Mayer: What is Holding Sycamores Baseball Back?

(Stats effective 4/24/13 not including game vs IU)

I've been able to cover a good amount of Indiana State baseball games this year. Maybe it's because I have seen a disproportionate amount of wins (although I follow the non home games as well), but I get the feeling this squad is not living up to its potential. Indiana State is 10-3 at home, 5-11 away, and 2-3 in neutral territory. Those records definitely have meaning.

Courtesy gosycamores.com

Including the contest today at Indiana, ISU has 17 games remaining until the Missouri Valley Conference Tournament. Currently, the Sycamores are in the bottom three of the MVC with an overall 17-17 record and a 7-8 mark in conference games. That just doesn't seem right to me.

When I see the Sycamores play, it looks like a pretty solid and mostly complete ball club. Rick Heller has a great pulse on his team and has garnered a great deal of respect. ISU has one of the best pitchers in the country, a lineup based on small ball and speed, and has played good defense for the most part. The Sycamores are not a bunch of mashers and seem committed to small ball, but that approach fits the players skill sets well.

Let's dive into the numbers a bit and see if we can find out what is holding the Sycamores back.

Starting Pitching

Courtesy: gosycamores.com

ISU has a pretty nasty 1-2 punch. Sean Manaea has been stalked by major league scouts all season and is expected to be a top five pick in the draft. Manaea is 5-3 over nine starts while accumulating a 1.57 ERA and a 1.03 WHIP (walks + hits/innings pitched). Hitters are batting only .195 against the big lefty with 72 strikeouts and 20 walks. In conclusion, Manaea is dominating as expected although he has seemed a bit off his last two outings (this could have to do with a hip injury sustained earlier this month).

Devin Moore has gone a bit unnoticed pitching behind Manaea, but the senior right hander is having a fantastic 2013. In 53 IP he is 3-4 (but we all know the win stat is greatly flawed) with a 2.89 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, 2/1 strikeout to walk ratio, and a .206 batting average against. Those numbers are better then many top starters across the country.

Daniel Peterson (51.2 IP, 4.53 ERA, 1.50 WHIP, 42 Ks, 10BB, .321 BAA) and Tyler Fehringer (27.1 IP, 4.61 ERA, 1.55 WHIP, 27 Ks, 13BBs, .261 BAA) have the majority of the other starts and have not done nearly as well. However, with Manaea and Moore plus a not terrible combination in the third slot, ISU has a strong starting core.

Relief Pitching
The bullpen is a bit more of a mixed bag and this is a place ISU needs to improve. While it may be overshadowed because the Sycamores rely on their starters, not having a strong bullpen has been a season killer for countless baseball teams.

Courtesy: gosycamores.com

Kurt Kudrecki is the standout reliever throwing 27 innings with a 1.67 ERA, .96 WHIP, .189 BAA, 22Ks, and 8BBs. To put it lightly, that is dirty and Kudrecki can be considered an elite reliever. Unfortunately for the Sycamores no one else really qualifies as even a "good" relief pitcher. Aside from his six starts, Fehringer has made eight relief appearances (his stats are above). Greg Kuhlman has 23.2 IP out of the pen with a 6.08 ERA and a .301 BAA. Josh Dove has pitched 16 innings with a 4.50 ERA and .333 BAA. Josh Negele has tossed 13.2 innings with six walks and two strikeouts while allowing a .315 BAA. The rest of the bullpen is similar with unimpressive numbers, so we have definitely found a weak spot.

Offense
As I mentioned earlier, the Sycamores are not Earl Weaver's Orioles waiting for the three run home run. There is not much power on this club, but they play to their strengths showing a great deal of devotion to small ball by advancing runners and using speed to score runs.

Courtesy: indianastatesman.com

Robby Ort is the most recognizable name in the lineup and he is putting together a solid campaign although nothing incredible. Ort is hitting .299 with a .322 on base percentage, .438 slugging percentage, 26 runs batted in, 21 runs, and 5/7 in steals. By no means is that a bad line, but if Ort is considered one of the better hitters (with only one home run) his on base percentage should be higher. 

Koby Kraemer is putting together a very nice season with the bat. He is hitting .314, .393 OBP, .462 SLG, 20 R, 17 RBI, and 6/9 in steals. Can't ask for much more; he's getting on base and finding ways to score. Jordan Pearson has hit a bit with a .289 BA, .357 OBP, but it is only in 18 games with 38 at bats. Owen Conway is in a similar boat hitting .274, .337 OBP, but has only scored nine runs with two steals in 84 at bats.

