BB: Top Teams in West Region

[Just_Some_Guy]

It's really too early to be making any kind of rankings, but here's what my West rankings would look like if I had to pull the trigger today:

1. Linfield: 12-3 -  The top of their rotation is only rivaled by UT Tyler's, but I think Linfield has more depth. They play good D and have a lot of guys that can swing the stick.
2. Trinity: 16-4 - They're going to beat themselves here and there, but Scannell has let a lot of guys see action already this year. They'll be battle tested and what Hirschberg is doing at the plate is just silly.
3. UT Tyler: 15-5 - Have flopped them w/ Cal Lu no less than 5x b/c I think SCIAC might be stronger conference this year. If they don't sweep UTD today they should move down, but I like their rotation. They always seem to get exploited during tournament play, though.
4. Cal Lutheran: 11-5-1 - They've won every series against the "better" teams in their conference. Save for La Verne it only gets easier during the 2nd half of their season.
5. George Fox: 12-5 - They looked great in the AZ Desert Classic, but they have 9 games left w/  Whitworth, Pac Lu & Linfield. Long road ahead.
6. Pomona : 14-4 - Interesting to see how today's DH with Chapman goes, but they feel like the 2nd best team in the SCIAC this year.

7-13 is where it starts to get a little muddy.

ASC:
UT Dallas - I think they can beat anyone with Derek Dallas on the bump, but they're just above average after him. 0-4 in the Desert Classic against the NWC/SCIAC, but have taken 5 of 7 from the top two teams in the ASC West.
Texas Lutheran - They're really missing Kellen McGriff who was 5-1 on the bump last year, but it may be a blessing in disguise as other guys Snider/Harwell have had to log innings. They play great D, but I just dunno if they can beat anyone if it comes to a slug fest.
Concordia - They've struggled to replace some guys from the top of their rotation last year, seem to be a bit weaker at the plate, have already matched their loss total from last year, lost all 4 in the Desert classic and got swept by UTD. I still wouldn't be surprised if they won the ASC tournament.

NWC:
Pac Lutheran - Konopaski,, Beatty, & Lubking have all looked great on the bump. We'll know a lot more once they square off against Linfield and George Fox.
Whitworth - They've struggled on the road thus far this year, but they did take 2 of 3 from Cal Lu to open their season. Did they get hot at the right time last year? Probably -- but what I like about them is they seem to sweep their series' against the 'weaker' teams. Those games add up.

SCIAC:
Chapman - I think they're young. I think they make too many mistakes and I don't think they're good enough on the bump, but I don't ever count out Tereschuk and staff.
La Verne - They've beaten Linfield, Kean and Ithaca, but dropping 2 of 3 to Chapman and losing to CMS in conference play doesn't bode well with Pomona and Cal Lu still lurking later in the season.

JSG

I don't think my top 6 west teams did much to change their standings.

1. Linfield: 17-3 - I don't think there's any arguing that they're one of the top teams in the country right now. The sophomores at the top of their rotation have been fantastic and the top of their order is as ruthless as any.
2. Trinity: 23-4 - A mid-week game against Concordia and then a series with a very good Centenary team that should tell us a lot more about this team. They're building some solid depth on the bump, but D can be quite porous at times.
3. UT Tyler: 15-5 - Aside from Centenary two weekends from now, not a lot of true tests left. Top 3 + closer seem to be the real deal. Kevan House having a great season at the plate.
4. Cal Lutheran: 14-6-1 - An awful first IP led to a weekend loss against a Wisc-Superior team that probably isn't very strong. They've taken care of business in the SCIAC so far, but I question their depth on the bump come tourney time.
5. George Fox: 16-6 - This team seems to struggle a bit on the road, dropping one to an 8-13 Whitman team and needing 10 IP to survive another. Their schedule doesn't get any easier.
6. Pomona : 17-6 - Looking forward to their series' with La Verne and Linfield. Those 6 games will likely determine whether or not they deserve to be in a regional. The Sagehends play in a hitter-friendly park, but Rosenbaum & Gentili have been great at the plate. Rosenbaum is also 5-0 on the bump.

