Quote from: hockeyfan77 on May 12, 2009, 11:58:19 AM

Quote from: d3baseballnut on May 12, 2009, 11:33:02 AM

Quote from: BPCatch31 on May 12, 2009, 11:23:02 AM
I've been reading these boards for three years now and have never felt compelled to reply until now (it should also be very obvious from my name, and such where I'm coming from, but I digress)...

I'm just writing to clear the air so please GNAC do not be offended; Suffolk, while they may be a formidabble opponent, did not "touch up" Bayer for four earned runs.  The FS&HG defense committed four errors behind Bayer (two in the inning where Bayer allowed the four runs, inning: walk, strikeout, single, error (double play ball), strikeout, double, error (five possible outs now), single, strikeout.  To Suffolk's credit they did get the hits when it counted, but even the singles in that inning were bermuda triangle shots down the left field line aided by the wind (the double was well struck).  So, Suffolk, yes a quality opponent, but they did not exactly cause Bayer much stress; if it was anybody that caused stress it was the Bantam's D, which averaged an ungodly amount of errors in Florida and not the Suffolk O, which struck out 15 times in the game.

Bayer is the best pitcher in the regional.......period.

Both Suffolk and WPI have good #2 starters in Delia and Murphy. Can they outpitch ECSU's #2 when ECSU brings to the table a superior hitting club?

I highly doubt that Suffolk/WPI #2 could be better that Glibliar and or Musson (sp) who will probably go in games 2 and 3...I hope they do though!!!!   

Don't know too much about WPI's #2, but I can say with some certainty that the top 3 arms at Eastern CT are 3 of the top starters in New England. You'd be hard pressed to find too many #1's in New England better than Will Musson, nevermind Gilblair, who is leading Division III in K's/9 innings. It's really an embarrassment of riches at Eastern CT right now in terms of pitching depth, and that might be the difference maker come Sunday, similar to Trinity's pitching depth last season (Kiely, Barnard, Regan, Bayer - that's just unfair).

Quote from: BPCatch31 on May 12, 2009, 11:23:02 AM
I've been reading these boards for three years now and have never felt compelled to reply until now (it should also be very obvious from my name, and such where I'm coming from, but I digress)...

I'm just writing to clear the air so please GNAC do not be offended; Suffolk, while they may be a formidabble opponent, did not "touch up" Bayer for four earned runs.  The FS&HG defense committed four errors behind Bayer (two in the inning where Bayer allowed the four runs, inning: walk, strikeout, single, error (double play ball), strikeout, double, error (five possible outs now), single, strikeout.  To Suffolk's credit they did get the hits when it counted, but even the singles in that inning were bermuda triangle shots down the left field line aided by the wind (the double was well struck).  So, Suffolk, yes a quality opponent, but they did not exactly cause Bayer much stress; if it was anybody that caused stress it was the Bantam's D, which averaged an ungodly amount of errors in Florida and not the Suffolk O, which struck out 15 times in the game.

BP,

I should have prefaced my comment regarding the Suffolk - Trinity game, and I didn't. This season, Bayer's has been virtually untouchable, as his ERA sits at 0.49 and his record sits at a perfect 10-0. Statistically, he's the best pitcher in Division III baseball, no question. Just looking at that stat line, it's safe to assume the rough outings have been non-existent for Bayer all season long. The closest thing to getting "touched up" for Bayer was against Suffolk, at least according to his stat line against them (http://gosuffolkrams.com/sports/bsb/2008-09/news/suftrin09.pdf - 7.1, 7 h, 4 er). For most any other pitcher, that's a quality outing; for Bayer, it's not. That is why I used the term "touched him," although it probably isn't the best word I could have used to describe his outing.

My point wasn't to put down Bayer, anyway. He's an outstanding pitcher, and Trinity rolled to a 15-6 victory in that game. The point I was trying to make is that Suffolk has seen some of the best arms New England has to offer and they have held their own, and I don't think Fahey is going to go out and throw 9 scoreless with 20 K's like some would have you believe.

