It’s still the West that dominates the East in the SWAC, even though the East is making strides at the top. Some long-downtrodden programs in the West are burgeoning now with surprising runs coming from UA-Pine Bluff, Grambling and TSU.
2009 in a Paragraph:
Southern returned to its winning ways after taking a few years hiatus from the catbird seat in the SWAC. There’s also been a good bit of upheaval throughout the SWAC, especially with all the coaching changes that are at hand. So things shifted a little bit in 2009, with Jackson State and Alcorn showing marked improvement. And also, big props to UA-Pine Bluff and Grambing for getting on their feet and finishing 2nd and 3rd in the West. But at the top, it was a long-awaited return back to the Southern show as Roger Cador got his team back on top and into the NCAAs for the first time since 2005. Welcome back coach.
Conference RPI: 30
2009 Results
Eastern Division:
1- Mississippi Valley State, 15-5
2- Jackson State, 15-9
3- Alcorn State, 12-9
4- Alabama A&M, 10-12
5- Alabama State, 3-20
Western Division:
1- Southern, 17-6
2- Arkansas-Pine Bluff, 13-11
3- Grambling, 10-13
4- Texas Southern, 10-14
5- Prairie View, 9-15
2010 in a Paragraph:
With all the new blood in the coaching ranks, you never know how things are going to turn out… not as if the SWAC isn’t unpredictable enough as it is, right? The big three in the East – JSU, MVSU and Alcorn – all seem pretty even going into this year and should have a hell of a dog fight to the end. On the West side of things, Southern still seems a bit too strong for the up-and-coming programs over there. But watch out for TSU as second-year head coach Michael Robertson has a proven track record and should have his team back in contention in no time. This year’s SWAC tournament moves from Baton Rouge to Shreveport, which will host it at the home of the Shreveport Captains. This marks the first time the SWAC tourney will be played in Shreveport for the since 2002.
The steely glare of Jarrett Maloy is a huge reason why Southern is favored to win the SWAC again.
Favorite: Southern
Contenders: Jackson State, Alcorn State, Mississippi Valley
Darkhorse: Texas Southern
Can’t-Miss Series of the Year: Jackson State at/vs. Southern, April 24-25
Best Non-Conference Series: Southern at Urban Invitational, Feb 19-21
(UCLA, Bethune-Cookman, Cal State Northridge)
Hot Coach: Michael Bumpers, Arkansas-Pine Bluff
Hot Seat Coach: Waskyla Cullivan, Prairie View
The “You Gotta See” Player: OF Chad Hall, Jackson State
Three Non-Conference Series SWAC Opponents Better Take Seriously:
1- Southern at the Urban Invitational, Feb. 26-28 (UCLA, Bethune-Cookman, Cal State Northridge)
2- Jackson State at South Alabama, Feb. 19
3- Alcorn State at Louisiana Tech, Feb. 19-21
Three Bold Predictions:
1- Southern will return to the Regionals again and for once the selection committee will reward them with a trip somewhere other than to LSU again.
2- Alabama A&M and Alabama State have the most personnel returning this year but will still do very little with them.
3- Despite tough early season schedule, Mississippi Valley ends up with a winning record.
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Eastern Division:
- ALABAMA A&M (14-31, 10-12)
2009 RPI: 292
Starters Returning: 5
Weekend Starters: 2
Mid-Week Starters: 1
Key Relievers (20+inns.): 1
All Conference Candidates:
OF LaDale Hayes (.301, 15SBs)
RHP Chris Hernandez (4-7, 7.32)
The Good News:
Holy cow! The Bulldogs doubled their win total from 2008 to 2009, and also went from four SWAC wins to 10. Strong work. Let’s see if that hot spell continues. LaDale Hayes is one of the most exciting players in the country, even though his numbers were down last season. Versatile arm Grant Maddox (3-4, 10.27, 3svs) returns after seven starts and 12 relief appearances last season.
The Bad News:
Still not much of an emphasis on the sport here – or any sports if you think about it. So seasons like last year’s 14-win affair are nearly as good as it will get. A culture change is still needed. The top three hitters from last season, the only players to hit .302+, are all graduated. The 8.89 team ERA was second-worst in the conference and the .937 defense tied for the worst. Obviously, you see where the work needs to be done.
