2008 Regional Baseball Tournament

Note: Canespacers will be joining Manny Navarro from the Miami Herald who will be blogging the Canes baseball game LIVE from Mark Light Stadium today at 4 PM.  Here is the link:

http://miamiherald.typepad.com/umiami/

For the 36th consecutive time (an NCAA record), UM enters the NCAA baseball tournament for a shot at the College World Series.  As the Canes begin pursuit of their 23rd appearance in the CWS, they bring a great offense that can hit for power and average; a deep pitching staff with perhaps the best bull pen in the sport; an outstanding defense led up the middle by the nation's best double play combo; Blake Tekotte in center, and oh by the way, a CANON in left field that goes by the name of Adan.  The head coach ain't too bad either.  He's looking for his 11th CWS in 15 seasons with The U.

What a difference a year makes!  In 2008, Miami's numbers are up across the board from 2007, and significantly in certain key areas.  Team battling average is up by 36 points, with 31 more HR's and 104 pts increase in slugging %.  The Canes also increased their fielding % from .966 to .975, and for those thinking "so what?" that's a drop of almost one error per game, which resulted in a reduction in unearned runs from 74 to 24 - a huge difference.  Team ERA is down 35 points, but the biggest difference here is free bases.  Last year, between walks and hit batters, Miami allowed 296 base-runners.  This year, its down to 203 - again, a tremendous difference.

Alas, all is not gold that glitter.  Eric Erickson has apparently not fully recovered from his mid-season injury, and with him being the likely game one starter, Miami enters the Regional with some trepidation.  Although some feel that Kyle Bellamy is a concern, I disagree.  He has been money all year long, and his struggles in the ACC tourney were more a result of a miniscule strike zone, than poor pitching.  When a sidewinder is losing command, his ball stays flat.  Bellamy's had good downward movement on his pitches in Jacksonville in each appearance, and his velocity and location were sound.  He and Carlos Gutierrez will be fine in the friendly confines of "The Light".

The other "issue" that concerns me is Yonder Alonso.  His relatively modest #'s last weekend exposed his weakness against left handed pitching.  He's hitting in the .240's against them.  Since those games were televised, you can bet our future opponents will send waves of southpaws to face him for the balance of the season.

UM starts off with Bethune Cookman College and the nation's leader in ERA, Hiram Burgos.  UM had a couple of mid-week struggles with BCC, but this is the playoffs.  UM will not overlook BCC, and although Burgos is a nice pitcher, his numbers are a product of mediocre competition. 

In game 2 of the series with Miami, Burgos came in to get the final out in the 8th to save the game, and UM touched him with a pair of singles to steal the victory. 

Of course, the key to this game is UM's starter.  I expect Morris to go with Erickson, but he will have a short leash.  BCC, similar to the other 2 members of this regional, hits around 300, and has marginal power.  Their defense is average and their bull pen is shallow.  UM will handle BCC. 

Ole Miss would appear to be the major hurdle for the Canes this weekend, as they will have a taste for vengeance.  Remember, UM eliminated Ole Miss in 2006 on their home field in dramatic fashion, when Danny Valencia hit a late grand slam to seal the victory in game 3.  The Rebels have a good pitching staff with some major league talent on the mound.  Their star is closer Scott Bittle, but their starters are solid.  They are a little unusual in that their strength appears to be in the pen, and not their starters.  They give up a lot of runs early in games, which bodes well for UM who is a fast starting team averaging nearly 5 runs/game in the first 3 innings. 

The Rebels' overall starts are solid, hitting around 300, era around 4, and a good SO/BB ratio.  In the SEC, however, those numbers do not hold up.  They were .500 in the conference, and their era was up nearly a run a game.  Their offense also sputtered against conference pitching.  Ole Miss is battle tested in the SEC and has some quality left-handers at their disposal to challenge Alonso.  The good news is that Bittle is a rightie, and if we face them in game #2, we'll greet them with Chris Hernandez. 

