Welcome to the 2011 pre-season.

Okay college baseball fans, the days are counting down and first pitch will be here faster than you can start to complain about the RPI. This time around we’ve got an even 300 teams competing in Division 1 baseball to keep track of for 2011. And to me, it doesn’t really make sense to just rank the top 25 teams and leave out the 275 other teams that compete out there. That’s just silly. So here is this year’s all-inclusive Top 300 Power Ranking for the 2011 preseason.

So welcome everyone. Dig your cleats in. Get a grip. And let it rip.

Prepare for glory.

The College Baseball Today 300 Power Ranking.

1 – TEXAS. (50-13)

Yep, this is it. Hook ‘em Augie! Here’s the deal: Coach Garrido wins a national title in his fifth consecutive decade, then decides he can finally kick his heels up after making college baseball his dominion one last time. In July he retires to his golden throne as the greatest college baseball coach in history. Vini Vidi Vici, Great Augustus!

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2 – OREGON. (40-24)

You doubting the “George Horton Factor” anymore? Didn’t think so. After seeing them on a few occasions last year, I’m convinced this team has the goods to make for another fairy tale season in the great Northwest. The Ducks take their unique (and numerous) uniform combinations to the cusp of a national title. Reminds you of football, doesn’t it?

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3 – VANDERBILT. (46-20)

This will be the kind of season David Price and Co. should’ve had as the Black and Old Gold will have the best collection of athletes in Nashville since that brilliant 2007 team. If Sonny Gray, Aaron Westlake and Jason Esposito post their best seasons in 2011, they could keep the hardware in the SEC.

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4 – UCLA. (51-17)

Welcome to Oz. Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain there. Coach John Savage will wield the wicked witches of the West in Gerrit Cole and Trevor Bauer again. With those two, the Bruins can go up 2-to-zip on just about any team in the land. College OR pro. Oh, but let’s avoid that pesky injury bug this time around guys. I.e.: no dogpiles.

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5 – FLORIDA. (47-17)

Just wondering aloud here, is there a sport that the Gators haven’t been title contenders in recently? Didn’t think so. Forget Tebow. Forget Urban. Forget Billy D. This team is ready for orange and green pastures with a talent pool that borders on the unfair. This time the Gators will be better prepared for Omaha.

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6 – TCU. (54-14)

As you’ve already seen, the Horned Frogs are the sexy pick for the national title – and with good reason. This team goes well beyond Lord God King Matt Purke. Even if he wasn’t with the Frogs, I’d still have them pegged for a run at the brass ring as there is still an embarrassment of riches in uniform here. But with him, it’s a no brainer.

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7 – VIRGINIA. (51-14)

Lest we forget these guys, there are still a lot of CWS vets on the roster for 2011. If not for a blistering hot OU team, we’d be talking about the Wahoos going to Omaha two straight years. Great talent on the hill and at the dish, but the .977 defense is the reason those Cavalier swords are still pointing torward the mountaintop. Frankly, there should be more of a groundswell for this team.

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8 – CAL STATE FULLERTON. (46-18)

If it was up to the Titans, they’d just go ahead and keep their uniforms dirty year-round because that’s just their mentality. Forget the dry-cleaners, these guys are grinders. No let up allowed. And with the Ramirez boys (Noe and Nick), Tyler Pill, Dylan Floro, Richy Pedroza, Jake Floethe and another great incoming class, the Titans will get that extra out and make it to Omaha again. The only thing missing this time will be the Titan House. (May it rest in peace)

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9 – COASTAL CAROLINA. (55-10)

The poster children for “it’s a game of inches.” It’s been a remarkable job Gary Gilmore has done in Chant-land. Getting his charges THISCLOSE to Omaha a couple of times, including last seasons gut-wrenching miss. In the off-season, he also got 3B/OF Scott Woodward and pitchers Jim Birmingham and Keith Hessler to turn down the pros and come back to campus, further elevating this teams’ chances for 2011. Not as if they weren’t high enough already.

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10 – OKLAHOMA. (50-18)

Sure I’ll say it. This team was in Omaha a year earlier than I thought they would be. So much returning experience it should be illegal. I can’t see them finishing eight games behind Texas in Big 12 play this year. In fact, if Texas gets the big head like they did in football, you can go ahead and paint the river Sooner red for 2011.

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11 – WASHINGTON STATE. (37-22)

Surprised? Heh, that’s life out on the Palouse for the Coogs. Nobody seems to notice them until they come away with a bloody nose, crying for their mamas. So don’t be surprised when they stalk the Pac 10 title and make a deeper post-season run. In a quiet, dangerous sort of way, these guys are more like frontrunners than you think. Now you know.

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12 – CONNECTICUT. (48-16)

There seems to be a token Northern pick every year, right? Well, the Huskies are chock-full enough to make this more than some pre-season fad. Pitching-deep, dish-dangerous and basepath-bold, UConn is one good post-season placement from their first CWS visit since 1979.

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13 – STANFORD. (31-25)

The Cardinal underachieved a bit last year – which is a rarity in Palo Alto. But if pitchers Jordan Pries and Brett Mooneyham can revert to their frosh form and incoming OF Austin Wilson hits fireworks arcs from the dish (as I’ve been told he does), then all that Andrew Luck/Jim Harbaugh talk will soon be forgotten on The Farm.

