BB: CCIW: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[metaljacket]

snowed out on April 20th, depressing

[Viking Blue]

snowed out on April 20th, depressing

Tell me about it.  As an Illinois high school baseball coach, we haven't played in over a week.  Looking at playing every day Monday through Saturday for the next three weeks. 

This is ridiculous.

[norfrank]

First time poster here, after avidly reading your wonderful informative posts the last several years. Thank you all! As a Chicagoland resident, I have enjoyed watching the emergence of Wheaton baseball the last 3+ seasons in this great CCIW conference. I have had the privilege of watching most of the Wheaton (IL-WI) games as my soon to graduate son has played for the Thunder now for his 4th season.

Yes, the Thunder are a long shot for 4th slot into the CCIW tourney, but "norfrank" lets wait and see how the NCC series turns out this weekend before declaring their CCIW chances over. The rotation of Martin, Rahn and Golz (listed in order of the quality of their performances)has rounded into shape. It appears that Dennison may be moving into a relief role which he has done well in recently, after a series of dissappointing starts. The Thunder offense can rival any in the league, and is coming to life. The key may likely be the Thunder's ability to stop giving away outs against quality teams (both miscues and errors)since the defense has often shot the pitching in the foot. By the way ask any objective IWU fan or Coach Martel how close Wheaton was to sweeping that series. At the very least, Wheaton needs to take both the NCC and NP series and probably sweep one of them. No small task, since yes, both of those teams are quite good again this year. We are capable to do it, of course so are they. Having seen the whole Augie, IW and Carthage series, I am sure Wheaton has the talent to be one of the top 4 teams - let's see if they continue to play like it their last 9 conf. games. By the way I predict and hope that Augie, Carthage & the Titans will battle for the top 3 spots and being tourney host.

As time allows in next the week, I will share more observations about Wheaton's season, and why I think they can be a better team next year regardless how well they finish out this season - unless of course we pull out a "miracle on the diamond" as IWU did last year.

Again thanks to the providers and posters of this D3baseball forum!

interesting, but tainted, points of view. Wheaton does not have a shot at the playoffs. You talk about sweeping NCC or NP. Wheaton has neither the defense, consistent pitching or hitting to pull this off. I don't even think they will sweep Elmhurst. There are a few players that are having good years, notably Martin and Driggers (would someone please throw him a curve ball) but many others on the team have not lived up to expectations. The games may have been close score wise but that is all. Even last year, the Wheaties should have swept IWU. Alas, they did not. It has to do with more than just the on field play. 

I am very familiar with this program and feel that they hit their peak two years ago. There may be a bit of a rebound next year but I don't think it last beyond that. Unless the "recruiting" picks up, many of the "stars" graduate this year and next. There is not a whole lot of experience on the bench. Fortunately, only two of the seven catchers on the roster graduate. We sure are deep at that position.

[Gregory Sager]

First time poster here, after avidly reading your wonderful informative posts the last several years. Thank you all! As a Chicagoland resident, I have enjoyed watching the emergence of Wheaton baseball the last 3+ seasons in this great CCIW conference. I have had the privilege of watching most of the Wheaton (IL-WI) games as my soon to graduate son has played for the Thunder now for his 4th season.

Yes, the Thunder are a long shot for 4th slot into the CCIW tourney, but "norfrank" lets wait and see how the NCC series turns out this weekend before declaring their CCIW chances over. The rotation of Martin, Rahn and Golz (listed in order of the quality of their performances)has rounded into shape. It appears that Dennison may be moving into a relief role which he has done well in recently, after a series of dissappointing starts. The Thunder offense can rival any in the league, and is coming to life. The key may likely be the Thunder's ability to stop giving away outs against quality teams (both miscues and errors)since the defense has often shot the pitching in the foot. By the way ask any objective IWU fan or Coach Martel how close Wheaton was to sweeping that series. At the very least, Wheaton needs to take both the NCC and NP series and probably sweep one of them. No small task, since yes, both of those teams are quite good again this year. We are capable to do it, of course so are they. Having seen the whole Augie, IW and Carthage series, I am sure Wheaton has the talent to be one of the top 4 teams - let's see if they continue to play like it their last 9 conf. games. By the way I predict and hope that Augie, Carthage & the Titans will battle for the top 3 spots and being tourney host.

