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Baseball America's Preseason College Top 50 Capsules by John Manuel
1. Rice
'04 Lineup
Rotation/Closer
2. LOUISIANA STATE
'04 Lineup
Rotation/Closer
Offense: The Tigers lose Aaron Hill (.358-9-57), a three-year stalwart at shortstop and the Southeastern Conference player of the year in 2003. Everyone else is back, though, from a lineup that was fifth nationally in home runs. Holt, the leadoff hitter, also won the Cape Cod League batting title (.388) last summer. Harris, Patterson, Stavinoha and Zeringue have as much power as any quartet in the game. Stavinoha, a juco All-American last spring, hit 37 home runs in two seasons at San Jacinto (Texas) and tore up fall ball. He is projected to bat cleanup despite all the returning power. Pitching/Defense: Mestepey, a crafty lefthander, won 11 games and all-conference honors in each of his first two seasons as LSU's ace, then missed 2003 after having shoulder surgery. He's back and healthy, and rejoins a staff that returns Bumstead, its leading winner, and Meier, the late-season ace who dominated as a reliever in the Cape (1.19 ERA, 42 SO in 23 IP). Liuzza shined defensively as a freshman, surpassing all expectations. Losing Hill may be felt most defensively as Gill slides to shortstop and Naccarata moves from third to second. X-Factor: Nall also had shoulder surgery last year; if he's not healthy, Meier could take his above-average running fastball and plus slider to the bullpen. When he's right, Nall brings low 90s heat from a sidearm delivery. RHP Collin Smith, a transfer from Pearl River (Miss.) CC, is also a candidate to close and is also recovering from shoulder surgery that sidelined him last year. 3. MIAMI
'04 Lineup
Rotation/Closer
Offense: The Hurricanes, who didn't lose a single player to the draft, have few questions. Paco Figueroa takes over for his brother Danny in left until Danny recovers from offseason Tommy John surgery. Whichever Figueroa is in the lineup, Miami will run at any time while also liberally using the hit and run. Braun, Baseball America's Freshman of the Year, Burt and Sanchez are expected to provide the power. Giannotti has as much offensive upside as any of the team's lefthanded hitters and could develop into a middle-of-the-order threat if he stays healthy. Pitching/Defense: Miami has depth and variety on the mound. The soft-tossing Cockroft may not repeat his magical season but may not have to if Bongiovanni, Camardese and RHP Danny Touchet (2-0, 1.93 but returning from Tommy John surgery) find the strike zone. Miami's closer tradition has two more candidates in Huguet (14 saves in 2001) and Shaun Valdes-Fauli (5 SV in '03), whose slider and split-finger fastball are plus pitches. San Pedro ranks as one of the nation's top catch-and-throw receivers. The left side of the infield is suspect though, as Braun and Sanchez, are average defenders at best and need to improve on .939 and .845 fielding averages. X-Factor: Touchet's return could give the team a power righty, but so could the emergence of sophomore Cesar Carrillo, who redshirted last year. Carrillo's quick arm is electric despite his small stature (6-foot-2, 154 pounds); he could factor into the rotation or contribute as a power middle reliever. 4. CAL STATE FULLERTON
'04 Lineup
Rotation/Closer
Offense: The Titans lost nine players to the draft, but should be buoyed by a maturing sophomore class led by Dorn and Turner. Dorn was on his way to a monster season in 2003 before being hampered by a hand injury; Turner should be healthy after breaking his ankle while being hit in the face by a pitch at the College World Series. Pillitere, a former walk-on, and Suzuki give the Titans remarkable production offensively and defensively with their catcher/DH platoon. Pitching/Defense: Windsor, drafted twice previously, wasn't picked in 2003 despite a dominant season. He is the established ace. Few teams have a trio of sophomores with the mix of talent and accomplishments of Miller, Romero and Schreppel. Prior to a knee injury that interrupted his freshman season, Schreppel had emerged as the team's Friday starter. The Titans always play sound defense, and the left side with Turner and Prettyman should be especially good. X-Factor: The Titans thought they had a shot at getting Arizona State closer Ryan Schroyer as a transfer, but he ended up at San Diego State. Then Travis Ingle (3-0, 3.21) took his power arm to Oklahoma State, leaving the staff with less depth than planned. So fifth-year senior Mike Martinez has become a key. He was drafted last year as a pitcher, despite missing 2003 with an injury and being a sometimes starter at third base in the past. He could log important innings for the Titans as either a setup man or as the closer. 5. GEORGIA TECH
