'09 Ohio State Buckeyes Fall Baseball

[Drew33]

Sounds like 1B TJ McManus transfered out and Gus Miller will be on the coaching staff. Go Bucks!!!

http://www.ohiostatebuckeyes.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=87801&SPID=10418&DB_OEM_ID=17300&ATCLID=204791634

[preacher]

Where did McManus transfer to?

[Drew33]

Ohio State incoming Frosh

http://www.ohiostatebuckeyes.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=87801&SPID=10418&DB_OEM_ID=17300&ATCLID=204791919

[Drew33]

Fall update,not much new info. Ryan Dew playing some 1st base and DeLucia working in the OF and the pitchers resting this fall. Sounds like a good idea to let the pitchers relax and not throw. They threw alot of innings last yr. Also i am very exicted to see true frosh McKinney throw in the S & G World Series in Oct. I think he will be the real deal, it is just a matter of how soon he can pitch well at the college level.

http://www.ohiostatebuckeyes.com/ViewArticle.dbml?SPSID=87801&SPID=10418&DB_OEM_ID=17300&ATCLID=204803710

[powerdog18]

Is Ohio State going to pick up any players from the open tryout?

[sportsfan15]

I heard the Buckeyes kept three or four pitchers and maybe a catcher from the open tryouts. The team was already set with position players, but pitching arms were definitely needed. I also hear the team is working extremely hard and has great team chemistry. I really think last years team established a new attitude from within the players and a winning attitude. I am really looking forward to watching the 2010 Buckeyes! It is also great to hear that Gus will be helping out with coaching duties.

[Drew33]

Scarlet and Gray World Series starts Friday at 3pm

http://www.ohiostatebuckeyes.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=17300&ATCLID=204808981

[Drew33]

Well i was going to try and slide over to Ohio St. to watch the guys for a little bit on Friday,but with all this rain i think that is out of the question. I do want to see what McKinney can do on the hill and hopefully the Bucks can find some other arms also. Maybe the Malley kid (from Florida) can help a little,i know he pitched @ USF in '08.

[egbandits]

Is the Nowland kid fom Delaware Hayes going to get any playing time next spring?He was a pretty good player in high school & I know he was red-shirted last year. How does he look this fall?

[Binger18]

Is the Nowland kid fom Delaware Hayes going to get any playing time next spring?He was a pretty good player in high school & I know he was red-shirted last year. How does he look this fall? Zack Nowland is working his way into the two deep. Will probably play a lot when they are looking to play a power lineup. He hit one out in the scrimmage this weekend.

[rickoshay]

Need update on the final Scarlet & Gray game played today.
Score and highlights please.

[Drew33]

Yeah i did not make it out either. I have not been feeling great and it is cold and raining today. The true frosh Russell looks good,maybe a Dan Burkhart replacement next yr.

[rickoshay]

^^^

It is a two hour drive for me, and I wasn't about to chance it with the rain & cold weather.
Call me a "fair weather fan" when it comes to a scrimmage game.

[Drew33]

I don't blame you at all man,i only live 30 minutes away but was not feeling great tonight. Ryan Dew has been playing 1st base and DeLucia was in the OF Monday. Their is a frosh OF from Florida (Mayfield) that after a redshirt yr might be a good one too. I have also heard good things about frosh pitcher Brett McKinney also. Lord knows we will need all the pitchers we can use.

[Drew33]

Scarlet won game #3, 8-3 tonight

http://www.ohiostatebuckeyes.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=17300&ATCLID=204814071


box score
https://www.nmnathletics.com//pdf4/649114.pdf?ATCLID=204814071&SPSID=87801&SPID=10418&DB_OEM_ID=17300

[rickoshay]

Sounds like McKinney is the real deal. Get the "post surgery" guys back in shape over the winter, and it's going to look lots better for the pitching staff.
With decent pitching, defense and hitting will take care of the rest...

[heater]

What difference does it make if OSU has a pitching staff? Todd will pitch the starter until his arm falls off then go to a reliever. Period. OSU only needs 4 pitchers and a closer.

[rickoshay]

Little bit of HATE thrown in there????????

[powerdog18]

Todd has been forced to only use a few pitchers because none of the others have stepped up.

[heater]

They might "step up" if they were coached.

[powerdog18]

How do you explain the ones that have done well if coaching is the problem.

[Beef Tips]

I have to agree that coach todd leaves his starting pitchers in too long in games, whether it is a lack of confidence in the bullpen pitchers I do not know, I do know that Ohio State has had a TON of arm problems with their pitcher over the last 5 years. Whether it is from throwing too much or just poor luck I am not sure but it just seems that every single year there are two or three guys with arm problems. This year has been injury fulled also and the season has not even started!

