BB: ASC: American Southwest Conference

[Mack09]

I believe but am not certain that TLU has the highest tuition in the conference.  I think that makes it more amazing that they keep fielding quality teams.  I do know that they struggle in basketball, and are not great in football.  McMurry has a high tuition rate as well. 

There are some definite issues in the ASC, but what can you do?  If the conference was broken up as is it would likely lose its automatic bid.  Maybe there is a fix in the future that might move UT Dallas and Tyler to a Division II program. 

[Just_Some_Guy]

In case anyone missed it on the main page here are the preseason predictions/awards for the ASC:

http://d3baseball.com/pressreleases/ASC/2008/01/29/ASC-Preseason-PollAwards-Announced/2169

Any thoughts?

I have a few opinions and will probably post them later this evening...

JSG

[Just_Some_Guy]

ASC West Predictions

Texas Lutheran - How does this team recover after losing possibly two of the best pitchers to grace the ASC in Besa (8-0 last year) and Enloe (7-1 last year)? Throw in their middle INF that included SS Jake Kaase (ASC West Division Co-Player of the Year last year after hitting .422 with 56 RBI, four home runs, 15 doubles and two triples) who was drafted by the Rangers and 2nd Scott Matocha (.374, 13 SBs) and you begin to wonder.

They've placed stars in the past, John Krog and Aaron Crais among others, but never had to rely so much on pitchers with such a small amount of experience. PITCHING will be the key for the Bulldogs in '08.

They'll be led by ASC Preseason Pitcher of the Year SO Logan Hull (7-2, 3.54 ERA) and Closer Robert Conley (3-2, 2.54 ERA, 6 SVs), and ask mid-week starter/reliever Austin Yager to repeat his 8-1 record last year. Brad Wesson and Tom Hembree will be other Bulldogs to keep an eye on. SO Ryan McGinley also started 2 games last year including the Bulldogs final playoff game, a loss to UTD.

Offensively the Bulldogs return notables SO OF Ryan Nokelby (.361, 3rd Team All West Region), JR OF Kyle Harvey(.370, .489 OBP), SR 1B Jason Foley (.360, 48 RBI), and SR DH/3B Joseph Brade (.333, 18 2B).

Who fills in up the middle? I doubt there's any Kaase's hiding on this roster, but the Bulldogs do have Joe Gentry listed as a 3B/SS who hit .289 and started 10 games. They also have Concordia transfer Chris Green who I believe started the year starting at 2nd for CUA last year prior to an injury that curtailed the rest of season. There's also a 2nd base TR from Howard on the roster who could possibly figure into the mix, but I have no clue to be honest. This has to be a concern.

JR Drew Farr, who started 3 games last year prior to a season-ending injury might start in LF according to their team preview. Also, Jr. Chris Siniff (.167 in limited action) is expected to start behind the dish.

There's a lot of new faces, including new head coach Greg Burnett who will try to fill the shoes of Bill Miller who had a .771 winning percentage over the last nine years.

I've learned not to doubt this team, so I won't. They have plenty of offensive firepower to be score a lot of runs, but some new faces are going to have to step up on the bump, and some new guys (or Gentry) will have to play solid D up the middle for the Bulldogs to repeat.


McMurry - McMurry returns the conferences best 3-5, or 2-4 (depending on how Coach Driggers uses them) in West Preseason Player of the Year Brent Vorhees (.370, 14 HRs - 3 HRs from breaking the conference record), Derek David (.390, 7HR, 61 RBI) (both D3 baseball All Americans), and all region performer Weston Franco (.373, 11 HR).

They also return Steven Yurchik (.468 in 21 starts/27 games) who emerged as a key contributor near the end of last year and all conference honorees Nathan Love and Jeff Jackson.

Key offensive losses will be Hank Casey (.371)and Joseph Cervantes (.350, 19 SBs).

It is hard for me to guage what else they have in terms of offense. It doesn't appear as though they've gone out and got as many JUCO guys as they've had in the past, but it's tough to tell from their roster. Ross Shores might be one guy to watch.

I think TLU may be better offensively top to bottom than McMurry, but if Yurchik is getting on base in front of their big 3, AND some new guys emerge near the bottom of the order they'll be tough to handle. I think Jackson is a servicable hitter, but I'm not sold on Nathan Love yet.

