2012 Preseason College Top 25 Capsules
E-mail
PrintAbout Our Grades
We love the 20-80 scouting scale at Baseball America; we use it to assess everything from prospects to lunch spots. So we subject our preseason top 25 rankings to the same scrutiny.
Scouts grade prospects on how their tools compare with those of an average major leaguer, but we are rating teams relative to an average college baseball team with NCAA tournament aspirations. In addition to grading our top 25 teams on typical tools like hitting for average, hitting for power, speed and defense, we have divided the fifth tool (arm) into two categories: starting pitching and bullpen. We're also giving teams a grade for Experience/Intangibles—think of it as a team's "makeup", if you like. For each category, a grade of 50 is average, comparable to a typical NCAA tournament contender; 60 is above-average; 70 is well above-average; 40 is below-average; and 30 is well below-average. Twenty and 80 are the extreme limits in each direction.
Finally, each team is given an Overall Future Potential (OFP) grade. The OFP scale:
80: A team for the ages. An overwhelming favorite with no obvious weaknesses. Think 1981 Arizona State or 1996 Louisiana State—and, this year, Florida.
70: Elite. A leading contender for the national title. (Stanford, South Carolina, Arkansas.)
65: Well-above-average. Legitimate championship contender. (Arizona, Rice.)
60: Above-average. Strong Omaha contender. (Texas A&M, Vanderbilt, Louisiana State, North Carolina, Georgia, Georgia Tech, Texas, UCLA.)
55: Slightly above-average. A threat to win a conference title and perhaps reach Omaha. (Texas Christian, Clemson, Arizona State, Miami, Oklahoma, Florida State.)
50: Solid-average. Strong NCAA tournament teams who could make a postseason run. (Central Florida, Mississippi, Oregon State, Louisville, Cal State Fullerton.)
Remember, of course, that ranking teams is far from an exact science, and there will doubtless be surprises and disappointments as the season unfolds. But we think applying the 20-80 scale is an interesting way to gauge each team's projected strengths and weaknesses heading into the season.
| 1. FLORIDA | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 2011 Record (Ranking): 53-19 (2). RPI: 2.Coach (Record at school): Kevin O'Sullivan (176-82, 4 years). Postseason History: 27 regional appearances (active streak: 4), 7 CWS appearances (active streak: 2), 0 national titles. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hitting: 70. Florida's lineup has outstanding depth, with six mainstays back in the everyday lineup, four other returnees who played valuable part-time roles a year ago, and a talented group of newcomers led by 5-foot-9 scrappers Turgeon and Josh Tobias. Fontana's remarkable plate discipline (105 walks, 59 strikeouts in two seasons) makes him one of the nation's premier catalysts. Tucker also has more walks (92) than strikeouts (80) in his Florida career, making him a lefthanded slugger who is also a tough out. The rest of the lineup is more aggressive. Pigott and Thompson are streaky hitters who make this lineup extremely dangerous when they are locked in. Power: 70. Few teams can match Florida's thump in the heart of the order. Zunino and Maddox both have huge raw power from the right side, though Maddox did not adapt as well to the BBCOR bats. Johnson and Tucker—who made TD Ameritrade Park in Omaha look small with a long homer in the College World Series—bring plus power from the left side. Pigott, Thompson, Fontana, Powers and even Turgeon all have at least occasional pop. Speed: 45. Florida ranked 229th in the nation in steals per game last year. Fontana, Pigott and Thompson are decent runners, while Tobias and fellow freshman Cory Reid bring plus speed off the bench. Defense: 60. Fontana is as reliable as college shortstops get, and Turgeon has similar defensive ability at second base, where he'll replace steady Josh Adams. Thompson is aggressive in center but lacks arm strength and is better suited for left field. Zunino has sound catch-and-throw skills. The Gators are decent but not special on the corners. Maddox, Johnson and Vickash Ramjit will all see action at first.
