College World Series Tickets

South Carolina Who?

Absent from last year's College World Series, the South Carolina Gamecocks are a surprise pick for the #2 ranking on the Collegiate Baseball Newsletter's preseason poll that was just released.  South Carolina made it to the Super Regionals last year but lost to eventual College World Series runner ups North Carolina.  So why are the Gamecocks in such high regard this season?

Let's start with their phenomenal list of returning starters.  The Gamecocks bring back two All-Americans in Junior first baseman Justin Smoak and Senior catcher Phil Disher.  The infield is further bulked up by third baseman James Darnell, shortstop Reese Havens and Andrew Crisp, whose position is still up in the air.  Havens shined this summer in the Cape Cod League earning All-Star status.  The Cape Cod League is the premier league for collegiate baseball players to play in the off-season.

The pitching staff is the Gamecock's other great asset.  Led by Junior Mike Cisco, the South Carolina bullpen is a young but highly talented group of guys.  Look for Sophomore Blake Cooper to make a big splash this year.  Cooper earned Freshman All-American honors last year for his performance.

College Baseball Preseason Poll Released

The official preseason poll has been released by the Collegiate Baseball Newsletter, and it includes all of the teams that made it to the College World Series last year.  The official poll differs from other preseason polls, most significantly the Rivals.com ratings and CSTV ratings.

While both the official and Rivals polls put the Arizona Wildcats in the first place position, the CSTV poll put Arizona State in the #1 spot.  If you were wondering where CSTV put the Wildcats of Arizona, scroll down the page to find out that they are ranked 25th, the last spot.

So why do the preseason polls differ so much?  I believe that the CSTV poll looks at last season's performance more than they do other factors such as returning players and staffs.  For example the CSTV poll puts five out of the eight teams that made it to the College World Series last year in the top 10.  The official poll and Rivals poll each only put three teams that made it to the CWS last year in the top 10.

Coach Winkin Moved to Rehab

John Winkin, the coach who took the University of Maine Black Bears to six College World Series, has entered a rehabilitation center after suffering a stroke a little over a week ago.  Winkin is 87 years old, and currently coaches at Husson College in Maine, according to The Bangor News.  There is no news yet on the specific condition that Winkin is in for privacy reasons.  We hope that John gets well soon, and our thoughts go out to his family.

Winkin was a hot shot coach when he was coaching for Maine.  Not only did he take Maine to six College World Series (placing 3rd twice), but he boasted a total win-loss record of 1043-703-8.  Winkin was known for being a very intense coach with a lot of attitude.  Not surprisingly, Black Bear players were known for being...you guessed it, very intense with a lot of attitude.

Pac 10 Packs Heavy Punch This Year

Unexpectedly, the Pac 10 has come into the limelight this season, thanks in large part from back-to-back College World Series champions, the Oregon State Beavers.  Rivals.com takes a good look at the Pac 10 and showcases some teams that could make it to the College World Series this year: Arizona State, Arizona, Oregon State, and UCLA.

I always find it odd that when predictions come out the Beavers from Oregon State never get the credit they deserve.  Rivals picked them finish fourth in the Pac 10 this year.  Fourth?  Not only have the Beavers dominated the last two College World Series, but they bring back a slew of great players.  The pitching staff impresses me the most.  Senior Mike Stutes returns to head the pack and is backed by sensational sophomore Jorge Reyes.

Preseason All-American List Filled With CWS Stars

The NCBWA preseason All-America team for 2008 has been announced, and it includes many players who shined in the 2007 College World Series.  According to CSTV, this season's National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association All-America list has one of the deepest rosters since when the Preseason team list started in '01.

The team is led by a great pitching staff that includes Scott Gorgen of UC Irvine, and Ryan Berry of Rice.  Berry returns to the roster after receiving the honor in '07 as well.  Scott Gorgen is one of the most talented pitchers on the mound and continues to garner attention, most notably by leading his UC Irvine team to the College World Series last year.

The hitters are just as stellar as the pitchers on this preseason list.  Brett Wallace from Arizona State leads the bunch in my book, and will likely be the biggest home run hitter this year.

US Team Names Coaching Staff

It may not be a team that plays in the College World Series, but the US National Team is probably the most important team in college baseball.  And USA Baseball just announced that Oral Roberts head coach Rob Walton will lead the team as field manager in the summer of 2008.

The US National Team is usually made up of current college baseball players or players who have recently graduated.  Last year, four players from the National Team played in the College World Series including Brett Wallace and Petey Paramore of Arizona State University.

Rob Walton is entering his sixth year as Oral Robert's head coach and has put up the best winning percentage at the school.  He helped the National Team in 2005 as an assistant head coach.

We will find out the 2008 US National Team on June 24.

Irvine Players Named to Wallace Award Watch List

UC Irvine pitcher Scott Gorgen and outfielder Ollie Linton were named to the Brooks Wallace Award watch list the season after they took their once unknown Anteaters to the College World Series in Omaha last year.  According to CSTV, 148 baseball players were listed on the Brooks Wallace list, including players from every team that made it to the College World Series last year.

Gorgen, who is considered to be one of the best pitchers this year, will be no stranger to award watch lists by the time the season is over.  Gorgen is very accurate and will anchor the experienced pitching staff at UC Irvine.

Ollie Linton is one of the most exciting and energetic players I have ever watched at the College World Series.  He captured the hearts of the locals in Omaha last year who would frequently chant "Ollie! Ollie!"  I don't remember that he ever did to well at the plate, but somehow you just find yourself rooting for the guy unconsciously.

Save Rosenblatt Swings and Misses

The group Save Rosenblatt was unsuccessful yesterday in adding a new member to the eight person committee that is analyzing new plans to appease the NCAA and keep the College World Series in historic Rosenblatt stadium.

Omaha councilman Garry Gernandt, who is a member of Save Rosenblatt, recommended that Omaha Mayor Mike Fahey include either former Omaha Mayor P.J. Morgan or Vice President of US Trucking Richard Brown in the committee.

According to WOWT, Omaha Mayor Mike Fahey struck the recommendation down and said no new members would be added.

I'm not sure what the two potential members would bring to the committee.  Obviously, P.J. Morgan would bring experience but what would Richard Brown bring?  Highway knowledge?

Arizona State is #1

Two of the biggest college baseball websites that follow teams to the College World Series, Rivals and CSTV, have both ranked Arizona State as the #1 team come spring.

I'm not at all surprised by the pick of the websites to put the Arizona State Sun Devils in the #1 spot.  ASU is a baseball powerhouse and made it to the College World Series in Omaha last year.  They were expected to win in Omaha but were stopped short by head coach Dave Serrano and his UC Irvine Anteaters.

Arizona State brings back a lot of the same playmakers that it had last season.  First baseman Brett Wallace and infielder Eric Sogard return and will likely put up bigger numbers this year, if thats possible.  Their pitching staff looks just as good with Mike Leake and Josh Satow.  Leake had an incredible year last year but has talked about switching to play infield.  For ASU's sake, let's hope head coach Pat Murphy talks Leake into staying at pitcher.  After all, that could make the difference for a top ranked team.