BA breaks down the Southwestern Athletic Conference, including our projections for regional teams, player of the year, pitcher of the year and top prospects.
TOP 10 PROSPECTS, 2014-15 DRAFTS
1. Emmanuel Marrero, ss, Alabama State
2. Richard Gonzalez, c, Alabama State
3. Juan Bueno, ss, Grambling State
4. Lance Jones, of, Southern
5. Rafael Diaz, rhp, Southern
6. Branden Castro, 3b/rhp, Alabama State (2015)
7. Michael Estevez, rhp, Alabama State
8. Jorge Pantoja, rhp, Alabama State (2015)
9. Charles Tillery, of, Jackson State
10. Andre Davis, 1b/of/lhp, Arkansas-Pine Bluff
Southwestern Athletic Conference
Baseball Members (First Year):
East Division—Alabama A&M (2000), Alabama State (1982), Alcorn State (1962), Jackson State (1958), Mississippi Valley State (1968).
West Division—Arkansas-Pine Bluff (1999), Grambling State (1958), Prairie View A&M (1920), Southern (1934), Texas Southern (1954).
Checking out: None.
Conference Tournament: Eight teams, double-elimination. May 14-18 at Fort Worth, Texas.
Team to Beat: Alabama State.
It should be no surprise that coach Mervyl Melendez—who built Bethune-Cookman into the MEAC juggernaut—has quickly turned Alabama State into a contender. The Hornets won a school-record 32 games in Melendez’s second year, two seasons removed from a 14-win campaign. They have the SWAC’s most talented roster this year, with five arms who the coaches say can touch 93 mph: Saturday starter Michael Estevez, closer Armando Ruiz, two-way talent Branden Castro and relievers Jorge Pantoja and Dexter Price. And Alabama State should be outstanding up the middle, with defensive standouts behind the plate (Richard Gonzalez), at shortstop (Emmanuel Marrero) and in center field (Richard Amion).
Read the rest: http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/2014-college-previews-swac/