BB: SCAC: Southern Collegiate Athletic Conference

[frank_ezelle]

Since Southwestern finished 2nd in the west and they won 3 out of 4 at Millsaps, they obviously had to be put ahead of Millsaps.  The last 18 games for Southwestern have been against SCAC teams.  They lost 3 of 4 at Trinity in games decided by 1, 2, 3 and 4 runs.  Next, they won 3 of 4 at Millsaps.  Then they hosted Austin and Hendrix and won 3 of 4 in those series, and finally they won 2 straight from Centre.  That puts them at 12-6 in those games and 11-3 in their last 14 games.  They are a team fully capable of winning the SCAC Tournament.

It is a safe bet that Millsaps will face Evan Bronson this Friday.  He has finished the season with a string of top quality starts: 

3/15 -- 3-2 win over Hendrix
3/21 -- 2-0 win over Southwestern
3/29 -- 12-0 win over Austin
4/12 -- 5-3 win over Millsaps
4/18 -- 11-1 win over Oglethorpe

The starter for Millsaps will probably be Travis Bogue or Aaron Williams.  Both pitched very well against Trinity a couple of weeks ago and I'm guessing it will be the senior Bogue over the freshman Williams.  That might have more to do with it being the lefthander Bogue over the righthander Williams.  It should be a low scoring game with a big advantage going to the team that can come out of this game with a win.  If you lose this game then you are looking at having to win 4 games over a 26-hour period.  That's a tall order for any pitching staff.

[Lou_Brown]

What must be talked about is the playing surface at Centre. It will play a BIG role in these games. Three Southern teams used to playing on fast, hard and flat fields. Centre is quite the opposite. Don't get me wrong Centre is a fine school and a very good program but the SCAC Championship should not be played on that field. Pitchers have a HUGE advantage with a VERY slow infield. The clay is sandy which makes it hard for runners to get around the bases...should be interesting.

[infielddad]

Lou,
I guess there are two parts to this.
First, it really isn't very acceptable that the conference championship will be decided when there are field conditions that can impact the qualify of play.
It was my impression after the 2004 SCAC championships, which were played on a field that was almost sponge like in texture, and filled with holes, that there would be field quality requirements for hosting.
In 2004, the field conditions certainly affected the overall quality of play by the best teams.
On the other hand, all the teams need to compete on the same field so they are all left with the same competitive challenge or handicap as the case may be.
When I saw on their website that Centre would be replacing the field this summer, I was worried about what you posted to be a reality.

[Lou_Brown]

2004?? Looking back at the record books wasn't that held at Oglethorpe? I didn't see OU's field in 2004 but I would venture to say it was never spongy... That field plays as hard and fast as any field around..

[infielddad]

It was at Oglethorpe, and the field had areas behind 2nd base into centerfield  and into left field that were like walking on sponge.  Was it fast?  You bet.  The ball was bouncing higher as it went  through.  The holes were a different issue.
Would be nice if they have it corrected but it was an experience for all involved 2004.

[FlightofthePetrel]

It was at Oglethorpe, and the field had areas behind 2nd base into centerfield  and into left field that were like walking on sponge.  Was it fast?  You bet.  The ball was bouncing higher as it went  through.  The holes were a different issue.
Would be nice if they have it corrected but it was an experience for all involved 2004.

I recall the right field corner warning track area and areas in between towards second base having standing water.  It was like this for a few years then the field was lazer graded (whatever that does) about 2 years ago and from what I have seen from games this season that problem is now gone.  But in reference to INFIELDAD- yes there was most likely a problem back in 2004.

[Rufio]

Let me respond about Oglethorpe's field in 2004 in right field we pretty much called it the swamp or the quagmire it didn't matter if it was 90 degrees and sunny for a full week the "swamp" never dried up.  So I can see why someone would call it spongy.  Everywhere else played fast and hard sometimes too hard but right field was terrible. 

Since then Oglethorpe has not laser graded the outfield but they did put in some drainage pipes under the field which corrected the swamp problem.  The main problem with Oglethorpe's field now is the outfield fence and the grass around the home

Secondly, The field I hated the most to play on was Centre, The grass is I guess bluegrass it is thick it seemed always too long to me.  Also the infield dirt was like running around in a sandbox always tough to stretch out a double or steal bases.  Also, the wind always seemed to blowing out when they hit and in when we hit.  Im just bitter from the last time I was up there when it seemed like they hit 20 homeruns in a four game series.

  I do have to say that Centre has made huge strides from back when I first came to the SCAC and I didn't see the field this year.  I do believe the field looks nice from the point of view from the dugout or stands so that's a plus.   

