Big Ten tournament preview

Michigan is the cream of the crop in the Big Ten. The Wolverines won the regular season conference title five games ahead of second-place Purdue. This weekend we’ll find out if Michigan can take home the Big Ten tournament title and earn an automatic bid for the NCAA tournament. Last year, it was eliminated in two games and Ohio State went on to take the championship. The Wolverines are really the only team that can make the big dance without winning the conference tournament, so there is no doubt the other five conference foes will be gunning for the championship. The first game kicks off with Illinois against Ohio State at noon in Ann Arbor. Here is the tournament bracket.

Predictions

Tournament Champion: Michigan
The Wolverines have dominated the Big Ten all season, and I feel the they have too much power for opponents to shut down. But solid pitching will be the key for Michigan if it wants to roll through the field. Zach Putnam and Chris Fetter combine for a 17-1 record on the season, and they will make it difficult for opposing squads to upset Michigan during the first two games of the tournament. Eric Katzman has pitched well towards the end of the season, and would likely be the starter for the Saturday night final. If Katzman struggles and the series is pushed to Sunday, look for Tyler Burgoon or Travis Smith to make the start. Michigan has lost just two games at home this season, and it’s hard to imagine it losing two at home during the tournament.

Team who will face Michigan in the finals: Purdue
I know this is a rather predictable pick, but Purdue really does have the best shot of facing Michigan in the finals. I feel the Boilermakers will lose to Michigan in the Friday night game, and then claw their way back on Saturday. If Purdue didn’t have a first round bye, it would be a whole different story. It struggled towards the end of the season with poor series against Michigan State and Indiana, but took three games at Illinois last weekend. The free pass to the second round is just what the Boilermakers need to give them a step up and help regain their confidence. Indiana is the team that poses the biggest threat to them outside of Michigan, and it’s unlikely they will play each other, which also bodes well for Purdue.

First Team Eliminated: Illinois
Illinois has really good speed and a decent offense, but that will not be enough for them to survive. To make a successful postseason run, pitching is essential. The Fighting Illini lack just that. Illinois has the worst team ERA (6.46) of the six squads in Ann Arbor this week. Illinois was just 7-12 vs. the tournament field during the regular season. Ohio State faces them in the first game, and just two weeks ago, the Buckeyes took tow of three in Columbus. Bye bye, Illini.

Sleeper: Indiana
Indiana is the hottest team coming into the tournament. It has been a few years since the Hoosiers have made the tournament, and they’re just happy to be here. But they are a team I would not like to face. They lost a lot of games early in Big Ten play, but made a charge at the end of the season. And it all started with a split against Michigan. The Wolverines’ only split of the Big Ten season. Matt Bashore is solid on the mound and handed Chris Fetter his only loss of the season. Tyler Tufts also shut down Michigan in a brilliant performance. Even though Penn State swept Indiana early in the season, I think the Hoosiers will use their late season momentum and upset the Nittany Lions in the first round. That would set up a match up against Michigan on Thursday night. And maybe a Fetter-Bashore rematch.

Check back throughout the tournament for live updates.

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