Cws

[fletcher]

look for clemson,rice to go deep. also gamecocks could sneak up in the championship game.

the cws is all about managing your pitching staff and knowing your teams and how coaches will use their pitchers.

if you don't know coaches from the schools say an asst or pitching coach,don't try to play around or you will get burnt,have gone 18-2 over the last 3 years. i will toss out some when i get home. and i think rice will beat horns by 3-4 in first game. to much power and better team all around ,the power will show in the thin air.

 

[wondo]

Good luck -- just sent you an email, nothing important.....

Not sold on USC in this one, but good luck.

 

[wondo]

Good point about using pitchers --

JMU almost came in as a +1000 dog in the regional but they had some moves that could be easily second guessed with pitching. Put their #3 in a game down 5 runs and he threw almost 70 pitches then had to come back. Was in the game but ended up losing, my guess is because the guy was spent from the night before.

 

[Hornsfan]

Horns beat Rice twice this year. If Horns go with ace Simmons, I would agree that Rice gets the win. Simmons has struggled in 3 of his last 4 starts. However, if Augie and pitching coach Anderson decide to go with Bomer, I think the Horns get it done. Bomer has been dynamite lately.

Horns have a very deep staff with guys like Bomer, Clark, Halsey and Street which bodes well for tournament play. Horns play exceptional defense and seem to have gotten the key hit all year.

 

[shamrock]

Eric, hoping you are enjoying vacation. Looking forward to those college world Series plays! Last year it was the closest thing I have seen to cashing the lottery, LoL

have a good one

shamrock

 

[superbook]

FWIW I also love Clemson and I'll take Stanford over the Irish.

But I think Georgia Tech has a chance to beat SC with 6'9" Kyle Bakker on the mound on Friday.

I'd appreciate your thoughts on this game if you get a chance.

- Jon

 

[fletcher]

will do jon we already know 1 guy is in trouble fo sc,but talked to a friend on the in and he says there might be 1-2 more guys who ran and got away,will know the whole story in the moring when i talk to him in the am when they get out of work outs.

game could go either way before the trouble,but now might have to lean with gt,soon as i find out starter and who is out will know then, nd did upset fsu and has some good arms but they are still a big east team in baseball and not a powerhouse conf. yes they are hot but even bigger then that have not been there before and teams tend to be very up tight first game there,when the see all the people and pitchers get tight when they see balls shoot out like a rocket,then they try to get to fine and make the perfect pitch each time and before you know it 2 on and a blast or bases loaded and a few seeing eye dogs leads to a 6-7 run inning. each pitch needs to have a purpose but each pitch doesnot have to be a perfect pitch,thats how to get into trouble.

the new teams will have their ass so tight couldnot squeeze out a bb with a tube of ky. makes for early mistakes and the seasoned team will take advatage of that early and most of the time that is where the game is won. see a lot of talk about horns pitching yes it is good but rice goes 2-0 in a tuffer super reg and gave up no runs and in their reg gave up very few. rice and clemson have the total team to go all out and have players that can also pitch besides play the field,the more legit arms the better. an AG is to laid back to win it,doesnot take enough chances,when he won it with csf he had a better team then anyone now he doesnot .

 

[superbook]

Eric --

Thanks, you're the man in college bases. I love the part about the KY, it's so true, the teams that have been there before always do better. That's why I like Clemson, I think Nebraska will actually come out too pumped up in front of the home crowd.

And that's also why I like Stanford to win it all: they're making their fourth straight trip to Omaha, where they have been runner-up the past two seasons. Seniors 2B Chris O'Riordan, 3B Scott Dragicevich, SS Andy Topham, 1B Arik VanZandt and RHPs Dan Rich and J.D. Willcox are all making their fourth trips to the CWS.

I played Stanford at 5-1 at SIA.

FWIW I haven't seen this kid Bakker from GT pitch but I heard he's the real deal. The height of Randy Johnson, he started the season 9-0 and then lost his tenth game 4-3, pitching a complete game. He's 2-0 in the 2002 tourney so far with an ERA just north of 1 and he grew up in Omaha so GT will be the hometown fav.

GT lost to SC 8-3 back in February but they're a much better ballclub now.

Worth a look.

 

[TJBELL]

Jon, Stanford is 7-1 @Carib. FWIW.

i like: Georgia Tech (pk)
Clemson -120
Stanford -135
Rice -135

Good luck to all!!!!!

