From: Benjamin
The SEC is without a doubt the top baseball conference in the country. Anyone with half a brain knows that. Friday, however, provided a tough day at the park for more than a few of the squads:
The Big 3 all rolled as expected, with Vanderbilt providing the big spark with a 2-1 victory over #12 Stanford. The Commodores were paced offensively by catcher Curt Casoli, and our preseason conference player of the year, Sonny Gray, picked up his second victory on the year by working 6 innings. Gray struck out six, but did struggle with his control a bit by allowing four free passes. Florida had no difficulty with Boston College, while South Carolina jumped out to a 10-0 lead on Southern Illinois, only to allow them back into the game. It took Matt Price's second save on the year to hold onto a 10-6 victory. The biggest concern so far for the Gamecocks has to be the ineffectiveness of reliever Jose Mata. Mata was dynamite is some key situations last year for the National Champs, but he had his second consecutive poor showing with a base on balls and a hit given up to the two batters he faced.
On the sour note, Auburn loses 8-6 to Radford, and Alabama goes down 6-2 to Southeastern Louisiana. It just keeps getting worse for Georgia coach Dave Perno as his Bulldogs drop a tough one at home to Baylor 4-2. Hey, at least Baylor is a respectable opponent, Mississippi State went down 2-1 at home to Belmont and Kentucky continued its downward spiral, losing 10-8 to Illinois-Chicago. I didn't even know they had a team.
The shocker of the day took place at the beach. #17 Coastal Carolina and ace Anthony Meo go down to the school that is disbanding their program, California, by a whopping 17-0. Meo was tagged for 9 runs. Ouch!
Braves
Friday, February 25, 2011
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
College Baseball Weekend #1
From: Cole
Enjoyed getting to spend the weekend kicking of the National Championship Defense at Carolina Stadium. Where else will you see a F-16 flyover for a college baseball game? Non-conference games are more essential than one thinks when it comes to post-season success. Of course the experience for pitchers who may not throw in a conference game is vital, but a stellar out of conference record can be the key to getting a host site or traveling. Last season the Gamecocks performed much better versus non-SEC foes than in previous ones, and they were rewarded with a host site. We all know what this led to. Here are some interesting notes from weekend number 1:
-2010 Florida Ace Alex Panteliodis did not start and only threw one inning in relief on Friday.
-Georgia gets swept at Stetson. Officially put coach Dave Perno on the hotseat.
-Kentucky loses to College of Charleston, Marshall, and Miami of Ohio. Ouch!
-In an ACC/SEC match-up, Virginia thumped Auburn 13-2.
-Eastern Michigan takes 1/3 at clemmons. Scott Weismann can beat anyone on Friday, but the tigers must develop a solid 2nd and 3rd arm in the rotation.
Enjoyed getting to spend the weekend kicking of the National Championship Defense at Carolina Stadium. Where else will you see a F-16 flyover for a college baseball game? Non-conference games are more essential than one thinks when it comes to post-season success. Of course the experience for pitchers who may not throw in a conference game is vital, but a stellar out of conference record can be the key to getting a host site or traveling. Last season the Gamecocks performed much better versus non-SEC foes than in previous ones, and they were rewarded with a host site. We all know what this led to. Here are some interesting notes from weekend number 1:
-2010 Florida Ace Alex Panteliodis did not start and only threw one inning in relief on Friday.
-Georgia gets swept at Stetson. Officially put coach Dave Perno on the hotseat.
-Kentucky loses to College of Charleston, Marshall, and Miami of Ohio. Ouch!
-In an ACC/SEC match-up, Virginia thumped Auburn 13-2.
-Eastern Michigan takes 1/3 at clemmons. Scott Weismann can beat anyone on Friday, but the tigers must develop a solid 2nd and 3rd arm in the rotation.
