The 2010 season is officially underway with practice in full swing as the defending Big Ten champions prepare to defend their crown while also looking to take the next step on a national level.
With the season opening in 16 days as the Buckeyes take on North Florida to kick off one of their most highly anticipated seasons in recent years, there is plenty of time to preview and dig into the 2010 version of the Scarlet & Gray.
For now lets recap all of the preseason buzz...
All-Americans
When you capture Big Ten Player and co-Pitcher of the year as sophomores you'll have a spotlight on you entering your junior season. When you spend your summer perfecting your craft in the Cape Cod League and prove to be among the best at your position, that spotlight only gets brighter.
The junior battery of RHP Alex Wimmers and C Dan Burkhart picked up a few preseason honors headed into that all important junior season.
First the National College Baseball Writers Association, selected both Wimmers and Burkhart to their second-team All-America squad.
The honor was followed by Wimmers being named a second-team Louisville Slugger All-American.
With Ping! Baseball tabbing Wimmers as a first-team AA selection, while Burkhart once again receives a second-team mention.
Preseason polls
2010 will not be a season Ohio State sneaks up on anyone.
As the six major preseason polls were released, the Bucks found homes in five of them, barely missing a ranking in Baseball America's top 25.
The high water mark was set by Collegiate Baseball who penciled the Buckeyes in at 14th.
The Coaches in their ESPN/USAToday Poll determined the Buckeyes to be the 21st best team entering the new year.
Kendall Rogers of Rivals.com/Yahoo Sports gave the Bob Todd and his team a 22nd ranking.
The NCBWA were right in line with the previous two polls, slotting the Scarlet & Gray at 23rd.
Ping! rounds out the quintet of rankings, as they gave the Bucks a preseason ranking of 24 in their 30 team poll.
Now what?
As previews start to be released nationally, some with more insight and value say College Baseball Today than others I'll keep you in formed on that.
Otherwise I'll start previewing the Bucks as they enter 2010 with one word on their mind: Omaha. Over the next two and a half weeks.
Showing posts with label NCBWA. Show all posts
Showing posts with label NCBWA. Show all posts
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Preseason honors and rankings
As we figured, coming off of 2009 success with just three seniors being lost due to graduation, 2010 was to be a year of high expectations. What we knew in Columbus has made its way around the college baseball world and is starting to be reflectedin various publications.
Rankings
In the first two preseason rankings, the Bucks crack both top 25s and are in very welcoming company.
Ping!Baseball released its preseason list first and slotted the Bucks at 24th which you can see here.
Ping!'s write-up on the Bucks:
While the Big 10 isn't much of a baseball power conference these days, it hasn't always been that way. Up until the mid 80's a Big 10 representative was often in Omaha . Yet for Ohio State , the layoff has been even longer. The Buckeyes made it to the Series three times in the 60's (including winning the title in '66), but haven't visited since. This year's team is hoping to end that streak and is in good position to do so. Dan Burkhart (.354, 10, 62) will be looking to parlay last season's success with a fine Cape showing to lead the offense which returns almost its entire startling lineup. Alex Wimmers (9-2, 3.27, 136 Ks in 104.2 IP) is a dandy of a Friday nights starter, but the rest of the rest of the arms will have to turn it up a notch if team is going to make it out of Regionals.
Where Ping! set the bar College Baseball News put it on an entirely different level. A week later Collegiate Baseball ranked the Bucks preseason #14. The CBN's poll is here.
Myself personally, I feel you split the difference and at #19 is about where the Bucks should be.
Kendall Rogers thoughts
Rogers has made no secret his thoughts and opinions of the Buckeyes and continue to group Ohio State and Omaha in the same sentence.
In his storylines to watch in 2010, the Buckeyes make a cameo with this write-up:
Ohio State has talent and experience to reach College World Series
It’s not often a Big Ten team is expected to compete for a CWS berth. But Michigan a couple of seasons ago and Ohio State this season are the exceptions.
The Wolverines fell short of meeting their goals despite hosting a regional two seasons ago. OSU, though, hopes to turn the tide for the conference.
The Buckeyes welcome back several key hitters from a lineup that finished last season with a solid .328 batting average. The offense is expected to emulate that production this season.
