BB: Just Some Guy's West Region Rankings

[indian4life]

(Is Johnston hurt?).

That's probably all for tonight guys. I'll try to get the other half up tomorrow evening. Sorry to leave you hanging.

JSG

Johnston is no longer with the Indians....due to issues that have been kept within the team and the team only as far as I know and I have very good inside sources.

[mcmguy19]

(Is Johnston hurt?).

That's probably all for tonight guys. I'll try to get the other half up tomorrow evening. Sorry to leave you hanging.

JSG

Johnston is no longer with the Indians....due to issues that have been kept within the team and the team only as far as I know and I have very good inside sources.

I know this as well as me and Indian4life are good friends and we have an inside track with McM.  Johnston terminated himself from the baseball team.... You got any good rankings yet JSG?  I would like to see where UTT stands with there RPI as well as the ASC west

[bbnag101]

Just Some Guys;  THANKS for taking the time and doing your 10 top for the West.  Your insight is greatly appreciated.

[BigPoppa]

Big Poppa's Top 25 (Week 4):

An intersting week to say the least... a lot of teams faring the same that were tightly bunched to start with.

01 Trinity (Conn.) 4-0
02 Millsaps 19-2
03 Salisbury 14-2
04 Texas-Tyler 17-4
05 UW-Whitewater 1-2
06 Wooster 9-2
07 Kean 10-3
08 St. Scholastica 11-2
09 Heidelberg 10-2
10 Johns Hopkins 3-3
11 Southern Maine 2-1
12 Eastern Connecticut 4-0
13 Chapman 16-5
14 Cal Lutheran 15-3
15 Linfield 13-3
16 Adrian 4-3
17 Christopher Newport 10-2
18 Thiel 11-3
19 Pomona-Pitzer 16-2
20 Augustana 11-3
21 Carthage 3-0
22 Wheaton (Mass.) 9-1
23 Marietta 5-2
24 UW-Oshkosh 0-0
25 UW-Stevens Point 3-1

*Just missing my Top 25 (no particular order): Shenandoah (15-3), George Fox (12-3), Penn State-Behrend (7-1), Oneota (11-1), Redlands (12-4), Beloit (6-2), Illinois Wesleyan (4-3), Pacific Lutheran (10-5)

** Please feel free to let me know if you feel there is someone I am missing. While I spend hours a day perusing scores and websites, in addition to attending games if I can, it is nearly impossible to keep an eye on all of the D3 teams. There were some teams with great records that I left out as they have not played any competition that really proves their quality yet. Let me know if there is someone I should watch for next week.

[Jack Parkman]

I finally added the ASC and SCAC schools to the mix.  Pretty interesting as it looks like all of the Texas schools are beating up on each other.


TEAM                                    WINNING %
1.   George Fox                      1.000
2.   Pomona-Pitzer                  .917           
3.   Cal Lutheran                     .867
4.   UT Tyler                             .833
5.   Linfield                              .786
      Redlands                          .786
7.   Claremont                        .667
8.   UT Dallas                          .647
9.   Chapman                         .643
10. UMHB                               .625
 
That is the top 10 as of 3/16/09

I realize there is still a lot of baseball to be played but the SCAC West needs to have a team win their conference tourney to get in.

[Just_Some_Guy]

Big Poppa,

I haven't had the ability to delve into the other regions (or the West) as much as I would've liked thus far this year, but at first glance I think your depiction of the West is pretty indicative of what my ratings would entail. I think Tyler is starting to show some vulnerability so it will be interesting to see if they sink back to towards the rest of the pack. The SCIAC and the NWC both have 3 teams we have to keep a close eye on, and it's definitely making for an interesting West Region this year.

JSG

[baseballfan24]

I will never claim to be as indepth as JSG, but since he has been busy I will try to give a possible regional ranking.  Again this is speculation based on records, and I do not claim it to be official or absolutely correct.

8. Texas Lutheran 14-9 (3-3) - this team has been better than last year, but is probably on the outside looking in right now.  They will need get hot down the stretch, or win their conference because there is probably no at large bid here.  They went 2-1 with Cal St. East Bay and Austin College, beat both Southwestern and Trinity, and swept Miss. College.  They went 2-1 vs. Concordia.  However they were swept by UT-Dallas, and went 1-2 with McMurry.  They have many games ahead of them still.

