Weekend Preview: UM vs NCST

This article was written by Mephistopheles for Canespace...

 

Our Baseball 'Canes are riding a five game conference winning streak, and find themselves tied for first in the Coastal Division.  So far, and it's real early, the Coastal is shaping up as the class of the conference with UVA and the Jackets tied with UM at 5 - 1, and UNC lurking after a slow start. 

 

College Baseball Insider has declared the Cavaliers as the cream of the ACC, but there's a lot of ball to be played.  If the order remains as it is, the last two weeks of the season will decide the division with Miami visiting Georgia Tech, and UVA visiting the the Hurricanes in the last two weeks of the Conference regular season.

 

This week Miami travels to North Carolina to face the Wolfpack for a three game series beginning on Friday night. 

 

NC State enters this week as the Conference's most productive offensive team leading the ACC in batting average and runs scored.  However, much of their production this season came against less than stellar teams, including 7 games against LaSalle, Quinnipiac and NC Central. 

 

Against good teams, the Pack's offense has had more bark than bite, although they are a streaky team that if they get going early they can plate some runs. 

 

Fortunately for the Canes, UM's pitching has been a strength all season long with just a few exceptions.  They are ranked 5th in the pitching heavy ACC with a solid 3.58/9 innings, but are at the top in opponent's batting average, strike-outs and strike-out to walk ratio.  All three of UM's starters have been steady all year and all have a wealth of experience. 

 

The pen has been good overall, but the late innings have been this bullpen's strength.  Although Gut is the named closer, no one in the pen has really established themselves as "The Guy," unless you count Iden Nazario as the guy opponents love to see.  Sorry Naz.

 

On the mound, the Pack has not distinguished itself at all.  Their team ERA is more than two runs/game higher than The U, and they lead the conference in walks.  Their only reliable starter is Buchanan, who will likely go Friday against Hernandez.  If Erickson stays as the Sunday starter, UM should have a huge pitching edge in game 3. 

 

The Pack's pitching staff has struggled with walks, and their battery has only caught only 2 of 31 base-stealers.  This should set up a nice match-up advantage for the Canes who are 2nd in the ACC with 37 steals, and although Miami's fielding has been its achilles heal this season, N. C. State has fared even worse, ranking 10th in the conference. 

 

Football fans who go to the game may recognize the Pack's shortstop and occasional relief pitcher, Russell Wilson who doubles as the football team's QB.  Wilson is obviously athletic being able to start at such a high level in 2 sports, but he will not likely be the difference this week.  He has a nice average and some occasional power, but is also succeptible to strike out.  He throws hard, but has average stuff and walks as many as he K's. 

 

This series should set up well for the Canes to keep pace in the Coastal division.  If Miami can get to Buchanan in Game 1, they should put up some nice numbers this weekend against the balance of NCST's vulnerable pitching staff. 

 

As you may have noticed, all season long I have encouraged the Canes to be aggressive on the bases, and this game should give the rabbits a chance to run, baby, run.  

 

This is a series that UM must take advantage of if they hope to contend for the conference title, and a national seed in the post-season.  The second half of the conference season is a gauntlet, so they need to get as many wins as possible in the next three weeks.

 

I think they will.  

 

Comments

[CanesCanesCanes]

First?

[CanesCanesCanes]

....and second

[CanesCanesCanes]

Hello....

Good weekend preview. I hate to say this...but this is a crucial series. This team has played down to it's competition and needs to step up now - like you said, here comes the toughest part of the schedule loaded with good ACC teams.

[roachcane77]

Go Canes Baseball!

An ACC title & then on to a CWS title!

[roachcane77]

Oh yeah, great job Lady Canes Basketball... Elite 8 in the WNIT!

[CGNC]

Sixth

[CGNC]

Six, gotcha! LOL

[go2du]

Nice read....the series is in Raleigh though, there has been so many freshmen contributing that the inconsistency will be inevitable. I do hope they mature quicker than normal....and a few has shown such. We need a 1b in the worst way and it's just a shame that JM is so stubborn. I will be there as always to see for myself.

[j.w.]

Good day everyone! Nice to be back after watching people cry, swear, and try to prove how much smarter they are than everyone else for two days. And no, there weren't any kids around.

