Woodridge vs. Beachwood 5/29 Regional Semi-Final at Massillon High School.

[BaseballRepresent]

It's early, but you can't deny it's fun to speculate! :) Woodridge? Beachwood?
Jones? Goldberg? Does beachwood have anyone decent after Goldberg? I predict Jones is on the hill for woodridge and Goldberg is on the hill for Beachwood. I also believe it'll be a low-scoring game, but if woodridge can knock out goldberg, i believe it will be a hit parade. The game is to be played at Massillon at 2:00, precursor to the CCC-Ursuline powerhouse semi-final at 5 on thursday, may 29. Thoughts? Predictions?

[Bo Kimble]

The old battle to be Regional Runners up

[BaseballRepresent]

To Whom?

[Bo Kimble]

Either School that will belt this game's winner in the Finals (CC-Ursuline)

[BaseballRepresent]

I doubt it.

[AKROWDY]

It's early, but you can't deny it's fun to speculate! :) Woodridge? Beachwood?
Jones? Goldberg? Does beachwood have anyone decent after Goldberg? I predict Jones is on the hill for woodridge and Goldberg is on the hill for Beachwood. I also believe it'll be a low-scoring game, but if woodridge can knock out goldberg, i believe it will be a hit parade. The game is to be played at Massillon at 2:00, precursor to the CCC-Ursuline powerhouse semi-final at 5 on thursday, may 29. Thoughts? Predictions?

Woodridge would be smart to throw Krusinski or Wilhite in this game and save Jones for the CCC/Ursuline game. I know many coaches are against this philosophy, but Jones is, IMO, the best of the three. Woodridge's big hitters tee off on guys like Goldberg (hard throwers without much junk). Send Krusinski or Wilhite out to battle him and save Jones to face CCC/Ursuline's #2 (I assume it will be McCoury/Switka in their matchup). Anyone agree?

[Bearly Breathing]

I would not do that. I know it sounds great but we tried that years ago on an excellent travel team I helped coach. We never did get to the next game to use the pitcher we were saving. You need to use the best you have in a tourney because there maybe no next game. (especially in a regional showdown)

[BaseballRepresent]

I would almost bet money that jones is starting against beachwood. I highly doubt dever breaks with routine on this one. Think about it. Jones is the ace of spades of woodridge's top three. He will face the hardest competition or be put in must-win situations. That being said, look who dever has in relief. Krusinski who throws gas(86-89) and has a sick curve (72-74), Wilhite who has one of the lowest era's (.52) in the state, and Westren who's a flyball/groundball out pitcher with better offspeed than wilhite OR krusinski. The bulldogs bullpen should be ready to go behind jones, and, god-willing, if jones throws a 7-inning masterpiece like he's very capable of doing, then you have krusinski/wilhite/westren ready for ursuline/ccc. I like the bulldogs options and chances. It's up to them to man up and prove it now. They're the ones who need to show they belong.

[Bseballaddict]

Anybody remember the Norton -Walsh Game 4 years ago? Walsh held out their ace and never got to the next game.

[AKROWDY]

I would almost bet money that jones is starting against beachwood. I highly doubt dever breaks with routine on this one. Think about it. Jones is the ace of spades of woodridge's top three. He will face the hardest competition or be put in must-win situations. That being said, look who dever has in relief. Krusinski who throws gas(86-89) and has a sick curve (72-74), Wilhite who has one of the lowest era's (.52) in the state, and Westren who's a flyball/groundball out pitcher with better offspeed than wilhite OR krusinski. The bulldogs bullpen should be ready to go behind jones, and, god-willing, if jones throws a 7-inning masterpiece like he's very capable of doing, then you have krusinski/wilhite/westren ready for ursuline/ccc. I like the bulldogs options and chances. It's up to them to man up and prove it now. They're the ones who need to show they belong.

That's my point. Ursuline and CCC are both better than Beachwood. Woodridge will handle Beachwood fairly easily, assuming their defense comes to play (and if it doesn't, it doesn't matter who they have on the hill). Every game from here on out is a must-win and - assuming that the goal is to win states - it doesn't matter if you lose in the regional semis vs. the regional finals - not much difference there. Jones can only pitch 2 of the remaining 4 games, so why not save him for the better team(s)? It appears as if I'm in the minority here, but if I were Dever, I would start Krusinski against Goldberg, Jones against CCC/Ursuline and have Wilhite available to throw an inning or two in both games.

