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Post by coforange on Dec 15, 2020 6:15:33 GMT -8
Beaver men's basketball will be down there the 10th-14th of Feb also are they camping too, cause they sure the hell aren't playing basketball.
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Post by easyheat on Dec 15, 2020 16:42:51 GMT -8
That's too harsh. I see them winning 7 or 8 games his year.
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Post by charlie1934 on Dec 20, 2020 8:42:34 GMT -8
Going from A to Z with Mitch Canham talking Beaver baseball … Sports Dec 19 Coach Mitch Canham (osubeavers.com)
Mitch Canham is upbeat as he prepares for Christmas with his wife, Marlis, and their children, eight-year-old Mack and six-year-old Mya. He’s a little bit healthier, too.
Oregon State’s second-year baseball coach had his left knee scoped two weeks ago.
“Been bothering me for awhile, but I didn’t want to miss out on the fun last season,” Canham says. “Finally I decided, ‘Let’s get it cleaned up so I can get back to running the bases like I did in college.’ I’m moving up and down the stairs pretty good already.”
Canham, 36, will never have the springs he possessed when, as a savvy, solid-hitting catcher, he helped the Beavers to back-to-back national championships in 2006 and ’07.
But he wants his players to show the same kind of resiliency that Oregon State did in ’06 after losing 11-1 to Miami in its College World Series opener. The Beavers rebounded to win seven straight elimination games and rule the roost in college baseball.
“We got stomped our first game,” Canham says. “What happened after that was special.”
Canham’s first season at the OSU coaching helm was anything but what he envisioned. The Beavers were 5-9 and on the plane for a Pac-12-opening series at Arizona when COVID-19 ended their season prematurely.
The record was a little deceiving. After splitting four games with New Mexico, BYU and Gonzaga (twice) in Arizona, the Beavers dropped two of three at ninth-ranked Mississippi State and divided four games at San Diego State. OSU then got swept 6-0, 4-0 and 3-2 in a home-opening series against always-tough Cal Santa Barbara, which was 13-2 after the weekend.
“Your record is your record,” Canham says. “Last year was a different mix. There were a lot or changes for the (players). We didn’t have the greatest start in the world. I felt like we were ready to gain momentum, but we never got the chance.
“But our guys turned the corner. We told them, ‘whatever was in your head last year, it has to be different.’ They have a different mentality. You can tell these guys are hungry. They understand a season can be taken away from them in a flash. There is a better understanding that every pitch matters. It’s changed how we go about work every day.”
Because of the shortened 2020 season, all players were given an additional year of eligibility. The roster is almost the same as last year’s, with the 2019 recruiting class adding depth. Oregon State lost pitcher Christian Chamberlain and first baseman Alex McGarry to the pros. Pitchers Kai Murphy and Andrew Walling, infielder Jake Harvey and outfielder J.D. McLaughlin all transferred to other schools. Darwin Barney (osubeavers.com) Darwin Barney (osubeavers.com)
One of the biggest additions was assistant coach Darwin Barney, the shortstop on Oregon State’s CWS teams from 2005-07 who played eight years in the major leagues. Barney resigned his position as manager of the Triple-A Nashville Sounds to become his former teammate’s right-hand man in Corvallis, though he is commuting from his home in Lake Oswego.
“We’re planning on Darwin being here as long as possible,” Canham says. “It was a big decision for him to leave pro ball. We had a lot of talks about what is like in college coaching. He did a lot of research. It’s been great to see how creative he is and how well he connects with the guys. He provides for such a fun, competitive environment.
“We have a great relationship. He has a great relationship with all the coaches. He has expressed many times how much he loves working with the guys and being here and being a Beav.” Rich Dorman (osubeavers.com) Rich Dorman (osubeavers.com)
The rest of the staff remains the same, with Ryan Gipson the first-base coach, Rich Dorman the pitching coach, Jake Rodriguez the director of operations and Joey Wong the undergrad assistant. Barney, Gipson and Wong were all teammates of Canham’s at OSU while Rodriguez was an All-Pac-12 catcher with the Beavers in 2013.
“Adding Darwin to this mix, I started to see Coach Gipson open up and flourish,” Canham says. “Coach Dorman is more comfortable, settled in and building relationships with his guys. I want them to be themselves and be creative and not worry about me bearing down on them and looking over their shoulders. When they’re allowed to take on stuff they’re interested in, they kill it.”
Fall ball went “really well,” Canham says. “I loved it.”
The Beavers had 45 practice days from early September to Nov. 20.
