Notable Weekend College Series Based on the Performances
Yesterday, the author published a post claiming to include the top players by (maybe) predictive stats from college baseball’s most competitive conferences.
What follows are the three weekend series likely to feature the greatest number of players whose names appeared within that post. KATOH+ and KATOH- are index metrics based on those (maybe) predictive stats and designed for batters and pitchers, respectively. In each case, 100 is average, while above 100 is better for batters and below 100 is better for pitchers. Read more about the author’s questionable methodology here.
Miami at North Carolina
Who It Features
Definitely probably UNC senior right-hander Benton Moss (21.2 IP, 72 KATOH-) on Sunday. Moss missed some time with arm trouble, but returned this past Sunday and was once again excellent, producting an 8:1 strikeout-to-walk ratio against 25 batters over 8.0 innings (box). He’s scheduled to start the Sunday. Among Miami hitters, junior center fielder Ricky Eusebio (113 PA, 116 KATOH+), senior catcher Garrett Kennedy (81 PA, 120 KATOH+), and junior third baseman David Thompson (116 PA, 147 KATOH+) all rank among the ACC’s top-20 batters.
When It’s On (ET)
Friday at 6:30pm
Saturday at 3:00pm
Sunday at 12:00pm
How to Watch It
Watch ESPN (link).
Ole Miss at Arkansas
Who It Features
The top starter currently in the SEC, Ole Miss sophomore right-hander Brady Bramlett (35.0 IP, 79 KATOH-). Bramlett was actually averaging a strikeout per inning as a freshman in 2013, working both in a starting and relief capacity, before tearing his labrum. He sat out the 2014 season and has made a formidable return. He’s schedule to start Friday’s game. Arkansas, meanwhile, features two of the conference’s top-15 hitters: sophomore center fielder Andrew Benintendi (106 PA, 128 KATOH+) and junior third baseman Bobby Werne (98 PA, 120 KATOH+).
When It’s On (ET)
Friday at 7:00pm
Saturday at 3:00pm
How to Watch It
SEC Network or SEC Network Plus on Watch ESPN (link).
UCLA at Washington State
Who It Features
Two UCLA right handers, junior James Kaprielian (38.0 IP, 79 KATOH-) and freshman Griffin Canning (35.0 IP, 76 KATOH-), who make starts on Friday and Sunday, respectively. They’re fifth and third, respectively, among Pac-12 pitchers at the moment. UCLA also features two of the conference’s top-10 hitters: senior third baseman Chris Keck (103 PA, 131 KATOH+) and junior shortstop Kevin Kramer (110 PA, 127 KATOH+).
When It’s On (ET)
Friday at 9:00pm
Saturday at 5:00pm
Sunday at 3:00pm
How to Watch It
Washington State’s live video feed (link).
Carson Cistulli has published a book of aphorisms called Spirited Ejaculations of a New Enthusiast.