Thursday, February 17, 2011
SEC Weekend Baseball Schedule
From: Austin
Friday
Santa Clara at South Carolina 3:00 PM
UW-Milwaukee at Tennessee 4:00 PM
Wright St at Ole Miss 4:00 PM
Del State at Arkansas 4:00 PM
Akron at Mississippi St 5:00 PM
Vanderbilt at San Diego 5:00 PM
Kentucky at College of Charleston 5:00 PM
Georgia at Stetson 6:30 PM
Arkansas State at Auburn 7:00 PM
USF at Florida 7:00 PM
Alcorn State at Alabama 7:00 PM
Wake Forest at LSU 8:00 PM
Saturday
Lamar at Mississippi St 12:30 PM
Del State at Arkansas 2:00PM
Virginia at Auburn 2:00 PM
Georgia at Stetson 2:00PM
Wright St at Ole Miss 2:30 PM
Wake Forest at LSU 3:00PM
Santa Clara at South Carolina 3:00 PM
UW-Milwaukee at Tennessee 3:00 PM
Alcorn State at Alabama 3:00PM
USF at Florida 4:00 PM
Akron at Mississippi St 4:30 PM
Vanderbilt at San Diego 5:00 PM
Kentucky at Marshall 5:00 PM
Vanderbilt at San Diego State 9:00 PM
Sunday
Kentucky at Miami (Ohio) 11:00 AM
Wake Forest at LSU 1:00 PM
USF at Florida 1:00 PM
Georgia at Stetson 1:00 PM Sunday
UW-Milwaukee at Tennessee 1:00 PM
Santa Clara at South Carolina 1:30 PM
Alcorn State at Alabama 2:00 PM
Delaware at Arkansas 2:00 PM
Wright St at Ole Miss 2:30 PM
Lamar at Mississippi St 3:30 PM
UAB at Auburn 4:00 PM
Vanderbilt at San Diego 3:00 PM
Friday
Santa Clara at South Carolina 3:00 PM
UW-Milwaukee at Tennessee 4:00 PM
Wright St at Ole Miss 4:00 PM
Del State at Arkansas 4:00 PM
Akron at Mississippi St 5:00 PM
Vanderbilt at San Diego 5:00 PM
Kentucky at College of Charleston 5:00 PM
Georgia at Stetson 6:30 PM
Arkansas State at Auburn 7:00 PM
USF at Florida 7:00 PM
Alcorn State at Alabama 7:00 PM
Wake Forest at LSU 8:00 PM
Saturday
Lamar at Mississippi St 12:30 PM
Del State at Arkansas 2:00PM
Virginia at Auburn 2:00 PM
Georgia at Stetson 2:00PM
Wright St at Ole Miss 2:30 PM
Wake Forest at LSU 3:00PM
Santa Clara at South Carolina 3:00 PM
UW-Milwaukee at Tennessee 3:00 PM
Alcorn State at Alabama 3:00PM
USF at Florida 4:00 PM
Akron at Mississippi St 4:30 PM
Vanderbilt at San Diego 5:00 PM
Kentucky at Marshall 5:00 PM
Vanderbilt at San Diego State 9:00 PM
Sunday
Kentucky at Miami (Ohio) 11:00 AM
Wake Forest at LSU 1:00 PM
USF at Florida 1:00 PM
Georgia at Stetson 1:00 PM Sunday
UW-Milwaukee at Tennessee 1:00 PM
Santa Clara at South Carolina 1:30 PM
Alcorn State at Alabama 2:00 PM
Delaware at Arkansas 2:00 PM
Wright St at Ole Miss 2:30 PM
Lamar at Mississippi St 3:30 PM
UAB at Auburn 4:00 PM
Vanderbilt at San Diego 3:00 PM
Braves Starting Pitching
From: Cole
Pitchers and catchers reported earlier this week for the Braves and the starting rotation is set to be the strength of the squad. Derek Lowe, Tim Hudson, and Tommy Hanson will hold down the first three spots. A rejuvenated Jair Jurrjens will be the number 4 guy. Jurrjens, who lost most of 2010 with multiple injuries, has reportedly lost 20 lbs from last season and will attempt to regain the form that made him one of the brightest young pitching prospects in the game a year ago.
The battle for the 5th spot is between Brandon Beachy, who was signed as a non-drafted free agent for $40,000, and former first round selection, Mike Minor, who received a $2.42 million dollar bonus when he signed. Both are fastball, curve, change-up guys with a bit of Major League experience. Beachy perfomed better on the big stage last season, but if he wins the job, the Braves will have 5 right-handed starters. Minor would provide a lefty in a division with many dominant left handed bats. Rodrigo Lopez will also be competing, but the battle should come down to Minor and Beachy. We give the early edge to Beachy because the Braves staff is said to be incredibly high on him at this moment.
Pitchers and catchers reported earlier this week for the Braves and the starting rotation is set to be the strength of the squad. Derek Lowe, Tim Hudson, and Tommy Hanson will hold down the first three spots. A rejuvenated Jair Jurrjens will be the number 4 guy. Jurrjens, who lost most of 2010 with multiple injuries, has reportedly lost 20 lbs from last season and will attempt to regain the form that made him one of the brightest young pitching prospects in the game a year ago.
The battle for the 5th spot is between Brandon Beachy, who was signed as a non-drafted free agent for $40,000, and former first round selection, Mike Minor, who received a $2.42 million dollar bonus when he signed. Both are fastball, curve, change-up guys with a bit of Major League experience. Beachy perfomed better on the big stage last season, but if he wins the job, the Braves will have 5 right-handed starters. Minor would provide a lefty in a division with many dominant left handed bats. Rodrigo Lopez will also be competing, but the battle should come down to Minor and Beachy. We give the early edge to Beachy because the Braves staff is said to be incredibly high on him at this moment.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
New Bat Rules for 2011
From: Benjamin
Will Coach Tanner change his style? That is a large question looming over the 2011 reigning National Champions. Why change when you just won the College World Series? Well. the bat rules have significantly changed for college and high school in 2011. Coach Tanner believed that his squad led the nation in home runs for the fall, and they did it with six. Bat rules changed initially a few years ago with the allowable difference between length and weight was decreased from five to three. The new rule is much more complex. In summary, the bats have been severely weakened and this will put a greater emphasis on bunting and stealing. Coach Holbrook brought a hitting behind the ball style last season, a stark contrast to the wait for the 3-run bomb style of Tanner's previous squads. The 2011 team will have to rely more on the stolen base than ever before, a fact we know will make Coach Tanner's blood pressure rise.
