The Podcast About Division-III Baseball

Welcome to Episode 19 of The Podcast About Division III Baseball. This is the third of our eight postseason regional preview podcasts -- this one focuses on the 6-team West Regional which will take place in Spokane, WA. We break down each of the six teams. In order:

• #1 Chapman (at 1:44)
  • After an enormous statement in the SCIAC championship game, can the Panthers live up to the #1 seed and make it to Appleton?
• #6 Willamette (at 4:12)
  • The Bearcats have had a lot of time off since winning the NWC title; how far can Connor Bailey and Matt Steindorf take them?
• #2 Redlands (at 6:14)
  • Perhaps the most balanced all-around team in the West, the Bulldogs will look to avenge their disappointing conference tournament with a strong regional showing
• #5 Texas-Dallas (at 9:20)
  • The Comets got hot at the right time, and are ready to try and outscore any and all opponents
• #3 Concordia-Texas (at 11:42)
  • The numbers don't jump off the page, but there are many reasons to fear the Tornados in a regional setting
• #4 Texas Lutheran (at 15:14)
  • The Bulldogs have felt like a team of destiny all year long; Riley Schaefer/Tyler Cauley + Dylan Drgac/Nathan Malinovsky = goooooooood baseball team.

We conclude with our top players and pitchers to watch, and our pick to punch their ticket to Appleton (at 19:40). Then we say goodbye. Thanks for listening!

Follow us on Twitter @d3baseballpod (DMs are open if you want to reach us there) and @CespedesBBQ.

Send us your best D-III stories or any other comments or questions to [email protected]

Subscribe + rate/review on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-podcast-about-division-iii-baseball/id1342691759

Welcome to Episode 19 of The Podcast About Division III Baseball. This is the third of our eight postseason regional preview podcasts -- this one focuses on the 6-team West Regional which will take place in Spokane, WA. We break down each of the six teams. In order:

• #1 Chapman (at 1:44)
  • After an enormous statement in the SCIAC championship game, can the Panthers live up to the #1 seed and make it to Appleton?
• #6 Willamette (at 4:12)
  • The Bearcats have had a lot of time off since winning the NWC title; how far can Connor Bailey and Matt Steindorf take them?
• #2 Redlands (at 6:14)
  • Perhaps the most balanced all-around team in the West, the Bulldogs will look to avenge their disappointing conference tournament with a strong regional showing
• #5 Texas-Dallas (at 9:20)
  • The Comets got hot at the right time, and are ready to try and outscore any and all opponents
• #3 Concordia-Texas (at 11:42)
  • The numbers don't jump off the page, but there are many reasons to fear the Tornados in a regional setting
• #4 Texas Lutheran (at 15:14)
  • The Bulldogs have felt like a team of destiny all year long; Riley Schaefer/Tyler Cauley + Dylan Drgac/Nathan Malinovsky = goooooooood baseball team. 

We conclude with our top players and pitchers to watch, and our pick to punch their ticket to Appleton (at 19:40). Then we say goodbye. Thanks for listening!

Follow us on Twitter @d3baseballpod (DMs are open if you want to reach us there) and @CespedesBBQ. 

Send us your best D-III stories or any other comments or questions to [email protected]

Subscribe + rate/review on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-podcast-about-division-iii-baseball/id1342691759 

Welcome to Episode 18 of The Podcast About Division III Baseball. This is the second of our eight postseason regional preview podcasts -- this one focuses on the 6-team Midwest Regional which will take place in Duluth, MN. We break down each of the six teams. In order:

• #1 Concordia-Chicago (at 1:45)
  • After almost pulling off a miracle comeback in the NACC tournament, the Cougars are looking to make it back to Appleton
• #6 Bethany Lutheran (at 6:58)
  • They already pulled off the impossible winning the UMAC; is their any magic left for the Vikings?
• #2 North Central (IL) (at 9:26)
  • Mateja and Wisz have carried the offense all year long; will it be enough to get the Cardinals back to the World Series?
• #5 Dubuque (at 12:30)
  • Fresh off a surprising IIAC title run, the Spartans are ready for the regional and they will not walk your hitters. Ever.
• #3 UW-Oshkosh (at 15:35)
  • The Titans earned a Pool B bid with a huge regular season; now it's time to see how legit they really are
• #4 Bethel (at 18:27)
  • One of the best pitching staffs in recent D-III history will look to shut down some better competition in Duluth

We conclude with our top players and pitchers to watch, and our pick to punch their ticket to Appleton (at 23:25). Then we say goodbye. Thanks for listening!

