Riding a six-game win streak and winners of nine of their last ten games (since the Minute Maid disappointment and learning of Jordan Stephen's season-ending injury), the suddenly red-hot Baseball Owls return home to Reckling Park to face the highly regarded Florida Atlantic Owls-- a preseason Top 35 club and picked by many to be Rice's primary competitor for the conference title, as we look to create some early separation in the CUSA standings. Pitching and defense continues to be Rice's calling card, with Caleb Smith being the latest pitcher to step up big time (following strong consecutive outings by the likes of Chase McDowell-- earning a move back into the weekend rotation, Ryan McCarthy and Matt Ditman). However, over the past week, led by CUSA Player of the Week JC Reeves, the struggling offense has shown signs of life, having scored double digit run totals in four of the past five games. Not coincidently, Rice has seen it's national rankings rise to the highest level in several years-- with current rankings of #1 in ISR, #4 in RPI and #4 in Strength of Schedule...and with 40% of the regular season (and, arguably, the toughest part of the schedule) completed, these ranking are beginning to take on real significance. The key now will be to continue building on the confidence and momentum, and not let the new-found national exposure lead to a back sliding in our level of play.
FAU comes into town sporting a 14-7 overall record (3-2 on the road, 3-3 in CUSA, 1-2 vs. Top 100), and with impressive across-the-board team stats (both on offense and on the mound). They are also very well rested having not played a mid-week game this week; meaning they'll have their entire pitching staff ready and available. However, as was the case with FIU last week, one has to seriously question whether these stats are at least somewhat inflated by the weak schedule faced by those other Owls so far this year. They have played just four games against teams with a .500 record or better-- beating 11-10 Miami the first week of the season in mid-week action and losing the confereince-opening series to 15-6 UT-SA a couple weeks back. In fact, 13 of the 21 games they have played have been against teams with current RPI rankings below 150. Not surprisingly, despite their good record, their national rankings are anything but good: #105 in ISR, #171 in RPI and #246 in strength of schedule (out of 302 D-1 baseball programs). In other words, they've played one of the weakest schedules in the country.
Here's the FAU schedule and results to date...
http://warrennolan.com/baseball/2014/sch...a-Atlantic
Having said all that, this is an experienced, upperclass-laden squad that took #1 ranked North Carolina to the brink of defeat in last year's Chapel Hill regional (losing in the 13th inning of the championship game after taking a 12-8 lead in the 12th inning). Offensively they are hitting .290/.368/.386 as a team, with 7 HRs, 40 doubles/triples, 15-17 stolen bases and averaging 5.2 runs/game. However, in their last 8 games (vs. UT-SA, Maine and LaTech), they have scored more than 3 runs only twice. Led by Stephen Kerr (.365/.424/.432, 5 doubles, 7 RBIs), Brendon Sanger (351/.457/.455, 6 doubles/triples, 9 RBIs, 10 BBs, 5 HBP), Ricky Santiago (.316/.356/.487, 3 HRs, 17 RBIs) and Tyler Rocklein (.295/.370/.397, 7 doubles/triples, 14 RBIs, 4-4 SBs), FIU have 6 of their 9 regulars hitting over .290. What has held back their offense somewhat is a propensity for hitting into double plays (28 so far this year), as well as poor plate discipline. Save for Brendon Sanger, this is a lineup stock full of aggressive, free-swingers who have struck out 65 times more than they've received bases on balls, and have averaged exactly 7 strikeouts/game against weak competition. if our pitchers lead with their breaking balls and off-speed pitches, we should be able to use their aggressiveness to our advantage. And though they have been very efficient in their basestealing (15-17), they do not frequently deploy small ball, as three batters have 10 of only12 sac bunts on the season.
They have been a bit suspect defensively, posting a .955 fielding percentage and turning just 14 double plays.
On the mound, they are led by a quintet of upperclassmen who comprise the weekend rotation and fill both the set-up and closer roles in the bullpen. Their Friday ace, Austin Gomber, is an elite left-handed pitcher who is expected to go within the first three rounds of the June draft. Very tough particularly on left-handed hitters, he has excellent control and his arsenal features a 93 - 95 heater, a "plus" slider and solid changeup. Gomber struggled early in the season, but is coming off a complete game, 4-hit, 10-strikeout performance last weekend vs. Louisiana Tech. FAU have three other southpaw pitchers who will likely see action this weekend in relief-- their 5th year set-up man, Sean Logan, spot starter B.Rhodes, and highly regarded two-way Freshman Sean Labsan (17th round draft pick of the Rangers), who has been their mid-week starter, but will likely be used in relief this weekend. As a staff, they boast outstanding across-the-board stats that are very comparable to our own: 2.60 ERA, .232 BAA, 3.3 K:BB ratio and averaging just under one strikeout per inning pitched...
