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ECU Baseball Preview-- Winning The Weekends
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waltgreenberg Offline
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ECU Baseball Preview-- Winning The Weekends
The Rice Baseball Owls take to the road to Greenville, NC seeking to improve upon their already strong 8-3 road record, and to win their seventh consecutive weekend series of the year without a loss...and doing so will be necessary to stay within striking distance of the UH Coogs atop the conference standings. Given the Eastern time zone and limitted flights availability, game times are scheduled for 5:00pm CT on Friday evening, 1:00pm CT on Saturday afternoon, and an early morning 9:00am CT start on Sunday.

Though the team continues to struggle with offensive efficiency (i.e., run production, men left on base and in scoring position)-- we're leaving an average 9.2 men on base per game , and is still looking for a couple additional pitchers (beyond the top 5-6 guys) to step up, throw strikes and show some consistency over multiple outings, there is still many positives to take from the Owls' last 3+ weeks of play:

- Led by Michael Aquino, Keenan Cook and Geoff Perrott-- all hitting above .320 (and Leon Byrd with a .438 OBP), the Owls have significantly improved their team AVG and OBP, as well as their per game run average (now up to 4.6 runs/game). The gap between free passes received (163) and times struck out (167)-- once 50+ and growing-- has all but been closed. And we're starting to steal bases again, led by Michael Relatterree who is now 7-8 in stolen base attempts this season. And all this has happened with Shane Hoelscher sidelined by injury (he's just been cleared to resume practicing), and two of our best hitters, Christian Stringer and Connor Teykl, mired in extended slumps. There is a very good chance our offense will improve dramatically over the Second Half of the season.

- Our defense has been stellar from the outset; arguably the best fielding team we've had since the 2004 championship season (and this despite playing inexperienced guys at the infield corners). Our fielding percentage currently sits at an outstanding .977 level...we've turned 40 double plays over our first 31 games...our outfield trio of Byrd/Cook/Ratterree have collected 12 assists throwing out runners (led by 7 for Byrd)...and our catchers (Perrott, Ewing, Kopycinski) have thrown out an exceptional 57% of attempted baserunners. Bellieve it or not, that's a better caught stealing percentage than either Justin Ruchtie or Danny Lehmann ever produced while at Rice. Pretty darn impressive.

- On the mound, our three weekend starters (Austin Kubitza, Jordan Stephens, John Simms) and top two relievers (Zech Lemond, Blake Fox) are a combined 17-6, with 11 saves, and all boasting ERAs under 2.30. The entire pitching staff has put up well above-average numbers: 2.88 ERA, .231 BAA, 2.42 strikeout: walk ratio, and averaging 8 Ks per IP.

Here are the officially released game notes for the upcoming ECU series...
http://www.riceowls.com/sports/m-basebl/...13aab.html

The East Carolina Pirates have struggled more than they're accustomed to over the first half of the season, and they have certainly performed well below preseason expectations; especially given a Top 30 ranked incoming recruiting class (featuring a couple prized JUCO transfers) adding reinforcements to an otherwise upperclass-laden roster featuring 5 returning position players, as well as their Friday ace pitcher (a guy Baseball America considers the top prospect in the conference). They come into this series with an overall 14-15 record (10-9 at home, 0-3 in CUSA, 4-12 vs. Top 100), and losers of 10 of their last 15 games (with four of those wins coming against #157 Jacksonville and #234 North Carolina Central). They have played a difficult schedule-- having gone 0-8 against Top 30 opponents, including Virginia x 3, Houston x 3, NC State and UNC-Wilmington-- but they have also lost to the likes of Campbell x 2, Liberty, Monmouth, Old Dominion, Jacksonville, High Point and William & Mary. Nationally, they rank #80 in RPI, #119 in ISR and #67 in Strength of Schedule (vs. rankings of #73, #54 and #135, respectively, for the Owls). Here's ECU's schedule/results through their first 29 games...

