A lot of discussion about our chances to compete in the CWS is going to necessarily circle around our offensive capabilities, as we've been a team that has often struggled at the plate. With that in mind, I thought a quick look at some of the other CWS participants' offensive numbers would be useful for comparison.

Statistics are through 6/8/10

First Bracket

Arizona St. Sun Devils

BA: .342 (15th in nation)

Runs: 499 (26th)

HRs: 1.09pg (84th)

Slugging: .541 (13th)

vs.

Clemson Tigers

BA: .306 (137th)

Runs: 553 (11th)

HRs: 1.38pg (35th)

Slugging: .494 (67th)

Oklahoma Sooners

BA: .314 (87th)

Runs: 492 (30th)

HRs: 1.5pg (18th)

Slugging: .524 (28th)

vs.

South Carolina Gamecocks

BA: .302 (162nd)

Runs: 450 (64th)

HRs: 1.46pg (21st)

Slugging: .495 (62nd)

Second Bracket

TCU Horned Frogs

BA: .345 (10th)

Runs: 535 (14th)

HRs: 1.5pg (18th)

Slugging: .566 (6th)

vs.

Florida St. Seminoles

BA: .300 (177th)

Runs: 509 (23rd)

HRs: 1.23pg (64th)

Slugging: .495 (59th)

UCLA Bruins

BA: .309 (112th)

Runs: 416 (102nd)

HRs: .95pg (122nd)

Slugging: .465 (123rd)

vs.

Florida Gators

BA: .303 (153rd)

Runs: 420 (96th)

HRs: 1.33pg (42nd)

Slugging:.487 (78th)

What do the stats suggest? What strikes me is that while the Gamecocks certainly aren't among the best hitting teams in the field, they're certainly not the only team that's winning by pitching. This suggests that the idea that we're not going to compete in Omaha because we don't have great hitting is mistaken. As the field indicates, it's certainly possible to have lots of success by relying on great pitching, and the Gamecocks have some of the best around. If both our pitching and hitting come ready to play their best ball, we have just as good a chance as anybody.

Stay tuned for more stats and analysis.