WCWS 5-31-08

[Wooahhhh]

Texas A&M and ASU in the driver's seat. SEC takes out U of A and UCLA. Why is it so quiet on here? Not even any discussion on the SEC vs. Pac-10 anymore, rofl.

[Martin]

Neither UCLA nor UA in the Championship Game for the first time since 1986. That's probably worthy of mention. Ever since Michigan's run, many folks have been saying that the times are changing. Others point out that these new teams are filled with SoCal players, so nothing has really changed except the ability of teams outside the Pac-10 to recruit.

I'm with the first group. There can be no doubt that the talent pool is widening and I think that is a very good thing for the health of the game. SoCal continues to be the gold standard and that won't change anytime soon, if ever. But their ability to completely dominate the rest of the country is fading fast.

UCLA and UA are not even in the Final Four (let alone the Championship Game) for the first time in two decades. Three of the Final Four are from outside the Pac-10. Some will point out that the pitchers from UF and UA hail from Cali - good point. We also have seen a pitcher from VA no-hit the Olympic Team and pitchers from Michigan and Texas excel. I wonder what ASU backers will be thinking next year when they pin their hopes on a pitcher from Maryland?

[Demonboy]

Neither UCLA nor UA in the Championship Game for the first time since 1986. That's probably worthy of mention. Ever since Michigan's run, many folks have been saying that the times are changing. Others point out that these new teams are filled with SoCal players, so nothing has really changed except the ability of teams outside the Pac-10 to recruit.

I'm with the first group. There can be no doubt that the talent pool is widening and I think that is a very good thing for the health of the game. SoCal continues to be the gold standard and that won't change anytime soon, if ever. But their ability to completely dominate the rest of the country is fading fast.

UCLA and UA are not even in the Final Four (let alone the Championship Game) for the first time in two decades. Three of the Final Four are from outside the Pac-10. Some will point out that the pitchers from UF and UA hail from Cali - good point. We also have seen a pitcher from VA no-hit the Olympic Team and pitchers from Michigan and Texas excel. I wonder what ASU backers will be thinking next year when they pin their hopes on a pitcher from Maryland?

About having to score a whole lot of runs.

[Martin]

I've marked this post and have the crow on ice. All that remains to be seen is who will eat it.