 

[USC Gamecock]

Fletcher,

Just to let you know, there won't be any more players suspended for Friday's USC/G.Tech game. There has been zero talk in Columbia or the state about anyone else being involved. That's not to say that other people weren't involved, but I feel very safe in saying that no other players will be targeted. Harris made the trip to Omaha yesterday, although I don't think he'll play on Friday. I do look for him to return after a 1 game suspension however. The player that will more thank likely replace Harris is Tim Seaton. He's batting .333 in a limited role this year going 4 for 12. Attached is a local article regarding Justin's suspension.

On another note, I wouldn't be so quick to count out USC (this is not an emotional plea, I never bet with my heart). USC has been bounced out of the super regionals the last two years in the final game both by scores of 3-2. They were down 4-1 to Miami in the top of the ninth and scored 5 runs in the ninth to earn their first trip to the CWS since 1985. USC has some extrememly talented players on offense: Drew Myers SS, 1st round draft pick, 10th selection overall batting around .370; and Yaron Peters, SEC player of the year, school record 28 HRs and 92 RBIs, to name two. I really look for USC to carry their momentum from last weekend into Omaha and snag a few victories.

They have already beaten Tech once this year, and I look for them to do it again on Friday.

GL whatever you play.

Harris applies for Pre Trial Intervention, flies to Omaha
By Rick Scoppe
COLUMBIA BUREAU
rscoppe@greenvillenews.com

COLUMBIA -- South Carolina junior Justin Harris flew to Omaha, Neb., to join his teammates Wednesday, although the starting center fielder remains suspended after being charged in an off-campus incident earlier this week.

Harris, who started all 69 games this year, was suspended after being charged with disorderly conduct and public drunkenness early Monday morning. It was not known whether Harris would be in the lineup when No. 3 USC plays No. 8 Georgia Tech on Friday in the first game of the College World Series.

"He remains under suspension," USC sports information director Kerry Tharp said, "and there's been no indication that that suspension will be lifted at this point."

Harris, 21, applied for the Pre Trial Intervention program, according to Babs Lindsay, a spokeswoman for the 5th Circuit solicitor's office. No decision has been made on the application.

PTI allows first-time, nonviolent offenders to expunge their arrest record by, among other things, undergoing counseling and performing community service.

If Harris does not play, USC coach Ray Tanner said he could use either Jon Coutlangus or Tim Seaton.

Coutlangus began the season as the starting center fielder before breaking his finger against Arkansas in early April. He was replaced by Harris, who moved from second base. Seaton hasn't started a game, but has played in 46, usually as a late-inning defensive replacement in right field.

"Seaton's going to get some consideration. He's played great for us in a limited role all season," Tanner said. "Coutlangus has not swung the bat well since he came back from the injury. So we'll decide between those two."


?Would Taylor follow Bell? -- Senior left-hander Gary Bell (10-2, 4.90) is expected to start against the Yellow Jackets, but who will get the call Sunday for the Gamecocks? Will it be closer-turned-starter Blake Taylor (6-1, 2.03, 21 saves)? Tanner wasn't saying Tuesday.

"It's according to whether or not he pitches in the first game, and whether or not we win the first game," Tanner said. "We'll sort of go into this like we have been the last few weeks. We'll go one inning at a time and if you think Blake Taylor's the guy to come out in the fifth inning on Friday, he's in there."


?Clemson-USC a state-stopper? -- USC and Clemson could meet Sunday in Omaha if both either win or lose. That, Tanner said, could lead to Gov. Jim Hodges declaring a state holiday.

"We'll have to shut the state down," Tanner said. "I think the governor will come out and declare it a national holiday (and say), 'Hey, we've got to shut it down today. There's a game. We can't get tickets, but we're shutting it down. We're putting big screens down on Main Street.' "

 

[USC Gamecock]

More Gamecock 411:

Five reasons USC is in the College World Series

1. DEFENSE

USC continues to lead the nation with a .976 fielding percentage, having committed zero or one error in 53 of its 69 games. But that's only half the story.

The Gamecocks not only make the routine plays, they also have good range at nearly every position. That's particularly true for USC's infield, where shortstop Drew Meyer, third baseman Brian Buscher and second baseman Kevin Melillo track down everything that isn't hit like a cannon over their heads.

As a result, the Gamecocks have turned 18 more double plays than they've hit into. Also, catcher Landon Powell has thrown out 21 of 38 stolen-base attempts (64 percent).

USC's starting outfield consists of an ex-catcher (Garris Gonce) and a pair of ex-infielders (Justin Harris and Steve Thomas). Yet assistant coach Stuart Lake has tutored them into serviceable glove men.

2. POWER DISPLAY

The Gamecocks have been fence-busters, knocking 115 home runs, 160 doubles and 18 triples. USC's team slugging percentage of .531 dwarfs its opponents (.389).

