B-CU, FAMU chasing NCAA bids

The wildcats were projected to win the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference's South Division in a preseason poll by coaches and sports information directors. B-CU's Danny Rodriguez was named Preseason Player of the Year, while Wildcat Tyler Norris earned Preseason Pitcher of the Year honors.

The Rattlers were picked to finish second in the MEAC's South Division in the league preseason poll, but a variety of college baseball media outlets project FAMU will finish on top of the league and earn an NCAA Regional bid. Senior third baseman Ben Ellzey, sophomore outfielder Willis McDaniel, junior utility player Brian Davis and senior catcher Jacky Miles Jr. are expected to play important roles for the Rattlers.

Centerfielder Marc Coffers has a chance to be one of the top freshmen in the Atlantic Sun and will play a key role for the Eagles. If he can deliver at the plate, Coffers could help Florida Gulf Coast offset some key departures and claw its way out of the middle of Atlantic Sun pack.

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The Panthers are hoping a new coach with extensive experience building programs with limited resources can help the team break out of the middle of the Conference USA pack. Mervyl Melendez has posted a 537-437 career record during 17 seasons leading Bethune-Cookman and Alabama State. Last year, he led Alabama State to its first Division I NCAA Regional appearance.

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The Dolphins have a new head coach in Chris Hayes, who moved up from the assistant head coach position. Pitching will be Jacksonville's strength, right hander Michael Baumann expected to get back on track after an inconsistent 2016 season. Baumann was the 2015 Atlantic Sun Freshman of the Year and Pitcher of the Year.

Third baseman Alex Merrit and outfielder Chris Thibideau will anchor an Ospreys lineup baseball website PerfectGame.org projected will finish third in the Atlantic Sun behind league favorite Lipscomb and Kennesaw State.

Pete Dunn retired after 37 seasons leading the Hatters and the program will be adapting to a new leader in coach Steve Trimper. The Hatters made a surprising run to the NCAA Tournament last season and lost some key players from that run. Stetson will look to experienced right-handed pitcher Brooks Wilson, catcher Austin Hale and sophomore outfielder Kirk Sidwell to bring some stability to the team.

The Terry Rooney era came to an abrupt end last season after UCF baseball floundered to a 26-33 finish and tied with USF for last place in the American Athletic Conference. But the Knights are looking to find new life under the leadership of Greg Lovelady, who won two championships as a former catcher for the University of Miami. UCF lost key slugger Matt Diorio to the MLB draft last year, but expect to see get a boost thanks to improved nutrition under Lovelady. The new coach said he’s trimmed the number of players with more than 20 percent body fat from 20 to four. Friday night pitcher Robby Howell dropped close to 35 pounds.

The Bulls face an uphill battle in the American Athletic Conference, with a slew of strong teams leading the league. The league coaches projected Houston would win the conference title, while Baseball America and other outlets favor East Carolina. Tulane is a traditional baseball power and UConn also has the talent needed to turn in a strong season. The Bulls will get a pitching boost from talented Shane McClanahan and Collin Sullivan. USF also returns four of its top five hitters from last season.

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