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14 – FLORIDA STATE. (48-20)

Anytime Mike Martin gets his hands on an experienced team, it usually shows up in the win column and along 13th Street in Omaha. Wunderkind Mike McGee returns to Tally-town for a fourth year of assaulting that short porch at Howser Stadium and joins Team USA arm Sean Gilmartin as certain difference-makers.

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15 – RICE. (40-23)

Just between you and me, I had a dream last week that it was Augie vs. Wayne Graham for the national title this year. But I digress. The Owls will have the best hitter in the country in Anthony Rendon and is re-joined by Michael Ratterree, Michael Fuda and Jeremy Rathjen, who comprised their top four in the order. The arms corps is nearly intact, but must pitch more clutch.

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16 – CLEMSON. (45-25)

It’s almost an annual rite that the Tigers will have an intimidating offense. And it’s certainly no hyperbole this year as Brad Miller, John Hinson and Jeff Schaus will leave a trail of pitchers with bruised egos. But missing staff horse Casey Harman and QB extraordinaire Kyle Parker will be felt.

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17 – SOUTH CAROLINA. (54-16)

(Aw man, one slot behind Clemson… let the angry Emails begin) Great story here, obviously. I mean, you couldn’t be more impressed with the way Carolina rallied the charges last year and won a ring. But Jackie Bradley is back in the leadership role and Matt Price and Michael Roth will keep suffocating opposing offenses, so don’t count out a repeat. After all, that Ray Tanner dude IS still in the dugout, ya’ know.

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18 – CALIFORNIA. (29-25)

Okay sure, I’m a little hesitant with the Golden Bears being slotted so high, considering the Sword of Damocles that hangs over them with the program’s possible demise. But you have to judge the product on the field, and frankly, there’s high-profile talent everywhere on this squad. Huge props to coach Dave Esquer if his team is able to keep its focus this season and play into June.

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19 – KANSAS STATE. (37-22)

It may not be Bill Snyder-esque, but Brad Hill has turned this program around pretty huge. The Cats return the best offense and base-stealers in the Big 12, led by Player of the Year Nick Martini’s .416 bat and a weekend rotation that returns all three starters, featuring all-conference righty James Allen.

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20 – ALABAMA. (42-25)

If Bama can play the second half of the season like they played the first half last year, coach Mitch Gaspard could have this program on a fast track to the promised land. But first things first, the pitching staff needs to keep their confidence all season long and then let’s also see how that all-new infield does.

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21 – NORTH CAROLINA. (38-22)

It’s pretty good when you can go out and win 38 games and still have your season be considered an off-year for your program. The Heels may still be a year away from being Omaha-ready, but when have we ever known coach Mike Fox to work his magic on someone else’s schedule?

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22 – ARIZONA STATE. (52-10)

Like Pac 10 brethren Cal, this team has a “let’s see how they react” feel about them with the NCAA sanctions mess that took over the talk of Tempe this off-season. But Zack MacPhee, Riccio Torrez, Zach Wilson, Mitchell Lambson, et al could still have more than enough talent to put the Devils at the top of the polls. Remember how last year so many new pitchers emerged out of nowhere?

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23 – MINNESOTA. (32-30)

Okay, so they may have to play 60 road games this year (thank you crappy engineers of the Metrodome). But the Gophs return possibly the best infield in the country, led by super-SS A.J. Petterson, a real Cracker Jack-type. RHP Scott Matyas, a 3-time MLB draftee, comes back as one of the best relievers in the country.

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24 – PITTSBURGH. (38-18)

I guarantee the Panthers will be better than their RPI, just like last season. The offense was 2nd in the country at .363, while Matt Iannazzo and Corey Baker combined for 21 wins to pace the arms corps. This is an underrated outfit that is ready to make big waves.

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25 – FRESNO STATE. (32-30)

This team is freakin’ loaded for 2011. All four weekend starters on the mound and seven fielders come back, including the big bash boys known as Jordan Ribera (27HRs) and Dusty Robinson (16HRs), who can intimidate with the best of ‘em. Also, CWS vet Danny Muno (.329) will wield his wicked glove for one more go-round, buoying hopes for a return to Omaha.

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26 – TEXAS A&M. (43-21)

The Aggies may have said goodbye to Barrett Loux and Clayton Ehlert, but the right-handed brigade of John Stilson, Michael Wacha and Ross Stripling will get Ws against anyone on the Aggies’ schedule. Let’s see if coach Childress can’t amp up the A&M clutch-train this season, since they were just 4-8 against the top teams of the Big 12 in 2010. Step up guys.

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27 – MIAMI. (43-20)

The Canes don’t have any returning weekend starters, but Harold Martinez is as imposing as they come on offense and lots of young arms will go from reliever-to-starter and are ready to become Hurricane legends. And keep in mind, the ACC has lost some star-power across the board, so anybody can jump this train and ride it to the CWS from this monster conference.

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28 – LOUISVILLE. (50-14)

Four straight 40+ win seasons shows the solid footing this program is on. Power-arms like Tony Zych (Cape Cod’s top prospect) and Derek Self lead what could be the Big East’s best mound corps. Nate Holland, a power-stick, returns from injury and will join fencebusters like Stewart Ijames and Ryan Wright.

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29 – UC RIVERSIDE. (32-23)

I know, you probably blinked at this one, right? Well get your Visine out of your winter coat because all three weekend starters return, as does RHP Tommy Mackoul and C Dan Pelligrino, a pair of former MLB draftees that were injured most of 2010. Gods of the M*A*S*H unit… be kind.

