Around the MinorsJune 12, 2009
Familiar Names in the 2009 College World Series
By Marc Hulet

It should be an entertaining College World Series this year when things get underway this weekend (June 13-23/24). Both Virginia and Southern Mississippi are making their first-time ever appearances in the series. The University of Texas, on the other hand, has played in the series 32 (going on 33) times and has five titles. Only two teams from the 2008 series - Louisiana State and North Carolina - return in 2009.

In the first round you have: Cal State Fullerton vs Arkansas; Virginia vs Louisiana State; Arizona State vs North Carolina; and Southern Mississippi vs Texas.

There are not quite as many big-time prospects in this year's College World Series. Last year, the series featured seven first-round draft picks, while this year there are just four, including CF/1B Dustin Ackley, who went second overall to the Seattle Mariners. In total, 43 players were drafted from the eight teams in the series, down from 58 in 2008.

It's also interesting to note that a number of MLB teams drafted multiple players from the eight teams playing in the series, whether by design or coincidence: Los Angeles Angels, Chicago White Sox, Colorado Rockies, and the Seattle Mariners.


Arizona State
Record: 47-12
Coach: Pat Murphy
Last Title: 1981

  • Mike Leake, RHP, Cincinnati Reds
    First Round (8th overall)

    Leake had an impressive statistical season, but his pitchability far outweighs his stuff (which is still pretty good). As such, many people were surprised to see Cincinnati tab Leake with the 8th overall selection. He is the undisputed ace of the staff after winning 15 games and posting a 1.23 ERA... The Reds organization will just hope he does not get too overworked in the series.

    Other Names to Know: Jason Kipnis, OF, Cleveland (2nd round); Josh Spence, LHP, Los Angeles AL (3rd); Carlos Ramirez, C, Los Angeles AL (8th); Jared McDonald, SS, Chicago AL (21st); Raoul Torrez, 2B, Los Angeles AL (32nd).


    Texas
    Record: 44-13-1
    Coach: Augie Garrido
    Last Title: 2005

  • Austin Wood, LHP, Detroit Tigers
    Fifth Round (150th overall)

    Wood made headlines, but not for the right reasons. The senior closer was forced to work 13 innings in relief during a playoff game against Boston College that went into extra innings. On the plus side, he was dominating through the first 10 innings as he did not allow a hit during that span. He's probably not a closer in the Majors, though as he relies mainly on a low-90s fastball and good changeup.

    Other Names to Know: Brandon Belt, 1B, San Francisco (5th round)


    Virginia
    Record: 46-12
    Coach: Brian O'Connor
    Last Title: Never

    Names to Know: Andrew Carraway, RHP, Seattle (12th round); Jeff Lorick, LHP, Atlanta (20th); Robert Poutier, RHP, San Diego (29th); Matt Packer, LHP, Cleveland (32nd); Tyler Cannon, SS, Pittsburgh (41st).


    Cal State Fullerton
    Record: 45-14
    Coach: Dave Serrano
    Last Title: 2004

    Names to Know: Josh Fellhauer, OF, Cincinnati (7th round); Khristopher Davis, OF, Milwaukee (7th); Jared Clark, 1B, Colorado (12th); Dustin Garneau, C, Colorado (19th); Michael Morrison, RHP, Detroit (29th); Kyle Witten, RHP, Seattle (41st); Joseph Scott, 2B, Colorado (42nd).


    North Carolina
    Record: 45-16
    Coach: Mike Fox
    Last Title: Never

  • Dustin Ackley, OF/1B, Seattle
    First Round (2nd overall)

    Obviously this Ackley kid is pretty good. Dave Cameron at Fangraphs.com even made an interesting argument for the gifted hitter to go first overall in this week's 2009 MLB Amateur Draft. He's certainly the key cog in North Carolina's offense. He led the team in average, home runs, RBI, walks, and was tied for first in stolen bases. Ackley also has the flexibility to play both first base and center field.

  • Alex White, RHP, Cleveland
    First Round (15th overall)

    White has had an up-and-down junior season, but he's made big pitches when needed in the playoffs. The right-hander held opposing batters to a .230 average and he struck out 97 hitters in 90 innings of work.

    Other Names to Know: Kyle Seager, 2B, Seattle (3rd round); Mark Fleury, C, Cincinnati (4th); Adam Warren, RHP, New York AL (4th); Brian Moran, LHP, Seattle (7th); Colin Bates, RHP, Oakland (37th).


    Louisiana State University
    Record: 49-16
    Coach: Paul Mainieri
    Last Title: 2000

  • Jared Mitchell, OF, Chicago AL
    First Round (23rd overall)

    Mitchell has the ability to completely dominate a game if he can get on base. The athletic outfielder stole 33 bases in 65 college games this season. He also has some pop and he slugged nine home runs, good for third on the team. Although he strikes out a lot (58 times), he also took his fair share of walks (50), which means he doesn't have to be swinging well to make an impact.

    Other Names to Know: D.J. LeMahieu, 2B, Chicago NL (2nd round); Louis Coleman, RHP, Kansas City (5th); Ryan Schimpf, 2B, Toronto (5th); Blake Dean, OF, Minnesota (10th); Sean Ochinko, C, Toronto (11th).


    Arkansas
    Record: 37-22
    Coach: Dave Van Horn
    Last Title: Never

    Names to Know: Dallas Keuchel, LHP, Houston (7th round); Stephen Richards, LHP, Florida (8th); Scott Lyons, SS, Kansas City (15th); Ben Tschepikow, 2B, Kansas City (17th); Michael Bolsinger, RHP, Oakland (33rd); Ryan Cisterna, RHP, Los Angeles AL (34th).


    Southern Mississippi
    Record: 38-24
    Coach: Corky Palmer
    Last Title: Never

    Names to Know: Brian Dozier, SS, Minnesota (8th); Jimmy Ballinger, RHP, Chicago AL (11th); James Ewing, 2B, New York NL (12th); Ben Davis, OF, San Diego (24th).

    • Comments

    Under the Last Title categories. I'm not 100% sure but I believe LSU has one several. I believe Cal State Fullerton has won it before and I think ASU won a few back several years ago. Great info to know on the upcoming teams and players they had drafted. Thanks. I love this sight.

    Posted by: John at June 12, 2009 10:17 AM

    Sorry for my poor writing in the first comment, one for won.

    Posted by: John at June 12, 2009 10:28 AM

    Great info here. Gotta love seeing those drafted this week playing this weekend.

    One quick thing to clear up though is that last title section.
    - Cal State Fullerton has won the CWS four times. 1979, 1984, and 1995 (all under current Texas coach Augie Garrido) and again in 2004
    - LSU won it in 91, 93, 96, 97 and 2000
    - Arizona St has won it 5 times (last time was back in 1981)

    Posted by: Sam at June 12, 2009 2:51 PM