Recent Comments

Go get Strickland from Kent State!  Ohio State made the mistake of passing him over last selection.  UM is not going to get a National name and Strickland is a as close to that as they will get.  He knows the region, excellent recuiting and knows how to develop pitchers. 

Must just be me....  Defense played GREAT and yes, JT had a pick.  He's made out to be the hero of the D on this day?!  What?!   I must have been watching a different game (and season).  The only reason Jenkins was shut down was because our D-Line was in shellhats face ALL DAY.   Most of the attempts and conversons to Jenks were very short patterns cause thats all they were gonna get.  On most long balls JT was way out matched and never knew where the ball was or enough to turn around and find the ball.  He's lucky if he's within 5 yards of any reciever when they catch it.   On the other hand...Countess is usually right there breaking up the catch.  I can't join the love affair with JT.   I'm just hoping he doen't kill us the next two games.  My pick for most overrated Wolverine.  Sorry

The new blue awaits you

Yes Brian is a fan and allowed to have his opinions.  Yes Brian can use his blog to prop up or tear down whatever or whoever he wants...he just has to accept the responsibility that comes with the site as well.  That's right...there is a responsibility  here.  Didn't read all the posts but the majority and have for some time.  Unfortunately too many people are influenced by what they read and don't take the time to research and evaluate themselves..... blogs are easy.

This is the worst posting by Brian I have read....tempted to delete the site and not return as I'm sure many have considered.  But it is a great site...just hoping it doesn't go the way it seems to be hading. 

Give the man a chance.  Hell, before he even set foot on campus as head coach he was doomed to fail by the majority on here...bullshit! ...and everyone ready to lynch DB...give it a rest.  You have no idea what transpired.  Guessing doesn't make it so

I for one am glad to see Hoke come in and think he will be a great hire.  Go Blue

youth on defense is the problem.  Bullshit!  We should have enough talent to do better.  I'm not looking for stops all the time.....but damn...we suck on defense.  I mean suck.  We do everyhting poorly...everything.  Throw in no kicking game, bad special teams....uh.... we are not a good team.  Screw the youth excuse.  put together a scheme that works....period!

I'm sure all the excuses he has given was discussed, debated, contemplated etc.  ad nauseam prior to his verbal.  With UM being a top academic school, great facilities, big travel budget, nice schedule.  Not much to change your mind about.  As far as money,  50% is not that big a scholly. At a northern school, your top 2-3 players should be getting 70-75% at least and there is usually at least one that is full ride based on players leaving early…  If he goes to a “baseball” school, that amount will decrease heavily as he is not what one would call a top national recruit.. .. . it all comes down to coaching.   Maloney talks a good game up front and the kids generally like him but if they did their homework and dug deep, well, decisions could change.

Good news to see Dufek trying out the independent route. Wish him the best there.

Also,  was hoping to see a list of where the players are playing this summer...thanks.

..and I think this comes down to a Michigan v Minnesota ending.   No way Purdue or Iowa has enough left in their tank to win out.  I'm liking the Big Blue's chances.

Nice job men... now lets finish what was set before you.  8 games to Omaha!

Go Blue!

--side note--     If you are traveling to the 1st tourney game on Thursday...Wear Maize!

you and EVERYone else.  Good decisions are hard to come by on this coaching staff.  I especially love the way he berates his players as a group and singles guys out when he has them in the outfield after games.  Such an exceptional motivator he is.

I tried to convince coach to take a serious look at Vitek when it was recruiting time for him.  Coach  didn't believe he fit the mold he was looking for...   yeah; I wouldn't want a top 50 player either.  I guess you know what they say about hindsight. 

Is it ok to hope for a rain-out?  Go Rain...I mean Blue!

yeah....I thought we were in good shape entering the 9th.  Tough to see the team take a loss in this one.  The one guy I feel pretty "at ease" with in a close game and whoosh.  Guess it happens to everyone.  Boy, we need tomorrows game.  

  am stuptified by my continued persistence of delusional optimism.  I will give to charity should we win the next two.

when I read that FA predicts a 1-2 loss.   I'm thinking just the oppo.  The guys know what's at hand.  They know what they need to do.  You will see a much more aggressive offense this weekend and coach will run, run and run.   Pitching is coming back and the confidence is there. Oaks, Katz & Sinn will all have solid starts and Gerbe/Burgoon will continue to shut down.  You will see a Minn team reminiscent of the early 2010 season who will struggle to put up numbers.    This very well could be our first sweep... but a solid 2-1 series win. 

