BB: Midwest Region

[OshDude]

Hey Oshkosh Dude, what's your beef with Point being ranked where they are? They do return 11 seniors who have World Series experience. Yes, Jordan Zimmerman, can not be replaced, but there could be some surprises with the starting rotation. Looking at the schedules the 3 teams play before the regular season starts, it is apparent which school plays the toughest schedule(Point).
At least they will be battle tested when they come back from Florida, having played against Wooster, Otterbein and Ohio Wesleyan. Can't say the same for Oshkosh or WW. The thing that matters is where you finish in the end, and look for Point to be there for the 3rd year in a row.

No beef. It's just an opinion. We disagree, and that's good. I get why people think Point is the best in the WIAC right now. I'm saying the Pointers are not. I think Point is very good –  good for third in the regular-season WIAC and definitely good enough to win the WIAC annual AQ crapshoot. Either way, I think Point's good enough to make regionals. After that, who knows?

True, the schedule Point will play may help in the long run. But it's definitely true that Point's Florida schedule doesn't affect its status because those Ohio teams are not in-region.

Oshkosh plays Bethel, Luther, CSS and St. Thomas during preseason. All are good. All are in-region. Riskier? Yes. Much easier than Point's schedule? In my opinion, no.

The reason why I like WW is the same reason why you like Point – the schedule. WW plays/played Edgewood, Augsberg, Bethel, Olaf, Worcester/St. Cloud (not regional) during preseason. Decent but not spectacular. But WW plays Point and Oshkosh at home during the conference season. I think that matters.

That's on top of me thinking WW has the best pitching in the WIAC. All three contenders have very strong lineups, and WW's staff puts the 'Hawks above the rest. That's not saying I don't like many Point and Oshkosh arms because I do.

[for2n8john]

Curious, on-paper Point, WW & Osh are the top 3 and will play King-of-the-hill for the top spot.  Who from the rest of the conference will fight for the remaining places in the conference tourney?  Will anyone of those up-starts be able to split with P, WW or O?  In other words, any legitimate dark horses? 

[OshDude]

Curious, on-paper Point, WW & Osh are the top 3 and will play King-of-the-hill for the top spot.  Who from the rest of the conference will fight for the remaining places in the conference tourney?  Will anyone of those up-starts be able to split with P, WW or O?  In other words, any legitimate dark horses? 

Don't know about splitting a season series, but any team – even Superior, for the first time in recent memory – could split a doubleheader with the top three.

I'm on record as liking La Crosse as the fourth party guest this season.

The fourth team has almost always been decided by one season series. Last year it was LAX/Stout. This year I think the key series is Platteville/LAX. But to be honest, there won't be a "key series" if Superior isn't the "second bye" it has been in the recent past. Just two games in, the Suptown Bees already appear to have a little sting this year. I hope that's the case, so we can have a more interesting schedule, fewer run-rule games and worthwhile bus trips.

I remember "cubs" posting that he likes Stout again this year, but I could be wrong. What team do you like as the fourth?

[BaseballFan]

I think the rest of the wiac will see some competitive games against UWS and shouldnt take them lightly. I think they might even be spoilers for those top 3 teams in the WIAC and win a couple of those games.

Oshkosh wins 2 tight ones against Bethel 4-0 and 3-2. So either Oshkosh might not be that great or Bethel is pretty good this year. I think a little of both that Bethel is pretty good and probably Oshkosh getting some rust off to start the season

[OshDude]

Oshkosh wins 2 tight ones against Bethel 4-0 and 3-2. So either Oshkosh might not be that great or Bethel is pretty good this year. I think a little of both that Bethel is pretty good and probably Oshkosh getting some rust off to start the season

Not sure what you expected. Oshkosh swept a good Bethel team in a doubleheader that started at 5:40 a.m. Bethel is not going to give up 13 runs very often, and Oshkosh isn't going to beat many good teams 13-2 this year.

Hendricks had a great line in the opener. He's always had the stuff. I hope he solidifies himself as the No. 2 behind Rubens. Then if Demmin and Perlewitz can slot in at No. 3/4, UWO is sitting pretty.

Nice to see Kannenberg is pitching again. Also great to see Oshkosh running at the top of the order.

[BaseballFan]

Oshkosh wins 2 tight ones against Bethel 4-0 and 3-2. So either Oshkosh might not be that great or Bethel is pretty good this year. I think a little of both that Bethel is pretty good and probably Oshkosh getting some rust off to start the season

Not sure what you expected. Oshkosh swept a good Bethel team in a doubleheader that started at 5:40 a.m. Bethel is not going to give up 13 runs very often, and Oshkosh isn't going to beat many good teams 13-2 this year.

Hendricks had a great line in the opener. He's always had the stuff. I hope he solidifies himself as the No. 2 behind Rubens. Then if Demmin and Perlewitz can slot in at No. 3/4, UWO is sitting pretty.

