The calm before the storm? That might be literally true in this case.
-The Louisville Slugger All-American teams have been announced. Closer Michael Morin was named to the first team with Kent Emanuel being tapped for third team honors.
-The rotation for the weekend has been announced and will start with Hobbs Johnson on Friday followed by Kent Emanuel on Saturday and Benton Moss on Sunday. Emanuel will be saved for the second game since the ECU-St. John's winner/loser is perceived as the tougher opponent. If UNC is in the winner's bracket then the Heels would be pitching Emanuel attempting to reach a commanding 2-0 record in the double-elimination regional. If UNC is facing elimination then having the ace of the staff pitching is a good way to stay alive.
-A nice piece from Robbi Pickeral on UNC's Mike Fox and FSU's Mike Martin chasing their first national title despite multiple College World Series appearances.
-It wouldn't be the NCAA Tournament in Chapel Hill without the weather being a factor. Last season it was a length rain delay before the Heels record the final outs against Stanford to clinch a College World Series berth. The weather for Friday's opening game against Cornell at 6:00 PM is beginning to look dicey. The threat of severe weather will be present into Friday afternoon and evening with a 60% chance of rain. Chances are we will see some weather delays at Boshamer Stadium which can play havoc with the pitching if games get pushed to Saturday.
UPDATE: Due to the threat of inclement weather the first game of the day between ECU and St. John's will start at 11 AM with UNC's match-up with Cornell beginning 50 minutes following the conclusion of that game.