Here are some pieces of a summary article on Rebelgrove.com about the rule changes:
After an overly offensive 1998 CWS, NCAA baseball began to adopt a testing standard called BESR (ball exit speed ratio). BESR testing introduced bats that were heavier than previous standards and had smaller barrels. Also, BESR measured the exit speed of baseballs after bat contact using a controlled scenario.
The test was supposed to make bats extremely similar to wood bats in "liveliness," but the testing has its flaws. BESR certification requires a maximum baseball exit speed of 97 miles per hour (the same as top-of-the-line wood bats), but that measurement is determined using a 70 mph pitch, a 34-inch, 31-ounce bat and a 66 mph swing speed - much slower than any live scenario at the collegiate level.
Also, aluminum bats are hollow, meaning properties other than weight and length contribute to the power produced. Aluminum bats compress upon impact, resulting in a "trampoline effect" that adds distance and speed to the baseballs when hit.
Thus, a new testing system is in place for 2011- BBCOR (ball-bat coefficient of restitution). It doesn't measure exit speed, but rather what the bat & ball do upon impact. The "trampoline effect is thus minimized, and BBCOR- certified aluminum bats and wood bats of the same size should act in extremely similar manners. It also takes into account the different bat lengths and how that changes the equation.
The following is from a newsletter the NCAA sent out on the issue.
"The standard sets the performance line slightly higher than the best available wood bats in our database. This will ensure that all wood bats continue to be legal under the new standard."
Supporters of the old bat specifications point to why aluminum is used in the college game to begin with. Other than cost, it's an equalizer and it allows a larger group of players to be successful at the collegiate level.
Will Coach Tanner change his style? That is a large question looming over the 2011 reigning National Champions. Why change when you just won the College World Series? Well. the bat rules have significantly changed for college and high school in 2011. Coach Tanner believed that his squad led the nation in home runs for the fall, and they did it with six. Bat rules changed initially a few years ago with the allowable difference between length and weight was decreased from five to three. The new rule is much more complex. In summary, the bats have been severely weakened and this will put a greater emphasis on bunting and stealing. Coach Holbrook brought a hitting behind the ball style last season, a stark contrast to the wait for the 3-run bomb style of Tanner's previous squads. The 2011 team will have to rely more on the stolen base than ever before, a fact we know will make Coach Tanner's blood pressure rise.
Here are some pieces of a summary article on Rebelgrove.com about the rule changes:
After an overly offensive 1998 CWS, NCAA baseball began to adopt a testing standard called BESR (ball exit speed ratio). BESR testing introduced bats that were heavier than previous standards and had smaller barrels. Also, BESR measured the exit speed of baseballs after bat contact using a controlled scenario.
The test was supposed to make bats extremely similar to wood bats in "liveliness," but the testing has its flaws. BESR certification requires a maximum baseball exit speed of 97 miles per hour (the same as top-of-the-line wood bats), but that measurement is determined using a 70 mph pitch, a 34-inch, 31-ounce bat and a 66 mph swing speed - much slower than any live scenario at the collegiate level.
Also, aluminum bats are hollow, meaning properties other than weight and length contribute to the power produced. Aluminum bats compress upon impact, resulting in a "trampoline effect" that adds distance and speed to the baseballs when hit.
Thus, a new testing system is in place for 2011- BBCOR (ball-bat coefficient of restitution). It doesn't measure exit speed, but rather what the bat & ball do upon impact. The "trampoline effect is thus minimized, and BBCOR- certified aluminum bats and wood bats of the same size should act in extremely similar manners. It also takes into account the different bat lengths and how that changes the equation.
The following is from a newsletter the NCAA sent out on the issue.
"The standard sets the performance line slightly higher than the best available wood bats in our database. This will ensure that all wood bats continue to be legal under the new standard."
Supporters of the old bat specifications point to why aluminum is used in the college game to begin with. Other than cost, it's an equalizer and it allows a larger group of players to be successful at the collegiate level.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Clary Preseason All-SEC Baseball squad
From: Everyone
The 2011 college baseball season is less than one week away and thus, it is time for the preseason All-SEC squad. When selecting each position, we took into account the new bat rules in place this year, which will place a greater emphasis on the stolen base and bunt. The SEC lost a ton of talent after last season, headlined by #5 draft pick Drew Pomeranz of Ole Miss. As is the case every season, the conference just reloads. We did not include highly rated freshmen who are expected to start since it is tough to judge how someone we have never seen will adjust to big boy baseball. Without further adieu....
First Team
C-Tony Caldwell; Sr Aub-.349 avg, 10 HR, 41 RBI. 6/10 SB. Yes, that's 6 SBs for a catcher.
