Ticker goes here
Notables
UW-Stevens Point pitcher Jordan Zimmerman is a highly rated pro prospect.
Here's a look at who's who for 2007 in the Midwest Region:
UW-Stevens Point (2006 record: 35-18, 2006 Conference Record: 14-9): Junior RHP Jordan Zimmerman is expected to be drafted in top five rounds in the 2007 MLB draft. He anchors a solid UWSP staff that qualified for the Division III baseball World Series a year ago. The Pointer return six position players and 10 of the 11 pitchers from last year's World Series squad. "We have a deep and experienced squad that looks forward to the upcoming challenges and expectations of the 2007 season," said coach Pat Bloom.
St. Thomas (31-11): Always a national power and expect no less this season as the Tommies return Riley Bosch (seven saves, 2.63 ERA), a First Team all-region pitcher. Pitching will be the strength of the Tommies as they were second in the nation in ERA and return all key pitchers. They have a brutal non-conference schedule with Division I Minnesota and 12 games against 2006 NCAA Tournament teams. A relatively weak MIAC will certainly help them pile up wins and earn an invite to the dance. Coach Dennis Denning said that "this year's club should be solid ... We expect to do well."
UW-Whitewater (30-14, 17-7): The Warhawks have a strong tradition and always field a quality team. The depth of the WIAC allows the top three teams to make a regional impact. The team has tough spring trip games with No. 6 Eastern Connecticut and No. 5 Southern Maine. In addition to that, whitewater also faces off against conference rival No. 4 UW-Stevens Point and UW-Oshkosh to start the conference season. If they can get through that stretch, expect them to roll into the WIAC postseason.
St. Scholastica (37-6, 21-0): The Saints are an up-and-coming program that had a breakthrough season last year. The weak UMAC will give the Saints plenty of chances to pile up wins and they should not be challenged for their 11th consecutive UMAC title. An early-season tilt against UW-Stevens Point will help gauge their strength as will an April 15 battle with St. Thomas. One possible tough spot is playing their first 27 games either on the road, or at neutral site. Their first home game is not until April 17.
Ripon (34-7, 17-0): Another quality program that may slide with the recent departure of coaching legend, Gordie Gillespie. A solid group of returnees coupled with a relatively weak conference ensures that Ripon will have a stellar record, but not be challenged until the postseason. A few tough non-conference games vs. No. 4 UW-Stevens Point (April 18) and vs. 2005 NCAA participant Edgewood (April 22) should help define their position in the region.
UW-Oshkosh (27-15, 16-8): Traditionally one of the nation's best programs with multiple national titles and a long string of World Series appearances ... the past few "off seasons" for Oshkosh would be banner years at most schools. Expect them to make a challenge for the WIAC title. Tough spring trip games vs. both No. 14 St. Thomas and No. 28 St. Olaf.
St. Olaf (30-10, 15-5): The Oles are another solid team that could get hot at the right time and knock off St. Thomas for the conference crown. Expect them to finish a strong second in the league.
UW-Stevens Point (2006 record: 35-18, 2006 Conference Record: 14-9): Junior RHP Jordan Zimmerman is expected to be drafted in top five rounds in the 2007 MLB draft. He anchors a solid UWSP staff that qualified for the Division III baseball World Series a year ago. The Pointer return six position players and 10 of the 11 pitchers from last year's World Series squad. "We have a deep and experienced squad that looks forward to the upcoming challenges and expectations of the 2007 season," said coach Pat Bloom.
St. Thomas (31-11): Always a national power and expect no less this season as the Tommies return Riley Bosch (seven saves, 2.63 ERA), a First Team all-region pitcher. Pitching will be the strength of the Tommies as they were second in the nation in ERA and return all key pitchers. They have a brutal non-conference schedule with Division I Minnesota and 12 games against 2006 NCAA Tournament teams. A relatively weak MIAC will certainly help them pile up wins and earn an invite to the dance. Coach Dennis Denning said that "this year's club should be solid ... We expect to do well."
UW-Whitewater (30-14, 17-7): The Warhawks have a strong tradition and always field a quality team. The depth of the WIAC allows the top three teams to make a regional impact. The team has tough spring trip games with No. 6 Eastern Connecticut and No. 5 Southern Maine. In addition to that, whitewater also faces off against conference rival No. 4 UW-Stevens Point and UW-Oshkosh to start the conference season. If they can get through that stretch, expect them to roll into the WIAC postseason.
St. Scholastica (37-6, 21-0): The Saints are an up-and-coming program that had a breakthrough season last year. The weak UMAC will give the Saints plenty of chances to pile up wins and they should not be challenged for their 11th consecutive UMAC title. An early-season tilt against UW-Stevens Point will help gauge their strength as will an April 15 battle with St. Thomas. One possible tough spot is playing their first 27 games either on the road, or at neutral site. Their first home game is not until April 17.
Ripon (34-7, 17-0): Another quality program that may slide with the recent departure of coaching legend, Gordie Gillespie. A solid group of returnees coupled with a relatively weak conference ensures that Ripon will have a stellar record, but not be challenged until the postseason. A few tough non-conference games vs. No. 4 UW-Stevens Point (April 18) and vs. 2005 NCAA participant Edgewood (April 22) should help define their position in the region.
UW-Oshkosh (27-15, 16-8): Traditionally one of the nation's best programs with multiple national titles and a long string of World Series appearances ... the past few "off seasons" for Oshkosh would be banner years at most schools. Expect them to make a challenge for the WIAC title. Tough spring trip games vs. both No. 14 St. Thomas and No. 28 St. Olaf.
St. Olaf (30-10, 15-5): The Oles are another solid team that could get hot at the right time and knock off St. Thomas for the conference crown. Expect them to finish a strong second in the league.
Permalink | Feb 18, 2007