In terms of pitching though, McMurry is in decent shape  this year. They lose Nick Schafer who had a GREAT year last year (10-1), but return their other two weekend starters Clint Johnston and Cody Curry (both 6-2). Johnston's a durable, crafty guy who pitches efficiently. I like him alot. Vorhees can throw if he has to, but I'd rather see them let him focus on hitting. The third starter might be Aaron Wood, who led the team in ERA last year (2.25) and avg against (.245). Where McMurry has needed help (at least the last two years) has been depth out of the pen. I like what LHP Kyle Martin is capable of, but he'll need some help. 

I've been back and forth between picking McMurry and TLU, and I just can't decide (is that a cop out or what?) McMurry has ALWAYS had trouble with TLU, and especially in Seguin (where they have them this year), but I really like these veteran leaders (Vorhees is a class act), the core of their lineup, and TLU's inexperienced pitching and the lack of Jake Kaase makes me leery.

Mary-Hardin Baylor - So UMHB seven starting position players and returns five pitchers 17 innings pitched a couple of others that could certainly be called upon if they were needed. They'll lose starters Chase Beyrand (6 HRs) and Ricky LaFont (.352, .975 F% at the hot corner), and they may miss the big man Bill Pearce on the bump (73 Ks and 50 IP).

I honestly think this is the 3rd place team in the ASC West this year. HSU and CUA have traditionally had better programs, but UMHB has been steadily ascending and they made their first ever ASC playoff birth last year.  That said, they're going to have to find some starting pitching. Garza, Tumlinson and Dobbins are possibly their 1,2,3 (the only ASC team that doesn't have to find at least one new starter?), but Tumlinson (6.75 ERA) and Dobbins (7.30 ERA) weren't exactly stellar on the mound last year.

Garza's really good, but I like him so much better out the pen, in a closer, go to guy in a close game type of role (much in the same way that Chapman tends to use Yacko). He's a smaller guy and I'm not certain his frame is that durable playing both ways and leading the team in innings pitched. That said Garza was fairly solid down the stretch last year, while Tumlinson and Dobbins struggled with the better offensive teams.

Pitching in the ASC has never really been ridiculous (I'd say it might've been the strongest when CUA and TLU both had pretty solid guys on the bump in '02ish) so with those three and Vaughn and Hawkins (and probably Les Sarles) contributing out of the pen, and one or two new guys making an impact this is definitely a team to contend with.

Offensively they return the bulk of their guys from last year. Villegas (.399, 3 3B, 4 HR, 14 SBs) was a monster and definitely one of the toughest outs in the ASC. With him and Volz (.368, 21 SBs) at the top of the line up they can start a really quick. Only TLU's tandem of Harvey/Nokelby rivals these two. In the 3-4 slots you're probably looking at Froschel (.381, 6 HR) and Reinlie (.393, 8 HR). Throw Garza (.362, 4 HR) and Andrew White (.340 in 10 starts) into the mix and you have some solid sticks. Earnest Pena and SS Jonathan Whitehead will also be in the mix.

Concordia - Once a team that competed for the top of the conference Concordia has slipped a bit the past two years. They lose their best pitcher Jonathan Miller who had a great year last year, their best two power hitters C Bill Mitchell (7 HRs) and Brad Payne (6 HR).

That said they return the core of their team that finished 5th (and just out of the ASC playoffs last year).

Offensively the return their top hitter from last year SR OF/2B Bryan Jacobs (.382, 10 SBs), and Patrick Mercer (.346), Chad Thielpape (.324), and Trey Struhall (.301). Also, 3B/P Steven Szkotak hit .280. Nick Cmerek and Kyle Rhodes could also be called upon this year.

Coach Mike Gardner also went out and got some new guys from baseball savvy schools. It will be interesting to see if any of those guys can contribute.

Despite losing Miller, CUA returns their other two weekend starters, Szkotak (5-5, 4.56 ERA), Ethan Morrison (6-4, 5.40) and top closer Matt Aubry (2-1, 4.24, 5 SVs). But other than these three CUA doesn't have one pitcher on the roster who threw more than 3 varsity innnings last year. You have to wonder about their depth on the bump. And with all do respect to their returners - they're servicable guys, but I can't see them beating an offensive like TLUs or McM's -- except for those once a year games.

In other words, they don't have a Jonathan Miller that will go out there and consistently give them a really good chance to win against really good offenses (not that Miller pitched great against the top teams in the conference last year). Aubry may have the stuff, but being from a closers role I don't know that he has the durability.