'04 Lineup
Rotation/Closer
Offense: Georgia Tech once again plenty of talent; the question is just how much of it will perform to expectations. Patterson and Slayden, first-team preseason All-Americans, both performed better (in Patterson's case, much better) as freshmen than as sophomores, as did Boggs, who lost his starting job midway through last season. Owings, the team's best power threat, had to carry a heavy load as a freshman--in the lineup and on the mound--and needs more help. Greene had a huge summer for Team USA and is the player most likely to emerge as a star. Pitching/Defense: Owings gives the Yellow Jackets a legitimate ace. Burks gets results with below-average stuff, while Kown, Owings and a healthy Philip Perry (back from Tommy John surgery) give the staff excellent depth and versatility. Perry, 9-2, 4.14 in his career, pitched very well in the 2002 College World Series against Clemson. Remole and Patterson may be the best defenders in the country at their positions, and Nickeas isn't far behind. Despite impressive tools, Greene needs to improve his defense; he made 31 errors in 2003 and actually looked better at third with Team USA. X-Factor: Six-foot-5 sophomore RHP Jason Neighborgall might be the biggest X-Factor in the nation. He throws an electric 97-100 mph fastball and flashes a curveball that should be outlawed. However, he has yet to harness his control. If it all comes together, though, he'll move right to the top of the 2005 draft list. 6. STANFORD
'04 Lineup
Rotation/Closer
Offense: Putnam demonstrated with Team USA last summer that he is one of the nation's premier hitters, while Mayberry just scratched the surface of his limitless potential as a freshman. Ash, Fuld and Hall are primed for big senior years. Fuld is one of the most accomplished all-around players in the country. Ash broke out in Omaha with clutch hits and his only homers of the season, and Hall could thrive at the plate now that he's settled into one position. Pitching/Defense: Romanczuk and Manship gained extensive experience as freshmen and should front the Pacific-10 Conference's best rotation. The competition for the third-starter's spot should continue all year, although Reynolds had first-round potential out of high school. Lucy has the tools and quickness to be one of the nation's best catchers as he takes over for All-American Ryan Garko (.402-18-92). Lowrie excelled defensively at second base last year and moves to shortstop this season. Led by Fuld, Stanford's outfield should be the nation's best defensively. X-Factor: Carter and junior RHP Mark Jecmen came to Stanford with big hype but haven't lived up to expectations. Carter, fighting a shoulder injury he incurred in the fall of his freshman year, has a picture swing and huge raw power, and could break out if healthy. The 6-foot-7 Jecmen opened his freshman season in the rotation but has not been a consistent strike-thrower. 7. SOUTH CAROLINA
'04 Lineup
Rotation/Closer
Offense: Even without SEC batting champ Brian Buscher (.393-15-66), South Carolina should challenge LSU for league supremacy offensively. Powell had a disappointing junior year but hit nearly half of his home runs in the postseason. He may be primed for a big senior season as he has lost 25 pounds. Melillo is a proven hitter, while Pearce and Winn bring power bats from the junior college ranks. Pitching/Defense: The Gamecocks' rotation could be the SEC's best combination of talent, experience and stuff. Rawl spent most of the last two years as a reliever but was outstanding as a starter last summer in the Cape Cop League (5-0, 1.20, 45 IP, 4-41 BB-K ratio). Tanner likes to say that he doesn't know how Rawl does it, but when he pitches, the Gamecocks generally win. Matt Campbell, a member of Team USA's staff last year, has one of college baseball's best curveballs. Fletcher, an unsigned 23rd-round pick in the 2003 draft, will battle fellow juco transfer Billy Buckner, an unsigned ninth-rounder pick, for the third starter's job. Michael Campbell (no relation to Matt) had nine outfield assists last season and is one of the SEC's best defenders. X-Factor: South Carolina (207) ranks second behind Florida State (214) in wins over the last four seasons, thanks to a cohesive, talented coaching staff that blends talented freshmen recruits with battled-tested junior college talents. Injuries to touted recruits such as LHP Forrest Beverly and RHP Conor Lalor (both out with Tommy John surgery) puts added pressure on JC recruits like Buckner and Fletcher. 8. TEXAS
'04 Lineup
Rotation/Closer
