BB: LL: Liberty League

[Bob Maxwell]

Baseb13... +1 for this comment.  Well stated...

It sounds as if teams are blaming RPI for not making it, instead of giving credit to up and coming programs like Skidmore.

I would add Rochester and St Lawrence to that too... and Clarkson was very good two years ago too.

[BaseB13]

Absolutely Bob, infact I was shocked to see Clarkson have such a tough time last year.  They had something like 5 20+ win seasons in a row prior to that.  And obviously St Lawrence winning the tourney 2 yrs ago was a strong accomplishment.  U of R has fielded some strong teams in the past as well.  As a whole I think the conference really has been improving and many of the coaches should be commended for it! 

[Bob Maxwell]

Also, as you mention the weather is always an issue this time of year...  It does look bad in NC the next two days.  With it being opening day I hope it clears up so they don't have to sit in a hotel room for a day or two.


weather forecst for NC Weslyan area:
http://www.weather.com/outlook/homeandgarden/home/weekend/27804?from=36hr_topnav_home


I would still like to have an early trip on the schedule... and many teams are doing that now.  More each year...

[BaseB13]

One other thing popped in to my head, I believe St Lawrence, along with winning the conference tournament in 2006, has been in the finals the last three years.  I'm with you on that as well Bob.  If I was playing I would love to have more games spread out and have the opportunity to do what Cortland does.  Probably isn't as feasible for a St Lawrence or Clarkson consider how far up they are.  Looks like Skidmore heads down to Stevens before break as well so they get something in.  They have a turf field down there so it can atleast be plowed.  Anyone ever notice the pitching stats for teams like Emory?  Looks like they get 1 or 2 pitchers who start significantly more games because of how spread out their schedule is.  Must be nice to throw your 1 and 2 so frequently although I wonder if that can hurt a team in the long run when it comes to tournament play and depth becomes vital.  Thanks for the distractions from work but it's time to get off this thing for the day. 

[Bob Maxwell]

BaseB13,

There was a discussion back in the fall about the seasons... starting early like they do in the south vs compressing games into 5 or 6 weeks as happens in the northeast.... and what the impacts are to pitching staffs.

There was some discussion about how some teams in the south had there top two pithcers throw significantly higher innings then team sin the northeast.... and same with their top three pitchers.

I couldn't find where it was to give you the link to where it started... I will continue to look.  Maybe someone else will find it and put up a link.

It was very interesting...

[dom]

I have enjoyed reading the comments about the Liberty League.  In my humble view, regarding scheduling, I believe that the baseball in NY is generally equal to that of Va. having watched both.

[BoomerIL]

I have enjoyed reading, and writing about the Liberty League, what little I have come to know.  I really appreciate the input from all of the experienced posters who have contributed with comments about the LL.  Being that it will be my son's second season with Rochester, it has been most interesting in reading everyone's comments about the LL, and for that matter in reading about the other conferences within the other topics.  Thanks!

All I know is........14 days until my son takes the field in Tampa for three days, and then on to Orlando for five more!!!!!  My son even said to me today...."can't wait to see you and mom!!!!!"  Can you believe that, I think he misses us a little.    And even the Cubs look promising for this year.  AH, baseball!!!  How sweet.   8)

[dgilblair]

I have enjoyed reading, and writing about the Liberty League, what little I have come to know.  I really appreciate the input from all of the experienced posters who have contributed with comments about the LL.  Being that it will be my son's second season with Rochester, it has been most interesting in reading everyone's comments about the LL, and for that matter in reading about the other conferences within the other topics.  Thanks!

All I know is........14 days until my son takes the field in Tampa for three days, and then on to Orlando for five more!!!!!  My son even said to me today...."can't wait to see you and mom!!!!!"  Can you believe that, I think he misses us a little.    And even the Cubs look promising for this year.  AH, baseball!!!  How sweet.   8)

+1 Boomer........
Coaching and sponsoring you kids baseball teams.......$5.000.00
Paying for his college education and career..................$80.000.00
Him say he can't waiting to see you and mom at the game ......Priceless
AH, BASEBALL

[VictoryLane]

Boomeril, that tyler ried (sp?) transfer from fordham is suppose to be dynamite in cf.  How does he look to you?  He was nasty in the fall game, diving catches, rope line drives.

