BB: CCIW: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[hasbeen]

Having seen Pankau pitch nearly every time he took the mound, he may be the most dominant pitcher I've seen in the CCIW in a long time.  He not only performed at a high level for one year, he was conistently a show stopper since his sophomore year.  Congratulations on a tremendous career. 

Congratulations to Angel Carrasco, Trevor Popp, A.J. Nathan, and Ryan Hopp on making the Gold Glove Team as well.

While I agree that Luke Johnson is well deserving of the CCIW Coach of the Year award, I do believe that it should have been shared with Dennis Martel.  I am biased toward IWU; however, if you compare what was lost from last year's CCIW 4th place IWU team and the 2nd place North Park Team, the losses are as large if not larger for IWU.  They lost top hitter Casey McIntosh, leaders and former all-conference/all-region players in Brett Moore, Mike Morrissey, and Kraig Ladd, and nearly their entire pitching staff (Brent Kulavic-2008 All-American/Central Region Pitcher of the Year, Paul Kabbes, Joe Froelich, Alex Tosi, Marty Roche) except for Pankau and Sweeney.  Coach Martel was working this season with two seniors, two juniors, three sophomores, and two freshman as every day position players.  And of those position players, only Grodecki, Hopp, Z Scott, Sullivan, and McDermott started for the national championship team.  Pankau and Sweeney were his only pitchers with significant game experience.

I have always been a big fan of Coach Johnson, and I am not taking anything away from his honor.  He is very deserving of the award, but saying the losses of North Park were greater because of Giovenco going pro and some other injuries is not fair to Dennis Martel and his staff.  I believe we are overlooking his tremendous accomplishment this year because of the success of the IWU program.

Congrats to the Titans on another great season.

I don't agree with you. Personnel losses or not, the Titans were picked to win the CCIW by the league's coaches in the preseason poll. NPU was picked to finish sixth. You can't spin away the fact that the league's braintrust felt that IWU had significantly more talent coming into this season than did NPU; the difference between first place and sixth place is far too big a discrepancy for that.

Dennis Martel had a great season, but the CCIW coaches did the right thing in selecting Luke Johnson as the sole recipient of the award. The guy who deserved to win the COY won it.

Agree to Disagree

Preseason Polls mean nothing once you step on the field.

[CCIWFAN6]

Sincere congratulations to the conference award winners!

Jason Pankau was a no-brainer for Pitcher-of-the-Year - I'd guess it was unanimous.

I personally would have gone for co-COYs (Johnson and Martel), but have no problem whatsoever with Johnson getting it solo.

Likewise, I would have gone with Callahan solo for Player-of-the-Year, but have no problem with him sharing it with Hodges.  With two weeks left, it was CLEARLY Kevin's award, but he tailed off at the end, plus there will always (rightfully, IMO) be some bias towards a senior over a sophomore.

Looking at CCIW-only stats one could have made the argument that it was Hodges' award to lose. Hodges had a better CCIW season, Callahan a better overalll season..

Callahan had a better BA, Slugging, OBP, Runs Scored, HR, and was tied for RBI in CCIW only statistics for the conference championship team. He also had more walks and less strikeouts. Not sure how that equals Hodges having a better CCIW season?

[mr_b]

Preseason Polls mean nothing once you step on the field.

It all depends on the source.  A straw poll will carry very little weight.  The CCIW Preseason poll is made by the eight head coaches, and they know their competitors pretty well.  Of course, they won't be able to project injuries or outlier performances, and they won't know how new players (freshmen and transfers) will contribute.  I would put a lot more stock in that poll because it's made on an informed basis.

As for the coach of the year award, we need to consider what criteria are used: Winning the CCIW outright?  Conference wins?  Overall win total?  Expectations met?  Expectations exceeded?  Making the most out of a difficult situation?  Unless you are in that inner circle (and I'm certainly not!), you won't know the answer.

Two years ago, North Central was coming off an 11-25-1 record and a 6th-place finish in the CCIW.  They were picked fifth in the CCIW and ended up going 31-11 and 17-4 in the conference to take the title.  Coach Fitzgerald was chosen CCIW Coach of the Year, and deservedly so.  In 2006, Luke Johnson took the reins of a 1-39 team, with few returning players.  He brought in some key transfers and groomed some first-year players, and the team played well enough to make the CCIW tournament.    Coach Johnson won the award that year, again, deservedly so, not because of final results (W-L record or performance in the abbreviated CCIW tournament), but because of the unexpected turnaround in a year.  In both cases, the primary criterion appears to be "expectations exceeded."