1B-Preston Tucker; Jr UF-.331 avg, 50 runs, 11 HR, 49 RBI, 43 BB. 2nd team all SEC a year ago & a member of the All-Defensive team.
2B-Anthony Gomez; So Vandy-.379 avg, 2 HR, 30 RBI, 9/12 SB. Freshman AA last season.
3B-Jason Esposito; Jr Vandy-.359 avg, 12 HR, 64 RBI, 31/35 SB. Esposito's speed keeps him on the first team in a tight vote. His 25 doubles led the conference last year.
SS-Austin Nola; Jr LSU-.320 avg, 16 2B, 5 HR, 52 RBI, 1/2 SB. 33 point higher average than Fontana.
OF-Jackie Bradley Jr; Jr USC-.368 avg, 12 2B, 13 HR, 60 RBI. Outright leader of the National Champs
OF-Taylor Dugas; Jr Bama-.393 avg, 66 R, 59 BB, 19/24 SB, .530 OBP. 1st team AA last season.
OF-Mikie Mahtook; Jr LSU-.335 avg, 14 HR, 50 RBI, 22/32 SB
DH-Brian Johnson; So UF-.405 avg, 4 HR, 21 RBI in 27 games. Weekend starter in deep Gator rotation.
SP-Sonny Gray; Jr Vandy: 10-5, 3.48 era, 113 K in 108.2 innings. .246 opponent avg, 97 mph fastball with a 80-84 mph curve. Gray can be unhittable when he is on.
SP-Nathan Kilcrease; Sr Bama: 8-3 with a 2.85 era. 82 K to 21 BB, .224 opponent's avg. Began the year as the Tide closer and posted an era in the low ones until the trip to Columbia. Shifted to the rotation late in the year and will be the Tide ace. Is perhaps the shortest pitcher in the conference at 5'5".
SP-Hudson Randall; So UF: 8-4 with a 3.24 era. 69 K to 21 BB. Freshman All-American. Lives down in the strikezone with his sinker and breaking pitches.
RP-Matt Price; RSo USC-5-1 with 10 saves. 2.26 era, 81 K to only 19 BB. Absolutely dominant in the Super Regionals and CWS. Was on the mound for the final 2.2 innings when the Fighting Gamecocks defeated UCLA for the National Title
RP-Brett Huber; So Ole Miss-2-0, 12 Saves. 54 K, 19 BB. .216 opponent avg. Freshman AA in 2010
Second Team
C-Mike Zunino; So UF-.267 avg, 9 HR, 41 RBI, 8/11 SB. Freshman AA in 2010.
1B-Christian Walker; So USC-.327 avg, 9 HR, 51 RBI, only 18 K. Walker turned it on big time in post season play and sent the Gamecocks to the CWS with a 3 run home run at Coastal Carolina.
2B-Tyler Hanover; Jr LSU-.332 avg, 16 2B, 2 HR, 35 RBI, 4/8 SB.
3B-Austin Maddox; So UF-.333 avg, 17HR, 72 RBI. SEC Freshman of the year in 2010.
SS-Nolan Fontana; So UF-.287 avg, 3 HR, 49 RBI, 11/16 SB. Fontana is a superb defensive shortstop.
OF-Justin Fradejas; Sr Aub-.358 avg, 3 HR, 33 RBI, 14/21 SB.
OF-Collin Kuhn; Jr Ark-.336 avg, 18 2B, 16 HR, 52 RBI, 25 HBP, 17/19 SB. A 15th round pick of Detroit in the 2010 draft, Kuhn must replace the offense of departed superstar 3B Zack Cox. Hit 4 home runs in 4 regional games last season.
OF-Zach Cone; Jr UGA-.363 avg, 10 HR, 53 RBI, 13/13 SB. With stolen bases ever more important,
Cone should excel.
DH-Brady Thomas; Sr USC-.331 avg, 8 HR, 30 RBI. Thomas will share in the catching duties but will not be behind the plate for more than 50% of the contests due to his ulcerative colitis. Named to the CWS All-Tournament team in 2010, it is Thomas's clutch hitting that gives him the selection over Ole Miss's Matt Smith.
SP-Alex Panteliodis; Jr UF: 11-3 with a 3.51 era. The hefty lefty struck out 42 with 23 walks. Has a high pitch per inning ratio and often hits his pitch count early in games. Was Florida's Friday starter a year ago and has the numbers to be on the first team, but Panteliodis may not even be in the weekend rotation in 2011. Coach O'Sullivan announced that Hudson Randall and Brian Johnson secured their spots with Panteliodis battling stud freshman, Karsten Whitson, for the final position. Based on last season's numbers however, he projects at least this high.
SP-Alex Meyer; Jr UK: 5-3 with a 7.06 era, yes that is accurate 7.06. 59 hits in 51 innings, 63K, 36 BB. Why should a pitcher with such awful stats be considered All-SEC the following season? Well, Meyer suffered from mono last year and when healthy, his fastball can break 100. A healthy draft eligible Meyer can prove a formidable obstacle for teams on Friday night.
