The Book 2007 Ragin' Cajun Baseball

[NewsCopy]

In six weeks, Arizona State and Louisiana-Lafayette could be NCAA baseball regional top seeds. They'll get a sample taste of the postseason in a series beginning tonight that will carry weight for both teams in the seeding process. ASU coach Pat Murphy is beginning a four-year term on the committee that selects the 64-team NCAA field. He's not shy about being an advocate for the Pac-10 and West Coast. Winning against an intersectional team that is higher in the ratings percentage index (RPI) than the Sun Devils will only give Murphy more ammunition in the selection discussions on May 26-27. advertisement "I'm trying to get a feel and be a good member of the committee," said Murphy, the only coach on the 10-member panel and one of two Western members along with Cal State Fullerton Athletic Director Brian Quinn. "I'm put there to represent. My voice needs to be accurate and powerful. The West Coast has been misrepresented, and nothing I've heard has done anything but enhance that feeling. I've got a responsibility, and it's a large one." The rest of the story Jeff Metcalfe The Arizona Republic

[DeadRed]

_ _

Gotta love the way the writer used our rpi as 71 -- as in ul monroe. Love the name.

also gotta love the fact the "commutizer" had no article on the series. better to lead with some c--p about the criminals in refineryville

[rhineaux]

_ Gotta love the way the writer used our rpi as 71 -- as in ul monroe. Love the name.

also gotta love the fact the "commutizer" had no article on the series. better to lead with some c--p about the criminals in refineryville _

he said that strength of schedule was 71.

[GoneGolfin]

Murphy has long felt that the RPI unfairly penalizes Western teams because of the strength of schedule they are forced to play due partly to geographic issues.

Either the writer does not understand the RPI and did not capture Murphy's thoughts correctly or Murphy does not understand the RPI. Or both. The RPI does not unfairly penalize teams because of strength of schedule (the RPI practically is SOS). It can hurt teams that play in strong regions that play a substantial number of their games within their region (connectivity with the rest of the country is low). This results in a sort of cannibalization. However, this is less of an issue this season as it has been in the past. Meaning that the overall connectivity numbers are improving.

Brian

[DeadRed]

_ he said that strength of schedule was 71. _

thank you for the correction

[Dad04]

Hopefully the Coach and reporter get a feel for the RPI effect of dropping two or three this weekend.

[GoneGolfin]

Hopefully the Coach and reporter get a feel for the RPI effect of dropping two or three this weekend.

Let's get it started tonight ... What does Buddy think about this lineup?

It will be interesting to see if Coach Murphy gives freshman Mike Leake (the one right-handed starter) the Friday night start again.

Brian

[Dad04]

_ Let's get it started tonight ... What does Buddy think about this lineup?

It will be interesting to see if Coach Murphy gives freshman Mike Leake (the one right-handed starter) the Friday night start again.

Brian _

I know they have video of recent ASU games they are studying. I'll ask. That Satow kid looked really good against USC or maybe it was Stanford?

[HTownCajunII]

_ I know they have video of recent ASU games they are studying. I'll ask. That Satow kid looked really good against USC or maybe it was Stanford? _

I had the good fortune of seeing ASU play a couple of early season games in Houston this year. I know hitters can be ahead of pitching early in the year, but ASU was one of the best offensive clubs I have seen.

The foresight in scheduling this series now affords the Cajuns a great opportunity to "settle things on the field" and get noticed by the national media. Kudos to Robe for bypassing a home series this weekend against an also-rand and making this trip. However it works out, these games will greatly benefit us in Regional play.

Is ASU returning the series in Lafayette in coming years?

Geaux Cajuns

[Dad04]

The team has the utmost respect for ASU.

[GoneGolfin]

I know they have video of recent ASU games they are studying. I'll ask. That Satow kid looked really good against USC or maybe it was Stanford?

You are thinking of the 10-0 shutout of USC that was on TV. Yes, Satow was sharp. Excellent command. I believe the only Stanford contest that was broadcast was game #3 of the series held on a Saturday. Brian Flores pitched in that game and pitched well. Nolan Gallagher of Stanford really struggled with his control. He can throw it 93+, but does not always know where it is going.

Brian

[GoneGolfin]

I had the good fortune of seeing ASU play a couple of early season games in Houston this year. I know hitters can be ahead of pitching early in the year, but ASU was one of the best offensive clubs I have seen.

The foresight in scheduling this series now affords the Cajuns a great opportunity to "settle things on the field" and get noticed by the national media. Kudos to Robe for bypassing a home series this weekend against an also-rand and making this trip. However it works out, these games will greatly benefit us in Regional play.

Is ASU returning the series in Lafayette in coming years?

Geaux Cajuns

It is my opinion that Arizona State has the best offense in college baseball this season.

I heard Jay mention that there was not a return agreement.

Brian