UGA

By Lee

May 12, 2008 3:52 PM | Link to this

First, The game at Turner Field with Tech is on Tuesday night.

Second, Perennial is definitely the wrong word to use when describing the Perno era of Georgia Baseball. UGA has only been to the NCAA tournament in consecutive years in the 2001 and 2002 seasons, and Polk was the coach of the 01 team. We have had some great years in 04, 06, and again this year, but sandwiched between those were the 05 and 07 seasons where the combined record was 53-58, as well as an SEC record of 23-36 and no SEC Tournament appearances. Perno needs to be able to sustain the success and string together some winning seasons and NCAA appearances to say that he is building a powerhouse. I hope that he can, because when we are winning, weekends at Foley are awesome. This year has been great. Let’s finish strong and make it back to Omaha!

By Cuz

May 12, 2008 3:53 PM | Link to this

Any win over the Jackets is wonderful. Since they have won the last two, yeah I want to win at Turner Field.

Way to go Diamond Dawgs for another SEC Championship. Go Dawgs.

By UGA no National Power...

May 12, 2008 3:58 PM | Link to this

The only thing UGA is a National Powerhouse in is Football. Ga Tech is a National Powerhouse in College Baseball. Consider this Ga. Tech has won an average of 43 wins per season for the past 25 years. They have not had a losing, overall record, season since 1981. Tech has won 1 SEC Championship in 1957, 9- ACC Regular Season Championships and 5- ACC Tournament Championships, and 3 College World Series Appearances. Ga. Tech has beaten pretty soundly an SEC Champion UGA team with 6 FRESHMEN in the starting lineup. These are FACTS folks go look them up for yourselves. Yes, I know UGA is the 1990 National Baseball Champion, Tech runner-up in 1994. UGA Baseball 5, as of Sunday, SEC Regular Season Baseball Championships 0-SEC Tournament Championships 3(?) College World Series Appearances

Congrats winning you conference UGA, but Tech may have your number this year. We’ll wait and see how things pan out. I do think that there should be an Atlanta and an Athens Regional site this year. It isn’t fair to have these two fine teams face each other to get to the CWS. Let both teams get to Omaha, and THEN let the trash talking start.

By minookadawg

May 12, 2008 4:00 PM | Link to this

CHIP I received some good advice from a Vandy fan last week. He/she pretty much told me to quit looking toward Omaha and worry about the task at hand.

Well,I don’t stress much. As a fan, I am powerless to affect what transpires in the world of college sports. So what’s the point in biting my nails?

I was proud to see Coach Perno and his squad capture the regular season SEC Championship. As far as GT goes, it would be nice to get a win against them, but I ain’t gonna sweat it.

Go Dawgs…ALL OF THEM!!!

By And it gets better

May 12, 2008 4:53 PM | Link to this

And if he doesn’t turn pro first, Perno has signed a great pitcher out of Waycross, Cecil Tanner, for next season.

By Chip Towers

May 12, 2008 5:00 PM | Link to this

Good points all. I’m not sure you can ever get to the point in the SEC that every season you’re a big winner. Just look at recent history in the league. Even LSU and Miss. State, longtime powers, have found it difficult to sustain winning at a high level… . By the same token, Tech has definitely won more consistently over the years. But I think by and large it’s easier to do that year in and year out in the ACC. I know that’ll probably initiate another discussion and it’s a good one. But I believe SEC baseball to be far more difficult as a whole… . And I wouldn’t read too much into the outcomes of this year’s Tech-Georgia baseball games. Because of the makeup of their pitching staff (in other words, lack of quality depth) the Bulldogs have had to de-emphasize their midweek games all year in favor of keeping their bullpen stocked for the weekend conference games. That strategy seems to have paid off pretty well for them. Tech, conversely, has an awesome midweek starter in Deck McGuire, who is 8-0 and is arguably the Jackets’ best pitcher of all.