The Buckeyes also welcome back one of the nation’s best pitchers in starter Alex Wimmers. Drew Rucinsky and Eric Best also are key returning pitchers. However, the bullpen is a huge concern and could keep OSU from reaching its goals.
Ohio State’s success this season could be huge for northern baseball.
In his Big Ten snapshot, this quick hit and run statement was thrown to the public:
Ohio State
2009 record: 42-19
Top returning player: P Alex Wimmers
What needs to improve: The Buckeyes know what could keep them from reaching their big goals this season. The Buckeyes welcome back several talented hitters from a lineup that finished last season with a .328 batting average. However, the pitching staff is a concern. The Buckeyes have one of the nation's best in Alex Wimmers, but the rest of the weekend rotation must be better. Also, the bullpen was unimpressive last season and is without top arm Jake Hale. Ohio State will be an Omaha contender if the pitching staff rises to the occasion.
I do think Rogers is underappreciating the staff as a whole. More insight and knowledge about the pitching would realize that Wolo and Rucinski pitched way better than their numbers. A healthy Best and Armstrong will mean the world to Ohio State, as well as Oltorik. With perhaps the biggest wild card being freshman Brett McKinney, who has a very reasonable chance to nail down a weekend rotation spot.
All-Americans
The last bit of news to compile would be the releasing of two All-American lists. First the National College Baseball Writers Association released their 2010 preseason AA team
The Buckeye battery of Alex Wimmers and Dan Burkhart were both selected second-team preseason All-Americans. Respectively the two are reigning Big Ten Pitcher and Player of the years.
College Baseball News released its preseason All-America team where Wimmers received third-team honors.
With practice beginning in less than four weeks, it is time to gear up and get ready for the upcoming season.
Rankings
In the first two preseason rankings, the Bucks crack both top 25s and are in very welcoming company.
Ping!Baseball released its preseason list first and slotted the Bucks at 24th which you can see here.
Ping!'s write-up on the Bucks:
While the Big 10 isn't much of a baseball power conference these days, it hasn't always been that way. Up until the mid 80's a Big 10 representative was often in Omaha . Yet for Ohio State , the layoff has been even longer. The Buckeyes made it to the Series three times in the 60's (including winning the title in '66), but haven't visited since. This year's team is hoping to end that streak and is in good position to do so. Dan Burkhart (.354, 10, 62) will be looking to parlay last season's success with a fine Cape showing to lead the offense which returns almost its entire startling lineup. Alex Wimmers (9-2, 3.27, 136 Ks in 104.2 IP) is a dandy of a Friday nights starter, but the rest of the rest of the arms will have to turn it up a notch if team is going to make it out of Regionals.
Where Ping! set the bar College Baseball News put it on an entirely different level. A week later Collegiate Baseball ranked the Bucks preseason #14. The CBN's poll is here.
Myself personally, I feel you split the difference and at #19 is about where the Bucks should be.
Kendall Rogers thoughts
Rogers has made no secret his thoughts and opinions of the Buckeyes and continue to group Ohio State and Omaha in the same sentence.
In his storylines to watch in 2010, the Buckeyes make a cameo with this write-up:
Ohio State has talent and experience to reach College World Series
It’s not often a Big Ten team is expected to compete for a CWS berth. But Michigan a couple of seasons ago and Ohio State this season are the exceptions.
The Wolverines fell short of meeting their goals despite hosting a regional two seasons ago. OSU, though, hopes to turn the tide for the conference.
The Buckeyes welcome back several key hitters from a lineup that finished last season with a solid .328 batting average. The offense is expected to emulate that production this season.
The Buckeyes also welcome back one of the nation’s best pitchers in starter Alex Wimmers. Drew Rucinsky and Eric Best also are key returning pitchers. However, the bullpen is a huge concern and could keep OSU from reaching its goals.
Ohio State’s success this season could be huge for northern baseball.
In his Big Ten snapshot, this quick hit and run statement was thrown to the public:
Ohio State
2009 record: 42-19
Top returning player: P Alex Wimmers
What needs to improve: The Buckeyes know what could keep them from reaching their big goals this season. The Buckeyes welcome back several talented hitters from a lineup that finished last season with a .328 batting average. However, the pitching staff is a concern. The Buckeyes have one of the nation's best in Alex Wimmers, but the rest of the weekend rotation must be better. Also, the bullpen was unimpressive last season and is without top arm Jake Hale. Ohio State will be an Omaha contender if the pitching staff rises to the occasion.
