Baseball season, yeah, baseball season… it’s coming, and we want you to be prepared for it. Here are some names to watch, one that we might know a little about around here. Seriously though, we don’t play favorites. See you after the jump…
Many players at this level of the NCCAA DII do not return to the NCCAA, and it is difficult to keep track of everyone. If everyone does return, here are the best players to watch this coming year. Let me know if you know of players NOT returning.
1. Michael Blevins – SS/P – Jr. – Ohio Christian University
Yeah, that Michael Blevins. He is around here a lot, and many people cry favoritism, but look at what he does on the field and try to argue why he shouldn’t be on here. Ohio Christian University as an athletic department is on the upswing, and you have to think OCU baseball will improve as well. If they do improve, maybe Blevins will not have to play everywhere on the field. Whether it is on the mound, in the field, or at the plate, no returning player has an impact on the game as much as Blevins.
2. Chris Scott – 1B – So. – Atlanta Christian College
Scott is the most talented player at one position returning to the NCCAA this year. He has potential of being drafted, and he can crush the ball at the plate. There is no player that strikes fear in pitchers like this guy.
3. Mike Foster – 2B/P – Jr. – Manhattan Christian College
Foster is the perfect player for Manhattan. He gets on base, hits for average, and is not afraid to wreak havoc while on base. He goes from 1st to 3rd not problem, and really knows how to extend innings. Not to mention the kid can pitch.
4. KC Lorow – P/IF – Jr. – Atlanta Christian College
Lorow is a swing and miss pitcher that Atlanta used perfectly. He didn’t exactly have the greatest national tournament, but you can not argue the fact that he had an amazing regular season. We think Lorow will be the best pitcher in the NCCAA come the end of the season.
5. Daniel Armstrong – Util. – Jr. – Free Will Baptist Bible College
Armstrong plays on a Free Will team that really struggled. That doesn’t mean that this kid’s stats are inflated. He hit like a mad man, and he had no protection in the lineup. We think Armstrong should have a great year.
6. Clay O’Dell – OF – Sr. – Ozark Christian College
O’Dell was a star for an underrated Ozark team. O’Dell wont blow you away with ability, but underestimate him, and he will crush you with power at the plate. We think he is the best outfielder in the nation.
7. Cody Davis – 3B/P – Sr. – Hillsdale Free Will Baptist
We gave Davis a lot of “pub” last year, and we heard a lot of comments from last years national tournament that he wasn’t overly impressive. We still like Davis, and we think that this could be his best year. He might have to get more protection in the lineup for him, but those power numbers should help carry HFWB this year.
8. Juan Martinez – 1B/3B – So. – North Central University
Martinez is your classic corner infielder with power. He had big home run numbers last year, but look out for him to start hitting even more home runs. He had big double numbers last year, and many times sophomore’s and junior start hitting those doubles out of the park. We could be looking at a player of the year dark horse.
9. Caleb Erb – SS – So. – Lancaster Bible College
Erb is another player that everyone should be watching this year. He had big time double and triples numbers last year, and going into his sophomore year, you have to think he might start developing a little more power.
10. Steven Vogelgesang – P – Jr. – Ohio Christian University
We like Vogelgesang’s game, and we think this could be a big year for him. Once he develops the ability to repeat his delivery and gain consistency, we think he could be a darkhorse for pitcher of the year. If not this year, watch out for next year.
Honorable Mention:
11. Jacob Moore – P – Sr. – Atlanta Christian College
12. Sean Finn – C – So. – Atlanta Christian College
13. Brent Kirkley – P/SS – Jr. – Clearwater Christian College
14. Joe Rubeo – Util. – Jr. – Manhattan Christian College
15. Travis Myers – P – So. – Manhattan Christian College
Clay O'Dell is not even in the top 5 outfielders in his own region, and arguably not the best outfielder on his own team.
I'd take these outfielders in his region over O'Dell anyday
Eammon Bradley-Manhattan
Jacob Munday-Hillsdale
Brandon Culp-Hillsdale
Codi Morris-Manhattan
Brock Vale-Ozark
Definitely a bold statement to call O'Dell the best outfielder in the nation, I just know these three teams, but would rank these five players ahead of/or at worst tied with, O'Dell.
Also, Mike Foster and Cody Davis are game changers. Definitely lift their teams like very few player-types can.
