A Look Back, A Look Forward

The month of December is always a fun time for me and for many collegiate baseball players. It's usually a chance to get some quality time at home. With the grind during the spring and summer, players do not get much of a "summer vacation."

The holidays also provide a great chance to reflect back on the past. We've made that easy for you if you want to relive the 2009 Copperheads. Go to the "Audio" tab on the homepage, and it's right there for you. The ride was a fun one, and the 14-minute feature brings back some great memories.

Looking ahead to 2010, the GLSCL is staying busy. There are a few news and notes about tomorrow's league meeting that are of interest:

• The Delaware Cows will be back in 2010 after a one-year absence. The Cows planned on returning in one year when the team pulled out of the '09 campaign, which means that there is no need for a vote to approve the addition. Delaware is back for 2010.
• As long as the Lexington organization is voted into the league (more on that in a second), the league will have 11 teams. This would prompt a 40-game schedule, with all teams facing each other four times during the season (either four single dates-two at each site-or two doubleheaders-one at each site), which is how the '08 schedule was designed. If you recall, 2009 featured the lowest number of games (36) in league history.
• From Southern Ohio's perspective, this is a great thing. Looking back to last season, the Copperheads' regular season spanned 46 days, but the team was only scheduled to play on 26 days. Throw in the many doubleheaders, rain outs and postponements, and the team only played every other day, on average. That's just not going to cut it when other summer leagues like the Cape Cod League and the Coastal Plain League, among others, are playing almost every day. More teams, especially teams close to Athens (i.e. Delaware), means more games, which is great for the Copperheads and everyone in the league.
• The group associated with the Lexington team will present its proposal for admittance into the league at tomorrow's meeting. There are no problems expected, and the proposal seems to be thorough. The team could play in a few different stadiums, which isn't an issue (Lake Erie did it last year). So Lexington will be a member of the GLSCL barring something strange happening.
• The most interesting aspect of tomorrow's meeting to me is a possible change in the playoff set-up. A few league members are proposing a six-team, series format. The top two seeds would receive a bye in round one, as the other four would play one game the Tuesday after the regular season ends (which is a Sunday) to move onto the final four (3-vs.-6, 4-vs.-5), with the higher seed getting home field. Then, the 3-vs.-6 winner would face the second seeded team and the 4-vs.-5 winner would face the top seed in three-game series, with the higher seed getting games 1 and 2 at home.
• The championship series would also be a three-game series, with the home dates based on the distance between the two competing teams. If the trip is less than 150 miles, the higher seed will get games 1 and 3 at home. If the trip is more than 150 miles, the higher seed will play at home during games 1 and 2.
• The semifinals would take place Wednesday-Friday, and the finals would be from Saturday to Monday.
• Last year, the league voted down a proposal for a four-team playoff similar to the second and third legs of this postseason format. The proposal and the vote comes tomorrow. I'll keep you posted.
• My two cents: I love the idea. It keeps the same number of teams in the playoffs, and it rewards the efforts during the regular season much more. Quite frankly, a tournament at a neutral site doesn't give the top seed any advantage over the low seed. In my mind, there should be an advantage. Plus, this set-up is what almost every other league uses. But I understand that this may not be logistically or monetarily possible. We'll see how the rest of the league votes, but from strictly a baseball perspective, I love the proposal.

I'll keep you posted on the meeting tomorrow. Until next time, take a listen to the '09 rewind, and go Copperheads.

- Brian

Time to be Thankful

First off, happy Thanksgiving to everyone. This is truly a great time of the year, and I hope everyone reading gets a chance to take a break and enjoy some food and friendship.

As always, the Copperheads are staying busy, announcing a new assistant coach for the 2010 season--Jordan Becker. The Copperheads will go with a coaching staff quartet in '10. In talking with Becker a few times, he seems to be an engaging personality who is excited about coming to Athens. Should be fun.

Also, there is some possible movement in the GLSCL this upcoming season. The league is looking into an expansion to Lexington, Kentucky. The league added Hamilton prior to the '09 season, and the Joes drew better than most.

