Central Michigan University Athletics
Chippewas Tabbed 2011 Favorites in West Division
2/8/2011 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
2011 Schedule | Chippewas Receiving Votes | Meet the Chippewas Set for Saturday
MOUNT PLEASANT -- Defending Mid-American Conference champion Central Michigan was tabbed West Division favorites in the coaches' preseason poll, released by the league office on Tuesday.
The Chippewas (36-22, 20-7 MAC in 2010) received 69 points, edging Toledo (60) as the early favorites to repeat as division champion.
CMU also received three votes as the favorite to claim the MAC Tournament championship, the second-most to East Division favorite Kent State's five.
The Chippewas are among teams receiving votes in the Collegiate Baseball Newspaper's preseason top-40 poll. The Maroon and Gold return six position players who started at least 20 games last season, all but one starting pitcher from its weekly rotation and its entire bullpen.
A four-game series against Florida Gulf Coast opens the 2011 slate for Central Michigan, starting on Feb. 18 at 6:30 p.m.
2011 MAC Baseball Coaches Preseason Poll
MAC East Division
1. Kent State - 72 Points
2. Miami - 53 Points
3. Bowling Green - 50 points
4. Ohio - 35 points
5. Akron - 24 points
6. Buffalo - 16 points
MAC West Division
1. Central Michigan - 69 points
2. Toledo - 60 points
3. Eastern Michigan - 46 points
4. Ball State - 37 points
5. Northern Illinois - 26 points
6. Western Michigan - 12 points
MAC Tournament Champions
Kent State (5), Central Michigan (3), Toledo (2), Miami (1), Eastern Michigan (1)
