Congrats to the Oregon State Beavers for proving the pundits (and a few posters) wrong. The Beavs are going back to Omaha. Not bad for a team that wasn't even ranked in the preseason top 40. 
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Congrats due indeed. Very dominating performance in 2 super regional games, allowing only 2 runs in both games, and those were both home runs from one Michigan player. I always hate to see the disappointment on the faces of the team that doesn't make it but someone has to win and advance.
Now the 4 teams on the left bracket represent the 2 big conferences in the west ... the Big West (UCI & CSUF) and the Pac-10 (ASU & OSU). A little frustrating (and no, I am not whining) to have all teams west of the Arizona/New Mexico border have to face off in Omaha before a championship series but what can be done?
Congrats again, Beavers !!! Good luck in Omaha.
Now the 4 teams on the left bracket represent the 2 big conferences in the west ... the Big West (UCI & CSUF) and the Pac-10 (ASU & OSU). A little frustrating (and no, I am not whining) to have all teams west of the Arizona/New Mexico border have to face off in Omaha before a championship series but what can be done?
Congrats again, Beavers !!! Good luck in Omaha.
I just got back from the game. Stutes pitched great. I spoke with him afterwards - he said it had been weeks since he'd gotten command of his curve, but he had it today.
OSU: I guess nobody can dispute that it is one of the elite programs in the country now.
OSU: I guess nobody can dispute that it is one of the elite programs in the country now.
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Took the long trip up and watched OSU for a series in Corvallis this year...
It was so obvious that this is a program that really works on a large number of levels...Players, coaches, atmosphere, venue, fans, support, chemistry...
I remember earlier in the year when they were ignored in many pre season polls...watched a number of national powers this year and they rank with anyone....
Gonna be a fun ride...
44
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Took the long trip up and watched OSU for a series in Corvallis this year...
It was so obvious that this is a program that really works on a large number of levels...Players, coaches, atmosphere, venue, fans, support, chemistry...
I remember earlier in the year when they were ignored in many pre season polls...watched a number of national powers this year and they rank with anyone....
Gonna be a fun ride...
44.
quote:Originally posted by FutureBack.Mom:
Congrats due indeed. Very dominating performance in 2 super regional games, allowing only 2 runs in both games, and those were both home runs from one Michigan player. I always hate to see the disappointment on the faces of the team that doesn't make it but someone has to win and advance.
Now the 4 teams on the left bracket represent the 2 big conferences in the west ... the Big West (UCI & CSUF) and the Pac-10 (ASU & OSU). A little frustrating (and no, I am not whining) to have all teams west of the Arizona/New Mexico border have to face off in Omaha before a championship series but what can be done?
Congrats again, Beavers !!! Good luck in Omaha.
FBM,
I remember from last year our first game, we had to face off GATech, which we had quite a few times during the season (about 5). In some ways, teams that have played off each other have advantages, they are familiar with each other.
I probably will be wrong, but I am figuring that one of the teams that have been participants with the most returning players will possibly emerge as a winner. It is an overwhelming experience, the more you know, the better you can focus.
I go with the ACC team, UNC, but I have a feeling the Beavers will take it ...again. JMO.
quote:Congrats to the Oregon State Beavers for proving the pundits (and a few posters) wrong. The Beavs are going back to Omaha. Not bad for a team that wasn't even ranked in the preseason top 40.
There was one poll that had Oregon State in the preseason top 40.
crosschecker Preseason Top 100
Not bragging though, we were far from perfect in that preseason poll. Here is how the final 16 teams were ranked (by PGCrosschecker) before the season started. Guess you could say that we were a ways off on UC Irvine, Mississippi St, Louisville, Michigan and Texas A&M. Polls are just for fun, they still determine the outcome the old fashion way! On the field! Should be another great college world series.
Rice #2
North Carolina #4
Arizona State #7
Oregon State #12
Cal St Fullerton #13
UC Irvine #51
Mississippi State #55
Louisville #64
South Carolina #1
Clemson #3
Wichita State #14
Oklahoma State #15
Mississippi #16
UCLA #18
Michigan #43
Texas A&M #48
Personally, I do not feel OSU is as good as they have been the past 2 years. Don't feel they pitch at the same level, hit at the same level, or have the same amount of team speed. Don't get me wrong, they are quite good in each, just not at the level of the past years.
What they do is not beat themselves. They are very solid on execution and defense and especially up the middle. Canham plays like no one can beat them. They have a major sparkplug in their freshman 2B who saved the first game against Michigan in the field and then won it with the Beavers' only hit of the game and he isn't a fluke as he did that for all 3 games against Stanford that I watched.
I do think this team is beatable though. I didn't think that last year because that team was tenacious and intimidated opponents with speed, execution, a better offense and perhaps even better pitching/defense.
What they do is not beat themselves. They are very solid on execution and defense and especially up the middle. Canham plays like no one can beat them. They have a major sparkplug in their freshman 2B who saved the first game against Michigan in the field and then won it with the Beavers' only hit of the game and he isn't a fluke as he did that for all 3 games against Stanford that I watched.
