1. North Carolina
As it stands now, only one player is leaving off a Sweet 16 team. The Tar Heels have tantalizing talent, but they show a lot of inconsistency. If they have it put together for a whole season - watch out, because they can be a scary good team that is very experiences. Justin Jackson showed signs of stardom late in the year, and he may be a breakout candidate. Marcus Paige is a tough, veteran guard leading the offense. The front-court with Brice Johnson and Kennedy Meeks will be tough to deal with, and JP Tokoto moving on, look for Theo Pinson to take his plave. Plus, Isaiah Hicks, Nate Britt and Joel James are all guys that could probably be stars elsewhere. The Heels are deep, if they all return, they are a no doubt title contender.
2. Maryland
The Terrapins return one of the most talented guards in the country with Melo Trimble. He will be the leading force and is a first-team All American type. Jake Layman has also decided to return. Layman is a very tough small forward, and one that can separate this team from the rest of the Big Ten. Maryland recently landed five-star center, Diamond Stone to sure up the front court. Throw in some role players off a Sweet 16 team, and they have the makings of a very deep run ahead.
3. Virginia
Virginia returns nearly everything from an ACC championship team. Assuming Justin Anderson does NOT leave early, the Cavaliers will be in fine shape. Virginia has their noted issues with scoring, and it still leaves doubt about how deep they can go in the tournament, but they have a whole year to figure out that issue. Point is, they play stiffing defense, they've won two ACC titles in a row, and all their big guns are back. Virginia will stand just fine in a loaded ACC.
4. Kansas
The Jayhawks will lose Kelly Oubre and likely Cliff Alexander, but beyond that everything else should be in place. Perry Ellis could leave, but if he returns he's a potential All-American candidate forward. Carlton Bragg is a five-star power forward that will make an instant impact, and the Jayhawks have a veteran backsourt led by Frank Mason and Wayne Seldon. This team may not be flashy, but I think they have a higher ceiling than this past season's team.
5. Kentucky
Tyler Ulis, Marcus Lee, and Alex Pothress will be the only one's returning from Calipari's platoon system. They also have role players like Derek Willis and Dominique Hawkins in the fold. So that's what they have, and here is what is coming....Isaiah Briscoe will be Calipari's new lead guard, and like many that preceded him, he is booming with talent and athleticism. Skal Labissiere is a talented big man that will start from day one, and Charles Matthews is an athletic guard (4 star) from Chicago. Not to mention, there are a number of unsigned five star players available. It's just safe to assume to keep Kentucky near the top, because Calipari always has them there.
6. Iowa State
Iowa State has had a nice run lately, and I think it continues. The biggest question with them is not about a player leaving, but if Fred Hoiberg takes an NBA coaching job. Who knows if it will happen? They have a good nucleus with guards Monte Morris and Naz Long in the backcourt, and versatile forward George Niang. The Cyclones should be able to give Kansas a run for their money again in the Big 12.
7. Villanova
It will be a guard oriented attack once again for Jay Wright's Villanova squad. Ryan Arcidiacono is a tough, veteran guard to lead the offense. Josh Hart is a good scoring option that will assume a more go-to-guy kind of role. Jalen Brunson is going to make a big time impact as a freshman point guard, and will share duties with the upperclassmen guards.Daniel Ochefu is a good center that can hold things together. All in all, it will be a similar team this year that finished 33-3.
8. Michigan State
Michigan State will lose Travis Trice and Branden Dawson, but have two solid options to replace them right off the bat. Eron Harris averaged 17 points a game for West Virginia two years ago, and will step right in and be a factor, and high-flying five star recruit, Deyonta Davis also enters the fold. Surround those guys with three starters, most notably Denzel Valentine, and most of the bench that managed to reach the final four with Tom Izzo stirring the pot, not a whole lot to dislike about the Spartans.
9. Indiana
Indiana struggled down the stretch, but still managed an NCAA tournament berth. The Hoosiers have a lot returning, and they seemingly have their biggest void filled already. Indiana has three talented guards in Yogi Farrell, James Blackmon Jr,. and Robert Johnson. Tom Crean also has a solid and athletic forward in Troy Williams, and good role guys like Hanner Mosquera-Perea and Nick Deisloft, and NOW they have the big man in the middle with highly touted freshman Thomas Bryant coming aboard. Having good guards surrounding a big-time talented center should make for a good recipe and a nice season in Bloomington.