Jr LHP A.Gomber: 5 starts, 2-2, 31.0 IP, 4.35 ERA, .241 BAA, 5 BBs, 0 HBP, 36 Ks
RS Sr RHP J.Strawn: 5 starts, 2-3, 29.2 IP, 2.12 ERA, .233 BAA, 8 BBs, 4 HBP, 14 Ks
Jr RHP Drew Jackson: 4 starts, 2-0, 21.2 IP, 2.49 ERA, .241 BAA, 6 BBs, 4 HBP, 22 Ks
RS Sr RHP K.Alexander: 7 app, 1-0, 4 saves, 11.0 IP, 1.64 ERA, .190 BAA, 5 BBs, 0 HBP, 4 WPs, 12 Ks, 0 xtrabase hits
So LHP B.Rhodes: 5 app, 3 starts, 2-0, 18.2 IP, 1.45 ERA, .270 BAA, 4 BBs, 2 HBP, 16 Ks
Fr LHP S.Labsan: 4 app, 3 starts, 0-0, 13.0 IP, 0.69 ERA, .205 BAA, 5 BBs, 1 HBP, 13 Ks
RS Sr LHP B.Logan: 9 app, 1-0, 14.0 IP, 2.57 ERA, .171 BAA, 6 BBs, 1 HBP, 13 Ks
They have three other right-handed relievers with 7+ appearances and/or 10+ innings pitched with ERAs at 3.00 or below. Once they get into the bullpen, they have the depth and flexibility to go righty-lefty, as frequently as the situation and matchup demands. This will force Coach Graham to think twice about making any pinch hitting moves. Given that all of their pitchers exhibit good control, and all but Stawn are averaging at least one strikeout per inning pitched, this might be the weekend for our hitters to be their natural aggressive, free-swinging selves. We should be looking to swing at first pitch fastballs.
Here's the FAU roster and stats over their first 21 games...
http://www.fausports.com/sports/m-basebl...l-mtt.html
http://www.fausports.com/sports/m-basebl...mcume.html
Though the FAU Owls have played a weak early schedule, resulting in an inflated stat sheet, this is a veteran club that has proven they can play competitively against the elite programs in the country (e.g., Miami, UNC). They will not be intimidated by us-- even playing at The Reck. Time to play as well at home as we have been playing on the road the past couple seasons. Bring the heart, fight and will to win (and refusal to lose) that we've exemplified repeatedly during our recent hot streak. Let's show yet another CUSA newcomer why Rice has won 18 consecutive conference championships, and has no intention of ending the streak anytime soon. Time to create some separation in the standings, while continuing to build confidence and momentum. Go Owls!
Eric Sorenson ranked FAU #38 in his preseason Top 302 countdown...
http://www.collegebaseballtoday.com/2014...s-of-2014/
Quote:38- FLORIDA ATLANTIC (32-22, 19-8)
2013 ISR: 33
Starters Returning: 5
Weekend Starters: 2
Mid-Week Starters: 2
Key Relievers (15+inns.): 2
That Regional Final loss to North Carolina was one of the most inspiring David-vs-Goliath performances in NCAAs history. Lots of guts returns from that squad as the two most-used hurlers return in LHP Austin Gomber (8-4, 2.97) and RHP Jeremy Strawn (5-3, 3.46). Also, Frosh All American Brendon Sanger (.347-3-28) and Tyler Rocklein (.281-10-49), and incoming frosh MLB draft dodgers RHP David McKay (30th round, Mets) and LHP Sean Labsan (17th round, Rangers) will play huge roles.
Collegesportsmadness.com ranked FAU #34 in their preseason Top 44, and projected a 3rd place finish in CUSA...
http://www.collegesportsmadness.com/article/8237
Quote:Florida Atlantic fell just short of winning an NCAA Regional title last year, as they lost to North Carolina 12-11 in a winner take all matchup. The game lasted 13 innings and the Owls had an 11-8 lead in the 12th before losing. The Owls were 42-22 on the season and will look to ride that momentum into 2014. They will bring back the core of that team and they will look to get back to a regional and win it.