Follow us on Twitter @d3baseballpod (DMs are open if you want to reach us there) and @CespedesBBQ.

Send us your best D-III stories or any other comments or questions to [email protected]

Subscribe + rate/review on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-podcast-about-division-iii-baseball/id1342691759

Welcome to Episode 18 of The Podcast About Division III Baseball. This is the second of our eight postseason regional preview podcasts -- this one focuses on the 6-team Midwest Regional which will take place in Duluth, MN. We break down each of the six teams. In order:

• #1 Concordia-Chicago (at 1:45)
  • After almost pulling off a miracle comeback in the NACC tournament, the Cougars are looking to make it back to Appleton
• #6 Bethany Lutheran (at 6:58)
  • They already pulled off the impossible winning the UMAC; is their any magic left for the Vikings?
• #2 North Central (IL) (at 9:26)
  • Mateja and Wisz have carried the offense all year long; will it be enough to get the Cardinals back to the World Series?
• #5 Dubuque (at 12:30)
  • Fresh off a surprising IIAC title run, the Spartans are ready for the regional and they will not walk your hitters. Ever. 
• #3 UW-Oshkosh (at 15:35)
  • The Titans earned a Pool B bid with a huge regular season; now it's time to see how legit they really are
• #4 Bethel (at 18:27)
  • One of the best pitching staffs in recent D-III history will look to shut down some better competition in Duluth

We conclude with our top players and pitchers to watch, and our pick to punch their ticket to Appleton (at 23:25). Then we say goodbye. Thanks for listening!

Follow us on Twitter @d3baseballpod (DMs are open if you want to reach us there) and @CespedesBBQ. 

Send us your best D-III stories or any other comments or questions to [email protected]

Subscribe + rate/review on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-podcast-about-division-iii-baseball/id1342691759 

Welcome to Episode 17 of The Podcast About Division III Baseball. We finally made it, folks: the regionals are here. This is the first of our eight postseason regional preview podcasts -- this one focuses on the 8-team Central Regional which will take place in Sauget, Illinois. Before we dive into the eight Central competitors, we took some time to give some brief thoughts on the broader regional field and how we thought the committee did with the at-large bids (at 2:13). Then, we break down each of the eight teams. In order:

• #1 Webster (at 6:20)
  • Can the Gorloks defend their home turf after recapturing the SLIAC title?
• #8 Thomas More (at 9:09)
  • Fresh off taking down the 2017 national runner-ups, the Saints aren't an #8 seed to be taken lightly
• #2 UW-Whitewater (at 12:20)
  • Daytona Bryden is almost definitely the National Player of the Year -- oh and they also have a bunch of other exceptionally awesome players. Good luck, Warhawk opponents.
• #7 Monmouth (at 16:13)
  • The Fighting Scots and the McDonald twins will look to pull off the huge upset
• #3 Texas-Tyler (at 18:15)
  • The Patriots will try and have a better showing after last year's letdown
• #6 Aurora (at 20:19)
  • Knocking off Concordia-Chicago is no small feat; can they ride the momentum into the regional?
• #4 Rhodes (at 22:43)
  • The SAA champs haven't played for a few weeks -- can they get rolling again?
• #5 Franklin (at 25:11)
  • This preposterously ridiculous offense (62 dingers!!!!!!!!) hasn't faced much competition all year long. Is their lineup actually this amazing or are they in for a reality check?

We conclude with our top players and pitchers to watch, and our pick to punch their ticket to Appleton (at 32:40). Then we say goodbye. Thanks for listening!

Follow us on Twitter @d3baseballpod (DMs are open if you want to reach us there) and @CespedesBBQ.