Bullpen: 70. Even after losing mainstays Nick Maronde, Anthony DeSclafani and Tommy Toledo, Florida's bullpen remains rock-solid. Rodriguez's fastball-cutter combo is devastating, and he looks more confident than ever heading into his junior year. Maddox worked hard on his pitching in the fall, showing a heavy mid-90s fastball and better feel for his wipeout power slider. Sr. RHP Greg Larson is a proven sinkerballer, while sophomores Jonathon Crawford, Keenan Kish and Daniel Gibson are less proven but very talented, and coming off strong springs. Transfer Ryan Harris gives this unit a different look—his herky-jerky, three-quarters delivery has effort and deception, and his low-to-mid-90s fastball has very heavy sink. Experience/Intangibles: 75. The Gators are loaded with veterans of their two Omaha runs over the last two years. The roster is stocked with winning players, and the coaching staff excels at putting them in position to succeed. Baseball America OFP: 80. If ever a team were an overwhelming favorite on paper, it's Florida, which has talent, experience, balance, motivation and strong coaching. It fell two wins shy in 2011 but looks poised to finally hoist the trophy in 2012. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 2. STANFORD | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 2011 Record (Ranking): 35-22 (13). RPI: 13.Coach (Record at school): Mark Marquess (1422-741-7, 35 years). Postseason History: 30 regional appearances (active streak: 2), 16 CWS appearances (last in 2008), 2 national titles (last in 1988). |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Power: 60. Wilson has enormous raw power that he's still learning to harness. Potential first-rounders Diekroeger and Piscotty both got considerably stronger in the offseason and should hit for more power as juniors. The lean Ragira also has intriguing raw power, though he is still maturing physically. Speed: 60. The outfield has a pair of plus runners in Stewart and Gaffney (a tailback with 12 career touchdowns for the Cardinal football team), while Wilson runs very well for his huge size. Kauppila also brings solid speed, and while the rest of the lineup lacks burners, it is plenty athletic. Defense: 65. Replacing graduated Zach Jones behind the plate will be one of Stanford's biggest challenges, but Taylor is a natural leader with a strong arm, while Griffiths and converted infielder Eric Smith give the Cardinal good depth at the position. Stewart and Gaffney are standout defenders, and Wilson has one of college baseball's strongest arms. The slick-fielding Kauppila will compete with Diekroeger—who was erratic as a sophomore, despite all his talent—for the shortstop job, and the infield corners should be very solid. Starting Pitching: 65. The flame-throwing Appel is the early front-runner for the No. 1 overall pick in June thanks to a mid-to-upper-90s fastball, a devastating power slider at 86-87 and an improving changeup. Mooneyham might have been a first-rounder last year if he hadn't missed the season with a finger injury; he had a strong fall, showing better command of a fastball that reaches the low 90s, a swing-and-miss changeup with good sink and a slider that he uses mostly for a chase pitch. Like Mooneyham, Vanegas was a premium recruit who needs to command the zone better, but he made progress in the fall, refining his hard breaking ball and developing changeup while adding a cutter to complement his 88-93 fastball. He'll compete for the Sunday job with Jr. RHP Dean McArdle (7-4, 4.21), a bulldog with good command of a four-pitch mix. Bullpen: 55. This unit has solid depth but must find a closer to replace first-rounder Chris Reed. Piscotty has little collegiate pitching experience but flashes nasty stuff from a low arm slot—a fastball that reaches 95-96 and a power slider. Freshmen will be key: projectable LHP Spenser Linney, pitchability LHP John Hochstatter and RHP David Schmidt (a smallish power sinkerballer) figure to see important innings. Righties Brian Busick, Sahil Bloom, McArdle and submariner Elliot Byers give the 'pen some veteran leadership. Experience/Intangibles: 65. Stanford won a regional last year with an underclassmen-laden roster. Now its young stars have matured into experienced stars who know what the postseason is all about. Baseball America OFP: 70. Only Florida can match Stanford's talent level. Anything less than a CWS appearance will be a disappointment for this group, which has a strong chance to end Stanford's nearly quarter-century-long national title drought. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 3. SOUTH CAROLINA | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 2011 Record (Ranking): 55-14 (1). RPI: 5.Coach (Record at school): Ray Tanner (689-296, 15 years). Postseason History: 27 regional appearances (active streak: 12), 10 CWS appearances (active streak: 3), 2 national titles (active streak: 2 straight). |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Hitting: 55. The two-time defending champions will have their hands full replacing mainstays Jackie Bradley, Scott Wingo, Brady Thomas, Adrian Morales and Peter Mooney, but they are confident their sixth-ranked recruiting class can fill the gaps. Dynamic freshmen Pankake and English, plus the physical Greiner, form the core of South Carolina's next wave of talent, while Dantzler has a knack for making hard contact from the left side. The lineup is built around Walker, one of college baseball's premier hitters thanks to his righthanded bat speed, disciplined approach and toughness. Marzilli, Matthews and Williams are streaky but talented and experienced.
