A couple of posts in the thread about softball got me thinking about our prospects for this baseball season. On paper, we should be prepared for a big step back from a College World Series team. However, I think we have reasons for optimism despite the loss of Montgomery—a significant development given he's a potential No. 1 overall pick!
For one thing, Malcolm Moore is projected to be a top-10 overall pick by D1Baseball himself! We can't cry about having someone of his ability in the middle of the lineup. D1Baseball also projects Trevor Haskins (24) and Owen Cobb (44) as top-50 overall prospects for 2024. This is notable because I believe the most recent D1Baseball evaluations are based on summer baseball and fall scrimmage scouting reports. In Cobb's case, plenty of in-game data from last season supports he's a good player.
What surprised me about D1Baseball's rankings is where they placed Matt Scott (4), Jimmy Nati (15), and Toran O'Haarran (18) for 2025. Of course, most projections this far out change a lot before draft day, but it's eye-opening that some combination of third-party sources and their scouting led them to give our guys such lofty ratings.
For this conversation, let's assume the above ratings are backed up by performances on the field this season. We'd have four good/great position players and two excellent pitchers. That's a good place to start.
The x-factors on the mound are Duke transfer and former elite recruit Kassius Thomas (RHP), former top recruits Joey Volchko (RHP) and Aidan Keenan (RHP), Northwestern transfer Sam Garewal (LHP), and Tommy O'Rourke (RHP back from Tommy John).
In the field, how much have the role players improved? I'm thinking of Saborn Campbell, Temo Becerra, Jake Sapien (who flashed a good bat last season), and Charlie Saum (does he play catcher, and Moore is the DH?) Is UC San Diego transfer Brandon Larson an answer at first base or DH?
There's talent on this roster. The big questions are how fast the guys fit together and whether enough players meet their expectations/potential.
