I think it's tough to call Trinity overrated this year.  Yes, they have two losses to TLU, but they have a LOT of depth on the mound and a 6 team region format would probably be beneficial to them.  With Huggins, Frey, Bignall, Horn and then the likes of Hopkins, Poffenroth and Bronson they're going to be tough.  That said, I think a lot will depend on Oates.  Oates is a top quality arm (perhaps draftable next year?), but he's been injured since fairly early on.  If he could return to early season form it would be big for Trinity, but they might have a reluctance to use him, and then only in moderation.  And even then, can he throw like he started the season?

They have quite a few seniors on board and freshman SS Ryan Cavan has been instrumental in their success.  People can say what they want, but I think the West Regional has to be one of the TOUGHEST across the board.

It's not always easy to get a good tough non-conference schedule.  I know some universities don't have the means to go out West and play teams like Chapman like McMurry did this year. I agree with you about UTD's chances at an at large bid, though they are a good team that would compete well at the regional level.  I know last year ETBU and Hardin-Simmons were both as tough as Linfield and La Verne.  I guess I just wish people would realize how tough the ASC is because since the preseason poll no ASC team has been ranked and it's because it's a tough conference and the teams beat up on each other.  Also, is it not the biggest conference around? 16 teams. 

As far as teams coming down from the North it's tough to get good teams with the exception of Franklin and Marshall, and sometimes St. Olaf it's tough to get very good teams to come to this region.

I think that's why Trinity will always have an advantage in the SCAC because they can play so many tough non-conference opponents from the ASC, but the ASC teams (at least in TX) just have Trinity or for Miss Coll, just Millsaps (and Bellhaven?)  Southwestern has been tough in the past, but not that strong this year - though they did pick up some quality wins early.

Interested to see what you guys think the West regional will look like.  I think it will be a 6 team pool featuring CSU - East Bay, Chapman, Trinity, Texas Lutheran, George Fox and Redlands with Chapman hosting again this year.

MVP: Aaron Crais - TLU (2nd straight year) .533, 3 HR, 10 RBI, .600 OBP,
1B: None Selected
2B: Brett Rosen -UTD
3B: Scott Matocha - TLU
SS: Jacob Kaase - TLU
SS: Jake Jackson - UTD
OF: Trent Elizondo - UTD
OF: Casey Rehfeld - TLU
OF: Ryan Stepp - HSU
DH: Nick Bird - UTD
DH: Brett Cannon - TLU
P: Daniel Besa - TLU
P: Brian Wallace - TLU
P: Trey Schurr - UTD

LINK (tournament team):
http://www.tlu.edu/athletics/baseball/news/060508_all_tournament%20team.html

STATISTICS:
http://www.tlu.edu/athletics/baseball/news/asc_day4_indiv_stats.doc

TLU falters to UTD in the first game 4-3 in 10 innings, but rebounds winning the championship 6-4 to claim their 2nd consecutive ASC championship.  Off the top of my head all-tournament team was:

MVP: Aaron Crais - TLU (2nd straight year)
1B:
2B: Brett Rosen -UTD
3B: Scott Matocha - TLU
SS: Jacob Kaase - TLU
OF: Trent Elizondo - UTD
OF: Casey Rehfeld - TLU
OF: Ryan Stepp - HSU
DH: Nick Bird - UTD
DH: Brett Cannon - TLU
P: Daniel Besa - TLU
P: Brian Wallace - TLU
P: Trey Schurr - UTD

Once it's posted I will make corrections, fill in the 1B slot b/c I can't remember.

Congrats to the Bulldogs...

What are the chances of UTD sneaking a Pool C bid?