Speed: 65. Ray Tanner's teams traditionally do not lean heavily on the stolen base, but his personnel in 2012 could cause him to alter that strategy. English and fellow freshman T.J. Costen are plus-plus runners who could cause serious havoc on the basepaths. Matthews has similar speed, and Marzilli is also a plus runner. Defense: 55. South Carolina must replace all four up-the-middle starters. Dante Rosenberg figures to split time behind the plate thanks to his strong receiving skills, but Greiner has a strong arm and a chance to become a quality defender. Pankake is a very talented shortstop with a strong arm who must learn to become more consistent, while Vergason is a solid veteran who makes all the routine plays. The outfield has superb range. Starting Pitching: 70. Roth is college baseball's most accomplished pitcher, the reigning national ERA champion and a hero of each of South Carolina's two title runs. He dominates with pinpoint control of a low-to-mid-80s fastball, an outstanding changeup, the ability to vary his arm slots and a fringy breaking ball that he locates very well. Price has established himself as the nation's best closer, but he wants to start, so he'll make the transition to the rotation as a fourth-year junior. His tenacity, average-to-plus fastball, swing-and-miss slider and solid changeup should make him a success in the role. Holmes is a competitor with a solid three-pitch mix. Talented Fr. RHP Evan Beal will compete for midweek starts with veteran lefties Nolan Belcher and Adam Westmoreland, and perhaps Fr. LHP Jordan Montgomery, a bulldog in the Roth mold. Bullpen: 65. Koumas started as a freshman, but his electric fastball-slider mix and experience on a big stage should make him a success at the back of the bullpen. Jr. LHP Tyler Webb is a talented lefty who made big strides in the fall. Lean Fr. RHP Joel Seddon flashed 90-93 mph heat and a quality breaking ball in the fall. Montgomery, Belcher, Westmoreland and Beal also factor into the bullpen mix, giving this unit solid depth. The X-factor is Pankake, who flashes 93-95 head and a dirty slider. Experience/Intangibles: 75. Despite its abundance of newcomers expected to shoulder key roles, South Carolina can take solace in the leadership of Roth, Price, Walker and other veterans of its championship runs. The pitching staff is largely intact (though the bullpen will miss setup man John Taylor's 50 appearances and 1.14 ERA), and the coaching staff is second to none. The Gamecocks simply expect to win, and they do. Baseball America OFP: 70. If the last two years have taught us anything it is never to doubt Roth, Price and co. South Carolina has a legit chance at college baseball's first three-peat since Southern California won five straight from 1970-74. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 4. ARKANSAS | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 2011 Record (Ranking): 40-22 (24). RPI: 14.Coach (Record at school): Dave Van Horn (359-201, 9 years). Postseason History: 24 regional appearances (active streak: 10), 6 CWS appearances (last in 2009), 0 national titles. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hitting: 60. After ranking 219th in the nation with a .270 team batting average last year, Arkansas figures to be much more dangerous offensively in 2012. The switch-hitting Ficociello has electric bat speed and figures to build on his freshman All-America 2011 campaign. Reynolds hit just .233 in his first two collegiate seasons but toned down his approach and posted a strong summer for Team USA and in the Cape League, making him a major breakout candidate. The pesky Bigham should be a sparkplug atop the lineup, and the ultra-athletic Morris made strides offensively after abandoning switch-hitting to concentrate on hitting from the right side. Wise hopes to build on a strong summer in the Northwoods League. Power: 55. Expect Ficociello to take another step toward harnessing his big raw power as he matures physically. Fellow switch-hitter Vinson also has power from both sides and needs to translate his ability into games. Bates brings intriguing lefthanded pop, while the physical Morris and surprising Fr. C John Clay Reeves offer decent righthanded power potential. Speed: 65. The Razorbacks typically run an aggressive offense—they ranked sixth in the nation in steals (122) last year—and figure to play a similar style this year. Carver is the best basestealer on the team, but Bigham and Reynolds are also good baserunners who could reach 20 steals. Anderson and Morris bring plus or better speed. Defense: 70. Arkansas boasts a rock-solid fifth-year senior at shortstop in Carver, and the other three infielders are also excellent defenders. Anderson (who also has good actions in the infield), Morris and Vinson are all quality defensive outfielders with strong arms, while Wise and Reeves should make an able platoon behind the plate. This should be one of the nation's best defenses.
Starting Pitching: 65. Sanburn, like Stanek, has filthy stuff but is still learning to repeat it. His 91-94 mph fastball reaches 98 at times, his 81-85 mph breaking ball has good depth when he stays on top of it, and his changeup made strides in the summer and fall. Jr. LHP Trent Daniel can run his fastball up to 94 mph, while sophomores Colby Suggs and Brandon Moore are quality options from the right side. A talented group of freshmen—led by LHP Mark Reyes and RHP Greg Millhorn—plus Morris' two-way ability makes this a very deep group. Experience/Intangibles: 65. With five upperclassmen penciled into the starting lineup and two more in the weekend rotation, Arkansas has plenty of experience. Bigham and Carver give the Hogs a pair of key holdovers from the 2009 CWS team. Baseball America OFP: 70. Arkansas has a deep, talented roster and few discernible weaknesses. The Hogs are the favorites to win the SEC West and are legit national title contenders. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 5. ARIZONA | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 2011 Record (Ranking): 39-21 (NR). RPI: 19.Coach (Record at school): Andy Lopez (316-229-1, 10 years). Postseason History: 32 regional appearances (active streak: 2), 15 CWS appearances (last in 2004), 3 national titles (last in 1986). |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hitting: 65. The Wildcats return five key starters from an offense that ranked third nationally in batting (.320) and ninth in triples (26), a testament to their ability to wear out the spacious gaps in Tucson. Their new home field, Hi Corbett Field, should play similarly, and Arizona has the personnel to rack up doubles and triples. Refsnyder is the team's best pure hitter and the centerpiece of the lineup. Rickard is a catalyst with a nice line-drive stroke of his own, while Mejia and Gilbert are tough outs who will drive pitchers crazy. The hard-nosed Field is another talented bat who is learning to manage the strike zone better. Power: 50. Arizona's coaches encouraged Mejias-Brean and Dixon to let it fly in the fall, hoping they can provide righthanded power even if it means more strikeouts. Refsnyder also is capable of driving balls out of the park, while fifth-year senior Brown provides valuable lefthanded pop. Don't expect many homers at Hi Corbett, but Arizona can exploit smaller ballparks.
