 PM
Central Region:
Pool A's- Carthage, Luther, Webster
Pool B- Washington University, (Rockford? )
Pool C- Illinois Wesleyan, (Wartburg?, Augustana?, another region's team?)
One has to think that Luther will be #1, Wash U #2?, and Carthage and IWU #s 3 and 4 or #s 4 and 3 (don't want Ypsi to jump on me).
Webster will be a #5/6 seed and that leaves one or two spots open for Rockford(doubtful), Augie(third in CCIW season, second in CCIW tourney) and Wartburg IIAC season #1 and tourney #2)... or does one of them get in, but shipped somewhere else (possibly to the West Region)? This is a very interesting region.
Although i respect your opinion and knowlesge when it comes to CCIW teams it would be nice to acknowledge that there are some other conferences that also play pretty well.
For you to suggest Rockford is doubtful but Augie and Wartburg you list their credentials seems like you don't seem to show much respect for them or the teams from the NATHcon.
As some one who has seen all of these 3 teams play in person I believe Rockford is just as worthy or maybe even more so . I watched Wartburg in Arizona as they split with Aurora( the team that you said would walk thru the Nathcon but actually finished 8TH).
I witnessed Rockford play throughout the season (including a 9-4 win over Augustana)
It's not for me to say if Rockford is more deserving than the other 2m as my view is slanted towards them, but if you really believe the 3rd place team in the CCIW is beter than a team that won both their reg.season and conference tour., i would say put down the CCIW kool aid.
I hope the people selecting the NCAA teams don't dismiss Rockford as easily as you seem to.
I think someone owes someone else a pat on the back for being dead-on....
Quote from: mwunder on May 14, 2007, 11:11:44 AM
Quote from: soxfan14 on May 13, 2007, 09:28:54 PM
Quote from: BigPoppa on May 13, 2007, 07:28:38 PM
Central Region:
Pool A's- Carthage, Luther, Webster
Pool B- Washington University, (Rockford? )
Pool C- Illinois Wesleyan, (Wartburg?, Augustana?, another region's team?)
One has to think that Luther will be #1, Wash U #2?, and Carthage and IWU #s 3 and 4 or #s 4 and 3 (don't want Ypsi to jump on me).
Webster will be a #5/6 seed and that leaves one or two spots open for Rockford(doubtful), Augie(third in CCIW season, second in CCIW tourney) and Wartburg IIAC season #1 and tourney #2)... or does one of them get in, but shipped somewhere else (possibly to the West Region)? This is a very interesting region.
Although i respect your opinion and knowlesge when it comes to CCIW teams it would be nice to acknowledge that there are some other conferences that also play pretty well.
For you to suggest Rockford is doubtful but Augie and Wartburg you list their credentials seems like you don't seem to show much respect for them or the teams from the NATHcon.
As some one who has seen all of these 3 teams play in person I believe Rockford is just as worthy or maybe even more so . I watched Wartburg in Arizona as they split with Aurora( the team that you said would walk thru the Nathcon but actually finished 8TH).
I witnessed Rockford play throughout the season (including a 9-4 win over Augustana)
It's not for me to say if Rockford is more deserving than the other 2m as my view is slanted towards them, but if you really believe the 3rd place team in the CCIW is beter than a team that won both their reg.season and conference tour., i would say put down the CCIW kool aid.
I hope the people selecting the NCAA teams don't dismiss Rockford as easily as you seem to.
I think someone owes someone else a pat on the back for being dead-on....
Thank you, sir...
Augustana & Carthage's showing prove that the CCIW is worth all the hype and talk. Which ever team wins tomorrow deserves it! GO VIKINGS!
Quote from: kritterhawk on May 18, 2007, 10:23:01 PM
Augustana & Carthage's showing prove that the CCIW is worth all the hype and talk. Which ever team wins tomorrow deserves it! GO VIKINGS!
Yep! #2 and #3 finishers in the regular season (and 13 conference losses between them), and one of them is going to Appleton!
I only wish that the Titans who went 20-1 in the CCIW had shown up the last two weekends (both AT HOME, for Pete's sake!). :'(
Quote from: GoldmanCO on June 15, 2007, 12:25:01 PM
Hello all new user here have a son that will attend Austana this comming year and play baseball. Don't looking forward to the season next year.
Welcome.
Thank you Excited about the opportunity for him to win a spot on the roster and earn an education... We are from Colorado and three of his classmates will be attending Augustana two baseball one track.. Should be a great experience I have heard nothing but very good things about the league and college.
The change in subject heading is to facilitate identifying a specific message board by sport and then by subject. Good luck in 2008.
I cannot believe the statement of Aurora will walk through the NAC. That is rediculous. Lets take a looks at what they did last year and who they have this year before we make comments like that.
BigPoppa's 2009 Central Region Rankings:
1. Illinois Wesleyan- CCIW (Even with Kulavic out, the Titans will be there in the end)
2. Carthage- CCIW (The loss of 2008 all-CCIW pitcher Mario Perez to injury will be balanced by the return from injury of 2007 all-CCIW pitcher Chris Krepline)
3. Wartburg- IIAC (Billy Schmitt has the arm to lead the Knights back to the top of the Central Region)
4. Webster- SLIAC (Solid team that benefits from a very weak SLIAC this season. Expect them to climb the ranknings once league play starts)
5. Ripon- MWC (Dominance of the MWC will continue in 2009 and will only face one league challenge in Beloit)
6. Augustana- CCIW (Probably the third best team in the region, but I find it hard to place them higher this early as they will only be the third best CCIW team)
7. Simpson- IIAC (Should pressure Wartburg for the IIAC title and return most of the line up from last season)
8. Beloit- MWC (ENTIRE lineup back from 2008 squad that went 18-16. MUST improve on dismal league record if they are to become a legit contender in the Central Region)
9. WashU- UAA (OK team that will hang around for part of the season, but not make too much noise)
10. Wheaton- CCIW (Nation's batting champion returning in SS Brian Kolb and a serious upgrade at coach with the arrival of Lee Driggers from McMurry. Could be the sleeper pick in the region.)
Quote from: BigPoppa on April 18, 2008, 04:02:18 PM
BigPoppa's Central Region Top Ten: (My preseason ranking in parenthesis)
1. (1) Carthage : 24-0 (CCIW)
2. (3) Illinois Wesleyan: 19-5 (CCIW)
3. (5) Augustana: 20-6 (CCIW)
4. (NR) Westminster: 18-10 (SLIAC)
5. (NR) Coe: 18-10 (IIAC)
6. (6) Rockford: 15-9 (NathCon)
7. (8) Webster: 17-11 (SLIAC)
8. (NR) Concordia (WI): 15-7 (NathCon)
9. (2) Wartburg: 13-10 (IIAC)
10. (NR) Wheaton (IL): 16-9 (CCIW)
I am certain I will be hammered on the top three being from the CCIW, but until someone knocks them off, I see Carthage, IWU and Augie as the three best teams.
Westminster is a very bold and out there prediction. They finished either 3rd or 4th in the SLIAC last year..and you have them at 4th in the region, either you have some inside information or just really love westminster and hope they do well. They will not finish in front of webster, and maryville is returning 9 starters. so that already puts them into 3rd in most books.
and what are the numbers behind the teams?
Quote from: theoneandonly on January 26, 2009, 11:44:47 AM
Quote from: BigPoppa on April 18, 2008, 04:02:18 PM
BigPoppa's Central Region Top Ten: (My preseason ranking in parenthesis)
1. (1) Carthage : 24-0 (CCIW)
2. (3) Illinois Wesleyan: 19-5 (CCIW)
3. (5) Augustana: 20-6 (CCIW)
4. (NR) Westminster: 18-10 (SLIAC)
5. (NR) Coe: 18-10 (IIAC)
6. (6) Rockford: 15-9 (NathCon)
7. (8) Webster: 17-11 (SLIAC)
8. (NR) Concordia (WI): 15-7 (NathCon)
9. (2) Wartburg: 13-10 (IIAC)
10. (NR) Wheaton (IL): 16-9 (CCIW)
I am certain I will be hammered on the top three being from the CCIW, but until someone knocks them off, I see Carthage, IWU and Augie as the three best teams.
Westminster is a very bold and out there prediction. They finished either 3rd or 4th in the SLIAC last year..and you have them at 4th in the region, either you have some inside information or just really love westminster and hope they do well. They will not finish in front of webster, and maryville is returning 9 starters. so that already puts them into 3rd in most books.
and what are the numbers behind the teams?
If you check the dates of the post it was written last April.
no need to get defensive i was just stating a fact is all. sorry that it was from the past.
and thanks for the negative karma for writing 1 post that wasnt even negative.
Quote from: theoneandonly on January 26, 2009, 01:41:14 PM
and thanks for the negative karma for writing 1 post that wasnt even negative.
I wish I could take credit for the negative karma, but it wasn't me. My response to your question was neither negative nor defensive. I am sorry you took it that way. I simply stated that the post you responded to was more than a year old and no longer valid for the 2009 season.
I am guessing that your attitude and demeanor will earn you much more negative karma in the coming days.
im fine with that. im sorry that i brought up an old post, i will just scrolling through the old discussions i guess and picked up on something post dated. thats all. if people want to knock me down so be it, im not here to start any internet battles though so i will just continue to post my opinions.
on another hand does any one know anything abou texas tyler this year? i know a couple of years back they had some recruiting violations (so i thought) so they couldnt compete in the post season tournaments and that year they were 40-0. i think it was 2 seasons ago. but not so sure. anyway does anyone know how they are looking this year?
Quote from: theoneandonly on January 26, 2009, 02:04:22 PM
on another hand does any one know anything abou texas tyler this year? i know a couple of years back they had some recruiting violations (so i thought) so they couldnt compete in the post season tournaments and that year they were 40-0. i think it was 2 seasons ago. but not so sure. anyway does anyone know how they are looking this year?
I am not sure if it was recruiting issues or not but they year they started hot I think they were still a privisional member of NCAA D3 baseball (Ralph will know the answer to this) and not eligible for post-season as a result. s.
Quote from: BigPoppa on January 26, 2009, 03:54:43 PM
I am not sure if it was recruiting issues or not but they year they started hot I think they were still a privisional member of NCAA D3 baseball (Ralph will know the answer to this) and not eligible for post-season as a result. s.
You are correct: UT-Tyler moved from NAIA to D3 in 2003, so the teams were ineligible for post-season play during the required provisional membership period. Click here (http://www.uttyler.edu/athletics/about.html) for more information.
Oneandonly....come on man! Recruiting violations???? They were a provisional member of DIII, like BigPoppa said. You're like a high school girl throwing out rumors and opinions with no basis. The coach at UT-Tyler is a stand up guy, so to even reference recruiting violations in the same sentence with UT-Tyler reflects negatively on their image. Although, if someone realizes it was you who posted the comments, they won't regard any of it as factual anyway.
Quote from: HomeRunHitter on January 27, 2009, 09:24:31 AM
Oneandonly....come on man! Recruiting violations???? They were a provisional member of DIII, like BigPoppa said. You're like a high school girl throwing out rumors and opinions with no basis. The coach at UT-Tyler is a stand up guy, so to even reference recruiting violations in the same sentence with UT-Tyler reflects negatively on their image. Although, if someone realizes it was you who posted the comments, they won't regard any of it as factual anyway.
NO NO NO, i wasnt saying that they had them, i just said it was what i heard. and i was asking.. in the past if that had happened to them because they WERE banned from the tourny. and acting like a high school girl, all i did was ask a question, i wasnt trying to stir anything up. i just wanted to know how they looked this year and if that was true that that had happened in the past, im sorry for the confusion. that was not my intentions at all.
Quote from: mr_b on January 26, 2009, 04:00:59 PM
Quote from: BigPoppa on January 26, 2009, 03:54:43 PM
I am not sure if it was recruiting issues or not but they year they started hot I think they were still a privisional member of NCAA D3 baseball (Ralph will know the answer to this) and not eligible for post-season as a result. s.
You are correct: UT-Tyler moved from NAIA to D3 in 2003, so the teams were ineligible for post-season play during the required provisional membership period. Click here (http://www.uttyler.edu/athletics/about.html) for more information.
thanks for clearing that up! i was confused about that, and now ive been called a high school girl for my confusion haha. oh well, anyway do you know how they are looking this year? i see they are pre-season ranked, so obviously they are in the same boat of a stellar team, but any inside info? because ive heard a LOT of good things in the past, but nothing yet this year.
Quote from: theoneandonly on January 26, 2009, 02:04:22 PM
on another hand does any one know anything abou texas tyler this year? i know a couple of years back they had some recruiting violations (so i thought) so they couldnt compete in the post season tournaments and that year they were 40-0. i think it was 2 seasons ago. but not so sure. anyway does anyone know how they are looking this year?
You said you "knew" they had recruiting violations and then added in "so I thought". Again, a responsible, knowledgable poster would ask a question, not make an assumption.
Quote from: HomeRunHitter on January 27, 2009, 10:08:13 AM
Quote from: theoneandonly on January 26, 2009, 02:04:22 PM
on another hand does any one know anything abou texas tyler this year? i know a couple of years back they had some recruiting violations (so i thought) so they couldnt compete in the post season tournaments and that year they were 40-0. i think it was 2 seasons ago. but not so sure. anyway does anyone know how they are looking this year?
read it again... i do believe so i though was in there, oh and i also said no so sure at the end of that too, sorry for asking about ut tyler... but apparently you just made your user name to go after me since you only have 6 posts. enjoy the rest of your time sending messages to me, and in a week or so we will never see you again.
You said you "knew" they had recruiting violations and then added in "so I thought". Again, a responsible, knowledgable poster would ask a question, not make an assumption.
soo, out of 6 posts 5 are directed at me and the other one is knocking down the CCIW, you have got to be from Webster.. tell your boys to step it up, and if/when they do i will commend you and tell you that you were right.
Big Poppa's Updated Central Region Rankings:
1. Illinois Wesleyan:2-1 (Off to a good start and the offense is better than expected)
2. Augustana: 8-2 (I knew they would be good, but I feel they are even better than anyone thought they would be)
3. Carthage: 0-0 (opens this weekend with both Whitewater and Wooster on the schedule)
4. Wartburg: 6-6 (Struggling to find their groove right now)
5. Wheaton: 3-1 (solid start should lead to a solid season for the Thunder)
6. Webster: 2-2 (off to a slow start but should feast on other SLIAC teams once league starts)
7. Ripon: 0-0 (should pile up wins in the Midwest Conference once it gets going)
8. Simpson: 3-1 (untested yet, but should battle it out in the IIAC)
9. Beloit: 2-1 (still untested, but I have a good feeling about this group)
10. North Park: 3-2 (I know, I know... a fifth CCIW team in the top ten?? I think NPU is a solid team in 2009 and will do some damage in the region, if not the CCIW)
11. WashU: 3-1 (needs to fare well in the UAA tourney (Next week) if they are to have any chance this season)
Conference representation: CCIW (5), IIAC (2), MWC (2), SLIAC (1), IND (1)
** I could be crazy, but I think the CCIW is head and shoulders above the other conferences as a whole right now. I know the SLIAC posters will be all over me on this one as will the IIAC posters. Thankfully the MWC posters are MIA so far or they might tear me apart too :)
Big Games in featuring the Central Region this weekend: (my predictions)
March 13
Illinois Wesleyan vs. Wartburg at Webster (IWU)
March 14
Illinois Wesleyan at Webster (IWU) WRONG!
Wartburg at Webster (Wartburg)
Beloit vs St. Joes (NY) (St. Joes)
Concordia Chicago vs. Illinois Wesleyan (CU-C... IWU will be at the end of its arms) SOMEHOW... I WAS RIGHT!
March 15
Augustana (Ill.) vs. Central (Aug)
Wartburg vs Concordia-Chicago (Wartburg)
Concordia Chicago vs. Webster (wow... not sure where to go with this one... I'll take Webster as they are at home.)
Big Poppa's Top 25 (Week 4):
An intersting week to say the least... a lot of teams faring the same that were tightly bunched to start with.
01 Trinity (Conn.) 4-0
02 Millsaps 19-2
03 Salisbury 14-2
04 Texas-Tyler 17-4
05 UW-Whitewater 1-2
06 Wooster 9-2
07 Kean 10-3
08 St. Scholastica 11-2
09 Heidelberg 10-2
10 Johns Hopkins 3-3
11 Southern Maine 2-1
12 Eastern Connecticut 4-0
13 Chapman 16-5
14 Cal Lutheran 15-3
15 Linfield 13-3
16 Adrian 4-3
17 Christopher Newport 10-2
18 Thiel 11-3
19 Pomona-Pitzer 16-2
20 Augustana 11-3
21 Carthage 3-0
22 Wheaton (Mass.) 9-1
23 Marietta 5-2
24 UW-Oshkosh 0-0
25 UW-Stevens Point 3-1
*Just missing my Top 25 (no particular order): Shenandoah (15-3), George Fox (12-3), Penn State-Behrend (7-1), Oneota (11-1), Redlands (12-4), Beloit (6-2), Illinois Wesleyan (4-3), Pacific Lutheran (10-5)
** Please feel free to let me know if you feel there is someone I am missing. While I spend hours a day perusing scores and websites, in addition to attending games if I can, it is nearly impossible to keep an eye on all of the D3 teams. There were some teams with great records that I left out as they have not played any competition that really proves their quality yet. Let me know if there is someone I should watch for next week.
So ive noticed that Illinois Weslyan is off to quite a slow start. As we all know that doesnt always mean much in the Midwest/Central regions because bad starts can be turned around fairly quickly. HOWEVER, I was wondering if anyone knew the cause of this slow start for Weslyan, what is lacking right now?
Quote from: theoneandonly on March 18, 2009, 02:53:48 PM
So ive noticed that Illinois Weslyan is off to quite a slow start. As we all know that doesnt always mean much in the Midwest/Central regions because bad starts can be turned around fairly quickly. HOWEVER, I was wondering if anyone knew the cause of this slow start for Weslyan, what is lacking right now?
From what I understand, there is a combination of key injuries and some serious inner turmoil within the program. I am as shocked as anyone about their slow start as I had IWU as my pre-season team to beat in the Central. Right now I place both Carthage and Augustana ahead of them. If they can sort things out in the next two weeks before CCIW play begins, they could be a team to worry about again.
serious inner turmoil? bibpoppa if you dont mind me asking, what is the serious inner turmoil? The team gets along amazingly. They are all very good friends and all really love the game of baseball. I think not liking a coach or agree with a coaching style does not merit 'serious inner turmoil'. If it does, then Wesleyan has had serious inner turmoil for the past four years (i can only speak of when i was playing) and they seem to have done pretty well winning two conference championships in a row and goign 20-1 in conference 2 years ago.
Quote from: perfectgame on March 20, 2009, 10:45:40 AM
serious inner turmoil? bibpoppa if you dont mind me asking, what is the serious inner turmoil? The team gets along amazingly. They are all very good friends and all really love the game of baseball. I think not liking a coach or agree with a coaching style does not merit 'serious inner turmoil'. If it does, then Wesleyan has had serious inner turmoil for the past four years (i can only speak of when i was playing) and they seem to have done pretty well winning two conference championships in a row and goign 20-1 in conference 2 years ago.
Maybe
serious inner turoil was a poor choice of wrods on my part. Knowing coaches/assistant coaches and others that are very familiar with the CCIW, I have heard that there are some divisions within the team (to protect my sources, I will not divulge more than that). That being said, I still think IWU might be the team to beat in the CCIW, even though they are struggling right now. With the emergence of North Park this eartly in the season, the CCIW is going to be very exciting to watch this year. I can see any of five team being left standing when the dust settles (Augie, IWU, Carthage, North Park or Wheaton). This is going to be a VERY competitive year for everyone.
I agree with you big poppa. I dont think any team will run away with it this year. I think it will be a 5 team if not a 6 team race. should be VERY fun to follow
well, maybe not 6. 5 though :)
BigPoppa's Week 5 Poll: (This is getting harder every week as teams are starting to pile up wins. Thanksfully, the conference seasons are approaching and we can hopefully get a little separation).
FYI: This could be the weakest Central Region I have seen in a while.
01 Trinity (Conn.): 8-2 A bit of a stumble this week, but with everyone stmbling a bit behind them, they still hold on to the top spot.
02 Millsaps: 22-3 A nice victory over Illinois Wesleyan and taking 2 of 3 from Hendrix ove the weekend keeps them in contention.
03 Salisbury: 17-3 Only blemish this week was a loss to a 10-3 Richard Stockton.
04 Texas-Tyler: 21-5 Wins versus East Texas Baptist, UT-Dallas and took 2 of 3 from Ozarks. Tyler is looking better every week.
05 UW-Whitewater: 5-3 A great week for Whitewater down south. Beat Otterbein twice and Wooster once while splitting with Carthage.
06 Wooster: 15-3 Only blemish on their week (6-1) was a loss to Whitewater in Florida. Won 12 of their last 13 games.
07 Kean: 13-4 A 3-1 week was highlighted by a win at Chapman.
08 St. Scholastica: 11-2 Did not play this week.
09 Southern Maine: 7-1 A perfect 5-0 week including a win over Johns Hopkins
10 Eastern Connecticut: 10-0 Quickly climbing the rankings. A quality win over Johns Hopkins highlighted their week.
11 Chapman: 16-6 Suffered a loss to Kean and pounded Occidental. After Wayde Kitchens, pitching seems to be an issue.
12 Linfield: 17-3 Swept four from Puget Sound last week. They continue to pile up wins.
13 Pomona-Pitzer 19-3 One of the hottest teams in the nation. Took two from Keene State and split with Middlebury.
14 Heidelberg: 11-4 Took one on the chin last week with a 1-3 mark. If they wish to be considered a contender, they need to win the big games.
15 Thiel: 11-3 Swept a three game series from Waynesberg over the weekend, but tripped a bit against Hiram. Need to win all those games if they are to be a top program.
16 Wheaton (Mass.): 12-1 Beat a surprisingly tough Rhode Island and took a pair from Springfield. Expect them to start climbing the chart very quickly if their recent play continues.
17 Augustana: 12-3 A 1-0 week in the chilly Midwest included a win versus Aurora.
18 Johns Hopkins: 7-7 The Bluejays suffered rough 4-4 week. Seeing them at .500 this far into the season is a surprise to me.
19 UW-Stevens Point: 8-2 The Pointers appear to be loaded to contend for another WIAC title.
20 Marietta: 8-3 Took a pair from highly touted Heidelberg as well as a split with LaRoche
21 UW-Oshkosh: 1-0 Just getting out of the gates right now, but the Titans look to be loaded again. We'll have a better feel for them next week as they play a few more games.
22 Cal Lutheran: 17-5 Won two games that they should have, but lost two games to a middle-of-the-road Rutgers-Newark who they needed to beat if they wanted to be considered more than a pretender.
23 York (Pa.): 16-2 Sixteen straight wins finds York in my poll this week.
24 Beloit: 10-2 The Buccaneers are off to good start. 4 wins against a terrible Milwaukee School of Engineering helps, they are beating the teams they are supposed to beat.
25 Cortland State: 11-5 Cortland may have things back on track, but do not expect them to stay here for long if they continue to lose to inferior teams like Farmingdale State.
Dropped out:
Carthage: 6-4 (tough schedule this week knocked them out of the Top 25)
Adrian: 6-7 (another bad week has pushed them from a former top ten team to out of the polls)
Christopher Newport: 13-4-1 (you cannot lose to mediocre teams and expect to stay in the poll)
BigPoppa's Central Region Rankings:
1. Augustana: 12-3 (Can they continue to produce once the CCIW starts?)
2. Beloit: 10-2 (Buccaneers were listed as my pre-season dark-horse in this region. So far, they have not disappointed that expectation)
3. Buena Vista: 10-1 (Have not faced the best competition, but all they do is win ball games.)
4. Carthage: 6-4 (Brutal southern schedule took a toll on the Redmen. Need to shore up their defense if they want to make a run again)
5. Aurora: 9-4 (starting to make a bit of a comeback after a few down seasons)
6. North Park: 9-4 (Luke Johnson's Vikings have made a quick turnaround after being a CCIW doormat for years.)
7. Illinois Wesleyan: 5-4 (Why? Even a 5-4 IWU is a scary team to face. Once their arms return from the DL, they could be a team to reckon with)
8. Loras: 10-5 (Could be a surprise in the IIAC)
9. WashU: 12-6 (Not impressed with this team. Very inconsistent so far)
10. Elmhurst: 5-2 (No idea what to think of them this year, but a nice start offers them some hope)
Bigpoppa i wanted to say a few things about your central region rankings.... just some general comments. Hope you dont mind.
1. Augustana: 12-3 I agree with this they do have to get some quality starts in the CCIW
2. Beloit: 10-2 You chose a solid dark horse here
3. Buena Vista: 10-1 (Have not faced the best competition, but all they do is win ball games.) Agreed! They have had a couple quaility wins but have also played a team or two that they just manhandled.
4. Carthage: 6-4 (Brutal southern schedule took a toll on the Redmen. Need to shore up their defense if they want to make a run again) Well Said
5. Aurora: 9-4 This team has quite a few players and an aresenal of pitchers. I think there is one pitcher, who hasnt thrown many innings as of late that pitches quite well. Jr. Dominic Pissano has only thrown one inning and i think they need to try to work him in some more because in that inning he got 3 quick ground ball outs, then it was over. BUT it is hard when you have guys like Koudelka and Salazar in front of them.
6. North Park: 9-4 (Luke Johnson's Vikings have made a quick turnaround after being a CCIW doormat for years.) once again all i can say is agreed! I would like to see Sekalias get some more AB's because he seems to be hitting well at this point. and Athans has started out on a tear!
7. Illinois Wesleyan: 5-4 - last year they started out 2-6 so in all actuallity I'm not so worried about them. I guess the true test usually seems to be the regionals for IWU. And sadly they seem to choke it away more often than not.
8. Loras: 10-5 (Could be a surprise in the IIAC) Could be but they do have a decent conference to contend in. They have to face simpson (9-6) who is decent sometimes, Wartburg (9-9) who is off to a slow start but will likely turn it around in conference, and Buena Vista (10-1) Should be an interesting conference to watch!
9. WashU: 12-6 WashU was defeated by Fontbonne, Brandeis, Case, Emory, and IWU twice. In all reality IWU is the best team here and they played the closest with them. They got beat by 3 or more runs in All of the games except Brandeis and by 10 against emory and 11 against Case. They seem to be getting handled this year quite a bit and I dont really think they will be making much noise down the stretch unless they get some pitching in a little better order and get their bats going
10. Elmhurst: 5-2 (No idea what to think of them this year, but a nice start offers them some hope) ---- They are now 7-2 and had a couple quality wins against concordia. However the other schools they have played im not real familiar with. THEY DO however play Buena Vista today so that will be a true test since they are off to such a great start.
Quote from: theoneandonly on March 24, 2009, 12:02:46 PM
Bigpoppa i wanted to say a few things about your central region rankings.... just some general comments. Hope you dont mind.
1. Augustana: 12-3 I agree with this they do have to get some quality starts in the CCIW
2. Beloit: 10-2 You chose a solid dark horse here
3. Buena Vista: 10-1 (Have not faced the best competition, but all they do is win ball games.) Agreed! They have had a couple quaility wins but have also played a team or two that they just manhandled.
4. Carthage: 6-4 (Brutal southern schedule took a toll on the Redmen. Need to shore up their defense if they want to make a run again) Well Said
5. Aurora: 9-4 This team has quite a few players and an aresenal of pitchers. I think there is one pitcher, who hasnt thrown many innings as of late that pitches quite well. Jr. Dominic Pissano has only thrown one inning and i think they need to try to work him in some more because in that inning he got 3 quick ground ball outs, then it was over. BUT it is hard when you have guys like Koudelka and Salazar in front of them.
6. North Park: 9-4 (Luke Johnson's Vikings have made a quick turnaround after being a CCIW doormat for years.) once again all i can say is agreed! I would like to see Sekalias get some more AB's because he seems to be hitting well at this point. and Athans has started out on a tear!
7. Illinois Wesleyan: 5-4 - last year they started out 2-6 so in all actuallity I'm not so worried about them. I guess the true test usually seems to be the regionals for IWU. And sadly they seem to choke it away more often than not.
8. Loras: 10-5 (Could be a surprise in the IIAC) Could be but they do have a decent conference to contend in. They have to face simpson (9-6) who is decent sometimes, Wartburg (9-9) who is off to a slow start but will likely turn it around in conference, and Buena Vista (10-1) Should be an interesting conference to watch!
9. WashU: 12-6 WashU was defeated by Fontbonne, Brandeis, Case, Emory, and IWU twice. In all reality IWU is the best team here and they played the closest with them. They got beat by 3 or more runs in All of the games except Brandeis and by 10 against emory and 11 against Case. They seem to be getting handled this year quite a bit and I dont really think they will be making much noise down the stretch unless they get some pitching in a little better order and get their bats going
10. Elmhurst: 5-2 (No idea what to think of them this year, but a nice start offers them some hope) ---- They are now 7-2 and had a couple quality wins against concordia. However the other schools they have played im not real familiar with. THEY DO however play Buena Vista today so that will be a true test since they are off to such a great start.
Oneandonly- the great thing about it warming up in the Central region is that these teams will now start banging on each other head-to-head. This will give us a true test of the "unknowns" that we have with many of the programs. I am expecting a SLIAC team to start to take control of the conference and make a push into these rankings soon.
Big Poppa, you do realize that Aurora isn't in Central anymore?
Quote from: goldengear on March 24, 2009, 01:52:28 PM
Big Poppa, you do realize that Aurora isn't in Central anymore?
WOW!!! Tahnks, goldengear. My mind has not yet adjusted to the new regional alignments. Thanks for reminding me.
So bigpoppa who takes that 10th spot in your books then? Just curious.
Quote from: theoneandonly on March 25, 2009, 09:16:48 AM
So bigpoppa who takes that 10th spot in your books then? Just curious.
I would replace Aurora with either Wartburg (I know they are struggling, but I feel they are still a great team ready to explode) or one of the SLIAC teams, possibly Fontbonne (I know they have not played the best teams, but they are winning games).
I agree that fontbonne is playing good ball. And they did beat WashU. I think if you were to take one of the SLIAC teams, IF any team at all, at this point in the season, I think Fontbonne is your safest choice.
The problem in the SLAIC is that they are all beating each other up and no one has stepped to the forefront yet.
BV picked up the win over Elmhurst 9-6 and lost a tough game to #1 Eastern Connecticut State 7-6
Quote from: SLP-O-8 on March 28, 2009, 03:22:48 AM
BV picked up the win over Elmhurst 9-6 and lost a tough game to #1 Eastern Connecticut State 7-6
Oddly enough, the close loss to ECONN actually makes me feel that Buena Vista might be the best team in the Central at this point. I plan to spend a few hours pouring over the week's results in the region before making a new ranking, but right now, things are slowly becoming uncluttered in the region.
FYI: don't look now, but Beloit keeps on winning.
Quote from: BigPoppa on March 24, 2009, 02:41:15 PM
Quote from: goldengear on March 24, 2009, 01:52:28 PM
Big Poppa, you do realize that Aurora isn't in Central anymore?
WOW!!! Tahnks, goldengear. My mind has not yet adjusted to the new regional alignments. Thanks for reminding me.
No problem, appreciate your rankings and posts, but you can't be serious about Beloit are you?, I don't know who they played down in Florida, but since being back up North they are 6-0, which is awesome - but 4 wins against MSOE and 2 against Wisconsin Lutheran, both fine schools, but well you know enough about the game..
Goldengear- I am not saying that Beloit is going to win a national title, I am just pointing out that they are beating all of the teams that they should beat, which is how middle of the road teams (like Beloit has been in the past) elevate themselves to good teams (which is where they are headed). By no means are they world-beaters, but they ARE winning the games on thier schedule against inferior teams which is more than many teams can say right now.
They really only have one, what I would call, "quality" win but at this point the rest of the Central is taking its lumps while Beloit and Buena Vista are stockpiling in-region wins. The in-region record is all that really matters when all is said and done.
If Carthage or IWU and Beloit met 100 times who would win how many? I'd say Beloit is losing 90+ against either of them - even with the struggles each team has had - it is just a different level of play.
Quote from: goldengear on March 30, 2009, 10:08:43 AM
If Carthage or IWU and Beloit met 100 times who would win how many? I'd say Beloit is losing 90+ against either of them - even with the struggles each team has had - it is just a different level of play.
I agree, but right now Beloit is getting it done on the field. Just rewarding them for a nice start... whether or not they keep it up is in their own hands. Do I expect them to stay there all season... no. They will work themselves out of the national picture but for right now they deserve a little love in the Central region. I listed them as a my preseason darkhorse for a reason... they have the players in place to make a run, but I am not sure if they have the toughness to make it happen.
BigPoppa's Week #6 Top 25: Once again... the Central appears to be very weak on a national level.
1. Trinity (CT): 12-2 (an unreal run in the last year and a half... 57-3!!)
2. Millsaps: 24-3 (ennergizer bunnies... just keep on going)
3. E Connecticut: 14-1 (Starting to make me a believer in them)
4. TX-Tyler: 24-5 (the cream of the crop in Texas)
5. Wooster: 15-3 (Appear to have the arms to play into June)
6. Salisbury: 21-4 (still unsure about this team, but they have my vote for now)
7. Whitewater: 6-3 (Brutal schedule... need to score more runs if they wish to play in late May)
8. Wheaton (MA): 17-1 (HUGE climb this week... could be the nation's BEST team)
9. Kean: 17-5
10. Chapman: 19-6 (starting to gel)
11. Linfield: 20-3 (Piling up in-region wins)
12. Pomona-Pitzer: 22-3 (Scorching hot right now... Hedman has 15 HRs)
13. Southern Maine: 12-2
14. St. Scholastica: 11-2 (almost warm enough to get outside for a game)
15. Heidelberg: 12-2
16. Cal Lutheran: 20-5 (Will be quite a battle with Pomona-Pitzer in the SCIAC)
17. Buena Vista: 16-2 (Who??? All they do is win games. One run loss to Eastern Connecticut this week)
18. St. Thomas: 12-5 (Tough schedule... )
19. St. Olaf: 11-5 (Tough Schedule...)
20. Marietta: 10-3
21. Cortland State: 14-6 (still think they are overated)
22. Rochester: 15-3 (impressive win this week vs. Cortland)
23. Shenandoah: 22-4 (22 wins!!! regardless of the level of opponent, that is still impressive)
24. Beloit: 10-2 (I know... who have they beaten... better question is who has beaten them?)
25. Augustana (cannot lose to North Central and expect to remain here for long)
Dropped out: Thiel (14-5), Johns Hopkins (8-8), UW-Stevens Point (9-3... horrible loss to St. Norbert), UW-Oshkosh (5-5... brutal schedule should prepare them for WIAC play), York (16-5... 0-3 weeks cannot happen to a team struggling to make a name for itself)
Quote from: goldengear on March 30, 2009, 10:08:43 AM
If Carthage or IWU and Beloit met 100 times who would win how many? I'd say Beloit is losing 90+ against either of them - even with the struggles each team has had - it is just a different level of play.
I'm not so sure about that. Speed doesn't usually slump, and I know DeGeorge could pitch on any D-III staff in the country. If the over/under is 10 wins in a 100-game series, I'll take the BC over all day.
BigPoppa's Central Region Rankings: As of 4/1
1. Buena Vista: 17-3 overall... They are making a believer out of me very quickly. They seemd to come from nowhere this season, though I did have an eye on them in my preview as a potential challenger to Wartburg in the IIAC.
2. Augustana: A 16-4 start and a 4-1 CCIW record keeps them in the CCIW race for now. A bad loss vs a weak North Central teams hurts... They cannot afford to lose to teams that IWU and Carthage will beat nearly every time.
3. Beloit: 12-2 Just keep on winning... schedule will get much tougher from here on out so do not be shocked if the fall off this board in two-three weeks.
4. Carthage: 9-4 overall. Off to a 3-0 CCIW start with a sweep of Wheaton (IL). Big DH at North Park today. A 5-0 start could really put them in the driver's seast in the Central.
5. Illinois Wesleyan: 11-5 overall 3-0 CCIW start puts them on a collision course with Carthage in two weeks. I place Carthage ahead only because I think they have a deeper staff right now.
6. Luther: 3-0 in the IIAC and 11-4 overall.
7. Webster: 8-0 in the SLIAC... should be much higher but their 11-9 overall record weighs them own after playing a relatively soft non-conference schedule.
8. Fontbonne: 4-1 in SLIAC play... 13-7 overall.
9. WashU: 12-7 STILL... Not impressed with this team. Very inconsistent so far
10. Grinnell: 9-6 but yet to play any conference games.
On the bubble: North Park, St. Norbert., Simpson, Loras,
Conference totals: CCIW (3), IIAC (2), MWC (2), SLIAC (2), INDEPENDENT (1)
Agree or disagree?
I'd find a spot for Ripon. Not a good record so far, but I think they'll win the MWC.
Quote from: OshDude on April 01, 2009, 07:23:43 PM
I'd find a spot for Ripon. Not a good record so far, but I think they'll win the MWC.
I thought about it, but how do I justify putting a 3-7 Ripon team on that list?
UpdatedCentral Region Conference Standings (from websites as of 4/2)
Can somebody please make sense of the Central Region for me? Maybe I am over-analyzing it a bit, but I really some some issues outside of 4-5 teams. Is the region weak this year or am I reading it wrong?
CCIW
W L T W L T
Illinois Wesleyan 13 5 0 5 0 0
Carthage 10 4 0 4 0 0
Augustana 16 4 0 4 1 0
Millikin 8 8 0 2 2 0
Wheaton (Ill.) 9 11 0 2 3 0
North Central 2 10 0 1 4 0
North Park 9 9 0 0 3 0
Elmhurst 8 8 0 0 5 0
I am not sure what to make of the CCIW yet. We all knew who the top three were going to be so it is no surprise, but the lack of a 4th team really stepping up yet is the story of this league.
IIAC W L W L
Luther College 3 0 11 4
Buena Vista Univ. 4 1 17 3
Simpson College 5 3 12 8
Coe College 3 2 9 9
Loras College 3 3 12 7
Central College 3 3 8 10
Wartburg College 2 4 10 11
Cornell College 1 4 4 12
Univ. of Dubuque 1 5 6 12
Buena Vista and Luther have been surprises so far, but the biggest disappointment has to be Wartburg. Hard to believe they are so down this year. I am also shocked to see both Simpson and Loras out of the gates so quickly.
SLIAC SLIAC Overall
Webster 8-0 11-10
Maryville (Mo.) 5-1 8-9
Fontbonne 4-1 13-7
Eureka 4-2 4-7-1
Blackburn 4-5 5-10
Principia 1-2 8-7
MacMurray 2-7 5-14
Greenville 0-3 2-15
Westminster (Mo.) 0-7 2-15
Where does one start here? Webster is great in conference, but terrible out of it as are many other teams. Fontbonne seems to have the best mix of conference and non-conf. success so far. I am complete befuddled by this league right now.
MWC
2009 North Standings
MWC Overall
Beloit 0-0 12-2
Carroll 0-0 6-2
St. Norbert 0-0 7-5
Lawrence 0-0 3-6
Ripon 0-0 3-7
2009 South Standings
MWC Overall
Grinnell 0-0 9-6
Illinois College 0-0 5-5
Monmouth 0-0 3-8
Knox 0-0 0-11
Conference play opens this weekend and will quickly tell us who the contenders are. Beloit is off to a great 12-2 start with a brutally weak schedule while traditional power Ripon is sitting at 3-7. St. Norbert is holding its own against some quality competition to this point.
Quote from: BigPoppa on April 01, 2009, 09:51:27 PM
Quote from: OshDude on April 01, 2009, 07:23:43 PM
I'd find a spot for Ripon. Not a good record so far, but I think they'll win the MWC.
I thought about it, but how do I justify putting a 3-7 Ripon team on that list?
After RC's split with LU, you were correct to leave them off any list.
Say what you want about Beloit's schedule, but they are quietly streaking to a 14-2 record. Outscored Carrol 27-2 in a MWC DH yesterday.
The CCIW is quickly turning into two team race. Augustan dropped to 5-3 while Carthage and IWU stayed hot.
BigPoppa's Top 25: Week 8
01 Wheaton (Mass.) 23-3 A favorite to move on to Appleton right now
02 Millsaps 30-4 They just keep on winning games. Looking strong for a #1 seed in a regional
03 Pomona-Pitzer 28-3 The class of the West Region
04 Texas-Tyler 31-6 Really laying it on the ASC. Should have a Pool C bid locked up if they stumble in the ASC post-season
05 Salisbury 29-4 Should be the third team to reach 30 wins
06 St. Scholastica 21-2 Record is inflated by a weak UMAC, but this team is for real
07 Trinity (Conn.) 18-3 A bit of a stumble last week, but back on track this week
08 Heidelberg 23-5 The best team that no one knows about
09 Southern Maine 18-3 A solid team is a solid region. Look for a dent in the national picture
10 Eastern Connecticut 19-5 A tough week but they have the experience to bounce back from this
11 Kean 22-7 Still hanging around the top ten range. NJAC teams usually do as they beat up on one another
12 George Fox 24-7 In a heated NWC battle right now with Linfield and Pacific Lutheran
13 Carthage 17-5 Is it possible for Carthage to fly under the radar? Well, they are. Great team, great pitching.
14 Linfield 25-7 Positioning themselves to be a possible high seed in their own regional
15 Wooster 24-6 Even after a hiccup this week, they are still a dangerous team.
16 St. Thomas 18-5 Starting to pull away from part of the pack in the Midwest Region
17 UW-Oshkosh 13-7 One of the nation's toughest schedules to this point. WAY underrated right now.
18 St. Olaf 14-6 Their emergence will create quite a logjam in the Midwest Regional rankings and lead to some great teams left out in late may
19 Cal Lutheran 24-7 Still battling Pomona-Pitzer in the SCIAC
20 Buena Vista 21-4 Pounding the IIAC as well as everyone else
21 Shenandoah 28-6 They just continue to surprise me every week. Could be a dark horse in a regional
22 Marietta 17-7 Not as good as year's past, but still a scary team in the post-season
23 Curry 21-3 Where did they come from?
24 Thomas More 20-4 Another team that could make a splash in the post-season
25 Ithaca 18-5 The Bombers are starting to put it all together.
Updated Conference Standings:
IIAC Top SIX teams qualify for post-season play:
Buena Vista Univ. 8-2
Luther College 6-3
Wartburg College 8-4
Coe College 6-5
Simpson College 7-7
Central College 6-6
Loras College 4-5
Univ. of Dubuque 2-7
Cornell College 1-9
Loras has an outside shot of grabbing the 6th position, but this is a well-balanced conference and one never knows what to expect in the IIAC... FYI: Wartburg is heating up.
CCIW Standings: Top FOUR teams qualify for post-season play:
Carthage 10-1/ 17-5
Illinois Wesleyan 8-3/ 16-8
Augustana 8-4/ 21-7
Wheaton (Ill.) 6-6/ 13-15
North Park 4-7/ 13-13
North Central 4-7
Elmhurst 3-9
Millikin 2-8
Carthage and IWU are locks in the post-season, but Augustana has four losses and has yet to play either Carthage or IWU. Wheaton may slide into the 3rd spot when all is said and done. Still I think thecurrent top four are the post-season reps.
SLIAC: Top FOUR teams qualify for post-season play:
Webster 14-0
Maryville (Mo.) 9-2
Fontbonne 7-5
Blackburn 9-7
Eureka 6-5
Principia 4-7
MacMurray 4-12
Greenville 2-9
Westminster (Mo.) 2-10
Webster is running away with this conference and the top four appear to be set. Blackburn has a large lead over the #5 spot.
MWC Top TWO from EACH division qualify for post-season play:
NORTH
St. Norbert 4-0
Beloit 6-2
Ripon 5-3
Lawrence 1-3
Carroll 0-8
SOUTH
Monmouth 4-0
Grinnell 2-2
Knox 2-2
Illinois College 0-4
The problem with this conference is that only two of the three best tream will get into the post-season. The MWC'sa three best teams, Ripon, Beloit and St. Norbert's are all in the North Division which only sends two teams to the post-season. The North will be a battle between those three teams and the South is MUCH weaker than the North. Monmouth and Grinnell should maintain thos two positions.
BigPoppa's Central Region Rankings: As of 4/13
1. Buena Vista: 21-4 overall... can they hang on as Wartburg is warming up appears ready to make a charge to challenge them.
2. Carthage: 17-5 overall... The Redmen are 2 games in front of IWU and hold the tie-breaker head-to-head. Barring a collapse at Augustana, they should be the CCIW #1 seed.
3. Illinois Wesleyan: 16-8... A great showing in a three game series with Carthage this weekend. Lost two one-run games, but proved the belong in the upper-echelon of the region.
4. Beloit: 18-4 Just keep on winning... The Bucs appear to be as good as advertised. They play in the tough North Division of the MWC which may suffer from three solid teams (SNC, Ripon and Beloit)with only two earning post-season spots.
5. Augustana: 21-7... Augie is a bit over rated at this point as they still have Carthage and IWU to face. They will either mnake or break themselves in those two series.
6. Webster: 17-10... a 14-0 start in the SLAIC has pushed them back into the spotlight.
7. St. Norbert: 12-4... unbeaten in MWC play so far. Need to hold off a surging Ripon and Beloit to make the post-season.
8. Luther: 14-7... Need to challenge Buena Vista if they want to stick around in mid-May
9. Wartburg: 16-11... Starting to heat up in IIAC play. Curently 8-4 in the IIAC (One game back of 8-2 Buena Vista)
10. WashU: 17-9... Just when you count this team out, they make a run and keep in the edge of the spotlight.
11. Maryville: 13-10... 9-2 in SLIAC play keeps them in contention for the SLIAC crown.
Any thoughts? Disagreements? Where would everyone else rank them?
BigPoppa, I saw that you did this for the CCIW so I thought just for fun i would throw the sliac into comparison with the cciw so we can see some region statistics. I only know the sliac so if anyone wants to add another region conference in here feel free! Now take into account different competition levels and everything and add in your top 5 from your conference if you feel like taking the time to add!
Batting avg
-----------
1. Maryville................ .364
2. Illinois Wesleyan... .343
3. Augustana........... .334
4. Wheaton............. .333
5. Principia............... .325
6. Fontbonne........... .320
7. Carthage............ .317
8. Webster................ .317
9. MacMurray............. .320
10. Elmhurst............ .315
Slugging pct
------------
1. Illinois Wesleyan... .516
2. Maryville................ .506
3. Augustana........... .484
4. Wheaton............. .480
5. Webster.............. .474
6. Elmhurst............ .468
7. North Park.......... .467
8. Principia............. .449
9. MacMurray........... .426
10. Fontbonne........ .417
On base pct
-----------
1. Maryville............. .433
2. Carthage............ .431
3. Wheaton............. .424
4. Principia.............. .424
5. Illinois Wesleyan... .423
6. Augustana........... .407
7. Webster................ .406
8. North Park.......... .403
9. Fontbonne............ .397
10. MacMurray............ .389
Runs scored
-----------
1. Augustana........... 223
2. Webster ............... 214
3. Maryville................ 202
4. Illinois Wesleyan... 191
5. Fontbonne............. 179
6. North Park.......... 175
7. Principia.................173
8. Carthage............ 169
9. Wheaton............. 168
10. MacMurray........... 167
Hits
----
1. Maryville............... 285
2. Augustana........... 284
3. Illinois Wesleyan... 263
4. Webster................ 261
5. Fontbonne............ 260
6. Wheaton............. 241
7. Principia................ 238
8. North Park.......... 235
9. MacMurray............ 218
10. Carthage............ 201
Runs batted in
--------------
1. Augustana........... 199
2. Webster.............. 190
3. Illinois Wesleyan... 174
4. Maryville................ 172
5. Fontbonne............ 166
6. Wheaton............. 151
7. North Park.......... 149
8. Carthage............ 149
9. MacMurray............ 147
10. Principia.............. 145
Doubles
-------
1. Maryville.............. 73
2. Augustana........... 57
3. Webster.............. 54
4. North Park.......... 51
5. Fontbonne........... 49
6. MacMurray............ 48
7. Illinois Wesleyan... 43
8. Elmhurst............ 42
9. Principia.............. 40
10. North Central....... 35
Triples
-------
1. Wheaton............. 16
2. North Park.......... 15
3. Elmhurst............ 10
3. Augustana........... 10
3. Westminster.......... 10
6. Greenville.............. 8
7. Maryville................ 7
8. Fontbonne.............. 6
9. Carthage............ 4
10. Webster.............. 3
Home runs
---------
1. Illinois Wesleyan... 28
2. Webster................. 23
3. Blackburn................ 19
4. Augustana........... 17
5. North Park.......... 16
6. Carthage............ 16
7. North Central....... 15
7. Principia............... 15
9. Westminster........ 14
10. MacMurray........... 13
Walks
-----
1. Carthage............ 109
1. Principia.............. 109
3. Westminster...... 108
4. Webster............ 107
5. Wheaton............. 101
6. Illinois Wesleyan... 99
7. MacMurray.............. 93
7. Maryville.................. 93
9. North Park.......... 92
10. Augustana........... 90
Hit by pitch
------------
1. North Park.......... 47
2. Westminster...... 28
3. Augustana........... 26
3. Carthage............ 26
5. Fontbonne.......... 25
6. Webster.............. 24
7. Blackburn............ 23
8. Principia............... 22
9. Wheaton............. 21
10. Illinois Wesleyan... 17
Strikeouts
----------
1. MacMurry............ 158
2. Greenville........... 157
2. Webster............ 157
4. Wheaton............. 152
5. Blackburn.......... 151
6. Westminster........ 147
7. North Park.......... 137
8. Millikin............ 134
9. Carthage............ 113
10. Elmhurst............ 105
Stolen bases
------------
1. Fontbonne......... 56
2. Webster............ 50
3. Augustana........... 49
4. Carthage............ 43
5. North Park.......... 40
5. Maryville.......... 40
7. Westminster....... 36
8. Principia........... 28
9. Millikin............ 26
10. Illinois Wesleyan... 24
Remember.. these are the top 5 from each conference. Even though some of the "top 10" in this group may have less than some of the bottom in other conferences, I just took the top 5 from the SLIAC and BIGPOPPA just took the top 5 from the CCIW, No more, No Less. SO if you want to add, take the top 5 from your conference and make it the top 15!
Looking at possible NCAA bids (barring major upsets) this is what I am seeing right now in the Central:
POOL A:
CCIW- Carthage- Should be a Pool C if they lose out to IWU
MWC- St. Norberts- MWC is up for grabs, but only one bid will be earned in this league
IIAC- Buena Vista- Possible Pool C with an IIAC tourney loss, but Wartburg is charging hard
SLIAC- Webster- Running away with the SLIAC, doubtful for a Pool C if they stumble
POOL B:
WashU- very doubtful, but the Pool Bs appear to be weak this year so they may grab one of the 6 bids.
POOL C:
IWU- Could also take the Pool A from Carthage.
Augustana- I think they need a CCIW tourney final to earn a bid. Tough road ahead of them with Carthage and IWU still on schedule and 7 losses already
** I have a feeling that a team from another region will be shipped into the Central to fill out the bracket. Possibly a third NWC team or a WIAC team.
Regardless, if the top teams do not win their conference tourneys (not including the CCIW), the others will be shut out of the post-season.
Ill add where the top 3 teams of the IIAC would be in these categories.
Batting Average
2. Luther .352
3. Buena Vista .347
10. Wartburg .319
Slugging Pct
2. Buena Vista .515
6. Luther .470
9. Wartburg .431
On Base Pct
T 2. Buena Vista .431
4. Luther .430
10. Wartburg .394
Runs Scored
1. Buena Vista 250
5. Wartburg 181
7. Luther 178
Hits
3. Buena Vista 275
4. Wartburg 274
8. Luther 244
Runs Batted In
1. Buena Vista 208
7. Luther 158
8. Wartburg 153
Doubles
T4. Buena Vista 51
T7 Warburg 48
12 Luther 37
Triples
3. Buena Vista 14
4. Wartburg 12
10. Luther 6
Home Runs
4. Buena Vista 18
12. Luther 11
13. Wartburg 8
Walks
7. Buena Vista 98
T 8. Wartburg 93
13. Luther 70
Hit By Pitch
2. Luther 33
3. Buena Vista 30
T 11. Wartburg 21
Strikeouts
9. Buena Vista 128
11. Luther 114
13. Wartburg 89
Stolen Bases
1. Buena Vista 72
12. Wartburg 20
13. Luther 17
Depending on this weekend, I see the Central Rankings as this way right now:
1. Carthage
2. IWU
3. Beloit
4. Buena Vista
5. Augustana
6. Webster
For the sake of posterity and argument, here's mine as of today. I plan on crunching numbers this weekend, so this will probably change as a result of the weekend's games, which will be included in the first rankings.
1. Carthage
2. Illinois Wesleyan
3. Augustana
4. Webster
5. Beloit
6. Buena Vista
BigPoppa's Top 25: April 20th
01 Pomona-Pitzer... all they do is win
02 Millsaps... quickly becoming one of the nation's elite
03 Southern Maine... 8-0 this week. WOW!
04 St. Scholastica... might be the biggest sleeper in the nation, even at 24-2
05 Salisbury... 33-5 means they get it done day after day
06 Texas-Tyler... can they survive the ASC post-season or will they stumble again?
07 Trinity (Conn.)... poised to make another run?
08 Heidelberg... great team that is overlooked in its region
09 Kean... settling in after a tough west coast trip early in the year.
10 Eastern Connecticut... playing like the team everyone thought they were.
11 Wheaton (Mass.)... a tough week for them, but still good enough to hang around the top 10
12 Carthage... CCIW#1A...should have the CCIW #1 seed locked up this week.
13 George Fox... somehow, GF will not win it's own conference and will be a bubble team when the bids come out.
14 Ithaca... Bombers are back on track and pounding teams.
15 Wooster... playing well agains after a mis-step last week.
16 St. Thomas... MIAC #1 team
17 Cal Lutheran... Really needs Texas-Tyler to win the Pool A in the ASC... bubble team for Pool C
18 Shenandoah... not really sure about this team yet, but 31 wins speaks for itself.
19 Illinois Wesleyan... CCIW #1B... great team that is just hitting its stride
20 Keystone... Will be the next 30 win team
21 Curry... 7-1 last week! Impressive to say the least... deep staff to do that.
22 Pacific Lutheran... Controls the NWC
23 Mount St. Mary...19-4 right now... make or break week for them
24 Buena Vista... 23-6...showing cracks in their armor.
25 UW-Whitewater...18-9, but still winning games in the tough WIAC.
Dropped out:
UW-Oshkosh (no idea what to think of this team... most up and down team I have ever seen),
St. Olaf (Can they grab a second MIAC bid... I am not sure yet)
Marietta (Do you want to be a big dog or not?)
Thomas More ( It was fun while it lasted, huh?)
Linfield (Cannot lose a pair to lowly Willamette)
Big Poppa-
With Wartburg winning 9 in a row sitting a top the IIAC in control of their own destiny and playing very well, you don't even have them in your top 25. Ouch. No love for the Iowa schools.