Offense: The Longhorns must replace OF Dustin Majewski (.391-12-85), 2B Tim Moss (.319-3-33) and Omar Quintanilla (.348-6-76), the trio that carried the Longhorns offense the last two seasons, and it won't be easy. The athletic Stubbs, an unsigned third-round pick of the Astros, steps right into the lineup as a freshman, and his speed should play well on Disch-Falk Field's turf. Thigpen, a savvy gamer and versatile defender, was the team's best hitter at the College World Series, then turned in a strong summer in the Cape Cod League. Pitching/Defense: Street shortens games and might be the most respected player in college baseball; no one questions his heart or ability to finish games. He should be even better this year if he doesn't have to play in the field like last year. Howell gave the 'Horns an ace last year, a role Simmons played in 2002 when he won 16 games for the CWS champs. LeCure and fellow sophomore RHP J. Brent Cox complement the crafty lefties with power righthanded arms. Scouts say Teagarden could be an above-average defender in the big leagues right now; his catch-and-throw skills pushed Thigpen, a solid catcher himself, to first. X-Factor: Reininger and Hollimon may hold the keys to a third straight trip to Omaha. Both contributed during the run to the national title in 2002, yet were bit players last season. Reininger, who hit .13 homers as a freshman, struggled with injuries and attitude last year, hitting just four homers; Hollimon's main issue has been confidence, as the game came easy to him as a prep star. The Horns need Reininger's power to resurface and Hollimon to be steady in the field and at the plate to fulfill their weighty expectations. 9. LONG BEACH STATE
'04 Lineup
Rotation/Closer
Offense: The 49ers relied heavily on freshmen last season and should be better for it this year. Bowker, a draft-eligible sophomore, led the team in homers despite missing a third of the season with a bad back; he showed he was healthy with a big summer (.344-3-19) in the Alaska League. Tulowitzki didn't start the entire season and still led the 49ers in RBIs. Mocny's combination of power and speed (24 extra-base hits, 16 steals in the Northwoods League last summer) should give the lineup a boost. Pitching/Defense: Weaver combined plus stuff, mound presence and pinpoint control to earn All-America honors last year. Now all he has to prove is he can pitch on Fridays, a job previously held by Abe Alvarez (11-2, 2.35). That should be an easy assignment for Weaver with the dominant way he pitched last summer for Team USA. Jamison has power stuff that would be a good fit in the rotation or back in the bullpen. The 49ers posted the best fielding average in the country last year at .980, just edging national champion Rice. Davis takes over full-time at catcher with Todd Jennings (.296-5-33) now in pro ball. Tulowitzki and Sindlinger are excellent up the middle. X-Factor: Vargas played against the 49ers as a freshman at LSU, then spent his sophomore year helping Cypress (Calif.) JC win the California Junior College championship. He'll have to fend off talented freshmen Kenny Maiques and Brandon Villalobos for the third spot in a talented weekend rotation. 10. TULANE
'04 Lineup
Rotation/Closer
Offense: The show must go on even without 1B Michael Aubrey (.420-18-79), SS Tony Giarratano (.336-8-42) and Jonny Kaplan (.358-11-44, 48 SB), stalwarts of the lineup for three seasons. Bogusevic is primed to become the team's offensive star. Coming off a strong fall campaign, he could blossom into a power-speed combo unlike anyone Tulane has seen. Manzella's physical maturity has made him into an offensive threat. Swackhamer has excellent raw power from the left side but needs to make more consistent contact. Pitching/Defense: Here's why the Wave is ranked. With 43 of the 44 wins from last year's rotation returning, Tulane is as well-armed as ever. Crowel and Mohl could be even better with a year of experience, while Charron brings a cool head to his fourth year as the team's closer. Hahn adds a senior's moxie and solid stuff to the Sunday starter's role, a definite mismatch in Tulane's favor. Dini and Bormaster (a former Rice transfer) will make Tulane solid behind the plate. X-Factor: Besides being a multi-talented outfielder, Bogusevic could also be a factor in the weekend rotation. Hamilton and Stringer will replace college All-Americans like Aubrey and Giarratano, but both were high school All-Americans. 11. CLEMSON
'04 Lineup
Rotation/Closer
