BB: West Region Independents

[Tom Brady]

I like that somebody on here is actually talking about something instead of taking 3 days to reply. 
I would not say Chapman is a lock to get in.  They lost pretty much everyone from last year so we will see what happens with that.  When was the last time you saw a Chapman team with a 4.67 ERA after a 3 game series???  I am not knocking Chapman, but it looks like they have a little work to do this year.  They do have a pretty favorable schedule though.  They almost never have to use anyone other than their top 3 guys.  Their # 1 is a stud.  I saw their closer (Darge I think) the other day and he is pretty lights out.  Switching subjects.....
Dallas might have a pretty easy schedule, but that does not mean they are a lock.  They will probably rack up a pretty nice record, but their SOS will hurt them.  Maybe I am wrong.  It sure is nice to see the NCAA finally ake the playoff field a little bigger, now I would like to see them stop being so friendly to the East teams with average records.  Good to see the season is underway.

[BigPoppa]

Chapman will struggle until they figure out their bullpen... young guys always take a few weeks to settle in. Once they do, Chapman could be nasty. Mid March will be huge for them as many top East Coast teams roll through the area. The advantage will go to Chapman as they will have about 15-20 games under their belt as the East Coasters are getting games 2-3 in... still working the hiccups out of the engines.

[Ralph Turner]

Big Poppa, those non-West Region games have no impact on the primary criteria in the Handbook.

Chapman will need to defeat their West Region opponents (SCIAC, NWC, West Region indies and McMurry who has a weekend series with Chapman on 17 and 18 Feb) to be considered for a Pool B bid.

[BigPoppa]

Ralph... another fine point... I still think Chapman will be a solid team this year. Other West Region teams need to beat them to have a shot at getting a bid. Chapman/McMurry should be a good series!

One thing that troubles me is the fact that teams play some quality opponents(out of region) this year and the outcome has no bearing on the selection process. Too bad for the game... it would make them all the more pressure-packed.

[Tom Brady]

I am going to go ahead and say that Chapman should sweep McMurry with no problem, that is unless Chapman starts the same 3 as last week.  I see the kid that threw game # 2 got shelled.  Is he a new guy or just have a bad day or can Cal Lu hit?  Cal Lu looked terrible on friday so it couldn't be the last one.

[Ralph Turner]

Rick, McM's Greg Erickson LHP-OF is ASC West Pre-season POTY.

He batted .389 and was 6-4 as a pitcher last season.

http://www.mcm.edu/sports/baseball/teamcume.htm

I want to see the Chapman-McM game in which Erickson pitches.

[Ralph Turner]

With respect to playing out-of-region games that do not count, how many coaches would schedule a game that would count?

I submit that we are seeing the number of IN-Region non-conference games that do count.  The benefit for the team to play a really great team in a non-region game is that it gives the team an assessment of how hard they need to work to get into playoff shape.

[BigPoppa]

Good point, Ralph.... As a college coach, I often scheduled games that I knew we would get walloped in as it gave the coaches a chance to evaluate great teams and compare our weaknesses to their strengths. Pitching depth is usually the glaring weakness.

It also showed my players just how far we had to go to reach our goals.

[Ralph Turner]

Good point, Ralph.... As a college coach, I often scheduled games that I knew we would get walloped in as it gave the coaches a chance to evaluate great teams and compare our weaknesses to their strengths. Pitching depth is usually the glaring weakness.

It also showed my players just how far we had to go to reach our goals.

Big Poppa, I will tolerate a NCAA-schedule that will allow that.

Coach Driggers at McMurry and many other ASC coaches schedule NAIA and D2 opponents for the mid-week games and use their #4 and #5 pitchers as well as giving off-day work to the rotation for the sake of staff development.  For D3, that is important.

[BigPoppa]

Agreed... most schools use mid-week games to get pitchers work. It is a great way to let them throw and work things out without the "in-region" consequences.

I once worked for a coach who was on the NCAA- D3 Selection Committee and I was amazed at what goes on during those meetings. Every game is analyzed and poured over. Obviously, it is a tough process only made tougher by in-region losses.

Teams were placed in three categories at each meeting for evaluation: Yes, No, and Possible... from there they were broken down into many other categories, head-to-head, in-region, out of conference, etc...

[BigPoppa]

Check out this interesting list on the Carthage web page:

Do any of the teams listed surprise you?

http://www.carthage.edu/athletics/index.cfm?page=325

[Ralph Turner]

McMurry goes to Chapman for a weekend series on Friday and Saturday.

[Ralph Turner]

UDallas lost 3 of 4 to Austin College this weekend.

AC had been picked last in the ASC-East.  UDallas has tougher West Region opponents on the schedule remaining.

http://www.udallas.edu/athletics/baseball/schedule.cfm?Year=T

[rbaikie]

Menlo swept Whittier in two highscoring games on Saturday.

Menlo lost 8-7 to CMC so now they are 4-1.

[Ralph Turner]

CMC is Claremont College, right?