College of Charleston (2018 Record: 36-19, 15-8)
It was a very good 2018 for CofC as they swept Georgia in a three-game series and had wins over Coastal Carolina and South Carolina. They finished third in the CAA and went 1-2 in the CAA Tournament. In my opinion they deserved an at-large bid, but the committee wanted to see them do more in the CAA Tournament.
Returning Players
Dupree Hart will return to the middle of the order after hitting .326 last season with 39 runs scored, 14 doubles, 2 home runs, and 15 stolen bases. He was also the CAA Defensive Player of the Year. Outfielder Bradley Dixon hit .291 in 2018 with 3 home runs, 33 RBI, and 10 stolen bases. Outfielder Logan McRae will try to bounce back after a down year – by his standards – in 2018 when he hit .284 with 33 runs scored, 15 doubles, 7 home runs, and 37 RBI. He was the CAA Player of the Year in 2017 when he hit 17 home runs. Catcher Danny Wondrack hit .253 a year ago with 31 runs scored, 12 doubles, 12 home runs, and 43 RBI.
Griffin McLarty will try to lead the weekend rotation with Evan Sisk leaving for the MLB. McLarty had a 3.32 ERA last year in 76 innings pitched with 85 strikeouts. Jakob Frishmuth had a 3.68 ERA in 2018 over 73.1 innings pitched with 58 strikeouts. Nathan Ocker should return as the team’s closer after posting a 2.03 ERA last year in 44.1 innings pitched with 56 strikeouts and 10 saves.
Outlook for 2019
College of Charleston lost some key contributors from last year with Luke Morgan (grad/draft) and Evan Sisk (draft) departing. But pretty much everyone else is back on a team that should have been a postseason team last year in my opinion. They play another difficult schedule in 2019 with series against UConn and Arizona, so they will have a chance to get some high RPI wins to earn that at-large bid.
Delaware (2018 Record: 31-27, 13-12)
Delaware finished fifth in the conference and advanced to the third round of the CAA Tournament before they were eliminated.
Returning Players
Outfielder Kevin Mohollen returns atop the batting order after hitting .282 last year with 46 runs scored, 14 doubles, and 15 stolen bases. Kyle Baker also returns to the outfield after hitting .354 a season ago with 28 runs scored, 11 doubles, 2 home runs, 39 RBI, and 9 stolen bases. Shortstop Jordan Hutchins will take on a bigger role in the offense this season after hitting .296 in limited playing time last year.
Billy Sullivan IV will lead the weekend rotation after posting a 2.97 ERA in 2018 over 72.2 innings pitched with 95 strikeouts. Chris Ludman had a 3.12 ERA in 43.1 innings pitched last year with 34 strikeouts.
Outlook for 2019
They lose two of their top hitters from last year, their top starting pitcher, and their two best bullpen arms. I think they have enough coming back to the lineup and starting rotation to be fine there. They biggest key will be replacing the depth in the bullpen, which was a major strength for this team in 2019.
Elon (2018 Record: 36-23, 16-8)
It was a very solid year for Elon as they racked up 36 wins and finished second in the conference with 16 wins. But they went 1-2 in the CAA Tournament and missed out on the postseason.
Returning Players
Shortstop Cam Devanney hit .287 a season ago with 28 runs scored, 5 home runs, and 23 RBI. First baseman Joe Satterfield hit .268 in 2018 with 31 runs scored, 4 home runs, and 43 RBI. Garrett Stonehouse hit .268 last year with 33 runs scored, 2 home runs, and 38 RBI. Matt Oldham should be back behind the plate.
Kyle Brnovich will lead the weekend rotation after posting a 1.71 ERA and 0.89 WHIP in 2018 over 105 innings pitched with 147 strikeouts. George Kirby will back him up in the rotation after posting a 2.89 ERA last year in 90.1 innings pitched with 96 strikeouts. Jared Wetherbee had a 4.07 ERA a season ago in 24.1 innings with 45 strikeouts and 4 saves. Tyler Adcock will start the year as the team’s closer.