[mwunder]

Sincere congratulations to the conference award winners!

Jason Pankau was a no-brainer for Pitcher-of-the-Year - I'd guess it was unanimous.

I personally would have gone for co-COYs (Johnson and Martel), but have no problem whatsoever with Johnson getting it solo.

Likewise, I would have gone with Callahan solo for Player-of-the-Year, but have no problem with him sharing it with Hodges.  With two weeks left, it was CLEARLY Kevin's award, but he tailed off at the end, plus there will always (rightfully, IMO) be some bias towards a senior over a sophomore.

Looking at CCIW-only stats one could have made the argument that it was Hodges' award to lose. Hodges had a better CCIW season, Callahan a better overalll season..

Callahan had a better BA, Slugging, OBP, Runs Scored, HR, and was tied for RBI in CCIW only statistics for the conference championship team. He also had more walks and less strikeouts. Not sure how that equals Hodges having a better CCIW season?

And even with the slight wins in most of those categories, Will still managed to have more total bases, more hits, more doubles, more triples, and more stolen bases.  I will grant you the fact that Callahan may have surpassed those totals if he was pitched to a few more times.  But, on the flip side, if he gets pitched to twice more and doesn't get a hit in those two at-bats, his BA is now below Will's as well.

"Conference championship team" SHOULDN'T determining factor for player of the year.  Look at the D3baseball hitter of the year...he's not in Appleton.

[hasbeen]

Sincere congratulations to the conference award winners!

Jason Pankau was a no-brainer for Pitcher-of-the-Year - I'd guess it was unanimous.

I personally would have gone for co-COYs (Johnson and Martel), but have no problem whatsoever with Johnson getting it solo.

Likewise, I would have gone with Callahan solo for Player-of-the-Year, but have no problem with him sharing it with Hodges.  With two weeks left, it was CLEARLY Kevin's award, but he tailed off at the end, plus there will always (rightfully, IMO) be some bias towards a senior over a sophomore.

Looking at CCIW-only stats one could have made the argument that it was Hodges' award to lose. Hodges had a better CCIW season, Callahan a better overalll season..

Callahan had a better BA, Slugging, OBP, Runs Scored, HR, and was tied for RBI in CCIW only statistics for the conference championship team. He also had more walks and less strikeouts. Not sure how that equals Hodges having a better CCIW season?

And even with the slight wins in most of those categories, Will still managed to have more total bases, more hits, more doubles, more triples, and more stolen bases.  I will grant you the fact that Callahan may have surpassed those totals if he was pitched to a few more times.  But, on the flip side, if he gets pitched to twice more and doesn't get a hit in those two at-bats, his BA is now below Will's as well.

"Conference championship team" SHOULDN'T determining factor for player of the year.  Look at the D3baseball hitter of the year...he's not in Appleton.

I believe being the best player on the best team SHOULD be taken into consideration when it comes down to determining player of the year.  I agree that it shouldn't be the most important factor, but it should be noted.  Will had great stats and had a great season, but baseball is a game that is judged by the categories in which Callahan led in.  If we were judging just based on hits, doubles, etc.  I believe that Petti from Carthage should have shared.  However, in recent years, that is not how it is awarded. 

IMO I would have liked to see Callahan get it by himself.  Congratulations to them both on great seasons, but when you are in the running (actually held until the last weekend of the season) for the CCIW Triple Crown...You should win the award outright.

[CCIWFAN6]

Sincere congratulations to the conference award winners!

Jason Pankau was a no-brainer for Pitcher-of-the-Year - I'd guess it was unanimous.

I personally would have gone for co-COYs (Johnson and Martel), but have no problem whatsoever with Johnson getting it solo.

Likewise, I would have gone with Callahan solo for Player-of-the-Year, but have no problem with him sharing it with Hodges.  With two weeks left, it was CLEARLY Kevin's award, but he tailed off at the end, plus there will always (rightfully, IMO) be some bias towards a senior over a sophomore.

Looking at CCIW-only stats one could have made the argument that it was Hodges' award to lose. Hodges had a better CCIW season, Callahan a better overalll season..

Callahan had a better BA, Slugging, OBP, Runs Scored, HR, and was tied for RBI in CCIW only statistics for the conference championship team. He also had more walks and less strikeouts. Not sure how that equals Hodges having a better CCIW season?

