JotCast | Preseason Top 25 Chat

Return to

Preseason Top 25 Chat

Chat
Discussion Board

Prev Page View Full Chat

Wheeler Eastman

1:31

Alabama will obviously be a much much better team this year with some good pieces in place but do you think their conference record will make them look worse than they really are because of how difficult the conference schedule is? Also do you think a 15-15 record would land them in a regional?

Kendall Rogers

1:29

Mitch -- I actually think the Big Ten will have some very solid clubs atop the standings this year. We obviously gave Minnesota a strong look given it's fresh off a super regional trip and has the reigning Big Ten POY in Frederickson and Max Meyer back in the mix. The Gophers do have some serious holes to fill, however. I also really like Indiana, especially form a positional standpoint. There's some impressive experience/production there with Matt Lloyd, Ryan Fineman, Logan Kaletha, Matt Gorski and Scotty Bradley. IU could be a team that ends up ranked Top 25 that wasn't in the preseason. The talent is most certainly there in Jeff Mercer's first season.

Mitch

1:29

Besides Michigan - any other teams to keep an eye on in the Big Ten?

Aaron Fitt

1:28

It really is crazy how deep the SEC is — all 14 of those teams have things to like, and I could see almost any of them getting hot and making a run this year. I saw Tennessee and Alabama in the fall, and I’m telling you, both of those teams are dramatically better from a talent standpoint — which doesn’t mean they’ll be able to make hay in the rugged SEC, but they’ll have a chance at least. I know we hated to leave Texas A&M out of the Top 25, that team certainly has Omaha upside with all its quality arms, just needs to answer some questions in the lineup. I also could see South Carolina being a pretty good second-half club like it was last year; it’ll probably be more of a mix-and-match pitching staff, but there is some depth there, and I do like the talented returning core in the lineup with Hopkins, Campbell, Olson and Cullen. Plenty of unknowns on this roster, but again, they’ll be a factor. But short answer: Texas A&M.

Reece

1:26

Who do you think could be the darkhorse in the SEC to make the run to the CWS?

Kendall Rogers

1:26

Kyle -- I would say at this point, yes, LSU has the best outfield in the country, mainly because Watson and Duplantis are such premier defenders. But I'd caution you to keep an eye on Texas Tech. The Red Raiders have some incredible speed out there with Max Marusak, Cody Masters and Gabe Holt leading the way. UCLA is another team with some real athleticism out there, too.

Kyle

1:25

Does LSU have the best OF in the country? And what is the biggest question mark on this team?

Aaron Fitt

1:25

I’m pretty high on several AAC teams that didn’t crack our rankings: UConn, UCF and South Florida all strike me as likely postseason teams that could make runs at the Top 25 as the season unfolds. Out West, I really like New Mexico State, which returns a ton of proven veterans from a WAC championship team. Brian Green’s got that program rolling right now, they’re going to be dangerous.

Josh

1:25

Can you give us 2 or 3 Mid-Major programs to keep an eye on this Spring?

Kendall Rogers

1:24

Carrigan -- I feel pretty good about the Cajuns pitching staff with one of my favorites, Leger, back in the mix. I also really liked Jack Burk last season, and Austin Perrin is a talented and seasoned arm. I never really worry about UL's pitching much, but the offense has something to prove with some new blood in the program. There's some real potential with Monica, Lahare, Kasuls and Cantrelle, among others, all back. But I want to see it before I believe it.

Carrigan

1:23

How do you think ULL will look this year? Returning their Friday starter from tommy john but worried about the offense.

Aaron Fitt

1:20

Anthony, we are certainly making a bit of a bold prediction by ranking Wake Forest after they had a losing season in 2018 — but I really believe in the talent and depth. Remember that last year they were very young, playing a bunch of freshmen every day, but those freshmen were very talented and they will benefit greatly from getting so much early playing time. I expect big things from DJ Poteet, Michael Ludowig, Chris Lanzilli, Bobby Seymour and Shane Muntz as sophomores — and Peluse-McSweeney has a chance to be a truly dominant one-two punch on the mound. That pitching staff is a lot deeper, they’ve done a great job recruiting quality arms the last few years. And the veterans who were suspended last year really hurt them, but getting Bruce Steel back to go with Jake Mueller in the middle infield gives Wake a really nice veteran core in the heart of the defense. I think it’s a balanced, complete club.

Anthony

1:20

Surprised to see Wake pushed so high after a down year and losing Roberts. Is that just projected development among the returnees?

Kendall Rogers

1:19

Steve -- Replacing the guys they lost in the infield will certainly be a tough task for the Beavers, but it can be done. I actually think the Beavs will miss a guy like Michael Gretler more than you think. With that said, the Beavs really like Beau Philip's athleticism up the middle and Jake Harvey is a talented young player at second. Andy Armstrong also should do a solid job over at third as a utility type. The good news is the Beavs have a decent little player named Adley Rutschman to command the infield. I think the Beavs will be solid in the field. Great like last year? Tough to ask for THAT much.