ASC:
Texas Lutheran - At 20-7 the Bulldogs are probably on the outside looking in right now, but it looks like they might have SP Kellen McGriff back and could be 26-7 going into their tough final stretch before the ASC tournament.
Both UTD and Concordia are playing .500 baseball now and seem to lack the depth on the mound to survive tournament play. I'm looking forward to the Hardin-Simmons/Chapman series.

NWC:
Pac Lutheran dropped 2 to Puget Sound this weekend (so far) and Whitworth has done the same against Linfield. I think the NWC is a 2-horse race from this point on unless Whitworth gets really, really hot down the stretch again this year.

SCIAC:
Chapman isn't a bad team by any stretch of the imagination, but they've dropped series to Trinity, Cal Lu and Pomona. It would be a huge uphill battle, but if they won 11 of their final 12 they might have an outside shot w/ help from their SOS.
La Verne: They have some nice wins this year, but after dropping 2 of 3 to Chapman and with Pomona and Cal Lu still on the schedule it won't be an easy road.

[Spence]

How does Trinity's loss to 2-10 Rockford impact your view? As well as George Fox's loss to Whitman (losing the series)?

[Just_Some_Guy]

How does Trinity's loss to 2-10 Rockford impact your view? As well as George Fox's loss to Whitman (losing the series)?

I'll preface with how hard this is to do without watching more games live; however, I guess I'd probably bump Pomona over George Fox. I still think GFU is the 2nd best team in the NWC, albeit now with a slimmer chance to snag a pool C bid.

Maybe I'd elevate UT Tyler over Trinity, but I doubt it. I know the rub on TU is their cupcake schedule, but I'm not going to get alarmist over losing to a pitcher who's been very good in 2 of his 3 starts this year. Similar thing happened to TLU this weekend dropping a 1-0 game to Wheaton (Ill)'s Kauffman.

Muscarello has to be more consistent fielding the baseball at SS, but I love that they have 8 guys with over 15.0 IP already. For me, it will be interesting to see how that plays out in the tournament format.

JSG

[108 Stitches]

I am with JSG, TU ran into a good pitching performance, it happens. They will be one of the 6 in the regional and it means little whether they are 1, 2 or 3 seed. I like how they are working their pitching staff, their number 2 is struggling right now, but he will get it together. They supposedly have two injured pitchers coming back this week so they will have even more depth. I have some other reservations that I am not going to put on a public BB.

I think they are a 5-10 team nationally, certainly not the best team in the country IMO. All the other teams fell away from them last week, we will see this week. They have three solid games this week, lets see how they do.

[CrashDavisD3]

March 24, 2013 CDD3 Top 6

1) Linfield 17-3
2) Texas-Trinity 23-5  (Yea I know they lost 2/3 to Centenary which can not be in 2013 NCAA playoffs) 
3) Texas-Tyler (20-6)
4) Texas Lutheran(20-7)
5) Cal Lutheran 14-6-1
6) Pomona Pitzer 17-6

Pool A - Linfield, Texas-Trinity, Texas-Tyler, Cal Lutheran
Pool C - Pomona Pitzer, Texas Lutheran

[Whatagame]

March 24, 2013 CDD3 Top 6

1) Linfield 17-3
2) Texas-Trinity 23-5  (Yea I know they lost 2/3 to Centenary which can not be in 2013 NCAA playoffs) 
3) Texas-Tyler (20-6)
4) Texas Lutheran(20-7)
5) Cal Lutheran 14-6-1
6) Pomona Pitzer 17-6

Pool A - Linfield, Texas-Trinity, Texas-Tyler, Cal Lutheran
Pool C - Pomona Pitzer, Texas Lutheran

I think this looks right, as of today.  Lots of big series upcoming in NWC though, with Linfield yet to play UPS (who just swept PLU), PLU and finally G Fox second to last weekend of conference.  Plus, don't forget Linfield is coming down to play three against Pomona Pitzer, and a single game against La Verne.  G. Fox is only two games back in conference standings, and totally in the hunt.  Fox has been batting at a very high level for most of the season, but were held to a .215 team BA this past weekend.  I still believe NWC is positioned to send two squads to regional.

