JotCast | D1Baseball Weekly Top 25 Chat: March 25

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D1Baseball Weekly Top 25 Chat: March 25

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Devin

1:40

Has Isaiah Cambell done enough to be considered one of the top pitchers in the SEC? The Razorbacks have been impressive despite Casey Martin's struggles but with Ole Miss, @Auburn, @Vandy and then Miss St do you think they can continue to win unless he picks it up?

Kendall Rogers

1:40

Devin - With Campbell sitting with an ERA under two and having a 51/5 strikeout to walk comparison, I'd say you can put him in the discussion as one of the elite SEC arms for sure. Those are terrific numbers, and it's good to see because he's always had the stuff. He's just matured. As for the offense, they are still scoring runs with Casey scuffling a little - that tells me this team could be really, really dangerous once he returns to form (which I think will happen).

John

1:41

Is Southern Miss beginning to receive Top 25 consideration, and if so how high could they realistically climb given their schedule?

Aaron Fitt

1:41

Now this is the Southern Miss team we expected to see heading into the year -- the clear-cut favorite in Conference USA. Since that five-game losing streak a while back, Southern Miss has won 11 of its last 12. Yes, the Eagles did come up in our Top 25 discussion this week, though they were behind the four teams I mentioned earlier, but they were probably first in line of the next pack. I expect USM to get into the rankings at some point in the next couple weeks if they keep this up. The offense had already come around, but it was very good to see the pitching come around too -- they threw two shutouts this weekend. We definitely took notice.

Pat

1:42

No Dallas Baptist in the top 25.. defeated Texas A&M, Oklahoma, & Oklahoma State. Scored 30 runs yesterday and swept Air Force. What do they have to do to get ranked? Thanks!

Kendall Rogers

1:42

Pat - Keep taking care of business. I really like DBU's club -- the offense is solid and the rotation is quality with some studs on the back-end (Carraway), but this team is fresh off a series loss (at home) to Houston two weekends ago. Let's see them establish consistency on the weekend. But I agree on one thing -- this is a dangerous club.

Mark

1:42

Is there any news on Luca Dalatri?

Aaron Fitt

1:42

There's nothing structurally wrong with him, and I think the Tar Heels are hoping he'll return to the rotation this weekend against Duke, but of course they're going to make sure he feels ready to go.

Chad

1:47

With a sweep of K-State Holiday and the boys start the big 12 3-0. I know in the past OSU has started kinda slow leading up to big 12 play. How do you like OSU chances of contending for the big 12? Seems they have finally got a healthy bullpen.

Aaron Fitt

1:47

The Cowboys have flown under the radar a bit but have quietly played pretty good ball the last three weeks since that Iowa series loss, starting with a good weekend in LA. You're right, the bullpen has gotten healthy and really seems to be coming together, I like the way Rob Walton has structured it. Still think the pitching depth there is good and the lineup is dangerous; still expect OSU to be a major factor in the Big 12, and get back into the Top 25 in the near future. That series at TCU is kinda fascinating to me.

Bill

1:48

Stronger top to bottom conference, Pac12 or SEC?

Kendall Rogers

1:48

Bill -- I think both leagues are very good this year, but I thin the SEC is deeper. The Pac 12 is very good in the top half, but there are some teams at the bottom (Washington State, USC, etc) who frankly aren't very good. In the SEC, you pretty much UK as a team who isn't good and everyone else is at least serviceable. Alabama is much improved and Missouri can really, really pitch.

Guest

1:50

It seems UCSB and Illinois were the two teams vying for the opening Michigan left in the rankings. What ultimately made you decide Illinois was more deserving of a top 25 ranking at this point?

Aaron Fitt

1:50

Their resumes are pretty similar, really. We just gave the nod to the cold-weather team, because it's just harder for a team located in Champaign to go 17-4 than a team in Southern California. I think they're both Top 25 caliber clubs when it comes to talent — both good, balanced teams.

Jeff

1:52

What did you guys think of Brandon Eisert start on friday? could he become a future starter?

Kendall Rogers

1:52

Jeff - I like the move of Eisert to the weekend rotation. I really liked him out of the bullpen with his fastball and curveball combo, and his success so far this season (before the start) had been incredible. OSU has so many weapons in the bullpen, it makes total sense to move one of those guys to the rotation. That bullpen is still terrific with Jake Mulholland and Christian Chamberlain leading the way.

BullDawg

1:52

Thoughts on the MSU vs LSU matchup this weekend? I see it as a key series for both squads with LSU coming off of a series loss to UGA and MSU rising as a favorite to take the SEC.

Aaron Fitt

1:52

Yeah, it's a big one. For me, Mississippi State is the favorite to win the SEC, I just think they're the most complete club in the conference, and they'll be at home this weekend, so I like their chances. But LSU is obviously a really good team, definitely capable of going in there and winning two of three.

