Anyone have early thoughts on this ?
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I can't think of any one player who is carrying his team more than Tyler Wilson at Midlothian. He is their go-to guy on the mound, all the more so because they are not very deep in their pitching corps. Also bats third, hitting well over .400 with I think 6 HR's.
I know Deck McGuire gets a lot of press and deservedly so, but if you compare stats, Wilson has a clear edge. And Midlothian is having a better year than Deep Run, despite the fact that Deep Run has more recognized prospects than Midlothian. You can thank Wilson for that, too.
And I make no bones about this, either: The Dominion District is tougher than the Colonial. Wilson is facing tougher opposition every game, both in terms of who he has to pitch against and who he has to hit against. There are three 90+ arms in the Dominion (and at least three more in the 87-89 range), and Wilson has to hit against and go head to head against 2 of them. In the Colonial, McGuire is the hardest thrower at 89, meaning he never has to go head to head against, or bat against, a 90+ guy.
James River is having an undefeated season thus far (knock wood), but it can truly be said that no one player is carrying that team. The pitching staff is deep, the defense has been excellent and the hitting pretty balanced up and down the lineup. I do think Pete Schumacher deserves some recognition for taking a team with no winning tradition and taking the team to these heights in his first season as head coach. Do they give a coach of the year award? If so, I hereby nominate him.
Close second to Tim Lowery at Cosby, who is winning an awful lot with a team that has no seniors. (Cosby opened only last September, and seniors were allowed to stay at their old schools to finish.) But Cosby will probably get its due next year, when the bunch they have now mature another year and start raking EVERYONE over the coals.
I know Deck McGuire gets a lot of press and deservedly so, but if you compare stats, Wilson has a clear edge. And Midlothian is having a better year than Deep Run, despite the fact that Deep Run has more recognized prospects than Midlothian. You can thank Wilson for that, too.
And I make no bones about this, either: The Dominion District is tougher than the Colonial. Wilson is facing tougher opposition every game, both in terms of who he has to pitch against and who he has to hit against. There are three 90+ arms in the Dominion (and at least three more in the 87-89 range), and Wilson has to hit against and go head to head against 2 of them. In the Colonial, McGuire is the hardest thrower at 89, meaning he never has to go head to head against, or bat against, a 90+ guy.
James River is having an undefeated season thus far (knock wood), but it can truly be said that no one player is carrying that team. The pitching staff is deep, the defense has been excellent and the hitting pretty balanced up and down the lineup. I do think Pete Schumacher deserves some recognition for taking a team with no winning tradition and taking the team to these heights in his first season as head coach. Do they give a coach of the year award? If so, I hereby nominate him.
Close second to Tim Lowery at Cosby, who is winning an awful lot with a team that has no seniors. (Cosby opened only last September, and seniors were allowed to stay at their old schools to finish.) But Cosby will probably get its due next year, when the bunch they have now mature another year and start raking EVERYONE over the coals.
Wilson, Stadler and Shaban are worthy picks. McGuire and Biddix good players in a much weaker district.
One issue will be that the all-region teams are drawn strictly from first team all-district honorees. In the Dominion, there's going to be a logjam for those 2 pitcher spots on the first team. Someone's going to get squeezed out, and it probably will turn on how the last two weeks of the season turn out. Stadler and Wilson do have the advantage in also having had outstanding offensive years. Much as I love Stadler, though, I have to admit Wilson has had the bigger numbers, esp. 6 HR's to 2 for Stadler. And again, James River has not had to depend on any one player the way Midlo has leaned on Wilson. Midlo is still in the hunt for first place, and certainly for a regional berth, and wouldn't be there at all without Wilson.
At least one of the Dominion's 2nd team all district pitchers would likely rate higher than any pitcher from the other three districts in the region. It would be two if Sean Tierney's season hadn't been hampered so much by shoulder tendonitis. But the way things work, it wouldn't surprise me to see them choose a pitcher from another district just because there's politics and log rolling involved in these votes.
