BB: CCIW: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[Mr. Ypsi]

The CCIW race (as I see it):

Carthage (remaining games: NCC-3, Elmhurst-3, Augie-1, Millikin-1): holding the tie-break on IWU, they are effectively 3 games ahead.  With that schedule I don't see how they can be caught (especially when you look at IWU's schedule).

IWU (remaining games: Wheaton-3, Augie-3, NPU-1): first looks highly unlikely, and second is not really safe.  They should stay second UNLESS either Wheaton or Augie sweeps, or if both win 2-1.  Good odds for #2, but hardly a done-deal.

Wheaton (remaining games: IWU-3, Millikin-3): holding the tie-break over Augie (and NCC, for that matter), third place seems likely.  Could take 2nd if they sweep IWU; could fall to 4th (or out) if swept by IWU.

Augie (remaining games: NPU-3, IWU-3, Carthage-1): holding the tie-break over NCC, they're a pretty safe bet for the tourney.  Depending on the two series IWU has remaining, Augie could finish anywhere from 2nd to 5th.

NCC (remaining games: Carthage-3, NPU-3): since both Wheaton and Augie have the tie-break over them, they are clinging to a slender thread, which is likely to snap this weekend against the RedMen.  (Having the Millikin game scheduled for completion did them no favors - because of the tie-breaks, they are effectively 3 games out of 4th with either a tie or a win; but a loss would drop them 4 games back.)

While they may or may not be mathematically eliminated, NPU, Millikin, and Elmhurst may safely be regarded as out of the tourney.

[BigPoppa]

Nicely done... you beat me to it today.

[RedmanFan35]

Nice breakdown, Ypsi.

[Mr. Ypsi]

I haven't recorded the dates of the make-up games, but my predictions for this weekend's scheduled games:

Carthage wins at least 2 (probably all three), all but locking up the regular season title and eliminating NCC from the tourney.

IWU downs Wheaton 2-1, eliminating Wheaton from contention for second, and assuring the Titans of #2 unless they're swept by Augie.

Augie sweeps NPU, giving them a shot at #2 if they can sweep the Titans, but not assuring above #4, since Wheaton finishes with Millikin. 

My guess as to the final standings for the tourney teams:

1. Carthage   18-3 (I have no idea who will beat them with their remaining schedule, but I'm not gonna predict they match 20-1 so soon after the Titans were the only team to do it!)
2. IWU   16-5
3. Wheaton 13-8 (has tie-break over Augie)
4. Augie  13-8 (I'll give 'em one of Carthage's losses!)

[BigPoppa]

I haven't recorded the dates of the make-up games, but my predictions for this weekend's scheduled games:

Carthage wins at least 2 (probably all three), all but locking up the regular season title and eliminating NCC from the tourney.

IWU downs Wheaton 2-1, eliminating Wheaton from contention for second, and assuring the Titans of #2 unless they're swept by Augie.

Augie sweeps NPU, giving them a shot at #2 if they can sweep the Titans, but not assuring above #4, since Wheaton finishes with Millikin. 

My guess as to the final standings for the tourney teams:

1. Carthage   18-3 (I have no idea who will beat them with their remaining schedule, but I'm not gonna predict they match 20-1 so soon after the Titans were the only team to do it!)
2. IWU   16-5
3. Wheaton 13-8 (has tie-break over Augie)
4. Augie  13-8 (I'll give 'em one of Carthage's losses!)

I agree... I see Carthage losing one or two more CCIW games just by chance. Still, they should waltz into the CCIW tourney as a #1 seed.

[REDMENFAN]

Carthage has rescheduled their DH with Lakeland to tomorrow, and pushed back tomorrows single game against Concordia to Thursday.  Rain on and off all day with temps in the high 30's all day today.  Tomorrow High 50's and Thursday supposedly around 70 with no rain either day

[BigPoppa]

Carthage has rescheduled their DH with Lakeland to tomorrow, and pushed back tomorrows single game against Concordia to Thursday.  Rain on and off all day with temps in the high 30's all day today.  Tomorrow High 50's and Thursday supposedly around 70 with no rain either day

Mix in three games with NCC this weekend and Carthage is facing 6 games in 5 days. Should be a great tune-up for the pitching staff and the post-season by having to throw nearly every arm available.

[SLIAC4LIFE]

BigPoppa I posted my All-SLIAC team on the SLIAC board. I was really taken away by the stats some of these kids are putting up. You always are aware of who puts up big numbers but when you take the time to pick apart who is the head of the pack it really let's you tip your cap to the best players in the conference. NOW since I am not getting any feed back on my own board, I want to see what position players and pitchers you would play if the SLIAC and CCIW were to square off in a three game series.

[BigPoppa]

NOW since I am not getting any feed back on my own board, I want to see what position players and pitchers you would play if the SLIAC and CCIW were to square off in a three game series.

[/b]

Since I am a bit biased, I will put the Carthage (or IWU) line-up against the your All-SLIAC team. I actually think it would be a great series. Those two CCIW school have incredible pitching and would keep the CCIW in the CCIW/SLIAC series.

[theoneandonly]

Big Poppa do you honestly think that Carthage or IWU would be able to beat the ALL SLIAC team? I mean i know there is a certain bias here and rightfully so, but just look at the numbers of all the players that would be mixed together here.

[BigPoppa]

Numbers can be very misleading. The SLIAC is a much weaker conference than the CCIW (I think most would agree here) so the while the hitting stats look great on paper, they are not facing the same type of arms they would face in the CCIW. I am not sure of the numbers on this, but how has the SLAIC fared against the CCIW head-to-head this season and in the past? I think, because of location, many LSIAC teams play Millikin and IWU, maybe even Augustana on a yearly basis.

I am not sure if the CCIW team would win, I certianbly think they could compete with and All-SLIAC team.

A CCIW vs SLAIC all-star game would be great for the game, but too bad the timing will not allow it to happen. It would make for a great early summer showcase of talent.

I would love to see a CCIW vs. SLIAC weekend early in the season... pick a nice complex just before conference negins for both leagues and battle it out head to head with each team crossing over about 3-4 times. Top vs top and bottom vs. bottom. I am not saying it will EVER happen, but the idea is a fun one to toss around.

[Gregory Sager]

Geographic proximity would make a CCIW vs. NAthCon challenge much more viable than a CCIW vs. SLIAC challenge.

[BigPoppa]

Geographic proximity would make a CCIW vs. NAthCon challenge much more viable than a CCIW vs. SLIAC challenge.

That makes even more sense I think it could be a great thing. I would love to see it at a central location where the games are the event. Games all day long with fans hanging around just to watch the others play. Are there any complexes that could host this in the region that are central to most teams?

[matblake]

Wheaton takes game 1 from IWU.  http://athletics.wheaton.edu/news/2009/4/22/BB_iwu1.aspx?path=baseball
http://www.iwusports.com/news/2009/4/22/BB_0422091533.aspx?path=baseball

[BigPoppa]

IWU losing to Wheaton all but locks up the #1 seed for Carthage. Three games up with 6 (or 7 depending on the Millikin decision) to play. Carthage face North Central and Elmhurts in the final two weekend while IWU has a series with Augustana and Wheaton ahead. Much tougher road for IWU as they face likely playoff teams and Carthage does not. I think the Carthage/Millikin will only be played if it impacts the CCIW standings. Otherwise, I think they will not play it.

Wheaton is impressing me to this point and puts a bit of a scare in me for the CCIW tourney. I do not want them to be a #4 seed and have to face their ace on day #1.