Quote from: wordsmith on May 12, 2009, 08:53:49 AM

Quote from: KSCfan on May 12, 2009, 08:48:23 AM
Ok folks we open up tommorow at the Death Star in Mansfield which is a fancy name for Willimantic CT
Here are KSCfans awful never come true predictions

Game 1 Im taking Suffolk over WPI- the GNAC probably know more about Suffolk than i do but i am believer of thier team.  I think that it will be a good game, and a battle, but i like the Rams.
Game 2 In what is the best game of the opening round i am taking Eastern over Babson.  I like Babson but i dont believe they have the horses to beat Eastern.  They do have some good pitching but i like Fontaine and the Eastern Offense to win
Game 3 Trinity over Westfield- Trinity top 6 in the country, Westfield plays in one of the worst conferences in NE.  I personally thin that Westfield is a 8 seed and i think that the owls are in trouble against Trinity
Game 4 USM over Husson.  Have not seen Husson play doesnt matter, seen USM play plenty of times, Might see ol Flaherty start Henry and save Therrian for Trinity in round 2. 

KSCFan,

Not sure I can agree with you on Game 1 I'd have to go with the WPI's and their ace Fahey.
Otherwise, chalk!

By the by, Mrs. Howe (KSC Coach Ken Howe's Mother) is recovering nicely from a serious medical issue. Good news there for a really good guy.

Word 8)

Re: Suffolk - WPI:

There is no question in my mind that Conor Fahey is the best pitcher in this regional, but here is some food for thought: Fahey threw 8 innings on Saturday. If WPI brings him back to start Sunday's 10 am game, he'll be on less than 3 days rest. I understand he has a rubber arm and is used to throwing a ton, but even that's tough. He's already logged 88 innings on the season, and one has to wonder how that workload, if at all, affects him. If WPI goes with Fahey, I expect him to pitch well, but not completely shut down the Suffolk offense, which as I mentioned in a previous post, has handled two of the best pitchers in New England with decent success (Bayer 4 earned runs in 7.1 innings, St. Joe's Moran 11 earned runs in 1.2 innings on short rest). WPi as a team is hitting .315, a decent mark but not the .335+ clip of USM/Trinity/Keene/ECSU/Curry/Wheaton, etc. They've relied on their pitching for the most part this season, and again, I expect a tight, close affair. Being the GNAC after all, I'll go with the homer pick and say Suffolk wins a nail biter 3-2.

In game two, I think Aizenstadt pitches his stones off, but in the end the Eastern offense will prove to be too much. Babson's offense just isn't good enough to score enough runs against a kid like Fontaine (or Musson and Gilblair, for that matter), and I think Eastern takes this one 6-1.

In game three, Bill Decker makes a surprise move in starting Janiga over Bayer, but the Bantams offense carries Trinity past Westfield State anyway, 9-4.

In the final game of the day, Southern Maine rolls over Husson 14-2, as their offense explodes (nothing new there). Flaherty likewise saves Therrien for Trinity, setting up a showdown on Thursday with Trinity's Bayer facing off against USM.

Bobby Barrett from Suffolk needs to be on that list somewhere, too.

.384 BA, 13 doubles, 5 triples, 7 HR, 66 RBI, .685 SLG%, 8-9 in stolen bases while catching 35 games.

Quote from: DougiesGoinDeep on May 11, 2009, 04:42:35 AM
So 3 of the top 6 teams in the country have to battle it out to get to Wisconsin? ESCU, USM and Trinity will be a dogfight. One thing is for sure, the price of admission at the NE regional will be well worth it. I can't even try to predict who will represent New England.

Here is what I'm looking forward to:
ESCU gets the honor of the 1 seed but has arguably the hardest first round matchup of the big 3 in Babson... Maybe an upset in the making?
What game will Trinity pitch Bayer? Trinity's offense I think can slug there way out of a first round game against WSC but Bayer will probably have to go game 2 against USM... what a match up that would be.
Like I said above, USM will cruise against Husson but will have there hands full with arguably the best pitcher in the country in Bayer for game 2, what a game that would be if everything works out. No disrespect to ECSU but Trinity with Bayer and USM with Therrien would probably be the best D3 game of 2009, I just hope everything falls into place so we can see it.

My impact players for the regional (players who I think could single-handidly carry their teams):
1. ESCU: Gilblair and Castillo
2. USM: D'Alfonso, Pike and Burrelson
3. Trinity: Bayer, Killeen and Graham
4. WPI: Fahey and McNee
5: Suffolk: Just doesn't have the talent of the above
6. WSC: Same
7: Husson: No Prayer
8: Babson: Aizenstadt (tough match up for ECSU if he goes game 1)

This is shaping up to be one of the best regionals EVER. Good luck to everyone in involved. 