Nice to see Kannenberg is pitching again. Also great to see Oshkosh running at the top of the order.

Whoa oshdude relax! Just making observations that they were close games and said Bethel is probably pretty good so I dont know what you are getting so upset about.

Who is this Hendricks guy he has no stats from last year?

[OshDude]

Oshkosh wins 2 tight ones against Bethel 4-0 and 3-2. So either Oshkosh might not be that great or Bethel is pretty good this year. I think a little of both that Bethel is pretty good and probably Oshkosh getting some rust off to start the season

Not sure what you expected. Oshkosh swept a good Bethel team in a doubleheader that started at 5:40 a.m. Bethel is not going to give up 13 runs very often, and Oshkosh isn't going to beat many good teams 13-2 this year.

Hendricks had a great line in the opener. He's always had the stuff. I hope he solidifies himself as the No. 2 behind Rubens. Then if Demmin and Perlewitz can slot in at No. 3/4, UWO is sitting pretty.

Nice to see Kannenberg is pitching again. Also great to see Oshkosh running at the top of the order.

Whoa oshdude relax! Just making observations that they were close games and said Bethel is probably pretty good so I dont know what you are getting so upset about.

Who is this Hendricks guy he has no stats from last year?

LOL. I think you're reading something into my post that's not there. I'm totally calm, dude.

You said Oshkosh is getting rust off. I said nothing is wrong with two wins. Don't know how that comes off as upset, although your response implies that you want or expect me to be. That's really weird, BTW.

Hendricks pitched well early in past seasons. Tall and lanky right-hander, decent stuff, knows how to pitch and is always around the plate.

[BaseballFan]

Oshkosh wins 2 tight ones against Bethel 4-0 and 3-2. So either Oshkosh might not be that great or Bethel is pretty good this year. I think a little of both that Bethel is pretty good and probably Oshkosh getting some rust off to start the season

Not sure what you expected. Oshkosh swept a good Bethel team in a doubleheader that started at 5:40 a.m. Bethel is not going to give up 13 runs very often, and Oshkosh isn't going to beat many good teams 13-2 this year.

Hendricks had a great line in the opener. He's always had the stuff. I hope he solidifies himself as the No. 2 behind Rubens. Then if Demmin and Perlewitz can slot in at No. 3/4, UWO is sitting pretty.

Nice to see Kannenberg is pitching again. Also great to see Oshkosh running at the top of the order.

Whoa oshdude relax! Just making observations that they were close games and said Bethel is probably pretty good so I dont know what you are getting so upset about.

Who is this Hendricks guy he has no stats from last year?

LOL. I think you're reading something into my post that's not there. I'm totally calm, dude.

You said Oshkosh is getting rust off. I said nothing is wrong with two wins. Don't know how that comes off as upset, although your response implies that you want or expect me to be. That's really weird, BTW.

Hendricks pitched well early in past seasons. Tall and lanky right-hander, decent stuff, knows how to pitch and is always around the plate.

You told me "not sure what you expected" so I thought in the words of Ebby Calvin "Nuke" LaLoosh they would announce their presence with authority.

So Hendricks is a guy that might have what it takes but is not consistent enough. And  probably was not good enough to pitch in a regional because his stuff is not of that caliber, would that be fair enough to say?...just surprising to see a guy not pitch a single inning last year and in your opinion become a hopeful #2.

[OshDude]

So Hendricks is a guy that might have what it takes but is not consistent enough. And  probably was not good enough to pitch in a regional because his stuff is not of that caliber, would that be fair enough to say?...just surprising to see a guy not pitch a single inning last year and in your opinion become a hopeful #2.

I think he was injured last season. His stuff is above-average. He had a good 2006 season. He could have been the No. 3 or 4 starter last season, behind two all-conference seniors and Rubens, a good freshman. Then again maybe Rubens doesn't get a chance last year if Hendricks were healthy.

Now I think it's either Hendricks or Rubens for the top spot. Could go either way. My guess right now would be Rubens then Hendricks, Demmin and Perlewitz. But the UWO staff has been known to always be up for modification because of quality depth and endless competition.

[BaseballFan]

Oshkosh has another early DH today which is really too bad. Its nice to be able to play in the Dome and get some early games but a lot of times, you end up playing really early or really late. And then if you are lucky they sometimes jack up the heat to melt the snow off the roof.

Oshdude please give results

Scholastica picked up a pair off shutouts yesterday. Peter Burg 3-0 on the young year for the Saints

No results on UWW games last night yet

[BaseballFan]

UWW splits with Augsburg, win 8-0, lose 6-2.

I would say not the best split for UWW but good split with Augsburg. They are a decent team who will probably finish about 5th in the MIAC. If UWW needs those sweep those DHs just in case they dont finish ahead of Point or Oshkosh

[for2n8john]

OshDude: "I remember "cubs" posting that he likes Stout again this year, but I could be wrong. What team do you like as the fourth?"

I'm fishing.  I'm new to watching the college game and have only seen 1 WIAC game last season (Stout @ WW).  Stout was off to a slow start and improved a greatly deal to finish in 4th. Surprisely, ahead of LAX and upset someone on 1st day of Trny.  Wondering if they could keep it going this year.  Only lost 1 pitcher and 1 WIAC MVP.   Heavy senior-laden team who has a great deal of experience.   Sounds like they should be getting more respect here.  I'll front for Stout on this board.

More importantly, I'm just trying to figure out which games not to miss.  I'd like to see the top performers in conference and know what caliber the competition is.  If they beat someone noteworthy, I'll know whether to get excited. 

They took care of business against a D2 opponent, UM-Crookston.  I know its a weak program last year. But a new coach and it being D2, they could turnaround quicly 1 yr to the next.   Anyway, Stout won 7-3 with Vilstup and Hanson combining for the pitching.  Mike White is an impressive leadoff hitter this yr.  E. Paul and Lorenzen had great days too at the plate.  Seem loaded with hitting. 
Game 2 they won handily 13-5.  Doornik pitched but gave up 5 in the 4th after losing control.  Got the win anyway. 

Sunday night they play Gustusvas.   They appear to be a respectable team.  Anyone to watch on them?

[OshDude]

UWW splits with Augsburg, win 8-0, lose 6-2.

I would say not the best split for UWW but good split with Augsburg. They are a decent team who will probably finish about 5th in the MIAC. If UWW needs those sweep those DHs just in case they dont finish ahead of Point or Oshkosh

Agreed. WW should sweep Augsburg, although I like Augsburg more than most others. I have them third in the MIAC.

The second game started well after midnight, and Augsburg scored five unearned runs without a hit (three errors) after the WW starter exited in the 6th. You could say good teams don't do that, but it could also have been a fluky thing.

[OshDude]

OshDude: "I remember "cubs" posting that he likes Stout again this year, but I could be wrong. What team do you like as the fourth?"

I'm fishing.  I'm new to watching the college game and have only seen 1 WIAC game last season (Stout @ WW).  Stout was off to a slow start and improved a greatly deal to finish in 4th. Surprisely, ahead of LAX and upset someone on 1st day of Trny.  Wondering if they could keep it going this year.  Only lost 1 pitcher and 1 WIAC MVP.   Heavy senior-laden team who has a great deal of experience.   Sounds like they should be getting more respect here.  I'll front for Stout on this board.

More importantly, I'm just trying to figure out which games not to miss.  I'd like to see the top performers in conference and know what caliber the competition is.  If they beat someone noteworthy, I'll know whether to get excited. 

They took care of business against a D2 opponent, UM-Crookston.  I know its a weak program last year. But a new coach and it being D2, they could turnaround quicly 1 yr to the next.   Anyway, Stout won 7-3 with Vilstup and Hanson combining for the pitching.  Mike White is an impressive leadoff hitter this yr.  E. Paul and Lorenzen had great days too at the plate.  Seem loaded with hitting. 
Game 2 they won handily 13-5.  Doornik pitched but gave up 5 in the 4th after losing control.  Got the win anyway. 

Sunday night they play Gustusvas.   They appear to be a respectable team.  Anyone to watch on them?

I like the whole WIAC this year. I thought Stout was the obvious pick as the fourth last season. I could be wrong, but I don't think any team as the fourth would surprise anyone this year, although I would be a bit surprised to see Superior. My hunch is La Crosse. My string of picking the order of the top four could end at five season in 2008.

Stout definitely has the ingredients to get there, but so do the others. Heck, an injury to Oshkosh and we could be looking at two new teams in the WIAC tourney. I think Oshkosh has the least margin for error/injury of the top three. But at the same time, I think what UWO has now is better than Point – at least head-to-head.

What games not to miss? Go see every game you can. There's good ball being played every weekend in the WIAC. If Stout beats any WIAC team, I wouldn't consider it an upset unless it beats Dott from Whitewater, Nix from Point or Rubens from Oshkosh. The rest is fair game, IMO.

As far as individuals, don't miss the top half of almost every team's lineups.

[Gustie13]

MIAC v WIAC so far: WIAC 6 - MIAC 2.

Notes: From a MIAC perspective, I'd say the USt - UWSP was fine and AUG - UWW split was good, and the BU sweep at the hands of UWO isn't that bad considering the games were close. Aug getting swept by LAX wasn't good to see. Still lots of games to come between the two conferences, 22 games yet to be played. GAC-Stout should be a good benchmark DH, same with AUG-Stout. USt - UWO in the Dome on 3/25 should be a good one.
Stout is playing half a MIAC conf schedule, 9 games against MIAC teams.

30 games b/n the 2 confs seems higher than what I seem to remember past years... anyone with more experience/perspective know? Either way, its great to see, imo.