Go Blue!

...As we would be totally embarrassed without him this game.  Come on...4 hits and 2 of them by Duf.  This team should no way be able to play with us. 

Poll Watch...yikes.   Put that away, it's all fun and games until someone get poked in the eye.

a good guy.  I've followed many a post of his and he has a good baseball IQ.   I will take the flip of his predicion though and go Michigan taking two.  Wimmer will (cough) take Friday but we will take the next two from a pretty bad rest of staff.  The Bucks have pretty much shown they are a one man show.

Go Blue!

Great week for Michigan baseball recognition. Biondi and Burgoon both earn POTW! Well deserved men!

Two weeks in a row that Michigan has earned the award.

Berset IS one of the top 5 catchers in the country! The kid is a master out there and his picks come at the best times. MVP of this team to date.

Sv
Saves. Earned when a pitcher finishes a game without having given up the lead after entering in a save situation (see SvOp, below, for definition)

SvOp
Save opportunities. When a pitcher 1) enters the game with a lead of three or fewer runs and pitches at least one inning, 2) enters the game with the potential tying run on base, at bat, or on deck, or 3) pitches three or more innings with a lead and is credited with a save by the official scorer

Not that it's a big deal but hey, it's a stat game and if a piece of candy is offered..take it. Heck, half the time all they get ia a dish full of steaming,, uhmm, yeah.

A win tonight agaist BG would be fantastic heading into Illinois. Go Gerbe...Go Blue!

Is there a site that lists conference stats only? I know it's early but like to see who's hot in the BT. Thanks

I'm not getting on the coaches, nor has anyone specifically in the stands. The question has just come up several times as to what the reason may be and that was one possibility. In fact, you ask the player whats up and they take full responsibility. I'm sure the answer lies somewhere in the middle.

Great effort by Brosnahan and Burgoon today. Brosnahan has a filthy change and plus breaking ball. Burgoon's FB was living at 93/94 and touched 96 a couple times. That will close out a lot of games.

No errors and great defense! Go Blue!

Discussion in the stands for past couple of weeks... when do you start looking at the coaching of the pitchers? Yes, the players need to execute and hit spots but when an entire staff (ok, Brosnahan & Burgoon are doing well)continues to spiral down, kinda makes you wonder. Last year the same... pitching at Michigan just doesnt get better. Look at the guys you would think could be dominate - Woods, Miller Smith. All three year players with three years of Michigan coaching. Is it the pitch call? Mechanics going south? I mean last night we had multiple, a lot, many, (hell, I don't remember) batters at 0-2. Then we nibble and get the count back at 2-2- and 3-2 and then walk them or feed them. Come on! You can't have them any more on their heels than 0-2. Attack! Attack! Attack! You have 4 chances to make them hit YOUR best pitch!.. or better yet, puch them out.

Defense was better and not upset with hitting last night. We faced a tough pitcher. That's whata Friday night guy is supposed to do. Keep the game under 3 runs.

~sigh~ Ok, I feel better.

Hope we fight back for a series win. Go Blue!

Where do I place my order for 6 more Biondi's please?

this series still scares me.

Rumor has it Katz has the ball. Look for a pith by committe today with Eric going as far as possible, then Miller then Woods. Clark is also availaible.

Talk in this area has been the Hoosiers think this game is a lock and were hoping for one of the other two gaame to take the series. i would like nothing more than to have our guys feel the fire and come out smokin against thier "ace".

I like the series win,,,would love the sweep. Go Blue!

