BB: Central Region Rankings

[buc em up]

Beloit has 4 actually

[BigPoppa]

Poppa I appreciate your knowledge on Carthage and a couple of the CCIW schools, but as far as your knowledge of the Central Region the research is falling a bit short.  I also understand that you are biased, and a fan, in thinking that Carthage is the clear cut top team. Let me help your "number crunching". Yes"2/3" of the lineup is back but when they have to replace 152.1 innings (36%), 14 wins(37%), and 145 K's(43%) on the mound.  Also 18 HR's(44%), 37 2B's(38%), and 139 RBI's(39%) at the plate.  Not to mention loosing the starting Catcher, First Baseman, Shortstop, and two top Arms in the field. That only equates to 59% of the putouts and 82% of the assists.  That is a tuff 1/3 to loose. You might want to shake that magic 8 ball again and see what it spits out. 

In addition, I did not wait for the rosters to be posted because I used my sources (coaches and assistants) to give me very credible information. I have former teammates, and friends coaching all over the region

[upandin]

Hmm........  Pappa you don't have to justify yourself.  There is nothing wrong with being a fan of one team, or having a bias to one conference. Heck Peter Gammons loves Boston, and he worked for ESPN for years.  If I played on your same team at Carthage, I would probably agree with you 100%.  Once again I think you are doing a great job at your analysis of the CCIW.  Sources.....All I will say about sources is that my sources must not be the same as yours.  I just wish I knew some coaches   Since you made it obvious that you do. Tell us who the impact newcomers are in the region.  Those coaches and assistance from around the region feeding you that, very credible, information would surely include most of those players. With sources like that, you should have at least a handful of them from each conference.  I would think that information would have huge impact on those preseason rankings and published previews. 

[BigPoppa]

Those coaches and assistance from around the region feeding you that, very credible, information would surely include most of those players. With sources like that, you should have at least a handful of them from each conference.  I would think that information would have huge impact on those preseason rankings and published previews. 

Here is a sleeper stud for you... Matt Blumenreich (Grinnell). Freshmen infielder. I know that having this type of player SHOULD bump up Grinnell in my regional rankings, but if he plays like I think he can, they will move up quickly in the region. My AZ contacts were pretty high on this kid.

You heard it here first:)

[upandin]

Actually at Notre Dame Prep in AZ, Blumenrich was a quality 2B.  Notre Dame Prep is a top D4 (mid size) program in AZ, so the quality of competition is there. He also played for the AZ Pilots who travel and play a good high level of ball.   He is small kid but can really run.  He will not hit for power but doesn't have a ton of holes in his swing.  His numbers might not impress you, and they will probably not be good enough to garnish any regional awards.  But I know Coach Hollibaugh is a great Infield coach and he will definitely help Grinnell in the MWC.  I would say he is a college 2B unless he gets much stronger. What about the other AZ Kids in the region didnt your source tell you about them?

[BigPoppa]

What about the other AZ Kids in the region didnt your source tell you about them?

Which kid are you trying to get me to talk about?

Who are you a fan of? Clearly it is not a CCIW school... the SLIAC only has a few posters (who are fantastic, by the way)... You are either a Midwest Conference guy or a IIAC supporter. Judging by your knowledge of Grinnell and its recruits, I'd guess you are a MWC guy.

Am I even close?

[upandin]

I was just making a point.  A central region preview should look beyond last years champ. There is more to the Central region than the CCIW.  It is ok for a fan to think that way, but if you are representing the Central region via D3baseball.com, represent the whole region. Don't just support your school or your conference.  I'm not trying to hide anything, I'm not from the MWC, my affiliations are with the IIAC. Yes I have teams that I pull for, but truly, I am a DIII baseball fan.  I don't even have a problem with the CCIW, I have a ton of respect for the success of those programs.  There are a lot of quality players, coaches and programs around this region that deserve attention.  As far a knowing about Blumenrich, let just say I know information about many of the teams in the Central region including ALL the conferences.  Maybe I should be working for D3Baseball.com.

[BigPoppa]

I was just making a point.  A central region preview should look beyond last years champ. There is more to the Central region than the CCIW. .. There are a lot of quality players, coaches and programs around this region that deserve attention.  As far a knowing about Blumenrich, let just say I know information about many of the teams in the Central region including ALL the conferences.  Maybe I should be working for D3Baseball.com.

Then we are really looking forward to you elightening us. By the way, we are still waiting for your top ten since you jumped all over mine. Any time now.

As for me being a homer, I see myself as more of a realist. Carthage has dominated the region for the past 15 years so picking them #1 in the region is not that far out of line. In fact, I did not have them #1 in my 2009 preview(IWU). I know you'll see that as being a CCIW homer, but the facts speak for themself. I was pleasantly surprised at how they performed in what I thought was going to be a rebuilding year.

[upandin]

Just an example.........2 more quality AZ players in the Central region.... Check out:    Nick Stien (OF) and Zack Picciotti (RHP) from Horizon HS in Scottsdale AZ.  Horizon is a D5 1 (Largest Class) school in AZ.  Horizon was state champs in 07 and 08, and national champs in 07.  Stien was the starting LF in 08 and Picciotti was a relief pitcher.  They are now both freshmen at Coe College in the IIAC.  The Kohawks have 3 kids from AZ on their roster. 

More should also be said about Brandon Pietrzyk (Sr.) of Buena Vista.  He might be the best player in the region.  Pietrzyk is from Marshall in Portland OR.  He is a great all-around player one of the best I have seen in DIII.

Its ok to be a homer just be able to admit it.  Ill give my opinion on a ranking soon..........I want to see all the rosters first. Rumors only go so far.

[upandin]

3 trips to Aplington in the past decade are definitely impressive. Domination of the region is a little strong? 

[Mr. Ypsi]

3 trips to Aplington in the past decade are definitely impressive. Domination of the region is a little strong? 

Big Poppa,

Are you gonna take this kind of abuse from a guy who thinks the WS is in Aplington?

[upandin]

My bad Appleton....I would have known that if I was from Carthage.....15 years of being dominated will do that to you.

[Mr. Ypsi]

My bad Appleton....I would have known that if I was from Carthage.....15 years of being dominated will do that to you.

Actually, we're just two years removed from IWU having a magical conference season - 20-1!  (Big Poppa still has nightmares that Ricky Angel might have eligibility left! )

Alas, we totally imploded in both the CCIW and NCAA tourneys, going 1-4.

And, yes, Carthage was the team that went to Appleton.

[BigPoppa]

My bad Appleton....I would have known that if I was from Carthage.....15 years of being dominated will do that to you.

Actually, we're just two years removed from IWU having a magical conference season - 20-1!  (Big Poppa still has nightmares that Ricky Angel might have eligibility left! )

Alas, we totally imploded in both the CCIW and NCAA tourneys, going 1-4.

And, yes, Carthage was the team that went to Appleton.

Do not bring up the name Ricky Angel. I still shudder at his mention.

[Mr. Ypsi]

My bad Appleton....I would have known that if I was from Carthage.....15 years of being dominated will do that to you.

Actually, we're just two years removed from IWU having a magical conference season - 20-1!  (Big Poppa still has nightmares that Ricky Angel might have eligibility left! )

Alas, we totally imploded in both the CCIW and NCAA tourneys, going 1-4.

And, yes, Carthage was the team that went to Appleton.

Do not bring up the name Ricky Angel. I still shudder at his mention.

Sorry, BP - would it be better if I only talked about Matt Aronson and his 0.45 ERA?