Illinois lefthander Tyler Jay (Illinois)

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2015 Conference Previews: Big Ten

SEE ALSO: Subscribers can view the Big Ten’s Top Prospects and Newcomers

Big Ten Projected Standings

Bold indicates projected regional team, Top 25 ranking in parentheses, and records are from 2014. Teams are listed in order of projected finish.

Conference Overall (14) Maryland (ACC) 40-23 (23) Nebraska 18-6 41-21 Illinois 17-7 32-21 Indiana 21-3 44-14 Michigan 13-11 30-29 Michigan State 11-13 31-26 Ohio State 10-14 30-28 Minnesota 13-11 27-24 Iowa 10-14 30-23 Rutgers (American) 30-25 Northwestern 7-16 19-33 Purdue 6-18 13-37 Penn State 5-18 18-32

Projected Regional Teams (4): Maryland, Nebraska, Illinois, Indiana

Player of the Year: Travis Maezes, ss, Michigan

Pitcher of the Year: Mike Shawaryn, rhp, Maryland

Freshman of the Year: Logan Sowers, of, Indiana

NOTEBOOK

• For in-depth reports on Maryland and Nebraska, read our Top 25 Breakdowns.

• The Big Ten looks deeper heading into the season than it has been any time in the 64-team era. In addition to the pair of Top 25 teams, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State and potentially Minnesota all look like bona fide regional contenders, and the overall strength of the league should help it snag more than two regional bids for the first time since 2009, when it landed three. In fact, we are projecting the Big Ten to send four teams to regionals for the first time in the 64-team era, which began in 1999. And if ever the league has a chance to earn five bids, this is the year.

OMAHA SLEEPER

• Illinois returns nearly every key player from a team that went 17-7 in the Big Ten last year and fell just short of an at-large bid to regionals. This should be a balanced team with tough outs up and down the lineup, a reliable defense and a stellar pitching staff. Anchoring the rotation is one of the Big Ten’s best Friday starters, Jr. LHP Kevin Duchene (4-1, 1.80), a strike-throwing machine who padded his big-game credentials in the Cape Cod League, pitching Yarmouth-Dennis to a win in the championship clincher against Falmouth. Duchene locates his 87-90 fastball very well to both sides and has added power to his curveball to complement his outstanding changeup. RHPs Drasen Johnson (5-7, 2.91 in 96 IP) and John Kravetz (6-1, 3.00) give this rotation two more rock-solid veterans with advanced pitchability, and the bullpen features several power arms, led by electrifying LHP Tyler Jay (1.94 ERA, 10 saves), who sat at 93-95 and touched 97 last summer for Team USA, while also flashing an above-average breaking ball and changeup.

The lineup features plenty of athleticism and good team speed, with CF Will Krug (.307/.360/.391, 20 SB) and SS Adam Walton (.329/.380/.423, 13 SB) setting the tone. The Illini don’t have a lot of home run punch, but brothers Ryne and Reid Roper figure to improve their power output this year, while OF Casey Fletcher (.308/.385/.450, 6 HR) and C Jason Goldstein (.316/.370/.435, 4 HR) each offer some pop as well. Goldstein is also a very dependable backstop who anchors a defense that should be strong. The Ropers, Walton and athletic 1B David Kerian should form a reliable infield.

OTHER PROJECTED REGIONAL TEAM

• Indiana is coming off the best two-year run for any Big Ten team in the last 30 years, with a trip to Omaha in 2013 followed by a national seed in 2014. The Hoosiers are entering a new era without All-Americans Kyle Schwarber, Sam Travis and Dustin DeMuth, and without coach Tracy Smith, who was replaced by former Louisville assistant extraordinaire Chris Lemonis. Some kind of dropoff is inevitable in the wake of Indiana’s talent exodus, but this is still a veteran club with enough talent to compete for the conference title. Don’t expect the Hoosiers to routinely blow opponents out like they have over the last two years, but the heart of the order will still be formidable thanks to the return of two seniors—physical run producers Scott Donley (.324/.379/.484, 5 HR, 47 RBI) and Brad Hartong (.313/.345/.450, 36 RBI). Hartong was a revelation last year and should slide seamlessly into Schwarber’s spot behind the plate and in the No. 3 hole in the lineup. Another hard-nosed senior, CF Will Nolden (.302/.366/.366), anchors the outfield defense and helps make the offense go, while 2B Casey Rodrigue brings speed to the leadoff spot. The player with the most offensive upside on the roster is freshman RF Logan Sowers, a 6-foot-4 specimen with plus raw power, solid speed and a quick righthanded swing. Defense has not been Indiana’s strength over the last two years, but Nick Ramos came into his own at shortstop last year and should lead the infield.

