TPM posted:They blew it. If I was Dave Van Horn, I wouldn't be happy!
That was rough. Was pulling for OSU, but maybe Arkansas now, so those kids don't relive that play for the rest of their lives...but that's sports...
Yeah that missed foul ball for the win was rough. Wild end to that game. I have no dog in the hunt but for some reason find myself pulling for Arkansas...? Both talented teams and fun to watch though. IMO, the CWS is the most underrated sport event in U.S. So fun to watch these young men play for their schools and the love of the game.
that was 5 minutes of craziness....I couldn't believe it happened that fast. When the foul ball was dropped there seemed to be like a 100% chance of a hit...then the HR...wow.
I'm pulling for Arkansas too but its gonna be tough to come back from last night. Baseball can be so cruel!
Yep. Talk about an emotional momentum shift...
At least the announcers were happy though. They've been rooting for Oregon State the entire time. 
LOL, they were probably rooting for a game 3 and always rooting for the stories that they keep pimping to play out. I think they are good guys but I have heard far too much of their schtick at this point. Eduardo Perez is starting to grate on me in an almost McCarverian manner.
Despite the momentum I think maybe Arkansas has an edge going in as their SP will be coming off a good performance, while the Ducks supposedly are starting Abel who is really good but threw 20-some pitches last night. Some kids do not respond well to that. But if he does okay and the Ducks get off to fast start it could be over early.
As a Pac 12 fan and mild OSU partisan, I continue to be surprised that they are still in this thing despite a constant stream of errors and miscues and a lack of production from the #4 player in the 2018 draft. That bunt double play --- the runner's interference -- just 2 of many boneheaded plays that should haunt them through the off season if they lose tonight. Of course Arkansas will have that foul pop-up to remember should they lose, but that was just a good player failing to make a good play, not a total mental #$%* up.
JCG posted:LOL, they were probably rooting for a game 3 and always rooting for the stories that they keep pimping to play out. I think they are good guys but I have heard far too much of their schtick at this point. Eduardo Perez is starting to grate on me in an almost McCarverian manner.
Despite the momentum I think maybe Arkansas has an edge going in as their SP will be coming off a good performance, while the Ducks supposedly are starting Abel who is really good but threw 20-some pitches last night. Some kids do not respond well to that. But if he does okay and the Ducks get off to fast start it could be over early.
As a Pac 12 fan and mild OSU partisan, I continue to be surprised that they are still in this thing despite a constant stream of errors and miscues and a lack of production from the #4 player in the 2018 draft. That bunt double play --- the runner's interference -- just 2 of many boneheaded plays that should haunt them through the off season if they lose tonight. Of course Arkansas will have that foul pop-up to remember should they lose, but that was just a good player failing to make a good play, not a total mental #$%* up.
Eduardo Perez is awful.
tequila posted:At least the announcers were happy though. They've been rooting for Oregon State the entire time.
After seeing this comment previously I’ve paid more attention to the announcers to see if it’s true. It’s not. It’s nothing but bias on behalf of the people who believe it.
Back in the 80’s Tom Heinsohn was the announcer for the Celtics and the CBS announcer on Sundays and playoffs. He had also previously played and coached for the Celtics. Laker fans complained he was biased for the Celtics. Celtics fans complained he was trying so hard not to be biased he was favoring the Lakers. The reality is people hear what they want to believe and don’t hear the rest.
Anyone who believes the announcers are favoring OSU must have missed the game Blaine Knight pitched. It was an adoration-fest.
During the series the announcers have constantly talked about Arkansas’s power.
I don’t think stating Heimlich and Fehmer didn’t get the job done getting knocked out so early in their games was a loveseat.
A couple of realities is OSU losing last year after such a dominant season makes the effort to win this year a story. And having so many high draft picks is a story.
RJM posted:tequila posted:At least the announcers were happy though. They've been rooting for Oregon State the entire time.
After seeing this comment previously I’ve paid more attention to the announcers to see if it’s true. It’s not. It’s nithing but bias on behalf of the people who believe it.
Maybe you're right RJM. However, I watched both games and my gut feeling was that the announcers were swayed towards OSU. I didn't sit and analyze every statement so maybe it was a "tone" type of thing or it could have been that was what I was looking for. I will say that I don't normally look for faults like this and am pretty sure I'm not making it up but the mind is a strange thing sometimes. I'm hoping for a Razorback victory but am not overly passionate about it so I don't think that had much influence either. Whatever the case may be, I'm enjoying the heck out of the contest!
old_school posted:that was 5 minutes of craziness....I couldn't believe it happened that fast. When the foul ball was dropped there seemed to be like a 100% chance of a hit...then the HR...wow.