http://warrennolan.com/baseball/2013/sch...t-Carolina

Despite a severe Sophomore slump at the plate from their preseason all-conference selection and two-way star, Drew Reynolds, the Pirates' offense has held it's own this year, especially considering the quality opposition they've faced. As a team they are hitting .276/.350/.378, with 17 HRs, and averaging 2 extrabase hits and 5.3 runs per game. They're led by Jack Reinheimer, Jay Cannon and a pair of Freshman catchers (Travis Watkins, Luke Lowery)-- all of whom are right-handed batters and hitting above .300.. ECU does platoon as many as five left-handed batters against right-handed pitching, but not one left-handed batter is hitting above .270, and most are hitting below ,250. This provides a favorable matchup for our predominantly right-handed pitching staff. The Pirates appear to be another very aggressive team that loves to swing early in the count. Unlike USM and Tulane, however, they do not strikeout at a high rate (only 5.6 Ks per game)...but they do not walk at an above-average pace either (averaging 4 free passes per game), as reflected in their relatively poor on-base percentage (.350). This may be another weekend where leading with the breaking stuff and off-speed pitches might pay big dividends. Given the relatively low walk total and low OBP, combined with a below-average small ball game (only 20 sac bunts and 22-33 stolen bases in 29 games) and a team AVG of only .276, they must be consistently hitting in the clutch to produce 5.3 runs per game. (Note-- Rice is averaging just 4.6 runs per game despite hitting for a similar AVG and SLG, and 20 points higher in OBP.) Contributing to ECU's more efficient run-producing offense is the fact that they've only grounded into 15 double plays (vs. Rice hitting into 30 double plays on the season). This doesn't appear to be a team with above-average team speed (based on their low stolen base totals), so it might just mean that they are a fly ball hitting club. All the more reason for our pitchers to emphasize the off-speed stuff.

Here is ECU's everyday lineup, with current YTD stats provided...

1. SS Jack Reinheimer (Jr, Right-handed batter): .306/.381/.369, 1 HR, 4 doubles, 11 RBIs, 4-4 SBs
2. CF Dylan Brown (JUCO, Righ-handed): .245/.291/.402, 2 HRs, 8 doubles/triples, 12 RBIs, 5-6 SBs
3. RF Jay Cannon (Sr, R): .303/.352/.444, 3 HRs, 5 doubles, 11 RBIs
Garrett Brooks (Fr, L): .222/.378/.222, 3 RBIs in just 36 ABs
4. 3B Zach Houchins (JUCO, R): .263/.318/.461, 2 HRs, 8 doubles/triples, 18 RBIs
5. LF Ben Fultz (Jr, Left-handed): .244/.360/.390, 1 HR, 10 RBIs, in just 41 ABs
Nick Thompson (So, R): .306/.452/.408, 5 doubles, 5 RBIs in just 49 ABs
6. 1B Chase McDonald (Jr, R): .272/.358/.446, 4 HRs, 20 RBIs
7. C Travis Watkins (Fr., R): .328/.377/.361, 2 doubles, 12 RBIs in 61 ABs
Luke Lowery (Fr, R): .340/.373/.511, 2 HRs, 8 RBIs in just 47 ABs
8. DH Drew Reynolds (Jr, L): .239/.273/.261, 2 doubles, 9 RBIs
Chris Gosik (Sr, R): .320/.433/.520, 1 HR, 3 RBIs in just 25 ABs
9.. 2B Bryan Bass (Sr, L): .270/.362/.306, 1 HR, 8 RBIs, 4-5 SBs

Defensively, ECU has been outstanding-- posting a .976 fielding percentage (vs. Rice's .977), with no one on the team having committed more than 7 errors (their 3B Houchins). Their Freshman catcher duo have thrown out an above-average 38% of attempted basestealers and have allowed just 7 passed balls and 20 wild pitches. Their pitchers have picked off 9 baserunners.

Where ECU has struggled more the expected is on the mound, where the loss of upperclass veteran arms, Tyler Joyner (injury) and Tanner Merritt (suspension), has really hurt; especially in the bullpen. As a pitching staff, their across-the-board stats are below average: 4.79 ERA, .280 BAA, 1.4 strikeout-to-walk ratio, averaging 6.4 Ks per 9 IP, 47 HBPs, 174 free passes issued in 257.2 IP (vs. only 183 strikeouts). In fact, just about the entire staff has struggled with control issues. If there was ever a weekend for our batters to exhibit plate discipline and improved patience, this would be the weekend for it. Let's not help their starting pitchers out by swinging at pitches out of the strike zone. This is especially true given that only one or two of their primary pitchers have good strikeout numbers. Let's work the count...(hopefully) get a high number of free passes...and get to their bullpen as quickly as possible.