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30 – LSU. (41-22)

Lotsa, lotsa new talent is on hand, but it’s very raw. If not for the spate of Tommy John surgeries and sudden transfers that struck this team in the off-season, I’d have the Tigers primed for a higher position. Still, you think I’m gonna doubt Paul Maineiri? Or their 9,000+ faithful at The Box? Pffft! No.

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31 – ARIZONA. (34-24)

One of these days I’m going to write about the Desert Cats without using the phrase “youthful.” Eight of the more athletic field starters in the country and the top seven pitchers from last year’s team return for coach Andy Lopez. So that means nothing but upside here ladies and gents.

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32 – KENT STATE. (39-25)

Is this Scott Strickland’s best team in his seven years at KSU? Quite possibly. The Flashes will have seven starters in the field and all three weekenders returning on the bump, so as long as they don’t go south early (like a lot snowbelters tend to do) they’ll be big, bad and bold. Also, LHP Andrew Chafin, an ’09 Frosh All American, returns after sitting out 2010.

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33 – ST. JOHN’S. (43-20)

It’s a shame this team had to win the conference tourney last May just to get into the Big Dance, ‘coz they proved in the Regional at Virginia (where they pushed the Cavs to a 7th and deciding game), they can play with anyone. A bitchin’ frosh class is one year better and All American OF Jeremy Baltz and his 24 dingers lead the offense.

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34 – ARKANSAS. (43-21)

Like LSU above, look not at the returning starters, but instead at the incredible talent wave that’s coming to campus. The MLB is pissed at this team ‘coz Dave Van Horne convinced 3rd-round RHP Ryne Stanek and four other draftees to come to Fayetteville and make this team good now…. and great soon.

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35 – WICHITA STATE. (41-19)

Anytime Gene Stephenson has a stable-full of experienced flingers, the Shockers cash in. Expect 11-game winner Tim Kelly to have another banner year as he leads a deep staff into the fire this season. The 24th-ranked recruiting class features 33rd round draftee Albert Minnis.

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36 – SAN DIEGO. (37-22)

Heavy, heavy losses across the board for the Toreros. But there’s a reason Coach Rich Hill is always smiling: He’s brought in 1st round pick Dylan Covey and three other drafted talents that will probably mean USD doesn’t skip a beat. Some bumps are inevitable, but it’ll smooth out soon enough, I promise.

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37 – UC IRVINE. (39-21)

Exhibit A: Never count out a team as scrappy and talented as the Anteaters are. Regardless of the returnees. And, Exhibit B: A whole mess of familiar faces come back to the clubhouse and a wicked-good incoming class will keep this thing rolling despite the losses to the roster.

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38 – LOUISIANA.

Coach Tony Robichaux will lose the services of his son Justin, a good two-way talent, and also staff horse Zach Osborne. But the rest of the team is nearly intact, including five of the top six hitters and a pitch staff that issued walks on rare occasions. It could be a good Pepper Season in the Atchafalaya Basin this year.

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39 – OREGON STATE. (32-24)

Notice any flashes in the pan? Not here man. Four straight years of high-ranked recruiting classes tends to keep a team’s expectations sky high. In 2011, if the Beavers play to potential (or even somewhat close), a return to Omaha isn’t out of the question because a spate of injuries last year means an uber-experienced team is set to jet in 2011.

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40 – GEORGIA TECH. (47-15)

Not a lot of returnees for Danny Hall, who has a big job ahead of him in 2011. But pitchers Mark Pope and Jed Bradley are anchors for a new rebuilt staff that still oozes high-round talent ahead. Also, RHP Kevin Jacob, who missed 2010, returns to the roster. Don’t sleep on these guys.

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41 – WESTERN CAROLINA. (37-21-1)

Coach Bobby Moranda likes to use more combinations than the Master Lock Company, so lots of multi-position players with experience returns to uniform. Best of all, two 9-game winners lead the hurling staff in Matt Benedict and Brandon Johnson. The Catamounts are ready to pounce. (Sorry, didn’t mean to ryhme there, but I guess I did.)

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42 – EAST CAROLINA. (32-27)

Okay, it’s a little odd to see them looking up at their Western namesakes in these rankings, but that’s life. Secondly, there will have to be life beyond Kyle Roller and Devin Harris for the Pirates. A fully-intact pitching staff will do the trick, featuring CUSA Pitcher of the Year Seth Maness, who should be on lock-down mode all season long. Plenty of offensive power still around too.

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43 – COLLEGE OF CHARLESTON. (44-19)

The Coogs haven’t gotten over that call at Coastal in the Regionals that could’ve sent them to the Supers (Damn you lack of instant replay!), but they’ll seek vengeance this year. Fence-busters like Matt Leads (21HRs), Rob Kral (15HRs) and Cole Rakar (.378) and a deep pitching staff won’t come up short this time.

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44 – CHARLOTTE. (39-17)

Last year, the 49ers got back into the A-10 title position after a short hiatus. All three weekend starters return on the mound and 2B Corey Shaylor and SS Justin Roland committed just nine errors each last year, giving hope that this may be the best defense UNCC will sport in its history.

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45 – AUBURN. (43-21)

Stud coach John Pawlowski led the Tigers to their first division title in 15 years last season. The offense will be blistering again, but 11 players were drafted off last year’s squad, so there will be a considerable transition period. But I’m pretty sure coach Paw has got more magic in him for 2011.