Landon Curry has shown excellent speed and ability to do damage on the base paths stealing 15/20 and scoring 22 runs. The problem is that Curry is hitting .254 with a .346 OBP. The OBP isn't terrible, but for a game predicated on speed Curry needs to find more ways to get on first. Mike Fitzgerald plays catcher so you don't necessarily expect monster numbers, but a .202 BA, .325 OBP, .298 SLG won't cut it. Fitzgerlad and Tyler Wampler both have 104 at bats with similarly questionable production. Wampler is also hitting .202 with a .308 OBP and a .212 SLG.

Looking at the rest of the offense I see similar issues with players simply not getting on base enough or hitting for a high enough average to compensate for the Sycamores' lack of power.

Defense
I've seen Indiana State play some excellent defense in certain games while making troublesome errors in others. I figured they played pretty decent defense and obviously the sampling of defensive metrics in college baseball are few and far between. Overall, the Sycamores are fielding at a .976 clip compared to .974 for their opponents. ISU has made 32 errors while their opponents have made 34. With that I would deem ISU's defense right at average or above average.

Courtesy: gosycamores.com

Conclusion
Indiana State does not have issues in the starting rotation even though the third slot is below average. Manaea and Moore are two top starters who give the Sycamores a chance to win games. Relief pitching is definitely a problem for the Sycamores with only one top caliber reliever surrounded by guys who can be scarcely relied on. If ISU gets into a situation where multiple relievers are needed it probably won't end well. As expected, the offense is all about speed and moving runners over as ISU only has five total homer runs. The biggest issue is players are not getting on base enough for that to be effective. For the small ball game to work hitters need to be showing OBPs around .370 not .330. The defense may not be a major issue, but for a club that is trying to win with pitching and small ball an elite level defense is necessary. Don't forget the big differential for ISU at home and away. They clearly are much more comfortable at Bob Warn field where they play 12 of their remaining 17 games. I get the feeling that the Sycamores are capable of more, especially hitting and getting on base. They still have time to make a move in the MVC, but the numbers say around .500 might be their destiny.

National Signing Day in The Wabash Valley

We'll update as the day goes along, but here is a list of the Indiana State Football signings and high school athletes from across the Wabash Valley that are making their college choices today. It's a very exciting day for student athletes and Sycamores across The Valley.

  Terre Haute South Braves:
  Danny Etling: Purdue Football- Quarterback
  Logan Hambrock: Indiana State Track
  Tyler Seibert: Indiana State Track
  Alex Davis: Indiana University Diving

  Terre Haute North Patriots
  Calvin Blank: Ball State Football
  Austin Lewis: Western Michigan Football
  Lee Davis: Army Football
  Chanli Mundy: Indiana University Cross Country

                  

                         Linton-Stockton Miners:
                         Clayton French: Marian Univeristy Golf

South Knox Spartans:
Adam Elkins: University of Saint Franics Soccer





                                                    

Vincennes Lincoln:
                                                    
 Gannon Brochin:  Georgian Court Soccer
 Eric Ramirez: University of Southern Indiana Soccer





  




  Indiana State Football:
  (Courtesy of ISU Athletics: http://tinyurl.com/a2sxkzt)

Name Pos. Height Weight Class Hometown/Previous School Highlight Video Matt Adam QB 6-1 210 Fr. Camino Capistrano, Calif./Tesoro HS Highlights Justice Berry WR 6-2 205 Jr. Coffeyville CC Highlights Zach Borens OL 6-8 350 Fr. Marion, Iowa/Marion HS Highlights Antonio Broadus DE 6-3 230 Fr. Aurora, Colo./Regis Jesuit HS Highlights Lonnell Brown DB 5-7 155 Fr. Cincinnati, Ohio/Colerain HS Highlights Juice Davis WR 5-10 185 Fr. Cincinnati, Ohio/Colerain HS Highlights Rhys Felton P 6-3 210 Jr. Melbourne, Australia/John Curtin HS/Grossmont CC Highlights Kyani Harris WR 5-10 170 Jr. Daly City, Calif./Jefferson HS/San Francisco City College Highlights Jordan Jackson LB 6-1 230 Fr. Indianapolis, Ind./Decatur Central HS Highlights Miguel Johns WR 5-11 185 Jr. Newton, Kan./Newton HS/Hutchinson CC Highlights Aaron Killebrew DB/KR 5-10 165 Fr. Evansville, Ind./Harrison HS Highlights Dejuan Lang CB 5-9 180 Fr. Cincinnati, Ohio/Colerain HS Highlights Tyler Lee CB 6-2 180 Fr. Xenia, Ohio/Xenia HS Highlights Sampson Levingston WR 6-1 200 Fr. Indianapolis, Ind./Cathedral HS Highlights Weston Painter DT 6-3 260 Fr. New Haven, Ind./Snider HS Highlights Braxton Shirley TE 6-3 245 Fr. Canyon, Calif./Mission Viejo HS Highlights Dimitri Taylor RB 5-10 190 Fr. Wheaton, Ill./Montini Catholic Highlights Jameer Thurman DB 6-0 195 Fr. Hillside, Ill./Proviso West HS Highlights T.J. Tuuu OLB 6-2 215 Jr. Seaside, Calif./Seaside HS/Monterey Peninsula College Highlights

