As soon as I published part I I immediately thought of a handful of other notes and thoughts I had from the fall session of practices and intra-squad series. So without further delay, here are more bullet-points of Buckeye tidbits.
Showing posts with label Fall Practice. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fall Practice. Show all posts
Friday, November 12, 2010
Thursday, November 11, 2010
Initial Thoughts from Fall Practices
I've put this to the side for quite some bit and I apologize, midterms and other stuff have greatly hindered my time.
But to get back to discussing the current Buckeyes I wanted to share a few thoughts before I really dig into what unfolded and what to expect come spring for the Scarlet and Gray.
But to get back to discussing the current Buckeyes I wanted to share a few thoughts before I really dig into what unfolded and what to expect come spring for the Scarlet and Gray.
Monday, October 25, 2010
Buckeye Baseball Fall Reports
Thrilled you all are I'm sure of who will be future Buckeyes, but I'm sure the desire is there to know what to make of the current Buckeyes and how Autumn practices went. Fear not as I am in the process of providing news, insights, and thoughts into the program after Coach Beals' first practice opportunities with the team.
Below you will fine the schedule of events of fall ball recap.
Below you will fine the schedule of events of fall ball recap.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Buckeyes in Full Swing in Beals First Fall Ball
Beals Era Begins for Buckeye Baseball
For the first time in 23 years Ohio State has a new coach, in Greg Beals, in charge of its baseball program as fall practices for the Buckeyes are now underway.
Monday, September 20, 2010
Scarlet & Gray World Series Dates Set
As Ohio State concludes a four-day, two-a-days practice session before Autumn Quarter begins, announced are the dates that represent the end of Fall Ball. At the conclusion of the 27-day Autumn practice season will be the annual Scarlet & Gray World Series. The 2010 version will be a best-of-five game series on the following dates:
Game 1 - Wed., Oct. 13: 3 p.m.
Game 2 - Fri., Oct. 15: 3 p.m.
Game 3 - Sat., Oct. 16: 10 a.m.
Game 4 - Wed., Oct. 20: 3 p.m. (if necessary)
Game 5 - Thurs., Oct. 21: 3 p.m. (if necessary)
Played in Bill Davis Stadium, the best-of-five game series will be open to the public and with no admission charge.
Game 1 - Wed., Oct. 13: 3 p.m.
Game 2 - Fri., Oct. 15: 3 p.m.
Game 3 - Sat., Oct. 16: 10 a.m.
Game 4 - Wed., Oct. 20: 3 p.m. (if necessary)
Game 5 - Thurs., Oct. 21: 3 p.m. (if necessary)
Played in Bill Davis Stadium, the best-of-five game series will be open to the public and with no admission charge.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Where we stand: Catchers
First part of 2009 wrap-ups and 2010 previews begins with the catchers.
Returning Players:
Sr. Shawn Forsythe (18 games, 4 starts)
Jr. Dan Burkhart (105, 105) 2009 starter
Jr. DJ Hanlin (4, 0)
R-Fr. David Fathalikhani (0, 0)
Incoming Players:
F Steel Russell
Spring Roundup:
Burkhart is coming off of a 2009 campaign which saw him share first team All-Big Ten honors with Indiana catcher Josh Phegley. Though the all conference selection resulted in a tie, it was Burkhart who the coaches selected as the Big Ten Player of the Year.
Being used in the 5-hole before sliding up a spot during the second half of the season anchoring the Bucks as its clean-up hitter, the Cincinnati Moeller product batted .354, with 13 doubles, three triples, 10 home runs, and 62 RBI. Burkhart’s .529 slugging percentage was second on the team behind CF Michael Stephens. His .429 on-base percentage tied for the team lead along with DH Ryan Dew and SS Tyler Engle. Combined Burkhart’s 1.018 OPS tied for the team lead with Stephens, ideal production from your clean-up hitter. In conference play the numbers Burkhart put up stayed consistent, posting a line of .350-.575-461.
What makes Burkhart stand out besides the raw numbers is digging deeper into the numbers and seeing a complete player. Blending power wth patience, in drawing 31 base on balls compared to 29 strikeouts, only three other Big Ten hitters with 10+ home runs finished with a BB: K ratio of 1 or better. Teammate Dew who walked an equal amount of strikeout at 12. Purdue third basemen Dan Black who walked 62 times against 46 strikeouts, and Phegley with 45 free passes to34 strikeouts.
Defensively opponents successfully stole bases off Burkhart 65% of the time which finished 4th best behind Minnesota’s Kyle Knudson 60%, Chad Noble from Northwestern at 62%, and Aaron Johnson from Illinois at 64%. Providing a solid glove along with a strong arm Burkhart allowed just 3 passed balls, fewest in the Big Ten.
As you can imagine with the Big Ten Player of the Year in front of you on the depth chart, finding a way to squeeze yourself into the line-up can be challenging, a task that was dealt to Hanlin and Forsythe. Forsythe who is entering his 5th season with the program did pick up at-bats and playing time in 2009, providing veteran depth for the Buckeyes behind the plate.
Appearing in 17 games making four starts, Forsythe batted .238 picking up five hits in 21 at-bats. All five were singles, but the former Sheridan General did drive in three runs, and crossed home four times himself. A bug-a-boo for Forsythe however was his defense behind the plate. Compared to the three passed balls Burkhart allowed in 57 starts, Forsythe allowed two, collected three catcher interference, and base runners successfully stole nine bags in 11 attempts.
DJ Hanlin rounds out the returning catchers. A junior, Hanlin saw playing time in four games, went 1-for-2 and drove in a run. Walk-on David Fathalikhani did not see any playing time in 2009, taking a red-shirt year.
Summer Showings:
As expected, as one of college baseball’s best, Burkhart spent the summer playing in the most prestigious of collegiate summer leagues, the Cape Cod Baseball League. Playing for the Hyannis Mets, Burkhart was selected an alternative to the CCBL All Star game. With the wooden bat Burkhart hit at a .295 clip, third on the team, with a pair of doubles and a triple.
Along with Burkhart, Forsythe dropped the aluminum for the wood in honoring his skills over the summer. Playing for Rockbridge Rapids alongside teammates Brian DeLucia and Jared Strayer, Forsythe made eight starts, appearing in 13 games. In 24 at-bats, Forsythe batted .125, collecting three hits and a RBI.