2013: 42-22, 17-10
2013 Postseason: NCAA
Coach: John McCormack
Field Players:
Tyler Rocklein will be back to lead the offense this season. Rocklein hit .288 in 2013 and led the team with ten home runs and 49 RBI’s. He will be joined by the middle infield duo of Ricky Santiago and Mitch Morales. Santiago hit .298 with five home runs and 29 RBI’s, while Morales hit .301 with 30 RBI’s. Levi Meyer will be back as the catcher after hitting .299 with five home runs and 35 RBI’s. After a promising freshman campaign, Brendon Sanger will also return. Sanger hit a team leading .347 with three home runs and 28 RBI’s. A trio of bench players will look to step up and add production. Robert Buckley and Nicholas Worrell will vie for time in the infield. Buckley hit .237 playing in 29 games while Worrall had a .278 on base percentage in limited playing time. Billy Endris joins them and should be a starter in the outfield. He hit .242 in 33 at bats over 26 games. The Owls highly rated recruiting class will join the returners and look to contribute. CJ Chatham could be a candidate. The 6-4 infielder comes in highly recruited.
Pitchers:
The Owls return most of their pitching staff from last season, led by their starting rotation. Austin Gomber is back after going 8-4 with a 2.97 ERA in 17 starts. Jeremy Strawn will also return after going 5-4 with a 3.46 ERA in 17 starts. Three sophomores will be looked at to join them in the rotation. Brandon Rhodes was 3-2 with a 4.18 ERA in 13 games, seven of which he started. Kyle Miller also started seven games and was 3-1 with a 4.85 ERA. In just three starts, Sean McGarry put up the best numbers, going 2-0 with a 2.79 ERA. Bo Logan and Kevin Alexander will be back in the bullpen. Logan went 5-1 with a 2.68 ERA in 27 appearances, while Alexander was 3-3 with a 2.89 ERA in 26 appearances. Two big-time arms join the team after being drafted last June. Sean Labsan was a 16th round pick and David McKay was a 30th round selection. Both figure to play key roles.
Who to Watch:
Labsan and McKay could be different makers for the Owls. Labsan throws three pitches well off of the mound and can play outfield. His fastball can reach the low 90’s and it is complemented with a solid curveball and changeup. McKay has been clocked at 93 on his fastball. Both will be looked at to replace the departed pitchers that Florida Atlantic relied on last year.
Final Projection:
Moving to the C-USA, the Owls will see a jump in competition. The league has perennial power Rice to go along with an East Carolina squad with some big name players. They will be tested early as they play Rice in their second conference series of the year. With some highly touted recruits providing a boost for the ball club, Florida Atlantic should to be back in an NCAA Regional at years end.
Projected Postseason: NCAA Baseball Tournament
Returning Leaders:
At Bats: Tyler Rocklein, IF, 242; Ricky Santiago, IF, 242
Hits: Ricky Santiago, IF, 72
Home Runs: Tyler Rocklein, IF, 10
RBIs: Tyler ROcklein, IF, 49
Runs: Brendon Sanger, IF/OF, 49
Stolen Bases: Tyler Rocklein, IF, 7
Wins: Austin Gomber, P, 8
Innings Pitched: Austin Gomber, P, 106
Strikeouts: Austin Gomber, P, 103
Saves: Kevin Alexander, P, 1; Bo Logan, P, 1
Baseball America picked FAU to finish runnerup in CUSA, and make the post-season...
http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/2...rence-usa/
Quote:Florida Atlantic: After pushing No. 1 national seed North Carolina to the limit in the Chapel Hill Regional last year, FAU heads into its first Conference USA season brimming with confidence. The Owls have a strong one-two punch on the mound, as Jr. LHP Austin Gomber works downhill with a fastball that reaches 93 and fifth-year Sr. RHP Jeremy Strawn has loads of experience and moxie. But replacing closer Hugh Adams won’t be easy; FAU will look first to athletic Sr. RHP Kevin Alexander to handle that duty. Slugger Tyler Rocklein and leading hitter Brendon Sanger are back to anchor the lineup while Sr. C Levi Meyer and slick-fielding Jr. SS Mitchell Morales are the leaders of the defense.
Kendall Rogers/Perfect Game also picked FAU to finish second in CUSA, and named OF Brendon Sanger and P Austin Gomber to their preseason all-conference team...
http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View...ticle=9331
Quote:• FLORIDA ATLANTIC: Experience is always a coveted trait for any college baseball coach, and the Owls have a lot of it entering the 2014 season. They welcome back two outstanding starting pitchers in Jeremy Strawn, and of course, elite lefthander Austin Gomber, who’s a rising prospect with a fastball up to 93 and good slider, along with a good changeup … Also keep an eye on junior righty Cody Mizelle, who has a fastball into the mid-90s, as well as two-way player and freshman Sean Labsan, who showed power and a good arm during fall workouts … Meanwhile, outfielders Brendon Sanger and Tyler Rocklein makeup what could be very well be the most productive outfield in the league, while shortstop Mitch Morales is a steady shortstop with good hands and an above-average arm .. In terms of breakout players, watch for righthanded pitcher Andrew Archer, who showed good makeup during the fall.
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FAU Baseball Preview-- Creating Separation in CUSA Standings