The Pirates' usual weekend rotation has been solid, if not slightly above average-- with highly regarded, hard-throwing (mid-90s fastball) Jeff Hoffman moving into the Friday night slot, JUCO transfer Ryan Williams averaging over 7 innings per outing on Saturdays, and redshirt Freshman standout, David Lucroy, starting on Sundays and boasting the best stats on the staff. However, ECU chose to pitch Williams against NC State in their 6-1 loss on Tuesday, and he went 7.0 IP and threw 100 pitches. Consequently, he will not likely be available this weekend. That probably means Lucroy moves into the Saturday slot, and ECU's former standout reliever, Andy Smithmyer, gets the start on Sunday....and Smithmyer has struggled mightily so far this year in both middle relief and as mid-week starter. He's not only been hit hard, but he's allowed 1.3 free passes per inning pitched. Their top two relievers, closer Reynolds and set-up man Harris, have solid ERAs, but opposing batters have hit each at better than a .300 clip. Jake Harris is the only southpaw amongst ECU's top 8 hurlers, which is another favorable matchup for our lineup (with Stringer, Cook and Teykl all left-handed, and both Byrd and Stainback better from the left-side of the plate). Hoffman won CUSA Pitcher of the Week honors this past week thanks to his 1-hit, complete game shutout over #236th ranked North Carolina Central...

Jeff Hoffman (So, RHP): 7 starts, 3-3, 46.2 IP, 3.66 ERA, .233 BAA, 19 BBs, 7 HBP, 5 WP, 2 balks, 35 Ks
Ryan Williams (JUCO, RHP): 7 starts, 5-2, 52.1 IP, 3.78 ERA, .286 BAA, 10 BBs, 26 Ks
David Lucroy (RS Fr, RHP): 6 starts, 3-1, 34.1 IP, 2.10 ERA, .179 BAA, 18 BBs, 8 HBP, 39 Ks (only 2 xtrabase hits)
Andy Smithmyer (Sr, RHP): 9 app, 3 starts, 1-1, 19.1 IP, 6.05 ERA, .324 BAA, 17 BBs, 7 HBP, 5 WP, 16 Ks

Drew Reynolds (Jr, RHP): 12 app, 0-1, 6 saves, 14.2 IP, 2.45 ERA, .302 BAA, 8 BBs, 3 HBP, 14 Ks
Jake Harris (Sr, LHP): 15 app, 1-2, 26.0 IP, 3.46 ERA, .303 BAA, 12 BBs, 15 Ks
Dylan Dickens (So, RHP): 11 app, 0-0, 12.2 IP, 4.26 ERA, .255 BAA, 11 BBs, 5 HBP, 8 Ks

Here is ECU's individual/team stats through their first 29 games, as well as their roster...

http://www.ecupirates.com/sports/m-baseb...mcume.html

http://www.ecupirates.com/sports/m-baseb...l-mtt.html

Over the past month-- ever since March 3rd and the Minute Maid nightmare, the Baseball Owls have gone 15-5 (following a 6-5 start to the season) and played themselves back into the national picture.,..and within striking distance of their 18th consecutive conference championship. In what appears to be a down year for CUSA, coupled with an out-of-conference schedule that turned out to be unexpectedly weak, it will be very difficult (if near impossible) at this point to achieve an RPI and record vs. the Top 25/50/100 usually required to garner a regional host bid. However, should we finish the season by replicating (if not improving upon) our record over the past month, and then win the conference tournament held this year at Reckling, we would have once again reached the 40-win level...and our strong finishing kick and conference championship might just be enough to nab one of the final host sites (especially should we be viewed as the top team in Texas, and several of the Top 20 teams stumble to the finish). Yes, it's still a long shot, and we're going to require help from others to get there, but it is not out of the realms of possibility; not in the slightest-- especially given our historically strong stretch runs (particularly after Finals) and the imminent return of Shane Hoelscher to an already improving offense. For now, we just need to take care of our own business, and that starts with continuing to win each and every weekend series. Let's get it done. Go Owls!


I've provided below links to the preseason previews and scouting reports on the ECU Pirates from the usual sources...