Send us your best D-III stories or any other comments or questions to [email protected]

Subscribe + rate/review on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-podcast-about-division-iii-baseball/id1342691759

Welcome to Episode 17 of The Podcast About Division III Baseball. We finally made it, folks: the regionals are here. This is the first of our eight postseason regional preview podcasts -- this one focuses on the 8-team Central Regional which will take place in Sauget, Illinois. Before we dive into the eight Central competitors, we took some time to give some brief thoughts on the broader regional field and how we thought the committee did with the at-large bids (at 2:13). Then, we break down each of the eight teams. In order:

• #1 Webster (at 6:20)
  • Can the Gorloks defend their home turf after recapturing the SLIAC title?
• #8 Thomas More (at 9:09)
  • Fresh off taking down the 2017 national runner-ups, the Saints aren't an #8 seed to be taken lightly 
• #2 UW-Whitewater (at 12:20)
  • Daytona Bryden is almost definitely the National Player of the Year -- oh and they also have a bunch of other exceptionally awesome players. Good luck, Warhawk opponents. 
• #7 Monmouth (at 16:13)
  • The Fighting Scots and the McDonald twins will look to pull off the huge upset
• #3 Texas-Tyler (at 18:15)
  • The Patriots will try and have a better showing after last year's letdown
• #6 Aurora (at 20:19)
  • Knocking off Concordia-Chicago is no small feat; can they ride the momentum into the regional?
• #4 Rhodes (at 22:43)
  • The SAA champs haven't played for a few weeks -- can they get rolling again?
• #5 Franklin (at 25:11)
  • This preposterously ridiculous offense (62 dingers!!!!!!!!) hasn't faced much competition all year long. Is their lineup actually this amazing or are they in for a reality check?

We conclude with our top players and pitchers to watch, and our pick to punch their ticket to Appleton (at 32:40). Then we say goodbye. Thanks for listening!

Follow us on Twitter @d3baseballpod (DMs are open if you want to reach us there) and @CespedesBBQ. 

Send us your best D-III stories or any other comments or questions to [email protected]

Subscribe + rate/review on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-podcast-about-division-iii-baseball/id1342691759 

Welcome to Episode 16 of The Podcast About Division III Baseball. As we record on the morning of Selection Sunday, 33 of the 40 automatic bids have been clinched. This episode features a comprehensive look at the at-large field, and how Pool B and Pool C will likely shake out based on a variety of scenarios involving the results of Sunday's games. Here's how the at-large field looks:

• 2 Pool B bids
  • The 3 teams we feel clearly have the best shot at these two spots
  • Why all three teams would have strong cases for Pool C regardless
• 16 Pool C bids
  • The 10 teams we feel are the safest
  • The 6 teams we feel are on the bubble, but we project to be in
  • The 5 teams we feel are on bubble and have the best shot if a few things go their way on Sunday
  • 11 other worthy bubble teams that are in the discussion but we think fall just short

It's incredibly tough, but we do our best to discuss it all and cover as many scenarios as possible. We know we won't be totally accurate but we're doing our best to give you the best information and projections that we have. Thank you for listening!

Follow us on Twitter @d3baseballpod (DMs are open if you want to reach us there) and @CespedesBBQ.

Send us your best D-III stories or any other comments or questions to [email protected]

Subscribe + rate/review on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-podcast-about-division-iii-baseball/id1342691759

Welcome to Episode 16 of The Podcast About Division III Baseball. As we record on the morning of Selection Sunday, 33 of the 40 automatic bids have been clinched. This episode features a comprehensive look at the at-large field, and how Pool B and Pool C will likely shake out based on a variety of scenarios involving the results of Sunday's games. Here's how the at-large field looks:

• 2 Pool B bids
  • The 3 teams we feel clearly have the best shot at these two spots
  • Why all three teams would have strong cases for Pool C regardless
• 16 Pool C bids
  • The 10 teams we feel are the safest
  • The 6 teams we feel are on the bubble, but we project to be in
  • The 5 teams we feel are on bubble and have the best shot if a few things go their way on Sunday
  • 11 other worthy bubble teams that are in the discussion but we think fall just short

It's incredibly tough, but we do our best to discuss it all and cover as many scenarios as possible. We know we won't be totally accurate but we're doing our best to give you the best information and projections that we have. Thank you for listening!

Follow us on Twitter @d3baseballpod (DMs are open if you want to reach us there) and @CespedesBBQ. 

