Quote from: BaseballBug on April 22, 2009, 03:56:29 PM
Rolando, since you are so clearly a Hopkins player talking crap. Why don't you step up yourself and get a job done one-time rather than jumping ship on all your teammates like a little punk.

Please believe me when I say that I'm not a Hopkins player.

d3baseballnut - I agree with your analysis of the Mid-Atlantic region.  I also agree that the South looks strong as ever.  NJAC does seem to be a bit down, but still boast traditionally strong programs, namely Kean.  At this point, I would give Kean the edge over the CC teams, due to their pitching depth, quality defense and some young guys that can really swing the bat.  Should be an exciting region to follow.

Between Ursinus, F&M and Haverford, who do you guys think has the best chance of winning the CC playoffs?  All solid, and fairly even ball clubs - I think it can go either way.

When is Hopkins going to post dimensions on their fence?  Don't you find it ironic that both Hopkins and Haverford don't have the nerve to post dimensions on their little league fields?  I don't want to come down on these programs too hard, because after all we are in the midst of a rough economy.  It is possible that Hopkins doesn't have adequate funds in their account to purchase dimension signs, but perhaps a bake sale or carwash could defray the expense or better yet, maybe a portion of Mayor Bloomberg's next donation can go towards signs?  For the time being, they should post dimensions with 10-point font - you'll still be able to clearly read the number from home plate.  Do you think it's possible that dimensions aren't posted due to embarrassment?

Good luck to all CC completing their regular seasons, especially to each teams' seniors.

Wow, the probability of Hopkins hosting the conference play-offs is about as probable as a 13th seeded, Cleveland State advancing to the Final 4.  Sure, it is mathematical possible but come on.  Under the old CC playoff format, there is a huge advantage of being that top seed, but with the straight up double-elimination format, there isn't a huge advantage - for most teams that is.  Hopkins is the exception.  They need that one seed for home field advantage, because playing on a field with fences of ACTUAL college dimensions is foreign to them.  OK, your response is going to be "well, we just knocked the stuffing out of F&M in a series at their place."  A pair of good wins, but let's not punch our tickets to Wisconsin quite yet.  Thankfully for Hopkins, Dickinson and Muhlenberg will not be in the play-offs.

As with any double elimination format, pitching depth is key.  F&M and Ursinus certainly have deeper pitching, and arguably Haverford.  Hopkins has one shut down pitcher in Fioretti, and some guys who can fillibuster innings, but they haven't received the pitching efforts that took them to the National Championship last year (Zaccheria, Kealy, Angeloni, even Duddie and Steffee).  It is possible that Hopkins will start receiving better efforts from a guy like Angeloni, but let's not get ahead of ourselves. 

Why is this forum all about Hopkins, a team who has had to fight to earn a play-off spot?  They are very fortunate that Gettysburg and McDaniel decided not to show up this past weekend, allowing Hopkins to back into that 4 seed.  Engle has been the clear-cut best pitcher in the conference, having a stellar year with other pitchers and position players from F&M and Ursinus having very nice seasons.

Good luck to all.