[rickoshay]

They might "step up" if they were coached.

Did you misspell your screen name?
Sure it isn't "hater"?

[BGFalcons82]

I'm not going to get into the Bob Todd controversy, however I do have a question that relates directly to the Bucks' future:

Based on the fact OSU's pitching was...I'll be kind here...woeful at the end of last year, what changes/upgrades/throwing schools/miracles were done this Summer to keep them from getting beat by 20+ runs in the NCAA tournament? Other than reading they're "resting" last year's arms and signing-up players from open tryouts, I don't see the major improvements necessary to keep quality D1 schools under 30 runs. I can't believe I even typed that.

[haveseenalot]

I'm not going to get into the Bob Todd controversy, however I do have a question that relates directly to the Bucks' future:

Based on the fact OSU's pitching was...I'll be kind here...woeful at the end of last year, what changes/upgrades/throwing schools/miracles were done this Summer to keep them from getting beat by 20+ runs in the NCAA tournament? Other than reading they're "resting" last year's arms and signing-up players from open tryouts, I don't see the major improvements necessary to keep quality D1 schools under 30 runs. I can't believe I even typed that.

If OSU really signed up players from open tryouts that is a crime. They have always been accused of not being real aggressive in regard to recruiting. But, to be OSU and not be able to find enough kids before an open tryout is ridiculous.

[BGFalcons82]

I heard the Buckeyes kept three or four pitchers and maybe a catcher from the open tryouts. The team was already set with position players, but pitching arms were definitely needed. I also hear the team is working extremely hard and has great team chemistry. I really think last years team established a new attitude from within the players and a winning attitude. I am really looking forward to watching the 2010 Buckeyes! It is also great to hear that Gus will be helping out with coaching duties.

Here you go Haveseenalot. I was just going by what was written on this thread already. Sure would like to know what changes/training/upgrades/wonderdrugs/bionic enhancements were made to make sure they don't give up 5 touchdowns in a game next Spring.

[onthebump]

If they gave up 5 touchdowns, that's part of the game. Just like going 2 and out in a conference tournament or losing an important weekend series. Perhaps Ohio St. is relevant, that's why we keep talking about the 5 touchdowns. Scoring big numbers in a single college game is not unusual, check Oakland, Eastern Michigan and UConn. It happens....

By the way, what's so bad about taking walk-ons? Joe Smith worked out for Wright St. Derek Holland didn't even get an invite to walk on at an Ohio DI school.

[haveseenalot]

There is nothing wrong with taking walk ons. Many kids are recruited to be walk ons, prove themselves and then potentially earn a scholarship down the road. However, in my opinion, not being able to get those walk ons through recruiting and having to have an open tryout is a problem. I personally know of very talented kids that were recruited, but put off or never offered that walk on status and ended up at another school. Also my opinion, there is no sense of urgency in getting kids on board and that is how you end up needing to have kids join the team through a try out.

[player12]

If OSU really signed up players from open tryouts that is a crime. They have always been accused of not being real aggressive in regard to recruiting. But, to be OSU and not be able to find enough kids before an open tryout is ridiculous.

So you don't think a good player can be overlooked during the h.s. recruiting process? Happens all the time.

[quag77]

So you don't think a good player can be overlooked during the h.s. recruiting process? Happens all the time.

I'm not trying to speak for haveseenalot....but I believe what he is saying and what I also agree on is this......

With the prestige and status of an OSU and similar, you should have NO problem attracting, recruiting and signing "proven" talent into positions of need. Yes, good players are overlooked all the time; however, I don't think OSU wants "good" players. They are looking for the "best" players and those are usually not overlooked.

Walk-ons are a critical aspect of any program...but if they end up being a starter in year one or even two..... your recruiting should be looked into. Also, walk –ons are generally position players, not pitchers. And by walk-ons in this senario, I'm talking open try-out, one day practice walk-on. Not the recruited kind.

[player12]

Okay, let me rephrase - sometimes the "best" players are overlooked during the h.s. recruiting process ESPECIALLY in regards to position players. Even by the prestigious OSU staff.

Look, the scouts believe they ALWAYS pick the best players - however, some kids peter out (lack of work ethic, bad grades, they already peaked, etc.) while others are later bloomers and will peak in college. Some players really develop in college - mentally and physically. They get stronger, faster and can improve dramatically in every aspect of the game provided they have good coaching.

Scouts don't always get it right as to which kids are the best hitters, which kids are the best base runners, etc. in h.s. Often they go by hype (word-of-mouth).

And if it turns out that a walk-on gets to be a starter in year one or two (if he's legitimately EARNED the position) than bravo to the coaches who gave it to him.

