Miami at (3) Nebraska
This is going to be a very tough environment for the Hurricanes. I believe that Nebraska has the edge in the series based on the atmosphere of their stadium and fans. The Huskers pitching staff is led by Joba Chamberlain (8-2). This kid is a workhorse and has a very good curveball to go along with a plus 90 fastball. He has been the Friday starter all year for Nebraska and will likely face Cesar Carrillo who is 13-2 this season against some very solid ACC clubs. I expect a pitchers duel which will be broadcasted on ESPN at 1pm on Friday.
This series also features the two best Third basemen in the country in Alex Gordon from Nebraska and Ryan Braun from Miami. Gordon is hitting .382 with 18 HRs and was the number 2 pick in this week’s MLB draft.
This is what Baseball America says about Gordon:
Gordon should hit for power and average because he has a sweet lefthanded swing, strength, exceptional strike-zone discipline and the ability to make adjustments. He uses the entire field and can drive the ball where it’s pitched after getting pull-conscious as a sophomore. When Gordon first arrived at Nebraska, some thought he might have to move to first base or an outfield corner. But he has worked hard on his defense, where his strong arm, instincts and quickness are assets.
Ryan Braun on the other hand was only the fifth overall pick of the Milwaukee Brewers. He has been hitting well throughout his career with a .396 average with 18 HRs.
Baseball America’s Scouting Report on Braun
Braun has a hitch in his swing and a high, unconventional finish, but his hands are quick enough to make it work, and he’s athletic enough to repeat his stroke and drive pitches to all parts of the field. His future position will be the main source of concern for pro teams. He came to college as a shortstop and now plays third, but he has struggled with errors at both spots. Some scouts doubt his infield actions and footwork and say he’ll have to move to an outfield corner, where his plus arm and speed could allow him to be an above-average defender in time.
My prediction for this series is a 3 game set with Miami coming out on top with a one run victory on Sunday to shock the Home fans.
3 comments
You are close, it is going to be a dog fight, but I am thinking the Huskers are going to win the Sunday game. I give game one to Cesar and the Canes, he is a great college pitcher, but this should be the only battle. Chamberlain is no push over 8-2 with a 2.86 era, been the Friday starter all year. Game two goes to the Huskers, Dorn, 11-1, 2.20 era, won last 11 outings, will smoke Orta, 7-5, with a 5.30 era. Game 3 goes to the skers pitching Kroneke (7-2 2.61) who threw a complete game for the regional championship over Creighton, 2 out of his last 3 have been complete game wins. Canes throw Camardese (6-0 5.17), record is good but what is up w/ the era??? Then the Huskers always have Dunsing who is 8-0 with a 2.60 era, in the pen if anyone gets into trouble. I know this is messy with a bunch of numbers, but I have been following Nebraska all year and our pitching staff is deep and the numbers speak for themselves, not to mention that the 8500 seats sold out in 13 hours. It is going to be a home series win for Nebraska and I am going to be there rain or shine. Look for me I will be in the red.
Drop me an e-mail Matt at bpfoley2004@yahoo.com
http://www.sun-sentinel.com/sports/college/hurricanes/sfl-umbase07jun07,0,5336399.story?coll=sfla-hurricanes
That is a good article on the thoughts of Miami about this series.
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