Offense: The Tigers have gotten into an even-year cycle, reaching the College World Series in 1996, 2000 and 2002. The 2004 edition's chances got better with three newcomers who arrived to support the steady production of McCann and Triplett. Santangelo didn't hit much at Seton Hall but has area scouts buzzing after a great fall. Sipp brings athleticism and a solid bat to left field. And D'Alessio gives the Tigers a highly-drafted prep who enrolled in school, after they had lost such recruits as Jeff Francoeur, Zack Greinke, Jeremy Hermida and Matt Whitney--all first-round picks--in recent years. Pitching/Defense: Sipp, also an accomplished junior college pitcher, may not work into the weekend rotation because the Tigers' staff has depth, power arms and versatility. Lumsden got off to a great start as the Friday starter last year before stumbling with his command; when he's on, his power curve is a true out pitch. Berken is the staff's hardest thrower, and Jackson has made progress in three seasons in a slow transition from thrower to pitcher. Clemson hopes Harvey picked up a thing or two about relieving along the way from his dad, former Angels and Marlins closer Bryan Harvey. X-Factor: The Tigers used to be skittish about recruiting two-way players. Now they have Sipp, Harvey and Mahoney, all of whom are expected to play key dual roles. Harvey was highly sought as both a pitcher and catcher in high school, when he was drafted in the fifth round. Mahoney, an eighth-round pick as a catcher out of high school, lit up the radar guns in fall practice. 12. AUBURN
'04 Lineup
Rotation/Closer
Offense: Auburn ranked third in the SEC in batting but just sixth in runs; the Tigers hope increased power from Bell and Thomas, maturing sophomores who were both fifth-round picks out of high school, will make the lineup more potent. Hulett, the Southeastern Conference's top returning hitter, is one of the nation's better leadoff men, a contact hitter who isn't afraid to take a walk (.447 OBP). Amonite is back in the cleanup spot and will be joined by fellow Canadian Johnston on the other infield corner. Pitching/Defense: Auburn built its pitching staff from the back to the front last year, with good reason: Register's quick arm generated low 90s fastballs and wicked low-80s sliders with pinpoint command, and he led the nation in saves. Corey Dueitt and Dennis were his two best setup men; now Dennis has moved into the rotation along with Paxton, who has started on weekends for three seasons, and Hughey. X-Factor: Gamble (Oscar), like Hulett (Tim) the son of a former big leaguer, had a big summer in the Cape Cod League, hitting .319. Scouts, however, remain mixed on whether or not he's a tweener--he's not a burner and may not have the speed for center field, and he doesn't have the power for a corner spot. Gamble and Hulett stole 22 bases between them in the Cape but just eight for the Tigers, who normally aren't afraid to run. 13. BAYLOR
'04 Lineup
Rotation/Closer
Offense: With the departure of OFs David Murphy (.413-11-67) and Chris Durbin (.346-18-50), the Bears lost a lot of production from a club that ranked sixth in the nation in runs, third in doubles and seventh in home runs last season. Yet they should be potent again. Griffin, one of the nation's best fastball hitters, and Ford provide excellent power as long as someone sets the table for them. Pankratz, a former football recruit at Texas A&M (he redshirted, then transferred to junior college), and Gerdes, who redshirted last spring, finished 1-2 in the Northwoods League in batting last summer. Pitching/Defense: McCormick regularly pumps his fastball into the mid-90s and should be ready to take over as the staff ace after a solid summer in the Cape Cod League. Taylor, his summer league teammate and a former second-round draft pick, used to throw harder but he has sacrificed velocity for command. Carlson has pitched three summers in the Cape and one for Team USA. Now a fifth-year senior, he will try to hold off Texas' Huston Street for the Big 12 career saves lead. Griffin has been shaky at third in the past and spent most of 2003 in the outfield, but Reynolds thrived in the fall with the move from second base to shortstop, his dad Craig's old big league position. X-Factor: The X-Factor could also have applied to senior LHP Jared Theodorakos in 2002, when he led the Bears with 105 strikeouts. He's coming off shoulder surgery and could give the rotation a veteran boost if he's healthy. He worked only nine innings in 2003. Also recovering from shoulder surgery is Ford, normally a catcher who will be limited to DH duty until his arm heals. 14. WICHITA STATE
'04 Lineup
Rotation/Closer