Most in attendance in would say many of those walks should/could have been K's. Although Burgoon had 3 walks...his control was actually pretty good. That ump tonight..well, he just wasn't consistent, we'll leave it at that. Miller not as bad as stats show either, he may be pushing a bit lately. I would like to see him relax and just throw...he can be a beast. Just one of those box scores that don't tell the "whole" story. Good point on short rest... as Burgoon threw 5 innings, Miller 3 in same game on Saturday. Makes me wonder who the Sunday starter will be?

Eastern is not a bad team...good win tonight.

EDIT: read somewhere that Katz will be the Sunday starter this weekend. I hope he's ready.

Oaks, Brosnahan and Miller as starters with Sinnery, Woods and Burgoon out of the pen.... That could just work. The more I think about it, that combo is pretty tight. All starters should be able to go 6 plus and all relievers are capable of extended innings as well. Throw in Gerbe who can contribute and the pitching staff should be very tough. We just need to figure it out and get in a groove. Not having any rhythm and not having the players understand what role they play is never a good thing. Hope coach has a plan and starts using it this weekend.

Berset is a wall and love seeing him hit from the left side. Boy, where do you hit him when Ryan comes back? He's been doing a fantastic job in the 3 hole. Coley has it going and hopefully keeps it going. Dennis seems to have picked up some confidence and is seeing the ball much better. I'm liking less and less K's. Defense has been great! Go Blue!

Yeah... very promising first 5 innings. Unfortunately, that appearance from Smith might mave sealed his fate for the year. Glad to see they're having fun though. : )

Edit: Don't intend to slam Travis but take away his appearance and the team looks pretty good. Katz & Gerbe did well!

I would have hoped that by this time we would have identified a solid 1-2-3 heading into conference play. Maybe coach has and no one knows or maybe he is still searching himself. I think that the home opener series should mirror and be a preview of opening week in conference...I hope. My thoughts...

Fri - Oaks (No brainer here. The best we have and a work horse. Will go 7 or 8 easy.)
Sat - Burgoon (Although a couple "ehh" games, still looks like the Sat guy with best control and giving opportunity to win. The team needs him as a starter, not closer.)
Sun - Miller (Same as Burgoon, couple of "Oh shits" but can be dominate and should give best chance going late in game)
Sat/Sun is switchable but should be a lock between them.

Sinnery - Best set up we have right now. Need him for a 6-7-8 run if needed on weekends.
Brosnahan - The best left arm out of the pen and would use as set up like Sin.
Wood - Closer. With Burgoon as starter...a solid choice. He can and will get it done.
Gerbe - Not a bad choice out of pen when need to save an arm or so. He's good for 1 or 2 but usually no further.

I personally don't see Katz returning. Wish as we may, I think he will throw mid-weeks only. Call it what you will but not sure what happened there.

Smith should be the mid-week starter and if can return to form (control) he may break into an appearance during the weekends.

The rest - will be fighting for mound time during mid-week games. Unfortunately, there is not enough time or games before conference to "see what they got". They had a couple shots and it was what it was.

What's coach thinking? Did he tip his hand this weekend? - - he puts Burgoon at the back end as closer again. But then who starts? He may be looking at Brosnahan and then moving Wood to set up. All plausible and could work but I like a lefty out of the pen myself. Not as if we've lost any games on the back end so far...we haven't had but maybe 2 chances at a save?

Any other guesses/thoughts out there?

FA - thanks for letting me spew my thoughts...hope you dont mind. Ha

Another great outing by Oaks. Gotta be tougher to watch from the dugout than what we see. Keep the faith guys.

We have the talent and I believe we can turn it around.

Go Blue!

Great move to start Travis... like it! Think the move move to pull him was WAY too early. Heck, he had a 15 to zero lead. Give the kid a break and let him work out of a tight spot. He obviously couldn't have done any worse than what happened....and we would have saved some arms in the pen.

FA predicts a FGCU win. Don’t give up faith FA…of course the team hasn’t really given you another option based on record year to date, however…..

I have seen the great Maize & Blue in action this year (this will be the first game not at the field - sucks) and I still hold out high hopes. Stats are what they are but I firmly believe this team will kick in another gear soon. I’m hoping it’s today with a great deal of momentum going into the next two weekends.