10. Duke
So how do you replace four starters off a National Championship team? Mike Krezyzewski is going to have to figure it out, but if he's calling the shots, you have to like Duke's chances. I suppose Tyus Jones isn't 100% gone, but he probably will be so Duke will have to start with Grayson Allen running the show. He had a big showing in the national title game and will look to carry that momentum over into next season. Matt Jones had a similar performance in the Elite 8, and it looks like the unsung players from this year's team will become the stars of next year. Sean Obi, a talented transfer from Rice, and five star recruits Luke Kennard (SG) and Chase Jeter (C) also join the team. Veterans Amile Jefferson and Marshall Plumlee are also back next year.
11. NC State
The Wolfpack made a Sweet 16 this season as an 8 seed, and nearly everything returns from that team. Obviously NC State was wildly inconsistent but they managed to win games over the likes of Duke, Villanova, Louisville, and UNC. If they can sustain that kind of play, this is a no doubt top 15 type team. Trevor Lacey is a big-time shooting guard and it seemed Cat Barber came into his own as a point guard late in the year. They have plenty of capable bodies up front, and if one takes a big step forward, they will be a very tough team.
12. Gonzaga
Gonzaga reached their first Elite 8 under Mark Few last season, but will lose their three starting guards. Obviously that will be incredibly difficult to overcome, but the Zags may boast the best frontline in the country. Kyle Wiltjer is an All-American candidate, Karnowski is a force at center, and Donatas Sabonis is a budding top 5 pick in the making. Guard play will be key, but few, if any can match their post presence.
13. Oklahoma
Oklahoma returns a talented three man backcourt from this past season's Sweet 16 run. Buddy Hield is one of the better guards in the country but could change their ranking if he does decide to leave early. Isaiah Cousins and Jordan Woodard are good running mates for Hield. Ryan Spangler is a good start up front, and the Sooners welcome a four-star junior college transfer at center named Akolda Manyang to help fill the void left by TaShawn Thomas in the post.
14. Arizona
The Cats are losing a ton from this past season's team, but Sean Miller has almost built "Kentucky West" with the way he brings in talent ready to step in and fill the void. Boston College transfer, Ryan Anderson, should be set to be a starter at power forward and should join Kaleb Tarczewski to start a tough frontcourt. Gabe York's role should grow as the team's point guard, and the trio of Justin Simon, Ray Smith, and Alllonzo Trier gives Sean Miller three 5 star recruits on the perimeter. Yeah, they'll be just fine.
15. LSU
I'm buying into the Ben Simmons/Antonio Blakeney hype and I think the two top ten recruits will energize Baton Rouge. I get that losing Jordan Mickey and Jarrell Martin hurts a lot, but I think the new guys are going to make an impact instantly. The Tigers have a very perimeter oriented attack, and will need to depend on Simmons and and returnee Tim Quarterman playing bigger than expected. I think they can figure things out, and will be a threat in the SEC standings.
16. Wichita State
The Shockers will be very good again if Ron Baker and Fred VanVleet are running the show. It will make for one of the top backcourts in the nation, and one that should lead the Shockers to another big season. Greg Marshall is still calling the shots, and he is welcoming some solid recruits as well including Kansas transfer, Conner Frankamp and top 100 recruit, Landry Shamet. Post play is always a concern for me, but they get guys to play hard and be in the right spots and the guards make it work.
17. SMU
Larry Brown returns Nic Moore and Markus Kennedy, his two leading scorers from last season's AAC's championship team. The Mustangs have a good supporting cast, including Duke transfer Semi Ojeleye. SMU should be the team to beat in the American once again.
18. Baylor
Baylor returns four of their top six scores, including their two leading scorers Taurean Prince and Rico Gathers. The two forwards should help keep the Bears a factor in the Big 12 race. Lester Medford is a solid point guard, but will need to elevate his game next season. Finding some shooters will be key, but Baylor will be able to compete with the top teams in the league.