[TJL]

Im in Kiev Ukraine and just got into a pizzin match with a Gayturd walking by strutting in his stupid hat, im sitting at an outdoor cafe having a beer and he walks by and I shout "canes baby" he starts with the usual "did u go to school there" crap, it went on for a few, and the locals thought we were crazy!

[Sebastian(2001=G.O.A.T.)]

Looking for another sweep this weekend baby!!!!!

Afterall its not a midweek game

[UMike]

From Facebook...Travis Williams: Out chea wit chad ochocinco and willis and da rest of da U fam chillin at the pro day.

[Daytoncane]

j.w. that's not fair.

some people have big egos and have to prove to everybody that they're smarter. it's like arguing with a mule.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nh33bGAxl58&feature=related

[j.w.]

That's good, Dayton! :)

[Cat 5 Cane]

Good stuff!

Please always jot down... Who wrote the article!!!

Even if it is you... Master!

Suggestions from a worthless nobody!

[solarcane]

Real good article there

[Cat 5 Cane]

Who's going to Traz tomorrow...

It appears, Beast, Playa, Sabastian, Me and...???????????????

I'll try to be there about 2pm, on the West side of the stadium, near the middle and close to the gates

See google... http://maps.google.com/
and copy address... ( Traz Powell Stadium, 11380 NW 27th Avenue, Miami, Fl )
into search window.

Find green arrow, at lower screen and enlarge to see field/ stadium.

Find West side (left side for dummy's) of field and walking path to stadium in the middle... Look for unusual suspect wearing Canes gear and ask me if I'm Cat5, but look for tells... Do I have a Bud in my hand?

Later, Gang!

[Cat 5 Cane]

Someone bring a pop up tent, if you have one and it's... BYOB, before and after.

[SOUP]

The article was written by Mephistopheles (SP?).

My Bad.

[SOUP]

Credits are up, again my apologies Meph.

Go Canes, Beat the Pack!

[Sebastian(2001=G.O.A.T.)]

I see where JFox injured his hamstring while running the 40 and had to pull out of his workouts.

20/20 here but does anyone think it was wise to be running the 40 coming off that injury?

[NativeCane]

Cat5, love that avatar
You are truly a genius Maaaster.

Go Canes!!!

[SOUP]

From www.hurricanesports.com:

The University of Miami women's basketball team (20-13) used a huge first half and big defensive plays late, in its third round WNIT victory over the North Carolina A&T Aggies (23-11), Thursday night at the BankUnited Center by an 84-77 score.

With both team's offenses pouring in points, it was a pair of back-to-back defensive plays from freshman Morgan Stroman that sealed the victory for the Hurricanes.

A four-time South Carolina State Champion in high school, Stroman stole an entry pass into the post and went coast-to-coast for the layup. She was fouled on the play and sank the free throw, pushing the Miami lead to 77-69 with 2:37 remaining.

The very next Aggie possession resulted in a Crystal Murdaugh jumper that was swatted away by Stroman. After collecting the rebound, she fired a full court pass to a streaking Charmaine Clark, who finished the easy layup.

The `Canes were able to milk the clock from that point on and sank 5-of-6 free throws in the final minutes, for the final score.

Riquna Williams led all scorers with 21 points, shooting 6-of10 from the field and 5-of-7 from three-point range.

Fellow sophomore, Shenise Johnson scored 20 points of her own, grabbing eight rebounds along the way. The first team All-ACC selection also added six assists and three steals.

Johnson fell just two points shy of reaching the 1,000 point plateau in just her second season.

[SOUP]

Miami has reached 20 wins for the first time in six seasons, not since the 2003-04 squad advanced to the NCAA Tournament, ending with a 22-7 record. It is the second time that head coach Katie Meier has reached the 20-win mark, as she accomplished the feat when she was a fourth-year coach at Charlotte

With the win, Miami advances to the WNIT quarterfinals for the first time in program history and heads on the road to face the Providence Friars of the BIG EAST Conference. The quarterfinal matchup is set for 2 p.m., Sunday, March 28.

Earlier in the evening, Providence (19-14) played at Maryland, defeating UM's conference foe, 77-64.