I do think Rogers is underappreciating the staff as a whole. More insight and knowledge about the pitching would realize that Wolo and Rucinski pitched way better than their numbers. A healthy Best and Armstrong will mean the world to Ohio State, as well as Oltorik. With perhaps the biggest wild card being freshman Brett McKinney, who has a very reasonable chance to nail down a weekend rotation spot.
All-Americans
The last bit of news to compile would be the releasing of two All-American lists. First the National College Baseball Writers Association released their 2010 preseason AA team
The Buckeye battery of Alex Wimmers and Dan Burkhart were both selected second-team preseason All-Americans. Respectively the two are reigning Big Ten Pitcher and Player of the years.
College Baseball News released its preseason All-America team where Wimmers received third-team honors.
With practice beginning in less than four weeks, it is time to gear up and get ready for the upcoming season.
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
Wimmers & Burkhart named Preseason All-Americans
The junior battery was selected to the Collegiate Baseball Writers’ second team
Courtesy Ohio State Athletics
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Ohio State junior ace Alex Wimmers and junior catcher Dan Burkart, the 2009 Big Ten Conference co-pitcher and player of the year, respectively, have been named to the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association of America (NCBWA) preseason All-America second team. Both players are from Cincinnati, Ohio and played for Archbishop Moeller High School.
Wimmers, a semifinalist last year for both the Golden Spikes Award and the College Baseball Foundation National Pitcher of the Year Award, is coming off a sophomore campaign that included a 9-2 record, a 3.27 earned run average and 136 strikeouts (vs. 55 walks) in 104.2 innings. He was named first-team All-America by Louisville Slugger and PING! Baseball and third-team All-America by Collegiate Baseball and the NCBWA.
Burkhart was a semifinalist for the Coleman Company-Johnny Bench Award, given annually to the nation’s top collegiate catcher last year. Considered the best everyday player on the Big Ten champion Buckeyes team last year, Burkhart hit .354 with 13 doubles, three triples, 10 home runs and 62 runs batted in. He also scored 48 runs, slugged at a .589 clip, and threw out 35-percent of runners attempting to steal.
Only three Big Ten Conference players were named on the baseball writer’s three preseason All-America teams. Michigan outfielder Ryan LaMarre was the only other player from the Big Ten named. The NCBWA preseason All-America team release is attached.
The college baseball season opens the weekend of Feb. 19. Ohio State will play three games at the University of North Florida – vs. North Florida, Florida A&M and vs. Richmond – Feb. 19, 20 and 21, respectively, to open its season.
Courtesy Ohio State Athletics
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Ohio State junior ace Alex Wimmers and junior catcher Dan Burkart, the 2009 Big Ten Conference co-pitcher and player of the year, respectively, have been named to the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association of America (NCBWA) preseason All-America second team. Both players are from Cincinnati, Ohio and played for Archbishop Moeller High School.
Wimmers, a semifinalist last year for both the Golden Spikes Award and the College Baseball Foundation National Pitcher of the Year Award, is coming off a sophomore campaign that included a 9-2 record, a 3.27 earned run average and 136 strikeouts (vs. 55 walks) in 104.2 innings. He was named first-team All-America by Louisville Slugger and PING! Baseball and third-team All-America by Collegiate Baseball and the NCBWA.
Burkhart was a semifinalist for the Coleman Company-Johnny Bench Award, given annually to the nation’s top collegiate catcher last year. Considered the best everyday player on the Big Ten champion Buckeyes team last year, Burkhart hit .354 with 13 doubles, three triples, 10 home runs and 62 runs batted in. He also scored 48 runs, slugged at a .589 clip, and threw out 35-percent of runners attempting to steal.
Only three Big Ten Conference players were named on the baseball writer’s three preseason All-America teams. Michigan outfielder Ryan LaMarre was the only other player from the Big Ten named. The NCBWA preseason All-America team release is attached.