As time allows in next the week, I will share more observations about Wheaton's season, and why I think they can be a better team next year regardless how well they finish out this season - unless of course we pull out a "miracle on the diamond" as IWU did last year.

Again thanks to the providers and posters of this D3baseball forum!

interesting, but tainted, points of view. Wheaton does not have a shot at the playoffs. You talk about sweeping NCC or NP.

Since NPU plays Wheaton in the last series of the regular season, the Vikings could be in the middle of a win-or-die dogfight for a CCIW tourney berth at that point. And that would make it that much tougher for Wheaton to sweep NPU.

[The General Public]

First time poster here, after avidly reading your wonderful informative posts the last several years. Thank you all! As a Chicagoland resident, I have enjoyed watching the emergence of Wheaton baseball the last 3+ seasons in this great CCIW conference. I have had the privilege of watching most of the Wheaton (IL-WI) games as my soon to graduate son has played for the Thunder now for his 4th season.

Yes, the Thunder are a long shot for 4th slot into the CCIW tourney, but "norfrank" lets wait and see how the NCC series turns out this weekend before declaring their CCIW chances over. The rotation of Martin, Rahn and Golz (listed in order of the quality of their performances)has rounded into shape. It appears that Dennison may be moving into a relief role which he has done well in recently, after a series of dissappointing starts. The Thunder offense can rival any in the league, and is coming to life. The key may likely be the Thunder's ability to stop giving away outs against quality teams (both miscues and errors)since the defense has often shot the pitching in the foot. By the way ask any objective IWU fan or Coach Martel how close Wheaton was to sweeping that series. At the very least, Wheaton needs to take both the NCC and NP series and probably sweep one of them. No small task, since yes, both of those teams are quite good again this year. We are capable to do it, of course so are they. Having seen the whole Augie, IW and Carthage series, I am sure Wheaton has the talent to be one of the top 4 teams - let's see if they continue to play like it their last 9 conf. games. By the way I predict and hope that Augie, Carthage & the Titans will battle for the top 3 spots and being tourney host.

As time allows in next the week, I will share more observations about Wheaton's season, and why I think they can be a better team next year regardless how well they finish out this season - unless of course we pull out a "miracle on the diamond" as IWU did last year.

Again thanks to the providers and posters of this D3baseball forum!

interesting, but tainted, points of view. Wheaton does not have a shot at the playoffs. You talk about sweeping NCC or NP.

Since NPU plays Wheaton in the last series of the regular season, the Vikings could be in the middle of a win-or-die dogfight for a CCIW tourney berth at that point. And that would make it that much tougher for Wheaton to sweep NPU.

The season is over for Wheaton.  They will not make the playoffs, they will not sweep or take the series from NPU or NCC. They will also not sweep Elmhurst. 

Right now they have one pitcher who has preformed consistently throughout the year in Martin.  Besides that, they don't have the pitching or the hitting to win the games they need to.  They do not have the talent of one of the top 4 teams in Conference and I think Big Poppa is right when he says they are right where they need to be in 6th place.

The best team statistical team Wheaton had in the past 10 years was in 2008, so I will compare this years stats to that year.  (The most talent they have had was last year)


2008- AVG- .355  HR- 25 Runs- 342 OB%- .440 SH- 20 SB- 80-97
2011- AVG- .317  HR- 25 Runs- 222 OB%- .401 SH- 8   SB- 25-31


All other categories on the offense are pretty comparable but these show a shift in the emphasis of the team.

They have become a strictly homerun seeking team.  There is no longer an emphasis on moving runners around, going for the extra base, or moving the runner over.  They live and die by the long ball.  Because of that they aren't scoring as many runs and despite much better pitching numbers they can't win games.  They are in 6th and will finish no better than 5th.