On the mound, the Hoosiers will certainly miss departed All-American Joey DeNato, one of the most accomplished pitchers in program history. But former bullpen ace Scott Effross (5-3, 1.98, 5 SV) spent the summer starting in the Cape Cod League and is ready to assume the Friday starter role. He has the weapons to succeed in his new job, with a fastball that reaches 94 with good life and good feel for his slider and changeup. Big-bodied RHP Christian Morris (6-3, 2.04) was an unheralded stalwart for the Hoosiers last year and features a low-90s fastball of his own, along with the ability to mix three offspeed pitches. The pick to click is 6-foot-8 RHP Jake Kelzer, who works downhill with an 88-92 heater and a swing-and-miss curveball. He’s a former swimmer with serious upside as he continues to refine his command. The Hoosiers have the luxury of moving Effross to the rotation in part because they return the school’s all-time saves leader in RHP Ryan Halstead, who threw just three innings last year before tearing his ACL. And veteran bulldog Luke Harrison is a rock-solid setup man. All the pieces are in place for IU to prolong its run of excellence in the Big Ten.

KEEP AN EYE ON

• Michigan finished tied for fourth in the Big Ten a year ago, and the Wolverines look better heading into 2015—but so does the league. Still, Michigan has the talent, depth and experience to make a run at the conference championship. Juniors Travis Maezes (.302/.413/.459, 19 SB) and Jacob Cronenworth (.268/.391/.366, 19 SB) have been key regulars in the Michigan infield since they were freshmen, and they form a talented veteran foundation along with senior CF Jackson Glines (.332/.444/.463, 14 SB). Maezes rates as the best pure hitter in the conference, with a sweet lefthanded swing tailored to wearing out the gaps, and he also has the athleticism and arm strength to be a standout at shortstop. Cronenworth, who drew 41 walks and struck out just 34 times last year, is a patient table-setter atop the order, and Glines is a line-drive machine with a penchant for getting on base by any means necessary (28-25 BB-SO mark and 17 HBPs last year). The Wolverines expect a breakout sophomore year from C Harrison Wenson, who has thunder in his righthanded bat, a rifle arm behind the plate and surprising athleticism for his 6-foot-2, 240-pound build. Advanced freshman 3B/C Drew Lugbauer brings more serious power potential and valuable defensive versatility, while fellow freshman 2B Jake Bivens provides plus speed, making this a lineup that will apply abundant pressure with its ability to steal bases.

Cronenworth (1.75 EA, 12 SV) doubles as a shutdown closer with a 90-94 fastball and a pair of swing-and-miss pitches in his power slider and splitter. The primary setup man could be RHP Mac Lozer, who relies heavily on what coach Erik Bakich calls a “bastard slider.” The rotation will be fronted by a pair of quality lefties in Brett Adcock (7-4, 2.87) and Evan Hill (5-6, 3.24), at least once Hill returns from a knee injury in March. Adcock commands four quality pitches, highlighted by an 88-92 fastball that bumps 94. The athletic, projectable Hill works off an 86-90 fastball and a slider that flashes above-average. Sinker/slider RHP Keith Lehmann rounds out a solid rotation.