[canechic]

Miami coach is really strict:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/03/25/lingerie-football-players_n_512848.html

[JCane]

To get back to one of my old favorite topics, recruiting (shame to wait til the current recruits get to show their stuff over the weekend!), one of the highly rated (FWIW) TE recruits, Austin Seferian-Jenkins of Gig Harbor, Washington, was by the U this week and is also to visit FU. Per Rivals, he "always has been" really interested in the U, the mom thought Shalala was "amazing," and will likely wait until at least summertime to make a decision. He looks like a big good receiving TE prospect rather than someone who'd end up moving to the OL, given that he played WR in hs last year (at 6'7", 250 lbs.) and got over 1100 yds in so doing. Then again, he lists OU and FU as the only two with "high" interest.

It'll all play out and nada to think much about yet.

Interested in seeing how the Lady Canes do on Sunday, let alone our guys on the diamond this weekend vs. the Wolfpack.

I'd love to see Tenn take down OSU in the tnmt....got a close one going. Looks like St. Mary's magic has just about run out the way Baylor is taking it to them. FWIW, wasn't St. Mary's the team the U last beat in its last NCAA tnmt. appearance prior to losing to UTexas??

[SOUP]

Canespacers...I am NOT going to the Spring Game. I need to rest and get well.

I have been sick for three weeks and just got back from Pensacola and Tallahassee today after another 5 hour drive. I am not driving 6 hours (R/T) for a two hour scrimmage that in the end means nothing.

I know nobody cares about me or my issues but here is my request:

1. If you are attending take a camera and take photos then email them to me.

2. Please write a brief report of the game and send it to me via emal.

Thnak U!

[SOUP]

Email the photos and comments to:

[email protected]

[SOUP]

From www.hurricanesports.com, lots more there:

After back-to-back series wins over Boston College and Duke to open Atlantic Coast Conference play, the 12th-ranked University of Miami baseball team will look to make it three straight this weekend when the Hurricanes travel to Raleigh to take on NC State, March 26-28, at Doak Field at Dail Park. The series marks Miami's second straight weekend in "The Triangle", after the `Canes swept Duke last weekend at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park in Durham.

Miami (14-6) has won five of its first six ACC games this year and is a perfect 5-0 on the road in 2010. The UM pitching staff has been the story for the `Canes in league play, coming into this weekend with a 2.00 ERA in 54 innings. UM's three weekend starters - Chris Hernandez, Jason Santana and Eric Erickson - have yet to allow more than three earned runs in any start in league play while Miami's bullpen still hasn't allowed an earned run in ACC play (18 1/3 straight scoreless).

Hernandez - the ACC's reigning Pitcher of the Week after tossing a two-hit complete game at Duke last Friday - leads the staff in both ERA (1.97) and strikeouts (33) this year. Relievers E.J. Encinosa and Daniel Miranda both boast ERAs under 3.00, while closer David Gutierrez (1-0, 2.89 ERA) has successfully converted all four of his save attempts thus far.

[Cat 5 Cane]

This is day old news, but if you haven't seen it, It's Good Stuff!

Storm Johnson stands out in crowded Miami backfield

8:57 am March 25, 2010, by Chip Towers

Loganville's Storm Johnson is rocking the number 24 in Miami's backfield.

Loganville’s Storm Johnson knew he was stepping into a highly competitive situation when he signed with Miami. He hadn’t really considered what a challenge day-to-day life was going to be.

“Man, it’s been hectic, been busy,” said Johnson, an early enrollee for the Hurricanes. “Always got to be somewhere, either at workouts or at school or at football. You’re always on the move from the time you wake up. So it’s always cooking, something is always going on.”

Johnson is proving he can keep up. In fact, the 6-foot-1, 220-pound running back has been one of the big surprises of the spring for Miami. He was the star running back in the Hurricanes’ last intrasquad scrimmage of the spring.

Johnson busted loose for 104 yards on 10 carries — including runs of 52 and 29 yards — and had a six-yard touchdown. He also hauled in two passes for another 14 yards.

“It’s still just playing football,” said Johnson, who has been enrolled at Miami since Jan. 21. “The hardest part about it is learning the plays, learning the playbook. But everything went smoothly after I started catching on. Everything went better as it went along. I was able to get after it and just run the football after that.”

The Hurricanes will wrap up spring practice with their spring game this Saturday.

Standing out is not easy with all the tailbacks on the Miami roster. The Hurricanes return two backs, Graig Cooper and Damien Berry, who combined for more than 1,300 yards and 12 touchdowns last season (Cooper’s currently out with a knee injury suffered in the bowl game and Berry has been limited with a hamstring injury). They also have a sophomore in Mike James who is advertised as a star-in-the-making.