 

Have to take issue with your thoughts on Suffolk, Dougie. I'm paid to know these things (not really), but you don't run off a 30-9 record playing a good schedule without having some impact players. They're led on offense by one of the best run producers in America, Bobby Barrett. At last check, the junior catcher was 5th in the country and 2nd in New England with 66 RBI (trails only D'Alfonso). Setting the table for the Rams has been center fielder Rory Gentile, who's only getting on base at a .503 clip. He's as dynamic as they come, with 41 walks in 39 games to go along with his .361 5 HR 39 RBI stat line. He's also 25-31 in steal attempts.

Suffolk also has 3 very good starting pitchers, 3 guys who in my opinion can beat anybody on any given day. Tim Doyle, Daniel Delia and Reid Jackson are a combined 20-4 with a 2.94 ERA. Jackson, in the last 2 seasons, has victories over Montclair State, Southern Maine, Babson, and Wheaton (ranked #2 nationally at the time). Delia has beaten Westfield State, Roger Williams, and Ramapo, and Doyle has beaten Ripon and MIT. To say they don't have any impact players is kind of ignorant and disrepsectful to a club that has ran off quite a season while beating some very good teams.

One last note about Suffolk, specifically on their first round matchup with WPI. I'm assuming the Engineers would throw their All-World Ace, Conor Fahey. The senior righthander is in my opinion the best pitcher in the region this year (sorry Jeremiah and Shawn), and his 105 Ks are tops in New England. He has absolutely dominant stuff, and I wouldn't be surprised in the least to hear his name called on draft day next month. That being said, don't count out Suffolk's offense in this one, and here's why. This Rams offense has proven all season long they relish hitting against good pitching. Against Bayer in Florida, the Rams probably gave the Trinity ace his hardest outing of the year, touching him for 4 earned runs in 7.1 innings pitched. Likewise, in the GNAC tournament, Suffolk rebounded against St. Joe's probable All-American Pat Moran (he of the 6'5 frame, 88 MPH fastball and 12-6 hammer) in the winner's bracket game, torching the D-1 transfer to the tune of 9 hits and 11 earned runs in 1.2 innings pitched. Moran and Bayer are two of the top 10 pitchers in this region, and Suffolk has shown they can hang. That said, Fahey's on another level right now, and I expect the 10 am game on Wednesday to be quite an affair.

Quote from: moc323 on May 06, 2009, 11:26:42 AM
GNAC--Thanks for beating me to that box score and to Suffolks roster, etc...  I want to say, that was a 2-1 Suffolk victory.....so, a well played/pitched game on both sides, maybe---if I recall the right game?   

That's the one.

http://babsonathletics.com/sports/m-basebl/2008-09/news/090324

Quote from: d3spectator on May 06, 2009, 11:03:16 AM
Babson certainly did not duck any in-region opponents playing the likes of Wheaton, Suffolk, Keene, Curry, and USM which is in my opinion a testament to the coaching staff challenging his players.  I'm looking at the box scores of those games and seeing that when Babson played Suffolk, Suffolk threw what looks to be their #3 guy.  When Babson played Curry, Curry threw not a legit starter seems to be a spot starter as he has 3 of starts in 11 appearances.  Babson plays USM, USM throws what seems to be a spot starter (seems like all of USM is spot starters) but he has an ERA of 6.87 (Yates).

Hi Spec,

As most can see from my username, I'm quite familiar with GNAC teams, Suffolk and St. Joe's, in particular. Just wanted to correct you a bit on the Suffolk - Babson game. The pitcher for Suffolk in that one, Jackson, is probably their #1, not their #3, although statistically you'd have a case for that I suppose. Still, he's leading the Rams in innings pitched and strikeouts, and has drawn (and beaten) Suffolk's top competition for the last 3 years.

Not sure if that hinders or supports your argument, just thought I'd put it out there for veracity.

Quote from: GBear210 on May 05, 2009, 08:58:34 PM
The GNAC,

WNEC pounded Curry 2 out of 3 games and should have had the other xtra inning game.  We're talking about "no respect" WNEC!