Newcomers
Newcomers who could have an impact this year: 2B – Adam Spurlin, OF – Anthony Galason, OF-Tyler Cranston, and P- Joe Sprake.
Outlook for 2019
The one area Elon hopes to improve on in 2019 is their defense. They believe they’ve added enough speed in the outfield to help in that area, and that should also help them offensively on the base paths.
Hofstra (2018 Record: 23-23, 12-12)
It was a pretty even year for Hofstra based on their record. They finished sixth in the conference but went 0-2 in the CAA Tournament.
Returning Players
Catcher/DH Vito Friscia is back to lead the offense after hitting .353 a year ago with 28 runs scored, 7 home runs, and 31 RBI. Shortstop Austin Gauthier hit .217 last year with 27 runs scored and will need to step up in the lineup.
Michael James will likely take on a weekend rotation spot after posting a 2.61 ERA in 2018 over 31 innings pitched with 23 strikeouts.
Newcomers
These freshmen have a chance to make an impact in 2019: Ryan Rue (LHP), Mark Faello (RHP/OF/INF), and Sean Flaherty (C).
Outlook for 2019
“We hit .236 last year — that will need to improve, and we are losing over 80 percent of our innings on the mound from last season so we will need some guys to step up and fill the void.” – quote from Hofstra Athletics Department
James Madison (2018 Record: 26-26, 11-13)
James Madison just missed out on the CAA Tournament last season by finishing seventh in the conference.
Returning Players
Infielder Fox Semones hit .291 a season ago with 33 runs scored, 7 home runs, and 32 RBI. Outfielder DaVonn Griffin hit .229 for James Madison last year in just 109 at-bats with 25 runs scored and 4 home runs. Michael Morgan led the team with a .311 average last season with 24 runs scored. He’ll be back behind the plate. Outfielder Conor Hartigan hit .278 in limited playing time last season and will be asked to step up in the lineup.
Nick Stewart had a 2.86 ERA last season in 63 innings pitched with 67 strikeouts. Kevin Kelly should be back in the weekend rotation after posting a 3.74 ERA in 2018 over 67.1 innings with 75 strikeouts. Michael Bechtold posted a 3.86 ERA in 25.2 innings last year with 17 strikeouts. Nick Robertson could be the team’s closer after posting a 1.96 ERA a season ago in 23 innings with 33 strikeouts and 3 saves. Dan Goggin and Matt Marsili will also play big roles in the pitching staff this season.
Newcomers
Newcomers who could have an impact this season include: Kyle Novak (LHH/DH), Tre Dabney (MINF), Nick Zona (MINF), Carson Bell (MINF), Brady Harju (1B), and Callaway Sigler (OF).
Outlook for 2019
“Our pitching staff is very talented. We are very deep with guys who can fill various roles. We have athletic position players who can play all over the field. Very excited about the upcoming spring.” – Quote provided by James Madison Athletics Department
Northeastern (2018 Record: 36-21, 17-6)
It was a great 2018 for Northeastern with wins over Missouri and Auburn out of conference, which helped them earn an at-large bid despite losing in the finals of the CAA Tournament.
Returning Players
Jake Farrell will return to the middle of the lineup after hitting .342 last year with 41 runs scored, 16 doubles, 8 triples, 11 home runs, and 63 RBI. Ian Fair was the CAA Co-Rookie of the Year in 2018 after hitting .305 with 30 runs scored, 2 home runs, and 27 RBI. He’ll likely move from second base to shortstop with the departure of Max Burt. Scott Holzwasser, Ryan Solomon, and Cam Walsh will look to step up in the lineup this season.