Defense: 60. Arizona's .976 fielding percentage ranked 14th in the nation a year ago. The instinctive Mejia is a defensive standout with a strong arm and good range despite mediocre foot speed, and Gilbert has great actions around the bag, forming a strong double-play tandem. The outfielders should cover plenty of ground. With fellow Fr. C David Schuknecht out for the year with a shoulder injury, the athletic, strong-armed Moore figures to do the bulk of the catching, and he has the talent to be a standout in time. Starting Pitching: 65. Heyer has been a fearless, workhorse ace since he set foot in Tucson, and he gives the Wildcats a rock atop the rotation. He has excellent command of an 88-92 mph fastball, solid breaking ball and changeup, and his funky delivery adds deception. Wade, the No. 15 prospect in the Cape League last summer, attacks the zone with a lively 89-93 fastball, quality 81-84 slider and high-70s change with diving action. Troupe has similar fastball velocity, a changeup that some scouts rated as major league plus in high school, and a quality hard curveball. He'll compete for starts with much-improved So. RHP James Farris, who worked this fall at 90-92 with a good slider and a changeup that has forkball action. Bullpen: 55. Andy Lopez has a history of building winning teams around shut-down bullpens. This unit has good depth but lacks a proven closer. Cunningham has been limited by injuries over the last two years, but he was healthy this fall, during which he worked on refining a tight slurve to go with his 90-91 fastball and decent changeup. Jr. RHP Tyler Hale has some of the best stuff on the staff—a 90-93 fastball, good changeup and hard breaking ball—but is learning not to overthink. Jr. LHP Vince Littleman dropped to a submarine slot in the fall and took to it, getting hitters out with a deceptive 87-88 fastball, good changeup and developing cutter. Experience/Intangibles: 65. The Wildcats are loaded with veterans from a team that reached a regional final last year, though they must answer questions at key spots behind the plate and in the bullpen. Mejia, Refsnyder and Heyer are consummate winners who number among Arizona's wealth of clubhouse leaders. Baseball America OFP: 65. A major reason for Arizona's move to Hi Corbett was to enhance its chances to host a regional. This team is good enough to host and to get the Wildcats to Omaha for the first time since 2004. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 6. RICE | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 2011 Record (Ranking): 42-21 (15). RPI: 12.Coach (Record at school): Wayne Graham (912-361, 20 years). Postseason History: 17 regional appearances (active streak: 16), 7 CWS appearances (last in 2008), 1 national title (2003). |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hitting: 60. The Owls will miss 2010 national Player of the Year Anthony Rendon, of course, but their lineup features enviable depth and experience. Hamilton showed excellent plate discipline during a standout fall and figures to handle the bulk of the leadoff duties. Doubles machine Ratterree is an accomplished run producer with advanced on-base ability. He'll hit in the middle of the lineup with veterans Fuda and Rathjen, who were both limited by injuries a year ago but are dangerous hitters when healthy. Manuel is an exceptional bat-handler and gifted situational hitter, while Lewis and Stainback are tough outs with patient approaches. Hoelscher, like Hamilton, took a step forward offensively in the fall, and two-way talent J.T. Chargois provides insurance against injuries, though Rice would like him to focus on pitching. Power: 40. No Owl hit more than six homers a year ago, but Ratterree and Rathjen give Rice a pair of potential double-digit home run hitters in 2012. Fuda and Hoelscher have occasional pop, and So. OF/DH Chase McDowell brings some more off the bench. But this does not figure to be a particularly powerful club. Speed: 55. Rendon was the lone Owl to steal more than six bases in 2011, but Fuda has blazing speed when healthy, and Rathjen also will provide solid speed if his surgically repaired ACL holds up. Ratterree, Hamilton, Hoelscher, Stringer, Lewis and Stainback are all roughly average runners as well. Defense: 70. Hamilton and Hoelscher gained invaluable experience as freshmen and fielded well in the fall. Stringer gives Hamilton a slick-fielding double-play partner, and Lewis is athletic at first base. Manuel handles a pitching staff as well as any catcher in college baseball and owns advanced catch-and-throw skills. Ratterree struggled at second base last year, but his athleticism should be an asset in Rice's strong outfield.
