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.
Showing posts with label Kendall Rogers. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Kendall Rogers. Show all posts
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Rivals.com/Yahoo Sports: Five Keys Ohio State
By Kendall Rogers
1. Alex Wimmers needs to be Alex Wimmers -- This key may sound like common sense or even be strange to some people, but there have been plenty of times in the past when a pitcher expected to throw exceptionally well cratered the next season. Wimmers can't do that if the Buckeyes plan on reaching the College World Series. As a sophomore last season, he had a 9-2 record and compiled a 3.27 ERA in 104 2/3 innings. He also struck out 136 and walked 55 and limited opposing teams to a .211 clip. Wimmers will be a preseason All-American and will have much pressure to succeed. It'll be interesting to see how the talented pitcher handles the spotlight.
2. Rest of the weekend rotation needs to be much better -- Wimmers is Ohio State's bell cow and one of the nation's best, but the same can't be said for the rest of the Buckeyes' weekend rotation. Eric Best was good at times last season. But another starter, Dean Wolosiansky compiled rather unimpressive numbers. Best started 13 games last season and had a 5.95 ERA in 75 2/3 innings. He also struck out 55 and walked 34 and limited opposing teams to a .315 batting average. Wolosiansky, meanwhile, started 16 games and had a 6.04 ERA in 92 1/3 innings. He struck out 55 and walked 34 and teams hit him at an incredibly high .330 clip. There's no question this unit must improve if Ohio State is to make a trip to Omaha next June.
3. Build more quality bullpen depth -- The bullpen is OSU's only major of concern with the season a couple months away. The Buckeyes finished last season with a 6.39 ERA and the bullpen is to blame for much of that calculation. Drew Rucinski is the top returning reliever. Joining him are Ross Oltorik, Andrew Armstrong and Jared Strayer. Rucinski made 36 appearances last season and had a 5.54 ERA in 74 2/3 innings, Oltorik made 11 appearances and had a 9.58 ERA in 31 innings, Armstrong made 11 appearances and had an 11.51 ERA and Strayer made 20 appearances and had a 10.55 ERA in 29 innings. We can't stress enough how much better this unit must be in the spring, both from a production and quality depth standpoint.
4. Offense needs to meet expectations -- This certainly will be the Buckeyes' strength in the spring. The Buckeyes had one of the nation's youngest offensive lineups last season and still managed to finish the campaign with a .328 batting average. The Bucks welcome back five hitters that finished '09 with batting averages better than .340. The list includes Ryan Dew, Dan Burkhart, Zach Hurley, Michael Stephens and Cory Kovanda. Dew led the team in hitting with a .388 batting average. Burkhart and Stephens, meanwhile, are the team's leading power hitters. It wouldn't surprise me if the Buckeyes finish the '10 season with a batting average equal to or better than .328.
5. Embrace the high expectations -- There have been times in the past when teams with incredibly high expectations folded like a cheap tent once the season began. Ohio State definitely hopes to avoid that fate. Ohio State hasn't been to Omaha in 42 years and would love nothing more than to end that hiatus in the spring. Accomplishing that goal will be a long and potentially rugged road with every team on the schedule gunning for them. Still, this is a team that gained a lot of experience by reaching the Tallahassee Regional final last season. There's no need for the Buckeyes to get overwhelmed by the high expectations. They need to embrace the publicity.
1. Alex Wimmers needs to be Alex Wimmers -- This key may sound like common sense or even be strange to some people, but there have been plenty of times in the past when a pitcher expected to throw exceptionally well cratered the next season. Wimmers can't do that if the Buckeyes plan on reaching the College World Series. As a sophomore last season, he had a 9-2 record and compiled a 3.27 ERA in 104 2/3 innings. He also struck out 136 and walked 55 and limited opposing teams to a .211 clip. Wimmers will be a preseason All-American and will have much pressure to succeed. It'll be interesting to see how the talented pitcher handles the spotlight.
2. Rest of the weekend rotation needs to be much better -- Wimmers is Ohio State's bell cow and one of the nation's best, but the same can't be said for the rest of the Buckeyes' weekend rotation. Eric Best was good at times last season. But another starter, Dean Wolosiansky compiled rather unimpressive numbers. Best started 13 games last season and had a 5.95 ERA in 75 2/3 innings. He also struck out 55 and walked 34 and limited opposing teams to a .315 batting average. Wolosiansky, meanwhile, started 16 games and had a 6.04 ERA in 92 1/3 innings. He struck out 55 and walked 34 and teams hit him at an incredibly high .330 clip. There's no question this unit must improve if Ohio State is to make a trip to Omaha next June.