Schedule Note:
More national powers.
Last year, A&M had the balls to take on teams like Alabama and Texas. And just to show that wasn’t a fluke, they decided to add games at Auburn and at Miami this season. Damn, that’s tough. An interesting travel note, the Bulldogs will also take to the skies and play at Seattle U. in early April.
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- ALABAMA STATE (15-30, 3-20)
2009 RPI: 302
Starters Returning: 5
Weekend Starters: 3
Mid-Week Starters: 2
Key Relievers (20+inns.): 3
All Conference Candidates:
1B/LHP Ron James (.311-6-34/0-4, 7.85)
C Cameron Webman (.309)
SS Darrion Pedro (.273, 14SBs)
INF Chris Davis (.356, 18SBs)
2B Ray Pickering (.313)
RHP Rannie Fore (3-3, 2.84)
The Good News:
This offense could give anybody the heebie-jeebies with four .300+ hitters returning and a lot of speed too. The Hornets are pretty effective base-stealers, having only been caught 18 times in 99 attempts last season. Though the numbers weren’t great, there are a whole mess of pitchers returning from last season’s young staff.
The Bad News:
The last time the Hornets had a winning season was way back in 2000. And 2009 was pretty painful, getting just three SWAC wins. Other than Frosh phenom Rannie Fore, RHP Devin Dominguez (1-2, 6.71) was the only half-decent arm that is coming back. The rest have potential, but it must be realized soon as the 8.4
Schedule Note:
Welcome snowbirds.
ASU didn’t have a schedule posted, but I DO know that they’ll host Western Illinois on February 26-28. So there’s that.
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- ALCORN STATE (29-19, 12-9)
2009 RPI: 283
Starters Returning: 5
Weekend Starters: 1
Mid-Week Starters: 2
Key Relievers (20+inns.): 0
All Conference Candidates:
1B Eduardo Gonzales (.407)
DH Rodney Warren (.356-4-50)
RHP/OF Josh Brumfield (4-0, 1.86/.338)
RHP Collin Armold (6-6, 5.94)
RHP Nicolas Carson (5-4, 7.80)
The Good News:
This team could finally be ready to shake the 30-win plateau and gather an Eastern Division title. The Braves had the best offense in the SWAC with a rousing .342 average. Frosh terror Eduardo Gonzales had a great season, earning SWAC Freshman of the Year. But he’s far from the only good bat coming back, as five .300+ hitters return. The arms staff has some quality returning, including Brumfield, one of the best two-way threats in the SWAC.
The Bad News:
Coach Willie “Rat” McGowan has retired, meaning his steady hand won’t be there any longer. The Braves lost last year’s SWAC title game to Southern after blowing an early lead. ASU needs a defensive clampdown, after posting a .951 percentage and also turning a SWAC low 20 double plays on the year. Went just 2-4 vs. East Division winner Jackson State last season.
Schedule Note:
3/13-3/14 and 4/16-4-17.
Those are the four days of this regular season that the Braves will take on their nemesis Jackson State. The March 13th and 14th dates will be the opening of SWAC play and will take place in Jackson.
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- JACKSON STATE (36-21, 15-9)
2009 RPI: 266
Starters Returning: 5
Weekend Starters: 0
Mid-Week Starters: 1
Key Relievers (20+inns.): 2
All Conference Candidates:
C Cortez Cole (.324, 15SBs)
OF Chad Hall (.402, 13SBs)
SS Braneric Holmes (.349, 14SBs)
2B Frank Solis (.372, 18SBs)
OF Willie Wesley (.354, 14SBs)
RHP Quintavious Drains (1-5, 4.26)
The Good News:
That’s now three straight 30+ wins for the Tigers, with last year’s win total being the highest in the SWAC. This team will run you ragged, with a solid average (.336 in ‘09) and also registering a mind-blowing 149 stolen bases. The leader is Cole, who controls the game well and has some quicks to him as well. Tell you what, go ahead and try to find another catcher anywhere in the country that has 49 stolen bases like Cole does. I dare ya’.
The Bad News:
The Tigers were the best team in the SWAC for most of the season. But the two exceptions were when they played MVSU (went 1-6 vs. the Devils) and then the SWAC tournament (they bowed out by losing twice to Grambling). Almost all the pitching outside of Drains has flown the coop and needs to be replenished. The .953 defense could stand for some improvement as well.