Offense: Stephenson says this is the Shockers' best team since 1998, when they entered regional play with a 55-5 record before being upset at home. The second active winningest Division I coach welcomes back a veteran lineup. Moffitt, who led the Missouri Valley Conference in homers and RBIs, has been the team's cleanup hitter for two seasons and moves to the outfield after primarily serving as the DH. Sorensen's power-speed combination seems on the verge of a breakout. Napolitan missed the regional last season with back woes that required offseason surgery; his speed and athleticism will be welcomed back with open arms. Pitching/Defense: Pelfrey had the best freshman season in the Shockers' storied history. He followed that up by being named the No. 1 prospect in the Alaska League in the summer. Ulmansiek and Jakubov both touch the low 90s with their fastballs. The trio will be backed up by a solid defense as everyone except C Cody Clark (.320-8-55) returns from a unit that ranked seventh in the nation in fielding last year. X-Factor: All that's missing is Wichita State's swagger of old. But one of college baseball's most successful teams in the '80s and '90s appears to be back. The pieces are in place for the program's first trip to Omaha since 1996. 15. NORTH CAROLINA
'04 Lineup
Rotation/Closer
Offense: Much of the Tar Heels' attack falls to veterans Hewitt and Iannetta, who were complementary pieces last season with Jeremy Cleveland (.410-19-65) and Sean Farrell (.350-14-61) as the main cogs. Hubbard (.326-8-42 at William & Mary in 2002), coming off back-to-back strong summers in the Coastal Plain League, adds a strong lefthanded bat after sitting out last season as a transfer. Waggett is one of college baseball's fastest players. Pitching/Defense: The 6-foot-7 Miller was the highest unsigned pick from last year's draft to go to college and he should step right into the weekend rotation. His stuff fluctuated last spring, causing him to slip to the third round, but at his best he's a power lefthander throwing in the mid-90s. He'll have to push his way to the front through Bakker, who pitched well in the Cape Cod League for the second time, and Kalkhof, a 6-foot-6 lefthander who was the No. 2 prospect in the New England Collegiate League. The bullpen has several solid veterans and enviable depth. Mangum and Corrado should form an excellent keystone combo. X-Factor: North Carolina won a regional for the first time since 1989 last year. The next step is being a regional host, which hasn't happened since 1983. Competition for innings on the Tar Heels staff should be spirited as veterans such as Senatore and Whitley Benson (3-3, 3.55, 4 SV) battle for innings with freshmen RHP Daniel Bard, a Yankees draft pick, and sophomore RHP Matt Danford (3-1, 3.47). It's a good problem for Fox to have. 16. ARIZONA
'04 Lineup
Rotation/Closer
Offense: Most of the components are back from a lineup that ranked ninth in the nation in runs and second in stolen bases last year. Lopez has brought in talented athletes like Boyer, Crowe, Hardy and top freshman Jason Donald who can hit for power, steal a base and put pressure on opposing defenses. Van Houten is undersized at 5-foot-9 and 170 pounds but has a track record as the Pac-10's best hitter. Pitching/Defense: An injury to RHP Sean Rierson (9-3, 5.38) means the entire rotation could be new for Arizona. Kolberg was one of the top pitchers last summer in the Alaska League, while Cortez, a redshirt sophomore who transferred from Texas, played with Van Houten and Duran in the Valley League, posting a 2.19 ERA. Hardy, whose cousin J.J. (a Brewers farmhand) is one of the top defensive shortstop in the minor leagues, and Donald, a 21st-round pick of the Angels, should stage a season-long competition for the starting shortstop job. X-Factor: Rierson would bring a veteran's touch to the Pacific-10 Conference grind, and don’t forget about RHP Kevin Guyette. The Georgia Tech transfer had another solid summer in the Cape Cod League and could figure into the rotation if the newcomers falter. 17. MISSISSIPPI
'04 Lineup
Rotation/Closer
Offense: The Rebels hope Head, whose raw power may come more to the fore as he matures, avoids the sophomore slump that befell his former prep teammate Smith, whose average tumbled 69 points from his freshman to sophomore seasons. However, a full summer of baseball with Team USA should make Smith more dangerous than ever, as his experience level catches up with his talent. Coghlan has a chance to follow in Smith and Head's footsteps as an impact freshman. Pitching/Defense: RHP Alan Horne, a major part of the team's pitching plans, transferred to Chipola (Fla.) JC over the Christmas break (see story, Page 27), hurting the team's depth. Head moves up from the closer spot and pitched two complete games late last year, including in a regional victory against McNeese State. Holliman, who started strong before fading down the stretch, will have to fend off fellow sophomore Eric Fowler for the final rotation spot. Tolbert, moving from second base to shortstop, lends a steady hand to a defense that ranked last in the SEC in fielding percentage last year (.960). X-Factor: Head will either DH or play first base when he doesn't pitch. He's being asked to carry a heavy load, but he proved he was up to the task last year and should be even better now that he won't have to pitch more than once a week. Freshman catcher Justin Brashear has a chance to join Coghlan to give the Rebels another new potent bat. 18. ARIZONA STATE