Quote from: wartburgalum on April 20, 2009, 03:23:54 PM
Big Poppa-
With Wartburg winning 9 in a row sitting a top the IIAC in control of their own destiny and playing very well, you don't even have them in your top 25. Ouch. No love for the Iowa schools.
They are 19-11... no reason to give them any love on a national level at this point.
Fair enough, maybe after this week. Match ups with Coe and BV this weekend. Big weekend to see how the IIAC shapes up.
Also, where do you see Wartburg and other IIAC teams matching up with the rest of the Central Region teams? IIAC got off to slow start (with the exception of BV) but it looks like we may have some contenders for a CWS birth.
The first regional rankings are due out on Thursday. Here's how I think they should look for the Midwest and Central regions. I used in-region records through 4/20, which should be what this week's regional rankings reflect. Corrections and/or opinions appreciated. Lots more math available on the blog (http://midwestbaseball.wordpress.com/).
MIDWEST
Team, in-region record, (OWP)
1. St. Scholastica 15-1 (.528)
2. St. Thomas 15-5 (.643)
3. Wisconsin-Whitewater 14-8 (.597)
4. Rockford 15-6 (.579)
5. Wisconsin-Stevens Point 17-8 (.606)
6. St. Olaf 11-7 (.623)
Next four (in no order): Wisconsin Oshkosh 14-10 (.578), Aurora 16-7 (.510), Concordia Chicago 18-6 (.480), Wisconsin-La Crosse 13-10 (.568)
CENTRAL
Team, in-region record, (OWP)
1. Carthage 17-2 (.590)
2. Illinois Wesleyan 18-7 (.580)
3. Webster 20-7 (.517)
4. Buena Vista 18-5 (.462)
5. Augustana 17-7 (.463)
6. Beloit 14-3 (.412)
Next four (in no order): Washington 18-9 (unknown), Wartburg 15-11 (.534), Ripon 8-5 (.638), St. Norbert 12-7 (.538)
After a bit of research... with much credit given to OshDude's blog... I am ready to reveal my thoughts about tomorrow's first NCAA Regional Ranking:
CENTRAL
Team, Overall record/in-region record, (Opponent's Winning Percentage)
1. Carthage 21-5/ 17-2 (.590)... Clearly the #1 team in the Central right now. In-line for a Pool C should they falter in the CCIW tourney.
2. Illinois Wesleyan 20-8/ 18-7 (.580)... A clear #2 in the region... IWU has overcome early season struggles to right the ship in time to make a run at the CCIW title. Near solid Pool C barring a collapse against Augustana.
3. Webster 23-11/ 20-7 (.517)... I have trouble putting them here, but they are 20-0 in the weak SLIAC. A dismal 3-10 record outside of SLIAC play shows either a brutally tough schedule or a weak conference. (Don't think they are the #3 team in the region, but I think they will be ranked there). Will make for many nervous stomachs on bid night should they falter in the SLIAC post-season.
4. Buena Vista 24-7/ 18-5 (.462)... A blistering start has quickly faded and a series with Wartburg this weekend will have major implications on their post-season hopes. I think they MUST win the IIAC Pool A to get in.
5. Augustana 21-10/ 17-7 (.463)... Probably the third best team in the region. Must win the CCIW tourney to get a bid. Have a bad habit of dropping games they should win in conference play this year. A huge three game series with IWU next week may eliminate them from all NCAA post-season talk.
6. Beloit 20-5/ 14-3 (.412)... A weak early season schedule may have inflated their hopes for this season. Will only get in if they win the Pool A bid in the MWC.
7. Wartburg 19-13/ 15-11 (.534), ... a traditional regional power that had a terrible start, but has played well enough lately to get back into the IIAC race. Need to beat BV this weekend in order to remain in the chatter.
8. WashU 18-9 (not sure on in-region as they play in the UAA, a national conference)... Only hope is a Pool B bid, but did not fare well versus other UAA teams earlier in the season. They need to pray for Chapman and other Pool B teams to lose games in the next two weeks. Not strong enough for a Pool C.
9. St. Norbert 14-8/ 12-7 (.538)... SNC, Like both Ripon and Beloit, needs to win the MWC Pool A bid if they wish to play beyond the conference tourney.
10. Ripon 11-11/ 8-5 (.638)... Why? Well, Ripon has played the toughest schedule of any team in the Central region and has still managed to hang around .500. A 3-7 start may have been due to the schedule, their struggles in the relatively weak MWC are a sign of trouble for the Red Hawks.
** As a whole, I see the CCIW getting two bids, The IIAC, SLIAC and MWC each getting one bid and depending on WashU 's finish, possibly having another out-of-region team shipped in to complete the bracket... possibly a team from the South(Shenandoah) or the Midwest(WIAC second bid).
Post season match-ups if it ended today:
My prediction of a winner in bold
CCIW: @ #1 Seed
#1 Carthage vs. #4 Augustana
#2 IWU vs #3 Wheaton
*Carthage should win this, but I can see any of the four getting hot.
SLAIC: @ Glik Park- Highland, IL
#1 Webster vs #4 Blackburn
#2 Maryville vs #3 Fontbonne
*Webster is unmatched in the SLIAC
MWC: @ North Champion- St. Norbert
#1 North- St. Norbert vs #2 South- Grinnell
#1 South- Monmouth vs #2 North- Beloit
* If Ripon manages to sneak into the MWC tourney, I think they have the experience to win it and earn the Pool A bid.
IIAC: @ Popcorn Field- Cedar Rapids, IA
#1 Buena Vista
#2 Coe
#3 Wartburg vs #6 Simpson
#4 Luther vs #5 Loras
* Wartburg is playing the best baseball right now of anyone in the IIAC.
Big Poppa-
Here I am asking you why you show no love to Wartburg in your top 25 and then they go out and get beat twice by Coe. I guess it goes to show what this alum really knows. I do like your picks for the IIAC tourny champ. I think that this weekend series with BV will tell us a lot about what kind of team Wartburg (and BV) is. Though you never can predict a weekend tourny as anyone can catch fire at the right time and make a run.
NCAA Regional Rankings as of 4/23:
Central
1. Carthage
2. Ill Wesleyan
3. Webster
4. Buena Vista
5. Augustana
6. Beloit
Looks like I got lucky on my predictions for the Central. FROM 4/22:
After a bit of research... with much credit given to OshDude's blog... I am ready to reveal my thoughts about tomorrow's first NCAA Regional Ranking:
CENTRAL
Team, Overall record/in-region record, (Opponent's Winning Percentage)
1. Carthage 21-5/ 17-2 (.590)... Clearly the #1 team in the Central right now. In-line for a Pool C should they falter in the CCIW tourney.
2. Illinois Wesleyan 20-8/ 18-7 (.580)... A clear #2 in the region... IWU has overcome early season struggles to right the ship in time to make a run at the CCIW title. Near solid Pool C barring a collapse against Augustana.
3. Webster 23-11/ 20-7 (.517)... I have trouble putting them here, but they are 20-0 in the weak SLIAC. A dismal 3-10 record outside of SLIAC play shows either a brutally tough schedule or a weak conference. (Don't think they are the #3 team in the region, but I think they will be ranked there). Will make for many nervous stomachs on bid night should they falter in the SLIAC post-season.
4. Buena Vista 24-7/ 18-5 (.462)... A blistering start has quickly faded and a series with Wartburg this weekend will have major implications on their post-season hopes. I think they MUST win the IIAC Pool A to get in.
5. Augustana 21-10/ 17-7 (.463)... Probably the third best team in the region. Must win the CCIW tourney to get a bid. Have a bad habit of dropping games they should win in conference play this year. A huge three game series with IWU next week may eliminate them from all NCAA post-season talk.
6. Beloit 20-5/ 14-3 (.412)... A weak early season schedule may have inflated their hopes for this season. Will only get in if they win the Pool A bid in the MWC.
7. Wartburg 19-13/ 15-11 (.534), ... a traditional regional power that had a terrible start, but has played well enough lately to get back into the IIAC race. Need to beat BV this weekend in order to remain in the chatter.
8. WashU 18-9 (not sure on in-region as they play in the UAA, a national conference)... Only hope is a Pool B bid, but did not fare well versus other UAA teams earlier in the season. They need to pray for Chapman and other Pool B teams to lose games in the next two weeks. Not strong enough for a Pool C.
9. St. Norbert 14-8/ 12-7 (.538)... SNC, Like both Ripon and Beloit, needs to win the MWC Pool A bid if they wish to play beyond the conference tourney.
10. Ripon 11-11/ 8-5 (.638)... Why? Well, Ripon has played the toughest schedule of any team in the Central region and has still managed to hang around .500. A 3-7 start may have been due to the schedule, their struggles in the relatively weak MWC are a sign of trouble for the Red Hawks.
Don't understand Webster in the 3 spot. All regional wins in the SLIAC + one good one from Wesleyan. Wartburg, Coe, Wash U must be shaking their heads. All other spots seem pretty dead on (though I don't see Augustana there in the next ranking after the Benedictine loss and potential games vs. IWU)
Quote from: trip21 on April 23, 2009, 06:21:19 PM
Don't understand Webster in the 3 spot.
Me either, but I correctly predicted that they would end up there in the first rankings (see below).
3. Webster 23-11/ 20-7 (.517)... I have trouble putting them here, but they are 20-0 in the weak SLIAC. A dismal 3-10 record outside of SLIAC play shows either a brutally tough schedule or a weak conference. (Don't think they are the #3 team in the region, but I think they will be ranked there). Will make for many nervous stomachs on bid night should they falter in the SLIAC post-season.
I might also re-evaluate my regional rankings and find a place to slip Wheaton in there. The Thunder are playing great baseball and knocked off IWU this week... can still grab the #2 spot in the CCIW this weekend.
I might drop them into the #7/8 spot right now and if they have a good weekend against IW, I think we may see them creep into the regional rankings. The same can be said for Wartburg with their BIG series against Buena Vista this weekend.
Great games all over the region this weekend and should provide some great fodder for discussion of new rankings next week.
Central Region Conference Races...
IIAC Top Six play in post-season tourney
Loras College 12 6
Wartburg College 13 7
Buena Vista Univ. 12 7
Coe College 13 8
*This is turning out to be a great race for the post-season... the best race in the Central Region.
CCIW Top Four play in post-season tourney
Carthage 12-1
Illinois Wesleyan 12-5
Wheaton (Ill.) 11-6
Augustana 8-7
North Central 6-8
* Carthage is the logical #1 seed, but after that, #2 and #3 are up for grabs between IWU and Wheaton as is the #4 slot with Augustana and NCC battling it out.
Midwest Conference Top two from EACH division advance to post-season tourney
[i]North [/i]
St. Norbert 6-2
Beloit 9-5
Ripon 5-3
South
Grinnell 6-2
Monmouth 6-2
Knox 4-4
*Rain has caused a panic in the MWC as game after game has been rained out. Lots of baseball to play yet before it is all settled. The North offers a great battle as Ripon tries to overcome a terrible start to get back in the mix.
SLIAC Top four teams reach post-season tourney.
Webster 23-0
Maryville (Mo.) 15-6
Fontbonne 10-9
Greenville 11-10
Blackburn 11-11
*While Webster has run away with this league, the #3 and #4 spots are up for grabs as Fontbonne, Greenville and Blackburn all have a shot at grabbing a slot... and can just as easily be left out of it all.
BigPoppa's Central Region Rankings Prediction(4/29):
1. Carthage: clear-cut #1
2. Webster: clear-cut #2
3/4. Illinois Wesleyan/ Wheaton (great battle for CCIW #2/#3 slot) Wheaton took 2 of 3 from IWU.
5. Wartburg (charging hard in the IIAC... can they get it done in time to grab the #1 seed)
6. WashU (gonna be a close call on whether or not they get a bid. Big DH with Webster might determine their Pool B fate)
7/8. Grinnell/Ripon (Ripon is shooting up the standings lately, while Grinnell is an average team in a division)
9/10. Loras/Buena Vista (BV really hurt themselves last week by dropping a pair to Wartburg as Loras blew by into the IIAC lead)
11. Augustana (what a disappointment from this team, I was very high on them in the pre-season and they started out looking great)
12. Beloit (I think the other shoe just fell... the Bucs' Cinderella season has struck midnight)
*The deeper we go the more teams are breaking into my regional rankings. It should clear this week as many of the rainouts are due to be made up in the next 7 days. Teams' pitching staffs will be tested all over the Central Region this week as long as the rain holds off again.
Quote from: BigPoppa on April 29, 2009, 12:35:16 PM
BigPoppa's Central Region Rankings Prediction(4/29):
1. Carthage: clear-cut #1
2. Webster: clear-cut #2
3/4. Illinois Wesleyan/ Wheaton (great battle for CCIW #2/#3 slot) Wheaton took 2 of 3 from IWU.
5. Wartburg (charging hard in the IIAC... can they get it done in time to grab the #1 seed)
6. WashU (gonna be a close call on whether or not they get a bid. Big DH with Webster might determine their Pool B fate)
7/8. Grinnell/Ripon (Ripon is shooting up the standings lately, while Grinnell is an average team in a division)
9/10. Loras/Buena Vista (BV really hurt themselves last week by dropping a pair to Wartburg as Loras blew by into the IIAC lead)
11. Augustana (what a disappointment from this team, I was very high on them in the pre-season and they started out looking great)
12. Beloit (I think the other shoe just fell... the Bucs' Cinderella season has struck midnight)
*The deeper we go the more teams are breaking into my regional rankings. It should clear this week as many of the rainouts are due to be made up in the next 7 days. Teams' pitching staffs will be tested all over the Central Region this week as long as the rain holds off again.
Grinnell's OWP is crazy bad (.369). It's hard to get it that low.
Some more math available on the blog. Too tired to make a regional-ranking forecast today, but I will tomorrow. Since the numbers are there, what does everyone else think the ranking should be this week?
EDIT: I guess I'll do Wartburg's OWP. Hold on ... it'll be on the blog shortly. Then I'm going to bed.
I know that Grinnell's OWP is terrible, but I am not sure the committee will overlook their standing on top of the South Division in the MWC.
Quote from: BigPoppa on April 29, 2009, 12:56:34 PM
I know that Grinnell's OWP is terrible, but I am not sure the committee will overlook their standing on top of the South Division in the MWC.
Since you liked the idea the first time I proposed it, if GC is ranked this week the brats are on me. It's the MWC South ... and a .369 OWP. No chance. I don't think a MWC South team was ranked last year. Could be wrong, though.
Quote from: OshDude on April 29, 2009, 01:05:35 PM
Quote from: BigPoppa on April 29, 2009, 12:56:34 PM
I know that Grinnell's OWP is terrible, but I am not sure the committee will overlook their standing on top of the South Division in the MWC.
Since you liked the idea the first time I proposed it, if GC is ranked this week the brats are on me.
You really know the way to grab my attention, don't you?!
When do regional rankings come out again? or is that a 1 time deal?
Quote from: theoneandonly on April 29, 2009, 01:31:32 PM
When do regional rankings come out again? or is that a 1 time deal?
Tomorrow. Expect your SLIAC boys to land in the #2 spot. Webster's 24-0 run in ANY conference is very impressive.
Pops,
You returning to the fairest state for the World Series this year?
Quote from: OshDude on April 29, 2009, 01:49:25 PM
Pops,
You returning to the fairest state for the World Series this year?
I am trying to... so many things going on and I coach as well. It may depend on how we fare in the regionals. I will do all I can to be there this year.
What do you think about this as possible rankings...
1. Carthage (obviously)
2. Webster (24-0 speaks for itself)
3. Illinois Wesleyan (not many bad losses)
4. WashU (Webster's only loss against a DIII opponent since March 20)
5. Wheaton (hovering above .500 but a lot of good wins)
6. Wartburg (taking 2 out of 3 from Buena Vista helps)
My Week 2 Central forecast ... tough one this week compared to last:
1. Carthage
2. Webster
3. IWU
4. Ripon
5. Buena Vista
6. Wheaton
Next four: Coe, Loras, Luther, Wartburg
Quote from: OshDude on April 29, 2009, 02:08:26 PM
My Week 2 Central forecast ... tough one this week compared to last:
Agreed... this week is very tough as a lot of shuffling happened over the weekend.
Quote from: BigPoppa on April 29, 2009, 12:35:16 PM
BigPoppa's Central Region Rankings Prediction(4/29):
1. Carthage: clear-cut #1
2. Webster: clear-cut #2
3/4. Illinois Wesleyan/ Wheaton (great battle for CCIW #2/#3 slot) Wheaton took 2 of 3 from IWU.
5. Wartburg (charging hard in the IIAC... can they get it done in time to grab the #1 seed)
6. WashU (gonna be a close call on whether or not they get a bid. Big DH with Webster might determine their Pool B fate)
7/8. Grinnell/Ripon (Ripon is shooting up the standings lately, while Grinnell is an average team in a division)
9/10. Loras/Buena Vista (BV really hurt themselves last week by dropping a pair to Wartburg as Loras blew by into the IIAC lead)
11. Augustana (what a disappointment from this team, I was very high on them in the pre-season and they started out looking great)
12. Beloit (I think the other shoe just fell... the Bucs' Cinderella season has struck midnight)
*The deeper we go the more teams are breaking into my regional rankings. It should clear this week as many of the rainouts are due to be made up in the next 7 days. Teams' pitching staffs will be tested all over the Central Region this week as long as the rain holds off again.
Just a slight correction - Wheaton took the first two from IWU; the third game should just now be getting underway.
While I haven't attempted to calculate their in-region record, Wheaton's overall record is only 19-15. Unless at least 5 or 6 of those losses are non-region, that may be too much to get them ranked (though
currently I'd agree they deserve it).
Ypsi- thanks for the correction. I think you are correct on Wheaton, but I feel they currently deserve a ranking spot in an otherwise weak Central Region.
My original central region predictions from 2009:
Quote from: BigPoppa on January 26, 2009, 08:06:54 AM
BigPoppa's 2009 Central Region Rankings:
1. Illinois Wesleyan- CCIW (Even with Kulavic out, the Titans will be there in the end) MISS... sort of
2. Carthage- CCIW (The loss of 2008 all-CCIW pitcher Mario Perez to injury will be balanced by the return from injury of 2007 all-CCIW pitcher Chris Krepline) HIT
3. Wartburg- IIAC (Billy Schmitt has the arm to lead the Knights back to the top of the Central Region) Jury still out ???
4. Webster- SLIAC (Solid team that benefits from a very weak SLIAC this season. Expect them to climb the ranknings once league play starts) HIT
5. Ripon- MWC (Dominance of the MWC will continue in 2009 and will only face one league challenge in Beloit) Jury still out ???
6. Augustana- CCIW (Probably the third best team in the region, but I find it hard to place them higher this early as they will only be the third best CCIW team) BIG MISS
7. Simpson- IIAC (Should pressure Wartburg for the IIAC title and return most of the line up from last season) MISS
8. Beloit- MWC (ENTIRE lineup back from 2008 squad that went 18-16. MUST improve on dismal league record if they are to become a legit contender in the Central Region) Still out???
9. WashU- UAA (OK team that will hang around for part of the season, but not make too much noise) Hit... sort of.
10. Wheaton- CCIW (Nation's batting champion returning in SS Brian Kolb and a serious upgrade at coach with the arrival of Lee Driggers from McMurry. Could be the sleeper pick in the region.) HIT... sort of?
Not sure how to score myself on this yet, but I guess the NCAA will score it for me.
Don't look now but Beloit is still at the ball and Ripon may be the one turning into the pumpkin
Beloit has now guaranteed that they will at least have a play in game to get in the tournament. Cinderella isn't nearly over.
NEW Central Region RANKINGS:
1. Carthage: 26-5/19-2
2. IWU: 21-10/ 19-9
3. Webster: 26-11/25-7
4. Buena Vista: 25-9/20-8
5. Luther: 23-11/21-11
6. Beloit:22-7/16-5
I am shocked that IWU did not move a single spot after getting swept by Wheaton. I thought Webster would bump to #2.
Don't forget that the third IWU loss to Wheaton is not included in these rankings.
Quote from: BigPoppa on April 30, 2009, 02:40:13 PM
NEW Central Region RANKINGS:
1. Carthage: 26-5/19-2
2. IWU: 21-10/ 19-9
3. Webster: 26-11/25-7
4. Buena Vista: 25-9/20-8
5. Luther: 23-11/21-11
6. Beloit:22-7/16-5
I am shocked that IWU did not move a single spot after getting swept by Wheaton. I thought Webster would bump to #2.
http://www.d3sports.com/dailydose/2009/04/30/ncaa-regional-rankings-week-2/#comments
Could somebody inform me on exactly what Pool A, Pool B, and Pool C all mean?
Pool A I assume are the automatic bids. I think Pool C is the at-large bids. What am I missing here?
Also, six teams get into the Central Region tournament, correct? How many of those are automatic bids.
Lastly, in regards to the rankings. I find them quite interesting, I also noticed that the last game between IWU and Wheaton did not make it. Note that Luther's win over Buena Vista also did not make it in, I wonder if that would have put Luther over BV in the rankings.
Pool B is for NCAA Independent schools without a conference affililiation or schools in conferences that are not awarded Pool A bids... the UMAC is an example. St. Scholastica is an example.
As for Luther vs. Buena Vista... I think only the team that wins the IIAC tourney will be awarded a bid. The IIAC is a bit down this year.
Wesleyan now has 2 losses to Benedictine and 3 to Wheaton (who just lost to U Chicago). How likely is it for the CCIW to only get 1 bid? Same question for ILIAC.
If Carthage, Buena Vista, Webster, and Beloit win their conference tourneys then who gets the last 2 bids?
I feel like if this situation occurs one team gets shipped in from another region and its a battle between Wesleyan, Wash U and ILIAC #2 for the last spot.
Thoughts?
Also, the 'Central Region' tourney is not necessarily just Central region teams; if a region doesn't fill a regional, teams can be imported; if a region is really loaded, teams can make the tourney but be sent elsewhere. While not many teams get moved around, it is actually more precise to speak of the 'Regional at Augustana', rather than the 'Central Regional'. But, to address the other part of your question, the AQ's from the CCIW, MWC, SLIAC, and IIAC will probably account for 4 slots in Augie.
Something I haven't checked but Big Poppa (or someone) is bound to know and save me the trouble ;): do we know ahead of time whether Augie is a 6-team or 8-team regional? Or is that not decided until teams are selected and the committee figures out the cheapest way to group them?
Quote from: trip21 on April 30, 2009, 09:40:15 PM
Wesleyan now has 2 losses to Benedictine and 3 to Wheaton (who just lost to U Chicago). How likely is it for the CCIW to only get 1 bid? Same question for ILIAC.
If Carthage, Buena Vista, Webster, and Beloit win their conference tourneys then who gets the last 2 bids?
I feel like if this situation occurs one team gets shipped in from another region and its a battle between Wesleyan, Wash U and ILIAC #2 for the last spot.
Thoughts?
With the late season losses by IWU and Augie (and too many early season losses for Wheaton), I fear the CCIW may be a 1-team conference (unless someone else wins the AQ; Carthage would be a lock for a C).
It seems strange to me that no IIAC team could even be in the running for a Pool C bid.
Luther, Buena Vista and even Loras seem like they could be in the talk.
If Luther takes care of Dubuque this weekend they end up either 1st or 2nd in the IIAC with an overall record of 27-11. If they finish second in the tournament why would they not be in consideration with a record of approx. 29-13?
Buena Vista has been ranked all year long (despite playing poorly at the end of the year) they do have a few big wins and will have a very good record. Loras also has put together a decent year, I realize they don't have a great overall record but will most likely win the IIAC regular season.
If Carthage, Beloit, Webster and then the IIAC bid are 4 automatics, why wouldn't the IIAC get an at-large. I feel they should be in consideration.
If someone was to rank teams in the Central.....a top 8 or 10 what would it be?
It would consist of Carthage, Webster, Illinois Wesleyan, Buena Vista, Luther, Beloit, Augustana and whoelse?
WashU is certainly in there. 22-8 is the 3rd best record in the region.
Quote from: TheSportsFan on April 30, 2009, 04:06:03 PM
Could somebody inform me on exactly what Pool A, Pool B, and Pool C all mean?
Pool A I assume are the automatic bids. I think Pool C is the at-large bids. What am I missing here?
Also, six teams get into the Central Region tournament, correct? How many of those are automatic bids.
Lastly, in regards to the rankings. I find them quite interesting, I also noticed that the last game between IWU and Wheaton did not make it. Note that Luther's win over Buena Vista also did not make it in, I wonder if that would have put Luther over BV in the rankings.
Welcome Sports fan
FAQ
http://www.d3baseball.com/faq/category/NCAA+Tournament
Quote from: JohnnyU on April 30, 2009, 11:07:13 PM
WashU is certainly in there. 22-8 is the 3rd best record in the region.
I think that Wash U can play themselves into the tourney and there will be one more Regional Ranking that we see next Thursday. If the Bears are listed then the Bears are in.
I don't think the regionals, whether 6-team or 8-team is predetermined. It all depends on the tournament team make-up and the travel needed ....
Augustana Regional (my guess)
SLIAC Champ
IIAC Champ
MWC Champ
CCIW Champ
WIAC runner up
Wash U
Quote from: JAdaPrince on May 01, 2009, 12:50:12 AM
I don't think the regionals, whether 6-team or 8-team is predetermined. It all depends on the tournament team make-up and the travel needed ....
Augustana Regional (my guess)
SLIAC Champ
IIAC Champ
MWC Champ
CCIW Champ
WIAC runner up
Wash U
Not a difference in the number of teams, but don't rule out the NAC winner going to Illinois and the MWC winner to Wisconsin, depending on which teams win.
Quote from: TheSportsFan on April 30, 2009, 10:06:44 PM
It seems strange to me that no IIAC team could even be in the running for a Pool C bid.
If Carthage, Beloit, Webster and then the IIAC bid are 4 automatics, why wouldn't the IIAC get an at-large. I feel they should be in consideration.
THe Pool C bids are handed out NATIONALLY, not regionally... the IIAC teams do not fare well against national contenders when put head to head on paper. They will be facing the likes of Millsaps, who lost their conference tourney, for a Pool C bid.
Quote from: BigPoppa on April 30, 2009, 02:40:13 PM
NEW Central Region RANKINGS:
1. Carthage: 26-5/19-2
2. IWU: 21-10/ 19-9
3. Webster: 26-11/25-7
4. Buena Vista: 25-9/20-8
5. Luther: 23-11/21-11
6. Beloit:22-7/16-5
Im not sure what all factors into this but it looks like Webster should be sitting 2 and IWU going down to around 4. Im sure there are some differences obviously in stregnth of schedule. But like BigPoppa said, IWU just got swept by Wheaton, and that should have took them down a peg or two. Also Wash U is playing good ball and hosting a 22-8 Record, perhaps we should be be bumping Beloit or Luther???????
I'm not sure how much I like BV being in the 4 spot. Seems a bit high to me for a team that's in 5th place in the IIAC, which I am not at all impressed with. They also lost their series against Luther... but I guess the last loss wasn't factored in.
Wow I didnt realize that. They are basically going to have to WIN their conference tourney, because I just dont see them getting a Bid as a 5th place team.
Quote from: theoneandonly on May 01, 2009, 12:04:25 PM
Wow I didnt realize that. They are basically going to have to WIN their conference tourney, because I just dont see them getting a Bid as a 5th place team.
The IIAC, MWC and SLIAC teams
all have to win their conference tourneys to gain bids. Not sure if anyone is strong enough to earn a Pool C, Webster included. The only team I see as strong enough for a Pool C should they fall is Carthage. For some reason, the NCAA still has IWU as #2 which means they might be leaning towards IWU as a second CCIW bid, but I think they need a deep run into the CCIW tourney for that to become a reality.
looks like there could be a lot shuffling in this week's rankings...
My central region rankings:
1. Carthage (clear cut #1. 28-5. Have won 11 straight and 24 of 25. Even if they lose the CCIW tourney they should get a pool C bid and be a #1 or #2 seed in the regional tournament)
2. IWU (They've lost 4 of their last 6 to get to 23-13. That said, they're the only team here to beat Carthage. Still, their record is very marginal for getting a pool C bid if they cant win the CCIW tourney. Ie: they'd better at least reach the finals)
3. Wash U (Won 10 of 11 to get to 25-10. 2 statement wins [and 3 overall] over Webster should lock up a pool B bid.)
4. Webster (27-13. Quality wins against Keystone and IWU early in the season. 24-0 against the SLIAC. Hard to drop them any lower even with their struggles against quality competition. Doubtful for a pool C bid if for some reason they manage to lose to a SLIAC team in their tourney.)
5. Luther (27-11. The ILIAC has great parity this year. Luther, Loras, Wartburg, Coe and Buena Vista have all had good seasons but Luther has the best record and sits with Loras atop the league standings. Whoever wins the ILIAC tourney will be the only ILIAC team to go.)
6. Beloit (24-7 and hoping for a Ripon loss to give them a MWC berth. It's hard to say that they're better than St. Norbert (21-11)- theyre 2-2 against them and have played much worse competition- but there's no pool C bid in this conference anyway)
As it stands, I see the regional being: CCIW winner, ILIAC winner, SLIAC winner, MWC winner, Wash U, and the last spot being for Carthage if they lose or another region's pool C team if they win.
My Region Notes
Carthage is clearly the best team in the region with the impressive 28-5 record.
The SLIAC is clearly the weakest conference with their four playoff teams having a combined non-conference schedule of 18-43 (.295 win pct.)!!! That includes Webster who holds a non-conference record of 3-13. I wonder just how weak this conference is.
CCIW is obviously respectable. That will be an interesting bracket to follow as other teams need Carthage to win so as not to steal a Pool C bid. Their four playoff teams have a combined non-conference schedule of 41-25 (.621 win pct.).
I hear over and over how "bad" the IIAC is. After looking into it I don't see it. Five of the nine teams have twenty wins, and the 6 teams in the playoffs have a combined non-conference of 58-35 (.624 win pct.). It seems that the IIAC is held against the fact that those top five or six teams beat up on each other making their conference records not look great.
Apparently it is better to play in a conference like the SLIAC, not lose a game, and get dominated outside of the conference than to play in the IIAC, compete heavily with teams in the conference, and also win the non-conference games.
Top Region Records (based by Win pct.)
---------------------------------------------------
Carthage....................... (28-5).............CCIW
Washington U............... (25-10)...........IND
Luther ...........................(27-11)...........IIAC
Buena Vista ..................(26-12)...........IIAC
Loras.............................(25-12)...........IIAC
Webster........................(27-13)...........SLIAC
Illinois Wesleyan...........(23-13)...........CCIW
The problem with stats is we don't have any idea how good the quality of non-conference opponents are. I know that for many coaches, the location of the spring trip can be highly dependent on their philosophy. Not all coaches are trying to find the best competition they can find, and even more that are trying to turn programs around just can't get games with quality opponents because of their previous year's record. The IIAC games I watched this year were a little frustrating, because it just didn't seem like the quality of play was very good. Maybe I caught them on an off-day? I don't know, it just seems like the IIAC has lost a lot of the clout that it had in the early 2000's, capped off by Wartburg's run in 2005. It seems like the pitching dropped off in the year following and just never has come back enough to do anything in the post-season for any of the IIAC teams. I grew up watching IIAC baseball, and played in it for a year. But, I do in fact believe it is down, contradictory to the stats. Maybe they'll prove me wrong in regionals? We'll see.
I would probably agree that the IIAC is down a bit this year. There definitely seems to be a shortage of high quality pitching within the conference. I don't know if kids are deciding to go elsewhere of if it is just a sign of the times. When I was at Wartburg we always had at least 4 legitimate starters and a solid bullpen, now it seems they can't even fill the rotation.
CCIW Baseball Tournament
Carthage Baseball Field in Kenosha, Wis.
Date Game Teams
May 7 Game #2 #2 Illinois Wesleyan vs. #3 Wheaton (Ill.), Noon
May 7 Game #1 #1 Carthage vs. #4 Augustana (Ill.), 3 p.m.
May 8 Game #3 Game #1 loser vs. game #2 loser, 10 a.m.
May 8 Game #4 Game #1 winner vs. game #2 winner, 1 p.m.
May 8 Game #5 Game #3 winner vs. game #4 loser, 4 p.m.
May 9 Game #6 Game #5 winner vs. game #4 winner, Noon
May 9 Game #7 Repeat of game #6, if needed, 3 p.m.
My prediction: Winner-Carthage over IWU
IIAC Baseball Tournament
Game Teams Results/Time
1 #4 Wartburg vs. #5 Buena Vista Thursday, 1:00 pm at Daniels Park
2 #3 Coe vs. #6 Simpson Thursday, 1:00 pm at Veterans
3 Game 2 winner vs. #2 Luther Thursday, 4:00 pm
4 Game 1 winner vs. #1 Loras Thursday, 7:00 pm
5 Game 1 loser vs. Game 2 loser Friday, 10:00 am
6 Game 3 loser vs. Game 4 loser Friday, 1:00 pm
7 Game 3 winner vs. Game 4 winner Friday, 4:00 pm
8 Game 5 winner vs. Game 6 winner Friday, 7:00 pm
9 Game 7 loser vs. Game 8 winner Saturday, 10:00 am
10 Game 7 winner vs. Game 9 winner Saturday, 1:00 pm
11 Game 7 winner vs. Game 9 winner Saturday, 4:00 pm (if necessary)
** Daniels Park is Coe College's home field located on Oakland Road NE
Bracket: http://www.iowaconference.com/men/baseball/tournament/2009_bracket.pdf
My prediction: Wartburg over Luther
SLIAC Tournament
Thursday, May 7
Game #1 #4 Fontbonne vs. #1 Webster TBA
Game #2 #3 Greenville vs. #2 Maryville TBA
Game #3 Game 1 loser vs. Game 2 loser TBA
Friday, May 8
Game #4 Game 1 winner vs. Game 2 winner TBA
Game #5 Game 3 winner vs. Game 4 loser TBA
Saturday, May 9
Game #6 Game 4 winner vs. Game 5 winner TBA
Game #7 If necessary TBA
All locations Glik Park in Highland, Ill., except where noted
My Prediction: Webster over Maryville
MidWest Conference
All MWC tourney games will be played at St. Norbert College in DePere, WI.
North #1 St. Norbert vs South #2 Grinnell
South #1 Monmouth vs North #2 Beloit
SNC over Beloit.
This should be a fun weekend of baseball to watch.
Monmouth thumped Grinnell, 15-4 in 7 inings today....
Ok, so I know Beloit is 22-7 and only has 5 losses in region, but who the heck have they played? Does anyone believe that Beloit should get a Pool C if they don't win their conference? I have a hard time supporting any MWC school for a Pool C with their strength of schedule...
I think if Beloit loses to Ripon today they get no pool C and probably drop out of the central region rankings altogether. Even if they made it to the finals of the MWC I dont see them getting a pool C. Too many other strong teams that lost in conference tourneys already.
Anyone know when the next rankings come out? Is it wednesday?
Here's how I think the RR should look tomorrow.
1. Carthage
2. Illinois Wesleyan
3. Loras
4. Washington
5. Luther
6. Chicago
Next four: Webster, St. Norbert, Coe, Buena Vista
Here is what I see:
1. Carthage
2/3/4. Webster, IWU, Loras
5. WashU
6/7. Beloit, Luther
8. Chicago
9. Buena Vista
10. Wheaton
*There is a real mess behind Carthage right now. No idea what to do with 2-4. I could even see WashU slipping into the #2 or #3 spot. Wheaton is under rated and can make a big leap this week with a solid CCIW tourney.
Quote from: BigPoppa on May 06, 2009, 12:27:25 PM
Here is what I see:
1. Carthage
2/3/4. Webster, IWU, Loras
5. WashU
6/7. Beloit, Luther
8. Chicago
9. Buena Vista
10. Wheaton
*There is a real mess behind Carthage right now. No idea what to do with 2-4. I could even see WashU slipping into the #2 or #3 spot. Wheaton is under rated and can make a big leap this week with a solid CCIW tourney.
I really hope Beloit is not there tomorrow. A .440 OWP shouldn't cut it. No love for SNC?
Whether I put SNC in or not, the MWC tourney winner will be the only MWC bid. Still, I am not a huge SNC guy, put they can prove me wrong this weekend.
How about...
1. Carthage
2. Loras
3. Illinois Wesleyan (Beat WashU twice)
4. WashU (Beat Webster 3 times)
5. Webster
6. Luther/Beloit
Quote from: JohnnyU on May 06, 2009, 02:06:57 PM
How about...
1. Carthage
2. Loras
3. Illinois Wesleyan (Beat WashU twice)
4. WashU (Beat Webster 3 times)
5. Webster
6. Luther/Beloit
Makes sense, but I cannot see Loras at #2. Everything else is great.
Luther could be the new #2. They are ranked 19th in the most recent ABCA poll.
1. Carthage
2. Luther
3. IWU
4. Wash U
5. Loras
6. Webster/Chicago
Not sure if the regional ranking means mnuch in the Central for anyone other than Carthage and WashU who are the only teams that have a shot a Pool B or Pool C bid. I said it two months ago... the Central is very weak in 2009 and will not match up against other regions very well for Pool C bids. A #2 central ranking may not even make the top ten in another region this year and remember that Pool C bids are all about national matchups, not regional.
If Loras is the 2 seed in the region either they have gotten 50 times better since I saw them, or everyone else is a complete joke... which I know isn't the case. Loras' record is decent, but they do not deserve a 2 seed. Based upon what I've seen, and head to head records this is how I think the Central should look. I think if Wheaton and Wesleyan do well in the CCIW tourney they could really help each other out as far as post-season rankings.
1. Carthage
2. Illinois Wesleyan (Beat WashU twice)
3. WashU (Beat Webster 3 times)
4. Webster
5. Loras
6. Luther
Need we remember that Webster defeated Illinois Wesleyan head to head, so the thought of IWU being ahead of Wash U cuz of its head to head win, should hold some weight when discussing Webster and IWU.
But hey, when teams are this evenly matched, does it really matter what seed you receive. The only difference could be the top seed, but other than that 2-6 are is a crap shoot. Regardless of what number is before the team name, the competitive factor will still be the same.
Quote from: JAdaPrince on May 06, 2009, 04:12:45 PM
Need we remember that Webster defeated Illinois Wesleyan head to head, so the thought of IWU being ahead of Wash U cuz of its head to head win, should hold some weight when discussing Webster and IWU.
But hey, when teams are this evenly matched, does it really matter what seed you receive. The only difference could be the top seed, but other than that 2-6 are is a crap shoot. Regardless of what number is before the team name, the competitive factor will still be the same.
Very good point here. Last year the #6 Seed from the Central Region (Webster) played the #5 Seed who was shipped in from the West (Linfield) for the Central Region Championship. That being said, I think the #6 seed would be the least desirable this year having to face Carthage in the first round. The #2 through #6 could all swap places and no one would notice.
Quote from: OshDude on May 06, 2009, 11:56:23 AM
Here's how I think the RR should look tomorrow.
1. Carthage
2. Illinois Wesleyan
3. Loras
4. Washington
5. Luther
6. Chicago
Next four: Webster, St. Norbert, Coe, Buena Vista
I bet you luther will be higher.
Dude, ppl get off the IWU bandwagon....they have done nothing all year. I dont care who they have played. They do not deserve to make the tournament. 22-13 in region is hardly deserving of a Pool C bid.....let's get serious......
.....and Curry's bid is in doubt at 34-7???get real.
That cannot happen if these selections are truly done nationally..
Quote from: d3baseballnut on May 06, 2009, 07:44:06 PM
Quote from: OshDude on May 06, 2009, 11:56:23 AM
Here's how I think the RR should look tomorrow.
1. Carthage
2. Illinois Wesleyan
3. Loras
4. Washington
5. Luther
6. Chicago
Next four: Webster, St. Norbert, Coe, Buena Vista
I bet you luther will be higher.
Dude, ppl get off the IWU bandwagon....they have done nothing all year. I dont care who they have played. They do not deserve to make the tournament. 22-13 in region is hardly deserving of a Pool C bid.....let's get serious......
.....and Curry's bid is in doubt at 34-7???get real.
That cannot happen if these selections are truly done nationally..
LOL. IWU has two bad in-region losses all year. Maybe should have won a game or two vs. Wheaton, but the others are OK thanks to Benedictine playing better at the end.
You might be correct that IWU is not #2. We'll see.
Quote from: OshDude on May 06, 2009, 10:08:25 PM
Quote from: d3baseballnut on May 06, 2009, 07:44:06 PM
Quote from: OshDude on May 06, 2009, 11:56:23 AM
Here's how I think the RR should look tomorrow.
1. Carthage
2. Illinois Wesleyan
3. Loras
4. Washington
5. Luther
6. Chicago
Next four: Webster, St. Norbert, Coe, Buena Vista
I bet you luther will be higher.
Dude, ppl get off the IWU bandwagon....they have done nothing all year. I dont care who they have played. They do not deserve to make the tournament. 22-13 in region is hardly deserving of a Pool C bid.....let's get serious......
.....and Curry's bid is in doubt at 34-7???get real.
That cannot happen if these selections are truly done nationally..
LOL. IWU has two bad in-region losses all year. Maybe should have won a game or two vs. Wheaton, but the others are OK thanks to Benedictine playing better at the end.
You might be correct that IWU is not #2. We'll see.
Everyone's putting Carthage on a whole different plane from the rest of the Central (and overall I don't disagree), but forgetting that IWU lost a 3-game series to them by a combined score of 6-5. We may or may not beat them in the CCIW tourney, but we hardly quake in our boots over them.
BTW, IWU lost their two aces (Aronson and Kulavic) before the season even began, yet are still a close second in ERA in the conference.
Quote from: BigPoppa on May 06, 2009, 12:27:25 PM
Here is what I see:
1. Carthage
2/3/4. Webster, IWU, Loras
5. WashU
6/7. Beloit, Luther
8. Chicago
9. Buena Vista
10. Wheaton
*There is a real mess behind Carthage right now. No idea what to do with 2-4. I could even see WashU slipping into the #2 or #3 spot. Wheaton is under rated and can make a big leap this week with a solid CCIW tourney.
I was WAY OFF this time... shocking to say the least:
Central Region Overall Record In-Region Record
1. Carthage 29-5 25-2
2. St. Norbert 21-11 19-10
3. Illinois Wesleyan 23-13 21-12
4. Coe 21-17 20-12
5. Loras 25-12 2011
6. Luther 27-11 25-11
I think the committee must be drawing names from a hat! :o
St. Norbert from nowhere to 2nd (must have been a helluva week!); Coe and Loras also new. Webster, BV, and Beloit all drop out. Wash U still no where to be seen.
I hereby withdraw from attempting to predict ANYTHING! :P
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on May 07, 2009, 03:20:14 PM
I think the committee must be drawing names from a hat! :o
St. Norbert from nowhere to 2nd (must have been a helluva week!); Coe and Loras also new. Webster, BV, and Beloit all drop out. Wash U still no where to be seen.
I hereby withdraw from attempting to predict ANYTHING! :P
What is says to me is the committee is setting up multiple bids for the CCIW and IIAC. MWC and SLIAC will get the tourney winner only.
Illinois Wesleyan pulls out game 1 10-6 over Wheaton.
what's the thinking behind Coe being #4? Coe is 21-17........Loras and and Luther both have better records and beat Coe in their series.
I don't care what region you're in, 21-17 should not get you 4th in regional rankings. Especially when there are two teams unranked (Beloit and WashU) at 25-7 and 25-10 respectively, one of which already beat that team twice!
Can someone explain to me the reasoning behind these rankings? I would love to hear how these teams ended up in this order.
Quote from: JohnnyU on May 07, 2009, 05:36:44 PM
Can someone explain to me the reasoning behind these rankings? I would love to hear how these teams ended up in this order.
If I had the answer, I would certainly share it. I am even more confused than most of you as I was sure I had a handle on the region like I did the first two rankings.
I am still trying to find out who is on the Central ranking committee to see if they can help answer some questions for us.
Quote from: JohnnyU on May 07, 2009, 05:36:44 PM
Can someone explain to me the reasoning behind these rankings? I would love to hear how these teams ended up in this order.
I already provided the only explanation I can find:
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on May 07, 2009, 03:20:14 PM
I think the committee must be drawing names from a hat! :o
St. Norbert from nowhere to 2nd (must have been a helluva week!); Coe and Loras also new. Webster, BV, and Beloit all drop out. Wash U still no where to be seen.
I hereby withdraw from attempting to predict ANYTHING! :P
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on May 07, 2009, 03:20:14 PM
I think the committee must be drawing names from a hat! :o
St. Norbert from nowhere to 2nd (must have been a helluva week!); Coe and Loras also new. Webster, BV, and Beloit all drop out. Wash U still no where to be seen.
I hereby withdraw from attempting to predict ANYTHING! :P
Amen. I thought SNC should have been there, but I didn't think the MWC would get a slot over Wash U. And No. 2 over IWU? That's bold. Saw SNC against UWO. Good team in De Pere, no doubt.
I am very surprised to not see Wheaton anywhere on here. I would think that 3 wins against an IWU team that ranks third would give them at least some ammunition to go up against the other teams in this region? Is the rest of their schedule that weak?
Quote from: CCIWFAN6 on May 08, 2009, 12:16:20 AM
I am very surprised to not see Wheaton anywhere on here. I would think that 3 wins against an IWU team that ranks third would give them at least some ammunition to go up against the other teams in this region? Is the rest of their schedule that weak?
I think they just piled up too many losses early in the season.
At this time I strongly suspect they are top 6 in the region, but the NCAA counts early and late games the same.
SNC goes 6-0 against last week with 4 wins against a team who's 12-20 and 2 wins against a team who's 18-15 and their in-region record raises to 21-11. They jumped from unranked to #2 in the rankings.
Illinois Wesleyan is 3-8 since the first regional rankings came out. This includes 2 losses against Benedictine and Blackburn, the 5th place team in the SLIAC, and getting swept by Wheaton. Yet they moved down only 1 spot in those 3 weeks.
Coe played one game last week, against a team that was 21-15, to improve their record to 21-17. They've lost 2 of 3 to Luther, 2 of 3 to Loras, and 2 of 2 to WashU yet they are ahead of all 3 of them in the rankings. Even their 20-12 in-region record is behind all 3 of those teams.
Loras played 4 games last week against two teams that were 10-23 and 8-31 respectively, lost one of those, and jumped over Luther, who has a better overall and in-region record than them, to 5th place.
Luther went 4-0 against similarly weak teams, jumps to 25-11 in-region, and drops down a spot to #6.
Beloit also goes 3-0, jumps to 19-5 in-region, and drops out of the rankings altogether.
WashU goes 4-0 against last week with 2 wins against a team who's 21-16 and 2 wins against a team who's 27-14 (and was ranked 3rd in the region), and their in-region record raises to 24-8. They were the only team on this list to beat a regionally ranked team in that time. They have the same exact OWP as Luther, a much better winning percentage, and they jumped from unranked to right, nowhere.
If you put these teams in any other order, it would have made more sense.
None of it matters.... only the conference champs in the Central will get bids. WashU will be fine as they should get a Pool C... IIAC/CCIW/MWC and SLIAC will all be one-bid conferences. Someone will be shipped in from another region to fill out the bracket. (Hendrix? Millsaps?).
Quote from: BigPoppa on May 08, 2009, 11:31:23 PM
None of it matters.... only the conference champs in the Central will get bids. WashU will be fine as they should get a Pool C... IIAC/CCIW/MWC and SLIAC will all be one-bid conferences. Someone will be shipped in from another region to fill out the bracket. (Hendrix? Millsaps?).
Slight correction: Wash U looks safe for a pool B (not C). And Carthage is a lock for a pool C if they need it. I hold out
faint hopes for the winner of Wheaton/IWU IF they take the first game against Carthage (IWU because they were still ranked 3rd; Wheaton because they would have won 4 of 5 against IWU - and assuming IWU does not drop completely out of the final final rankings, that gives Wheaton a huge up on wins against regionally-ranked teams).
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on May 09, 2009, 12:38:18 AM
Quote from: BigPoppa on May 08, 2009, 11:31:23 PM
None of it matters.... only the conference champs in the Central will get bids. WashU will be fine as they should get a Pool C... IIAC/CCIW/MWC and SLIAC will all be one-bid conferences. Someone will be shipped in from another region to fill out the bracket. (Hendrix? Millsaps?).
Slight correction: Wash U looks safe for a pool B (not C). And Carthage is a lock for a pool C if they need it. I hold out faint hopes for the winner of Wheaton/IWU IF they take the first game against Carthage (IWU because they were still ranked 3rd; Wheaton because they would have won 4 of 5 against IWU - and assuming IWU does not drop completely out of the final final rankings, that gives Wheaton a huge up on wins against regionally-ranked teams).
Thanks for the correction. WashU is a Pool B not Pool C.
I think it is clear, so far in this weekend's tournaments, that the committee was wrong about:
1. Dropping Luther down after going 4-0, sitting at 25-11 in region. They are now sitting first in the tournament, while Coe and Loras have lost
2. St Norbert being above Beloit when SNU was 19-10 in region and Beloit was 19-5(that makes no sense....they are in the same conference, committee). Beloit just beat SNU, and is 1 game from proving to the committee their good record was legit all along
3. ANd in the mideast, dropping ROse Hulman out after going 3-0 last week ( makes no sense) and now at 30-11 after winning 10 straight games
......good call committee.....good call
P.S. IWU are a bunch of clowns. Get them out of the rankings. How do you go 2-3 and just go from #2 to #3....Luther should have done that.....they were stupid for going 4-0 :-)
Clearly, you are an idiot. SOS numbers change every week and have a HUGE bearing on the committee's view each week. I have been saying for two weeks that IWU should be out of the rankings , but their SOS was keeping them in. They are now out of the CCIW tourney, so don't look for them to get a bid.
My predictions for the Central Regional hosted in Rock Island:
1. Carthage
2. Wash U
3. - Team shipped from the South Region
4. Beloit
5. Wartburg
6. Fontbonne
Had a hard time placing Wartburg and Beloit. I think Wartburg is better but Beloit may possibly have better numbers. Just a guess. Also, I think Webster deserves a bid but their poor start hurts them especially playing in a weaker central region conference.
I see Carthage running away with this regional with pitching depth alone. Plus they always play well at Augustana's field.
Quote from: acvikings on May 10, 2009, 04:43:59 PM
My predictions for the Central Regional hosted in Rock Island:
1. Carthage
2. Wash U
3. - Team shipped from the South Region
4. Beloit
5. Wartburg
6. Fontbonne
Had a hard time placing Wartburg and Beloit. I think Wartburg is better but Beloit may possibly have better numbers. Just a guess. Also, I think Webster deserves a bid but their poor start hurts them especially playing in a weaker central region conference.
I see Carthage running away with this regional with pitching depth alone. Plus they always play well at Augustana's field.
I really dont think UWASH is a #2 seed. My hunch is that they bring Millsaps or St. Olaf into the regional be a number 2 seed. But St. Olaf may end up a number #1 seed if they complete the sweep of St. Thomas today. SO my hunch is Millsaps
Anyone want to take a chance at predicting how the Central Regional will end up? Will this end up just being a 2 team race between Carthage and Millsapps?
Quote from: JohnnyU on May 11, 2009, 05:37:56 PM
Anyone want to take a chance at predicting how the Central Regional will end up? Will this end up just being a 2 team race between Carthage and Millsapps?
Do not sleep on #3 Whitewater, They are dangerous team. If there was ONE team from the Midwest I did not want to see it was Whitewater.
Something to pass the time until tomorrow's first pitch.
Carthage's all-time records versus opponents in the Central Regional:
Fontbonne 4-0
The Red Men eliminated the Griffins, 17-3, from the 1998 NCAA Division III Central Regional in Kenosha, Wis. The second meeting, on March 27, 1999, at the Fontbonne College Tournament, resulted in an 11-1 Carthage win. Carthage defeated the Griffins, 13-8, on March 26, 2000, also at the Fontbonne Tournament. The Red Men defeated the Griffins, 13-2, on May 16, 2003 in a loser's bracket game of the NCAA Division III Central Regional Baseball Championship in Clinton, Miss.
Millsaps 2-4
Carthage lost both ends of a 1986 twinbill to the Majors in Jackson, Miss., won a 1987 game, and split a pair of games in 1988. Millsaps defeated Carthage, 4-2, on May 15, 2003 in the first round of the NCAA Division III Central Region Baseball Championship in Clinton, Miss.
Wisconsin-Whitewater 18-22-1
The Red Men's series with the Warhawks began in 1965 after Carthage moved north from Illinois to Wisconsin. The series ended after the 1996 season. Wisconsin-Whitewater defeated Carthage, 24-3, on May 15, 2008 in a second-round game at the NCAA Division III Midwest Regional Championship at Oshkosh North High School in Oshkosh, Wis. The two teams split a pair of games in Florida this spring.
Wartburg 4-1
Carthage nipped Wartburg, 3-2, on May 15, 1997, in the first round of the NCAA Division III Central Regional Championship in Carroll, Iowa. The Red Men also defeated the Knights, 14-4, on May 20, 1999, in the second round of the NCAA Division III Central Regional Championship in Geneva, Ill. Wartburg defeated Carthage, 9-5, on May 20, 2000, in the championship round of the NCAA Division III Central Regional Championship in Bloomington, Ill. Carthage won a 3-2 decision over the Knights in the first round of the 2002 NCAA Division III Central Region Championship in Monmouth, Ill. The Red Men defeated Wartburg again on May 18, 2003, winning a 5-2 game in the loser's bracket of the NCAA Division III Central Regional Baseball Championship in Clinton, Miss.
Washington University (Mo.) 2-0
The Red Men defeated the Bears, 8-3, on March 29, 1998, in the Washington University Tournament in St. Louis, Mo. Carthage also won 5-4 decision on May 16, 2007 in the first round of the NCAA Division III Central Region Championship in Bloomington, Ill.
yikes, the Griffins better bring their A game to play Carthage first round, not that they didnt plan on it. Should be a fun region to watch, AGAIN!
Any predictions for 2010?
Quote from: JohnnyU on September 15, 2009, 08:10:25 PM
Any predictions for 2010?
I am working on getting information (from coaches and SIDs) and crunching numbers as we speak. Look for my PRE-pre-season rankings in the next few weeks.
Still waiting on those predictions BigPoppa ;) haha. I'm getting excited for the season already!
Big Poppa, Gramps here. Will you be in Florida for Spring training? Just looked over our schedule and Heidelberg will meet Carthage at Noon on March 6th. Carthage sounds like they will be awesome this coming season. Just hope that we can match up with one of the elite programs of D3.
Quote from: Gramps on December 04, 2009, 09:47:57 PM
Big Poppa, Gramps here. Will you be in Florida for Spring training? Just looked over our schedule and Heidelberg will meet Carthage at Noon on March 6th. Carthage sounds like they will be awesome this coming season. Just hope that we can match up with one of the elite programs of D3.
I will be in Florida, but not until the end of March with my high school team. I am still teaching in early March as our spring break is later this year.
Carthage vs Heidelberg should be a great early-season matchup for both programs.
So Carthage is the ONLY team ranked in the top 25 in the central region... who falls in behind them?