That HR often is a reaction to what happened. Same way as Heimlich fell apart after that bad play the other night.
While we have to remember that these are still boys, and there is pressure, I kind of wonder why the meltdowns. Is it because these teams are among the elite that won more often than lost, Oregon especially who has an astounding record of 54-12-1. Or is it just too much sitting around waiting for games that can't be played?
There are a lot of bad announcers. There’s only one announcer that is so bad I can’t listen to him. When Bill Walton does UCLA basketball games for ESPN or PAC 12 Network I mute the tv and synch it up with KLAC radio.
I don’t have to listen to Yankee games. Otherwise Susyn Waldman would probably be a second. She’s Boston’s payback to NY for Babe Ruth. Yankee fans probably wish she didn’t fail as a Broadway actress.
JCG posted:LOL, they were probably rooting for a game 3 and always rooting for the stories that they keep pimping to play out. I think they are good guys but I have heard far too much of their schtick at this point. Eduardo Perez is starting to grate on me in an almost McCarverian manner.
Despite the momentum I think maybe Arkansas has an edge going in as their SP will be coming off a good performance, while the Ducks supposedly are starting Abel who is really good but threw 20-some pitches last night. Some kids do not respond well to that. But if he does okay and the Ducks get off to fast start it could be over early.
As a Pac 12 fan and mild OSU partisan, I continue to be surprised that they are still in this thing despite a constant stream of errors and miscues and a lack of production from the #4 player in the 2018 draft. That bunt double play --- the runner's interference -- just 2 of many boneheaded plays that should haunt them through the off season if they lose tonight. Of course Arkansas will have that foul pop-up to remember should they lose, but that was just a good player failing to make a good play, not a total mental #$%* up.
University of Oregon = Ducks
Oregon State University = Beavers (rodents)
And I agree.....Eddie Perez is painful to listen to
I fell asleep just before the fun last night. Dangit!
As for announcers - they're kinda like umpires. In my entire lifetime, umpires and referees have made 2,394 bad calls against my favorite teams and only 1 or 2 for them. Announcers are always against my team too.
This....is a fact! 
DesertDuck posted:JCG posted:LOL, they were probably rooting for a game 3 and always rooting for the stories that they keep pimping to play out. I think they are good guys but I have heard far too much of their schtick at this point. Eduardo Perez is starting to grate on me in an almost McCarverian manner.
Despite the momentum I think maybe Arkansas has an edge going in as their SP will be coming off a good performance, while the Ducks supposedly are starting Abel who is really good but threw 20-some pitches last night. Some kids do not respond well to that. But if he does okay and the Ducks get off to fast start it could be over early.
As a Pac 12 fan and mild OSU partisan, I continue to be surprised that they are still in this thing despite a constant stream of errors and miscues and a lack of production from the #4 player in the 2018 draft. That bunt double play --- the runner's interference -- just 2 of many boneheaded plays that should haunt them through the off season if they lose tonight. Of course Arkansas will have that foul pop-up to remember should they lose, but that was just a good player failing to make a good play, not a total mental #$%* up.University of Oregon = Ducks
Oregon State University = Beavers (rodents)
And I agree.....Eddie Perez is painful to listen to
JCG = senile old f%$*
Some general thoughts:
1.) this 3 game format, following over a week of games through each bracket is played at a level of intensity and fan interest which none of the players has experienced;
2.) Sometimes players can try too hard. No one is saying the 2B, 1B or RF were not hustling on the pop up. It was not an easy play, for certain. Build in crowd noise and it becomes even tougher. That said, I have watched OSU play a number of times going back to 2005. The number of mental mistakes there are making in Omaha this year is most unusual. Normally, they play the game impeccably and are constantly putting pressure on opponents. That they are playing game #3 having lost their lead-off hitter, with literally nothing in Omaha from their 2 main starting pitchers and with little production from Madrigal in the first 2 games says an awful lot about the rest of their team.
3.) the Arkansas closer threw 42 pitches last night in 1 2/3's, following closing in game one, something he had not done all season (close two days in a row.) The pop up dropped in when he was around pitch 30-35, he was getting up in the zone. He was throwing all fastballs, around 92 mph, down from 94-95. OSU, 1-6, can hit fastballs.
