I realize only you and I and a handful of others minus the SRO in Omaha last night watched the first game of the series but are you as amazed as I at Oregon State? This program lost four starters and all but two position players and look better this year than the club that won it all last year. Considering where they are located and where they recruit IMO their program is remarkable. Real obvious they are no flash in the pan and their staff does a great job.
larry <t>they are doing it right down there.. at least the way i'd like to do things. they are a pitching/defense first program. most pay lip service to those areas but they really walk the walk. UNC may well come back, but they are going to have to do it against a team that has better pitching and MUCH better defense. <br/> <br/> IMHO, to be a great tournament team you need to be the better defensive club. Bats get hot and cold, gloves are gloves. Oregon State has found their swing at the right time. Personally, I think the heels better come out swinging and keep it up... they have a chance, but its not much of one<br/> <br/> Since they have taken the bang out of the bat in college baseball, defense is king and no one picks it like the Beavers</t>
Well <t>It was a no doubter. What a program. How frustrated UNC must be now that it happened to them twice. OSU is fun to watch and I did every pitch.</t>
Terry, The bats still have pop, but no where near as much as pre-2000. Heck, our 99 team hit 128 HR's. Do you see any team remotely close to that now? I doubt it. Your guy just has mountains of power, and a good eye... I watched large portions of both games, and agree with Corey. OSU is doing what you SHOULD do, and UNC was a typical college gorilla-ball team. They tried to rely on heavy lumber to carry them through rough spots, but fell one series short. I'm very pleased to see the Aggies going back to basics (although our horrible defense this year killed us) and it showed in our record. If we can get our defense back to where it should be, we'll be a VERY tough out for anyone!
Terry... <t>Russell wants 750-1 million to ink with the World Champs. Thats a bundle for a 4th round pick but he has leverage to go back to school. I'll be watching as he also plays a real nice RF. I think 8/15 is the drop dead date on these guys that can return to school.</t>
Scott <r>for a mere 45k a year, I will teach them to play defense like that. Have your people call my people. I'll bring the fungo. <E></E></r>