Schedule Note:
Home heavy at the right time.
JSU has the luxury of playing 18 of the last 25 games at home from April 13th onward. In fact, look for a big bump in the SWAC mark at the end, with the last three home weekends coming against Alabama A&M, Alabama State and Grambling.
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- MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE (20-30, 15-5)
2009 RPI: 265
Starters Returning: 6
Weekend Starters: 2
Mid-Week Starters: 2
Key Relievers (20+inns.): 1
All Conference Candidates:
RHP Chris Mills (4-5, 5.23)
RHP Jeremy Breaux (4-5, 5.90)
RHP Justin Bautista (2-3, 4.44)
RHP Britt Goodman (3-0, 1.99)
The Good News:
Valley had some decent arms, finishing third in the SWAC at 5.44 ERA and issuing just 149 walks on the entire season. Some of those same arms are around for another season too as Mills and Breaux return to the weekend rotation in what should be a quality rotation. Goodman may be the best reliever in the conference, utilizing his crafty cutter and off-speed work. OF Chris Heron (.267, 25SBs) and Curtis Ford (.262, 20SBs) will keep the pressure on.
The Bad News:
MVSU went just 6-16 from April Fools Day onward last season, seemingly running out of gas down the stretch. The offense was the worst in the SWAC for the second straight year, hitting just .256, so that must improve for MVSU to turn their fortunes around. Opposite of that, Devils opponents hit a hearty .303 off the pitching staff.
Schedule Note:
Games that will put hair on your chest.
The Delta Devils will take on a good bit of toughies in D-1, including opening with two games vs. Notre Dame. They’ll also play Southern Miss, Mississippi State and two games against Alabama in late April.
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Western Division:
- ARKANSAS-PINE BLUFF (21-25, 13-11)
2009 RPI: 250
Starters Returning: NA
Weekend Starters: NA
Mid-Week Starters: NA
Key Relievers (20+inns.): NA
All Conference Candidates:
3B Matt Pace (.224)
RHP Terrance Morse (1-0, 4.19, 3svs)
RHP Kyle Jone (3-2, 5.50)
The Good News:
This program is making great strides, going from 14 wins to 21 wins in one season. And check out that winning mark in conference play. Right?! The big reason was that the Lions ERA went from the worst in the SWAC in ‘08 to 4th in the SWAC at 6.42. Pace should be a team leader, but must revert to Frosh form when he hit .359 to lead the team.
The Bad News:
The Lions will play with a heavy heart this year after the tragic death of Kevin Edwards over the Thanksgiving holidays. Even though the pitching improved greatly for PB, the SWAC-worst .937 defense was still a pain. The staff will miss Friday ace Justin Moring (who went 9-2, 2.95 last year), since he was the only pitcher with decent numbers. Oh, as if that wasn’t bad enough, leading hitter Jerome McCollum (.358) is also gonzo.
Schedule Note:
Confidence builder?
The opening weekend will see the Lions play in the Arkansas-Little Rock Tournament where they’ll play UA-LR, St. Louis and St. Peter’s. In week three, they’ll host their first home games against Texas Southern to kick off SWAC play.
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- GRAMBLING STATE (17-37, 10-13)
2009 RPI: 256
Starters Returning: NA
Weekend Starters: NA
Mid-Week Starters: NA
Key Relievers (20+inns.): NA
All Conference Candidates:
1B Steve Kletke (.331-4-32)
OF Michael Roby (.282-9-39)
RHP Adrian Turner (5-2, 7.69)
The Good News:
Youthful new coach James Cooper officially becomes the first head coach that I actually wrote about as a player in a season preview back in 2004. As for the Tigers didn’t play all that well, but when it mattered, they went 3-2 in the SWAC tournament and gave eventual champion Southern a big run for the money. Adrian Turner is a winnable pitcher, and has mid-week starter Jonathon McDonley (0-7, 8.84) back as an experienced arm. At .953, Grambling had the 2nd-best defense in the SWAC.
