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Juco | Story | 2/2/2023

PCB Classic Staff Predictions

Brian Sakowski

Blaine Peterson Cameron McElwaney Troy Sutherland Kyler Peterson Korey Hall

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Staff Predictions

Brian's Pick: Florida SouthWestern

FSW won this event a year ago and while this is (literally) an entirely different team from head coach on down, I'm picking them to repeat in 2023. They have too much firepower on the mound that, if they throw enough strikes, should be able to dominate in what may be chilly weather. The depth on the mound stands out here, from the powerhouses at the top of the rotation all the way through the bullpen to the backend. One unique bit of trivia relevant to this is last year's MVP, Paul Winland, won that award playing for FSW in 2022. He's back at this event in 2023, but he'll be wearing a Northwest Florida State jersey this time.
-Brian Sakowski

Troy's Pick: Gulf Coast

The Hometown boys should get business done close to home on the backs of two of the premier arms in the entirety of the nation in left handers Christian Oppor and Carson Dorsey. We can expect high level offensive output from outfielders Ethan Lizama and RJ Johnson as well as the left handed bat of third basemen Charlie Keller. The road to the crown won’t be an easy one with a Game 1 match up against the perennial powerhouse, San Jac. I have them showing down with the Raiders of Northwest Florida which will be one of the better potential matchups in all of Junior Collegiate baseball. Much like everyone else, I can’t wait to watch it unfold.

-Troy Sutherland

Kyler's Pick: State College of Florida

After making a statement this past weekend down in Florida, the Manatees will stroll into PCB with a strong rotation and plenty of depth arms wise. Ryan Stefiuk, Michael Forret, and Bryan Gomez head the staff and have combined for 15 innings while allowing only two earned runs thus far. Forret, a freshman out of North Carolina, kicked off his collegiate debut with a bang, tossing a 75-pitch, seven inning no-hitter. The lineup possesses strong and consistent producers. FSU transfer Richie Morales is a table-setter and on-base machine at the top and can really pick it at short. Physical third baseman Kevin Karstetter, who batted .349 last season, is an extra-base hit threat in the middle of the lineup. State College of Florida is a well-balanced and well-coached squad, making them my pick to win the tournament.

-Kyler Peterson

Blaine's Pick: Miami-Dade

The Sharks threw the ball pretty well on JUCO opening weekend against three really talented lineups. A depth of arms including: Julian Hernandez, Herrick Hernandez, Ervis Solis, Julian Mlodzinski, Carlos Colunga, Robert Fernanedz and more likely to make an impact at PCB Classic and you are looking at a staff that will give a team a chance to win every game. There’s some star power in their lineup with Max Galvin who had a really strong opening weekend and Wooyeoul Shin is one of the top position players in Florida JUCO baseball. If guys like Victor Davila, Richard Benitez, Adrian Salas, Edward Gonzalez and Joseph Zamora swing the bat well it’s a lineup with some depth. X-factors including Alex Ulloa (2021 4th round pick), Jose Hernandez and Geremy Garcia are all very talented players with game changing abilities looking to get on track early on this season. This is a good team that doesn’t even need it to come together in all facets to win game. But if it does all come together, they can play with anyone in JUCO baseball and they’ll win the 2023 PCB College Baseball Classic.

-Blaine Peterson

Cam's Pick: McLennan

The Panama City Beach Classic is being held in the panhandle of Florida but the Texas JUCOs will end up taking over. Texas has routinely been known as a hotbed of talent in the JUCO ranks and this year is no different. The pitching staff is deep with talent, which we have become accustomed to in recent years with McLennan. One of the top players in the country Devin Bennett is their ace and looks to provide a jump start early on in the tournament. The offense will come up with some timely hits throughout the event and come out on top of their in-state rivals.

-Cam McElwaney

Korey's Pick: Northwest Florida State

Predicting the winner of this event is near impossible but can be done. 3 of my Final 4 will reside in the Panhandle Conference. The depth of that league may be at an all-time high and will be on display in the Commodore’s hometown. I want to see the Raiders and Indians in the Semis and if you don’t want to see that matchup you must not have been in attendance last year, because it was electric! Lastly, give me Coastal Alabama-South to make a run to the Final Four. Brent Shelton will bring a strong team from Bay Minette and will look to surprise some people in PCB.

-Korey Hall

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