7. Redlands 13-4 (6-0) - the SCIAC is shaping up as very interesting this year.  This team split with Pacific Lutheran, and still has Cal Lutheran and Pamona to go in conference.  They also have 2 games with Chapman to play.  Potential at large here depending on how the SCIAC shakes down.

6. Linfield 13-3 (10-2) - this team is in a good 3 way race with Pac. Lutheran and George Fox.  Linfield went 3-2 with Pac. Lutheran and still has George Fox to go.

5. George Fox 13-3 (10-0) - much the same as Linfield.  These teams may be interchangeable right now.  They still have Pac. Lutheran and Linfield to play.

4. Chapman 15-6 - this is likely a very debatable positioning.  Chapman swept McMurry on the road, but went 1-2 vs. Whittier and lost 2 to a struggling LaVerne.  They have played pretty well of late, it seems, splitting with Cal Lutheran and Kean.  However, Kean is not in region.  We all know about Chapman, and they will likely be there in the end unless they do not play well down the stetch.  They have 4 with East Bay, 2 with the Redlands, and 3 with Pamona.  Those games could make or break the season for Chapman (in my opinion).

3. Cal Lutheran 16-3 (5-1) - this team has made a big improvement from last year.  Again, it seems that a possible at large is coming from the SCIAC this year, and it could be this team depending on how everything shakes out.  They still have series to play with Pamona and Redlands, and they split with Chapman this year.

2. Pamona Pitzer 16-2 (6-0) - Pamona beat Pac Lutheran earlier this year and sitll have their series with Redlands and Cal Lutheran.  SCIAC is a very interesting conference this year.

1. UT-Tyler 19-4 (3-0) - Tyler is putting up impressive numbers yet again.  They beat Trinity twice, but lost to a struggling Concordia and also went 1-2 to a 10-10 McMurry.  They still have UT-Dalls and Miss. College to play this year.  I don't think anyone in the ASC East will challenge Tyler.  The question will come to if Tyler does not win the whole thing, will they get an at-large over someone from the SCIAC.  At this point in the season I would say yes, but there are many important games to be played still.

Again, I would like to reiterate that I am not claiming to be 100% correct, and these are merely my opinions at this point in the season.  I thought I would give this a shot since JSG has been busy.   

[Just_Some_Guy]

Again, I would like to reiterate that I am not claiming to be 100% correct, and these are merely my opinions at this point in the season.  I thought I would give this a shot since JSG has been busy.   

+1 Karma

I think you did a tremendous job, and I enjoyed reading your picks and the rationale.

Like I mentioned before, my schedule has been a blessing in disguise because instead of staying the background and reading my ramblings, some intelligent baseball savvy people have stepped forward and provided some solid (and different) insights.

I started drafting some rankings last weekend, and never got around to finishing so maybe I'll have a good starting point to put a batch together this weekend.

JSG

[Ralph Turner]

+1 baseballfan24!
 
Please remember that the in-region record ( and not the conference record) is what is viewed by the committee.   

[Jack Parkman]

I will never claim to be as indepth as JSG, but since he has been busy I will try to give a possible regional ranking.  Again this is speculation based on records, and I do not claim it to be official or absolutely correct.

8. Texas Lutheran 14-9 (3-3) - this team has been better than last year, but is probably on the outside looking in right now.  They will need get hot down the stretch, or win their conference because there is probably no at large bid here.  They went 2-1 with Cal St. East Bay and Austin College, beat both Southwestern and Trinity, and swept Miss. College.  They went 2-1 vs. Concordia.  However they were swept by UT-Dallas, and went 1-2 with McMurry.  They have many games ahead of them still.

7. Redlands 13-4 (6-0) - the SCIAC is shaping up as very interesting this year.  This team split with Pacific Lutheran, and still has Cal Lutheran and Pamona to go in conference.  They also have 2 games with Chapman to play.  Potential at large here depending on how the SCIAC shakes down.

6. Linfield 13-3 (10-2) - this team is in a good 3 way race with Pac. Lutheran and George Fox.  Linfield went 3-2 with Pac. Lutheran and still has George Fox to go.

5. George Fox 13-3 (10-0) - much the same as Linfield.  These teams may be interchangeable right now.  They still have Pac. Lutheran and Linfield to play.