Vogelgesang isn't back for OCU but I hear they have replaced him… And then some!!!! I know Blevins wants that big banner at the end of the year, but he also would love to go back to back with the burbage award. And Blevs is a senior
And Tea spell is the best outfielder in the country period, no debate. We'll just see if he plays this year
Wont say much except #1 is over rated! Brent Kirkly should be in the top 10 probably top 5 he beat Cedarville on the mound last year. i hear he throws gas. Ear to the ground is right Vogel transferred and is now redshirting at Azuza Pacific.
since when does being player of the year make you the second best player? #1 player in the country is chris scott.
Scott is a great player! no denying that. i don think this is a ranking type system… just a heads up on who to look for.. but i will say batting over .400 three years in a row and on the mound, going 7-2 with a SV last year thats HUGE… Chris had tons of talent around him… not saying that OCU didnt, but Cole made a clear distinction saying Chris is the best ONE position player.
Also Daniel Armstrong is a strait stud!! He and John Owen from freewill would start on any team in the country.
First off, the best outfielder in the nation is not even mentioned in this list, Jeremy Capshaw is an outstanding player with the right tools and frame to easily get drafted, and I guess throwin 93+ from the outfield helps a little too. And Jacob Moore should be at least on the list, and not an honorable mention. His team plays a very tough schedule as compared to most Christian schools and he still had a winning record and the most strikeouts in the nation.
It's good to see one player from the east region listed. I just found out former All-American T.J. Horn is the new coach at MBC. Does he have the ability to continue LBC success in the east and also, will he be able to develop players such as Caleb Erb into even better basell players?
I am definitely an ACC homer but that Kirkley kid can pitch!
We heard a lot about Kirkley last year. Let's hope Clearwater can get on a national stage this year.
Kirkly shut down cedarville and our new coach (was the pitching coach at Indiana U last year) said Cedarville was the best swinging team they faced all year… after all they did put up 12 earned runs on Vogelgesang last year..I talked to the some of the c-ville guys and they said that kid should be at a much bigger school. Also Ear to the Ground is right again… Daniel Armstrong is a stud.. i dont know how we let him out of Ohio… he has a bugs bunny change up.. and throws gas as well… just doesnt have the team behind him. Not to mention he can hit any pitch you throw at him…. if you play FWBBC WALK HIM lol
I would agree with South Region Baseball in that those players are probably as solid if not better.
Also, would like place an asterisk next to Juan Martinez and add Joe Robinson to him. Those two on the left side of that infield at NCU made them a very difficult #7 seed in the first round at nationals next year. I expect NCU to compete this year with those two anchoring them.
The sad thing is Daniel Armstrong is not a pitcher by craft. He pitched very little in high school or legion ball because he was not needed to pitch. His primary position is catcher but has had to play other spots the past two years.
Atlanta was head over heels the best team at the tournament but i was impressed alot by manhattan and north central. Manhattan had a deep staff and could run with great coaching. North Central was a tough opponent they battled and have some good players…Martinez could hit, i think his name is robinson the shortstop was solid and they had a lefty pitcher who could throw a little bit too…heres my top 10 for this year
1. Atlanta( What else needs to be said)
2. Manhattan(Can run and put pressure on you…Roth can deal and the 2B can hit)
3. Taccoa( proven winners)
4. Hillsdale
5. North Central(Had a decent ace pitcher and some bats…just a couple pieces away)
6. Ohio Christian( solid team)
7. Clearwater Christian(could say they should have been at nationals)
8. Lancaster( Underated team)
9. Lincoln Christian( Dark horse)
10. Dallas Christian( hung around in the ranking last year)
hahaha how can you say ozark was overated?!!! they were awful…as good as a freshman high school team
We had the Pleasure of Watching Codi Morris from MCC, over spring break. During 4 games he was CLUTCH in the win, or at least putting his team in position to win. He stole bases, he pressured every pitcher, and he got on base when he bunted on more than one occassion. Tons of range in the Outfield, Has an incredible instinctive first step and naturally quick reaction to the ball coming off the bat. He has a strong arm and plays VERY smart. He was naturally a team leader on and off the field, you could just tell. The last game he went 6 for 7, the other time he got to base on an error, but he had the throw clearly beat either way for all those in the stands who saw the play.