Quote from: JohnnyU on January 26, 2010, 09:04:12 AM
So Carthage is the ONLY team ranked in the top 25 in the central region... who falls in behind them?
I place them:
1. Carthage
2. Beloit
3. Ill Wesleyan
4. Augustana
5. Wash U
6. Webster
7. Wheaton (IL)
8. ????
Hmmmmm not one IIAC School in your top 8.....and you have a Midwest Conference school at #2.....Here is how 2009 ended
1. Carthage 29-5 25-2 CCIW
2. St. Norbert 21-11 19-10 MWC
3. Illinois Wesleyan 23-13 21-12 CCIW
4. Coe 21-17 20-12 IIAC
5. Loras 25-12 2011 IIAC
6. Luther 27-11 25-11 IIAC
Not to mention Wartburg who went to the regional and won a game.
Quote from: UPandIN on January 26, 2010, 09:55:04 PM
Hmmmmm not one IIAC School in your top 8.....and you have a Midwest Conference school at #2.....Here is how 2009 ended
1. Carthage 29-5 25-2 CCIW
2. St. Norbert 21-11 19-10 MWC
3. Illinois Wesleyan 23-13 21-12 CCIW
4. Coe 21-17 20-12 IIAC
5. Loras 25-12 2011 IIAC
6. Luther 27-11 25-11 IIAC
Not to mention Wartburg who went to the regional and won a game.
This is not last year
Any rationale for those rankings?
Quote from: BigPoppa on January 26, 2010, 01:09:28 PM
Quote from: JohnnyU on January 26, 2010, 09:04:12 AM
So Carthage is the ONLY team ranked in the top 25 in the central region... who falls in behind them?
I place them:
1. Carthage
2. Beloit
3. Ill Wesleyan
4. Augustana
5. Wash U
6. Webster
7. Wheaton (IL)
8. ????
I am currently working on my central region preview... look for it next week along with rationale.
See preview below.
After much number-crunching, roster-examining and much crystal ball gazing, here is my first shot at ranking the entire Central Region (with some explanation and some minor differences from the above top 8).
1. Carthage (CCIW)- returns 2/3 of its 2009 lineup and Mario Perez and the return of Chris Krepline balance the loss of Ruffie and Jaehne-Llanas.
2. Beloit (MWC)- Return their entire 2009 squad after a run into the NCAA post-season. Could be a great year for the Bucs.
3. Wheaton (CCIW)- Return five all-CCIW players including 2008 All-American Brian Kolb.
4. Illinois Wesleyan (CCIW)- The Titans are always tough and this year will be no exception. The return of Brent Kulavic from injury is a huge boost to the Titan pitching staff.
5. Wartburg (IIAC)- The Knights struggled out of the gates last year, but regained form just in time to return to the Pool A field. The balanced IIAC will be more formidable this year, but they should still be near the top.
6. St. Norbert- Player of the year, Jared Yost, returns for the Green Knights.
7. Washington University (UAA)- The Bears look poised to make another run at a Central Region title. Adam Merzl and Matt Bayer need to step up if they are to succeed.
8. Webster (SLIAC)- They ran the table at 24-0 last season and then stumbled in the post-season, costing themselves a Pool A bid. Return six first team all-SLIAC players this season.
9. Loras (IIAC)- Last year's regular season was no fluke. Loras has the arms back to do some serious damage.
10. Augustana (CCIW)- Lost tons of talent to graduation, but enough athletes to hang around the top ten all season.
11. Buena Vista (IIAC)
12. Nebraska Wesleyan (IND)
13. Fontbonne (SLIAC)
14. Ripon (MWC)
15. Spalding (SLIAC)
16. Coe (IIAC)
17. Luther (IIAC)
18. North Park (CCIW)
19. Simpson (IIAC)
20. Blackburn (SLIAC)
21. Elmhurst (CCIW)
22. Greenville (SLIAC)
23. Chicago (IND)
24. Knox (MWC)
25. Monmouth (MWC)
26. Millikin (CCIW)
27. Central (IIAC)
28. Westminster (SLIAC)
29. Carroll (MWC)
30. North Central (CCIW)
31. Lawrence (MWC)
32. MacMurray (SLIAC)
33. Cornell (IIAC)
34. Illinois College (MWC)
35. Grinnell (MWC)
36. Eureka (SLIAC)
37. Dubuque (IIAC)
38. Principia (SLIAC)
Please feel free to applaud or critique it...
Some final thoughts on the Central Region. I took my own pre-season rankings and calculated the average ranking per team to provide an overall feel for the strength of each conference. this produced some interesting results.
CCIW- 14.125 (probably the best conference top to bottom in the region)
IIAC- 19.333 (a bit surprising here. No real power house but many teams in the middle of the regional pack. I have a feeling the middle IIAC teams mihgt be near the top in other conferences)
MWC- 22.222 (VERY top-heavy conference with Beloit, SNC and Ripon bearing the weight for the bottom feeders.)
SLIAC- 23.555 (Some solid teams near the top, but the bottom is pretty bad)
Quote from: BigPoppa on January 29, 2010, 01:53:18 PM
8. Webster (SLIAC)
13. Fontbonne (SLIAC)
15. Spalding (SLIAC)
20. Blackburn (SLIAC)
22. Greenville (SLIAC)
28. Westminster (SLIAC)
32. MacMurray (SLIAC)
36. Eureka (SLIAC)
38. Principia (SLIAC)
Thanks for all your research on the Central Region. I notice that you've placed SLIAC newcomer Spalding third among conference teams. How did you evaluate them vis-a-vis the rest of the SLIAC?
Should be a competitive Central Region!
Poppa I appreciate your knowledge on Carthage and a couple of the CCIW schools, but as far as your knowledge of the Central Region the research is falling a bit short. I also understand that you are biased, and a fan, in thinking that Carthage is the clear cut top team. Let me help your "number crunching". Yes"2/3" of the lineup is back but when they have to replace 152.1 innings (36%), 14 wins(37%), and 145 K's(43%) on the mound. Also 18 HR's(44%), 37 2B's(38%), and 139 RBI's(39%) at the plate. Not to mention loosing the starting Catcher, First Baseman, Shortstop, and two top Arms in the field. That only equates to 59% of the putouts and 82% of the assists. That is a tuff 1/3 to loose. You might want to shake that magic 8 ball again and see what it spits out.
Quote from: upandin on January 30, 2010, 12:34:59 AM
Poppa I appreciate your knowledge on Carthage and a couple of the CCIW schools, but as far as your knowledge of the Central Region the research is falling a bit short. I also understand that you are biased, and a fan, in thinking that Carthage is the clear cut top team. Let me help your "number crunching". Yes"2/3" of the lineup is back but when they have to replace 152.1 innings (36%), 14 wins(37%), and 145 K's(43%) on the mound. Also 18 HR's(44%), 37 2B's(38%), and 139 RBI's(39%) at the plate. Not to mention loosing the starting Catcher, First Baseman, Shortstop, and two top Arms in the field. That only equates to 59% of the putouts and 82% of the assists. That is a tuff 1/3 to loose. You might want to shake that magic 8 ball again and see what it spits out.
What's your Central top 10, upandin? And if not the Red Men at No. 1, then which team?
Quote from: upandin on January 30, 2010, 12:34:59 AM
Poppa I appreciate your knowledge on Carthage and a couple of the CCIW schools, but as far as your knowledge of the Central Region the research is falling a bit short. I also understand that you are biased, and a fan, in thinking that Carthage is the clear cut top team. Let me help your "number crunching". Yes"2/3" of the lineup is back but when they have to replace 152.1 innings (36%), 14 wins(37%), and 145 K's(43%) on the mound. Also 18 HR's(44%), 37 2B's(38%), and 139 RBI's(39%) at the plate. Not to mention loosing the starting Catcher, First Baseman, Shortstop, and two top Arms in the field. That only equates to 59% of the putouts and 82% of the assists. That is a tuff 1/3 to loose. You might want to shake that magic 8 ball again and see what it spits out.
Trust me, I did not want to put Carthage #1, but it is nearly impossible not to. Year after year they are in this same situation and they find a way to get it done. What I really wanted to do was shock the world and place wheaton in the top spot, but most of my credibility would have gone out the window.
The Wheaton factor that the Central Region needs to watch most is former McMurry head coach Lee Driggers, who is in his second season at Wheaton.
Wheaton has "never" had anything in baseball, but I predict that Coach Driggers will turn that around to make Wheaton a perennial contender.
Quote from: Ralph Turner on January 30, 2010, 09:46:28 AM
The Wheaton factor that the Central Region needs to watch most is former McMurry head coach Lee Driggers, who is in his second season at Wheaton.
Wheaton has "never" had anything in baseball, but I predict that Coach Driggers will turn that around to make Wheaton a perennial contender.
Aren't we just a little impartial to McMurry. JK
Definitely should have a chance to change the program around. Plenty of talent around the Chicagoland area. Specifically in Dupage county.
Quote from: upandin on January 30, 2010, 12:34:59 AM
Poppa I appreciate your knowledge on Carthage and a couple of the CCIW schools, but as far as your knowledge of the Central Region the research is falling a bit short. I also understand that you are biased, and a fan, in thinking that Carthage is the clear cut top team. Let me help your "number crunching". Yes"2/3" of the lineup is back but when they have to replace 152.1 innings (36%), 14 wins(37%), and 145 K's(43%) on the mound. Also 18 HR's(44%), 37 2B's(38%), and 139 RBI's(39%) at the plate. Not to mention loosing the starting Catcher, First Baseman, Shortstop, and two top Arms in the field. That only equates to 59% of the putouts and 82% of the assists. That is a tuff 1/3 to loose. You might want to shake that magic 8 ball again and see what it spits out.
Ok... I recrunched the number and........
Carthage is still #1 in the Central. Unless you have a better set of rankings. I'd be interested to see yours and the rationale for it. BIased or not, a lot of people agree with me. In fact, two polls (Collegiate Baseball and D3baseball.com) place them as the region's top team as well. They are the only central reion team in any of the polls right now, how can they NOT be #1? I had them #14 in my own poll, but they somehow landed at #5 in one and #8 in the other. Clearly, others agree.
Ill post my rankings soon I want to see some of the rosters that are being kept secrete by some programs out there. I am not saying that Carthage is not a good team, nor am I saying that they are not deserving of a being in the discussion for another title. Other teams in the CCIW need to step up and play. Top teams stay on top sometimes even when they are not the best team. I just feel that there is opportunity for some other programs to rise to the top. My point is there should be much more discussion about the top teams in the central region. I feel that the national DIII polls are lacking as well. Programs in the Midwest need to do a better job promoting them selves. Take for example Beloit, they have done a good job of pulling that off. They are average at best in talent yet they are in the discussion on a national stage. They are doing something right.
Quote from: upandin on January 31, 2010, 10:19:56 AM
Ill post my rankings soon I want to see some of the rosters that are being kept secrete by some programs out there. I am not saying that Carthage is not a good team, nor am I saying that they are not deserving of a being in the discussion for another title. Other teams in the CCIW need to step up and play. Top teams stay on top sometimes even when they are not the best team. I just feel that there is opportunity for some other programs to rise to the top. My point is there should be much more discussion about the top teams in the central region. I feel that the national DIII polls are lacking as well. Programs in the Midwest need to do a better job promoting them selves. Take for example Beloit, they have done a good job of pulling that off. They are average at best in talent yet they are in the discussion on a national stage. They are doing something right.
You may really hate me when my Central Region preview is published this week. Originally, prior to Carthage losing two top arms, I would have had them at pre-season #1. I tailored it back a bit, but I still think they are the team to beat in the region followed by Beloit and Wheaton.
Here is some info to ponder....Returning ( as far as I know ) 2009 all-region players.
CCIW 14...... Wheaton 4, Ill Wesleyan 3, N. Central 2, N. Park 2, Carthage 1, Augustana 1, Elmhurst 1.
MWC 7 ...... Beloit 3, St. Norbert 2, Ripon 1
IIAC 7 ...... Coe 3, BV 1, Wartburg 1, Luther 1, Central 1.
SLIAC 2 ...... Webster 1, Maryville 1.
Beloit has 4 actually
Quote from: upandin on January 30, 2010, 12:34:59 AM
Poppa I appreciate your knowledge on Carthage and a couple of the CCIW schools, but as far as your knowledge of the Central Region the research is falling a bit short. I also understand that you are biased, and a fan, in thinking that Carthage is the clear cut top team. Let me help your "number crunching". Yes"2/3" of the lineup is back but when they have to replace 152.1 innings (36%), 14 wins(37%), and 145 K's(43%) on the mound. Also 18 HR's(44%), 37 2B's(38%), and 139 RBI's(39%) at the plate. Not to mention loosing the starting Catcher, First Baseman, Shortstop, and two top Arms in the field. That only equates to 59% of the putouts and 82% of the assists. That is a tuff 1/3 to loose. You might want to shake that magic 8 ball again and see what it spits out.
In addition, I did not wait for the rosters to be posted because I used my sources (coaches and assistants) to give me very credible information. I have former teammates, and friends coaching all over the region
Hmm........ Pappa you don't have to justify yourself. There is nothing wrong with being a fan of one team, or having a bias to one conference. Heck Peter Gammons loves Boston, and he worked for ESPN for years. If I played on your same team at Carthage, I would probably agree with you 100%. Once again I think you are doing a great job at your analysis of the CCIW. Sources.....All I will say about sources is that my sources must not be the same as yours. I just wish I knew some coaches ;) Since you made it obvious that you do. Tell us who the impact newcomers are in the region. Those coaches and assistance from around the region feeding you that, very credible, information would surely include most of those players. With sources like that, you should have at least a handful of them from each conference. I would think that information would have huge impact on those preseason rankings and published previews.
Quote from: upandin on February 01, 2010, 10:21:47 PM
Those coaches and assistance from around the region feeding you that, very credible, information would surely include most of those players. With sources like that, you should have at least a handful of them from each conference. I would think that information would have huge impact on those preseason rankings and published previews.
Here is a sleeper stud for you... Matt Blumenreich (Grinnell). Freshmen infielder. I know that having this type of player SHOULD bump up Grinnell in my regional rankings, but if he plays like I think he can, they will move up quickly in the region. My AZ contacts were pretty high on this kid.
You heard it here first:)
Actually at Notre Dame Prep in AZ, Blumenrich was a quality 2B. Notre Dame Prep is a top D4 (mid size) program in AZ, so the quality of competition is there. He also played for the AZ Pilots who travel and play a good high level of ball. He is small kid but can really run. He will not hit for power but doesn't have a ton of holes in his swing. His numbers might not impress you, and they will probably not be good enough to garnish any regional awards. But I know Coach Hollibaugh is a great Infield coach and he will definitely help Grinnell in the MWC. I would say he is a college 2B unless he gets much stronger. What about the other AZ Kids in the region didnt your source tell you about them?
Quote from: upandin on February 01, 2010, 10:50:07 PM
What about the other AZ Kids in the region didnt your source tell you about them?
Which kid are you trying to get me to talk about?
Who are you a fan of? Clearly it is not a CCIW school... the SLIAC only has a few posters (who are fantastic, by the way)... You are either a Midwest Conference guy or a IIAC supporter. Judging by your knowledge of Grinnell and its recruits, I'd guess you are a MWC guy.
Am I even close?
I was just making a point. A central region preview should look beyond last years champ. There is more to the Central region than the CCIW. It is ok for a fan to think that way, but if you are representing the Central region via D3baseball.com, represent the whole region. Don't just support your school or your conference. I'm not trying to hide anything, I'm not from the MWC, my affiliations are with the IIAC. Yes I have teams that I pull for, but truly, I am a DIII baseball fan. I don't even have a problem with the CCIW, I have a ton of respect for the success of those programs. There are a lot of quality players, coaches and programs around this region that deserve attention. As far a knowing about Blumenrich, let just say I know information about many of the teams in the Central region including ALL the conferences. Maybe I should be working for D3Baseball.com.
Quote from: upandin on February 02, 2010, 04:20:32 PM
I was just making a point. A central region preview should look beyond last years champ. There is more to the Central region than the CCIW. .. There are a lot of quality players, coaches and programs around this region that deserve attention. As far a knowing about Blumenrich, let just say I know information about many of the teams in the Central region including ALL the conferences. Maybe I should be working for D3Baseball.com.
Then we are really looking forward to you elightening us. By the way, we are still waiting for your top ten since you jumped all over mine. Any time now.
As for me being a homer, I see myself as more of a realist. Carthage has dominated the region for the past 15 years so picking them #1 in the region is not that far out of line. In fact, I did not have them #1 in my 2009 preview(IWU). I know you'll see that as being a CCIW homer, but the facts speak for themself. I was pleasantly surprised at how they performed in what I thought was going to be a rebuilding year.
Just an example.........2 more quality AZ players in the Central region.... Check out: Nick Stien (OF) and Zack Picciotti (RHP) from Horizon HS in Scottsdale AZ. Horizon is a D5 1 (Largest Class) school in AZ. Horizon was state champs in 07 and 08, and national champs in 07. Stien was the starting LF in 08 and Picciotti was a relief pitcher. They are now both freshmen at Coe College in the IIAC. The Kohawks have 3 kids from AZ on their roster.
More should also be said about Brandon Pietrzyk (Sr.) of Buena Vista. He might be the best player in the region. Pietrzyk is from Marshall in Portland OR. He is a great all-around player one of the best I have seen in DIII.
Its ok to be a homer just be able to admit it. Ill give my opinion on a ranking soon..........I want to see all the rosters first. Rumors only go so far.
3 trips to Aplington in the past decade are definitely impressive. Domination of the region is a little strong?
Quote from: upandin on February 02, 2010, 05:08:18 PM
3 trips to Aplington in the past decade are definitely impressive. Domination of the region is a little strong?
Big Poppa,
Are you gonna take this kind of abuse from a guy who thinks the WS is in Aplington? :D
My bad Appleton....I would have known that if I was from Carthage.....15 years of being dominated will do that to you.
Quote from: upandin on February 02, 2010, 06:19:33 PM
My bad Appleton....I would have known that if I was from Carthage.....15 years of being dominated will do that to you.
Actually, we're just two years removed from IWU having a magical conference season - 20-1! (Big Poppa still has nightmares that Ricky Angel might have eligibility left! ;D)
Alas, we totally imploded in both the CCIW and NCAA tourneys, going 1-4. :(
And, yes, Carthage was the team that went to Appleton.
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 02, 2010, 06:30:40 PM
Quote from: upandin on February 02, 2010, 06:19:33 PM
My bad Appleton....I would have known that if I was from Carthage.....15 years of being dominated will do that to you.
Actually, we're just two years removed from IWU having a magical conference season - 20-1! (Big Poppa still has nightmares that Ricky Angel might have eligibility left! ;D)
Alas, we totally imploded in both the CCIW and NCAA tourneys, going 1-4. :(
And, yes, Carthage was the team that went to Appleton.
Do not bring up the name Ricky Angel. I still shudder at his mention.
Quote from: BigPoppa on February 02, 2010, 08:00:57 PM
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 02, 2010, 06:30:40 PM
Quote from: upandin on February 02, 2010, 06:19:33 PM
My bad Appleton....I would have known that if I was from Carthage.....15 years of being dominated will do that to you.
Actually, we're just two years removed from IWU having a magical conference season - 20-1! (Big Poppa still has nightmares that Ricky Angel might have eligibility left! ;D)
Alas, we totally imploded in both the CCIW and NCAA tourneys, going 1-4. :(
And, yes, Carthage was the team that went to Appleton.
Do not bring up the name Ricky Angel. I still shudder at his mention.
Sorry, BP - would it be better if I only talked about Matt Aronson and his 0.45 ERA? ;D
Quote from: TurtleHead on January 30, 2010, 10:00:42 AM
Quote from: Ralph Turner on January 30, 2010, 09:46:28 AM
The Wheaton factor that the Central Region needs to watch most is former McMurry head coach Lee Driggers, who is in his second season at Wheaton.
Wheaton has "never" had anything in baseball, but I predict that Coach Driggers will turn that around to make Wheaton a perennial contender.
Aren't we just a little impartial to McMurry. JK
Definitely should have a chance to change the program around. Plenty of talent around the Chicagoland area. Specifically in Dupage county.
Wheaton doesn't recruit locally, TurtleHead. It recruits nationally, as you can tell by the roster. (http://athletics.wheaton.edu/roster.aspx?path=baseball&) The few local kids on the roster are student-athletes who match Wheaton's student profile, not baseball players who were recruited simply because of geographical proximity.
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 03, 2010, 01:22:40 AM
Quote from: TurtleHead on January 30, 2010, 10:00:42 AM
Quote from: Ralph Turner on January 30, 2010, 09:46:28 AM
The Wheaton factor that the Central Region needs to watch most is former McMurry head coach Lee Driggers, who is in his second season at Wheaton.
Wheaton has "never" had anything in baseball, but I predict that Coach Driggers will turn that around to make Wheaton a perennial contender.
Aren't we just a little impartial to McMurry. JK
Definitely should have a chance to change the program around. Plenty of talent around the Chicagoland area. Specifically in Dupage county.
Wheaton doesn't recruit locally, TurtleHead. It recruits nationally, as you can tell by the roster. (http://athletics.wheaton.edu/roster.aspx?path=baseball&) The few local kids on the roster are student-athletes who match Wheaton's student profile, not baseball players who were recruited simply because of geographical proximity.
Perhaps that is part of the reason why they have not traditionally had a very successful baseball program. Considering that the Chicago area has the highest number of kids that are drafted or go d1 in all of the midwest. As far as being able to find talent in the area that fit the academic profile. The Stevenson Showcase is the first thing that comes to mind when you mention that. The Chicago areas top players are invited to attend right after their Junior Year. Stats, times and academic info such as ACT and SAT scores are provided. They also put on 2 exhibition games to show fielding and hitting.
Carthage, IWU and Augustana don't seem to mind recruiting from the area. Seems to be serving them pretty well.
Not trying to be rude but all I meant by the original post was that with a new coach coming to the area setting up ties with local coaches and the talent in the area would be the way to go.
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on February 02, 2010, 10:44:41 PM
Sorry, BP - would it be better if I only talked about Matt Aronson and his 0.45 ERA? ;D
That actually hurts me a little bit more. IWU has had some fantastic individual players in the past. Kulavic could be the next if he returns to form this season.
Wheaton recruit? Hogwash. I can't think of anyone that the coaching staff actually initiated contact to recruit them to the school. This may change under Driggers. Most of the student athletes came there because of the academics, the campus atmosphere or because their family went there. Bobby Elder did nothing to recruit the players. He was fortunate to have an attractive academic school that did the recruiting for him.
Up and In- do you realize that messing with Big Poppa is like messing with the Godfather himself? Every year, people jump on him and he usually turns out to be right. You have called down the thunder from God.
Quote from: TurtleHead on February 03, 2010, 07:25:20 AM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 03, 2010, 01:22:40 AM
Quote from: TurtleHead on January 30, 2010, 10:00:42 AM
Quote from: Ralph Turner on January 30, 2010, 09:46:28 AM
The Wheaton factor that the Central Region needs to watch most is former McMurry head coach Lee Driggers, who is in his second season at Wheaton.
Wheaton has "never" had anything in baseball, but I predict that Coach Driggers will turn that around to make Wheaton a perennial contender.
Aren't we just a little impartial to McMurry. JK
Definitely should have a chance to change the program around. Plenty of talent around the Chicagoland area. Specifically in Dupage county.
Wheaton doesn't recruit locally, TurtleHead. It recruits nationally, as you can tell by the roster. (http://athletics.wheaton.edu/roster.aspx?path=baseball&) The few local kids on the roster are student-athletes who match Wheaton's student profile, not baseball players who were recruited simply because of geographical proximity.
Perhaps that is part of the reason why they have not traditionally had a very successful baseball program. Considering that the Chicago area has the highest number of kids that are drafted or go d1 in all of the midwest. As far as being able to find talent in the area that fit the academic profile. The Stevenson Showcase is the first thing that comes to mind when you mention that. The Chicago areas top players are invited to attend right after their Junior Year. Stats, times and academic info such as ACT and SAT scores are provided. They also put on 2 exhibition games to show fielding and hitting.
Carthage, IWU and Augustana don't seem to mind recruiting from the area. Seems to be serving them pretty well.
Not trying to be rude but all I meant by the original post was that with a new coach coming to the area setting up ties with local coaches and the talent in the area would be the way to go.
Why would I think you're being rude? I'm not a Wheaton fan, so I'm therefore not offended when someone opines that Wheaton is going about something the wrong way. I'm a North Park fan, which is pretty much another way of saying that I want Wheaton to lose at everything. ;) At NPU we don't tend to have fond thoughts about that orange-colored school in DuPage County.
What I think you're missing here is that Wheaton has an entirely different mission as a school than does Augie, Illinois Wesleyan, or Carthage, and it thus operates with a completely different set of priorities than those schools when it comes to recruitment, be it athletes or students at large. Wheaton is an evangelical Christian school that requires all of its students to make a profession of faith in Jesus Christ and to sign a "covenant" governing their public behavior on and off campus. That, plus the school's stringent academic requirements, means that a Wheaton coach can't just show up at an event like the Stevenson Showcase and expect to make prospect contacts. It's just not a good use of his time. Nor is establishing contacts with local high school coaches, unless it's with the coach of a school like Wheaton Academy, Aurora Christian, Timothy Christian, Illiana Christian, etc.
The other part of the equation is that Wheaton has a very high national profile, especially in evangelical circles. (Among other things, it's Billy Graham's alma mater.) There are churches all over the country that steer their kids towards Wheaton, and Wheaton's alumni constituency -- which is as nationally-based as the current student body and the baseball roster -- actively plays a role in recruiting kids for the school. That's why Wheaton is going to keep bringing in as many players from places like Pennsylvania, Ohio, North Carolina, California, etc., as it does from Illinois, whether Coach Driggers is actively recruiting them or not.
Quote from: norfrank on February 03, 2010, 01:28:36 PM
Wheaton recruit? Hogwash. I can't think of anyone that the coaching staff actually initiated contact to recruit them to the school. This may change under Driggers. Most of the student athletes came there because of the academics, the campus atmosphere or because their family went there. Bobby Elder did nothing to recruit the players. He was fortunate to have an attractive academic school that did the recruiting for him.
This is why other Wheaton sports in the past (e.g., men's basketball) remained mired in mediocrity -- the refusal to hit the recruiting trail hard and to assume that the school's high national profile would simply bring in the players all by itself. When Bill Harris was hired as the school's head basketball coach in the early '90s, he changed that mentality by using Wheaton's generous recruiting budget to hop on planes and woo the prospects that popped up on Wheaton's radar from coast to coast. It obviously worked, and I would imagine that Driggers is going to have to follow the example set by Harris if he expects to turn around Wheaton baseball over the long haul.
His Texas connections really ought to help in that regard; since Texas is a heavily-populated warm-weather state with a lot of evangelical kids in it, it would seem to be a likely source of Wheaton prospects.
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 03, 2010, 04:30:57 PM
His Texas connections really ought to help in that regard; since Texas is a heavily-populated warm-weather state with a lot of evangelical kids in it, it would seem to be a likely source of Wheaton prospects.
Well said. As a former head college coach, I can tell you that recruiting kids to match the goals of your school is very tough. I coached at a small, private school in Southern California and though I had tons of kids that wanted to be a part of our program, our academic and religion requirements drove many of them away. It is a much better use of your time to work closely with high schools that can feed kids into your programs because they are based on the same values your college is built upon. Even many junior college coaches are very helpful once you let them know exactly what your program requirements are, and it helps their own programs as they show that they can move kids to the four-year programs after playing JC ball.
Quote from: norfrank on February 03, 2010, 01:28:36 PM
Wheaton recruit? Hogwash. I can't think of anyone that the coaching staff actually initiated contact to recruit them to the school. This may change under Driggers. Most of the student athletes came there because of the academics, the campus atmosphere or because their family went there. Bobby Elder did nothing to recruit the players. He was fortunate to have an attractive academic school that did the recruiting for him.
Very true statement about Elder. He benefited from having not only an academic school but a Christian school that is known across the country. I would venture to say that all players currently at Wheaton, and over the past 7 years, contacted Wheaton first, instead of being contacted by Bobby.
From what I have heard, this is changing drastically as Lee Driggers and Kent Madsen have assumed a much more active role in recruiting.
Does anyone want/have the time to crunch numbers to see how the four Central Region conferences have fared head-to-head over the last few seasons. Not just post-season, but the entire seasons? It would be interesting to see how they have fared against one another.
ONLY 8 days until the Central Region kicks off!!
Feb 20 Simpson at Ozarks (DH)
Feb 21 Simpson at Ozarks
Feb. 25 Augustana (Ill.) vs. Grove City
Feb. 26 North Park at Atlanta Christian,
Feb. 27 Augustana (Ill.) vs. Farmingdale
Feb. 28 North Park at the University of the South
Quote from: BigPoppa on February 11, 2010, 04:09:48 PM
Does anyone want/have the time to crunch numbers to see how the four Central Region conferences have fared head-to-head over the last few seasons. Not just post-season, but the entire seasons? It would be interesting to see how they have fared against one another.
Here's the head-to-head results of the four Central Region leagues over the past four seasons, including both regular-season and post-season results (the numbers listed here are wins, not runs):
2009: CCIW 6, IIAC 3
2008: CCIW 2, IIAC 1
2007: CCIW 5, IIAC 2
2006: IIAC 8, CCIW 7
TOTAL: CCIW 20, IIAC 142009: CCIW 4, MWC 3
2008: CCIW 10, MWC 1
2007: CCIW 8, MWC 1
2006: CCIW 6, MWC 0
TOTAL: CCIW 28, MWC 52009: CCIW 8, SLIAC 3
2008: SLIAC 4, CCIW 3
2007: SLIAC 12, CCIW 7
2006: CCIW 9, SLIAC 3
TOTAL: CCIW 27, SLIAC 222009: MWC 7, IIAC 5
2008: IIAC 8, MWC 3
2007: IIAC 3, MWC 0
2006: IIAC 11, MWC 6
TOTAL: IIAC 27, MWC 162009: IIAC 5, SLIAC 4
2008: IIAC 6, SLIAC 1
2007: IIAC 7, SLIAC 4
2006: IIAC 6, SLIAC 1
TOTAL: IIAC 24, SLIAC 102009: MWC 4, SLIAC 2
2008: MWC 3, SLIAC 1
2007: MWC 10, SLIAC 1
2006: MWC 8, SLIAC 2
TOTAL: MWC 25, SLIAC 6Central Region standings, 2006-09| league | W | L | PCT |
| CCIW | 75 | 41 | .647 |
| IIAC | 65 | 46 | .586 |
| MWC | 46 | 61 | .430 |
| SLIAC | 38 | 76 | .333 |
Quote from: Gregory Sager on February 12, 2010, 06:46:51 PM
Quote from: BigPoppa on February 11, 2010, 04:09:48 PM
Does anyone want/have the time to crunch numbers to see how the four Central Region conferences have fared head-to-head over the last few seasons. Not just post-season, but the entire seasons? It would be interesting to see how they have fared against one another.
Here's the head-to-head results of the four Central Region leagues over the past four seasons, including both regular-season and post-season results (the numbers listed here are wins, not runs):
2009: CCIW 6, IIAC 3
2008: CCIW 2, IIAC 1
2007: CCIW 5, IIAC 2
2006: IIAC 8, CCIW 7
TOTAL: CCIW 20, IIAC 14
2009: CCIW 4, MWC 3
2008: CCIW 10, MWC 1
2007: CCIW 8, MWC 1
2006: CCIW 6, MWC 0
TOTAL: CCIW 28, MWC 5
2009: CCIW 8, SLIAC 3
2008: SLIAC 4, CCIW 3
2007: SLIAC 12, CCIW 7
2006: CCIW 9, SLIAC 3
TOTAL: CCIW 27, SLIAC 22
2009: MWC 7, IIAC 5
2008: IIAC 8, MWC 3
2007: IIAC 3, MWC 0
2006: IIAC 11, MWC 6
TOTAL: IIAC 27, MWC 16
2009: IIAC 5, SLIAC 4
2008: IIAC 6, SLIAC 1
2007: IIAC 7, SLIAC 4
2006: IIAC 6, SLIAC 1
TOTAL: IIAC 24, SLIAC 10
2009: MWC 4, SLIAC 2
2008: MWC 3, SLIAC 1
2007: MWC 10, SLIAC 1
2006: MWC 8, SLIAC 2
TOTAL: MWC 25, SLIAC 6
Central Region standings, 2006-09
| league | W | L | PCT |
| CCIW | 75 | 41 | .647 |
| IIAC | 65 | 46 | .586 |
| MWC | 46 | 61 | .430 |
| SLIAC | 38 | 76 | .333 |
Nice work Gregory this is good stuff.
Wartburg vs. Macalester Friday night at 9:45 pm in a DH. Live stats available at the link below.
http://info.wartburg.edu/theorange/Home/SportsLiveBlog/tabid/280/Default (http://info.wartburg.edu/theorange/Home/SportsLiveBlog/tabid/280/Default)
UpandIn- Have you had a chance to put together your Central Region rankings yet? I am curious to see the differences that you and I have as far as what we each see for the 2010 season.
I had originally intended to update my Central rankings this week, but only a handful of teams have actually started at this point. It looks like the week of March 6th will be a big week for teams to get started down south (excluding those few IIAC teams who are getting games in the Metrodome this week). Another week or two and I can start updating the region on a weekly basis. I have not been this excited for the start of the season in quite a while... it's been a long, long winter.
As of Monday morning, March 1st:
CCIW: 5-0
MWC: 2-0
IIAC: 5-7
SLIAC: 1-5
Quote from: BigPoppa on March 01, 2010, 09:50:36 AM
As of Monday morning, March 1st:
CCIW: 5-0
MWC: 2-0
IIAC: 5-7
SLIAC: 1-5
Any head-to-heads yet between the four conferences?
Quote from: Gregory Sager on March 01, 2010, 01:41:43 PM
Quote from: BigPoppa on March 01, 2010, 09:50:36 AM
As of Monday morning, March 1st:
CCIW: 5-0
MWC: 2-0
IIAC: 5-7
SLIAC: 1-5
Any head-to-heads yet between the four conferences?
Coe beat Fontbonne on Sunday after splitting a DH with WashU on Saturday.
Hey, Upandin- a month ago you told me you soon have your own central region rankings out. We are still waiting to see what you think. Still waiting on rosters or would it be easier to do once everybody plays 20 games? Take a chance and roll the dice...
Augustana knocks off Beloit 6-5 in 10 innings.
Quote from: BigPoppa on March 03, 2010, 10:10:15 AM
Augustana knocks off Beloit 6-5 in 10 innings.
Was a really good game. Augustana is looking like a team that is going to be much better than the 4th best in CCIW and I am pleased at how Beloits starting pitching is shaping up.
Quote from: TurtleHead on March 03, 2010, 11:35:56 AM
Quote from: BigPoppa on March 03, 2010, 10:10:15 AM
Augustana knocks off Beloit 6-5 in 10 innings.
Was a really good game. Augustana is looking like a team that is going to be much better than the 4th best in CCIW and I am pleased at how Beloits starting pitching is shaping up.
Augie is off to a great start, but I still see them as 3rd/4th in the CCIW
Quote from: BigPoppa on March 03, 2010, 11:38:32 AM
Quote from: TurtleHead on March 03, 2010, 11:35:56 AM
Quote from: BigPoppa on March 03, 2010, 10:10:15 AM
Augustana knocks off Beloit 6-5 in 10 innings.
Was a really good game. Augustana is looking like a team that is going to be much better than the 4th best in CCIW and I am pleased at how Beloits starting pitching is shaping up.
Augie is off to a great start, but I still see them as 3rd/4th in the CCIW
Game on the 4th with Rose Hulman will be very telling.
Has anyone seen Rose-Hulman's shortstop Tim Tepe play in person? They guy puts up unreal numbers and is at it again this year.
Quote from: BigPoppa on March 02, 2010, 08:37:19 PM
Hey, Upandin- a month ago you told me you soon have your own central region rankings out. We are still waiting to see what you think. Still waiting on rosters or would it be easier to do once everybody plays 20 games? Take a chance and roll the dice...
Ok Pappa here is my best projection. I know that the rankings will not be voted like this. There are just 2 many factors that effect voting. Many of them have nothing to do with the talent on the field. The CCIW will always gets love from voters. The balanced IIAC will compete 1-7. The MWC and SLIAC have to have someone finish in 3rd place. The Independents might make noise though I don't think any of them will have a great year.
First I give love to the schools I think will win their respective conferences. Not enough of these schools play each other head to head to know so we have to wait until the regional to really find out.
1. Carthage (CCIW Champ) Here until someone in the CCIW steps up and competes with them.
2. Webster ( SLIAC Champ) Will roll the SLIAC again, Non Conference schedule not as tuff this year
3. Coe (IIAC Champ) Think they have the all around experience to make a run this year.
4. Beloit (MWC Champ) Early season hype should keep them in the minds of voters.
5. Ill Wesleyan (CCIW # 2) Could be the team to bring Carthage back to the pack.
6. Buena Vista (IIAC # 2) They have some dynamic players that could carry them if they get hot again.
7. Wheaton (CCIW #3) Talented enough to be top 5 and just might be. Show me first.
8. St. Norbert (MWC #2) Going to continue to win in the MWC will be in it with Beloit all year.
9. Augustana (CCIW # 4) New faces but always tuff to beat much like #10 not going to just go away
10. Wartburg (IIAC # 3) Not going to just go away in the IIAC. Much like Augustana.
Not bad. We just have different approaches as to how to rank them. You choose to place all conference champs above all conference #2s and that is fine. Good work and your input is always appreciated.
This will be fun to watch as it unfolds.
Quote from: upandin on March 03, 2010, 02:58:16 PM
First I give love to the schools I think will win their respective conferences. Not enough of these schools play each other head to head to know so we have to wait until the regional to really find out.
1. Carthage (CCIW Champ) Here until someone in the CCIW steps up and competes with them.
2. Webster ( SLIAC Champ) Will roll the SLIAC again, Non Conference schedule not as tuff this year
3. Coe (IIAC Champ) Think they have the all around experience to make a run this year.
4. Beloit (MWC Champ) Early season hype should keep them in the minds of voters.
5. Ill Wesleyan (CCIW # 2) Could be the team to bring Carthage back to the pack.
6. Buena Vista (IIAC # 2) They have some dynamic players that could carry them if they get hot again.
7. Wheaton (CCIW #3) Talented enough to be top 5 and just might be. Show me first.
8. St. Norbert (MWC #2) Going to continue to win in the MWC will be in it with Beloit all year.
9. Augustana (CCIW # 4) New faces but always tuff to beat much like #10 not going to just go away
10. Wartburg (IIAC # 3) Not going to just go away in the IIAC. Much like Augustana.
WOW! I am still trying to figure what you were thinkin with this ranking? Webster ahead of all of those other schools!!
Give him a break, Captain. He gave it a shot. And he is one of the few who has actually attempted to rank the region.
Quote from: Captain Morgan on March 04, 2010, 02:41:57 PM
Quote from: upandin on March 03, 2010, 02:58:16 PM
First I give love to the schools I think will win their respective conferences. Not enough of these schools play each other head to head to know so we have to wait until the regional to really find out.
1. Carthage (CCIW Champ) Here until someone in the CCIW steps up and competes with them.
2. Webster ( SLIAC Champ) Will roll the SLIAC again, Non Conference schedule not as tuff this year
3. Coe (IIAC Champ) Think they have the all around experience to make a run this year.
4. Beloit (MWC Champ) Early season hype should keep them in the minds of voters.
5. Ill Wesleyan (CCIW # 2) Could be the team to bring Carthage back to the pack.
6. Buena Vista (IIAC # 2) They have some dynamic players that could carry them if they get hot again.
7. Wheaton (CCIW #3) Talented enough to be top 5 and just might be. Show me first.
8. St. Norbert (MWC #2) Going to continue to win in the MWC will be in it with Beloit all year.
9. Augustana (CCIW # 4) New faces but always tuff to beat much like #10 not going to just go away
10. Wartburg (IIAC # 3) Not going to just go away in the IIAC. Much like Augustana.
WOW! I am still trying to figure what you were thinkin with this ranking? Webster ahead of all of those other schools!!
Webster may not be the top team if you are talking head to head. But they will have a ridiculous record and should be in the regional baring an upset in the SLIAC tourny. Their top 2 arms and returning offence will make them dangerous in that regional. So yes they are up there as a regional favorite in my book.
But wasn't webster like 4-15 outside of the SLIAC last year? If they cannot win outside of thier own conference how can you make them a favorite? Unless you expect multiple SLIAC teams in the regional!
Conference records through 3/4:
CCIW: 10-0
IIAC: 6-8
MWC: 2-3
SLIAC: 2-10
None of this means much at this point as most teams start this weekend and only a few of the games have been head-to-head between the conferences, but just something to chew on a bit.
Surprises to this point:
* Augustana is off to a 7-0 start.
* Beloit struggling out of the gate at 2-3 (losses to Augustana and Rose-Hulman... both should be in next week's rankings)
* IIAC at 6-8 is sort of surprising to me considering many of their matchups were against middle of the pack MIAC teams.
* SLIAC at 2-10, I am not sure if this is surprising to me or not as it follows suit with how the SLIAC fared last year out of league (Call me a CCIW homer or whatever, but the numbers speak for themsleves).
The IIAC games aren't necessarily "mostly" against middle of the pack IIAC teams
St. Olaf is still one of the better teams in the Midwest and took two from BV and split with Wartburg.
Even though Macalester is considered middle of the pack, they have arguably the best pitcher in the MIAC in Murray. (about same level as Schuld of St. Thomas).
Coe is off to a nice 2-1 start against good competition while Simpson and Cornell aren't expected to do much and are a combined 3-2.
The surprise so far is to see BV and Wartburg two "predicted" favorites at a combined 1-5 (4 against STO and one against Murray of Mac).
I am not sure if the BV and Wartburg losses are a "surprise" considering the team (STO) and the pitcher (Murray) that they faced. I think most teams in the nation would have struggled with those combinations. At this point in the season, all stats and comparisons are mostly meaningless except for the fact that it gives me something to do instead of educate America's youth.
I still think they are both solid IIAC teams and will fare well inside the conference once it revs up. The other team that is starting to scare me a bit is Luther. The more I look at their roster, the more I like them. The IIAC is going to be a dogfight this year... much more than it has been in the past.
BigPoppa's early regional ranking: There are very few games to go on at this point so expect a lot of movement in the next few weeks as teams crank it up.
Rank: Previous in parenthesis
1. Carthage 2-1 (1) Lost to #8 Heidelberg
2. Augustana 7-0 (10) Keeps rolling along
3. Wheaton 1-1 (3) Not enough to drop or raise at this point
4. Beloit 5-3 (2) Some tough losses down south, but games that needed to be one if they want to be a contender
5. Webster 2-0 (8) Unbeaten is unbeaten...
6. St. Norbert 0-0 (6) dropped to make room for a 7-0 Augustana
7. Washington University 5-1 (7) Pounding on the SLIAC conference right now... lost to Coe
8. North Park 4-0 (18) Could be the sleeper in the central region
9. Coe 4-2 (16) starting to add up in-region wins
10. Central 4-0 (27) Biggest mover of the week... can they keep it up? Not much competition yet.
• Out of the top ten:
o Wartburg 2-3 Need to be better than that to stay in the top ten
o Illinois Wesleyan 0-2 cannot get swept by DePauw and expect to stay in the hunt
o Loras 0-0 victim of a late start, but will have a chance to move quickly once play begins.
1. Carthage (CCIW)-Rough schedule to start out season. Currently 2-1 and play Wooster today.
2. Augustana (CCIW)-Great start to season (7-0), but now will have to face a number of teams #1 pitchers on second time through Florida. Should be telling.
3. Beloit (MWC)-Stand at 5-3 after Florida Trip. 2 losses to ranked teams (Rose Hulman and Augustana). Won last 3 to end trip.
4. Washington University (UAA)-(5-1) have not really played anyone yet. UAA tournament should give us a little more clarity.
5. Webster (SLIAC)-(2-0) Looking to reverse SLIAC trend.
6. St. Norbert- Does not start season for another week.
7. Illinois Wesleyan (CCIW)-(0-2) Swept at double header in Depauw. Not sure how much the return of Brent Kulavic will matter. Usually takes a year of playing after injury to really get back to form.
Tie 8. Coe (IIAC)-(4-3) Not sure what to make of them. Offense seems good but pitching worries me.
Tie 8. Wartburg (IIAC)-(2-3) Could be same story as last year, but have won last 2 games maybe turning it around.
9. Wheaton (CCIW)-Losing to a team picked to come in 10 in their conference is not a good way to start season. On played 2 games though (1-1)
10. Loras (IIAC)-Season starts on the 10th.
Others: Did not rank Central or North Park due to schedule strength. Centrals Florida trip starts on the 12th and we wont have a good idea about North Park until Webster Tournament on the 20th.
Quote from: TurtleHead on March 08, 2010, 03:03:14 PM
3. Beloit (MWC)-Stand at 5-3 after Florida Trip. 2 losses to ranked teams (Rose Hulman and Augustana). Won last 3 to end trip.
Augustana is not currently ranked, but I'd expect them to be when the new poll arrives tomorrow morning.
Quote from: BigPoppa on March 08, 2010, 03:08:34 PM
Quote from: TurtleHead on March 08, 2010, 03:03:14 PM
3. Beloit (MWC)-Stand at 5-3 after Florida Trip. 2 losses to ranked teams (Rose Hulman and Augustana). Won last 3 to end trip.
Augustana is not currently ranked, but I'd expect them to be when the new poll arrives tomorrow morning.
Sorry, think I was looking at yours when I put them on it.
Simply because I am bored while watching the snow melt off the local baseball fields...
Conference records through 3/8:
CCIW: 18-9 .667
IIAC: 14-14 .500
MWC: 6-6 .500
SLIAC: 10-18 .357
A lot of rain outs for anyone in Florida this week. Will be a lot of teams looking for makeup games this spring to fill out their schedule.
Anyone got any match ups they would like to see that otherwise are not on the schedule?
Quote from: TurtleHead on March 13, 2010, 12:17:23 PM
A lot of rain outs for anyone in Florida this week. Will be a lot of teams looking for makeup games this spring to fill out their schedule.
Anyone got any match ups they would like to see that otherwise are not on the schedule?
I'd like to see Beloit vs. more of the CCIW teams.
Quote from: BigPoppa on March 13, 2010, 02:01:54 PM
Quote from: TurtleHead on March 13, 2010, 12:17:23 PM
A lot of rain outs for anyone in Florida this week. Will be a lot of teams looking for makeup games this spring to fill out their schedule.
Anyone got any match ups they would like to see that otherwise are not on the schedule?
I'd like to see Beloit vs. more of the CCIW teams.
Me too, but Beloit hasn't had any rain outs and schedule is full. Maybe MSOE or Wisconsin Lutheran will get rained out and they can schedule Wheaton, Carthage or IWU.
Would love to see Beloit, Ripon, St Norbert play more CCIW teams now that they are in the Central. Would be quite a drive to/from Ripon and St Norbert though. Would likely be played at a neutral site like Rockford. I know Ripon and St Norbert seem to be more than willing to play quality competition in non-conference. Ripon is playing Whitewater, Stevens Point and St Francis this year. St Norbert is playing Oshkosh and Stevens Point.
it is my understanding that the midwest conference actually increased the number of games that each team can play per season by two games beginning this season so technically Beloit has the chance to add two more games to the schedule at some point it something works out. It would be great to see them matched up against a CCIW school, I'm sure that after that game against Augustana in Florida, the Bucs would love another shot at them.
Quote from: sportsguru4 on March 13, 2010, 03:12:44 PM
it is my understanding that the midwest conference actually increased the number of games that each team can play per season by two games beginning this season so technically Beloit has the chance to add two more games to the schedule at some point it something works out. It would be great to see them matched up against a CCIW school, I'm sure that after that game against Augustana in Florida, the Bucs would love another shot at them.
Did not realize that, but looking at the schedules of some of the other teams you appear to be correct. Would really like to see them add the 2 games.
Was hoping to get some more clarity this week, but with all the rain outs not a lot of ball was played.
1. Carthage (CCIW)-Keeping in top spot (5-3), but with the cupcake schedule they had to open the season I am having a hard time keeping them here. Just kidding BP.
2. Augustana (CCIW)-Idle last week (7-0). Back in Florida on the 18th vs St Norbert.
3. Beloit (MWC)-Idle last week (5-3). Home opener on 3/20 vs. MSOE.
4. Wheaton (CCIW)-(4-2) felt they should have been 5-1, but with all the rain outs still not sure about this team.
5. Coe (IIAC)-(6-4) IIAC seems to have a lot of middle of the pack teams. Coe currently has the best record.
6. Webster (SLIAC)-(3-2) Played well against RPI but lost a disappointing game to Wittenberg.
7. St. Norbert-(MWC)-(1-1) Split double header with Fontbonne to open season. Sure they felt they should have gotten the sweep. Spring trip began on 3/14.
8. Illinois Wesleyan (CCIW)-(1-3) Lost to Marietta. Beat Rhodes. Giving benefit of the doubt right now due to schedule.
9. Ripon (MWC)-(1-0) Opens season with win over Loras. Spring trip began on 3/14.
10. Washington University (UAA)-(6-5) Poor showing at UAA Championships almost every game turned into a slugfest.
Others receiving votes. North Park - (Good record but poor competition), North Central -(Beat a solid Franklin team but haven't played since 3/7), Fontbonne -(Beat St Norbert and is on Spring trip this week).
Other Notes - Wartburg - (Needs to stop playing Concordia IL. 0-3)
Turtle Head- Great work. If anything, the Florida trips mades things more murky than it was two weeks ago. I am really not sure about IWU who was absolutely lit up by Marietta last week.
Carthage probably still holds my #1 spot as well, but I am not certtain tehir sewwp opf #4 Kean is as impressive as it looks. Carthage pounded them and they appear to be struggling a bit right nowe. Also, losing to Ohio Welseyan could come back to haunt them. The Carthage defense has been its achilles heel so far. In their losses, they have chucked the ball all over the ballpark.
Beloit needs to step it up this week as I see Augustana putting some pressure on them in the region.
I think my only disagreement with you is about North Park. From talking with a few who have seen them play, they are really handing it to the teams they have played so far, regardless of level of competition.
Quote from: BigPoppa on March 15, 2010, 10:25:25 AM
Turtle Head- Great work. If anything, the Florida trips mades things more murky than it was two weeks ago. I am really not sure about IWU who was absolutely lit up by Marietta last week.
Carthage probably still holds my #1 spot as well, but I am not certtain tehir sewwp opf #4 Kean is as impressive as it looks. Carthage pounded them and they appear to be struggling a bit right nowe. Also, losing to Ohio Welseyan could come back to haunt them. The Carthage defense has been its achilles heel so far. In their losses, they have chucked the ball all over the ballpark.
Beloit needs to step it up this week as I see Augustana putting some pressure on them in the region.
Beloit probably wont get challenged (at least I hope not) until the end of march when they play Knox (projected #1 in South) and Washington U. Even then they should be very winnable games.
I think my only disagreement with you is about North Park. From talking with a few who have seen them play, they are really handing it to the teams they have played so far, regardless of level of competition.
My only issue with North Park is I do not think they are seeing the pitching they will see in the CCIW. A lot of the kids that are hitting now may not be able to when they face someone that can hit their spots and throw off speed for strikes consistently. If they prove me wrong good for them. I always enjoy hearing about an improving program.
IWU I believe had a Team ERA of 11 before they entered the Rhodes game. Maybe I should reconsider my previous statement about North Park not seeing CCIW pitching.
Quote from: BigPoppa on March 09, 2010, 11:24:29 AM
Simply because I am bored while watching the snow melt off the local baseball fields...
Conference records through 3/8:
CCIW: 18-9 .667
IIAC: 14-14 .500
MWC: 6-6 .500
SLIAC: 10-18 .357
Well, at least the snow is now gone! Here are some updated conference records. There is not much else to go on at this point as regional play is just beginning for most teams this week or next.
CCIW: 32-20 .615 52 games
IIAC: 34-30 .531 64 games
MWC: 18-21 .462 39 games
SLIAC: 28-50 .358 78 games
I think so far ithe conference are holding true to form as far as their regional standing. Some may disagree, but the numbers say more than any of us could. The MWC (39 games) is really just starting this week with their Spring Breaks while the SLIAC is off and running(78 games).
Carroll is headed to Westminster this weekend for 3 games. Forecast: Rain and temps in the upper 30s. Could be a long trip for nothing.
Carroll's trip to Westminster has been cancelled due to poor weather. Smart move!
1. Carthage (CCIW)-(7-4) Good team but needs to be sure it doesn't beat itself with poor fielding.
2. Augustana (CCIW)-(11-0) Continues to look like a solid team.
3. Beloit (MWC)-(5-3) Idle last week. Home opener delayed until 3/23 due to snow.
4. Wheaton (CCIW)-(8-3) Test against St Francis this week. Start off with Augustana then Carthage to open CCIW.
5. Ripon (MWC)-(6-4) finished spring trip last week. Face Whitewater and St Francis This week.
6. Coe (IIAC)-(6-4) Idle last week. Picking over Central due to strength of schedule.
7. St. Norbert-(MWC)-(5-5) finished off spring trip last week.
8. Illinois Wesleyan (CCIW)-(4-5) Won last 3 games.
9. Washington University (UAA)-(9-6) most wins coming against Sliac and lower tier Nathcon teams.
Tie 10. Central (IIAC)-(9-4) good effort against CSS.
Tie 10. North Park (CCIW)-(7-2) Good record but did not really challenge themselves in the early season.
I know this is a little out of my region but...
1. Carthage (7-4)- Obviously much better than their record
2. Augustana (11-0)- 11 in a row (with wins against good teams)? Maybe deserving of 1
3. Wheaton (8-3)- CCIW by far the best conference in the central
BIG GAP
4. Beloit (5-3)- No one wants this spot.
5. Il. Wesleyan (4-5)- They'll improve their record quickly
6. WashU (9-6)- 12 games this week?! I'll leave them here and see how they handle that schedule.
7. Coe (6-4)- I guess their the best in the IIAC?
8. Central (9-4)- unless they are?
9. Ripon (6-4)- They'll challenge Beloit more than St. Norbert
10. North Park (7-2)- Let's see how they do in the CCIW
Here is what I see:
1. Augustana: 11-0 All they do is win. I have to admit that I am surprised at their start.
2. Carthage: 7-4 Three of four losses are to teams ranked in the top four in the nation. Need to find a third starter fast as the CCIW season is quickly approaching.
3. Beloit: 5-3 They need to get on a roll in the MWC as strength of schedule could catch up with them.
4. Wheaton: 8-3 Things are starting to come together for the Thunder. If Urbanowicz finds his stuff gets in a groove, look out.
5. Coe: 6-4 Balanced IIAC could give them a few more losses in league than they expect.
6. North Park:7-2 A bit of a surprise so far, but how they hold up in CCIW play will determine their future.
*After the top six, I see a jumble of teams trying to find their identities. The SLIAC teams are getting pounded out of conference. WashU is getting by on SLIAC teams.