“With a lot of the down time in the summer, understanding a lot of these guys didn’t play summer ball, we had a lot of work we wanted to get in,” the OSU mentor says.
COVID prevention was a priority. The players were tested regularly through the fall. There were zero positive tests.
“We didn’t want to get anyone sick,” Canham says. “With all the restrictions, there was a lot of education of how to go about things the right way, not only to protect the baseball family but also our community and the other student-athletes on campus. We did a great job of bubbling ourselves.”
Oregon State’s facilities were open to student-athletes of all sports.
“The guys took full advantage of it, whether in the weight room or using batting cages or being on the field,” he says. “The weather was tremendous this fall for being able to be outside.
“We divided up. (At Goss Stadium) we used the Knights’ locker room, the pro locker room and our locker room so the guys were spread out. We spent a huge portion of our time outside. The guys handled the situation well, wearing masks all day at practice. We were sticklers with it. The older guys — even some of the younger guys like (freshman infielder) Garrett Forrester — took charge and said, ‘Let’s do it the right way.’ ”
The coaches began with individual and small group sessions to start. Soon the Beavers went to live team action and got in scrimmage sessions several times a week.
“Some days, we would play three innings; other days, we’d get in nine innings,” Canham says. “For the most part, we were staying in the three- to six-inning range. The pitchers needed to throw and the hitters needed to get some ABs.”
Canham carried a full complement of 45 players in the fall, including 11 true freshmen and several JC recruits.
When I ask Canham what he sees as the team strengths in 2021, he is quick with an answer.
“The guys’ togetherness,” he says. “I liked the group last year a lot, but from what I’m seeing and hearing from these guys this year, they’re so tight. Everyone is wanting it.
“From a skill set, I’d say (strengths are) pitching, defense and some pretty solid bats. A lot of guys made some great jumps in training through the fall. (Andy) Armstrong is a prime-time shortstop. We’ve moved (Ryan) Ober to second base this year and (Jake) Dukart to third. We have four guys in the outfield (Micah McDowell, Joe Casey, Kyler McMahan and Preston Jones) who cover ground and look strong offensively.”
Junior Troy Claunch returns at catcher.
“Troy has worked on a lot of areas of growth and his approach at bat,” Canham says. “In his at-bats this fall, he struck out only once. He’s been working on covering the plate and adjusting to off-speed pitches.”
There are several options at first base, including returnees Justin Boyd and Cesar Valero Sanchez along with Kyle Froemke, the latter a JC transfer who began his college career at Oregon. Forrester, out of Fair Oaks, California, is also a candidate.
“He has wanted to be a Beaver since he was born,” Canham says. “For a freshman to handle a fastball in the mid to upper ‘90s is impressive. Another guy who has been trending up is Matt Gretler. Darwin fields comfortable playing him anywhere in the infield.”
Paul Myro, a freshman from Las Vegas, could figure in immediately in the infield.
“Paul comes with a football background,” Canham says. “This is the first year just playing baseball. He can hit and has a lot of arm strength. He’s going to be special.” Kevin Abel (osubeavers.com) Kevin Abel (osubeavers.com)
Junior right-hander Kevin Abel, who was a CWS-record 4-0 in pitching the Beavers to the 2018 national title, returns after missing most of two seasons following Tommy John elbow surgery in April 2019.
“Kevin is healthy as can be,” Canham says. “He looks physical. He built up over the summer. His throwing program looks great. Through eyes or metrics, you’re going to see not the Kevin Abel of his freshman year, but a mature and polished pitcher. We’re very excited for Kevin to get the ball on the weekends.”
Freshman left-hander Cooper Hjerpe (6-2, 190) and sophomore right-hander Jake Pfennigs (6-7, 210) are the other likely weekend starters.
“Cooper was throwing 92-94 (mph) in the fall, and he’s also developed a changeup,” Canham says. “It was nice having him in the bullpen last year, but mentally, physically and stuff-wise, he’s looking like he’ll get a starting role.
“In my mind, Jake is the most improved guy on the bump. We were seeing 92-95 out of his hands this fall. He has cleaned up his breaking ball and is throwing it consistently for a strike. The biggest gain for him is overall mentality. He goes to practice, he looks like he’s on a mission. There’s no goofing around. He wants to get at it.”
Candidates for mid-week starters include junior right-hander Nathan Burns, freshman right-hander Will Frisch and sophomore right-hander Joey Mundt.