• Michigan State boasts a very seasoned lineup that can beat opponents a variety of ways. The centerpiece of the lineup is Sr. C Blaise Salter (.317/.375/.484, 5 HR, 50 RBI), a 6-foot-5, 260-pound power plant who provides invaluable leadership and makes the transition from DH to catcher; how he handles that move will be critical to Michigan State’s success. Fellow senior behemoth 1B Ryan Krill has tantalized with his raw power throughout his career and must improve upon last year’s .234/.322/.356 line to help the Spartans reach their potential. He had a strong fall and looks primed for a good senior year. MSU’s best hitter in the fall was a third senior, 3B Mark Weist, a fifth-year senior transfer from NAIA Spring Arbor who hit .545 with six homers in just 39 at-bats. Two more seniors, grinder SS Ryan Richardson and fleet-footed CF Anthony Cheky, will anchor the defense. Cheky can run a 6.6-second 60-yard dash, but he is not the fastest Spartan; that honor belongs to Jr. OF Cam Gibson (.315/.405/.414, 16 SB), a 6.4 runner who can drive opponents crazy on the basepaths. The son of former big leaguer Kirk Gibson, Cam has a chance to be an electrifying player.

Even more seniors, workhorse RHP Mick VanVossen (8-3, 2.95) and athletic LHP Jeff Kinley (2-2, 2.45, 13 SV) will help lead the rotation. VanVossen is a fierce competitor who commands an 88-92 fastball, a swing-and-miss slider and a serviceable changeup. Kinley, a converted closer, has advanced feel for his three-pitch arsenal, which includes a fastball up to 91. The highest-upside starter, though is So. LHP Cam Vieaux (6-5, 3.18), who pounds the zone with an 88093 fastball, curveball and changeup. The question mark is the bullpen, as projected closer Jake Lowery will miss the season with Tommy John surgery, leaving freshman LHP Anthony Misiewicz as the potential bullpen anchor. The coaches have been impressed with his fearlessness, and he features a wipeout curveball along with an 88-92 fastball. Another key piece will be redshirt freshman RHP Dakota Mekkes, who can reach 92 mph and has a deceptive delivery.

• Ohio State took a step back last year, stumbling to 10-14 in the league to tie for seventh place. But the Buckeyes anticipate a bounceback season thanks to a healthier roster with more experience. OSU may have a budding superstar in So. OF Ronnie Dawson (.337/.396/.454), who showed off his exciting power/speed combination last summer in the Prospect League, which he led with 11 home runs while also stealing 17 bases. The other key returning piece in the lineup is Jr. 3B Troy Kuhn (.290/.379/.442), who brings crucial righthanded pop and led the team last year in doubles (14) and homers (six). No other returnees put up big numbers last year, but the lineup is veteran-heavy, with a senior catcher (Aaron Gretz), two more seniors in right field (Pat Porter) and DH (Conor Sabanosh), and an all-junior infield. Expect solid defense and mature offensive approaches from this bunch.

The Buckeyes also should have a strong weekend rotation, fronted by So. LHP Tanner Tully (6-3, 2.22 in 93 IP), who stands out for his advanced command and savvy. The Saturday starter is an emerging star: Draft-eligible sophomore RHP Travis Lakins (1-3, 2.45 in 55 IP) has a huge arm and can run his fastball up to 96 mph, to go along with two quality secondary pitches. Wily Sr. LHP Ryan Riga (4-4, 4.33) isn’t overpowering but will keep the Buckeyes in games on Sundays. A major key will be whether senior closer Trace Dempsey (1-4, 5.94, 8 SV) can return to the dominant form of his sophomore year, when he posted a miniscule 1.02 ERA and racked up 17 saves.

