BB: Midwest Region

[cubs]

Point definitely throws off in game 1 saving their top arms and possibly WW as well if Edwards for UST can't go.  What do Hamline and Aurora have for arms?  If Hamline's top arms aren't ready to go, does CSS throw Lewis or start one of the younger guys?  That would be a huge boost for them if they can get by Hamline saving their top arms for Point, WW and UST. 

Game 1 predictions:
Point will down Aurora handedly while throwing off.  In excellent shape for game 2.
WW will throw one of their 3-4 guys and regardless if Edwards is ready to go, will beat UST in a good game.  UST always battles.
CSS takes out Hamline in a nail biter.  Saving Lewis for game 2.

I don't think you will see Point or Whitewater throw off for the simple fact that whoever they decided to throw in Game #1 has the opportunity to come back and throw in the Championship on Saturday on three days rest should they get there.  With the way the WIAC schedule is set-up, we have seen Bloom and Vode bring their top guns back on three days rest numerous times throughout the season, so I wouldn't be surprised to see them do it again this week.  I think Point has the deepest #1-3 in the Regional with Williams, Delorit, and Koback, and with Iverson at the closer, it saves from having to use a top guy in a late game situation.

[biggio34]

I would expect all the teams to throw their #1 in the first game in hopes that they can come back later in the weekend to pitch again.  At this point of the year, you can't take any wins for granted, and losing that first game makes the road ahead a difficult one.

[Strikeout]

I would expect all the teams to throw their #1 in the first game in hopes that they can come back later in the weekend to pitch again.  At this point of the year, you can't take any wins for granted, and losing that first game makes the road ahead a difficult one.

I see your point, however, at some point in this regional the bottom of the rotation will come into play for all these teams.  Wouldn't you think its wiser to have them pitch against a lower seed in the earlier rounds? Or do you pitch your studs first in the hopes that you will have the chance to play against Point, WW and CSS? 


When push comes to shove, you're right, the safest/smartest/best thing to do is to throw your best guys on the mound.  That's what this game is all about.  Just an interesting topic.  Gotta love playoff baseball!
That being said, who's in the best shape depth-wise? 

[MIACLUV]

Point & CSS are the onlt 2 I see with the option of throwing off in the first game. Hamline is not a great offensive team and Aurora is certainly beatable with your 2 or 3. Hamline has not true ace so it will be interesting to see who throws on the first day. The Tommies must go Edwards, although Gapinski against all the lefties in Whitewaters line-up would be a real nice choice. Tough to throw off like someone previously posted, because you dig yourself a big hole having to come back through.

[biggio34]

I would expect all the teams to throw their #1 in the first game in hopes that they can come back later in the weekend to pitch again.  At this point of the year, you can't take any wins for granted, and losing that first game makes the road ahead a difficult one.

I see your point, however, at some point in this regional the bottom of the rotation will come into play for all these teams.  Wouldn't you think its wiser to have them pitch against a lower seed in the earlier rounds? Or do you pitch your studs first in the hopes that you will have the chance to play against Point, WW and CSS? 


When push comes to shove, you're right, the safest/smartest/best thing to do is to throw your best guys on the mound.  That's what this game is all about.  Just an interesting topic.  Gotta love playoff baseball!
That being said, who's in the best shape depth-wise? 

If you throw your lower end of the rotation guys, and lose, and you go home without having thrown your top pitchers, how would you feel?  Win today with your best and hope your other guys bring their best tomorrow when its their turn.  You are going to have to depend on your offense a little more as the tournament goes on... may the best TEAM win.

Depth wise I think Stevens Point has a far and away advantage on the mound with 3 guys who could be considered #1's and a really solid guy they use out of the bullpen.  It also helps that all their guys are conditioned to throw complete games and then bounce to throw again 2 or 3 days later.

[MIACLUV]

How the tables have turned, it would be interesting to see the outcome of the Tommies head coaching position if they were interviewing next fall instead of this past fall. Coach Verdugo might have been wearing purple next year. Yikes

[biggio34]

MIACLuv, why isn't Matt McQuillan playing for the Tommies anymore?  I watched some of the live video/audio of the games over the weekend and I saw Rahm was in center but I didn't hear mention of why.  Is McQuillan hurt?

[ShineTime]

Point has some options but I think Williams will go game 1 as you can't overlook anyone come regionals.  The thing with Williams is he's a bulldog and honestly would take the ball any time and give you 100%.  Delorit tends to need 3 days rest to be effective so if anything I could see them throwing Delorit game 1 in hopes he could go on Saturday.  Williams could throw Thursday and still go Saturday no doubt.  Could they beat Aurora with Koback or Wendorf probably so but I wouldn't take the chance.  Throw Williams and if you get a big lead take him out after 4 or 5 and let Van Beck, Flood, and Wendorf get some work.  On a side not has Jirschele's HR from Saturday landed yet?  Any guess as to how far that ball was hit?  I'm guessing 430-440.

[BaseballFan]

I would expect all the teams to throw their #1 in the first game in hopes that they can come back later in the weekend to pitch again.  At this point of the year, you can't take any wins for granted, and losing that first game makes the road ahead a difficult one.