On the flip side, the Anderson Servants will request a year off to re-organize their organization. There were some complaints about the condition of Memorial Field, the home of the Servants. The Copperheads did not have to go to Anderson this year (Southern Ohio hosted the Servants for a three-game set in 2009), but the field was not in great shape in 2008 when the Snakes went to Anderson. From what I've heard, it got worse this past season.

The hope is to re-apply for membership in the GLSCL at some point. "Certainly, rest assured that we would not re-apply unless [the league] felt that all the components were already in place for a quality program," Anderson general manager Greg Lymberopoulous said via e-mail to the league. "I would like to remain a supporter of the Great Lakes League and its mission for the long term."

Also, before starting to down that turkey, here are some players with contracts to play for the Copperheads in 2010:

• Bryan Barnes, IF, Ohio University.
• Andy Carter, P, Shawnee State University.
• Matt Croglio, P, College of the Holy Cross.
• Addison Dunn, P, Kent State University.
• Ryan Jones, P, Michigan State University.
• Kevin Kiermaier, OF, Parkland College/Purdue University.
• Sam Mahoney, C/IF, Ohio University.
• John Martinez, C, Michigan State University.
• Wes O'Neill, IF, Ohio University.
• Spencer Payne, IF, Boston College.
• John Pedrotty, P, College of the Holy Cross.
• Trey Popp, P, Michigan State University.
• David Starn, P, Kent State University.
• Seth Streich, P/IF, Ohio University.
• Andrew Waszak, P, Michigan State University.
• Darin Worman, P, Parkland College/Eastern Illinois University.
• David Wright, P, Kent State University.

Keep an eye on copperheadbaseball.com for the audio tribute to the 2009 Southern Ohio Copperheads, which will be available by the end of the weekend. Until then, Happy Thanksgiving from all of us with the Copperheads!

- Brian

October baseball is here

When I was five years old, I had the privilege of attending Game 4 of the 1995 World Series between Cleveland and Atlanta. While my beloved Indians lost 5-2 that night, I had the time of my life. This year, I'm stuck watching former Indians CC Sabathia and Cliff Lee wheel and deal for their current clubs. However, my childhood was filled with magical baseball memories, as it truly was a golden age. I am sure that my love for baseball and for covering sports can be traced back to the Indians' amazing run in the mid- and late-1990s.

So I will watch the October (and November) excitement and await the valiant return to the playoffs for my Indians soon (or maybe not so soon). And hey, we can always remember back to the championship run by the Green and Gold.

For now, a few off-season bullet points:

• While college baseball is probably the last thing on most people's mind right now, this time of the year is when the initial connections are made for summer ball. When the Copperheads' general staff meets for the first time in January, there will (most likely) be a "rough draft" roster ready. There has been over the last two years by January, but obviously that is far from set.
• I spoke with assistant coach Chris Moore a few days ago, and he told me that a few players have tentatively committed for 2010, including two all-stars (David Starn and Trent Moses). Andy Carter and Matt Robertson have also indicated that they will return for another summer in Athens.
• Taylor Davis will not return, as he has agreed to play for the Alexandria (Minn.) Beetles of the Northwoods League.
• Coach Moore also told me that Brannon Belair had Tommy John surgery recently and will be out for at least one year. Certainly a tough break for the southpaw, but he's a Walsh Jesuit Warrior--he will battle back.
• PGCrosschecker rated the top 25 prospects in the Great Lakes Summer Collegiate League, and Southern Ohio had two representatives. Click HERE for the entire list. Dayton's Cameron Hobson checked in at 7th, while Northwestern's Dave Jensen squeezed in at 24th.
• Two snubs in my mind are David Starn and Jerod Yakubik, but what do I know? Also, Jordan Langley could make a strong argument as a closer prospect, but he is just a sophomore this year. He has time.
• The colors Green and Gold seem to be the way to go in southeastern Ohio sports this year. Not only did the Copperheads go to their first ever title game, but the Athens High School Bulldogs' football team (a team I do play-by-play for during the fall) is 6-0 for the first time in a long time (the records don't go back far enough), and they don the Green and Gold.
  