SP-Chris Stratton; So Miss St: 5-3 with a 5.29 era. 76K. Freshman All-SEC. While the era is a bit high, it was still one of the lower ones among returning starters in the conference last season.
RP-Steven Rodriguez; So UF-2-0 with 1 save and a 2.57 era. 26 K and 5 BB in 28 innings. Will take over for another dominant lefty as Kevin Chapman left for professional ball.
RP-Matty Ott; Jr LSU: 2-4 with 11 saves, 6.38 era. Ok, Ott was awful for most of last season and had to move into a starting role by year's end since the LSU staff was spent. As bad as he was as a sophomore, Ott was equally unhittable as a freshman when he earned 1st team All-SEC and 3rd team All-American honors with a 2.68 era and 16 saves. In 2009, Ott's K:BB ratio was 7.6:1. Last year, the ratio fell to 2:1. Ott regained his form in the Cape Cod League and is primed for a big time year in his first draft eligible season.
Player of the Year-Sonny Gray; RHP Vanderbilt. In the inaugural season of the Dead Bat era, Gray becomes that more dominant.
Newcomer of the Year-Ryne Stanek, SP Arkansas. While Florida Gator Freshman hurler, Karsten Whitson, may be the most talented new member of the league (selected 9th overall by San Diego), Stanek arrives in Fayetteville to find the entire starting rotation open. A 3rd round pick himself, Stanek should have the opportunity to make a greater impact since his role as a weekend starter is assured.
First Team
C-Tony Caldwell; Sr Aub-.349 avg, 10 HR, 41 RBI. 6/10 SB. Yes, that's 6 SBs for a catcher.
1B-Preston Tucker; Jr UF-.331 avg, 50 runs, 11 HR, 49 RBI, 43 BB. 2nd team all SEC a year ago & a member of the All-Defensive team.
2B-Anthony Gomez; So Vandy-.379 avg, 2 HR, 30 RBI, 9/12 SB. Freshman AA last season.
3B-Jason Esposito; Jr Vandy-.359 avg, 12 HR, 64 RBI, 31/35 SB. Esposito's speed keeps him on the first team in a tight vote. His 25 doubles led the conference last year.
SS-Austin Nola; Jr LSU-.320 avg, 16 2B, 5 HR, 52 RBI, 1/2 SB. 33 point higher average than Fontana.
OF-Jackie Bradley Jr; Jr USC-.368 avg, 12 2B, 13 HR, 60 RBI. Outright leader of the National Champs
OF-Taylor Dugas; Jr Bama-.393 avg, 66 R, 59 BB, 19/24 SB, .530 OBP. 1st team AA last season.
OF-Mikie Mahtook; Jr LSU-.335 avg, 14 HR, 50 RBI, 22/32 SB
DH-Brian Johnson; So UF-.405 avg, 4 HR, 21 RBI in 27 games. Weekend starter in deep Gator rotation.
SP-Sonny Gray; Jr Vandy: 10-5, 3.48 era, 113 K in 108.2 innings. .246 opponent avg, 97 mph fastball with a 80-84 mph curve. Gray can be unhittable when he is on.
SP-Nathan Kilcrease; Sr Bama: 8-3 with a 2.85 era. 82 K to 21 BB, .224 opponent's avg. Began the year as the Tide closer and posted an era in the low ones until the trip to Columbia. Shifted to the rotation late in the year and will be the Tide ace. Is perhaps the shortest pitcher in the conference at 5'5".
SP-Hudson Randall; So UF: 8-4 with a 3.24 era. 69 K to 21 BB. Freshman All-American. Lives down in the strikezone with his sinker and breaking pitches.
RP-Matt Price; RSo USC-5-1 with 10 saves. 2.26 era, 81 K to only 19 BB. Absolutely dominant in the Super Regionals and CWS. Was on the mound for the final 2.2 innings when the Fighting Gamecocks defeated UCLA for the National Title
RP-Brett Huber; So Ole Miss-2-0, 12 Saves. 54 K, 19 BB. .216 opponent avg. Freshman AA in 2010
Second Team
C-Mike Zunino; So UF-.267 avg, 9 HR, 41 RBI, 8/11 SB. Freshman AA in 2010.
1B-Christian Walker; So USC-.327 avg, 9 HR, 51 RBI, only 18 K. Walker turned it on big time in post season play and sent the Gamecocks to the CWS with a 3 run home run at Coastal Carolina.
2B-Tyler Hanover; Jr LSU-.332 avg, 16 2B, 2 HR, 35 RBI, 4/8 SB.
3B-Austin Maddox; So UF-.333 avg, 17HR, 72 RBI. SEC Freshman of the year in 2010.
SS-Nolan Fontana; So UF-.287 avg, 3 HR, 49 RBI, 11/16 SB. Fontana is a superb defensive shortstop.
OF-Justin Fradejas; Sr Aub-.358 avg, 3 HR, 33 RBI, 14/21 SB.
OF-Collin Kuhn; Jr Ark-.336 avg, 18 2B, 16 HR, 52 RBI, 25 HBP, 17/19 SB. A 15th round pick of Detroit in the 2010 draft, Kuhn must replace the offense of departed superstar 3B Zack Cox. Hit 4 home runs in 4 regional games last season.