Autumn Activities:
Burkhart went 6-for-12 with 4 RBI, in the three game Scarlet & Gray World Series. Catching the entire first two games behind the plate, Burkhart trotted out to third for the deciding third game, a site new to Buckeye fans.
Neither Forsythe nor Hanlin collected a hit in the three games, sharing catching duty for the Gray team. While Fathalikhani did pick up a hit in his lone at-bat for the Scarlet team.
Where we stand:
Obviously the position is Burkhart’s to lose, which we highly doubt that will happen. As the player Coach Bob Todd referred to time and time again as the team’s most valuable player, a lot will be expected from Burkhart. After his breakout sophomore year, though not on the level Phegley was, Burkhart’s name is resonating through the collegiate baseball world.
As the reigning Big Ten Player of the Year, Burkhart will not sneak up on anyone, however given the skill and depth of the Buckeyes line-up, opposing pitchers won’t have the luxury of giving Burkhart the Dan Black treatment of intentional, unintentional free passes. Burkhart will get his chances to again by the catalyst in the Buckeyes batting order, presumably batting clean-up once again.
As long as Burkhart maintains his focus he should once again put up stellar numbers. Where another year of college baseball under his belt, the line-up the Bucks have, and a sense of urgency that this is the year, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Burkhart bat near .370, line-up 15 home runs, and drive in close to 75 runs
Behind Burkhart you can expect Forsythe to step in on days Burkhart is given off, and do a serviceable job. Hanlin could provide pinch-hit value and a lot defensive replacement off the bench on those days. Fathalikhani is probably still a year or two away from extended playing time. True freshman Steel Russell who will be highlighted later will also provide depth for what could be the Big Ten’s best collection of backstops.
Grade: A. Though top heavy with Burkhart, having Forsythe with some time behind the plate doesn't the the cupboard bare. The numbers are there and if Russell brings the bat from Autumn to Spring this group could be very deep with numbers and talent.
Returning Players:
Sr. Shawn Forsythe (18 games, 4 starts)
Jr. Dan Burkhart (105, 105) 2009 starter
Jr. DJ Hanlin (4, 0)
R-Fr. David Fathalikhani (0, 0)
Incoming Players:
F Steel Russell
Spring Roundup:
Burkhart is coming off of a 2009 campaign which saw him share first team All-Big Ten honors with Indiana catcher Josh Phegley. Though the all conference selection resulted in a tie, it was Burkhart who the coaches selected as the Big Ten Player of the Year.
Being used in the 5-hole before sliding up a spot during the second half of the season anchoring the Bucks as its clean-up hitter, the Cincinnati Moeller product batted .354, with 13 doubles, three triples, 10 home runs, and 62 RBI. Burkhart’s .529 slugging percentage was second on the team behind CF Michael Stephens. His .429 on-base percentage tied for the team lead along with DH Ryan Dew and SS Tyler Engle. Combined Burkhart’s 1.018 OPS tied for the team lead with Stephens, ideal production from your clean-up hitter. In conference play the numbers Burkhart put up stayed consistent, posting a line of .350-.575-461.
What makes Burkhart stand out besides the raw numbers is digging deeper into the numbers and seeing a complete player. Blending power wth patience, in drawing 31 base on balls compared to 29 strikeouts, only three other Big Ten hitters with 10+ home runs finished with a BB: K ratio of 1 or better. Teammate Dew who walked an equal amount of strikeout at 12. Purdue third basemen Dan Black who walked 62 times against 46 strikeouts, and Phegley with 45 free passes to34 strikeouts.
Defensively opponents successfully stole bases off Burkhart 65% of the time which finished 4th best behind Minnesota’s Kyle Knudson 60%, Chad Noble from Northwestern at 62%, and Aaron Johnson from Illinois at 64%. Providing a solid glove along with a strong arm Burkhart allowed just 3 passed balls, fewest in the Big Ten.
As you can imagine with the Big Ten Player of the Year in front of you on the depth chart, finding a way to squeeze yourself into the line-up can be challenging, a task that was dealt to Hanlin and Forsythe. Forsythe who is entering his 5th season with the program did pick up at-bats and playing time in 2009, providing veteran depth for the Buckeyes behind the plate.
Appearing in 17 games making four starts, Forsythe batted .238 picking up five hits in 21 at-bats. All five were singles, but the former Sheridan General did drive in three runs, and crossed home four times himself. A bug-a-boo for Forsythe however was his defense behind the plate. Compared to the three passed balls Burkhart allowed in 57 starts, Forsythe allowed two, collected three catcher interference, and base runners successfully stole nine bags in 11 attempts.
DJ Hanlin rounds out the returning catchers. A junior, Hanlin saw playing time in four games, went 1-for-2 and drove in a run. Walk-on David Fathalikhani did not see any playing time in 2009, taking a red-shirt year.
Summer Showings:
As expected, as one of college baseball’s best, Burkhart spent the summer playing in the most prestigious of collegiate summer leagues, the Cape Cod Baseball League. Playing for the Hyannis Mets, Burkhart was selected an alternative to the CCBL All Star game. With the wooden bat Burkhart hit at a .295 clip, third on the team, with a pair of doubles and a triple.
Along with Burkhart, Forsythe dropped the aluminum for the wood in honoring his skills over the summer. Playing for Rockbridge Rapids alongside teammates Brian DeLucia and Jared Strayer, Forsythe made eight starts, appearing in 13 games. In 24 at-bats, Forsythe batted .125, collecting three hits and a RBI.
Autumn Activities:
Burkhart went 6-for-12 with 4 RBI, in the three game Scarlet & Gray World Series. Catching the entire first two games behind the plate, Burkhart trotted out to third for the deciding third game, a site new to Buckeye fans.
Neither Forsythe nor Hanlin collected a hit in the three games, sharing catching duty for the Gray team. While Fathalikhani did pick up a hit in his lone at-bat for the Scarlet team.
Where we stand:
Obviously the position is Burkhart’s to lose, which we highly doubt that will happen. As the player Coach Bob Todd referred to time and time again as the team’s most valuable player, a lot will be expected from Burkhart. After his breakout sophomore year, though not on the level Phegley was, Burkhart’s name is resonating through the collegiate baseball world.
