Since we are awaiting the start of the 2009 College Baseball season, I thought I would start a weekly segment with users sending us questions about interesting topics. I will select about five questions every week to be posted with answers on Tuesday morning. You can send us your questions for next week by clicking here.
Who are the Top Players to Watch in the MAAC and Top Teams?
The top player clearly in the MAAC is Shane Davis of Canisius. He finished last season with a 12-1 record and an ERA of 2.42. He also had 10 complete games but served mostly as the seven inning starter for the Golden Griffins as they went 41-13. They ended up going 1-2 in the MAAC Championship narrowly missing an at-large berth in the NCAA Tournament. Rider ended up getting the NCAA berth before going 0-2 in the Fullerton Regional. I expect Canisius and Manhattan to continue to hold down the top two spots in the conference with Rider trying break into the top spots.
Any updates on Western Carolina for 2009?
Western Carolina had a disappointing 2008 season as they went 29-28. Second year head coach Bobby Moranda returns two of the top hitters in the conference with Nick Liles (.346 BA) and Brent Greer (.352 BA). We had a chance to check out Liles in the Cape Cod League All-Star game and were impressed by his abilities. (Click here for full article). We have some questions marks with the Catamounts pitching staff which will be the reason the team will be at the top of bottom of the Southern Conference.
What are your top College Summer Leagues after the Cape Cod League?
I don’t really like to rank the top leagues as people hear are going to say I really don’t know what I am talking about. I really consider the NECBL as the best league for players after their freshman campaign to see if they have what it takes to make it in the Cape Cod League. We see a ton of players make the job from the NECBL to the CCBL as many northeast scouts recommend players from that league. I really love the Alaskan League and the California League which is becoming better every season. I really like how some of the players in the Valley League are coming around and the Texas Collegiate League is still trying to settle down with franchises.
What are your thoughts on the new transfer rules?
I personally think it is about time that College Baseball joins the ranks of College Football and College Basketball with players having to sit out a full season. I have seen personally coaches going to players in summer leagues telling them to come to their universities in the fall semester to play. This was a deep down thing that was happening often and really showed how desperate some schools were to win.
You can send us your questions for next week by clicking here.