3. Build more quality bullpen depth -- The bullpen is OSU's only major of concern with the season a couple months away. The Buckeyes finished last season with a 6.39 ERA and the bullpen is to blame for much of that calculation. Drew Rucinski is the top returning reliever. Joining him are Ross Oltorik, Andrew Armstrong and Jared Strayer. Rucinski made 36 appearances last season and had a 5.54 ERA in 74 2/3 innings, Oltorik made 11 appearances and had a 9.58 ERA in 31 innings, Armstrong made 11 appearances and had an 11.51 ERA and Strayer made 20 appearances and had a 10.55 ERA in 29 innings. We can't stress enough how much better this unit must be in the spring, both from a production and quality depth standpoint.
4. Offense needs to meet expectations -- This certainly will be the Buckeyes' strength in the spring. The Buckeyes had one of the nation's youngest offensive lineups last season and still managed to finish the campaign with a .328 batting average. The Bucks welcome back five hitters that finished '09 with batting averages better than .340. The list includes Ryan Dew, Dan Burkhart, Zach Hurley, Michael Stephens and Cory Kovanda. Dew led the team in hitting with a .388 batting average. Burkhart and Stephens, meanwhile, are the team's leading power hitters. It wouldn't surprise me if the Buckeyes finish the '10 season with a batting average equal to or better than .328.
5. Embrace the high expectations -- There have been times in the past when teams with incredibly high expectations folded like a cheap tent once the season began. Ohio State definitely hopes to avoid that fate. Ohio State hasn't been to Omaha in 42 years and would love nothing more than to end that hiatus in the spring. Accomplishing that goal will be a long and potentially rugged road with every team on the schedule gunning for them. Still, this is a team that gained a lot of experience by reaching the Tallahassee Regional final last season. There's no need for the Buckeyes to get overwhelmed by the high expectations. They need to embrace the publicity.
Rivals.com/Yahoo Sports: Ohio State has sights set on Omaha
By Kendall Rogers
The only number Ohio State players and coaches need to remember this spring is 42.
Yes, that was the number worn by Jackie Robinson. But it also represents what the 2010 Buckeyes have the ability to accomplish. OSU can end a 42-year drought by making it back to Omaha for the College World Series.
Ohio State was a perennial national power in the 1960s. In that decade, the Buckeyes made College World Series appearances in ’65, ’66 and ’67, and won the national title ’66.
The Buckeyes haven’t been back to Rosenblatt Stadium since the ’67 campaign, and the Big Ten hasn’t exactly produced many potential CWS participants in recent seasons. Michigan upset Vanderbilt in the ’07 Nashville Regional and was expected to take a huge step forward and possibly get to Omaha in ’08. But that year the Wolverines bowed out in the Ann Arbor Regional to Arizona.
That Michigan team was good. The ’10 Ohio State team will be better.
The Buckeyes entered last season with just three seniors and a plethora of young players. Some pundits picked them to finish third, fourth and even lower in the Big Ten. OSU surprised many by winning the regular season crown with an 18-6 record.
The Buckeyes reached the Tallahassee Regional final and ended the expected rebuilding campaign with an outstanding 42-19 record. They also eliminated Georgia from the postseason while in Tallahassee.
“I was very proud of the way the team competed last year until the last game. We were very young and probably exceed expectations in some eyes,” Ohio State coach Bob Todd said. “I think if you win the league like we did and get to a regional final, it’s a big accomplishment.”
The addition of outfielder Michael Stephens to the lineup certainly was a huge boost last season. Catcher Dan Burkhart’s huge sophomore season at the plate - and behind it - also was a plus. But perhaps most encouraging was the campaign logged by sophomore right-handed pitcher Alex Wimmers.
Wimmers compiled a 4.50 ERA in 40 innings as a freshman two seasons ago. As a sophomore, he went 9-2 and had a 3.27 ERA in 104 2/3 innings. He also struck out 136 and walked 55 while limiting opponents to a .211 batting average.
Wimmers will be a preseason All-American in 2010 and gives the Buckeyes the dominant staff ace that most teams have in Omaha.
“It’s so important the first game of any series to have a dominant arm, because it’s important to get off on the right track. Alex provides that,” Todd said. “Anyone that goes to Omaha has that one stud pitcher, the guy the whole team plays confidently behind and when he’s on the mound they like their chances of winning. That’s Alex.”