It's hard to say where this team finishes the year.  I like the fact that they are starting to develop their own identity with their core guys offensively, but there are currently BIG question marks in their rotation after those three guys. 


Hardin Simmons - To me Hardin Simmons year to contend was definitely last year, but their pitching was sub par (7.15 ERA) and that definitely cost them. They had a good core though for a couple of years. It will be interesting to see what they do with only 2 returning position starters.

With CUA and HSU seemingly taking a little step back and now with Tyler eligible is the East gaining ground on the West's dominance over the last few years?

HSU loses Michael Simpson (.409, 13 HR), Brad Coleman (.357, 6 HR), Koch, Ruth and Gibbs, among others.

Offensively they'll be led by Ryan Stepp (.375, 4 HR). Justin Gage (.297 - 33 starts), Kyle Swearingen (.313 - 9 starts), and Tre Sellari (.244 - 5 starts) might all be called on. Because this team lost so much I'm virtually completely in the dark about what they're capable of. They have a SO-TR J.T. Armstrong, but obviously we're going to see a lot of new faces for the Cowboys this year. I don't want to underestimate anyone, but I just don't envision them being very strong offensively this year with so many guys getting their first crack at it.

On the mound, they have some guys coming back. Josh Alcorn, Nathan Copeland, Kyle Barton, Lance Johnson, and James Sweatman all saw significant innings last year. In addition Tim Kreigal started a couple of games. Alcorn (3.74 ERA, .208 avg against, 6 SVs) was their only guy with an ERA under 5.00 so it'll be interesting to see how some of these guys have developed in the off-season.

Alcorn has the ability to be a top notch pitcher in West - He's right up there with TLU's Hull and McM's Johnston. I assume he'll be called upon to start this year, but maybe not.

It's imperative the staff as a whole is better this year, because I doubt they'll get the run support they received last year, BUT I think some of these pitchers are better than they are on paper so they'll be interesting to follow.


JSG

[indian4life]

Well I believe that you are pretty much spot on with your predictions JSG and ill have to agree with you that TLU and McM will be fun to watch.
Here is a little insider information not sure if it is known publicly..

HSU has had a few guys quit this fall (Could be just the rumor mill) but i have heard of a number of players but Steep would be the biggest name
They also have had Coplend working out at 3rd all fall (99.9 % Sure)

As for my predictions are as follows
West
McMurry (Although it will be tough with the group of Seniors and returners I think its theirs to lose)
TLU (Will put up a fight like every year and might take it)
Concordia (Tough at home and will suprise more than a few teams)
UMHB (They are my "Sneaker Team" will be scrappy and could beat anyone)
HSU (Have to many holes)
Howard Payne (will win a few suprises but not enough)
Schriner (not enough)
Sol Ross (Start reloading AGAIN)

East
Texas-Tyler (solid team but a little down from last year they might have 4 losses this year)
Texas-Dallas (deep team who can score with the best of them
Mississippi College (always tough to play)
Ozarks (An older team than last year and were a scrappy bunch then and will be again)
Louisiana College
East Texas Baptist
LeTourneau

[Just_Some_Guy]

... Con't from original post (exceeded the maximum characters)

Howard Payne - HPU's website claims they have 5 returning all conference players, it doesn't mention that they're all all-honorable mentions and that sometimes goes all the way down to the 6th best at that position with 8 teams in the conference.

Side Note: It's GREAT recognizing individual achievements, but I wouldn't want to feel like those awards are watered down and given to everyone who started in conference play. I wish the ASC would stick to a 1st, 2nd, and honorable mention – with only ONE honorable mention at each position.

Now, HPU loses probably their best overall player in Kasey Black (I really enjoyed watching him play) and best pitchesr in Justin Davies and Josh Holmes, but they do return some capable guys. They haven't posted a 2008 roster so it's hard to gauge exactly what they'll have this year.

Truth be told you really need 6-7 position starters hitting over .300 to be competitive in the ASC in my honest opinion, HPU will have two returning – Blake Shaffer (.319) and James Mays (.303). I liked what I saw of Shaffer last year, he went opposite field well and both he and Mays swiped some bags, 7 and 9 respectively.