[BaseballRepresent]

I see what you're saying. I'd agree with that idea, however from watching how the rotation has been set up, it appears to me that jones will have the beachwood game. Krusinski and Wilhite will probably go game, upon victory in semi's, then they'll have westren and fay in emergency.

[IRISH]

The game is to be played at Massillon at 2:00, precursor to the CCC-Ursuline powerhouse semi-final at 5 on thursday, may 29. Thoughts?

Ursuline - CCC at 2:00

Woodridge - Beachwood at 5:00

Times switched due to CCC graduation Thursday evening.

http://www.ohsaa.org/sports/bb/boys/2008/d3rgnbrkt08.pdf

[tapNeo]

Woodridge would be smart to throw Krusinski or Wilhite in this game and save Jones for the CCC/Ursuline game. I know many coaches are against this philosophy, but Jones is, IMO, the best of the three. Woodridge's big hitters tee off on guys like Goldberg (hard throwers without much junk). Send Krusinski or Wilhite out to battle him and save Jones to face CCC/Ursuline's #2 (I assume it will be McCoury/Switka in their matchup). Anyone agree?

You NEVER save your best pitcher in a one and out tournament format. NEVER, NEVER, NEVER. I might give it some consideration, if by chance your team gets a good draw, and you face an obviously weaker opponent. That does not happen very often. In Woodridge's situation, they face a pitcher in Goldberg who has the ability to pitch a very good baseball game. One run could very well be the difference in this game. In fact if Jones struggles early, you go to your next best pitcher right away.

[Hometeam]

You always have to throw your best pitcher in the first game because there's never any guarantee that you'll make it to the 2nd game.

[AKROWDY]

You NEVER save your best pitcher in a one and out tournament format. NEVER, NEVER, NEVER. I might give it some consideration, if by chance your team gets a good draw, and you face an obviously weaker opponent. That does not happen very often. In Woodridge's situation, they face a pitcher in Goldberg who has the ability to pitch a very good baseball game. One run could very well be the difference in this game. In fact if Jones struggles early, you go to your next best pitcher right away.

I know the reasoning behind it, I just don't agree with it. From what I have seen this year, Woodridge is far better than Beachwood, Goldberg or not. The kid throws hard, but that's the type of pitching the good Woodridge players hit better against. If they were tossing some junk baller up there, like a Belair from Walsh (or someone similar, though not quite as good), then I'd absolutely throw Jones. It's not as if they're losing a ton going with Krusinski (wins against Strongsville, Twinsburg and a tight loss to Stow) or Wilhite (.6 or .7 ERA, although I'm not sure he's faced any good hitting teams), either. I just think Jones would be better off facing the more potent lineups of CCC or Ursuline. He's shown an ability to shut down some of the best hitting teams in the Akron area already this year (Walsh, Tallmadge, Hoban). Obviously I'm on an island here, but this is an online forum where people come to post their opinions. That's all I'm doing.

[BaseballRepresent]

AKROWDY, your reasoning is fairly sound, and woodridge is probably the better team all around, but you need to hit a team with your best in the semi-final of every tournament game. Like i've said before, woodridge has 5 good pitchers they can use in two games. I like those chances. And if jones does get into trouble, then wilhite or krusinski right away will help out as can westren or fay. The fact is this: Woodridge's staff is deep this year and has experience in the playoffs to give beachwood a heck of a lot to handle, and that's why i like the bulldogs in this one.

[tapNeo]

AKROWDY, your reasoning is fairly sound, and woodridge is probably the better team all around, but you need to hit a team with your best in the semi-final of every tournament game. Like i've said before, woodridge has 5 good pitchers they can use in two games. I like those chances. And if jones does get into trouble, then wilhite or krusinski right away will help out as can westren or fay. The fact is this: Woodridge's staff is deep this year and has experience in the playoffs to give beachwood a heck of a lot to handle, and that's why i like the bulldogs in this one.