The Bad News:
At 27, Cooper is the youngest coach in D-1 and will take some time to acclimate, so 2010 could be a roller coaster season, to say the least. With a team ERA of 8.90, the Tigers had the worst pitching staff in the conference, and lost the two most-used pitchers on the staff in weekend starters Baron Hinton and Manny Kumar. In the speed-heavy SWAC, GSU stole only 42 bases all season.
Schedule Note:
The road home.
During the last week of the season, GSU will play key games with Southern and Jackson State at home, so look for a home field advantage at the end of SWAC play to help their post-season push.
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- PRAIRIE VIEW A&M (21-25, 9-15)
2009 RPI: 288
Starters Returning: 0
Weekend Starters: 1
Mid-Week Starters: 1
Key Relievers (20+inns.): 2
All Conference Candidates:
RHP/OF Benjamin Blackburn (4-2, 5.88/.182)
RHP Mark Almaguer (5-3, 7.79)
The Good News:
There were two PV draftees last June, showing the program has some talent going through it. Blackburn is obviously a huge part of any successful equation this season and will team with Almaguer for some decent mound work. Keep an eye on incoming J.C. All Americans in C Kyle Bible and 2B Matthew Greene, who should bat clean-up and leadoff respectively.
The Bad News:
Last freakin’ place in the SWAC West? You gotta be kiddin’ me! That’s unacceptable to the Panthers. They lose all nine starters from last year’s team and most of the pitching too. This will be an all-new team in 2010. Unfortunately, the odd two-year slide will probably continue.
Schedule Note:
The south Texas swing.
PV will have an opportunity to work in the large number of newbies with a manageable slate that will feature games at Texas A&M-Corpus Christi, Texas-Pan American, and Texas-Brownsville in their first eight games.
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- SOUTHERN (30-17, 17-6)
2009 RPI: 156
Starters Returning: 5
Weekend Starters: 2
Mid-Week Starters: 2
Key Relievers (20+inns.): 1
All Conference Candidates:
RHP Jarrett Maloy (8-2, 3.14, .264OBA)
1B Frazier Hall (.338)
RHP Kyle Wahl (2-3, 3.72, 3svs)
OF James Armstrong (.343-8-39)
The Good News:
Coach Roger Cador continues to work his magic in Baton Rouge as the Jags look to have enough firepower back in the fold. The Earth returned to its axis as the Jags were back in the NCAAs last season, after a four-year hiatus. There is a lot of pop to the lineup, including an unusual amount of home run ability with Armstrong, and also Victor Franklin (.329-11-47) and INF Gregory Whitfield (.294-12-35). Sophs-to-be Daniel Garcia (4-0, 2.25) and Brian Foster (2-2, 6.29) will play huge roles in complimenting the weekend starters.
The Bad News:
Brad McDavid was a four-year starter and led by example and Jesse Olivar was a steady infielder, both will be sorely missed. Some better relief pitching is needed since the Jags were outscored in each of the 7th, 8th and 9th innings last season. The .946 defense SU posted last season is never going to be good enough to beat anybody in NCAA tournament play.
Schedule Note:
Urban Invitational, year three.
Once again Southern opens in southern California with games against UCLA, Cal State Northridge and fellow historically black college Bethune-Cookman. The Jaguars also play mid-week games against New Orleans, Southeastern Louisiana and Louisiana-Lafayette as well.
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- TEXAS SOUTHERN (24-29, 10-14)
2009 RPI: 290
Starters Returning: 3
Weekend Starters: 0
Mid-Week Starters: 2
Key Relievers (20+inns.): 2
All Conference Candidates:
SS Ray Hernandez (.323)
OF Joe Bryant (.310-7-23)
The Good News:
TSU went from 16 wins in ‘08 to 24 last season, paced by a healthy .322 average on offense. And year two of the Michael Robertson tenure will mean a smoother trail is ahead. C Quinten Smith (.400-4-17) will be the full-time backstop this season and is steady behind the dish. He’ll work with second-year arms Joshua Long (2-2, 7.52) and Dakota Laufenberg (2-1, 7.75), who should step into weekend roles.
The Bad News:
The Tigers will certainly miss the multi-talented David Arrendondo, who was the best hitter (at .410) and best pitcher (5-5, 5.88). The top four hitters that went .327 or better are all missing from last year. All three weekend starters on the hill will need to be replaced as well. Achtung! This is a rebuilding season, for sure.