First baseman Yaron Peters, with his school-record totals of 28 home runs and 92 RBIs, leads the way. But the Gamecocks have plenty of other run-producers as well.

Buscher, who bats behind Peters, has 14 home runs and 62 RBIs. Steve Thomas, who bats in front of Peters, has 11 home runs and 65 RBIs. Leadoff man Drew Meyer is hitting .368 with a school-record 113 hits and is tied with Peters for the team lead in runs (79).

Trey Dyson and Garris Gonce have 16 home runs each.

3. COACHING

It all starts with head coach Ray Tanner, who has won 70.9 percent of his games during his six seasons at USC.

During his career, including nine seasons at N.C. State, Tanner's overall winning percentage is 70 percent. So he's doing something right.

During the stressful super regional last weekend, when the Gamecocks were trying to make their first College World Series in 17 years, Tanner showed he had the flexibility to change his lineup when veterans Gonce and Dyson were struggling. But he also had the communication skills to do it without alienating the two seniors.

That paid off when Gonce and Dyson were called on late in Sunday's game, and they delivered big hits during USC's ninth-inning rally.

4. BULLPEN DEPTH

With a starting rotation that has been inconsistent this season, pitching coach Jerry Myers has used his bullpen as a crutch, and it's paying off big.

In the super regional alone, USC received solid performances in long relief from freshman Aaron Rawl and senior Chris Spigner. Junior John Wesley closed out the deciding game on Sunday.

Why was Wesley, who had only pitched 10 innings this season, in that spot?

Senior closer Blake Taylor, the nation's saves leader, had started the game because Tanner and Myers have so much confidence in him. Having Wesley available as the new closer when Taylor starts gives USC flexibility. The Gamecocks wouldn't be going to Omaha without it.

5. VETERAN LEADERSHIP

USC's seniors have had a highly productive season. Peters, Taylor and pitcher/outfielder Gary Bell lead the way, but Gonce, Thomas, Dyson and Spigner have played significant roles as well. Most important has been their professionalism this season when the Gamecocks needed it the most.

Peters, Gonce and Dyson all delivered clutch doubles during the ninth-inning rally to beat Miami on Sunday.

Bell battled a few subpar outings in late April and early May to become the Gamecocks' No. 1 starter in the postseason.

Taylor has a win, two saves and a 1.65 ERA in the NCAA Tournament.

 

[s.e.c guru]

you get south carolina out of that cracker jack park that they play in and you will see a differnt south carolina team. south carolina offense is centered around the long ball. they play in 1 of the smallest parks in collge baseball. most of their players have that upward swing going for the fences.
i say in omaha, south carolina will be hitting a lot of shots to the warning track. they will exit in no more than 3 games.

 

[USC Gamecock]

You're absolutely right...their pitching, defense, and coaching have nothing to do with their success. Quite an impressive observation for a self-proclaimed guru.

 

[superbook]

Mr. Gamecock I think you're a little biased.

If SC is so good why is the line even?

No sharp betters on college ball?

 

[USC Gamecock]

Super,

With all do respect that is simply not true. I learned long ago to NEVER bet based upon emotion, team loyalties, etc. :nono: I've been following this forum way too long to ever float out an opinion based upon loyalty or bias. I am in no way implying that USC is going to win the CWS. In fact, I will readily admit that should USC meet Clemson in the second round, I would put my money on Clemson in a heart beat.

I am simply saying that I believe USC will not make the earliest of exits, and, at the very least, I (personal opinion) think they will take GT on Friday. I don't like the fact that GT seems to be peaking now, but I still think USC gets the win on Friday.

Here is the recap from when the two teams met earlier in the year...and look close Guru...the game was played in Myrtle Beach instead of Columbia, and somehow, Yaron Peters still managed to go yard. I know this game was played too early in the season to give too much merit to, however, it's the only head-to-head I've got to go by...

GL with whatever you play Super.

No. 9 South Carolina Hands No. 8 Baseball First Loss
Gamecocks improve to 8-0, while Yellow Jackets fall to 7-1

Matthew Boggs and the Yellow Jackets dropped their first game of the season on Saturday against South Carolina.

MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. - Yaron Peters and Garris Gonce both homered to lead ninth-ranked South Carolina (8-0) to a 8-3 victory over eighth-ranked Georgia Tech (7-1) in the second day of the Baseball at the Beach tournament at Coastal Federal Field in Myrtle Beach, S.C.

The loss snapped the Yellow Jackets' seven game winning streak to open the 2002 season.