As the reigning Big Ten Player of the Year, Burkhart will not sneak up on anyone, however given the skill and depth of the Buckeyes line-up, opposing pitchers won’t have the luxury of giving Burkhart the Dan Black treatment of intentional, unintentional free passes. Burkhart will get his chances to again by the catalyst in the Buckeyes batting order, presumably batting clean-up once again.
As long as Burkhart maintains his focus he should once again put up stellar numbers. Where another year of college baseball under his belt, the line-up the Bucks have, and a sense of urgency that this is the year, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Burkhart bat near .370, line-up 15 home runs, and drive in close to 75 runs
Behind Burkhart you can expect Forsythe to step in on days Burkhart is given off, and do a serviceable job. Hanlin could provide pinch-hit value and a lot defensive replacement off the bench on those days. Fathalikhani is probably still a year or two away from extended playing time. True freshman Steel Russell who will be highlighted later will also provide depth for what could be the Big Ten’s best collection of backstops.
Grade: A. Though top heavy with Burkhart, having Forsythe with some time behind the plate doesn't the the cupboard bare. The numbers are there and if Russell brings the bat from Autumn to Spring this group could be very deep with numbers and talent.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
McKinney leads Scarlet in victory
COLUMBUS, Ohio - The Ohio State baseball team's annual Scarlet and Gray World Series was decided on the final game of the three game series with Scarlet coming out on top, 8-3, Wednesday evening at Bill Davis Stadium.
The Gray scored a run in the top of the first inning. Senior Cory Kovanda doubled sharply to left and came around to score on senior Cory Rupert's single to right.
Scarlet came back against Gray pitcher Theron Minium with two two-out runs to take a 2-1 lead. After a walk to Brian DeLucia, Ryan Cypret, Steel Russell and Joe Ciamacco all singled to plate the two runs.
Ryan Dew's RBI single in the third increased the Scarlet lead to 3-1. Scoring on the play was Dan Burkhart, who had stroked a one-out single.
Gray threatened in the fourth with two on and nobody out. But like he did Friday with the bases loaded and nobody out, McKinney got out of the jam. He struck out David Corna for the first out and then got an inning-ending and textbook, 4-6-3 double play.
Tyler Engle laid down a delicately nice bunt with one out in the Scarlet fifth. He moved to second on a throwing error on the play and went to third on a wild pitch. Minium helped himself by striking out Burkhart to get the second out of the inning. It also signaled the end of Minium's start as Nick Jones came in to try and get the third out of the inning. And he did. With one pitch he coaxed a ground out.
Scarlet starter McKinney had another nice outing. He went 5.0 innings allowing just one run off five hits. He struck out three and did not walk a batter to improve his record to 2-0 this fall.
Gray cut the lead to one run with a two-out score in the sixth. Stephens singled, stole second and scored on Matt Streng's double to left.
But Scarlet went back up by two in its half of the sixth as Burkhart doubled in Chris Griffin, who had singled with one out.
Back came Gray. With two out in the eighth and facing side-armed throwing Jared Strayer, Stephens and Matt Streng hit back-to-back doubles with Stephens scoring to make the score 4-3.
Scarlet finally put the game away with four runs in the eighth inning off a walk, a hit, a fielder's choice, and three errors to carry a 8-3 lead into the ninth inning.
Strayer shut down Gray in the ninth to earn the save.
Dan Burkhart and Ryan Cypret each had a pair of hits for Scarlet. Streng finished 3-for-4 with a pair of runs batted in while Kovanda and Stephens each added two hits for Gray.
The Gray scored a run in the top of the first inning. Senior Cory Kovanda doubled sharply to left and came around to score on senior Cory Rupert's single to right.
Scarlet came back against Gray pitcher Theron Minium with two two-out runs to take a 2-1 lead. After a walk to Brian DeLucia, Ryan Cypret, Steel Russell and Joe Ciamacco all singled to plate the two runs.
Ryan Dew's RBI single in the third increased the Scarlet lead to 3-1. Scoring on the play was Dan Burkhart, who had stroked a one-out single.
Gray threatened in the fourth with two on and nobody out. But like he did Friday with the bases loaded and nobody out, McKinney got out of the jam. He struck out David Corna for the first out and then got an inning-ending and textbook, 4-6-3 double play.
Tyler Engle laid down a delicately nice bunt with one out in the Scarlet fifth. He moved to second on a throwing error on the play and went to third on a wild pitch. Minium helped himself by striking out Burkhart to get the second out of the inning. It also signaled the end of Minium's start as Nick Jones came in to try and get the third out of the inning. And he did. With one pitch he coaxed a ground out.
Scarlet starter McKinney had another nice outing. He went 5.0 innings allowing just one run off five hits. He struck out three and did not walk a batter to improve his record to 2-0 this fall.
Gray cut the lead to one run with a two-out score in the sixth. Stephens singled, stole second and scored on Matt Streng's double to left.
But Scarlet went back up by two in its half of the sixth as Burkhart doubled in Chris Griffin, who had singled with one out.
Back came Gray. With two out in the eighth and facing side-armed throwing Jared Strayer, Stephens and Matt Streng hit back-to-back doubles with Stephens scoring to make the score 4-3.
Scarlet finally put the game away with four runs in the eighth inning off a walk, a hit, a fielder's choice, and three errors to carry a 8-3 lead into the ninth inning.
Strayer shut down Gray in the ninth to earn the save.
Dan Burkhart and Ryan Cypret each had a pair of hits for Scarlet. Streng finished 3-for-4 with a pair of runs batted in while Kovanda and Stephens each added two hits for Gray.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Gray Tops Scarlet, 5-2, to Even Series
COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Clutch hitting and a strong performance by starter Drew Rucinski pushed Gray past Scarlet, 5-2, Monday afternoon at Bill Davis Stadium, tying the Scarlet and Gray World Series at one win apiece. A deciding Game 3 will be played Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.
The junior from Broken Arrow, Okla. had everything working, retiring 13 of the 17 batters he faced.
"Rucinski looked filthy today," Scarlet catcher Dan Burkhart said. "He has developed a changeup that's almost like Alex Wimmers' changeup. It really messed with the left-handed hitters today and if he is able to throw it this season he is going to keep a lot of batters off balance."