4.) for game #3, OSU has challenges with their starting pitching. Based on reliever use in games #1 and 2, Arkansas may have equally big challenges on the mound starting around inning 7, if the game is close.
RJM posted:There are a lot of bad announcers. There’s only one announcer that is so bad I can’t listen to him. When Bill Walton does UCLA basketball games for ESPN or PAC 12 Network I mute the tv and synch it up with KLAC radio.
I don’t have to listen to Yankee games. Otherwise Susyn Waldman would probably be a second. She’s Boston’s payback to NY for Babe Ruth. Yankee fans probably wish she didn’t fail as a Broadway actress.
I was having such a good day... you HAD to mention Bill Walton as an announcer.
Forget time zones. Forget seasonal weather forcing higher participation in hoops in the east and midwest. Forget population density. Sometimes I think he is the real reason for the East Coast Bias with basketball ... every time a PAC game is scheduled for broadcast on ESPN, everyone is afraid it will be him doing the game and they avoid it like the plague.
Sorry, back to college baseball. Please.
I have a different opinion. I feel that the announcers have been fair, they root for the team that is in the lead!
Can't beat that dialogue between them when all eyes were on sleeping beauty. And the argument they had about Florida bringing in their closer early, who was warming up in the pen.
Is that a pack mule or a post regular season college pitcher? No wonder the advice for young pitching prospects is sign out of high school so a college coach can’t ride you like a pack mule and put your arm at risk.
College starters pitch on six days rest for fourteen, fifteen weeks. Then as the season wears down and they get fatigued, saddle them up. Ride ‘em coach!
Congrats to Cal Bear Andrew Vaughn, winner of the Golden Spikes Award. I hope he gets his team to Omaha next year.
If there is one certainty in this CWS, it has to be the MVP. Rutschman has been spectacular (better than that?) and is back at it again today. OSU up 2-0 through 2.
Rutschman: stud!
infielddad posted:If there is one certainty in this CWS, it has to be the MVP. Rutschman has been spectacular (better than that?) and is back at it again today. OSU up 2-0 through 2.
On top of his bat, he steals about 10 strikes a game. One of the best receivers I’ve seen.
Before the CWS started I read an article saying the winning team usually has someone step up you don’t expect. Heimlich and Fehmel are the top pitchers. Abel stepped up big time. He had six starts before tonight. He was 4-0 in the series.
RJM posted:Before the CWS started I read an article saying the winning team usually has someone step up you don’t expect. Heimlich and Fehmel are the top pitchers. Abel stepped up big time. He had six starts before tonight. He was 4-0 in the series.
I think he threw 230+ pitches in a six day span with over 100 tonight after throwing 23 yesterday.
It was an all-time great CWS pitching performance in my book. He completely shut Arkansas down. He definitely stepped up. He was phenomenal tonight.
Amazing performance by Abel, Larnach and Rutschman. Arkansas will be haunted by coming so close last night. A great CWS by two great teams who deserved to be there.
And listening to the interviews of players from both of these teams over the past week tells you what an amazing bond college baseball players form as a team. Both teams said it is the players bond they always will remember from the experience.
Many of them mentioned the 6 AM workouts starting in September and what those did to bring them together toward the goal of Omaha. The sled pushes, the grind. All of the other practice time they put in, the travel ordeals, the coursework and make-up tests. It is hard to imagine a better sport for team building than college baseball. College football teams with 90 players are too huge, college basketball with 12 dominated by 6-7 guys are too few. The contributions it takes in baseball from so many players on the mound, at the plate and in the field defines why it is such a team sport.
Bravo to the kids who are so talented that they can go straight from High School to the Minors, but they'll never get the chance to experience what these college teams go through in learning what it means to be a teammate and how to come together as a team. And for the kids still dreaming of college ball, hopefully the CWS inspires them to put in the work and dedication to make it.
Kyle Peterson was saying Arkansas has a lot of young players. He said they could be back over the next couple of years with the conversation about all their top draft picks.
RJM posted:Kyle Peterson was saying Arkansas has a lot of young players. He said they could be back over the next couple of years with the conversation about all their top draft picks.
