Baseball is coming!

[Nixon]

The Bucks' season is already underway...unfortunately, they were swept on a 3 game trip to Texas. But it's really not fair to have to play southern teams that have already been working outside for a while when the only practice you've gotten is indoors at the WHAC. Anyway, OSU is considered a top contender for the B10 title along with Minnesota(as usual).

Honestly, though, my outlook on the team is not as bright as others seem to be. This team has lost its two best players in Scott Lewis and Christian Snavely. The Buckeyes last year had a bunch of fairly average hitters, and one star hitter in Snavely. His offensive output will be difficult to replace. Of course, last year, we had to replace the offense of Nick Swisher and Doug Deeds, and although we didn't match them, the team was still alright. Maybe some guys will step up. All it would take is 3 or 4 guys to increses their output by five runs created or so and the loss of Snavely would be mitigated.

Our strength last year was pitching. Lewis being gone until at least April(but I would be shocked if he pitched before June--no inside info, just IMO) hurts, but Josh Newman and Mike Madsen are a solid top two starters. We also don't really have a closer right now, since Matt Davis signed with the Indians, but that doesn't worry me that much. Davis racked up a lot of saves, but didn't really have an outstanding ERA and I think will be a lot easier to replace then Lewis and Snavely. But those three are really the only significant players we lost from last years team.

Anyway, the home opener is just about 5 weeks away--March 31 against Eastern scum at Bill Davis Stadium.

[Basebuck]

I still have quite a few friends on the team and I would say that you are right on with Lewis. I still think it's going to be a great year though as the team has been working out harder than in years past.

[Nixon]

Basebuck, given your user name, did you play for OSU? Or do you just know guys on the team from other channels?

[Basebuck]

I played with most of the people that graduated last year. Many remain some of my closest friends.
I was recruited by Coach Todd but decided to move south to play ball at a big time baseball school. I liked the idea of being able to play baseball year round outside.
Having to make that decision was extremely tough. I just thought that my best oppurtunity to make it was down south. That is why I have alot of sympathy for the kids going through the recruiting process now. Then again, if it would have been football there is no question I would have been at OSU.
Well, I was gone for 4 years and now I'm back. I missed Ohio and the lifestyle around here.