I think it is a good thing that the WIAC, MIAC, and UMAC champions will battle it out at the regional. Yes, it will be harder for them to make it to the WS, but I do believe those teams should always be in the Midwest regional. They may have a tougher region because of the good talent pool with less competition (very few Division I teams, and many poor D2 teams) leaves great talent for D3. I too believe it is one of the toughest regions, if not the toughest, but the team who wins it has a great chance in the WS.

 To clarify, I never meant the UMAC as a whole was as good as the MIAC and if it came off that way, my apologies. I would disagree with that fully. But was only meant to say that if you put CSS in the MIAC, they would still be at the top of the MIAC. Yes, they would lose more games, I agree. A better comparison on quality of leagues would be between MIAC and WIAC and see how that would play out.

I agree to having a little problem with placing BLC in that same category based on the predictions of talent pool returning and a great year last year. And it is early, and they will have a chance to prove the quality of their team this year through matchups with CSS and Olaf.

I like the idea of the combined leagues, but agree the loss of the extra automatic bid would be detrimental.

And it is early, a few games here and there with many new names that may be well known by years end.

So, are we going to have the yearly debate from a newcomer of "If CSS was in the MIAC, it would be different..." with the thought that they even like playing in the UMAC or have a choice. Then the second argument of "CSS can always plan their schedule to pitch their best ....blah blah blah". Heard that would a few times too. Truth is, in the past Denning and Baggs always had different approaches to handling a pitching staff...and I would argue they were both extremely successful with it. Over the past 5-10 yrs, it has been very competitive, back and forth, and makes for good games. Why even make such statements? Let them play it out on the field, and in the playoffs, and let the chips fall where they may.

By the way, the MIAC isnt exactly always the strongest conference either. They have their share of bottom feeders who may have one good kid or a few good kids now and again , but just an average team. Since I have been following, I think it is fair to say that St. Thomas and St. Olaf (the anchors of the league) are year-year good, but after that it is a crapshoot. So this year the UMAC is in the same boat.

I's curious to hear what other lame excuse you come up with next. I bet it starts something like "Well, yeah, but....." and finishes with something like "so obviously the MIAC is better".

Quote from: BigPoppa on February 25, 2010, 09:04:05 PM

Quote from: dukes on February 25, 2010, 06:03:00 PM
http://www.umacathletics.com/news/2010/2/25/BSB_0225100658.aspx

Coaches poll for UMAC favors Bethany Lutheran this year. What do you guys think? While I do agree they have have a great team, it still surprises me a little bit, but surely will be bulletin board material at CSS.

CSS has won 13 straight titles. While Bethany made nice strides last season, I am not certain they are ready to jump to the top of the UMAC.

I agree. BaseballFan: while I agree that this matters very little, it still does matter because it shows a change in the conference because when those coaches had to pick between #1 and #2, those coaches had to pick. By them even voting for BLC over CSS, it shows that they are not as intimidated as in years past. And while it is easy to look at the talent on the roster, there is something to be said about a winning tradition. If I were BLC, I would have wanted to earn the respect of a #1 seed by winning, not by an off-season vote. Should be a great UMAC season to follow.

http://www.umacathletics.com/news/2010/2/25/BSB_0225100658.aspx

Coaches poll for UMAC favors Bethany Lutheran this year. What do you guys think? While I do agree they have have a great team, it still surprises me a little bit, but surely will be bulletin board material at CSS.

Check this out for some info. Not a great layout, but the info is there. Hope this helps!

http://www.msfc.com/events.cfm

I do agree there are more questions this year and it will be more of a battle atop the UMAC with a large new class of CSS players and a new coach, but I would still lean heavily to CSS tradition of winning. In years past while CSS has lost a few UMAC games here and there, their consistency and depth has continued. It will make for a great thing to watch as the year starts.

Quote from: biggio34 on February 04, 2010, 05:45:08 PM
Bethany is legit, probably the conference favorite, but can they get it done?  Time will tell.  I look for them to have a great year though.  Good lineup and some new talent on the mound makes them a team to watch in 2010.

Conference favorite for what? Please specify as even though things in the UMAC have changed, CSS continues to be the hands down favorite to 1) win the conference 2) win the UMAC tourney. agree?

Anyone else find it a little funny that Schuld is the region pitcher of the year and not the MIAC pitcher of the year? Yes, I understand the logic to a point.....but still think its whack

I agree, it was interesting to see. But, with the momentum obviously on their side, put the ball in a seniors hand and say get after it. Comfortable 5-0 after 2nd for St. Thomas.

Interesting that St. Thomas bounced back Schuld...bold move. Anyones thoughts?
My opinion is he is your best pitcher (by far) and he wants the ball. If he feels able, let him go. For those of you that will jump on the fact of pitch counts and ruining his future, remember that no one is forcing the kid out there. I am sure it is his choice. And there is a certain psych boost for a team when you know you have your number one on the mound. Granted, I believe it is a coaches job to judge whether it is best for the team and the player, as I am sure everyone would agree no number one pitcher should want to give up the ball in the big game.

I am actually interested in the people who were there, or the people who know the CSS team best. And also just posing a question to see opinion....dont mean to second guess anyone. Obviously, there is never a right/wrong answer. Just ask Terry Francona and Pedro!

My next question though: who is in best position now? Olaf with 2 wins without a ton of pitching? St. Thomas who has used a lot of pitching through 2 games but playing well? Or someone from the backside of the bracket?

so, to pose a question, thoughts on taking out Kummet? A little too late, or a little to early? Should you let your senior stud pitcher have the ball?

As important as this game is, I think St. Thomas has the right idea, and maybe both teams do. Either way, you live and die by the pitcher who is out there, as you know that you have more games to play, win or lose. You have to play to win the tournament, not just go farther. If it means you dont throw your best pitchers to win game one, so be it. In my opinion.

Any thoughts if Bethany Lutheran win in UMAC vs. St. Scholastica will be enough to get them a bid to the regional? What if they win the UMAC tourney? And is St. Scholastica safe even if they lose the UMAC tourney?

I believe CSS is safe, and BLC only chance will be if they win the UMAC, as it has been stated before their OWP is bad. But with the WIAC down, and MIAC down, its possible.