AMonroe

1:55

How does Auburn drop after the weekend they had? They gave a top 5 team a heck of a series on the road and they drop two spots?

Aaron Fitt

1:55

They still lost the series -- and gave up 35 runs in the final two games (I know they weren't at full strength on the mound). Many other teams have dropped more than two spots after losing series on the road, even against good clubs. There are other teams that deserve to move up, so that means if you lose a series you're generally going to move down, even if it's a respectable series loss.

The Duke

1:55

Which junior has best improved his draft stock so far this season that now looks like a top 15 pick who wasn't considered a 1st rounder coming into the year?

Kendall Rogers

1:55

The Duke -- that answer is pretty easy -- Arizona State's Hunter Bishop. He entered the season sitting at 44 and outside the first round in terms of college prospects. Well, there's no doubt he's a first-rounder right now. His stock has gone through the roof with his incredible start.

Aaron Fitt

1:56

Agreed!

Eric Simmons

1:56

When will Oregon State pitcher Kevin Abel be back? What's the latest on him? Any word?

Kendall Rogers

1:56

OSU tested out his back before the series this past weekend, and I'm guessing he was still a little sore. I will check on this one.

Joel

1:58

Thoughts on Cade Cavilli from Oklahoma?

Kendall Rogers

1:58

Joel -- I saw Cavalli a couple of weeks ago against Rice. What I saw was a guy with a strong frame and with premium stuff -- he had a power breaking ball in the low-80s, along with a fastball up to 95-96. Command was an issue, but he's gotten better with that as of late. As long as he continues to improve command, the sky is the limit.

Ben C

2:00

Who’s been the biggest disappointment of the year?

Aaron Fitt

2:00

Interestingly, each of the top 14 teams in our preseason rankings have stayed in the Top 25 all year long, though Florida is currently on thin ice after two rough weekends (but as I said, I expect the Gators to bounce back this week). Really, the preseason Top 25 team that has been the biggest disappointment is Cal State Fullerton at 11-10. Wake Forest was a bit of a disappointment early on but I think those guys are righting the ship, now up to 15-10, and I think they're on the verge of making a big run.

Eric Simmons

2:01

Who's your Coach of the Year so far?

Aaron Fitt

2:01

For me, it's Elliott Avent -- I think he's done a masterful job with that Wolfpack team, getting the most out of the roster, and getting them to really, really believe they're going to win every single game.

Jack

2:03

Hey guys! Wanted to get your take on BYU/the West Coast Conference. What are the chances we get two bids for the tournament this year? And what will it take for BYU to get a spot in the top 25? Thanks y'all!

Kendall Rogers

2:03

BYU still has some work to do, but the WCC is actually in much better shape RPI wise than it has been in the past -- USD, Pepperdine and Gonzaga all have really solid RPIs, with the Toreros and Waves leading the charge. It's going to be a mighty fun ride through conference play.

RyanTCU

2:05

What do you think about the Jake Eissler starting experiment? He looked good against Eastern Michigan, but struggled this week against Texas and his other start against Long Beach State. He is great out of the bullpen. How much longer should TCU experiment with him as a starter? Do you think someone else has better chance of locking down the weekend starting role?

Kendall Rogers

2:05

Ryan -- TCU was very confident in the Jake Eissler experiment, and personally, I thought he'd do pretty well. But he has really struggled. I would say the Frogs will look elsewhere, but there aren't a lot of great options with Jared Janczak not his usual self and more.

Casey

2:05

What's held UCSB back from at least cracking the poll? Know it's early, but they sure seem to check all of the boxes with record, RPI, and SOS?

Aaron Fitt

2:05

I still don't even look at RPI this early. I look for teams that have quality series win over legitimate at-large caliber teams, and UCSB doesn't really have one of those (best wins are at Tulane, which has been improved but is still probably not a regional team, I think; and LMU and Pepperdine, which will only be regional teams if they win the WCC tournament). That said, UCSB has a nice little resumé, and the Gauchos would probably be ranked in a normal year with more turnover in the Top 25. But this year, most of the Top 25 has really been pretty consistent, so we just have had fewer spots open up in the rankings than usual.

Leo

2:07

What will it take for Wake Forest to get back into consideration for a regional spot

Aaron Fitt

2:07

I think they're on the right track; they're 5-4 in the ACC, trending in the right direction with back to back series wins. I'll have an in-depth piece on the Deacs on the site this afternoon, breaking down their club and the direction they're heading. Stay tuned.

Aaron Fitt

2:08

OK gang, that's all for me today. Thanks for stopping by, see you next week!

Connecting…

Jacob

6:55

I think i'm missing something. In the sites RPI numbers it has Oregon states non-conf. SOS as 12 and UCLA's as 15 but overall OSU is 9 and UCLA is 4, but they should have the same conference SOS. How did the swap?