Baseball is a very strange game. I went to the Field/Walsh game last night. Everyone would have to agree that on most nights, Walsh is a more superior team than the 1-0 victory that they had. BUT, I've seen this before. Where you put a good pitcher on the mound, and all of a sudden that great offense is silent. Umbright of Field picks up his game to another level in the playoffs. Will Goldberg do the same? He's a senior, with a great arm, and experience. I'd put my money on the line saying that he comes up with a big game, and suddenly those Woodridge bats won't be as potent as they were doing the regular season. I'm not bashing Woodridge, I'm just saying that good pitching usually takes over in the tournament. For this reason, I would start Jones. He's your No. 1. You go with your No. 1 in this game. I remember seeing Whilhite and Krusinski in the playoffs last year. Neither of them was very impressive once they faced a good hitting team. If I recall, didn't Whilhite start the regional semi final game that they lost last year. Krusinski was having control problems as I recall. The playoffs are different. I have all the trust in the world that Jones would silence Beachwood's bats.
If Krusinski starts and starts throwing the ball all over the place, suddenly your down 4-0 in the 3rd, and the favorite is getting tight. They bring Jones in....to little to late, and lose. I've seen this script played over and over before.....START YOUR ACE.

[BuckNut2006]

Baseball is a very strange game. I went to the Field/Walsh game last night. Everyone would have to agree that on most nights, Walsh is a more superior team than the 1-0 victory that they had. BUT, I've seen this before. Where you put a good pitcher on the mound, and all of a sudden that great offense is silent. Umbright of Field picks up his game to another level in the playoffs. Will Goldberg do the same? He's a senior, with a great arm, and experience. I'd put my money on the line saying that he comes up with a big game, and suddenly those Woodridge bats won't be as potent as they were doing the regular season. I'm not bashing Woodridge, I'm just saying that good pitching usually takes over in the tournament. For this reason, I would start Jones. He's your No. 1. You go with your No. 1 in this game. I remember seeing Whilhite and Krusinski in the playoffs last year. Neither of them was very impressive once they faced a good hitting team. If I recall, didn't Whilhite start the regional semi final game that they lost last year. Krusinski was having control problems as I recall. The playoffs are different. I have all the trust in the world that Jones would silence Beachwood's bats.
If Krusinski starts and starts throwing the ball all over the place, suddenly your down 4-0 in the 3rd, and the favorite is getting tight. They bring Jones in....to little to late, and lose. I've seen this script played over and over before.....START YOUR ACE.

I agree, at this point in the playoffs, ANYTHING can happen (Norton beating Walsh 3 or 4 yrs ago). Especially in high school baseball. In basketball and football the upsets aren't as frequent.

[The_Predator]

You start Nick Jones against Beachwood hands down! And don't schedule any stupid games between monday and wednesday, their already playing 6 days in a row this week.

[mustang fan]

I would not do that. I know it sounds great but we tried that years ago on an excellent travel team I helped coach. We never did get to the next game to use the pitcher we were saving. You need to use the best you have in a tourney because there maybe no next game. (especially in a regional showdown)
Ditto...Go with your best now and cross tomorrow's bridge, tomorrow...That is, if you are fortunate enough to get to tomorrow...

[bigdawg33]

I agree ..you have to go with your ace.......No one has nmentioned the high emotion of the game....there is no love loss between the Ohio Hurricanes (Jones, Debord, Wilhite and Kruz) and Brad Goldberg. They split ways a few years back and It could play a big roll in the outcome. Goldberg was on the orginal thunder team before those boys and left (pushed out?) sooner after...could be very interesting...who can keep focused on the game only!!!