Steve

1:17

How do you think Oregon State’s infield going to look after loosing so much from last season?

Aaron Fitt

1:16

Bryce, I absolutely love that Louisville freshman class, which I ranked as the third-best in the country back in the fall. Kerry Wright is going to be a beast, though it’s unclear right now what kind of role he’ll have as a freshman — I certainly wouldn’t be surprised to see him make a push for a rotation job, but man that rotation is loaded, so it won’t be easy. Jared Poland is an exciting two-way talent who will push for playing time in the lineup but also get some big bullpen innings. And Jack Perkins has a huge arm, I could see him carving out a nice setup role as well. I also really like Alex Binelas and Timmy Borden in the infield mix, but this is an experience team without a lot of opportunity for those young guys; they’re gonna have to earn it.

Bryce H

1:14

How much impact with the freshman class have at Louisville?

Kendall Rogers

1:14

Jeff -- I think you're going to see Caleb Kilian, John McMillon and Kurt Wilson. McMillon has made improvements, and I know Tadlock believes he'll have a strong spring. He's got the talent to have a special year. Though the staff likes Cade Farr and talented Mason Montgomery, my money is on Kurt Wilson to round out the rotation. Wilson was up into the mid 90s this past fall and showed crisp stuff. As for the middle relief role, I think I like Erikson Lanning in a long relief type of role. Much like the way Texas A&M used a guy like Kaylor Chafin last season.

Jeff

1:12

How do you see the weekend rotation for TTU shaking out? Any thoughts on who middle relief/closer might be?

Aaron Fitt

1:12

Greg, you are correct that the Gators have experienced a lot of turnover, but no program in the country has done a better job reloading year after year than the Gators under Kevin O'Sullivan. I was so impressed by all the power arms Florida rolled out in a fall scrimmage I attended against USF -- at least 10 guys touched 92 or better, and almost all of them have legitimate pitchability too. I really don't think this pitching staff will miss a beat with Jack Leftwich and Tommy Mace moving into more prominent roles as sophomores, and Tyler Dyson returning to form as the Friday guy. He looked like his old self to me in the fall, which was very encouraging.

Greg

1:09

I'm a Florida fan but not as high on our team as you guys. What am I missing? The offense should be fine, and I see a lot of arms that are intriguing, but not a lot of proven guys at all. We've just lost so much talent in recent years, hard to sustain at an elite level. Sully's the best.

Kendall Rogers

1:09

Cowtown -- There's no doubt there's some uncertainty with the Frogs, which is why they're ranked where they are and not higher. It boils down to two things -- health of the rotation and the offense. TCU has to be better offensively, that's a fact. And it's relying on several newcomers to do the job. We'll see how that shakes out. After Lodolo, I'm more interested to see how Janczak bounces back from an injury and how lefty Brandon Williamson comes back. Williamson is coming back from an injury and still hasn't thrown in a live game in a TCU uniform. Electric stuff or not, that's a question mark. But there's no doubt this team has big-time potential.

Cowtown Bill

1:07

Hope you are right about the Frogs bouncing back this year. What do you see in TCU other than a hopefully healthy #1 starter that should give us optimism for this season?

Aaron Fitt

1:07

Yeah, UNC's pitching will be elite, but you're right that the Tar Heels have some big shoes to fill in the lineup. It's nice that they still have a proven star to build around in Michael Busch, and I think Ike Freeman is an under-appreciated very good player at shortstop. Obviously they need Ashton McGee and Brandon Martorano to have big years, and I think both are capable. But I also really like the newcomers -- Aaron Sabato at first base is physical and has a good approach, I think he's going to be a big-time run producer. And juco transfer Dylan Harris in center could be an impact player as well, he's a winner who plays at full speed and has quality tools across the board.

Heel

1:05

I feel good about UNC on the mound, but the offense will need to replace some key guys. Who do you see stepping into those roles?

Kendall Rogers

1:05

William -- I think you'll see MSU use Ginn as a starter and not really worry about the position aspect until they get his feet wet in the rotation. The fact is, the Bulldogs know they have a limited amount of time with Ginn, and he's such an electric pitcher, it would be foolish to potentially waste that at all. FWIW -- the coaches told me Ginn was as ready as any freshman they've ever seen. Low to mid 90s FB with a wipeout slider. I'm excited to see him!

William

1:02

Curious how you think Mississippi State uses JT Ginn. Is a he weekend starter who’s a DH or does he provide more value as an everyday infielder and reliever/midweek guy? Thanks and looking forward to the year fellas!

Kendall Rogers

1:02

Hey there, gang. Excited about the start of the season! Don't forget to Subscribe as we kick off the season preview. http://www.d1baseball.com/subscribe

Aaron Fitt

1:01

Hi everybody, welcome to the first D1Baseball chat of 2019. Excited to dive in -- let's get to it!