BullDawg

7:49

The SOS in the RPI currently is going off of the schedules that each team has already played. Not their future schedule.

2:24

ECU swept a huge series with UCF at home. They did this with a bullpen that has been a little shaky at times. What are they gonna have to do looking ahead to upcoming series against Houston and UCLA?

Bobby

2:26

Were you moreso impressed by Mississippi states hitting or disappointed with their pitching this weekend? How does the auburn series affect your opinion of our chance at hosting?

Skersbaseball

2:27

Really liking what I'm seeing out of the Huskers these past few weeks. I know Sparty is 3-18, but this same Sparty team beat them last year.
Could you see this team making the postseason?

CliffGodwinsStache

2:47

Thoughts on the upcoming ECU @ UCLA series? What would you all consider a positive result for a travelling Pirate team?

TimSC

2:50

South Carolina has started 1-5 in the SEC. What do my Gamecocks need to do to get it turned around?

Weston

3:17

Who is the front runner in the SEC West? Arkansas gets the series win over a much improved Bama team. And A&M sweeps Kentucky. Both teams 5-1 in SEC play.

Cowtown Bill

4:03

Although winning the Texas series was great, I think the lack of starting pitching for TCU, other than Lodolo, is troubling. Do you see anyone able to step up if Janczak can not return?

Wheeler Eastman

4:11

What are your thoughts on Alabama so far? They’ve been in the mix to win both SEC series but Sunday pitching has struggled. Think a series W in Gainesville gets them ranked or no because of Florida’s decline? Also, losing Sam Praytor for the entire year is a huge blow to the team

FWFrog

4:32

How do you like TCU's chances at an Omaha run down the stretch? Obviously so early and need to stop getting beat 15-1 every 10 days, but Frogs are hitting like no other TCU team I have ever watched before.

ATX Dawg

4:34

Mississippi State appears to have top-end talent all over the place, but the bullpen has looked shakier and shakier in recent weeks. It seems like both the hard-throwers and the back-from-injury bunch may have one good pitch but not a second. Has your confidence in MSU wavered any, especially with hot offenses like Arkansas and Texas A&M still to come?

Gamecock Nation

4:37

Big Mark Kingston fan! Looking at your top 25 both the #4 and #9 programs both coaches were recently on the hot seat. Wondering how long you guys think a coach should be given to turn a program around. Seems the prevailing notion is 3 but it looks like if ADs and fan bases are patient with a good coach in place, it make take longer but be worth the wait.

Nate

4:42

Keeping it simple, but Is Arkansas overrated? What impresses and worries you? I have concerns about what is going to happen once we play Vandy-Auburn-MSU three weekends in a row

AgFan92

4:44

What are your thoughts on this freshman from Sam Houston, Colton Cowser? I saw he was Southland Player of the Week last week. The kid seems like he could play at a bigger program. I wish my ags would have recruited him out of HS.

Will

4:46

Southern Miss had a rough start to the season. After winning 11 of its last 12 and opening up conference plays with huge sweeps, what will they have to do to get back into the top 25?

Garrett

4:52

Do you think that NC State has a shot at winning it all? Have watched them the last 2 weeks and think they are the best team in the nation.

UCLABrian

4:53

Ryan Garcia was fantastic on Sunday in his first weekend start of the season, which is a good sign for UCLA's weekend rotation. But with frosh Bergin now in the bullpen it appears, who will be the weekday starter with Nastrini's injury? Also is Nate Hadley hurt now too? Didn't see him in his usual 7th inning slot this weekend vs. Arizona.

Mike

4:57

What are your thoughts on the Fighting Irish up in South Bend. They seem to be playing ACC competition very tough but losing many games against teams they shouldn't be.

ChrisC

5:09

What was going on in Starkville yesterday? Do you write that off to just a crazy day, or could those teams in trouble as the season goes on by the time they get to Sunday?

4118

5:11

Obviously LSU has not lived up to the hype so far this season, but dropping them 7 spots after barely dropping that Georgia series seems a tad rough. Are there concerns about LSU that I am missing, and what do you guys think about that LSU - state matchup this weekend? Appreciate all the work you guys put in.

Matt

5:16

How many bids do you think the Pac-12 will end up with? Apart from the ranked teams, I think Cal and Washington should, but what about Arizona or Oregon?

Pokefan

5:46

Curious about your thoughts on the high strikeout numbers for Oklahoma State's offense the last few years. After 22 games in 2019, OSU is averaging nearly 10 Ks per game, higher than other Big 12 clubs with similar physicality. Are these high K numbers a matter of personnel currently available, or has the Oklahoma State staff adopted the MLB trend of launch angles and big swings even at the risk of striking out? Do you see that philosophy working its way into college baseball? Appreciate the great college baseball coverage!