Bullpen: 75. Rice's bullpen looks truly special—an absurdly deep unit with a trio of shut-down power arms in Simms, Chargois and Jr. RHP Tyler Duffey. Simms was virtually unhittable in the Cape last summer, where he posted a 0.00 ERA and ranked as the No. 5 prospect thanks to a lively low-90s fastball, sharp high-70s breaking ball and the makings of a nice changeup. Chargois ranked 16th on that list, showing an explosive sinking fastball at 92-96 and a plus power curveball at 78-83. Duffey is a bulldog with a low-90s fastball and a sweeping slider with good depth. Between Brad Kottman, Holt McNair and potentially Wall, the Owls should have enough options from the left side. Fr. RHP Zech Lemond leads a stable of intriguing righties that also includes Tyler Spurlin, Connor Mason, Andrew Benak, Ryan McCarthy and Jeremy Fant. Experience/Intangibles: 60. Manuel headlines a strong group of veteran leaders, and Wayne Graham gives Rice a coaching edge against just about everybody. But few players on this team have experienced a deep postseason run, as Rice hasn't won a regional since 2009—a long drought for this program. Baseball America OFP: 65. Rice's pitching-and-defense formula is a recipe for success in the BBCOR era, and the lineup will make opposing pitchers work hard. A deep postseason run is in Rice's sights. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 7. TEXAS A&M | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 2011 Record (Ranking): 47-22 (7). RPI: 9.Coach (Record at school): Rob Childress (246-135-2, 6 years). Postseason History: 27 regional appearances (active streak: 5), 5 CWS appearances (active streak: 1), 0 national titles. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hitting: 60. The Aggies return their top four hitters from last year's Omaha club, headlined by reigning Big 12 Player of the Year Naquin, whose vision and lightning-quick wrists enable him to lace hard line drive all around the field. Bratsen is a dynamic table-setter at times but must put the ball in play more consistently to make use of his speed. Statum is in the same mold, giving the Aggies another disruptive slasher to hit at the top or bottom of the order. Fellow sub-6-footers Reynolds and Curl have surprising strength in their compact frames and aggressive approaches that fit well in A&M's scheme. Power: 40. The physical, experienced Juengel is Texas A&M's best power hitter, though the Aggies count on him more to be a run producer than a feast-or-famine masher. Wood has continued to improve over the course of his career, and he could deliver eight to 10 homers as well. Naquin and House have good gap power and occasional long ball pop. Speed: 80. The Aggies pride themselves on their high-pressure, hyper-aggressive offense, and their lineup full of quick-twitch athletes will drive opponents crazy on the basepaths. Bratsen is an 80 runner on the 20-80 scale, while Sr. utilityman Scott Arthur has plus speed and exceptional basestealing instincts. Statum, Naquin, Reynolds and Curl are all at least plus runners. Even Juengel and Wood run the 60-yard dash in 6.8 seconds. Defense: 60. The greatest question mark facing A&M is how to replace up-the-middle regulars Kevin Gonzalez, Kenny Jackson and Andrew Collazo. The talented Mengden figures to split time behind the plate with So. Troy Stein and Frs. Mitchell Nau and Cole Lankford, giving the Aggies plenty of promising options. Reynolds has good range, sure hands and an average arm at short. Curl and Arthur have good instincts at second, and Rob Childress calls House the best defensive first baseman he's coached in 22 years. Juengel is gaining confidence at third but will never be a glove whiz. The outfielders have superb range, and Naquin has one of college baseball's best outfield arms.
Bullpen: 55. JC transfer Jason Jester might have been the closer, but his eligibility is in doubt. Childress said he's never coached a catcher/pitcher before and doesn't want to tax Mengden too much, but he throws strikes with an 88-94 fastball and a good slider, making him the front-runner to close. Six-foot-6 sidewinder Kyle Martin has outstanding deception and a surprisingly firm 89-91 mph fastball, making him an invaluable setup man. Sr. LHP Estevan Uriegas works at 85-88 but mixes four pitches effectively. Pineda, Stubblefield or Ray could also bolster this unit. Experience/Intangibles: 60. The Aggies have plenty of key holdovers from last year's CWS team, but they also have inexperience up the middle and at the back of the bullpen. Baseball America OFP: 60. Wacha and Stripling will ensure the Aggies are very difficult to beat in weekend series, and the athletic lineup is intriguing. Another Omaha run is certainly within reach. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 8. LOUISIANA STATE | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 2011 Record (Ranking): 36-20 (NR). RPI: 28.Coach (Record at school): Paul Maineri (211-104-2, 5 years). Postseason History: 24 regional appearances (last in 2010), 15 CWS appearances (last in 2009), 6 national titles (last in 2009). |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hitting: 55. LSU must replace its most dangerous hitter—All-American Mikie Mahtook—but six everyday regulars are back in the fold. The Tigers expect to manufacture offense by grinding out at-bats and hitting situationally throughout the lineup. Rhymes is the Tigers' best pure hitter, and Slaid showed a similar knack for barreling balls up consistently during his breakout fall. Jones has loads of bat speed and is learning to control his swing better and drive the ball the other way. Quality veterans Katz, Nola and Hanover are capable of carrying the offense when they are locked in. Dozar and freshman Tyler Moore will be counted on to give this righthanded-heavy lineup some competitive at-bats from the left side. Power: 35. Mahtook accounted for 41 percent of LSU's 34 homers last year; no other Tiger hit more than four long balls. Katz, coming off a strong summer in the Cape Cod League, is a physical presence in the middle of the lineup, though he's more of a gap hitter than a true slugger. Jones has Mahtook-esque raw power but is still learning to tap into it. Jr. OF Arby Fields is a switch-hitter with the best usable pop on the team, but he needs to make more consistent contact. Speed: 45. The rangy Jones can fly but needs to be more efficient on the basepaths as a sophomore after going just 12-for-20 on stolen base attempts last year. Fields brings speed off the bench—unless he can earn an everyday job—but the rest of the lineup lacks burners. Defense: 60. The Tigers have a nice luxury in a pair of steady seniors who make most of the routine plays on the left side of the infield. Ross' catch-and-throw skills and ability to handle a staff make him one of LSU's key players. The scrappy Yocom impressed the Tigers with his footwork and hands after making the transition from shortstop to second. Jones' athleticism helped him make the move from the infield to center, where he covers plenty of ground but is still learning. Katz has less speed but takes better routes in the outfield, and he could also see time at first.