[Thunder11]

"norfrank" I didn't say Wheaton would make the CCIW playoffs and yes I admitted they are quite the long shot to do so. Tainted "no" a true fan desiring a turnaround "yes." To say they are unlikely to make the playoffs I wouldn't argue.

To say Wheaton has no shot, is to ignore that Wheaton does have a lot of talent (since you are so acquainted with the program), and more so to ignore sports history. Time and time again, unlikely things happen, especially in the "craziest" but "greatest" sport on earth - Baseball. Just look at IWU's run last year - no one could have predicted or expected that (and yes I readily admit the Titans pitching staff last year was better than what the Thunder currently have on the mound.) What I do know is that Martin, Rahn and Golz (assuming that rotation) are all capable of besting NCC, which doesn't mean any of them will. If NCC takes the series this weekend, then I will admit Wheaton has no shot except statistically. While I'm at it, I wouldn't disrespect Elmhurst by assuming a sweep over them either, because they are quite competitive as well this year. Most balanced year in the conference in years! But as to the Thunder, yes the rotund lady is warming up her vocal cords but she is not singing quite yet.

And, yes it has a lot more to do than just the on field play, but out of respect I will not share my opinions about any of that right now. Small point but, NP and Wheaton, play the second to last series but yes NP will be quite difficult to win 2 from, let alone sweep - and yes, I must admit their Coach Johnson is quite tenacious, and of course they probably want to beat Wheaton above all others.

Beyond the Wheaton/NCC series it should be a very interesting weekend in the CCIW. For starters if Augie takes the NP series, NP could be in big trouble in the race for 4th place. The Carth/IWU clash of course is big and oh so interesting. And if Elmhurst sweeps the Big Blue (and I think they will) they will be battling for at least 6th place the rest of the way. Not to mention that the top 5 teams in the standings are fighting to stay in contention for an NCAA at large bid!

[TheSportsFan]

Loras 7, Augustana 1......Augie goes down to the 8th team in the IIAC, worth taking note of?

[Thunder11]

First time poster here, after avidly reading your wonderful informative posts the last several years. Thank you all! As a Chicagoland resident, I have enjoyed watching the emergence of Wheaton baseball the last 3+ seasons in this great CCIW conference. I have had the privilege of watching most of the Wheaton (IL-WI) games as my soon to graduate son has played for the Thunder now for his 4th season.

Yes, the Thunder are a long shot for 4th slot into the CCIW tourney, but "norfrank" lets wait and see how the NCC series turns out this weekend before declaring their CCIW chances over. The rotation of Martin, Rahn and Golz (listed in order of the quality of their performances)has rounded into shape. It appears that Dennison may be moving into a relief role which he has done well in recently, after a series of dissappointing starts. The Thunder offense can rival any in the league, and is coming to life. The key may likely be the Thunder's ability to stop giving away outs against quality teams (both miscues and errors)since the defense has often shot the pitching in the foot. By the way ask any objective IWU fan or Coach Martel how close Wheaton was to sweeping that series. At the very least, Wheaton needs to take both the NCC and NP series and probably sweep one of them. No small task, since yes, both of those teams are quite good again this year. We are capable to do it, of course so are they. Having seen the whole Augie, IW and Carthage series, I am sure Wheaton has the talent to be one of the top 4 teams - let's see if they continue to play like it their last 9 conf. games. By the way I predict and hope that Augie, Carthage & the Titans will battle for the top 3 spots and being tourney host.

As time allows in next the week, I will share more observations about Wheaton's season, and why I think they can be a better team next year regardless how well they finish out this season - unless of course we pull out a "miracle on the diamond" as IWU did last year.

Again thanks to the providers and posters of this D3baseball forum!

interesting, but tainted, points of view. Wheaton does not have a shot at the playoffs. You talk about sweeping NCC or NP.

Since NPU plays Wheaton in the last series of the regular season, the Vikings could be in the middle of a win-or-die dogfight for a CCIW tourney berth at that point. And that would make it that much tougher for Wheaton to sweep NPU.