OF-Zach Cone; Jr UGA-.363 avg, 10 HR, 53 RBI, 13/13 SB. With stolen bases ever more important,
Cone should excel.
DH-Brady Thomas; Sr USC-.331 avg, 8 HR, 30 RBI. Thomas will share in the catching duties but will not be behind the plate for more than 50% of the contests due to his ulcerative colitis. Named to the CWS All-Tournament team in 2010, it is Thomas's clutch hitting that gives him the selection over Ole Miss's Matt Smith.
SP-Alex Panteliodis; Jr UF: 11-3 with a 3.51 era. The hefty lefty struck out 42 with 23 walks. Has a high pitch per inning ratio and often hits his pitch count early in games. Was Florida's Friday starter a year ago and has the numbers to be on the first team, but Panteliodis may not even be in the weekend rotation in 2011. Coach O'Sullivan announced that Hudson Randall and Brian Johnson secured their spots with Panteliodis battling stud freshman, Karsten Whitson, for the final position. Based on last season's numbers however, he projects at least this high.
SP-Alex Meyer; Jr UK: 5-3 with a 7.06 era, yes that is accurate 7.06. 59 hits in 51 innings, 63K, 36 BB. Why should a pitcher with such awful stats be considered All-SEC the following season? Well, Meyer suffered from mono last year and when healthy, his fastball can break 100. A healthy draft eligible Meyer can prove a formidable obstacle for teams on Friday night.
SP-Chris Stratton; So Miss St: 5-3 with a 5.29 era. 76K. Freshman All-SEC. While the era is a bit high, it was still one of the lower ones among returning starters in the conference last season.
RP-Steven Rodriguez; So UF-2-0 with 1 save and a 2.57 era. 26 K and 5 BB in 28 innings. Will take over for another dominant lefty as Kevin Chapman left for professional ball.
RP-Matty Ott; Jr LSU: 2-4 with 11 saves, 6.38 era. Ok, Ott was awful for most of last season and had to move into a starting role by year's end since the LSU staff was spent. As bad as he was as a sophomore, Ott was equally unhittable as a freshman when he earned 1st team All-SEC and 3rd team All-American honors with a 2.68 era and 16 saves. In 2009, Ott's K:BB ratio was 7.6:1. Last year, the ratio fell to 2:1. Ott regained his form in the Cape Cod League and is primed for a big time year in his first draft eligible season.
Player of the Year-Sonny Gray; RHP Vanderbilt. In the inaugural season of the Dead Bat era, Gray becomes that more dominant.
Newcomer of the Year-Ryne Stanek, SP Arkansas. While Florida Gator Freshman hurler, Karsten Whitson, may be the most talented new member of the league (selected 9th overall by San Diego), Stanek arrives in Fayetteville to find the entire starting rotation open. A 3rd round pick himself, Stanek should have the opportunity to make a greater impact since his role as a weekend starter is assured.
Saturday, February 12, 2011
SEC Baseball TV Schedule
From: Leon
The SEC announced an expanded TV package for baseball this week.
March 15 Alabama at Auburn CSS 8:00 p.m. ET
March 18 Florida at LSU CSS 7:00 p.m. ET
March 19 Alabama at Ole Miss SPSO 3:00 p.m. ET
March 27 Vanderbilt at Arkansas CST 2:00 p.m. ET
April 1 Tennessee at Florida CSS 7:00 p.m. ET
April 2 Tennessee at Florida CSS 1:00 p.m. ET
April 2 Vanderbilt at Auburn CSS 7:00 p.m. ET
April 3 Arkansas at Alabama CSS 2:00 p.m. ET
April 7 South Carolina at Tennessee ESPNU 7:30 p.m. ET
April 8 Alabama at Vanderbilt CSS 7:00 p.m. ET
April 9 Florida at Mississippi State CSS 1:00 p.m. ET
April 9 Georgia at Ole Miss SPSO 3:00 p.m. ET
April 9 LSU at Arkansas ESPNU 8:00 p.m. ET
April 10 Auburn at Kentucky CSS 1:00 p.m. ET
April 14 Tennessee at Alabama ESPNU 7:30 p.m. ET
April 15 Florida at Georgia CSS 7:00 p.m. ET
April 15 Mississippi State at Arkansas SPSO 8:00 p.m. ET
April 16 Florida at Georgia ESPNU 2:00 p.m. ET