'04 Lineup
Rotation/Closer
Offense: No team scores runs like Arizona State, which has its NCAA-record streak of not being shut out running at 501 games entering the season. Several major pieces of the offense that led the nation in scoring at more than 10 runs a game are gone, but the two most important ingredients remain in Larish and Pedroia. Buck should emerge as the most effective member of their supporting cast, bringing speed, athleticism and some juice in his bat. Pitching/Defense: The Sun Devils ranked eighth in the nation in ERA last year, but many of the key pieces are gone. Urquidez has the task of replacing closer Ryan Schroyer (5-2, 1.53, 9 SV), who transferred to San Diego State. Averill was consistent as a freshman, but soft-tossing lefthanders have had a spotty track record repeating their success. Mousser hopes to duplicate the success of ASU's last BYU transfer, Will Waldrop, who won 16 games from 1999-2000 for the Sun Devils. X-Factor: ASU could end up being much better than this ranking if its talented freshman class makes an immediate impact. Curtis, Persichina, Zinicola and RHP Patrick Bresnehan all were highly-touted recruits and will get a chance to start right away. Bresnehan may be the most important as the Sun Devils search for an ace in the rotation. 19. NOTRE DAME
'04 Lineup
Rotation/Closer
Offense: Notre Dame has not had this kind of depth in years. How else does one explain a three-year starter at first base, Joe Thaman (.280-1-23), moving to pitcher as a senior? Edwards takes over at first. He started at shortstop two years ago before suffering a gruesome broken leg, then returned as a corner infielder and led the team in RBIs last year. Sanchez and Macri also were former shortstops, meaning every member of the starting infield has teamed with Sollmann, the team's rock in the lineup and in the clubhouse, at one point in his career. Pitching/Defense: Notre Dame had the nation's best recruiting class two years ago. Niesel has been steady as a rock. He won the super-regional clincher for the Fighting Irish at Florida State in 2002 and has lost only once since. Injuries, though, have taken a toll on the rest of the pitchers in that class. Johnson went 9-5, 3.46 as a freshman and started the Irish's first game in Omaha that year, but was sidelined last season with shoulder surgery. RHP John Axford (9-3, 4.31) will miss this year with Tommy John surgery. X-Factor: The Irish might have been a top 10 team had it not lost Axford and was certain that Johnson would return to his freshman form, but it has plenty of reinforcements. Doherty, the nation's tallest pitcher at 7-foot-2, thrived in a closer role in the Great Lakes League last summer and will be asked to do the same for the Irish. Manship, whose brother Matt will start for Stanford, could be the key to the staff. If Doherty slips as the closer, Manship's poise and plus curveball could move to the bullpen. Then another talented freshman, Alabama RHP Derik Olvey, could get a shot at the rotation. 20. FLORIDA
'04 Lineup
Rotation/Closer
Offense: The Gators caught a big break when their top two hitters from last season, Harrison (Indians, 4th round) and Smith (Pirates, 6th round), were premium drafts but elected not to sign. Smith has impressed scouts with his power and will move to the outfield this spring after playing first base a year ago. Tucker and Tordi both made strides during the season and again last summer, where they played together in the Cape Cod League. Those four will have to carry the load as the Gators break four freshmen into the lineup. Pitching/Defense: Florida struggled on the mound last year when Hoyman or Falkenbach didn't pitch. That should change this year as an extra year of experience should teach the rest of the staff how to compete. But Hoyman remains the key. He came to Gainesville throwing in the high 80s and checked in at less than 160 pounds; now he's close to 200 and throwing a hard, heavy sinker in the low 90s. Sophomore RHP Christian Madson could also make a difference. He was second on the staff in starts last season and one of nine Gators to get a start. Tucker and Tordi will anchor the defense up the middle. X-Factor: Florida earned a regional bid last year, despite not even qualifying for the SEC tournament. It can't count on that happening again. The Gators have a challenging schedule with road series at Alabama, Miami, Mississippi State, South Carolina and Tennessee, and must hope that their freshmen will come through while they find more consistent help for Hoyman. 21. TEXAS A&M
