Here is a look at the eight teams that make up the 2008 College World Series.
Florida State Seminoles:
Record: 54-12, finished second in ACC
Head Coach: Mike Martin (1538-518-4) 29th season
The Seminoles are making their 20thappearance in the CWS, their first since 2000. Although the Seminoles have the second most CWS appearances of all the teams, they have never won a national championship. Florida State has finished second three times, the last in 1999.
Pitching: Matt Fairel (12-2, 3.74 ERA, 97 strikeouts)
Batting: Buster Posey (.460 batting average, 26 home-runs, 92 RBI)
What I think:
Florida State knows how to play with their backs against the wall.
The Seminoles lost the opening game of their Regional and Super Regional, but bounced back to win both. There is enormous pressure on Florida State to bring a national championship back to Tallahassee, probably the most out of any other team in the tournament.
Martin has done an excellent job at getting the team to Omaha, but it is time he wins the big one.
Unfortunately for the Seminoles, I think there will be too much pressure on them to win it all. I see the Hurricanes eliminating them just shy of the championship series.
Stanford Cardinal:
Record: 39-22-2, finished second in Pac-10
Head Coach: Mark Marquess (1274-617-7) 30th season
Stanford is making their 17thappearance in the CWS, their last was in 2003. Although the Cardinal is no stranger to Omaha, they have not taken home the title since 1988.
Pitching: Erik Davis (7-3, 4.67 ERA)
Batting: Jason Castro (.379 batting average, 13 home-runs, 66 RBI)
comments (6) write a comment »
write a new comment
6 months ago
Good stuff.
I originally predicted LSU to lose to UNC and then to Rice. I think the Tiger pitchers have to knock their game up a notch. I think LSU has a legitimate shot against UNC. They play great baseball and are still hungry after losing the CWS final 2 years in a row but they're starting a power pitcher vs LSU.
UCI did the same thing monday night. for some reason LSU tees off on hard throwers but like Pedro Serrano in "Major League" they can't hit the junkballs.
UNC's pitcher I think has a great low 90's moving fastball and a pretty good splitter. If he puts baserunners on he could be in trouble. If we can get to their bullpen early, that would be great too. if there's a knock on the heels it's their bullpen.
BUt likewise we need the old Bertucinni back and coleman to keep doing what he's been doing.
from 6 months ago
I agree. I think the first game will be huge for the Tigers. I think they can beat Rice and Fresno State, but UNC will be a challenge. If the Tigers can get 6-7 runs off White, I think they have a great chance to win. I really think that will be the best game of the opening round. Geaux Tigers!
6 months ago
The LSU starters have to minimize the walks. They do that, the sky is the limit for this team.
Offensively, CPM needs to remember what got LSU to where they are in the first place....agressive baseball. I hope he doesn't fall in love with the long ball and remembers to sacrifice, hit and run, and steal bases where the opportunities present themselves.
6 months ago
It's plain and simple, if the Tigers don't carry over the offense they got in the last 10 innings versus UC Irvine, then LSU doesn't have a chance. Rice has a deep enough staff to limit their hitting and if it comes down to the bullpens, I'll take Rice over LSU. Great article there and I hope you read mine I just finished writing. Tell your Tiger fans and friends you guys are due up on my preview on Saturday morning before I make my predictions.
from 6 months ago
I will definitely check it out. I think all us Tiger fans are hoping we can keep the bats hot!
from 6 months ago
yeah, rice scares me. if LSU loses to UNC, i think the tigers are two and bbq.
write a new comment