With the college baseball season on the way, here is the first preview, starting off with a loaded ACC filled with Top 25 teams.
Atlantic
1. Louisville
Arguably one of the two best teams in the nation, Louisville comes in with a true ace in All American candidate Reid Detmers, a proven, quality Saturday starter in Bobby Miller, big arms in the pen, and a lineup that will have no problems scoring runs, led by Alex Binelas, Lucas Dunn, and Danny Oriente. Hosting a regional is almost able to be pencilled in at this time.
2. Florida State
Despite losing some key players from last year, Florida State has a chance to make another run to Omaha behind a combination of both juniors and draft eligible sophomores. If we see steps forward from those sophomores, catcher Matheu Nelson, outfielder Elijah Cabell, and shortstop Nander De Sedas, plus health out of star junior Reese Albert, that Noles lineup will be very dangerous. FSU’s rotation is led by potential first rounder CJ Van Eyk, but Shane Drohan could be a breakout starter, and the pen is loaded with a combination of talent and experience.
3. NC State
NC State is a third top 25 caliber team in the Atlantic Division this year, led by superstar catcher Patrick Bailey and rising sophomore Tyler McDonough. The lineup will need senior Brad Debo, JUCO transfer Austin Murr, or high upside outfielder Devonte Brown to break out for this team to reach its ceiling- but the ceiling is there. The rotation will be led by junior Reid Johnston, who pitched to a 3.71 ERA last year, with a pair of lefties in Nick Swiney and David Harrison hoping to keep holding off freshman Chris Villaman for the weekend spots. The pen is still a bit of a question mark as a whole, but closer Dalton Feeney is one of the best in the league.
4. Clemson
Clemson will go as far as the Tigers lineup can go. Despite lacking some of the big names of some other schools, the Clemson rotation of Davis Sharpe, Mat Clark, and Sam Weatherly with closer Carson Spiers and veteran setup man Holt Jones out of the pen, is among the best pitching staffs in the league. That’s not even mentioning promising freshmen arms like Mack Anglin and Nick Clayton, or the potential midseason return of Spencer Strider from injury.
The thing that will hold Clemson back is a lack of production out of the lineup, especially after losing top bat Logan Davidson to the pros last June. The Tigers have plenty of speed in 30-steal man Sam Hall, along with Bryce Teodosio, Michael Green, and Kier Meredith, but need to do a better job at the plate. If Teodosio can take a step forward, or Green can keep hitting in a full time role (.887 OPS in 101 AB), the Tigers offense looks better, especially when you hope for improvements from sophomores like Bryar Hawkins, Adam Hackenberg, and two way star Davis Sharpe. Also look out for freshman Dylan Brewer to push his way into regular playing time.
5. Boston College
They may not get a ton of national attention, but this may be the best Boston College team in years. The outfield is just stacked with Chris Galland, Sal Frelick, and Dante Baldelli, plus second baseman Cody Morrissette leads an infield that’s also better than most realize. The Eagles need the rotation to do well to reach their potential, but a step forward out of sophomores Mason Pelio or Emmet Sheehan would go a long way to making that happen. The Eagles have a real shot at the field of 64.
6. Wake Forest
One of the teams with a very divided opinion in polls is Wake Forest, as the Deacons have a loaded lineup but major questions with the lineup. Last year’s ACC Player of the Year, Bobby Seymour is one of three guys with an OPS over 1.000, joining Chris Lanzilli and Shane Muntz. DJ Poteet, Michael Ludowig, and Brendan Tinsman all posted OPS marks over at least .810, and they add in a promising Cornell transfer at third in Will Simoneit. The key to postseason success will be getting enough out of a rotation that struggled last year. Jared Shuster posted a 6.70 ERA, but the lefty broke out in the Cape. Sophomore Ryan Cusick saw his command tick up late in the year, and possesses a mid to upper 90s fastball. Will Fleming brings a triple digit fastball from the pen into the rotation. The Deacons could make six teams from the Atlantic Division in the tournament.
7. Notre Dame
While Notre Dame has some of the most interesting draft prospects in the league, fireballer Joe Boyle and power hitter Niko Kavadas, they lag behind the rest of the Atlantic in talent. Losing Cole Kmet, a potential Day Two draft pick this year as a pitcher, as an early entry to the NFL Draft hurts a lot. Boyle will be surrounded in the rotation by upperclassmen Tommy Sheehan and Cameron Brown, a pair of slightly underwhelming weekend starters in this league, mixed with the talented but inconsistent Boyle. The good news is the pen includes some talented and experienced arms, guys like Tommy Vail and Andrew Belcik.