The Buckeyes should like their chances on the weekend with Wimmers and fellow weekend starter Eric Best leading the way. But the bullpen is a cause for some concern.
“One of the big question marks is the loss of Jake Hale. That’s some huge shoes to fill considering how great he was the entire season,” Todd said.
Hale made 40 appearances and compiled a 1.31 ERA in 55 innings.
“We had hoped to get a good look at several guys in the fall, but injuries and other issues kept us from seeing a lot of arms,” Todd said. “It actually caused our fall workouts to be rocky at times.”
In the meantime, look for the Buckeyes to heavily lean on junior right-hander Drew Rucinski. Rucinski made 36 appearances last season and compiled a 5.54 ERA in 74 2/3 innings. Todd, though, has high hopes for the righty in the upcoming campaign.
“Rucinski was an unsung hero last season, and after this past summer he came back and the scouts really were raving about him,” Todd said. “He was great in a setup role last season and he’s still very valuable to this ballclub.”
While the bullpen certainly is a big concern with spring approaching, the Buckeyes know that getting to Omaha requires much more. They have a great offense and a one-two punch on the weekend that will be very difficult to beat. They also have the most important intangibles – a great attitude and swagger.
Now the Buckeyes just need a little good fortune.
“Every aspect of your team has to be clicking at the same time to get to Omaha, there’s no question about that,” Todd said. “But I’ll say this much, getting to Omaha requires a little bit of luck, too.”
After 42 years, the Buckeyes are due for some good karma.
The only number Ohio State players and coaches need to remember this spring is 42.
Yes, that was the number worn by Jackie Robinson. But it also represents what the 2010 Buckeyes have the ability to accomplish. OSU can end a 42-year drought by making it back to Omaha for the College World Series.
Ohio State was a perennial national power in the 1960s. In that decade, the Buckeyes made College World Series appearances in ’65, ’66 and ’67, and won the national title ’66.
The Buckeyes haven’t been back to Rosenblatt Stadium since the ’67 campaign, and the Big Ten hasn’t exactly produced many potential CWS participants in recent seasons. Michigan upset Vanderbilt in the ’07 Nashville Regional and was expected to take a huge step forward and possibly get to Omaha in ’08. But that year the Wolverines bowed out in the Ann Arbor Regional to Arizona.
That Michigan team was good. The ’10 Ohio State team will be better.
The Buckeyes entered last season with just three seniors and a plethora of young players. Some pundits picked them to finish third, fourth and even lower in the Big Ten. OSU surprised many by winning the regular season crown with an 18-6 record.
The Buckeyes reached the Tallahassee Regional final and ended the expected rebuilding campaign with an outstanding 42-19 record. They also eliminated Georgia from the postseason while in Tallahassee.
“I was very proud of the way the team competed last year until the last game. We were very young and probably exceed expectations in some eyes,” Ohio State coach Bob Todd said. “I think if you win the league like we did and get to a regional final, it’s a big accomplishment.”
The addition of outfielder Michael Stephens to the lineup certainly was a huge boost last season. Catcher Dan Burkhart’s huge sophomore season at the plate - and behind it - also was a plus. But perhaps most encouraging was the campaign logged by sophomore right-handed pitcher Alex Wimmers.
Wimmers compiled a 4.50 ERA in 40 innings as a freshman two seasons ago. As a sophomore, he went 9-2 and had a 3.27 ERA in 104 2/3 innings. He also struck out 136 and walked 55 while limiting opponents to a .211 batting average.
Wimmers will be a preseason All-American in 2010 and gives the Buckeyes the dominant staff ace that most teams have in Omaha.
“It’s so important the first game of any series to have a dominant arm, because it’s important to get off on the right track. Alex provides that,” Todd said. “Anyone that goes to Omaha has that one stud pitcher, the guy the whole team plays confidently behind and when he’s on the mound they like their chances of winning. That’s Alex.”
The Buckeyes should like their chances on the weekend with Wimmers and fellow weekend starter Eric Best leading the way. But the bullpen is a cause for some concern.
“One of the big question marks is the loss of Jake Hale. That’s some huge shoes to fill considering how great he was the entire season,” Todd said.
Hale made 40 appearances and compiled a 1.31 ERA in 55 innings.
“We had hoped to get a good look at several guys in the fall, but injuries and other issues kept us from seeing a lot of arms,” Todd said. “It actually caused our fall workouts to be rocky at times.”
In the meantime, look for the Buckeyes to heavily lean on junior right-hander Drew Rucinski. Rucinski made 36 appearances last season and compiled a 5.54 ERA in 74 2/3 innings. Todd, though, has high hopes for the righty in the upcoming campaign.