We lose a lot of experienced bats, but we do return our 2, 3 and 4 hitters who are all potential first rounders. We have to replace a bulldog on the mound who went 14-0. I expect that we will take a small step back next year
Abel’s change up looked big league ready. When was the last time a Freshman had two secondary pitches like that kid? He took it to my Hogs, but the game was won last night. We had nothing tonight. We were talking about this on the message boards, can you name a team that had a game slip away in the finals or deep in the playoffs and then that team came back and won the next game? St Louis vs KC in the WS, Buckner, Bartman game, Ray Allen 3, the list goes on.
d-mac posted:Abel’s change up looked big league ready. When was the last time a Freshman had two secondary pitches like that kid? He took it to my Hogs, but the game was won last night. We had nothing tonight. We were talking about this on the message boards, can you name a team that had a game slip away in the finals or deep in the playoffs and then that team came back and won the next game? St Louis vs KC in the WS, Buckner, Bartman game, Ray Allen 3, the list goes on.
A few years ago I remember hearing if the team that needs to win one doesn’t clinch in the next game they lose the following game about two-thirds of the time. This analysis applied to every playoff round including regions. In the case of this situation losing a game they had won was trauma added to the pressure.
I feel sorry for the Shaddy. He’s a good ball player. At least he has more ball to play. I realize it’s loud at the park. But does anyone else think Cole should have taken charge on that play?
RJM posted:d-mac posted:Abel’s change up looked big league ready. When was the last time a Freshman had two secondary pitches like that kid? He took it to my Hogs, but the game was won last night. We had nothing tonight. We were talking about this on the message boards, can you name a team that had a game slip away in the finals or deep in the playoffs and then that team came back and won the next game? St Louis vs KC in the WS, Buckner, Bartman game, Ray Allen 3, the list goes on.
A few years ago I remember hearing if the team that needs to win one doesn’t clinch in the next game they lose the following game about two-thirds of the time. This analysis applied to every playoff round including regions. In the case of this situation losing a game they had won was trauma added to the pressure.
I feel sorry for the Shaddy. He’s a good ball player. At least he has more ball to play. I realize it’s loud at the park. But does anyone else think Cole should have taken charge on that play?
That play is 100% on the RF IMO. Go back and look at video or photos. The ball lands almost at the feet of Cole. Yes Shaddy got there first (he actually overran the play which happens WAY too much, but that's another story), but his angle to the ball was much more difficult than Cole's. I have seen a still shot of just as the ball hits the ground. In the picture, the 1st baseman is looking at Cole, not Shaddy. Since Little League, we have all been taught the outfielders take precedence over infielder for pop ups. So if Cole got there in time, that is on him.
By the way, I was pulling for Arkansas HARD. Not only because I am a self-admitted SEC homer, but because I REALLY do not like OSU based on playing at their stadium in the Regionals. Someone has mentioned it here before, but their fans are HORRIBLE.
All fan bases are passionate about their team. I have no problem with all the bubbles at A&M, cowbells at State, whistling at Vandy. Everyone has their "thing". But OSU fans were very "in your face". When our fans would start any type of cheer or support for our guys, they would stand up and point and say things like "shut your face", "sit down and shut up". Just ridiculous. Then to top it off, very personal about the players AND parents.
Now I'm not the type that normally would ever say anything about this type stuff. Personally, that doesn't bother me, but when they started in personally on a couple of the moms of players, that crossed the line. Players are fair game. My skin is plenty thick enough to not let it bother me (the wife is a different story). I'm constantly telling her she has to let it go or she is going to get me into a fight. Anyway, the best team won as bad as I didn't want to see it happen. I saw both teams up close and personal. I wasn't sure OSU would have the pitching if the starters struggled, but their bullpen did enough and their offense was EXACTLY what I saw in Corvallis. When 4 of your 1st 5 batters are 1st round picks, you ARE VERY GOOD! So tip of my hat to OSU team, but I'm SO glad I wasn't there to have to listen to their fans.
If anyone has experienced anything of the likes while playing LSU, let me offer a sincere apology. We have some of the most passioate fans in college sports and I'm certain is gone overboard at times. I've never sat near the parents section at Alex Box, so maybe what we experienced in Corvallis is the norm. But I don't think it is because I didn't see it anywhere else we played.
younggun posted:RJM posted:d-mac posted:Abel’s change up looked big league ready. When was the last time a Freshman had two secondary pitches like that kid? He took it to my Hogs, but the game was won last night. We had nothing tonight. We were talking about this on the message boards, can you name a team that had a game slip away in the finals or deep in the playoffs and then that team came back and won the next game? St Louis vs KC in the WS, Buckner, Bartman game, Ray Allen 3, the list goes on.
A few years ago I remember hearing if the team that needs to win one doesn’t clinch in the next game they lose the following game about two-thirds of the time. This analysis applied to every playoff round including regions. In the case of this situation losing a game they had won was trauma added to the pressure.