Based primarily on his strong Cape Cod performance this past Summer, College Baseball Daily (Brian Foley) ranked So. RHP Jeff Hoffman #57 in their Top 100 college player count down (which did not include a single Rice player). The link below includes a video of his pitching delivery...
http://www.collegebaseballdaily.com/2013...-carolina/
Quote:College Baseball Daily continues our countdown to the start of the 2013 college baseball season by checking in on the Top 100 Players in the country. Number 57 on our Top 100 Countdown is East Carolina’s Jeff Hoffman. The 6’4 right-handed pitcher from Latham, New York spent his summer playing for the Hyannis Harbor Hawks in the prestigious Cape Cod League.

During his freshman season in 2012, Hoffman saw action in 19 games for the Pirates, 10 of which he started. He posted a record of 3-2 with an ERA of 3.67 in 73.2 innings pitched, holding opponents to a .224 batting average. Hoffman had a fantastic summer with the Harbor Hawks where he went 2-1 posting an ERA of 2.40, with 30 strikeouts in 30 innings pitched. His success earned him a spot on the West team of the 2012 Cape Cod League All Star Game where he pitched a scoreless inning. Hoffman was the only freshman to pitch in the All Star Game.

From a scouting perspective, Hoffman’s success in the Cape spoke volumes. His repertoire includes a fastball that sits at about 96 along with two more strong pitches in his curve and change up. Although not draft eligible until 2014, the hype around Hoffman continues to rise as some see Hoffman as a potential first rounder in 2014. With another two seasons of college ball left until then, East Carolina fans have a lot to look forward to in Hoffman, who is one of the top players to watch for during the 2013 season.


Eric Sorenson ranked the Pirates #69 in his preseason countdown, and selected two-way player 1B/RHP Drew Reynolds as the preseason C-USA player of the year, and JUCO RHP Ryan Williams as the conference's "impact newcomer"...
http://www.collegebaseballtoday.com/2013...rence-usa/
Quote:- EAST CAROLINA (36-24-1, 13-10-1)
2012 ISR: 53

Starters Returning: 5
Weekend Starters: 1
Mid-Week Starters: 1
Key Relievers (15+inns.): 3

All Conference Candidates:
1B/RHP Drew Reynolds (.330-3-24 & 3-0, 3.00, 10svs)
SS Jack Reinheimer (.294-2-22, 10SBs)
DH/1B Chase McDonald (.283-4-30)
RHP Jeff Hoffman (3-2, 3.67, 1sv, .224OBA)
RHP Andy Smithmyer (5-2, 1.92, 1sv, .227OBA)

NOTES:
- There’s good news and bad news associated with the Pirates 2012 season. On the good side, they won 36 games and got an at-large bid to the NCAA tournament. On the bad side, this wasn’t the kind of banner year ECU’s rabid fan base was expecting, especially not a 6th place finish in the conference and a controversial at-large bid. They’re used to winning championships and going chest-first into the Big Dance.

- An 11-14 stretch from Tax Day onward is what put the Pirates in that “controversial” predicament… especially since the NCAA Selection Committee usually leans more toward teams that are playing on an uptick toward the end of the season. Coach Billy Godwin and Co. hope for a stronger finish this time around.

- Job one for this pre-CUSA slate is to find some quality depth in the bullpen. The Pirates leaned mostly on seven pitchers last year and lost starters Kevin Brandt and Jharel Cotton, two legit intimidators. In addition to Hoffman and Smithmyer above, also look for dual vital roles from saves leader Drew Reynolds, who is also one of the best two-way players in the country and held his opponents to .229 average.

- On the major bummer side of things, one arm that won’t be around this season is returning wins leader Tyler Joyner, who was 6-2, 3.01. But Tyler is going to sit out the 2013 season with an injury. Oh, and Tanner Merritt (3-6, 2.91, 8svs) was expected to be a big contributor again but was suspended indefinitely from the team in January. As of this writing it’s unsure if he’s going to make a comeback to the team this year or not.

- Collegiate Baseball magazine had ECU’s recruiting class ranked at No. 2 in Conference USA and No. 33 nationally. The coaches were impressed by incoming JUCO RHP Ryan Williams, a big righty from Morgan Hill, CA who has a low-90s heater and is projected to join the weekend rotation. Also, look for fellow righty Justin Taylor, who also hits the low-90s from his 6’4″ frame.