19. Syracuse
Syracuse returns all three starting guards from last season. Michael Gbinijie is a very talented wing, Trevor Cooney is an outside shooting sniper, but the key will be Kaleb Joseph taking a step forward at point guard. Tyler Roberson will be back after having a fairly solid year filling in at power forward, and veteran center DeJuan Coleman will be back after missing last year with an injury. Pretty good start for the Orange, and then they add four top 100 recruits. Malachi Richardson is a shooting guard from New Jersey, and he is the highest rated one in the bunch.
20. Butler
The Butler Bulldogs have asserted themselves to being a pretty strong program, even with the move into the Big East. Butler returns their three leading scorers. Kellen Dunham is a solid presence on the wing, Roosevelt Jones is a do-it-all undersized forward, and Andrew Chrabascz played tough in the interior. The three players should keep the Bulldogs as a worth adversary to Villanova in the Big East.
21. Notre Dame
The Irish lose their two stars Jerian Grant and Pat Connaughton, but with three starters back they shouldn't fall too far. Demitrius Jackson is a dynamic point guard running the show, Zach Auguste proved he is a legit force in the post, and Steve Vasturia is a good outside shooter. All three players averaged double figures, but will need to step up considering the losses of their two stars.
22. Texas A&M
The Aggies return their top three leading scorers in Danuel House, Jalen Jones, and Alex Caruso. A&M also has steady point guard Alex Robinson who should take a big jump this season. Elijah Thomas is a five-star post player, and he along with three four-star recruits are entering the program. Watch out for the Aggies in 2016.
23. Miami
The Hurricanes missed out on the NCAA Tournament, but used the opportunity of the NIT to go on a bit of a run to gain some momentum into next season. They return some talented peremiter players like Angel Rodriquez, Sheldon McClellan, and JaQuan Newton and up front the have Tonye Jekari and welcome Kamari Murphy from Oklahoma State to help solidify the power forward spot. The Canes should be able to compete with the upper echelon of the ACC.
24. Wisconsin
Nigel Hayes should be the focal point of the offense, and that's not a bad start. Bo Ryan is a good coach, and he should have the Badgers playing at a high level despite all that they are losing. Bronson Koening is also back to lead the offense, and should be the team's number two scoring option. Aside from that, Wisconsin has a lot to fill in the gaps, but they always seem to find a way.
25. Cincinnati
Cincinnati kind of laid the blueprint to beat Kentucky in the NCAA Tournament, and played the top seed pretty tough for a second round game. Most of that team is returning, and should make Cincinnati a tough team this season. The crazy thing about the Bearcats is that nobody averages double figures in scoring and they play well as a team. Mick Cronin is also back on the sidelines, and that should make an impact as well.
A blog dedicated to mostly Pitt athletics, Pirates Baseball, and some random ramblings of my own. Follow me on Twitter @JimHammett
Friday, April 10, 2015
Sunday, April 5, 2015
Preseason MLB Power Rankings
1. Washington Nationals - Can you say pitching? Because Washington can. How about that rotation of Scherzer, Strasburg, and Zimmerman? Oh yeah AND Gio Gonzalez and Doug Fister. That is one lethal pitching staff, and one capable of carrying them the whole way to a World Series. Maybe this is the year Bryce Harper carries the offense on his own, and that's a scary thought if he can stay healthy and produce for a whole year.
2. Los Angeles Dodgers - The reigning MVP, Clayton Kershaw, is back and he headlines a strong pitching staff. Yaisel Puig has been sensational early in his career, and he may be ready to put up an MVP type season. The Dodgers lineup is loaded, and well paid too. They finally need to break through into October - it's about time.
3. Los Angeles Angels - Mike Trout is the best player in the game right now, and that has to count for something, right? The Angels have a solid supporting cast and a tough 1-2 punch at the front end of the rotation with Weaver and Richards. Look for the Halos to make a run into October, it would be something else to watch Trout on that stage.
4. Seattle Mariners - Seattle has Robinson Cano leading the attack, Kyle Seagers protecting him, and they certainly solidified the lineup with the addition of Nelson Cruz and his 40 home run potential. It is a formidable offense, with King Felix leading the attack from the mound.