I feel sorry for the Shaddy. He’s a good ball player. At least he has more ball to play. I realize it’s loud at the park. But does anyone else think Cole should have taken charge on that play?
That play is 100% on the RF IMO. Go back and look at video or photos. The ball lands almost at the feet of Cole. Yes Shaddy got there first (he actually overran the play which happens WAY too much, but that's another story), but his angle to the ball was much more difficult than Cole's. I have seen a still shot of just as the ball hits the ground. In the picture, the 1st baseman is looking at Cole, not Shaddy. Since Little League, we have all been taught the outfielders take precedence over infielder for pop ups. So if Cole got there in time, that is on him.
Additionally, I wanted to throw my phone at the TV every time one of the ESPN commentators said. "that wasn't an easy play." Yes. Yes, it was an easy play.
Lets be honest we have all seen "that" play many times. Any time you have multiple guys converging on a ball unless one of them simply takes charge and decides they are going to be the one to make the play this happens. Yes it was an easy play IF someone had simply took over. But I looked at you, and you looked at him, and he looked at me and all of a sudden "What the _________ ." I guarantee you if the only player in the vicinity was the RF it gets caught with ease.
roothog66 posted:younggun posted:RJM posted:d-mac posted:Abel’s change up looked big league ready. When was the last time a Freshman had two secondary pitches like that kid? He took it to my Hogs, but the game was won last night. We had nothing tonight. We were talking about this on the message boards, can you name a team that had a game slip away in the finals or deep in the playoffs and then that team came back and won the next game? St Louis vs KC in the WS, Buckner, Bartman game, Ray Allen 3, the list goes on.
A few years ago I remember hearing if the team that needs to win one doesn’t clinch in the next game they lose the following game about two-thirds of the time. This analysis applied to every playoff round including regions. In the case of this situation losing a game they had won was trauma added to the pressure.
I feel sorry for the Shaddy. He’s a good ball player. At least he has more ball to play. I realize it’s loud at the park. But does anyone else think Cole should have taken charge on that play?
That play is 100% on the RF IMO. Go back and look at video or photos. The ball lands almost at the feet of Cole. Yes Shaddy got there first (he actually overran the play which happens WAY too much, but that's another story), but his angle to the ball was much more difficult than Cole's. I have seen a still shot of just as the ball hits the ground. In the picture, the 1st baseman is looking at Cole, not Shaddy. Since Little League, we have all been taught the outfielders take precedence over infielder for pop ups. So if Cole got there in time, that is on him.
Additionally, I wanted to throw my phone at the TV every time one of the ESPN commentators said. "that wasn't an easy play." Yes. Yes, it was an easy play.
The announcers were protecting the players. The only way it’s a tough play is in extreme wind. I believe if it was the 7th game of the MLB WS the announcers would have been less protective and said that play has to be made.
COACH MAY;
Do you remember Gary Carter catcher NY Mets. Carter would demand that he catch the "pop ups". Many times in front of the 1b or 3b. He had supreme confidence in his ability.
Next year practice will include drills for catching "pop ups", sliding, pitcher covering 1b. "Take charge"! The Coaches will "wear out" the SSK fungo
Bob
Abel was amazing.
Regardless, shame on Pat Casey for the workload that he placed on a 19 year old with a future.
TPM posted:I have a different opinion. I feel that the announcers have been fair, they root for the team that is in the lead!
.............................................
Exactly, but they quickly run out of things to say and they repeat themselves twenty times over. If I have to hear how awesome and a can't miss MLB pick Nick Madrigal is, I'm going to scream, and put a hot fork into my eye......again! He's a fine player, but they don't have to talk about him especially after going 0-13 or whatever it was. Talk about somebody who has impacted the game or talk about the CWS groundskeeping crew, CWS staff meteorologist, CWS hotel accommodations, Global economics, etc.....anything else!
A lot of viewers don’t watch every inning of the CWS like the posters here. I’m guessing a lot of viewing comes from channel surfing before or after the viewer’s MLB team plays. The announcers are constantly selling the college game and the players. You draw the casual college baseball viewer by selling him to stay and watch future major leaguers.
JCG posted:Congrats to Cal Bear Andrew Vaughn, winner of the Golden Spikes Award. I hope he gets his team to Omaha next year.
.402/.531/.819, 199 AB, 23 HR, 44/18 bb/k ratio
That is crazy