Quote from: UMACfan on March 22, 2010, 11:04:16 AM
I know this is a little out of my region but...
1. Carthage (7-4)- Obviously much better than their record
2. Augustana (11-0)- 11 in a row (with wins against good teams)? Maybe deserving of 1
3. Wheaton (8-3)- CCIW by far the best conference in the central
BIG GAP
4. Beloit (5-3)- No one wants this spot.
5. Il. Wesleyan (4-5)- They'll improve their record quickly
6. WashU (9-6)- 12 games this week?! I'll leave them here and see how they handle that schedule.
7. Coe (6-4)- I guess their the best in the IIAC?
8. Central (9-4)- unless they are?
9. Ripon (6-4)- They'll challenge Beloit more than St. Norbert
10. North Park (7-2)- Let's see how they do in the CCIW
I will be the first one to agree that the CCIW is the top conference in the Central.
Disagree with you on several items.
Wheaton is 8-3 but has only played 2 teams with winning records. Beloit has yet to play a team with a losing record. Opponents winning percentage is at .721 at 35 games above 500.
Big Gap. Beloit lost to Augustana in extra innings with a #4 pitcher vs #1 (Erickson) - may have changed with Pagano taking over. Ripon beat Wheaton. Would give more examples but CCIW hasn't really played anyone else in the central except teams from the SLIAC.
IWU- I do not think their ride is going to be as easy as you may think. Aside from Pankau pitching appears to be suspect, and Moore is hurt.
Right. Aren't most of the teams who have decent records in the central "getting by" on bad competition? (Teams above .500 in parenthesis.)
North Park has beaten Atlanta Christian, Carroll, Dominican, Southern Vermont, and U of the South.
Coe has beaten Aurora, Fontbonne, Misericordia, WashU (9-6), and Wisconsin Lutheran
Wheaton has beaten Aurora, Colby-Sawyer, Eastern Nazarene (7-5), Mt. St. mary, Ripon (6-4), Spalding
WashU has beaten Benedictine, Coe (6-4), Dominican, Fontbonne, Greenville (7-5), Rochester (7-2), Westminster
Whose wins are better? I think it's hard to tell. I think you could find some better criteria for the rankings.
Quote from: BearBaseball on March 22, 2010, 11:39:40 AM
Right. Aren't most of the teams who have decent records in the central "getting by" on bad competition? (Teams above .500 in parenthesis.)
North Park has beaten Atlanta Christian, Carroll, Dominican, Southern Vermont, and U of the South.
Coe has beaten Aurora, Fontbonne, Misericordia, WashU (9-6), and Wisconsin Lutheran
Wheaton has beaten Aurora, Colby-Sawyer, Eastern Nazarene (7-5), Mt. St. mary, Ripon (6-4), Spalding
WashU has beaten Benedictine, Coe (6-4), Dominican, Fontbonne, Greenville (7-5), Rochester (7-2), Westminster
Whose wins are better? I think it's hard to tell. I think you could find some better criteria for the rankings.
Then what is your ranking of the central right now?
BP,
You have Augie ahead of Carthage in the region, yet Carthage ranked higher than Augie nationally. Is that possible? ;)
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on March 22, 2010, 01:09:46 PM
BP,
You have Augie ahead of Carthage in the region, yet Carthage ranked higher than Augie nationally. Is that possible? ;)
I know.... I am still trying to find a way to justify it, but I am not sure how. I wanted to reward Augustana for their 11-0 start. I should have placed Augustana second in the region, but it looks weird to have a 7-4 team ahead of an 11-0 team... regardless of who they played.
I figured I could hedge my bets this way ;D
Quote from: BearBaseball on March 22, 2010, 11:39:40 AM
Right. Aren't most of the teams who have decent records in the central "getting by" on bad competition? (Teams above .500 in parenthesis.)
North Park has beaten Atlanta Christian, Carroll, Dominican, Southern Vermont, and U of the South.
Coe has beaten Aurora, Fontbonne, Misericordia, WashU (9-6), and Wisconsin Lutheran
Wheaton has beaten Aurora, Colby-Sawyer, Eastern Nazarene (7-5), Mt. St. mary, Ripon (6-4), Spalding
WashU has beaten Benedictine, Coe (6-4), Dominican, Fontbonne, Greenville (7-5), Rochester (7-2), Westminster
Whose wins are better? I think it's hard to tell. I think you could find some better criteria for the rankings.
Any win over Aurora (5-5) is going to look good at the end, IMO. AU's losses are to Wheaton, Beloit, Coe and an NAIA team. AU beat Coe and Wheaton and lost to BC by one. I'm still bullish on the Spartans.
Quote from: BigPoppa on March 22, 2010, 12:03:07 PM
Quote from: BearBaseball on March 22, 2010, 11:39:40 AM
Right. Aren't most of the teams who have decent records in the central "getting by" on bad competition? (Teams above .500 in parenthesis.)
North Park has beaten Atlanta Christian, Carroll, Dominican, Southern Vermont, and U of the South.
Coe has beaten Aurora, Fontbonne, Misericordia, WashU (9-6), and Wisconsin Lutheran
Wheaton has beaten Aurora, Colby-Sawyer, Eastern Nazarene (7-5), Mt. St. mary, Ripon (6-4), Spalding
WashU has beaten Benedictine, Coe (6-4), Dominican, Fontbonne, Greenville (7-5), Rochester (7-2), Westminster
Whose wins are better? I think it's hard to tell. I think you could find some better criteria for the rankings.
Then what is your ranking of the central right now?
I have to agree with BearBaseball...while there is a lot of subjectivity that goes into ranking a set of teams, you have to look at every angle - not JUST quality of competition, or JUST record, etc.
A team like IWU is a perfect example - they may be 4-5, but they have 4 significantly above average starting pitchers, play solid defense, and have depth in their batting order. A sample size of 9 games isn't sufficient to say with any certainty where they belong, which is why there is so much variation in the rankings. Baseball is a streaky game, and going by a team's record this early in the season can belie where they will be after 40 games.
My rankings:
1. Augustana
2. Carthage
3. Wheaton
4. IWU
5. Beloit
6. WashU
7. Coe
8. North Park
[/quote]
Then what is your ranking of the central right now?
[/quote]
I think at this point you have 4 groups of "good" teams in the central region.
1. Teams with good records who have played good teams.
1. Carthage
2. Augustana
3. Beloit
2. Teams with not good records who have played mostly very good teams and beaten some of them
4. IWU
3. Teams with good records who have beaten mostly bad teams but some good teams.
5. Wheaton
6. WashU
7. Coe
8. Ripon
4. Teams with good records who have beaten only bad teams.
9. Central
10. North Park
I think all the Central Region schools are looking forward to the start of conference play. Early season play is just hard to judge. There is such a wide range of good vs bad teams that everyone will play in the early season. ( dont get me wrong some schools played a tuff schedule ) Plus the pitching matchups don't usually workout. For example a solid team might just take a loss to a team they shouldn't, based on a #4 or #5 pitcher facing another teams #1. It all is depending on the game and travel schedules. Most of the time, during the regular season, that just doesn't happen. Sure you might get a #1 vs a #3 but in most programs #4 #5 #6 are relievers or young. Throw the records out in conference play. The true top teams will start to rise to the top.
Yesterday was not a good day for Big Poppa or the Turtle. The details are just to horrible to discuss.
Quote from: TurtleHead on March 24, 2010, 08:14:32 AM
Yesterday was not a good day for Big Poppa or the Turtle. The details are just to horrible to discuss.
You can say that again... I was shocked when I saw that Carthage not only lost to Benedictine, but was blown out. My statement about Carthage needing to find a #3 or #4 starter makes sense now, doesn't it? #1 and #2 match up with just about anyone in the nation, but there is a HUGE drop off after that. I saw that first hand on Sunday while watching the Redmen try to piece together enough innings to hold off St. John's in game #2 (#3 starter)after beating them by two touchdowns in game #1 (#2 starter).
Quote from: BigPoppa on March 24, 2010, 09:21:23 AM
Quote from: TurtleHead on March 24, 2010, 08:14:32 AM
Yesterday was not a good day for Big Poppa or the Turtle. The details are just to horrible to discuss.
You can say that again... I was shocked when I saw that Carthage not only lost to Benedictine, but was blown out. My statement about Carthage needing to find a #3 or #4 starter makes sense now, doesn't it? #1 and #2 match up with just about anyone in the nation, but there is a HUGE drop off after that. I saw that first hand on Sunday while watching the Redmen try to piece together enough innings to hold off St. John's in game #2 (#3 starter)after beating them by two touchdowns in game #1 (#2 starter).
Look at it this way. It's not like you lost to Wisconsin Lutheran or anything. Oh wait, Beloit did that for you.
1. Augustana (12-2)
2. Beloit (8-4)
3. Wheaton (11-3)
4. North Central (11-1)
5. Washington (MO) (14-8)
6. Coe (9-5)
7. Carthage (8-6)
8. Webster (8-5)
9. Simpson (9-5)
10. Greenville (10-5)
for all those who usually hate on the sliac.. webster DESTROYED WashU this weekend. 18-2 and 17-1
My rankings this week. It is not looking good for the Central region as I only have Wheaton (IL) in the Top 25. If teams can get on a roll in conference play in the next 2-3 weeks, I can easily see a few more breaking into the rankings.
1 St. Thomas 14-1
2 Chapman 20-4
3 Heidelberg 17-3
4 Wooster 15-3
5 Pomona-Pitzer 23-5
6 Marietta 17-4
7 Salisbury 18-4
8 Mississippi College 24-4
9 UW-Whitewater 12-1
10 Johns Hopkins 18-3
11 Trinity (Conn.) 10-3
12 Kean 15-6
13 Eastern Connecticut 12-4
14 Shenandoah 23-6
15 Redlands 24-3
16 Birmingham-Southern 24-4
17 Plattsburgh State 17-1
18 St. Scholastica 15-3
19 Cortland State 15-6
20 Wheaton (Ill.) 15-4
21 Rose-Hulman 15-6
22 UW-Stevens Point 9-4
23 RPI 11-5
24 Pacific Lutheran 19-6
25 Trinity (Texas) 23-7
BigPoppa, I guess you think the four straight losses for augie will hurt them quite a bit? I seem to think they will and judging by your rankings it seems you feel the same way.
Quote from: theoneandonly on April 05, 2010, 11:57:25 AM
BigPoppa, I guess you think the four straight losses for augie will hurt them quite a bit? I seem to think they will and judging by your rankings it seems you feel the same way.
Augustana has a history of this (a great start and then a stumble that lingers all season). They have had great teams in the last ten years, but there is a reason that only Carthage and IWU have won CCIW titles in that timespan. We will find out this week what Carthage is made of as they have five CCIW games this week Wheaton twice Tuesday and IWU for a three-game series this weekend (all in Kenosha). Wheaton is off to a nice start as I expected so a big day for them tomorrow could really solidify their place in the region.
Top In-Region Records:
1. Webster 9-1 .900 SLIAC
2. Simpson 7-2 .778 IIAC
3. Greenville 10-3 .769 SLIAC
4. North Central 8-3 .727 CCIW
(tie)Wheaton 8-3 .727 CCIW
6. Beloit 7-3 .700 MWC
7. Central 9-4 .692 IIAC
8. Augustana 8-4 .667 CCIW
(tie) Illinois College 6-3 .667 MWC
10. Coe 9-5 .643 IIAC
By contrast, here are the overall records:
1. North Central 13-3 .812
2. Wheaton 15-4 .789
3. Augustana 13-4 .765
4. Webster 13-5 .722
5. Beloit 11-6 .688
6. Central 13-6 .684
7. Greenville 13-7 .650
8. Carthage 11-6 .647
9. Illinois College 9-5 .643
10. North Park 12-7 .632
Looking at the list (which is pretty much useless other than helping to pass the time) one can draw many conclusions, none of which I am able to do ???
Big Poppa, curious as to where you see other Central Region teams stacking up in the national rankings. Do you see teams such as Carthage, Beloit, Augustana as being kind of on the cusp or close to that top 25 at all?
Didn't look all that hard, but I think Webster is 9-1. IWU is 6-3.
Quote from: OshDude on April 05, 2010, 02:02:25 PM
Didn't look all that hard, but I think Webster is 9-1. IWU is 6-3.
IWU vs:
Depauw 0-2
Benedictine 1-2
WashU 1-0
Concordia (IL) 0-1
Franklin 1-0
Millikin 3-0
If I have the in-region games right, that leaves IWU at 6-5. You are correct on Webster, they are 9-1... my mistake.
Quote from: sportsguru4 on April 05, 2010, 01:50:31 PM
Big Poppa, curious as to where you see other Central Region teams stacking up in the national rankings. Do you see teams such as Carthage, Beloit, Augustana as being kind of on the cusp or close to that top 25 at all?
I think Carthage will stay in the D3Baseball Top 25, but I did not vote for them. They are giving up way too many runs right now. I think Augustana will be sitting somewhere around #30-35 and Beloit about #40.
BigPoppa, you sure Depauw is an in-region game?
Quote from: BigPoppa on April 05, 2010, 02:09:09 PM
Quote from: OshDude on April 05, 2010, 02:02:25 PM
Didn't look all that hard, but I think Webster is 9-1. IWU is 6-3.
IWU vs:
Depauw 0-2
Benedictine 1-2
WashU 1-0
Concordia (IL) 0-1
Franklin 1-0
Millikin 3-0
If I have the in-region games right, that leaves IWU at 6-5. You are correct on Webster, they are 9-1... my mistake.
Quote from: CCIWFAN6 on April 05, 2010, 05:19:00 PM
BigPoppa, you sure Depauw is an in-region game?
Quote from: BigPoppa on April 05, 2010, 02:09:09 PM
Quote from: OshDude on April 05, 2010, 02:02:25 PM
Didn't look all that hard, but I think Webster is 9-1. IWU is 6-3.
IWU vs:
Depauw 0-2
Benedictine 1-2
WashU 1-0
Concordia (IL) 0-1
Franklin 1-0
Millikin 3-0
If I have the in-region games right, that leaves IWU at 6-5. You are correct on Webster, they are 9-1... my mistake.
I haven't checked the official mileage, but pretty certain it is in-region by the 200-mile rule.
I think it is about 150 miles....
Mileages can be found at this link (https://web1.ncaa.org/TES/exec/miles). Franklin to IWU is 197 miles.
Anyone want to take a shot at ranking the central region? The more I look at it, the more confused it makes me.
1. Wheaton 15-4 (8-3 in region)
2. Augustana 13-4 ( 8-4)
3. Webster 13-5 (9-1)
4. Simpson 10-6 (7-2)
5. Greenville 13-7 (10-3)
6. Coe 10-7 (9-5)
7. Carthage 11-6 (5-3)
8. Beloit 11-5 (7-3)
9. North Central 13-3 (7-2)
10. Central 13-6 (9-4)
There is not a ton of SOS factored in yet, but the in-region records are a large part of the bids. Do I really think that Greenville should be #5, no, but their numbers warrant their spot at this point.
Quote from: BigPoppa on April 06, 2010, 02:33:50 PM
Anyone want to take a shot at ranking the central region? The more I look at it, the more confused it makes me.
1. Wheaton 15-4 (8-3 in region)
2. Augustana 13-4 ( 8-4)
3. Webster 13-5 (9-1)
4. Simpson 10-6 (7-2)
5. Greenville 13-7 (10-3)
6. Coe 10-7 (9-5)
7. Carthage 11-6 (5-3)
8. Beloit 11-5 (7-3)
9. North Central 13-3 (7-2)
10. Central 13-6 (9-4)
There is not a ton of SOS factored in yet, but the in-region records are a large part of the bids. Do I really think that Greenville should be #5, no, but their numbers warrant their spot at this point.
I realize SOS isn't added in but I'm not sure how you justify putting Simpson, Greenville, and Coe ahead of Carthage and Beloit at this point. Neither Beloit or Carthage has gotten off to the start people may have expected but you just look at the schedules that they have played compared to the schedules that the three teams you have ranked ahead of them and you can understand how some of those games could have gone either way. Both Beloit and Carthage have just one loss that I would say is a bad loss or a game that they should have not lost. Carthage's being to Benedictine and Beloit's being to Wisconsin Lutheran. I'll rank the Central like this at this point although I suspect when all is said and done it may play out differently.
1. Wheaton
2. Augustana
3. Webster
4. Carthage
5. Beloit
6. Simpson
7. North Central
8. Central
9. Greenville
10. North Park
on the cusp: Coe, St. Norbert
Coe just beat Simpson and Loras 2 out of 3. In region record is 10 -5. Out of conference losses include: a split with Wash U and Aurora, extra inning loss to then # 17 Keystone, a loss to DI Western Illinois, and like Carthage a bad loss to Benedictine. Good in-region wins: Aurora, Wash U, Simpson 2, Loras 2. Other in-region wins: Wis Lutheran 2, Fontbonne, Cornell
This is always fun. How would rank these anonymous teams?
Team A
In Region% 0.7
Win% 0.688
Good Wins WashU, Aurora
Bad Losses Wisconsin Lutheran
Team B
In Region% 0.667
Win% 0.611
Good Wins WashU, Simpson (x2)
Bad Losses Benedictine
Team C
In Region% 0.7
Win% 0.588
Good Wins Johns Hopkins, Coe
Bad Losses Carleton
Team D
In Region% 0.577
Win% 0.577
Good Wins Coe, Greenville, Rochester, Platteville (x2), Beloit
Bad Losses Brandeis
Team E
In Region% 0.688
Win% 0.65
Good Wins St. Norbert
Bad Losses Knox, Spalding (x2)
You probably need to include a win over Aurora in Team B's good wins. ;)
I would put B over A because a loss to Wisconsin Lutheran is completely unacceptable!
Quote from: BearBaseball on April 08, 2010, 05:56:34 PM
This is always fun. How would rank these anonymous teams?
Team A
In Region% 0.7
Win% 0.688
Good Wins WashU, Aurora
Bad Losses Wisconsin Lutheran
Team B
In Region% 0.667
Win% 0.611
Good Wins WashU, Simpson (x2)
Bad Losses Benedictine
Team C
In Region% 0.7
Win% 0.588
Good Wins Johns Hopkins, Coe
Bad Losses Carleton
Team D
In Region% 0.577
Win% 0.577
Good Wins Coe, Greenville, Rochester, Platteville (x2), Beloit
Bad Losses Brandeis
Team E
In Region% 0.688
Win% 0.65
Good Wins St. Norbert
Bad Losses Knox, Spalding (x2)
It is sort of tough to call this unless we know how good the teams that they beat to build their in-region and overall percentages. Knowing what I know, team E looks solid, but also guessing that it is WashU and that they have cleaned up on SLIAC competition would cause me to reconsider.
Quote from: BigPoppa on April 09, 2010, 08:35:52 AM
Quote from: BearBaseball on April 08, 2010, 05:56:34 PM
This is always fun. How would rank these anonymous teams?
Team A
In Region% 0.7
Win% 0.688
Good Wins WashU, Aurora
Bad Losses Wisconsin Lutheran
Team B
In Region% 0.667
Win% 0.611
Good Wins WashU, Simpson (x2)
Bad Losses Benedictine
Team C
In Region% 0.7
Win% 0.588
Good Wins Johns Hopkins, Coe
Bad Losses Carleton
Team D
In Region% 0.577
Win% 0.577
Good Wins Coe, Greenville, Rochester, Platteville (x2), Beloit
Bad Losses Brandeis
Team E
In Region% 0.688
Win% 0.65
Good Wins St. Norbert
Bad Losses Knox, Spalding (x2)
It is sort of tough to call this unless we know how good the teams that they beat to build their in-region and overall percentages. Knowing what I know, team E looks solid, but also guessing that it is WashU and that they have cleaned up on SLIAC competition would cause me to reconsider.
Team E is Greenville, Team D is Wash U.
My question is what do you consider to be Good wins. Team D seems to be anyone over .500 that they beat, but that criteria is not included for any other team.
Come on! Knowing who the teams are takes all the fun out of it.
Since I know the most about Team D, I'll explain. Every "good" win from Team D is a team above .600, not .500. I would have also included a win against Illinois College if .500 was the criteria, but it wasn't. In fact, I was considering putting the loss to 9-5 Illinois College as a bad loss but then every team would have had a pile of bad losses. Coe is 11-7 (and looks like at least a top 2 team in the IIAC), Greenville is 13-7 (we'll see if they keep this up), Rochester is 14-4 (and nationally ranked in some poll), Platteville is 10-3 (another we'll see), and Beloit is 11-5 (and loved but most people on this board). Find me a better win than these that I missed from another team and I'll happily concede. I have Team D's OWP at .581. That is not a team that cleans up against the SLIAC.
(By the way A is Beloit, B is Coe, C is Simpson, D is WashU, and E is Greenville. Let me know games I missed if you want a better version of this list. I'd rank them B, A, C, D, E.)
Quote from: BearBaseball on April 09, 2010, 10:16:56 AM
Come on! Knowing who the teams are takes all the fun out of it.
Since I know the most about Team D, I'll explain. Every "good" win from Team D is a team above .600, not .500. I would have also included a win against Illinois College if .500 was the criteria, but it wasn't. In fact, I was considering putting the loss to 9-5 Illinois College as a bad loss but then every team would have had a pile of bad losses. Coe is 11-7 (and looks like at least a top 2 team in the IIAC), Greenville is 13-7 (we'll see if they keep this up), Rochester is 14-4 (and nationally ranked in some poll), Platteville is 10-3 (another we'll see), and Beloit is 11-5 (and loved but most people on this board). Find me a better win than these that I missed from another team and I'll happily concede. I have Team D's OWP at .581. That is not a team that cleans up against the SLIAC.
(By the way A is Beloit, B is Coe, C is Simpson, D is WashU, and E is Greenville. Let me know games I missed if you want a better version of this list. I'd rank them B, A, C, D, E.)
I have it at .572 with a much lower OOWP. I didn't figure OOWP, but you get no help from the likes of Fontbonne, Greenville and Webster.
Quote from: BearBaseball on April 09, 2010, 10:16:56 AM
Come on! Knowing who the teams are takes all the fun out of it.
Since I know the most about Team D, I'll explain. Every "good" win from Team D is a team above .600, not .500. I would have also included a win against Illinois College if .500 was the criteria, but it wasn't. In fact, I was considering putting the loss to 9-5 Illinois College as a bad loss but then every team would have had a pile of bad losses. Coe is 11-7 (and looks like at least a top 2 team in the IIAC), Greenville is 13-7 (we'll see if they keep this up), Rochester is 14-4 (and nationally ranked in some poll), Platteville is 10-3 (another we'll see), and Beloit is 11-5 (and loved but most people on this board). Find me a better win than these that I missed from another team and I'll happily concede. I have Team D's OWP at .581. That is not a team that cleans up against the SLIAC.
(By the way A is Beloit, B is Coe, C is Simpson, D is WashU, and E is Greenville. Let me know games I missed if you want a better version of this list. I'd rank them B, A, C, D, E.)
If .600 is the criteria then Wash U would not be able to be counted as a good win neither would Aurora.
Greenville also beat Plateville.
Wash U has also played 26 games compared to most teams who have played maybe 20 games or less at this time.
I think we're picking nits here and missing the point. Beating a team with a .570 win% or a .600 win% is a good win. .570 or .580 is a great OWP (does any team in the central have a better one?). Yes, the SLIAC teams hurt the OOWP but IWU, Case, and Emory help it.
Point is, there's a perception that WashU is beating on the SLIAC while other teams have played more difficult schedules and had better records. That's not true.
Quote from: BearBaseball on April 09, 2010, 11:42:37 AM
I think we're picking nits here and missing the point. Beating a team with a .570 win% or a .600 win% is a good win. .570 or .580 is a great OWP (does any team in the central have a better one?). Yes, the SLIAC teams hurt the OOWP but IWU, Case, and Emory help it.
Point is, there's a perception that WashU is beating on the SLIAC while other teams have played more difficult schedules and had better records. That's not true.
I really do not have an issue with Washington U's schedule. They play teams in the area. Not much else they can do.
I am more worried about several other things.
- They have played 26 games and are 4 games above .500.
- They tend to play a lot of 7 inning games for double headers.
- The appear to have only 1 true threat as a pitcher. As highlighted last week when they played Beloit and Webster. They threw Rogoff 1st game against Beloit (7 inn) then almost were 10 run ruled the next 3 games.
Quote from: TurtleHead on April 09, 2010, 01:04:58 PM
Quote from: BearBaseball on April 09, 2010, 11:42:37 AM
I think we're picking nits here and missing the point. Beating a team with a .570 win% or a .600 win% is a good win. .570 or .580 is a great OWP (does any team in the central have a better one?). Yes, the SLIAC teams hurt the OOWP but IWU, Case, and Emory help it.
Point is, there's a perception that WashU is beating on the SLIAC while other teams have played more difficult schedules and had better records. That's not true.
I really do not have an issue with Washington U's schedule. They play teams in the area. Not much else they can do.
I am more worried about several other things.
- They have played 26 games and are 4 games above .500.
- They tend to play a lot of 7 inning games for double headers.
- The appear to have only 1 true threat as a pitcher. As highlighted last week when they played Beloit and Webster. They threw Rogoff 1st game against Beloit (7 inn) then almost were 10 run ruled the next 3 games.
They were absolutely manhandled by Webster.
Quote from: BigToughGuy on April 09, 2010, 01:31:28 PM
Quote from: TurtleHead on April 09, 2010, 01:04:58 PM
Quote from: BearBaseball on April 09, 2010, 11:42:37 AM
I think we're picking nits here and missing the point. Beating a team with a .570 win% or a .600 win% is a good win. .570 or .580 is a great OWP (does any team in the central have a better one?). Yes, the SLIAC teams hurt the OOWP but IWU, Case, and Emory help it.
Point is, there's a perception that WashU is beating on the SLIAC while other teams have played more difficult schedules and had better records. That's not true.
I really do not have an issue with Washington U's schedule. They play teams in the area. Not much else they can do.
I am more worried about several other things.
- They have played 26 games and are 4 games above .500.
- They tend to play a lot of 7 inning games for double headers.
- The appear to have only 1 true threat as a pitcher. As highlighted last week when they played Beloit and Webster. They threw Rogoff 1st game against Beloit (7 inn) then almost were 10 run ruled the next 3 games.
They were absolutely manhandled by Webster.
I think no question if game 1 was a nine inning game against Beloit that Wash U also loses that game. They appear to have very thin pitching depth and Beloit was a hit away from winning that game. I think if they played 2 more innings then they definitely win that game but anyways that's not what happened, I just think Wash U is very vulnerable on the mound and that was exposed last weekend by BC and Webster.
Top in-region winning percentages:
1. Webster SLIAC 11-1 .917
2. North Central CCIW 13-3 .813
3. Buena Vista IIAC 12-4 .750
4. Greenville SLIAC 12-4 .750
5. Central IIAC 14-5 .737
6. Wheaton CCIW 11-4 .733
7. Simpson IIAC 10-4 .714
8. North Park CCIW 12-5 .705
9. Illinois College MWC 8-4 .667
10. Carthage CCIW 8-5 .615
11. Coe IIAC 11-8 .579
12. Beloit MWC 9-7 .563
My rankings of the region:
1. Wheaton
2. North Central
3. Webster
4. Buena Vista
5. Carthage
6. Central
Do you guys think if WashU wins out its last nine games (Knox, Webster, Milikin, Chicago(4), Depauw(2)) they can get a Pool B bid with a 24-12 record this year?
Quote from: BigPoppa on April 13, 2010, 10:01:16 AM
Top in-region winning percentages:
1. Webster SLIAC 11-1 .917
2. North Central CCIW 13-3 .813
3. Buena Vista IIAC 12-4 .750
4. Greenville SLIAC 12-4 .750
5. Central IIAC 14-5 .737
6. Wheaton CCIW 11-4 .733
7. Simpson IIAC 10-4 .714
8. North Park CCIW 12-5 .705
9. Illinois College MWC 8-4 .667
10. Carthage CCIW 8-5 .615
11. Coe IIAC 11-8 .579
12. Beloit MWC 9-7 .563
My rankings of the region:
1. Wheaton
2. North Central
3. Webster
4. Buena Vista
5. Carthage
6. Central
I think this is a huge week in games. Wheaton has a big series against North Central College. Any predictions for the series?
BigPoppa's Central Region Rankings Preview:
1. North Central
2. Webster
3. North Park
4. Central
5. Carthage
6. Buena Vista
7. St. Norbert
You wouldnt have greenville in your top in the region? I find this hard to believe. Also what do you think about Neeces performance this season.. Will hands down be a 1st team all region, I definatly look for his name to be on the All American list.
I have to agree with Big Poppa on leaving Greenville out of the rankings. They are 19-5 in-region I believe, but their strength of schedule is ranked 356 out of 368. They have losses to Knox (3-23 this season) & MacMurray (2-26 this year), which there is absolutely no excuse for. Those two teams are brutal. They also haven't played the top two teams in their own conference yet. Losing 2 of 3 to a very average Wash U team doesn't help them either.
I agree that Neece's stats are absolutely outrageous regardless of the competition. He should be considered for both All-Region and All-American teams. However, the stats would be toned down slightly if it weren't for the cupcake schedule.
With the regional rankings coming out tomorrow I would like to hear some people's predictions. Here are mine for good measure and how I would rank them according to my research on the strength of schedule.
1) Buena Vista
2) St. Norbert
3) North Central
4) Carthage
5) Webster
6) Coe
7) North Park
1. Buena Vista
2. St. Norbert
3. Webster
4. North Central (Ill.)
5. Carthage
6. Ripon
7. North Park
All records are in-region records:
1. North Central (20-5) Really on a roll right now. Augustana and IWU series on deck for the Cards with Rockford U of Chicago between.
2. Webster (21-1) SoS may hurt their in-region ranking
3. North Park (18-8) Finish CCIW with a sneaky Wheaton and Carthage
4. Central (20-8) I see only one IIAC team getting in so the tourney will be for everything
5. Carthage (16-8) Should pile up three more in-region wins this weekend before facing North Park next weekend. Solid SoS will help them.
6. Buena Vista (20-8) I see only one IIAC team getting in so the tourney will be for everything
7. St. Norbert (11-6) I have no idea what to think of them. Last year, they got a bid based on SoS and promptly fell apart in the regional. Another solid SoS could help them, but they need to roll through the rest of the MWC season.
1. North Central
2. Buena Vista
3. Webster
4. Carthage
5. Central
6. St. Norbert
7. North Park
1. Buena Vista
2. North Central
3. St. Norbert
4. Webster
5. Carthage
6. Wartburg
Just out:
Coe
NorthPark
Beloit
I'd really like to put the 20-5 Greenville team in the regional rankings, but look at their schedule! Other than the WashU and St. Norbert games, they have played virtually no one worth mentioning and still somehow lost games to Knox AND MacMurray. Their fate may be decided by the series with Webster and that is only if they sweep Fontbonne to end the season.
GREENVILLE (20-5)
1-2 Wash U
1-0 Platteville
2-0 Cornell
1-1 Knox
1-1 St. Norbert
3-0 Principia
3-0 Blackburn
3-0 Eureka
3-0 Westminster
2-1 MacMurray
4/30 Webster
5/1 Webster
5/7 Fontbonne
5/8 Fontbonne
Crunching the number form those who have submitted a regional ranking, this is what the consensus opinion is:
1. North Central
Buena Vista (tie)
3. Webster
4. St. Norbert
5. Carthage
6. Central
7. North Park
8. Coe
9. Wartburg
Ripon (tie)
Quote from: BigPoppa on April 28, 2010, 09:56:04 PM
3. North Park (18-8) Finish CCIW with a sneaky Wheaton and Carthage
NPU is 22-11.
The record I have posted for each team is in-region, not overall. Sorry that I was not clear in my post.
No, that's my bad, BP. I should've figured that out.
Quote from: droppinbombs47 on April 28, 2010, 09:32:40 PM
With the regional rankings coming out tomorrow I would like to hear some people's predictions. Here are mine for good measure and how I would rank them according to my research on the strength of schedule.
1) Buena Vista
2) St. Norbert
3) North Central
4) Carthage
5) Webster
6) Coe
7) North Park
Props to droppinbombs for coming to the closest to the central regional rankings that came out today. The official rankings were:
Central Region In-Region Record Overall Record
1. Buena Vista 18-10 18-10
2. St. Norbert 10-6 13-9
3. North Central (Ill.) 19-5 24-5
4. Carthage 12-8 17-11
5. Webster 21-1 26-7
6. North Park 18-9 22-11
Quote from: jigsaw54 on April 29, 2010, 05:39:41 PM
Quote from: droppinbombs47 on April 28, 2010, 09:32:40 PM
With the regional rankings coming out tomorrow I would like to hear some people's predictions. Here are mine for good measure and how I would rank them according to my research on the strength of schedule.
1) Buena Vista
2) St. Norbert
3) North Central
4) Carthage
5) Webster
6) Coe
7) North Park
Props to droppinbombs for coming to the closest to the central regional rankings that came out today. The official rankings were:
Central Region In-Region Record Overall Record
1. Buena Vista 18-10 18-10
2. St. Norbert 10-6 13-9
3. North Central (Ill.) 19-5 24-5
4. Carthage 12-8 17-11
5. Webster 21-1 26-7
6. North Park 18-9 22-11
To bad the "official rankings" used bunk info, according to my math. I'm fairly certain half of the in-region records of the ranked teams are incorrect.
My claim is that these are wrong:
BVU (should have two fewer losses)
Carthage (if through 4/26, should have two more wins; if through 4/27, should have four more wins)
North Park (should have one loss less).
I also think Wheaton should have one more in-region loss.
Quote from: OshDude on April 29, 2010, 11:57:42 PM
I also think Wheaton should have one more in-region loss.
I have Wheaton at 20-13/12-12/ 7-8
Quote from: Ralph Turner on April 30, 2010, 12:04:24 AM
Quote from: OshDude on April 29, 2010, 11:57:42 PM
I also think Wheaton should have one more in-region loss.
I have Wheaton at 20-13/12-12/ 7-8
Here's what I have. I assumed the losses to U Chicago and NPU were not included in the Score Reporting Form.
WHEATON (13-14)
1-1 Aurora
CCD Loras
1-1 Ripon
3-0 Benedictine
1-0 Dominican
2-1 Augustana
2-1 Carthage
2-1 Millikin
1-2 Illinois Wesleyan
0-1 Concordia (IL)
0-3 North Central (IL)
0-1 U Chicago
0-2 North Park
5/1 North Park
5/3 Aurora
5/7 Elmhurst
5/8 Elmhurst
5/13-16 CCIW Tourney
http://athletics.wheaton.edu/schedule.aspx?path=baseball& (http://athletics.wheaton.edu/schedule.aspx?path=baseball&)
Quote from: OshDude on April 30, 2010, 12:12:36 AM
Quote from: Ralph Turner on April 30, 2010, 12:04:24 AM
Quote from: OshDude on April 29, 2010, 11:57:42 PM
I also think Wheaton should have one more in-region loss.
I have Wheaton at 20-13/12-12/ 7-8
Here's what I have. I assumed the losses to U Chicago and NPU were not included in the Score Reporting Form.
WHEATON (13-14)
1-1 Aurora
CCD Loras
1-1 Ripon
3-0 Benedictine
1-0 Dominican
2-1 Augustana
2-1 Carthage
2-1 Millikin
1-2 Illinois Wesleyan
0-1 Concordia (IL)
0-3 North Central (IL)
0-1 U Chicago
0-2 North Park
5/1 North Park
5/3 Aurora
5/7 Elmhurst
5/8 Elmhurst
5/13-16 CCIW Tourney
http://athletics.wheaton.edu/schedule.aspx?path=baseball& (http://athletics.wheaton.edu/schedule.aspx?path=baseball&)
http://www.d3baseball.com/school/WTIL
My bad. I agree with your 13-14. I miscalculated the wins and did not have the NPU score.
Quote from: BigPoppa on April 29, 2010, 10:06:43 AM
I'd really like to put the 20-5 Greenville team in the regional rankings, but look at their schedule! Other than the WashU and St. Norbert games, they have played virtually no one worth mentioning and still somehow lost games to Knox AND MacMurray. Their fate may be decided by the series with Webster and that is only if they sweep Fontbonne to end the season.
GREENVILLE (20-5)
1-2 Wash U
1-0 Platteville
2-0 Cornell
1-1 Knox
1-1 St. Norbert
3-0 Principia
3-0 Blackburn
3-0 Eureka
3-0 Westminster
2-1 MacMurray
4/30 Webster
5/1 Webster
5/7 Fontbonne
5/8 Fontbonne
They are still 20-5
20-5 or not, the NCAA has made it clear that SoS is a big component of the selection process and Greenville has a low SoS. They needed to play some big-boys in the central region (not a single CCIW team on their schedule?) if they were to get a shot at a Pool C.
Quote from: OshDude on April 29, 2010, 08:01:15 PM
Quote from: jigsaw54 on April 29, 2010, 05:39:41 PM
Quote from: droppinbombs47 on April 28, 2010, 09:32:40 PM
With the regional rankings coming out tomorrow I would like to hear some people's predictions. Here are mine for good measure and how I would rank them according to my research on the strength of schedule.
1) Buena Vista
2) St. Norbert
3) North Central
4) Carthage
5) Webster
6) Coe
7) North Park
Props to droppinbombs for coming to the closest to the central regional rankings that came out today. The official rankings were:
Central Region In-Region Record Overall Record
1. Buena Vista 18-10 18-10
2. St. Norbert 10-6 13-9
3. North Central (Ill.) 19-5 24-5
4. Carthage 12-8 17-11
5. Webster 21-1 26-7
6. North Park 18-9 22-11
To bad the "official rankings" used bunk info, according to my math. I'm fairly certain half of the in-region records of the ranked teams are incorrect.
My claim is that these are wrong:
BVU (should have two fewer losses)
Carthage (if through 4/26, should have two more wins; if through 4/27, should have four more wins)
North Park (should have one loss less).
I'm not surprised. As both Ralph Turner and Pat Coleman will tell you, the NCAA has screwed up the posted records of regionally-ranked teams more than once in basketball. One gets the distinct impression that Indianapolis considers D3 to be nothing more than an afterthought unworthy of due diligence when it comes to regionally ranking teams.
Quote from: BigPoppa on April 30, 2010, 01:32:01 PM
20-5 or not, the NCAA has made it clear that SoS is a big component of the selection process and Greenville has a low SoS. They needed to play some big-boys in the central region (not a single CCIW team on their schedule?) if they were to get a shot at a Pool C.
They played a big boy yesterday (Webster) and got crushed. I kind of suspected their record and stats were a product of a cupcake schedule. They proved me right. We'll see how they rebound in the DH against Webster today.
Quote from: BigToughGuy on May 01, 2010, 03:14:29 PM
Quote from: BigPoppa on April 30, 2010, 01:32:01 PM
20-5 or not, the NCAA has made it clear that SoS is a big component of the selection process and Greenville has a low SoS. They needed to play some big-boys in the central region (not a single CCIW team on their schedule?) if they were to get a shot at a Pool C.
They played a big boy yesterday (Webster) and got crushed. I kind of suspected their record and stats were a product of a cupcake schedule. They proved me right. We'll see how they rebound in the DH against Webster today.
A 13-4 score is not being crushed (manhandled maybe), and today's DH showed we can play Webster even up. Lost 1-0 in game 1 in a great pitching duel between Will Savage (5H, 2W, 5K) and Matt Leefers (6H, 0W, 6K). The one run was unearned and a circus catch in the bottom of the 7th by Cody Stevenson in LF saved the game for Webster. In game 2 Greenville won by the score of 8-6 as Kye Winter outlasted Bryce Law on the mound. Four hits, a walk and two errors led to 5 big runs in the second for GC to put us up 7-4. Congrats to Coach Kurich and the Gorlocks as they have clinched the conference championship and the No. 1 seed in the tournament.
Quote from: #1PantherFan on May 01, 2010, 09:10:48 PM
Quote from: BigToughGuy on May 01, 2010, 03:14:29 PM
Quote from: BigPoppa on April 30, 2010, 01:32:01 PM
20-5 or not, the NCAA has made it clear that SoS is a big component of the selection process and Greenville has a low SoS. They needed to play some big-boys in the central region (not a single CCIW team on their schedule?) if they were to get a shot at a Pool C.
Have you every watched the Cardinals game after they clinch the division title? It doesn't mean anything to them. Greenville has a lot to learn and a long way to go before they contend nationally. Also, the game yesterday was 13-0 before Greenville scored 3 meaningless runs. Webster scored 13 runs in the first 4 innings.
They played a big boy yesterday (Webster) and got crushed. I kind of suspected their record and stats were a product of a cupcake schedule. They proved me right. We'll see how they rebound in the DH against Webster today.
A 13-4 score is not being crushed (manhandled maybe), and today's DH showed we can play Webster even up. Lost 1-0 in game 1 in a great pitching duel between Will Savage (5H, 2W, 5K) and Matt Leefers (6H, 0W, 6K). The one run was unearned and a circus catch in the bottom of the 7th by Cody Stevenson in LF saved the game for Webster. In game 2 Greenville won by the score of 8-6 as Kye Winter outlasted Bryce Law on the mound. Four hits, a walk and two errors led to 5 big runs in the second for GC to put us up 7-4. Congrats to Coach Kurich and the Gorlocks as they have clinched the conference championship and the No. 1 seed in the tournament.
When the Cardinals clinch, a lot of regulars get rested in that next game. Webster still played their regular lineup.
Quote from: #1PantherFan on May 01, 2010, 11:47:17 PM
When the Cardinals clinch, a lot of regulars get rested in that next game. Webster still played their regular lineup.
When is the last time Greenville won a conference title, played in an NCAA regional, or won a game in an NCAA regional? Like I said, Greenville is and always has been a lower tier team.
Just wondering BTG what your connection is with Webster? Coach, player, parent, student, or just a big fan of the Gorlocks?
Quote from: BigToughGuy on May 02, 2010, 06:23:31 PM
Quote from: #1PantherFan on May 01, 2010, 11:47:17 PM
When the Cardinals clinch, a lot of regulars get rested in that next game. Webster still played their regular lineup.
When is the last time Greenville won a conference title, played in an NCAA regional, or won a game in an NCAA regional? Like I said, Greenville is and always has been a lower tier team.
1991 Maryville University
1992 MacMurray College
1993 MacMurray College
1994 MacMurray College
1995 MacMurray College
1996 MacMurray College
1997 MacMurray College
1998 Fontbonne College
1999 Maryville University
2000 Westminster College
2001 Westminster College
2002 Blackburn College
2003 Fontbonne University
2004 Blackburn College
2005 Webster University
2006 Greenville College
2007 Webster University
2008 Webster University
2009 Webster University
Greenville won the SLIAC in 2006, but had not won it before and has not won it since. Webster really has not been a factor in the SLIAC until 2005 as the have won 4 of the past five and are looking to make it 5 of 6. Still, for a guy who is calling out Greenville, Webster has only really been on the national scene for 5 years. Since the SLIAC started in 1991, Webster is a dismal 162-180 in SLIAC play (.473) and has only had six winning seasons in that time(2010 will be their 7th). Granted, most of them have been recently, but I think it is interesting to call out Greenville as a struggling program when Webster itself has not been a model of consistency historically. Seven winning seasons in the last 20.
With respect to NCAA regional games, the Gorloks are 4-8 (.333) so it is not like they are lighting up the competition in the process, and have not advanced past the regional round. While they have really become the dominant team in the SLIAC in the last 5 years, it is hardly the picture you are attempting to portray.
Good response, BP!
Quote from: Gregory Sager on May 03, 2010, 03:06:36 PM
Good response, BP!
Haha....funny that a guy from North Park (who Webster beat twice this year) thinks that's a good response.
Quote from: BigToughGuy on May 03, 2010, 04:18:23 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on May 03, 2010, 03:06:36 PM
Good response, BP!
Haha....funny that a guy from North Park (who Webster beat twice this year) thinks that's a good response.
It has nothing to do with that at all. The fact that NPU played Webster this season didn't even occur to me as I was reading Big Poppa's post. I said what I said because Big Poppa took the time and trouble to look up and provide the facts about SLIAC baseball history -- a gesture you could have done yourself when you were chiding the Greenville fan. The fact that you didn't and he did is to his credit.
More facts, less smack ... it's good advice that I'd like to see more people follow.
I had all the facts. Webster has been to the tournament 4 times in the past 5 years and just clinched their 5th conference title in the last 6. In their previous 2 regional appearances, they are 4-4 and appeared in the 2008 Central Regional Final.
Quote from: BigToughGuy on May 03, 2010, 05:33:02 PM
I had all the facts.
I'm glad to see you using them now. Nevertheless, you weren't the one who laid the 411 on us regarding the SLIAC. It was Big Poppa who did that, and that's why I gave him the kudos.
I would like to personally state that BigToughGuy is not a great representative for the SLIAC boards. I appologize for his posts. He has always seemed to be quite a homer and doesnt face facts. sorry guys!
I stated Webster's accomplishments in my previous post. What facts am I not facing?
Congrats to North Central #20 and Webster #29 for being included in the ABCA Top 30 Poll this week.
Quote from: BigToughGuy on May 04, 2010, 01:25:32 PM
I stated Webster's accomplishments in my previous post. What facts am I not facing?
The fact that SOS is taken into account. thats my only reply..
I agree big poppa. congrats on those two teams being in the top 30
Quote from: theoneandonly on April 28, 2010, 11:29:28 AM
You wouldnt have greenville in your top in the region? I find this hard to believe. Also what do you think about Neeces performance this season.. Will hands down be a 1st team all region, I definatly look for his name to be on the All American list.
Quote from: theoneandonly on May 04, 2010, 12:54:17 PM
I would like to personally state that BigToughGuy is not a great representative for the SLIAC boards. I appologize for his posts. He has always seemed to be quite a homer and doesnt face facts. sorry guys!
Quote from: theoneandonly on May 04, 2010, 03:53:38 PM
Quote from: BigToughGuy on May 04, 2010, 01:25:32 PM
I stated Webster's accomplishments in my previous post. What facts am I not facing?
The fact that SOS is taken into account. thats my only reply..
For someone who is trying to get on the Webster fan for being silly about his team, you seem to be doing a lot of false posturing as well. For all of the run you think that Greenville deserves nationally, you have failed to mention that they have the 24th worst SOS in all of division 3. (excluding teams that have played less than 20 games) Their .435 SOS ranks only higher than the following schools:
.434 - Becker
.433 - Drew, John Jay
.428 - Presentation
.426 - Lehman
.423 - Northland
.422 - SUNY-Maritime, Elms
.419 - Principia
.416 - Philadelphia Bible
.415 - Illinois College
.413 - Crown
.410 - Mitchell
.409 - Penn St.-Berks
.407 - Yeshiva
.404 - Fransiscan
.401 - Penn St.-Harrisburg
.399 - SUNY-Purchase
.395 - Rivier
.390 - Daniel Webster
.375 - CCNY
.365 - SUNYIT
.346 - Lancaster Bible
What do you all think this week regional rankings will look like? Any changes? I don't see many changes with the exception of NCC jumping St. Norbert. Everyone in the top 6 had a decent week and I think the only team out of the top 6 that helped themselves was Coe (not enough to jump in the rankings however). I know it all depends on if the committee can get the records correct but here is what I think will happen:
1. Buena Vista 23-10 0.540 (Should be 23-8 I believe)
2. North Central 23-5 0.506
3. St. Norbert 14-7 0.561
4. Carthage 18-9 0.522
5. Webster 27-2 0.477
6. North Park 20-10 0.513
Others to consider:
Coe 20-11 0.494
The records above are regional through Sunday and the other number is the SOS. Please correct me if you see incorrect records.
A question for those that have read the handbook religiously and understand it...in the primary criteria, it states "In-region results vs. regionally ranked teams". I just want to make sure that this means they only look at results vs. Central region ranked teams and not say, for example, Carthage's games vs. Kean, St. Thomas, etc.
Quote from: augie_superfan on May 04, 2010, 05:13:33 PM
What do you all think this week regional rankings will look like? Any changes? I don't see many changes with the exception of NCC jumping St. Norbert. Everyone in the top 6 had a decent week and I think the only team out of the top 6 that helped themselves was Coe (not enough to jump in the rankings however). I know it all depends on if the committee can get the records correct but here is what I think will happen:
1. Buena Vista 23-10 0.540 (Should be 23-8 I believe)
2. North Central 23-5 0.506
3. St. Norbert 14-7 0.561
4. Carthage 18-9 0.522
5. Webster 27-2 0.477
6. North Park 20-10 0.513
Others to consider:
Coe 20-11 0.494
The records above are regional through Sunday and the other number is the SOS. Please correct me if you see incorrect records.
A question for those that have read the handbook religiously and understand it...in the primary criteria, it states "In-region results vs. regionally ranked teams". I just want to make sure that this means they only look at results vs. Central region ranked teams and not say, for example, Carthage's games vs. Kean, St. Thomas, etc.
No, it doesn't.
There are three different methods by which a game is determined to be in-region or not. One is whether or not the opponent is within the team's evaluation region, which in this case is the Central Region (CCIW, IIAC, MWC, SLIAC). Another is whether or not an opponent's campus is located within 200 miles of the team's campus. Thus, for example, all of the NAthCon teams are considered in-region opponents for the CCIW's Chicagoland-based teams, and WIAC teams are considered in-region opponents for the likes of St. Norbert, Lawrence, and Ripon. Finally, NCAA administrative regions are also considered as defining in-region opponents. Illinois, Wisconsin, Missouri, and Iowa are all within NCAA Administrative Region Four, which includes everything west of the Mississippi River (and a couple of states east of it, namely Illinois and Wisconsin).
Thus, while a game against Kean (which is in New Jersey) wouldn't be considered in-region for Carthage, a game against St. Thomas (same administrative region) or Marian (Fond du Lac is within 200 miles of Kenosha) would.
Yeah, that was a stupid question. I should've realized that. Thanks Greg.
It looks like NCC just beat the Univ. of Chicago 11-5
It also shows the Cards playing Rockford tomorrow
http://northcentralcardinals.com/news/2010/5/4/MTEN_0504100728.aspx
Quote from: youcantseemestill on May 04, 2010, 04:09:27 PM
Quote from: theoneandonly on April 28, 2010, 11:29:28 AM
You wouldnt have greenville in your top in the region? I find this hard to believe. Also what do you think about Neeces performance this season.. Will hands down be a 1st team all region, I definatly look for his name to be on the All American list.
Quote from: theoneandonly on May 04, 2010, 12:54:17 PM
I would like to personally state that BigToughGuy is not a great representative for the SLIAC boards. I appologize for his posts. He has always seemed to be quite a homer and doesnt face facts. sorry guys!
Quote from: theoneandonly on May 04, 2010, 03:53:38 PM
Quote from: BigToughGuy on May 04, 2010, 01:25:32 PM
I stated Webster's accomplishments in my previous post. What facts am I not facing?
The fact that SOS is taken into account. thats my only reply..
For someone who is trying to get on the Webster fan for being silly about his team, you seem to be doing a lot of false posturing as well. For all of the run you think that Greenville deserves nationally, you have failed to mention that they have the 24th worst SOS in all of division 3. (excluding teams that have played less than 20 games) Their .435 SOS ranks only higher than the following schools:
.434 - Becker
.433 - Drew, John Jay
.428 - Presentation
.426 - Lehman
.423 - Northland
.422 - SUNY-Maritime, Elms
.419 - Principia
.416 - Philadelphia Bible
.415 - Illinois College
.413 - Crown
.410 - Mitchell
.409 - Penn St.-Berks
.407 - Yeshiva
.404 - Fransiscan
.401 - Penn St.-Harrisburg
.399 - SUNY-Purchase
.395 - Rivier
.390 - Daniel Webster
.375 - CCNY
.365 - SUNYIT
.346 - Lancaster Bible
I guess you cant read because that doesnt say nationally it says regionally. AND i was talking about neece being recognized nationally, which I will still stand by. Its just like the barry bonds situation.. Yeah he may have taken sterioids, but he still had to hit the ball.
With the way the region is setting up it definitely looks like they will be bringing in a non-region team. My guess would be Wisc Stevens Point. Could also see someone like a Rose Hulman being brought over. Maybe both.
Looks like the bids will go to.
CCIW - 2 bids
IIAC - 1 bid
SLIAC - 1 bid
MWC - 1 bid - may end up in mid-west again this year.
Carthage pounds Lakeland in a DH today 23-0 and 20-1. Will Hodges goes 7-9 with 3 HRs and 11 RBI. I am not sure if this help or hurts Carthage as it increases their in-region win percentage but decreases their SoS.
If you weight 75*SOS+.25*Win% the central region rankings will be...
1. Buena Vista 0.592
2. Webster 0.590
3. North Central (Ill.) 0.588
4. St. Norbert 0.581
5. Carthage 0.561
6. North Park 0.559
Notice even with weighting SOS 3 times as much as Win% Webster is STILL the 2nd ranked team in the central region. How they were 5 last week is beyond me.
johnny karma+1 for that. I AGREE. i think the sliac just has generally been so weak that those who are able to vote never give ANY sliac team a chance when it comes to rankings. just my opinion.
We will have a much better view of things in a few hours when the regional rankings are released. I have a feeling that Webster may jump Carthage based on the Carthage loss to Millikin last weekend. Then again, maybe not... Carthage has won ten of it past eleven games heading into a HUGE series with North Park this weekend.
Second Regional Rankings Posted: 5/6/10
Central Region
1. Buena Vista 23-8 23-10
2. St. Norbert 14-7 17-10
3. North Central (Ill.) 23-5 28-5
4. Carthage 18-9 23-12
5. Webster 26-2 31-8
6. North Park 20-10 24-12
Quote from: BigPoppa on May 06, 2010, 03:17:12 PM
Second Regional Rankings Posted: 5/6/10
Central Region
1. Buena Vista 23-8 23-10
2. St. Norbert 14-7 17-10
3. North Central (Ill.) 23-5 28-5
4. Carthage 18-9 23-12
5. Webster 26-2 31-8
6. North Park 20-10 24-12
Rediculous
Quote from: JohnnyU on May 06, 2010, 12:03:49 PM
If you weight 75*SOS+.25*Win% the central region rankings will be...
1. Buena Vista 0.592
2. Webster 0.590
3. North Central (Ill.) 0.588
4. St. Norbert 0.581
5. Carthage 0.561
6. North Park 0.559
Notice even with weighting SOS 3 times as much as Win% Webster is STILL the 2nd ranked team in the central region. How they were 5 last week is beyond me.
Quote from: theoneandonly on May 06, 2010, 01:31:33 PM
johnny karma+1 for that. I AGREE. i think the sliac just has generally been so weak that those who are able to vote never give ANY sliac team a chance when it comes to rankings. just my opinion.
Here is how the regional rankings work so some of you can understand the rationale for some of the slots, aside from the "we're getting screwed" rhetoric.