April 16 Vanderbilt at South Carolina CSS 7:00 p.m. ET
April 17 Vanderbilt at South Carolina ESPN2 1:00 p.m. ET
April 17 Florida at Georgia CSS 2:00 p.m. ET
April 19 Ole Miss vs. Miss. State (Trustmark Park - Pearl, Miss.) CSS 7:30 p.m. ET
April 21 Ole Miss at Auburn ESPNU 7:30 p.m. ET
April 22 South Carolina at Mississippi State ESPNU 8:00 p.m. ET
April 23 Ole Miss at Auburn CSS 1:00 p.m. ET
April 23 LSU at Vanderbilt SPSO 3:30 p.m. ET
April 23 Alabama at Florida ESPN2 6:00 p.m. ET
April 23 Arkansas at Kentucky FSN 7:00 p.m. ET
April 24 LSU at Vanderbilt ESPN2 3:00 p.m. ET
April 28 Kentucky at LSU ESPNU 7:30 p.m. ET
April 29 Auburn at South Carolina SPSO 7:00 p.m. ET
April 30 Arkansas at Georgia ESPN2 1:00 p.m. ET
April 30 Tennessee at Vanderbilt CSS 1:00 p.m. ET
April 30 Alabama at Mississippi State SPSO 3:00 p.m. ET
April 30 Auburn at South Carolina SPSO 7:00 p.m. ET
May 1 Arkansas at Georgia CST 2:00 p.m. ET
May 1 Auburn at South Carolina ESPN 3:00 p.m. ET
May 5 Florida at Arkansas ESPNU 7:30 p.m. ET
May 7 South Carolina at Ole Miss SPSO 3:00 p.m. ET
May 7 LSU at Alabama CSS 7:30 p.m. ET
May 7 Florida at Arkansas ESPNU 8:00 p.m. ET
May 12 Mississippi State at Ole Miss ESPNU 7:30 p.m. ET
May 13 Florida at Vanderbilt CSS 7:00 p.m. ET
May 13 SEC Wildcard ESPNU 8:00 p.m. ET
May 13 Mississippi State at Ole Miss SPSO 8:00 p.m. ET
May 14 Alabama at Auburn CSS 1:00 p.m. ET
May 14 Tennessee at LSU CSS 4:00 p.m. ET
May 14 Mississippi State at Ole Miss SPSO 8:00 p.m. ET
May 19 LSU at Mississippi State CSS 7:00 p.m. ET
May 19 Vanderbilt at Georgia ESPNU 7:30 p.m. ET
May 20 SEC Wildcard CSS 7:00 p.m. ET
May 21 SEC Wildcard CSS 7:00 p.m. ET
May 21 Kentucky at Florida SPSO 3:00 p.m. ET
May 25 SEC Tournament - Game 1 CSS 10:30 a.m. ET
May 25 SEC Tournament - Game 2 CSS TBD
May 25 SEC Tournament - Game 3 CSS 5:30 p.m. ET
May 25 SEC Tournament - Game 4 CSS TBD
May 26 SEC Tournament - Game 5 SPSO 10:30 a.m. ET
May 26 SEC Tournament - Game 6 SPSO TBD
May 26 SEC Tournament - Game 7 SPSO 5:30 p.m. ET
May 26 SEC Tournament - Game 8 SPSO TBD
May 27 SEC Tournament - Game 9 CSS 4:00 p.m.
May 27 SEC Tournament - Game 10 CSS TBD
May 28 SEC Tournament - Game 11 SPSO 10:30 a.m. ET
May 28 SEC Tournament - Game 12 SPSO TBD
May 28 SEC Tournament - Game 13 CSS 6:00 p.m.
May 28 SEC Tournament - Game 14 CSS TBD
May 29 SEC Tournament Final (Championship Game - Hoover, Ala.) ESPN2 2:00 p.m.
The SEC announced an expanded TV package for baseball this week.
March 15 Alabama at Auburn CSS 8:00 p.m. ET
March 18 Florida at LSU CSS 7:00 p.m. ET
March 19 Alabama at Ole Miss SPSO 3:00 p.m. ET
March 27 Vanderbilt at Arkansas CST 2:00 p.m. ET
April 1 Tennessee at Florida CSS 7:00 p.m. ET
April 2 Tennessee at Florida CSS 1:00 p.m. ET
April 2 Vanderbilt at Auburn CSS 7:00 p.m. ET
April 3 Arkansas at Alabama CSS 2:00 p.m. ET
April 7 South Carolina at Tennessee ESPNU 7:30 p.m. ET
April 8 Alabama at Vanderbilt CSS 7:00 p.m. ET
April 9 Florida at Mississippi State CSS 1:00 p.m. ET
April 9 Georgia at Ole Miss SPSO 3:00 p.m. ET
April 9 LSU at Arkansas ESPNU 8:00 p.m. ET
April 10 Auburn at Kentucky CSS 1:00 p.m. ET
April 14 Tennessee at Alabama ESPNU 7:30 p.m. ET
April 15 Florida at Georgia CSS 7:00 p.m. ET
April 15 Mississippi State at Arkansas SPSO 8:00 p.m. ET
April 16 Florida at Georgia ESPNU 2:00 p.m. ET
April 16 Vanderbilt at South Carolina CSS 7:00 p.m. ET
April 17 Vanderbilt at South Carolina ESPN2 1:00 p.m. ET
April 17 Florida at Georgia CSS 2:00 p.m. ET
April 19 Ole Miss vs. Miss. State (Trustmark Park - Pearl, Miss.) CSS 7:30 p.m. ET
April 21 Ole Miss at Auburn ESPNU 7:30 p.m. ET
April 22 South Carolina at Mississippi State ESPNU 8:00 p.m. ET
April 23 Ole Miss at Auburn CSS 1:00 p.m. ET
April 23 LSU at Vanderbilt SPSO 3:30 p.m. ET
April 23 Alabama at Florida ESPN2 6:00 p.m. ET