If you have any feedback or questions, feel free to e-mail me at copperheadsradio@copperheadbaseball.com. Stay locked to copperheadbaseball.com, as the 2009 season rewind will be available at our podcast soon. Go Copperheads!

- Brian

Catching up with the professional Copperheads

Before we talk about some of the former Copperheads in the professional ranks, I have to congratulate all parties involved with the return of the 2009 coaching staff for 2010. Whenever you can hold onto a coaching staff, you are benefitting in the recruiting process (an underrated feature of this league) and on the field. Coaching summer ball is different than coaching spring ball in many ways. Five teams had head coaches returning last season in the GLSCL (Lima, Licking County, Xenia, Stark County and Anderson), and three made the postseason. The Copperheads have never had a skipper return. This year, they will have the whole staff. Hopefully, this can convince some of the solid underclassmen to return to Athens next summer.

Mike, Chris and Tim are all class acts and great baseball men, and I am happy to share another summer with them in 2010. Here's hoping there will be more dinners at Broney's, trips to the Greene County Fair, insightful pre-game interview additions by coach Florak, 6.46 60s, and (most importantly) W's.

Now, let's get you a minor league update. Here is how the former Copperheads are doing at the minor league level, in alphabetical order with their year with Southern Ohio in parentheses:

Paul Bennett (2005): Mississippi Braves, AA affiliate of Atlanta Braves

- .182 average, 0 homers and 10 RBIs in 48 games

Seth Bynum (2003): Syracuse Chiefs, AAA affiliate of Washington Nationals

- .260 average in 110 games; 16 homers and 57 runs batted in; competed in the AAA All-Star Game July 15.

Tony Campana (2007): Daytona Cubs, High-A affiliate of Chicago Cubs

- .280 average with 0 homers and 21 RBIs; second in Florida State League with 48 SBs in just 88 games; promoted to Daytona after 18 games at the low A level.

Mike Folli (2005): Springfield Cardinals, AA affiliate of St. Louis Cardinals

- .236 batting average in 59 games; 3 long balls and 20 RBIs

Jake Goebbert (2008): Tri-City Valley Cats, A-Short Season affiliate of Houston Astros

- .242 average in 40 games; 0 home runs and 13 runs batted in; 10 runs scored

Kevan Hess (2008): Oneonta Tigers, A-Short Season affiliate of Detroit Tigers

- 2-0 record with a 2.87 ERA in 31.1 innings; Strikeout-to-walk ratio of 26-14; 14 appearances, including one start, when he went four innings and allowed only one run on July 30, earning a no-decision

Marc Krauss (2009...signed, but did not play): South Bend Silver Hawks, Low-A affiliate of Arizona Diamondbacks

- .304 average with 2 homers and 17 runs batted in; done for the season with an ankle injury; had surgery on the ankle and is now preparing for instructional ball this fall

Joey Newby (2003): West Tenn Diamond Jaxx, AA affiliate of Seattle Mariners

- 0-1 record with a 3.44 ERA; strikeout-to-walk ratio at 28-25; 22 appearances; had a brief sting with AAA Tacoma, allowing one earned run in 6.1 innings

Ryan Peisel (2005): Asheville Tourists, Low-A affiliate of Colorado Rockies

- .295 average in 78 games; 3 home runs and 34 runs batted in

Jonathan Pokorny (2007): Helena Brewers, Rookie affiliate of Milwaukee Brewers

- 2-2 record with a 2.33 ERA in 10 appearances (two starts); 27 innings of work; 1.37 WHIP

Ryan Robowski (2007): Missoula Osprey, Rookie affiliate of Arizona Diamondbacks

- 3-2 record with a 3.79 ERA in 13 relief appearances; 16-6 K-BB ratio

Jason Rook (2006): Aberdeen Ironbirds, A-Short Season affiliate of Baltimore Orioles