The lineup beyond sluggers Niko Kavadas and Eric Gilgenbach plus speedy center fielder Spencer Myers is also lacking to the point the left side of the infield could be made up of true freshmen. If they can get a little more out of juniors like Ryan Cole, Jared Miller, and David LaManna, the lineup may look quite a bit better.
Coastal
1. Miami
If there is a team that can challenge Louisville for the ACC, it would be the Hurricanes. The Canes have the mix of pitching and hitting that should get them far and should be a team closely followed by scouts this season. Junior starter Chris McMahon and sophomore Slade Cecconi are back in the rotation, but despite the pair both being potential first rounders, Brian Van Belle is the likely Friday starter. That’s not all, as freshman Alex McFarlane is looking like the next big Miami starter. They follow those guys up with a talented bullpen, featuring experienced closer Daniel Federman and two way star JP Gates.
The Canes lineup can also win some games, with one of the best shortstops in the nation Freddy Zamora, 24 homer slugger Alex Toral, and 13 homer hitting third baseman Raymond Gil all being significant draft prospects this spring. That’s not all the Canes have, as offensive catcher Adrian Del Castillo chipped in 12 homers as a freshman and fellow sophomore Jordan Lala feels like the next leadoff hitter for The U. If that’s not enough, power threat Gabe Rivera and two way star JP Gates along with promising sophomore second baseman Anthony Villar make the Canes a tough opponent for anyone.
2. North Carolina
North Carolina is projected to finish second, but with the amount of questions around the team it would surprise anyone if they finished anywhere between first and fifth in the Coastal. The questions start in the rotation, where Gianluca Dalatri is returning from injury, Joey Lancellotti moves from the pen to the rotation, Max Alba is a redshirt freshman, and Michael Oh is a JUCO transfer to go with sophomore lefty Will Sandy. The pen behind them looks strong led by Austin Love and Caden O’Brien plus redshirt freshman Austin Elliott.
The lineup is a bit more of a sure thing, led by All American candidate Aaron Sabato, Star sophomore shortstop Danny Serretti, and senior outfielder Dylan Harris and adding a pair of promising newcomers in JUCO second baseman Mikey Madej and slugging freshman Tyler Causey. Beyond that a quartet of sophomores: catcher Caleb Roberts, third baseman Jake Holtzapple, and corner outfielders Angel Zarate and Earl Semper look to take the next step to further bolster the Heels lineup.
3. Georgia Tech
Georgia Tech will be able to mash, even after losing two of their best hitters to the draft. That’s due to slugger Baron Radcliff and quality hitters like Jackson Webb, Luke Waddell, Michael Guldberg, and Colin Hall all returning for another season. Right now the difference between the Tech lineup being good and being great is three freshmen who hit in key middle of the order spots during the fall: slugging first baseman Andrew Compton, catcher Jake Holland who gets compared to a young Joey Bart, and promising two way guy Andrew Jenkins.
Tech changed their pitching coach in the offseason and brought in Danny Borrell from the Yankees. Early returns are promising with former top draft pick Jonathan Hughes starting to look like the guy he was hyped as out of high school plus sophomores Cort Roedig and Luke Bartnicki ready for bigger roles. True freshman Zachary Maxwell appears ready for a weekend starter job and has huge stuff, while junior Brant Hurter should be back at some point from his 2019 injury. It is expected that freshman Andrew Jenkins pitches in a key role out of the pen early on in addition to his spot in the middle of the lineup, likely at DH.
4. Duke
Duke is another team expected to hit well, with catcher Michael Rothenberg leading the way. The catcher is a potential first round pick, and will be surrounded by senior slugger Matt Mervis, underrated outfielder Joey Loperfido, speedy senior Chase Cheek, and star sophomore shortstop Ethan Murray. If RJ Schreck can make a jump as a sophomore, or one of the freshmen competing at second base can emerge from the pack, this Duke lineup should be very strong.
The Blue Devil rotation will be anchored by junior Bryce Jarvis, a junior who feels ready to take a step forward in 2020, but includes lefty senior Bill Chillari and talented sophomore Cooper Stinson along with promising freshman Henry Williams. The pen will feature one of the top closers in the league in Thomas Girard, but experienced lefty Matt Dockman and two way Matt Mervis will add some depth.
5. Virginia
After some change in the UVA program following a slightly down year on the field, the Cavaliers are close to another Top 25 team in 2020. Brendan Rivoli and star sophomore Nic Kent are back to lead the lineup, which also features potential breakout sophomore Zack Gelof, senior catcher Logan Michaels, and some newcomers like JUCO Marc Lebreux and top freshmen Chris Newell and Max Cotier, along with Tate Ballestero.