And even with the slight wins in most of those categories, Will still managed to have more total bases, more hits, more doubles, more triples, and more stolen bases.  I will grant you the fact that Callahan may have surpassed those totals if he was pitched to a few more times.  But, on the flip side, if he gets pitched to twice more and doesn't get a hit in those two at-bats, his BA is now below Will's as well.

"Conference championship team" SHOULDN'T determining factor for player of the year.  Look at the D3baseball hitter of the year...he's not in Appleton.

In his plate appearances, Callahan was a more productive hitter.  Plain and simple. And unfortunately for Hodges, Callahan didn't have two more at bats that he didn't get a hit in.

To say that a players team winning a championship as a result of their play shouldn't be a consideration is slightly ridiculous to me.  It should not be a major factor, but to not consider it is to not consider the reason they play the game.

[Gregory Sager]

Preseason Polls mean nothing once you step on the field.

It all depends on the source.  A straw poll will carry very little weight.  The CCIW Preseason poll is made by the eight head coaches, and they know their competitors pretty well.  Of course, they won't be able to project injuries or outlier performances, and they won't know how new players (freshmen and transfers) will contribute.  I would put a lot more stock in that poll because it's made on an informed basis.

As for the coach of the year award, we need to consider what criteria are used: Winning the CCIW outright?  Conference wins?  Overall win total?  Expectations met?  Expectations exceeded?  Making the most out of a difficult situation?  Unless you are in that inner circle (and I'm certainly not!), you won't know the answer.

Two years ago, North Central was coming off an 11-25-1 record and a 6th-place finish in the CCIW.  They were picked fifth in the CCIW and ended up going 31-11 and 17-4 in the conference to take the title.  Coach Fitzgerald was chosen CCIW Coach of the Year, and deservedly so.  In 2006, Luke Johnson took the reins of a 1-39 team, with few returning players.  He brought in some key transfers and groomed some first-year players, and the team played well enough to make the CCIW tournament.    Coach Johnson won the award that year, again, deservedly so, not because of final results (W-L record or performance in the abbreviated CCIW tournament), but because of the unexpected turnaround in a year.  In both cases, the primary criterion appears to be "expectations exceeded."

In addition, the same eight men who make the preseason poll make the COY decision. This implies a sense of continuity between the two processes, preseason and postseason, because their professional judgment as the league's head coaches is held up in light of the season's outcome in terms of the standings.

[mwunder]

To say that a players team winning a championship as a result of their play shouldn't be a consideration is slightly ridiculous to me.  It should not be a major factor, but to not consider it is to not consider the reason they play the game.

Don't agree at all here.

In CCIW basketball, everyone knew for the last 2 years who the best player in the conference was.  He only had one conference championship, but 2 CCIW MOP awards.  (And don't get me started on how he should have had one as a sophomore).

The best player for the conference champ is RARELY the best player in the league.  Check the CCIW history books.  Since 1990, only 7 conference champs have also had the hitter of the year.  12 seasons, the hitter of the year was from a different team.  3 times, including this season, the award was shared by a player on the conference championship team and another player.

I argue my point because it's not a TEAM award, it's an individual one.  And, in this case, voted on by people who know a lot more about baseball than you or I.

Also, let the record show that Callahan didn't have to face Pankau once this season when it counted!!

[CCIWFAN6]

To say that a players team winning a championship as a result of their play shouldn't be a consideration is slightly ridiculous to me.  It should not be a major factor, but to not consider it is to not consider the reason they play the game.

Don't agree at all here.

In CCIW basketball, everyone knew for the last 2 years who the best player in the conference was.  He only had one conference championship, but 2 CCIW MOP awards.  (And don't get me started on how he should have had one as a sophomore).

The best player for the conference champ is RARELY the best player in the league.  Check the CCIW history books.  Since 1990, only 7 conference champs have also had the hitter of the year.  12 seasons, the hitter of the year was from a different team.  3 times, including this season, the award was shared by a player on the conference championship team and another player.

I argue my point because it's not a TEAM award, it's an individual one.  And, in this case, voted on by people who know a lot more about baseball than you or I.

Also, let the record show that Callahan didn't have to face Pankau once this season when it counted!!

If there was a clear cut winner that was  not on a championship team, I would agree with you.  But that is not the case this season.  For instance, in 2008 Brian Kolb was obviously the best player in the conference.  The fact that Wheaton did not win the conference championship did not matter. He deserved the award.

This season, there were two candidates, and the coaches took the easy way out and split the award.  I am not saying I disagree with this. I am simply saying that if the award had gone to one player, I think the statistics would support the award going to Callahan more so than Hodges.  He was a more productive hitter in his plate appearances.

