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.

Mayer: Terror at the Boston Marathon Gives Perspective

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Whenever our nation faces a national crisis or in the case of the events at the Boston Marathon, an act of terror, it often gives perspective. This perspective really should happen every day as attacks along with starvation and cruelty are constantly happening throughout the world. When it happens on US soil, the feeling hits close to home and we collectively ask questions about the relative importance of many aspects in our every day lives.

Anyone who works in sports faces this head on. In the grand scheme of things, how important are sports when lives are at stake? Who cares about a baseball score or a football draft when the Twin Towers come down and countless people have their lives changed forever?

The Boston Marathon may emphasize this even more seeing as it is most definitely a sporting event, one of the most distinguished marathons around. Many run to raise money for charity or for personal pride, but there are also athletes looking to claim victory. In the moments the explosions happened it no longer mattered who won the race or came in the top ten. As it should be, all attention went to the victims and trying to save and help injured citizens.

Courtesy boston.com

On a tangible level, it is true sports become insignificant when such horrific events occur. However, for the mental conscious of our nation (and for that matter any nation that encounters such an event) I believe sports actually take on a greater role. Many of the Boston Marathon runners crossed the finish line and ran straight to the hospital to donate blood. If that act is not what sports is all about, I'm not sure what is...perseverance in the face of peril.

It's true the Boston Celtics game was cancelled and Boston Bruins game was postponed due to necessary compliance with increased security measures. But have no doubt, the teams will get back onto the court and ice. The Red Sox will don their jerseys and take the field. The players will play without fear and fans will show up to support them.

Courtesy fun107.com

Sports has a much greater impact on our society then many are willing to admit. We come together in the face of adversity through sports. We show a camaraderie with teams and fans who are usually considered enemies. New Yorker's don't like the Red Sox, but empathize with them and understand  we are all family under the American Flag and will move forward.

Sports are not important compared to the health and well being of family, friends, and for that matter any person. However, that does not make sports insignificant. To the contrary, sports are one of the best tools we have to band together and triumph over evil.  

Mayer: College Athletes Must Play Smart and Bolt for the Pros

Courtesy midwestsportsfan.com

I've had many should "college player A" and "college player B" declare for a professional league debates. The subject comes up as Victor Oladipo is about to announce his decision to forgo his senior season at Indiana to declare for the NBA Draft. Cody Zeller will follow with his own press conference tomorrow. His fate is not as sure, but I fully expect Zeller to make the jump as well. (UPDATE: Oladipo declared for the NBA Draft and multiple reports have Zeller going as well)

There are many IU fans that believe the duo, or at least Zeller, should stay at Indiana to improve their bodies and skill set. To that I would respond, take a walk in their shoes. These two young men have worked their entire lives for the chance to play the game they love professionally. Oladipo's draft stock has absolutely sky rocketed and will never be higher. He is a lottery pick. Over the last month or so Cody Zeller's stock has dropped a bit with pundits pointing out his struggles against larger more powerful opponents. He should still go.

Courtesy espn.com

This is a big deal and fans often forget to realize that an NBA contract gives the player a chance to be set for life if they manage their money properly. Zeller, the Washington native, was once thought of as a top five pick and will still be a first round pick. So what, he'll make a ton of money, develop his skills, and improve his body practicing against NBA players. No team will look at Zeller, or for that matter Oladipo, as a savior. They are young and will have time to develop into even better players.

Oladipo will have his college degree and has been a part of the transformation at Indiana. Zeller will be able to graduate with summer and online classes. He was the first domino to fall allowing the Hoosiers to once again become a dominant recruiting force. They have put their time in and left their legacies. It may have come up short of a championship (or even an Elite 8), but they deserve to move on.

I believe this is the smart path for any college athlete that knows they can make enough money to provide for themselves and their families. If Jake Odum was projected as a first round pick this year, then I would say go pro. There are only so opportunities to play sports professionally and a single play could result in a career ending injury.

Obviously not every college athlete should try and go pro at first chance (Christian Watford made the smart move to not enter the draft last year). It is only a good decision after doing research and understanding the possibility of being drafted and predicted position within the draft.

Courtesy NBA

Personally, I can't stand that basketball players are not allowed to enter the NBA from high school. If a player has the skill set out of high school to play sports professionally and that is his dream, let him go. Fans root for these players as if they were family, so there should be no ill will at the end. When it's time for the bird to leave its nest, don't fault it for flying away.