Catcher Jose Sierra (.274) and SO INF Kyle Lloyd (.275) will have to help those two out this year and SS Cale Thompson and 2B Chris Pucci will have to continue to develop both at the plate and back up the middle. Thompson will be looked at to up .248 average and his .897 F% for this team to have a chance at a playoff run.

Let's talking about pitching. With the loss of Davies and Holmes HPU will surely turn to their last remaining weekend starter, SR Colby Rowley (3-7, 6.75 ERA) to turn into their number one. He'll likely be accompanied by SR Adam Garcia (2-2, 4.95 ERA) in three starts to also be a rotation guy. After that, it's hard to say.

They'll bring back 5 other guys who threw more than 10 innings last year, but all had ERAs over 8.00 – in their defense some were young, (a couple even freshman) so with a year of experience under their belt they may be better. Again, there's no indication of what they have in terms of newcomers because their isn't a 2008 roster posted yet that I can find.

This team got swept by TLU, McM, CUA, and HSU this year, and while I think there will be a dogfight for that 4th place spot in the ASC west this year, I just don't see the Yellow Jackets having what it takes to snag it. They'll be in the mix for that spot going into the last weekend though.

Schreiner – Okay, now seriously, someone help me out here. Can SIDs and head coaches vote for their own teams? This is two years running Schreiner has received two first place votes. That just doesn't make sense.

As much as I would like to say that Schreiner makes a push (hey, that had a great start last year and took 2 of 3 from McMurry), they just don't have enough to work with over there. They are returning ONE guy who hit over .300 and started any significant amount of games, Richard Sanchez (.307 in 21 starts).

They lose their best player and catalyst in Kester.

While they can be scrappy and potentially dangerous enough to steal one from time to time if they get a good performance on the mound, this team just isn't going to have enough offensive talent (or pitching) to compete with the upper half of the ASC.

I don't think the middle of their order is going to be that threatening so they'll have to rely on Crenwelge (.281, 7 SBs) and Langston (.274) at the top and wherever Huizar (.272, 10 SBs) falls later in the order.

In terms of pitching, they do return almost every significant contributor from last year and should have a decent rotation with Jones (4-5, 5.71 ERA), Hermes (7-3, 5.10 ERA), and Armijo (3-2, 6.72 ERA) with Pena (36.1 IP, 5 starts) also being a mid-week/relief guy. With respect to these guys, they have another year of experience under their belts, but they didn't consistently beat the better teams last year and they won't again this year.

Hermes for newcomer of the year over Villegas of UMHB is still a joke in my opinion. TLU, UMHB, McMurry and Hardin Simmons all hit him pretty well last year. You should have to play well against THOSE teams to win awards. Not to undermine, the crafty left, he was only a freshman last year.

SU's pitching staff also returns Eric Wehmeyer who was fairly solid out of the pen for the Mountaineers. They'll also probably look for freshman, Michael Houser to contribute big innings out of the pen this year.

With not much offense firepower, and mediocre defense (14 errors this weekend), I just don't envision them making much of a push.


Sul Ross State The Lobo's only conference win last year was against then #8 Texas Lutheran. That said, I misspoke earlier because the Lobos will bring back all three starting pitchers from last year. According to their season preview they'll be led by Senior Jamie Rojo and his 8.61 ERA and 2-11 record. Now I don't know about you but that can't be comforting.

The other rotation guys, both seniors will be Michael Otero (6.79, 2-8, led the team in strikeouts) and Cody Kemmerling (8.82, 0-11). These guys aren't great pitchers, they're just not, but they're all really competitive and I for one appreciate that. Kemmerling despite not getting a win last year pitched with the composure and tenacity of an 8 game winner.

The website states that the offense will be led by returner Sammy Robles (.333) but I don't see him on the roster so I'll defer to their only other guy over .300 last year, SO Javier Arrieta (.326 as a freshman, 12-13 SBs). He'll probably be the team's starting SS and best player. Their next starter with the highest average from last year is C Monte Piper (.275 in 15 starts), but then you have to go all the way down to 2B Richard Fraire (.225) to find another returning starter.

Unless there are some incoming transfers and freshman that can significantly impact this team it is probably going to be a long year for the Lobos. These guys are young, and I am sure it's hard to recruit out there (and keep guys once you get them), but I feel certain they'll be bringing up the cellar in the ASC again this year.

PHEW - I'm tired of typing. Check back some East Predictions and POTY discussion the rest of this week (but probably not quite as in-depth -- this took forever. As always though - I would appreciate feedback/discussion.