[CrashDavisD3]

March 24, 2013 CDD3 Top 6

1) Linfield 17-3
2) Texas-Trinity 23-5  (Yea I know they lost 2/3 to Centenary which can not be in 2013 NCAA playoffs) 
3) Texas-Tyler (20-6)
4) Texas Lutheran(20-7)
5) Cal Lutheran 14-6-1
6) Pomona Pitzer 17-6

Pool A - Linfield, Texas-Trinity, Texas-Tyler, Cal Lutheran
Pool C - Pomona Pitzer, Texas Lutheran

I think this looks right, as of today.  Lots of big series upcoming in NWC though, with Linfield yet to play UPS (who just swept PLU), PLU and finally G Fox second to last weekend of conference.  Plus, don't forget Linfield is coming down to play three against Pomona Pitzer, and a single game against La Verne.  G. Fox is only two games back in conference standings, and totally in the hunt.  Fox has been batting at a very high level for most of the season, but were held to a .215 team BA this past weekend.  I still believe NWC is positioned to send two squads to regional.

Historically the NWC has not sent 2 teams to the Regionals BUT maybe this is a new year. It will really depends on the in region record for the #2 team plus the famous SOS.

Upset winners in the ASC, or SCIAC tournament for the Pool A bid can really make a mess for Pool C bids.

[LongBallGone]

My take on the West's Top Teams thus far:

1) Linfield (18-3) - Continues to play well in all phases of the game. Still has some big weekends ahead that feature Pacific Lutheran, George Fox, and a trip south to play Pomona-Pitzer and La Verne.

2) Trinity (24-5) - Next four games (Concordia, Centenary, Hardin Simmons) present them with a great opportunity to state their case for being the West's top team. Hirschberg's numbers are fantastic and I like that their pitching staff has 8 guys who've thrown 15+ innings (should pay off come Regionals)

3) UT-Tyler (21-6) - Lineup has cooled off some, but the pitching staff still boasts an impressive 2.76 ERA thanks to a pair of solid front end starters in Cotton and Marah. However, I'm not too impressed by their schedule and IMO they only have one series left against a legitimate ball club (Centenary)

4) Cal Lutheran (16-6-1) - Has won every series thus far in the tough SCIAC and has a slight edge on NWC opponents after fairing 3-2-1 against Fox and Whitworth. Team batting average is terrific (.345) led by Nick Boggan whose numbers are very similar to Hirschberg's from TU

5) Pomona-Pitzer (17-6) - Only conference series lost was to Cal Lu and they swept  NWC opponents Pacific and Whitworth by going 4-0. Still have La Verne left on the schedule and Linfield. Rosenbaum may be the best freshmen in the West as well.

6) George Fox (16-6) - Dropped 2 to Whitman last weekend and should have got swept had the Missionaries not blown a 9th inning lead. 2nd half of the conference schedule features all the top teams, besides them, so we'll quickly learn if they are worthy of a trip to Austin.

7) Texas Lutheran (20-7) - Record against the more quality opponents isn't eye-opening thus, but their last 7 games include TU, Concordia, and Hardin-Simmons which will be crucial for them. Basically flipped a coin between them and Fox

8) La Verne (14-7) - Have a couple nice wins against Linfield and Kean, but need a good showing against Cal Lu and Pomona to boost their resume.

Others on the outside looking in:

Texas-Dallas (14-14), Chapman (11-12), Concordia (14-15), Pacific Lutheran (13-9), Hardin-Simmons (15-10) - All need to rattle off a lot of wins over the next month or so in order to make a strong case for a Pool C bid

Or one of those ASC or SCIAC teams could just throw off everything if they win their conference tournament! 

[infielddad]

Trinity beats Concordia 8-2.  Over their past 7 games, TU is 6-1 and didn't throw their #1.  Every start but one was quality.
While Hirshberg finally cooled off, it is just a question of time before others contribute.
Clements, for instance, is too good with the bat to be hitting below .240 for a season. 
More and better innings from a number of young pitchers, the continued maturation of the freshman, and better defense especially from Muscarello bodes well especially if they finally get the AB's from all 9 in the line up which approach the ability of every hitter.

[CrashDavisD3]

My take on the West's Top Teams thus far:

1) Linfield (18-3) - Continues to play well in all phases of the game. Still has some big weekends ahead that feature Pacific Lutheran, George Fox, and a trip south to play Pomona-Pitzer and La Verne.