This is the second consecutive post that you end with a completely arbitrary and meaningless comment.  Are you trying to hold it against Callahan the fact that the best pitcher in the conference is on his team?  The coaches didn't do that to Hughes in 2009 when Ruffie was on his team or against Angel in 2007 when Aronson was on his team.

[Mr. Ypsi]

Actually, I found his final line both witty and germane.  On April 23, Hodges DID go 0 for 3 against Pankau.  Not that he was exactly alone - Jason threw a one-hit shutout!

A minor issue in any case - players would have only one game against Ruffie, Aronson, or Pankau (and perhaps a second in the conference tourney, if those stats count in the voting).

[mwunder]

?
This is the second consecutive post that you end with a completely arbitrary and meaningless comment.  Are you trying to hold it against Callahan the fact that the best pitcher in the conference is on his team?  The coaches didn't do that to Hughes in 2009 when Ruffie was on his team or against Angel in 2007 when Aronson was on his team.

Meaningless only to those without any sense of humor or are so butt deep in their own opinions that they can't see the light of day.

You're arguing over something that has absolutely nothing to do with you personally (unless you are really K. Callahan.....are you??) (MORE HUMOR, in case you missed that).  We both agree that Kevin was the hitter who we wouldn't want to face when a hit would win it all....and THAT should be the bottom line in determining who should be the Hitter of the year.  All I was saying is that unlike you, I can see why the vote was split.

Actually, I found his final line both witty and germane.  On April 23, Hodges DID go 0 for 3 against Pankau.  Not that he was exactly alone - Jason threw a one-hit shutout!

THANK YOU!  Someone gets me!  Technically, he was 0-4 against Pankau (He led off the first inning that Pankau came in for relief in the 3rd game of the tripleheader).  Without the 0-4, he would have hit .436, but since I can't end the post on a meaningless and arbitrary comment, I won't.  (Sarcasm)

Ypsi, I fully expected a comment regarding my comment about the SAC that helped IWU beat Thomas More!!  (Is that last sentence good enough for you CCIWFAN6?)  (That's more sarcasm)

[Mr. Ypsi]

Just checked the IWU/Carthage series for Callahan and Hodges.  Compared with their overall stats, the pitchers beat 'em both.  Callahan was 6-2-2-1 (and was walked twice); Hodges was 8-1-2-2.  Basically a push.  Because of weather, this was a triple-header of 7-inning games.

I didn't comment on the sac bunt against TM because I had already said it SOMETIMES works - I just don't like the odds.

[BigPoppa]

I'd say Callahan was more consistent while Hodges was more streaky. You knew what Callahan was going to do nearly every day. Hodges was just as likely to go 2-8 in a DH as he was to 9-10. Potato vs potawto...

[CCIWFAN6]

I never said I didn't understand how the vote was split.  I simply made a response to another poster who said Hodges had a better conference only season.  I disagreed with that point.

I appreciate you letting me know when you were using humor/sarcasm in your previous point.  Occassionally, it is hard to see in posts.

FWIW, I ain't seen the sunshine since I don't know when.

[Titan Q]

Per IWUsports.com, IWU's baseball recruits are...

Chris Beard, Lexington, Ill. (HS)
Craig Berberich, Wheaton, Ill. (North HS)
Chris Bobo, Hinsdale, Ill. (Central HS)
Dalton Davis, Galesburg, Ill. (HS)
John Dillon, Downers Grove, Ill. (South HS)
Pat Domke, (Lockport HS)
David Gow, St. Charles, Ill. (North HS)
Nick Hahn, (Burlington Central HS)
Matt Hart, (Wheeling HS)
Derek Idstein, Grayslake, Ill. (Central HS)
Billy Meyer, (Fenwick HS)
Taylor Morgan, Pontiac, Ill. (HS)
John Munyon, St. Charles, Ill. (North HS)
Trey Rogers, (Normal West HS)
Robert Romano, (St. Viator HS)
Adam Seifert, Normal, Ill. (Normal West HS)
Dan Truesdale, Tinley Park, Ill. (Andrew HS)


http://www.iwusports.com/sports/2011/4/26/GEN_0426114557.aspx?tab=classof2015recruits


I was in Bloomington for work a couple of weeks ago and an IWU alum who follows the baseball team closely told me that Dennis Martel had landed some very good pitching recruits.  I have no idea who those are though.