Another top-five ranking and Swatter's Club dates announced
Arkansas filling defensive needs
Big Red Recruiting Board, 2018
Commitment Analysis: Courtre Alexander
Updated Scholarship Distribution
SEC recognizes Gafford for a second time
Baseball America released its annual college baseball preseason poll this morning, and the Arkansas Razorbacks came in at No. 4.
That makes four total polls (joining Perfect Game, D1Baseball.com, Collegiate Baseball) that have placed the Hogs in the top six. The University of Arkansas says Collegiate Baseball’s No. 3 ranking is the Razorbacks’ highest preseason placement since 2013.
“They’re potentially one of the most complete teams in college baseball,” Baseball America’s Teddy Cahill said in a preseason top 25 podcast. “This is a team that is built to win big in the postseason.”
Last season, the Diamond Hogs put up 45 wins, the most since 2012. It is the ninth time they’ve reached 40 wins in the Dave Van Horn era, according to the university’s press release. Per Cahill, the Razorbacks were one of only two SEC teams in the top 40 in runs (422), ERA (3.61) and fielding percentage (.977). The Razorbacks avoided major losses to graduation and the MLB Draft.
Arkansas is currently second in the SEC to consensus No. 1 Florida in composite preseason rankings. The 2018 Razorbacks tout an elite pitching rotation, a group of veteran hitters and a top-five recruiting class.
Despite the high expectations, Arkansas’ potential journey to Omaha will come with numerous challenges. Baum Stadium will host three preseason top-10 teams in No. 5 Texas Tech, No. 8 Kentucky and No. 10 Texas A&M. Eight of Arkansas’ conference opponents have received top-25 looks this preseason.
With the approaching baseball season comes annual Swatter’s Club luncheons. All four dates have been announced starting with the first one on Monday, February 8 (March 5, April 2, May 7 to follow).
Each luncheon will be held at the Hilton Garden Inn in Fayetteville and will include a buffet, an update from coach Dave Van Horn and a Q&A session with the head Hog. Doors will open at 11:30, and the cost is $15.
Arkansas baseball’s annual media day is scheduled for this Saturday, January 27, and they’ll begin their 2018 run at home against Bucknell on Friday, February 16.