All of the above can make the all regional teams somewhere, I'm just talking about the one player of the year.
Shaban certainly deserves first team all district and serious all region consideration. His teammate, Jake Lowery, deserves that, too, though again, getting first team all district honors is not a sure thing given Tyler Gruhl being in that mix as well.
At least one of the Dominion's 2nd team all district pitchers would likely rate higher than any pitcher from the other three districts in the region. It would be two if Sean Tierney's season hadn't been hampered so much by shoulder tendonitis. But the way things work, it wouldn't surprise me to see them choose a pitcher from another district just because there's politics and log rolling involved in these votes.
All of the above can make the all regional teams somewhere, I'm just talking about the one player of the year.
Shaban certainly deserves first team all district and serious all region consideration. His teammate, Jake Lowery, deserves that, too, though again, getting first team all district honors is not a sure thing given Tyler Gruhl being in that mix as well.
no logjam on dominion pitchers.....wilson and marrs.
Hard to overlook what Stadler's done, or for that matter, Briere. Tierney is all-region caliber but will probably lose out due to his shoulder situation and a few off games that led to.
If next week goes like this week did, I may have to change my vote.
Wilson is still having a great year, don't get me wrong. And he may be the player whose performance carries his team more than any one other player.
And James River's is still a team effort, no one guy is carrying that team.
But Austin Stadler is putting on a big stretch run right now. Check out these numbers:
In 7 games (6 starts plus one relief appearance): 7-0, 0.78 ERA. 36 innings, only 8 total runs allowed (4 earned runs).
I give the total runs allowed number, lest anyone think we're cooking the books on his ERA. Stadler has never been removed mid-inning, either, so there's no question about whether the runs should've been charged to someone else. Even if all runs had been earned (and they weren't), that would only have been a 1.56 ERA. I would also say that his ability to prevent unearned runs is another measure of his success, since unearned runs tend to result from walks, wild pitches and other ways that pitchers pressure their defense. (Errors get blamed for unearned runs, but where did all those base runners come from?)
Stadler is not the only JR pitcher putting up great numbers, but you have to look at the whole package, because at this point he may be the most dangerous hitter in the Dominion if not the region.
Batting .500 (19-38) with 7 doubles and 3 HR's. In other words, over half his hits are for extra bases. 18 RBI in 18 games. I would wager he is up near the district lead in INTENTIONAL walks, with 13 walks overall. Bear in mind that where ever JRHS goes, they see the other team's best pitchers. And our starters typically don't get to bat in our games against city teams. So really it's 18 RBI in 14 games, including facing Wilson, Tierney (HR), etc.
Stadler is only a junior so there may be those who vote for someone else, thinking "he'll get it next year." But you never know what the future may bring. Maybe we should give him his due THIS year.
Wilson is still having a great year, don't get me wrong. And he may be the player whose performance carries his team more than any one other player.
And James River's is still a team effort, no one guy is carrying that team.
But Austin Stadler is putting on a big stretch run right now. Check out these numbers:
In 7 games (6 starts plus one relief appearance): 7-0, 0.78 ERA. 36 innings, only 8 total runs allowed (4 earned runs).
I give the total runs allowed number, lest anyone think we're cooking the books on his ERA. Stadler has never been removed mid-inning, either, so there's no question about whether the runs should've been charged to someone else. Even if all runs had been earned (and they weren't), that would only have been a 1.56 ERA. I would also say that his ability to prevent unearned runs is another measure of his success, since unearned runs tend to result from walks, wild pitches and other ways that pitchers pressure their defense. (Errors get blamed for unearned runs, but where did all those base runners come from?)
Stadler is not the only JR pitcher putting up great numbers, but you have to look at the whole package, because at this point he may be the most dangerous hitter in the Dominion if not the region.