The college baseball season opens the weekend of Feb. 19. Ohio State will play three games at the University of North Florida – vs. North Florida, Florida A&M and vs. Richmond – Feb. 19, 20 and 21, respectively, to open its season.
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
NCBWA All Americans: Hale 1st team, Wimmers 3rd
The awards keep rolling in for the two.
After Wimmers was named the 11th player in program history to be named 1st team AA, Hale becomes the 12th, as the National College Baseball Writers Association names Hale to 1 of 3 1st team All America spots for relief pitchers.
Wimmers was selected 3rd-team All America.
These are the 3rd All America teams Jake and Alex have made, both were Louisville Slugger All-Americans, 3rd and 2nd team respectively, both were earlier today named Ping All-Americans, 2nd and 1st team respectively, and now NCBWA finishes the job, both have made a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd team AA list.
NCBWA All America teams
After Wimmers was named the 11th player in program history to be named 1st team AA, Hale becomes the 12th, as the National College Baseball Writers Association names Hale to 1 of 3 1st team All America spots for relief pitchers.
Wimmers was selected 3rd-team All America.
These are the 3rd All America teams Jake and Alex have made, both were Louisville Slugger All-Americans, 3rd and 2nd team respectively, both were earlier today named Ping All-Americans, 2nd and 1st team respectively, and now NCBWA finishes the job, both have made a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd team AA list.
NCBWA All America teams
Jake Hale Stopper of the Year Finalist
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (NCBWA) – Five of college baseball's top relief specialists have been selected as finalists for the fifth annual National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Stopper of the Year Award, the NCBWA announced Wednesday.
This year's finalists include NCAA saves leader Addison Reed of San Diego State, Kyle Bellamy of Miami (Fla.), Jake Hale of Ohio State, Matty Ott of LSU and Eric Pettis of UC Irvine. All five relief aces helped their respective teams advance to the 64-team field of the 2009 NCAA Baseball Tournament, which continues this weekend at eight super regional sites across the nation.
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Superb Ohio State senior closer Jake Hale is one of five finalists for the fifth annual National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Stopper of the Year Award, the NCBWA announced Wednesday. The NCBWA's All-America Committee will select the winner, with this year's recipient to be announced Saturday, June 13, the opening day of the 2009 College World Series.
This year's finalists include Hale, from Albany, Ohio and Alexander High School, Addison Reed of San Diego State, Kyle Bellamy of Miami (Fla.), Matty Ott of LSU and Eric Pettis of UC Irvine. All five relief aces helped their respective teams advance to the 64-team field of the 2009 NCAA Baseball Tournament, which continues this weekend at eight super regional sites across the nation.
“Jake has been, in my opinion, the best closer in college baseball this year,” Ohio State coach Bob Todd said. “He has done everything we have asked of him out of the bullpen. He has been dominant in his role.”
Hale appeared in a school-record 40 games this season, finished the last 39 games – consecutively – he entered and posted the third-most saves total in college baseball – a school-record 18. He also posted a miniscule 1.31 ERA and an opposing batting average of .191.
The Stopper of the Year will also be recognized on the College Baseball Awards show, July 2 in Lubbock, Texas. This event will feature the presentation of the Dick Howser Trophy to the National Player of the Year. Other awards scheduled to be presented during the show include the Brooks Wallace Award, honoring the nation’s best shortstop, and the Pitcher of the Year Award. All of the NCBWA season awards will be recognized during the show.
OSU Athletics Release
NCBWA Release
This year's finalists include NCAA saves leader Addison Reed of San Diego State, Kyle Bellamy of Miami (Fla.), Jake Hale of Ohio State, Matty Ott of LSU and Eric Pettis of UC Irvine. All five relief aces helped their respective teams advance to the 64-team field of the 2009 NCAA Baseball Tournament, which continues this weekend at eight super regional sites across the nation.
COLUMBUS, Ohio – Superb Ohio State senior closer Jake Hale is one of five finalists for the fifth annual National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Stopper of the Year Award, the NCBWA announced Wednesday. The NCBWA's All-America Committee will select the winner, with this year's recipient to be announced Saturday, June 13, the opening day of the 2009 College World Series.