By the way, this is supposed to be fixed shortly but the Tech-Georgia game at Turner Field IS Tuesday night at 7 p.m.

By quaildawg

May 12, 2008 5:12 PM | Link to this

UGA No National Power. It’s called “Finish the Drill” and when it comes to opportunities and doing it UGA slams Tech. How many trips to WS has Tech made? TWO!!! For all the hype over the program and the number of really good players that Tech has had come through their program their overall success has been very limited. They have never beaten UGA head to head for a regional or Super regional. That is a fact!!! Given the nature and rules regarding baseball schollies, competition within SEC, and draft eligiblity of year two players it is hard to field “perennial” teams but I do think David is a great fit for UGA and will, given time, prove to be UGA’s most successful baseball Coach.

By Metallidawg

May 12, 2008 5:16 PM | Link to this

Can someone explain to me the logic of Tech throwing their best pitcher mid-week when they are barely above .500 in conference play? I am the only one that this strategy is lost on? Also, to correct a previous poster, UGA has 5 CWS appearances (87,90,01,04,06), not 3.

By Big Al

May 12, 2008 5:27 PM | Link to this

A national powerhouse. May not win a dozen games in 2009. Perno is no model of consistency.

By Barkin'Dog

May 12, 2008 5:28 PM | Link to this

Great point about midweek pitching, Chip. And your view about SEC Baseball means the SEC is arguably the toughest, if not the overall best, conference in the land for the BIG 3 SPORTS! I followed every game this season with great interest and marveled at the resiliency of this team. Nothing seems to bother them (never too high or low), even when trailing in the score. I guess their confidence comes from pulling out some early come-from-behind wins. The leadership is astounding, players and coaches, and their mindset is rock solid… a one game at a time mature mentality. As a sports schedule poster distributor, it stumps me to see so many UGA baseball schedules not picked up this season (I know, everyone around Athens is waiting for football). BUT, this club deserves more support. And think about this… UGA’s basketball team just pulled off a huge SEC Tourney Title, then the Diamond Dogs won the SEC Championship (and could win the SEC Tourney as well as a national title), and the football team is in position to WIN IT ALL IN THE FALL! It’s great to be a fan around here… Go Dawgs!!

By quaildawg

May 12, 2008 5:30 PM | Link to this

UGA NNP, UGA is 4-2 vs. Tech in post season play. UGA has been to CWS five times. 87,90 (National Champs), 01, 04, 06. I believe the last time Tech went to CWS was 01? I do agree with the regional matchup point and also having conference foes meet in a regional. Thank goodness the NCAA has done a better job of avoiding this as of late.

By your wrong

May 12, 2008 5:30 PM | Link to this

Quaildawg…

Tech Has been to the College World Series 3 times…1994, 2002, and then again in 2006.

Metallidawg did you not see the question mark behind the 3?

By Rod

May 12, 2008 5:53 PM | Link to this

Let’s hope for UGA/GT sake that the NCAA does not put these two teams in a regional together. UGA is a solid team, even though I don’t like ANYTHING UGA, and Tech is a solid but very young team, also my favorite team. I think both could make some noise nationally if given the opportunity to compete together in Omaha.

By Sven Ottke

May 12, 2008 6:06 PM | Link to this

This may be the most absurd article I’ve ever seen. UGa a powerhouse? SEC a tougher baseball conference than the ACC? Have you looked at the Nat’l ratings? The top 3 teams in the nation are from the ACC. And while McGuire is having a great year, he is not a weekend starter, not Tech’s most consistent starter. Do you guys all smoke crack?

By watcher16

May 12, 2008 6:08 PM | Link to this

I would like to see Perno better manage his pitching. There have been a few times this year when it seems he’s left a guy in a little too long and we’ve been burned for it.

There also needs to be better coaching on the base paths! I don’t know how many base running blunders I’ve seen this year, sometimes in critical situations.