Batting .500 (19-38) with 7 doubles and 3 HR's. In other words, over half his hits are for extra bases. 18 RBI in 18 games. I would wager he is up near the district lead in INTENTIONAL walks, with 13 walks overall. Bear in mind that where ever JRHS goes, they see the other team's best pitchers. And our starters typically don't get to bat in our games against city teams. So really it's 18 RBI in 14 games, including facing Wilson, Tierney (HR), etc.
Stadler is only a junior so there may be those who vote for someone else, thinking "he'll get it next year." But you never know what the future may bring. Maybe we should give him his due THIS year.
They gave it to Deck McGuire, who was certainly deserving. Deck had some rough outings early but has shined especially in his last several starts, including a no-hitter and a one-hitter in Tuesday's regional quarterfinal.
The way the season shook out, I would still have voted for Stadler, had anyone asked me, but for some reason, no one did!
The way the season shook out, I would still have voted for Stadler, had anyone asked me, but for some reason, no one did!
McGuire is Central Region player of the year ? Where are you seeing this ?
The complete All Region 1st and 2nd team listings are posted on VirginiaPreps.com
There is usually a program at the regional semis and/or finals that also lists the honorees, so that should be available Thurs. or Fri. night at RF&P Park.
There is usually a program at the regional semis and/or finals that also lists the honorees, so that should be available Thurs. or Fri. night at RF&P Park.
ALL - CENTRAL REGION BASEBALL
POSITION NAME SCHOOL All-Academic
FIRST TEAM
1B Kyle Stanley Patrick Henry
2B Josh Cox Dinwiddie AA
3B Mike Cheatham Matoaca AA
C Jake Lowery Cosby AA
OF Brooks Martin Deep Run AA
OF Austin Stadler James River AA
OF Chad Heflin Dinwiddie
P Deck McGuire Deep Run AA
P Austin Stadler James River AA
Utility Ronnie Shaban Cosby AA
SS Brett Entz Deep Run AA
DH Deck McGuire Deep Run AA
SECOND TEAM
1B Ryan Mallory Midlothian AA
2B A. J. Prill James River
3B Tyler Biddix Godwin
C J. C. Poma Henrico
OF Lee Jones Godwin AA
OF Ryan Barto Midlothian
OF Jake Renick Varina
P Tyler Wilson Midlothian
P Seth Cutler-Voltz Henrico
Utility Sam Roberts Prince George
SS Joey Saunders Hanover
SS Sam Roberts Prince George
DH Nick Windom Clover Hill
Honorable Mentions
1B Jordan Walton Lee-Davis
1B Erik Loftis Col. Hgts
2B Mike Kaczka Deep Run
2B Austin Mahanes Lee-Davis
3B Andrew Hacker Lee-Davis
C Daniel Astrop Deep Run
C Eric Curtis Matoaca
OF Matt Snyder Deep Run
OF Dustin Sollars Cosby
OF Ryan Kontra Atlee
OF Eric Mayers Hanover
OF Michael Green T. Dale
OF Jeremy Cecchettini Dinwiddie
P Will Hudgins Freeman
P Ryan Farrar Atlee
P Taylor Perkins Dinwiddie
Utility Jake Mayers Hanover
SS Brant Jones Monacan
DH Chase Worthington Atlee
DH Colten Warren Dinwiddie
Player of the Year - Deck McGuire - Deep Run
Coach of the Year - Grant O'Dell - Deep Run
POSITION NAME SCHOOL All-Academic
FIRST TEAM
1B Kyle Stanley Patrick Henry
2B Josh Cox Dinwiddie AA
3B Mike Cheatham Matoaca AA
C Jake Lowery Cosby AA
OF Brooks Martin Deep Run AA
OF Austin Stadler James River AA
OF Chad Heflin Dinwiddie
P Deck McGuire Deep Run AA
P Austin Stadler James River AA
Utility Ronnie Shaban Cosby AA
SS Brett Entz Deep Run AA
DH Deck McGuire Deep Run AA
SECOND TEAM
1B Ryan Mallory Midlothian AA
2B A. J. Prill James River
3B Tyler Biddix Godwin
C J. C. Poma Henrico
OF Lee Jones Godwin AA
OF Ryan Barto Midlothian
OF Jake Renick Varina
P Tyler Wilson Midlothian
P Seth Cutler-Voltz Henrico
Utility Sam Roberts Prince George
SS Joey Saunders Hanover
SS Sam Roberts Prince George
DH Nick Windom Clover Hill
Honorable Mentions
1B Jordan Walton Lee-Davis
1B Erik Loftis Col. Hgts
2B Mike Kaczka Deep Run
2B Austin Mahanes Lee-Davis
3B Andrew Hacker Lee-Davis
C Daniel Astrop Deep Run
C Eric Curtis Matoaca
OF Matt Snyder Deep Run
OF Dustin Sollars Cosby
