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College  | Story | 6/14/2018

2018 College World Series Preview

Patrick Ebert
Mike Rooney
Photo: Jonathan India (Tim Casey)



CWS Set, Super Regional Recap | Vaughn Leads ’18 College Awards
2018 College All-Americans | 2018 Freshman All-Americans


Bracket 1

Oregon State vs. North Carolina
Saturday, June 16, 2:00 p.m. CT

Washington vs. Mississippi State
Saturday, June 16, 7:00 p.m. CT

• The winners of the two games will play on Monday, June 18 at 6:00 p.m. CT.
• The losers of the two games will play in an elimination game on Monday, June 18 at 1:00 p.m. CT.

Preseason/Pre-Postseason rank in parenthesis


Oregon State (2/2)

Preseason Prognostication:
“Few teams can match the Beavers strength up the middle on defense, with Madrigal and Cadyn Grenier forming arguably the best middle infield duo in the country, to go along with Adley Rutschman behind the plate and Steven Kwan roaming center field. In addition, Trevor Larnach could replace some of the power lost from K.J. Harrison with a bigger junior year.”

How They Got To Omaha:
Won the Corvallis Regional (3-0)
Won the Corvallis Super Regional (2-0)

Synopsis:
The Beavers have won 105 games over the last two seasons to the tune of an astounding .868 winning percentage. Nick Madrigal, Trevor Larnach and Cadyn Grenier all went in the first round of the MLB draft and they are the backbone of what is the nation’s most dynamic offense. That said, catcher Adley Rutschman may be the best player of the bunch when all is said and done. This is an elite defensive club with center fielder Steven Kwan and third baseman Michael Gretler bringing plus baseball instincts to the table. The pitching staff isn’t terribly deep but ace Luke Heimlich has been the best statistical pitcher in the country over the last two seasons. The Beavers were upset in the semifinals of the CWS last year and there appears to be unfinished business.

Draft Impact:
Players taken in the 2018 MLB Draft (round, team)

• Nick Madrigal (1, White Sox)
• Trevor Larnach (1, Twins)
• Cadyn Grenier (1, Orioles)
• Steven Kwan (5, Indians)
• Drew Rasmussen (6, Brewers)
• Michael Gretler (10, Pirates)


North Carolina (7/9)

Preseason Prognostication:
“UNC moves forward without their three biggest stars from the 2017 campaign, but their No. 1-ranked recruiting class from a year ago paid immediate dividends and should put the Tar Heels in the conversation as an Omaha favorite both this year and next … Ashton McGee moves to the outfield after spending last year as the team's DH, and while Michael Busch didn't hit as well as initially hoped, he picked up his game last summer and also looked good during fall practices.”

How They Got To Omaha:
Won the Chapel Hill Regional (3-0)
Won the Chapel Hill Super Regional (2-0)

Synopsis:
The Tar Heels experienced heartbreak at the hands of Davidson College last year, losing a home Regional with a team that featured three players taken among the first 36 picks in last year’s draft. This club lacks the star power of the 2017 team but Mike Fox’s squad did win the ACC regular season championship. Third baseman Kyle Datres is the heartbeat of this team but first baseman Michael Busch is the most talented hitter. Cooper Criswell has handled the Friday night role admirably in the absence of Luca Dalatri, but Dalatri has been back since the ACC Tournament. Key relievers Josh Hiatt and Brett Daniels feature outstanding changeups and the Tar Heels are the most advanced college team in the nation when it comes to analytics and defensive shifting.

Draft Impact:
Players taken in the 2018 MLB Draft (round, team)

• Rodney Hutchinson (6, Yankees)
• Cody Roberts (11, Orioles)
• Kyle Datres (12, Rockies)
• Cooper Criswell (13, Angels)
• Brandon Riley (14, Cardinals)
• Josh Hiatt (16, Blue Jays)
• Brett Daniels (17, Astros)
• Austin Bergner (32, Diamondbacks)
• Jason Morgan (35, White Sox)
• Zack Gahagan (39, Cardinals)

Washington (NR/NR)

Preseason Prognostication:
“The young pitching on this club took their lumps a year ago and that bodes well for 2018. This staff will be led by the very durable Joe DeMers who had a breakout sophomore campaign … While there are high hopes for the arms on this club, the veteran Husky offense will need to improve upon a .261 team batting average from a year ago. Willie MacIver, Levi Jordan and A.J. Graffanino are three pillars for Meggs to build this lineup around.”

How They Got To Omaha:
Won Conway Regional (3-0)
Won Fullerton Super Regional (2-1)

Synopsis:
The Huskies’ scorching hot play in Pac-12 games (20-10) helped them earn their third Regional birth in the last five seasons. And that was despite an RPI of 63. Washington is a vintage West Coast baseball team: fundamentally sound and opportunistic. Joe Wainhouse is a lefthanded hitting lumberjack and his free-swinging approach has led to 19 home runs and 59 RBI. This is an elite defensive team and the Huskies are particularly strong up the middle. Catcher Nick Kahle and shortstop Levi Jordan are the emotional leaders on this club and center fielder Braiden Ward is one of the fastest players in all of college baseball. Highly touted second baseman A.J. Graffanino has hit .373 since returning from injury.