[VictoryLane]

Any other freshmen who might be able to come in a play a role for ROchester.  Skimming down rooster it seems they have all starters  back?

[BoomerIL]

VictoryLane.....

You have asked me "loaded" questions before about the centerfield situation at UR, and I have purposefully ignored them.  I believe you  know why I am ignoring those questions, but you continually ask them.   Knowing that I have a vested interest in Rochester, and in the centerfield situation, I will continue to be diplomatic and elusive in responding to you.  But, since you seem to know how well this individual has played in the fall, maybe you can explain why you think they might be so exceptional, you yourself I'm sure, having seen them play first-hand, correct??  Please explain.

[VictoryLane]

Boomer didn't really understand the context of your situation sorry.   I didn't necessarily think the kid was going to play cf per se, but from what i saw, it looks like with all the returners coming back they will be battling for time.  This should be a good situation.  Competition raises the bar and i don't just think it will be in cf.  if i recall the cf last year lead off and did very well.

[VictoryLane]

in  regard to what i saw, i saw a phenomal catch in left centerfield (pretty special play) combining speed and coordination, and his physical presence makes me think he can hit for power.   The later is my perception.   I could be wrong.   The cf at rochester from last year is very fast as i understand.  That is all i know, "sorry for viewing it as loaded"  i certainly didn't understand the sitaution and the spot i put you in.  I was ignorant.

I still think rochester has a ways to go to get by RPI.   

Are you aware of any other incoming folks that can bolster Rochester's chances?  And obviously if they are, they are all going to be in dog fights, with all returners except infurna coming back. 

[Bob Maxwell]

Boomer,

Be careful... he may just want more of your money...  LOL

only 13 days now!  Same here... but we will be in sunny Camden, NJ... last year it was only 45 degrees!   

[BoomerIL]

Victory Lane....

No need to apologize!  You didn't put me on any "spot" and your not ignorant!  Yes, my son was the centerfielder last season.  Is he going to be this season?  Don't know.  Like you have stated in your previous post, there is a lot of competition for most of the positions on the team.  What I mean is, you have your regulars that you would assume (bad thing to do.....assume) would get first chance at playing their positions where they did last season.  But, you know as well as I do that nothing can be, or shouldn't be taken for granted.  These kids know that if they don't perform, there are others that will get a chance to do so.

I know Coach Reina will give every player a chance to earn time playing, some more than others.  If the player who you saw make that catch (my wife and I were at that fall game, but left to head back to Illinois before we saw the play that you reference) continues to play well, who knows at which outfield position he will play at, and it could be centerfield.  All these kids know, including my son, that you need to perform in the field and especially at the plate.  This kid has the ability to play in any outfield position, and hit for power.  I wasn't able to however, find any stats on him from last season.  Its also kind of interesting to note, as you mentioned, that he has a "physical presence."  Coach had him and my son team-up to workout in the weight room this past fall and winter.  I don't know if they are still doing so, but it has helped my son put on a few pounds of muscle.

Now, regarding RPI.  As I mentioned in a previous post somewhere on these boards, Rochester played very against RPI.  Look at the box scores.  In the play-offs, granted Rochester lost their bats, but they did before they entered the tournament in the St. John Fisher series.  Defensively with Rochester, you won't find a better team in the conference.  I would also rank their pitching in the top 2 or 3, maybe even 1 with RPI.  I still don't have a handle on that completely.  Hitting though still concerns me.  I do know that you can never count on continued success with hitting, or expect improvement.  You would like to see those things happen, but unless you have a truly die-hard baseball fanatic as a player, it's hard for this kids to maintain this when they have so many outside influences like homework, girlfriends, etc., etc.

From what I understand, there are several freshman that have a good chance of contributing to this team this season.  Don't ask me who, because I'm not going to speculate that on this website, but lets just say that they could make the lineup sooner than later.

I am saving my money though, so I can fly to Albany/Troy to watch that Rochester?RPI series.  I really think, barring any injuries, that Rochester is going to come out ahead in that series, Zongol, Driemiller or not!!