Wichita State Contest moved to Saturday

[GoneGolfin]

I'm no GG, but it's a solid field, IMO. It would be nice to come away with a couple wins, especially if one is Tx State who was top 40 RPI last year. Santa Clara seems like the odd man out, but you can't overlook west coast teams. Wichita is in a similar boat as us with a younger team

wcd35 is correct.

Wichita State is definitely not the Shockers of old (perennial CWS/National Championship contenders). They are not even the Wichita State of 2007, whom was controversially awarded a #1 seed and host regional over UL ... before losing the opening game to #4 seed New Orleans and then rallying to win the regional. But they will contend for the MVC title in 2012 and a possible tournament bid. The Shockers have missed the postseason the last couple of seasons and last won a regional in 2008 (also their last regional win).

Wichita State does not have any All-American arms like Mike Pelfrey (whom the Cajuns lit up in Hawaii on their way to a 19-3 win over the Shockers). But left-hander Josh Smith is a quality arm that will go in this year's MLB draft (maybe a 20th rounder ... higher if he can show some more velocity from his likeable 6' 3" frame). Smith was their #2 last year and will face the Cajuns in the opener ... Wichita State lost their Friday and Sunday starters from a year ago. The Shockers typically look a lot like traditional Cajun teams and this year should be no exception. They pitch well, play decent defense (not great), have good team speed and will put pressure on the opposition on the base paths (they run a bit more than the Cajuns), and are a little light in the hitting department (both in average and power). They manufacture runs. And as wcd35 stated, they are young. They do have some young players on the mound and in the field that project at the next level, but did lose their three biggest sticks from last year. Big power throwing (mid 90's fastball) right-hander Sr. Mitch Mormann (LSU transfer) is expected to be a significant contributor this year if he can find his command.

Ex-Longhorn Ty Harrington has done a wonderful job with the Texas State program and will be in line for a higher profile job in the future. Texas State won both the SLC regular season and postseason tournament titles last season, before finishing third in the Austin regional as a #2 seed. The Bobcats are projected to win the SLC once again this season. Texas State will miss All-American righty Carson Smith as well as a few impact sticks. But they return slugger and preseason All-American Casey Kalenkosky (.327, 21 HR in '11), a 13th round draft pick in 2011 ... and Tyler Sibley (.340, 6HR in '11), along with four other players in the lineup. Texas State returns their #3 starter in lefty Colton Turner as well as some of the bullpen arms from last season, most notably the rather capable closer Jeff McVaney ... an outstanding two-way player for the Bobcats (9 saves, .319, 10HR).

The Cajuns will likely face sophomore righty and future MLB prospect Kyle Finnegan. Finnegan saw limited action last year, but pitched well in summer league ball. He has added some weight to his frame since high school (6'1" 165 lbs. ... about 140 lbs. in high school). An 88 mph fastball in high school, the extra weight helped him touch 96 mph early in summer ball, though he typically pitches low 90's and velocity fell off later in the summer as he tired (he only pitched 10.1 innings for the Bobcats during his freshman campaign). Finnegan also throws a sweeping curve ball (more like a slurve).

While Wichita State and Texas State are legitimate potential Top 40 teams in 2012 and the Cajuns are probably somewhere in the Top 75, Santa Clara is not. The Broncos have a new head coach, coming off a 17-34 2011 campaign that saw them finish dead last in the West Coast conference ... where they have finished two of the last three seasons ... and are picked to finish there once again. Santa Clara has not experienced a winning campaign since 2008, the year before I watched Stephen Strasburg shut the Broncos out before a SRO crowd at Schott stadium in Santa Clara.

2011 Freshman All-American Kyle DeMerritt (.280, 0HR) is arguably their top returning position player (six lineup players return). On the mound, the Broncos return two starters with returning Senior righty Brock Simon (3-8, 6.28 ERA) likely to face the Cajuns. Simon has a mid to upper 80's fastball with some movement to go along with a decent changeup. Santa Clara will be relying on JC Transfer Tommy Nance at the front of the rotation.

The home team always has the advantage, especially in these early season tournaments. Accordingly, the Cajuns are not expected to beat Wichita State or Texas State ... but a win over one would be a nice start to the season. A loss to Santa Clara would be disappointing. But you never know how these early season games are going to transpire.

Interesting side note ... three of the teams in this field have participated in the College World series ... with one national championship. Can you name them?

Brian

[GoneGolfin]

All of the games today (Saturday) have been postponed. More information is supposed to be forthcoming.

We had thunderstorms throughout the night in Central Texas ... let up around 6am. It is not currently raining where I am, but there is more rain in the area through at least noon ... and maybe as late as about 5pm. It may become more of an issue of field conditions at this point as plenty of water has hit the ground.

Brian

[Big Buds]

Wichita State does not have any All-American arms like Mike Pelfrey (whom the Cajuns lit up in Hawaii on their way to a 19-3 win over the Shockers).

I remember listening to Jay call that one! We had some clutch hitters that year.

[Big Buds]

Interesting side note ... three of the teams in this field have participated in the College World series ... with one national championship. Can you name them?

In order of appearances:
Santa Clara
Wichita State (National Champion)
Louisiana

[kelbow7]

The 3 teams are UL, Santa Clara, & Wichita St (national champs)

[RayneCajun]

I remember listening to Jay call that one! We had some clutch hitters that year.

If I remember correctly, Bab was coaching first and got tossed and that set the tone!


GEAUX CAJUNS!!!
2011 New Orleans Bowl Champions!!!

[GoneGolfin]

In order of appearances:
Santa Clara
Wichita State (National Champion)
Louisiana

BigBuds and kelbow7 are correct.

Santa Clara finished as the runner-up to Michigan in 1962 (5-4 in 15 innings) after losing the opener to Florida State.

Wichita State first appeared in the CWS in 1982, finishing the year 73-14 and as the runner-up to national champion Miami. How many folks remember the Grand Illusion? Can anyone tell me why the fake pick-off throw to first base by Miami pitcher Mike Kasprzak was not a balk (see linked video)? All-American Phil Stephenson (younger brother of coach Gene Stephenson) had 87 steals on the year and was duped in this famous CWS play that played a significant part in Miami going on to win the national championship.

The Shockers also appeared in the 1988 CWS, won the national championship in 1989 (going undefeated in the CWS), finished as the runner-up to LSU in 1991, appeared in 1992 as the #2 seed, finished as the runner-up to LSU again in 1993, and last appeared in 1996.

Of course, we all know the story of the Cajuns.

Brian

[wcd35]

Tentative schedule posted

Sat 5 PM vs Wichita St
Sun 11 AM vs SC
Mon 1 PM vs Texas St

[nathancpike]

Pregame set to go on air at 4:30. Tune in on Newstalk 96.5 KPEL.

[Rebel02]

Wichita State first appeared in the CWS in 1982, finishing the year 73-14 and as the runner-up to national champion Miami. How many folks remember the Grand Illusion? Can anyone tell me why the fake pick-off throw to first base by Miami pitcher Mike Kasprzak was not a balk (see linked video)?

Brian

It appears that the Kasprzak stepped off the rubber with his right foot first, which then made him an infielder and not a pitcher. At that point, he could fake the throw to first. Had he not stepped off first (jump and turn), he would have remained as a pitcher and a fake to first would have resulted in a balk call.