The Gray team got on the board in the top half of the first on a two-out single by senior Michael Stephens driving in another senior, Zach Hurley. The visitors tacked on another in the third when redshirt junior Matt Streng drove in senior Cory Kovanda on a ground ball to second base.
Scarlet threatened in the bottom of the fourth with runners on first and third and just one down but a Chris Griffin liner was snagged by redshirt freshman Zach Nowland at first and turned into an unassisted double play to end the inning.
With one down in the top of the fourth, freshman Hunter Mayfield singled and advanced to third on a double into the gap in right-center by Hurley. Kovanda then drove home Mayfield on a sacrifice fly to put Gray up 3-0.
After Kovanda drove in redshirt junior D.J. Hanlin to increase the Gray lead to 4-0 in the top of the sixth, Scarlet put a pair on the board in the bottom of the frame to cut the lead in half. After walking to lead off the inning, redshirt freshman Joe Ciamacco scored on a Burkhart groundout and freshman Steel Russell would score on a wild pitch for the second Scarlet run.
Gray added an insurance run to go up 5-2 in the top of the seventh when Stephens singled to lead off the inning, advanced to third on a single by redshirt junior Matt Streng and scored on a single by redshirt sophomore David Corna.
Scarlet would make it interesting in the bottom of the seventh as three of the first four hitters singled but junior Paul Geuy induced a pop-up by Russell and Griffin grounded into the game-ending fielder's choice.
"It kind of all came together for us," Kovanda said. "We were good defensively and got some really good pitching. We're in first gear and getting ready to cruise into second Wednesday night."
Kovanda finished the day 2-for-3 with a run scored and pair of runs batted in. Hurley, Kovanda, Stephens and Streng each had a pair of hits for the Gray squad. Russell went 2-for-3 with a run scored for Scarlet.
Rucinski tossed five-plus innings, giving up just one earned on a pair of hits while striking out three. Geuy picked up the save for Gray and redshirt junior Dean Wolosiansky took the loss for Scarlet, going 3.2 innings, giving up seven hits and two earned runs.
The rubber game of the 2009 Scarlet and Gray World Series will be tonight at Bill Davis Stadium. First pitch is set for 6:35 p.m
The junior from Broken Arrow, Okla. had everything working, retiring 13 of the 17 batters he faced.
"Rucinski looked filthy today," Scarlet catcher Dan Burkhart said. "He has developed a changeup that's almost like Alex Wimmers' changeup. It really messed with the left-handed hitters today and if he is able to throw it this season he is going to keep a lot of batters off balance."
The Gray team got on the board in the top half of the first on a two-out single by senior Michael Stephens driving in another senior, Zach Hurley. The visitors tacked on another in the third when redshirt junior Matt Streng drove in senior Cory Kovanda on a ground ball to second base.
Scarlet threatened in the bottom of the fourth with runners on first and third and just one down but a Chris Griffin liner was snagged by redshirt freshman Zach Nowland at first and turned into an unassisted double play to end the inning.
With one down in the top of the fourth, freshman Hunter Mayfield singled and advanced to third on a double into the gap in right-center by Hurley. Kovanda then drove home Mayfield on a sacrifice fly to put Gray up 3-0.
After Kovanda drove in redshirt junior D.J. Hanlin to increase the Gray lead to 4-0 in the top of the sixth, Scarlet put a pair on the board in the bottom of the frame to cut the lead in half. After walking to lead off the inning, redshirt freshman Joe Ciamacco scored on a Burkhart groundout and freshman Steel Russell would score on a wild pitch for the second Scarlet run.
Gray added an insurance run to go up 5-2 in the top of the seventh when Stephens singled to lead off the inning, advanced to third on a single by redshirt junior Matt Streng and scored on a single by redshirt sophomore David Corna.
Scarlet would make it interesting in the bottom of the seventh as three of the first four hitters singled but junior Paul Geuy induced a pop-up by Russell and Griffin grounded into the game-ending fielder's choice.
"It kind of all came together for us," Kovanda said. "We were good defensively and got some really good pitching. We're in first gear and getting ready to cruise into second Wednesday night."
Kovanda finished the day 2-for-3 with a run scored and pair of runs batted in. Hurley, Kovanda, Stephens and Streng each had a pair of hits for the Gray squad. Russell went 2-for-3 with a run scored for Scarlet.
Rucinski tossed five-plus innings, giving up just one earned on a pair of hits while striking out three. Geuy picked up the save for Gray and redshirt junior Dean Wolosiansky took the loss for Scarlet, going 3.2 innings, giving up seven hits and two earned runs.
The rubber game of the 2009 Scarlet and Gray World Series will be tonight at Bill Davis Stadium. First pitch is set for 6:35 p.m
Saturday, October 10, 2009
16-Hit Attack Sparks Scarlet to 7-0 Win
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio State Scarlet team opened the 2009 Scarlet and Gray World Series with a 7-0 win over the Gray behind solid pitching from freshman starter Brett McKinney and a 16-hit attack with catcher Dan Burkhart leading the way with four hits, three runs and two RBI.
McKinney, a 6-2, 225-pound right-hander from Badin High School in Hamilton, Ohio, worked 5.0 scoreless innings while allowing just five hits, one walk and he struck out four. His two biggest strikeouts came in the second inning with the bases loaded and nobody out. He got out of the jam by coaxing a fly ball for the third out and he was not seriously threatened from that point.
“It felt really good…great,” McKinney, whose parents Chuck and “Mel” were among the 100-or-so fans in the stands, said. “I knew I could do it [pitch well]. It makes a difference when you are locating pitches and throwing strikes. And I was able to throw strikes with all three pitches – my fastball, slider and change-up.”
McKinney also said getting out of the bases-loaded squeeze was “a confidence booster.”
Gray starting pitcher Theron Minium also pitched himself out of a bases loaded jam, in the top of the first inning. His came with two outs and he was able to get out of the inning with a fly-out as well.
Minium gave up just one unearned run and took the loss. He pitched 3.2 innings, scattered five hits and had one walk and two strikeouts.
