BB: CCIW: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[REDMENFAN]

"Carthage will throw their #1, Evosovich. Augie Schmidt does not take anyone lightly in the post-season. If, by chance, Carthage jumps out to an big, early lead, he may pull Evosovich to save him for the final day in relief. That has been his M. O. in the past."

I wouldn't be so sure. If i remember right, we threw Heinig against Augustana last year in the first game of the tournament, and he was Carthage's 3 starter the entire year last year. I would not be surprised if Olson or Husing threw against north park. If one of these two do throw, its not that Carthage would be looking past NP. But all the pitchers had good success against NP in the 3 game series earlier, and Evosovich by far had the best game against Augie (as well as against IWU) of the Redmen's 3 starters. So, how certain pitchers did against a team can play a huge role in who the coaches decide to start. Olson's only rough outing was actually against Augie, so I doubt he would throw against them.

[mwunder]

"Carthage will throw their #1, Evosovich. Augie Schmidt does not take anyone lightly in the post-season. If, by chance, Carthage jumps out to an big, early lead, he may pull Evosovich to save him for the final day in relief. That has been his M. O. in the past."

I wouldn't be so sure. If i remember right, we threw Heinig against Augustana last year in the first game of the tournament, and he was Carthage's 3 starter the entire year last year. I would not be surprised if Olson or Husing threw against north park. If one of these two do throw, its not that Carthage would be looking past NP. But all the pitchers had good success against NP in the 3 game series earlier, and Evosovich by far had the best game against Augie (as well as against IWU) of the Redmen's 3 starters. So, certain pitchers did against a team can play a huge role in who the coaches decide to start. Olson's only rough outing was actually against Augie, so I doubt he would throw against them.

Husing was the only Carthage pitcher to give up an earned run against NP in the season series.  I would start either Livek or Husing against them and save Evosovich and Olson for the next two games...you could even throw a combination of those two (Livek and Husing) and pitch them both again the next day...(possibly)  I assume there is a mercy rule in the tournament?

[REDMENFAN]

Not sure on the mercy rule, that's a good question. Livek is huge for the Redmen, especially if they have to play more than 3 games. He would be in any other team's top 3 this year, and probably their number 1 besides the 2 Augustana pitchers and possilby the Freshman from IWU. Anyone plan on heading to Carthage for some of the tournament? I'll be there for sure on Thursday, no sure about Friday and Saturday yet.

[BigPoppa]

I still think they go with Evosovich and give him a day of rest if he needs to come back for an inning or two on Saturday. If he throws Friday, it is doubtful he throws on Saturday as well.

[irish21]

I assume there is a mercy rule in the tournament?

Congrats to NP! What a turnaround!

I've seen some strange things over the year's in the tournament. Don't even bring up something like the mercy rule!!! Bad karma!!!

[mwunder]

I assume there is a mercy rule in the tournament?

Congrats to NP! What a turnaround!

I've seen some strange things over the year's in the tournament. Don't even bring up something like the mercy rule!!! Bad karma!!!

I cringed when I wrote it as well....believe me I knocked on wood, jumped over the first base line, ate chicken for dinner, and did every other little thing I could think of to not wake the baseball gods!!

[BigPoppa]

Here is a link to other post-season tourneys that should land in the Central region:

IIAC:
http://www.iowaconference.com/men/baseball/tournament/2006.htm

NIIC:
http://www.niiconline.com/men/baseball/bracket.htm

CCIW:
http://www.carthage.edu/athletics/index.cfm?page=325

SLIAC:
http://www.sliac.org/mens3/mbaseball/

I would also expect Wash U to get into the tourney as a Pool B team.

That leaves 1 or 2 open spots for Pool C teams, depending on whether the Central Region is a 6 or 7 team regional... I think that the CCIW will get a second team and possible the IIAC depending on who wins the tourneys.

[REDMENFAN]

Lets just hope the regional is within a reasonable driving distance. The last time Carthage was in the top ten going into regionals was in 2003 and they got shipped to mississippi!!  They were ranked 2nd at the time. I'm sure Irish remember that all too well

[BigPoppa]

Any ideas of where the regional might be this year? Could Carthage host... without lights? What are the odds that it lands at IWU? How about Cedar Rapids in IOWA?

I always loved it when it was Kane County Stadium... Aurora could host it. Great facility, central location for all.

Any nice places in the SLIAC to play?

[bataviapete]

Kane County is out, the Cougars have games there on the 17th-19th.  They are also very protective of the field.  My son's supposed to play a HS game there tomorrow and they told them if their is a chance of rain they won't play.  Went to the Carthage/AU playoff game there a few years ago (mid 90's?)and it is a great atmosphere.  I think AU might be out of luck.  They use Oswego HS for most of their home games and that is being used on the 18th and 19th.  Too bad, it's a nice field with lights that could host a regional. 

BipPoppa, did you play at Kane County against AU?

[BigPoppa]

BipPoppa, did you play at Kane County against AU?

I did... 93' and '94. Great place to a ball game.

[REDMENFAN]

Any ideas of where the regional might be this year? Could Carthage host... without lights? What are the odds that it lands at IWU? How about Cedar Rapids in IOWA?

I always loved it when it was Kane County Stadium... Aurora could host it. Great facility, central location for all.

Any nice places in the SLIAC to play?

I doubt Carthage would be able to host for the simple fact that you stated, they don't have lights.  Carthage's field itself is fine, as are their stands. But they need lights, and also a pressbox.

[knarocky22]

What about Augustana hosting the regional if they're in it?  One of the nicest facilities around, lights, pretty much in the middle of the region.

[irish21]

I watched the first five innings of the Carthage-Concordia game today. Redmen were up 5-0 when I left. They hit the ball well and put up four in the first. Boe Baitinger in CF is a very good looking ballplayer. Very fast and made a spectacular diving catch in right-center to take away a sure double.

If the bats can stay hot, they should win the CCIW tournament with the pitching staff. A four team regional would be huge!

[REDMENFAN]

I saw Augie's new facility last year and it is beautiful. As far as things that are needed (lights, a pressbox for adequate space for media people to sit) and a nice playing surface, Augie definately meets the requirements. However, I don't know all the criteria the committee looks at to determine a site.