BB: SUNYAC

[John McGraw]

Havent seen a cstate game this yr, so its difficult to comment but I will say that the sunyac seems to be pretty even.
I will stand by the comment i made earlier in the yr that cstate will be tough to beat in a double elim format due to pitching depth. Tone beats anyone in the sunyac 19 out of 20 times and the rest of the starting guys are pretty good as a whole, way better than anybody else's starting staff in the sunyacs. Tone, Blanco and Ratliff all avg a strikeout per inning pitched!
Looking at the stats suggests the Big question are: the infield defense(nickel, bailey and pezzuto all fielding mid .800's), the relief guys, the team overall being young and the spotty hitting. Gardner hit over .400 last yr and is hittng .274.  Potrikus was suppose to b tough out of the pen and his era is 7.27 with only 8.2 ip! Losing the Dhmino bros hurts a little as far a being veterans of the sunyac grind!
As a coach, i will never question another coaches decisions, none of us are there day in or day out but bringing in derosa seems funny considering the inning and the score!
Hope the guys get it together, they will. Cortland hasnt played up to there potential yet, but lets remember, its not a sprint, its a marathon. Id rather be good late than great early!
Beating us in the regular season is a far cry from winning the sunyac tournament, especially when Tone toe's the rubber!

After this week, I certainly think that this is not the same Cortland team that we've seen in years past. Will they be alright in the end? I don't know, it's hard to tell but judging by past experiences, I'd say yes. But, I still remember 2004 and I wouldn't be terribly surprised if we see a repeat. Here's the problems I see. I'll start with Matt Tone even though he's 5-0. If this is a guy that scouts are saying is a top-15 round guy, he should be mowing teams over, instead he's been so-so. He allowed four runs to Oswego and gave up four runs and 13 hits to Fredonia - both games where the offense from Cortland provided run support. Now, Tone raked against Brockport most recently so it's clear that he's still one of the best pitchers in the league though I don't think he's as unbeatable as some people think.

Lack of a lead-off hitter. I'm too lazy to check through all this season's box scores, but it seems that there's a different lead-off hitter every week. In years' past, you could count on seeing either Basnight, Coromato or one of the Dimino brothers in that spot. With the two Dimino's gone, there doesn't seem to be a true lead-off guy that's a get-on-base type of hitter. Anderson Gardner IMO is more of a power hitter and should be around 3-4-5 and not topping the order. Who do you put there? I'm not sure. But, I see Gardner more as being a middle of the line-up guy with Jackson and Zilnicki (when he gets healthy) around him.

Lack of offensive production from role-players. The main name that stands out to me is Joey Russo. Here's a guy that wasn't a star, but towards the end of his career, he was a tough out in the nine spot. Other guys through the years that weren't the stars like Piovesan, Tacelli, etc etc would come up with big hits and be a solid part of the offense. This year, the bottom of the line-up guys haven't really done much. You need the line-up balance to be a good team and right now, I don't think Cortland has that on a consistent basis.

Pitching. Overall, it hasn't been great. One of the reasons the Dragons were slotted so high in the preseason was because they had all this pitching back. While a 3.23 team ERA isn't bad, the overall numbers aren't pretty. Blanco, Assmann, Rowlands and as I previously mentioned Tone have been average at best. Jweid hasn't allowed an earned run out of the bullpen but he's only made five appearances. If he's healthy, why not let him start a game or two? But, I'd imagine he's not fully back from his injury.

The defense as has been previously posted about isn't good up the middle. At least as long as I've been following the team, defense has been an issue. There hasn't really been a dedicated pair up the middle and we've seen various combinations featuring Pezzuto, Reynolds and Bailey. I guess this is where the team really misses Russo and Vitalone.

Just my thoughts. Again, once the Dragons get the ship righted, I think they'll be a tough team to stop. This team's hard to predict because it's one with so many great wins down in Florida against solid programs, but it's also a team with two league losses and a 14-4 blowout loss at the hands of nationally-rated Keystone.

[Manbearpig21]

Brockport sweeps Plattsburgh
Cortland splits with Oneonta
Plattsburgh sweeps Fredonia
Oneonta sweeps Oswego
Cortland sweeps New Paltz
Cortland splits with Plattsburgh
Brockport sweeps Fredonia
Oneonta sweeps New Paltz
Plattsburgh sweeps Oswego

How it all works out is Brockport is 9-3, Cortland Oneonta Plattsburgh are 8-4.

welcome to the board! I would have to agree with most of your predictions with the exception of brockport sweeping both Plattsburgh and Fredonia. What's your rationale on this one? Certainly you are a fan of Brockport, do you really think they have to depth to beat both of these teams? Fredonia and Plattsburgh have the two highest team batting averages in the conference, as well has having better pitching numbers, especially Plattsburgh's of late.