• Minnesota’s superb coaching staff has a knack for getting the most out of its roster, and last year’s Gophers scrapped their way to a 13-11 showing in the Big Ten, tied for fourth place. Replicating that finish in the rugged Big Ten could be a challenge this year, because Minnesota lacks the offensive firepower of the league’s other contenders, but the pitching depth should be a strength once again. The all-upperclassman weekend rotation will keep Minnesota competitive in conference play. Sr. RHP Ben Meyer (4-5, 2.39 in 98 IP) is a battle-tested strike-thrower who locates his fastball well and sets the tone atop the rotation. The team’s best prospect is projected as the Saturday starter: Jr. LHP Dalton Sawyer (6-4, 2.62) has a prototypical 6-foot-5, 210-pound frame, a fastball that can reach 92-93 and a hard slider. He reminds the coaches of former ace Tom Windle, but he must improve his offspeed command to become dominant. Sr. RHP Neal Kunik (2-2, 2.84), the likely Sunday starter, is one of the Big Ten’s best stories: He was cut twice in walk-on tryouts before earning a spot on last year’s team. He’s a wily slop-tosser who thrives off his sinker and slider. So. RHP Toby Anderson, an Idaho native with a projectable body, is a good athlete with improving stuff and gives the staff a fourth quality starting option. The Gophers could have a shutdown closer if Jr. RHP Lance Thonvold can harness his heavy 92-95 mph fastball as he did last summer in the Cape League, where he earned comparisons to former Gopher star Seth Rosin. The coaches are also excited about Fr. LHP Lucas Gilbreath, a Colorado kid who had the best fall of any pitcher on the staff.

Two more freshmen, rangy OF Alex Boxwell and physical 1B/C Toby Hanson, could infuse some sorely needed pop into a lineup that has lacked punch since the start of the BBCOR era. Redshirt sophomore OF Jordan Smith, the potential cleanup man, could emerge as another key run producer—the coaches say he is the most improved player on the team, and he’s coming off a strong summer in the Northwoods League. The most accomplished returnee is Jr. 2B Connor Schaefbauer (.287/.374/.374, 13 SB), a physically mature lefthanded hitter with baserunning savvy and rock-solid defensive skills (he fielded .981 last year and .991 the year before). Minnesota also has a mature 23-year-old fifth-year senior shortstop in Michael Handel, making infield defense a strength for this club.

THE REST OF THE PACK

• In Rick Heller’s first year as head coach, Iowa posted a winning record for the first time since 2010, and for just the second time in the last seven years. Speed and defense should be strengths for this club; the Hawkeyes ranked second in the conference in stolen bases per game last year, and they have a pair of fleet-footed catalysts in OFs Eric Toole (.302/.371/.369, 14 SB) and Joel Booker (who hit .403 and stole 24 bases in junior college last year). Booker is a premium athlete with elite speed—he has been timed at 6.4 seconds in the 60. But the Hawkeyes also return six regulars from a team that led the Big Ten in hitting (.296) and scoring (6.4 runs per game). 1B Tyler Peyton (.331/.402/.437), Jake Mangler (.315/.397/.389) and Dan Potempa (.330/.413/.455) give the Hawkeyes a trio of quality run producers in the middle of the lineup that should be plenty potent once again. Peyton (5-1, 4.86) doubles as the Sunday starter behind fellow RHPs Calvin Mathews (3-3, 2.72) and Blake Hickman (2-2, 3.93). The athletic, competitive Mathews must stay healthy for this team to compete. Hickman is one of the league’s most intriguing prospects; a converted catcher, his arm action is a bit unorthodox, but he has a very strong arm that can flash mid-90s heat along with a power curve in the high 70s and a developing changeup, but he remains a work in progress. Ryan Erickson, a walk-on who sat out last year, is a sleeper—a three-quarters lefty who can bump 90 and flashes a sharp slider. Pitching depth is a concern, but the Hawkeyes should be competitive on the mound—and if they are, they could surprise in this conference.

