BB: CCIW: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[warrior35]

I want to offer up my congratulations to Wheaton on turning their program around enough to gain some national attention.  http://www.baseballnews.com/polls/divIII/currentpolldiviii.htm  It's also a compliment to the CCIW as being a great baseball conference.  However, as proud as I am of my alma mater in reaching new heights as a program, I'd also like to take this moment to really question the ranking system.  Wheaton certainly has a lot of great players.  Guys of the likes of Weaver, Kolb, and many others that have really improved the program.  Driggers is a guy who knows a great deal about baseball and will definitely be great for the program.  But, someone must know something that I don't...

[BigG296]

Hmm that is pretty interesting that they are in there and Carthage isn't....not quite sure how they came up with that one.  But it's good to see Wheaton getting a little respect. 

On a sidenote, I just heard a rumor the other day that Kolb may not be playing this season due to a family issue.  If that is true then that is a true shame and I wish him and his family the best.

[BigG296]

Also where in the world is Augustana? 

[Mr. Ypsi]

BigG,

I'd agree that the ranking of Wheaton is premature.  They are certainly on the rise, and I don't doubt Coach Driggers will get them to the WS - someday.  But for THIS season I suspect it will be IWU, Carthage, and Augie at the top again (and that is my predicted order).

[CCIWFAN6]

I am somewhat shocked by the rankings. For Augustana to be left off while IWU, Carthage, and Wheaton all get votes is very surprising.  Augustana was the last team eliminated in the NCAA tournament last year and last time I checked they didn't lose much. Where are they?  Jesse Foster, an all conference pitcher the last two seasons, is also not on the IWU roster along with SS Mike Cunningham.  Where are all these players going?

[The General Public]

Another look at the IWU roster shows that Ricky Angel and Aaronson are also not on the roster.  Are there any returning players coming back?

[letsplay2]

Hmm that is pretty interesting that they are in there and Carthage isn't....not quite sure how they came up with that one.  But it's good to see Wheaton getting a little respect. 

On a sidenote, I just heard a rumor the other day that Kolb may not be playing this season due to a family issue.  If that is true then that is a true shame and I wish him and his family the best.

Not true, Kolb is definitely playing.

[BigG296]

Alright thanks for clearing that up....I wasn't trying to spread any rumors

[mr_b]

Another look at the IWU roster shows that Ricky Angel and Aaronson are also not on the roster.  Are there any returning players coming back?

Aronson is on the 2009 roster.  Angel was a senior in 2008, so he's used up his eligibility.

[BigG296]

Although I know it does not mean anything pre-season, Augustana not being in the top 25 is just plain silly.  A quick look at their roster and besides Blakeley, they have all sorts of talent back.  Wagle (who is my pick for POY) and crew are going to be a serious threat to not only the CCIW, but to the nation. Can anybody see any reasoning behind this?

[letsplay2]

BigG296, Augustana will definitely have one of the top, if not the top, lineups in the country next year.  Their big question is their pitching.  They won't get very far in the regional with the pitching they have had recently.  But I do agree that they should at least be a top 20 team.     

[bennythejet]

Although Augie's weakness will be their pitching they are definitely a top 20 team agreed...in regards to IWU they have lost Angel, McInerney-both graduated and Foster, McCreary, Cunningham...players will definitely need to step into bigger roles for them

[CCIWFAN6]

BigG, Wagle is a solid pick for preseason POY.  I think it is hard to vote for anyone other than Kolb after the kind of year he posted last year. It will be interesting to see if can duplicate that year again.  My gut says he will be pitched differently and will have to show far more patience.  Other names to throw out there are Hughes from Carthage.  Real solid hitter.  My preseason pick is a lesser known person.  Marzec from IWU was an all conference selection last year. From my knowledge came out of nowhere, but put up impressive numbers. I am expecting a big year out of him with the Titans losing a lot.

[Ralph Turner]

Welcome to the boards, Fan6!

The CCIW is a great message board.  Glad to have new posters! 

[Mr. Ypsi]

I'm curious about Pitcher of the Year. 

Matt Aronson (IWU) had such an incredible season as a soph in 07 that he was pre-season first-team All-American in 08 (then fell to just very good).  Brent Kulavic (IWU) had an amazing season in 08 as a soph.  Will Mario Perez (Carthage; first team all-CCIW as a frosh) continue the sophomore magic?  Or will Aronson rebound, Kulavic keep it going, or a whole new pitcher emerge?  Thoughts?