April 23 Arkansas at Kentucky FSN 7:00 p.m. ET
April 24 LSU at Vanderbilt ESPN2 3:00 p.m. ET
April 28 Kentucky at LSU ESPNU 7:30 p.m. ET
April 29 Auburn at South Carolina SPSO 7:00 p.m. ET
April 30 Arkansas at Georgia ESPN2 1:00 p.m. ET
April 30 Tennessee at Vanderbilt CSS 1:00 p.m. ET
April 30 Alabama at Mississippi State SPSO 3:00 p.m. ET
April 30 Auburn at South Carolina SPSO 7:00 p.m. ET
May 1 Arkansas at Georgia CST 2:00 p.m. ET
May 1 Auburn at South Carolina ESPN 3:00 p.m. ET
May 5 Florida at Arkansas ESPNU 7:30 p.m. ET
May 7 South Carolina at Ole Miss SPSO 3:00 p.m. ET
May 7 LSU at Alabama CSS 7:30 p.m. ET
May 7 Florida at Arkansas ESPNU 8:00 p.m. ET
May 12 Mississippi State at Ole Miss ESPNU 7:30 p.m. ET
May 13 Florida at Vanderbilt CSS 7:00 p.m. ET
May 13 SEC Wildcard ESPNU 8:00 p.m. ET
May 13 Mississippi State at Ole Miss SPSO 8:00 p.m. ET
May 14 Alabama at Auburn CSS 1:00 p.m. ET
May 14 Tennessee at LSU CSS 4:00 p.m. ET
May 14 Mississippi State at Ole Miss SPSO 8:00 p.m. ET
May 19 LSU at Mississippi State CSS 7:00 p.m. ET
May 19 Vanderbilt at Georgia ESPNU 7:30 p.m. ET
May 20 SEC Wildcard CSS 7:00 p.m. ET
May 21 SEC Wildcard CSS 7:00 p.m. ET
May 21 Kentucky at Florida SPSO 3:00 p.m. ET
May 25 SEC Tournament - Game 1 CSS 10:30 a.m. ET
May 25 SEC Tournament - Game 2 CSS TBD
May 25 SEC Tournament - Game 3 CSS 5:30 p.m. ET
May 25 SEC Tournament - Game 4 CSS TBD
May 26 SEC Tournament - Game 5 SPSO 10:30 a.m. ET
May 26 SEC Tournament - Game 6 SPSO TBD
May 26 SEC Tournament - Game 7 SPSO 5:30 p.m. ET
May 26 SEC Tournament - Game 8 SPSO TBD
May 27 SEC Tournament - Game 9 CSS 4:00 p.m.
May 27 SEC Tournament - Game 10 CSS TBD
May 28 SEC Tournament - Game 11 SPSO 10:30 a.m. ET
May 28 SEC Tournament - Game 12 SPSO TBD
May 28 SEC Tournament - Game 13 CSS 6:00 p.m.
May 28 SEC Tournament - Game 14 CSS TBD
May 29 SEC Tournament Final (Championship Game - Hoover, Ala.) ESPN2 2:00 p.m.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Jadeveon Clowney Announcement Show
From: Elliott
Ryan will be hosting the Jadeveon Clowney announcement special on ESPN Radio 97.1 FM and 1400 am Spartanburg on Monday, February 14 at 10 am. The live feed from the announcement will be broadcast live on air at 10:15. Analysis will immediately follow for the remainder of the hour when Ryan will be joined by reporters from TheBigSpur.com who will be live on scene. Go to http://www.espnspartanburg.com/ to listen live.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Get out the way!
From: Cole
Recruiting momentum has arrived. TE Jerell (I scored 3 TDs in the Shrine Bowl) Adams and DT Phillip Dukes commited to the Gamecocks in the last few days. Add to that the future signing of "All Everything" DE Jadeveon Clowney and you get a freight train of momentum for the program. The most consistent weakness of the Gamecock football program over the last 20 years has been the lack of depth of the defensive line. Yes, there were great individuals and starting groups, but never has quality depth been a luxury. With the current crop improving more than in the past due to the superb coaching of Brad Lawing and the deep talented class Coach Beamer is setting up, that will not be a problem any longer. Speaking of new players, the year at prep school did wonders for Kelcy Quarles. He sat right across from me at the Troy game and has noticeably packed on the muscle since last year. His father, former Gamecock Buddy Quarles, gave an interview to Spurs and Feathers in which he noted a dramatic change in the way the younger Quarles carries himself after his year at Fort Union. Add this to the physical changes and you get someone who will battle for the starting DT spot opposite of Travian Robertson. Depth is o so nice.
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