'04 Lineup
Rotation/Closer
Offense: Five seniors in the starting lineup give the Aggies a veteran look. Patton, an unsigned sixth-round pick of the Padres, and Ruggiano formed the heart of the lineup in 2003. They will have to make up for the loss of two-way terror Scott Beerer (.335-11-57; 6-1, 1.82, 13 SV), a second-round pick as a pitcher who was also the team's top clutch hitter. Schindewolf and Pennington shape up as effective table-setters. They are efficient basestealers who aren't afraid to work counts. Pitching/Defense: The Aggies had eight pitchers drafted in 2003, yet should still have a solid though not necessarily deep staff. Jackson (from Louisville) may be the biggest impact transfer in the country as he steps in as the No. 1 starter. He's a physical lefthander coming off a strong summer in the Cape Cod League. Ray has a power arm, an approach Moore should complement as he brings his finesse repertoire back from a 2003 season lost to various arm troubles. Pennington, who moves from third base to his natural position of shortstop, and Schindewolf should form a top-notch double play combination. X-Factor: The Aggies will break in a new pitching staff, but just as important to their success will be bigger offensive seasons from Mavroulis and Alexander on the infield corners. Mavroulis showed promise as an outfielder before back woes forced him to first base. 22. FLORIDA STATE
'04 Lineup
Rotation/Closer
Offense: The Seminoles ranked fifth in the nation in runs scored in 2003, and the two biggest reasons for that--Drew and Martinez-Esteve--return. Drew's numbers dropped substantially from his freshman season, though. He was pitched around and didn't adjust; he'll have to this year with an inexperienced supporting cast. Pitching/Defense: The Seminoles lost three lefty starters who combined for 33 wins, but the biggest loss may have been RHP Marc LaMacchia (1-0, 0.00), the team's ace before an elbow injury sidelined him. He unexpectedly signed with the Rangers just as school enrolled in the fall, leaving an inexperienced crew behind. Mark Sauls is a former third-round pick. He and James, who had a league-best seven wins, both pitched well in the Cape Cod League, while Jones helped Winchester claim the Valley League title. A defensive liability at third base last year, Martinez-Esteve moves to right field where his strong but erratic arm should play well. X-Factor: The Seminoles have more questions than answers for one of the few times in Mike Martin's 25 years as coach. Part-time players such as Cheesman, James, the Sauls brothers, Wardell and Zech now will be counted on to play major roles. Anderson, Chambliss and Robinson will also have to contribute right away as freshmen if Florida State hopes to end a rare three-year Omaha drought. 23. FLORIDA ATLANTIC
'04 Lineup
Rotation/Closer
Offense: Fiorentino and Brown are big bats in the middle of the Owls lineup. A corner outfielder for the Owls in 2003, Fiorentino worked at catcher and third base in the fall and could play either position this spring. Brown also has worked at third, and could end up there again if Fiorentino ends up behind the plate. The club expected big things from Fonseca last year before he was sidelined when he was hit in the face with a pitch. Hutton and Horst are excellent supporting bats in the Atlantic Sun Conference's best lineup. Pitching/Defense: Beam, crafty and with stellar control, walked just 17 batters in 102 innings last season. He'll mentor the hard-throwing O'Brien, who moves into the rotation after a career in the bullpen. Crotta, who would have been a premium pick in last year's draft had he been more amenable to signing, should emerge quickly, allowing Saxton to settle in as the closer. If Fonseca struggles again, Evan Brannon has proven a steady replacement with the glove at shortstop while teaming with Hutton. X-Factor: As the conference's reigning power, Florida Atlantic expects little drama in its last year in the Atlantic Sun before moving to the Sun Belt Conference. Because they lack a suitable campus facility, the Owls are going to have to repeat their 2002 feat and win a regional on the road. 24. NEBRASKA
'04 Lineup
Rotation/Closer