• Rutgers joins the Big Ten this year after tying for third in the American Athletic Conference a year ago, and the Scarlet Knights have the pitching depth to stay afloat, but the youth of the lineup is a significant concern. Junior lefties Howie Brey (6-3, 2.36) and Mark McCoy should form a solid one-two punch atop the rotation. Brey is an innings-eater who mixes speeds and locations effectively, while McCoy can run his heater into the low 90s and showed a good changeup in the fall. Undersized bulldog Gaby Rosa (6-3, 2.91) is a reliable No. 3 starter who isn’t afraid to challenge any hitter with his fastball, which jumps on batters quicker than expected. Senior closer Jon Young also relies on a sneaky-quick fastball and deceptive delivery, and So. LHP Max Herrmann eats of lefthanded hitters out of the bullpen. The athletic Rosa also steps into an everyday job at second base, where he teams with athletic SS Christian Campbell to form what should be a strong middle infield. Sr. OF Vinny Zarrillo (.328/.418/.404, 14 SB) and So. OF Mike Carter (.318/.377/.393, 9 SB) are the engines that make the offense go, and Rutgers hopes sophomores Tom Marcinczyk (a 5-foot-9 two-way player with surprising pop) and Chris Folinusz (a 6-foot-4 thumper) can emerge as middle-of-the-order run producers.

• Northwestern returns a veteran weekend rotation and a handful of core of position players from a club that went 19-33 last year, and some improvement seems likely. The Wildcats need senior bulldog Brandon Magallones (4-7, 5.33) to return to the form of his junior year, when he posted a 3.30 ERA in 85 innings, then earned Cape Cod League all-star honors. At his best, he keeps hitters off balance by mixing an 87-91 fastball with a solid slider, slow curve and changeup. Jr. LHP Matt Portland, the cousin of big leaguer Phil Hughes, has intriguing arm strength and good spin on his curveball, but he must continue to refine his delivery and command. Jr. LHP Reed Mason (2-4, 4.25) gies the rotation another veteran workhorse, but the bullpen is largely unproven and lacks depth. The cornerstones of the offense are upperclassmen Scott Heelan (.317/.393/.413) and Zach Jones (.315/.345/.370), as well as sophomore Matt Hopfner (.335/.385/.376).

• Since winning 45 games and hosting a regional in 2012, Purdue has been stuck in rebuilding mode, and the Boilermakers bottomed out last year by going 13-37, a .260 winning percentage that was the program’s worst since 1975. The pitching remains a huge concern, but Jr. RHP Gavin Downs (3-6, 4.26) is an efficient strike-thrower with a good curveball, and he should give Purdue a chance on Fridays. Sr. RHP Brett Haan (1-3, 8.69) showed much better command in the fall and did a better job handling lefthanded hitters, which has been his bugaboo. So. RHP Matt Frawley (1-0, 11.40) also took a step forward in the offseason, shining in the Midwest Collegiate League and carrying his progress over into the fall; he has a power arm and needs to tap into his potential this spring. The team’s best prospect is Jr. CF Kyle Johnson (.224/.307/.300), another talented player who has yet to harness his ability. He looks the part at 6-foot-5 and has life in his body and his bat, along with good speed and defensive ability. Last year’s leading hitter, 1B Kyle Wood (.302/.390/.414), is back to anchor the middle of the lineup and also help in the bullpen. Sr. 3B Brandon Krieg (.264/.329/.337, 12 SB) has improved each year of his career and brings good speed, occasional pop and a strong arm at the hot corner. 2B Michael Vilardo (.304/.338/.446), a graduate transfer from Penn, can hit for average and run, making him an impact newcomer. Another key newcomer is freshman SS Harry Shipley, a defensive standout with a contact-oriented lefthanded swing and good speed.

• Rob Cooper inherited an overmatched club in his first season at Penn State, and the Nittany Lions finished in the conference basement at 5-19. Penn State hopes its freshman class can give the program a boost, but expect some growing pains in 2015, as the Lions could lean on an all-freshman weekend rotation in LHP Taylor Lehman and RHPs Sal Biasi and Nick Distasio. Lehman has a projectable 6-foot-6 frame and good command of an 86-89 fastball, while the athletic Biasi works at 87-90 and Distasio sits at 85-88. Senior lefties Nick Hedge and Geoff Boylston, who both rely on their guile and work in the mid-80s, could also earn weekend starter jobs. Offensively, the Nittany Lions are hoping for more production from redshirt junior OF Greg Guers (.246/.303/.363), who has good lefthanded bat speed and could hit for some power. 3B Christian Helsel, a transfer from Ole Miss, brings athleticism and some offensive upside to the infield mix.