Curry - out

I understand you're a proud parent of a WNEC player (hint: try hiding your e-mail address in your profile if you'd like true anonymity), but in my opinion that clouds your judgment a bit. I'm an impartial viewer, and the fact remains that Curry's body of work trumps 2 losses to WNEC, a very good team in it's own right. As D3Nut said, Curry's winning percentage is 5th in the nation... 5th! You simply cannot leave them out of the regionals, especially in favor of a less deserving team in Wheaton or WPI.

Quote from: GBear210 on May 05, 2009, 08:34:49 PM
WPI- in
Curry -out
Wheaton - out

Common guys, there has to be another pool team with a better story than Curry & Wheaton!
I think there's too much New England tunnel vision going on here.

Others?

Tunnel vision? The New England region is the deepest region in the nation, hands down. No shot NE is awarded just one at-large bid.

And honestly, Curry has a much better argument over WPI. I don't care that they beat Wheaton 2x and Trinity, they won 8 less  games than Curry.

Curry - In
WPI/Wheaton - One in, one out

Quote from: wordsmith on May 04, 2009, 02:08:55 PM
Thanks, See this is why I need you guys. I read they beat Amherst, did not read further to understand the road continues for the NESCAC.,

So revised then we have this look, and my question remains ---> Is there another AQ looming out there I have missed?

1) Suffolk--GNAC AQ
2) Babson--NEWMAC AQ
3) WNEC--TCCC AQ
4) Westfield--MASCAC AQ
5) Husson--NAC AQ
6) NESCAC AQ
7) LEC rep (champ or otherwise -assumption here)
8 - ??

7 & 8, and possibly a shipment to NY comes down to  - Trinity, if they don't AQ, USM/ESC/KSC, Wheaton, Curry, WPI...looks like a strong ECAC this year.

Word

Word,

this is how I see things breaking down.

LEC: Southern Maine defeats ECSU in the LEC final, earning the AQ. ECSU receives an at-large bid.

NESCAC: Trinity rolls through the tourney, AQ.

--------------

1. Southern Maine
2. Eastern Connecticut
3. Suffolk
4. WNEC
5. Curry
6. Westfield State
7. Babson
8. Husson

----------

Notice I haven't listed Trinity, as I feel they will be "forced" to make the 90 minute trek to Farmingdale, NY as the New York regional's #1 seed. Cortland State, the #1 ranked team in New York, is IMO a #4 seed in New England. The committee should ship one of USM/ECSU/Trinity out, and the Bantams make the most sense.

Also, you'll notice Wheaton isn't in the NE Regional. I simply feel they have played their way out of the regionals down the stretch. I feel the Pool C bids look like this:

1. LEC runner-up
2. Curry
3. Wheaton

Curry's record > Wheaton's, and they also won the head-to-head matchup 5-0.

Just my $.02.

Quote from: DGilblair on May 01, 2009, 07:30:19 PM

Quote from: TheGNAC on May 01, 2009, 07:24:17 PM

Quote from: DGilblair on May 01, 2009, 07:20:15 PM
GNAC, you really think they would ship Trinity out?  I think they would send someone ranked lower in NE than Trinity.  Babson must be within a couple hundred miles.

I think the NCAA needs to take into consideration the relative strengths of the region. Why put 3 of the top 10 schools in the country in one region? If you ship a school like Babson or Castleton to New York, it's really all for naught, as they'd have a difficult time winning more than 1 or 2 games there. Personally, I think you need to spread out the top talent when applicable, and this is the perfect time, considering the relative strengths of NE vs. NY. Personally, I think any of the top 6 or so schools in NE would have an excellent shot at winning the NY regional. Place Trinity in the NY region, and suddenly that region becomes much more competitive.

So if they only win one or two in NY how many do they win in NE?  How about WNEC or Bridgewater?  I just think wiyh Trinitys ranking they will keep them home and on Campus maybe if they wanted.

The campus argument is a valid point, and could definitely play into the selection committee's decision. Still, I think the NCAA should separate USM/ECSU/Trinity, as any of those 3 teams are the #1 seed in both New York and the Mid-Atlantic. I don't think it's fair that those 3 teams have to be in the same region while a lesser team like Cortland State has a free pass to the College World Series.

I suppose you can switch Trinity with Southern Maine, and ship the boys from USM to Farmingdale, as the trip from Portland to Farmingdale is 332 miles. Not exactly the field goal that Trinity's trip would be, but still, close enough.