I see your point, however, at some point in this regional the bottom of the rotation will come into play for all these teams.  Wouldn't you think its wiser to have them pitch against a lower seed in the earlier rounds? Or do you pitch your studs first in the hopes that you will have the chance to play against Point, WW and CSS? 


When push comes to shove, you're right, the safest/smartest/best thing to do is to throw your best guys on the mound.  That's what this game is all about.  Just an interesting topic.  Gotta love playoff baseball!
That being said, who's in the best shape depth-wise? 

I think most teams go with their #1, except for maybe Point. You dont want to pull an Oshkosh in 08' when they faced Carthage and threw Demmin and lost. Oskosh went 2 and BBQ without ever throwing their ace Jeremy Rubens

[MIACLUV]

MIACLuv, why isn't Matt McQuillan playing for the Tommies anymore?  I watched some of the live video/audio of the games over the weekend and I saw Rahm was in center but I didn't hear mention of why.  Is McQuillan hurt?

Broken thumb, status uncertain for regional. Big blow to the offense for sure.

[tommiegun]

I'm interested to see who St. Thomas throws.  It may very well be someone no one expects.  Under Denning, the Tommies often threw an under used arm in Game 1.  Interesting to see how Olean does it; especially because the ace is on short rest...

[cubs]

I would expect all the teams to throw their #1 in the first game in hopes that they can come back later in the weekend to pitch again.  At this point of the year, you can't take any wins for granted, and losing that first game makes the road ahead a difficult one.

I see your point, however, at some point in this regional the bottom of the rotation will come into play for all these teams.  Wouldn't you think its wiser to have them pitch against a lower seed in the earlier rounds? Or do you pitch your studs first in the hopes that you will have the chance to play against Point, WW and CSS? 


When push comes to shove, you're right, the safest/smartest/best thing to do is to throw your best guys on the mound.  That's what this game is all about.  Just an interesting topic.  Gotta love playoff baseball!
That being said, who's in the best shape depth-wise? 

I think most teams go with their #1, except for maybe Point. You dont want to pull an Oshkosh in 08' when they faced Carthage and threw Demmin and lost. Oskosh went 2 and BBQ without ever throwing their ace Jeremy Rubens

Rubens was hurt in 2008, so he wasn't going to throw in the Regional regardless of Oshkosh winning their first two or losing their first two games......

[BaseballFan]

I would expect all the teams to throw their #1 in the first game in hopes that they can come back later in the weekend to pitch again.  At this point of the year, you can't take any wins for granted, and losing that first game makes the road ahead a difficult one.

I see your point, however, at some point in this regional the bottom of the rotation will come into play for all these teams.  Wouldn't you think its wiser to have them pitch against a lower seed in the earlier rounds? Or do you pitch your studs first in the hopes that you will have the chance to play against Point, WW and CSS? 


When push comes to shove, you're right, the safest/smartest/best thing to do is to throw your best guys on the mound.  That's what this game is all about.  Just an interesting topic.  Gotta love playoff baseball!
That being said, who's in the best shape depth-wise? 

I think most teams go with their #1, except for maybe Point. You dont want to pull an Oshkosh in 08' when they faced Carthage and threw Demmin and lost. Oskosh went 2 and BBQ without ever throwing their ace Jeremy Rubens

Rubens was hurt in 2008, so he wasn't going to throw in the Regional regardless of Oshkosh winning their first two or losing their first two games......

Sorry my error, didnt remember that part. Just remembered that he threw 6 and 3 innings in the WIAC tourney, didnt recall that he was injured at all because there was a lot of talk during the playoffs that year

[ShineTime]

I bet that throw Licht.  Where does this Point team stack up against past great Point teams?  I think top to bottom including bench guys this is a top 3 team in school history. Tuschen, Thomas, and Clarke would be solid starters on many D3 teams and don't see regular time on the field. 

[rob]

I would expect all the teams to throw their #1 in the first game in hopes that they can come back later in the weekend to pitch again.  At this point of the year, you can't take any wins for granted, and losing that first game makes the road ahead a difficult one.

I see your point, however, at some point in this regional the bottom of the rotation will come into play for all these teams.  Wouldn't you think its wiser to have them pitch against a lower seed in the earlier rounds? Or do you pitch your studs first in the hopes that you will have the chance to play against Point, WW and CSS?  


When push comes to shove, you're right, the safest/smartest/best thing to do is to throw your best guys on the mound.  That's what this game is all about.  Just an interesting topic.  Gotta love playoff baseball!
That being said, who's in the best shape depth-wise?  

If you throw your lower end of the rotation guys, and lose, and you go home without having thrown your top pitchers, how would you feel?  Win today with your best and hope your other guys bring their best tomorrow when its their turn.  You are going to have to depend on your offense a little more as the tournament goes on... may the best TEAM win.

Depth wise I think Stevens Point has a far and away advantage on the mound with 3 guys who could be considered #1's and a really solid guy they use out of the bullpen.  It also helps that all their guys are conditioned to throw complete games and then bounce to throw again 2 or 3 days later.

So anyway...If you don't throw your top guy in the first game and lose, go with your best in the next game because it becomes must win.  If you win that first game, stay with the process until you need your top guys.  Game 1 IS NOT a must win.
Stevens Point's starters can throw complete games and come back 2 days later??!!  Nolan Ryan couldn't do that, I don't think Stevens Point can either.