The 2009 College Preview continues today with our Preseason Freshman All-America Teams.
First Team
Catcher – Jordan Swaggerty, Arizona State – Will initially share catching duties with JuCo transfer Carlos Ramiriez and should also see time in Coach Murphy's bullpen.
First Base – Danny Hultzen, Virginia – He very easily could have made this list as a pitcher, but he swung the Cavaliers' most potent bat in the fall.
Second Base – Tony Rendon, Rice – His athletic ability will enable him to play all over the diamond for Coach Graham. Looked great in fall ball.
Shortstop – Andy Burns, Kentucky – Highest ranked high school prospect in Colorado held his own as a 17-year-old in the Northwoods League last summer.
Third Base – Zack Cox, Arkansas – Has prodigious raw power from the left side and a cannon arm at the hot corner. Will be draft eligible as a sophomore.
Outfield – Brian Humphries, Pepperdine – If he develops more power he has more upside than any other position player on this list. Should lead off in '09.
Outfield – Zach Cone, Georgia – Breathtaking five tool potential yet still very raw. Might see only limited playing time this year.
Outfield – Chase Davidson, Georgia – Has the most power in the entire freshman class, however he's streaky. Runs well for his size and has a strong throwing arm.
Designated Hitter – Harold Martinez, Miami – Will try to reverse a disappointing end to his high school career. Expected to start immediately at third base for the Hurricanes.
Pitcher – Gerrit Cole, UCLA – The most highly touted member of his class. Turned down $2 million from the Yankees and will bring his 97 mph heater to Westwood.
Pitcher – Sonny Gray, Vanderbilt – An arm injury and an ironclad Vandy commitment severely hurt his draft stock. Will probably begin as a weekday starter.
Pitcher – Alex Meyer, Kentucky – He turned down $2 million and a trip on Red Sox owner John Henry's private plane for a chance to pitch for his mother's alma matter.
Pitcher – Michael Palazzone, Georgia – Lanky projectable build with best curveball in '08 high school class. Also features a 92-94 MPH fastball.
Pitcher – Mark Pope, Georgia Tech – Will break in as G-Tech's closer, but he's too good to remain in the bullpen for his entire college career.
Second Team
Catcher – Ben McMahon, Florida – Will start immediately for the Gators and contribute both on offensive and defense.
First Base – Ricky Oropesa, Southern California – USC's lone marquee freshman should be a fixture in the middle of the lineup right out of the gate.
Second Base – Riccio Torres, Arizona State – Joins older brother Raoul in the Sun Devils' infield. Already has enough plate discipline to be an effective lead-off hitter.
Shortstop – Brandon Loy, Texas – He leveraged an excellent fall into a starting assignment in the spring. A defensive whiz.
Third Base – Shane Kroker, Wake Forest – A defensive standout who could probably start at shortstop for most teams. However, questions about his bat remain.
Outfield – Cory Farris, Kentucky – This former All-Kentucky running back showcased his exceptional strength with mammoth home runs in fall ball.
Outfield – Bryan Haar, San Diego – Uber-athletic middle-of-the-field player who enjoyed a banner summer in Alaska.
Outfield – Austin Stadler, Wake Forest – Had an eye-opening fall, hitting .396. Should also see time on the mound, where he led the Deacons in scrimmages with 21 strikeouts.
Designated Hitter – Zack Wilson, Arizona State – Will see action all over the diamond in '09. Hits the ball with authority to all fields.
Pitcher – Daniel Marrs, Wake Forest – Improved conditioning has allowed him to tighten up his body and improve his endurance. Should see action as a weekend starter.
Pitcher – Nick Maronde, Florida – Excellent mound presence and moxie are overshadowed by three quality pitches, including a low 90's fastball with tailing action.
Pitcher – Brett Mooneyham, Stanford – Will compete for a spot in the Cardinal's weekend rotation. His father, Bill, pitched in the majors with Oakland.
Pitcher – Brian Busick, Stanford – A pro body with four above average pitches. A near lock to be a weekend starter in 2010. Will serve in the bullpen until then.
Pitcher – Anthony Fazio, Rice – He'll compete with fellow freshman Taylor Wall for the Sunday starter role. The loser will start mid-week.
1 comment:
A lot of useful information in those links, thanks. I feel that it might even be too much for me to “digest” in just one week.
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