Quote from: DGilblair on May 01, 2009, 07:20:15 PM
GNAC, you really think they would ship Trinity out?  I think they would send someone ranked lower in NE than Trinity.  Babson must be within a couple hundred miles.

I think the NCAA needs to take into consideration the relative strengths of the region. Why put 3 of the top 10 schools in the country in one region? If you ship a school like Babson or Castleton to New York, it's really all for naught, as they'd have a difficult time winning more than 1 or 2 games there. Personally, I think you need to spread out the top talent when applicable, and this is the perfect time, considering the relative strengths of NE vs. NY. Personally, I think any of the top 6 or so schools in NE would have an excellent shot at winning the NY regional. Place Trinity in the NY region, and suddenly that region becomes much more competitive.

Quote from: DGilblair on May 01, 2009, 06:18:11 PM
Babson and Suffolk are in with Pool A bids.  Trinity and Maine are in, ECSU looks good unless they fall on thier face and get the swine flu.... I think.  Thats four maybe five who will the others be? 

This is how I see things shaking out, with the automatic qualifiers factoring in, as well.

Automatic bids:

NEWMAC: Babson - already wrapped up.
GNAC: Suffolk - already wrapped up.
----
MASCAC: Bridgewater State - BSC looks to be in the driver's seat, as they're in the winners bracket as the #2 seed. #1 seed Worcester State will have a tough go of it after losing yesterday.

LEC: Southern Maine - #1 team in the nation has this locked up, in my opinion.

NAC: Castleton State - Don't see any reason why the #1 seed and last year's qualifier shouldn't get it again this year.

TCCC: WNEC - The Golden Bears are in the driver's seat in the on-going TCCC tournament, and I think they earn the automatic bid for the 2nd consecutive year.

NESCAC: Trinity - Probably the surest bet to earn a Pool A bid aside from the two who already have.

----------------

Alright, so if things go as planned, it looks like the 7 automatic bids in NE are awarded to the teams above. That leaves the following teams awaiting word for Pool C bids, based on yesterday's regional rankings.

Eastern Connecticut
Wheaton
Curry
WPI
Williams
Worcester State

Assuming the above all plays out that way, I foresee New England being awarded 2 at-large bids, with 1 of the 9 New England teams being shipped to New York. In this scenario, here's how I think it breaks down.

The at-large bids are awarded to:

1. Eastern Connecticut
2. Wheaton/Curry (The former being the more likely pick, the latter the more deserving)

Assuming all of this happens, here's what I think happens re: regionals.

New England Regional @ Eastern Connecticut

1. Southern Maine
2. Eastern Connecticut
3. Wheaton/Curry
4. Suffolk
5. WNEC
6. Babson
7. Bridgewater State
8. Castleton State

-----------------

Trinity College, the automatic qualifier from the NESCAC, is shipped to Farmingdale, NY for the New York regional as the #1 seed. Hartford, CT is just 133 miles from Farmingdale, well within the 500 mile limit.

Quote from: Stump on April 30, 2009, 10:57:37 PM
Another good analysis TheGNAC.  It must have been a big rock the committee was under. The ranking call is done after the weekend, right? How does Babson not at least make #10? And Wheaton and WPI who don't make the finals of their tourney both stay in the top 5? I understand there are many criteria they use in the rankings but it's beginning to look like reputation is now one of the first criteria.

Your rankings are much more on the money. The only difference would be to swap Curry and ECSU(and that's probably results from this week talking more that last week's results)

Next ranking will be very interesting with 2 very bad games for the Wheaties added on top of the failure in the WETHCTPI tourney. See where they end up ranked after this week.

Once again and on a side note, congrats to Suffolk and good luck in the Regionals from your GNAC rivals.  You'll represent GNAC well.

Thanks Stump, enjoyed having another GNAC poster to talk shop with this year. I can tell you're a St. Joe's guy, so if it means anything, I'd give the Monks some serious consideration if I were on the selection committee. They proved yesterday they can beat any team in the country, and it's a shame they'll probably miss the regionals this year for the first time since 2004.

Quote from: moc323 on April 30, 2009, 11:15:06 PM
sorry WNec, Curry, Suffolk and any other "deserving teams".....  Queen Wheaton still has their reservation in stone it seems....  

Well, good thing for Suffolk that they won the automatic bid over the weekend, then.

I do agree with your general sentiments, though.