Add to that redshirt freshman Lamar Miller and three freshman signees other than Johnson — Eduardo Clements, Maurice Hagens and Darion Hall — and it’s clear it is a crowded situation in the Hurricanes’ backfield.

“It’s competition,” said Johnson, an Under Armour All-American who rushed for 1,937 yards and 31 touchdowns in 11 games as a senior at Loganville. “We compete every day, all the time. We get after it. But we don’t look at ourselves as individuals. We’re always a unit.”

Johnson said he has no idea where he stands on the depth chart or if he’ll even play next season.

“They haven’t classified anybody for the No. 1 spot,” he said. “Everybody here is a great tailback. Everybody’s good. Right now everybody’s just rotating in and out. We probably won’t find out about the depth chart until summer ball when everybody is here.”

Meanwhile, Johnson is just trying to get used to college life far away from home.

“I’ve been able to ease in,” he said. “I’m not taking the hardest classes right now. They make it easy for us. You’ve got study hall. You’ve got people helping you and stuff, so we’re able to get it all done. The biggest thing is managing the time between everything else you have to do.”

Johnson is rooming with Malcom Bunche, an freshman offensive lineman from Delaware. He doesn’t have a car but was able to get home last week for spring break.

“I miss home sometimes, but right now it’s like I’m at work,” Johnson said. “And it’s a fun place to be in school. It’s great weather all the time so you can’t help but be happy.”

[Cat 5 Cane]

Damn Soup!!... You're still sick?

Man, Go home and get some rest!

The last time I got sick, it lasted about 2 months. So, get better big guy and see ya on the rebound!

[DZ8]

Great article! Gives some perspective for us non-intense baseball followers but still Canes fans.

Get yourself better SOUP, and I guarantee Miami will win tomorrow!

[FireShandelRichardson or send him to IL, formerly CaneSawMassacre]

ALL BOW THE PROPHET, YOUR KING CANESAWMASSACRE IS BACK.
--------------------------------
Per la mia famiglia italiana!
Per favore inchinarsi. Il CaneSawMassacre di re è ritornato ai suoi favoriti.
------------------------------------------
Para mi español que habla a amigos.
Inclínese por favor. El rey CaneSawMassacre ha regresado a sus acólitos.

[j.w.]

Soup, get well!
Canes baseball wins! 5-4 I think (saw the score on ESPNU while watching the NCAAA hockey championships).
And if anyone does record the game on tv and is willing to send me a copy of it I'll gladly pay you for your time and expenses

[Montreal-Cane]

Soup get well fast!

[Cat 5 Cane]

Pro day...
............................................
BY SUSAN MILLER DEGNAN
[email protected]

For Jason Fox, Friday's Pro Timing Day at the University of Miami had to be an exasperating disappointment.

Fox, a 2009 first-team All-ACC left tackle, had 47 career starts for the Hurricanes, third most ever by a UM player. But not only did an injured left knee and subsequent surgery prevent him from playing in what would have been the final two games of his college career, he sustained a hamstring injury Friday while running the 40-yard dash for NFL scouts and representatives at UM's combine.

His close friend and fellow senior lineman, center A.J. Trump, said it was disappointing, but Fox would ultimately prevail.

``Yeah, especially when you've been through so much with a guy,'' said Trump, who was pleased with his own performance at Greentree Field in front of at least one representative from each NFL team. No head coaches and only one NFL general manager -- Rick Spielman of the Minnesota Vikings -- came to the event.

``You've seen him play injured,'' Trump said of Fox. ``It has been a difficult road for him. He gave his heart and soul to this team and now he's kind of paying the price for it.

``But he'll bounce back. I've heard your film is almost 90 percent what they grade you on. He may not get drafted as high as he'd like but he's a good football player and he'll be an NFL player.''

Fox, who ran three quarters of the way before twinging in pain and diving onto the ground, was initially projected to be taken in the first three rounds. Tight end Jimmy Graham and linebacker Darryl Sharpton are the other two UM players expected to be drafted.

Fox was tended to by trainers, and stuck around afterward for some individual work, but declined to give interviews at the event.

Sharpton and Graham both said they were pleased with their performances and are excited about the prospect of playing in the NFL. A dozen UM players took part, eagerly awaiting the NFL's new three-day draft format April 22-24.