The rotation needs to be more consistent for the Cavs to jump back up, seeing a guy like Griff McGarry cut his walks, or sophomore Mike Vasil taking that next step. It could help if seniors Chesdin Harrington or Evan Sperling could lock down rotation spots, allowing lefty Andrew Abbott to continue being a multi-inning weapon out of the pen to give them a second big arm along with closer Devin Ortiz.
6. Virginia Tech
Virginia Tech is quietly climbing up the ACC Coastal division, led by a pair of promising lefty arms. Junior Ian Seymour had a solid 2019, but then broke out in the Cape, while Chris Girard had his breakout last spring. Behind those two junior lefties is JUCO transfer Anthony Simonelli, and a pen featuring Zach Brzykcy and his huge raw stuff.
The Hokies need a little more from their lineup to reach the upper parts of the Coastal, but having a Nick Biddison will help. Biddison posted a .953 OPS as a freshman last year and will have some help from catcher Carson Taylor and third baseman Kevin Madden, a pair of fellow sophomores who played well in large roles last season. Beyond the three sophomores are some JUCO talents, led by outfielder Jason Rooks, Brennan Reback, and Spencer Palmer. A pair or true freshmen project into large roles, shortstop Fritz Genther and designated hitter Xander Hamilton.
7. Pittsburgh
While Pitt is at the bottom of the Coastal, things are looking up for year two of former Florida State assistant Mike Bell. Top starter Billy Corcoran is back as a sophomore, and JUCOs Mitch Myers and Matt Gilbertson join Chris Cappas in the mix for rotation spots with talented closer Chase Smith back again. The lineup doesn’t have much depth, but has some talent with star Ron Washington Jr, Nico Poppa, and David Yanni, plus Kyle Hess one of four projected starting sophomores who could see improvement. The program’s biggest addition will be centerfielder Jordan Anderson, a JUCO transfer who began his college career at Mississippi State.
Projected First Team All ACC
C-Patrick Bailey, NC State
1B-Aaron Sabato, North Carolina
2B-Nick Biddison, Virginia Tech
3B-Alex Binelas, Louisville
SS-Ethan Murray, Duke
OF-Reese Albert, Florida State
OF-Chris Lanzilli, Wake Forest
OF-Chris Galland, Boston College
DH-Bobby Seymour, Wake Forest
SP-Reid Detmers, Louisville
SP-Slade Cecconi, Miami
SP-CJ Van Eyk, Florida State
SP-Bobby Miller, Louisville
RP-Michael Kirian, Louisville
RP-Andrew Abbott, Virginia
RP-Austin Love, North Carolina
Two Way-Davis Sharpe, Clemson
Projected Second Team All ACC
C-Adrian Del Castillo, Miami
1B-Alex Toral, Miami
2B-Lucas Dunn, Louisville
3B-Raymond Gil, Miami
SS-Nic Kent, Virginia
OF-Brendan Rivoli, Virginia
OF-Ron Washington Jr, Pitt
OF-Danny Oriente, Louisville
DH-Baron Radcliff, Georgia Tech
SP-Bryce Jarvis, Duke
SP-Ian Seymour, Virginia Tech
SP-Billy Corcoran, Pitt
SP-Jonathan Hughes, Georgia Tech
RP-Carson Spiers, Clemson
RP-Dalton Feeney, NC State
RP-Zach Brzykcy, Virginia Tech
Two Way-JP Gates, Miami
All ACC Honorable Mention
C
Michael Rothenberg, Duke
Brendan Tinsman, Wake Forest
2B
DJ Poteet, Wake Forest
SS
Danny Serretti, North Carolina
Freddy Zamora, Miami
OF
Tyler McDonough, NC State
Niko Kavadas, Notre Dame
Sal Frelick, Boston College
*Note Frelick was left off the honorable mention list in error in the initial post, as he always belonged on this honorable mention list.