“Rucinski was an unsung hero last season, and after this past summer he came back and the scouts really were raving about him,” Todd said. “He was great in a setup role last season and he’s still very valuable to this ballclub.”
While the bullpen certainly is a big concern with spring approaching, the Buckeyes know that getting to Omaha requires much more. They have a great offense and a one-two punch on the weekend that will be very difficult to beat. They also have the most important intangibles – a great attitude and swagger.
Now the Buckeyes just need a little good fortune.
“Every aspect of your team has to be clicking at the same time to get to Omaha, there’s no question about that,” Todd said. “But I’ll say this much, getting to Omaha requires a little bit of luck, too.”
After 42 years, the Buckeyes are due for some good karma.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Yahoo Sports/Rivals.com Programs on the rise and decline
Many programs have statements to make
Kendall Rogers throwing more love towards the Buckeyes. Resident favorite national media member Eric Sorenson has some catching up to do.....
Kendall's take
It’s a comparison few would make. But in a way, college baseball mimics the stock market.
As with the stock market, there are some programs out there like Texas, Cal State Fullerton, LSU, Florida State and North Carolina that are constants. There also are programs such as Baylor, Nebraska, California, Arizona and Tulane that can’t seem to find their places in college baseball’s stock market.
Then there are programs such as Texas Christian, Virginia, East Carolina, Kansas and Ohio State that may remind some of the rising tech stars of the late 1990s.
TCU reached a super regional last season and has a chance to be even better in 2010, Virginia will be a national title contender in the spring, East Carolina has a golden opportunity to be the best team in the state of North Carolina for once, Kansas could make a huge statement in the Big 12 and Ohio State has the personnel to return to Omaha for the first time since ’67.
Some stocks will rise and some will fall. But for many, it’s all about timing.
Perhaps that scenario will play out for some of our rising and declining programs.
Ohio State on the rise
Analysis. The Buckeyes haven’t had an issue making a name for themselves this decade. But in terms of being a player on the national stage, the Bucks have yet to master that objective. That could change in the spring. Ohio State welcomes back several key players from a squad that finished last season with a 42-19 record and a Big Ten regular season championship. OSU will have one of the nation’s best pitchers in Alex Wimmers. It also welcomes back a plethora of talent at the plate. This team can get to Omaha.
Kendall Rogers throwing more love towards the Buckeyes. Resident favorite national media member Eric Sorenson has some catching up to do.....
Kendall's take
It’s a comparison few would make. But in a way, college baseball mimics the stock market.
As with the stock market, there are some programs out there like Texas, Cal State Fullerton, LSU, Florida State and North Carolina that are constants. There also are programs such as Baylor, Nebraska, California, Arizona and Tulane that can’t seem to find their places in college baseball’s stock market.
Then there are programs such as Texas Christian, Virginia, East Carolina, Kansas and Ohio State that may remind some of the rising tech stars of the late 1990s.
TCU reached a super regional last season and has a chance to be even better in 2010, Virginia will be a national title contender in the spring, East Carolina has a golden opportunity to be the best team in the state of North Carolina for once, Kansas could make a huge statement in the Big 12 and Ohio State has the personnel to return to Omaha for the first time since ’67.
Some stocks will rise and some will fall. But for many, it’s all about timing.
Perhaps that scenario will play out for some of our rising and declining programs.
Ohio State on the rise
Analysis. The Buckeyes haven’t had an issue making a name for themselves this decade. But in terms of being a player on the national stage, the Bucks have yet to master that objective. That could change in the spring. Ohio State welcomes back several key players from a squad that finished last season with a 42-19 record and a Big Ten regular season championship. OSU will have one of the nation’s best pitchers in Alex Wimmers. It also welcomes back a plethora of talent at the plate. This team can get to Omaha.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Rivals.com/Yahoo Sports: Big Ten Fall Preview
Big Ten teams ready to take next step
Kendall Rogers-
Ohio State and Minnesota seem to think so.
The Buckeyes made a statement last season by reaching the Tallahassee Regional title game against Florida State. They enter fall workouts with much confidence with the return of ace pitcher Alex Wimmers and a crop of leading hitters.
Minnesota also returns several key players and has Omaha aspirations entering the fall.
Michigan hopes to rebound this fall and Indiana would love to build off its surprising regional appearance last season. There’s also Michigan State, which made a bold statement in its first season with coach Jake Boss leading the way.