USC starter David Marchbanks improved to 3-0 with the victory. He allowed three runs on five hits in six innings, walking three batters and striking out four.

Blake Taylor held the Yellow Jackets scoreless over the final three innings to earn his second save of the season.

The Gamecocks took a 3-0 lead in the top of the first inning, in part thanks to some shaky defense by the Yellow Jackets. South Carolina loaded the bases with no outs before Yaron Peters drove in Jon Coutlangus with the first run on an infield single, and Drew Meyer scored on an error when Tech first baseman Clifton Remole could not handle the throw. Justin Harris scored the third run of the inning when Matt Murton made a catch in fair territory and then dropped the ball in foul grounds.

USC made the score 4-0 in the top of the second inning when Landon Powell and Brian Buschler hit back-to-back doubles.

Tech mounted a rally in the bottom of the second. Tyler Parker led off the frame with a walk, took second base on a wild pitch, stole third base and scored on a sacrifice fly from Brandon Boggs. A walk to Mike Nickeas and a single from Eric Patterson put runners on first and second with two outs, but Nickeas was thrown out at the plate for the third out of the inning after Matthew Boggs singled.

After working out of the second inning jam, Marchbanks settled down to retire the next 11 Tech batters from the third through the sixth innings.

USC pushed the lead to 6-1 with a solo homer from Peters, his second of the season, in the third inning and a solo shot from Gonce, his fourth, in the top of the sixth. Peters finished 3-for-4 with a pair of RBI, while Gonce and Harris each had two hits in the game.

The Yellow Jackets scored twice in the bottom of the sixth with two outs, cutting the lead to 6-3. Jason Perry drew a two-out walk and then scored on Parker's triple off the right field wall. An infield single from Brandon Boggs drove in Parker with the second run of the inning.

South Carolina added a pair of insurance runs in the top of the ninth. Meyer tripled and scored on Harris' RBI single to center field, while Harris scored on a sacrifice fly from Trey Dyson after stealing both second and third bases.

Tech mounted yet another rally in the bottom of the ninth after loading the bases with no outs. But Taylor worked out of the jam by inducing a pop up from Jeremy Slayden and a double play ground ball from Eric Patterson.

Tech starter Jeff Watchko (2-1) took the loss, surrendering five runs on seven hits in five innings of work.

 

[homerh]

I believe Mr. Gamecock was just trying to share info on why the Cocks were ranked in top 5 much of year and also won the SEC east.I think that is what this forum is all about, sharing info and helping each other. I didnt see Mr. Gamecock issuing a lock or touting a service and webpage.

As far as not lasting more than 3 games, 1 more game and they wouild be in the finals. HELLO!!!!!

Now about the cracker box, did they not play any road games?

If you are wondering ,I am little bias.

GO COCKS !!!!!

 

[fletcher]

still working it up looks like a 1 game sup harris from talking to someone there,and its in the paper that was printed here will probley pass on that game still waiting but stand by sc as my sleeper team. watched them quite a few times this year as well as tech,infact have seen all these teams at least 6 times so i am ok with them all. i just think the gamecocks have the edge in off and power,they can hit with any team,yes they have a hitters ballpark but look at the right field wall at fsu. they can hit the extra base hits with there line drive gap hitters and i really like that. harris doesnot effect my play but the other person i was told would have.

will know pitchers tonight for sure,this game is going to come down to who doesnot make a costly mistake,but sc will hit the ball.

 

[He Hate Me]

Stanford at 7-1 is a joke, everyone knows the best talent is from California, it also appears that the west coast got the shaft putting all the teams in the same bracket so you wouldnt have 4 california teams in the tournamanet again. I know the real USC is the Trojans who lost to Stanford. Coach G team has more talent then the Gamecocks. Stanford at 7-1 is a great bet, Rice is the only team that stands in there way.

 

[RAYMOND]

fletcher know his stuff

 

[Felonious Monk]

Not sure if this has been said on any of the above previous posts but Nebraska's #4 spot hitter and 1B Hopper is out. I wood lay the wood on Clemson...I see a lot of value with them.

Hornsfan, I completely agree about the pitching rotation. Word around here is that they are going to pitch Simmons in the 2nd game and either go with Bomer or Espinelli for the 1st. Halsey has continued to have back spasms so he is out of the picture. I totally agree they HAVE to go with Bomer tomorrow, he's on fire. Rice really scares me. Even though we beat them twice this year, I still believe they are the best team in the series. Neither team pitched their 1-2 guys in the first 2 meetings earlier, I believe.

wigs, what are you hearing?