The season is over for Wheaton.  They will not make the playoffs, they will not sweep or take the series from NPU or NCC. They will also not sweep Elmhurst. 

Right now they have one pitcher who has preformed consistently throughout the year in Martin.  Besides that, they don't have the pitching or the hitting to win the games they need to.  They do not have the talent of one of the top 4 teams in Conference and I think Big Poppa is right when he says they are right where they need to be in 6th place.

The best team statistical team Wheaton had in the past 10 years was in 2008, so I will compare this years stats to that year.  (The most talent they have had was last year)


2008- AVG- .355  HR- 25 Runs- 342 OB%- .440 SH- 20 SB- 80-97
2011- AVG- .317  HR- 25 Runs- 222 OB%- .401 SH- 8   SB- 25-31


All other categories on the offense are pretty comparable but these show a shift in the emphasis of the team.

They have become a strictly homerun seeking team.  There is no longer an emphasis on moving runners around, going for the extra base, or moving the runner over.  They live and die by the long ball.  Because of that they aren't scoring as many runs and despite much better pitching numbers they can't win games.  They are in 6th and will finish no better than 5th.

There are sure a lot of definitive "nots" and statements in your opinions "The General Public" (unless you have a clear view of the future?) and analysis. You may well end up being right about Wheaton, but fortunately they still have to play the games. And by the way who are the top 4 most talented teams in the conference. That is right, no one knows yet do they. For sure Wheaton is the 6th best team in the conference as of today. I guess we will all have to let the young men we root for, play it out on the field. One game at a time..... starting tomorrow!

[Mr. Ypsi]

Loras 7, Augustana 1......Augie goes down to the 8th team in the IIAC, worth taking note of?

One game - probably not.

[metaljacket]

What are the chances that the CCIW can get three teams into the Regional....

Obvioulsy the winner will get in, but can the 2nd and 3rd best team (Carthage and IWU???) get in at large?

[BigPoppa]

Loras 7, Augustana 1......Augie goes down to the 8th team in the IIAC, worth taking note of?

That is a BAD in-region loss for Augie (I am guessing it may cost them a #1 ranking in the region next week) I had them and Carthage as co-#1s. Still, in the big picture, it will not hurt them too much.

[mr_b]

Since NPU plays Wheaton in the last series of the regular season, the Vikings could be in the middle of a win-or-die dogfight for a CCIW tourney berth at that point. And that would make it that much tougher for Wheaton to sweep NPU.

North Park plays Carthage in the last series of the regular season.

[CCIWFAN6]

Loras 7, Augustana 1......Augie goes down to the 8th team in the IIAC, worth taking note of?

That is a BAD in-region loss for Augie (I am guessing it may cost them a #1 ranking in the region next week) I had them and Carthage as co-#1s. Still, in the big picture, it will not hurt them too much.

I think this loss, along with the recent losses of IWU to Benedictine and Monmouth, go to a larger problem for these two teams who have high playoff aspirations and that is depth on the mound.  I think both teams are talented, but when you lose those midweek non-conference games most often it is because you have your #4, #5, or #6 starter going.  These pitchers become very important for teams trying to make runs in the postseason.  It was also the main reason IWU was able to make their imporbable run last year.

[BigPoppa]

Agree 100%... the team that will be on top of the regional rankings are the teams that do not lose those midweek games with their back end of the rotation arms on the bump.

[mwunder]

And by the way who are the top 4 most talented teams in the conference. That is right, no one knows yet do they. For sure Wheaton is the 6th best team in the conference as of today.

I think if you look at the CCIW website and then drill into the conference stats, you'll get a much clearer picture of who the top 4 talented teams are.  Look at the team stats of hitting, pitching and fielding.  Look at the individual stats of hitting and pitching.  Look at team stats like OB%, Runs scored, Runs Batted in which indicate a solid line-up 1-9.  Look at team ERA and WINS.  Those will also help guide you in the right direction.