5. Pittsburgh Pirates - The Bucs have one of the most dynamic outfields assembled in recent history, and a veteran infield with offensive potential. McCutchen is as good of a player as there is in the NL and he can carry them into the postseason. Don't forget about the good pitching staff with a budding star like Gerrit Cole leading the charge.
6. St. Louis Cardinals - The Cardinals have a good not great pitching staff, and they have a good but not great offense. It's the same thing every year. The Cardinals are always going to be good.
7. Detroit Tigers - Cabrera, Martinez, Cespedes, and Kinsler should make for one tough middle of the lineup, and the Tigers will score a lot of runs this year. For their sake, they need to hope Verlander regains form and David Price pitches well, which is likely, since he is in a contract year.
8. Baltimore Orioles - The O's have the makeup to win the AL East. I'm expecting big things from Machado and Adam Jones this year, I'm little suspect of the pitching though.
9. San Francisco Giants - The loss of Pablo Sandoval will be tough to overcome, but the recipe remains the same for them. The Giants have good pitching and that isn't going anywhere, but it will have to carry them a long way this season.
10. Toronto Blue Jays - A lot of Toronto's success will depend on the veteran pitching staff and if they can pull through with a good year, and they can drop in the rankings fast if the pitching is not there. The addition of Russell Martin will help on offense and the pitchers, he can be a real difference maker.
11. Cleveland Indians - The Tribe locked up Corey Kluber just before the season and the reigning Cy Young winner is a good start to lead this team heading into 2015. The Indians may have just enough offense with Francona calling the shots to give Detroit a run for their money.
12. Oakland A's - Oakland always seems to have a makeshift lineup and a rotation of castoffs and somehow find themselves in contention. I expect 2015 to be about the same for Oakland.
13. Miami Marlins - The Marlins have such a dynamic outfield fronted by one of the league's best players in Gincarlo Stanton. I also really think they have the pitching to stick around foe the duration of the season. I am a firm believer that the Nationals have a complete lock on that division, but if a few things bounce their way, watch out for the Fish.
14. Boston Red Sox - The Sox have some pieces, but I'm still iffy on their pitching staff. I think the offense can be good, but there are just a few teams better than them in the AL East right now.
15. Kansas City Royals - Let us not forget, the Royals were not a division winner that made it to the World Series, they slid into the postseason and made a run. So for them to open the year at 16 considering some of their departures, it shouldn't be too much of a surprise. They proved last year that they can play, so it won't take long for them to vault up the rankings
16. New York Yankees - Just not enough new blood in the organization for me to be too excited and think things will be much different this year. They have enough to contend if everyone is healthy, but that seems like a rarity anymore.
17. San Diego Padres - Are all the off-season additions enough to push them over the top? Well, they certainly give them hope. They now have one of the most talented outfields in baseball, they just need to get it to perform like one. It may take a month or two for everything to mesh, but the Padres could be a threat at some point.
18. Chicago White Sox - The Sox have some potential to make a run. The have an MVP (Jose Abreu) and a CY Young (Chris Sale) candidate, and not many teams in the league can say that, I just worry about the supporting cast. Still, there's no reason why Chicago can't contend for the Central, especially with the Samardzija addition.
19. Chicago Cubs - Look I get it, I get the enthusiasm around this team. New manager, Wrigley got a fix, Lester in town. A lot to be excited about, but I'm still skeptical. I think they can finish last in the Central, but they may contend for a Wild Card at the same time.
20. New York Mets - I'm not totally buying into the Mets hype train like some are. Sure, they have good pitching but that lineup is still suspect. I don't think there is enough there to contend for the NL East, but a Wild Card is possible.
21. Milwaukee Brewers - The Brewers are strong enough to make a run at the NL Central crown. and that speaks volumes of how good baseball is right now. So many quality teams are in the league, and the 21st ranked team has the tools to make a run at their division title.
22. Tampa Bay Rays - Tampa can always get hot enough to make things interesting, it's just a matter of when that happens during this season. The Rays are tough, Longoria is a good player to lead the charge. It's just hard to picture a lot happening without David Price at the top of the rotation.
23. Cincinnati Reds - The Reds have the potential of a scary offense, but it seems they can't stay healthy anymore for a whole season. Brandon Phillips and Joey Votto seemed to get pretty old real quickly, and that could be a problem for them moving forward. Still, the Reds have a legitimate ace and an offense catered to their stadium, they can make the Central interesting.