4. Chapman 15-6 - this is likely a very debatable positioning.  Chapman swept McMurry on the road, but went 1-2 vs. Whittier and lost 2 to a struggling LaVerne.  They have played pretty well of late, it seems, splitting with Cal Lutheran and Kean.  However, Kean is not in region.  We all know about Chapman, and they will likely be there in the end unless they do not play well down the stetch.  They have 4 with East Bay, 2 with the Redlands, and 3 with Pamona.  Those games could make or break the season for Chapman (in my opinion).

3. Cal Lutheran 16-3 (5-1) - this team has made a big improvement from last year.  Again, it seems that a possible at large is coming from the SCIAC this year, and it could be this team depending on how everything shakes out.  They still have series to play with Pamona and Redlands, and they split with Chapman this year.

2. Pamona Pitzer 16-2 (6-0) - Pamona beat Pac Lutheran earlier this year and sitll have their series with Redlands and Cal Lutheran.  SCIAC is a very interesting conference this year.

1. UT-Tyler 19-4 (3-0) - Tyler is putting up impressive numbers yet again.  They beat Trinity twice, but lost to a struggling Concordia and also went 1-2 to a 10-10 McMurry.  They still have UT-Dalls and Miss. College to play this year.  I don't think anyone in the ASC East will challenge Tyler.  The question will come to if Tyler does not win the whole thing, will they get an at-large over someone from the SCIAC.  At this point in the season I would say yes, but there are many important games to be played still.

Again, I would like to reiterate that I am not claiming to be 100% correct, and these are merely my opinions at this point in the season.  I thought I would give this a shot since JSG has been busy.   

I love the fact that many others are taking the time to look at the region as a whole too.  I will argue against some of your picks, but only based on In-Region winning percentage.  I would put George Fox at number 1 since they have not lost a game.  Do I think they are the best in the West, no I do not.  I will give you my top 6...

6.  Redlands-  They have done a good job so far but i honestly do not think their pitching will hold up.  They throw Nicholson too much and have a freshman as their number 2.

5.  UT Tyler-  They win a lot, but I don't think they are as dominant as they were in the past.  It seems their pitching depth is a question mark.

4.  Linfield-  Split with PLU in conference games and have beat the crap out of the others in the NWC.  I think they finish runner-up to George Fox in the NWC.

3.  Cal Lutheran-  They have had a big turn around from last year.  Cal Lu has had excelent starting pitching so far this season and have been hitting well too.  Can they beat Redlands, a team that has owned them lately?  Can they get by Pomona, a team they swept last year?

2.  Pomona-Pitzer-  They have played a very weak schedule so far but I have two words for you...Drew Hedman.

1.  George Fox-  For rankings sake, I put them at number 1 since they have yet to lose an in-region game.  I see them winning the NWC, but not getting a number 1 seed in the regional.

I realize many people will think I am crazy for not putting Chapman on here but honestly, I don't think they deserve it YET.  Chapman is 2-5 against the SCIAC so far this year.  They will improve their in-region record soon but as of now I don't think they deserve it.  I can asure you they will get into the Regional when it is all said and done.  I don't see them getting out of it and for the firstt ime in a while, The West will have someone other than Chapman in Appleton.  I think Chapman has pitching problems.  Kitchens has been good, Sigman is good one day and terrible the next, Matamoros has started 5 games and appeared in 6, but has only thrown 28 innings.  I don't think they have the depth.

[baseballfan24]

+1 baseballfan24!
 
Please remember that the in-region record ( and not the conference record) is what is viewed by the committee.  

Ralph, I did know that.  I put the teams' conference records especially for Linfield and George Fox because the majority of their in-region games have been conference games.  Once I got going I just figured to go ahead and put everyone's record.

Thanks for the input.

[Jack Parkman]

I almost have the up-to-date West region Top 8 by winning percentage, but I am waiting on a Chapman/Oxy result.  I would assume Chapman won, but you never know.
One thing I have noticed is how fast a NWC team can go up in the ranking.  IMO the NWC is good 1-3 but is terrible after that.  Winning all 4 games in one weekend is helping these teams a lot.  George Fox finally lost an in-region game but they are still on top.  I will post the standings when that score is available.

[oldcat]

chapman beat oxy 24-8. kitchens went 5 innings  and got the win. phillips hit 2 home runs.

[Jack Parkman]

Thanks OldCat!

Here are the West regions top 8 by winning %.  There should be some more movement int he next few weeks now that all of the tournaments are over.  Like it was said somewhere else, UT Tyler looks to be the only ASC/SCAC team with a shot at a pool C at this point in time.

