My leans differ from Winky's on a couple of games. And I saw he posted leans, and I don't want it to be interpreted that I agreed on every single one. Me and Winky agreed 100% on the plays we posted.
My leans are as follows:
FSU/UF - I seriously have absolutely no lean on this one. The Gators are mentally intimidated by the Seminoles. The Seminoles may choke, but they don't do it against Florida. They took 2 out of 3 from Florida this year, even though they were mid-week games. Florida is a Dr. Jekyll-type team. You might get the team that shows up with 3 solid starters and a sophomore lineup as good as any in the country. Or you may get the team with no lefties in their bullpen, and a sophomore lineup that can act quite sophomore at times and slump. It all depends on which UF team shows up.
Baylor/Clemson - Lean on Clemson. Baylor has not done anything to prove to me that they are legit, and they traditionally aren't an Omaha team. Clemson is. Clemson has had some impressive wins this season, including a 4 game sweep of the Hurricanes in their season series. Baylor sweated out a game in the finals against a 3-seeded Stanford team.
Rice/Tulane - Tulane is not a lock to win this regional. Rice is a very experienced team, they took out LSU in Lousiana last week, and they'll go across the state to New Orleans to do the same to Tulane. Tulane has a couple of studs in their lineup, but this Rice team is the only way I would play this one considering the price. Rice was the national champion 2 years ago, and they expect to go to Omaha year in and year out. Tulane is the #1 seed in the country 1st time in program history, and this one could have upset written all over it.
USC/Oreg State - I am definitely not sold on this Oreg. State team. But I can't bet against them just yet, USC isn't worthy of a play IMO. They may be worthy of a play for Game 1, but def not for the series. I will bet heavily against oregon state in Omaha.
Texas/Mississippi - Texas is not the traditional Texas team from years past. Their pitching is weak, and they rely on 1 or 2 guys in their bullpen. Their hitting is not the same in years past, they are living off of their former reputation. Ole Miss is a program on the up and up. Their whole starting rotation went in the 3rd round, and their lineup has some studs. Couple of Team USA guys on Ole Miss, and their coach knows how to win series. I can see Texas squeeking out a Win somewhere, but they aren't taking 2 out of 3 in Mississippi. Great series play.
Miami/Nebraska - Cesar Carillo is the best pitcher in the country. (By the way, I am considering putting a little bit on him to win the Dick Howser Trophy at +500 on Olympic). The Hurricanes have only lost 1 game that Carillo has APPEARED IN. Not just decisions. Even if Carillo gets a no-decision, the Canes just win. They have tremendous post season experience, they have a mystique, they expect to go to Omaha, and I'm not sold on Nebraska. Carillo should 99% take game 1, and then the Canes just need to win 1 of the next 2. Then Carillo is an UNDERDOG for game 1 somehow, and thats just dumb. Carillo is mentally tough, and a bulldog on the mound mentally. He sits in the low-to-mid 90's.
Tennesee/Ga Tech - Ga Tech is one of the biggest choking teams in the history of college ball. They are ranked top 5 every year, and find a way to blow it. Tennesee should start Hochevar game 1, and he's in a tight battle with Carillo for best pitcher in the country. Hochevar has been dominant all year long. He sits in the low 90's with some great offspeed stuff. Tennessee has won some tough road series this year in the SEC and that prepares them for this series. Tennesee should take game 1 with Hochevar on the mound, and then its the same situation as Miami. Just take 1 of the next 2. Hochevar is also an underdog for game 1, and Tennesee is a big dog for the series.
Cal State Fullerton/Ariz. State - This is lock of the millenium #7. Fullerton had their scare with a tough, tough, tough Arizona squad. The came back and won the next two. State has to come into Fullerton and take 2 out of 3 from the defending champs and Ricky Romero and Sergio Pedroza. Not happening. Fullerton has ended States season the past 2 years, and even the fans on States message boards are saying "Well we had a great year." Fullerton is one of the favorites to repeat as national champions, and they start to get on a roll against a familiar foe they have defeated and eliminated before.
I'm leaving for Vegas today. So, I wont be able to post or answer any questions. Best of luck to everyone.