Rob

6:06

What do you think of Southern Miss’ recent run of success and do you think they maintain it? Also what do you think their ceiling is and were they in top 25 conversation this week

Dougan

6:07

What are your thoughts on Arkansas. They seem to be a tad better than last year even without the home run production.

Brandon

6:09

Thoughts on Tech's sweep of Michigan? We're totally fine with staying in the 15-20 rank range, btw. Helps us stay under the radar.

Mark

6:14

Where do you see Georgia Tech now that they have beaten Louisville at their place (one pitch from a sweep), beat Virginia at home (one pitch from a sweep), and was one pitch from taking the series at Miami?

Hottub

6:17

How close was UC Santa Barbara? They seem like a sneaky good team breaking out behind improvements from tall LHP Brecht and Dashwood. Any reports on those two this year?

Cliff Hagan Stadium

6:20

So I keep hearing that Kentucky has one of the best facilities in the nation. I've seen the pics, I tend to agree. But this team that's on the field hasn't earned the right to play here and doesn't seem interested in showing the BBN they are appreciative of what they've been given. The base paths are still open down the street, is it time to play a game back at The Cliff and show them how lucky they are to have this new facility? Maybe light a fire under them to play with passion? What should we expect from this squad this year?

reece

6:21

Any thoughts on the upcoming weekend series with LSU going on the road again to a top 10 team for the consecutive weekend?

Jojo

6:23

Do you think ASU had enough pitching depth to make a deep run in the postseason or am I just dreaming? Definitely concerned about tired arms at some point due to lack of depth and outside of Marsh, starting pitching has been inconsistent at best with a lot of free passes. Thx guys!

Dudley

6:23

Can South Carolina bounce back from their disappointing SEC start? It's only two weekends, but 1-5 is not a good look, especially losing a series to the Vols.

Scott

6:25

How do you like Oklahoma State? I know they got off to a good start sweeping k-state this past weekend. They have a big week this week with a mid-week game vs OU and a series at TCU. How do you like there chances of contending for the big 12?

Hunter

6:26

Thoughts on Coastal Carolina?

Chip

6:27

How would you compare the drastic difference in Catching Defense around the SEC, ACC, and PAC12? I was watching the LSU/Georgia game and LSU has thrown out 3 of 43 attempts. Then I was watching the Stanford/Utah game and Stanford's starting catcher has thrown out 4 of 4. It got me looking... Stanford, Washington, Oregon State, and UCLA have strong catching defense. Florida, LSU, Tennessee, Auburn don't seem to even try to defend the steal. The same goes for ACC. The 'big time' named schools for pitching don't prioritize run game control Miami, Duke, NC State, GT. Is this due to the ability/skill of the catchers in those leagues or is this because everything now is based on velocity and it simply takes longer to throw a harder pitch and the coaches simply hoping the pitchers can get the batters out before the runners move around the bases on steals, PBs, WPs, etc?

Pete Brown

6:32

That are your thoughts on Nebraska? They've beaten Texas tech and won a series vs. Baylor in the non con

Pete Brown

6:34

What are your thoughts on Nebraska?

Tiger4Life54

6:39

Clemson had a great week. How close are they to cracking the top 25?

Chip

6:42

It is only 6 weeks into the college baseball season. Looking at what we see now vs. what has won at the CWS level in the past, do you see the teams getting to Omaha being those with better defensive metrics (ERA, WHIP, etc) or better offensive metrics (SLG, OPS, etc). Seems now, the teams with the highest offensive statistics are having to make up for weak defense while the teams with the best defensive statistics are helping to win with offenses not yet producing (which may be based on facing more challenging competition).

Eric Simmons

6:46

Why isn't Georgia Tech ranked after winning 2 out of 3 against Louisville on the road and nearly sweeping them?

Westwood123

6:48

Man I feel like this year especially, the field is very unpredictable so far. Their isn’t just one team way above the rest, as even the top teams have weaknesses. If you had to answer, who would your legit National title contenders be, as of today?

Garrett

6:51

Do you think NC State has a legitimate shot at winning a national championship? How likely do you think it is that ECU is a top 8 team?

Brian C

7:03

How does UCLA's midweek schedule compare to the other top teams in the country?

Dylan

7:03

Who are your top draft prospects out of the MWC?

Aspesisteve

7:13

So Illinois got ahead of UCSB because they're from a cold weather State? That makes no sense to me. Warm weather State's teams do have an advantage of more days to practice outside, but that would only make them stronger, not weaker. You seem to be using sympathy with your vote of Illinois over UCSB who has a #7 RPI, a record of 17-3 and yet doesn't make the top 25 in your poll?

Eric Simmons

7:14

Can all 7 SEC West teams really make the NCAA Tournament?

Eric Simmons

7:16

Who do you think wins the Big West Conference this year? I think UC Irvine, UC Santa Barbara or Cal State Fullerton

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