12. ARIZONA STATE

2008 RECORD. Overall: 49-13 (Advanced to NCAA super regionals). Conference: 16-8 / 1^st in Pac-10.

Coach: Pat Murphy (578-270, 15^th season at Arizona State ; 945-399 overall in 21 seasons).

First Game, 2009: Feb. 20 vs. Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

 

OVERVIEW: Gone is a Murderer’s Row lineup that featured C Petey Paramore (.355-7-52), 1B Ike Davis (.385-16-76) and 3B Brett Wallace (.410-22-83), the latter two first-round picks in 2008. In all, 15 Arizona State players were drafted in 2008—a draft record. But few teams also brought in as much talent, and Pat Murphy’s young 2009 ASU everyday lineup will feature three freshmen and three junior-college transfers. All the newcomers are top-level performers, especially junior C Carlos Ramirez, junior LHP Josh Spence and freshman SS Riccio Torrez. CF Jason Kipnis, who turned down an offer from the San Diego Padres in the fourth round as a draft-eligible sophomore, will be a stabilizing force in the lineup. The team’s Most Valuable Player will still undoubtedly be RHP/SS Mike Leake, who could expand his offensive role this spring after getting just 47 at-bats in 2008.

 

PROJECTED STARTING LINEUP

C: Carlos Ramirez (4), Jr. (.386-8-45 at Chandler-Gilbert, Ariz. , CC).

1B: Jared McDonald, Jr. (.467-11-41 at Pima, Ariz. , CC).

2B: Zach MacPhee (1), Fr. (Tigers/22^nd round).

3B: Raoul Torrez, Jr. (.341-2-35, 12 SB).

SS: Riccio Torrez, Fr. (Diamondbacks/32^nd round).

LF: Matt Newman, So. (.322-3-28).

CF: Jason Kipnis (3), Jr. (.371-14-73, *24 SB).

RF: Cole Kalhoun, Jr. (.413-18-59 at Yavapai, Ariz. , CC).

DH: Zach Wilson, Fr. (Pirates/26^th round).

1/Starter: Mike Leake, Jr. (*11-3, *3.49, *121 IP/*101 SO; .340-2-11).

2/Starter: Josh Spence, Jr. (14-4, 1.69, 7 SV at Central Arizona CC).

3/Starter: Seth Blair, So. (4-2, 6.96, 54 IP/34 SO).

Closer: Jordan Swagerty, Fr. (Rockies/44^th round).

 

BEST TOOLS

Best Athlete: Zach MacPhee.

Best Overall Hitter: Carlos Ramirez.

Best Power Hitter: Jason Kipnis.

Best Strike-Zone Discipline: Zach MacPhee.

Fastest Base Runner (60 time): Zach MacPhee (6.6 seconds).

Best Base Runner: Rauol Torrez.

Best Defender: Raoul Torrez.

Best Infield Arm: Drew Maggi.

Best Outfield Arm: Cole Kalhoun.

Best Fastball (velocity): Seth Blair (94 mph).

Best Breaking Ball: Jordan Swagerty.

Best Changeup: Mike Leake.

Best Command: Mike Leake.

 

TOP FRESHMAN PROSPECT: Riccio Torrez, ss. Arizona State anticipates no problems having a freshman step in as their starting shortstop, especially since Torrez’ brother Raoul will be right next to him providing stability at third base. Torrez is physically and emotionally mature for his age and has a very strong arm.

TOP SOPHOMORE PROSPECT: Seth Blair, rhp. The 6-foot-2, 190-pound Blair pitched like a freshman at times last year, but a four-pitch mix, including a fastball in the 89-93 mph range, and improved consistency on his breaking ball, along with a year’s experience, could make him one of the country’s top Sunday starters in 2009.

TOP JUNIOR PROSPECT: Mike Leake, rhp-of. Leake has worked 248 innings in his first two seasons in college—primarily by pounding the strike zone with a heavy, 89-92 mph sinker, a hard slider and an outstanding changeup. He can throw any pitch in any count. Leake’s competitive juices are also among the best in the college game.

TOP SENIOR PROSPECT: Jason Franzblau, rhp. Franzblau’s raw stuff didn’t immediately transfer with him from Winthrop in 2008, when he went 8-4, 3.13 and averaged a strikeout an inning. But he regained his 88-91 mph fastball during the fall and provides ASU with a very experienced mid-week starter.

--DAVID RAWNSLEY