2) Trinity (24-5) - Next four games (Concordia, Centenary, Hardin Simmons) present them with a great opportunity to state their case for being the West’s top team. Hirschberg’s numbers are fantastic and I like that their pitching staff has 8 guys who’ve thrown 15+ innings (should pay off come Regionals)

3) UT-Tyler (21-6) - Lineup has cooled off some, but the pitching staff still boasts an impressive 2.76 ERA thanks to a pair of solid front end starters in Cotton and Marah. However, I’m not too impressed by their schedule and IMO they only have one series left against a legitimate ball club (Centenary)

4) Cal Lutheran (16-6-1) - Has won every series thus far in the tough SCIAC and has a slight edge on NWC opponents after fairing 3-2-1 against Fox and Whitworth. Team batting average is terrific (.345) led by Nick Boggan whose numbers are very similar to Hirschberg’s from TU

5) Pomona-Pitzer (17-6) - Only conference series lost was to Cal Lu and they swept  NWC opponents Pacific and Whitworth by going 4-0. Still have La Verne left on the schedule and Linfield. Rosenbaum may be the best freshmen in the West as well.

6) George Fox (16-6) - Dropped 2 to Whitman last weekend and should have got swept had the Missionaries not blown a 9th inning lead. 2nd half of the conference schedule features all the top teams, besides them, so we’ll quickly learn if they are worthy of a trip to Austin.

7) Texas Lutheran (20-7) - Record against the more quality opponents isn’t eye-opening thus, but their last 7 games include TU, Concordia, and Hardin-Simmons which will be crucial for them. Basically flipped a coin between them and Fox

8) La Verne (14-7) - Have a couple nice wins against Linfield and Kean, but need a good showing against Cal Lu and Pomona to boost their resume.

Others on the outside looking in:

Texas-Dallas (14-14), Chapman (11-12), Concordia (14-15), Pacific Lutheran (13-9), Hardin-Simmons (15-10) - All need to rattle off a lot of wins over the next month or so in order to make a strong case for a Pool C bid

Or one of those ASC or SCIAC teams could just throw off everything if they win their conference tournament! 

Nice Job !

[CrashDavisD3]

It would be nice of the NWC joined the rest of the world with a conference tourney to decide Pool A bid. Cost and weather may be factors of why they dont.

[Whatagame]

It would be nice of the NWC joined the rest of the world with a conference tourney to decide Pool A bid. Cost and weather may be factors of why they dont.

I don't know if a NWC tourney is happening soon, although I don't believe cost or weather is the concern.  On one hand, its nice to reward the team who comes out on top after a 24 game conference schedule, however, a tourney between let's say the top 4 teams after conference play sure makes things exciting as teams battle for one of those spots.

On an unrelated note, I saw a headline today on MLB.com that Tim McCarver has announced that 2013 WILL BE HIS LAST SEASON ON FOX BASEBALL!!!!!!!!!!!!  I can turn off the mute button for the 2014 post season.

[Ralph Turner]

It would be nice of the NWC joined the rest of the world with a conference tourney to decide Pool A bid. Cost and weather may be factors of why they dont.

I don't know if a NWC tourney is happening soon, although I don't believe cost or weather is the concern.  On one hand, its nice to reward the team who comes out on top after a 24 game conference schedule, however, a tourney between let's say the top 4 teams after conference play sure makes things exciting as teams battle for one of those spots.

On an unrelated note, I saw a headline today on MLB.com that Tim McCarver has announced that 2013 WILL BE HIS LAST SEASON ON FOX BASEBALL!!!!!!!!!!!!  I can turn off the mute button for the 2014 post season.

I would be careful about making such a brash statement.

Considering the state of broadcast journalism in 2013, who was the last color announcer that you heard who did not make inane statements?                

[CrashDavisD3]

Trinity has lost 3 of 4 to Centenary. should they be ranked high in the polls. Centenary has 7 losses 6 by 1 run.

[wildcat11]

It would be nice of the NWC joined the rest of the world with a conference tourney to decide Pool A bid. Cost and weather may be factors of why they dont.

I've never been a fan of conference tournaments and glad the NWC baseball teams have resisted.  The Pool A bid should go to the team who has shown over the entirety of the conference season that they're the best club from start to finish.