The committee looks at in-region record and SoS as the two criteria (we all know this). They initially rank the teams based solely on the numbers. So, for example, the team with the best in-region winning percentage gets 1 point, second best winning % gets 2, 3rd best gets 3 and so on....... Then, they take SoS rankings. The best SoS gets 1 point, 2nd best gets 2 points and so on..........Then, the add those two ranking numbers together. The lowest combined score is ranked #1, second lowest #2 and so on. That is the baseline for the top 6. Now, it becomes the committee's job to protect the integrity of the rankings by making sure that a .500 team with the #1 SoS does not get ranked ahead of a team with a 24-6 regional record. That is why teams like Webster and Greenville and BVU (after this weekend) get dropped in the rankings. If you want proof of this formula, watch what happens to BVU after they play a three game set with a Cornell team that is 3-27. That will add a 9-84 record to their SoS ranking.
Quote from: youcantseemestill on May 06, 2010, 04:18:31 PM
Quote from: JohnnyU on May 06, 2010, 12:03:49 PM
If you weight 75*SOS+.25*Win% the central region rankings will be...
1. Buena Vista 0.592
2. Webster 0.590
3. North Central (Ill.) 0.588
4. St. Norbert 0.581
5. Carthage 0.561
6. North Park 0.559
Notice even with weighting SOS 3 times as much as Win% Webster is STILL the 2nd ranked team in the central region. How they were 5 last week is beyond me.
Quote from: theoneandonly on May 06, 2010, 01:31:33 PM
johnny karma+1 for that. I AGREE. i think the sliac just has generally been so weak that those who are able to vote never give ANY sliac team a chance when it comes to rankings. just my opinion.
Here is how the regional rankings work so some of you can understand the rationale for some of the slots, aside from the "we're getting screwed" rhetoric.
The committee looks at in-region record and SoS as the two criteria (we all know this). They initially rank the teams based solely on the numbers. So, for example, the team with the best in-region winning percentage gets 1 point, second best winning % gets 2, 3rd best gets 3 and so on....... Then, they take SoS rankings. The best SoS gets 1 point, 2nd best gets 2 points and so on..........Then, the add those two ranking numbers together. The lowest combined score is ranked #1, second lowest #2 and so on. That is the baseline for the top 6. Now, it becomes the committee's job to protect the integrity of the rankings by making sure that a .500 team with the #1 SoS does not get ranked ahead of a team with a 24-6 regional record. That is why teams like Webster and Greenville and BVU (after this weekend) get dropped in the rankings. If you want proof of this formula, watch what happens to BVU after they play a three game set with a Cornell team that is 3-27. That will add a 9-84 record to their SoS ranking.
The last sentence is not correct. It doesn't matter how many games you play against an opponent. The in-region record of your opponent is averaged once, just like every other opponent on a team's schedule. So, if you play Cornell once, you can play them 200 more times and your OWP, OOWP and SOS won't change.
Congrats to all the guys standing out in the classroom.
http://cosida.com/documents/2010/5/6/2010%20AAA_All-District_Baseball.pdf (http://cosida.com/documents/2010/5/6/2010%20AAA_All-District_Baseball.pdf)
D-III conference tally from our area (District V, VII):
Northern AC 8
MIAC 4
CCIW 4
IIAC 4
MWC 1
SLIAC 1
WIAC 0
UMAC 0
Rose-Hulman (Dist. V) 5
Wash U (Dist. VII) 1
NE Wesleyan (Dist. VII) 1
Quote from: OshDude on May 07, 2010, 02:22:00 AM
Quote from: youcantseemestill on May 06, 2010, 04:18:31 PM
Quote from: JohnnyU on May 06, 2010, 12:03:49 PM
If you weight 75*SOS+.25*Win% the central region rankings will be...
1. Buena Vista 0.592
2. Webster 0.590
3. North Central (Ill.) 0.588
4. St. Norbert 0.581
5. Carthage 0.561
6. North Park 0.559
Notice even with weighting SOS 3 times as much as Win% Webster is STILL the 2nd ranked team in the central region. How they were 5 last week is beyond me.
Quote from: theoneandonly on May 06, 2010, 01:31:33 PM
johnny karma+1 for that. I AGREE. i think the sliac just has generally been so weak that those who are able to vote never give ANY sliac team a chance when it comes to rankings. just my opinion.
Here is how the regional rankings work so some of you can understand the rationale for some of the slots, aside from the "we're getting screwed" rhetoric.
The committee looks at in-region record and SoS as the two criteria (we all know this). They initially rank the teams based solely on the numbers. So, for example, the team with the best in-region winning percentage gets 1 point, second best winning % gets 2, 3rd best gets 3 and so on....... Then, they take SoS rankings. The best SoS gets 1 point, 2nd best gets 2 points and so on..........Then, the add those two ranking numbers together. The lowest combined score is ranked #1, second lowest #2 and so on. That is the baseline for the top 6. Now, it becomes the committee's job to protect the integrity of the rankings by making sure that a .500 team with the #1 SoS does not get ranked ahead of a team with a 24-6 regional record. That is why teams like Webster and Greenville and BVU (after this weekend) get dropped in the rankings. If you want proof of this formula, watch what happens to BVU after they play a three game set with a Cornell team that is 3-27. That will add a 9-84 record to their SoS ranking.
The last sentence is not correct. It doesn't matter how many games you play against an opponent. The in-region record of your opponent is averaged once, just like every other opponent on a team's schedule. So, if you play Cornell once, you can play them 200 more times and your OWP, OOWP and SOS won't change.
Great post Oshdude! +1!
Here is Appendix B from the Handbook. It shows the way to calculate the OWP/OOWP.
Click here. Post #18 (http://www.d3boards.com/index.php?topic=6787.15)
Link to Baseball Handbook (http://web1.ncaa.org/web_files/champ_handbooks/baseball/2010/10_3_baseball.pdf)
I never realized that is how OWP is calculated either. That method seems to completely flaw a major metric of how teams get selected to the NCAA tournament. See simple example below:
Team 1 schedule:
Team A 3 games 20-5
Team B 1 game 5-20
Team 2 schedule:
Team A 1 game 20-5
Team B 3 games 5-20
NCAA's OWP:
Team 1: 0.500
Team 2: 0.500
Clearly Team 1 had the harder schedule but have nothing to show for it? If the OWP was weighted by number of games then you get the following:
Team 1: 0.650
Team 2: 0.350
I just don't understand the NCAA...it's one thing to have all this regional criteria that gets everyone upset but the least they should do is use a formula that doesn't break down in some simple circumstances
Quote from: augie_superfan on May 07, 2010, 09:26:31 AM
I never realized that is how OWP is calculated either. That method seems to completely flaw a major metric of how teams get selected to the NCAA tournament. See simple example below:
Team 1 schedule:
Team A 3 games 20-5
Team B 1 game 5-20
Team 2 schedule:
Team A 1 game 20-5
Team B 3 games 5-20
NCAA's OWP:
Team 1: 0.500
Team 2: 0.500
Clearly Team 1 had the harder schedule but have nothing to show for it? If the OWP was weighted by number of games then you get the following:
Team 1: 0.650
Team 2: 0.350
I just don't understand the NCAA...it's one thing to have all this regional criteria that gets everyone upset but the least they should do is use a formula that doesn't break down in some simple circumstances
Funny. Also on the theoretical extremes, it is better for your NCAA ranking to lose to a team that hasn't lost than to beat a team that hasn't won. That model doesn't hold up very far into the middle, but it's interesting. IMHO, it's never better to lose.
Who is ready for webster (33-9) to rip through the central region and gain their first world series birth EVER!
Quote from: RSSmith on May 07, 2010, 10:13:55 AM
Quote from: augie_superfan on May 07, 2010, 09:26:31 AM
That method seems to completely flaw a major metric of how teams get selected to the NCAA tournament. I just don't understand the NCAA...
This is the best quote yet..... ;D
I thought I was the only one that thought the NCAA has flaws in its thinking and logic.
Reminds of the government the NCAA....
Quote from: theoneandonly on May 17, 2010, 04:36:11 PM
Who is ready for webster (33-9) to rip through the central region and gain their first world series birth EVER!
I'm ready!! I hope the 3 and 4 starters are. They'll have to do better than their combined season averages (5.34 ERA, 1.57 WHIP, .276 OBA and 81:41 K:BB).
Quote from: RSSmith on May 17, 2010, 04:59:53 PM
Quote from: theoneandonly on May 17, 2010, 04:36:11 PM
Who is ready for webster (33-9) to rip through the central region and gain their first world series birth EVER!
I'm ready!! I hope the 3 and 4 starters are. They'll have to do better than their combined season averages (5.34 ERA, 1.57 WHIP, .276 OBA and 81:41 K:BB).
... and those stats were against SLIAC teams. Good Luck getting Tim Tepe out with those numbers.
Quote from: BigPoppa on May 17, 2010, 10:14:03 PM
Quote from: RSSmith on May 17, 2010, 04:59:53 PM
Quote from: theoneandonly on May 17, 2010, 04:36:11 PM
Who is ready for webster (33-9) to rip through the central region and gain their first world series birth EVER!
I'm ready!! I hope the 3 and 4 starters are. They'll have to do better than their combined season averages (5.34 ERA, 1.57 WHIP, .276 OBA and 81:41 K:BB).
... and those stats were against SLIAC teams. Good Luck getting Tim Tepe out with those numbers.
I wouldn't bring Rose-Hulman into the conversation if you're discussing questionable starting pitching. Here are their starters:
1. Eitel 3.88 6-2
2. Oakley 4.93 6-1
3. Sadzeck 5.72 3-1
4. Maloney 6.04 6-1
Also, if Webster and Rose-Hulman were to both win their first games they would square off on Thursday, meaning Mueller (2.22 7-1) would take the mound for Webster as opposed to their 3 or 4.
Quote from: RSSmith on May 17, 2010, 04:59:53 PM
Quote from: theoneandonly on May 17, 2010, 04:36:11 PM
Who is ready for webster (33-9) to rip through the central region and gain their first world series birth EVER!
I'm ready!! I hope the 3 and 4 starters are. They'll have to do better than their combined season averages (5.34 ERA, 1.57 WHIP, .276 OBA and 81:41 K:BB).
Funny that you hi-light the Webster pitching staff as a weakness. Show me a 3 & 4 starter combination in this regional that is significantly better that Webster. Then show me a team in this regional that has a lower team ERA than Webster. Don't give me the line about how terrible the SLIAC is either. Their team ERA is 3.78 and was 3.63 in the conference. Clearly they didn't just feast on the weak hitting of the SLIAC.
While maybe not the most "difficult," the central is the most balanced region (west is a close 2nd, and at a "more difficult" level). Anyone 1-6 can win it. I'll take Webster. Everyone knows the SLIAC is not the best conference, but Webster also did really well outside of the conference. More importantly, I think Webster has a little "no one believes in us" attitude, which is always dangerous.
I really am surprised they didn't move either Stevens Point or St Thomas down to this regional. I did guess that Rose Hulman would be placed here So I was half right.
I see a lot of posting about Webster, but I still am not sold on them at this point. Could easily loose to Ripon in the first game. Agree with Big Poppa on Rose Hulman. They could be a force. Have played and beat some pretty solid teams this year, but did slump toward the end of the regular season.
I am going to pick Illinois Wesleyan. Don't as me why. Just have a feeling.
Quote from: TurtleHead on May 18, 2010, 03:10:54 PM
I really am surprised they didn't move either Stevens Point or St Thomas down to this regional. I did guess that Rose Hulman would be placed here So I was half right.
I see a lot of posting about Webster, but I still am not sold on them at this point. Could easily loose to Ripon in the first game. Agree with Big Poppa on Rose Hulman. They could be a force. Have played and beat some pretty solid teams this year, but did slump toward the end of the regular season.
I am going to pick Illinois Wesleyan. Don't as me why. Just have a feeling.
I look at Webster kind of like Butler in the NCAA basketball tournament this year. They have been to the playoffs several times recently and even made some noise in 2008 (lost in extra innings in the regional final). This year they finally have a little buzz about them coming into the tournament. Not to mention that the latest ABCA poll today has Webster ranked #22 in the country, higher than any other team in this regional. North Central and Buena Vista are ranked #26 and #30, respectively. Rose-Hulman was also receiving votes.
Hey Pappa remember back when you and I were having a little head to head banter at the beginning of the season? I remember how crazy people thought I was for having Webster, Buena Vista and Ill Wesleyan, in my top 6. (ex. Captain Morgan) I also had Carthage in there as well. By my count 4 of my top 6 made the regional. Now I will admit my other 2 picks, Coe and Beloit, ( both picked by the coaches to win or be at the top of their conference) Choked Big Time. All though if you remember right I thought Beloit was way over rated, and I thought you were wrong in crowing Carthage the champs even with obvious holes to fill. I think I even said Ill Wesleyan could be the team to knock Carthage off. ( I know they were 3-3 on the year but they won the two that counted and are sitting in a good spot to take the central) BV was not even in your top 8 now they are the top seed and playing well. Webster was your 6. My whole beef with you was that there are good teams outside the CCIW that should be recognized.
Now I just love to see you giving some of your love to other schools outside the CCIW. BV is for real and Webster is a good team as well. Congrats to you Pappa! You have come a long way. I look forward to next years preview. ( if you want some info feel free to contact me )
O Ya.....our Arizona Freshman predictions: Blumenrich (Grinnell) hit .250 with 1 2B in only 9 starts... Stien (Coe) hit .330 with 10 2B, 3 3B, 11 HR, 16 SB, and 1st team All-IIAC OF.
How is there not more players from the Central Region on that D3 All-American team. Pappa I thought you had some pull around here?
Quote from: upandin on May 26, 2010, 10:12:51 AM
How is there not more players from the Central Region on that D3 All-American team. Pappa I thought you had some pull around here?
Ha! Here is my ballot:(The numbers around the nation were incredible this season. Every guy that got it truly deserved it.)
Player of the Year:
1st – Brian Youchak- 2B (Johns Hopkins)
2nd – Chris Frantini OF (SUNYIT)
3rd – Regan Dixon- C (Hardin-Simmons)
4th – Evan Jones 1B (Trinity-TX)
5th – Tony Jandron UTL (St. Norbert)
Pitcher of the Year:
1st – Brian Rauh (Chapman)
2nd – Riley Tischner (Whitewater)
3rd – Matt Schuld (St. Thomas)
4th – Alec Lewis (Coe)
5th – Jeff Adams (St. Scholastica)
1B
1. Evan Jones (Trinity TX)
2. Stefan Neece (Greenville)
3. Joey Aiello (Carthage)
2B
1. Brian Youchak (Johns Hopkins)
2. Matt Johnson (Wooster)
3. Matt Greene (Frostburg State)
SS
1. Greg Van Horn (Wooster)
2. Nick Robinson (North Central)
3. Kelson Brown (Linfield)
3B
1. Matt Brown (Hampton-Sydney)
2. Willie Brechun (Heidelberg)
3. Nick Beaman (Ripon)
C
1. Regan Dixon (Hardin-Simmons)
1. John Swarr (Johns Hopkins)
2. Michael Corrigan (North Central)
DH
1. Mike Marion (Virginia Wesleyan)
2. Donald Reese (Keystone)
3. Stuart Magee (Mississippi College)
OF
1. Chris Frantini OF (SUNYIT)
1. Ricardo Lizcano (Heidelberg)
1. Alex Cowart (Adrian)
2. Dave Kahn (Johns Hopkins)
2. Al Matthews (Williams)
2. Cody Young (Anderson)
3. Tim Sweeny (Curry)
3. Will Wright (Mary Washington)
3. Jason Simone (Cortland State)
UTIL
1. Tony Jandron (St. Norbert)
2. Brad Kubis (Bethany Lutheran)
3. James Kang (Pomona-Pitzer)
P
1. Brian Rauh (Chapman)
1. Riley Tischner (Whitewater)
1. Matt Schuld (St. Thomas)
1. Alec Lewis (Coe)
2. Jeff Adams (St. Scholastica)
2. Derek Johnson (Redlands)
2. Paul Uhl (Thomas More)
2. James Murrey (Macalester)
3. Sam Eagelson (Johns Hopkins)
3. Brad Orosey (TLU)
3. Andy Lowe (Heidelberg)
3. Chris DeGoti (Tufts)
Quote from: upandin on May 26, 2010, 10:12:51 AM
How is there not more players from the Central Region on that D3 All-American team. Pappa I thought you had some pull around here?
I agree. No one from the Iowa Conference. I might be bias, but how can Alec Lewis not make Honorable Mention at the least with an 11-0 record and the other stats he had, especially when you compare them to some of the guys that made it.
Quote from: Kohawk Krazy on May 26, 2010, 12:21:19 PM
Quote from: upandin on May 26, 2010, 10:12:51 AM
How is there not more players from the Central Region on that D3 All-American team. Pappa I thought you had some pull around here?
I agree. No one from the Iowa Conference. I might be bias, but how can Alec Lewis not make Honorable Mention at the least with an 11-0 record and the other stats he had, especially when you compare them to some of the guys that made it.
I voted Alec Lewis a first-teamer, but other voters did not agree. Statistically, the guys in the IIAC did not measure up well against the top players from the rest of the nation.
Pappa, this is why we need you and others involved in promoting the central region to support the whole central region not just the CCIW. Alec Lewis, or any other derserving players outside the CCIW deserve the same recognition. Based on what I see from Lewis's numbers, if he played for Carthage with the same stats, he would be an all american for sure! You cant say he wouldnt. Sothe Carthage .536 SOS and the Coe .501 SOS is the diference of a kid being and all american?
Quote from: upandin on May 26, 2010, 01:44:20 PM
Pappa, this is why we need you and others involved in promoting the central region to support the whole central region not just the CCIW. Alec Lewis, or any other derserving players outside the CCIW deserve the same recognition. Based on what I see from Lewis's numbers, if he played for Carthage with the same stats, he would be an all american for sure! You cant say he wouldnt. So the Carthage .536 SOS and the Coe .501 SOS is the diference of a kid being and all american?
Are you blaming me for Lewis NOT being an all-American? The fact that Central region guys did not get as much recognition has more to do with the fact that the region was unbelievably weak this year, not because I did not talk about players enough from the MWC, SLIAC and IIAC.
You are giving me WAY too much credit for the power you think I have. You saw that I voted for Lewis, right? What more ecould I do for him? Was I supposed to write a story on him each week? The fans of each program need to do that.
By the way... there were no CCIW guys on that list either. If I really had the power you think I do, I could have made that happen. The SLIAC and MWC each had one player make the list. The CCIW and IIAC had none. I voted for one SLIAC player, two MWC players, one IIAC Players and three CCIW players. This is not little league... not everyone gets a trophy. You need to trust that the voters are well-informed of ALL regions, and I think they truly are.
Tha ABCA team is announced tomorrow night. I would not be surprised to see Lewis on that, nor would I be surprised if he were left off completely.
I am not trying to blame you one bit. But you have to admit that you are the one representing the region with cover stories on D3 Baseball.com....I do think you have some influence, good and bad. I'm not judging your voting....although you can be a homer, it seems you voted fair. What I am trying to say is, if not you, other people need to do a better job of getting players and teams from this region recognition.
This is not about Lewis, that was just an example. And why was the Central "unbelievably weak"? Because the same old teams did not dominate. I think that shows the region is getting better. Hell the # 1 team in the country Johns Hopkins has 4 losses on the year. 1 of them was to Simpson. I know that doesn't make a break a statement but the Central Region had a lot of good teams this year.
I don't trust that the voters are well informed. Judging by some of the people who made the team, there was some obvious bias. I guess rightfully so. It would be hard to vote for a player you don't know, unless you know the school. Numbers are numbers but there is a school bias for sure.
Quote from: upandin on May 22, 2010, 08:51:19 PM
Hey Pappa remember back when you and I were having a little head to head banter at the beginning of the season? I remember how crazy people thought I was for having Webster, Buena Vista and Ill Wesleyan, in my top 6. (ex. Captain Morgan) I also had Carthage in there as well. By my count 4 of my top 6 made the regional. Now I will admit my other 2 picks, Coe and Beloit, ( both picked by the coaches to win or be at the top of their conference) Choked Big Time. All though if you remember right I thought Beloit was way over rated, and I thought you were wrong in crowing Carthage the champs even with obvious holes to fill. I think I even said Ill Wesleyan could be the team to knock Carthage off. ( I know they were 3-3 on the year but they won the two that counted and are sitting in a good spot to take the central) BV was not even in your top 8 now they are the top seed and playing well. Webster was your 6. My whole beef with you was that there are good teams outside the CCIW that should be recognized.
I guess you are the best. I'll try to cover another region next year as you clearly have a handle on the Central and will do a great job informing voters of the best players.
By the way... how many Central Region teams from outside the CCIW are playing this weekend?
Quote from: BigPoppa on May 26, 2010, 03:37:28 PM
Quote from: upandin on May 22, 2010, 08:51:19 PM
Hey Pappa remember back when you and I were having a little head to head banter at the beginning of the season? I remember how crazy people thought I was for having Webster, Buena Vista and Ill Wesleyan, in my top 6. (ex. Captain Morgan) I also had Carthage in there as well. By my count 4 of my top 6 made the regional. Now I will admit my other 2 picks, Coe and Beloit, ( both picked by the coaches to win or be at the top of their conference) Choked Big Time. All though if you remember right I thought Beloit was way over rated, and I thought you were wrong in crowing Carthage the champs even with obvious holes to fill. I think I even said Ill Wesleyan could be the team to knock Carthage off. ( I know they were 3-3 on the year but they won the two that counted and are sitting in a good spot to take the central) BV was not even in your top 8 now they are the top seed and playing well. Webster was your 6. My whole beef with you was that there are good teams outside the CCIW that should be recognized.
I guess you are the best. I'll try to cover another region next year as you clearly have a handle on the Central and will do a great job informing voters of the best players.
By the way... how many Central Region teams from outside the CCIW are playing this weekend?
I am clearly bias, as evidence by my domain name, however, I am not sure how you make an agrument over the success of the CCIW and the lack of success from the other conferences in the region.
2010- IWU Central Region Champs
2009- Carthage Central Region Champs (Whitewater and Millsaps rounded out top 3 in the regional)
2008- Linfield Central Region Champs
2007- Carthage Central Region Champs (beat Augustana in Regional championship)
2006- Aurora Central Region Champs (beat Millsaps in Regional championship)
I was just wondering BigPoppa why Neece's stats on the All-American list are not up-to-date?
Quote from: #1PantherFan on May 26, 2010, 06:55:51 PM
I was just wondering BigPoppa why Neece's stats on the All-American list are not up-to-date?
I am pretty sure those stats were what was given to us by the schools/ NCAA statistics.
I think Lewis had an outside shot at an honorbale mention AA spot but to be put up there on the 1st team is a stretch in my opinion...too bad my opinion doesn't count. Sure, 11-0 looks great but the 3.42 ERA is much higher than most of the other AAs.
Looking at his stats versus his own teammate, Cody Raisch, is interesting. They have about the same ERA and Opponents AVG. In their starts, Coe scored an average of 8.9 runs/start for Lewis and only 4.2 runs/start for Raisch. Plus, if you look at the percentage of runs that were unearned for both players, it is obvious that the defense happened to play worse behind Raisch (although this may have something to do with pitcher; less strikeouts, slower play, etc.). This is just the game of baseball. If you swapped the games started for Lewis and Raisch, it'd be safe to say that Lewis would not be 11-0 and Raisch would not be 4-7. Looking at that, there is no way I would make Lewis an AA
Numbers are numbers. I am a IIAC follower/ supporter and I actually saw Coe play one weekend and in the tournament. In my opinion Raisch and Lewis are no comparison. Lewis is a much better pitcher, from what I saw Lewis had more Velo, a breaking ball, ( 91 K's ) and did a much better job of throwing strikes. I looked at those stats once I read this post and, I also saw that Raisch led that staff in BB and HBP. Maybe his control had a lot to do with the lack of defense and run support. I remember way back when I played baseball, if we had a bad pitcher on the mound it was hard to play behind. When I saw Lewis he looked tuff, I would have to put him in the conversation as one of the better pitchers I have personally ever seen in the IIAC, I would not be surprised to see him get drafted. Just my opinion that is not worth much.
I agree with you that Lewis is probably the better pitcher. I live in Cedar Rapids and have seen both of them pitch on multiple occassions. My main point was to show how decieving a win-loss record can be. I know numbers are just numebrs, but numbers get you AA status. Sure, there will always be that pitcher that doesn't have great stats but has great potential and gets drafted but that doesn't mean jsut because you get drafted, that you should be an AA.
Quote from: augie_superfan on May 28, 2010, 08:57:24 AM
I agree with you that Lewis is probably the better pitcher. I live in Cedar Rapids and have seen both of them pitch on multiple occassions. My main point was to show how decieving a win-loss record can be. I know numbers are just numebrs, but numbers get you AA status. Sure, there will always be that pitcher that doesn't have great stats but has great potential and gets drafted but that doesn't mean jsut because you get drafted, that you should be an AA.
Macalester's James Murrey is a great example of this. He was 9-4 on a terrible team and did nothing but shut down opponents all season and his own hitters could not score runs for him. He may have actually been better than d3 pitcher of the year, Matt Schuld.
I agree that a W-L record is not the best way to judge a pitcher. In the Lewis case, he was 11-0 on an average team that only won 25 games. Maybe I'm crazy but I thought Lewis's numbers were pretty good. It's not only about the 11 wins. I would guess his 91 k's are up there nationally. Plus he only had 17 BB and 20 extra base hits on the year. 8 complete games, 4 shutouts, and 9 of 12 appearances under 3 runs. Not a bad year. He may not be an AA but to say he is just a product of run production is crazy. If there are any players in the IIAC worthy of being an AA its Lewis and Pietrzyk.
We will just have to agree to disagree on Lewis...I know he is a good pitcher and definitely did not say he was only a product of run production. His ERA, K, BB, all that, have nothing to do with Coe's run production. His win-loss record does so that is all I was pointing out.
Moot point. Lewis was named 2nd team AA. Congrats to him! Would have like to see Pietrzyk on there as well, he was one of the top players not only the IIAC but the region. As a fan and follower of the IIAC it is nice to see players and teams get national recognition.
Quote from: upandin on May 28, 2010, 01:47:44 PM
Moot point. Lewis was named 2nd team AA. Congrats to him! Would have like to see Pietrzyk on there as well, he was one of the top players not only the IIAC but the region. As a fan and follower of the IIAC it is nice to see players and teams get national recognition.
Well deserved for Lewis. Pietrzyk had a solid season, but fell short when compared with the others at his position.
Quote from: BigPoppa on May 28, 2010, 09:02:43 AM
Quote from: augie_superfan on May 28, 2010, 08:57:24 AM
I agree with you that Lewis is probably the better pitcher. I live in Cedar Rapids and have seen both of them pitch on multiple occassions. My main point was to show how decieving a win-loss record can be. I know numbers are just numebrs, but numbers get you AA status. Sure, there will always be that pitcher that doesn't have great stats but has great potential and gets drafted but that doesn't mean jsut because you get drafted, that you should be an AA.
Macalester's James Murrey is a great example of this. He was 9-4 on a terrible team and did nothing but shut down opponents all season and his own hitters could not score runs for him. He may have actually been better than d3 pitcher of the year, Matt Schuld.
Murrey was head and shoulders above any other pitcher that Hopkins faced this year.
Quote from: TurtleHead on May 18, 2010, 03:10:54 PM
I really am surprised they didn't move either Stevens Point or St Thomas down to this regional. I did guess that Rose Hulman would be placed here So I was half right.
I see a lot of posting about Webster, but I still am not sold on them at this point. Could easily loose to Ripon in the first game. Agree with Big Poppa on Rose Hulman. They could be a force. Have played and beat some pretty solid teams this year, but did slump toward the end of the regular season.
I am going to pick Illinois Wesleyan. Don't as me why. Just have a feeling.
How much longer does that feeling hold out? :)
Quote from: Ralph Turner on May 31, 2010, 12:38:52 PM
Quote from: TurtleHead on May 18, 2010, 03:10:54 PM
I really am surprised they didn't move either Stevens Point or St Thomas down to this regional. I did guess that Rose Hulman would be placed here So I was half right.
I see a lot of posting about Webster, but I still am not sold on them at this point. Could easily loose to Ripon in the first game. Agree with Big Poppa on Rose Hulman. They could be a force. Have played and beat some pretty solid teams this year, but did slump toward the end of the regular season.
I am going to pick Illinois Wesleyan. Don't as me why. Just have a feeling.
How much longer does that feeling hold out? :)
Still Feeling Good. Mr. Ypsi is probably passed out somewhere though.
Congratulations to Ill Wesleyan. The central region should be proud. That was one hell of a run.
Quote from: TurtleHead on June 01, 2010, 07:38:38 AM
Quote from: Ralph Turner on May 31, 2010, 12:38:52 PM
Quote from: TurtleHead on May 18, 2010, 03:10:54 PM
I really am surprised they didn't move either Stevens Point or St Thomas down to this regional. I did guess that Rose Hulman would be placed here So I was half right.
I see a lot of posting about Webster, but I still am not sold on them at this point. Could easily loose to Ripon in the first game. Agree with Big Poppa on Rose Hulman. They could be a force. Have played and beat some pretty solid teams this year, but did slump toward the end of the regular season.
I am going to pick Illinois Wesleyan. Don't as me why. Just have a feeling.
How much longer does that feeling hold out? :)
Still Feeling Good. Mr. Ypsi is probably passed out somewhere though.
After we won the title (BIG TIME!), Mr. Ypsi is working on it! ;D
For anyone who hadn't heard, the Titans also won the walnut-and-bronze in women's track on Saturday. Two national titles in three days - it is a GREAT time to be a Titan! :D
IWU just dominated.. they have been playing great ball and deserve that walnut and bronze! Anyone know how many times the CCIW has taken home a nation championship in baseball? Just curious
Quote from: theoneandonly on June 02, 2010, 12:30:25 PM
IWU just dominated.. they have been playing great ball and deserve that walnut and bronze! Anyone know how many times the CCIW has taken home a nation championship in baseball? Just curious
IWU was the first CCIW team to win it in baseball.
Past Champions in D3:
1976 Cal St. Stanislaus (33-20-2) 13-6 Ithaca
1977 Cal St. Stanislaus (33-18-1) 8-5 Brandeis
1978 Rowan (29-11) 5-3 M arietta
1979 Rowan (29-5) 3-0 Cal St. Stanislaus
1980 Ithaca (33-4) 12-5 M arietta
1981 M arietta (59-5) 14-12** Ithaca
1982 E astern Conn. St. (38-6-1) 11-6 Cal St. Stanislaus
1983 M arietta (49-9) 36-8 O tterbein
1984 Ramapo (35-11) 5-4 M arietta
1985 Wis.-Oshkosh (37-3) 11-6 M arietta
1986 M arietta (48-13-2) 11-6 Ithaca
1987 M ontclair St.(34-14-1) 13-12* Wis.-Oshkosh
1988 Ithaca (36-4-1) 7-5 Wis.-Oshkosh
1989 N .C. Wesleyan (33-11-1) 8-7*** Cal St. Stanislaus
1990 E astern Conn. St. (40-6) 8-1 A urora
1991 S outhern Me. (38-6) 9-0 TCNJ
1992 Wm. Paterson (36-7) 3-1 Cal Lutheran
1993 M ontclair St. (37-11) 3-1 Wis.-Oshkosh
1994 Wis.-Oshkosh (41-4) 6-2 Wesleyan (CT)
1995 L a Verne (39-9) 5-3 M ethodist
1996 Wm. Paterson (39-5-1) 6-5 Cal Lutheran
1997 S outhern Me. (39-9) 15-1 Wooster
1998 E astern Conn. St. (40-11) 16-1 M ontclair St.
1999 N .C. Wesleyan (42-9) 1-0 S t. Thomas (MN)
2000 M ontclair St. (42-6-1) 6-2 S t. Thomas (MN)
2001 S t. Thomas (MN) (39-10) 8-4 M arietta A ppleton, Wis.
2002 E astern Conn. St. (39-11-1) 8-0 M arietta
2003 Chapman (39-12) 15-7 Chris. Newport
2004 George Fox (40-10) 6-3 E astern Conn. St.
2005 Wis.-Whitewater (45-7) 11-4 S UNY Cortland 1,929 13,590
2006 M arietta (43-11) 7-2 Wheaton (MA ) 16,220
2007 Kean (43-8) 5-4* E mory
2008 Trinity (CT) (45-1) 5-4 Johns Hopkins
2009 S t. Thomas (MN) 3-2** Wooster
...and the first central region team to win it as well!
Based on the Collegiate Baseball Rankings, the Preseason Central Region Rankings would be
1. Illinois Wesleyan
2. Buena Vista
3. Webster
4. North Central
5. Ripon
6. North Park
Not really sure if I would agree with this
Quote from: JohnnyU on January 02, 2011, 05:20:09 PM
Based on the Collegiate Baseball Rankings, the Preseason Central Region Rankings would be
1. Illinois Wesleyan
2. Buena Vista
3. Webster
4. North Central
5. Ripon
6. North Park
Not really sure if I would agree with this
I am not 100% in agreement either. I am still working on my preseason regional ranking.
Quote from: BigPoppa on January 02, 2011, 08:54:46 PM
Quote from: JohnnyU on January 02, 2011, 05:20:09 PM
Based on the Collegiate Baseball Rankings, the Preseason Central Region Rankings would be
1. Illinois Wesleyan
2. Buena Vista
3. Webster
4. North Central
5. Ripon
6. North Park
Not really sure if I would agree with this
I am not 100% in agreement either. I am still working on my preseason regional ranking.
WhY is Carthage not in the top 6 in the region. They finished 3rd in CCIW(ahead of National Champ IWU) and 2nd in the CCIW tournament with 29 wins for 2010 went 3-3 with IWU BUTit looks like they lost 11 Seniors..Not sure how many were starters ?
Carthage, like many other programs, is expected "to have a down year" after every season. They do a great job developing their younger talent and make them game-ready by the time their turn rolls around.
People say the same thing about Chapman, Kean, (insert other traditional power here), and some programs just re-load every year. Too much is placed on what is lost, rather than what is returning.
Since Kean, Chapman and Carthage were not in Appleton in 2010, so as you know these programs consider it a down year, since anything less than a trip to Appleton to have a chance to play for the National Championship is not considered a good season.
Chapman lost both it's starting 3b and SS during the season and had to shift a 4 year starter from RF/CF to 3b. Not an excuse but a fact that did impact its season along with running up against a very talented and well coached team with Linfield. There are indeed a new powerhouse in the west with getting to Appleton 2 of last 4 years and Chapman 5 of the last 6. Linfield beat Chapman 3 out of 5 games last year and will play Chapman 4 times in 2011 at their place. Should be a great series since Linfield eliminated them from the regionals last year in game played in heavy rain with being very cold and very windy but both teams had to play in that weather.
The issue I am seeing in the CCIW this year is tons of parity. I think the teams in the middle have significantly improved and pushed the top teams even harder. I see more than normal CCIW losses for the top 2-3 teams this year. It could really hurt them on the Pool C bid front.
My predictions for conference tournament seedings:
CCIW:
1. IWU
2. North Park
3. Carthage
4. North Central
IIAC:
1. Buena Vista
2. Wartburg
3. Central
4. Coe
5. Luther
6. Simpson
MWC:
1N. Ripon
1S. Grinnell
2N. St. Norbert
2S. Illinois College
SLIAC:
1. Webster
2. Spalding
3. Greenville
4. Blackburn
OK... after a ton of research, number-crunching, phone calls, emails and gut feelings, here is where I see the teams in the Central region right now:
1. Illinois Wesleyan- CCIW
2. Buena Vista- IIAC
3. North Park- CCIW
4. Webster- SLIAC
5. Ripon- MWC
6. Carthage- CCIW
7. Central- IIAC
8. North Central- CCIW
9. Wartburg- IIAC
10. St. Norbert- MWC/ WashU-UAA
As much as I hope the Titans can finish as the #1 seed in the central, I simply do not see how this team will score runs. Losing Ladd, McIntosh, Moore, and Morrissey seems to me to be simply too much to replace. A couple of great arms will man the rotation, but I also see a very large drop off from the top 2 or 3 arms to the other guys which may be a problem in non-conference play.
Augustana is on the board with a 7-3 win over Brandeis on Thursday.
Here is the link to the story from Augie's website. http://www.augustana.edu/x33331.xml (http://www.augustana.edu/x33331.xml)
Quote from: CCIWFAN6 on February 17, 2011, 08:02:09 PM
As much as I hope the Titans can finish as the #1 seed in the central, I simply do not see how this team will score runs. Losing Ladd, McIntosh, Moore, and Morrissey seems to me to be simply too much to replace. A couple of great arms will man the rotation, but I also see a very large drop off from the top 2 or 3 arms to the other guys which may be a problem in non-conference play.
CCIWFAN6,
On first glance I agree:
McIntosh .363 13 hr 61 RBI
Moore .303 3 21
Morrissey .310 2 17
However, only McIntosh will be the hard one to replace. IW has some great ball players in the wings.
Sullivan, Kopp, and transfer Nathan all played together since they were 9 years old, all in winning programs. In 2008 they were Regional champs at Highland Park HS.
All 3 are 2 way players and can easily give innings on the mound, be defensive replacements and provide Bats.
Sullivan had a bit of a down year (for him) at .290 but came up big time during the tournament and the championship game. He had a couple of HR, etc.
Kopp, as a freshman, did not get much playing time. However, as a freshman he played football as well as baseball. He is now concentrating on baseball.
Nathan hit .313 ( consider that a down year!) with 2 HR and 14 RBI's on a very poor Lawrence University team. Given the chance, he will be able to showcase his talents and speed at a variety of positions. He is a solid catcher, can handle SS, or the outfield. On the mound he can hit around 89 and has good control.
Personally, I wish they were all 3 were teamed up with my son at the University of Rochester, as he too, was a teammate of these guys.
Another item worth mentioning regarding IWU's Kopp and Nathan - ESPN Rise magazine, in a March 31, 2009 article named these 2 and my son as players from Illinois to watch. Well. we'll be watching!
Quote from: BigPoppa on January 27, 2011, 08:49:31 PM
My predictions for conference tournament seedings:
CCIW:
1. IWU
2. North Park
3. Carthage
4. North Central
IIAC:
1. Buena Vista
2. Wartburg
3. Central
4. Coe
5. Luther
6. Simpson
MWC:
1N. Ripon
1S. Grinnell
2N. St. Norbert
2S. Illinois College
SLIAC:
1. Webster
2. Spalding
3. Greenville
4. Blackburn
Big Poppa, I may be wrong but isint spaulding on their probationary period still for the conference tourney? I believe this is only their second year in and i thought you couldnt enter conference tourneys until your 3rd or 4th year? I may be wrong, I was just wondering.
I think you are right. I just found that out yesterday... still, they can play spoiler for a few other SLIAC teams as I think they might be a contender.
Quote from: BigPoppa on March 01, 2011, 03:37:34 PM
I think you are right. I just found that out yesterday... still, they can play spoiler for a few other SLIAC teams as I think they might be a contender.
Let me be honest, they have settled in nicely in the SLIAC. I didnt know how they would fair, but they have been towards the top of the conference in almost every sport. They finished 4th in conference (baseball) last season.
Quote from: BBFan62 on February 25, 2011, 11:48:01 AM
Quote from: CCIWFAN6 on February 17, 2011, 08:02:09 PM
As much as I hope the Titans can finish as the #1 seed in the central, I simply do not see how this team will score runs. Losing Ladd, McIntosh, Moore, and Morrissey seems to me to be simply too much to replace. A couple of great arms will man the rotation, but I also see a very large drop off from the top 2 or 3 arms to the other guys which may be a problem in non-conference play.
CCIWFAN6,
On first glance I agree:
McIntosh .363 13 hr 61 RBI
Moore .303 3 21
Morrissey .310 2 17
However, only McIntosh will be the hard one to replace. IW has some great ball players in the wings.
Sullivan, Kopp, and transfer Nathan all played together since they were 9 years old, all in winning programs. In 2008 they were Regional champs at Highland Park HS.
All 3 are 2 way players and can easily give innings on the mound, be defensive replacements and provide Bats.
Sullivan had a bit of a down year (for him) at .290 but came up big time during the tournament and the championship game. He had a couple of HR, etc.
Kopp, as a freshman, did not get much playing time. However, as a freshman he played football as well as baseball. He is now concentrating on baseball.
Nathan hit .313 ( consider that a down year!) with 2 HR and 14 RBI's on a very poor Lawrence University team. Given the chance, he will be able to showcase his talents and speed at a variety of positions. He is a solid catcher, can handle SS, or the outfield. On the mound he can hit around 89 and has good control.
Personally, I wish they were all 3 were teamed up with my son at the University of Rochester, as he too, was a teammate of these guys.
BBFan, I am not trying to saying anything negative about the players you mentioned. With that being said, if I were the coach of the Titans I would feel much more confident going into a season with 4 players who have been All-Region performers at one time or another in their career.
And while some of those players overall statistics were down from years past (with the exception of mcintosh), some of that was due to battling injuries for much of the year. It is important to remember that the Titans struggled as these players struggled and caught fire when these guys caught fire.
I find it hard to agree with a comment that Kopp had a down year. In his first year really playing at the collegiate level, .290 is nothing to scoff at. Many times there is an adjustment period, and 5 at bats the previous year would not overcome that adjustment period. It would not be fair to expect much more out of a kid in his first year than that.
Something to pass the time until the first pitches later today/this weekend:
Winning percentages by conference so far-
IIAC: 19-7 (.730)
CCIW: 13-5 (.722)
MWC: 9-7 (.563)
SLIAC: 14-18 (.438)
My two cents... while it is hard to gauge teams/conferences with so few games played, I think the SLIAC is a bit under rated as some of the powerful MIAC and WIAC teams have rolled through the region due to the Metro Dome collapse. I am surprised that the IIAC is that high as well. The CCIW is right about where I thought they would be and the MWC has its power concentrated in the North Division which has really yet to get going.
In the next ten days, more will shake out and start shaping up the power of the conferences.
Quote from: BigPoppa on February 17, 2011, 10:17:04 AM
OK... after a ton of research, number-crunching, phone calls, emails and gut feelings, here is where I see the teams in the Central region right now:
1. Illinois Wesleyan- CCIW
2. Buena Vista- IIAC
3. North Park- CCIW
4. Webster- SLIAC
5. Ripon- MWC
6. Carthage- CCIW
7. Central- IIAC
8. North Central- CCIW
9. Wartburg- IIAC
10. St. Norbert- MWC/ WashU-UAA
My regional rankings (my national ranking in parenthesis)
1. (14) IWU: 3-0 Until someone knocks them off, they will continue to be my #1 (and you have no idea how painful that is for me to say).
2. (19) Webster: 6-1 This team should blow through the SLIAC with only minor damage, but if they keep winning non-conf games they will climb the national rankings as well.
3. (20) Buena Vista: 5-1 Their only stumble is a loss to an up-and-coming Grinnell squad that may surprise a few people this year.
4. (23) North Park: 3-2 Gave highly touted Birmingham-Southern a run for their money down south. NPU will be there at the end... it's just a matter of how they can hang in the tough CCIW.
5. Augustana: 6-1 The Vikes scare me here as they started hot last year (12-0) and then imploded once they returned home.
6. Central: 6-2 I think this could be the darkhorse team in the region. All 8 games to this point are in-region games and they are 2-0 vs Rockford (who is expected to contend in the NAC).
7. Carthage: 3-3 Solid pitching staff to start the southern trip which bodes well for the return home. Three losses are all to teams in the top ten (two one run losses to #8 Marietta and blew a 9th inning lead to #1 Heidelberg). Carthage will be a player in the region by the time May rolls around.
8. Monmouth: 6-1 Their start may be deceptive as they have not beaten a quality opponent yet and they were boat raced by a slightly above average Wheaton team in their only loss.
9. Spalding: 5-2 Off to a solid start and should collect a bag full of Ws in the SLIAC. Have not face a "quality" opponent yet, but they are still winning games nonetheless. Not eligible for post-season play but can really damage the hopes of those who are.
10. (tie)Wheaton: 6-4 A similar schedule to other and a solid win over Monmouth. Four what I would call bad losses to teams they need to beat of they want to be a contender.
North Central: 2-0 An impressive drubbing of WIAC member UW-Platteville last weekend should help them prepare for a big three-game series this weekend at Rose-Hulman.
Quote from: BigPoppa on March 10, 2011, 01:39:58 PM
Something to pass the time until the first pitches later today/this weekend:
Winning percentages by conference so far-
IIAC: 19-7 (.730)
CCIW: 13-5 (.722)
MWC: 9-7 (.563)
SLIAC: 14-18 (.438)
My two cents... while it is hard to gauge teams/conferences with so few games played, I think the SLIAC is a bit under rated as some of the powerful MIAC and WIAC teams have rolled through the region due to the Metro Dome collapse. I am surprised that the IIAC is that high as well. The CCIW is right about where I thought they would be and the MWC has its power concentrated in the North Division which has really yet to get going.
In the next ten days, more will shake out and start shaping up the power of the conferences.
Updated:
CCIW: 28-12 .700
IIAC: 34-18 .653
MWC: 18-13 .580
SLIAC: 23-31 .425
By the end of this week we should have a much better feel as more teams will have a handful of games on the books.
Sometimes I feel as if I am having a conversation with myself.
Poppa your not alone anymore. Being baseball is back in full swing I think its time for me to get back to posting. I'm really interested to see how this central region shapes up over the next few weeks with everyone having a significant amount of games. I'm still thinking the CCIW will be the strongest conference for another year but we will see thats why they play the games
BP, fear not, you have readers, and occasionally contributors. Since IWU is just getting underway, and since there is a near zero chance I will ever see them in person, I've just had nothing to say (which, of course, does not always stop me from saying things! ;))
And don't worry - used to be that people got nervous if a guy was talking to himself. Now they just assume he's on his cell phone! ;D
Updated conference winning percentages (as of 3/22):
IIAC: .626 (52-31)
CCIW: .616 (45-28)
MWC: .435 (34-44)
*North- .275 (11-29)
*South- .657 (23-15)
SLIAC: .373 (34-57)
Quote from: BigToughGuy on March 22, 2011, 02:15:32 PM
theoneandonly (remainder of post deleted)
Uncalled for! And make sure that your password and computer are not being used by someone else, if this was not your post!
Read the Terms of Service!
Ralph, was my post deleted? I didnt post anything inappropriate to my knowledge. Can you inbox me what was deleted or was it bigtoughguy's post?
Conference Winning Percentages as of 3/24:
CCIW (.659) 54-28
IIAC (.643) 63-35
MWC (.417) 35-49
SLIAC (.384) 38-61
Top Ten(11) Team Winning Percentages (Minimum of 8 games).
Augustana (.909) 10-1 CCIW
Dubuque (.909) 10-1 IIAC
Elmhurst (.875) 7-1 CCIW
Illinois College (.785) 11-3 MWC
Coe (.778) 7-2 IIAC
Central (.750) 9-3 IIAC
North Park (.750) 9-3 CCIW
Carthage (.727) 8-3 CCIW
Luther (.727) 8-3 IIAC
Monmouth (.700) 7-3 MWC
Webster (.700) 7-3 SLIAC
Central Region Rankings Based on NCBWA Top 25
1. Augustana
2. Carthage
3. IWU
4. North Park
5. Coe
6. Buena Vista
I actually think thats pretty good, except for maybe moving Augustana down a few. They started out hot last year and faded but that doesnt mean it will happen again.
I am intrigued my the Millikin at Illinois College game tomorrow. Illinois is off to a nice start, but if they wish to be taken as a contender in the region, they MUST beat Big Blue tomorrow.
Big Poppa's Week #6 Top 25
Central region teams in BOLD
01 Christopher Newport
02 Shenandoah
03 Chapman
04 Texas-Tyler
05 Kean
06 Marietta
07 Heidelberg
08 UW-Whitewater
09 Pomona-Pitzer
10 St. Olaf
11 UW-Stevens Point
12 St. Scholastica
13 Illinois Wesleyan
14 Carthage
15 Linfield
16 UW-Oshkosh
17 Eastern Connecticut
18 Augustana
19 Trinity (Texas)
20 Wheaton (Mass.)
21 North Park
22 Concordia (Ill.)
23 Hardin-Simmons
24 Redlands
25 Coe
BP, curious to know where you had IWU last week as they were #24 in the poll. I know they went 5-0, but 5-0 against mediocre at best teams.
I guess 5-0 is 5-0.
Quote from: CCIWFAN6 on April 04, 2011, 02:46:40 PM
BP, curious to know where you had IWU last week as they were #24 in the poll. I know they went 5-0, but 5-0 against mediocre at best teams.
I guess 5-0 is 5-0.
I had IWU at #15 last week. 5-0 is nice but they would have moved a bit more had the competition been stiffer. I had Carthage at #23 last week.
Big Poppa's Central Region Rankings:(now that everyone seems to have 15-20 game under their belt, we can start to get a feel for each club and their relative strength)
1. Carthage 12-3 (only losses are to teams in top 5 nationionally)
2. Augustana 14-2 (not a ton of competition yet, but they keep winning)
3. Illinois Wesleyan 12-5 (typical early season stumbles appear to be out of the way already)
4. Webster 12-4 (here they go again... is there a SLIAC team to slow them down?)
5. North Park 16-5 (the region's wild-card team... always a threat)
6. Simpson 14-5 (6-0 in the IIAC)
7. North Central 10-5 (impressive weekend vs North Park pushed them way up... still struggle to get past the Rose-Hulman disaster))
8. WashU 19-11 (one of the nation's toughest schedules... will be a Pool B contender)
9. Coe 13-5 (need to right the IIAC stumbles and get on a roll)
10. Spalding 14-7 (I really wish they could play in SLIAC post-season... would be a great battle with Webster)
11. Luther 14-6 (Not sure what to think of this team... up and down so far)
BP, I am sure you were expecting this. You have IWU @ 13, Carthage @ 14, and Augie @ 18 in the national poll, yet you have IWU 3rd behind these two teams. Can you assume you will have some big changes in the national rankings next week. What happened in your mind to make these changes?
Quote from: CCIWFAN6 on April 08, 2011, 11:12:16 AM
BP, I am sure you were expecting this. You have IWU @ 13, Carthage @ 14, and Augie @ 18 in the national poll, yet you have IWU 3rd behind these two teams. Can you assume you will have some big changes in the national rankings next week. What happened in your mind to make these changes?
Overall records vs in-region records. I am starting to look more at in-region stuff.
1. Carthage 14-4 CCIW (Defense could be their downfall as they commit too many errors to keep overcoming them)
2. North Park 19-5 CCIW (Still not completely sold on this team yet, but they continue to win games)
3. Augustana 16-4 CCIW (read same as North Park's comments)
4. Ill Wesleyan 13-6 CCIW (2 CCIW losses and have yet to play Carthage, NPU, North Central or Augustana... tough spot for IWU to contend from)
5. Webster 15-4 SLIAC (Only obstacle in their way looks to be Spalding who cannot play in the post-season... advantage, Webster!)
6. Simpson 15-7 IIAC (Someone needs to step up and take this conference soon... it is getting dull to watch)
7. North Central 11-7 CCIW (will hit the soft part of their CCIW schedule soon and their record will jump)
8. Coe 16-7 IIAC (Same as Simpson)
9. Spalding 16-7 SLIAC (I really wish they could face the Gorloks with is all on the line in the SLIAC tourney)
10. Buena Vista 14-8 IIAC (Same as Simpson)
11. WashU 21-13 IND Will the be saved by their SoS? Losing in-region games to Luther and Coe will not help them)
12. Luther 15-8 IIAC (Same as Simpson)
Notably absent is any MWC team. What a mess of a conference right now. Not even sure where to start.
I do not disagree with your rankings. Illinois Wesleyan has played Augustana twice this year though, with a split in Rock Island.
I fear that the loss to Wheaton could have a large impact later in the year.
It's hard to disagree with the rankings. It appears that the IIAC is better than ever. There is a very nice top tier of teams in this league, with the second tier being capable as well (and one really bad team).
IIAC is 70-41 in non-conference play = .631
CCIW is 65-37 in non-conference play = .637
SLIAC is 39-70 in non-conference play = .358
MWC is 51-76 in non-conference play = .402
It appears to be a two-conference region. I agree that it would be nice if one of the IIAC teams pulled away and proved to be more elite than the other teams, but be careful not to connect a league that has a lot of parity with a league that doesn't have good/great teams.
Quote from: TheSportsFan on April 11, 2011, 02:29:33 PM
It's hard to disagree with the rankings. It appears that the IIAC is better than ever. There is a very nice top tier of teams in this league, with the second tier being capable as well (and one really bad team).
IIAC is 70-41 in non-conference play = .631
CCIW is 65-37 in non-conference play = .637
SLIAC is 39-70 in non-conference play = .358
MWC is 51-76 in non-conference play = .402
It appears to be a two-conference region. I agree that it would be nice if one of the IIAC teams pulled away and proved to be more elite than the other teams, but be careful not to connect a league that has a lot of parity with a league that doesn't have good/great teams.
+K :)
Quote from: BigPoppa on April 11, 2011, 01:38:24 PM
1. Carthage 14-4 CCIW (Defense could be their downfall as they commit too many errors to keep overcoming them)
2. North Park 19-5 CCIW (Still not completely sold on this team yet, but they continue to win games)
3. Augustana 16-4 CCIW (read same as North Park's comments)
4. Ill Wesleyan 13-6 CCIW (2 CCIW losses and have yet to play Carthage, NPU, North Central or Augustana... tough spot for IWU to contend from)
5. Webster 15-4 SLIAC (Only obstacle in their way looks to be Spalding who cannot play in the post-season... advantage, Webster!)
6. Simpson 15-7 IIAC (Someone needs to step up and take this conference soon... it is getting dull to watch)
7. North Central 11-7 CCIW (will hit the soft part of their CCIW schedule soon and their record will jump)
8. Coe 16-7 IIAC (Same as Simpson)
9. Spalding 16-7 SLIAC (I really wish they could face the Gorloks with is all on the line in the SLIAC tourney)
10. Buena Vista 14-8 IIAC (Same as Simpson)
11. WashU 21-13 IND Will the be saved by their SoS? Losing in-region games to Luther and Coe will not help them)
12. Luther 15-8 IIAC (Same as Simpson)
Notably absent is any MWC team. What a mess of a conference right now. Not even sure where to start.
WashU did not play Luther - they split with Central as well as Coe.
I'm confused as to what you're basing these rankings on...you've ranked North Central 7th because of presumed wins they will get in the future - their winning percentage does not justify their ranking. You have Coe below Simpson, despite Coe having relatively deep pitching and one of the best offenses in the country. Having watched (read: pitched against) IWU and Coe, IWU has several good pitchers (one stud), but Coe is MUCH stronger both defensively and at the plate.
Spalding has beaten absolutely no one, yet they're in these rankings. Why? If Spalding is there, where's Dubuque?
Basically, I'm saying that these rankings are too CCIW heavy, there isn't enough respect given to the IIAC, and strength of schedule is almost completely disregarded. I'm not trying to be a jerk, but these rankings leave a lot to be desired.
I completely understand if you dock me karma points :-) - I do have a deep appreciation for what you guys do for D3 baseball
Being the Wash U guy that you are, I can understand that you feel SoS is undervalued. However, do you really think Wash U, with 11 losses, would be here if SoS was not accounted for?
