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Here's the BA scouting report on the Hogs:
2013 Lineup
Pos. Name, Yr. AVG/OBP/SLG HR RBI SB
C Jake Wise, Jr. .244/.337/.341 2 25 2
1B Eric Fisher, So. DNP—Redshirted
2B Dominic Ficociello, Jr. .290/.387/.429 6 41 4
3B Brian Anderson, So. .283/.396/.367 2 11 2
SS Brett McAfee, So. Tr.—Panola (Texas) JC
LF Joe Serrano, So. .333/.403/.377 0 7 4
CF Jacob Morris, Jr. .236/.359/.407 3 23 5
RF Matt Vinson, Sr. .217/.345/.275 0 13 2
DH Willie Schwanke, Fr. HS—Frisco, Texas
Pos. Name, Yr. W L ERA IP SO SV
RHP Ryne Stanek, Jr. 8 4 2.82 93 83 0
LHP Randall Fant, Sr. 2 3 3.27 52 39 0
RHP Trey Killian, Fr. HS—Mountain Home, Ark.
RP Barrett Astin, Jr. 3 5 1.99 59 61 11
Hitting: 55. The Hogs were a middling offensive team a year ago, though their ability to work counts and execute made them better than their .271 team average suggests. Talented recruiting classes from the last two years will now assume prominent roles in the lineup, making this team's offensive potential intriguing, if also difficult to forecast. The centerpiece of the lineup is the enigmatic Ficociello, whose lightning-quick wrists make him dangerous from both sides of the plate. Look for the compact Serrano (a doubles machine who controls the zone well) and the wiry Anderson to take major steps forward with increased playing time. Schwanke is a gifted natural hitter from the left side, and McAfee can be a sparkplug with the ability to drive the gaps.
Power: 50. Ficociello has yet to fully harness his intriguing raw power, but he figures to improve upon his half-dozen homers from a year ago. Fisher brings some lefthanded juice and consistently turns in competitive at-bats. Morris and Vinson are very physical but must improve their contact rates. Wise, who homered over the spacious left-center gap at TD Ameritrade Park last year, and Anderson also have emerging pop as well.
Speed: 55. McAfee is a plus-plus runner who could drive opposing defenses crazy on the basepaths. Morris can also fly, while Serrano and Vinson are solid runners.
Defense: 55. Ficociello's move from first to second allows Arkansas to get Fisher's bat in the lineup, and Ficociello handled the position with aplomb in the fall, showing quick hands and good lateral mobility. At 6-4, he'll be a rangy middle infielder in the mold of former LSU star D.J. LeMahieu. The Razorbacks say McAfee is their most athletic shortstop in the Dave Van Horn era, with excellent range and an above-average arm. Anderson's arm strength is elite, though he's still learning to improve his actions. Wise is a standout behind the plate, and the outfield should be very strong. The key will be how the new-look infield holds up.
Starting Pitching: 60. Stanek gives Arkansas one of the nation's most electrifying Friday starters, with a 93-96 fastball, plus power slider, solid downer curve and changeup. Fant made huge strides in the fall, showing more maturity and adding an effective cutter/slider to his quality fastball-changeup combination. Killian also has a good hard cutter and very good changeup, to go along with an 88-94 mph fastball.
Bullpen: 80. Without question, the bullpen is Arkansas' greatest strength—and it is the nation's best, assuming Astin stays in the bullpen instead of moving into the rotation. The unflappable Astin already drove hitters bonkers with a 90-92 mph fastball that bumps 94-95 and a disappearing split-change, but he'll be even more dangerous now that he's developed a filthy 87-90 cutter. Jr. RHP Colby Suggs ranked as the No. 8 prospect in the Cape Cod League thanks to a 93-97 mph fastball and an overpowering downer breaking ball. Sinkerballer Brandon Moore gives Arkansas a valuable long man, while Trent Daniel, Colin Poche and maybe Cade Lynch (if he is fully recovered from offseason surgery to relieve migraines) form a nice group of lefthanded options.
Experience/Intangibles: 60. The Hogs have plenty of experience on the mound, and most of their everyday players have been to Omaha, but many of them still need to prove they can thrive in everyday roles. The outstanding coaching staff always gets its teams to play hard.
Baseball America OFP: 65. Arkansas has serious upside if its underclassmen in the lineup perform up to their talent. But the pitching staff will lead the way, and a return trip to Omaha looks like a strong bet.
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