OF Ryan Kontra Atlee
OF Eric Mayers Hanover
OF Michael Green T. Dale
OF Jeremy Cecchettini Dinwiddie
P Will Hudgins Freeman
P Ryan Farrar Atlee
P Taylor Perkins Dinwiddie
Utility Jake Mayers Hanover
SS Brant Jones Monacan
DH Chase Worthington Atlee
DH Colten Warren Dinwiddie
Player of the Year - Deck McGuire - Deep Run
Coach of the Year - Grant O'Dell - Deep Run
How is this team decided ?
I haven't seen this in writing anywhere, but I think the deal is you have to be first team all district to be considered for all region. Every one of the Dominion boys you see above, whether for first or second team or honorable mention all region, was a first team All Dominion District selection. I don't see any of our second teamers. Also there is no effort to "correct oversights" or perceived slights; you don't see kids passed over at the district level resurrected at the regional level.
This can lead to some anomalies, because let's face it, the talent in some districts is deeper than in others. There are only 7 teams in the Capital District, for example, and two of them are hapless, so that's only 5 teams' worth of players vying for all district honors. In contrast, there are 7 strong teams in the Dominion and I think at least that many in the Colonial. (Meaning no slight to the Central, I just don't know those teams as well.)
But what you see is, someone gets 2nd team all district and gets no consideration for all region at all, while someone from a weaker district gets all region. I know my own son missed some games with an injury and thus lost his chance at first team all district, hence no all region consideration. Cest la vie.
Bottom line, if you're going to do it at all, you have to have some sort of process and rules, and any way you do it, you'll end up with arguable situations, allegations of "politics", etc. The kids named above all had great years, they deserve recognition, I would leave it at that. I don't feel like my boy got cheated and I would hope others would leave it alone also.
I have seen other districts where they name more boys and have only one all district team, not first and second team. I have seen several districts who name 4 first team pitchers, in particular. All of that is just tweaking. Where ever you draw the line, someone will be just above it, someone will be just below it, and someone will want to argue with you about the final decisions.
This can lead to some anomalies, because let's face it, the talent in some districts is deeper than in others. There are only 7 teams in the Capital District, for example, and two of them are hapless, so that's only 5 teams' worth of players vying for all district honors. In contrast, there are 7 strong teams in the Dominion and I think at least that many in the Colonial. (Meaning no slight to the Central, I just don't know those teams as well.)
But what you see is, someone gets 2nd team all district and gets no consideration for all region at all, while someone from a weaker district gets all region. I know my own son missed some games with an injury and thus lost his chance at first team all district, hence no all region consideration. Cest la vie.
Bottom line, if you're going to do it at all, you have to have some sort of process and rules, and any way you do it, you'll end up with arguable situations, allegations of "politics", etc. The kids named above all had great years, they deserve recognition, I would leave it at that. I don't feel like my boy got cheated and I would hope others would leave it alone also.
I have seen other districts where they name more boys and have only one all district team, not first and second team. I have seen several districts who name 4 first team pitchers, in particular. All of that is just tweaking. Where ever you draw the line, someone will be just above it, someone will be just below it, and someone will want to argue with you about the final decisions.