24. Texas Rangers - The Rangers have a good enough offense to make a run, and they may be the bottom line of teams capable of making a playoff run. An offense powered by Adrian Beltre, Prince Fielder, and Shin Soo-Choo should make things exciting with their ballpark.
25. Atlanta Braves - Not that typical tough Atlanta pitching we have come accustomed to seeing, and they gave away their best offensive player Jason Heyward. Not a lot of reasons to have faith in the Braves this season.
26. Colorado Rockies - Same problems every year - an offense that can rack up runs, and a rotation not able to hold leads. Troy Tulowitzki is easily one of the best players in baseball, and perhaps he can carry them to a better mark.
27. Houston Astros - I actually like the Astros' offense, and they should be better, but I don't really buy into their pitching at all. They have the potential to do a little better than this, but not much.
28. Minnesota Twins - The Twins have Miguel Sano and Byron Buxton to look forward to.....at some point. Right now, the major league Twins are pretty average. The rotation has some names, but they need to resurrect their careers a bit for it to matter.
29. Arizona Diamondbacks - The lineup is very weak aside from Goldschidt and Trumbo, and the rotation is horrendous. Arizona is a really bad team right now, and it's hard to see them doing much better than finishing in the bottom two of the league.
30 Philadelphia Phillies - Cole Hamels is trade waiting to happen, and truth be told, this organization needs him to bring back a solid return to replenish the talent pool a bit when the trade happens. The lineup is incredibly bad, and it's held together by a number of players past their prime. Nothing at all exciting about the Phils right now.
2. Los Angeles Dodgers - The reigning MVP, Clayton Kershaw, is back and he headlines a strong pitching staff. Yaisel Puig has been sensational early in his career, and he may be ready to put up an MVP type season. The Dodgers lineup is loaded, and well paid too. They finally need to break through into October - it's about time.
3. Los Angeles Angels - Mike Trout is the best player in the game right now, and that has to count for something, right? The Angels have a solid supporting cast and a tough 1-2 punch at the front end of the rotation with Weaver and Richards. Look for the Halos to make a run into October, it would be something else to watch Trout on that stage.
4. Seattle Mariners - Seattle has Robinson Cano leading the attack, Kyle Seagers protecting him, and they certainly solidified the lineup with the addition of Nelson Cruz and his 40 home run potential. It is a formidable offense, with King Felix leading the attack from the mound.
5. Pittsburgh Pirates - The Bucs have one of the most dynamic outfields assembled in recent history, and a veteran infield with offensive potential. McCutchen is as good of a player as there is in the NL and he can carry them into the postseason. Don't forget about the good pitching staff with a budding star like Gerrit Cole leading the charge.
6. St. Louis Cardinals - The Cardinals have a good not great pitching staff, and they have a good but not great offense. It's the same thing every year. The Cardinals are always going to be good.
7. Detroit Tigers - Cabrera, Martinez, Cespedes, and Kinsler should make for one tough middle of the lineup, and the Tigers will score a lot of runs this year. For their sake, they need to hope Verlander regains form and David Price pitches well, which is likely, since he is in a contract year.
8. Baltimore Orioles - The O's have the makeup to win the AL East. I'm expecting big things from Machado and Adam Jones this year, I'm little suspect of the pitching though.
9. San Francisco Giants - The loss of Pablo Sandoval will be tough to overcome, but the recipe remains the same for them. The Giants have good pitching and that isn't going anywhere, but it will have to carry them a long way this season.
10. Toronto Blue Jays - A lot of Toronto's success will depend on the veteran pitching staff and if they can pull through with a good year, and they can drop in the rankings fast if the pitching is not there. The addition of Russell Martin will help on offense and the pitchers, he can be a real difference maker.
11. Cleveland Indians - The Tribe locked up Corey Kluber just before the season and the reigning Cy Young winner is a good start to lead this team heading into 2015. The Indians may have just enough offense with Francona calling the shots to give Detroit a run for their money.
12. Oakland A's - Oakland always seems to have a makeshift lineup and a rotation of castoffs and somehow find themselves in contention. I expect 2015 to be about the same for Oakland.