By Bee Boy

May 12, 2008 6:20 PM | Link to this

SEC isnt strong this year and the mutts wont go far in the playoffs. Yellow Jackets will kick dawgs butt again ! ACC RULES!!!!!

By woodie

May 12, 2008 6:34 PM | Link to this

i clicked on this blog and realized we are talking about college baseball !! What ?? If you’ll notice, only about 200 people show up for one of these metal bat games.

By Scott

May 12, 2008 7:43 PM | Link to this

quaildog… why don’t you get out of your trailer and do some fact checking before mindlessly bashing tech? Tech has been to 3 CWS, and beat georgia in the 2002 NCAA Atlanta regional. And thats a fact!!!! And Chip, as a Georgia fan with the privilege of writing for the AJC, you fall into the “SEC dominance.” Never mind that the consistent top three teams in the nation (FSU, UNC, Miami) are from the ACC, plus other perennial powers GT and Clemson, and that the #5 team in the Acc is about to sweep the ACC champion. And don’t start making excuses when Tech beats Georgia, how they dont care, midweek game, etc.

By Coach Polk

May 12, 2008 8:51 PM | Link to this

So how many national titles has Ga Tech won in baseball?

Anyone?

Anyone?

That’s what I thought cha-cha.

By Gordo1

May 12, 2008 9:03 PM | Link to this

I had a slice of pepperoni pizza for lunch. I got a cup of water to go with it, which was good, since I had red peppers poured all over the slice. I almost had to get a refill.

By KillerBees

May 12, 2008 9:17 PM | Link to this

Take off those SEC glasses boys! The ACC has the top THREE ranked teams in the nation this year, PLUS their next three teams all are better than the SEC’s best. You boys are downright funny sometimes!

By Please, don't let facts get in your way

May 12, 2008 9:24 PM | Link to this

This is hilarious.

The SEC baseball champ is about to get swept by a relatively mediocre ACC team, but Chip thinks its clear (with no evidence after that statement, mind you) that it’s easier to win in the ACC than the SEC.

You people are nimrods.

By JJacket

May 12, 2008 9:29 PM | Link to this

Hey Gordo1, posts like that were funny about 5 years ago.

To HELL with Georgia!

By AltamahaDawg

May 12, 2008 10:11 PM | Link to this

I’m trying to remember who that was talking such trash in here Friday night.. Oh yea, that right, now I remember, the Vandy guy.

By jason

May 12, 2008 10:16 PM | Link to this

UGA lost to Kennesaw State. Yeah…KENNESAW STATE…you bet UGA is going all the way. Uh-huh.

By Mike

May 12, 2008 10:18 PM | Link to this

ACC baseball rules

By Buzzillion

May 12, 2008 10:26 PM | Link to this

Hey Coach Polk: I’ll agree with you that UGA having more baseball National Titles than Tech proves you have a superior baseball program, as soon as you agree that Tech having more football National Titles than UGA proves we have a superior football program? Sound good?

That’s what I thought cha-cha.

And if you try to claim that wasn’t the point you were making (though poorly), it would just prove that your post was even more vapid than I originally thought.

By JacketsR

May 12, 2008 10:35 PM | Link to this

GA baseball a “powerhouse” and better than Tech’s in any way? That is hilarious !!

Then SEC is better than ACC in baseball? even funnier.

What’s next, the SEC has better academics too?

By Chip Towers

May 12, 2008 10:43 PM | Link to this

Look, I know that Miami, UNC and FSU are 1-2-3 in two of the three most recognized polls this week, but that doesn’t change my opinion. In fact, it reinforces my assertion that the league is perennially overrated… . The fact is, the SEC has been the stronger league since 1990. Since then, the SEC has won six of the last 18 NCAA titles (1990, 91, 93, 96, 97 and 2000), more than any other league, had the runner-up finisher three times and has put more teams in the CWS than any other conference with 34 in that span. The ACC is No. 4 on that list with 18 behind the Pac-10 (25) and the Big 12 (23)… . This is one of the barroom arguments that can go on forever without resolution, like deciding if the ‘27 Yankees were better than the ‘75 Reds, but I’m just of the opinion that the top ACC teams get fattened up on a weak bottom half of the league. Duke, Maryland, B.C., Virginia Tech, Virginia… . But, hey, that’s just my opinion.