[Just_Some_Guy]

Houston Baptist 6 - Concordia 9

WP David Towler
LP M. Headley

CF Patrick Mercer 3-4, 3 runs, 2 RBI, 2 SB
LF Tom Williams 1-3 2 runs, 2 RBI , HR
RF Nick Cmerek 2-4, 2 runs, 2 RBI, HR
C Brian Werneke 1-3, 2 RBI

SP Ethan Morrison 5 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 3 SO
RPs Matt Aubry and Stephen Szkotak pitched the last 2.2 scoreless

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

Houston Baptist 12 - Concordia 9

WP J Hook
LP Jason Rangel - who might've pitched the best of the Tornadoes that threw in this game, despite 5 BBs

LF Tom Williams 4-6, 2 runs, 1 RBI
SS Bryan Jacobs 2-4, 2 runs, 3 RBI, HR
DH Robbie King 2-4, 3 runs, 3 RBI, HR

Looks like the Tornadoes have two transfers from McLennan they'll turn to in the middle of that order, Williams and Werneke.  They will give them a better offense than I had originally anticpated, but it looks like they will be hurting for depth on the mound. (Granted it's been two games against a pretty solid squad).

JSG

[Ralph Turner]

I believe but am not certain that TLU has the highest tuition in the conference.  I think that makes it more amazing that they keep fielding quality teams.  I do know that they struggle in basketball, and are not great in football.  McMurry has a high tuition rate as well. 

There are some definite issues in the ASC, but what can you do?  If the conference was broken up as is it would likely lose its automatic bid.  Maybe there is a fix in the future that might move UT Dallas and Tyler to a Division II program. 

Mack, the ASC is too vulnerable to losing a team to some administrative decision if we split.

I will address this later.  We could split into two conferences, but several schools need to add teams.

As much as I would like us split, I cannot see happening.

[Mack09]

JSG

Concordia will always have offense at that small park where a fly ball out ends up on 35.  That being said they did put up some offense on Houston Baptist who is traditionally a talented team. 

By the way thanks for the in depth reports on the teams of the ASC.

Austin College hosts TLU this weekend.  Should be an interesting start to the season.  McMurry has those two three game series with Chapman and George Fox.  I am anxious to see who wins even though its early in the year, and may not represent how good the teams will be in the end.

[Blackcat00]

Concordia took 2 of 3 from NAIA World Series participant Houston Baptist convincingly. HOuston Baptist had at least three guys I saw on the gun in the low 90's. Concordia then went to Ft. Worth and beat Texas Wes. 11-6. These guys can swing the bat and Gardner looks to have brought in some transfers who have some great talent.

[BigPoppa]

Concordia will always have offense at that small park where a fly ball out ends up on 35.  That being said they did put up some offense on Houston Baptist who is traditionally a talented team. 

Concordia has an amazing little ballpark. It is a bit small, but the setting is great and it almost feels as if the freeway overhangs leftfield. Your pitchers better keep the ball down in that park as routine flyballs end up as round-trippers.

[Just_Some_Guy]

JSG

Concordia will always have offense at that small park where a fly ball out ends up on 35.  That being said they did put up some offense on Houston Baptist who is traditionally a talented team. 

By the way thanks for the in depth reports on the teams of the ASC.

Austin College hosts TLU this weekend.  Should be an interesting start to the season.  McMurry has those two three game series with Chapman and George Fox.  I am anxious to see who wins even though its early in the year, and may not represent how good the teams will be in the end.

Yes, they'll have a lot of offense in that park (think about how many bombs Vorhees would hit there), though last years team leader in homeruns only had 7, and RBIs only had 30. I think they'll be a better offensive team than they were last year, particularly with the disappointing season Pounds had last year, and some of their younger guys having a year more under their belts.

Houston Baptist is traditionally a talented team, and they took all 4 from CUA last year so it was definitely a good weekend for the Tornadoes.

Like you, I'm also very interested to see the TLU/Austin College Series and the McMurry West coast road trip. Austin College is a lot better team than the last time TLU played them and Coach Iwasaki is definitely one of my favorite coaches in the West Region. I have a lot of respect for the way he has turned that program around.