13. Miami Marlins - The Marlins have such a dynamic outfield fronted by one of the league's best players in Gincarlo Stanton. I also really think they have the pitching to stick around foe the duration of the season. I am a firm believer that the Nationals have a complete lock on that division, but if a few things bounce their way, watch out for the Fish.
14. Boston Red Sox - The Sox have some pieces, but I'm still iffy on their pitching staff. I think the offense can be good, but there are just a few teams better than them in the AL East right now.
15. Kansas City Royals - Let us not forget, the Royals were not a division winner that made it to the World Series, they slid into the postseason and made a run. So for them to open the year at 16 considering some of their departures, it shouldn't be too much of a surprise. They proved last year that they can play, so it won't take long for them to vault up the rankings
16. New York Yankees - Just not enough new blood in the organization for me to be too excited and think things will be much different this year. They have enough to contend if everyone is healthy, but that seems like a rarity anymore.
17. San Diego Padres - Are all the off-season additions enough to push them over the top? Well, they certainly give them hope. They now have one of the most talented outfields in baseball, they just need to get it to perform like one. It may take a month or two for everything to mesh, but the Padres could be a threat at some point.
18. Chicago White Sox - The Sox have some potential to make a run. The have an MVP (Jose Abreu) and a CY Young (Chris Sale) candidate, and not many teams in the league can say that, I just worry about the supporting cast. Still, there's no reason why Chicago can't contend for the Central, especially with the Samardzija addition.
19. Chicago Cubs - Look I get it, I get the enthusiasm around this team. New manager, Wrigley got a fix, Lester in town. A lot to be excited about, but I'm still skeptical. I think they can finish last in the Central, but they may contend for a Wild Card at the same time.
20. New York Mets - I'm not totally buying into the Mets hype train like some are. Sure, they have good pitching but that lineup is still suspect. I don't think there is enough there to contend for the NL East, but a Wild Card is possible.
21. Milwaukee Brewers - The Brewers are strong enough to make a run at the NL Central crown. and that speaks volumes of how good baseball is right now. So many quality teams are in the league, and the 21st ranked team has the tools to make a run at their division title.
22. Tampa Bay Rays - Tampa can always get hot enough to make things interesting, it's just a matter of when that happens during this season. The Rays are tough, Longoria is a good player to lead the charge. It's just hard to picture a lot happening without David Price at the top of the rotation.
23. Cincinnati Reds - The Reds have the potential of a scary offense, but it seems they can't stay healthy anymore for a whole season. Brandon Phillips and Joey Votto seemed to get pretty old real quickly, and that could be a problem for them moving forward. Still, the Reds have a legitimate ace and an offense catered to their stadium, they can make the Central interesting.
24. Texas Rangers - The Rangers have a good enough offense to make a run, and they may be the bottom line of teams capable of making a playoff run. An offense powered by Adrian Beltre, Prince Fielder, and Shin Soo-Choo should make things exciting with their ballpark.
25. Atlanta Braves - Not that typical tough Atlanta pitching we have come accustomed to seeing, and they gave away their best offensive player Jason Heyward. Not a lot of reasons to have faith in the Braves this season.
26. Colorado Rockies - Same problems every year - an offense that can rack up runs, and a rotation not able to hold leads. Troy Tulowitzki is easily one of the best players in baseball, and perhaps he can carry them to a better mark.
27. Houston Astros - I actually like the Astros' offense, and they should be better, but I don't really buy into their pitching at all. They have the potential to do a little better than this, but not much.
28. Minnesota Twins - The Twins have Miguel Sano and Byron Buxton to look forward to.....at some point. Right now, the major league Twins are pretty average. The rotation has some names, but they need to resurrect their careers a bit for it to matter.
29. Arizona Diamondbacks - The lineup is very weak aside from Goldschidt and Trumbo, and the rotation is horrendous. Arizona is a really bad team right now, and it's hard to see them doing much better than finishing in the bottom two of the league.
30 Philadelphia Phillies - Cole Hamels is trade waiting to happen, and truth be told, this organization needs him to bring back a solid return to replenish the talent pool a bit when the trade happens. The lineup is incredibly bad, and it's held together by a number of players past their prime. Nothing at all exciting about the Phils right now.
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