California Golden Bears
Overall Rank: #40
Conference Rank: #6 Pac-12
California is an interesting team this year. They lost a lot of talent and will have to rely on a lot of young players to step right in and make a big contribution. The 18 newcomers are highlighted by incoming freshman pitcher Jared Horn. He comes to the Golden Bears with an impressive prep pedigree. Other freshmen, like pitcher Rogelio Reyes and infielder Tommy Henderson, should be in the mix for a large amount of playing time as well.
2016: 32-21, 14-16
2016 Postseason: None
Coach: David Esquer
Key Departed Players:
Ryan Mason, P, 3.21 ERA, 87.0 IP, 65 SO
Daulton Jefferies, P, 1.08 ERA, 50.0 IP, 53 SO
Jeff Bain, P, 3.49 ERA, 49.0 IP, 32 SO
Mitchell Kranson, .333 BA, 5 HR, 36 RBI
Nick Halamandaris, .315 BA, 5 HR, 43 RBI
Brett Cumberland, .344 BA, 16 HR, 51 RBI
Robbie Tenerowicz, .299 BA, 6 HR, 34 RBI
Key Returning Players:
Tanner Dodson, P, 3.36 ERA, 61.2 IP, 29 SO
Matt Ladrech, P, 4.30 ERA, 58.2 IP, 20 SO
Erik Martinez, P, 3.13 ERA, 37.1 IP, 45 SO, 8 SV
Preston Grand Pre, IF, .290 BA, 0 HR, 19 RBI
Denis Karas, IF, .319 BA, 5 HR, 18 RBI
Projection:
Cal does have some experienced returning players though who will have to step into a leadership role on this team. Pitchers Tanner Dodson and Matt Ladrech were regular starters last season and performed relatively well. Neither are dominating aces like Ryan Mason or Daulton Jefferies, but both are steady pitchers who will help fill out the rotation. Erik Martinez also returns to his closer position after notching eight saves last season. Preston Grand Pre and Denis Karas will be the experienced leaders in the lineup. Junior Grand Pre batted .290 last season and should be a much needed steady presence in the lineup.
Projected Postseason: NCAA Baseball Tournament
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