This year's finalists include Hale, from Albany, Ohio and Alexander High School, Addison Reed of San Diego State, Kyle Bellamy of Miami (Fla.), Matty Ott of LSU and Eric Pettis of UC Irvine. All five relief aces helped their respective teams advance to the 64-team field of the 2009 NCAA Baseball Tournament, which continues this weekend at eight super regional sites across the nation.
“Jake has been, in my opinion, the best closer in college baseball this year,” Ohio State coach Bob Todd said. “He has done everything we have asked of him out of the bullpen. He has been dominant in his role.”
Hale appeared in a school-record 40 games this season, finished the last 39 games – consecutively – he entered and posted the third-most saves total in college baseball – a school-record 18. He also posted a miniscule 1.31 ERA and an opposing batting average of .191.
The Stopper of the Year will also be recognized on the College Baseball Awards show, July 2 in Lubbock, Texas. This event will feature the presentation of the Dick Howser Trophy to the National Player of the Year. Other awards scheduled to be presented during the show include the Brooks Wallace Award, honoring the nation’s best shortstop, and the Pitcher of the Year Award. All of the NCBWA season awards will be recognized during the show.
OSU Athletics Release
NCBWA Release
Monday, May 18, 2009
Rankings, Polls, whatever you call them
As the regular seasons across America come to an end and we enter into the postseason, here's a snapshot at how the Buckeyes are view in the college baseball world.
After having a few weeks on the outside looking in, the Buckeyes jump back into the Collegiate Baseball top 30, sitting at 23, just barely above Minnesota at 24 by 1 point. The closeness in the poll reflects the closeness in the Big Ten Standings.
The Buckeyes are 27th in the two other polls they are ranked in.
NCBWA
ESPN/USAToday Coaches
The Buckeyes are not quite yet out of the Regional hosting picture. Though they do not hold a ton of water and weight, being ranked does add to a teams resume. The Bucks have their work cut out for them this week with the Big Ten Tournament, but don't give up on the hope just yet.
After having a few weeks on the outside looking in, the Buckeyes jump back into the Collegiate Baseball top 30, sitting at 23, just barely above Minnesota at 24 by 1 point. The closeness in the poll reflects the closeness in the Big Ten Standings.
The Buckeyes are 27th in the two other polls they are ranked in.
NCBWA
ESPN/USAToday Coaches
The Buckeyes are not quite yet out of the Regional hosting picture. Though they do not hold a ton of water and weight, being ranked does add to a teams resume. The Bucks have their work cut out for them this week with the Big Ten Tournament, but don't give up on the hope just yet.
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Wimmers Garners Another National Player of the Week
DALLAS (NCBWA) – The National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association released the Pro-Line Athletic National Player of the Week awards for the period ending May 3.
George Mason junior first baseman Justin Bour was named National Hitter of the Week, while Ohio State sophomore right-handed pitcher Alex Wimmers was named National Pitcher of the Week. The NCBWA Board reviews candidates from each Division I Conference each week and namWimmers recorded the Big Ten's second no-hitter of the season and the first nine-inning no-no in Ohio State school history by blanking Michigan in Game two of a doubleheader on Saturday. The Cincinnati, Ohio, native registered 14 strikeouts in the outing, marking his sixth performance with double-digit Ks this season. The right-hander walked four batters in the game, but faced just one over the minimum as catcher Dan Burkhart, Wimmers' grade-school and high-school teammate and friend, gunned down three would-be base-stealers.
The performance gives Wimmers a Big Ten-leading 103 strikeouts on the season, making him just the ninth Buckeye in program history to top 100 Ks in a year. In addition to leading the conference in strikeouts, Wimmers also paces the Big Ten in opponents' batting average (.193) and ranks among the conference's best in ERA (2.71) innings pitched (80.2) and wins (8).
es winners each Tuesday throughout the season.
George Mason junior first baseman Justin Bour was named National Hitter of the Week, while Ohio State sophomore right-handed pitcher Alex Wimmers was named National Pitcher of the Week. The NCBWA Board reviews candidates from each Division I Conference each week and namWimmers recorded the Big Ten's second no-hitter of the season and the first nine-inning no-no in Ohio State school history by blanking Michigan in Game two of a doubleheader on Saturday. The Cincinnati, Ohio, native registered 14 strikeouts in the outing, marking his sixth performance with double-digit Ks this season. The right-hander walked four batters in the game, but faced just one over the minimum as catcher Dan Burkhart, Wimmers' grade-school and high-school teammate and friend, gunned down three would-be base-stealers.