Mayer: March Madness and What Could Have Been for ISU

The NCAA Tournament has not disappointed. We ask for madness and that is precisely what the greatest tournament in sports has dished out. The first 15 seed in history has reached the Sweet 16, a college version of lob city, while La Salle or Wichita State will be an elite eight team. There has been no lack of "onions" shots (looking at you Aaron Craft). While everyone roots for the underdog, what would the Sweet 16 be without some blue bloods; Hello Kansas, Duke, and Indiana.

Courtesy CBS

The action ramps back up on Thursday and I'm expecting some classics as the tournament moves on. It seems to be a cliche every year when people talk about the field being "wide open", but you have to believe it right now. Louisville may be the overall number one and playing the best ball, but there is nothing close to a 2012 Kentucky.

One thing that has been hard to overlook for folks in the Wabash Valley is some of the names in the Big Dance and what the Sycamores accomplished against those teams. Wichita State is representing the Missouri Valley Conference well in the Sweet 16. If you remember, the Sycamores delivered a drubbing on the road vs the Shockers. That was truly a shock (yes I'm sure no one has ever used that pun before) seeing as how Wichita State had not lost at home in something like 20 years.

Courtesy USA Today

Now head into the memory bank to the tournament in Hawaii. Indiana State beat Miami behind last second Jake Odum magic. Given those were different times way back in December. No one had any idea how good Miami would be and they were playing without big man Reggie Johnson. Although, it seems the same fate has fallen upon the Hurricanes as Johnson will have to miss the Sweet 16 matchup against Marquette.

Gone but not forgotten are the Creighton Blue Jays who won the MVC regular season and tournament. They are off to the new Big East which really makes next season promising for ISU (we'll get there in a second). The Sycamores laid the smackdown on the Blue Jays who were ranked #16 at the time. That game was arguably the best for ISU all season. The Sycamores also took down Ole Miss, a team that won the SEC tournament, beat Wisconsin in the first round, and was a couple of missed shots away from making the Sweet 16.

All of this points to one thing: the Sycamores are a talented basketball team. They proved capable of beating some very good squads in three conferences. We can also analyze some of Indiana State's bad losses and will come out with a puzzled look. A team with no seniors often showed their youth. One game the Sycamores would look like a team that could win the MVC, the next like a squad destined to never win again.

Courtesy Indiana State

The main point to come away with is ISU will return their entire starting roster next year, although Rhett Smith seems to be on his way out. Mike Samuels, the 6'1" center who was out all season will be back. We saw the maturation of Devonte Brown, Justin Gant, Khristian Smith, and a late season emergence from Brandon Burnett.


MVC heavyweight Creighton is gone. Jackie Carmichael of Illinois State and and Colt Ryan of Evansville are gone. Jake Odum is still here and he is only getting better. Put it this way, Sycamores fans are going to have high hopes next year. Instead of an NIT loss, they could be celebrating an NCAA win.

Mayer: World Baseball Classic Displays Unique Baseball Cultures

Courtesy worldbaseballclassic.com

I think there will come a time when the World Baseball Classic grows significantly and baseball fans across this country come to look forward to the event. There are true baseball junkies that have already enjoyed the tournament which is approaching the championship round in San Francisco. (Japan and the Netherlands punched their tickets already with the Dominican Republic joining them after a win yesterday. USA and Puerto Rico will battle for the last spot tonight.)

There are a ton of reasons to love the World Baseball Classic and as we have seen, there are definitely flaws to the tournament. Let's remember that the WBC is still in its infancy, this is only the third time it has been played. Most complaints revolve around the best American players staying with their teams in Spring Training, but that's not what I want to talk about.

While the mere fact that highly competitive baseball is being played in March is enough to get me excited, one of the best aspects of the WBC is seeing the different cultures of baseball. We view baseball solely through the MLB prism, but as the sport grows in other countries it has taken on different forms.

Courtesy: Getty Images

Many complained about the high energy Dominicans who jump out of the dugout after every big hit and show no fear in gazing at home runs or gesticulating on the mound. In the MLB all of this would be perceived as a slight towards the opposition. The DR has no intention of showing anyone up, they are just having fun. The DR fans are the same way; standing for extended periods, constantly chanting, and blowing horns and a vast array of other instruments. They are a group of free swingers and hard throwers. Homers, stolen bases, and strikeouts oh my!

Puerto Rico may not be as demonstrative as the Dominican Republic, but they are on the field having fun. The passion from Latino fans is undisputed and brings the feel of a big soccer match to baseball. The Netherlands is one of the most interesting countries. Baseball has really gained traction for the Dutch. They play an American style and have a similar demeanor. With word of a multi-million dollar baseball facility being built, the Netherlands could become a surprising hotbed for international talent.