Mayer: Indiana State-NCAA Tournament Bound?

I'll start this off by saying a whole lot of the college basketball season is remaining. There are only so many teams that have their names already sharpied into brackets. Indiana State is far from a guarantee, but the likelihood of an at large bid increased greatly with a phenomenal victory at Wichita State.

Courtesy ISU Athletics

The Shockers were the #15 team in the country, had recently taken over the top spot in the Missouri Valley Conference, and had won 19 straight games at home. Coming in, it looked like a chance for ISU to claim a season altering victory. The Sycamores showed up big time and played their gritty brand of basketball to perfection (with the help of a 2-3 zone that stopped the Shockers from getting inside often).

Put it this way, if the season ended today I would fully expect the Sycamores to get in. They may be one of the last four teams in, but that will do. Indiana State is in third place in the MVC with a 14-7 (7-3) record. They're only a half game behind Creighton and one game behind Wichita State with games at the Hulman Center remaining against both teams.

I've said this before; Indiana State is two different squads depending on the intensity level they bring to games. That is a cliche often used in sports, but it could not be more true with this Sycamores team. Simply put, they are not talented or mature enough to win tough games without playing a relentless style. However, when they attack on defense, out hustle the other team, and play with physical tenacity, the opposition is often worn down.

Courtesy ISU Athletics

This can be seen from looking at some of the games ISU has won and lost. The Sycamores have impressive victories over Top 25 teams in Miami and Ole Miss (neutral court) and Wichita State (road). Indiana State is 39th in RPI. When deciding the tournament teams, wins against Top 25 teams are huge...away from home is even more important. The Sycamores strong RPI also greatly helps their cause. ISU stuck with Creighton and San Diego State in losses as well.

On the other hand, the Sycamores lost at Illinois State and SIU, two teams that are not as close to as good as Indiana State. Although, the Redbirds were picked high in the MVC pre-season, they have not panned out as expected.

Despite those losses, it is clear the Sycamores are for real. They have the ability to play with the top teams in the country and if they execute their brand of basketball, it's difficult to beat them. Eight games remain for Indiana State to prove themselves worthy of a shot in the big dance.

Courtesy ISU Atheltics

Pugh: ISU Welcomes Mike Sanford

Two weeks after Trent Miles leaves for Georgia State, Indiana State lands a new leader. ISU Athletic Director, Ron Prettyman, announced the hiring of Utah State Assistant, Mike Sanford, Friday afternoon. A formal news conference welcoming Sanford to the Sycamores will happen on Monday.

Courtesy: MyLVSports.com

Mike Sanford has built a very impressive resume over the last few years. He's currently the Assistant Head Coach/Running Backs/Tight Ends Coach at #22 Utah State. The Aggies finished the season 10-2 and will play Toledo Saturday in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. Utah State currently ranks 37th in the nation with 191.7 yards per game.

2012 was Sanford's first and only season with Utah State. Previously, he spent two seasons at the University of Louisville as an Offensive Coordinator/Tight Ends Coach. Prior to being a Cardinal, Sanford was Head Coach at UNLV from 2005-2009, with a 16-43 record in Vegas. His coaching resume was one of the big reasons he was high on Indiana State's list.

Sanford will inherit a different Indiana State team than Trent Miles did back in 2008. The Sycamores are no longer one of the nation's worst programs. They are also coming off three straight winning seasons for the first time since the 60's. Indiana State will have some holes to fill next season, but there's still plenty of talent around Sycamore county. Pairing one of the best running backs in the nation with an offensive minded Sanford could mean big things for the ISU offense in 2013.