Send us your best D-III stories or any other comments or questions to [email protected]

Subscribe + rate/review on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-podcast-about-division-iii-baseball/id1342691759 

Welcome to Episode 15 of The Podcast About Division III Baseball. 16 of the 40 automatic bids have been clinched, and the regional field will be set in less than a week. Before we head into the last week of the regular season, we wanted to take a snapshot of the postseason picture and give an initial look at oh-so-terrifying at-large bubble. This episode has two primary parts:

• Rapid fire reviewing the conference tournament results thus far (at 2:24)
  • We scroll down the Playoff Central page (so we go alphabetically) and run through all the conference tournament results thus far, with a few quick thoughts on some of the more entertaining tourneys, and the some of the more surprising results. 16 teams have clinched automatic bids.
• Our first look at the at-large bubble
  • First, we offer our usual disclaimers about what this conversation is, and what we are aiming to do with our bubble preview (at 12:40)
  • Presenting THE BUBBLE as it currently stands (on the evening of Monday, May 7th)
    • Pool B favorites and possibilities (at 16:00)
      • UW-Whitewater, UW-Oshkosh, Case Western
    • Pool C tiers
      • The teams that we feel are fairly safe (at 17:30)
        • TCNJ, CNU, Ramapo, Redlands, Cortland, Trinity (TX)
        • Other conference runner-ups that could be in good position to get an at-large (NCAC, OAC, LEC, ODAC)
      • The teams that are in good position but not quite locks (at 25:50)
        • Heidelberg, Berry, Case Western
      • The teams that have strong resumes but will need a good amount of help (at 33:20)
        • Alvernia, La Verne, Texas-Tyler, Rutgers-Camden
        • Empire 8 runner-up?
      • The teams that will need *a lot* of help (at 38:30)
        • Wash U, Piedmont, Methodist, Johns Hopkins, MIT, UW-La Crosse, UW-Stevens Point
        • CCIW runner-up
• Then we wish you all the best of luck and say goodbye.

Thanks for listening!

Follow us on Twitter @d3baseballpod and @CespedesBBQ.

Send us your best D-III stories or any other comments or questions to [email protected]

Subscribe + rate/review on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-podcast-about-division-iii-baseball/id1342691759

Welcome to Episode 15 of The Podcast About Division III Baseball. 16 of the 40 automatic bids have been clinched, and the regional field will be set in less than a week. Before we head into the last week of the regular season, we wanted to take a snapshot of the postseason picture and give an initial look at oh-so-terrifying at-large bubble. This episode has two primary parts:

• Rapid fire reviewing the conference tournament results thus far (at 2:24)
  • We scroll down the Playoff Central page (so we go alphabetically) and run through all the conference tournament results thus far, with a few quick thoughts on some of the more entertaining tourneys, and the some of the more surprising results. 16 teams have clinched automatic bids. 
• Our first look at the at-large bubble
  • First, we offer our usual disclaimers about what this conversation is, and what we are aiming to do with our bubble preview (at 12:40)
  • Presenting THE BUBBLE as it currently stands (on the evening of Monday, May 7th)
    • Pool B favorites and possibilities (at 16:00)
      • UW-Whitewater, UW-Oshkosh, Case Western
    • Pool C tiers 
      • The teams that we feel are fairly safe (at 17:30)
        •  TCNJ, CNU, Ramapo, Redlands, Cortland, Trinity (TX)
        • Other conference runner-ups that could be in good position to get an at-large (NCAC, OAC, LEC, ODAC)
      • The teams that are in good position but not quite locks (at 25:50)
        
        • Heidelberg, Berry, Case Western
      • The teams that have strong resumes but will need a good amount of help (at 33:20)
        • Alvernia, La Verne, Texas-Tyler, Rutgers-Camden
        • Empire 8 runner-up?
      • The teams that will need *a lot* of help (at 38:30)
        • Wash U, Piedmont, Methodist,  Johns Hopkins, MIT, UW-La Crosse, UW-Stevens Point
        • CCIW runner-up
• Then we wish you all the best of luck and say goodbye.

Thanks for listening!

Follow us on Twitter @d3baseballpod and @CespedesBBQ. 

Send us your best D-III stories or any other comments or questions to [email protected]

Subscribe + rate/review on iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-podcast-about-division-iii-baseball/id1342691759