The performance gives Wimmers a Big Ten-leading 103 strikeouts on the season, making him just the ninth Buckeye in program history to top 100 Ks in a year. In addition to leading the conference in strikeouts, Wimmers also paces the Big Ten in opponents' batting average (.193) and ranks among the conference's best in ERA (2.71) innings pitched (80.2) and wins (8).
es winners each Tuesday throughout the season.
Monday, May 4, 2009
Rankings
No change at all from the pevious weeks polls which is weird, not that the Bucks put together a week deserving of moving up or down, just weird that a team remains in the same spot in each of the 3 polls they are ranked in. They did get ranked in a poll in which there were not last week, again making an appearance in the Ping! Baseball poll, coming in at 30th, ironically tied with the Illinois Fighting Illini which hosts the Buckeyes this weekend. Anyhow if you cannot read to the right where the rankings are listed, the Bucks high ranking comes courtesy NCBWA at 25. Finshing just outside of the top 25 at 26th in the ESPN-USAToday Coaches Poll. The Buckeyes rankings are rounded out by another 27th place ranking by Collegiate Baseball.
Monday, April 20, 2009
Polls, Polls, and more Polls, or Rankings if prefer
It is Monday. And in the college baseball world every Monday from March to June is like Christmas morning. Waiting for the polls to be released to see if your team is receiving the attention, props, credit, whatever you feel they deserve. Its weird but going to a baseball game feels better when theres a little number next to your name.
We've reached the midway point of the Big Ten an the 2/3rds mark overally in the baseball season, 37 games hae been played 18 to go. So to be ranked right now is a good sign that you're having a solid season.
So lets get to them.
The Bucks high ranking this week comes from the National College Baseball Writers Association, or the NCBWA because 5 letters is easier to type than 41. Go ahead and count all 41 letters. Back to the rankings, the Bucks jumped up 3 places after a 3-1 week which saw Ohio State sweep Purdue to move atop of the Big Ten standings, after falling at home 8-7 to Kent State. Heres the entireNCBWA poll.
The Bucks are again in the top 25, coming in at 24 in two polls, College Baseball News and Ping! Baseball
Ohio States 4th and final appearance in a top 25 comes from the ESPN/USA Today Coaches poll. The Buckeyes come in just above the bar at 25th. Its the second time this season the coaches across America have deemed the Bucks a top-25 caliber team.
There you have it. That is how the Bucks 29-8 season up to this point is being viewed across the college baseball landscape. I'd say the guys are doing ok.
We've reached the midway point of the Big Ten an the 2/3rds mark overally in the baseball season, 37 games hae been played 18 to go. So to be ranked right now is a good sign that you're having a solid season.
So lets get to them.
The Bucks high ranking this week comes from the National College Baseball Writers Association, or the NCBWA because 5 letters is easier to type than 41. Go ahead and count all 41 letters. Back to the rankings, the Bucks jumped up 3 places after a 3-1 week which saw Ohio State sweep Purdue to move atop of the Big Ten standings, after falling at home 8-7 to Kent State. Heres the entireNCBWA poll.
The Bucks are again in the top 25, coming in at 24 in two polls, College Baseball News and Ping! Baseball
Ohio States 4th and final appearance in a top 25 comes from the ESPN/USA Today Coaches poll. The Buckeyes come in just above the bar at 25th. Its the second time this season the coaches across America have deemed the Bucks a top-25 caliber team.
There you have it. That is how the Bucks 29-8 season up to this point is being viewed across the college baseball landscape. I'd say the guys are doing ok.
Saturday, April 18, 2009
Hale named to NCBWA 2009 Stopper of the Year Midseason Watch List
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (NCBWA) – Forty-five relief pitchers are included on the midseason watch list for the fifth annual National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Stopper of the Year Award, the association announced Thursday. The award is given to the top relief pitcher in NCAA Division I college baseball.