[BaseballRepresent]

Baseball is a very strange game. I went to the Field/Walsh game last night. Everyone would have to agree that on most nights, Walsh is a more superior team than the 1-0 victory that they had. BUT, I've seen this before. Where you put a good pitcher on the mound, and all of a sudden that great offense is silent. Umbright of Field picks up his game to another level in the playoffs. Will Goldberg do the same? He's a senior, with a great arm, and experience. I'd put my money on the line saying that he comes up with a big game, and suddenly those Woodridge bats won't be as potent as they were doing the regular season. I'm not bashing Woodridge, I'm just saying that good pitching usually takes over in the tournament. For this reason, I would start Jones. He's your No. 1. You go with your No. 1 in this game. I remember seeing Whilhite and Krusinski in the playoffs last year. Neither of them was very impressive once they faced a good hitting team. If I recall, didn't Whilhite start the regional semi final game that they lost last year. Krusinski was having control problems as I recall. The playoffs are different. I have all the trust in the world that Jones would silence Beachwood's bats.
If Krusinski starts and starts throwing the ball all over the place, suddenly your down 4-0 in the 3rd, and the favorite is getting tight. They bring Jones in....to little to late, and lose. I've seen this script played over and over before.....START YOUR ACE.


TapNeo your dead on. Wilhite was on the hill last year against ursuline and threw terrible, mostly due to diarrhea and dehydration caused by the flu, and krusinski had a SORE ARM!!:wallbang: Then, of course, jones who was healthy comes in the last inning and ursuline doesn't know what to do with their bats...Oy it was frustrating when i found out wilhite and kruz were not up to par...and pitching...Well, what's done is done. New year, new game, new situation, better and stronger players that, hopefully, will not get sick. Please believe that i'm not making excuses. In those situations players need to dig deep and find the resolve to win.

This year, start jones. If he doesn't do well, i've already said who's available.

Tapneo is right gentlemen. The ace needs to start the semi-final.

[BaseballRepresent]

You start Nick Jones against Beachwood hands down! And don't schedule any stupid games between monday and wednesday, their already playing 6 days in a row this week.

so far, 5-0, with a district title secured and at least a co-county division c-ship w/ waterloo if they beat woodridge tomorrow.

[BaseballRepresent]

I agree ..you have to go with your ace.......No one has nmentioned the high emotion of the game....there is no love loss between the Ohio Hurricanes (Jones, Debord, Wilhite and Kruz) and Brad Goldberg. They split ways a few years back and It could play a big roll in the outcome. Goldberg was on the orginal thunder team before those boys and left (pushed out?) sooner after...could be very interesting...who can keep focused on the game only!!!

Yes bigdawg33 that's a very interesting point you've brought up. I remember hearing of Goldberg when he wasn't very good but was a big kid with a lot of potential. Look at him now. Throws low nineties and is considering the draft! None of the hurricanes will be in the draft (a little "in your face, non-believers?". Excellent point, however i think the players will keep their head on what matters most: a victory and how to achieve it.

[stretch33]

TapNeo your dead on. Wilhite was on the hill last year against ursuline and threw terrible, mostly due to diarrhea and dehydration caused by the flu, and krusinski had a SORE ARM!!:wallbang: Then, of course, jones who was healthy comes in the last inning and ursuline doesn't know what to do with their bats...Oy it was frustrating when i found out wilhite and kruz were not up to par...and pitching...Well, what's done is done. New year, new game, new situation, better and stronger players that, hopefully, will not get sick. Please believe that i'm not making excuses. In those situations players need to dig deep and find the resolve to win.

This year, start jones. If he doesn't do well, i've already said who's available.

Tapneo is right gentlemen. The ace needs to start the semi-final.

Ursuline didn't know what to do with their bats??? Maybe they were giving them a chance to cool down after having scored 10 runs!

[BaseballRepresent]

Ursuline didn't know what to do with their bats??? Maybe they were giving them a chance to cool down after having scored 10 runs!

the point was he set them down in order. Woodridge scored first four times, if you remember.

[bigdawg33]

Yes bigdawg33 that's a very interesting point you've brought up. I remember hearing of Goldberg when he wasn't very good but was a big kid with a lot of potential. Look at him now. Throws low nineties and is considering the draft! None of the hurricanes will be in the draft (a little "in your face, non-believers?". Excellent point, however i think the players will keep their head on what matters most: a victory and how to achieve it.



Some could debate the statement 'when he wasn't very good'......he was as good as the others..... based on that everone has a lot more riding on this

[BaseballRepresent]

yes bigdawg this game will be HUGE for both teams. This is beachwood's first regional in a long time i'm pretty sure, and this is woodridge's third in a row and they haven't gotten past this game. Lot of emotion in this one.

