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It has been almost a quarter century since Stanford dominated the college baseball world, winning back-to-back College World Series titles in 1987 and ‘88. Since then, the Cardinal has had difficulty dominating even its own conference, finishing higher than fourth only once since winning their last league title in 2005.
But Stanford has one of the most talent-laden rosters in the college game with the potential for 8-10 future first-round draft picks over the next three years, including three sure-fire selections this year in right-hander Mark Appel, shortstop Kenny Diekroeger and third baseman Stephen Piscotty.
Additionally, the team that has consistently upstaged Stanford in Pac-10 play in recent years, Arizona State, does not have a vintage squad this season (at least by its own standard) and will be on the sidelines in postseason play because of a one-year ban stemming from infractions dating back to the regime of former coach Pat Murphy.
Stanford’s chief challenge is expected to come from Arizona and Oregon State, though defending conference champion UCLA can’t be ruled out -- even as it must replace righthanders Gerrit Cole and Trevor Bauer, the first and third picks in last year’s draft. Appel and ASU shortstop Deven Marrero, the nation’s top two college talents, are positioned to succeed Cole as the top selection this year.
HOW THEY STACK UP
Overall/conference won-loss records from 2011 indicated; preseason national ranking in parentheses, expectation level denoted -- College World Series= CWS, NCAA Super Regional= SR, NCAA Regional= R
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