How deep does the committee go into the evaluations??  Since our early season start and Cali trip Stevens has gone 18-5 over their last 23 games...with only 6 of those at home.  Our SOS is solid.  Unfortunately, we lost the Cortland game to rain which would have helped our cause.  I don't expect the regional rankings to change for 1-4 and we sit at #4.  Just hope the region gets some respect come bid time.

Oooooh, it always gets so fun at the end.  It's so difficult to get in when we leave it up to the committee.  So hard also to keep up a good SOS when there are teams in the conference that pull down the SOS.  Seems like all the categories are possible tiebreakers when comparing teams.  Whether it's wins, SOS, or whatever....gotta be a strong combination of everything to be considered.  I'm thinking the top 3 regional seeds get in and the 4th will have to keep their fingers crossed.  Just depends on how those Pool A bids shake out.  For us and SJF, our one shot is to win the E8 and grab the 3 regional seed.

Big weekend for the top 3 in E8....so is the thinking still that only one gets in and it's basically the team that wins the E8?  I feel that's true for either SJF or Stevens, not so sure about IC.

I understand the E8 tourn host is supposed to be the #1 seed but it sounds like the top teams have requested to not host.  It will be interesting to see where it ends up.

This weekend's series between Stevens and SJF was very competitive.  Starting pitching was excellent on both sides and came down to timely hits.  Obviously, SJF is in the driver seat with another tough weekend ahead with Ithaca.  Stevens travels to Houghton and their post season may come down to their Cortland game and a finale against #17 Keystone.

Conference is heating up....Utica puts themselves in a good position for the #4 seed with their series win over Ithaca but anything can happen.  Top 3 of SJF, Stevens, and IC are solid and will sort themselves out over next 2 weeks.  Stevens squeeks by Elmira in extras yesterday, SJF and IC making big statements with their convincing wins on Sunday.  SJF gets to host Stevens this weekend and will finish by hosting IC the following.

Here's a link for the E8 tournament.  Four teams qualify and play a double elimination format.

http://empire8.com/sports/2016/2/22/BB_0222161851.aspx?path=baseball

I agree, seems like SJF, Stevens, and Ithaca are locks.  In fact, I heard Stevens qualified after their wins last weekend.  Should be a good race for #4. 

As for the Ducks, it's been a grind.  The games, for the most part, have been close.  Trouble stringing hits together at the right times and the bullpen is working through it's issues.  California was tough and not the result we wanted.  After two days of fun and a doubleheader vs Redlands they had nothing left for Chapman.  Conference opener vs Canton tomorrow.

JM, do you think there's any factor in the committee's decision making for the E8 champ getting in since the conference was left out last yr?

The regional preview finally got released today in case anyone missed it.

http://www.d3baseball.com/notables/2016/01/preview/newyork-preview

Saw the two Stevens games this weekend.  Saturday was a tough one...up 8-0 thru 6 and lost 9-8.  Two blown saves this weekend.  Early losses show coach what he does or doesn't have on the bench and bullpen.  Starting pitching not a concern at this point.  Few too many errors which will be worked out.  Hitting is an improvement over years past.  Chemistry is good on this team.

Stevens with a big win today over #6 Kean University 3-2 in 10 innings at Kean.  Great pitching on both sides.....nothing but zeroes posted after the second inning until the tenth.  Ducks pitchers allow 3 infield hits and no earned runs.  Offense gets 9 hits.  Great season opener!

Yes, Stevens lost 14 starts but replacement should be seamless since our strong lefty, Jakusik, was out all year and returns this season.  He played in the Northwoods over the summer to help work himself back into the groove.  Lost 3 bats out of the starting line-up but the main hitters and table setters return.  Some good new additions should contribute well.

Like I said before, it will be fun competition.  Can always expect SJF and IC to reload well.  They always do.

If I can speak for Stevens.....IC and SJF are always solid and tough.  It will be a good conference competition.  As for the pre-season poll, we're very happy to be receiving some notice, it's been a long time coming.  We even had one of our own named a pre-season AA 1st teamer.  The Ducks are an senior heavy team.  We had 18 recruits in when these seniors were freshmen and now is their time to show what 3 years of seasoning can do.  The pitching is very solid and the line-up will be the most balanced we've had since I've been watching.  Lost a few pieces to graduation but no more than other schools.  Should be alot of fun.

All Region Teams were just announced....

http://www.d3baseball.com/awards/all-region/2015/new-york

As a Duck supporter, very happy one of our own was named Player of Year.  Congrats to Jayson Yano on a great year!

Bombsquad, you say SJF has the best pitching you've seen and I don't disagree, but will they have enough to get by Brockport and Cortland and yet still have enough in the tank for the E8 tournament?  I would think they would need to go for the Brock and Cort wins over the E8 tournament.  But all are important.  As for Stevens, we've hurt ourselves losing game 2 to Ithaca (lost a 3 run lead in 9th) and yesterday's loss to Rutgers Camden.  The next 5 days will be interesting......

Stevens got their win today...good pitcher's duel with Ducks Yano vs Bombers Sanders.  One unearned run separated teams thru 7 innings (1-0) but Ducks pull out victory in the end.  Ithaca's regular season is complete and Stevens finishes Monday against Rutgers Camden.  Then on to the inaugural E8 tournament Thur-Sat.