[BGFalcons82]

onthebump - "It happens", eh? I thought we were discussing Thee Ohio State University, the umpteen time champions of the Big Ten/Eleven? Is it acceptable for this prestigious school to get schooled because "it happens"? I don't think that's what they're about.

My original questions remain....what has happened since the end of last year to prevent the collapse of the pitching staff? I'm all for open tryouts to find the best players and improving team chemistry, but I'm thinking these 2 ideals won't put a dent in a staff that gave up over 30 runs in NCAA tournament games. That still boggles my mind as these games weren't just early-season "blow-off" type games or non-league glorified scrimmages.

I would liken it to a men's basketball team giving up 150 points in a tournament game. I think the local paper would want to know more if it happened in hoops, so I'm asking the same for a sport not traditionally covered as thoroughly.

[highcheese]

I think the advantage of these walkons is simply more arms being available. These kids will eat up some midweek innings so that the same weekend starters do not have to be trotted out during every game and as a result, maybe some arms will be much less tired at the end of the season. I would thin k that is the hope anyway.

[onthebump]

BGFalcon,

I see now.... here I thought the thread was about the 09 Ohio State Buckeyes Fall Baseball. Shame on me for not recognizing it as an investigative report on the Florida St. regional and it's respective aftermath.

[EV727]

onthebump - It is called beating a dead horse - again & again & again & again - after the horse has explained it ran out of legs - in this case arms. OSU fans knew of the potential pitching problems before the 2009 season started. Mostly because of injuries and the number of games played "it happened". Most of us are moving forward! The ones that are not moving forward root for other teams anyway. Maybe we did not land the big recruit, but I think we got some good arms to help fill in, maybe even a starter or two for a mid-week games. If the injured get back, the new arms will help with the depth problem and save the arms of the returning staff.

Thanks onthebump, you nailed it

[BGFalcons82]

onthebump - just like a good debater, you changed the subject and focused on my analogy rather than the problem you can't defend. While I agree the analogy is somewhat flawed, it isn't the point of my questioning, merely a way of highlighting the importance. My bad.

EV727 - or like beating a dead arm. I didn't realize the subject of pathetic pitching was a done deal. I thought maybe, just maybe, Fall Ball would shed some light on the pitching deficiencies they clearly need to correct. Indeed, I am looking forward by asking what's been corrected, but I didn't realize I was so late (5 months) to the debate and everything is now rainbows and butterflies in Buckeyeland. Clearly, there is no need to question further.

[EV727]

BGFalcons82 - Last try - No one has said anything about "rainbows and butterflies in Buckeyeland. I was trying to show why we had the problem in Florida not wash it away. You will notice, "I think" and "If the injured get back" in my post. Fall ball showed we definitely miss the injured and if they don't get back we could have major problems. However, as I tried to say OSU did attempt to get some help in recruiting (two came to campus, one looked very good , one is hurt, and we also had one decided to try the pros instead), a young man coming back to OSU from Florida and some possible help from the open tryouts. Probably does not meet with your approval, but it is what it is. Mostly student athletes playing ball for the fun of the game not necessarily for the Alumni. Also not like football, there are not too many free rides here or very few. I am done!

Onthebump – sorry to butt in on your argument, but I have heard enough about what happened in the regional last year, they need to let it go, OSU had a good year. I think it is possible we got some help, if things work out.

[cwebb]

Give me a few days. I'll have an in-depth response to BG, that does address injuries, changes in mechanics, what occured, what is being done to correct the mistakes.

Just have two midterms tomorrow, had a statistics midterm this evening.

It's my last week of HS football coaching, and job #2 with the Newark Advocate is dying down as HS sports fall season is coming to an end.

I have a Vegas getaway next Tuesday-Sunday, after that I'll start being a bit more active before taking a break in December.

[quag77]

Not really trying to stir the pot, please don't look at it that way.... but a question for EV727. I understand you are tired of hearing the negative about the regionals and such. However, will you bring up the good from last years season as a reason or at least good possibilty for the Bucks doing well again this year? Or do you totally wipe the slate clean and start with nothing?

Point is you can't just can't wipe what you don't want to hear or deal with under he rug and focus on all the good. I think BG had some legit points and reason to ask what has changed. You do realize the Buckeyes had the worst ERA in the BigTen, right? I personally didn't think BG was trying to smear the team...just asking what they've done to correct. Yeah, it was possibly worded in a slanted way but all the same good questions.

I for one am really surprised the Bucks are getting so much attention this year. They had a good '09, mainly due to hitting...but without good pitching that usually doesn't happen. Not a nay sayer hear and yes I'm a Michigan fan...but trust me....I'm pretty realistic. Without the pitching improving in '10, I see a 3rd, 4th place finish. Wimmers can only win so many. This will be a pitching year in the BT.

