Midweek vs Weekend games

[RunMickeyRun02]

In the last three or four years I've started following Nebraska baseball more and more closely. However, something I can never really get my head around is whenever a game is discussed as a Midweek game or a weekend series they are talked about like two completely separate classes of games.

I'm left with the impression that weekend games seem like they are the only ones that matter and that midweek games are /meh whatever. A good time to try out random pitchers, and just goof around and save your good rotation for the weekend series.

I exaggerate, but that's the sense I get.

I guess I'm bothered by the idea that each potential win isn't treated with the same importance.

I don't really know any other big Nebraska baseball fans, but even if I did I'd be too embarrassed to ask.

Could someone explain this to me?

I realize now I should have jotted down some examples. I will do so when I listen to the game this afternoon against N.Colorado.

 

[Mavric]

I'm not a huge baseball follower but I think you're right to some extent. I believe one of the biggest differences is pitching. Guys only pitch once per week in college (as opposed to every five days in the majors) so you usually have your best pitchers lined up to pitch Friday-Saturday-Sunday. That leaves you trying to fill in for the mid-week games as few teams have enough pitching to throw top-notch arms five days per week.

 

[Mavric]

Plus the mid-week games are often lesser match-ups - someone close enough so the travel time isn't so bad. Plus they are usually 1-2 games instead of a full series.

 

[ColoradoHusk]

The mid-week games are clearly thought of as the less important games, especially once conference play starts on the weekends. The midweek games are when you can schedule other teams that are in the same region, yet in other conferences. That's when NU will play UNC, Creighton, Omaha, Kansas State, etc.

The mid-week games are when the teams will work in other starting pitchers and maybe other hitters in the lineup, if the regulars need a day off. The mid-week games can be big for younger guys on the roster, to show the coaches their stuff. I have an old neighbor, who is currently pitching for Nebraska-Omaha. Two years ago, as a freshman, he shutout Creighton at TD Ameritrade Park in a midweek game. That start elevated him to the #3 starter on the team, and he has been the #1 guy last year and this year. Last year, he earned Conference Pitcher of the Year.

 

[Kleitusbpn]

given the relevance to rpi (and thus ncaa seeding), midweek games count the same

however, as stated, the weekend series is when you'll face the best pitching. you'd probably win more midweek games if you threw your best guys then, but you'd lose many more weekend games to compensate.

given the nature of the beast (freshman learning to hit and throw against much better competition) it pays to have some midweek games against lesser opponents -- not many because it kills the rpi, but you need to let them off the leash occasionally or you won't know what you have in a couple years.

i personally like midweek games against teams like arkansas and KSU as well... good teams that help you get better ncaa seeding. it's hard to get a perfect schedule honestly. part of me loves playing cal state fullerton or similar every week. part of me knows a complete grinder could wear your team down. this year is probably a fairly decent balance, especially given that the big ten seems MUCH better in the rpi than they are normally (they're currently 5th in RPI among conferences).

 

[RunMickeyRun02]

Thanks guys!

Kind of confirmed what I had feared but I guess you got to do what you got to do. Thanks again for all the explanation!

 

[ColoradoHusk]

Thanks guys!

Kind of confirmed what I had feared but I guess you got to do what you got to do. Thanks again for all the explanation!

What about the mid-week games has you feared? Just curious.

 

[RunMickeyRun02]

Thanks guys!

Kind of confirmed what I had feared but I guess you got to do what you got to do. Thanks again for all the explanation!

What about the mid-week games has you feared? Just curious.

I guess I was afraid they truly were of a lessor importance as far as who you choose to start and so on.

I better understand the logic behind this reasoning now though, so I appreciate that.

 

[hskrfan4life]

Thanks guys!

Kind of confirmed what I had feared but I guess you got to do what you got to do. Thanks again for all the explanation!

What about the mid-week games has you feared? Just curious.

I guess I was afraid they truly were of a lessor importance as far as who you choose to start and so on.
I better understand the logic behind this reasoning now though, so I appreciate that.

They still want to win the games, it's just they give weekend starters a week to rest. Usually they are high scoring.

 

[ColoradoHusk]

Thanks guys!

Kind of confirmed what I had feared but I guess you got to do what you got to do. Thanks again for all the explanation!

What about the mid-week games has you feared? Just curious.

I guess I was afraid they truly were of a lessor importance as far as who you choose to start and so on.
I better understand the logic behind this reasoning now though, so I appreciate that.

They still want to win the games, it's just they give weekend starters a week to rest. Usually they are high scoring.

The mid-week games aren't "un-important", it's just that the weekend games are "more important". The weekend games are the conference games, and non-conference games against tougher teams. Yes, there is the occasional mid-week game against a non-conference power opponent, but that might happen once or twice a year.

In the South, it's easier for the teams to schedule better mid-week opponents as their are more schools from other conferences that are in closer proximity. The SEC schools will regularly play the ACC schools in mid-week games. Plus, there are some quality baseball programs in the South that are in non-power conferences.

 

[RunMickeyRun02]

In the South, it's easier for the teams to schedule better mid-week opponents as their are more schools from other conferences that are in closer proximity. The SEC schools will regularly play the ACC schools in mid-week games. Plus, there are some quality baseball programs in the South that are in non-power conferences.

From what i've heard everything is easier in the South when it comes to College Baseball

 

[ColoradoHusk]

In the South, it's easier for the teams to schedule better mid-week opponents as their are more schools from other conferences that are in closer proximity. The SEC schools will regularly play the ACC schools in mid-week games. Plus, there are some quality baseball programs in the South that are in non-power conferences.

From what i've heard everything is easier in the South when it comes to College Baseball

Pretty much. That's why the CWS usually turns into the ACC-SEC challenge.