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.
Showing posts with label Omaha. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Omaha. Show all posts
Sunday, November 15, 2009
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.
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.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
On this Day in 1966
Today is the 42nd anniversary of Ohio State's 1966 national championship. The Buckeyes are the last Big Ten team to win the College World Series.
The Buckeyes made three straight appearances in Omaha from 1965-67. They were the runnerup in 1965 after losing 2-1 to Arizona State in the championship game. The next year, Ohio State beat Oklahoma State, 8-2, to win the school's only national championship and one of six won by Big Ten teams during a 14-year span (1953-66).
1966 College World Series Results
Rosenblatt Stadium, Omaha, Neb.
Go Bucks!
The Buckeyes made three straight appearances in Omaha from 1965-67. They were the runnerup in 1965 after losing 2-1 to Arizona State in the championship game. The next year, Ohio State beat Oklahoma State, 8-2, to win the school's only national championship and one of six won by Big Ten teams during a 14-year span (1953-66).
1966 College World Series Results
Rosenblatt Stadium, Omaha, Neb.
- Ohio State 4, Oklahoma State 2
- Ohio State 6, Southern California 2
- Ohio State 8, St. John's 7
- Southern California 5, Ohio State 1
- Ohio State 1, Southern California 0
- Ohio State 8, Oklahoma State 2
Go Bucks!
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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