Quote from: BigPoppa on April 11, 2011, 08:36:39 PM
Being the Wash U guy that you are, I can understand that you feel SoS is undervalued. However, do you really think Wash U, with 11 losses, would be here if SoS was not accounted for?
I'm certainly aware that you account for SoS - that's why you have Webster 5th, which is probably about where they belong. And it's also tough to gauge exactly how strong a schedule is without calculating the formula, something that most, myself included, don't have the time or patience to do. That being said, a very good indication of the strength of a team is beating quality opponents, which is more easily quantifiable. WashU has beaten IWU, CSS, Coe, Central, Case Western, Brandeis, Illinois College, who are all well over .500.
WashU has to play well down the stretch to earn a regional bid, but ranking them 11th in the region is ridiculous. I have more issues with your rankings from 6-12 than I do with the top. I just don't understand how 11-7 North Central can belong at 7 and 15-8 Luther can belong at 12, unless SoS is a huge factor....and if it's a huge factor, then WashU's brutal schedule should put them somewhere around 6 or 7 in the region.
Maybe I am too much of a CCIW homer, but who else has made an impact on the national level in the last twenty years outside of the CCIW teams? Wartburg possibly, but that is about it.
If you have followed the Pool B boards at all, I have been one of the biggest backers of WashU and their SoS. My point is that if WashU wants to be higher in the poll, then they need to stop splitting games with IIAC teams they feel they should be ahead of. Looking at not just who WashU beat, but who they lost to, I see four terrible losses that could haunt them at selection time... Westminster, Dominican, Emory and Illinois College (you can't lose those games and then claim your ranking/lack of selection is unfair).
Out of curiosity, what would your top ten regional teams look like?
Quote from: BigPoppa on April 12, 2011, 07:58:41 AM
Maybe I am too much of a CCIW homer, but who else has made an impact on the national level in the last twenty years outside of the CCIW teams? Wartburg possibly, but that is about it.
If you have followed the Pool B boards at all, I have been one of the biggest backers of WashU and their SoS. My point is that if WashU wants to be higher in the poll, then they need to stop splitting games with IIAC teams they feel they should be ahead of. Looking at not just who WashU beat, but who they lost to, I see four terrible losses that could haunt them at selection time... Westminster, Dominican, Emory and Illinois College (you can't lose those games and then claim your ranking/lack of selection is unfair).
Out of curiosity, what would your top ten regional teams look like?
Definitely a valid point about the losses - that being said, it's baseball, and almost every team has a few bad losses on their resume. Westminster and Dominican do hurt, but is it enough to cancel out the phenomenal wins that few in the central region have?
My top ten:
1. Carthage
2. Augustana
3. North Park
4. IWU
5. Webster
6. WashU
7. Coe
8. Simpson
9. Buena Vista
10. Spalding/Luther
The IIAC teams are somewhat interchangeable to me, but we essentially agree on the top 5. WashU has three games against Webster this week, that should make things a little clearer.
I agree with your assessment on the region. It is always hard to get a read on WashU as they are essentially an independent (UAA is not much help in the factoring). So much has yet to shake out that will be clear in two weeks with conference games. IWU is a tough spot as they need to get hot as they may take a few more CCIW dings from Carthage(3), Augie(1), NPU (3) and NCC(3)... that is ten more games against what most think are the region's top teams.
A lot of this could be sorted out this weeknd as Cathage and Augustana have a three game set as well as IWU and North Park. The CCIW's/Central Region's top four are going toe-to-toe.
WashU has to be careful to not get tripped up by a surprising Principia team.
The IIAC could get even tighter this weekend as many top teams face off.
I would like to take a crack at this one. Let me say that judging by the upcoming conference matchups I think a lot of questions can be answered in the next couple weeks. In the CCIW the top teams need to play each other. As of now they have all just beat on Millikin, Elmhurst, and Wheaton. Can't wait to see how some of these matchups go. The CCIW has 5 teams that could be in the mix come May. In the IIAC I think they also have 5 teams that can be in the mix. Again the problem is the top 3 teams have not played each other yet. In the SLIAC, it still goes through Webster, unfortunately for them they have to win them all to get any respect. Wash U is having a good year. Being an independent is tuff, but I like that they are going out and playing regional teams. The MWC is a mess I don't know that there is a regional caliber team in there, but if I had to choose one now it would have to be Beloit. I guess? Here is my top 10 as of today.
1. Carthage Clear cut right now
2. Augustana Wheaton is the only sub-par loss
3. Webster Some good In-region wins, Bad loss to Greenville
4. Buena Vista This week will be telling, but I still think they are the best in the IIAC
5. Ill Wesleyan I think they can be the next best CCIW team. Good Split with Augy
6. Wash U Have played the most big games, Have won the most big games
7. Simpson Was a surprise early, but should have been swept at Wartburg.
8. Coe Have had some sub-par losses, Match-up with BV this weekend will be telling
9. North Park I think they will end up further up this list but they have to prove they are top 3 CCIW
10. North Central Probably where they belong, taking 2 of 3 from NP helped to bring NP down the list.
Should be fun to see things play out in the next couple weeks.
1. Carthage
2. Augustana
3. Illinois Wesleyan
4. Coe
5. Webster
6. Buena Vista
7. North Park
8. North Central
9. Simpson
10. Wash U
Next Tier To Watch: Dubuque (14-7), Luther (15-8), Spalding (16-7)
Biggest Disappointment: Central
Quote from: TheSportsFan on April 12, 2011, 11:26:01 AM
Biggest Disappointment: Central
Could not agree more! I had big plans for them this year as a breakthrough team, but they have left me hanging to this point.
Quote from: wustlfan37 on April 12, 2011, 02:11:34 AM
Quote from: BigPoppa on April 11, 2011, 08:36:39 PM
Being the Wash U guy that you are, I can understand that you feel SoS is undervalued. However, do you really think Wash U, with 11 losses, would be here if SoS was not accounted for?
I'm certainly aware that you account for SoS - that's why you have Webster 5th, which is probably about where they belong. And it's also tough to gauge exactly how strong a schedule is without calculating the formula, something that most, myself included, don't have the time or patience to do. That being said, a very good indication of the strength of a team is beating quality opponents, which is more easily quantifiable. WashU has beaten IWU, CSS, Coe, Central, Case Western, Brandeis, Illinois College, who are all well over .500.
The Bears have also lost to Westminster (9-12) and Dominican (6-16).
I just want to throw this out there, Webster plays AT WashU tomorrow. Should be a great regional matchup and possibly mix up a few of your rankings, but only a little bit ;D
Quote from: BigPoppa on April 12, 2011, 12:09:59 PM
Quote from: TheSportsFan on April 12, 2011, 11:26:01 AM
Biggest Disappointment: Central
Could not agree more! I had big plans for them this year as a breakthrough team, but they have left me hanging to this point.
And neither St. Norbert or Ripon are on the most disappointing list?
Quote from: upandin on April 12, 2011, 11:02:02 AM
9. North Park I think they will end up further up this list but they have to prove they are top 3 CCIW
I'm fine with this assessment. NPU is 7-4 against teams with winning records thus far this season, but I think that the Vikings are going to be overlooked until the program becomes a consistent winner from year to year the way that Augie, Carthage, and IWU have been. Reputation is what counts in the eyes of observers that haven't actually seen a specific team firsthand.
NPU has had some injury setbacks, but Luke Johnson has the Vikings playing very solid ball right now. There's a lot of heavily-experienced seniors on this year's team, so it's poised to do well. This weekend's series against Illinois Wesleyan at North Park's Holmgren Athletic Complex should be a good one. I'm really looking forward to it.
Quote from: theoneandonly on April 13, 2011, 02:53:46 PM
I just want to throw this out there, Webster plays AT WashU tomorrow. Should be a great regional matchup and possibly mix up a few of your rankings, but only a little bit ;D
WashU beat Webster 5-4 today in a key regional matchup. In a very well pitched baseball game on both sides. WashU's Stephen Bonser earned the complete game victory with 9 Ks. The two teams have a doubleheader Monday, also at Kelly Field in St. Louis.
Quote from: wustlfan37 on April 14, 2011, 08:49:42 PM
Quote from: theoneandonly on April 13, 2011, 02:53:46 PM
I just want to throw this out there, Webster plays AT WashU tomorrow. Should be a great regional matchup and possibly mix up a few of your rankings, but only a little bit ;D
WashU beat Webster 5-4 today in a key regional matchup. In a very well pitched baseball game on both sides. WashU's Stephen Bonser earned the complete game victory with 9 Ks. The two teams have a doubleheader Monday, also at Kelly Field in St. Louis.
Webster seems to have a great pitching staff this year, but the bats arent what they used to be... in my opinion of course... it sounds like it was a good game to be at either way..
My updated rankings after the weekend: (Overall/record against teams with winning record in parentheses)
1. Augustana.....................(19-5, 10-3)
2. Illinois Wesleyan............(16-8, 8-6)
3. Carthage.......................(16-6, 5-6)
4. Coe................................(19-8, 13-5)
5. North Park.....................(21-7, 5-6)
6. North Central.................(14-7, 3-7)
7. Webster.........................(19-6, 8-2)
8. Wash U..........................(23-13, 9-10)
9. Simpson.........................(19-8, 5-4)
10. Luther..........................(18-8, 3-7)
Just Missed: Beloit, Buena Vista, Spalding
Biggest Disappointment:
Buena Vista --- sitting at 15-11 and 6-6 in the IIAC, how can't they be? Let's not forget, this is a team predicted by some/many to contend or win the Central Region. Honestly, I still think they are one of the top-tier teams in the Central. This just speaks to the depth of the IIAC this year.
(Note: Central is not yet out of the doghouse in this category. Good chance to prove what they have with their next 4 games at Coe (3) and at Buena Vista (1).
All,
How do you rank Spalding in the Region? They are currently 19-7 and 11-0 in the sliac. They are almost unbeatable at home with a 10-1 record and have a pretty solid pitching staff. I think their only weakness is their team B.A. which his at .286 which isint terrible, espically since it seems like they are getting it done, but it still throws up a small red flag. They are also a speedy team that doesnt make a lot of errors. Anyways, interested in your guys' feedback.
I believe that Spalding is not a Central Region team. If they played anyone outside the SLIAC, like Augustana for example, it would not count as an in-region game.
Quote from: theoneandonly on April 18, 2011, 10:59:15 AM
All,
How do you rank Spalding in the Region? They are currently 19-7 and 11-0 in the sliac. They are almost unbeatable at home with a 10-1 record and have a pretty solid pitching staff. I think their only weakness is their team B.A. which his at .286 which isint terrible, espically since it seems like they are getting it done, but it still throws up a small red flag. They are also a speedy team that doesnt make a lot of errors. Anyways, interested in your guys' feedback.
I like Spalding and really wish they were post-seaosn eligible this year to challenge Webster. My pre-season preview listed Spalding as a team to upset the cart in the region (this was prior to me knowing they were not eligible.... I was off by one year). I'd certainly place them in the top ten region teams if it mattered this year.
Clearly, Spalding is a good team.
Besides being inelgible, they have yet to play any good/great teams to prove how good they are.
They have yet to play Webster, the one true test in the SLIAC. (Teams other than Webster/Spalding are a combined 62-120).
Don't get me wrong, Spalding appears to be a very good ball club. Just because they aren't considered a top 5 or top 10 team in the Central does not mean they are not good. Show me a signature win on the Spalding schedule?
Quote from: TheSportsFan on April 18, 2011, 11:32:14 AM
Don't get me wrong, Spalding appears to be a very good ball club. Just because they aren't considered a top 5 or top 10 team in the Central does not mean they are not good. Show me a signature win on the Spalding schedule?
I do not have a dog in this fight but to answer the question...
Brockport St, they lost to them 2-1 and beat them 7-3...they currently have a record of 18-8 and have received votes in the latest top 25 polls.
After being swept by Augustana on Sunday, Carthage is up 6-0 on Augie in the 4th inning on game #3 of the series.
WashU sweeps Webster today, 4-2 and 5-4, bringing their regional record to 25-12
Quote from: CCIWFan on April 18, 2011, 11:07:55 AM
I believe that Spalding is not a Central Region team. If they played anyone outside the SLIAC, like Augustana for example, it would not count as an in-region game.
The NCAA has been consistent in placing a team in the natural region of its conference, assuming the conference has a base of teams in one region, the outlier isn't something like 1,500 miles away, and the team didn't move from one D-III conference to another. When there's one (or two) outliers in the conference, those teams are often lumped with the others.
For example, York (Pa.) is in the South,
Elms/Hamilton (NY) are in New England, etc.
Another possible reason for Spalding being in the Central is the current allocation of teams. The South and Central both have 37 teams. The Central number includes NWU while the South doesn't include early provisionals Berry and Covenent.
We don't know for sure what the NCAA will do with Spalding, but my hunch is that precedence will place it in the Central Region. If that's true, Spalding will have an array of regional nonconference options. It already does have a lot of options just by being in the wide-ranging Admin Region 3.
Getting facts straight is worth a lot to me, Pat. Thanks for the correction. Speaking of, Elms's location on the site is now correct.
Looking forward to seeing your opinions on the rankings...things will be shook up this week.
Augustana takes on North Park
IWU has already lost this week and squares off with Carthage
Coe will have to take care of Central, could be a stumbling block
North Central needs to take care of a tough Wheaton team
Webster dropped two to Wash U this week already
Wash U beat Webster twice this week already
Conference leader Simpson will be challenged vs. BV
Luther should jump in the polls if they can sweep Dubuque
Beloit lost one to Ripon but could sweep Carroll easily and find themselves in the top 10
Spalding has the chance to be 25-7 by Sunday night
NPU/Augustan and Carthage/IWU series this weekend will help sort out a lot in the rankings this week.
1. North Park.....................(24-7)
2. Illinois Wesleyan...........(18-10)
3. Coe................................(20-9)
4. Carthage.......................(18-8)
5. Spalding........................(21-7) (Not sure if they are considered for Regional Rankings or not)
6. Augustana.....................(19-9)
7. Webster.........................(20-8)
8. Buena Vista....................(18-11)
9. North Central..................(16-8)
10. Wash U.........................(25-16)
Dropped Out: Simpson, Luther
Next Tier
----------------
Chicago...........(14-7) --- took 3 games from Wash U this weekend!
Simpson..........(18-11) --- lost all 3 to Buena Vista, who looks to be back in IIAC striking distance
Luther.............(19-12) --- 1-2 vs. Dubuque, losing both games on Saturday turns them back into the "middle of the pack" team they were expected to be.
Beloit..............(16-8)
The first regional rankings were released today by the NCAA:
Central Region
1 Coe 18-9 20-10
2 Carthage 11-5 18-8
3 Buena Vista 17-9 18-11
4 Illinois Wesleyan 17-7 19-10
5 Augustana 12-9 19-9
6 Washington U. 25-15 25-16
Coe at #1, and NPU omitted, are the two big surprises to me.
Do they post the sos #'s and region winning percentage #'s anywhere? Im guessing that would give some perspective on these rankings.
I would love to hear a good reason why North Park is not in the top 6.
If you plan to write one, please do not use the SOS as a reason, the team is 25-7.
On the same subject...
Who are some other snubs?
Who else do you think will jump into the top 6 eventually?
Quote from: upandin on April 28, 2011, 10:27:20 PM
Do they post the sos #'s and region winning percentage #'s anywhere? Im guessing that would give some perspective on these rankings.
http://web1.ncaa.org/champsel_new/exec/staticpdfrank?doWhat=publicrankingsRedirect&sportCode=MBA®ion=30&division=3
http://www.d3baseball.com/seasons/2011/schedule?tmpl=sos-template
Quote from: metaljacket on April 28, 2011, 11:40:11 PM
I would love to hear a good reason why North Park is not in the top 6.
If you plan to write one, please do not use the SOS as a reason, the team is 25-7.
Under those rules, I'm guessing you won't get an answer. Because that is the answer.
Quote from: forheavendial4999 on April 29, 2011, 02:40:38 AM
Quote from: metaljacket on April 28, 2011, 11:40:11 PM
I would love to hear a good reason why North Park is not in the top 6.
If you plan to write one, please do not use the SOS as a reason, the team is 25-7.
Under those rules, I'm guessing you won't get an answer. Because that is the answer.
If that *is* the answer, it's not a very convincing one. Just look at the SOS for some other teams with 20+ wins: Texas-Tyler, Trinity Texas, St. Joseph's Maine: all have SOS lower than North Park's. Just above NPU in the SOS rankings are Johns Hopkins, Adrian, and Ramapo.
When the rankings were compiled, NPU was 20-5 in-region with a .500 SOS. That .500 mark is behind every team on the list and some others, including Carroll, Greenville and Knox.
Well gentlemen, the weekend is here... We will see exactly how Spalding and Webster match up and if Spalding is preying on the weak OR can play with the big dog in the conference. Spalding goes into this weekend with a 13-0 SLIAC record and Webster with a 14-2 record.
Quote from: mr_b on April 29, 2011, 08:26:18 AM
Quote from: forheavendial4999 on April 29, 2011, 02:40:38 AM
Quote from: metaljacket on April 28, 2011, 11:40:11 PM
I would love to hear a good reason why North Park is not in the top 6.
If you plan to write one, please do not use the SOS as a reason, the team is 25-7.
Under those rules, I'm guessing you won't get an answer. Because that is the answer.
If that *is* the answer, it's not a very convincing one. Just look at the SOS for some other teams with 20+ wins: Texas-Tyler, Trinity Texas, St. Joseph's Maine: all have SOS lower than North Park's. Just above NPU in the SOS rankings are Johns Hopkins, Adrian, and Ramapo.
How many of those teams are in the same region as North Park?
Quote from: OshDude on April 19, 2011, 03:21:51 AM
Quote from: CCIWFan on April 18, 2011, 11:07:55 AM
I believe that Spalding is not a Central Region team. If they played anyone outside the SLIAC, like Augustana for example, it would not count as an in-region game.
The NCAA has been consistent in placing a team in the natural region of its conference, assuming the conference has a base of teams in one region, the outlier isn't something like 1,500 miles away, and the team didn't move from one D-III conference to another. When there's one (or two) outliers in the conference, those teams are often lumped with the others.
For example, York (Pa.) is in the South, Elms/Hamilton (NY) are in New England, etc.
Another possible reason for Spalding being in the Central is the current allocation of teams. The South and Central both have 37 teams. The Central number includes NWU while the South doesn't include early provisionals Berry and Covenent.
We don't know for sure what the NCAA will do with Spalding, but my hunch is that precedence will place it in the Central Region. If that's true, Spalding will have an array of regional nonconference options. It already does have a lot of options just by being in the wide-ranging Admin Region 3.
Elms is in Massachusetts, for what it's worth.
Quote from: forheavendial4999 on April 29, 2011, 10:08:32 PM
Quote from: mr_b on April 29, 2011, 08:26:18 AM
Quote from: forheavendial4999 on April 29, 2011, 02:40:38 AM
Quote from: metaljacket on April 28, 2011, 11:40:11 PM
I would love to hear a good reason why North Park is not in the top 6.
If you plan to write one, please do not use the SOS as a reason, the team is 25-7.
Under those rules, I'm guessing you won't get an answer. Because that is the answer.
If that *is* the answer, it's not a very convincing one. Just look at the SOS for some other teams with 20+ wins: Texas-Tyler, Trinity Texas, St. Joseph's Maine: all have SOS lower than North Park's. Just above NPU in the SOS rankings are Johns Hopkins, Adrian, and Ramapo.
How many of those teams are in the same region as North Park?
I guess the point I was trying to make is that there are other teams with 20+ wins that have a comparable, or lower, SOS, but they are ranked within their own regions. Of course, some regions are stronger than others.
Quote from: mr_b on April 29, 2011, 10:18:16 PM
Quote from: forheavendial4999 on April 29, 2011, 10:08:32 PM
Quote from: mr_b on April 29, 2011, 08:26:18 AM
Quote from: forheavendial4999 on April 29, 2011, 02:40:38 AM
Quote from: metaljacket on April 28, 2011, 11:40:11 PM
I would love to hear a good reason why North Park is not in the top 6.
If you plan to write one, please do not use the SOS as a reason, the team is 25-7.
Under those rules, I'm guessing you won't get an answer. Because that is the answer.
If that *is* the answer, it's not a very convincing one. Just look at the SOS for some other teams with 20+ wins: Texas-Tyler, Trinity Texas, St. Joseph's Maine: all have SOS lower than North Park's. Just above NPU in the SOS rankings are Johns Hopkins, Adrian, and Ramapo.
How many of those teams are in the same region as North Park?
I guess the point I was trying to make is that there are other teams with 20+ wins that have a comparable, or lower, SOS, but they are ranked within their own regions. Of course, some regions are stronger than others.
Tyler and Trinity are penalized because there are only about 20 teams that they can realistically play. Unless they take a plane trip to another part of the country to soak up some easy wins over high SOS teams, their SOS will hover around .500. That has been discussed ad nauseum on the other boards, and I apologize to the newbies for that rant. ;)
Win your conference tourney, earn a Pool A bid and inflict another pair of losses on the conference competition in the Regional Rankings.
Ralph, I agree -- the best way is to ignore the rankings and take care of business on the field.
Quote from: Ralph Turner on April 29, 2011, 11:00:23 PM
Quote from: mr_b on April 29, 2011, 10:18:16 PM
Quote from: forheavendial4999 on April 29, 2011, 10:08:32 PM
Quote from: mr_b on April 29, 2011, 08:26:18 AM
Quote from: forheavendial4999 on April 29, 2011, 02:40:38 AM
Quote from: metaljacket on April 28, 2011, 11:40:11 PM
I would love to hear a good reason why North Park is not in the top 6.
If you plan to write one, please do not use the SOS as a reason, the team is 25-7.
Under those rules, I'm guessing you won't get an answer. Because that is the answer.
If that *is* the answer, it's not a very convincing one. Just look at the SOS for some other teams with 20+ wins: Texas-Tyler, Trinity Texas, St. Joseph's Maine: all have SOS lower than North Park's. Just above NPU in the SOS rankings are Johns Hopkins, Adrian, and Ramapo.
How many of those teams are in the same region as North Park?
I guess the point I was trying to make is that there are other teams with 20+ wins that have a comparable, or lower, SOS, but they are ranked within their own regions. Of course, some regions are stronger than others.
Tyler and Trinity are penalized because there are only about 20 teams that they can realistically play. Unless they take a plane trip to another part of the country to soak up some easy wins over high SOS teams, their SOS will hover around .500. That has been discussed ad nauseum on the other boards, and I apologize to the newbies for that rant. ;)
Win your conference tourney, earn a Pool A bid and inflict another pair of losses on the conference competition in the Regional Rankings.
AMEN....Win it on the Field......I love it....!!!! Regional Rankings dont mean squat if you win a Pool A bid,
Don't leave it up to a committee. Teams can only blame themselves if they don't make it to the playoffs. I have seen teams lose their conference tourneys or lose their in region games and then wine that they won 30 games and stay home because they did not win the games they had to.
Quote from: mr_b on April 29, 2011, 11:14:08 PM
Ralph, I agree -- the best way is to ignore the rankings and take care of business on the field.
I think that NP has a real chance this year!
The CCIW is very tough. I have followed Coach Driggers since he arrived, and it has been tough to get his team going.
Quote from: Ralph Turner on April 29, 2011, 11:00:23 PM
Quote from: mr_b on April 29, 2011, 10:18:16 PM
Quote from: forheavendial4999 on April 29, 2011, 10:08:32 PM
Quote from: mr_b on April 29, 2011, 08:26:18 AM
Quote from: forheavendial4999 on April 29, 2011, 02:40:38 AM
Quote from: metaljacket on April 28, 2011, 11:40:11 PM
I would love to hear a good reason why North Park is not in the top 6.
If you plan to write one, please do not use the SOS as a reason, the team is 25-7.
Under those rules, I'm guessing you won't get an answer. Because that is the answer.
If that *is* the answer, it's not a very convincing one. Just look at the SOS for some other teams with 20+ wins: Texas-Tyler, Trinity Texas, St. Joseph's Maine: all have SOS lower than North Park's. Just above NPU in the SOS rankings are Johns Hopkins, Adrian, and Ramapo.
How many of those teams are in the same region as North Park?
I guess the point I was trying to make is that there are other teams with 20+ wins that have a comparable, or lower, SOS, but they are ranked within their own regions. Of course, some regions are stronger than others.
Tyler and Trinity are penalized because there are only about 20 teams that they can realistically play. Unless they take a plane trip to another part of the country to soak up some easy wins over high SOS teams, their SOS will hover around .500. That has been discussed ad nauseum on the other boards, and I apologize to the newbies for that rant. ;)
Win your conference tourney, earn a Pool A bid and inflict another pair of losses on the conference competition in the Regional Rankings.
Though it should be said that pretty much everyone in that region is in the same boat, and there are several teams in the region with better SOS than those two. Tyler could play Millsaps, Rhodes, more than one game against Hendrix, Birmingham Southern (like Trinity did)...or invite teams to come east from California to play like McMurry has in the past. I hope no one is fooled into thinking they're doing all they can from a scheduling standpoint.
Quote from: Ralph Turner on April 29, 2011, 11:42:47 PM
Quote from: mr_b on April 29, 2011, 11:14:08 PM
Ralph, I agree -- the best way is to ignore the rankings and take care of business on the field.
I think that NP has a real chance this year!
The CCIW is very tough. I have followed Coach Driggers since he arrived, and it has been tough to get his team going.
The CCIW is a tough conference but him getting "his team" going has nothing to do with it. I seem to recall you predicting 3 or 4 years until a conference championship by Driggers/Wheaton. It's not going to happen.
Wheaton had a successful year his first year. A successful first half his second year, followed by a collapse of astronomical proportions. And his third year, Wheaton might have a successful last series due to the fact that they play Elmhurst. His fourth year, I don't see it getting any better.
I have seen many worse teams (talent wise) at Wheaton over the past 10 years, but this team is right down there with the worst of them. Take out those fluff wins during spring break and this team is well under 10 wins on the year.
Carthage is piling games into their schedule this week... 8 games on the docket in the next 7 days.
Monday vs Marian (DH)
Wednesday @ Concordia (WI)
Thursday vs Lakeland (DH)
Saturday vs North Park (DH)
Sunday @ North Park
Follow that with a Monday 5/9 game with Aurora and you have a full plate for Carthage in the next 8 days.
Could be a nice chance for the Redmen to pile up some in-region wins before facing NPU in a CCIW showdown next weekend. I am expecting Cathage to move to #1 in the Central region in this week's rankings.
Is the next regional ranking going to be drastically different? Coe looks to be in good shape still, Carthage has a TON of games coming up, IWU, Augie, and BV just took very bad losses. Will we see North Central and North Park there next week?
WashU just swept Fontbonne and will end the season with a 28-15 regional record. The Bears' Stephen Bonser threw a no-hitter in the second game, and WU only surrendered 4 hits without giving up a run the entire day :)
when looking the overall picture of the teams in this year's rankings, Carthage stands out to me as the team that no "Bad" losses on it's resume. two losses to #1 Marietta, one to #8 Heidelberg, two to IWU, Two to Augie and one to NCC (all of whom I feel are solid regional teams).
It appears that every other regional contender has at least one "bad" loss in there.
Once you get into conference play, you almost have to look at how a team performed in the series.
On the road, did a team win 2 out of 3? Okay, that is good.
At home against a team that you should sweep, did you sweep them? Good, a quality team should.
Quote from: BigPoppa on May 01, 2011, 04:34:50 PM
Could be a nice chance for the Redmen to pile up some in-region wins before facing NPU in a CCIW showdown next weekend. I am expecting Cathage to move to #1 in the Central region in this week's rankings.
Doubt it. Playing Millikin really hurt their SOS. I think they might move down, temporarily. They do play NPU this week so they'll probably jump back up.
Quote from: BigPoppa on May 02, 2011, 01:17:56 PM
when looking the overall picture of the teams in this year's rankings, Carthage stands out to me as the team that no "Bad" losses on it's resume. two losses to #1 Marietta, one to #8 Heidelberg, two to IWU, Two to Augie and one to NCC (all of whom I feel are solid regional teams).
It appears that every other regional contender has at least one "bad" loss in there.
The NCAA seems to favor results against good teams a lot more than bad teams when putting together the rankings. They want teams who can seriously compete against other good teams at regionals. That's why results vs. regionally ranked teams is a primary criteria but "bad losses" isn't part of any criteria.
Quote from: BigPoppa on May 01, 2011, 04:34:50 PM
Carthage is piling games into their schedule this week... 8 games on the docket in the next 7 days.
Monday vs Marian (DH)
Wednesday @ Concordia (WI)
Thursday vs Lakeland (DH)
Saturday vs North Park (DH)
Sunday @ North Park
Follow that with a Monday 5/9 game with Aurora and you have a full plate for Carthage in the next 8 days.
Could be a nice chance for the Redmen to pile up some in-region wins before facing NPU in a CCIW showdown next weekend. I am expecting Cathage to move to #1 in the Central region in this week's rankings.
The question is whether or not it will impact Carthage's pitching going into the weekend. If the 1,2, and 3 starters sit out those four games and the top-end relievers are only used sparingly, those games become more competitive. If Augie Schmidt uses his better pitchers against the three NAthCon teams, however, it might turn into an issue against North Park.
I doubt that there would be any serious problems in terms of how the pitching load is handled by the Red Men, but that
is a big pile of weekday innings that will have to be accounted for without having a deleterious impact upon how Carthage pitches against NPU.
Quote from: BearBaseball on May 02, 2011, 01:49:52 PM
Quote from: BigPoppa on May 01, 2011, 04:34:50 PM
Could be a nice chance for the Redmen to pile up some in-region wins before facing NPU in a CCIW showdown next weekend. I am expecting Cathage to move to #1 in the Central region in this week's rankings.
Doubt it. Playing Millikin really hurt their SOS. I think they might move down, temporarily. They do play NPU this week so they'll probably jump back up.
So you've already written off the Carthage vs. NPU series as ending up in Carthage's favor, then?
Oh no. I meant they will jump in SOS. I don't really know who will win the series but it will help both their SOS, which NPU needs. Both teams are very good.
Carthage swept Marian on Monday 9-1 and 9-0 to move to 23-8 on the season. While their Sos will take a small hit, their in-region win% will increase. I think Carthage has a solid enough SoS at this point to not worry about it being much of a factor for them anymore.
Quote from: Gregory Sager on April 28, 2011, 05:45:25 PM
The first regional rankings were released today by the NCAA:
Central Region
1 Coe 18-9 20-10
2 Carthage 11-5 18-8
3 Buena Vista 17-9 18-11
4 Illinois Wesleyan 17-7 19-10
5 Augustana 12-9 19-9
6 Washington U. 25-15 25-16
I see Augustana being pushed out of this week's regional rankings and IWU taking a tumble after losing a pair to Elmhurst. Does WashU slide into the #4 spot or does North Park maybe leap frog them?
Based on current posted stats on D3.com SOS page
Rank = IR Win% + SOS IR Win % / (Rank) SOS / (Rank)
1.Coe (8) 22-9 .710(3) .561 (5)
2.Buena Vista (11) 20-10 .667(7) .570 (4)
3.ILL Wesleyan (12) 20-9 .690(4) .546 (8)
4.Augustana (15) 14 -11 .560(12) .570 (3)
5.Carthage (16) 16-5 .762(2) .516 (14)
6.Wartburg(17) 16-11 .593(11) .552 (6)
7.Webster(18) 21-10 .677(6) .527 (12)
8.Wash U (18) 28-15 .651(9) .540 (9)
9.Ripon (19) 15-8 .652(8) .530 (11)
10.Grinnell(21) 11-11 .500(14) .550 (7)
13.North Park (23) 23-6 .793(1) .494 (22)
Those numbers change every day.
Quote from: upandin on May 03, 2011, 11:04:22 PM
Those numbers change every day.
And I also think those are the national SoS numbers, and the regional committees only make decisions based on regional SoS. I could be wrong though...
Quote from: wustlfan37 on May 04, 2011, 01:34:47 AM
Quote from: upandin on May 03, 2011, 11:04:22 PM
Those numbers change every day.
And I also think those are the national SoS numbers, and the regional committees only make decisions based on regional SoS. I could be wrong though...
The numbers on the SOS template are regional.
My guess as to the rankings this week: (last week's spot)
1. Coe (1) 3-0 (since last regional ranking)
2. Carthage (2) 6-0
3. WashU (6) 3-1
4. Buena Vista (3) 3-2
5-7. North Park (NR) 3-1, Illinois Wesleyan(4) 3-2, North Central (NR) 3-2
*Dropped out: Augustana (5)
New rankings updated today according to the NCAA website:
CENTRAL
1 Coe 22-9 24-10
2 Illinois Wesleyan 20-9 22-12
3 Buena Vista 19-11 20-13
4 Carthage 16-5 23-8
5 Augustana (Ill.) 14-11 21-11
6 Washington-St. Louis 28-15 29-17
Appears pretty up-to-date as well since the only game not in here on Carthage's schedule would be the May 3rd game vs. Concordia Mequon. IWU's last game is also not included in the calculations it would appear.
So Illinois Wesleyan drops two out of three to an Elmhurst team that's won roughly one out of every three regional games it's played, and yet the Titans climb two spots in the poll. Meanwhile, Carthage goes undefeated over the week, and drops two spots.
Color me confused.
Quote from: Gregory Sager on May 05, 2011, 04:05:51 PM
So Illinois Wesleyan drops two out of three to an Elmhurst team that's won roughly one out of every three regional games it's played, and yet the Titans climb two spots in the poll. Meanwhile, Carthage goes undefeated over the week, and drops two spots.
Color me confused.
That makes two of us... ??? ???
1 Coe 22-9 24-10 (--)
2 Illinois Wesleyan 20-9 22-12 (+2)
3 Buena Vista 19-11 20-13 (--)
4 Carthage 16-5 23-8 (-2)
5 Augustana (Ill.) 14-11 21-11 (--)
6 Washington-St. Louis 28-15 29-17 (--)
The number in parentheses is the change from Regional Ranking #1. Four of the six teams stay right where they were, which I would be would be the most of any of the Regions. By contrast, all six of the Midwest Region teams changed spots, with one falling out altogether (St. Olaf.)
Quote from: mwunder on May 05, 2011, 04:08:20 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on May 05, 2011, 04:05:51 PM
So Illinois Wesleyan drops two out of three to an Elmhurst team that's won roughly one out of every three regional games it's played, and yet the Titans climb two spots in the poll. Meanwhile, Carthage goes undefeated over the week, and drops two spots.
Color me confused.
That makes two of us... ??? ???
Make that three of us, and I bleed green! ;)
Quote from: mwunder on May 05, 2011, 03:58:21 PM
New rankings updated today according to the NCAA website:
CENTRAL
1 Coe 22-9 24-10
2 Illinois Wesleyan 20-9 22-12
3 Buena Vista 19-11 20-13
4 Carthage 16-5 23-8
5 Augustana (Ill.) 14-11 21-11
6 Washington-St. Louis 28-15 29-17
Appears pretty up-to-date as well since the only game not in here on Carthage's schedule would be the May 3rd game vs. Concordia Mequon. IWU's last game is also not included in the calculations it would appear.
So, so confusing. Not sure how Carthage goes 6-0 between rankings and DROPS two spots.
Even as an Augie fan I find it pretty ridiculous that they are still ranked. Their SOS of .568 is the highest among the about top 10 candidates in the region but I still can't believe that it holds so much weight. Luckily for the teams on the outside looking in, even if Augie can complete the week at 6-0, their SOS will take a major hit. It'll probably end up in the 0.53 range depending on how it all plays out. Both NCC and NPU should raise theirs above 0.51-0.52 which should probably get both of them placed ahead of Augie when you factor in the head to head results.
I'm also surprised that Chicago hasn't overtaken Wash U. Now, I think Chicago should not be ahead of either NCC or NPU but I also don't think Wash U should be ranked. Chicago went 3-0 against Wash U. Chicago has a bit lower Win % but obviously that is not the largest factor. It must be the 13 vs. 5 games vs. regionally ranked teams even though overall, they have the same SOS.
Personally, I find these regional rankings a complete joke. I love Augie but they have not proven to be one of the top 6 teams in the region and should not be ranked. I only hope that they do not stand in the way of a better team "getting to the table" on selection Sunday (or Monday).
Augie_superfan - agreed. I was fully prepared for IWU to fall out of the rankings, or at least to #6, after losing 2 of 3 to mediocre-at-best Elmhurst - and they jump to #2?! WOW, the DH sweep of (unranked) Webster must have been really impressive! :D
I expected Carthage to be #1 or #2, Augie out, and NCC, NPU, and IWU fighting for #5 and #6. These rankings blow my mind.
I am ok with Carthage being #4 as I thought they should have been there last week and was shocked they were #2. The issue I have is that they dropped after going 6-0 this week.
In my mind, the committee is simply making an adjustment for screwing it up the first week... either that or they are completely crazy. I am still in disbelief that Augustana is still ranked when North Park and North Central are not.
I GIVE UP!
There is still a chance for the top 4 teams in the CCIW standings to make their resumes significantly better this weekend, even if they are not ideally positioned after this ranking. North Park has 3 against Carthage while North Central has 3 against IWU.
Even as a huge IWU fan, I cannot figure out how in the world they are #2. Having watched them play a number of times this year, they do not pass the eye test for me as being a top 2 regional team. They have no depth on the mound which has resulted in some very bad non-conference losses and only 2 notable non-conference wins (doubleheader sweep of an unranked webster team).
Quote from: BigPoppa on May 06, 2011, 08:09:58 AM
I am ok with Carthage being #4 as I thought they should have been there last week and was shocked they were #2. The issue I have is that they dropped after going 6-0 this week.
In my mind, the committee is simply making an adjustment for screwing it up the first week... either that or they are completely crazy. I am still in disbelief that Augustana is still ranked when North Park and North Central are not.
I GIVE UP!
Possible explanations:
1. faulty dart board
2. defective magic 8-ball
3. ouija board with missing letters
I do not know who is on the committee, but I have been told that it is coaches from different schools, in each of the regional conferences. The people on this board that seem to know the in and out's of this process have painted the picture that these rankings are strictly a numbers game. (In-region winning % and SOS.) I would hope that some head to head results and coaches opinions play a part as well. In the end, those coaches, from those conference schools, have to speak up for the best representatives from their conference. Sounds like NP and NC are not getting any love from the CCIW coaches. Looks like most of the people on this board are saying the numbers are invalid and that the numbers are giving undeserving teams more credit than they should get. Maybe the fans on this board should decide the rankings. HA HA HA At the end of the season lets all just hope that the Central region has some deserving teams to get Pool C bids. If no one has respectable #'s the national committee will not take any of them from our region. If the "better teams" (in the opinion of this board) are ranked, but have crappy #'s, then we will only be cheering for our AQ's
Kind of funny I don't remember anyone feeling bad for Webster when they had a crappy SOS and the best record in the region. O-ya that's because they are not part of the almighty CCIW.
Quote from: upandin on May 06, 2011, 10:08:33 AM
I do not know who is on the committee, but I have been told that it is coaches from different schools, in each of the regional conferences. The people on this board that seem to know the in and out's of this process have painted the picture that these rankings are strictly a numbers game. (In-region winning % and SOS.) I would hope that some head to head results and coaches opinions play a part as well. In the end, those coaches, from those conference schools, have to speak up for the best representatives from their conference. Sounds like NP and NC are not getting any love from the CCIW coaches. Looks like most of the people on this board are saying the numbers are invalid and that the numbers are giving undeserving teams more credit than they should get. Maybe the fans on this board should decide the rankings. HA HA HA At the end of the season lets all just hope that the Central region has some deserving teams to get Pool C bids. If no one has respectable #'s the national committee will not take any of them from our region. If the "better teams" (in the opinion of this board) are ranked, but have crappy #'s, then we will only be cheering for our AQ's
Kind of funny I don't remember anyone feeling bad for Webster when they had a crappy SOS and the best record in the region. O-ya that's because they are not part of the almighty CCIW.
Point taken.
Augustana's strength numbers will take a major hit by the next regional rankings. They won a DH against Knox who is last in the MWC, won a DH against Dubuque who is in the bottom 4 in the IIAC, and should win all three against Millikin this weekend who is last in the CCIW.
Augie's only chance of making the conference tournament is Illinois Wesleyan losing all three to North Central (put's IWU at 9 losses in conference) or North Park losing all three to Carthage (put's Augie and NPU in a tie with Conference losses which would cause them to make up their last game of the series). I believe these are the only way that Augie gets into the Conference Tourney. If they do not make the Conference Tourney I have a hard time seeing them getting a Pool C.
Quote from: upandin on May 06, 2011, 10:08:33 AM
I do not know who is on the committee, but I have been told that it is coaches from different schools, in each of the regional conferences. The people on this board that seem to know the in and out's of this process have painted the picture that these rankings are strictly a numbers game. (In-region winning % and SOS.) I would hope that some head to head results and coaches opinions play a part as well. In the end, those coaches, from those conference schools, have to speak up for the best representatives from their conference. Sounds like NP and NC are not getting any love from the CCIW coaches. Looks like most of the people on this board are saying the numbers are invalid and that the numbers are giving undeserving teams more credit than they should get. Maybe the fans on this board should decide the rankings. HA HA HA At the end of the season lets all just hope that the Central region has some deserving teams to get Pool C bids. If no one has respectable #'s the national committee will not take any of them from our region. If the "better teams" (in the opinion of this board) are ranked, but have crappy #'s, then we will only be cheering for our AQ's
Kind of funny I don't remember anyone feeling bad for Webster when they had a crappy SOS and the best record in the region. O-ya that's because they are not part of the almighty CCIW.
I would guess that Webster prefers it this way. They have proven that they can hang with anyone in the Central region over the past 4 years and have flown under the radar the entire time. There is something to be said for a team entering the playoffs with a "nothing to lose" attitude as opposed to a team that feels glorified with a meaningless #1 regional ranking (see IWU the past 4 years). I will go back over the past 4-5 years and check, but I don't remember that last #1 or #2 seed heading into the Central Regional that actually advanced to the World Series. If there has been one, they are in the minority.
Quote from: CCIWFAN6 on May 06, 2011, 08:37:39 AM
There is still a chance for the top 4 teams in the CCIW standings to make their resumes significantly better this weekend, even if they are not ideally positioned after this ranking. North Park has 3 against Carthage while North Central has 3 against IWU.
Even as a huge IWU fan, I cannot figure out how in the world they are #2. Having watched them play a number of times this year, they do not pass the eye test for me as being a top 2 regional team. They have no depth on the mound which has resulted in some very bad non-conference losses and only 2 notable non-conference wins (doubleheader sweep of an unranked webster team).
Carthage will also get a bump from a MONDAY game with Aurora (ranked #6 in Midwest... even if they fall out, "once ranked, always ranked" still applies)
Quote from: upandin on May 06, 2011, 10:08:33 AM
I do not know who is on the committee, but I have been told that it is coaches from different schools, in each of the regional conferences. The people on this board that seem to know the in and out's of this process have painted the picture that these rankings are strictly a numbers game. (In-region winning % and SOS.) I would hope that some head to head results and coaches opinions play a part as well. In the end, those coaches, from those conference schools, have to speak up for the best representatives from their conference. Sounds like NP and NC are not getting any love from the CCIW coaches. Looks like most of the people on this board are saying the numbers are invalid and that the numbers are giving undeserving teams more credit than they should get. Maybe the fans on this board should decide the rankings. HA HA HA At the end of the season lets all just hope that the Central region has some deserving teams to get Pool C bids. If no one has respectable #'s the national committee will not take any of them from our region. If the "better teams" (in the opinion of this board) are ranked, but have crappy #'s, then we will only be cheering for our AQ's
Kind of funny I don't remember anyone feeling bad for Webster when they had a crappy SOS and the best record in the region. O-ya that's because they are not part of the almighty CCIW.
Your sarcasm fails to take note of the fact that neither of the two posters who most frequently represent NPU on the baseball boards, myself and Mr. B, protested the exclusion of the Vikings from the rankings. In fact, I directed my comments at the inexplicable rise of Illinois Wesleyan and the equally inexplicable fall of Carthage from last week to this week.
Quote from: acvikings on May 06, 2011, 11:23:34 AM
Augustana's strength numbers will take a major hit by the next regional rankings. They won a DH against Knox who is last in the MWC, won a DH against Dubuque who is in the bottom 4 in the IIAC, and should win all three against Millikin this weekend who is last in the CCIW.
Augie's only chance of making the conference tournament is Illinois Wesleyan losing all three to North Central (put's IWU at 9 losses in conference) or North Park losing all three to Carthage (put's Augie and NPU in a tie with Conference losses which would cause them to make up their last game of the series). I believe these are the only way that Augie gets into the Conference Tourney.
Incorrect. Augie took two out of three from Carthage, which means that Augie gets the fourth seed and Carthage is left out in the cold if the two teams end up in a 13-8 tie for fourth at the completion of the CCIW slate. And that scenario would happen should Augie sweep Millikin while NPU sweeps Carthage, followed by an Augie win over NPU in the makeup game at Holmgren AC.
Let's hope that NEVER happens... ;D
Quote from: BigPoppa on May 06, 2011, 01:52:34 PM
Let's hope that NEVER happens... ;D
I'm willing to hope it, if in exchange
you hope that his second scenario doesn't happen.
If his first scenario happens, I doubt that either you or I would shed any tears over Augie replacing IWU among the CCIW's Final Four.
Quote from: Gregory Sager on May 06, 2011, 01:56:13 PM
Quote from: BigPoppa on May 06, 2011, 01:52:34 PM
Let's hope that NEVER happens... ;D
I'm willing to hope it, if in exchange you hope that his second scenario doesn't happen.
If his first scenario happens, I doubt that either you or I would shed any tears over Augie replacing IWU among the CCIW's Final Four.
Agreed, but neither IWU, nor Augie, scare me as much as NPU does. I have said it all season, they are the type of team that is built to beat Carthage.
Following up on my previous post/claim:
Central Regional Finals:
2007: #3 Carthage over #6 Augustana (Pool A qualifier won the regional)
2008: #5 Linfield over #6 Webster (Pool A qualifier won the regional)
2009: #1 Carthage over #3 UW-Whitewater (Pool A qualifier won the regional)
2010: #6 IWU over #1 Buena Vista (Pool A qualifier won the regional)
Given these results, the committee does seem to miss the mark when it comes to rankings/pool C bids.
In regard to the most recent 2011 Central Region Rankings, maybe the joke's on us for trying to apply logic to an apparently illogical process that has produced unsuccessful results for the past 4 years.
Quote from: BigPoppa on May 06, 2011, 02:04:46 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on May 06, 2011, 01:56:13 PM
Quote from: BigPoppa on May 06, 2011, 01:52:34 PM
Let's hope that NEVER happens... ;D
I'm willing to hope it, if in exchange you hope that his second scenario doesn't happen.
If his first scenario happens, I doubt that either you or I would shed any tears over Augie replacing IWU among the CCIW's Final Four.
Agreed, but neither IWU, nor Augie, scare me as much as NPU does. I have said it all season, they are the type of team that is built to beat Carthage.
Unless you are paired with IWU in the first game and have to face Pankau. While you are not knocked out after 1 game, that is a long way back after a defeat in the first game.
Quote from: Hound Dog on May 06, 2011, 02:08:51 PM
Following up on my previous post/claim:
Central Regional Finals:
2007: #3 Carthage over #6 Augustana (Pool A qualifier won the regional)
2008: #5 Linfield over #6 Webster (Pool A qualifier won the regional)
2009: #1 Carthage over #3 UW-Whitewater (Pool A qualifier won the regional)
2010: #6 IWU over #1 Buena Vista (Pool A qualifier won the regional)
Given these results, the committee does seem to miss the mark when it comes to rankings/pool C bids.
In regard to the most recent 2011 Central Region Rankings, maybe the joke's on us for trying to apply logic to an apparently illogical process that has produced unsuccessful results for the past 4 years.
To me logic would say that the Pool A teams would have a better opportunity to win a regional having just come off a conference tournament victory. Baseball is a game where the best team doesn't always win, but the hot team normally does. Conference tournament winners would qualify as a hot team. I don't think anyone in the country would have argued with IWU being the 6th seed last year even though they were a Pool A qualifier.
Pool C bids are based on who the committee feels had the best season while failing to win their conference tournament.
Quote from: CCIWFAN6 on May 06, 2011, 02:09:02 PM
Quote from: BigPoppa on May 06, 2011, 02:04:46 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on May 06, 2011, 01:56:13 PM
Quote from: BigPoppa on May 06, 2011, 01:52:34 PM
Let's hope that NEVER happens... ;D
I'm willing to hope it, if in exchange you hope that his second scenario doesn't happen.
If his first scenario happens, I doubt that either you or I would shed any tears over Augie replacing IWU among the CCIW's Final Four.
Agreed, but neither IWU, nor Augie, scare me as much as NPU does. I have said it all season, they are the type of team that is built to beat Carthage.
Unless you are paired with IWU in the first game and have to face Pankau. While you are not knocked out after 1 game, that is a long way back after a defeat in the first game.
I never said they didn't scare me at all, just not as much. Pankau keeps me up at night... shades of what Jay Arendt used to do to me in the mid 90s. (and we dare not speak of he who shall not be named... Ricky EFFING Angel)
Quote from: CCIWFAN6 on May 06, 2011, 02:13:59 PM
Quote from: Hound Dog on May 06, 2011, 02:08:51 PM
Following up on my previous post/claim:
Central Regional Finals:
2007: #3 Carthage over #6 Augustana (Pool A qualifier won the regional)
2008: #5 Linfield over #6 Webster (Pool A qualifier won the regional)
2009: #1 Carthage over #3 UW-Whitewater (Pool A qualifier won the regional)
2010: #6 IWU over #1 Buena Vista (Pool A qualifier won the regional)
Given these results, the committee does seem to miss the mark when it comes to rankings/pool C bids.
In regard to the most recent 2011 Central Region Rankings, maybe the joke's on us for trying to apply logic to an apparently illogical process that has produced unsuccessful results for the past 4 years.
To me logic would say that the Pool A teams would have a better opportunity to win a regional having just come off a conference tournament victory. Baseball is a game where the best team doesn't always win, but the hot team normally does. Conference tournament winners would qualify as a hot team. I don't think anyone in the country would have argued with IWU being the 6th seed last year even though they were a Pool A qualifier.
Pool C bids are based on who the committee feels had the best season while failing to win their conference tournament.
Agreed on all of your points. Whether the committee has done a poor job or there is just that much parody in the Central Region, I guess I was just pointing out the irrelevance of the pool C teams the past 4 years in response to the complaints over the most recent rankings. Odds are that a Pool A team will be playing the best ball and will win the regional. Therefore, if someone is unhappy with their current ranking then they just need to take care of business on the field and eliminate the element of arbitrary mathematical calculations.
Couldn't agree more. The system we have for pool C is flawed but fair. Pool A should be the focus.
Quote from: upandin on May 06, 2011, 04:02:34 PM
Couldn't agree more. The system we have for pool C is flawed but fair. Pool A should be the focus.
Imagine the wailing and gnashing of teeth if we only had 3 Pool C bids, as we did in the early part of the last decade. ;)
My guess as to this week's rankings:
1. Coe-IIAC #1
2. IWU- CCIW #CCIW Co-champ
3. North Park-CCIW Co-champ
4. Buena Vista- IIAC #2
5. Carthage- CCIW #3
6. WashU- "Independent" Pool B
On the outside but with good chances to earn a Pool A bid: Beloit- MWC and Webster- SLIAC
...but since IWU lost a pair last week and JUMPED two spots while Carthage went 6-0 and dropped two spots, I really have no idea what will happen. I would really be surprised if Augustana showed up again in the rankings considering they missed the CCIW post-season. This leaves the SLIAC #1 Webster out of the rankings, but I think the SLIAC is a one-bid conference either way. Webster needs to win the Pool A to get in. It also leaves the Midwest Conference (Beloit/Ripon) out, but I think they are in the same boat as the SLIAC as a one-bid conference this year.
Bubble teams need to cheer against North Central stealing a CCIW bid as well as a team like Wartburg (maybe even BUENA VISTA?) grabbing the IIAC bid. The regional rankings tomorrow will really make this much more transparent. We should know who is "in" regardless and who needs to "play their way in" over the weekend.
Quote from: Ralph Turner on May 06, 2011, 04:17:40 PM
Quote from: upandin on May 06, 2011, 04:02:34 PM
Couldn't agree more. The system we have for pool C is flawed but fair. Pool A should be the focus.
Imagine the wailing and gnashing of teeth if we only had 3 Pool C bids, as we did in the early part of the last decade. ;)
And didn't the Midwest Region get two of the three Pool C bids one season when Oshkosh and Ripon each were at-large teams?
New Rankings from NCAA website:
1 Coe 26-9 29-10 (Thought they'd be #1))
2 Illinois Wesleyan 23-11 25-14 (Thought they's be #2)
3 Carthage 19-7 26-10 (Thought they'd be #5)
4 Buena Vista 26-11 27-13 (Thought they's be #4)
5 North Park 26-7 30-10 (Thought they'd be #3)
6 Augustana (Ill.) 21-12 28-12 (No idea why they are still on this)
This does NOT look good at all for WashU. I cannot remember a team that was unranked in the final published regional poll that was awarded a Pool C bid(and I don't see them getting a Pool B). I guess the biggest surprise once again is Carthage. Last week they were 6-0 and dropped from #2 to #4. This week they go 1-2 and rise to #3?
Quote from: BigPoppa on May 12, 2011, 03:14:04 PM
New Rankings from NCAA website:
1 Coe 26-9 29-10 (Thought they'd be #1))
2 Illinois Wesleyan 23-11 25-14 (Thought they's be #2)
3 Carthage 19-7 26-10 (Thought they'd be #5)
4 Buena Vista 26-11 27-13 (Thought they's be #4)
5 North Park 26-7 30-10 (Thought they'd be #3)
6 Augustana (Ill.) 21-12 28-12 (No idea why they are still on this)
This does NOT look good at all for WashU. I cannot remember a team that was unranked in the final published regional poll that was awarded a Pool C bid(and I don't see them getting a Pool B). I guess the biggest surprise once again is Carthage. Last week they were 6-0 and dropped from #2 to #4. This week they go 1-2 and rise to #3?
The regional rankings continue defy both logic and gravity.
Quote from: BigPoppa on May 12, 2011, 03:14:04 PM
New Rankings from NCAA website:
1 Coe 26-9 29-10 (Thought they'd be #1))
2 Illinois Wesleyan 23-11 25-14 (Thought they's be #2)
3 Carthage 19-7 26-10 (Thought they'd be #5)
4 Buena Vista 26-11 27-13 (Thought they's be #4)
5 North Park 26-7 30-10 (Thought they'd be #3)
6 Augustana (Ill.) 21-12 28-12 (No idea why they are still on this)
This does NOT look good at all for WashU. I cannot remember a team that was unranked in the final published regional poll that was awarded a Pool C bid(and I don't see them getting a Pool B). I guess the biggest surprise once again is Carthage. Last week they were 6-0 and dropped from #2 to #4. This week they go 1-2 and rise to #3?