After yesterday's 1-0 victory over Purdue, in which Hale collected his 8th save of the year, Jake now has a statline that includes a 1.26 ERA, 8 saves, 36 strikeouts in 28.2 innings pitched. Hale has allowed just 19 hits, only three being of exra bases (all doubles), limiting opponents to a .183 batting average off of the senior righty. Hale has appeared in 22 of Ohio State's 35 games, closing out 21 of them. Both statistics lead the Big Ten.
Watch List
After yesterday's 1-0 victory over Purdue, in which Hale collected his 8th save of the year, Jake now has a statline that includes a 1.26 ERA, 8 saves, 36 strikeouts in 28.2 innings pitched. Hale has allowed just 19 hits, only three being of exra bases (all doubles), limiting opponents to a .183 batting average off of the senior righty. Hale has appeared in 22 of Ohio State's 35 games, closing out 21 of them. Both statistics lead the Big Ten.
Watch List
Monday, February 23, 2009
Senior Hale named to NCBWA Stopper of the Year Watch List
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (NCBWA) – Forty players have been named to the initial watch list for the fifth annual National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Stopper of the Year Award, given to the top relief pitcher in NCAA Division I baseball, as announced by the association Tuesday.
With two of the finalists for the 2008 honor back for another season (Scott Bittle of Ole Miss and Eric Pettis of UC Irvine), as well as an impressive list of All-Americans, another exciting race for this year's Stopper of the Year Award is anticipated. Georgia relief ace Joshua Fields, a first-round draft pick of the Seattle Mariners and the Southeastern Conference’s all-time saves leader, claimed last year's award. Nine of this year’s nominees were included in the 2009 NCBWA Preseason All-America Team announced by the organization in December.
The Atlantic Coast Conference led the way with nine players named to the preseason watch list. The Big 12 and the West Coast Conference added four pitchers each on this year's watch list, while the SEC and Pacific-10 Conference are represented by three players each.
Complete List
With two of the finalists for the 2008 honor back for another season (Scott Bittle of Ole Miss and Eric Pettis of UC Irvine), as well as an impressive list of All-Americans, another exciting race for this year's Stopper of the Year Award is anticipated. Georgia relief ace Joshua Fields, a first-round draft pick of the Seattle Mariners and the Southeastern Conference’s all-time saves leader, claimed last year's award. Nine of this year’s nominees were included in the 2009 NCBWA Preseason All-America Team announced by the organization in December.
The Atlantic Coast Conference led the way with nine players named to the preseason watch list. The Big 12 and the West Coast Conference added four pitchers each on this year's watch list, while the SEC and Pacific-10 Conference are represented by three players each.
Complete List
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Back Home in Omaha!
Well, the field for the College World Series is set. Six of the eight national seeds advanced. Who didn't make it? Well, No. 3 seed Arizona State was ousted Monday night by Fresno State, which was the No. 4 seed in its regional. The Bulldogs won the Long Beach Regional and then surprised the Sun Devils in Tempe. Stanford upset national No. 5 seed Cal State Fullerton in the Super Regional.The national seeds that advanced are No. 1 Miami (Fla.), No. 2 North Carolina, No. 4 Florida State, No. 6 Rice, No. 7 LSU and No. 8 Georgia.
A few Blogs to read during the CWS:
The College Baseball Blog
Baseball America
ESPN.com
NCAA Blog Central
I was fortunate enough to see Rice beat Texas A&M last Saturday at Reckling Park in Houston. They have strong pitching again this season but have an offense, too. If they can keep their fielding under control, they'll make a run at their second national championship. They are making their seventh CWS appearance (all since 1997) and won the school's only national title in 2003. Obviously, I'm pulling for them, having worked in the Owls' SID office from 1994-2000.
Miami looks like the team to beat and the ACC appears to be in good shape to win its first national championship since Wake Forest won in 1955. Seriously. If Rice can't play for the championship, I'll be pulling for North Carolina, which has been close the last few years but hasn't been able to get over the hump. I despise Miami in all sports, mainly because they are sore losers and even worse winners.
Complete Bracket
Official CWS Site
I know this site is dedicated to Ohio State baseball, but its purpose is also to help introduce fans to college baseball at a national level. There is no sporting event better than the College World Series and I think every fan should make the trip to Omaha at least once. I'll never forget my first visit with Rice in 1999. I went again with Clemson in 2000 and have been back a few other times through my participation with the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association.
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