- .240 average in 29 games; one home run and seven RBIs

David Rubinstein (2006): State College Spikes, A-Short Season affiliate of Pittsburgh Pirates

- .274 average in 48 games; 2 homers and 24 RBIs

Adam Russell (2002): Portland Beavers, AAA affiliate of San Diego Padres

- 0-0 record with a 7.88 ERA in eight innings with Portland; traded along with three other prospects from Chicago to San Diego for ace Jake Peavy; listed on the Padres' 40-man roster

Ben Watkins (2008): Staten Island Yankees, A-Short Season affiliate of New York Yankees

- 3-0 record with a 1.65 ERA in 32.2 innings; a 30-6 strikeout-to-walk ratio and a 0.98 WHIP

Kevin Winn (2006): Eugene Emeralds, A-Short Season affiliate of San Diego Padres

- .209 average in 12 games; 0 homers and five RBIs; recently demoted from High-A Lake Elsinore

More to come, including the audio tribute to the Copperheads' 2009 season at the Audio tab of copperheadbaseball.com sometime next week. 

- Brian

Coaching staff announcement coming soon

Stay tuned over the next few days to copperheadbaseball.com, as an announcement regarding the coaching staff for 2010 will appear on the homepage. 

A few other quick tidbits:

• We will have the rest of our 2009 pictures up on the Pictures tab of copperheadbaseball.com in the next 10 days or so. We apologize for the inconvenience, but please revisit the site soon to take a look at all of the pictures from the '09 campaign.
• Check out the 2009 Copperheads Awards article. It was a smashing success for guys like Jerod Yakubik, David Jensen, Jeff May, Jordan Langley, Trent Moses and some others. Easily one of the most enjoyable stories to write all year, so I hope you enjoy it.
• Congrats again to Jessie Martin, the newest Assistant General Manager of the Copperheads. A story on the Ohio University graduate student is on the homepage.

Again, stay tuned for a coaching staff announcement coming soon. Until then, take care.

- Brian

Wrapping it up

The team is back in Athens, and the season is over. Even though the Copperheads fell one game short of the GLSCL title, the season was a blast for everyone. Now, each player begins their trip home. Some have already started. Many players get little time at home, and as a person in the same boat, I hope that all of them get to enjoy it. 

Stay tuned to copperheadbaseball.com for a few season-ending stories, including the second-annual Copperheads Awards. You can relive all 38 games by going to our podcast and downloading the highlight packages. In a few weeks, I will have an audio recap of the wild ride that was the 2009 Copperheads season.

Thanks to everyone who has made this season an enjoyable one. Allie, Brad, Justin and I appreciate all of the kind words and the feedback that all of you have provided during the season. We look forward to more excitement in 2010, as the Copperheads will compete in the GLSCL for the ninth time.

Stay tuned to the blog in the coming weeks for updates on some of the former Copperheads. Until then, I'm off to my home like many of the players. Thanks, and go Copperheads!

- Brian

Why Licking County's win is good for the Copperheads

Licking County just beat Cincinnati in the first game of day two at the tournament. Had the Settlers lost to the Steam, then tonight's Lima-Southern Ohio game would have been for all the marbles in Pod 1. Now, the Copperheads would still be alive for the title game even if they lose tonight against top-seeded Lima. Here are the two scenarios that allow the Copperheads to play Friday night at 7:00 p.m. for the title.

1. Southern Ohio defeats Lima tonight.
2. These three things:

• The Copperheads beat Grand Lake Friday at 1 p.m.
• Licking County defeats Lima at 4 p.m. Friday
• The Copperheads allow fewer runs in their three tournament games than Lima and Licking County (right now, the Copperheads have allowed two runs in one game; Lima three runs in one game; and Licking County eight runs in two games).

Obviously, the first scenario is easier.

Andy Carter will battle Tyler Newhart (3-0, 1.09 ERA in 33 IP) on the mound tonight. Tune in beginning at 6:45 p.m. to Power 105 for the action.

- Brian