[treetop11]

First off, congrats on the regional win. You guys battled last night and overcame adversity all weekend. I was able to watch most of the second Fresno ST game and Stanford looks like a gritty baseball team. As a Mississippi State fan, I'm looking forward to seeing one of college baseballs best programs at DNF.

Offensively, this MSU team has a balance of experienced battle tested players and a good bit of FR/SO talent. Our lineup is very aggressive at the plate and will swing early in counts. That can be both a strength and a weakness. We can get ourselves out early in counts if you use the aggressiveness against us. The lineup is very balanced in terms of power/average/speed. That said, our lineup goes as Jake Mangum goes.

On the mound, we rely on establishing plus counts and will pound the zone with fastballs. Ethan Small throws fastballs at a 80% clip and does a great job changing the eye level using fastballs up in the zone. He is very deceptive and lives at 88-93....though he hit 96 a few times Friday. Ginn has elite stuff but had to be pulled from Friday's game because of "soreness." He missed two starts earlier in the year for the same cause. That said, our coaching staff is being very cautious and his status going into the week is unknown. I personally think he will pitch Game 3. Plumlee, our #3 starter, has been very good. It would not shock me to see him get the nod in game 2. Out of the pen, we will rely on a mix of sinker ballers, cutters, and power. Our most reliable have been Gordon and Liebelt. 

I've included a link to our baseball stats/schedule information in the event you're curious. I've also included a link to our official baseball Twitter account which will keep you up to date on regional information.

https://hailstate.com/sports/2007/6/26/944260.aspx
https://twitter.com/HailStateBB?ref_src=...r%5Eauthor

If any of you have specific questions related to our lineup/pitchers, post them here. And if you find yourself in Starkville on Satuday, I hope you have an enjoyable experience. It is a unique place to watch a baseball game. I'm looking forward to a fun series.

Thanks Bob23, very informative, objective, and thoughtful report. I know next to nothing about your team, but they appear to be top rate and a tough assignment for Stanford especially in Starkville.

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Cal will NEVER play Fresno State in Fresno again because of how boorish their fans were the last time they were there. That also means Fresno State will probably never play Cal again unless in a Bowl Game. I know San Jose State fans have been a tad on the boorish side at Stanford games, but can't hold a candle to Fresno State. It is pretty sad though, that neither Cal or Stanford will play SJS or FSU any more in football it seems. Neither school wants to play at Cal or Stanford without a home game in return, and no way Cal and Stanford are going to play at SJS or Fresno. Perhaps Levi's Stadium, but no way at home.

Turning back to Super Regional and the series strategy... 

I agree it's unwise to match Stanford's best starter against MSU's best on Saturday. I would start the #3 in Game 1, #1 in Game 2, and #2 in Game 3. Basically play rope a dope in Game 1, then have the best guy in the most important game between the first two, and then you take your chances with your #2 in Game 3, knowing the best guy from MSU can probably come in for a couple innings if there is a Game 3.

Hey, GoDawgs, just an FYI: Stanford was 21-4 away from home this season. So don't expect a home field advantage (unless given by the umpiring crew). The better team will win period.

I like opening with Williams. Besides "matching" the strategy you mentioned, I think his excellent control and strong recent outings will keep us in the game until late when we will have a good chance to pull it out and win regardless of how good the Miss St pitcher is. I suspect that we won't get many hits of Small, but if a close game late, our long ball capabilities might well be enough to get by. 

I would then use Beck in game 2 and Miller in game 3 if there is a game 3. However, if we lose game 1, might want to throw Miller in game 2; a play by ear situation. I would save Will M.  for middle/long relief as necessary. I think he's most effective in that role and he's a guy who could come in more than one game if needed.

[treetop11]

First off, congrats on the regional win. You guys battled last night and overcame adversity all weekend. I was able to watch most of the second Fresno ST game and Stanford looks like a gritty baseball team. As a Mississippi State fan, I'm looking forward to seeing one of college baseballs best programs at DNF.

Offensively, this MSU team has a balance of experienced battle tested players and a good bit of FR/SO talent. Our lineup is very aggressive at the plate and will swing early in counts. That can be both a strength and a weakness. We can get ourselves out early in counts if you use the aggressiveness against us. The lineup is very balanced in terms of power/average/speed. That said, our lineup goes as Jake Mangum goes.

On the mound, we rely on establishing plus counts and will pound the zone with fastballs. Ethan Small throws fastballs at a 80% clip and does a great job changing the eye level using fastballs up in the zone. He is very deceptive and lives at 88-93....though he hit 96 a few times Friday. Ginn has elite stuff but had to be pulled from Friday's game because of "soreness." He missed two starts earlier in the year for the same cause. That said, our coaching staff is being very cautious and his status going into the week is unknown. I personally think he will pitch Game 3. Plumlee, our #3 starter, has been very good. It would not shock me to see him get the nod in game 2. Out of the pen, we will rely on a mix of sinker ballers, cutters, and power. Our most reliable have been Gordon and Liebelt. 

I've included a link to our baseball stats/schedule information in the event you're curious. I've also included a link to our official baseball Twitter account which will keep you up to date on regional information.

https://hailstate.com/sports/2007/6/26/944260.aspx
https://twitter.com/HailStateBB?ref_src=...r%5Eauthor

If any of you have specific questions related to our lineup/pitchers, post them here. And if you find yourself in Starkville on Satuday, I hope you have an enjoyable experience. It is a unique place to watch a baseball game. I'm looking forward to a fun series.

Thanks Bob23, very informative, objective, and thoughtful report. I know next to nothing about your team, but they appear to be top rate and a tough assignment for Stanford especially in Starkville.

---

Cal will NEVER play Fresno State in Fresno again because of how boorish their fans were the last time they were there. That also means Fresno State will probably never play Cal again unless in a Bowl Game. I know San Jose State fans have been a tad on the boorish side at Stanford games, but can't hold a candle to Fresno State. It is pretty sad though, that neither Cal or Stanford will play SJS or FSU any more in football it seems. Neither school wants to play at Cal or Stanford without a home game in return, and no way Cal and Stanford are going to play at SJS or Fresno. Perhaps Levi's Stadium, but no way at home.

Turning back to Super Regional and the series strategy... 

I agree it's unwise to match Stanford's best starter against MSU's best on Saturday. I would start the #3 in Game 1, #1 in Game 2, and #2 in Game 3. Basically play rope a dope in Game 1, then have the best guy in the most important game between the first two, and then you take your chances with your #2 in Game 3, knowing the best guy from MSU can probably come in for a couple innings if there is a Game 3.

Hey, GoDawgs, just an FYI: Stanford was 21-4 away from home this season. So don't expect a home field advantage (unless given by the umpiring crew). The better team will win period.

I like opening with Williams. Besides "matching" the strategy you mentioned, I think his excellent control and strong recent outings will keep us in the game until late when we will have a good chance to pull it out and win regardless of how good the Miss St pitcher is. I suspect that we won't get many hits of Small, but if a close game late, our long ball capabilities might well be enough to get by. 

I would then use Beck in game 2 and Miller in game 3 if there is a game 3. However, if we lose game 1, might want to throw Miller in game 2; a play by ear situation. I would save Will M.  for middle/long relief as necessary. I think he's most effective in that role and he's a guy who could come in more than one game if needed.