Scarlet, coached by Pete Jenkins, jumped on top in the fourth when redshirt freshman Ryan Cypret knocked in Brad Hallberg, another second-year freshman. The visitors would add another pair in the fifth when Burkhart, the Player of the Year in the Big Ten last year, doubled in junior shortstop Tyler Engle. Burkhart then came around to score to extend the Scarlet lead to 3-0.
Burkhart singled and scored in the seventh inning and then had an RBI double, part of a three-run eighth inning, to put the game away.
“Something had been wrong mechanically with my swing but I just figured it out a couple days ago,” Burkhart said. “Actually a couple other players noticed what I was doing and they helped me. Tonight it felt good.”
Cypret had three hits and two RBI while Ryan Dew had two hits, including an eighth-inning double, and a pair of RBI. Hallberg and junior outfielder Brian DeLucia, returning to the field after medical redshirt seasons in 2009, had two hits apiece.
Gray had only seven hits off a trio of Scarlet pitchers. Michael Stephens and David Corna had two apiece.
The Scarlet and Gray World Series continues at 3 p.m. Monday at Bill Davis Stadium. Junior right-hander Dean Wolosiansky will make the start for Scarlet and the Gray squad will go with 2009 All-American Alex Wimmers.
More News and Notes from the Press Box:
Coach Bob Todd on what he saw Friday: “I’m glad the rain held off and we got to play. There were a couple of really nice plays today. Zach Hurley made a nice throw from center to get a runner at the plate and Dan Burkhart really did a nice job of running the bases, especially scoring from third on an infield hit.”
Three of the team’s four fall-walk-on pitchers saw action in the game. Drew Malley pitched 2.0 scoreless innings for the Scarlet. Nick Jones pitched 2.0 innings and Paul Geuy pitched 1.1 innings, respectively, for Gray.
Jared Strayer closed the game for the Scarlet with one inning of nearly perfect work. His only blemish was hitting Michael Stephens, who has a knack for getting hit anyway.
Strayer unveiled a new sidearm delivery he has been working on since the end of last season.
Burkhart, who caught the entire game, on the freshman Brett McKinney: “He was solid. Like a freshman, he wanted to show us what he had and I thought he did a good job. He threw strikes and that led to outs and that’s what we needed with this weather. And he got the job done with the bases loaded. You can’t ask for anything better than two strikeouts in that situation. He showed us how he is going to compete.”
And more Bob Todd: “We did some things fundamentally well today that we’ve been preaching about all fall. We’ve still got a ways to go, though.”
Somehow a wall of rain that has blanketed the Midwest the last 24 hours did not open up during the game and the teams were able to get a pre-determined eight uninterrupted innings of baseball played.
For the first time in years – Years! – the members of the baseball team had to actually put the tarp onto the field. This was spur of the moment Thursday and the coaches gave the best-in-the-business Bill Davis Stadium grounds crew a break while they were busy preparing other fields for about an eight-event day on Friday on campus.
McKinney, a 6-2, 225-pound right-hander from Badin High School in Hamilton, Ohio, worked 5.0 scoreless innings while allowing just five hits, one walk and he struck out four. His two biggest strikeouts came in the second inning with the bases loaded and nobody out. He got out of the jam by coaxing a fly ball for the third out and he was not seriously threatened from that point.
“It felt really good…great,” McKinney, whose parents Chuck and “Mel” were among the 100-or-so fans in the stands, said. “I knew I could do it [pitch well]. It makes a difference when you are locating pitches and throwing strikes. And I was able to throw strikes with all three pitches – my fastball, slider and change-up.”
McKinney also said getting out of the bases-loaded squeeze was “a confidence booster.”
Gray starting pitcher Theron Minium also pitched himself out of a bases loaded jam, in the top of the first inning. His came with two outs and he was able to get out of the inning with a fly-out as well.
Minium gave up just one unearned run and took the loss. He pitched 3.2 innings, scattered five hits and had one walk and two strikeouts.
Scarlet, coached by Pete Jenkins, jumped on top in the fourth when redshirt freshman Ryan Cypret knocked in Brad Hallberg, another second-year freshman. The visitors would add another pair in the fifth when Burkhart, the Player of the Year in the Big Ten last year, doubled in junior shortstop Tyler Engle. Burkhart then came around to score to extend the Scarlet lead to 3-0.
Burkhart singled and scored in the seventh inning and then had an RBI double, part of a three-run eighth inning, to put the game away.
“Something had been wrong mechanically with my swing but I just figured it out a couple days ago,” Burkhart said. “Actually a couple other players noticed what I was doing and they helped me. Tonight it felt good.”
Cypret had three hits and two RBI while Ryan Dew had two hits, including an eighth-inning double, and a pair of RBI. Hallberg and junior outfielder Brian DeLucia, returning to the field after medical redshirt seasons in 2009, had two hits apiece.
Gray had only seven hits off a trio of Scarlet pitchers. Michael Stephens and David Corna had two apiece.
The Scarlet and Gray World Series continues at 3 p.m. Monday at Bill Davis Stadium. Junior right-hander Dean Wolosiansky will make the start for Scarlet and the Gray squad will go with 2009 All-American Alex Wimmers.
More News and Notes from the Press Box:
Coach Bob Todd on what he saw Friday: “I’m glad the rain held off and we got to play. There were a couple of really nice plays today. Zach Hurley made a nice throw from center to get a runner at the plate and Dan Burkhart really did a nice job of running the bases, especially scoring from third on an infield hit.”
Three of the team’s four fall-walk-on pitchers saw action in the game. Drew Malley pitched 2.0 scoreless innings for the Scarlet. Nick Jones pitched 2.0 innings and Paul Geuy pitched 1.1 innings, respectively, for Gray.
Jared Strayer closed the game for the Scarlet with one inning of nearly perfect work. His only blemish was hitting Michael Stephens, who has a knack for getting hit anyway.
Strayer unveiled a new sidearm delivery he has been working on since the end of last season.
Burkhart, who caught the entire game, on the freshman Brett McKinney: “He was solid. Like a freshman, he wanted to show us what he had and I thought he did a good job. He threw strikes and that led to outs and that’s what we needed with this weather. And he got the job done with the bases loaded. You can’t ask for anything better than two strikeouts in that situation. He showed us how he is going to compete.”