Mayer: Why Not Expand the Crossroad Classic?

The Crossroads Classic, being played this weekend, was a fantastic idea that went very well last year and looks to build on that success this weekend. We will have coverage from the Classic game between Indiana and Butler. Notre Dame will face off against Purdue as well. The four schools kicked off the first year of the double header held at Bankers Life Fieldhouse last year with Indiana defeating Notre Dame and Butler sneaking past Purdue.

Courtesy bankerslifefieldhouse.com

To think it took this long for someone to come up with a day where the major Indiana college basketball teams meet to play at the NBA arena in Indianapolis is surprising. After all, this is the "basketball state". Yes, most would say that Indiana is known for its high school hoops, but what fan of basketball would not want to see the Hoosiers, Boilermakers, Bulldogs, and Fighting Irish square off in a rotating double header at the home of the Pacers each year. (Although, it should be noted that the rotation is not complete because IU and Purdue avoid playing each other due to their mutual conference). It's as simple as it is brilliant, especially with all four teams making significant strides or having a national presence in recent years.

My questions is this: Why limit the Crossroads Classic to just four teams? There is tremendous basketball being played all across the Hoosier State and I would be extremely surprised if other schools wouldn't jump at the opportunity to get in on the fun at Bankers Life. Not only that, but there are some really good teams other than the "big four" that would give fans plenty of reason to make the Crossroads Classic a two day event.

Courtesy cbslocal.com

Now, I don't want to leave any schools out, but the writing is on the wall which squads would be a perfect fit to expand and enhance the college basketball derby in Indy. Those teams are: Indiana State Sycamores, Ball State Cardinals, IUPUI Jaguars, and Evansville Purple Aces. Think about it, a two day event would bring in fans from every corner of the state in a celebration of Indiana college basketball.

My first choice would be to make this a tournament which would just be too much fun. The seedings would be based on rank and/or record (with power of conference a factor). Unfortunately, this might not be a realistic option due to the high amount of scrutiny and detail placed on every team's scheduling in college basketball. It's fun to think about though.

I propose a two day event and two "brackets" within the Classic. The first bracket would be IU, Purdue, Butler, and Notre Dame while the newcomers Indiana State, Ball State, IUPUI, and Evansville would make up the second bracket (Since Indiana State and Evansville both reside in the Missouri Valley Conference, the second bracket would act similarity to the first with those two schools not matching up). Taking a realistic approach and understanding ticket sales and TV ratings drive sports, the two bracket system is the best option.

Courtesy bankerslifefieldhouse.com

In regard to scheduling, both brackets would play on Saturday and Sunday which would ensure that all teams are able to play in front of a sizable crowd. Let's pretend that the expansion took place this year (Scheduling would be altered before hand with knowledge of the Classic. ISU already played Ball State and actually plays IUPUI this weekend) So, let's keep Saturday's already scheduled game of IUPUI and Indiana State as the opener followed by IU vs. Butler. Sunday would start with Ball State vs. Evansville followed by Purdue vs. Notre Dame.

It's a pretty simple set up and would only make the Crossroads Classic more entertaining and inclusive for all of  Indiana. Of course, this really does pale in comparison to an eight team seeded tournament. When discussing the idea with Jeremiah Johnson, who you all know from his time at WTWO and current work at Fox59, he came up with the best proposal of all. The eight team tournament taking place to open the season at Lucas Oil Stadium using the half stadium configuration. That's something I'll be day dreaming about for a while.

Courtesy skyscraperpage.com

Mayer: ISU Will Go as far as Jake Odum Pushes Them

Courtesy ISU Athletics

Forgive me if I'm late to the news, but Jake Odum is very good at basketball. I'm still new to Sycamores (and for that matter Wabash Valley) hoops, but Odum has jumped right off the screen. While covering the Sycamores in their last two contests against Truman State and Ball State, Odum has been the ISU leader in every sense of the word.

I'm sure most people who follow hoops around these parts are not surprised by Odum's success. He was a great player at Terre Haute South and continued his productive ways as soon as he stepped foot on the Indiana State campus. For someone new to the area, Odum immediately distinguishes himself on the court in a myriad of ways. 

Purely from a basketball standpoint, Odum gets the offense going and seems to be taking on the role of most dangerous scorer as well. He has an incredible ability for finding spots to drive hard to the hoop. Even more impressive is the body control Odum shows while in the air. He is able to adjust into seemingly awkward positions in order to finish at the rim or get a shot off. A couple of his hard drives that turned into fade away jumpers off the glass against Ball State left me thinking...WOW.