I do think this team is beatable though. I didn't think that last year because that team was tenacious and intimidated opponents with speed, execution, a better offense and perhaps even better pitching/defense.
I don't think OSU will win it and like infielddad, I didn't think they were as good this year as the last 2 years.
However, as infielddad states...they aren't likely to beat themselves. They are patient at the plate, they do not panic (e.g. game 1 of Super-Regional where they won the game on 1 hit), their pitching is good enough with a solid closer and their defense is all-out hustle. They can beat any team out there...just not sure they can win the 5 games required in short order.
And they've been there and as TPM points out this is so very important.
I will personally be pulling for UC Irvine...mostly because no one expects them to win and I think they are significantly under-appreciated and under-respected across the country. They are a good team with a very good coach.
My gut tells me the winner will be either Rice or ASU.
However, as infielddad states...they aren't likely to beat themselves. They are patient at the plate, they do not panic (e.g. game 1 of Super-Regional where they won the game on 1 hit), their pitching is good enough with a solid closer and their defense is all-out hustle. They can beat any team out there...just not sure they can win the 5 games required in short order.
And they've been there and as TPM points out this is so very important.
I will personally be pulling for UC Irvine...mostly because no one expects them to win and I think they are significantly under-appreciated and under-respected across the country. They are a good team with a very good coach.
My gut tells me the winner will be either Rice or ASU.
Last year in Omaha catching the bus back to the hotel we met Mitch. He had on a Beaver hat and son asked if he was a player. Turns out in 5 minutes they were best buddies as Mitch was to be his catcher this summer at the cape. My son tells me that he is one of the greatest team leaders he has ever played with.
Mitch told us they were going to win. Their second trip to Omaha in two years, they felt they were looked down upon by the NCAA. The team with the worst accomodations and had to share a charter ride on a plane with CSF, the only two teams to do so (other teams got their own charter). In fact they had hopped on our courtesy transportation back to our hotel because their hotel had none. They felt they deserved better coming back a second year in a row. He said they were going to win. First to prove that they were better than tehy felt they were being treated, second because they were past the "glamour" of being in Omaha. They were on a mission.
They now come back defending their title, and defending the fact that they got no ranking preseason. They are going to fight like dogs, uh Beavers.
Even though they have championship rings, they are still out to prove they can do it. when a team has that mentality, watch out.
If their pitching holds up they will be in the championship game.
Mitch told us they were going to win. Their second trip to Omaha in two years, they felt they were looked down upon by the NCAA. The team with the worst accomodations and had to share a charter ride on a plane with CSF, the only two teams to do so (other teams got their own charter). In fact they had hopped on our courtesy transportation back to our hotel because their hotel had none. They felt they deserved better coming back a second year in a row. He said they were going to win. First to prove that they were better than tehy felt they were being treated, second because they were past the "glamour" of being in Omaha. They were on a mission.
They now come back defending their title, and defending the fact that they got no ranking preseason. They are going to fight like dogs, uh Beavers.
Even though they have championship rings, they are still out to prove they can do it. when a team has that mentality, watch out.If their pitching holds up they will be in the championship game.
I can tell you - the Beavers are happy to be going back to Omaha, but there's not a one of them that is satisfied in the least.
I actually agree with JBB and Infielddad that this team is not quite as good as last year's. But I would not be surprised to see them make a very strong run, and even win it.
After the game yesterday, when the final out was made, the team shook each other's hand, then shook Michigan's hand, then huddled out in the field for a few minutes.
No dogpile, no jumps for joy. As Mitch said: "We only get to dogpile once each year."
I spoke to a lot of them afterward. No stars in these boys' eyes, I can tell you that for sure. They acted as if they have been there before, because they have.
And their pitching is both deep and in a groove right now. Very important for Omaha.
I actually agree with JBB and Infielddad that this team is not quite as good as last year's. But I would not be surprised to see them make a very strong run, and even win it.
After the game yesterday, when the final out was made, the team shook each other's hand, then shook Michigan's hand, then huddled out in the field for a few minutes.
No dogpile, no jumps for joy. As Mitch said: "We only get to dogpile once each year."
I spoke to a lot of them afterward. No stars in these boys' eyes, I can tell you that for sure. They acted as if they have been there before, because they have.
And their pitching is both deep and in a groove right now. Very important for Omaha.
Rob - I wouldn't be surprised to see them win it either...and neither would my son. He thinks they will.
Well, they (OSU) almost beat themselves...but in the end they didn't.
After 1 round of the CWS, I'm still picking ASU. But go Anteaters!
After 1 round of the CWS, I'm still picking ASU. But go Anteaters!
How about that kid who didn't run out his pop-up? He would have been on second base easily. You just KNEW the baseball gods would make sure the next batter hit a single. Sure enough!
I wouldn't want to be that kid tonight.
I wouldn't want to be that kid tonight.
We thought the same thing, but then the announcers pointed out that the player (can't remember his name) had been out with a leg injury. On the replay you could clearly see him limping down the line. Makes you wonder why he was put in in that situation under those circumstances, but he did come through and get on base. It was a fun game to watch. How about that double play by OSU?
