BB: USAC: USA South Athletic Conference

[narch]

nova - i like the fact that you went out on a limb, and it's easy to look at last year's standings, replicate them and say "this is how they will finish"...but, i don't see gc moving into the top 3 any time soon...

there is a lot of talk about such carrying mu, and i agree he's got to do his part, but don't forget that thigpen, quick, brown and davis can all hit the ball, too...there is a lot to replace offensively in inghram, lancaster and lovette, but the cupboard isn't exactly bare - the young arms were impressive last year, and should be better this spring - i don't see mu at the top of the conference, but 26 to 30 wins and top three in the conference is certainly well within reach...and win 1,000 for coach austin should happen around the half-way point in the season

[rolln2]

This is some good early baseball talk.  Glad to hear you guys getting your predictions together.  Has anyone played a fall game yet against outside competition?  If so how did it go, and did anyone see any new contributors to the teams.

[NoVa Baseball]

I can give a quick update about CNU's play in the last week.  They played Rappahannock CC in their fall game and an intra-squad this week.  They really pounded the ball putting up 13 runs to RCC's 3.  The batting order was pretty much as it was last year except that Mark moved to the leadoff spot and McDougal moved into the order in the 7 spot.  Mark is the likely leadoff hitter for CNU this season (he was the leadoff hitter two years ago) but Steele could move up if Mark's new-found power (2 HR's this week) continues.  The meat of the order continues to be deadly with All-Americans Shoemaker and Madden, and power hitters Lindemuth and Saunders all capable of putting up instant offense (which they did against both RCC and their own pitchers).  If McDougal and Keener build on last year's strong seasons and Lenda returns to his freshman and sophomore form, opposing pitchers are going to be hard pressed to deal with this team. 
CNU's pitching was good, not great, against RCC.  I really think Harvell will have at least 5 legitimate starters from which to choose and I'm not sure there is much of a drop off between them.  It's too soon to be predicting the rotation, but you'd have to put Bierlein near the top.  His velocity (which was already good) seems to have increased and he mowed through the RCC batters (who pounded CNU in this game last year).  Goldsmith had moved into the #2 spot by the end of last year, but he will be pressed by a gaggle of young pitchers this year - most of whom pitched very well at times last year.  If Verdillo or Fleischmann move from the pen to the rotation, CNU could have a wonderful problem of trying to find enough innnings for starters.  As someone stated earlier though, it's hard to mess with the phenomenal setup-closer duo that they have become.  One thing is sure, the CNU coaching staff have been recruiting - and more importantly pitching - lots of young arms over the last couple years, and it is starting to pay dividends.

[D-BAT]

Wonder who will replace SU's Neeb who has transferred out?

[Will2Win]

Word is a stud HS All American catcher...find it hard to believe though. Safe bet....i'd say it'll be Sr. Tucker Brown's job to lose.

[rolln2]

So where Is Neeb transferring to? And does anyone know why?

[Will2Win]

So where Is Neeb transferring to? And does anyone know why?

Word around town is possibly middle-tier D1 or NAIA, depends if he wants to sit out a year or not (Keep in mind he came from a D1 to SU)...Tuition is still rising along with a few other reasons.

[rolln2]

Well I see CNU has been playing some fall games.  Thanks Nova for the update.  I also saw on their baseball site where they had a little write up about the first two intra-squads.  Has anyone else seen any of the other USA-South teams or heard any news about them this fall?  How about FC, SU, MU, NCW, GC, AU fans.

[D-BAT]

So where Is Neeb transferring to? And does anyone know why?

Word around town is possibly middle-tier D1 or NAIA, depends if he wants to sit out a year or not (Keep in mind he came from a D1 to SU)...Tuition is still rising along with a few other reasons.

I'm still scratching my head how he got away from VMI.  How he was not in their immediate plans is beyond me. 

The opportunity to go more south to play baseball and from what I gather is a full-paid scholarship presented itself as a result from playing in the VBL over the past 2 summers.  Free tuition is free tuition no matter how one cuts it.  SU was very fortunate to have his services for two seasons as VMI must not of seen the greater good in Neeb.

[Will2Win]

So where Is Neeb transferring to? And does anyone know why?

Word around town is possibly middle-tier D1 or NAIA, depends if he wants to sit out a year or not (Keep in mind he came from a D1 to SU)...Tuition is still rising along with a few other reasons.

I'm still scratching my head how he got away from VMI.  How he was not in their immediate plans is beyond me. 

The opportunity to go more south to play baseball and from what I gather is a full-paid scholarship presented itself as a result from playing in the VBL over the past 2 summers.  Free tuition is free tuition no matter how one cuts it.  SU was very fortunate to have his services for two seasons as VMI must not of seen the greater good in Neeb.

Very true D-Bat...he's developed into a top notch catcher. He'll do just fine wherever he ends up. Kid's a stud! Don't blame him for the decision he made at all.

[rolln2]

Well it has been almost a week since my last post.  Have not heard or seen anything about our conference teams in the fall.  Does anyone have any good news or updates on the conference clubs?

[Boysofsummer21]

I can't really tell you about anyone else but CNU as they are the only ones I have gotten to see. My observation is that it looks like the exact same team, you would think that the team just took some time off. The pitching is still good 1 - 5 and the bullpen is what every coach wants. While the pitching probably won't no hit anyone it will keep them in every game. The defense is solid like it was last year, good gloves everywhere and the leftside of the outfield can really cover the ground; but it is CNU and it is about the offense. They where playing a split squad the day I saw them but I will say that the entire team starters and bench can beat the ball. With that offense and the pitching they have they will be tough agaiin this year, don't know if it will be like last year but they will be right there. I talked to some of friends in the valley and they say that Shenadoah is doing ok, hitting the ball well and got some good looking freshman in but other than that I don't know. Come on guys some updates!

[southernball8]

What do you guys think about Piedmont coming into the conference?

[Boysofsummer21]

I think Piedmount is a very good add. They will replace Shenadoah well. Their two losses at the NCAA regional last year where to Shenadoah. LaGrange is a middle of the road team right now. So they are both good adds. With that said I do not see Christopher Newport staying as this will create a travel burden that may not be acceptable. I know that CNU played Piedmount last year during spring break but really long trip for both teams to travel for a weekend double header. Think that CNU moves probably to CAC.

[southernball8]

I heard that Newport was leaving but not sure what conference yet. It will be interesting how Piedmont does in their first year. They have some good young players.