Of course, scoring is not Odum's first job as a guard who often has the ball in his hands setting up the offense. He is seen directing teammates and is constantly moving, never letting the defender rest. Every pass from the guard is crisp and is usually followed by a quick cut, screen, or other movement that helps continue the flow of the offense.

The energy level that number thirteen brings to the Sycamores cannot be quantified. Basketball is a game largely based on momentum. Most teams need an emotional leader that can get get teammates fired up and create ways to stop runs from the opposition. Odum has admitted he knows this is his role as a veteran of the young Sycamores and he has done nothing but excel. Two instances from last night's victory over Ball State perfectly exemplify what Odum is capable of. After a Cardinals player ran the floor, but failed to finish at the rim, Odum snatched the rebound darted down court and scored with numbers in Ball State's favor. Later in the game, he sunk a late three which truly put the game away and gave a quick salute while running back on defense.

There's a big difference between confidence and cockiness. Odum is confident, has an endless motor, and is not afraid to show his emotion on the floor. To put it frankly, he's got swagger. You'll find this same characteristic in many of the best leaders in sports and especially basketball. He is the perfect person to take the reigns and lead ISU. That is meant in a literal sense as he has shown his superior all around game and an emotional stand point as well. If a play needs to be made or a message needs to be sent, coach Greg Lansing knows where to turn first. 

Pugh: Welcome Back, College Football

Criminals. Sanctions. Controversy. A terrible offseason for college football has left a bad taste in everyone's mouth. I don't need to recap the tragic events at Penn State, or all of the headaches that conference realignment/playoff discussions bring. Tonight, we can turn the page on those things and focus on what matters most: playing the games.

Courtesy: USA Today

2012 season kicks off with a bang as #9 South Carolina travels to Nashville for a date with Vanderbilt. Closer to home, Ball State will start its season in Muncie under the lights. The important thing is that we can finally forget about all the bad things, and focus on a new season and the excitement that it brings.

Unlike any other sport, every week matters in college football. The games you play in August and September go a long way to determine your fate in December. As you move through the season, each week gets bigger and better as schools make their push for conference championships and national recognition. Coinciding with the start of the new school year, college football brings that fresh, new smell to the sporting world as fans prepare for the Fall season. It's about talking trash with your co-workers near the water cooler, showing off your school spirit (College Colors Day is Friday), and making Saturday your favorite day of the week. College football is back and it's time to celebrate!

Here's a look at some of the key matchups this opening weekend:

1) Notre Dame vs Navy, Saturday, 9 AM
The Irish travel across the pond for a showdown with the option offense. With some key suspensions, can they handle Navy or will the Midshipmen spoil the green party overseas?

2) Ohio vs Penn State, Saturday, 12 PM
The first game in a new era for the Nittany Lions. How will they respond after a tumultous offseason? Look out for Ohio. Frank Solich and this veteran group have enough tools to pull the upset.

3) Miami (OH) vs #18 Ohio State, Saturday, 12PM
Urban Meyer's first game of the Buckeyes era. They won't be bowling this season, but watch out for the Buckeyes. A favorable schedule means they could start 10-0 before showdowns with Wisconsin and Michigan.

4) #14 Clemson vs Auburn, Saturday, 7 PM
The suspension of all-world recevier Sammy Watkins leaves a big hole for the Clemson offense, but does Auburn have enough tools in the shed?  A chance for the ACC to get some national recogniton back by beating an SEC school in Atlanta.

5) Indiana State vs Indiana, Saturday, 8PM
With Isaac looming on the horizon, we might start calling this the "Water Bowl." Can ISU hang with a member of the Big Ten? This opener is a big measuring stick for both teams in what could be a surprise season.

6) #8 Michigan vs #2 Alabama, Saturday, 8PM
The biggest game of opening weekend. Okay, Big Ten, you want to climb out of the SEC doghouse...here's your chance. Denard Robinson vs Saban's defense in front of a national audience. Should be fun to watch.

7) Georgia Tech vs #16 Virginia Tech, Monday, 8PM
There's no NFL yet so we have an ACC showdown on Monday night. Georgia Tech will try to "option out" of Blacksburg with a win.

Just a sampling of some of the helpings that college football is offering us to feast on this weekend. There's a reason this sport begins around a holiday. Enjoy!