Spending my easter weekend in from school watching some good college ball, i figured id share what ive seen. NIU swept western michigan in great fashion, 2 close games, one come from behind, and one slugfest. They have a really nice lineup, espeically at that top, and have one of the top power hitters in the midwest in Rob Marconi(set school record for HR), who contrary to what some say and think, can flash a little leather at 3rd base. They have a very solid one/two lefty combo with Joe Pikarz (4-4 2.49 and Sidearmer Zack Minor (5-1 2.19), and a great one-two-three punch out of the bullpen with Left Handed reliever Jeff Hall (2.7 ERA) Right hander Trevor Wolgemuth (1-2 0.66 ERA) and closer Mark Badgely who was top 10 in saves last year. You can tell by the record/era of Joe and Trevor that NIU has failed to execute at times, and kicked the ball around a little, but this weekend it seemed like they put it all together and showed the domincance they can have in the conference. Also take into fact that they lost slugger MIke Santoro for the year, who was a big part of the sucess they had in 2003, and replacing his bat isnt easy, but Jake Blair has stepped in and played well defensively and at the plate. The middle of the lineup is still good, but would be even better with Santoro. NIU also posseses depth at many positions, and that will hopefully lead them, with many other factors, into the post season

Saw most of Saturday's game at NIU but had to leave before 8th inn comeback. NIU looked good despite couple defensive mistakes - lefty Minor has 5 wins and great era, deceptive motion and release.