Sean Mellen will be back atop the weekend rotation after posting a 2.28 ERA in 2018 over 79 innings pitched with 81 strikeouts and 10 wins. Tyler Brown should join him in the weekend rotation after posting a 4.68 ERA last year in 84.2 innings with 61 strikeouts. Andrew Misiaszek had a 2.70 ERA last year over 56.2 innings with 64 strikeouts and 12 saves. He had a solid summer as well. Kyle Murphy is a versatile arm who can start and come on in relief. He had a 3.33 ERA in 51.1 innings pitched with 42 strikeouts and 5 saves. Brandon Dufault had a strong summer, and David Stiehl could move into the weekend rotation.
Newcomers
These newcomers have a chance to make an immediate impact: Spenser Smith (Fr., SS), Jared Dupere (Fr., INF), Ed Jarvis (Fr., C), Ryan Faria (Fr., RHP), and Owen Langan (Fr., RHP).
Outlook for 2019
Northeastern believes its pitching staff could be even better in 2019 with two starters back in the weekend rotation. They also have plenty of versatile arms coming out of the bullpen. Offensively, Northeastern will have to replace some key players, including shortstop Max Burt. Burt and Mason Koppens were two of their best defensive players, so it will be hard to replace them.
Towson (2018 Record: 13-42, 6-18)
It was a tough 2018 season for Towson as they finished eighth in the CAA and missed out on the conference tournament.
Returning Players
Richard Miller is coming off a great summer in the Prospect League and will try to build off his 2018 performance when he hit .225 with 7 home runs. Second baseman Dirk Masters also returns to the lineup and should be a solid defender up the middle.
Dean Stramara will be the Friday night starter after posting a 3.94 ERA in 2018 over 59.1 innings pitched with 48 strikeouts. Gavin Weyman had a 5.33 ERA a season ago with 46 strikeouts in 54 innings. He’ll take on a bigger role in 2019. Kody Resser, Josh Seils, and Joe Enea will be counted on in the pitching staff this year as well.
Newcomers
“Freshmen Javon Fields will start in CF and possesses game changing speed. Jack Rotteveel, Collin Conroy and Brad Powers are JC transfers that will have immediate impact offensively and defensively. Zach Piazza is a graduate transfer and will anchor third base and hit in the middle of the order. Other key freshmen are Trent Gast Woodard, Nick Brown, and Isaiah Winikur will all make serious contributions if the Tigers are to be successful offensively. On the mound the Tigers added freshmen Sayo Kintunde (LHP) and Dallas Repine(RHP) — both power arms — Danny Madden, David Tiskevics and Austin Weber round out LHP additions and all three could either start or relieve. Both Jay Sanford and John Cranston are returning from injury and could add depth to this roster.” – Quote provided by Towson Athletics Department
Outlook for 2019
“Cliché or not, our success will be based on our abilities to pay attention to detail – understand that we must take care of the small things. We’re on the cusp of building something strong here and this year will be our litmus test when it comes to finding out where we are in regard to the process. We are more athletic, have better hitting and pitching, can glove it and throw it but we haven’t played one game against a D1 opponent. So, the jury is still out. But we have to improve on all facets of the game and this is year one of the rebuild.” – Quote provided by Towson Athletics Department
UNC Wilmington (39-23, 14-9)
It was a great 2018 for UNCW as they had wins over North Carolina, Arizona State, and Coastal Carolina. They won the CAA Tournament and reached the Regional finals after beating East Carolina.
Returning Players
Shortstop Greg Jones is back to lead the offense after hitting .278 a year ago with 45 runs scored, 4 home runs, and 16 stolen bases. He’s considered one of the top college prospects entering this season as a draft eligible sophomore. Third baseman Cole Weiss is back as well after hitting .264 last year with 4 home runs, while Jackson Meadows should also be back on the infield. Kep Brown (.267, 7 home runs) and outfielder Noah Bridges (.247) return to the lineup as well. They hope to have Riley Zayicek back healthy this year to hit in the middle of the lineup.