Greg Wallace of Augustana is chair of the committee. Is this a coincidence? By the numbers, 1-5 make sense-- although I'd probably swap NPU and Carthage also. (http://www.ncaa.com/rankings/baseball/d3 click on the link for the central region pdf at the bottom- I believe they rank teams by W% and SOS then combine the rankings) U of C, NCC or Washu should be in the last spot. For example U of C has the same W% as Augie, a better SOS and better record vs ranked teams. Something is wrong with this committee.
Quote from: izzy stradlin on May 12, 2011, 07:24:56 PM
Quote from: BigPoppa on May 12, 2011, 03:14:04 PM
New Rankings from NCAA website:
1 Coe 26-9 29-10 (Thought they'd be #1))
2 Illinois Wesleyan 23-11 25-14 (Thought they's be #2)
3 Carthage 19-7 26-10 (Thought they'd be #5)
4 Buena Vista 26-11 27-13 (Thought they's be #4)
5 North Park 26-7 30-10 (Thought they'd be #3)
6 Augustana (Ill.) 21-12 28-12 (No idea why they are still on this)
This does NOT look good at all for WashU. I cannot remember a team that was unranked in the final published regional poll that was awarded a Pool C bid(and I don't see them getting a Pool B). I guess the biggest surprise once again is Carthage. Last week they were 6-0 and dropped from #2 to #4. This week they go 1-2 and rise to #3?
Greg Wallace of Augustana is chair of the committee. Is this a coincidence? By the numbers, 1-5 make sense-- although I'd probably swap NPU and Carthage also. (http://www.ncaa.com/rankings/baseball/d3 click on the link for the central region pdf at the bottom- I believe they rank teams by W% and SOS then combine the rankings) U of C, NCC or Washu should be in the last spot. For example U of C has the same W% as Augie, a better SOS and better record vs ranked teams. Something is wrong with this committee.
Amen. There is literally nothing to justify Augustana in this poll, not winning percentage, not wins against regionally ranked teams, not SoS, not head-to-head record.
Unless there is a reward for being the 5th best team in your conference. Maybe even the 6th.
I had WashU as my 6th team in the Central Region. WashU not being on the list is as close to a nail in their coffin as anything at this point.
Quote from: wustlfan37 on May 13, 2011, 03:52:08 AM
Quote from: izzy stradlin on May 12, 2011, 07:24:56 PM
Quote from: BigPoppa on May 12, 2011, 03:14:04 PM
New Rankings from NCAA website:
1 Coe 26-9 29-10 (Thought they'd be #1))
2 Illinois Wesleyan 23-11 25-14 (Thought they's be #2)
3 Carthage 19-7 26-10 (Thought they'd be #5)
4 Buena Vista 26-11 27-13 (Thought they's be #4)
5 North Park 26-7 30-10 (Thought they'd be #3)
6 Augustana (Ill.) 21-12 28-12 (No idea why they are still on this)
This does NOT look good at all for WashU. I cannot remember a team that was unranked in the final published regional poll that was awarded a Pool C bid(and I don't see them getting a Pool B). I guess the biggest surprise once again is Carthage. Last week they were 6-0 and dropped from #2 to #4. This week they go 1-2 and rise to #3?
Greg Wallace of Augustana is chair of the committee. Is this a coincidence? By the numbers, 1-5 make sense-- although I'd probably swap NPU and Carthage also. (http://www.ncaa.com/rankings/baseball/d3 click on the link for the central region pdf at the bottom- I believe they rank teams by W% and SOS then combine the rankings) U of C, NCC or Washu should be in the last spot. For example U of C has the same W% as Augie, a better SOS and better record vs ranked teams. Something is wrong with this committee.
Amen. There is literally nothing to justify Augustana in this poll, not winning percentage, not wins against regionally ranked teams, not SoS, not head-to-head record.
Unless there is a reward for being the 5th best team in your conference. Maybe even the 6th.
I understand the frustration at Augustana still being ranked. I'm very surprised myself but I think it goes to show that there are really only 5 teams worth ranking in the Central region this year. Augie, Chicago, WashU, NCC are all in roughly the same boat. Sure, some teams have slightly better numbers than others but in the end, I don't think any of them have the numbers to be competitive in terms of getting a playoff bid so I don't think that it matters much.
In my opinion, it should be Chicago in above any other the otehrs, especially with that 3-0 sweep of Wash U.
Also, Augie is definitely the 5th best team in the conference...would you be implying that Wheaton or Elmhurst is better than them?
Coe has made it unbeaten to the IIAC finals tomorrow. Will face either Luther, Wartburg or Buena Vista. They are in a great spot right now.
Quote from: augie_superfan on May 13, 2011, 12:46:08 PM
Quote from: wustlfan37 on May 13, 2011, 03:52:08 AM
Quote from: izzy stradlin on May 12, 2011, 07:24:56 PM
Quote from: BigPoppa on May 12, 2011, 03:14:04 PM
New Rankings from NCAA website:
1 Coe 26-9 29-10 (Thought they'd be #1))
2 Illinois Wesleyan 23-11 25-14 (Thought they's be #2)
3 Carthage 19-7 26-10 (Thought they'd be #5)
4 Buena Vista 26-11 27-13 (Thought they's be #4)
5 North Park 26-7 30-10 (Thought they'd be #3)
6 Augustana (Ill.) 21-12 28-12 (No idea why they are still on this)
This does NOT look good at all for WashU. I cannot remember a team that was unranked in the final published regional poll that was awarded a Pool C bid(and I don't see them getting a Pool B). I guess the biggest surprise once again is Carthage. Last week they were 6-0 and dropped from #2 to #4. This week they go 1-2 and rise to #3?
Greg Wallace of Augustana is chair of the committee. Is this a coincidence? By the numbers, 1-5 make sense-- although I'd probably swap NPU and Carthage also. (http://www.ncaa.com/rankings/baseball/d3 click on the link for the central region pdf at the bottom- I believe they rank teams by W% and SOS then combine the rankings) U of C, NCC or Washu should be in the last spot. For example U of C has the same W% as Augie, a better SOS and better record vs ranked teams. Something is wrong with this committee.
Amen. There is literally nothing to justify Augustana in this poll, not winning percentage, not wins against regionally ranked teams, not SoS, not head-to-head record.
Unless there is a reward for being the 5th best team in your conference. Maybe even the 6th.
I understand the frustration at Augustana still being ranked. I'm very surprised myself but I think it goes to show that there are really only 5 teams worth ranking in the Central region this year. Augie, Chicago, WashU, NCC are all in roughly the same boat. Sure, some teams have slightly better numbers than others but in the end, I don't think any of them have the numbers to be competitive in terms of getting a playoff bid so I don't think that it matters much.
In my opinion, it should be Chicago in above any other the otehrs, especially with that 3-0 sweep of Wash U.
Also, Augie is definitely the 5th best team in the conference...would you be implying that Wheaton or Elmhurst is better than them?
I haven't seen NCC play, but before they got VERY cold of late, they had a chance to move into the rankings. Whether or not they are better than Augustana is up for debate, NCC could easily be ranked, perhaps if Coach Fitzgerald were the chair of the regional committee?
I think that with 28 wins and numerous quality wins (that no other team in the conversation has) WashU belongs in the rankings. They have twice the wins that Chicago has, and have played a third of their games against regionally ranked teams.
Obviously, I'm just as biased as the next guy - Chicago beat WashU three times, and one can certainly argue that head-to-head record should dictate the rankings. WashU could have taken their fate into their own hands, but they had one terrible day and dropped 3 to U of C. However, Chicago has not proven that they can hang with the the strongest teams - Coe, IWU, Scholastica, Case, etc., and WashU has. Chicago is an extremely talented team, especially at the plate, but has done well over a much smaller sample size.
I'm VERY curious to know how teams would be regionally ranked after this weekend. Coe, Carthage, and IWU would likely still be on top, but who comes next? NPU and BVU both made quick exits from their conference tourneys, and Augustana probably didn't belong in the rankings to begin with.
I would be shocked to see only one Pool C come out of the Central - who is in line after IWU? Assuming NCC doesn't take two from Carthage tomorrow...
Quote from: BigPoppa on May 13, 2011, 04:37:52 PM
Coe has made it unbeaten to the IIAC finals tomorrow. Will face either Luther, Wartburg or Buena Vista. They are in a great spot right now.
Coe plays either Simpson or Wartburg at 2:30 p.m. for the championship.
At the time of the rankings, these were the numbers:
Team Win% SOS Regionally Ranked
Augustana .636 .516 3-4
Chicago .636 .530 4-1
WashU .651 .528 5-8
North Central .625 .522 3-7
To say North Central and Augustana are "in the same boat as" WashU and Chicago is not supported by anything. Not only do they have better winning percentages but the SOS aren't even close. If the difference between .516 and .530 is as big as the D3baseball.com numbers make them appear, Augustana would have to jump about 60 teams nationally to get to .530. How can that be close? Especially with Buena Vista and North Park falling early in their conference tournaments, they will all be very close to getting playoff bids. If they wanted to put Chicago and their 14 wins ahead of us, I would understand. They beat us pretty bad on one day. But, as of last week, NCC and Augustana didn't deserve to be in the conversation.
Quote from: BearBaseball on May 14, 2011, 04:21:53 PM
At the time of the rankings, these were the numbers:
Team Win% SOS Regionally Ranked
Augustana .636 .516 3-4
Chicago .636 .530 4-1
WashU .651 .528 5-8
North Central .625 .522 3-7
To say North Central and Augustana are "in the same boat as" WashU and Chicago is not supported by anything. Not only do they have better winning percentages but the SOS aren't even close. If the difference between .516 and .530 is as big as the D3baseball.com numbers make them appear, Augustana would have to jump about 60 teams nationally to get to .530. How can that be close? Especially with Buena Vista and North Park falling early in their conference tournaments, they will all be very close to getting playoff bids. If they wanted to put Chicago and their 14 wins ahead of us, I would understand. They beat us pretty bad on one day. But, as of last week, NCC and Augustana didn't deserve to be in the conversation.
If you are going to bring up conference tourney results as part of the argument, I'd have to ask how WashU did in the UAA tourney? ;D
Quote from: BigPoppa on May 14, 2011, 05:52:08 PM
Quote from: BearBaseball on May 14, 2011, 04:21:53 PM
... Especially with Buena Vista and North Park falling early in their conference tournaments, they will all be very close to getting playoff bids...
If you are going to bring up conference tourney results as part of the argument, I'd have to ask how WashU did in the UAA tourney? ;D
Oh, snap! ;)
I don't think its a big part of the argument at all. It just lowers both Buena Vista and NPU's win%.
I don't believe the tournaments are comparable, but if you want to know how we did, back in March, we lost in the championship (whoever won was going to be in first) on a walk-off homerun in a game where we had a 7-run lead in. We only lost to regionally ranked teams. Definitely not as impressive as BV and NPU finishing 4th, in May, with an automatic bid at stake, but we did the best we could.
Quote from: BearBaseball on May 14, 2011, 06:18:10 PM
I don't think its a big part of the argument at all. It just lowers both Buena Vista and NPU's win%.
I don't believe the tournaments are comparable, but if you want to know how we did, back in March, we lost in the championship (whoever won was going to be in first) on a walk-off homerun in a game where we had a 7-run lead in. We only lost to regionally ranked teams. Definitely not as impressive as BV and NPU finishing 4th, in May, with an automatic bid at stake, but we did the best we could.
Just wondering: what is the reason for having a conference tournament so early in the season? I know the conference is spread out geographically, but it doesn't make a lot of sense to have a "tournament" so soon when the players are just getting their bearings.
Quote from: mr_b on May 14, 2011, 06:23:44 PM
Quote from: BearBaseball on May 14, 2011, 06:18:10 PM
I don't think its a big part of the argument at all. It just lowers both Buena Vista and NPU's win%.
I don't believe the tournaments are comparable, but if you want to know how we did, back in March, we lost in the championship (whoever won was going to be in first) on a walk-off homerun in a game where we had a 7-run lead in. We only lost to regionally ranked teams. Definitely not as impressive as BV and NPU finishing 4th, in May, with an automatic bid at stake, but we did the best we could.
Just wondering: what is the reason for having a conference tournament so early in the season? I know the conference is spread out geographically, but it doesn't make a lot of sense to have a "tournament" so soon when the players are just getting their bearings.
The UAA has a different set of challenges.
1) Only 5 teams compete in the tourney. UChicago is an independent. CMU and NYU don't field teams, and Rochester competes for the AQ in the Liberty League
2) Having only 5 teams, they don't have an AQ.
3) The geographical hassles for northern schools would make the scheduling the rain-outs and early season inclement weather a nightmare.
Quote from: Ralph Turner on May 14, 2011, 07:42:49 PM
The UAA has a different set of challenges.
1) Only 5 teams compete in the tourney. UChicago is an independent. CMU and NYU don't field teams, and Rochester competes for the AQ in the Liberty League
2) Having only 5 teams, they don't have an AQ.
3) The geographical hassles for northern schools would make the scheduling the rain-outs and early season inclement weather a nightmare.
I figured it would be something along those lines. But with only five teams, it's hard to conceive it as a "tournament." Too bad the teams don't join some larger conferences so they can battle for an AQ.
Quote from: BearBaseball on May 14, 2011, 04:21:53 PM
At the time of the rankings, these were the numbers:
Team Win% SOS Regionally Ranked
Augustana .636 .516 3-4
Chicago .636 .530 4-1
WashU .651 .528 5-8
North Central .625 .522 3-7
To say North Central and Augustana are "in the same boat as" WashU and Chicago is not supported by anything. Not only do they have better winning percentages but the SOS aren't even close. If the difference between .516 and .530 is as big as the D3baseball.com numbers make them appear, Augustana would have to jump about 60 teams nationally to get to .530. How can that be close? Especially with Buena Vista and North Park falling early in their conference tournaments, they will all be very close to getting playoff bids. If they wanted to put Chicago and their 14 wins ahead of us, I would understand. They beat us pretty bad on one day. But, as of last week, NCC and Augustana didn't deserve to be in the conversation.
You forgot to quote me as saying "
roughly in the same boat" ;)
Regardless, without going into a detailed calculation of the difference between a 0.516 and a 0.530 its hard to say if that is truly a significant difference. I'm assuming that the distribution of SOS numbers is somewhat bunched around the mean. Having 60 teams to jump seems like a large number but not so much if only a few games here or there would've changed the numbers. If poor Millikin could've scratched out a few more wins, maybe we wouldn't even be having this conversation.
Better yet, maybe all 4 of those teams should've just won more games. Any way your slice it, those 4 teams didn't win enough games to merit being ranked and someone had to get that last spot but I do find it hard to believe that you don't think Augie and NCC should've at least been in the conversation. I mean, if you look at Wash U vs. Chicago, well Wash U shouldn't even be in that conversation. What's better than 3 head-to head matchups to tell us who is better?
Ironically, having Augie ranked instead of Chicago actually makes Wash U's numbers look better as you'd be 5-11 vs. regionally ranked if Chicago had been the number 6 team in the rankings.
Quote from: BearBaseball on May 14, 2011, 06:18:10 PM
I don't believe the tournaments are comparable
Is that because WashU went 3-3 in the UAA "tourney?" I am guessing you'd have a different argument if WashU had finished first.
Looking at what is coming back for each team and using a "complex" formula of 3, 2, 1 for all-regional teams for hitters and 4, 3, 2 for pitching (it is a little more important than hitting) here is what I have arrived at for an early look at the 2012 Central Region: (Note- so much can happen between now and February so this is just something to tide us over until then... it has been one day since the season ended and I am already lost).
1 IWU (9)
2/3 WashU/Coe(7)
4/5/6/7 Grinnell/Luther/Beloit/Wheaton (5)
8/9/10 North Park/UofChicago/Loras
11/12/13/14 Carthage/Webster/Buena Vista/Elmhurst
15 Monmouth
RETURNERS: (All-region team)
C:
Mike Nodzenski- Grinnell (1st)
AJ Nathan- IWU (3rd)
Stephen Williams- Chicago (3rd)
1B:
Kevin Callahan- IWU (1st)
Ross Donnan- Monmouth (3rd)
2B:
Chris Reynolds- Luther (1st)
Jonathon Erickson- IWU (3rd)
3B:
Jordan Jaenicke- Beloit (3rd)
SS:
Michael Goldfien- Grinnell (2nd)
OF:
Brandon Rogalski- WashU (1st) Regional Player of the Year
Nick Stein- Coe (1st)
Dave Wollak- Elmhurst (2nd)
Justin Zeller- Wheaton (2nd)
Jack Cinoman- Chicago (3rd)
UTL:
Trey Martin- Wheaton (1st)
Kyle Billig- WashU (2nd)
DH:
Bobby Czarnowski- IWU (3rd)
P:
Wade Morris- Coe (1st)
Alex Norman- Beloit (1st)
Kendall Paluch- Loras (2nd)
Nick Mehn- IWU (2nd)
Steve Kuligowski- North Park (2nd)
Stephan Bonser- WashU (3rd)
David Mueller- Webster (3rd)
James Stone- Buena Vista (3rd)
Augie Lindmark- Luther (3rd)
Danny Dahm- Carthage (3rd)
Here is my first look at the Central Region after all the teams have now hit the field:
1. North Park 11-3: I have been high on the them all year and other than a stumble against Wisconsin Lutheran this weekend, they have been as good as advertised. CCIW
2. WashU 17-6: Another team I really like and they have not really disappointed me much so far. I think they will be a team that is one of two or three left playing on the final day of the Central regional. UAA
3. Illinois Wesleyan 8-4: Just split a four game set with Concordia (IL) who I really like this season. IWU is my hated rival, but looking with my eyes and not my heart allows me to see that they are a contender. CCIW
4. Augustana 11-2: Not really tested with a tough schedule yet, but they are winning games regardless. CCIW
5. Spalding 13-3: A relative newcomer in the region, they should prove a formidable challenge to Webster's SLIAC reign. SLIAC
6. Central 12-3: They really have yet to play anyone that I'd consider for a signature win to this point, yet they keep on winning. IIAC
7. St. Norbert 6-3: Average SoS to this point, but upcoming games with Stevens Point and WashU will let us know if they are the real deal or not. MWC
8. North Central 9-4: Playing some solid programs on the road in the South where they are 20-25 games deep into their seasons. CCIW
9. Elmhurst 8-3: No idea of what to think here... they have not faced top-notch squads yet, but they look to be keeping pponents from scoring runs in bunches. CCIW
10. Dubuque 14-4: Did I really just write this?? I keep waiting for them to falter, but a three game sweep of Coe has them atop the IIAC right now. IIAC EDIT: Sorry... Too many numbers in my head this morning. Still, I think they are in this discussion right now.
*Notables that are missing:
Carthage 5-5... their collapse last week was shocking to many. A week back in the midwest might be just the thing to get them refocused. A big three game series with NOrth Central this weekend.
Webster 10-8... they will pile up wins in the SLIAC again , but they look be be struggling with quality opponents at this point.
MISC: Another team I like a bit is Chicago (8-4). Their losses are all to solid programs, twice to St. Thomas, once to Whitewater and once to Bowdoin. They also took a win from Whitewater and swept St. Olaf. They have also quetly put together a nice schedule including WashU, Carthage, Concordia (IL), Aurora, and North Park. If the Maroons can produce a respectable record, they are a team that the committee will need to take a serious look at during the selection process.
Nicley done BigPoppa.
One clarification, Dubuque actually lost the series 2-1 to Coe, putting them at 12-6. Dubuque was outscored 12-0 on doubleheader saturday.
Quote from: TheSportsFan on March 26, 2012, 12:32:20 PM
Nicley done BigPoppa.
One clarification, Dubuque actually lost the series 2-1 to Coe, putting them at 12-6. Dubuque was outscored 12-0 on doubleheader saturday.
Thanks... a long morning of number crunching:)
Quote from: BigPoppa on March 26, 2012, 10:08:25 AM
Here is my first look at the Central Region after all the teams have now hit the field:
1. North Park 11-3: I have been high on the them all year and other than a stumble against Wisconsin Lutheran this weekend, they have been as good as advertised. CCIW
2. WashU 17-6: Another team I really like and they have not really disappointed me much so far. I think they will be a team that is one of two or three left playing on the final day of the Central regional. UAA
3. Illinois Wesleyan 8-4: Just split a four game set with Concordia (IL) who I really like this season. IWU is my hated rival, but looking with my eyes and not my heart allows me to see that they are a contender. CCIW
4. Augustana 11-2: Not really tested with a tough schedule yet, but they are winning games regardless. CCIW
5. Spalding 13-3: A relative newcomer in the region, they should prove a formidable challenge to Webster's SLIAC reign. SLIAC
6. Central 12-3: They really have yet to play anyone that I'd consider for a signature win to this point, yet they keep on winning. IIAC
7. St. Norbert 6-3: Average SoS to this point, but upcoming games with Stevens Point and WashU will let us know if they are the real deal or not. MWC
8. North Central 9-4: Playing some solid programs on the road in the South where they are 20-25 games deep into their seasons. CCIW
9. Elmhurst 8-3: No idea of what to think here... they have not faced top-notch squads yet, but they look to be keeping pponents from scoring runs in bunches. CCIW
10. Dubuque 14-4: Did I really just write this?? I keep waiting for them to falter, but a three game sweep of Coe has them atop the IIAC right now. IIAC EDIT: Sorry... Too many numbers in my head this morning. Still, I think they are in this discussion right now.
*Notables that are missing:
Carthage 5-5... their collapse last week was shocking to many. A week back in the midwest might be just the thing to get them refocused. A big three game series with NOrth Central this weekend.
Webster 10-8... they will pile up wins in the SLIAC again , but they look be be struggling with quality opponents at this point.
MISC: Another team I like a bit is Chicago (8-4). Their losses are all to solid programs, twice to St. Thomas, once to Whitewater and once to Bowdoin. They also took a win from Whitewater and swept St. Olaf. They have also quetly put together a nice schedule including WashU, Carthage, Concordia (IL), Aurora, and North Park. If the Maroons can produce a respectable record, they are a team that the committee will need to take a serious look at during the selection process.
North Park is sitting at 13-3 after this weekend's games. I would still rank Carthage somewhere between St. Norbert and Elmhurst despite the 5-5 record, they will find a way to make it click. Other than that, I like the analysis. I agree that University of Chicago could surprise some teams, too.
D3Vike11's Central Region Rankings as of April 1st:
1.) North Park (17-3) CCIW
The Vikings have established themselves as the top team in the region. They continue to win with strong pitching, sporting a team ERA of 2.72 and holding opposing hitters to a .240 BA. Offensively they are led by Division 1 transfer Tony Sanchez, who is my early favorite for Player of the Year in the Central.
2.) Washington U (20-6) UAA
The Bears continue to win, beating teams they should be beating. Not as strong on the mound as some of the other teams in the Central, but they get on base and score runs. My only concern is their .940 defense.
3.) Illinois Wesleyan (12-5) CCIW
Wesleyan pitchers got knocked around by Wheaton over the weekend, Sweeney taking the brunt of it with 9 earned runs in less than 2 innings. They continue to hit and play excellent defense, and their pitching should get back on track against Millikin.
4.) Central (15-4) IIAC
The Dutch sit atop the IIAC despite taking a bad loss to Loras. With one of the best pitching staffs in the Central region, I see Central taking the conference title away from Coe. Starting Pitcher Joel Pulliam is IIAC's Player of the Year so far.
5.) Spalding (15-4-1) SLIAC
Spalding continues to show that they are a force to be reckoned with in the Central. They play in a weak conference, so they should continue to rack up wins.
The SLIAC's relatively weak conference kills their member's SoS numbers so I still think the SLIAC will only be a one-bid conference. It will all come down to who wins the tourney. SoS hurts the conference when forced to go head to head at the Pool C table.
Quote from: BigPoppa on April 01, 2012, 10:29:15 PM
The SLIAC's relatively weak conference kills their member's SoS numbers so I still think the SLIAC will only be a one-bid conference. It will all come down to who wins the tourney. SoS hurts the conference when forced to go head to head at the Pool C table.
Agreed. Although it's still early, I think Spalding will take down Webster's reign as SLIAC Champ.
A lot of posters laughed two years ago when I said that Spalding would challenge Webster's run... The same people laughed when I stated in January that North Park and WashU would be VERY good this year. Who's laughing now!?
Quote from: D3Vike11 on April 01, 2012, 10:33:33 PM
Quote from: BigPoppa on April 01, 2012, 10:29:15 PM
The SLIAC's relatively weak conference kills their member's SoS numbers so I still think the SLIAC will only be a one-bid conference. It will all come down to who wins the tourney. SoS hurts the conference when forced to go head to head at the Pool C table.
Agreed. Although it's still early, I think Spalding will take down Webster's reign as SLIAC Champ.
Yes it is early, but I do not really see that happening this year. Looking at their schedules, Spalding has lost to 2 teams that Webster has beaten, and after the past few years, a loss to MacMurray and playing Eureka so closely isn't that good. Granted from what I have been hearing MacMurray has gotten a lot of good players because of the new coach. But I am predicting Webster taking all 3 from Spalding this year.
D3Vike's Central Region Rankings as of Easter. **(Overall Record, In-Region Record)
1.) North Park (21-4, 17-2) CCIW
Went 4-1 this week, sweeping Carthage and taking 2 of 3 from Wheaton. They are playing real good baseball and are still the team to beat in the Central.
2.) Washington U (23-7, 21-3) UAA
Had their 11 game winning streak broken by a solid Hendrix team, but still managed to take 2 out of 3 from them. I would love to see a Regional Championship matchup of Wash U. and North Park.
3.) Central (19-5, 14-4) IIAC
They have taken control of a weaker IIAC conference. Not as strong as some of the other teams in the region, but still continue to win.
4.) North Central (15-6, 10-3) CCIW
Taking 2 of 3 from Wesleyan was a real confidence booster. Their starting pitching has been a nice surprise so far.
5.) Webster (16-8, 14-3) SLIAC
Webster beats out Il. Wesleyan based on their In-Region record (14-3 vs. 11-6). Their offense needs to step up if they are going to do any real damage.
GAME I'D LIKE TO SEE THIS WEEK:
4/11 North Park at Carthage (NP looks to sweep the season series for the 1st time under Luke Johnson)
BigPoppa's Top 25: (I am sure than, once again, many will disagree... especially with North Park and WashU, but they continue to get it done)
1 Christopher Newport
2 Marietta
3 Concordia-Austin
4 St. Thomas
5 North Park
6 Wheaton (Mass.)
7 Birmingham-Southern
8 Trinity (Texas)
9 Misericordia
10 Washington U.
11 Eastern Connecticut
12 Salisbury
13 Kean
14 DePauw
15 Adrian
16 Texas-Tyler
17 UW-Stevens Point
18 Keystone
19 St. Joseph's (Maine)
20 Shenandoah
21 Washington and Jefferson
22 Cortland State
23 William Paterson
24 Aurora
25 Concordia-Chicago
Teams I really looked at:
Linfield (19-8) Clawing their way back into the picture.
Lynchburg (26-6)
Pacific (16-9) 7 of their 9 losses are to either NAIA or D2 programs. Only two in-region losses
Central (19-5) Quickly becoming the class of the IIAC
UW- Lacrosse (14-8) Eight losses is tough, but take a look at who those losses are to.
Whitewater (11-6) SoS has to be through the roof.
My Central Region Rankings:
1. North Park
2. WashU
3. Central
4. North Central
5. Webster
This region is a mess right now outside of NPU and WashU.
Quote from: BigPoppa on April 09, 2012, 11:16:15 AM
My Central Region Rankings:
1. North Park
2. WashU
3. Central
4. North Central
5. Webster
This region is a mess right now outside of NPU and WashU.
Looks familiar!
Below are the updated Rankings. This is what the NCAA uses for Regional Rankings.
Win% OWP OOWP SOS RPI Rank School Reg W L
0.875 0.524 0.548 0.532 0.617 1 Washington U. C 21 3
0.647 0.616 0.552 0.595 0.608 2 Illinois Wesleyan C 11 6
0.769 0.536 0.554 0.542 0.599 3 North Central (Ill.) C 10 3
0.619 0.562 0.530 0.551 0.568 4 Coe C 13 8
0.563 0.594 0.521 0.570 0.568 5 Beloit C 9 7
0.500 0.654 0.457 0.588 0.566 6 St. Norbert C 4 4
0.571 0.566 0.556 0.563 0.565 7 Chicago C 8 6
0.895 0.396 0.572 0.455 0.565 8 North Park C 17 2
0.778 0.464 0.536 0.488 0.560 9 Central C 14 4
0.385 0.671 0.511 0.617 0.559 10 Wheaton (Ill.) C 5 8
0.824 0.433 0.538 0.468 0.557 11 Webster C 14 3
I think we will see Wash U ranked 1st and North Park ranked 2nd when the first regional rankings comes out.
This is why I am still somewhat skeptical of North Park. I am becoming a believer (slowly but surely), however there has not been a marquee game/series domination that has mean thinking they are a top 10 team.
That's a fair criticism. NPU's strength of schedule to date is comparatively weak.
Quote from: Gregory Sager on April 12, 2012, 01:35:17 PM
That's a fair criticism. NPU's strength of schedule to date is comparatively weak.
I agree. What is good to see though is their 17-3 In-Region record.
Quote from: D3Vike11 on April 12, 2012, 04:17:01 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on April 12, 2012, 01:35:17 PM
That's a fair criticism. NPU's strength of schedule to date is comparatively weak.
I agree. What is good to see though is their 17-3 In-Region record.
D3Vike, if they get that 3 game road sweep that you predicted on the CCIW board, that might be the domination of a series I was looking forward to become a true believer.
Quote from: CCIWFAN6 on April 13, 2012, 10:57:18 AM
Quote from: D3Vike11 on April 12, 2012, 04:17:01 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on April 12, 2012, 01:35:17 PM
That's a fair criticism. NPU's strength of schedule to date is comparatively weak.
I agree. What is good to see though is their 17-3 In-Region record.
D3Vike, if they get that 3 game road sweep that you predicted on the CCIW board, that might be the domination of a series I was looking forward to become a true believer.
In the last 3 seasons, North Park is 8-1 versus Augustana, including 6 in a row. Believe!
Quote from: D3Vike11 on April 13, 2012, 01:02:04 PM
Quote from: CCIWFAN6 on April 13, 2012, 10:57:18 AM
Quote from: D3Vike11 on April 12, 2012, 04:17:01 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on April 12, 2012, 01:35:17 PM
That's a fair criticism. NPU's strength of schedule to date is comparatively weak.
I agree. What is good to see though is their 17-3 In-Region record.
D3Vike, if they get that 3 game road sweep that you predicted on the CCIW board, that might be the domination of a series I was looking forward to become a true believer.
In the last 3 seasons, North Park is 8-1 versus Augustana, including 6 in a row. Believe!
... AND in the last three seasons, Chapman was a world series team... now they have close to 20 losses. Last season(s) has NO bearing on this season. Not saying they won't sweep Augustana, but last year is not much of an indication.
BigPoppa's Updated Central Region Rankings:
1. WashU: 23-7 Off last week so they should be well-rested for the stretch run starting with Webster tomorrow night. A nice SoS helps keep them atop the standings.
2. Central: 23-5 Really starting to get on a roll in the IIAC. They could be setting themselves up for a Pool C chance should they stumble in the IIAC tourney.
3. North Park: 22-7 They take a huge hit this week losing 3 of 4 games. They already have an iffy SoS so I am not sure how this will affecty them once the regional rankings appear.
4. Webster: 17-9 It's dejavu as Webster slams the SLIAC (again) and find themselves at 10-1 in league play
5. Spalding: 19-6-1 A solid SoS could eventually bump them a bit further up the list here. I see the SLAIC as a one-bid conference so either Webster or Spalding will be left home.
6. Illinois Wesleyan (18-9)/Augustana(19-8): Both sit at 7-5 in the CCIW... they are likely going to remain tied together until their three game series in two weeks.
Quote from: BigPoppa on April 16, 2012, 10:06:51 AM
BigPoppa's Updated Central Region Rankings:
1. WashU: 23-7 Off last week so they should be well-rested for the stretch run starting with Webster tomorrow night. A nice SoS helps keep them atop the standings.
2. Central: 23-5 Really starting to get on a roll in the IIAC. They could be setting themselves up for a Pool C chance should they stumble in the IIAC tourney.
3. North Park: 22-7 They take a huge hit this week losing 3 of 4 games. They already have an iffy SoS so I am not sure how this will affecty them once the regional rankings appear.
4. Webster: 17-9 It's dejavu as Webster slams the SLIAC (again) and find themselves at 10-1 in league play
5. Spalding: 19-6-1 A solid SoS could eventually bump them a bit further up the list here. I see the SLAIC as a one-bid conference so either Webster or Spalding will be left home.
6. Illinois Wesleyan (18-9)/Augustana(19-8): Both sit at 7-5 in the CCIW... they are likely going to remain tied together until their three game series in two weeks.
I believe Augustana is 6-6 in the conference.
You are right. Tha Carthage site has the CCIW records wrong. Still, I think they are relatively equal in my eyes and I am not a believer at all in Elmhurst at this point.
This seems like a complete make or break weekend for North Park. With their SOS being so poor, they will definitely need at a minimum a series win, possibly a sweep to remain in contention for a Pool C bid. With what we have seen from the committee over the last few of years, this seems to be the main component in the decision making process.
Quote from: CCIWFAN6 on April 16, 2012, 12:08:48 PM
This seems like a complete make or break weekend for North Park. With their SOS being so poor, they will definitely need at a minimum a series win, possibly a sweep to remain in contention for a Pool C bid. With what we have seen from the committee over the last few of years, this seems to be the main component in the decision making process.
I don't think it's "make or break" just yet, but this is a crucial weekend for North Park. Winning 2 of 3 or sweeping Wesleyan would set them up nicely to be hosting the tournament. Considering that 6 of their 7 losses have come playing away from Holmgren Field, they want to be hosting the tournament.
If NPU loses 2 out of 3 or worse this weekend, it would create a situation very similar to the situation they found themselves in last year. That would put their record at 23-9. Lets so in a perfect world, they sweet Elmhurt, win 2 out of 3 against NCC and finish 28-10 before the conference tournament.
In this situation, they are looking for a pool C bid, and best case they are 30-12. The exact same record as they were last year with a very poor SOS. Now, over the next two weeks their SOS will improve by playing IWU, EC, and NCC. It could have a strong enough impact to change this outlook, but as it stands now, I still feel like they need at least 2 out of 3 to maintain a decent chance at a Pool C.
Quote from: CCIWFAN6 on April 17, 2012, 11:03:25 AM
If NPU loses 2 out of 3 or worse this weekend, it would create a situation very similar to the situation they found themselves in last year. That would put their record at 23-9. Lets so in a perfect world, they sweet Elmhurt, win 2 out of 3 against NCC and finish 28-10 before the conference tournament.
In this situation, they are looking for a pool C bid, and best case they are 30-12. The exact same record as they were last year with a very poor SOS. Now, over the next two weeks their SOS will improve by playing IWU, EC, and NCC. It could have a strong enough impact to change this outlook, but as it stands now, I still feel like they need at least 2 out of 3 to maintain a decent chance at a Pool C.
That's assuming they lose the conference tournament. They are the best team this year in the CCIW, so let's wait to talk about the Pool C bid until AFTER the tourney.
Quote from: D3Vike11 on April 17, 2012, 11:11:34 AM
Quote from: CCIWFAN6 on April 17, 2012, 11:03:25 AM
If NPU loses 2 out of 3 or worse this weekend, it would create a situation very similar to the situation they found themselves in last year. That would put their record at 23-9. Lets so in a perfect world, they sweet Elmhurt, win 2 out of 3 against NCC and finish 28-10 before the conference tournament.
In this situation, they are looking for a pool C bid, and best case they are 30-12. The exact same record as they were last year with a very poor SOS. Now, over the next two weeks their SOS will improve by playing IWU, EC, and NCC. It could have a strong enough impact to change this outlook, but as it stands now, I still feel like they need at least 2 out of 3 to maintain a decent chance at a Pool C.
That's assuming they lose the conference tournament. They are the best team this year in the CCIW, so let's wait to talk about the Pool C bid until AFTER the tourney.
I am not debating this. The best team does not always win the conference tournament, and it would be extremely disappointing to have this successful a season and not make the NCAA tournament like last year.
Quote from: CCIWFAN6 on April 17, 2012, 11:03:25 AM
If NPU loses 2 out of 3 or worse this weekend, it would create a situation very similar to the situation they found themselves in last year. That would put their record at 23-9. Lets so in a perfect world, they sweet Elmhurt, win 2 out of 3 against NCC and finish 28-10 before the conference tournament.
In this situation, they are looking for a pool C bid, and best case they are 30-12. The exact same record as they were last year with a very poor SOS. Now, over the next two weeks their SOS will improve by playing IWU, EC, and NCC. It could have a strong enough impact to change this outlook, but as it stands now, I still feel like they need at least 2 out of 3 to maintain a decent chance at a Pool C.
You've left out two games. NPU has a couple of non-conference games left, one this evening at NAthCon-co-leader Rockford (13-13) and another a week from tomorrow at Chicago (14-9). The Vikings will be playing the full complement of 40 regular-season contests this season.
My updated predicted Central Region Rankings:
1.) Central (25-7, 20-6) IIAC
For me Central gets this by default. They have been the most consistent team in the Central Region so far.
2.) Washington U (23-11, 21-7) UAA
They're on a bit of a losing streak, but they've had a good season so far with a tough SOS.
3.) Il. Wesleyan (21-10, 17-9) CCIW
They come off a big weekend series win against North Park and have the best SOS in the CCIW.
4.) Chicago (19-9, 16-8) IND
They have some solid wins against UW-Whitewater and Washington U. Could push for a Pool B bid.
5.) Webster (22-9, 20-4) SLIAC
Weak SOS, but they have the best In-Region record in the Central. They'll earn their automatic bid.
6.) North Park (24-9, 20-7) CCIW
They have dropped considerably since their 17-1 start in region play. With their weak SOS, I don't know if a Pool C bid is in reach anymore.
Quote from: D3Vike11 on April 22, 2012, 06:12:45 PM
My updated predicted Central Region Rankings:
1.) Central (25-7, 20-6) IIAC
For me Central gets this by default. They have been the most consistent team in the Central Region so far.
2.) Washington U (23-11, 21-7) UAA
They're on a bit of a losing streak, but they've had a good season so far with a tough SOS.
3.) Il. Wesleyan (21-10, 17-9) CCIW
They come off a big weekend series win against North Park and have the best SOS in the CCIW.
4.) Chicago (19-9, 16-8) IND
They have some solid wins against UW-Whitewater and Washington U. Could push for a Pool B bid.
5.) Webster (22-9, 20-4) SLIAC
Weak SOS, but they have the best In-Region record in the Central. They'll earn their automatic bid.
6.) North Park (24-9, 20-7) CCIW
They have dropped considerably since their 17-1 start in region play. With their weak SOS, I don't know if a Pool C bid is in reach anymore.
IWU hosts Wash U tomorrow night. Never know what to expect in these mid-week games when teams blow up their pitching on the conference weekends.
Wash U lost a weekend series with Chicago, so this game is important for both sides.
Webster's hitting is starting to show up just in time. Currently having a .302 team average and a slugging percentage of .455 and having about 6 of their starters batting .300+. Scoring 39 runs in their last 5 games (12 coming from their game against WashU) Pitching is still going strong for them with a team ERA of 2.84 and giving up only 16 runs (9 in the WashU game) in those 5 games. The pitching staff, however, is not as big as they would like it to be because of injuries but should still be very good in the post season. They have 3 more SLIAC series's left (Eureka, Fontbonne, and Greenville) Webster is currently 22-9 and 14-1 in conference with a region record of 20-4 (from what i have read on here)
Do the Regional Rankings come out today? Or next week?
Quote from: D3Vike11 on April 23, 2012, 10:18:46 PM
Do the Regional Rankings come out today? Or next week?
Thursday April 26.
The 1st Regional Rankings have come:
http://www.ncaa.com/rankings/baseball/d3/regional_rankings
1.) Chicago
2.) Wash U
3.) Il. Wesleyan
4.) Central
5.) St. Norbert
6.) Webster
Quote from: D3Vike11 on April 26, 2012, 07:09:00 PM
The 1st Regional Rankings have come:
http://www.ncaa.com/rankings/baseball/d3/regional_rankings
1.) Chicago
2.) Wash U
3.) Il. Wesleyan
4.) Central
5.) St. Norbert
6.) Webster
Not much of a surprise. I guess I was not certain of exactly where Chicago would land, but they have a solid SoS and taking 3 (edit... typo) of 4 from WashU last week really bumped them up the list. At this point, I am not sure I can argue with it. I figured North Park would be on the regional ranking bubble after their recent slide so I am guessing they fall somewhere around 7 or 8 this week.
Quote from: BigPoppa on April 27, 2012, 08:24:33 AM
Quote from: D3Vike11 on April 26, 2012, 07:09:00 PM
The 1st Regional Rankings have come:
http://www.ncaa.com/rankings/baseball/d3/regional_rankings
1.) Chicago
2.) Wash U
3.) Il. Wesleyan
4.) Central
5.) St. Norbert
6.) Webster
Not much of a surprise. I guess I was not certain of exactly where Chicago would land, but they have a solid SoS and taking 4 of 4 from WashU last week really bumped them up the list. At this point, I am not sure I can argue with it. I figured North Park would be on the regional ranking bubble after their recent slide so I am guessing they fall somewhere around 7 or 8 this week.
Even if they sweep Elmhurst this weekend I don't see them getting moved up to 6th or 5th in the next regional rankings, unless St. Norbert or Webster really crashes.
Quote from: D3Vike11 on April 26, 2012, 07:09:00 PM
The 1st Regional Rankings have come:
http://www.ncaa.com/rankings/baseball/d3/regional_rankings
1.) Chicago
2.) Wash U
3.) Il. Wesleyan
4.) Central
5.) St. Norbert
6.) Webster
These rankings do not include the IWU win over Wash U. I wonder how that single game might factor into the overall rankings at the end of the year. I think those two teams might be flip flopped, all things equal at this point.
WashU/IWU could easily flipflop, but their is still so much ball to be played and IWU will have the CCIW tourney games yet. IWU needs another CCIW team to show up in the rankings to help their "record vs regionally ranked opponents."
Way to much to happen yet to worry too much about it right now.
The 2nd Regional Rankings are out:
http://www.ncaa.com/rankings/baseball/d3
In-Region W-L SOS Record vs Ranked opponents
1.) Wash U 24-8 .574 7-5
2.) Chicago 19-10 .571 3-2
3.) Il. Wesleyan 19-11 .570 4-3
4.) Augustana 20-10 .525 4-2
5.) Wheaton 14-11 .568 3-6
6.) St. Norbert 17-7 .511 1-3
On the Cusp
North Park 22-9 .510 4-6
Central 23-8 .491 0-0
Webster 25-5 .486 1-2
My predictions for the 3rd Regional Rankings:
In-Region W-L SOS Record vs Ranked Opponents
1.) Wash U 25-8 .573 7-5
2.) Chicago 19-11 .582 3-2
3.) Il. Wesleyan 22-12 .561 4-3
4.) St. Norbert 19-8 .522 1-3
5.) North Park 24-9 .518 4-6
6.) Central 24-8 .501 0-0
Maybe Elmhurst sneaks in there with their .554 SOS, but I think Augie and Wheaton both drop out.
Here's a different look. The teams are in order based on a combination of In-Region Win% and In-Region SOS.
Wash U 1.331
Webster 1.282
Central 1.253
St. Norbert 1.245
North Park 1.242
Chicago 1.215
Il. Wesleyan 1.205
Augustana 1.117
Wheaton (IL) 1.082
The CCIW tourney is underway! http://cciw.org/sports/2012/5/5/BB_0505124601.aspx?id=745 (http://cciw.org/sports/2012/5/5/BB_0505124601.aspx?id=745)
In the IIAC:
Buena Vista is up 7-2 in the 5th on Luther
Wartburg up 5-3 on Simpson in the 5th
3rd Regional Rankings:
1.) Wash U
2.) Chicago
3.) Il. Wesleyan
4.) North Park
5.) Coe
6.) St. Norbert
Question: In the In-Region record vs ranked opponents, they take into account any team that has been ranked right? Or is it just against the current ranked teams?
Quote from: D3Vike11 on May 11, 2012, 12:43:18 PM
Question: In the In-Region record vs ranked opponents, they take into account any team that has been ranked right? Or is it just against the current ranked teams?
Previously ranked teams count as well... once ranked is always ranked.
Quote from: BigPoppa on May 11, 2012, 12:49:20 PM
Quote from: D3Vike11 on May 11, 2012, 12:43:18 PM
Question: In the In-Region record vs ranked opponents, they take into account any team that has been ranked right? Or is it just against the current ranked teams?
Previously ranked teams count as well... once ranked is always ranked.
In the most recent rankings, they are only counting the teams that are currently ranked.
**North Park is listed at 1-3 (1 win vs IWU, 2 loses to IWU, 1 loss to Chicago)
It's looking like the IIAC will likely be a one-bid conference as Coe jumped into the rankings this week at #5 while Central's free-fall continues... losing their opener against Buena Vista last night.
I see the SLIAC as a one-bid conference as well. (Likely Webster)
CCIW should be a two-bid league provided either IWU or NPU wins the title. I think they each need one more win to secure a Pool C.
MWC is a one-bid conference (St. Norbert is likely)
WashU and Chicago look like Pool B/C locks right now.
Based on proximity, who knows where they all end up next week.
Quote from: BigPoppa on May 11, 2012, 01:49:29 PM
It's looking like the IIAC will likely be a one-bid conference as Coe jumped into the rankings this week at #5 while Central's free-fall continues... losing their opener against Buena Vista last night.
I see the SLIAC as a one-bid conference as well. (Likely Webster)
CCIW should be a two-bid league provided either IWU or NPU wins the title. I think they each need one more win to secure a Pool C.
MWC is a one-bid conference (St. Norbert is likely)
WashU and Chicago look like Pool B/C locks right now.
Based on proximity, who knows where they all end up next week.
I think it's important that that win comes against the other team too. If one team loses today, then beats Elmhurst and loses in the championship, I don't see them getting a Pool C bid.
If each NPU and IWU get one more win, they will meet in the Final and I doubt a loss there would keep either out.
Quote from: BigPoppa on May 11, 2012, 02:30:07 PM
If each NPU and IWU get one more win, they will meet in the Final and I doubt a loss there would keep either out.
Coe is in the driver's seat in the IIAC tournament - if they can close that out it makes the NP-IWU bid for a Pool C that much stronger.
NPU's got the automatic bid from the CCIW, and, since Wesleyan picked up three wins in the CCIW tourney, my guess is that the Titans will get a bid as well. What I'm wondering is: a) who's going where; and b) will the committee send one of the CCIW teams to Memphis and the other to Whitewater?
I'd love for NPU to go to Whitewater, so that I can see the Vikings play, but everyone around the NPU program seems to feel that the Park will be flying to the Volunteer State this week, courtesy of the NCAA.
Quote from: Gregory Sager on May 12, 2012, 09:08:13 PM
NPU's got the automatic bid from the CCIW, and, since Wesleyan picked up three wins in the CCIW tourney, my guess is that the Titans will get a bid as well. What I'm wondering is: a) who's going where; and b) will the committee send one of the CCIW teams to Memphis and the other to Whitewater?
I'd love for NPU to go to Whitewater, so that I can see the Vikings play, but everyone around the NPU program seems to feel that the Park will be flying to the Volunteer State this week, courtesy of the NCAA.
Perhaps it's neither here nor there, but IWU could bus to Millington while NPU would have to fly as you stated. NPU is within driving range of Etta as well.
Quote from: Ricky Nelson on May 12, 2012, 10:56:41 PM
Quote from: Gregory Sager on May 12, 2012, 09:08:13 PM
NPU's got the automatic bid from the CCIW, and, since Wesleyan picked up three wins in the CCIW tourney, my guess is that the Titans will get a bid as well. What I'm wondering is: a) who's going where; and b) will the committee send one of the CCIW teams to Memphis and the other to Whitewater?
I'd love for NPU to go to Whitewater, so that I can see the Vikings play, but everyone around the NPU program seems to feel that the Park will be flying to the Volunteer State this week, courtesy of the NCAA.
Perhaps it's neither here nor there, but IWU could bus to Millington while NPU would have to fly as you stated.
My thoughts exactly. And, being well aware of the NCAA's cost-conscious manner of seeding D3 tourneys, that's why I tend to think that NPU will go to Wisconsin while IWU will go to Tennessee.
Quote from: Ricky Nelson on May 12, 2012, 10:56:41 PMNPU is within driving range of Etta as well.
That scenario hadn't even occurred to me. I can't tell you how much I dislike the idea of NPU getting sent to southeastern Ohio, and not simply because Marietta's there.
Yeah, I'm with you on not going to Etta. Just thought I'd throw it in there.
http://www.ncaa.com/rankings/baseball/d3
Updated regional Rankings:
Wash U
Chicago
North Park
IWU
Coe
St. Norbert
How is it that Chicago is ranked #2, IWU #4 yet Chicago doesn't get an at-large bid while IWU does. Chicago had a higher SOS. Could it be that since IWU was within driving distance to Rhodes that they gave it to them? I sure hope that's not the reason.
Good question. Chicago, as an independent, was Pool B -- but the rule is that, once the Pool B slots have been filled, the remaining Pool B teams are then eligible for Pool C berths. The inclusion of IWU while the Maroons were -- uh, marooned outside of the tourney field is a head-scratcher.
Also, the rankings got NPU's in-region record wrong. It's 28-10, not 27-11.
Quote from: D3Vike11 on May 15, 2012, 09:53:51 PM
http://www.ncaa.com/rankings/baseball/d3
Updated regional Rankings:
Wash U
Chicago
North Park
IWU
Coe
St. Norbert
How is it that Chicago is ranked #2, IWU #4 yet Chicago doesn't get an at-large bid while IWU does. Chicago had a higher SOS. Could it be that since IWU was within driving distance to Rhodes that they gave it to them? I sure hope that's not the reason.
Great question. Chicago's snub makes no sense. They should be furious.
Quote from: izzy stradlin on May 15, 2012, 10:37:16 PM
Quote from: D3Vike11 on May 15, 2012, 09:53:51 PM
http://www.ncaa.com/rankings/baseball/d3
Updated regional Rankings:
Wash U
Chicago
North Park
IWU
Coe
St. Norbert
How is it that Chicago is ranked #2, IWU #4 yet Chicago doesn't get an at-large bid while IWU does. Chicago had a higher SOS. Could it be that since IWU was within driving distance to Rhodes that they gave it to them? I sure hope that's not the reason.
Great question. Chicago's snub makes no sense. They should be furious.
As a lowly peon from the ASC, I am glad that the snub occurred to a UAA team.
IMHO, snubs of the conferences such as the UAA, the NESCAC and the NCAC get more attention than snubs of the ASC, the UMAC or the NEAC.
Maybe something productive will arise from this.
My Preseason look at the region:
1. North Park- They have continued to improve every year that Luke Johnsnon has been at the helm. Return All-American pitcher Nick Soldano.
2. Webster- Solid program that steamrools the SLIAC every year. They have upgraded their non-conference schedule so we should get a true feel for the strength of this program early on.
3. Illinois Wesleyan- All-American Kevin Callahan bring his mighty bat back to IWU for another season. Titans are loaded with bats, but if they can find some decent pitching, they should stack up Ws by the handful.
4. WashU- Solid program that made some waves last season. This could be the season that they break through on a national level. They have been on the cusp for the past 5 years.
5. North Central- Arms, arms, and more arms! If they can squeeze out a few runs here and there they could easily be a contender in the region. Their pitching depth will make them a force to be recokned with if they can get deep into a regional.
6. Chicago- Many considered them the biggest snub of the 2012 NCAAs. Expect the Maroons to come out with a massive chip on their shoulder once the snow clear in The Windy City.
7. Insert random IIAC team here... such a balanced conference that it is tough to predict who will come out on top.
8. Carthage- One has to believe that last year's stumble was a blip on the radar. A coach does not get elected to the ABCA Hall of Fame if he cannot adjust to adversity. Augie Schmidt Field opens this season and I find it tough to believe he won't have a contending team on a field that bears his name.
9. Insert #2 IIAC team here... truly, I cannot predict this unpredictable conference
** I am well aware that the entire MWC has been left off of this list, but I'd likely be talking about St. Norbert College as the front-runner. Still, I am not certain that I see them in the top 9 slots in the region. Also, a second SLIAC team has been left off, but I am not even certain WHO would be in that spot (Spalding?)... but i'd likely place the CCIW's Wheaton and Augustana both ahead of those programs. Thoughts?
People jumped on me last spring when I touted North Park (CCIW champ and NCAA bid), Webster (NCAA Central region champ) and WashU (NCAA Bid). I missed on Carthage last year (likely due to my degree from that fine institution).
Quote from: BigPoppa on February 04, 2013, 02:12:41 PM
My Preseason look at the region:
1. North Park- They have continued to improve every year that Luke Johnsnon has been at the helm. Return All-American pitcher Nick Soldano.
2. Webster- Solid program that steamrools the SLIAC every year. They have upgraded their non-conference schedule so we should get a true feel for the strength of this program early on.
3. Illinois Wesleyan- All-American Kevin Callahan bring his mighty bat back to IWU for another season. Titans are loaded with bats, but if they can find some decent pitching, they should stack up Ws by the handful.
4. WashU- Solid program that made some waves last season. This could be the season that they break through on a national level. They have been on the cusp for the past 5 years.
5. North Central- Arms, arms, and more arms! If they can squeeze out a few runs here and there they could easily be a contender in the region. Their pitching depth will make them a force to be recokned with if they can get deep into a regional.
6. Chicago- Many considered them the biggest snub of the 2012 NCAAs. Expect the Maroons to come out with a massive chip on their shoulder once the snow clear in The Windy City.
7. Insert random IIAC team here... such a balanced conference that it is tough to predict who will come out on top.
8. Carthage- One has to believe that last year's stumble was a blip on the radar. A coach does not get elected to the ABCA Hall of Fame if he cannot adjust to adversity. Augie Schmidt Field opens this season and I find it tough to believe he won't have a contending team on a field that bears his name.
9. Insert #2 IIAC team here... truly, I cannot predict this unpredictable conference
** I am well aware that the entire MWC has been left off of this list, but I'd likely be talking about St. Norbert College as the front-runner. Still, I am not certain that I see them in the top 9 slots in the region. Also, a second SLIAC team has been left off, but I am not even certain WHO would be in that spot (Spalding?)... but i'd likely place the CCIW's Wheaton and Augustana both ahead of those programs. Thoughts?
People jumped on me last spring when I touted North Park (CCIW champ and NCAA bid), Webster (NCAA Central region champ) and WashU (NCAA Bid). I missed on Carthage last year (likely due to my degree from that fine institution).
Bold prediction: Chicago will be in the Top 3 by the end of the season. Everything else I pretty much agree with.