Take a look at the Italians who kiss each other on the cheek as part of celebrations after scoring runs. I mean, how is that not cool. The Godfather has finally made its way into baseball. It seems like this group is a full roster of Nick Puntos and Marco Scutaros. They aren't the most talented or athletic, but they might very well play the hardest willing to sacrifice their bodies and make the extra hustle plays to win.

Courtesy: Bleacher Report

On the other hand, the Asian countries including Japan, Korea, and Chinese Taipei attack the competition with a fierce competitiveness not often seen. They are all business and play the game all small ball all the time. Pitchers are more about breaking pitches then attempting to blow hitters away. Obviously their style works well, Japan has won both WBCs (beating Korea last year in the finals) and are in the championship round again this year.

Then there are the Americans, who play and are run exactly as you would expect. USA is stacked with talent and has a great deal of national pride, but are understated in their play. They essentially play and operate as a top MLB squad would. More then any other team, the Americans put emphasis on getting all players work and protecting them from injury to ensure that no MLB team has any qualms. Capitalism and politics at its finest.

I'll be honest, concerning the culture of baseball, I'm pretty old school. I don't think that celebrating every run with near dog piles, noise makers, showboating, cheek kissing, illegal undercover scouting (looking at you Chinese Taipei) have any place in the MLB. I love the dignity and respect that must be shown in major league baseball, it's one of the reasons the league is so great. Tradition. If you messed with a Dodger or showed someone up, Don Drysdale was putting one in the next hitters' ribs. Cole Hamels will do the same today.

Courtesy: Fox Sports

But this is not the MLB, this is the World Baseball Classic. It's not about the American way, which is the original way. The WBC is about sharing and embracing all baseball cultures and all styles of play. Once Americans and baseball junkies all over the World accept this and embrace the tournament it will only become more successful and meaningful.

Mayer: Why I'm Picking Rockville to Win It All

Courtesy MaxPreps

I can't say I went out on a limb by picking the Rockville Rox to win the Class 1A State Championship. After all, Rockville is currently 23-0. Not to mention the Rox were runner ups in Class 1A last year and won the Pizza Hut Wabash Valley Classic Tournament this year. With those facts alone you can probably say Rockville is a solid choice as favorite to take the 1A crown.

While the above paragraph definitely plays a part in my pick there are many other reasons as well. Start with who the Rox have beaten this year. They went through a demanding tournament having to beat four competitive teams; Casey-Westfield, Marshall, Sullivan, and Robinson. The golden Arrows and Maroons in particular are extremely talented squads that could just not find a way to keep up with the Rox. Add in a gutty effort in a hostile environment at Terre Haute North and a victory of Terre Haute South this season.

Here is the main reason I'm picking Rockville to end the season cutting down the nets at bankers life Fieldhouse. Have you watched this team play? Even during their 61-40 sectional victory on Tuesday against Riverton Parke, a game coach Dave Mahurin and star Lane Mahurin described as sloppy and poorly played, the Rox displayed excellent team basketball with players perfectly suited for certain rules.

Courtesy highschoolhoopsreport.com

Rockville has a star and go to scorer Lane Mahurin who will be attending Indiana Weslyn next year. Mahurin has the size to control the post, quickness to drive, and touch to make a shot from anywhere on the floor. Not to mention, he is selfless with little care for individual statistics. At the same time, Mahurin has displayed the tenacity to take over when needed.

Gary Ulrich is next on my list. Some of the shots this kid makes make you do a double take. There are only so many basketball players that can make a contested three pointer without setting. Ulrich is a machine from deep, but he always plays bigger then his size. Ulrich will mix it up in the paint and has sneaky good speed.

Next I'll focus on Jordan McFall who gets them to fall often as I like to saying during my Rockville highlights. McFall has the ability to light up the scoreboard as exemplified by his 22 points in Rockville's first sectional game. He's an all around guy with the ability to hit from deep and match up with similar sized players down low. He's extremely valuable in the rebound game especially when Mahurin is getting boxed out by two opposing players.

Courtesy tribstar.com

Finally, to Kiontre Wilkey who displays the same superb speed and shiftiness on the hardwood as the gridiron during football season. Wilkey is a point guard to the very definition. He controls the tempo and is always looking to pass. Wilkey also plays fantastic defense often pressuring the other guards. Wilkey does have the ability to hit key jumpers, as he did against Riverton Parke, but it's never his primary concern.

The bench is deep and will always put in productive minutes when called upon. This became necessary after suspension, due to a violation of team rules, robbed the Rox of multiple players including a key contributor.