Schedule Note:
Hit the SWAC runnin’.
TSU won’t waste much time in dipping its feet into conference play, opening the season with a home series vs. Alabama A&M. In weekend No. 2 they’ll also play Jackson State and Mississippi Valley State in the JSU tournament.
Comments (6)
brandon williams says:
Please note that long time TSU assistant coach Brian white was let go last summer for the tigers and they added three young coaches and former Alcorn assistant Marcus Johnson. This information about coaching changes was kept very quite for some reason because I ran into coach white while he was in his hometown and thats when i found out so thats pretty strange. What’s up with coaches moving from one school to another within the conference? I think that this conference lack strong leadership at the AD level as well the conference office. They need to mandate that all school place a high standard for the sport and their budgets. Also, the tigers will not play Alabama A&M this year. The tigers have some young pitchers who will be excellent once they get some games under their blets. I have followed the SWAC baseball since the late 90’s and i think that finally a team from the East my finally win but dont be surprise if UAPB wins the SWAC tourney.
Reggie Thompson says:
This is a good analysis of the conference. UAPB is probably the most underated team in the conference. They play as underdogs and with the death of pitcher Kevin Edwards, they’ll also play with their backs against the wall. Besides Southern, they return more talent than any other team in the SWAC. I agree that there is a high chance for them to be in the championship game in May. Jackson State, Valley, and Southern will be strong as well.
carrol says:
It is a good faith assumption by the masses that UAPB can compete with the likes of my Alma Mater, Southern University. While I can appreciate the sentiment, let’s be realistic. S U has had more players drafted in just the last 10 years than the rest of the SWAC COMBINED! I must give credit where credit is due. Coach Roger Cador has done so much with so little funding it is almost unfathomable. The Jaguars will win the SWAC again this year and I only hope that the selection committee uses a few of their collective brain cells and NOT put Southern and LSU in the same regional again. Good luck to all teams, but beware of the greatest HBCU in the nation!! Go Jags!!
Charlie Strong says:
Gentleman ! The team that has the best pitching rotation will win the SWAC. Currently, Southern University has three major starters in Maloy, Richard and (yes !) Brooks who recovered from surgery that posted a 8-2 record in 2008. For Mid inning pitchers, they have Wahl, Foster and Pryer. And for years SU never had a true closer. This year in 2010 ,they have a big 6-4 , 230lbs pitcher that punches 93 mph on the radar in Mr. Cody Hall , a junior college transfer. Don’t forget , Mr. Spears who was forgotten after the embarrassing performance at the Urban MLB Invitation in 2009 is back with control. Last of all, Coach Cador need one of his freshman pitchers from one those 4A or 5A schools to step up like Daniel Garcia did in the early season of2009 and this team could make some noise. This makes three regular starters that can pitch at least 6 solid innings, a three mid-inning relievers ,two potentially good closers and two hopefuls that could sweep the SWAC.
Of course I know that it takes runs to win ball games. If you believe the best hitters will win the SWAC. You have look at Jackson State , Arkansas PineBluff and of course SU.Who is the better of the three? GSU. If you look at the stats you would think I am a crazy for even mentioning JSU, but everybody is returning.
As for hitting goes, look out for that Armstrong Kid. He is 5 foot 10 and very deceiving power. I look for SU to feed off his stick.
Reggie Thompson says:
Looks like this will be a interesting season in the SWAC.
carrol says:
Mr. Strong, it appears that you have done your homework well. Most people simply use their own personal feelings to spew unfounded opinions, but you have done well!! You are correct on all facets. I really wish that Daniel Garcia wasn’t hurt because we could really make some serious noise once we got to the Regionals. I know Sherrard Brooks personally and he is a great kid and he is ecstatic to be back from injury. He expects to give a good accounting of himself this season. Chase Rechard will be unhittable again (with all that slow Tom Glavine stuff) and J-Mo will be dominant again. My only big concern is how we will recover defensively behind the plate after losing Mike Thomas to the MLB draft (another player taken from my small HBCU!!). We have another kid from Houston that I hope is ready to step in because we can’t afford to have Frazier Hall move from first to home. I think that we’ll be fine though.