Connecting…

Anthony

5:24

Who would be your early favorite for player of the year?

Stu Murray

5:26

No doubt there is much to like about #9 Georgia. At the same time, Adam Sasser’s unexpected departure, coupled with MLB draftees Keegan McGovern & Micheal Curry moving on, has left a gaping hole in the heart of the Dawg offense. How do you see Scott Stricklin filling this gap andUGA on possible Omaha path?

Dandy boy

6:11

What do you think of the new MS State coaches? Especially Scott Foxall.

Guest

6:21

How do you see the TTU weekend pitching rotation shaking out? Any ideas on middle relief/closers?

Sean

6:27

Between Arkansas and Oregon St., who has the better chance of returning to the title series in 2019?

Jackson

6:31

What are your expectations for East carolina this year?

Garrett Grady

7:02

How good do u think NC State can be and what are your thoughts on Reid Johnston?

7:02

Which mid-major teams, outside of your top 25, do you expect to make some noise this year?

Andrew

7:02

how do you see the gamecocks doing this year?

He Hate Me

7:03

Arkansas has some holes to fill after the runner up finish last season. Hearing anything about weekend rotation, and a few more hitters to compliment the middle of the lineup? I'll hang up and listen.

Wakefan

7:04

What will be Wake’s ceiling this year? And who could be a surprise on the pitching staff?

Shoe

7:06

Any late news on guys not making it back to campus and having to go JUCO or elsewhere?

Nate

7:08

Campbell projects as hogs #1 who else projects to y’all? Ramage at 2? Noland potentially later?

Rebels01

7:11

What do you think about Ole Miss’s pitching staff? The offense will be elite but bullpen scares me. Also, do you think Cooper Johnson finally has a breakout season?

Baylee

7:15

Hey, so how do you think UGA will do next season. Also how is UGA's weekend rotation looking for next season.

Shoe

7:15

West Coast teams hardly sniffing preseason ranks, yes you got UCLA and OrSt, but do you really think they can sustain any real relevance and making CWS? Looking like they may be lucky to even host a regional?

Greg

7:16

What are a few of the non-conference series you're most looking forward to between some of these top 25 team?

Eric Simmons

7:16

What team is facing a do or die year? I think Ole Miss

Riley

7:20

Who do you think will be the starting 3 pitchers for the Hogs? Who will contribute out of the bullpen?

EagsBy10

7:22

Does USM finish on top of CUSA again and are there any new names to look out for on the team?

Riley

7:24

Who do you think will be the 3 starting pitchers for the hogs? Who will be the contributors out of the bullpen?

Shoe

7:25

Do you expect same type of production out of Kjerstad, Martin, Flether at Ark this year?

Sam

7:26

do you think Pepperdine can be a surprise

Darren

7:34

Will the WCC be as close as it was last season? Any team bound to make a leap as the consensus #1?

Ben

7:36

Does Cooper Johnson have a break out year for Ole Miss? Or will Bianca try to get another bat in the lineup behind the dish?

Cody

7:39

What is your outlook for Minnesota this year? Definitely a challenging non-conference schedule.

Brandon

7:44

First of all, thank you guys for some tremendous reading material. You guys do a great job, and we sincerely appreciate it. My question - When it comes to Texas Tech, what do you see as the biggest question mark that could be a factor in a serious national championship run?

Bruin202

7:45

Ucla's offense could lead the team back into Omaha, but the pitching is a big question behind the first two (Garcia and Pettway). What seems to be the outlook behind those two?

Reece

7:46

Who has the best starting 9 in the SEC?

Devin

7:46

Arkansas is coming off a great season and lost a ton. With that said if the Hogs were to get more of the good Isaiah Cambell than the bad how far do you think this years version of the Razorbacks can go?

Bob

7:47

Who is your darkhorse in the ACC? Can Wake make a run for the title?

Mike

7:51

Is Wake Forest's team this year as good or better then the 2017 team? Can you see them making a deep run this year? Hosting Regionals or Supers? Omaha caliber team?

Reece

7:52

What do y’all expect from the teams in the Frisco Classic this year?

Justin

7:54

Your thoughts on NC State? Lost some key pieces, still think they can be a good team, esp if Feeny can come back healthy, also adding Joe Ingle on the back end

Eric Simmons

8:00

Can Florida State send out coach Mike Martin a winner? I think they're going to play really hard for him in his last season as coach?

Andy

8:00

Whats your thoughts on Wake Forest? How far can they go this year? Can they win the ACC?

Keith

8:01

Thank you gentlemen for a great preview of the upcoming season. Are your preseason rankings reflective of your way-too-early favorites to make it to Omaha and/or win it all?

Wayne Graham

8:03

You think there’s any job openings for the OG?;-) -Wayno

Your current subscriptions

None

E-mail Address	Chat Owner	Status	Remove

Enter your email address to be notified when Kendall Rogers hosts a chat