[cwebb]

You do realize the Buckeyes had the worst ERA in the BigTen, right?

Yes and no.

OSU finished in the basement in terms of ERA for an entire season. 20, 24, and 30something outbursts will do that.

However in league play where those did not occur

Conference ERA in Big Ten only games
Indiana 3.79
MSU 4.34
Minnesota 4.50
OSU 4.54
Purdue 5.31
Illinois 5.76
Iowa 6.39
Northwestern 6.80
Penn State 6.88


If OSU's pitching staff will hinder them in 2010 "if there is no improvement" or whatever, based on 2009 results and have them finish where you stated, does that not hold true for Minnesota against similiar competitions with their near identical ERA? Michigan doesn't have separate Big Ten and overall stats so I'm not sure where they stand. In fact, what 2 or 3 teams will have pitching staffs powering them to the top of the Big Ten? Indiana lost Arnett and Bashore. Michigan State lost Moody, though I do like Achter and Bucciferro, that team could not hit for anything. The Minnesota question was already posed. The other 5?


Wimmers can only win so many, this is true. Fortunately for the Bucks he wasn't the teams winningest pitcher. I believe Wolosiansky tied Arnett for the Big Ten lead in conference wins going 7-0, with an ERA right around 4.

There are a few holes to fill, and nobody will be sure how Armstrong and Best will be until they're on the mound, but against Big Ten competition the pitching staff is fine. Once Regionals roll around is another subject.

Lastly what will make 2010 a "pitching year" more so than any other year in your opinion? What cannot be acheived with a 4.5 conference ERA and the conference's deepest offensive team? Conversely what would stop someone from saying 2010 will be a "hitting year"?

[cwebb]

For those that were interested

McManus is at Parkland College for the 2010 season. Will be playing at Eastern Illinois 2011 and beyond.

http://your.parkland.edu/athletics/baseball

[Drew33]

Thanks Chris,i hope TJ has a nice college career. Too bad he did not work out as a Buckeye.

[creampuff]

Saw the OSU baseball schedule, noticed that the regular season champion BG Falcons and MAC Tournament Champion Kent State Flashes are not on the OSU schedule this year for mid-week games. Also missing are the EMU Eagles, who defeated the Buckeyes 9-5 last season. Any word on why these teams are not on the schedule?

[cwebb]

Saw the OSU baseball schedule, noticed that the regular season champion BG Falcons and MAC Tournament Champion Kent State Flashes are not on the OSU schedule this year for mid-week games. Also missing are the EMU Eagles, who defeated the Buckeyes 9-5 last season. Any word on why these teams are not on the schedule?

A couple of things...

I think they will be eventually. There are still a lot of TBA's to be filled for the schedule with two April 14th,and May 18th for midweek non-conference games and usually its the same schools year after year like Ball State, Marshall, Xavier, BG, etc, with Akron, Toledo, Marshall, Ball State, and Xavier on the schedule, expect to see two of the three you mentioned be added, I also wouldn't mind WSU.

If BT was hiding from anyone on those midweek games, certainly Ball State would not be returning to Columbus after hanging 20 last spring and returning their core.

Give it time and they'll be filled, neither BGSU, nor EMU has an official schedule out yet.


Secondily, the Bucks are playing less midweek games in general, which I was advocating, than 2009. In part the NCAA added a week to the schedule, you add 3 weekend games, you lose 3 midweek games. This also helps the Bucks who are thin on pitching, not playing 5 games late in the season. So even if and when additional teams are added it won't be as many midweek games as last year.

Hope that helps.

[rickoshay]

Been a couple weeks, any buckeye news?

[rickoshay]

Chris Webb:

If you're still on here, I'll catch you on The Buckeye Nine, or at Bill Davis Stadium in the spring...

This site will be gone come spring, unless things change.

Love your insight.

TS in SE Oh...io

[rickoshay]

ttt

Just keepin this thread on the first page...

[rickoshay]

I know there are some Buckeye fans out there.
Whats the latest gossip?

[cwebb]

We'll I'm back. Finally have the new site up and going full steam.

Though it looks like most are gone from here.

Rick, did you sign-up over at BSB?

[rickoshay]

BSB?

I'am lost, send a pm.

Rickoshay

Have checked this site and Buckeye nine daily.
Good to see you back.

[cwebb]

Live Chat tonight at 8 to discuss the DI season

http://buckeyestatebaseball.com/2010/01/11/buckeye-state-baseball-di-preseason-chat-131-8-p-m/