Here is my first shot at a regional ranking now that everyone has a handful of games under their belts:
1. Webster 15-5 (SoS#69...a 3-4 stumble to start but ten in a row with a few over top notch programs)
2. IWU 12-4 (#85...They may have found some arms to go with their potent offense)
3. Wartburg 14-4 (#171...have they found the magic of years' past?)
4. WashU 14-8 (#45...Not as good as I expected them to be at this point, but showing signs of life... some great wins(IWU twice, Webster, North Park, SNC twice) are negated by terrible losses (Grinnell twice). Appear to have some solid arms in order to beat top squads but struggle when big dogs don't throw)
5. Augustana 14-4 (#87...another solid start... can they avoid the mid-late season slide that has always doomed them in the past?)
6. Spalding 16-4 (#289...Not the toughest schedule but they do have a great win over #1 Cortland State)
7. North Park 11-9 (#112...Not sure what to think of them yet... seemed to struggle out of the gate a bit but hard to bet againt a returning all-American on the hill)
8. St. Norbert College 6-3 (#123...Really just getting going at this point... should roll through the MWC again and pile up wins. Lost twice to IWU, once to WashU... no HUGE wins at this point which could change with a DH vs UW LaCrosse on the horizon)
9. Loras 8-3 (#244...a 5-0 IIAC start has them atop the field in Iowa...)
10. North Central 10-8 (#61... looks like they may have some great arms atop their rotation, but struggle a bit once forced to dig deeper)
I thought for sure their would be some reaction or chatter related to my attempt at ranking the region. First NCAA regional rankings due out around April 26th.
Wartburg is very solid. Loras is 8-4 and only 2-0 in the IIAC....nice to include a 2nd IIAC team, but there is no reason to believe Loras is a contender.
Top Central Teams - not based on the goofy "Region Rankings" rules (Overall Records):
1. Webster (26-6)
2. Illinois Wesleyan (23-7)
3. Wartburg (26-6)
4. Augustana (23-6)
5. Spalding (25-8)
6. Wash U (20-11)
7. Coe (20-9)
My prediction of how the regional ranking would look if it came out today:
1. Webster
2. Augustana
3. IWU
4. Wartburg
5. WashU
6. Coe
An Early Look at BigPoppa's Central Region Rankings:
1. Illinois Wesleyan- I really, really like their chances to come out of this regional this year
2. Wartburg- Time for Wartburg to return to what it was and should be
3. Webster- Coming off a great season, but I think they are bit over rated at this point
4. Augustana- Always possess BIG BATS, expect them to make some noise this year
5. WashU- On the verge of finally breaking through?
6. North Park- Lost some big arms but always in the mix
7. St. Norbert- Great program hamstrung by a weak MWC schedule. Does a great job scheduling WIAC teams to put them in position for a bid
8. Wheaton- Two words: Trey Martin
9. Spalding- Ready to make a run at Webster in the SLIAC
10. Carthage- Just cannot imagine they'd miss the post-season a third straight year.
Quote from: BigPoppa on February 07, 2014, 09:06:40 AM
An Early Look at BigPoppa's Central Region Rankings:
1. Illinois Wesleyan- I really, really like their chances to come out of this regional this year
2. Wartburg- Time for Wartburg to return to what it was and should be
3. Webster- Coming off a great season, but I think they are bit over rated at this point
4. Augustana- Always possess BIG BATS, expect them to make some noise this year
5. WashU- On the verge of finally breaking through?
6. North Park- Lost some big arms but always in the mix
7. St. Norbert- Great program hamstrung by a weak MWC schedule. Does a great job scheduling WIAC teams to put them in position for a bid
8. Wheaton- Two words: Trey Martin
9. Spalding- Ready to make a run at Webster in the SLIAC
10. Carthage- Just cannot imagine they'd miss the post-season a third straight year.
Full slates of games in the next ten days should help to shake this up a bit.
Webster played really good competition in Florida -- beat Marietta, beat Cortland, beat Wartburg and lost to Wheaton and Wooster. 4 more games this weekend against very good competition.
They hit Marietta ace Jason Byers very well. Byers probably has a pretty good chance to be an All-American.
The only issue I see with them is whether Behme is going to find the range. They seem to hit well, field well, and have a few pretty good arms.
I don't think they're going to drop off as much as might have been expected after losing a couple of good pitchers.
Quote from: Spence on March 20, 2014, 03:58:48 PM
Webster played really good competition in Florida -- beat Marietta, beat Cortland, beat Wartburg and lost to Wheaton and Wooster. 4 more games this weekend against very good competition.
They hit Marietta ace Jason Byers very well. Byers probably has a pretty good chance to be an All-American.
The only issue I see with them is whether Behme is going to find the range. They seem to hit well, field well, and have a few pretty good arms.
I don't think they're going to drop off as much as might have been expected after losing a couple of good pitchers.
Webster has continued to impress after I expected a dip in production.
Didn't notice how long ago that was written haha.
Quote from: BigPoppa on February 07, 2014, 09:06:40 AM
An Early Look at BigPoppa's Central Region Rankings:
1. Illinois Wesleyan- I really, really like their chances to come out of this regional this year
2. Wartburg- Time for Wartburg to return to what it was and should be
3. Webster- Coming off a great season, but I think they are bit over rated at this point
4. Augustana- Always possess BIG BATS, expect them to make some noise this year
5. WashU- On the verge of finally breaking through?
6. North Park- Lost some big arms but always in the mix
7. St. Norbert- Great program hamstrung by a weak MWC schedule. Does a great job scheduling WIAC teams to put them in position for a bid
8. Wheaton- Two words: Trey Martin
9. Spalding- Ready to make a run at Webster in the SLIAC
10. Carthage- Just cannot imagine they'd miss the post-season a third straight year.
Carthage was BLASTED by Buena Vista last night in AZ by a 15-2 score. Either the Redmen are not as good as I thought or the Beavers are much better than I thought.
Any insights?
Saw BV play on the computer down in Oklahoma. They are very solid - best team in IIAC and will make noise within the region all year long. It appears that they play ridiculously aggressive - running the bases in a borderline reckless way. Will win 30 games this year.
I have Buena Vista ranked 17th. 2nd in the region behind Webster.
So far Wash U and IWU are struggling with slightly below .500 records. Wash U loses to Webster by a football score, 23-7 and IWU gets shut out by the Gorloks 7-0.
I'd keep an eye on Webster's lefty senior pitcher Zach Schneider. He had a good freshman season then got hurt (shoulder surgery) before his sophomore season and only pitched 15 innings as a junior. So far this season he's pitched 13 innings without allowing an earned run.
My current Regional Rankings:
1. Webster (12-3) - Best team and it's not close.
2. Buena Vista (13-3) - Has to be one of the best and deepest pitching staff's in all of D3.
3. Augustana (10-5) - The top 4 in the CCIW are all jumbled up. Can't wait to see them start playing each other.
4. Wartburg (10-6) - A different looking Knights team, but still have some of their main cogs with Rettenmeier on the mound and Powers and Wilson in the lineup. It appears DMACC transfer DJ Utley has been an important addition as well.
5. North Park (12-6) - Starting to get it rolling. Winning the games they should win. Now need to see how they do against other top CCIW teams.
6. Illinois Wesleyan (8-7) - I don't care what kind of a funk Carthage is in, sweeping them at least puts IWU into this conversation.
7. North Central (10-4) - Haven't played anybody of real quality thus far.
As usual, the CCIW dominates the Central Region - they may not be the top few teams right now - but clearly the deepest conference.
BigPoppa's best guess at the first central region ranking:
1. Webster
2. Buena Vista
3. Augustana
4. Ill Wesleyan
5. North Park
6. Wartburg
7. North Central College
Do you think the committee will move CU-C or one of the UW teams into the Central Region (or another region) to even out the playing field...?
Central Region has Webu#2
Midwest Region has CU-C#3, UW-Whitewater #4, UW-Stevens Point# 9 (3 top-10 teams all in the same region)
I'm sure the NCAA committee would like to move one of the UW's into another region --- to increase odds ($$$'s) for one (or 2) UW teams advancing to CWS (attendance would be high if both advanced)?
TheSportsFan's Updated Region Rankings
1. Webster (26-4) - Can't argue with their 4 losses and many quality wins. I'm hoping to see a Webster-BVU matchup at regionals. I'd drive to see that - especially if BV had Ringblom or Harris available to face the Gorloks.
2. Buena Vista (27-5) - Huge 4-game series this weekend vs. Wartburg. If they were to sweep Wartburg (which they are more than capable), I would consider putting them above Webster! The Ringblom-Rettenmeier matchup in Game 1 would be awesome to see.
3. North Park / Augustana - Interchangable
4. North Park / Augustana - Interchangable
5. Wartburg (21-11) - Not all they are creacked up to be. Have a nice top arm in Rettenmeier and a lineup that can mash at times, but I don't trust them to play well enough to even deserve an at large bid after BV walks through the conference tournament. Will end the year 26-28 wins and be right on the bubble.
6. Illinois Wesleyan (16-13) - Have played some nice baseball, but I just don't trust a team that has had TWO 5-game losing streaks in a year. I know they've lost to many good teams, but if you want to be viewed in the same category you need to find a way to play a complete game and be on a more even keel.
Quote from: BigPoppa on April 22, 2014, 01:23:41 PM
BigPoppa's best guess at the first central region ranking:
1. Webster
2. Buena Vista
3. Augustana
4. Ill Wesleyan
5. North Park
6. Wartburg
7. North Central College
Central Region
1. Webster 23-3 26-4
2. Buena Vista 27-5 27-5
3. Augustana (Illinois) 20-9 20-9
4. North Park 20-11 20-11
5. Wartburg 19-11 19-11
6. North Central (Illinois) 16-10 17-10
I missed on Ill Wesleyan, but the rest are pretty close. It will be interesting to see how this changes as the next few weeks shape it further. I am still not giving up in IWU... I feel they will in the mix near the end.
Hard to rank IWU right now - they've lost 6 in a row and now have 14 losses (12? in D3). But, yeah, I'm not sure anyone is eager to face them in the conference tourney (unless NCC let their sweep go to their heads).
Can't wait for the showdown against NPU.
Wash U is on a terror late in the season here after slowly getting out of the gate. Just beast Webster today 4-2 and have won 17 of 20. 24-15 overall. Probably moving back into the regional picture.
Impressive roll for WashU.... 15 losses is quite a bit, perhaps dug themselves in a big hole early...
Quote from: izzy stradlin on April 28, 2014, 08:00:47 PM
Wash U is on a terror late in the season here after slowly getting out of the gate. Just beast Webster today 4-2 and have won 17 of 20. 24-15 overall. Probably moving back into the regional picture.
I am not sure I see them in the regional picture (certainly not Pool B) with 15 losses. Regardless of how they are playing right now, they may have hurt themselves too much early in the season.
It will be interesting to see where the NCAA places #3 Concordia-Chicago. I'd guess that #2 Webster will land at Augustana, while #4 Whitewater will stay at it's own host site. Could the NCAA ship #3 Concordia-Chicago to another region?
...or would they do the unthinkable and place all three in the SAME regional at Whitewater?
BigPoppa --- I'm wondering the same thing on Concordia, looks like last season the sent them to Central Region (in Augustana) - not nearly ranked as high then... is it possible they send Stevens Point to Augustana (to split up the two UW teams in midwest region)?
Quote from: BigPoppa on April 29, 2014, 10:26:18 AM
It will be interesting to see where the NCAA places #3 Concordia-Chicago. I'd guess that #2 Webster will land at Augustana, while #4 Whitewater will stay at it's own host site. Could the NCAA ship #3 Concordia-Chicago to another region?
...or would they do the unthinkable and place all three in the SAME regional at Whitewater?
They do it all the time in the West - last year they had the #1, 6, & 8 all in the same regional.
It is partially done in the west due to travel issues (which really does not apply much in the midwest and it offers more flexibility).
Quote from: BigPoppa on April 29, 2014, 10:14:23 AM
Quote from: izzy stradlin on April 28, 2014, 08:00:47 PM
Wash U is on a terror late in the season here after slowly getting out of the gate. Just beast Webster today 4-2 and have won 17 of 20. 24-15 overall. Probably moving back into the regional picture.
I am not sure I see them in the regional picture (certainly not Pool B) with 15 losses. Regardless of how they are playing right now, they may have hurt themselves too much early in the season.
We'll see BigPoppa. I agree no to pool B, but they just won two more (10 straight and 19 of 22) to get to 26-15 and could possibly win out to get to 29-15. Their SOS is strong. Other pool C candidates will get a couple of losses tagged on here at the end in conference tournaments and there is a
new primary criteria this year that allows the committee to consider a teams record to close the season with greater weight (however I'm not sure regional or national committees these days are even aware of primary and secondary criteria --see recent basketball tourney selection).
General observation is that the NCAA tries not to move the top 2 teams in a region. So the teams getting shipped around seem to usually be below that.
My guess right now would be that if they stay a top 2 seed, Concordia goes to Whitewater. Whitewater is obviously going nowhere. After that, all bets are live.
The West region could also see a fly-in or two (seems likely to be at least 1). The Mideast region is almost certain to both send out and pull in from the east. With the South region in Georgia, it's going to be tough to ship in or out of there. Marietta has been a landing spot for teams from PA or upstate NY before (wouldn't Ithaca in Marietta again be fun?). Teams in the Mideast from Michigan and Indiana might be most likely to go west, but last year Case Western went and in the past teams from eastern PA have gone all the way to Terre Haute. So I wouldn't rule much out as far as possible movement. The 4th and 5th best teams in the Mideast are still probably pretty good teams the way things look.
Maybe St. Thomas or Stevens Point goes to Moline. It certainly could be done, but no way to know if it will be.
New regional rankings based on games through last Sunday:
1. Webster 27-3 30-4
2. Buena Vista 29-7 29-7
3. Augustana (Ill.) 23-10 23-10
4. Wartburg 23-13 23-13
5. North Park 22-13 22-13
6. North Central (Ill.) 21-11 22-11
Quote from: izzy stradlin on May 01, 2014, 06:26:54 PM
New regional rankings based on games through last Sunday:
1. Webster 27-3 30-4
2. Buena Vista 29-7 29-7
3. Augustana (Ill.) 23-10 23-10
4. Wartburg 23-13 23-13
5. North Park 22-13 22-13
6. North Central (Ill.) 21-11 22-11
Not sure I see much of this changing before bids are handed out besides the order of the CCIW teams. Webster is locked into the #1 slot, and I think BV is a safe #2.
Am I missing something?
● Win-loss percentage against Division III opponents.
● Division III head-to-head competition
● Results versus common Division III opponents
● Results versus ranked Division III opponents as established by the rankings at the time of selection.
● Division III strength of schedule
● Win-loss percentage — last 25% of the season (if applicable)
| School | Conf | Win% | SOS |
| Webster | SLIAC | 0.875 | 0.53 |
| Buena Vista | IIAC | 0.806 | 0.519 |
| Augustana | CCIW | 0.697 | 0.533 |
| Wartburg | IIAC | 0.639 | 0.544 |
| North Park | CCIW | 0.629 | 0.53 |
| North Central (Ill.) | CCIW | 0.667 | 0.499 |
| Washington U. | UAA | 0.65 | 0.572 |
Quote from: BigPoppa on May 02, 2014, 09:42:49 AM
Not sure I see much of this changing before bids are handed out besides the order of the CCIW teams. Webster is locked into the #1 slot, and I think BV is a safe #2.
Interesting numbers --- What other non-conference teams in the central / midwest regions are in consideration for a pool B - bid. I believe there is a limit on the number of pool B bids that are available.
Also, I was looking WashU schedule and noticed at 26-15 --- that already totals 41 games; 3 more games scheduled this weekend makes 44 games. My understanding is NCAA D3 teams had a limit of 40 games, is that true?
Quote from: Cubbieboy on May 02, 2014, 12:32:45 PM
Interesting numbers --- What other non-conference teams in the central / midwest regions are in consideration for a pool B - bid. I believe there is a limit on the number of pool B bids that are available.
Also, I was looking WashU schedule and noticed at 26-15 --- that already totals 41 games; 3 more games scheduled this weekend makes 44 games. My understanding is NCAA D3 teams had a limit of 40 games, is that true?
WashU has that odd 8 game UAA tournament in Fla that doesn't count toward their 40 so in reality they get 48.
Anyone care to take a shot at the regional rankings?
Quote from: BigPoppa on April 23, 2015, 01:57:42 PM
Anyone care to take a shot at the regional rankings?
Go for it, BP. I am guessing teams like Wartburg IWU Webster Washu Augie Carthage NCC in some order that doesn't really reflect the criteria.
First Regional Rankings just arrived:
1. Wartburg
2. Webster
3. IWU
4. WashU
5. Augie
6. North Central
I was hoping to see Carthage(22-7) sneak in near the bottom, but their next two weekends (3 each vs IWU and North Central) to claw their way into the conversation.
Second Regional Ranking:
CENTRAL
1 Webster 24-8-0 ( 0.750) 26-10-0 ( 0.722)
2 Wartburg 28-9-0 ( 0.757) 28-9-0 ( 0.757)
3 Ill. Wesleyan 22-10-0 ( 0.688) 22-11-0 ( 0.667)
4 Washington-St. Louis 26-13-0 ( 0.667) 28-13-0 ( 0.683)
5 Carthage 23-9-0 ( 0.719) 23-9-0 ( 0.719)
6 North Central (IL) 22-12-0 ( 0.647) 22-12-0 ( 0.647)
A bit surprised that Carthage climbed into the mix after losing 2 of 3 at IWU last weekend. Big series between Carthage and North Central this weekend could push one of them out of the race.
Thoughts on the Central Regional? I have not seen any seeds yet, but I'd assume that either Webster of UWSP will be the #1.
My guess on the seeding:
1. UWSP
2. Webster
3. Wartburg
4. Anderson
5. Carthage
6. Greenville
though I can easily see #3 and #4 flipping.
Looks like I did OK on my seeding guess:
#1 UWSP vs #6 Greenville Noon
#2 Webster vs #5 Carthage
#3 Wartburg vs #4 Anderson 7PM
Quote from: BigPoppa on May 11, 2015, 10:56:58 AM
Looks like I did OK on my seeding guess:
#1 UWSP vs #6 Greenville Noon
#2 Webster vs #5 Carthage
#3 Wartburg vs #4 Anderson 7PM
Give me Point, Carthage and Anderson...
#1 UWSP vs #6 Greenville Noon (UWSP in a route)
#2 Webster vs #5 Carthage (Carthage 5-3)
#3 Wartburg vs #4 Anderson 7PM (Anderson 4-2)
I never thought I'd see the day when the SLIAC was a two-bid conference and the CCIW wasn't.
Quote from: BigPoppa on May 11, 2015, 11:45:59 AM
#1 UWSP vs #6 Greenville Noon (UWSP in a route)
#2 Webster vs #5 Carthage (Carthage 5-3)
#3 Wartburg vs #4 Anderson 7PM (Anderson 4-2)
So if you are Point do you throw Kowalke in Game #1 and Beau Game #2?
I don't, but that's just me... I would rather have Beau throw Game #1 so I can bring him back on short rest if I need to.
ALWAYS throw your best available arm!
My WAY TOO EARLY Central Region Ranking:
1. Webster (SLIAC)
2. Carthage (CCIW)
3. Wheaton (IL) (CCIW)
4. Wartburg (IIAC)
5. IWU (CCIW)
6. WashU (UAA)
7. North Central (CCIW)
8. St. Norbert (MWC)
9. North Park (CCIW)
10. Coe (IIAC)
Yes BigPoppa - It is EARLY for Rankings! However, it is never too early to start talking baseball!! Heats things up for the coming 2-months! I like your initial gut posting this early too.
Who is the first Central region to team to play this year?
Quote from: BigPoppa on February 04, 2016, 01:13:49 PM
Who is the first Central region to team to play this year?
My gut says Webster.... I'm sure they have something scheduled before the end of February. It's just a matter or whether or not they get it in.
Quote from: BigPoppa on February 04, 2016, 01:13:49 PM
Who is the first Central region to team to play this year?
According to the CCIW composite schedule (http://cciw.org/calendar.aspx?path=baseball&season=2016&), Augustana opens the season on February 21st against Concordia Moorhead in Winter Haven, FL.
Quote from: cubs on February 04, 2016, 02:48:24 PM
Quote from: BigPoppa on February 04, 2016, 01:13:49 PM
Who is the first Central region to team to play this year?
My gut says Webster.... I'm sure they have something scheduled before the end of February. It's just a matter or whether or not they get it in.
Not sure when their first game was, but see Webster is 2-3 after today's 2-0 loss to Buena Vista....
Quote from: BigPoppa on January 04, 2016, 11:48:40 AM
My WAY TOO EARLY Central Region Ranking:
1. Webster (SLIAC)
2. Carthage (CCIW)
3. Wheaton (IL) (CCIW)
4. Wartburg (IIAC)
5. IWU (CCIW)
6. WashU (UAA)
7. North Central (CCIW)
8. St. Norbert (MWC)
9. North Park (CCIW)
10. Coe (IIAC)
Well, this isn't going too well right now... maybe team will find their groove once it warms up a bit?
Quote from: BigPoppa on January 04, 2016, 11:48:40 AM
My WAY TOO EARLY Central Region Ranking:
1. Webster (SLIAC)
2. Carthage (CCIW)
3. Wheaton (IL) (CCIW)
4. Wartburg (IIAC)
5. IWU (CCIW)
6. WashU (UAA)
7. North Central (CCIW)
8. St. Norbert (MWC)
9. North Park (CCIW)
10. Coe (IIAC)
My Updated Central Region Rankings (Thru 4/6):
1. Buena Vista 13-3 IIAC
2. North Central 14-2 CCIW
3. Wartburg 13-5 IIAC
4. Wheaton 15-7 CCIW
5. Luther 13-5 IIAC
6. Spalding 17-7 SLIAC
7. Carroll 10-4 MWC (did I really just write that?? Stein Rear has done a great job turning that program)
8. Webster 13-11 SLIAC
9. WashU 16-11 UAA
10. Grinnell 12-4 MWC
*A lot of this will shift as conference play gets going and teams settle into what they truly are. Any of these gonna be "pretenders" instead of the "contenders" they are right now? Anyone NOT on this list that will claw its way back into the mix? (I like IWU and Carthage to scrap their way back... as well as St. Norbert to not be as dismal as they appear right now).
Quote from: BigPoppa on April 07, 2016, 09:34:24 AM
My Updated Central Region Rankings (Thru 4/6):
1. Buena Vista 13-3 IIAC
2. North Central 14-2 CCIW
3. Wartburg 13-5 IIAC
... and right on cue, North Central gets blown out by Rose-Hulman, 20-1. Strange times in the CCIW.
Does anyone have a date for the first NCAA Regional Rankings?
Quote from: BigPoppa on April 18, 2016, 01:30:23 PM
Does anyone have a date for the first NCAA Regional Rankings?
I believe it is next week.
Quote from: Jack Parkman on April 18, 2016, 09:06:51 PM
Quote from: BigPoppa on April 18, 2016, 01:30:23 PM
Does anyone have a date for the first NCAA Regional Rankings?
I believe it is next week.
Tradition does suggest next week. Everything feels like it is going a week later than normal with May 1 coming on Monday.
Anyone want to take a shot at a Central Region ranking right now?
I think North Central is my clear cut 1, but after that it gets pretty murky. Grinnel is 21-4 and they have a few nice wins on their resume, but I am still leery of placing them near the top.
My central rankings would look like this:
1. Wartburg
2. North Central (IL)
3. Buena Vista
4. Grinnell
5. Wash U
6. Augustana
Outside looking in
7. Webster
8. Ill. Wesleyan
9. Wheaton (IL)
My Central Rankings through this weekend's games:
1. North Central (IL)
2. Wartburg
3. Grinnell
4. Wash U
5. Buena Vista
6. Augustana
Outside looking in
7. Webster
8. Ill. Wesleyan
9. Luther
10. Beloit
Quote from: augie_superfan on April 22, 2016, 11:48:32 AM
My central rankings would look like this:
1. Wartburg
2. North Central (IL)
3. Buena Vista
4. Grinnell
5. Wash U
6. Augustana
Outside looking in
7. Webster
8. Ill. Wesleyan
9. Wheaton (IL)
Quote from: augie_superfan on April 25, 2016, 09:49:09 AM
My Central Rankings through this weekend's games:
1. North Central (IL)
2. Wartburg
3. Grinnell
4. Wash U
5. Buena Vista
6. Augustana
Outside looking in
7. Webster
8. Ill. Wesleyan
9. Luther
10. Beloit
Quote from: augie_superfan on April 22, 2016, 11:48:32 AM
My central rankings would look like this:
1. Wartburg
2. North Central (IL)
3. Buena Vista
4. Grinnell
5. Wash U
6. Augustana
Outside looking in
7. Webster
8. Ill. Wesleyan
9. Wheaton (IL)
Hard to argue with you, but I am not certain that Grinnell will be that high. NCAA puts a premium on SoS. Just assuming that WashU may slide ahead of Grinnell.
I place it like this:
1. North Central
2. Wartburg
3. WashU
4. Buena Vista
5. Grinnell
6. Webster
7. Augustana
8. IWU
Quote from: BigPoppa on April 25, 2016, 03:14:06 PM
I place it like this:
1. North Central
2. Wartburg
3. WashU
4. Buena Vista
5. Grinnell
6. Webster
7. Augustana
8. IWU
I always feel like today is a HUGE day for some teams that are hoping to see where they stand with the NCAA Selection Committee... like a moderately attractive girl who some think is perfect and others won't give the time of day... just waiting and waiting....
First NCAA Regional Rankings released:
Central Region
1 North Central (Ill.) 23-5-0 ( 0.821) 23-5-0 ( 0.821)
2 Wartburg 24-8-0 ( 0.750) 24-8-0 ( 0.750)
3 WashingtonU. 25-13-0 ( 0.658) 26-13-0 ( 0.667)
4 Augustana 21-11-0 ( 0.656) 21-11-0 ( 0.656)
5 Buena Vista 21-8-0 ( 0.724) 21-8-0 ( 0.724)
6 Grinnell 26-4-0 ( 0.867) 26-4-0 ( 0.867)
Rankings seem pretty reasonable. I'm surprised Augustana is ahead of Buena Vista. One of those teams might have a shot at a Pool C bid if they finish the season strong and lose in their conference championship games (barring a ton of upsets across the nation).
Grinnell being the #6 seed right now makes it pretty clear to me that the MWC will be a one-bid conference and only the MWC Tourney winner will get a bid. WashU's SoS really helped them out and should keep them relevant and in good shape provided both NCC and Wartburg take care of business from here on out.
What the heck BigPoppa, no predictions this year as to what the initial rankings might look like? :'(
Quote from: cubs on April 27, 2017, 10:21:45 AM
What the heck BigPoppa, no predictions this year as to what the initial rankings might look like? :'(
I am clueless as to what it will look like this year... so much parity in the region this season. I have a feeling the Central Rankings won't mater much to those who don't win the Pool A bids. I can see a few out-of-region teams being shipped in due to higher statuses within the NCAA's eyes.
My Best Guess:
1. WashU
2. St. Norbert
3. IWU
4. Webster
5. Wartburg
6. Augustana
7. Spalding
8. Wheaton
9. Buena Vista
Quote from: BigPoppa on April 27, 2017, 12:10:06 PM
My Best Guess:
1. WashU
2. St. Norbert
3. IWU
4. Webster
5. Wartburg
6. Augustana
7. Spalding
8. Wheaton
9. Buena Vista
Appreciate you taking a "stab" at them!!! I do agree with you about teams getting shipped in, but it will be interesting to see from where, as I wouldn't be surprised if the WIAC was a one-bid league this season.
I still think the WIAC is a two-bid league at this point... with one of them likely shipping into the Central.(Whitewater and Oshkosh)... I can also see a third making a push for a bid if things fall the right way.
I feel like the Central is down this season with no one in the Top 25 outside of WashU.
Quote from: BigPoppa on April 27, 2017, 12:32:41 PM
I still think the WIAC is a two-bid league at this point... with one of them likely shipping into the Central.
If that's the case, that means said WIAC team will have a minimum of 15 losses when they are at the Pool C table, unless Whitewater ends up being knocked off twice in the WIAC Tournament.
Quote from: cubs on April 27, 2017, 12:35:50 PM
Quote from: BigPoppa on April 27, 2017, 12:32:41 PM
I still think the WIAC is a two-bid league at this point... with one of them likely shipping into the Central.
If that's the case, that means said WIAC team will have a minimum of 15 losses when they are at the Pool C table, unless Whitewater ends up being knocked off twice in the WIAC Tournament.
15 Losses for a WIAC team is different than 15 elsewhere... and the NCAA knows that.
Quote from: BigPoppa on April 27, 2017, 12:10:06 PM
My Best Guess:
1. WashU
2. St. Norbert
3. IWU
4. Webster
5. Wartburg
6. Augustana
7. Spalding
8. Wheaton
9. Buena Vista
Actual Rankings:
Central 1. Wash U
2. Wartburg
3. Spalding
4. Webster
5. Illinois Wesleyan
6. Augustana (Illinois)
7. Buena Vista
8. St. Norbert
Not bad, as you had all eight teams in the rankings!!!
Quote from: BigPoppa on April 27, 2017, 12:32:41 PM
I still think the WIAC is a two-bid league at this point... with one of them likely shipping into the Central.(Whitewater and Oshkosh)... I can also see a third making a push for a bid if things fall the right way.
I feel like the Central is down this season with no one in the Top 25 outside of WashU.
Looks like La Crosse held in higher regard compared to UWO in NCAA eyes as of today....
Quote from: cubs on April 27, 2017, 12:39:22 PM
Quote from: BigPoppa on April 27, 2017, 12:10:06 PM
My Best Guess:
1. WashU
2. St. Norbert
3. IWU
4. Webster
5. Wartburg
6. Augustana
7. Spalding
8. Wheaton
9. Buena Vista
Actual Rankings:
Central
1. Wash U
2. Wartburg
3. Spalding
4. Webster
5. Illinois Wesleyan
6. Augustana (Illinois)
7. Buena Vista
8. St. Norbert
I just didn't have the order... I think St. Norbert is better than people think. Still, SNC at #8 is irrelevant as the MWC is a one-bid league regardless.
Quote from: cubs on April 27, 2017, 12:44:55 PM
Quote from: BigPoppa on April 27, 2017, 12:32:41 PM
I still think the WIAC is a two-bid league at this point... with one of them likely shipping into the Central.(Whitewater and Oshkosh)... I can also see a third making a push for a bid if things fall the right way.
I feel like the Central is down this season with no one in the Top 25 outside of WashU.
Looks like La Crosse held in higher regard compared to UWO in NCAA eyes as of today....
Gonna guess that has something to do with SoS at this point.
Central Region Rankings-Week #2
1. Wash U.
2. Wartburg
3. Webster
4. Illinois Wesleyan
5. Augustana (Illinois)
6. Spalding
7. St. Norbert
8. Buena Vista
Same eight teams as last week, however Spalding drops from #3 to #6, while Webster, Illinois Wesleyan, and Augustana all climb up a spot.
St. Norbert and Buena Vista flip-flop, likely on the strength of the Green Knights non-conference extra-inning victory last Thursday over Concordia-Wisconsin, who is ranked #5 in the Midwest Region.
Central Region Rankings-Week #3
1. Wash U.
2. Wartburg
3. Webster
4. Augustana
5. North Central (Illinois)
6. Greenville
7. Wheaton (Illinois)
8. Dubuque
So the Top 3 stay the same as Week #2, Illinois Wesleyan drops from #4 to out off the rankings completely, Augustana climbs one spot to #4, North Central goes from being unranked to #5, and Greenville, Wheaton and Dubuque replace Spalding, St. Norbert and Buena Vista at #6-8.
Provided things fall the right way, could the CCIW be a two-bid league? It seems the NCAA thinks so.
Quote from: BigPoppa on May 11, 2017, 12:32:06 PM
Provided things fall the right way, could the CCIW be a two-bid league? It seems the NCAA thinks so.
Feel odds would be better had a CCIW team cracked the Top 3 in the Regional Rankings and then a different CCIW team won the Conference Tournament....
Quote from: cubs on May 11, 2017, 12:41:06 PM
Quote from: BigPoppa on May 11, 2017, 12:32:06 PM
Provided things fall the right way, could the CCIW be a two-bid league? It seems the NCAA thinks so.
Feel odds would be better had a CCIW team cracked the Top 3 in the Regional Rankings and then a different CCIW team won the Conference Tournament....
Agree, but with the 3 of the 4 CCIW teams going head to head w regionally ranked opponents this weekend, it could be enough to boost their resumes. Those CCIW tourney wins will likely help more than other tourney wins (SLIAC, MWC, IIAC)
CCIW is currently 10-5 (.667)on the season
IIAC: 0-0 (n/a)
MWC: 1-2 (.333)
SLIAC: 12-10 (.545)
Anyone else keeping an eye on Spalding? Currently 12-3 with wins over a pair of WIAC schools and #1 Umass-Boston.
Seems like a legit regional contender in the making. Thoughts?
Quote from: BigPoppa on March 16, 2018, 01:15:25 PM
Anyone else keeping an eye on Spalding? Currently 12-3 with wins over a pair of WIAC schools and #1 Umass-Boston.
Seems like a legit regional contender in the making. Thoughts?
Yes. There are several teams across the nation that seem to be having breakthru years.
Also wondering how Spaulding and Webster play out versus each other the first weekend in May?
Quote from: BigPoppa on March 16, 2018, 01:15:25 PM
Anyone else keeping an eye on Spalding? Currently 12-3 with wins over a pair of WIAC schools and #1 Umass-Boston.
Seems like a legit regional contender in the making. Thoughts?
They have a pretty dominate starter in Keating and they should win all those contests. A weak conference will give them plenty more wins.
The Central seems to be shaping up a bit. SLIAC with a pair of contenders, CCIW with 2-3, and the IIAC always produces a few.
New D3 Baseball Poll is out: http://www.d3baseball.com/top25/2018/2018Top25-week-6 (http://www.d3baseball.com/top25/2018/2018Top25-week-6)
Spalding is the only Central team in the poll at #18 with Augustana, Wartburg, North Central, WashU and Webster all earning votes... curiously, to me at least, Carthage (15-3) remains without a vote.
Anyone care to take a shot at ranking the Central Region's top teams? (Maybe I am the only one on here as the snow still flutters down in the Midwest?)
1. Spalding (SLIAC)
2. North Central (CCIW)
3. Carthage (CCIW)
4. Wartburg (IIAC)
5. Augustana (CCIW)
6. WashU (UAA/IND)
7. Webster (SLIAC)
8. St. Norbert (MWC)
9. Luther (IIAC)
10. ????
Looking like a down year for the Central. Spadling will always be in the picture with Keating on the mound.
Quote from: Jim Dixon on April 04, 2018, 07:17:50 PM
Looking like a down year for the Central. Spadling will always be in the picture with Keating on the mound.
Agree. It seems like the Central always has a solid 1-3 at the top and then it falls off very quickly. The Central's #4-10 don't match up to other regions'.
CCIW
North Central 8-0 12-6
Carthage 5-1 18-4
North Park 5-1 10-11
Elmhurst 5-4 14-8
Wheaton 4-4 13-10
Ill Wesleyan 3-6 12-10
Augustana 2-4 14-7
Millikin 2-6 12-10
Carroll 0-8 10-10
IIAC
Coe 7-1 12-7
Loras 5-1 16-5
Dubuque 5-2 8-10
Buena Vis 7-3 11-12
Wartburg 5-3 14-8
Luther 6-5 16-7
Neb Wes 2-9 6-16
Simpson 2-9 3-19
Central 1-7 10-14
SLIAC
EAST DIVISION
Spalding 8-0 21-3
Principia 6-3 15-7
MacMurray 5-5 9-15
Blackburn 3-4 5-17
Greenville 3-5 8-13
WEST DIVISION
Westminster 6-2 11-8
Fontbonne 5-2 13-11
Webster 4-2 14-7
Eureka 2-8 6-11-1
Iowa Wes 0-12 6-20
MWC
NORTH
St. Norbert College 0-0 10-5
Beloit College 0-0 10-7
Lawrence University 0-0 7-10
Ripon College 0-0 3-10
SOUTH
Monmouth College 3-1 12-6-1
Grinnell College 4-2 7-12
Illinois College 1-2 9-8
Knox College 1-3 7-10
Cornell College 1-3 6-11
UAA
WashU 4-4 15-12
INDEPENDENT
Chicago ----- 12-7
BigPoppa's Central Ranking:
Spalding 21-3
North Central 12-6
Carthage 18-4
Webster 14-7
Wartburg 14-8
Loras 16-5
Coe 12-7
St. Norbert 10-5
WashU 15-12
New Poll is out:
Spalding is still the class of the region as others pick up some votes.
# School (1st votes) Rec Pts Prev.
1 Trinity (Texas) (20) 23-2 620 1
2 UW-Whitewater (5) 14-2 585 3
3 Wooster 15-3 513 6
4 Concordia-Chicago 14-4 504 5
5 Christopher Newport 25-4 495 7
6 Randolph-Macon 20-3-1 494 8
7 Rowan 17-4 488 2
8 Mass-Boston 17-5 423 9
9 Roanoke 20-6 395 4
10 Cortland 19-6 393 10
11 Case Western Reserve 20-3 363 13
12 Methodist 25-7 310 11
13 Texas Lutheran 24-7 300 12
14 Marietta 16-4 291 16
15 Spalding 21-3 267 18
16 UW-Oshkosh 13-2 216 20
17 TCNJ 14-4 215 14
18 Shenandoah 20-6 183 22
19 Oswego State 16-5 162 23
20 Redlands 25-9 157 15
21 La Roche 14-5 75 19
23 Endicott 14-3 71 rv
22 Maryville (Tenn.) 26-8 58 17
24 Salisbury 18-7 49 rv
25 St. John's 14-2 43 rv
Dropped out: No. 21 Frostburg State, No. 24 Catholic, No. 25 Baldwin and Wallace.
Others receiving votes: Keystone 36, Catholic 33, Piedmont 31, Franklin 30, Southern Maine 29, Mitchell 28, Baldwin Wallace 24, Wartburg 23, Berry 22, Frostburg State 21, Adrian 17, New York Univ. 17 Western New England 14, Chapman 14, North Central (Ill.) 14, Pomona-Pitzer 11, Washington & Jefferson 11, Johns Hopkins 10, Alvernia 9, Rutgers-Camden 7, Babson 7, Wabash 6, Centenary (La.) 5, Bethel (Minn.) 3, La Verne 3, Texas-Tyler 3, Concordia Texas 2, Va. Wesleyan 2, Webster 2, Aurora 1, Carthage 1, Mount Union 1.
Also, I am beginning to think I am the only one following the Central Region.
Quote from: BigPoppa on April 10, 2018, 09:03:41 AM
Also, I am beginning to think I am the only one following the Central Region.
No, your prescience and insight are sufficient for the rest of us posters. ;)
Quote from: Ralph Turner on April 10, 2018, 11:07:00 AM
Quote from: BigPoppa on April 10, 2018, 09:03:41 AM
Also, I am beginning to think I am the only one following the Central Region.
No, your prescience and insight are sufficient for the rest of us posters. ;)
Ha! Doubtful, but thanks for the kind words, Ralph.
Does anyone have a time frame for the first NCAA Regional Ranking?
Quote from: BigPoppa on April 20, 2018, 10:06:50 AM
Does anyone have a time frame for the first NCAA Regional Ranking?
Thursday, April 26 Regional Ranking No. 1.
Thursday, May 3 Regional Ranking No. 2.
Thursday, May 10 Regional Ranking No. 3.
Sunday, May 13 Regional Ranking No. 4
Championship Selections
Thanks, Ralph!!!!
My first shot at Central Regional Rankings:
1. North Central (CCIW) 17-8
2. Spalding (SLIAC) 25-7
3. Carthage (CCIW) 24-6
4. Webster (SLIAC)24-7
5. St. Norbert 15-8
6. Chicago (UAA) 18-9
7. Augustana 20-10
Thoughts?
NCAA Rankings from April 26th, 2018
CENTRAL
1 North Central (Illinois) 17-8 17-8
2 Carthage 23-5 24-6
3 Webster 24-7 24-7
4 Coe 16-9 17-10
5 Wartburg 17-9 17-9
6 Illinois Wesleyan 18-12 18-12
7 Washington U. in St. Louis 17-14 17-14
8 St. Norbert 16-8 16-8
I am somewhat baffled by Spalding not being in there somewhere. Oh well, I gave it a shot.
Quote from: BigPoppa on April 27, 2018, 11:16:22 AM
I am somewhat baffled by Spalding not being in there somewhere. Oh well, I gave it a shot.
That is indeed a puzzle. The Golden Eagles are currently 27-7 overall and 14-3 in the SLIAC.
Quote from: mr_b on April 27, 2018, 11:52:38 AM
Quote from: BigPoppa on April 27, 2018, 11:16:22 AM
I am somewhat baffled by Spalding not being in there somewhere. Oh well, I gave it a shot.
That is indeed a puzzle. The Golden Eagles are currently 27-7 overall and 14-3 in the SLIAC.
Webster and Spalding have a three game series at the end of the season and potentially two more if things break right in the SLIAC tournament.
Does Spalding (29-8) slip into the Regional Rankings this week?
Quote from: BigPoppa on April 30, 2018, 01:48:19 PM
Does Spalding (29-8) slip into the Regional Rankings this week?
Well, after the DH sweep by NPU over IWU, they probably need someone to replace IWU. :(
My Predicted Regional Rankings:
1. North Central
2. Webster
3. Carthage
4. WashU
5. Coe
6. Spalding
7. Wartburg
8. St. Norbert
9. North Park
10. Chicago
Thoughts?
Quote from: BigPoppa on May 02, 2018, 12:03:25 PM
My Predicted Regional Rankings:
1. North Central
2. Webster
3. Carthage
4. WashU
5. Coe
6. Spalding
7. Wartburg
8. St. Norbert
9. North Park
10. Chicago
Thoughts?
Based on IN-REGION games, I think you're pretty darn close. I'll be honest, I have no idea what to do with Wash U when it comes to in-region games as I could only find a total of 11 for them.
My guess.
NCC (22-2)
Webster (24-3)
Carthage (18-5) Elmhurst losses really hurt here.
Spalding (16-4)
Wash U
Wartburg (14-5)
Coe (13-7)
Agree... getting swept by Elmhurst may push Carthage down the list a bit, but I think no lower than 4th.
Quote from: BigPoppa on May 02, 2018, 12:03:25 PM
My Predicted Regional Rankings:
1. North Central
2. Webster
3. Carthage
4. WashU
5. Coe
6. Spalding
7. Wartburg
8. St. Norbert
9. North Park
10. Chicago
Thoughts?
Coe won't be ahead of Wartburg after having lost all three games to them in the last week.
Quote from: Kohawk Krazy on May 02, 2018, 11:49:46 PM
Quote from: BigPoppa on May 02, 2018, 12:03:25 PM
My Predicted Regional Rankings:
1. North Central
2. Webster
3. Carthage
4. WashU
5. Coe
6. Spalding
7. Wartburg
8. St. Norbert
9. North Park
10. Chicago
Thoughts?
Coe won't be ahead of Wartburg after having lost all three games to them in the last week.
My bad... I meant to flip Coe and Wartburg.
May 3rd...Still no Spalding??? How is Wartburg #2? Why don't the records reflect "In-Region" games?
CENTRAL
1 North Central (Illinois) 22-9 22-9
2 Wartburg 21-10 21-10
3 Webster 29-7 29-7
4 Carthage 26-7 27-8
5 Washington U. in St. Louis 21-14 21-14
6 Coe 18-12 19-13
7 Augustana (Illinois) 23-12 23-12
8 Loras 21-12 21-13
Quote from: mwunder on May 03, 2018, 02:38:57 PM
May 3rd...Still no Spalding??? How is Wartburg #2? Why don't the records reflect "In-Region" games?
CENTRAL
1 North Central (Illinois) 22-9 22-9
2 Wartburg 21-10 21-10
3 Webster 29-7 29-7
4 Carthage 26-7 27-8
5 Washington U. in St. Louis 21-14 21-14
6 Coe 18-12 19-13
7 Augustana (Illinois) 23-12 23-12
8 Loras 21-12 21-13
Spalding's schedule is ranked 302 out of 389, there should be absolutely no gripe about them not being ranked, regardless of what their record is.
Wartburg's schedule is 38th, enough said.
This same discussion happens every single year and the answer will always be the same- play a tougher schedule and you have a better chance if you do not win your conference or conference tournament. Play a crap schedule and you are setting yourself up for disappointment if you do not win the automatic bid.
Does Spalding make a move if they beat Webster this weekend? They DO have a weak schedule, but most of that is due to the SLIAC mostly being very week. I also know they have trouble getting teams to come play them due to their distance from most of the Central Region teams.
They simply need to be willing to travel to play quality opponents.
Quote from: mwunder on May 03, 2018, 02:38:57 PM
May 3rd...Still no Spalding??? How is Wartburg #2? Why don't the records reflect "In-Region" games?
CENTRAL
1 North Central (Illinois) 22-9 22-9
2 Wartburg 21-10 21-10
3 Webster 29-7 29-7
4 Carthage 26-7 27-8
5 Washington U. in St. Louis 21-14 21-14
6 Coe 18-12 19-13
7 Augustana (Illinois) 23-12 23-12
8 Loras 21-12 21-13
Because the two columns are Overall Record and Record vs. D-III. "In-Region" doesn't really matter anymore since all games vs. D-III opponents are now weighted equally.
Quote from: Just Bill on May 04, 2018, 10:44:08 AM
Because the two columns are Overall Record and Record vs. D-III. "In-Region" doesn't really matter anymore since all games vs. D-III opponents are now weighted equally.
Thanks Bill.
ANY predictions for the Regional Rankings this week?
1. North Central (CCIW #1)
2. Webster (SLIAC #1)
3. Wartburg (IIAC #2)
4. WashU (UAA)
5. Carthage (CCIW #2)
6. Dubuque (IIAC #1)
7. Coe (IIAC #3)
8. St Norbert (MWC #1)
9. Augustana (CCIW #3)
10. Loras (IIAC #4)
My non-scientific prediction:
#1 NCC 25-12 .676 .5964 (7) .5362 0.576
#2 Webster 33-7 .825 .5297 (129) .5296 0.530 --- lower strength of schedule than Wart, but wins make up for it.
#3 Wartburg 24-11 .686 .5601 (55) .5206 0.547
#4 Wash U 21-14 .600 .5754 (23) .5404 0.564
#5 Carthage 28-9 .757 .5260 (141) .5312 0.528
#6 Dubuque 21-15 .583 .5250 (146) .5093 0.520
Wash U could have an argument for 3rd based on all of the numbers aside from overall winning %.
Updated Central region Rankings:
1. Webster 33-7 33-7
2. North Central (Illinois) 25-12 25-12
3. Wartburg 24-11 24-11
4. Carthage 29-9 30-10
5. Washington U. in St. Louis 21-14 21-14
6. Dubuque 21-15 21-15
7. Loras 25-12 25-13
8. Spalding 30-10
Updated:
1. Webster 33-7 33-7 (1-0 in SLIAC tourney, plays Spalding today)
2. North Central (Illinois) 25-12 25-12 (1-0 in CCIW tourney Plays Carthage today))
3. Wartburg 24-11 24-11 (1-0 in IIAC touney)
4. Carthage 29-9 30-10 (1-0 in CCIW tourney, plays NCC today)
5. Washington U. in St. Louis 21-14 21-14 (Done)
6. Dubuque 21-15 21-15 (1-0 in IIAC tourney)
7. Loras 25-12 25-13 (Lost to Luther in IIAC opener)
8. Spalding 30-10 (1-0 in SLIAC Tourney, Plays Webster today))
From the Wash-U perspective, I'm hoping that the Bears can snag one of the last two or three bids. If Webster wins the SLIAC Tournament, Wash-U would seem to be either the 2nd or 3rd-ranked Pool C hopeful in the region, depending on where Carthage is placed in the final regional rankings. Good SOS, but a 21-14 overall record may be too pale in comparison to the other hopefuls clamoring to get to the table.
Thoughts?
Quote from: jaybird44 on May 12, 2018, 05:40:54 PM
From the Wash-U perspective, I'm hoping that the Bears can snag one of the last two or three bids. If Webster wins the SLIAC Tournament, Wash-U would seem to be either the 2nd or 3rd-ranked Pool C hopeful in the region, depending on where Carthage is placed in the final regional rankings. Good SOS, but a 21-14 overall record may be too pale in comparison to the other hopefuls clamoring to get to the table.
Thoughts?
I believe that Carthage played their way out of the NCAA's.
WashUStL needs Wartburg to hold. If that is the case, then I think that the Bears are the first team on the board for Pool B/C from the Central Region in the (undisclosed) Final Regional Rankings.
Quote from: jaybird44 on May 12, 2018, 05:40:54 PM
From the Wash-U perspective, I'm hoping that the Bears can snag one of the last two or three bids. If Webster wins the SLIAC Tournament, Wash-U would seem to be either the 2nd or 3rd-ranked Pool C hopeful in the region, depending on where Carthage is placed in the final regional rankings. Good SOS, but a 21-14 overall record may be too pale in comparison to the other hopefuls clamoring to get to the table.
Thoughts?
At 21-14, Wash U's winning % of .600 is indeed pale. Is this the record of a team that deserves a shot at a national championship? If a Wash U kid scored 60% on any kind of exercise/exam he'd be more likely to get kicked out of school than to receive any type of reward. I'm thinking the door won't open.
Quote from: AndOne on May 12, 2018, 06:17:33 PM
Quote from: jaybird44 on May 12, 2018, 05:40:54 PM
From the Wash-U perspective, I'm hoping that the Bears can snag one of the last two or three bids. If Webster wins the SLIAC Tournament, Wash-U would seem to be either the 2nd or 3rd-ranked Pool C hopeful in the region, depending on where Carthage is placed in the final regional rankings. Good SOS, but a 21-14 overall record may be too pale in comparison to the other hopefuls clamoring to get to the table.
Thoughts?
At 21-14, Wash U's winning % of .600 is indeed pale. Is this the record of a team that deserves a shot at a national championship? If a Wash U kid scored 60% on any kind of exercise/exam he'd be more likely to get kicked out of school than to receive any type of reward. I'm thinking the door won't open.
While they fortunately got hot by the conference tourney to win a pool A bid, the 2010 national champion had a much worse record than .600!
... and there is the reference I was waiting for!
IWU:Walnut and Bronze.
Quote from: Mr. Ypsi on May 12, 2018, 06:56:09 PM
Quote from: AndOne on May 12, 2018, 06:17:33 PM
Quote from: jaybird44 on May 12, 2018, 05:40:54 PM
From the Wash-U perspective, I'm hoping that the Bears can snag one of the last two or three bids. If Webster wins the SLIAC Tournament, Wash-U would seem to be either the 2nd or 3rd-ranked Pool C hopeful in the region, depending on where Carthage is placed in the final regional rankings. Good SOS, but a 21-14 overall record may be too pale in comparison to the other hopefuls clamoring to get to the table.
Thoughts?
At 21-14, Wash U's winning % of .600 is indeed pale. Is this the record of a team that deserves a shot at a national championship? If a Wash U kid scored 60% on any kind of exercise/exam he'd be more likely to get kicked out of school than to receive any type of reward. I'm thinking the door won't open.
While they fortunately got hot by the conference tourney to win a pool A bid, the 2010 national champion had a much worse record than .600!
Yes, but they had that conference tourney win to support their argument. ;)
I haven't looked at WashU's other credentials - my point is that no ONE criterion should be automatically disqualifying. National champions (and championship contenders) can come with baggage. Yes, there has to be some sort of determination (unless we want an 'everyone is invited' tourney), but be very cautious about using any ONE criterion to disqualify candidates.
Big Poppa, notice that I never even mentioned that green-clad team! ;D YOU brought up the reference! :o
Quote from: AndOne on May 12, 2018, 06:17:33 PM
Quote from: jaybird44 on May 12, 2018, 05:40:54 PM
From the Wash-U perspective, I'm hoping that the Bears can snag one of the last two or three bids. If Webster wins the SLIAC Tournament, Wash-U would seem to be either the 2nd or 3rd-ranked Pool C hopeful in the region, depending on where Carthage is placed in the final regional rankings. Good SOS, but a 21-14 overall record may be too pale in comparison to the other hopefuls clamoring to get to the table.
Thoughts?
At 21-14, Wash U's winning % of .600 is indeed pale. Is this the record of a team that deserves a shot at a national championship? If a Wash U kid scored 60% on any kind of exercise/exam he'd be more likely to get kicked out of school than to receive any type of reward. I'm thinking the door won't open.
I can imagine ASC Champion UTD with a 2-win sweep over Concordia Texas displacing Centenary in the final rankings. In that case, Wash U would have a RRO of 5-5. Carthage is only 1-3 (against NCC this year) and no other regionally ranked opponents.
Of course, Greenville can take the championship tonight, knock Webster to Pool C and make this discussion moot.
Wartburg lost to Dubuque and breaks WashU's bubble.
Would be fun to see Wash-U's top-10 ERA pitching staff in the postseason, but the Bears' Waterloo moments late in the regular season were the series loss at Emory and splitting vs. Case-Western at home when they won the first two games of the four-game set. Not getting to host Webster in a home game as scheduled didn't help matters either.
Anyone care to take a shot at predicting the Central Region conferences?
CCIW?
MWC?
ARC(former IIAC)?
SLIAC?
UAA?
Quote from: BigPoppa on January 03, 2019, 09:30:10 AM
Anyone care to take a shot at predicting the Central Region conferences?
CCIW?
MWC?
ARC(former IIAC)?
SLIAC?
UAA?
Considering the entire conference, can #1 beat $#1? #2 beat #2? # last beats #last?
CCIW I think that the cream of the CCIW edges out the cream of the UAA
UAA (Do we count the 7 schools who field a baseball team?)
ARC
SLIAC
MWC
I can't disagree.... the CCIW has usually had 2-3 contenders on the national level but that has fallen off in the past 4-5 seasons. The UAA is solid and has had WashU, Emory and Case Western on the national radar lately. MWC has been a one-team conference for much of the past 10-15 years (St Norbert)... and the SLIAC has been Webster with Spalding emerging...
The ARC has been all over the place with parity in recent years, but Wartburg has remained a constant top program.
Anyone care to take a crack at ranking the top 5-10 Central Region teams?
Quote from: BigPoppa on March 15, 2019, 10:02:24 AM
Anyone care to take a crack at ranking the top 5-10 Central Region teams?
1) Conc Chi Oops, but they are in Illinois!!!
1) Webster
2) Aurora Dang it! Another Illinois team!
2) Wash U StL
3) North Central
4) Spalding
Hmmm
???
???
5) Augie seems to be a very weak #5
I just don't see anyone in the ARC who has beaten "anyone"...
Quote from: Ralph Turner on March 20, 2019, 11:47:49 AM
Quote from: BigPoppa on March 15, 2019, 10:02:24 AM
Anyone care to take a crack at ranking the top 5-10 Central Region teams?
1) Conc Chi Oops, but they are in Illinois!!!
1) Webster
2) Aurora Dang it! Another Illinois team!
2) Wash U StL
3) North Central
4) Spalding
Hmmm
???
???
5) Augie seems to be a very weak #5
I just don't see anyone in the ARC who has beaten "anyone"...
Agree... Central is hard to figure out right now.