JSG

[Just_Some_Guy]

Concordia took 2 of 3 from NAIA World Series participant Houston Baptist convincingly. HOuston Baptist had at least three guys I saw on the gun in the low 90's. Concordia then went to Ft. Worth and beat Texas Wes. 11-6. These guys can swing the bat and Gardner looks to have brought in some transfers who have some great talent.

Just a couple of notes on this comment (and only because I like discussing baseball). Are we really going to call two 3-run wins convincingly? Granted, I wasn't at either game and they definitely could have been. Some games are a lot closer than they appear and it goes the other way as well. Just because you can hit low 90s doesn't necessarily mean you're a pitcher. CUA didn't necessarily face phenomenal pitching, though they did get to Headley and Brunson who were key members of that HBU pitching staff last year.

There was a lot to be said about CUA's tough non-conference schedule last year, but they didn't make the playoffs for the first time in quite some time. We've already discussed the fact that these games don't count towards West Region rankings and therefore do not help them AT ALL in a playoff picture; whereas you have McMurry and Texas Lutheran both taking west coast trips to get some key in-region games in.

In terms of Houston Baptist (and I won't pretend to know a lot about NAIA) - how tough are those teams they play? The NAIA teams I've seen in Texas aren't usually that much better than the top half of the ASC. Lubbock Christian, Texas Wesleyan, and Houston Baptist would probably be considered better than the top-tiered ASC teams I suppose, but the 4th place team last year (in the Red River Athletic Conference) -- Huston-Tillitson (who were a better team than in previous years) did take 3 of 5 from Bacone (Oklahoma seems to have stronger NAIA teams than TX) and were swept by TLU. Obviously that south division (of the RRAC) can't be that tough.

I agree 100% with you that those two transfers in the middle of the order Williams and Werenke should really enable them to have a much better lineup than they had last year.

The question is going to be on the bump. I'd like to see who develops as their rotation guys, and IF they are able to keep Aubry in the pen I think that'll be beneficial for them.

Keep the CUA insight coming Blackcat, we definitely appreciate it!

JSG

[indian4life]

  McMurry has those two three game series with Chapman and George Fox.  I am anxious to see who wins even though its early in the year, and may not represent how good the teams will be in the end.
[/quote]

McMurry's JV team playing tomorrow and I have heard that Driggers will play some of the starters due to some suspensions for the west coast trip...There are a few big names on there roster who will not be able to go so this will be a good test for the rest of the teams without them.

Curry, Yurcheck, and Love for sure three starters down.

[Just_Some_Guy]

Since I started with the ASC West for my team previews, it's only fair that I start with the ASC East for my preseason player of the year candidates.

ASC EAST Preseason Hitter of the Year

Perhaps this year I can help them get it right. Elizondo had a torrid year at the plate last year, but Brett Rosen was the right pick last year (he was West Region player of the Year).  Anyhow, here are some guys that should definitely get a look this year.

I won't make a case for any LeTourneau players, but Ed Hurta (the team's best hitter last year (.281) and best SP (3-2, 5.68) deserve a mention. Also keep an eye on the freshman duo from Cypress Ridge.

NOTE: I KNOW it's easier said than done, but that's where these schools in the bottom of the ASC (w/ high tuition) have to go to recruit. Both California and Florida can make a case for the best high school ball players, but Houston is the city with the best talent and some of these more wealthy school districts have really solid players that get overlooked by their stellar teammates that are going to D1, big JUCO, etc. Sell what could be, sell turning around the program when those guys are juniors and seniors.

ETBU will have a different look this year with lots of freshman and a couple of transfers. Based on what I know keep an eye on Will Melton (who was 2nd on the team with a .340 average prior to going down with an injury) and Jonathan Jolly.

LA College might surprise some people with that squad they have. They lost their ace, Grant Wilson, but they return some pretty good players, which I'll get into in my ASC East Preview. Keep an eye out for these guys for this year: Jr. Tyler Bray (.361, 22 BB/HBP to only 12 Ks) and SR. Matt Smith (.341, 35 BB/HBP to 8 Ks).

Generally, I feel like you have to hit .400+ and still some bags though if you're going to get consideration for hitter of the year without any power numbers, and neither of these guys hit for power.

It's hard to know ANYTHING about this Mississippi team that brings in like 28 new players, including tons of heralded JUCO guys. JUCO guys can be huge cogs, Concordia getting the McClennan guys for the middle of their order, Franco last year for McMurry, quite a few of the Tyler guys.