Draft Impact:
Players taken in the 2018 MLB Draft (round, team)

• A.J. Graffanino (8, Braves)
• Willie MacIver (9, Rockies)
• Joe DeMers (11, Athletics)
• Levi Jordan (29, Cubs)


Mississippi State (25/NR)

Preseason Prognostication:
“SEC triple crown winner Brent Rooker is no longer in Starkville to provide dramatic fireworks on a nightly basis, but center fielder Jake Mangum is. Mangum doesn't possess Rooker's power, and in fact has hit only one home run in his two-year collegiate career, but he does have an uncanny ability to get the bat on the ball and has enough speed to cause problems on the basepaths once he reaches.”

How They Got To Omaha:
Won the Tallahassee Regional (4-1)
Won the Nashville Super Regional (2-1)

Synopsis:
To say the Bulldogs’ appearance in Omaha is a surprise would be the understatement of the century. This resilient club was swept on opening weekend of both the season and SEC conference play. The upperclassmen are on their third head coach in three years but this is also a lineup that routinely starts four freshmen. Jake Mangum is the most famous player on this roster, and rightfully so. But it is outfielder Elijah McNamee who has stolen the spotlight with two miraculous walk-off home runs in the postseason. This is not a perfect team but who can count out a club that was down 2-0 in the ninth inning of an elimination game and is still playing seven games later?

Draft Impact:
Players taken in the 2018 MLB Draft (round, team)

• Konnor Pilkington (3, White Sox)
• J.P. France (14, Astros)
• Hunter Stovall (21, Rockies)
• Ethan Small (26, Diamondbacks)
• Zach Neff (31, Twins) Jake Mangum (32, Mets)
• Jacob Billingsley (32, Astros)



Bracket 2

Arkansas vs. Texas
Sunday, June 17, 1:00 p.m. CT

Florida vs. Texas Tech
Sunday, June 17, 6:00 p.m. CT

• The winners of the two games will play on Tuesday, June 19 at 6:00 p.m. CT.
• The losers of the two games will play in an elimination game on Tuesday, June 19 at 1:00 p.m. CT.

Preseason/Pre-Postseason rank in parenthesis


Florida (1/1)

Preseason Prognostication:
“For as good as Florida's pitching depth has been in recent years, the emergence of Michael Byrne as the team's closer midway through the 2017 season played a huge role in their torrid second half that culminated with a National Championship. And he's not just a one-inning closer, either, as his three-pitch repertoire and strike-throwing ability allows him to go multiple innings, and would also make him a starter on just about any other staff in the nation.”

How They Got To Omaha:
Won Gainesville Regional (3-1)
Won Gainesville Super Regional (2-1)

Synopsis:
Florida opened the 2018 season as the defending national champions and the team to beat and that hasn’t changed. They spent the entire season in the No. 1 spot in the rankings, despite a lackluster finish to the regular season. They still have arguably the best 1-2 punch in their starting rotation between Brady Singer and Jackson Kowar to lead a nice collection of younger, mostly freshmen arms to bridge the gap to do-it-all closer Michael Byrne. Jonathan India remained healthy and enjoyed a huge season offensively, leading a potent Florida lineup that has numerous hitters who can leave the yard on a single swing. One of those sluggers is J.J. Schwarz, who the team is hopeful will return to the lineup after missing three weeks with a broken bone in his hand.

Draft Impact:
Players taken in the 2018 MLB Draft (round, team)

• Jonathan India (1, Reds)
• Brady Singer (1, Royals)
• Jackson Kowar (1, Royals)
• J.J. Schwarz (8, Athletics)
• Deacon Liput (10, Dodgers)
• Michael Byrne (14, Reds)
• Nick Horvath (25, Orioles)


Texas Tech (4/11)

Preseason Prognostication:
“The 2017 season ended on a sour note for Texas Tech, losing at home in Regional play to Sam Houston State. However, if their recent one year on, one year off trend continues, 2018 will finish with Tim Tadlock’s third trip to Omaha (2014, 2016).”

How They Got To Omaha:
Won Lubbock Regional (3-0)
Won Lubbock Super Regional (2-1)

Synopsis:
The Red Raiders successfully navigated the 2018 season without their staff ace, losing lefthander Steven Gingery the very first day of the 2018 season. Davis Martin stepped up and into the ace role with Caleb Kilian setting in behind him, but the true strength of the pitching staff came in the form of its depth, with numerous accomplished arms that Coach Tim Tadlock felt comfortable turning to with the game on the line. The high-powered offense, led by freshman Gabe Holt and sophomores Josh Jung and Grant Little, gave the pitchers confidence knowing they didn’t have to be so fine and nibble given the run totals they put on the board on a regular basis. From top to bottom Texas Tech has one of the most balanced rosters in Omaha.