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46 – LIBERTY. (42-19)

A school-best 42 wins wasn’t quite enough to get into the Big Dance for affable coach Jim Toman and crew last year. But the Bream brothers, Tyler (set the LU record with 96 hits) and Doug (hit .342), will support ace Keegan Linza, who was a perfect 8-0.

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47 – SOUTHEASTERN LOUISIANA. (40-19)

I get the feeling coach Jay Artigues is having trouble finding BCS-level opponents to have the guts to play them since they always end up throwing pies in their faces. With nearly the entire team intact from 2010, they’ll now have the chance to bust Garrett Wittels hit streak in weekend No. 1 and make some immediate headlines.

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48 – KANSAS. (31-27)

The Jayhawks need to play more like they did in the weekend win at LSU than they did in the 5-10 month of May. But coach Ritch Price has lots of returnees to work with, including the return of RHP Lee Ridenhour, who sat out 2010.

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49 – TEXAS STATE. (38-22)

Leave it to the Bobcats to turn a “rebuilding” season into a Southland title season, right? This time around they’ll have the horses on the hill (like ace Carson Smith, a 10-game winner) and five .300+ hitters to tear through anyone’s ego. Nation, you’ve been warned.

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50 – FLORIDA ATLANTIC. (37-24)

The Owls will have one of the best two-way players in the country in Andy Mee (.378/11svs) and double-digit HR hitters in Dan Scheffler (15HRs), Eddie Cassidy (10HRs), Raymond Church (10HRs) and Nick Delguidice (10HRs). Can’t wait to see what wiley coach McCormick does with all the remaining talent on this team.

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51 – IOWA. (30-28)

I know, I know, this doesn’t look right. But I’m telling you, if the injury bug stays away – and unfortunately that’s a big if – the Hawkeyes could come out of the woodwork make a post-season run. There’s that much raw talent still around in Kinnick-land. LHP Jarred Hippen was All Big 10 and RHP Kevin Lee had 13 saves, a school record.

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52 – SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI. (36-24)

The Eagles hope SS B.A. Vollmuth keeps his All American pace again in 2011 and that five-star ace Todd McInnis (the 2009 CUSA Pitcher of the Year) can maintain his edge once again. Oh, and having stud reliever like the mischevious Collin Cargill back in uniform won’t hurt.

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53 – ILLINOIS STATE. (32-24)

Pitching-heavy, the Redbirds will have an all-hands-on-deck squad coming back to defend their MoValley regular season and tournament crowns. It all starts with All American 2B Kevin Tokarski (.412, 33SBs), but the rest of the team needs to amp things up after hitting just .293 collectively.

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54 – CENTRAL FLORIDA. (33-22)

Just No. 54? Geez, this team could be much higher. Coach Terry Rooney, who is a difference-maker and program builder, will have the services of three frosh All Americans and a top 20 recruiting class coming to town. C’mon guys, feel free to prove me wrong here and finish higher that 54th. Hell, I almost expect it.

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55 – RUTGERS. (30-26)

Freshman All Americans SS Steve Nyisztor and RHP Tyler Gebler lead a bright future for the Knights. In fact, most of the key players from last year’s squad were freshman and sophomores and are sick of hearing how great some of there past brethren were. Miami, Georgia Tech, you are on full-notice for this year’s series.

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56 – OLE MISS. (39-24)

Losing difference-makers like Drew Pomeranz and Aaron Bennett on the hill will be much to overcome. But the “potential” label is there for a lot of players still on the roster and you know how this whole Ole Miss-to-Omaha thing is just a matter of time for coach Bianco and crew? It still may be a year away, I admit.

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57 – NORTH CAROLINA STATE. (38-24)

A bounce-back year in 2010 was just what the doctor ordered after 2009′s 25-win squad left coach Eliot Avent screamin’ mad. But heavy losses and a bad defense will test the patience of the firey skipper just as much as any team he’s had in Raleigh. Don’t worry, better times ahead.

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58 – TROY. (36-25)

The Trojans impressed me a lot at the Sun Belt Tourney last year, especially with their SEC-like offense that battered pitchers left and right. They’ve still got some bash and pop around, led by SS Adam Bryant (23HRs). But don’t forget, the .975 defense and incoming LHP Jimmy Hodgskin are huge too.

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59 – MICHIGAN STATE. (34-19)

Strange team to figure out. A 22-5 start led to a 7th place Big 10 finish in 2010. RHPs Kurt Wunderlich and Tony Bucciferro combined for 15 wins and have RHP David Garner (33rd round pick of the Reds) to back them. Playing in a sparkling new on-campus facility ain’t so bad either. Rise and shine Spartans.

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60 – KENTUCKY. (31-25)

Okay, two things. 1- Talents like Braden Kapteyn and Alex Meyer can’t hit under .300 and pitch over 7.00 respectively once again. And 2- No more off-the-field distractions, ‘coz this team is capable. The Bat Cats could be anywhere from the spoiler role to the basement this season.

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61 – THE CITADEL. (43-22)

Well, when you lose an Asher Wojociechowski and a lot of bullpen depth, you can expect a bit of a slide. But with burners like Nick Orvin, Justin Mackert and Matt Simonelli coming back, and all of them having 22+ SBs last season, it won’t be a huge fall.

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62 – USC. (28-32)

Could be the most intriguing situation to watch in college baseball. Now I’m just thinking out loud here, but what if interim head coach Frank Cruz leads this team to 40 wins and an NCAA bid? Could the long-time L.A.-area skipper make Pat Haden play his hand and turn this into a permanent gig? Stay tuned.