Gage Herring could be a big part of the weekend rotation after posting a 2.68 ERA last year in 50.1 innings with 43 strikeouts. Landen Roupp started 15 games last year and had a 3.58 ERA in 50.1 innings pitched with 47 strikeouts. Blake Morgan posted a 3.60 ERA in 35 innings last year with 25 strikeouts, while Justin Walke had a 3.32 ERA in 43.1 innings pitched with 34 strikeouts. Henry Ryan was great out of the bullpen last season with a 1.11 ERA in 24.1 innings pitched with 23 strikeouts. Luke Gesell (3.37) and Blake Deatherage (2.55) will be big parts of the pitching staff as well.
Newcomers
Freshman outfielder Chris Thorburn was very impressive in the fall and will have a chance to earn some playing time. Freshman infielder Brooks Baldwin and catcher Matt Suggs have a shot to play a lot of innings right away as well.
Redshirt freshman Kevin Mintz has some of the best stuff on the team, and if he can put it together to coaching staff believes the sky is the limit for this kid. Brody Lawson is another redshirt freshman who could earn some innings on the weekend. Freshman Jason Hudak could see significant innings as well.
Outlook for 2019
The coaching staff would love to see this team play better defensively in 2019, limiting the errors. Overall, they need to just play smarter in the field. On the pitching side, they have to do a better job of limiting free bases. At the plate, they hope to cut down on the number of strikeouts and give better at-bats.
William & Mary (2018 Record: 15-39, 3-21)
It was not a pretty 2018 season as William & Mary finished last in the CAA and won just three conference games.
Returning Players
Hunter Smith will be back behind the plate after leading the team with a .254 average in 2018 to go along with 9 home runs and 34 RBI. Outfielder Brandon Raquet and infielder Kyle Wrighte figured to be big parts of the lineup in 2019.
Bodie Sheehan and Wade Strain were one and two in innings pitched last season. Sheehan had a 4.50 ERA in 86 innings with 62 strikeouts, while Strain had a 4.80 in 54.1 innings with 48 strikeouts. Jamie Sara made three stars last year and could take on a bigger role in 2019.
Newcomers
Newcomers who could have an impact this season include: Matt Thomas (C/OF), Jack Cone (RHP/OF), Hunter Hart (INF/OF), and Zach Tsakounis (LHP/OF).
Outlook for 2019
William & Mary would love to get better offensive production in 2019, while also establishing their starting pitching.
2019 All-CAA Preseason Team
C: Danny Wondrack (Charleston)
1B: Jake Farrell (Northeastern)
2B: Dupree Hart (Charleston)
SS: Greg Jones (UNCW)
3B: Fox Semones (James Madison)
OF: Logan McRae (Charleston)
OF: Kevin Mohollen (Delaware)
OF: Kyle Baker (Delaware)
DH: Vito Friscia (Hofstra)
SP: Sean Mellen (Northeastern)
SP: Kyle Brnovich (Elon)
SP: Billy Sullivan IV (Delaware)
SP: George Kirby (Elon)
SP: Nick Stewart (James Madison)
RP: Andrew Misiaszek (Northeastern)
RP: Nick Robertson (James Madison)
RP: Nathan Ocker (Charleston)
Honorable Mention:
C – Hunter Smith (William & Mary)
1B – Joe Satterfield (Elon)
SS – Cam Devanney (Elon)
SS – Ian Fair (Northeastern)
OF – Bradley Dixon (Charleston)
SP – Griffin McLarty (Charleston)
SP – Michael James (Hofstra)
SP – Dean Stramara (Towson)
SP – Kevin Kelly (James Madison)
SP – Landen Roupp (UNCW)
SP – Gage Herring (UNCW)
Predicted Order to Finish:
1. College of Charleston
2. Elon
3. Northeastern
4. UNCW
5. Delaware
6. James Madison
7. Towson
8. Hofstra
9. William & Mary