1.  George Fox         .923%
2.  Pomona-Pitzer    .917%
3.  Cal Lutheran       .867%
4.  Linfield                .833%
5.  UT Tyler               .818%
6.  Redlands             .750%
7.  Pacific Lutheran   .706%
8.  Chapman             .667%

George Fox squares off with Pacific Lutheran in the NWC this weekend.  Neither team can afford to lose more than 2 games.
Pomona-Pitzer and Redlands play in the SCIAC this Friday-Saturday.  I don't see Redlands having the pitching to win.  After looking over stats, it seems to me that Redlands struggles when anyone besides Nicholson is on the mound.  This weekend is HUGE for Redlands.  They can't afford a bad weekend with Cal Lu and Chapman still on their schedule.

[BigPoppa]

BigPoppa's Week 5 Poll: (This is getting harder every week as teams are starting to pile up wins. Thanksfully, the conference seasons are approaching and we can hopefully get a little separation).

01 Trinity (Conn.): 8-2 A bit of a stumble this week, but with everyone stmbling a bit behind them, they still hold on to the top spot.

02 Millsaps: 22-3 A nice victory over Illinois Wesleyan and taking 2 of 3 from Hendrix ove the weekend keeps them in contention.

03 Salisbury: 17-3 Only blemish this week was a loss to a 10-3 Richard Stockton.

04 Texas-Tyler: 21-5 Wins versus East Texas Baptist, UT-Dallas and took 2 of 3 from Ozarks. Tyler is looking better every week.

05 UW-Whitewater: 5-3 A great week for Whitewater down south. Beat Otterbein twice and Wooster once while splitting with Carthage.

06 Wooster: 15-3 Only blemish on their week (6-1) was a loss to Whitewater in Florida. Won 12 of their last 13 games.

07 Kean: 13-4 A 3-1 week was highlighted by a win at Chapman.

08 St. Scholastica: 11-2 Did not play this week.

09 Southern Maine: 7-1 A perfect 5-0 week including a win over Johns Hopkins

10 Eastern Connecticut: 10-0 Quickly climbing the rankings. A quality win over Johns Hopkins highlighted their week.

11 Chapman: 16-6 Suffered a loss to Kean and pounded Occidental. After Wayde Kitchens, pitching seems to be an issue.

12 Linfield: 17-3 Swept four from Puget Sound last week. They continue to pile up wins.

13 Pomona-Pitzer 19-3 One of the hottest teams in the nation. Took two from  Keene State and split with Middlebury.

14 Heidelberg: 11-4 Took one on the chin last week with a 1-3 mark. If they wish to be considered a contender, they need to win the big games.

15 Thiel: 11-3 Swept a three game series from Waynesberg over the weekend, but tripped a bit against Hiram. Need to win all those games if they are to be a top program.

16 Wheaton (Mass.): 12-1 Beat a surprisingly tough Rhode Island and took a pair from Springfield. Expect them to start climbing the chart very quickly if their recent play continues.

17 Augustana: 12-3 A 1-0 week in the chilly Midwest included a win versus Aurora.

18 Johns Hopkins: 7-7 The Bluejays suffered rough 4-4 week. Seeing them at .500 this far into the season is a surprise to me.

19 UW-Stevens Point: 8-2 The Pointers appear to be loaded to contend for another WIAC title.

20 Marietta: 8-3 Took a pair from highly touted Heidelberg as well as a split with LaRoche

21 UW-Oshkosh: 1-0 Just getting out of the gates right now, but the Titans look to be loaded again. We'll have a better feel for them next week as they play a few more games.

22 Cal Lutheran: 17-5 Won two games that they should have, but lost two games to a middle-of-the-road Rutgers-Newark who they needed to beat if they wanted to be considered more than a pretender.

23 York (Pa.): 16-2 Sixteen straight wins finds York in my poll this week.

24 Beloit: 10-2 The Buccaneers are off to good start. 4 wins against a terrible Milwaukee School of Engineering helps, they are beating the teams they are supposed to beat.

25 Cortland State: 11-5 Cortland may have things back on track, but do not expect them to stay here for long if they continue to lose to inferior teams like Farmingdale State.

Dropped out:
Carthage: 6-4 (tough schedule this week knocked them out of the Top 25)

Adrian: 6-7 (another bad week has pushed them from a former top ten team to out of the polls)

Christopher Newport: 13-4-1 (you cannot lose to mediocre teams and expect to stay in the poll)