P.S. Plattsburgh's Andrew Gooch and Matt O'Leary have been named SUNYAC player and pitcher of the week, respectively. This marks 4 total Plattsburgh players to earn these honors thus far.

[Big Louie]

Interesting thoughts sergis....looks like i was already wrong on my predictions of Fredonia to split with oswego.

Plattsburgh has a tough road though if they are going to make the sunyac's. I'm not sure there pitching can hold up especially when they will face everyones #1 and #2 its not going to be easy. It'll be interesting to see how coach Doorey lines up his pitching this weekend with 2 against Brockport and 2 against Fredonia.

Brockport's team pitching numbers are awful but don't let that fool you they have guys that are more than capable of getting in done. Plattsburgh is going to need Kelley to start pitching like hes capable if they are going to contend.

[cstate19]

A wie open conference has opened the board up to wide open opinions.  Brockport taking 4 from Plattsburgh and Fredonia seems wishful.   

[Ruby Red Dawg]

I gotta agree with c-state, that seems like awfully wishful thinking that Brockport sweeps out the rest of the way in conference. It seems to me like this team couldnt "pitch" a tent. There pitching has been as close to terrible as possible. They are gonna have to find someone to stand toe to toe with carlson (sp) and o'leary, i dont know if they have anyone with the capabilities to do so.

Who would have though the road to the NY regionals might run through somewhere other than Wallace Field?

[Cardinal Sin]

New to the boards here, but I have been looking at the posts for almost a year now. I don't have any children or any ties to the SUNYAC's anymore but my son did play at C-State for two years back in the late 90's and early 00's.

It seems to me like this might be one of the most competitive years when it comes to tournament time. Bunch of teams vying for four spots. It's gonna be interesting. Just looking at the Cortland Brockport games this weekend...Cortland embarasses Brockport in Game 1 and then Brockport comes back and takes Game 2...How about Oneonta losing 2 against Plattsburgh?

Can't say I wouldnt mind seeing Joe Brown get beat this year, he is a good baseball mind, but he sure has a tough time communicating to his players. With him it has always been a one man show and he is qucik to take the credit but even quicker to dump the blame on someone else. No doubt the guy can coach, but he might need a swift kick back down to reality.

Looking forward to some posting and good conversation....

[sergispie]

I do not believe it is wishful thinking that Brockport can sweep the rest of the way because they will have Shannon and Gentzke both weekends if the coach decides to do so which I dont see why he wouldnt. Cortland is not the same Cortland and their lineup is vulnerable to good pitching as we have seen so far this year. Its up for grabs right now, the next two weekends are big. I just dont see Brockport losing at home against either Plattsburgh or Fredonia. Just my thoughts

[John McGraw]

I do not believe it is wishful thinking that Brockport can sweep the rest of the way because they will have Shannon and Gentzke both weekends if the coach decides to do so which I dont see why he wouldnt. Cortland is not the same Cortland and their lineup is vulnerable to good pitching as we have seen so far this year. Its up for grabs right now, the next two weekends are big. I just dont see Brockport losing at home against either Plattsburgh or Fredonia. Just my thoughts

As Bob would attest, Plattsburgh has given Brockport fits over the last five years. I think this year will be no different. While Brockport has turned things around, this is a team that at one point in March had an ERA in the eight's.

[Big Louie]

John Plattsburgh has given Brockport fits but im not sold this Plattsburgh team is better than those in the past especially without Welch and Hughes. They really didnt hit Oneonta at all this past weekend as Juedes shut them down and Filak basically walked the house otherwise he wouldve as well. I just think its going to be a long road for Plattsburgh having to play back-to-back conference games while the majority just play a pair.  If they survive this weekend they will have the real Red Dragons waiting for them. The schedule didnt do them any favors. Its important they set there pitching the right way otherwise they will be out of contention after this weekend. All the talk about Brockport's pitching when really i think Plattsburgh's pitching is probably worse IMO although assuming Shannon pitches for Brockport how does he rebound from Plattsburgh touching him up last season?

Does Ferchen throw Juedes and Filak against Cortland and risk getting swept and having to throw their 3 and 4 against Oswego?

[sergispie]

Just from seeing Oneonta for a few years now you can see patterns from the coach. I definetly think that he will pitch Juedes and Filak against Cortland. I think that he wants those games more than any other games. Oneonta still has a chance to host if they can take 2 from Cortland. I think that Cortland, Oneonta and Brockport have to play for hosting. I think they will have enough to get in like always so they should all be trying to host the tournament. If there was a year to take hosting privileges away from Cortland this is the year. Like Dave said Plattsburgh has a tough road and will be playing just to get in as will Fredonia. The other 3 should be trying to host.

[Smithers]

Sergi,
How can you honestly think Brockport has a chance to host? I'm aware that mathematically any thing is possible with them, but they seem to be the MOST inconsistent team in the conference. I think it is time for the board and SUNYAC fans to that getting to regionals is going to mean running straight through one of the Red Dragons.

Just looking at pitching matchups, you have to like the starting pitching of Oneonta and Cortland over any other team. When it comes to tourney time, you are going to need your 4th, 5th and 6th pitchers to come through. Both Oneonta and Cortland are the only two teams that could realistically get anything out of those pitchers.

I think Fredonia might be good enough with there number one to get a first round win in the SUNYAC tournament, but that is it at the very best. How you can like Plattsburgh throwing O'Leary untested underclassmen.

I keep reading about how most people feel that this year might be very competitive in the SUNYAC tournament, but I happen to think otherwise, IF teams like Brockport, Plattsburgh and Fredonia are some how able to make it to the tournament and then to the third day, there is IMO a zero percent chance they will be able to compete with either Oneonta and Cortland on the mound. If that's the case they are going to just out hit them and with those two teams having extra pitching, I just don't see it happening.

Although Cortland maybe having a down year, they have several pitchers on there staff that have tournament, regional and World Series experience to there name. Say what you want but, that will go an extremely long way comes tournament time.

I am by no means a Cortland supporter (Ithaca grad '82), but I do consider myself to be a knowledgeable baseball man, who can separate facts from fiction. When it comes to tournament play, you can never underestimate the value of expierence.

[John McGraw]

Sergi,
How can you honestly think Brockport has a chance to host? I'm aware that mathematically any thing is possible with them, but they seem to be the MOST inconsistent team in the conference. I think it is time for the board and SUNYAC fans to that getting to regionals is going to mean running straight through one of the Red Dragons.

Just looking at pitching matchups, you have to like the starting pitching of Oneonta and Cortland over any other team. When it comes to tourney time, you are going to need your 4th, 5th and 6th pitchers to come through. Both Oneonta and Cortland are the only two teams that could realistically get anything out of those pitchers.

I think Fredonia might be good enough with there number one to get a first round win in the SUNYAC tournament, but that is it at the very best. How you can like Plattsburgh throwing O'Leary untested underclassmen.

I keep reading about how most people feel that this year might be very competitive in the SUNYAC tournament, but I happen to think otherwise, IF teams like Brockport, Plattsburgh and Fredonia are some how able to make it to the tournament and then to the third day, there is IMO a zero percent chance they will be able to compete with either Oneonta and Cortland on the mound. If that's the case they are going to just out hit them and with those two teams having extra pitching, I just don't see it happening.

Although Cortland maybe having a down year, they have several pitchers on there staff that have tournament, regional and World Series experience to there name. Say what you want but, that will go an extremely long way comes tournament time.

I am by no means a Cortland supporter (Ithaca grad '82), but I do consider myself to be a knowledgeable baseball man, who can separate facts from fiction. When it comes to tournament play, you can never underestimate the value of expierence.

Well said.

[sergispie]

That is well said. But we will see when the tourney does come around, alot of things can happen till then. We can all say what we want about these teams but thats why they play the game.

[John McGraw]

Bottom 2

Cortland 5 St. John Fisher 4 @ Fisher

Nicolas Blanco already out of the game after pitching 1 1/3 innings.

[cstate19]

How you can like Plattsburgh throwing O’Leary untested underclassmen.

Dude's 6-0.  What does tourney experience count for if you pitch well against those same teams in the regular season?

Does Ferchen throw Juedes and Filak against Cortland and risk getting swept and having to throw their 3 and 4 against Oswego?

I said it before.  You need your 3 and 4 t pitch in the tourney.  If they cant beat the worst team in the league who cares if you dont make the tourney because you werent gonna do anything with those guys anyway.  Throw your best 2 at Cortland.

I do not believe it is wishful thinking that Brockport can sweep the rest of the way because they will have Shannon and Gentzke both weekends if the coach decides to do so which I dont see why he wouldnt. Cortland is not the same Cortland and their lineup is vulnerable to good pitching as we have seen so far this year. Its up for grabs right now, the next two weekends are big. I just dont see Brockport losing at home against either Plattsburgh or Fredonia. Just my thoughts

In a year where conference doubleheader sweeps have been so rare you all of a sudden see Brockport racking up two sweeps in a row.