Bullpen: 60. The undersized, max-effort Rumbelow had a breakout summer in the Prospect League and carried his momentum over to the fall, running his fastball up to 93-94 and showing an improved power slider. He'll compete for the closer job with juco transfer Nick Goody, who has similar stuff. Talented Fr. RHP Aaron Nola, a changeup specialist with a low-slot who earns comparisons to former LSU star Louis Coleman, figures to be the first man out of the bullpen. Experience/Intangibles: 55. Hanover and Nola give the Tigers a pair of holdovers from the 2009 national title team, but the rest of the lineup lacks meaningful postseason experience, especially after LSU was passed over for an NCAA tournament berth last year. Baseball America OFP: 60. LSU lacks its traditional offensive firepower, but its enviable stable of arms and collection of solid veterans in the lineup could carry it back to Omaha for the first time since '09. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 9. NORTH CAROLINA | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 2011 Record (Ranking): 51-16 (5). RPI: 1.Coach (Record at school): Mike Fox (589-247-1, 13 years). Postseason History: 26 regional appearances (active streak: 10), 9 CWS appearances (active streak: 1), 0 national titles. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hitting: 60. Plate discipline is the hallmark of a North Carolina offense that ranked second nationally in walks last year. UNC's lineup is built around the strong, patient Moran, the reigning national Freshman of the Year. Frank and Coyle are high-energy players who walk more than they strike out and make the offense go from the top two spots in the lineup. The dangerous Stubbs and the ever-improving Stallings also have mature offensive approaches, while Zengel and Holberton have sweet line-drive swings and took strides forward in the fall. UNC will start eight lefties against righthanded pitching and count on So. C Matt Roberts and Fr. OFs Michael Russell and Adam Griffin to contribute from the right side against southpaws. Power: 50. No Tar Heel reached double figures in homers a year ago, but Moran has plus power and should hit more homers as a sophomore. Juco transfer Stubbs also brings serious power potential, and Baldwin brings thump to the bottom of the order, though he has struggled to make consistent contact in his career. Roberts simplified his approach in the fall and looks primed for a breakout year. Speed: 45. Frank and Coyle have solid speed and are aggressive, efficient baserunners. No other regular has better than fringy speed. Defense: 60. Stallings is an elite defensive catcher with excellent receiving and blocking skills, a plus arm and a knack for handling a staff. Coyle proved he could handle the shift from second to short during the fall, though he lacks standout defensive tools. Zolk and Stubbs are steady on the right side, and Moran is improving at third but can be stiff at times. The outfield is solid but not exceptional.
Bullpen: 65. Morin emerged as a trustworthy closer down the stretch last year, racking up all 10 of his saves after April 1. He can run his fastball up to 95 and complements it with a terrific changeup and a decent slider. The Tar Heels can mix and match to Mike Fox's delight with three quality lefties (hard-throwing R.C. Orlan plus Tate Parrish and Hobbs Johnson) and three power righties (Cody Penny, Chris McCue, Mason McCullough). Experience/Intangibles: 65. UNC's upperclassmen have experienced multiple CWS runs, and the younger players proved their mettle in last year's surprising 51-win campaign. The stellar coaching staff knows the ropes in Omaha after making five trips there in the last six years. Baseball America OFP: 60. This program simply knows how to win. Its 2012 roster is built to grind opponents down offensively and win close games with its deep bullpen. That formula worked in 2011, and it should result in a lot of wins again this year. |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 10. VANDERBILT | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 2011 Record (Ranking): 54-12 (4). RPI: 4.Coach (Record at school): Tim Corbin (376-189, 9 years). Postseason History: 10 regional appearances (active streak: 6), 1 CWS appearances (active streak: 1), 0 national titles. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Power: 55. Gregor is a gifted hitter with a disciplined approach and plus raw power that could blossom during his sophomore campaign. Harvey is extraordinarily physical for a freshman who skipped his senior year of high school, adding above-average righthanded power potential to the mix. Harrell also has good righthanded pop but needs to make more consistent contact. Lupo and the lanky McKeithan need to translate their decent raw power into game action. Speed: 65. Kemp has blazing speed and knows how to use it, excelling at hitting the ball on the ground, drag bunting and causing havoc on the basepaths. Yastrzemski's advanced instincts make his average speed play up. Harrell, Lupo and McKeithan are plus runners, while Reynolds and Gomez are decent runners as well. Defense: 60. The three outfielders are superb defenders with speed and savvy. Reynolds and McKeithan are very good infielders, while Gomez is solid but not spectacular at short. Gregor needs work at first, and Harvey is still learning the finer points of catching, where his arm strength is an asset. Starting Pitching: 60. The Commodores lost a pair of All-Americans and a rock-solid senior in the weekend rotation. The men who hope to replace them are extremely talented but unproven. The strike-throwing Ziomek starred in the bullpen last year but struggled as a starter in the Cape League, due to fatigue and inconsistent mechanics. His fastball ranges from 88-94, his hard two-plane slider is an out-pitch and his changeup is coming along. Beede's pedigree speaks for itself: He is an unsigned first-round pick with a fastball that reaches 95 and advanced feel for three quality secondary pitches, though he did not have a great fall. Selman has been a bit of a tease for two years, flashing mid-90s heat, an electric power breaking ball and an effective changeup but struggling to repeat his mechanics and throw strikes. His command and mound presence took big strides in the summer and fall. Jr. RHP Drew VerHagen was a marquee recruit at Oklahoma who spent last year at NJCAA champion Navarro (Texas); he also flashes plus stuff but needs mechanical refinement. Bullpen: 60. Vandy got a big boost when Clinard elected to return for his senior year, giving the 'Dores a battle-tested closer with good command of a solid fastball and a major weapon in his cutter, which is filthy when it's on. Getting tenacious So. RHP T.J. Pecoraro back from Tommy John surgery could provide another boost at some point. The bullpen is loaded with lefties, as talented freshmen Phillip Pfeifer, Nevin Wilson and Jared Miller join So. LHPs Steven Rice and Keenan Kollinsky. Two more key freshmen, Adam Ravenelle and Brian Miller, present different looks from the right side, making this a deep if inexperienced bullpen. Experience/Intangibles: 60. It's nice to have six returning starters with Omaha experience, and the lineup is brimming with dogged competitors. But the pitching staff needs to prove itself. Baseball America OFP: 60. Vanderbilt's upside is tantalizing, because its pitching staff is overflowing with quality arms, but how those arms will respond to the rigors of the SEC remains to be seen. The fantastic coaching staff and strong lineup ensure this team's floor is fairly high even if the pitching should disappoint. Amazingly, a team that lost 11 drafted players—including four All-Americans—could realistically get back to Omaha. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 11. GEORGIA | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 2011 Record (Ranking): 33-32 (NR). RPI: 16.Coach (Record at school): David Perno (338-277-1, 10 years). Postseason History: 10 regional appearances (active streak: 1), 6 CWS appearances (last in 2008), 1 national title (1990). |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hitting: 55. The Bulldogs hit just .274 as a team (188th in the nation) and scored just 4.8 runs per game (234th) in 2011, but there are reasons to expect this team to be significantly improved on offense. For one thing, the talented duo of May and Verdin had strong falls and look poised for big bounce-back seasons after struggling mightily in 2011. If Verdin can hold down the leadoff spot, the slap-and-dash Welton is a perfect fit in the No. 2 hole, setting the table for gap-hitting run producers Farmer and Hyams. The scrappy Powell is a tough out lower in the lineup. Power: 55. Cole is a future star with big-time power potential and the ability to hit for average, as well. May toned his body, regrouped mentally and looks like a threat to reach double-digit homers this spring. The streaky DeLoach also has that kind of ability, though he could split time at DH with the lefthanded hitting Jared Walsh. Farmer and Hyams also bring some pop, and Verdin has raw pull power, though Georgia would like him to stick with a middle-away approach. Speed: 60. Verdin has game-changing speed—he ran the 60-yard dash in 6.29 seconds in the fall. Welton is a plus or better runner in his own right. Farmer, Hyams and Cole are all average runners. Defense: 65. Farmer and Hyams comprise one of the nation's premier double-play tandems; each has sure hands, quality instincts, good range and arm strength. Powell's emergence at third pushed May to first, where he made a smooth transition. Verdin, in addition to having superb range, has a rifle arm in right, and Cole has an above-average arm in left. Welton covers a lot of ground in center, and Stephens has the arm strength behind the plate to significantly improve Georgia's struggles against opposing running games.
Bullpen: 60. Maloof's misleading ERA was inflated by a couple of mop-up outings last spring, but he was lights-out in save situations, and he showed filthy stuff in the fall, attacking both sides of the plate with a 92-95 fastball, good slider and improving changeup against lefties. Jr. RHP Bryan Benzor is an invaluable setup man who keeps his high-80s fastball, slider and changeup down in the zone and uses his quality split-finger as an out pitch. Soft-tossing Sr. LHP Chase Hawkins is a nice weapon against lefties, while talented Fr. RHPs Taylor Hicks, Luke Crumley, Pete Nagel and David Sosebee plus Fr. LHP Jarrett Brown provide depth. Experience/Intangibles: 65. Georgia welcomes back eight players who started at least 34 games in 2011 plus the entire weekend rotation (Dieterich moved into the No. 3 starter role down the stretch) and the closer. The Bulldogs proved their toughness in regrouping from the on-field paralyzing of outfielder Johnathan Taylor to make a regional. Baseball America OFP: 60. David Perno thinks his team is in the best shape heading into a season as it has been in his tenure. Balanced and deep, Georgia is capable of making noise in the postseason. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 12. GEORGIA TECH | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 2011 Record (Ranking): 42-21 (20). RPI: 10.Coach (Record at school): Danny Hall (779-349-1, 18 years). Postseason History: 27 regional appearances (active streak: 4), 3 CWS appearances (last in 2006), 0 national titles. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Hitting: 65. Georgia Tech leaned heavily on its talented freshman class in 2011, so four of its projected six sophomore regulars have already proven themselves as everyday players. Wren is a disruptive catalyst with a knack for getting on base atop the lineup. Thomas, the No. 13 prospect in the Cape League last summer, is the likely No. 2 hitter—a dynamic switch-hitter who is learning to make more consistent contact. The dangerous Palka made great strides using the whole field and cutting down his strikeouts in a strong Cape summer. Fellow sophomores Evans and Hyde are gap-to-gap hitters who also have improved their offensives approaches from a year ago. Butler and Dove will make pitchers work lower in the order. With four lefties, four righties and a switch-hitter, this is a very balanced lineup. Power: 60. Palka has plus lefthanded power potential, helping him lead Tech in homers as a freshman and put on an impressive show in the Cape's home run derby at Fenway Park. Davies is similarly physical and should see his power numbers spike as a senior. Kronenfeld is a prime breakout candidate after a good summer in the New England Collegiate League, giving Tech a third potential lefthanded slugger. Thomas has average raw power from both sides, and Evans provides occasional power from the right side. Speed: 65. Wren and Thomas both have plus-plus speed, while Hyde and Dove both flash above-average speed, more than making up for the slow-footed Davies/Palka tandem. Kronenfeld is a solid-average runner. Expect the Jackets to steal more bases than usual in 2012. Defense: 60. Hyde returns to shortstop after switching to second early in his freshman year, and he was more consistent there this fall. Dove is also a natural middle infielder who returns from the outfield this spring, giving Hyde a quality double-play partner. Butler is a standout defender at third, while Wren and Thomas have stellar outfield range. Evans is solid behind the plate, and Tech has more depth behind him this year, which should help keep him fresh.