And more Bob Todd: “We did some things fundamentally well today that we’ve been preaching about all fall. We’ve still got a ways to go, though.”
Somehow a wall of rain that has blanketed the Midwest the last 24 hours did not open up during the game and the teams were able to get a pre-determined eight uninterrupted innings of baseball played.
For the first time in years – Years! – the members of the baseball team had to actually put the tarp onto the field. This was spur of the moment Thursday and the coaches gave the best-in-the-business Bill Davis Stadium grounds crew a break while they were busy preparing other fields for about an eight-event day on Friday on campus.
Friday, October 2, 2009
OSU Athletics Fall Ball Update: Fundamentally Sound
Coach Bob Todd likes the enthusiasm and effort his team is exhibiting
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Two weeks ago, coach Bob Todd stressed how the fall practice sessions were an opportunity to stress fundamentals and teach technique. Now nearing the midpoint of the fall sessions, the team is indeed getting its fill of both fundamental and technique work. And that is not so much out of necessity. The team, after all, returns an experienced, veteran unit with 19 seniors and juniors, and nine-of-10 every day starters from last year intact.
All that fundamental work is being increased because of a lack of pitching arms to throw intra-squad games on a daily basis. At least three Buckeyes are not throwing at all and the coaches want to be very careful with how much they utilize the rest of the staff this fall.
“We’re finding it tough to play some intra-squad games because of our pitching situation,” Todd said. “We are nursing some arms this fall. Eric Best, Andrew Armstrong and Cole Brown aren’t throwing at all and we are even going to take it easy with guys like Alex Wimmers, Dean Wolosiansky and Drew Rucincki. They threw a lot last spring and then again this summer. We are really going to take care of their arms.”
Regardless of the lack of intra-squad games, Todd is pleased with the direction fall ball has gone so far.
“I’m pleased with our practices. The players are working hard and there is a great team attitude. I really like the enthusiasm of the entire squad. We are having some upbeat practices.”
The players agreed with the coach’s assessment.
“Practices are going great,” junior pitcher Wolosiansky said. His comments were echoed by senior outfielders Zach Hurley and Michael Stephens. The three of them were enjoying a recent Sunday afternoon by taking in some of the Scarlet & Gray day action at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium. The women’s soccer team was in the midst of a 1-0 win over Michigan to improve their record to 8-1-1 on the season.
Although Bill Davis Stadium was next door, the players weren’t heading over to the park for some additional Sunday work. They’ve had plenty of work so far and, besides, the field hockey team was playing on North Turf Field so there was more sports for the three to watch.
And they saw another win, too. Ohio State defeated Indiana, 3-2, for its sixth win in succession to improve to 7-3-0 on the season.
Random Notes from the Diamond:
Zach Hurley and Michael Stephens both said that freshman right-hander Brett McKinney has looked good on the mound so far. Dean Wolosiansky said he thinks the first-year Buckeye is positioning himself to be a weekday starter this season.
Coach Bob Todd on Ryan Dew’s transition to first base: “Ryan played first base some as a freshman and also in high school, so the position is not foreign to him. There are things he’s got to work on and get better at…but we have four months [until the start of the season].”
Todd on Brian DeLucia’s outfield work: “Although Brian DeLucia couldn’t throw in the spring because of his injured finger, he did practice some in the outfield so he’s had some experience seeing the ball, going after it and learning about the necessary adjustments. He needs more time out there but he is coming along.”
This much is known about the Scarlet & Gray World Series schedule: Wednesday, Oct. 14will be the series game under the lights with the Diamond Club hosting their BBQ for the fans. Coaches are thinking of starting the World Series on a Friday (Oct. 9) and then continuing on the following Monday (Oct. 12) to get two days rest for the pitchers and conclude the three-game series on a Wednesday. Stay tuned.
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Two weeks ago, coach Bob Todd stressed how the fall practice sessions were an opportunity to stress fundamentals and teach technique. Now nearing the midpoint of the fall sessions, the team is indeed getting its fill of both fundamental and technique work. And that is not so much out of necessity. The team, after all, returns an experienced, veteran unit with 19 seniors and juniors, and nine-of-10 every day starters from last year intact.
All that fundamental work is being increased because of a lack of pitching arms to throw intra-squad games on a daily basis. At least three Buckeyes are not throwing at all and the coaches want to be very careful with how much they utilize the rest of the staff this fall.
“We’re finding it tough to play some intra-squad games because of our pitching situation,” Todd said. “We are nursing some arms this fall. Eric Best, Andrew Armstrong and Cole Brown aren’t throwing at all and we are even going to take it easy with guys like Alex Wimmers, Dean Wolosiansky and Drew Rucincki. They threw a lot last spring and then again this summer. We are really going to take care of their arms.”
Regardless of the lack of intra-squad games, Todd is pleased with the direction fall ball has gone so far.
“I’m pleased with our practices. The players are working hard and there is a great team attitude. I really like the enthusiasm of the entire squad. We are having some upbeat practices.”
The players agreed with the coach’s assessment.
“Practices are going great,” junior pitcher Wolosiansky said. His comments were echoed by senior outfielders Zach Hurley and Michael Stephens. The three of them were enjoying a recent Sunday afternoon by taking in some of the Scarlet & Gray day action at Jesse Owens Memorial Stadium. The women’s soccer team was in the midst of a 1-0 win over Michigan to improve their record to 8-1-1 on the season.
Although Bill Davis Stadium was next door, the players weren’t heading over to the park for some additional Sunday work. They’ve had plenty of work so far and, besides, the field hockey team was playing on North Turf Field so there was more sports for the three to watch.
And they saw another win, too. Ohio State defeated Indiana, 3-2, for its sixth win in succession to improve to 7-3-0 on the season.
Random Notes from the Diamond:
Zach Hurley and Michael Stephens both said that freshman right-hander Brett McKinney has looked good on the mound so far. Dean Wolosiansky said he thinks the first-year Buckeye is positioning himself to be a weekday starter this season.
Coach Bob Todd on Ryan Dew’s transition to first base: “Ryan played first base some as a freshman and also in high school, so the position is not foreign to him. There are things he’s got to work on and get better at…but we have four months [until the start of the season].”
Todd on Brian DeLucia’s outfield work: “Although Brian DeLucia couldn’t throw in the spring because of his injured finger, he did practice some in the outfield so he’s had some experience seeing the ball, going after it and learning about the necessary adjustments. He needs more time out there but he is coming along.”
This much is known about the Scarlet & Gray World Series schedule: Wednesday, Oct. 14will be the series game under the lights with the Diamond Club hosting their BBQ for the fans. Coaches are thinking of starting the World Series on a Friday (Oct. 9) and then continuing on the following Monday (Oct. 12) to get two days rest for the pitchers and conclude the three-game series on a Wednesday. Stay tuned.
Monday, September 14, 2009
2009 Ohio State Fall Baseball Primer
Courtesy OhioStateBuckeyes.com
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio State baseball team held its first practice of the 2009 fall season Monday at Bill Davis Stadium under lovely blue skies with superb September temperatures reaching near 80 degrees. The practice opened with a two-lap jog around the stadium, including passing the freshly painted outfield walls, before stretching exercises under the direction of strength and conditioning coach Luke Tipple.
Then coach Bob Todd addressed the team in the dugout before sending the players onto the field to continue the morning activities. Speaking with a lingering writer, Todd said the mission of the fall practices was to work on fundamentals and technique and to start to get the team ready to win a Big Ten championship and play in an NCAA tournament.
“Every year, winning a Big Ten title and playing as best as we can in the NCAA tournament is our goal,” Todd said. “And that goal does start in the fall in the form of team building and team bonding.
“Fall is also a time to stress fundamentals and to truly teach proper technique. There are certain techniques in baseball. Players that learn proper technique, and have talent, are the guys that are going to be the most successful.”
A handful of coaches will be working with the team this fall. Here is a snapshot look, starting with the head coach, of the guys behind the scenes preparing the Buckeyes for a defense of their 2009 Big Ten championship:
* Todd is beginning his 23rd year with the program and will enter the spring season needing just three victories to reach 1,000 for his career. He carries a 997-536-2 overall mark into this, his 27th season, as a Division I head coach. An 18-6 Big Ten record last year lifted his conference mark to 402-223 and earned Todd his seventh Big Ten regular season championship and his fifth Big Ten coach of the year honor.
* Greg Cypret is in his 27th season as Todd’s assistant coach and his 23rd year at Ohio State. He works with the team’s hitters and infielders and also oversees the program’s recruiting efforts.
* Eric Parker begins his sixth season on the Ohio State staff and his third in a fulltime assistant coaching capacity. He works with the team’s pitchers.
* Pete Jenkins is in his third year as the team’s volunteer assistant coach as he nears completion of his bachelor’s degree at nearby Franklin University. Jenkins works with the team’s catchers and outfielders and also coaches third base during games.
* And new to the staff this year is student assistant coach Justin Miller. The former two-time team captain and career .337 hitter, who ranks second all-time at Ohio State with 273 hits and T3rd with 178 RBI, will also work with the team’s outfielder’s and catchers. Miller will coach first base this season during games.
Up for the Taking
Just three every day players are gone from last year’s team, leaving three open spots up for grabs (along with great competition at the other positions): Justin Miller’s third base position; Michael Arp’s right field spot; and the team closer, filled so masterfully and in All-American fashion last season by Jake Hale (school record 17 saves with a 1.31 ERA and 39 consecutive games finished).
Strategic Placements
Some Buckeyes will be working out at more than one position or at new positions this fall.
* Ryan Dew, an outfielder his first three seasons but who was a first-team all-Big Ten Conference designated hitter last season after an injury hindered his upper body movement in the outfield, will work out at first base this fall.
* Junior Brian DeLucia, back from a broken finger that sidelined him virtually the entire 2009 season, will switch positions and work out primarily in the outfield but could also continue to get some looks at third base.
* Third-year sophomore outfielder David Corna will work at first base as a secondary position.
* First baseman Matt Streng, a fourth-year junior, may also see some time at third base in the fall.
Ranges of Motion
Several Buckeyes will use the fall to recover from injuries and or surgeries that will allow for limited or no range of competitive motion this fall.
* LHP Andrew Armstrong had shoulder surgery in July and he won’t even begin running until after fall ball.
* 3B Brad Hallberg, still recovering from shoulder surgery during the 2009 spring season, will spend time in the batter’s box but will not do any throwing across the infield.
* Like Hallberg, CF Michael Stephens will work on his hitting this fall while recovering from elbow surgery this July.
* LHP Eric Best is coming off late July shoulder surgery and will not throw this fall.
* It is still to be determined in what capacity freshman Cole Brown, who had shoulder surgery two starts into his senior season this spring at Lawton Chiles High School, will be able to pitch.
* A couple other pitchers may be limited in terms of throwing, but more will be known as the team gets some practices behind it.
New Numbers
The four new freshmen on the team will wear numbers 8 (OF Hunter Mayfield), 9 (C Steel Russell), 25 (RHP Cole Brown) and 39 (RHP Brett McKiney), respectively. And there is one number change: 2B Ryan Cypret will wear No. 2 this year after wearing No. 8 as a true freshman when now graduated Michael Arp was in No. 2.
Class Action
Eligibility-wise, the team is comprised of eight seniors, 11 juniors, three sophomores and nine freshmen (a total that includes five who red-shirted a year ago).
COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio State baseball team held its first practice of the 2009 fall season Monday at Bill Davis Stadium under lovely blue skies with superb September temperatures reaching near 80 degrees. The practice opened with a two-lap jog around the stadium, including passing the freshly painted outfield walls, before stretching exercises under the direction of strength and conditioning coach Luke Tipple.
Then coach Bob Todd addressed the team in the dugout before sending the players onto the field to continue the morning activities. Speaking with a lingering writer, Todd said the mission of the fall practices was to work on fundamentals and technique and to start to get the team ready to win a Big Ten championship and play in an NCAA tournament.
“Every year, winning a Big Ten title and playing as best as we can in the NCAA tournament is our goal,” Todd said. “And that goal does start in the fall in the form of team building and team bonding.
“Fall is also a time to stress fundamentals and to truly teach proper technique. There are certain techniques in baseball. Players that learn proper technique, and have talent, are the guys that are going to be the most successful.”