``I watched some of Jeremy Shockey's pro day so I was prepared for it,'' said Graham, who played basketball as a power forward for UM. ``I already ran 4.5 [seconds in the 40-yard dash] at the [NFL] combine under pretty stressful situations. I think people know I'm fast. I didn't need to run it again. I'm just excited to have the opportunity to play in the NFL.''

When asked about people questioning his perceived lack of toughness and blocking ability, Graham said: ``I think in the Senior Bowl I did address that -- one-on-one pass-blocking drills and in practice I was actually a fullback for two days -- just showing that I am a physical player and I have the ability to block and want to block.''

Sharpton said he lowered his 40 time from 4.7 to 4.6.

``I did all the drills and made improvements on everything,'' he said. ``It was hard to sleep last night, tossing and turning and waking up every 30 minutes to check the clock. You're just anxious because everyone has been talking about this day and it's very exciting.

``I'm a confident guy. I think I'm one of the best linebackers in the nation and I expect to get drafted accordingly.''

When asked which players ``helped themselves the most'' Friday, Trump identified defensive end Eric Moncur and cornerback Sam Shields.

``Moncur especially because he's so athletic and they just wanted to see him healthy. If that kid can stay healthy the sky's the limit,'' Trump said.

He said Shields, who was arrested last week on a misdemeanor marijuana possession charge -- expected to be eventually dropped if he should enter into some type of pretrial diversion program -- ran a blazing 4.28.

``That's flying,'' Trump said.

• The UM spring game is at 4:30 p.m. Saturday at Traz Powell Stadium on the Miami-Dade College North Campus, 11380 NW 27th Ave. Gates will open for the event at 3 p.m. and players will take part in an autograph session from 3:30-4.

Read more: http://www.miamiherald.com/2010/03/27/1549981/ums-fox-hurts-hamstring-during.html#ixzz0jNIuKnI3

[BEERicane]

I don't know if this has already been posted, or if there has been any talk of this kid, but do any Tampa-area people know anything about Steve Weatherford? Apparently Miami would be his school if they offered, which surprised me given that his brother is Drew.

http://sports.espn.go.com/ncaa/recruiting/football/news/story?id=5010297

[Aquaman]

Miami coach is really strict:

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/03/25/lingerie-football-players_n_512848.html

Posted by: canechic | March 26, 2010 at 07:39 PM

I know the QB of the Miami team, Anoka Dixon. She's really, really good. She use to play with the boys in Carol City and was taught by our very own Ethenic Sands. The Miami Newtimes just did an article on the lingerie league and she was on the cover. Not only does she play QB better than Kirby, she's hot too...

[Cat 5 Cane]

Yaoooooow Aqua

I can only assume that U didn't look beyond the article, at the lower comments section...

LMAO

[Cat 5 Cane]

Twitter anyone?

[SOUP]

Cat5...yeah I struggeled throught the week at work in North Florida when I shoulda been home resting and getting well. My voice is still not 100%.

Have fun at the game and take photos and email them to me. Try to get some shots of the freshman that we do not have photos of yet.

[Cat 5 Cane]

I don't have a working camera... Who's got one, Next?

[Cat 5 Cane]

This damn thing must be broken!

Tap,tap,tap.... Hellooooooo????

Alright, I'm out !

[Aquaman]

Cat, I don't usually read the comments . I think it's funny that's what they do to draw publicity..

[CanesAddiction]

I can't make the spring game either. Sucks! I thought I heard somewhere that the game would be shown live on CSS...

Was that a dream?

[generalcane]

yes it was a dream. the game wont be showed until tomorrow at 12.

[native]

general, what network?

[CanesAddiction]

CSS sports Native

[Daytoncane]

Sharpton believes he's one of the best LBs in the nation and expects to get drafted accordingly.

he's been reading Canespace too much.

wish the best for him though. for all of his faults he was tough as nails and never complained. Good luck Daryl.

[Captain Optimist aka Cavaleer]

Im in Kiev Ukraine and just got into a pizzin match with a Gayturd walking by strutting in his stupid hat, im sitting at an outdoor cafe having a beer and he walks by and I shout "canes baby" he starts with the usual "did u go to school there" crap, it went on for a few, and the locals thought we were crazy!

Posted by: TJL | March 26, 2010 at 02:09 PM

>>>>

That's that America spirit babay!! haha