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63 – NEBRASKA. (27-27)

The Huskers will take one last swipe at the Big 12 before moving on to the Big 10 next year. Lots of talent and ability come back to the fold here, but its the future that looks even brighter with that No. 15-ranked recruiting class coming in.

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64 – INDIANA.(28-27)

Potential is the key word here as OF Alex Dickerson and 1B Jerrud Sabourin are two of the best bats in the country and Friday starter Blake Monar comes back after missing last year due to injury. And as if that wasn’t enough, coach Tracy Smith LOVED this team’s fortitude last season, always scrapping to the last out.

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65 – VIRGINIA TECH. (40-22)

Last year was a breakthrough for the Hokies as they made the rest of the country pay close attention with their ACC title aspirations and numerous high-quality wins. If coach Pete Hughes is able to pull another 40-win season out of his charges this year – with all the talent they saw go out the door – he’ll be a miracle-worker. And not that we’re selling the dude short here either.

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66 – WESTERN KENTUCKY. (35-23)

The Toppers swooned a bit when they lost All American pitcher Matt Ridings near the end of last season. Let’s hope there’s no carry-over effect now that he’s in pro ball and there’s more than enough talent around to win a conference title. All American candidates like C Matt Rice and OF Kes Carters will ease things.

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67 – BAYLOR. (36-24)

You think it’s time for another breakthrough season along the banks of the Brazos? Me too. The Bears fans are getting a tad restless, despite the string of 30+ win campaigns. BU must get its claws out on the road, after going just 5-11 in true road games last year.

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68 – BYU. (27-31)

Coach Vance Law calls this possibly his best team, and with good reason. All five returning fielders hit .318 or better and the pitch staff has three returning weekend starters, plus will get Blake Torgerson back (18-8, 5.89 in three seasons) after he sat out ’10.

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69 – NEVADA. (36-22-1)

Here’s to hoping the Pack don’t get the shaft from the RPI this year (it was No. 114 in 2010). This is one program that has made improvement across the board, helped by Brock Stassi emerging as one of the best two-way players in the country. Howl boys!

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70 – TOLEDO. (34-22)

The word “underrated” doesn’t even begin to describe the Rockets. A full 50 of 2010′s 56 starts on the mound come back off a team that featured a 4.63 ERA. Five of those flingers are All-MAC candidates. Three additional All-MAC fielders also return. Cool!

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71 – MISSOURI. (29-26)

Last season was a bit of a speed bump in Tim Jamieson’s Tiger machine he’s built. But don’t fret Tiger fans, since a senior-heavy pitching staff should rectify that this season. In addition, coach Jamieson will be the manager for Team USA this summer. Though he’d love to delay that assignment with a deep post-season run here.

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72 – STEPHEN F. AUSTIN. (34-20)

I remember that I protested when Donnie Watson was let go from SFA and Johnny Cardenas was brought in as the new head coach. Well, that’s crow I’m eating ‘coz this program is bustin’ barriers. If the ‘Jacks improve the .955 defense, they’ll take another major step in the process this year.

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73 – SAN DIEGO STATE. (28-28)

OF Brandon Meredith (.383) is a wicked talent and has leadoff man Pat Colwell back with him, after sitting out 2010. Seven of the top 10 pitchers also return, much to the delight of pitching coach Eric Valenzuela, one of the brightest young up-and-comers in the biz. But there are also 22 new faces on the roster, so some gelling will need to take place.

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74 – FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL. (36-25)

I warned you. Hell, I warned everyone. The Turtle Thomas Factor is taking hold in South Florida as last year’s Sun Belt title was just the beginning of this program’s potential. His recruiting prowess is showing dividends on the field. Oh, did I mention Garrett Wittels has a chance to break Robin Ventura’s hit streak? But I’m sure you already knew.

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75 – JAMES MADISON. (30-23)

The CAA champs return 42 of last year’s starts on the mound and have strength up the middle in catcher Jake Lowery, SS David Herbek, 2B Trevor Knight and the return of CF Alex Foltz, who sat out ’10 but was All-CAA in 2009.

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76 – NEW MEXICO STATE. (36-23-1)

The highly-offensive Aggies – literally – will have plenty of big bats still around to take advantage of the Las Cruces wind tunnell effect as four .349+ hitters are back. They’ll also have one of the better middle infields with SS Ryan Aguayo (.365) and 2B Parker Hipp (.349) manning their posts again. But as you might guess, pitching is the usual bugaboo here.

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77 – NORTHWESTERN STATE. (36-21)

The Demons broke a string of three non-winning seasons and nearly won the Southland crown last year. Impressive. RHP Luke Irvine was drafted by the White Sox, but brings his cannon right arm back to campus and joins three other top hurlers in the brigade on the bump.

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78 – TULANE. (32-24)

The Green Wave in last place of Conference USA? You freakin’ kiddin’ me? Aaargh! But don’t fret Vars Vars Tee-yay fans, nearly the entire roster will come back to campus for 2011, including ace reliever Nick Pepitone, who is a sure W in waiting. Also keep watch for 16th round draftee RHP Randy LeBlanc as the staff will be more stout this season.

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79 – NEW MEXICO. (38-22)

Despite SS Alex Albritton being the only fielder returning and little pitching coming back, don’t let that fool you. Coach Ray Birmingham knows how to gather new talent and make it excel. Seven newcomers are former MLB draftees as the Lobos won’t lose much howl. At least let’s wait until May to pass any judgements on this team.