“Nathan is probably going to take on the hybrid role,” Canham says. “He can start, but he is also is a guy who can come in for long relief and also finish games. He can do it all. I’ve seen him climb it up in the 94s and 95s. In a short stint, he can throttle it up a little bit.”
Potential closers include Burns, Frisch, senior southpaw Jake Mulholland and junior right-hander Mitchell Verburg. Mulholland, a decorated closer his first three years at OSU, had an ill-fated start early last season and never recovered. Verburg is coming off Tommy John surgery.
“Jake will be back in the pen,” Canham says. “It’s definitely different starting and closing games. Watching him during his throwing program, Coach Dorman will tell you, ‘I like this guy.’ I can see Jake finishing up games again doing what he did as a three-time All-American. Mitch is progressing nicely. Will is super durable. He throws a cannonball. He spent a lot of time this fall working on his off-speed stuff.”
Canham also mentioned junior right-hander Reid Sebby, freshman right-hander Jack Washburn and three JC transfers —
right-handers Brock Townsend and Bryant Salgado and left-hander Chase Watkins.
“Reid throws more strikes than anybody,” Canham says. “He attacks the strike zone. He’s very athletic. He has big energy and he wants it. Jack has a real-deal slider. I can see coming out of the pen with a runner on third and one out. Jack is gonna strike the first guy out and get a weak ground ball from the second.
“Chase is a 6-6 lefty and Bryant a righty. They both throw in the ‘90s. We have a lot of guys on staff who have a heavy fastball.”
Winter terms starts at OSU on Jan. 4. The baseball players will quarantine for a few days, then undergo COVID tests. Once the tests are clear, the coaches will begin individual and small-group workouts. The first official team practice is Jan. 29.
When will the season begin?
“That’s the million-dollar question,” Canham says with a chuckle. “We have a series of changes in our schedule. It’s kind of in a holding pattern right now. We’re preparing for different scenarios. The goal is to play 56 regular-season games, and to figure out how to do that the smartest way.
“As a conference, we’re working through that. There’s a balance. You don’t want to do it too early as things are constantly changing. I’m still very confident about being down in Arizona to start the season, but we haven’t released any kind of schedule.”
The coach says he can’t wait for Season Two of the Canham Era.
“One of the coolest parts was the exit meeting with the guys in November,” he says. “Almost all the guys — freshmen to seniors — told us something to the effect of, ‘I’m bummed I’m going home. I want to stay here and be with the guys.’ It’s fun to see how much they’re enjoying each other and developing a chemistry.”
Readers: what are your thoughts on Beaver baseball during year two of the Coach Canham era? Share your comments below.
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Post by ricke71 on Dec 20, 2020 9:49:07 GMT -8
charlie1934 thanks for posting. A ton of info there. I especially like Coach referring to "56 game schedule" and beginning the Season in Arizona.
Kendall Rogers (on Friday 12/18) continued to report on several major conferences announcing pretty 'normal' type 2021 schedules with the PAC and the SEC likely holding out until January before announcing:
"..The prognosis for a somewhat normal schedule is good for the Big 12 and Southeastern Conference as well, along with some other major conferences. The Pac 12 would prefer a season that is as normal as possible, but the league’s athletic directors, who met earlier this week, decided to reevaluate the matter in early January."
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lefty
Freshman
Posts: 430
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Post by lefty on Dec 20, 2020 14:45:46 GMT -8
I called Surprise Stadium ticket office about a week ago and she said that there will be a tournament, but without fans. She said to keep checking, but at this time no fans.
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Post by ricke71 on Dec 20, 2020 16:10:07 GMT -8
I called Surprise Stadium ticket office about a week ago and she said that there will be a tournament, but without fans. She said to keep checking, but at this time no fans. That would be sorta disappointing, since if ever there is a venue that provides an opportunity for social distancing it would be Surprise Stadium. As I recall (and I'm open for correction) you can see home plate and some of the playing field from outside the stadium fence adjacent to the parking lot (left field side). Might be a reason for pre-game tailgating, on the south edge of the parking lot, to expand to a full 9 innings of beer and snacks. Surprise Stadium, by the way, is offering (on-line) MLB Spring Training tickets beginning 2/27 (Texas Rangers, etc.)