Ohio State
Biggest loss. P Jake Hale
What to watch. The Buckeyes headline the list of northern programs that have the best chance to reach the CWS. The Bucks reached the title game of the Tallahassee Regional last season and return almost every key player this fall. OSU hit .328 last season and welcomes back Ryan Dew, Dan Burkhart, Zach Hurley, Michael Stephens, Cory Kovanda and Matt Streng. On the mound, the Bucks welcome back ace pitcher Alex Wimmers in addition to Dean Wolosiansky, Eric Best and Drew Rucinski. Offense isn’t a question mark this fall, but the pitching staff must find a way to improve. The Bucks have a chance to get to Omaha if their pitching improves.
The rest of the Big Ten
Kendall Rogers-
Ohio State and Minnesota seem to think so.
The Buckeyes made a statement last season by reaching the Tallahassee Regional title game against Florida State. They enter fall workouts with much confidence with the return of ace pitcher Alex Wimmers and a crop of leading hitters.
Minnesota also returns several key players and has Omaha aspirations entering the fall.
Michigan hopes to rebound this fall and Indiana would love to build off its surprising regional appearance last season. There’s also Michigan State, which made a bold statement in its first season with coach Jake Boss leading the way.
Ohio State
Biggest loss. P Jake Hale
What to watch. The Buckeyes headline the list of northern programs that have the best chance to reach the CWS. The Bucks reached the title game of the Tallahassee Regional last season and return almost every key player this fall. OSU hit .328 last season and welcomes back Ryan Dew, Dan Burkhart, Zach Hurley, Michael Stephens, Cory Kovanda and Matt Streng. On the mound, the Bucks welcome back ace pitcher Alex Wimmers in addition to Dean Wolosiansky, Eric Best and Drew Rucinski. Offense isn’t a question mark this fall, but the pitching staff must find a way to improve. The Bucks have a chance to get to Omaha if their pitching improves.
The rest of the Big Ten
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Yahoo Sports/Rivals.com: Fewest Holes to Fill
If the Buckeyes were to make a run to Omaha, it looks like it won't be a Cinderella story and one that catches everyone off guard.
Kendall Rogers compilied a list of the top 10 teams with the fewest holes to fill.
Now obviously as Buckeyes we know we return quite a bit after losing just Hale, Arp, and Miller. What it surprising is to see the continued recognization of the Buckeyes abilities.
After being a "top 30" team, Rogers once again states the Bucks have Omaha potential.
Ohio State
Key losses. P Jake Hale, 3B Justin Miller
Analysis. This Ohio State team has the ability to make it to Omaha. The Buckeyes must replace stud reliever Jake Hale and power-hitting infielder Justin Miller. But the team as a whole is in great shape. The Buckeyes welcome back leading hitter Ryan Dew in addition to Dan Burkhart, Zach Hurley, Michael Stephens, Cory Kovanda. They also return ace pitcher Alex Wimmers in addition to Eric Best, Drew Rucinski and Dean Woloslansky. The Bucks made a small statement by reaching the Tallahassee Regional title game last season, but Omaha will be the expectation next spring. It will be a fun fall in Columbus, Ohio.
The rest of the list
You better believe it will be a fun fall.
Kendall Rogers compilied a list of the top 10 teams with the fewest holes to fill.
Now obviously as Buckeyes we know we return quite a bit after losing just Hale, Arp, and Miller. What it surprising is to see the continued recognization of the Buckeyes abilities.
After being a "top 30" team, Rogers once again states the Bucks have Omaha potential.
Ohio State
Key losses. P Jake Hale, 3B Justin Miller
Analysis. This Ohio State team has the ability to make it to Omaha. The Buckeyes must replace stud reliever Jake Hale and power-hitting infielder Justin Miller. But the team as a whole is in great shape. The Buckeyes welcome back leading hitter Ryan Dew in addition to Dan Burkhart, Zach Hurley, Michael Stephens, Cory Kovanda. They also return ace pitcher Alex Wimmers in addition to Eric Best, Drew Rucinski and Dean Woloslansky. The Bucks made a small statement by reaching the Tallahassee Regional title game last season, but Omaha will be the expectation next spring. It will be a fun fall in Columbus, Ohio.
The rest of the list
You better believe it will be a fun fall.
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Rivals.com/Yahoo Sports: Ohio State one of "Thirty to Watch"
As teams around the nation enter fall practices, thoughts about the 2010 season are starting to pick up.
Kendall Rogers of Yahoo Sports and Rivals.com has thrown out a preliminary top 30 if you will for 2010, listing as he states "our 30 teams to watch."
