College World Series follow-up
June 22, 2009


Well, I have to admit I am surprised.  Texas has made it an exciting series so far, and how could they not?  When your team gets incredible performances like the one the Longhorns got from freshman hurler Taylor Jungmann who tossed a complete game five-hitter in Game 2, or has a player quadruple his entire season's home run output like Russel Moldenhauer has - who by the way came into the CWS with zero homers and now has 4, three of which have come in the championship series - well, one has to believe that an unbelievable amount of good luck has come your way.  Still, five wind-aided home runs in Game 1 was not enough for the Longhorns to win that game so there's a limit to what fantastically great luck can get you.  And that kind of luck never lasts forever. 

The biggest benefit of Jungmann's outing is that it brings the Longhorn's top reliever, Austin Wood, back into play for Game 3.  Of course, pitching Austin Ross in Game 2 - which I believe was the right call given how well LSU's bullpen and offense have performed over the last month - gives the Tigers staff ace Anthony Ranaudo for the finale against the Longhorns' 3rd best starter, Cole Green.  Tiger closer Matty Ott should be available as well as set-up men Chad Jones and Paul Bertuccini. 

LSU is 5-0 all-time in CWS championship deciding games, 7-2 this year in rubber games; Texas meanwhile is 6-6 in championship finales all-time.  If I had to guess, Texas feels lucky to be in this position going into Game 3 after losing Game 1 despite their unprecedented output, whereas LSU expected to be in this position with their top pitcher ready for Game 3.  The only question that remains is will Texas' incredible luck continue.  My guess is no, especially given how they've been so fortunate the entire post-season; the magic will run out before this is over. 

Still, there are a couple guys on the Texas staff to keep an eye on down the road when they get drafted.  Obviously, Taylor Jungmann looks like he can pitch at the next level and I would think he would go in the first few rounds in 2011.  Another guy to watch is Brandon Workman, who throws in the mid-90s and should be a weekend starter next season.  He threw a no-hitter earlier this year and will be draft eligible next season.