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Post by ricke71 on Dec 23, 2020 16:11:03 GMT -8
Weekends(+) of Feb 20 & 27. First Michigan State, Gonzaga & New Mexico. A month and a half ago, the above post ^ ^ named some possible Surprise 2021 opponents. Big 10 has since gone into a 'shell' and so far is not planning any far away from home early season games. The New Mexico Lobos however are showing an entire 2021 season schedule beginning Feb. 19-22 in Surprise for the Sanderson Ford College Baseball Classic (game times and opponents TBA). Whatever happens there at Surprise Stadium that February weekend in Surprise (fans / no-fans / peering through the fence / parking lot tailgating) - myself and a few friends are seriously hoping to be there (already snagged camping reservation at nearby White Tank Regional Park). If nothing else, the Feb. 19th average high temp. in Surprise AZ is 72....Bend/La Pine, Oregon average high is 45/43
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Post by easyheat on Dec 27, 2020 20:31:11 GMT -8
OSU's Athletic Department will see to it that the Beavers get in about 10 days of pre-conference practice and games outdoors in warm weather. Northern teams have to do that or you handicap your team's conference preparation. Surprise will happen but fans attending games is questionable.
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Post by ricke71 on Jan 2, 2021 16:37:04 GMT -8
I called Surprise Stadium ticket office about a week ago and she said that there will be a tournament, but without fans. She said to keep checking, but at this time no fans. It's only 6 weeks until the start of College BB season. It is possible (likely?) that the Beavs will begin their season in Surprise. The latest I've heard is that the PAC will be meeting this coming week (Jan. 4 - 8) to sort that out. Right now, as I type this, there is a sporting contest (Football) involving another State of Oregon university (TSDTR), not more than 25 miles from Surprise...And there are NO Fans present (except family, etc.). I was hoping that Arizona's general lackadaisical attitude toward COVID (when compared to the State of Oregon), might mean that we might watch our Beavs play baseball, in person, in Surprise - but unless something changes in the next 43 days....the "Sanderson Baseball Classic" at that s-p-a-c-i-o-u-s Stadium in Surprise might be players, staff and families only. A shame. I could EASILY enjoy the Beaves BB Team - in that Stadium - and not come within 25 feet of any other person in that cavernous facility.
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Post by orangeblood on Jan 2, 2021 17:34:24 GMT -8
Actually 48 days. February 19 is first day of the season. It can't come soon enough! Hope I don't have to listen to "you-know-who" on the radio for all the games.
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Post by Judge Smails on Jan 2, 2021 17:37:28 GMT -8
I called Surprise Stadium ticket office about a week ago and she said that there will be a tournament, but without fans. She said to keep checking, but at this time no fans. It's only 6 weeks until the start of College BB season. It is possible (likely?) that the Beavs will begin their season in Surprise. The latest I've heard is that the PAC will be meeting this coming week (Jan. 4 - 8) to sort that out. Right now, as I type this, there is a sporting contest (Football) involving another State of Oregon university (TSDTR), not more than 25 miles from Surprise...And there are NO Fans present (except family, etc.). I was hoping that Arizona's general lackadaisical attitude toward COVID (when compared to the State of Oregon), might mean that we might watch our Beavs play baseball, in person, in Surprise - but unless something changes in the next 43 days....the "Sanderson Baseball Classic" at that s-p-a-c-i-o-u-s Stadium in Surprise might be players, staff and families only. A shame. I could EASILY enjoy the Beaves BB Team - in that Stadium - and not come within 25 feet of any other person in that cavernous facility. Really? You can hand your ticket for entry from 25 feet away. Didn’t know we had plastic man in our midst.
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Post by ricke71 on Jan 3, 2021 9:33:25 GMT -8
It's only 6 weeks until the start of College BB season. It is possible (likely?) that the Beavs will begin their season in Surprise. The latest I've heard is that the PAC will be meeting this coming week (Jan. 4 - 8) to sort that out. Right now, as I type this, there is a sporting contest (Football) involving another State of Oregon university (TSDTR), not more than 25 miles from Surprise...And there are NO Fans present (except family, etc.). I was hoping that Arizona's general lackadaisical attitude toward COVID (when compared to the State of Oregon), might mean that we might watch our Beavs play baseball, in person, in Surprise - but unless something changes in the next 43 days....the "Sanderson Baseball Classic" at that s-p-a-c-i-o-u-s Stadium in Surprise might be players, staff and families only. A shame. I could EASILY enjoy the Beaves BB Team - in that Stadium - and not come within 25 feet of any other person in that cavernous facility. Really? You can hand your ticket for entry from 25 feet away. Didn’t know we had plastic man in our midst. Darn! ya got me there!! I lack that ability by about 13 feet. img.auctiva.com/imgdata/1/6/0/4/5/4/4/webimg/1074531027_o.jpg
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