I kind of like Coley in left and adding another bat in the line-up but not against Krantz either (as long as Krantz produces offensively). Also would like to see Mills get some action. He may not have the strongest arm in left but I think his bat would be the best option and he is a good athlete & outfielder.

On the mound think we see Brosnahan go as long as he can (maybe 4-5) then see Smith, Ballantine, Clark & Wood. Smith had a rough last outing but he’s too strong to give up on and he'll turn it around soon. Ballantine and Clark need a few more innings to get accustomed to college expectations and I still like Wood as the set-up or closer. You’ll see the bats start to come out today. I think we pull this one out 7-3. Go Blue!

the zone was larger than most so far this year but called consistent on both sides. All you can ask for. I agree, the Louisville hitters AND pitchers adjusted very nice. They were painting the corners and attacking on 0-2, 1-2 counts & getting the calls. We kept throwing in the dirt? Athough the pitch selection was 100% better in this game... we still need to read the ump better and attack when ahead in the count. Same at the plate...we just flat out watched way too many FB go by....not just the low ones. Good call FA.

says the reason Burgoon is not starting against Louisville is coach REALLY wants to win 2 of 3 this weekend and REALLY wants an opening win against Louisville. He thinks that Oaks starting and Burgoon off the bench, last (3-4 inn) is the teams best chance. If by chance Burgoon isn't needed, he will start game 3. Probably not a bad stategy but not sure what that means... Burgoon back in relief role? Only time will tell. I only wish we had an outfielder in left and not Stephens. Again. not a slam on Garret, more like a ctriticism on obvious bad recruiting and foresight with not having more than 3 outfielders. Go Blue!... by the way... if you're not down here, man it feels good. Ha

the rotation of Burgoon, Oaks & Miller is set until (A). one of them REALLY struggles or (B). someone REALLY shows some nasty stuff in their outing. Katz will more than likely throw from the pen this year unless (A) happens. Dufek probably won't see action until mid-season, if then, based on surgery. Brosnahan is the lefty coaches are most up on at this point. Woods will be the closer until and only if he show's he can't get it done (unlikely). Smith has looked very good the latter part of training and hopefully can keep it going. Sinnery is looking very good as well. Summary - our weekends should be solid. It will be interesting to see who coach throws mid-week or on the 4 game weekends. I see this weekend is even a TBA for Sunday. Really?....you don't know? come on coach.

Congrats to Chris and Mike....they will do a fantastic job as Captains this year.

Go Blue!

Other Chris.... yes, I rememebr too many times where the errors just killed us. Talking with caoch this fall and watching them play, I do think this will be a very solid defensive unit. Dennis wil be a stud at SS. He is very smooth with great range. He's a freshman so I do expect a few mistakes but think he'll keep to a minimum. Lorenz at 3rd will be fine, he's had a year and summer behind him and has a cannon arm. The unproven will be Biondi in LF. He's very fast but not sure how sticky his glove is or how strong of an arm he has.

Thanks FA, good stuff.

Once agian Kendall just glances over past rosters and makes "educated" guesses. He obviously didn't talk with any coach or do much, if any, research of the players this past summer. Anyone could have written his 5 keys for Michigan and been just as shallow.

Just a few of my thoughts...

Motivation - is a true wait and see. I hear they are but thought they were last year as well. Coaching plays a BIG role in this and I hope they aren't "over coached" this year. Meaning.. put the athletes on the field and let them play! Micro-managing a ball club doesn't work. Let pitchers/catchers call at least half a game, stop running the team out of innings, quit making unnecessary mound visits, Make a starting rotation and STICK TO IT, etc.

Starting pitching - won't add much here except for my thought on the BT weekend rotation in no particular order (although I think I know where they will be..ha). Miller, Burgoon & Oaks. Katzman is the wildcard only because of being a lefty and it is nice to have a lefty in the weekend rotation. As stated above...it will be critical to identify your rotation and let them go. Coach needs to stop moving them around like pawns on a board.... they lose faith, confidence and motivation. Midweek starters should be Sinnery and undetermined Frosh.

