CWS

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Originally posted by spizzlepop:

My problem is the announcers. Ravich and Ventura bring about as much fun to the game as watching grass grow. It sounds like those guys needs a couple Red Bulls.

It's almost an insult to the teams who get them as the announcers for their games! They're terrible individually.... but they certainly don't exhibit any chemistry together neither.

That FS/Rice game was a snoozer!

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the Easton Stealth with the orange barrel sounds almost like a real bat.

Probably the most popular bat in college baseball this year and they do sound good without the ping.

For me, Mike Patrick is terrible. Everything he says is great this and great that. Everything is not great and players or teams do not need to be fawned over or hyped. Call the game and let the players tell the story. Hershheiser is good because he does not over-talk every play. Robin Ventura is boring.

Congrats to Fresno State, Stanford and Georgia thus far. The pitcher from Rice did not have it today. The Ryne Durham glasses certainly did not help him.

Hey, it's all good so far. But then, I'm from California

I'm so impressed with Fresno St. Not only winning a regional as a four seed, but beating #3 ASU in the super-regional and making a statement with their first game in the CWS. What makes it more amazing is that they have done it without their best starter, Tanner Scheppers.

In regards to the announcers, I agree that they have been pretty bad. I think McDonough is good, but he and Larkin had a few awkward moments doing the UNC/LSU game. I'm just going to hope the games are exciting, despite some needed improvement in the booth.

I enjoying the series despite the commentary. This time of year always miss Harold Reynolds.

I enjoy Ventura's perspective of former player, it is pretty much on target.

Just like any championship series, it's about hype. Top seeded teams have lots of pressure (been there ), those that got there by beating higher seeds unexpectedly play looser, just enjoying the ride being a part of it all. Some drafted are playing for bonus money, it can often get in the way. The first rounders have huge expectations to fill.

Noles vs. Canes, two teams who know each other well, will most likely be a battle. If UM's pitching comes through, they will prevail over Noles bats.

UNC, IMO a complete team with many returning three year players, is a huge advantage. UGA probably has the best closer who is hot and can enter at anytime into the game.

But both Bulldogs are playing like bulldogs.

Team leadership is important. I remember meeting Mitch Canham on a bus, he told us that OSU players felt slighted, had to take a plane with CSF and got the worst of the hotels (in his opinion). I don't think that first year they had a lot of high drafted players. He told us that being on the bottom rung of the winning perception ladder 9not a tema who might take home the trophy) wasn't going to work for them, they were going home on a plane as the Champs, he was right!

It's those little things that we aren't aware of that make up championship teams.

I agree on Harold Reynolds. I miss him doing the games in Omaha.

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I agree on Harold Reynolds. I miss him doing the games in Omaha.

AND the LLWS...Orel Hersheiser hasn't been bad. The soup is getting thin for decent broadcasters..

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UNC, IMO a complete team with many returning three year players, is a huge advantage. UGA probably has the best closer who is hot and can enter at anytime into the game.

I think UNC has a big advantage over other teams because of their experience in the CWS. I have become a big fan of this program and coach over the last few years and you have to feel like they deserve to win to a certain extent.

Georgia is one of my favorite SEC teams. The players all have great chemistry and truly appear to be enjoying the experience. Beckham is a super SS. Josh Fields is amazing IMO. He may not be the biggest kid on a mound, but I love watching him. Being a second round draft pick and returning to school - very unusual!

Some great teams with amazing stories involved. I agree about Harold - he did a wonderful job and has not been replaced in the booth.

Beckham being advised by son's agent, a really nice kid so I understand.

I missed this yesterday did anyone see the story about the players mom who died of cancer?

She gave up treatment to follow her son in baseball?

Myhusband was very emotional so I didn't get the whole story.

The announcing is pretty weak. Did anyone watching the Fl.St./Miami game catch the comment that Rye was from "Irving" California? One might suppose they would know or at least question this (if this was the way the name of the town was written in the stats charts they were reading from), since UC Irvine is well known, and Irving would be in Texas not California. Nevertheless...

no11,
They only read what was supplied to them by the school's SID (student information director) to ESPN.

The good natured Robin Ventura may best be remembered
(by many baseball fanatics) as:

a. Arguably the best 3b in the 90's.

b. Charging the mound vs Nolan Ryan and ESPN revealing Noly's head lock and punches to the head on video!

c. Overcoming adversity his rookie year with a 0-41 slump and 25 errors and named to the Topps Rookie All Star Team!

d. In '91, his slide into home, catching his cleat, and seriously breaking and dislocating his ankle. (Also caught on ESPN - ugh)

e. Team owner Jerry Reinsdorf 'White Flag Trade' in '97, and in '98, claiming Ventura was 'deteriorating' and placed on Reinsdorf's 'Hit List' despite setting career highs in games played, triples and leading the league in chances.

f. Robin's "Grand Slam Single" (only ardent NY Mets fans and a few other, would remember this!)

However, what this house best remembers is Ventura's agent call in early Dec '98 to chat and eventually getting around to excitedly tell us his client said three words after signing a four year $23+ Million deal with NYM (after the CHW GM Ron Schueler could not convince Reinsdorf from granting him free agency two months earlier).

The better of the story was the question out a growing teenager at the time:
"Dad, would $12M make my grandchildren financially secure?"

Uh, yes!


Cheers
Bear