[BaseballRepresent]

woodridge is coming off an impressive 6-0 run this past week against good competition in C.V.C.A. and Waterloo twice. They also beat windham twice and wellington. I think the momentum from this impressive run should propel the bulldogs to a good showing against beachwood.

[BaseballRepresent]

I know there has been a lot of focus on Jones from woodridge and goldberg from beachwood. However, i'm curious toward the supporting cast of each team. Who has the stronger overall bench? Outfield? Infield? Who besides Goldberg is good or at least to be reckoned with on the Beachwood side of this game?

[BaseballRepresent]

also, how is beachwood's offense? i noticed they weren't scoring much at districts, but neither was woodridge. I have a feeling this game comes down to defense and pitching.

[ed78]

I'm confused about all of this fuss about whether or not jones from woodridge should pitch against beachwood in the regional game. as a windham parent, i saw him rolling around on the outfield grass holding his throwing arm and complaining about an injury. he then left the outfield and didnt make a throw the rest of the game, and played DH the next day. is his arm even healthy enough to pitch?

[BaseballRepresent]

I'm confused about all of this fuss about whether or not jones from woodridge should pitch against beachwood in the regional game. as a windham parent, i saw him rolling around on the outfield grass holding his throwing arm and complaining about an injury. he then left the outfield and didnt make a throw the rest of the game, and played DH the next day. is his arm even healthy enough to pitch?

I missed the game but i did hear about this. His shoulder came out of the socket partially, but it was easily placed back in. By Saturday he was making good throws in warmup against waterloo, though, at least I thought he looked and seemed ok. Dever's been limiting his throwing to make sure that he's ready for beachwood. I think jones also went to the doctor and got a good report that told him to ice and just take it easy until thursday with light throwing.

[itsa3]

I missed the game but i did hear about this. His shoulder came out of the socket partially, but it was easily placed back in. By Saturday he was making good throws in warmup against waterloo, though, at least I thought he looked and seemed ok. Dever's been limiting his throwing to make sure that he's ready for beachwood. I think jones also went to the doctor and got a good report that told him to ice and just take it easy until thursday with light throwing.

I'm not sure why but rarely does anyone talk much or give DeBord the credit he deserves in making the pitching staff for Woodridge look good. I have watched him 3 times and each game he saved the pitcher numerous runners from advancing. The friday night game against Hoban he saved at least 10 advanced base runners.The balls were often times in the dirt and this kid just sucked them up and blocked them like it was nothing. I really feel he will be the difference maker. Neither team hits good pitching very well so runners advancing is very critical....Debord will save the day. Other than weight and not looking very strong (except for his arm) I am curious why he did not go D-1. Anyone know ?

[TheRealJayDubb]

I'm not sure why but rarely does anyone talk much or give DeBord the credit he deserves in making the pitching staff for Woodridge look good. I have watched him 3 times and each game he saved the pitcher numerous runners from advancing. The friday night game against Hoban he saved at least 10 advanced base runners.The balls were often times in the dirt and this kid just sucked them up and blocked them like it was nothing. I really feel he will be the difference maker. Neither team hits good pitching very well so runners advancing is very critical....Debord will save the day. Other than weight and not looking very strong (except for his arm) I am curious why he did not go D-1. Anyone know ?

He loves Wooster and wanted to be close to his family. And yes, he saved our rears the entire season on balls in the dirt. haha he's got this shirt that he had from going to mazerrelli's catching clinic that says on the back Catchers: Making pitchers look good for 135 years. He definitely lives up to that statement.

[tapNeo]

He loves Wooster and wanted to be close to his family. And yes, he saved our rears the entire season on balls in the dirt. haha he's got this shirt that he had from going to mazerrelli's catching clinic that says on the back Catchers: Making pitchers look good for 135 years. He definitely lives up to that statement.

Debord is a very good catcher, just doesn't have the D1 arm, otherwise he would have seen offers. Kent and Akron are closer to home than Wooster, so you can't really say he chose Wooster for that reason. In my opinion, it's very difficult to be recruited as a D1 catching prospect. I've seen some very good high school catchers in this area, but very few have gone on to be D1 catchers. The ones that have, have had a cannon for an arm.