Kendall Rogers/Perfect Game picked ECU to finish 4th in the conference, earning a regional bid, and named Drew Reynolds to his all-conference team...
http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View...ticle=7957
Quote:* East Carolina might lose some key pieces to its club like Tanner Merritt and talented left-handed pitcher Tyler Joyner, but this team is still in good shape entering the spring. Look for huge things from sophomore right-handed pitcher Jeff Hoffman. Hoffman had a terrific summer at the Cape Cod League, where he sat 92-95 with his fastball, also flashing a good curveball and developing changeup ... In terms of freshmen, keep a close eye on talented outfielder (CF) Garrett Brooks. Brooks was ranked as one of the nation's top 500 players out of high school and is coming off a fantastic fall. While the pitching staff is in good shape with Hoffman leading the way, as well as talented No. 3 starter Andy Smithmyer, who makes the move to the starting rotation. The bullpen definitely is a concern with Merritt and Joyner gone, but the Pirates should be fine. Offensively, this club hit .295 last season and welcomes back their No. 2 hitter in dual-threat Drew Reynolds, who hit .330 with three homers and 24 RBIs. Also keep an eye on shortstop Jack Reinheimer, who should increase his offensive production this spring.


Baseball America picked ECU to finish 3rd in the conference, and So. RHP Jeff Hoffman as the CUSA's top prospect (based largely on his outstanding Summer in the Cape Cod League)...
http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/2...iew-14668/
Quote:• East Carolina may have C-USA’s deepest roster, with a strong recruiting class supplementing a core of 20 returnees. Jr. SS Jack Reinheimer (.294/.342/.374) and DH/1B Chase McDonald (.283/.335/.395) are three-year starters, while Sr. OF Philip Clark (.269/.300/.294) also brings extensive experience. The top returnee, though, is the league’s top prospect, So. RHP Jeff Hoffman (3-2, 3.67), who came on as the year went along. Hoffman really excelled (2.40, 30 IP/30 SO) in the Cape Cod League during the summer, running his fastball up to 95 mph regularly. He fronts a deep pitching staff that adds newcomer RHPs Ryan Williams, a California juco all-star, and David Lucroy, younger brother of Brewers big league catcher Jonathan.
04-04-2013 08:43 AM
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waltgreenberg Offline
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Post: #2
RE: ECU Baseball Preview-- Winning The Weekends
Here are ECU's game notes for the series...

http://www.ecupirates.com/sports/m-baseb...13aab.html

...The Pirates' Sunday starter is still TBD, while we'll be going with our customary rotation of Kubitza-Stephens-Simms.
04-04-2013 04:22 PM
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WRCisforgotten79 Offline
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RE: ECU Baseball Preview-- Winning The Weekends
What would end Teykl's slump is for him to change his at-bat music. Right now, it is a Taylor Swift song, and we all know that she is not good for long-term relationships, and is particularly vicious after things have cooled off. She is "Trouble" ....
(This post was last modified: 04-04-2013 07:26 PM by WRCisforgotten79.)
04-04-2013 05:29 PM
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westsidewolf1989 Offline
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Post: #4
RE: ECU Baseball Preview-- Winning The Weekends
(04-04-2013 05:29 PM)WRCisforgotten79 Wrote:  What would end Teykl's slump is for him to change his at-bat music. Right now, it is a Taylor Swift song, and we all know that she is not good for long-term term relationships, and is particularly vicious after things have cooled off. She is "Trouble" ....

I hope the rest of the team never lets him hear the end of it with this song choice...
04-04-2013 07:01 PM
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grol Offline
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RE: ECU Baseball Preview-- Winning The Weekends
(04-04-2013 05:29 PM)WRCisforgotten79 Wrote:  What would end Teykl's slump is for him to change his at-bat music. Right now, it is a Taylor Swift song, and we all know that she is not good for long-term relationships, and is particularly vicious after things have cooled off. She is "Trouble" ....

Very insightful
04-cheers
04-04-2013 07:47 PM
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Fort Bend Owl Offline
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RE: ECU Baseball Preview-- Winning The Weekends
(04-04-2013 05:29 PM)WRCisforgotten79 Wrote:  What would end Teykl's slump is for him to change his at-bat music. Right now, it is a Taylor Swift song, and we all know that she is not good for long-term relationships, and is particularly vicious after things have cooled off. She is "Trouble" ....

Why do you have to be so "Mean"....
04-05-2013 06:09 AM
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