![]() ![]() MLB DRAFT 2021: Which college player will be MLB's next superstar? ![]() UCF’s offense doesn’t look overwhelming on paper, but I’m not sure it needs to be with the expectation from the pitching staff. The back-end of the bullpen also is in good shape with the return of right-hander Jack Sinclair. Serwa is out with a pulled muscle in his rib cage, but he should be fine a few weeks into the season. Outlook: UCF was disappointed with the way last season ended, but the outlook is promising for the spring with the return of Gordon and rise of Patteson, along with the addition of Kenny Serwa to the weekend rotation. He’s a switch-hitter with power who has an advanced offensive approach. He was impressive enough that Lovelady said in the fall that he might be the most toolsy player on the roster. Freeland was terrific in the fall with an advanced toolbox of skills. The Knights have a very, very good one in the ultra-talented freshman infielder. His 80-81 mph slider has some depth and the changeup is making strides at 83-84 mph. Patteson is anywhere from 88-91 mph with his fastball, but was up to 93 with the offering as well in the fall. ![]() He has the stuff and potential to have a strong 2021 season after having a solid fall. ![]() Patteson did some positive things last season, but still had an ERA approaching five when the season came to a close. Pena is the most talented upperclassmen in the lineup with elite athleticism and a spark plug approach atop the lineup. Ruiz is an athletic player who was off to a nice start last season. Glue guys: The Knights have several glue guys from an offensive standpoint this season, but two in particular stand out - outfielders Pablo Ruiz and Gephry Pena. He’s a hard-nosed pitcher who wants the ball, and his stuff was solid in the fall, sitting 90-93 mph with his fastball, along with a harder 84-85 mph slider and an 82-84 mph changeup. Gordon was off to a nice start last season with a 2.35 ERA in 23 innings, along with 24 strikeouts and five walks. Star power: After losing a couple of arms from last year’s club, the Knights will rely heavily on left-handed pitcher Colton Gordon to have a huge spring. I don’t have a ton of questions about this team, but I am curious to see where big-time power production will come from. Two seasons ago, the Knights were loaded with premium power options, and last season, only Jordan Rathbone and Pablo Ruiz had more than a pair of home runs when the season ended. Question marks: I’ll be intrigued to see how this team stacks up from a power standpoint. UCF is a sure-fire Top 25 team if those three guys have big campaigns. Gordon is accomplished, Serwa is accomplished and has a plethora of experience and Patteson has the best stuff of anyone in the rotation. Assuming Serwa can get healthy and pitch most of the season, that is a rotation mixed with intriguing pieces. Strengths: The biggest strength from my vantage point is the weekend rotation with the return of Colton Gordon, Hunter Patteson and addition of Kenny Serwa. Pitcher of the year: Braden Olthoff, RHP, Tulaneįreshman of the year: Alex Freeland, INF, UCF Player of the year: Hunter Goodman, C, Memphis Projected regional teams (3): East Carolina, UCF, Houston *Teams are listed in order of projected finish TEAM Let’s take an in-depth look at the American: Projected standings With last season a distant memory, every team now enters the 2021 campaign with a clean slate.Įast Carolina and UCF lead the way, but Houston and Tulane are most certainly within striking distance, and the Shockers have enough key pieces back to once again make some serious noise atop the league standings. Tulane had a 15-2 record and looked like a sure-fire regional club with right-handed pitcher Braden Olthoff leading the way, and Wichita State was making quite the first impression in Eric Wedge’s first season at the helm with a 13-2 overall record. TOP 25 POLL: Florida, UCLA, and Texas Tech headline the top 25 preseason rankings ECU was doing ECU things with a 13-4 overall record at season’s end, and Tulane and Wichita State were both on the verge of taking big leaps forward. UCF picked up a huge road series win over Auburn and was well on its way to a huge season that could’ve ended with a trip to the College World Series. UCF, East Carolina, Tulane and Wichita State to be exact. For more like it, you can use coupon code NCAA2021 to get a 20% discount for an annual subscription to or .įew teams were as disappointed to see the 2020 campaign come to an end as the top of the American Athletic Conference early last season. The following article first appeared on. ![]()
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