Draft Impact:
Players taken in the 2018 MLB Draft (round, team)

• Grant Little (2, Padres)
• Steven Gingery (4, Cardinals)
• Ryan Shetter (9, Braves)
• Jose Quezada (10, Padres)
• Davis Martin (14, White Sox)
• Ty Harpenau (16, Braves)
• Caleb Kilian (20, Orioles)
• Cody Farhat (23, Indians)
• Michael Davis (24, Twins)
• Dylan Dusek (27, Giants)
• Zach Rheams (27, Mets)


Arkansas (6/5)

Preseason Prognostication:
“The Razorbacks are going to score plenty of runs during the season, with a powerful and versatile lineup that has big numbers returning at nearly every position … While 2016 PG All-American Cole Turney arrived with more accolades, it was fellow freshman outfielder Heston Kjerstad who drew more attention in the fall with his play, and he's already being discussed as a potential first-round pick in 2020.”

How They Got To Omaha:
Won Fayetteville Regional (3-0)
Won Fayetteville Super Regional (2-1)

Synopsis:
Arkansas staff ace Blaine Knight can match up against any other Friday starter in the nation, as he has effectively out-pitched several notable arms in head-to-head matchups already this season. Kacey Murphy gives the team an effective No. 2 starter although the same can’t be said for Isaiah Campbell, who has struggled with consistency but did give the team four much-needed frames on Monday. The offense is what garners headlines in Fayetteville, with arguably the most complete lineup one through nine in all of college baseball. The team is especially strong up the middle, led by senior second baseman Carson Shaddy who has come through time and time again with big hits this season. Freshmen All-Americans Casey Martin and Heston Kjerstad have also helped power the team down the stretch and into the postseason.

Draft Impact:
Players taken in the 2018 MLB Draft (round, team)

• Blaine Knight (3, Orioles)
• Eric Cole (4, Royals)
• Grant Koch (5, Pirates)
• Jax Biggers (8, Rangers)
• Carson Shaddy (10, Nationals)
• Kacey Murphy (11, Tigers)
• Evan Lee (15, Nationals)
• Barrett Loseke (17, Yankees)
• Jake Reindl (17, Cubs)
• Isaiah Campbell (24, Angels)
• Zack Plunkett (37, Diamondbacks)


Texas (23/16)

Preseason Prognostication:
“For as good as the pitching staff has been in recent years, the Longhorns have been lacking in offense, and in particular could use one big bat to step forward. Corner infielders Kody Clemens and Ryan Reynolds are poised to take a big step forward this season, now that Clemens is healthy and Reynolds has a full season under his belt … Any improvement in offense is welcome, and needed, for the Longhorns to advance.”

How They Got To Omaha:
Won Austin Regional (3-0)
Won Austin Super Regional (2-1)

Synopsis:
Texas second baseman Kody Clemens is so locked in right now that opposing teams can’t throw him anything close to being a strike, as he essentially carried the Longhorns through their Regional and Super Regional victories. The presence and productivity of other sluggers such as Zach Zubia and D.J. Petrinsky have helped but no player is more valuable to their team than Clemens. Entering the year the pitching staff was viewed as the strength of this team, and while they haven’t been as good as initially advertised, as a unit they have a knack for bending but not breaking. Nolan Kingham, Chase Shugart and Blair Henley form a more than competent starting trio while relievers Parker Joe Robinson, Kamron Fields, Andy McGuire and Josh Sawyer give them four quality arms to shut things down.

Draft Impact:
Players taken in the 2018 MLB Draft (round, team)

• Kody Clemens (3, Tigers)
• Nolan Kingham (12, Braves)
• Chase Shugart (12, Red Sox)
• Josh Sawyer (16, Cubs)
• Andy McGuire (28, Blue Jays)


2018 College World Series Prediction

Oregon State over Florida

At one point in time last year it appeared as though this would be the CWS Finals matchup as both teams advanced to the winner's bracket after their first and second games. LSU had other plans, ending the Beavers' season with a pair of wins before the Gators swept the Tigers in the finals. This year Florida spent the entire season as the No. 1 team while Oregon State both opened and closed the regular season at No. 2, and never strayed too far from that second-ranked position. So what better way to close the season than to have college baseball's top two teams battle it out for championship supremacy? In this scenario we're taking Oregon State, who come to Omaha with a little bit of a chip on their shoulder. Both teams have considerable postseason experience, from the coaches to the players, and a projected pitching matchup between Brady Singer and Luke Heimlich – if it somehow comes to pass – would be well worth the price of admission.

The full 2018 College World Series bracket can be viewed here.
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