A handful of coaches will be working with the team this fall. Here is a snapshot look, starting with the head coach, of the guys behind the scenes preparing the Buckeyes for a defense of their 2009 Big Ten championship:
* Todd is beginning his 23rd year with the program and will enter the spring season needing just three victories to reach 1,000 for his career. He carries a 997-536-2 overall mark into this, his 27th season, as a Division I head coach. An 18-6 Big Ten record last year lifted his conference mark to 402-223 and earned Todd his seventh Big Ten regular season championship and his fifth Big Ten coach of the year honor.
* Greg Cypret is in his 27th season as Todd’s assistant coach and his 23rd year at Ohio State. He works with the team’s hitters and infielders and also oversees the program’s recruiting efforts.
* Eric Parker begins his sixth season on the Ohio State staff and his third in a fulltime assistant coaching capacity. He works with the team’s pitchers.
* Pete Jenkins is in his third year as the team’s volunteer assistant coach as he nears completion of his bachelor’s degree at nearby Franklin University. Jenkins works with the team’s catchers and outfielders and also coaches third base during games.
* And new to the staff this year is student assistant coach Justin Miller. The former two-time team captain and career .337 hitter, who ranks second all-time at Ohio State with 273 hits and T3rd with 178 RBI, will also work with the team’s outfielder’s and catchers. Miller will coach first base this season during games.
Up for the Taking
Just three every day players are gone from last year’s team, leaving three open spots up for grabs (along with great competition at the other positions): Justin Miller’s third base position; Michael Arp’s right field spot; and the team closer, filled so masterfully and in All-American fashion last season by Jake Hale (school record 17 saves with a 1.31 ERA and 39 consecutive games finished).
Strategic Placements
Some Buckeyes will be working out at more than one position or at new positions this fall.
* Ryan Dew, an outfielder his first three seasons but who was a first-team all-Big Ten Conference designated hitter last season after an injury hindered his upper body movement in the outfield, will work out at first base this fall.
* Junior Brian DeLucia, back from a broken finger that sidelined him virtually the entire 2009 season, will switch positions and work out primarily in the outfield but could also continue to get some looks at third base.
* Third-year sophomore outfielder David Corna will work at first base as a secondary position.
* First baseman Matt Streng, a fourth-year junior, may also see some time at third base in the fall.
Ranges of Motion
Several Buckeyes will use the fall to recover from injuries and or surgeries that will allow for limited or no range of competitive motion this fall.
* LHP Andrew Armstrong had shoulder surgery in July and he won’t even begin running until after fall ball.
* 3B Brad Hallberg, still recovering from shoulder surgery during the 2009 spring season, will spend time in the batter’s box but will not do any throwing across the infield.
* Like Hallberg, CF Michael Stephens will work on his hitting this fall while recovering from elbow surgery this July.
* LHP Eric Best is coming off late July shoulder surgery and will not throw this fall.
* It is still to be determined in what capacity freshman Cole Brown, who had shoulder surgery two starts into his senior season this spring at Lawton Chiles High School, will be able to pitch.
* A couple other pitchers may be limited in terms of throwing, but more will be known as the team gets some practices behind it.
New Numbers
The four new freshmen on the team will wear numbers 8 (OF Hunter Mayfield), 9 (C Steel Russell), 25 (RHP Cole Brown) and 39 (RHP Brett McKiney), respectively. And there is one number change: 2B Ryan Cypret will wear No. 2 this year after wearing No. 8 as a true freshman when now graduated Michael Arp was in No. 2.
Class Action
Eligibility-wise, the team is comprised of eight seniors, 11 juniors, three sophomores and nine freshmen (a total that includes five who red-shirted a year ago).
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Buckeye Nine Live Chat 9/13
Help me out readers.
Would there be any interest in a live chat sometime during the evening of Sunday September 13th, the eve of the first fall ball practices?
Figured and hope it could be a chance to interact, answer a few questions, add insight on a slew of things such as summer baseball, buckeyes in the minors, 2010 draft stock, incoming freshman, position battles, random thoughts, etc.
Just looking for ways to help put a spotlight on the baseball program and give info, insight, and coverage for the fans, parents, and friends of the program.
A simple poll is on the right, yes or no will do. A decision will be made by this Sunday the 6th. Thanks, and as always your feedback is much appreciated.
Would there be any interest in a live chat sometime during the evening of Sunday September 13th, the eve of the first fall ball practices?
Figured and hope it could be a chance to interact, answer a few questions, add insight on a slew of things such as summer baseball, buckeyes in the minors, 2010 draft stock, incoming freshman, position battles, random thoughts, etc.
Just looking for ways to help put a spotlight on the baseball program and give info, insight, and coverage for the fans, parents, and friends of the program.
A simple poll is on the right, yes or no will do. A decision will be made by this Sunday the 6th. Thanks, and as always your feedback is much appreciated.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Fall Ball Dates
If you're in Central Ohio as am I you're being treated to beautiful weather. Clear skies and temperatures in the low 70s upper 60s. For 99% of the world that weather means football season. For the small 1% of us, it is fall ball weather. In case you were wondering heres the details as the Buckeyes enter Autumn practices for the first time since 2001 with a Big Ten Championship to defend.
-Players must report by Thursday September 10th.
-First day of practice in Monday September 14th.
-First day of classes at Ohio St September 23rd.
-Scarlet & Gray World Series TBA, I'll have it soon.
Over the next 10 days hopefully I can give some thoughts on summer ball, depatures and additions, positional grades, positional battles. I say hopefully because I was offered and am working part-time as a sports clerk with the Newark Advocate. That along with my student employee job with the Ice Rink, high school football coaching duties, volunteering with Meals on Wheels, I need to sleep somewhere. But as always I'll try my best to keep everyone up to date on everything.
-Players must report by Thursday September 10th.
-First day of practice in Monday September 14th.
-First day of classes at Ohio St September 23rd.
-Scarlet & Gray World Series TBA, I'll have it soon.
Over the next 10 days hopefully I can give some thoughts on summer ball, depatures and additions, positional grades, positional battles. I say hopefully because I was offered and am working part-time as a sports clerk with the Newark Advocate. That along with my student employee job with the Ice Rink, high school football coaching duties, volunteering with Meals on Wheels, I need to sleep somewhere. But as always I'll try my best to keep everyone up to date on everything.
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