By quaildawg

May 12, 2008 11:01 PM | Link to this

Lets see UGA has beaten Tech in Super Regional to advane to CWS. UGA has beaten Clemson in Super Regional to advance to CWS. UGA has beaten FSU in Super Regional to advance to CWS. Anymore ACC has beens that want to be rung up in a Super??? Lets see Techies your former Coach, who now is at Miami, got Tech to one CWS. Your current Coach has gotten you to two (same number of times as Perno has taken the Dawgs). I won’t dispute that Tech has had better talent over the past two decades than the Dawgs but as I stated before Tech has not gotten the production from said talent and you bunch of benchwarmers are gnashing your teeth because you know that is TRUE!!! I can’t even count the times Tech was pre-season #1 yada yada yada and come late May or early June Tech was cleaning out their lockers and headed home for the summer…without even sniffing the CWS. What a waste and pity. It really stings (no pun intended) doesn’t it Tech Batboys? Apologize for the error in Tech CWS trips. But for supposed math majors you each should know that three is two less than five. Scott-the trailer joke…do you write your own material??? That was really original you really should give up your waste management day job at the sewer plant and take off for Vegas soon.

By jjacket

May 12, 2008 11:02 PM | Link to this

Hey Chip, the SEC has not won a championship in baseball since 2000. As far as SEC victories go, LSU had a pretty good run, but that has absolutely nothing to do with UGA’s program or the SEC in general.

UGA won in 1990, but since then, only LSU has won it all in the SEC. However, don’t let that get in the way of you applying one team’s accomplishments to the whole conference.

By quaildawg

May 12, 2008 11:23 PM | Link to this

NEWS FLASH!!!!!!!!! This just in Joe Hamilton is going to have another Rolling Party if Tech beats UGA again!!!!

jjacket that line about “LSU had a pretty good run, but that has absolutely nothing to do with…or the SEC in general.”?????? So lets say for the sake of argument that Clemson (or Tech-chuckle) had a similar run from the ACC this wouldn’t validate your or any of the other Johnny-come-lately Jacket/ACC Batboys above argument about the supposed dominance of the ACC?! Too bad you guys can’t count the Miami/Big East run back in the day.

By quaildawg

May 12, 2008 11:39 PM | Link to this

Perno has flatly stated that his and this teams focus was to beef up the schedule early to prep for the gauntlet in the SEC and make a run for the title and the post season. First Mission Accomplished. As for the mid-week games if you guys really paid attention he started a fifth pitcher each time, let him go for three to four innings and then rotated relief guys for the balance. Knowing David and as competitive as he is he would have liked to have won but not for the sake of sacrificing the big picture. The SEC. Hey the South won a few battles too but last time I checked we don’t sing Dixie for the National Anthem.

By Tom jones

May 13, 2008 12:15 AM | Link to this

Georgia baseball and powerhouse just don’t sound right. To be a powerhouse the Bulldogs would have to continue this run for about 2-3 more years. With all the baseball talent in Ga. right now I can see that happening. It’s kinda like calling a football team that gets to a bowl game every year a powerhouse. Show me consistant world series apperances and I will say powerhouse, but for now it’s just an ole dog house.

By JacketsR

May 13, 2008 12:20 AM | Link to this

Head to head, the ACC is 11-9 vs the SEC with 6 of those losses by Clemson. Poor Clemson had a bad year, otherwise ACC is 11-3 vs the SEC.

uga did beef up their OOC schedule by playing 7 ACC games, going 3-3 and 1 left to play. That is as mediocre as winning an SEC title this year. But I guess it did prep them for an easier SEC schedule. Hardly a “powerhouse” by any fools opinion.