In no particular order the Buckeyes are included.
Rogers says of the Buckeyes...
The Buckeyes took a step forward last season by reaching the Tallahassee Regional final, but they enter fall workouts with higher aspirations. Ohio State is a northern team that has the ability to get to Omaha. The Buckeyes welcome back a plethora of talented hitters, including Dan Burkhart, Ryan Dew, Zach Hurley, Michael Stephens and Cory Kovanda. On the mound, they lost stud reliever Jake Hale to the MLB draft this summer, but welcome back ace pitcher Alex Wimmers, who has a 3.27 ERA in 104 2/3 innings last season. They also return Drew Rucinski and Eric Best.
Omaha potential eh? I like.
Rogers full list of 30 teams...Familiar faces highlight list
The Buckeyes are the only Big Ten school on the list for those unwilling to check out the link.
Kendall Rogers of Yahoo Sports and Rivals.com has thrown out a preliminary top 30 if you will for 2010, listing as he states "our 30 teams to watch."
In no particular order the Buckeyes are included.
Rogers says of the Buckeyes...
The Buckeyes took a step forward last season by reaching the Tallahassee Regional final, but they enter fall workouts with higher aspirations. Ohio State is a northern team that has the ability to get to Omaha. The Buckeyes welcome back a plethora of talented hitters, including Dan Burkhart, Ryan Dew, Zach Hurley, Michael Stephens and Cory Kovanda. On the mound, they lost stud reliever Jake Hale to the MLB draft this summer, but welcome back ace pitcher Alex Wimmers, who has a 3.27 ERA in 104 2/3 innings last season. They also return Drew Rucinski and Eric Best.
Omaha potential eh? I like.
Rogers full list of 30 teams...Familiar faces highlight list
The Buckeyes are the only Big Ten school on the list for those unwilling to check out the link.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
Yahoo Sports/Rivals.com: Grading the Big Ten plus Sorenson's thoughts
It was the Big Ten's turn to receive their report card from Yahoo Sports and Rivals.com college baseball writer Kendall Rogers.
Here is what Rogers said of the Buckeyes:
Ohio State
Grade: A
Season analysis: After finishing in the middle of the pack in the Big Ten two seasons ago, the Buckeyes entered this past season with something to prove. They rose to the occasion in impressive fashion. Ohio State won the Big Ten regular season title with a record of 18-6. They also reached the Tallahassee Regional final against Florida State and ended the campaign with an overall record of 42-19. The Bucks won some games in the postseason and captured 40-plus victories. That’s a successful season.
You can read the rest of the Big Ten and the grades they received from Rogers here
Rogers would say overall about the Big Ten:
"The Big Ten finally had an opportunity to make a huge statement.
The conference has long tried to make significant gains in college baseball. But until this past season, that hadn’t happened.
That was until Ohio State, Minnesota and Indiana each made an NCAA regional.
The Buckeyes won the conference regular season title and played Florida State in the Tallahassee Regional final, Minnesota finished second in conference and played LSU in the Baton Rouge Regional final. Then there’s Indiana, which played well down the stretch and earned a trip to the Louisville Regional.
Other teams such as Illinois and Michigan weren’t so lucky.
The Illini made a statement early in the season with a road series win over LSU, but were unable to do enough down the stretch to make a regional. Michigan, meanwhile, was a huge disappointment with a 9-15 Big Ten record."
------------------------------------------
You can't disagree with his sentiments on Michigan and Illinois, but I personally take issue with his view of the Big Ten just now making a statement thought. You only have to go back to 2007 to see 3 Big Ten teams in Regional play as Michigan, Ohio State, and Minnesota made the NCAA's. In fact Michigan went down to Vandy and WON the Regional that was hosted by the #1 team in the country Vanderbilt, and beat #1 draft pick David Price in his final collegiate start. Oh and Michigan also was no hitting eventual CWS Champ Oregon State at home in Supers through 8.2 before falling. Combine OSU and Minny's 3rd place performances, 2009 is more of vindication that the Big Ten is on the up and up, not some rise out of nowhere.
Nothing against Rogers, he is great for the sport, but for a Big Ten perspective in how the conference is doing nationally, we turn to our main man Eric Sorenson for his views.
In an email exchange Eric said:
"Oh, and I almost forgot... I think the Big Ten is making the right strides - despite OSU's horrid losses in Tallahassee. With nearly every team building/improving their facilities, the conference is on the right track. We'll see how that transpires in the next year or two.
