BB: CCIW: College Conference of Illinois and Wisconsin

[goldengear]

He seems to make all the plays - there was no question about that - he just visually looks a little awkward at 2nd due to his size, he is built more like a 1st Baseman.

[REDMENFAN]

That's just harsh ypsi! 

[Mr. Ypsi]

REDMENFAN,

I just got to take what I can get!  Tell ya what - I'll trade the 3-game sweep for the World Series gig - deal??

Oh well, didn't think so!

But beware - 76% of the Titan roster were freshmen and sophomores!

goldengear,

With his power numbers (he led the CCIW in slugging percentage by OVER 300 points - ridiculous!), I suspected he might have more of a first base physique (though 6'3", 200, doesn't seem TOO out of line).  The stats look good, but like I said I haven't actually seen him.

Still, to the best of my knowledge, no Titan has ever left early for a pro career in any sport, so (hopefully) the rest of the conference will have to try to stop him for another year!

[mr_b]

To the best of my knowledge, no Titan has ever left early for a pro career in any sport

I believe that Steve Schilsky, Cory Lapinski, and Drew Himes all had one year of eligibility when they were drafted and left to play in the minors.

[REDMENFAN]

Anyone know the deal with Lapinski? Every time I look him up on milb.com, it only lists stats for last year, which were very impressive stats.  Is he hurt, did he just decide to stop playing? Anyone know any info?

[Mr. Ypsi]

To the best of my knowledge, no Titan has ever left early for a pro career in any sport

I believe that Steve Schilsky, Cory Lapinski, and Drew Himes all had one year of eligibility when they were drafted and left to play in the minors.

I never claimed my knowledge was worth much!

I've spent some time this afternoon trying to track down Cory Lapinski's status.  As far as I can find, he appears to be still with the Tri-City Valley Cats and their season doesn't start for another 3 weeks (though that seems strange).

[mr_b]

I've spent some time this afternoon trying to track down Cory Lapinski's status.  As far as I can find, he appears to be still with the Tri-City Valley Cats and their season doesn't start for another 3 weeks (though that seems strange).

What's even stranger is that the Valley Cats roster lists only one outfielder, two infielders, and no catchers.  Maybe they are going to use the Eddie Feigner ("King and his Court") playbook this season.

[Mr. Ypsi]

Titan pitchers don't need no stinkin' fielders!

Though I suppose a catcher might be useful - maybe they use a 'pitch-back'!

[BigPoppa]

Having IWU so highly ranked, Augustana making the regional final and Carthage making an improbable run to the World Series only bodes well for the CCIW's future. Not to mention the fact that all three compiled over 30 wins. Expect to get multiple bids each year if this type of stellar play continues.

Does anybody have access to data about which conferences have had the most World Series appearances? I would expect the NJAC, Little East, and WIAC to be at the top, but what about the rest after that? (SPENCE? You seem to always find these tidbits for me)

[Pat Coleman]

I've spent some time this afternoon trying to track down Cory Lapinski's status.  As far as I can find, he appears to be still with the Tri-City Valley Cats and their season doesn't start for another 3 weeks (though that seems strange).

What's even stranger is that the Valley Cats roster lists only one outfielder, two infielders, and no catchers.  Maybe they are going to use the Eddie Feigner ("King and his Court") playbook this season.

Short-season leagues don't start until after the draft.

[goldengear]

I believe he is done, the Astros cut him in Spring Training, tried to latch on with Windy City Thunderbolts (Frontier League Independent) and then quit about a week ago.

[Mr. Ypsi]

I believe he is done, the Astros cut him in Spring Training, tried to latch on with Windy City Thunderbolts (Frontier League Independent) and then quit about a week ago.

That would be a shame - and also seems surprising.  Last season he had an era of 2.41, giving up only 17 hits and striking out 45 in 37.1 innings.  Cutting such a young guy (and not getting picked up elsewhere) with such numbers just doesn't seem to square.  Arm trouble (that's not very many innings even for a short season)?  Just didn't seem a MLB prospect?  Any insights?

[goldengear]

Don't really know the details, but when you start your career with 2 years in the short season NY/Penn league, especially after coming out of college it isn't a good sign and on top of that he was relegated to middle relief.

[WLCALUM83]

Titan pitchers don't need no stinkin' fielders!

Though I suppose a catcher might be useful - maybe they use a 'pitch-back'!

Mr. Ypsi, speaking of pitchers not (or rarely) needing fielders--check out the below link on a classic pitching matchup:

http://thunderprofastpitch.com/news/?id=8981

(Ostermann pitched in college for Texas, don't recall who Finch pitched for in college).

[Mr. Ypsi]

Jennie Finch was a 3-time AA at Arizona (both pitcher and first base) and won two games and a gold medal in the 2004 Olympics.