BB: E8: Empire 8

[sjfcards]

No, just two Pool B bids nationally. It's likely going to be Ithaca or Fisher and not both.

If Ithaca got a Pool B bid and Fisher didn't, isn't Fisher still eligible for a Pool C at-large bid just like every other team who didn't win their conference AQ?

Has the E8 ever in the past got 2 bids? Never say never but if it has not, not likely in 2012. If you dont get a B bid you can still get a C bid. Pool A are awarded first, then B and then C bids in that order.

Several years ago, sometime within the last 6 years, IC and Fisher both played in the regional. I can't tell you the exact year, but I think that was Fisher's first trip to the regional.

[John McGraw]

No, just two Pool B bids nationally. It's likely going to be Ithaca or Fisher and not both.

If Ithaca got a Pool B bid and Fisher didn't, isn't Fisher still eligible for a Pool C at-large bid just like every other team who didn't win their conference AQ?

Has the E8 ever in the past got 2 bids? Never say never but if it has not, not likely in 2012. If you dont get a B bid you can still get a C bid. Pool A are awarded first, then B and then C bids in that order.

Several years ago, sometime within the last 6 years, IC and Fisher both played in the regional. I can't tell you the exact year, but I think that was Fisher's first trip to the regional.

I believe it was 2008, both Fisher and Ithaca made it to Auburn. There were more Pool B bids available at the time.

[rob]

Obviously with an increase in AQ's, there has been a relative decrease in Pool B's available.

[sjfcards]

Obviously with an increase in AQ's, there has been a relative decrease in Pool B's available.

All the more reason for the E8 and CUNYAC to do something like we have been discussing on this board. I have not gone over to the CUNYAC board to see if anyone over there is talking about it, but I think it makes all the sense in the world from this end.

[magicman]

Obviously with an increase in AQ's, there has been a relative decrease in Pool B's available.

All the more reason for the E8 and CUNYAC to do something like we have been discussing on this board. I have not gone over to the CUNYAC board to see if anyone over there is talking about it, but I think it makes all the sense in the world from this end.

There isn't anyone on the CUNYAC board talking about anything. And while a merger between the 2 leagues would be beneficial to both, as Ralph has stated, I really doubt that it will ever happen.

[sjfcards]

Big game today for Fisher as far as the regional rankings go. Brockport beat Fisher earlier in the year, and has a good overall record. Fisher can really improve its post season resume with a win today.
I am wondering who will pitch for Fisher. It seems every week I go back and forth on what to do with the pitching staff. Fisher is going to want this game, but they can not sleep on Utica. I think I would start Beaumont and let Damato pitch the completion of the suspended game and start the game to follow (assuming they are back to back on Friday). I would back that up with Johnson and maybe Weber on Saturday.

[WrongArm]

If I had D'Amato and Beaumont, I'd treat them like voting on election day -- early and often. I'd hate to look up at the end of the season and realize the I could have used them in a few more games. That's a simple-minded strategy, but you need to use them. They are certainly the best 1-2 in the E8. Earlier in the year, Fisher used D'Amato to beat Cortland and paid the price that weekend when Ithaca swept them. Did the trade pay off? With a win against Cortland and the later revenge-sweep of the second Ithaca weekend, I'd say, so far, yes.

I'd also trade a some strength in the upcoming Utica weekend for a better chance to beat Brockport. A win there completes a nice set of bookends, while an unlikely loss at Utica is more likely to be viewed as a lucky day for Utica than a chink in Fisher's armor.

With no AQ for the E8, is it more important to win the league or build a more impressive "national' record? Against Cortland, Fisher voted for the record. After last year's tournament snub, I can't say I blame them. Time to double down against Brockport.

[sjfcards]

If I had D'Amato and Beaumont, I'd treat them like voting on election day -- early and often. I'd hate to look up at the end of the season and realize the I could have used them in a few more games. That's a simple-minded strategy, but you need to use them. They are certainly the best 1-2 in the E8. Earlier in the year, Fisher used D'Amato to beat Cortland and paid the price that weekend when Ithaca swept them. Did the trade pay off? With a win against Cortland and the later revenge-sweep of the second Ithaca weekend, I'd say, so far, yes.

I'd also trade a some strength in the upcoming Utica weekend for a better chance to beat Brockport. A win there completes a nice set of bookends, while an unlikely loss at Utica is more likely to be viewed as a lucky day for Utica than a chink in Fisher's armor.

With no AQ for the E8, is it more important to win the league or build a more impressive "national' record? Against Cortland, Fisher voted for the record. After last year's tournament snub, I can't say I blame them. Time to double down against Brockport.

You sold me. I think Fisher played for a Pool C bid with the decision to pitch D'amato against Cortland, and I agree with you that the decision paid off (so far).

[airball55]

Last season Fisher swept Brockport and that got them no place.  It is so hard to project what goes through the minds of the regional committee's when it comes time to say who is in and who is not.  Traditionally the SUNYAC gets the benefit of the doubt as being the best league in the region and that is certainly so in my mind.  Not sure about this year yet.  U guys are right though, Fisher needs to get this one more then Brockport does.  I still don't think that the Cards get the respect they deserve, it's funny that Ithaca had a nice run there and jumped all the way to 16th in the country.  I highly doubt if that was St. John Fisher in that boat, they would have got the same ranking.  I guess that happens when your the new kid on the block. 

[sjfcards]

Last season Fisher swept Brockport and that got them no place.  It is so hard to project what goes through the minds of the regional committee's when it comes time to say who is in and who is not.  Traditionally the SUNYAC gets the benefit of the doubt as being the best league in the region and that is certainly so in my mind.  Not sure about this year yet.  U guys are right though, Fisher needs to get this one more then Brockport does.  I still don't think that the Cards get the respect they deserve, it's funny that Ithaca had a nice run there and jumped all the way to 16th in the country.  I highly doubt if that was St. John Fisher in that boat, they would have got the same ranking.  I guess that happens when your the new kid on the block.

Fisher won today, beating Brockport 3-2. Tim Sylvester came on in relief of D'Amato after 2 and a third, and pitched great. Fisher now 23-8.

[WrongArm]

It's a pretty good day for E8 baseball all around. Ithaca also beats Oneonta 6-4, visiting Utica takes two against Clarkson and yesterday, Stevens beat Lehman and ran its record against the CUNYAC to a perfect 12-0.

[sjfcards]

It's a pretty good day for E8 baseball all around. Ithaca also beats Oneonta 6-4, visiting Utica takes two against Clarkson and yesterday, Stevens beat Lehman and ran its record against the CUNYAC to a perfect 12-0.

Stevens has had a pretty good year so far. It is really too bad that they are stuck playing Fisher and IC so many times as there record could be even more impressive. If nothing else, the few teams in the E8 are competitive.

[sjfcards]

Regional rankings are out and look like this:

1) Cortland State
2) St. John Fisher
3) Farmingdale State
4) Old Westbury
5) Skidmore
6) Brockport

Surprised Ithaca is not in the mix?

[John McGraw]

Regional rankings are out and look like this:

1) Cortland State
2) St. John Fisher
3) Farmingdale State
4) Old Westbury
5) Skidmore
6) Brockport

Surprised Ithaca is not in the mix?

Very surprised given a 14-6-1 regional record. Only bad in-region loss IMO to Rochester. Ithaca also has in-region losses to Stevens, Old Westbury and Fisher.

[rob]

Regional rankings are out and look like this:

1) Cortland State
2) St. John Fisher
3) Farmingdale State
4) Old Westbury
5) Skidmore
6) Brockport

Surprised Ithaca is not in the mix?

Very surprised given a 14-6-1 regional record. Only bad in-region loss IMO to Rochester. Ithaca also has in-region losses to Stevens, Old Westbury and Fisher.

Only 21 in-region games may affect the voting also.  Most teams have played closer to 30.  I know there are a few execeptions throughout the regional rankings but a bigger sampling can only help.  14-6-1 is good but not great.