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80 – HAWAII. (35-28)

Cape Cod MVP Kolten Wong is the straw that stirs the Mai Tais for the Island Warriors and has Jeff Van Doornum and Collin Bennett joining him, a pair of offensive studs. Also, UofH led the WAC in pitching and has Lenny Linsky still giving the cold stare to opposing batters as one of the better relievers in the country.

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81 – WAKE FOREST. (18-37)

The Deacons got better down the stretch last season – including a weekend win over Clemson – indicating that the Tom Walter regime is starting to reach a comfort zone. We’ll see how that translates to this year, but the Deacons will be better and the ACC could be weaker. That’s a perfect recipe for a Deacs rise.

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82 – ELON. (38-24)

Three straight appearances in the Big Dance makes coach Mike Kennedy hot property this coming off-season (I know Phoenix fans, I’m not s’posed to jinx that for you guys). Having pitchers Tom Girdwood (8svs) and Ken Ferrer (9-6) turn down the Twins and Indians respectively after getting drafted means the Phoenix pitching will be strong.

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83 – BETHUNE-COOKMAN. (35-22)

I’m not breaking any hot headlines by stating that the Wildcats have become the best historically black college team in the country. This year will be no different as the battery of LHP Ali Simpson and C Peter O’Brien (20HRs) are All American candidates and should have no problem going through the MEAC like a Ginsu knife through hot butter.

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84 – WASHINGTON. (28-28)

Year two in the Lindsay Meggs regime should get better with even more of a lean on the future. Despite having closers like Jacob Clem and Adam Cimber, who each posted six saves last year, coach Meggs is still a year away from making serious inroads to the Pac 10 races. Patience, people.

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85 – TENNESSEE. (30-26)

It appears that coach Todd Raleigh could have one of the better infields in the SEC and will also have wildly-talented 4th round draftee Andrew Toles in CF to chase down any bloop or gapper with his discernable speed. But the pitching has to creep to below 5.00 levels for this team to make any kind of move in the SEC rigors.

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86 – SOUTH FLORIDA. (26-32)

This program might finally be ready to make a jump in the Big East. There is experience at every position and the Bulls will rally around RHP Randy Fontanez, who had four complete games in 2010 and was drafted in the 23rd round last June.

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87 – VMI. (33-22)

The Key-dets were 29-5 and fresh off a win at No. 1 Virginia last April before, lo and behold, things went south from there. But you see my point on this team’s potential. It’s nearly limitless, I’m tellin’ ya’. All three weekend pitchers come back along with six starters in the field and at the dish. This should be a much-improved squad after last year’s brief taste of the big time.

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88 – PORTLAND.

Like a lot of WCC teams in the recent past, the Pilots will be pitching heavy, including All American reliever Chris Dennis (14svs). If UP doesn’t fold up like a cheap K-Mart tent in the month of May, they could be Big Dancing come June. Yes, I didn’t stutter.

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89 – MICHIGAN. (35-22)

Coach Rich Maloney has two of the more exciting players in the country in whiz-bang SS Derek Dennis and Frosh All American CF Patrick Biondi. Most importantly, if they find a capable replacement for saves man Tyler Burgoon, this team could go places in June.

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90 – SOUTH DAKOTA STATE. (39-21)

The Jackrabbits pulled the rarest feat in nearly all of college baseball, they put a new name other than Oral Roberts on the Summit League title trophy last year. Incredible, I know. Especially for a team from South Freakin’ Dakota, right? Well get this, just about everybody returns for 2011, including RHP Blake Treinen, a 23rd round pick of the Marlins and a lot of offensive prowess.

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91 – OHIO STATE. (28-23)

The Buckeyes fell flat on their big pre-season expectations last year and will have to go out there without the comfort of ace Alex Wimmers to get easy Friday Ws again. But new coach Greg Beals comes over from Ball State and he’s given the Bucks renewed enthusiasm and a great incoming class of recruits. It’s all about the future in C-bus.

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92 – ORAL ROBERTS. (36-27)

ORU may be coming down to earth with the rest of the Summit catching up. But coach Rob Walton did his best coaching job last season in a rebuilding year. Look for the Eagles to improve that terrible 12-20 road record.

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93 – CENTRAL MICHIGAN. (36-22)

Once again, LHP Trent Howard (4-3, 3.58, 5svs) and 1B Nate Theunissen (.384-7-54) return to lead this team, giving rise to the hopes of the Chips returning to the Big Dance for the first time since 1995.

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94 – UC SANTA BARBARA. (24-30)

The Gauchos could be placed much higher in this ranking with the return of Jesse Meaux (a Pittsburgh draftee) and Kevin Gelinas, a mid-90s hurler who sat out 2010. The injury bug must be scarce… knock on wood. Hell, knock on spruce too just for the hell of it.

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95 – ARKANSAS STATE. (30-28)

It’s not often an ASU team has positive results, but last year the Red Wolves compiled their first winning record in conference play since 1998. The better news is that the cupboard in the arms corps is still pretty full, including RHP Jacob Lee (8-3, 3.80), the staff ace.

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96 – ST. MARY’S. (19-32-1)

Jedd Soto’s youthful 2010 squad is now an experienced and confident 2011 squad. It helps to have All American 1B Troy Channing (15HRs) and 3B Patrick Wisdom (12HRs) to leave opposing pitchers shakin’ in their shoes. But let’s see how they manage the tough schedule before we shower them with praise this year.