Bullpen: 60. Bard, the younger brother of Red Sox flamethrower Daniel Bard, was dominating as Tech's closer down the stretch last year thanks to an 89-92 fastball with arm-side run and a swing-and-miss slider. Roberts reached 94 in the fall, and he could give Tech another power arm in the 'pen if he doesn't win a starting job. Crafty LHP Devin Stanton and veteran RHP Clay Dalton give this unit a pair of reliable middle men. Experience/Intangibles: 50. With seven returning everyday players and a pair of experienced juniors bookending the rotation, the Yellow Jackets should have adequate experience. Many of those players also carry the scars of losing three straight home regionals. Baseball America OFP: 60. Georgia Tech has the talent to make an Omaha run, but the same could be said in each of the last three years, which ended in disappointment. The Jackets need their talented young arms to live up to their potential, and the whole team needs to play at peak level when it matters most. |
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 13. TEXAS | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
 2011 Record (Ranking): 49-19 (6). RPI: 11.Coach (Record at school): Augie Garrido (666-301-2, 15 years). Postseason History: 55 regional appearances (active streak: 13), 34 CWS appearances (active streak: 1), 6 national titles (last in 2005). |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Power: 30. Texas hit just 17 homers last year, and leading home run hitter Shepherd (five) is gone. Walsh is strong enough to increase his power output, while Weiss, Lusson and Marlowe will run into a long ball now and then, but don't expect Texas to finish inside the nation's top 250 in homers—especially playing its home games at cavernous UFCU Disch-Falk Field. The Longhorns rank ninth in triples and 29th in doubles last year, however, demonstrating respectable pop to the gaps. Speed: 55. Though Walla is the lone true burner in the lineup, Texas has solid overall team speed. The Longhorns should run the bases well up and down the lineup. Defense: 60. The 'Horns excel defensively just about every year, but they'll have their hands full replacing Loy at shortstop. They were hoping to land blue-chipper C.J. Hinojosa a semester early, but that plan fell through, leaving the talented but enigmatic Summers to handle the job. Marlowe should compete with the steady Jordan Etier—who was reinstated in January after being dismissed from the team in October for an arrest—at second, and the corners are strong. Felts has good catch-and-throw skills, and the outfielders cover a lot of ground.
Bullpen: 70. Knebel might be the nation's premier closer thanks to an overpowering fastball that he commands exceptionally well and a mean streak. So. RHP Nathan Thornhill, who is similarly unflappable and has good command of a solid three-pitch mix, leads the supporting cast, along with Jr. RHPs Josh Urban and Kiefer Nuncio, who should be ready to shoulder bigger burdens in the middle innings. Fr. LHP Dillon Peters and Fr. RHP John Curtiss have front-line ability but are still refining their secondary stuff. Fr. LHP Toller Boardman gives this unit a key strike-throwing lefty. Experience/Intangibles: 65. Six regulars and several key pitchers return from last year's Omaha team. Garrido is a coaching legend who always seems to find ways to motivate his clubs and get them to buy into his effective style of play. Baseball America OFP: 60. The lineup won't scare anybody, and the defense doesn't look quite as airtight as usual, but the arms and the system are capable of carrying Texas a long way.
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
2011 Record (Ranking): 
2011 Record (Ranking): 
2011 Record (Ranking): 
2011 Record (Ranking): 
2011 Record (Ranking): 
2011 Record (Ranking): 
2011 Record (Ranking): 
2011 Record (Ranking): 
2011 Record (Ranking): 
2011 Record (Ranking): 
2011 Record (Ranking): 
2011 Record (Ranking): 
indicates Premium Content | Copyright © 1999-2013 Baseball America Inc. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. All rights reserved. | Site Map | FAQs | Careers | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Return/Refund Policy.
Baseball America, 4319 South Alston Avenue, Suite 103, Durham, NC 27713. | Follow us on: 