The cherry on top is head coach Dave Mahurin who is in his 23rd year coaching and 10th at Rockville. Mahurin has his squad playing team basketball to perfection. There are no egos on this team and nothing but excellence is accepted.

I'm sure Rockville will run into some greats teams. Immediately, I think about Barr-Reeve (21-1), defending champion Loogootee, and North Daviess not to mention many teams I don't even know about. This prediction is all about the Rox though. I've seen this team play enough to believe they have all the elements to take home a championship. The journey continues tomorrow when the Rox face off against Turkey Run. If they win, Rockville plays the winner of Covington and Attica in the sectional championship.

Mayer: Colin Cowherd Blames Poor Pacers Attendance on Racism

In case you missed "The Herd" yesterday, well, let's just say host Colin Cowherd stirred things up. Speaking about the Pacers poor attendance numbers despite the team thriving on the court, Cowherd asserted that racism was one of the main factors keeping spectators away from Bankers Life Fieldhouse.

Courtesy aviewfrommyseat.com

Obviously, this is a pretty controversial comment, especially with the certainty Cowherd expressed in saying it. I'll start with this. I think Colin Cowherd is a solid sports media personality, radio host, etc. I watch The Herd almost every day while eating lunch and genuinely enjoy the banter. While I don't always agree with what the host has to say, I still respect him. Cowherd genuinely believes and makes solid arguments about the topic, as opposed to a Skip Bayless type who simply tries to incite drama and controversy.

Back to the topic. I disagree with Cowherd on this subject. There are many reasons the Pacers are failing to draw (26th in attendance averaging 14,433 per game) despite Indiana playing so well (1st place in the Central Division and 3rd best record in the East). Is racism the reason? I really don't think so. Is it a factor? I can't definitively say it is not. However, if race is a factor I think it is such a small percentile that it really is not significant. The Malice in the Palace ended some fans relationship with the Pacers forever and could be a reason that some believe racism is an issue in attendance numbers. Makes some sense, but the brawl was almost a decade ago.

Cowherd continually dismissed the notion that Indianapolis is not a pro sports town by using the Reggie Miller days and the support Indy showed for those teams as an example. Great support for the Colts was also brought up.

Courtesy ihsaa.org

I disagree. Indianapolis is not a professional sports town and Indiana is not a professional sports state. That's not to say that pro sports don't have a place, but they are not the focal point. College and high school athletics, especially in basketball, rule the Hoosier state. One of the main reasons the Pacers are not drawing well is simple: Indiana University is back and taking the nation by storm while Butler has developed into a perennial contender. Those two schools are taking fans away. This is a down year for Purdue but it is a rarity and fans in West Lafayette would much rather support the Boilers then travel to Indy for an NBA game.

To further that point, many callers talked about how basketball fans in Indiana enjoy the team first, sharing the ball philosophy which distances the die hards from the superstar driven NBA. Cowherd retorted that is exactly how the Pacers play, so why wouldn't the basketball lovers in "the basketball state" want to see a pro team built in that image. Other callers said that the Pacers don't have a true super star which effects attendance and Cowherd came back with essentially the same argument: people want team basketball but then complain about not having a star.

It is true that basketball lovers in Indiana hate star driven selfish basketball. But it doesn't matter what kind of style the Pacers play because these are the fans that would choose a high school or college basketball game over an NBA game no matter what. So, the lack of a superstar does hurt because the younger generation (many who may not even be huge NBA fans) wait for Lebron or Kobe to hit the Bankers Life Fieldhouse floor.

Courtesy indyhiphop.com

Reggie Miller was a superstar the city and state fell in love with. The Pacers were also massively successful for a number of years. That is why those teams drew well. No one went to Colts games until Peyton Manning came along, became a superstar, and led the Colts to the playoffs every year.  That goodwill has carried over with another budding superstar in Andrew Luck and was not terribly hurt by only one bad year in between.

The Pacers have not had a superstar since Miller and were not particularly successful until recently. From 2006-2011 Indiana was never above .500. Fan bases simply don't have a light bulb go on as soon as the team in their city starts to play well. If Indiana is able to sustain their winning ways and Paul George becomes the player many think he will be, the fans will return. Indianapolis is not a pro sports town, it takes a certain combination of factors for professional teams to keep the turnstiles clicking every year. Are some fans racist and refuse to support non Caucasian athletes? Sure, but that is a truth for every team in every city. Even if the Pacers do draw well in the next couple of years, Indianapolis will always be a small town, underdog, sports city that prefers high school and college athletics.

Courtesy 1070thefan.com