GT is 2-0 vs SEC (uga) with 1 left to play.

By ACC is Weak

May 13, 2008 12:23 AM | Link to this

PUT YOUR MONEY ON THIS: Miami, NC State and FSU may be #1,2 and 3 in the polls, but not one of them will win the College World Series because these teams and the ACC are overrated. Techies can’t stand the truth.

By Luda

May 13, 2008 3:11 AM | Link to this

The best thing he has going for him is the amount of baseball talent in the state of Georgia. A profitable athletic department (way to go Damon Evans)helps a lot too.

By David

May 13, 2008 7:49 AM | Link to this

Georgia and Perno are the beneficiaries of the fact the state of GA has exploded in baseball and population in the past 15 years (credit the Braves for some of that). DP deserves credit for having a great team but my gosh..a perennial powerhouse?

By P**

May 13, 2008 8:21 AM | Link to this

ACC is Weak, so the top three are overrated because YOU say so? You’re blindly following Chip’s logic. Same logic (or lack there of) would say that your football team is overrated too.

By GTA

May 13, 2008 9:16 AM | Link to this

Chip, wouldn’t your assertion that the SEC is a stronger conference not necessarily be helped by the fact that they have had more teams in the CWS?

If they had an easier regular season then they would get a higher seeding and somewhat of an easier road to the CWS.

Hall’s done it several different ways, with stars, veterans, freshman (this year especially). When Perno can put together a string of NCAA appearances, I would say that’s when this warrants getting talked about. He’s not in Hall’s league yet.

By Dave

May 13, 2008 9:25 AM | Link to this

Look at all the Tech fans frantically jumping in denying that UGA is a national powerhouse. Regardless of whether we are or not, it is still humorous to watch the bugs deny it so strongly.

Tech fans are the only fans in America that take more joy in their rival’s misfortunes than in their own success. Get a life, bugs.

By Genius Jacket

May 13, 2008 9:33 AM | Link to this

Georgia Tech’s baseball team scores a lot of runs. Recent evidence suggests they score a lot of heroin too.

By Gen Neyland

May 13, 2008 9:40 AM | Link to this

Congrats Dawgs for regular season SEC Championship…I can’t quite compare UGA to a Cal State-Fullerton at this point. Longevity prevails in year-to-year-to-year powerhouse tags…

By bb

May 13, 2008 10:36 AM | Link to this

Funny, that when the SEC is beating up on each other (this year in Baseball) and a team with a relatively average overall record wins the conference, it is just more evidence how strong the conference is top to bottom. But the same is not true when it happens in the ACC (last couple of years in football).

Conversely, when the SEC has a team playing for the national championship in football (i.e. breezed thru the conference schedule relatively unscathed, Fla in 2006 football), it is also proof that the SEC is superior.

SEC snobs have no clue how ridiculous their blatter sounds when they talk out of both sides of their mouth.

By Jason Varitek

May 13, 2008 12:03 PM | Link to this

UGA players do great in major league baseball. Guys like…

My buddy Stewart Cink says he can’t stand all of the UGA players on the PGA Tour.

Bobby Jones graduated from Tech. Jan Kemp did not graduate from Georgia.

By Bob

May 13, 2008 12:32 PM | Link to this

Chris Carpenter is a UGA alum that comes to mind

By Bubba

May 13, 2008 12:37 PM | Link to this

If UGA is already the 2008 SEC baseball champion, then why is there an SEC baseball tournament?

By Bubba

May 13, 2008 12:41 PM | Link to this

Chris Carpenter is not a UGA alum. Cris Carpenter was, but he hasn’t played in the majors in more than 10 years.

By Bobby Jones

May 13, 2008 1:00 PM | Link to this

UGA fans rave about my course year round.

Imagine that…UGA fans raving about a Tech alums work.