Bullpen - Depending on the weekend rotation; who ever is left out.. Miller, Burgoon, Oaks or Katz will will be the first choice out of the pen during weekend games. Smith, Brosnahan & Gerbe will also make up the long relief set-up role with Dufek and Wood providing closer duty. Wild card will be DeCarlo, Broder and Freshmen McAnallen & Ballantine.

My overall thought on our pitching - I think most will be surprised! We have 4 legit weekend starters. If we keep the K to BB ratio where it needs to be...yahtzee!

Hitting - FA, you hit it. Berset will be key as well as the two frosh, Dennis and Biondi. I think we'll be very solid all around.

This is the year to take the title back. Everyone is focused on OSU and Minn... we will be back.

FA....Need something to chew on. Have you been able to track down any coach, player, manager, strength coach, academic advisor, trainer, announcer, girlfriend (I think you get my meaning) to get some local input on the team and thoughts on next year? It's been REAL quite. Also, they normally announce team captains during fall ball...did I miss that?

Hope all players are healthy and getting ready for another BigTen title and post season run. Buckeyes getting all the love in the media...ha. Hope we take them down like a lucha libre.

... in 2009. I know many are counting the Wolverines out this year, mainly because of the season we had in '09. In retrospect, we did have the talent...we just underachieved. Easy to say yeah, but if it could have gone wrong in '09...it did. Cislo, our starting 2B & leadoff played the entire season injured and just flat out couldn't finish. Berset, the starting catcher missed over 25 games, our closer Burgoon, dislocated his throwing shoulder prior to conference games and never really came back. Add in the fact that LaMarre, Urban and Dufek all played injured as well.... our horses just weren't ready to compete. The overall talent level of our pitching staff is better than any other BT team. I really believe that (you realize we had the best ERA in the league last year...right?). We just couldn't score when we needed to or hold a few innings when we had too. Underachievement at its worst...rights along side the injuries. Heck, a 35-20 record when we just couldn't bring it together is pretty good.

I see 2010 season looking very good. Tough schedule, no doubt! Our 4 junior pitchers - Burgoon, Miller, Smith & Wood will be very tough. Add in seniors Katzman & Oaks, Sophs Sinnery and Brosnahan and a freshman that has looked excellent, Ballantine.... we will have some depth. Our outfield will be sick. We have speed, speed & speed. Veteran catcher, top ranked freshman SS, Toth locking down 2B, Dufek at 1B... we will be there!

Call me an optimist...but we will compete for the BT title.

K.Rogers is no one to pay attention to anyway. I've read him for many years and yet to be impressed. He tends to echo the thoughts of his posters on Rival. I guess he wants to keep readership rather than having a legit opinion.

As far as I see it, the Wolverine summer is looking pretty good. I like the way the pitching has shaped up.. I do wish Travis Smith had performed better (understatement). Miller, Wood, Brosnahan, Burgoon and Dufek have looked very, very good. Sinnery is hard to judge, my guess is good and then a tough inning. He just gives up too many HR's. Oaks, well...I don't see anything but middle relief. Let's face it..out of all starting pitchers in Florida, he was 15th out of 15th. Not what I would call encouraging. Katzman had a stress fracture and was shut down...let's hope he'll be back strong next year.

With Dufek playing the field, he'll be available only as spot closer so they'll need another. I don't think it will be Burgoon. My guess is Woods in a closer role in 2010 as he developed a nasty split finger and has been spot on in accuracy. With limited starters, I see Burgoon in a starting position with a solid Saturday spot. The Friday night spot will be up for grabs by Miller, Katz, Woods and Smith(hoping)... in that order. The others will battle for Sunday. Sinnery & Brosnahan mid-week starts and spot relief. I think we look pretty solid. Bring in the "fantastic" freshman class coach keeps talking about and we should have a shot at the title.

On the offensive side...Berset looked very good, LaMarre will take a run for the top position player, Dufek has power but needs to cut down on K's and DP's. Mills looked good at the plate with limited appearances and Stephens has stepped up his game. Oaks again looks to be on the outside.

Time will tell..... Go Blue!