With only one returning starter, you almost have to look at the JUCO guys. Look for big things from Skylar Sparrow (.316) and Paige Hodges (.314) who started 32 games and 40 games respectively from the defending National Champion team LSU-Eunice. Wonder what the story is there?

Looking at the roster though, Hodges is still on the roster, but I don't see Sparrow anymore.

The Ozarks are going to be downright dangerous this year, returning a slew of players that enabled them to make a playoff push last year. The Ozarks have a couple of guys definitely worth a mention here:

Sr. John Glenn – ASC East Newcomer of the Year last year.
                            Hit .419, .575 SLG% (16 doubles) and was 9-12 SBs
                            Finished top ten in five other offensive categories,     
                            including hits (75),  runs (57), doubles (16), total bases 
                           (103) and on-base percentage (.490)

Here are some others to keep an eye on:
Sr. Robby Finnell  .322 10 HR 51 RBI  .594 SLG
Jr. Todd Koch        .385 4 HR 33 RBI .513 SLG
Jr. Bruce Cameron .345 2 HR 34 RBI .440 SLG 9-12 SBs

Glenn is going to have to put up even more gaudy numbers to win HOTY, but he's a tough out and certainly capable of it. His numbers were actually very comparable to Elizondo's who I'm almost positive won the award last year. Finnell can bring up his average he has the power numbers to get the recognition.

UT Dallas – I didn't realize just how senior laden this team was last year. They'll have a lot of their arms back but Jackson, Elizondo, Rosen, Putman, Elliot, Bird, Hand are ALL gone and I can't justify putting Matt Kelly, Jake Eisman, or Mike Cargile in this mix. They have some new JUCO guys, but I don't know much about them. I guess I'll move on to what everyone's been waiting on anyhow.

UT Tyler – The ASC Preseason hitter of the year award from the ASC was Kendall Fox, so we'll start there. It's hard to go wrong with that pick.

Kendall Fox - .444 avg, .607 obp (you read that right), .611 SLG, 14 2Bs, 65
                      runs 11 SBs and played SS for the best team in the entire
                      conference.
Others:
Joseph Towns - .396 avg, 13 2Bs, 3 HRs, 35 RBIs,
Andrew Damewood - .382 avg, 13 2Bs, 3 3Bs, 4 HRs, 43 RBIs, .610 SLG

My one knock on Tyler (and the stats they put up) is that they played AWFUL non-conference schedule last year with Mid-America Christian, SW Assemblies, Jarvis Christian, University of Dallas (not UT Dallas) and Paul Quinn which accounted for 10 of their games. I guess it was due to the fact that they weren't eligible for playoffs last year. Regardless, they got rid of that awful schedule this year so I have no bones to pick – other than it will be interested to see if they put up similar numbers throughout the course of the year.

Conclusion: Since UT Dallas lost their best 7 hitters, I think it boils down to a UT Tyler guy (and Fox makes the most sense considering his numbers last year), and the Ozarks John Glenn. It's hard to estimate what to expect from all the Mississippi JUCO guys, but Paige Hodges might have an outside chance. Also watch for Damewood, I only saw Tyler a couple of times last year, but I honestly felt like he was a better hitter than Fox and may prove to be so against a better schedule.

Best Wishes.

JSG

[Blackcat00]

NAIA baseball in Texas is very quaility ball, as they offer scholorships which will bring quality players as school is paid for. ANd every numerous guys are drafted high from the Red River conference. I think playing NAIA teams preseason is for getting your team prepared and shows your not going out and trying to beat up on terrible D 3 teams in preaseason (like a few ASC teams usually do) and thats what Gardner has always done. I played for him when we went to the WOrld Series in 2003,and opened up with the likes of A&M Kingsville and The University of Texas when they won the national championship in 03. Im not trying to be a homer but Gardner always preached about playing quality teams early to test what kind of mentality we had against tougher opponents.

The last few teams have been very dissappointing  at CU and personaly I thought the program was going down with the baseball I saw. From these three games and a win at Tex Wes does say something even if it was by 3 or so runs or games. And as for the pitching, I will tell you my confidence is alot higher from facing guys who can actually pitch than throw, and yeah just because it is in the 90's isnt always great, but its better than facing preseason garbage from guys who shouldnt even be on the mound.

And I will keep the info coming as I will go to the games this weekend against Trinity.