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97 – SAN JOSE STATE. (23-27)

It all starts and stops with two-way wunderkind Zach Jones, who was .310 at the dish and 5-1 on the rubber, despite only playing in 26 games in 2010. Coach Piraro says that he had an incredible fall camp and he’s never seen a guy pitch like he did. Also, three of the four WAC weekend starters return as well, and all are in just their second year in the program.

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98 – MIAMI UNIV. (28-28)

The 2010 season saw the RedHawks NOT win 30 games for just the second time in 15 years. They should get back up there again this time around with seven fielders and all three weekend mound starters coming back to battle what will be a much-improved MAC.

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99- NOTRE DAME. (22-32)

There’s a new head honcho in South Bend as Mik Aoki comes over from Boston College and will bring the Irish back to the Mainieri-like days. Expected ace Brian Dupra was an 11th round pick of Detroit but returns to campus.

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100 – CREIGHTON. (27-25)

I don’t know how coach Ed Servais does it, but even in rather pedestrian seasons, his Bluejays’ defense is bordering on the incredible. Last year, they played at a .980 pace with a nation’s fewest 41 errors. They’ll back up a pitch staff that returns everyone and have lots of pop in their bats. The MoValley is on notice that the Jays are back.

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101- JACKSONVILLE STATE. (31-26)

The ‘Cocks lost both their Friday starter and saves ace. But there are some positives, like the versatile pair of Todd Hornsby (4-1, 5svs) and Tanner Freshour (6-1, 2svs).

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102 – BOSTON COLLEGE. (30-28)

Eagles return most of the nation’s 3rd-ranked defense, but lost architect Mik Aoki to Notre Dame in the off-season. Lots of holes throughout the lineup.

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103 – RADFORD. (29-26)

The Highlanders stole 143 bases last season, but 86 of those are gone from the team. Most of the pitching comes back paced by Abram Williams, who was 3-1, 4.03.

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104 – CAL STATE NORTHRIDGE. (29-27)

Former Fresno assistant Matt Curtis is the new head coach at the Valley school and has nearly the entire roster returning to work with. The big reason the cupboard is far from empty is because good recruiting classes in recent years have helped.

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105 – TEXAS TECH. (28-29)

Coach Dan Spencer has Tech primed for big things, but get back to us in 365 days as this may be a reloading season. Only three pitchers with 20+ innings of work return. So the “pitching guru” will really have to earn his stripes with this staff in 2011.

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106 – MISSISSIPPI STATE. (23-33)

Five of the top seven hitters have moved on from last year’s squad and none of the returning arms were sub-5.00. Is this the 4th straight losing season looming? Mercy.

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107 – ILLINOIS. (26-26)

This could be a little low for the Illini as all three weekend starters return and Willie Argo and Casey McMurray can turn any game into a track meet.

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108 – VIRGINIA COMMONWEALTH. (34-26)

A trip to the NCAAs righted the ship in ’10 and now return 59 starts on the mound, including staff ace Seth Cutler-Vance, who threw five complete games.

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109 – UNC WILMINGTON. (33-27)

Seahawks led the Colonial in pitching are return most of their rotation. Plus, losing a shot at the Big Dance with a 12 inning loss has to be motivation enough.

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110 – HIGH POINT. (31-29)

The offense will miss Big South’s leading hitter in Nate Roberts, but RHP Jamie Schultz was 5-0 and had a .238 OBA as a frosh.

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111 – MEMPHIS. (28-30)

Should be better times in Elvis-town this year. Tigers have speed-merchants Drew Martinez and Chad Zurcher, who both stole 20 bases last season, to buoy their hopes again.

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112 – CAL STATE BAKERSFIELD. (26-30)

This ranking is legit as the Road Runners doubled their win total in their second year of the program. Lots of newbies, but .400 hitter Jeremy Rodriguez will be a team leader.

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113 – OKLAHOMA STATE. (29-26)

What in the name of Robin Ventura is going on here? Last place Pokes? T. Boone Pickins won’t stand for this, so I’m sure a bushel-full of money is coming baseball’s way… right?

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114 – MERCER. (38-24)

Lots to like here. All three weekend starters return, as does ace saves man J.T. Odom (2-2, 3.38, 5svs), steal specialis Billy Burns (30SBs) and 3B Jacob Tanis (22HRs), who was drafted by the Rockies in the 25th round.

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115 – SAMFORD. (31-25)

Going from 17 wins in 2009 to 31 last year puts the Bulldogs back on the map. LHP Lex Rutledge (5-1/11svs) can keep them there, but needs more arms to step up.

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116 – WINTHROP. (27-30)

The successful regime of Joe Hudak mysteriously came to an end, but Tom Riginos inherits a stocked cupboard including Frosh All American Tyler Mizenko, who had 14 saves.

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117 – HOUSTON. (25-32)

Former assistant Todd Whitting takes over as head man and is excited to have two-way threats Chase Dempsay, Ty Stuckey and Matt Creel to lead his team.

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118 – EAST TENNESSEE STATE. (32-28)

Lumberjack Paul Hoilman (who won the Home Run Derby in Rosenblatt) leads a loaded team that returns everyone. Bo Reeder is a great two-way man (20HRs/3-6, 6.24).

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119 – VILLANOVA. (29-23)

The entire infield of the ‘Cats comes back to the diamond after leading the Big East with a .975 fielding percentage. Do-it-all football/baseball All American Matt Szczur will be missed.