Last, but not least, The Mizzou Tigers are a team with similar #'s to Ole Miss that tail off in conference play.  The Big 12 is historically a solid conference, but this is not a particularly strong year.  No Big 12 team has been consistently strong, with the possible exception of A & M, who beat Mizzou all 4 times they met this year.  Missouri is also led by their pitching staff, with a good stable of starters, but they have only one lefty on the roster with meaningful innings this season (and he's nothing special).  They lack a true closer, and have 6 complete games, which is rare in college ball, and is an indication that they are not comfortable with their pen. 

The Top Tiger on the roster is starting pitcher Aaron Crow, but I'd be shocked if we see him-they'll need him to get past Ole Miss in the opener.  They do not really match up well with the Canes, especially if their starters struggle at all.  Miami has outscored the opposition by 123 runs after the 5th inning, showing that while UM hitters feast on the opposition's relievers, Miami's bull pen has been solid all year long.  That stat more than any other explains how you go 47-8 with the nation's #1 RPI.

The talking heads at ESPN think this group will be a major test for The U.  We've got no walk in the park, but there are very few "easy" Regionals in my opinion.  While each of these teams boast capable pitching, none can match Miami's offense, defense, speed on the base-paths, and its overwhelming history of Regional success on campus.  Pull for Mizzou over Ole Miss for an easier road, but if Erickson pitches well in the opener, I like the home team to advance in order.  FYI, ESPNU has announced that the Coral Gables Region will be one of two featured, so take their "analysis" with a grain or two of salt as they seek to promote their broadcasts.

Since I'll be gone for a few weeks, I'll give you my 2 cents regarding the Super-Regional.  Miami is likely to face Arizona, a tradition rich team that has won the CWS, and just took 2 of 3 from ASU.  Michigan is a possibility, but look for the Cats.  Nothing jumps out about Arizona statistically, but they played a tough Pac 10 schedule, and won series against Fullerton, and at Georgia, giving them series wins against 3 National Seeds.  They are no slouch, and it will be a great match-up.

I hope to be flashing the U all over northern Italy for the next 2 weeks.  Get out to The Light and give the Canes the home field advantage they deserve.  GO CANES!   

Comments

[SOUP]

86th!!!

[soldo]

What?

[SuperCooper]

Is it me or does this site look different? Something is up....

Guess this is what I get for not posting every day :)

[SOUP]

Super...it ain't U, it IS diffrerent! New three column design, new CBS ad left column, new banner coming soon...

[M.H.]

You are going to gain 10 lbs...

[SuperCooper]

86, just saw the CBS ad. Big boys coming on the Canespace bandwagon eh? Sweet

[SuperCooper]

Some recruiting news, we have made the final 9 for stud OL Xavier Nixon:

http://www.fayobserver.com/article?id=295218

[SOUP]

Super...U are the recruiting GURU. Keep it coming!

[Cat5 Cane]

tenth!!!
Alright ,... What's going on, I expected 50 orders by now... let's go... Hey you, yes you. You say your a fan, show me your sticker. Oh, you don't have one, then go over to booth #2 and Rosie will take care of you....just tell her you want the special!... Step up,Step-up, come on... and what your problem?...What, I can't hear you with that bubble gum in your mouth. You say, you haven't any money and you have to ask your father... Sorry guy, Suggest to start working at Big Cheese and I'll trade you for a large one,... next. Yes you, with the Jesus sandles... step-up, step-up!...HUMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM... OK,OK, for U it's free!

A take off on Cheech and Chonge from the old days!

[SOUP]

Canes Baseball:

http://hurricanesports.cstv.com/sports/m-basebl/spec-rel/052608aae.html

[SOUP]

More Canes baseball:

http://hurricanesports.cstv.com/sports/m-basebl/spec-rel/052608aaf.html

[SOUP]

Jerome Brown CC in Brooksville, FL:

http://www.ci.brooksville.fl.us/jbcc/jbbcflyer.html

[Cat5 Cane]

Bazzball...
Ok... Who"s got tickets... available? Keoki, Justin, Loco, 86, RT6, speak-up...

Soup, is Manny going to the titanic before the game?...

Who ever wrote the article... good job, it read well.

Don't know about the others, but I'm a little nervous and wished we could just zoom forward and start playing in the big eight... IMO,... I think number one should get an automatic bye to the playoffs... and that would be a proper reward for any team to shoot for.

[SOUP]

Cat5...as far as I know Manny will not be at the TI before the game. I will email him to find out for sure.

The article was written by Mephistopholis (SP?) a knowledgeable baseball fan like JC and MattinNY.

[LatinCane]

What the??? U Dynasty. How could you be a fan and rip other UM fans?

[OCALACANE]

U DIE NASTY!!
Cool lets set this up...
It would be a pleasure to meet U!!!
Pick the Time and Place.
I am There!!!
See Ya Soon...

[solarcane]

sorry guys and girls, I wasn't on the blog
took care of what I could
peace

[LatinCane]

U Dynasty
Explain to me why you would hate someone so much on a blog..another brother none the less. This might sound corny, but The mantra "It's a Cane Thing U wouldn't Understand" to me means "Us" against the world, not pitting against each other.

[OCALACANE]

Sorry 86...
This will not stand...

[solarcane]

latin, ocala others,
I have temporarily suspended that ip address soup can deal with it how ever he chooses, sorry for the bs guys.
I have no quarrel one way or another, just doing what I was requested to do
peace

[SOUP]

I'm here...Udyn is from the SS and will soon be history. The days of the Internet bullies are numbered. They are a dying breed and will soon be outnumbered by real Canes fans that are supportive of each other and hold The U up high and proud!

[LatinCane]

Solar. That's cool. Peace

[SOUP]

ROCK THIS:

http://www.myspace.com/ocalacane

[solarcane]

meph,
that is a great article,
finally got to read it.
nice work.

peace

[solarcane]

MH,
There is a little humor to be found in just about anything isn't there bro?

your momma lmao!
peace

[solarcane]

Here is the real deal ACC Baseball Champion locker room tee shirt and cap if you need to make a statement at the regional or supers

http://store.cstv.com/marketplace/store.cfm?dept_id=-151&sportCatID=2&store_id=4&partner_id=14983

peace

[M.H.]

Yes there is...but I hope everyone takes the high road...

http://www.ahajokes.com/yo_mama_jokes.html

[Loco]

Bazzball...
Ok... Who"s got tickets... available? Keoki, Justin, Loco, 86, RT6, speak-up...

Cat5Cane

Cat, this isn't a UM event per se so even us students have to pay. I'm planning on going Saturday with a friend or two, planning on buying tix at the gate. I'm told they aren't close to selling out yet (i called to make sure)

[Loco]

btw Cat, you've got mail

[Loco]

Oh, and great write-up, really well done

[darCANEgel]

Skruw FSU
and Fudge the gators
--

In 10 years, however --- our enemy will be west of the palmetto...east of the pike...

The U srkrud JMH...and FIU is getting back at them in healthcare...with BIIGGGGG donations....

http://www.miamiherald.com/top_stories/story/550287.html

just a matter of time ---

What's their press release??
FIU is the only team south of Orlando who play football on-campus...f-hk them...

BTW - Bethume Cookman's pitcher is a baaad arse...

CANES, baaby

[Loco]

Here is the real deal ACC Baseball Champion locker room tee shirt and cap if you need to make a statement at the regional or supers

http://store.cstv.com/marketplace/store.cfm?dept_id=-151&sportCatID=2&store_id=4&partner_id=14983

peace

Posted by: solarcane | May 29, 2008 at 11:08 PM

All they need to do with the cap now is take off the ACC and replace it with CWS

[Loco]

What's their press release??
FIU is the only team south of Orlando who play football on-campus...f-hk them...

Posted by: darCANEgel | May 30, 2008 at 12:08 AM

That's like saying the Bills are the only team that actually play in NY.. its true, but it doesn't make them any GOOD

[darCANEgel]

good thoughts, Loco...but when the Bills were losing IV superbowls...the Fins werent doing a gosh darn thing...so its all relative...

do I dare say it? Jim Kelly v Dan Marino...how many rings can you squeeze outta them???

Trick question --

But how cool are both of those guys??

So === conclusion, what do rings say about a guys character?

NADA...

But, man --- DM should be more into the Canes then he's shown...

Last thing...well done Lamar Thomas...you rock.

C
A
N
E
S

CANES!!!!

[Keoki]

Bazzball...
Ok... Who"s got tickets... available? Keoki, Justin, Loco, 86, RT6, speak-up...

Cat5, got U covered for Sat and Sun, but Ricky has my xtra for Friday. C U @ da Ti!

[Jer]

Keoki! What's up brother?

[SOUP]

Cat5, got U covered for Sat and Sun, but Ricky has my xtra for Friday. C U @ da Ti!

Posted by: Keoki | May 30, 2008 at 12:26 AM

LOVE the Space! Get your tickets, get your tickets here...

Keoki...I will not be at the Regionals. But if we get the Super I will be there. As mush as I would like to, I can't travel every week!

[Loco]

great story about Morris...

http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/colleges/um/story/551678.html

[Loco]

And say what you want about the Bushes, but they are miami fans...

He has met President Bush and his brother, former Gov. Jeb Bush, because both are Miami fans -- especially Jeb, who occasionally attends games.

[Esteban]

just read the nonsense from last night here and at the SS. ridiculous. if the SS pulls a Herald and forces people to register that's pretty much killed the easy enjoyment of the Cane blogs.

[SOUP]

Note: Canespacers will be joining Manny Navarro from the Miami Herald who will be blogging the Canes baseball game LIVE from Mark Light Stadium today at 4 PM. Here is the link:

http://miamiherald.typepad.com/umiami/

[SOUP]

Este...how does registering kill a blog? We monitor this blog more than ANY other yet it is the most active one around? We are the ONLY blog that has women bloggers, student bloggers, elderly bloggers, etc. because we keep the environment clean and clear of harrassment.

We aren't just a small group of 20 year olds who want to pick a fight with someone else and use excessive profanity to make their point.

If you are promoting and approving of some annonymous blog bully saying nasty, innapropriate things about your wife on a Sports blog then I do not understand you. Surely that can't be your point of view?

Registering protects EVERYONE equally. Why would you NOT want that?

[Cane Since 1982]

Morris said he is starting Garcia not Erickson.

[SOUP]

1982...U going over to Manny's for the game?

[SOUP]

BCC pitcher info:

http://bccathletics.cstv.com/sports/m-basebl/mtt/burgos_hiram00.html

[vince]

Great article! Legion Lamar Thomas has a brother playing baseball for BCC.

[SOUP]

BCC and Burgos had a big win in the MEAC tourney recently (getting nervous!):

http://bccathletics.cstv.com/sports/m-basebl/recaps/051508aaa.html

[SOUP]

Vince...here he is:

http://bccathletics.cstv.com/sports/m-basebl/mtt/thomas_eric00.html

[Cane Since 1982]

Chicken Noodle,

Im only going to be able to watch the first few innings because I have to do a meet and greet with the European Broward Chamber of Commerce tonight from 5:30 - 8:00. I am not very happy I got roped into doing this because when I was originaly asked to do this over a month ago they didnt inform that it was taking place on a Friday night, much less this Friday night. So no I wont make it to Manny's blog tonight.

[vince]

#20 Eric Thomas, he is a pitcher and outfielder