MOC 323, GBEAR210, D3spectator, rbgosfan, others...
Just to weigh in on the Wheaton/Curry/WPI at-large bid matter, I feel, although I have the greatest respect for the Wheaton coach, players, program, tradition, history thing, I do feel that they have under-achieved. I feel that Curry deserves consideration for the 34 wins, albeit weaker schedule than either Wheaton or WPI. In my opinion, WPI has over-achieved, by winning signature games in and out of conference, albeit stubbing their toe in the NEWMAC tourney. It's an incredible feat to catch or take out Wheaton in any given year in the NEWMAC given the rich history of their accomplishments, especially considering the whole recruitment issue, although I know this has nothing to do w/at-large bids, rankings, etc.. It's just a factor for discussion sake when considering the WPI over-achievement given the tougher it is to recruit at that school. Great analysis of WPI stats regarding pitching and offense! which might play into decision if actual discussion is ever made (a point which you called the "human element"). Although you mentioned the over-use of Fahey (# of IP, starter, closer, etc.) which is hard to argue with, they did win 26 games. While you might say that there is no pitching depth, I did check to see that they had a very good #2 (Minor)& #3 (Murphy), I think in that order, that went 5, 6, or 7 wins w/ 2 losses apiece w/respectable ERAs. However, they both had tough outings in the NEWMAC tourney it appears, which sent WPI out early. If either of them can return to seasonal form, their pitching depth returns at least through 3 games. Now Fahey might only have to wait for 1 day's rain! I just think to say they have ONLY Fahey is unfair to the fine seasons that other pitchers had. Also, the "only guy to hit over .350" was last year's NEWMAC "POY" McNee, who along w/Fahey made the 1st Team NEWMAC again this year. But to say that they have ONLY McNee offensively would be unfair also, as there are a number of hitters between .300 - .350 (6 I think from what I looked at), just like you can't say that WPI's rise to respectability is due to any one or two players. Sure, Fahey (ace) and McNee (cleanup) have helped put them on the radar screen over the last 4 years, but other players have had very solid years, or more (Galligan, Bean, McGregor, Moreau, Dignum, McClune, Watkins, Hansen, Walsh, whose stats look like they all contributed). Granted, compared to ECSU, USM, Trinity, and some others, WPI may be softer in pitching and offensive depth, but they have put together a year of over-achievement. They match up well w/ Babson, who they beat twice this year, in both categories, with all due respect to what Babson did in the tourney - great job. Where's Curry in all this - a team that won a ton of games, though not as tough a schedule on road in region. So I like WPI in w/Curry getting greater consideration than Wheaton who, despite past achievement, did not finish well. Another thing to consider is that at least WPI is going in to the ECAC to try and improve their resume, instead fo just sitting around and waiting for a phone call. We don't even know if the committee even considers any of this (your "human element" factor) but, as you have said in multiple posts, it's fun to jump in and give our "2 cents", for however limited our thoughts might be. In the end, a mathematical formula is probably the best way to decide to keep it as objective as possible. It's a formula that, although complicated, maybe the brainiac WPI kids are trying to figure out themselves right now. Whatever happens, let's sit back and enjoy a great regional, and congratulations to all teams being considered for a great season that has us talking about all the possibilities. All of your opinions and research have been great fun! Play Ball!
Just to weigh in on the Wheaton/Curry/WPI at-large bid matter, I feel, although I have the greatest respect for the Wheaton coach, players, program, tradition, history thing, I do feel that they have under-achieved. I feel that Curry deserves consideration for the 34 wins, albeit weaker schedule than either Wheaton or WPI. In my opinion, WPI has over-achieved, by winning signature games in and out of conference, albeit stubbing their toe in the NEWMAC tourney. It's an incredible feat to catch or take out Wheaton in any given year in the NEWMAC given the rich history of their accomplishments, especially considering the whole recruitment issue, although I know this has nothing to do w/at-large bids, rankings, etc.. It's just a factor for discussion sake when considering the WPI over-achievement given the tougher it is to recruit at that school. Great analysis of WPI stats regarding pitching and offense! which might play into decision if actual discussion is ever made (a point which you called the "human element"). Although you mentioned the over-use of Fahey (# of IP, starter, closer, etc.) which is hard to argue with, they did win 26 games. While you might say that there is no pitching depth, I did check to see that they had a very good #2 (Minor)& #3 (Murphy), I think in that order, that went 5, 6, or 7 wins w/ 2 losses apiece w/respectable ERAs. However, they both had tough outings in the NEWMAC tourney it appears, which sent WPI out early. If either of them can return to seasonal form, their pitching depth returns at least through 3 games. Now Fahey might only have to wait for 1 day's rain! I just think to say they have ONLY Fahey is unfair to the fine seasons that other pitchers had. Also, the "only guy to hit over .350" was last year's NEWMAC "POY" McNee, who along w/Fahey made the 1st Team NEWMAC again this year. But to say that they have ONLY McNee offensively would be unfair also, as there are a number of hitters between .300 - .350 (6 I think from what I looked at), just like you can't say that WPI's rise to respectability is due to any one or two players. Sure, Fahey (ace) and McNee (cleanup) have helped put them on the radar screen over the last 4 years, but other players have had very solid years, or more (Galligan, Bean, McGregor, Moreau, Dignum, McClune, Watkins, Hansen, Walsh, whose stats look like they all contributed). Granted, compared to ECSU, USM, Trinity, and some others, WPI may be softer in pitching and offensive depth, but they have put together a year of over-achievement. They match up well w/ Babson, who they beat twice this year, in both categories, with all due respect to what Babson did in the tourney - great job. Where's Curry in all this - a team that won a ton of games, though not as tough a schedule on road in region. So I like WPI in w/Curry getting greater consideration than Wheaton who, despite past achievement, did not finish well. Another thing to consider is that at least WPI is going in to the ECAC to try and improve their resume, instead fo just sitting around and waiting for a phone call. We don't even know if the committee even considers any of this (your "human element" factor) but, as you have said in multiple posts, it's fun to jump in and give our "2 cents", for however limited our thoughts might be. In the end, a mathematical formula is probably the best way to decide to keep it as objective as possible. It's a formula that, although complicated, maybe the brainiac WPI kids are trying to figure out themselves right now. Whatever happens, let's sit back and enjoy a great regional, and congratulations to all teams being considered for a great season that has us talking about all the possibilities. All of your opinions and research have been great fun! Play Ball!