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120 – FLORIDA GULF COAST. (38-20)

The Eagles lose Chris Sale, the 14th overall pick, leaving a big dearth. Team must improve that 13-15 non-conference record to get some longer looks by the NCAA selection committee.

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121 – PURDUE. (33-24)

If there’s a darkhorse in the Big 10 race, I nominate the Boilers. A really stud sophomore class will lead the team that is deep in experience and hungry for more.

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122 – GEORGIA SOUTHERN. (34-24)

The Eagles have posted 11 straight 30+ win seasons and will lean on OF Shawn Payne (.345, 43SBs) and SS Eric Phillips (.342, 15SBs) as firestarters for the offense.

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123 – SAM HOUSTON STATE. (18-36)

Give coach Mark Johnson a break. He was finally human for the first time in Huntsville, with a losing record. Don’t look for it last, with six field and all three mound starters back.

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124 – CINCINNATI. (29-29)

The Cats are ready to claw with Intimidating RHPs Andrew Strenge (7-1, 1.93) and Dan Jensen (4-2, 4.02), who held their opponents to .261 and .240 OBAs respectively.

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125 – SAN FRANCISCO. (28-28)

Stephen Yarrow is a force at the dish and has a lot of weapons with six .298 hitters joining him. But staff ace Doug Murray who led them in innings and Ks is gone.

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126 – RIDER. (36-23)

These Broncs are buckin’! They went 16-2 in May and have everyone back from the MAAC’s best pitching staff (5.69) and best defense (.974).

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127 – ST. LOUIS. (33-29)

Two straight 30+ win seasons and an NCAA berth last June. Bitchin’. A bevy of soph-heavy pitching returns, pointing to a good 2011 and beyond.

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128 – GEORGIA. (16-37)

Last year’s pitching staff posted an 8.51 team ERA. That’s why head coach Dave Perno is reportedly taking over the coaching duties on the hill this year.

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129 – MARIST. (33-22)

It’s Year No. 20 of the Red Fox baseball program and they’ll sport a loaded arms brigade and an incredibly efficient offense, getting on base at a .420 pace last year.

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130 – UT-SAN ANTONIIO. (22-28)

A four-year run of 30+ wins came to an end last year, but the pitching-heavy Runners have 38 of the 50 starts on the mound back and 17HR hitter Ryan Dalton.

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131 – COLUMBIA. (26-21)

The Lions are stacked for this season, featuring Ivy Pitcher of the Year Pat Lowery and Rookie of the Year Dario Pizzano, a .374-12-36 hitter.

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132 – PENN STATE. (22-30)

Loaded team. Seven of the top eight hitters and six pitchers that threw more than 30 innings. 27th round draftee RHP Austin Urban should be a stud.

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133 – LAMAR. (35-26)

Consistency. LU has won 38, 35, 34, 35, 38 and 35 games the last six years. RHP Eric Harrington (8-3) and LHP Jonathan Dziedzic (5-6, 114Ks) hope to get to 40.

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134 – MANHATTAN. (31-20)

Senior LHP John Soldinger (5-3, 7svs) leads a mostly young staff. But the dish-bashers return five .300 hitters, including OF Mark Onorati, who hit .391 with 14SBs.

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135 – WEST VIRGINIA. (27-30)

The Mountaineers lose Brooks Wallace-winning SS Jedd Gyorko, but 3B Dan DiBartolomeo returns after hitting .439 in ’09 and sitting out last season.

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136 – DALLAS BAPTIST. (28-27)

In a three week period last season, the Pats beat Washington State, TCU and Rice. Looking for more consistency here behind five .300+ hitters and ace Brian Williamson (3CGs).

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137 – DAYTON. (23-32)

A full 340 of the 480 innings pitched come back to this year’s squad, but they allowed their opponents to hit a hearty .334 last year.

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138 – OLD DOMINION. (24-30)

Interim coach Nate Goulet inherits a team with three straight losing campaigns, but an experienced squad comes back, including 1st team All-CAA LHP Kyle Haid.

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139 – XAVIER. (26-32)

1B Ben Thomas (.359-13-69) leads a senior-dominated batting order and LHP Jon Richard (7-3, 4.95) leads a mostly youthful pitching corps.

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140 – BOWLING GREEN. (31-23-1)

Three straight division titles for the Falcons in MAC play. SS Jon Berti (a .423 hitter with 29SBs) and the versatile RHP Patrick O’Brien (4-3, 6svs) are stratospheric stars.

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141 – DARTMOUTH. (27-19)

Big Green played as well as anyone at the end of ’10 and returns most everyone. RHP Cole Sulser was 8-0 last year and has Ivy League career saves leader Ryan Smith behind him.

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142 – CANISIUS. (39-21)

Coach Mike McRae will have a deep staff to work with, including ace Shane Davis, who has gone 30-6 in his first three years. But five .300+ hitters are gone.

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143 -  INDIANA STATE. (35-19)

The Sycamores had the MoValley’s best offense (.315) and 2nd-best pitch staff (4.61). Five of the top six hurlers return, featuring Tyler Browning and his 10 saves.

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144 – DUKE. (29-27)

Another promising start went south last season. A less-daunting ACC and the tremendous upside of dual-threat Marcus Stroman could help reverse that.

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145 – LeMOYNE. (28-27)

Scott Cassidy takes the reigns in the Dolphins last season of D1 competition. