I just rolled into Ann Arbor this evening on the aptly named “Wolverine” Amtrak line. I’m staying at the Lamp Post Inn. It’s a budget motel but it has the important amenity I need. Wireless access.
When I told the motel owner my reason for being here he told me knew a few of Michigan baseball kids and their families. Being somewhat familiar with the team, I asked ‘Which ones?’.
“Zach Putnam”, he said.
Anyway, The tournament bracket is out (here’s the pdf version). Illinois has their work cut out for them. They face defending Tournament champion Ohio State tomorrow. And if they can get by them, they face ranked Michigan. What a difference one game in the standings makes. Seed #3 Penn State is facing Indiana.
Here are a couple other BTT interesting links if you haven’t run across them yet:
Official 2008 Big Ten Baseball Tournament press release (pdf format) …chock full of info.
Info on 2007 Big Ten Tournament from the Big Ten website
The Baseball Zealot coverage of the 2007 Big Ten Tournament
One final thought on the tournament before they get started tomorrow. Last year’s #1 seed, Michigan was eliminated by Friday. I’m not necessarily trying to pick on Michigan (much). My point is that it’s a new “season” now and it’s anyone’s game out there. Let’s not get overwhelmed by regular season rankings or standings.
Oh and one more thing…
Hope you post more on the tournament, UM’s new stadium, and all that this week. I’m stuck at work.