[TheRealJayDubb]

Debord is a very good catcher, just doesn't have the D1 arm, otherwise he would have seen offers. Kent and Akron are closer to home than Wooster, so you can't really say he chose Wooster for that reason. In my opinion, it's very difficult to be recruited as a D1 catching prospect. I've seen some very good high school catchers in this area, but very few have gone on to be D1 catchers. The ones that have, have had a cannon for an arm.


Tapneo, deo chose wooster because of it's small school status, proximity to his family, and they had the major of his choice. Are Kent and Akron closer to where deo lives? Obviously, but what division are they? 1.

[AKROWDY]

1-0 woodridge, end 3

[AKROWDY]

4-0 Woodridge, end 5. Woodridge times up Goldberg third time through the lineup.

[AKROWDY]

Woodridge 4, Beachwood 0, final. Jones gets the complete game W, Goldberg the complete game L

[Bseballaddict]

Jones allows 1 hit in the first inning and k's 10 in route to his 8th win

[itsa3]

Tapneo, deo chose wooster because of it's small school status, proximity to his family, and they had the major of his choice. Are Kent and Akron closer to where deo lives? Obviously, but what division are they? 1.


In your opinion,
would he have taken a D-1 offer and went there had he been offered one?

[itsa3]

4-0 Woodridge, end 5. Woodridge times up Goldberg third time through the lineup.

Unfortunately for Goldberg, he can't do it all. Woodridge is certainly not a one man team. Kruz is in my opinion their best player, Debord is a standout behind the plate, Wilhite is s good reliever,etc. Switch pitchers teams and you would get a different result. It takes a team of talent to win and good coaching and Woodridge has both.

[bigdawg33]

Kruz has the raw skills as an athlete, IMO I think his weakness is in game knowledge, and mental toughness.

Unfortunately you need the whole package.


I think now that Ursuline is out Woodridge is the team to beat in D3.

Good Luck to the NEO boys!

[bigdawg33]

Anybody out there who is not a woodridge fan/player...can you comment on how Goldberg threw....is he something special......could you see him being drafted? Is he a top prospect...I have heard mix reviews.....from top Colleges who came to see him and left after 2 innings....and talk of mid round draft pick.

[TheRealJayDubb]

In your opinion,
would he have taken a D-1 offer and went there had he been offered one?

Well itsa3, i've known deo since i was a toddler, and i think i have a good read on him. I honestly believe that if he were offered Division I from say kent or akron, he'd definitely take it, due to it's proximity to his home. However, wooster's academics are pretty stellar, and whether or not they are better than kent's or akron's is a matter of opinion or debate. I think deo, if the offer was there, would take it only if it were kent or akron. Anywhere else, i don't think he'd show much interest. helluva ballplayer and kid.

[TheRealJayDubb]

Well bigdawg33, if it's worth anything, i think brad could go pro. he needs a curveball . He threw 3 straight by me my second at-bat. I swear the third one i didn't see at all.

[BaseballRepresent]

bigdawg33, goldberg's good. One thing that had me in the utmost confidence woodridge would win is that we've face three other flamethrowers this year in loftin from stow, mcmillen from hoban, and skulina from walsh. woodridge is used to the 90 mile an hour fastball. He needs to develop offspeed, plus a team that could put the ball in play behind him wouldn't be a bad thing either.

[itsa3]

bigdawg33, goldberg's good. One thing that had me in the utmost confidence woodridge would win is that we've face three other flamethrowers this year in loftin from stow, mcmillen from hoban, and skulina from walsh. woodridge is used to the 90 mile an hour fastball. He needs to develop offspeed, plus a team that could put the ball in play behind him wouldn't be a bad thing either.

Like no other level of baseball, off speed stuff is the biggest factor in getting guys out. Why? Because good hitters in college adjsut to off speed stuff and hit it 400 feet. In HS they whiff. So the 90 plus club of Goldberg, Loftin, McMillen and Skulina may not get alot of K's or wins in HS they will be much more successful with good coaching in the college ranks. That's probably why they will go on to play D-1 and others did not get those offers. You can teach a curveball which I think all of these hard throws need but you can't teach a kid to throw 90 plus or everyone would be doing it.