I'm sure the OSU left fielder didn't take a breath until the final out was recorded!
I'm sure the OSU left fielder didn't take a breath until the final out was recorded!
GO BEAVS!
OSU???
I thought Oklahoma State got knocked out in regionals...
I thought Oklahoma State got knocked out in regionals...
Texan -
No, no no you have it wrong.
It's OSU - OMAHA State University!
No, no no you have it wrong.
It's OSU - OMAHA State University!
I wonder if Oregon State is rooting for an 18 inning game between Irvine and Fullerton?
Got any more Beaver Believers? (Or, as the girl with the hand printed sign they kept cutting to in the crowd, "Beaver Belivers.")
That was quite a spanking they delivered to ASU. Those Sun Devils are one dangerous team. I'm not really comfortable, even though the Beavers just need one out of the next two to advance.
But it sure is nice to be 2-0. Can they play WITHOUT their backs against a wall?
We'll see on Wednesday!
That was quite a spanking they delivered to ASU. Those Sun Devils are one dangerous team. I'm not really comfortable, even though the Beavers just need one out of the next two to advance.
But it sure is nice to be 2-0. Can they play WITHOUT their backs against a wall?
We'll see on Wednesday!
I really did think ASU would do it with their bats...but the Beavs showed me! 
Congrats. They sure looked good. As TPM has pointed out...having been there before is a big plus.
Congrats. They sure looked good. As TPM has pointed out...having been there before is a big plus.
Cleveland =
I don't think we'd mind an 18 inning game between ASU and UC Irvine tomorrow!
I don't think we'd mind an 18 inning game between ASU and UC Irvine tomorrow!
mythreesons ...
The Fullerton player with the limp actually fractured his tibia at the beginning of the season and had just come back during post season. He will be okay eventually but he still has to be careful, I guess. (Actually when I saw him limping like he was, I wondered why or how he had gotten a medical release already, but I'm not a physician or coach so ... what do I know?)
The Fullerton player with the limp actually fractured his tibia at the beginning of the season and had just come back during post season. He will be okay eventually but he still has to be careful, I guess. (Actually when I saw him limping like he was, I wondered why or how he had gotten a medical release already, but I'm not a physician or coach so ... what do I know?)
Darwin Barney...acrobat.
I spoke with DK last night who played last summer with some of the team.
In his opinion, they interact as a TEAM, think as a TEAM and play like a TEAM. No "I" there.
This makes championships, in his opinion.
Rob,
One former Tiger now Cardinal pushing for the Beavers!
In his opinion, they interact as a TEAM, think as a TEAM and play like a TEAM. No "I" there.
This makes championships, in his opinion.
Rob,
One former Tiger now Cardinal pushing for the Beavers!
Seems so simple doesn't it TPM...TEAM.
My hat is off to Coach Casey for recruiting the kind of players who are true team players and then to coach them to a high level of success.
That approach certainly is not unique, but Coach Casey has been fortunate for all of the many factors involved in a successful team coming together at the right time for his Beavers.
GO BEAVS!
My hat is off to Coach Casey for recruiting the kind of players who are true team players and then to coach them to a high level of success.
That approach certainly is not unique, but Coach Casey has been fortunate for all of the many factors involved in a successful team coming together at the right time for his Beavers.
GO BEAVS!
Absolutely great game tonight...UC Irvine topping ASU in 10.
Should be two good games tomorrow!
GO BEAVS!
Should be two good games tomorrow!
GO BEAVS!
Interesting how another great offensive team in ASU has fallen by the wayside. ASU has great players - some giant players, and when you get to their bullpen, it seems like they are running little guys out there throwing curveballs and sliders.
Now we have two great small ball teams going at it in UC Irvine and Oregon State. Amazing how often small ball wins the big games no matter what level of the game. Don't know if Irvine will have enough pitching left to beat OSU twice but I won't prematurely rule this impressive and gritty team out. Oregon State is amazing. Their game is to beat you with your own mistakes. It is funny when you watch them, they can sometimes make a 2-1 lead late in the ball game feel as though it is a 6-1 lead. The confidence they play with stands out. You can just tell which team in this tournament has been to Omaha the past three years. If it comes down to Rice and OSU it will be one heck of a series. Cannot count out UNC at this point either however because they have proven the ability to come back.
Now we have two great small ball teams going at it in UC Irvine and Oregon State. Amazing how often small ball wins the big games no matter what level of the game. Don't know if Irvine will have enough pitching left to beat OSU twice but I won't prematurely rule this impressive and gritty team out. Oregon State is amazing. Their game is to beat you with your own mistakes. It is funny when you watch them, they can sometimes make a 2-1 lead late in the ball game feel as though it is a 6-1 lead. The confidence they play with stands out. You can just tell which team in this tournament has been to Omaha the past three years. If it comes down to Rice and OSU it will be one heck of a series. Cannot count out UNC at this point either however because they have proven the ability to come back.
Should be some great baseball in the final days