[Leadoff Man]

Is there anyone out there that can fully explain how at large berths into a regional work?  What do Pool B and Pool C mean?

[Lou_Brown]

Yes, both teams play on the same field but teams that can run and steal bases will have a hard time in the "sandbox"...also OF's cannot play aggresive in that OF due to rough patches in the grass. I think the infielders will love the slow grass and pitchers who throw groundballs will dominate...RF plays very small at that park, so the lefties at Trinity will be in heaven!!!

Prediction:

I think Trinity and DePauw are the two standout teams this season...both have very talented, deep staffs that can withstand a long weekend....DePauw tradionally is a poor tournament team but this year I think that is different, they have to travel the least amount and that will help. They have also played on that field a ton of times!! DePauw is my upset to win the SCAC!!

[infielddad]

Lou,
I don't think travel has too much importance at this point. Getting back to campus for finals is a lot more of a factor/problem  mentally than getting to the tournament to play.
My view is that leadership, experience and depth are the  intangible factors adding to talent that make the difference in this tournament, when you don't have a home field advantage.
I will say, the first round match up with Bronson on the mound vs the Millsaps hitting should be the best game of the tournament. Those two teams play each other at the highest intensity and competitive level.
Bronson is the dominant pitcher in the SCAC's.  Millsaps hitters, everyone of them in the line-up, are tough outs.
My expectation is Trinity will score runs so the pressure will be on the Millsaps hitters who didn't do well the first time around against Bronson.

[Ron Boerger]

Is there anyone out there that can fully explain how at large berths into a regional work?  What do Pool B and Pool C mean?

Most conferences get an automatic bid.  These are called "Pool A" bids.

Pool B's are for conferences that don't merit automatic qualifiers (because they have too few teams or are too new).  SCAC teams aren't eligible for Pool B bids because they get a Pool A.

Pool C's are for the best schools who didn't get Pool A or Pool B bids. 

Pool B and Pool C bids are made by a selection committee which follows a set of criteria (record, quality of opponents, good wins, etc.).  B's are selected first, then the teams that don't get B's fall down into the C selection pool. 

[Ralph Turner]

Is there anyone out there that can fully explain how at large berths into a regional work?  What do Pool B and Pool C mean?

Most conferences get an automatic bid.  These are called "Pool A" bids.

Pool B's are for conferences that don't merit automatic qualifiers (because they have too few teams or are too new).  SCAC teams aren't eligible for Pool B bids because they get a Pool A.

Pool C's are for the best schools who didn't get Pool A or Pool B bids. 

Pool B and Pool C bids are made by a selection committee which follows a set of criteria (record, quality of opponents, good wins, etc.).  B's are selected first, then the teams that don't get B's fall down into the C selection pool. 

Here is the FAQ.  This year's allocation of bids is 34 Pool A bids, 6 Pool B bids and 14 Pool C bids.

[gatekeper43]

Is there anyone out there that can fully explain how at large berths into a regional work?  What do Pool B and Pool C mean?

Most conferences get an automatic bid.  These are called "Pool A" bids.

Pool B's are for conferences that don't merit automatic qualifiers (because they have too few teams or are too new).  SCAC teams aren't eligible for Pool B bids because they get a Pool A.



Pool C's are for the best schools who didn't get Pool A or Pool B bids. 

Pool B and Pool C bids are made by a selection committee which follows a set of criteria (record, quality of opponents, good wins, etc.).  B's are selected first, then the teams that don't get B's fall down into the C selection pool. 

Here is the FAQ.  This year's allocation of bids is 34 Pool A bids, 6 Pool B bids and 14 Pool C bids.

define quality of wins? and does this include the point's that are accumulated with the wins for an independent team?

[frank_ezelle]

The Millsaps games at the SCAC Tournament will be broadcast by the local ESPN radio station.  Those in the Jackson area should know that they can hear the game at 1240 AM on the dial.  The internet "Listen Live" link can be found here:

http://www.espnradio1240.com/

The first game will be the Friday game at 1:00 against Trinity University.  After that the schedule depends on whether Millsaps wins or losses their games.

[Major_Fan]

Thanks for posting the live audio link for Millsaps games, Frank.  For everyone else, please be advised Danville, Ky, is on Eastern Daylight Time, so the start times will reflect that.  Also, the weather will determine a few things this weekend with a 60 percent chance of rain tonight into late afternoon tomorrow.  The SCAC main page has all links for baseball, softball, tennis, golf, etc. that lets you know how your team is doing.  Baseball will once again have live video/audio compliments of Trinity University, so a big thanks to Bob Edwards, Justin Parker, Josh M. and staff.