DH
Shane Muntz, Wake Forest
SP
Mason Pelio, Boston College
Chris Girard, Virginia Tech
Brian Van Belle, Miami
RP
Daniel Federman, Miami
Chase Smith, Pitt
Holt Jones, Clemson
Two Way
Andrew Jenkins, Georgia Tech
Cole McNamee, Wake Forest
Projected All ACC Freshman Team
C-Jake Holland, Georgia Tech
1B-Andrew Compton, Georgia Tech
2B-Max Cotier, Virginia
3B-Luke Gold, Boston College
SS-Fritz Genther, Virginia Tech
OF-Chris Newell, Virginia
OF-Dylan Brewer, Clemson
OF-Xander Hamilton, Virginia Tech
DH-Tyler Causey, North Carolina
SP-Max Alba, North Carolina
SP-Zachary Maxwell, Georgia Tech
SP-Bryce Hubbart, Florida State
SP-Alex McFarlane, Miami
RP-Austin Elliott, North Carolina
RP-Mack Anglin, Clemson
RP-Doug Kirkland, Florida State
Two Way-Andrew Jenkins, Georgia Tech
Projected Honorable Mention All ACC Freshmen
C
Jonathan French, Clemson
Tate Ballestero, Virginia
Jared Thomas, Miami
1B
Dalton Rushing, Louisville
2B
Mac Starbuck, Clemson
Grant Norris, Duke
3B
Luke Gold, Boston College
Danny Andzel, Florida State
Jack O’Reilly, Notre Dame
SS
Jose Torres, NC State
Kyle Hess, Notre Dame
OF
Tres Gonzalez, Georgia Tech
DH
Luis Tuero, Miami
SP
Michael Prosecky, Louisville
Henry Williams, Duke
Nick Clayton, Clemson
Chris Villaman, NC State
Brennen Oxford, Wake Forest
RP
Samrath Singh, Boston College
Shane Smith, Wake Forest
Two Way
Stephen Restuccio, Virginia Tech
Top 30 Draft Prospects
All juniors unless otherwise noted.
1.Patrick Bailey, C, NC State
2.Reid Detmers, LHP, Louisville
3.CJ Van Eyk, RHP, Florida State
4.Aaron Sabato, 1B, North Carolina
5.Slade Cecconi, RHP, Miami
6.Michael Rothenberg, C, Duke
7.Chris McMahon, RHP, Miami
8.Bobby Miller, RHP, Louisville
9.Joe Boyle, RHP, Notre Dame
10.Reese Albert, OF, Florida State
11.Freddy Zamora, SS, Miami
12.Nander De Sedas, SS, Florida State (SO)
13.Matheu Nelson, C, Florida State (SO)
14.Baron Radcliff, 1B/OF, Georgia Tech
15.Elijah Cabell, OF, Florida State
16.Shane Drohan, LHP, Florida State
17.Raymond Gil, 3B, Miami
18.Max Alba, RHP, North Carolina (RFR)
19.Jonathan Hughes, RHP, Georgia Tech (SR)
20.Andrew Abbott, LHP, Virginia
21.Alex Toral, 1B, Miami
22.Chris Galland, OF, Boston College
23.Bobby Seymour, 1B, Wake Forest
24.Chris Lanzilli, OF, Wake Forest
25.Lucas Dunn, INF/OF, Louisville
26.Spencer Strider, RHP, Clemson
27.Brant Hurter, LHP, Georgia Tech
28.Niko Kavadas, 1B/OF, Notre Dame
29.Bryce Jarvis, RHP, Duke
30.Luke Waddell, 2B, Georgia Tech
Five Breakout Candidates
Jonathan Hughes, SP, Georgia Tech
A second round pick by the Orioles in the 2015 MLB Draft, Hughes hasn’t ever matched his prep hype at Tech due to injuries and some inconsistency. With new pitching coach Danny Borrell coming from the Yankees, rumors out of fall ball indicate that Hughes is starting to look like the guy the Orioles wanted five years ago, and that Tech might have an ace at the front of its staff after pitching exclusively out of the pen in 2019.
Cooper Stinson, SP, Duke
This big 6’6 right hander came into and made 14 starts in his debut, pitching to a 5.47 ERA and 1.86 WHIP and walking 43 batters over his 54.1 innings. The silver lining is the fact he struck out 78 hitters during that time frame. The younger brother of former Duke weapon Graeme Stinson is a similarly sized power pitcher with a mid 90s fastball and power slider from the right side, and is just a slight uptick in command away from a real breakout.
Bobby Miller, SP, Louisville
After posting a 3.91 ERA over 76 innings in 2019, this junior has seen his stuff tick up in a big way since the end of the 2019 season. In the process Bobby Miller has gone from solid second day of the 2020 MLB Draft prospect to a guy capable of being selected on the first day of the draft. Expect the pitcher with a career 3.48 ERA and 1.13 WHIP to post even better numbers with his improved raw stuff.
Jordan Lala, OF, Miami
The Hurricanes next great leadoff hitter is Jordan Lala, who debuted with a triple slash line of .287/.454/.402 and stole 22 bases in 25 attempts in his 164 at bats. Lala is a year stronger, and should add some to his extra bass hit total of 7 doubles and 4 homers, while still being an on base machine that walked 46 times to only 37 strikeouts.
Devonte Brown, OF, NC State
Long seen as an intriguing raw upside prospect, Devonte Brown spent time in the summer working with former star Corey Patterson. Brown, who has 27 at bats in each of his first two years on campus, hit .296/.424/.407 last year. However Brown feels like a player ready to burst out as his talent will combine with a real opportunity for playing time on a strong Wolfpack team.