But this was a conference that REALLY needed to upgrade everything, while also needing to lighten up the non-conference death marches. That's why, despite Illinois' successful trip to LSU, the Big 10-Big East challenge was a great idea. No sense in opening your season playing teams that have had three weeks of outdoor practices and you've had none.
It's still all about money and commitment. If the Big 10 and northern teams put more money into programs and emphasize them, they'll get better and better and eventually make more national noise. If not, they won't."
I'll pass along more of Sorenson's words and thoughts as he also touched on Coach Todd's tenure and the current state of the Buckeyes, as I'm working on a "state of the program" for you guys to piece apart in getting the most thorough scope of all things Ohio State baseball.
Here is what Rogers said of the Buckeyes:
Ohio State
Grade: A
Season analysis: After finishing in the middle of the pack in the Big Ten two seasons ago, the Buckeyes entered this past season with something to prove. They rose to the occasion in impressive fashion. Ohio State won the Big Ten regular season title with a record of 18-6. They also reached the Tallahassee Regional final against Florida State and ended the campaign with an overall record of 42-19. The Bucks won some games in the postseason and captured 40-plus victories. That’s a successful season.
You can read the rest of the Big Ten and the grades they received from Rogers here
Rogers would say overall about the Big Ten:
"The Big Ten finally had an opportunity to make a huge statement.
The conference has long tried to make significant gains in college baseball. But until this past season, that hadn’t happened.
That was until Ohio State, Minnesota and Indiana each made an NCAA regional.
The Buckeyes won the conference regular season title and played Florida State in the Tallahassee Regional final, Minnesota finished second in conference and played LSU in the Baton Rouge Regional final. Then there’s Indiana, which played well down the stretch and earned a trip to the Louisville Regional.
Other teams such as Illinois and Michigan weren’t so lucky.
The Illini made a statement early in the season with a road series win over LSU, but were unable to do enough down the stretch to make a regional. Michigan, meanwhile, was a huge disappointment with a 9-15 Big Ten record."
------------------------------------------
You can't disagree with his sentiments on Michigan and Illinois, but I personally take issue with his view of the Big Ten just now making a statement thought. You only have to go back to 2007 to see 3 Big Ten teams in Regional play as Michigan, Ohio State, and Minnesota made the NCAA's. In fact Michigan went down to Vandy and WON the Regional that was hosted by the #1 team in the country Vanderbilt, and beat #1 draft pick David Price in his final collegiate start. Oh and Michigan also was no hitting eventual CWS Champ Oregon State at home in Supers through 8.2 before falling. Combine OSU and Minny's 3rd place performances, 2009 is more of vindication that the Big Ten is on the up and up, not some rise out of nowhere.
Nothing against Rogers, he is great for the sport, but for a Big Ten perspective in how the conference is doing nationally, we turn to our main man Eric Sorenson for his views.
In an email exchange Eric said:
"Oh, and I almost forgot... I think the Big Ten is making the right strides - despite OSU's horrid losses in Tallahassee. With nearly every team building/improving their facilities, the conference is on the right track. We'll see how that transpires in the next year or two.
But this was a conference that REALLY needed to upgrade everything, while also needing to lighten up the non-conference death marches. That's why, despite Illinois' successful trip to LSU, the Big 10-Big East challenge was a great idea. No sense in opening your season playing teams that have had three weeks of outdoor practices and you've had none.
It's still all about money and commitment. If the Big 10 and northern teams put more money into programs and emphasize them, they'll get better and better and eventually make more national noise. If not, they won't."
I'll pass along more of Sorenson's words and thoughts as he also touched on Coach Todd's tenure and the current state of the Buckeyes, as I'm working on a "state of the program" for you guys to piece apart in getting the most thorough scope of all things Ohio State baseball.
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Yahoo Sports/Rivals.com: Keep an eye on the Big Ten
After editing his opening line that wasn't too flattering to northern baseball, thank you Eric Sorenson for bringing that to attention Yahoo Spots, Rivals.com college baseball writer Kendall Rogers had a few words to say on the Big Ten.
Coaches in the north have been waiting years to say the Big Ten is a rising conference. Well, the time has come.
The Big Ten hasn’t exactly been a great conference the past few seasons, but there are many reasons for its members to be excited these days. Minnesota and Ohio State are in the mix for regional hosts and Illinois could earn an at-large bid if the season ended today.
Then there’s Indiana, which isn’t a bad team despite its gaudy record. And of course Michigan, which actually sits seventh in the conference standings.
It’s certainly not time to proclaim the Big Ten as a soon-to-be power conference, but the league has taken a step in the right direction.
We lead off this week’s At the letters with a discussion about the Big Ten and its regional hopefuls.
—
Big Ten in better shape
The Big Ten has a few teams in the postseason picture this season. Is the league really that much better, and also, does Indiana have a chance to make an NCAA regional?
Justin
Peoria, Ill.
The Big Ten started to care when Michigan upset Vanderbilt in the Nashville Regional a couple seasons ago. When that happened, there wasn’t a program in the conference that didn’t think it could compete nationally.
The Big Ten has Michigan coach Rich Maloney to thank for its rise.
Minnesota, Ohio State and Illinois are very solid teams. The Golden Gophers have a high RPI and recorded some good non-conference wins. They also are on track to win the Big Ten regular season title and perhaps host a regional. The Buckeyes also have a high RPI and could host a regional with a strong finish and some Minnesota setbacks. Illinois, though, is fighting for an at-large bid and got everyone’s attention earlier this season when it took two of three on the road from LSU.
Missing from the equation is the chief architect of the Big Ten’s rise, Michigan, which is seventh in conference with an 8-13 record.
There’s no question the Big Ten has improved. More programs are showing a commitment to winning with improved facilities and the hiring of better coaches. The uniform start date also has helped.
As for Indiana, it is one game out of first place with a 14-6 record. However, it also has a less than stellar 25-24 overall record, an RPI of 131 and a record of 4-14 against top-100 RPI teams. The Hoosiers only will make an NCAA regional if they win the Big Ten tournament.
Rogers Mailbag
B9: Yes it is good the Big Ten is receiving some attention. Rogers is so off on so many points, especially when regarding the Big Ten's recent past, the Big Ten did send 3 teams to Regionals in 2007 people, that it shows just how little national attention the Big Ten received. Rogers gets an A for effort, but F for execution and fact finding. Oh and his pre-edited opening line of... "The Big 10 is a rising conference. Say it isn't so." isn't going to win him points here.
Coaches in the north have been waiting years to say the Big Ten is a rising conference. Well, the time has come.
The Big Ten hasn’t exactly been a great conference the past few seasons, but there are many reasons for its members to be excited these days. Minnesota and Ohio State are in the mix for regional hosts and Illinois could earn an at-large bid if the season ended today.
Then there’s Indiana, which isn’t a bad team despite its gaudy record. And of course Michigan, which actually sits seventh in the conference standings.
It’s certainly not time to proclaim the Big Ten as a soon-to-be power conference, but the league has taken a step in the right direction.
We lead off this week’s At the letters with a discussion about the Big Ten and its regional hopefuls.
—
Big Ten in better shape
The Big Ten has a few teams in the postseason picture this season. Is the league really that much better, and also, does Indiana have a chance to make an NCAA regional?
Justin
Peoria, Ill.
The Big Ten started to care when Michigan upset Vanderbilt in the Nashville Regional a couple seasons ago. When that happened, there wasn’t a program in the conference that didn’t think it could compete nationally.
The Big Ten has Michigan coach Rich Maloney to thank for its rise.
Minnesota, Ohio State and Illinois are very solid teams. The Golden Gophers have a high RPI and recorded some good non-conference wins. They also are on track to win the Big Ten regular season title and perhaps host a regional. The Buckeyes also have a high RPI and could host a regional with a strong finish and some Minnesota setbacks. Illinois, though, is fighting for an at-large bid and got everyone’s attention earlier this season when it took two of three on the road from LSU.
Missing from the equation is the chief architect of the Big Ten’s rise, Michigan, which is seventh in conference with an 8-13 record.
There’s no question the Big Ten has improved. More programs are showing a commitment to winning with improved facilities and the hiring of better coaches. The uniform start date also has helped.
As for Indiana, it is one game out of first place with a 14-6 record. However, it also has a less than stellar 25-24 overall record, an RPI of 131 and a record of 4-14 against top-100 RPI teams. The Hoosiers only will make an NCAA regional if they win the Big Ten tournament.
Rogers Mailbag
B9: Yes it is good the Big Ten is receiving some attention. Rogers is so off on so many points, especially when regarding the Big Ten's recent past, the Big Ten did send 3 teams to Regionals in 2007 people, that it shows just how little national attention the Big Ten received. Rogers gets an A for effort, but F for execution and fact finding. Oh and his pre-edited opening line of... "The Big 10 is a rising conference. Say it isn't so." isn't going to win him points here.
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