Offense: A veteran lineup has bought into the Huskers' Moneyball-oriented offensive philosophy. The team ranked second in league play in walks and home runs. In their second year in the program, Gordon, an intriguing lefthanded power threat, and Ledbetter should mitigate the loss of Big 12 player of the year Matt Hopper (.382-22-66) as they mature. Pitching/Defense: Simokaitis and Mullinax helped the Huskers lead the league with 70 double plays last season. Grose, banged up much of 2003, is also a plus defender behind the plate. Nebraska doesn't have a strikeout pitcher on the staff, so sound defense will be a key to the team's success. Robertson is the Big 12's returning wins leader, but Kroenke was just as big a factor during conference play. Sillman, sophomore RHP Tim Schoeninger, who had a team-high six saves, and junior RHP Phil Shirek, who has power stuff and a plus slider when he commands it, lead a deep bullpen. X-Factor: The Cornhuskers will need to find a dependable third starter. Two lefthanders on the mend, Pekarek and redshirt sophomore Brian Duensing, will contend for that spot in the rotation. Pekarek has had myriad problems over five seasons and has yet to pitch a full campaign. Duensing (3-0, 2.42) was on his way to being the team's ace a year ago before having Tommy John surgery. A healthy return by both of them would give the Huskers one of the Big 12's deepest pitching staffs. 25. NORTH CAROLINA STATE
'04 Lineup
Rotation/Closer
SP Nate Cretarolo
Offense: The Wolfpack lineup returns just nine home runs from last year's surprise team, while losing players who hit 68. The focus of the offense shifts to speed this year. Camp, who moves from left field to second base, and Maynor will give the Pack plenty of options on the bases. Hicks hit .372 as a sophomore with twice the number of home runs; N.C. State could use a return to those numbers. Pitching/Defense: Diaz brings a superb reputation with the glove, making a solid pitching staff even better. Rogers improved the velocity on his fastball In the fall. With his control and solid average stuff, he could be the ACC's premier starter. Sterry has yet to lose in Division I; he commands his changeup as well as any pitcher in the country. X-Factor: Devine had a brilliant freshman season but missed the summer and fall with elbow soreness. His return is vital, but his workload should be lessened anyway as senior RHP Daniel Caldwell, formerly the team's No. 1 starter, returns from Tommy John surgery. He'll work in middle relief and could spell Devine at times as closer. Fellow senior RHP Derek McKee, who missed 2003 with shoulder surgery, is further behind in his rehabilitation but could contribute as well. Caldwell and McKee won 10 games between them in 2002.
BEST OF THE REST 26. California (28-27) Bears banking on veteran lineup, return to old form by Sr. RHP Matt Brown.27. Houston (37-30) Fifth-year Sr. Brett Cooley looks to maintain bullpen tradition of Crain, Wagner. 28. Southern California (28-28) Top frosh RHP Ian Kennedy seeks to restore Trojans to regional status. 29. Southern Mississippi (47-16) Reigning Conference USA champs return dominant bullpen intact. 30. Minnesota (40-22) Soph. Glen Perkins (10-2, 2.91) should be one of nation's top LHPs. 31. Mississippi State (42-20) Maturation of sophomore class should give Bulldogs more bite at the plate. 32. Ohio State (44-21) Ace LHP Scott Lewis out, but Buckeyes lost just three players off '03 team. 33. Coastal Carolina (45-18) Five-foot-7 OF Ryan McGraw brings 138 career stolen bases into senior year. 34. Pepperdine (36-25) CWS hero of '92, Steve Rodriguez, succeeds Frank Sanchez as Waves coach. 35. Washington (42-18) Closer Will Fenton (0.00 ERA in '03) moves to head of freshman-heavy rotation. 36. Alabama (38-24) Lefty aces Brent Carter, Taylor Tankersley put Crimson Tide on a roll. 37. Oklahoma State (34-24) New coach Frank Anderson brings track record of Big 12 success to Stillwater. 38. Boston College (33-21) Talented class of three-year junior starters gives Eagles edge in Big East. 39. UC Riverside (41-17) RHPs Jaymie Torres, A.J. Shappi bring 21 wins back to Highlanders rotation. 40. Vanderbilt (27-28) LHPs Jeremy Sowers, Ryan Mullins made waves in summer league play. 41. UNC Greensboro (39-21) Cape Cod saves leader Jarrett Santos, LHP Ryan Gordon front Spartans' staff. 42. South Alabama (42-19) Jaguars have won Sun Belt regular season or tournament every year since '96. 43. East Carolina (34-27) Versatile slugger Darryl Lawhorn leads coach Randy Mazey’s second ECU club. 44. Richmond (48-15) Despite loss of first-round pick Tim Stauffer, Spiders return plenty of pitching. 45. Wake Forest (29-24) Deep ACC field will challenge Demon Deacons to return to regional play. 46. Tennessee (31-24) Soph. RHP Luke Hochevar brings power arm to back up veteran rotation. 47. Florida International (36-23) Luis Rivera, Sun Belt's top frosh in '03, keys Golden Panther attack. 48. Virginia Commonwealth (46-13) Reigning Division I ERA champs return ace RHP Justin Orenduff. 49. Lamar (40-18) Return of OF Jordan Foster gives Cardinals leg up on repeating in Southland. 50. Stetson (41-24) Four-year starters C Chris Westervelt, 1B Bryan Zenchyk pace Hatters lineup. |
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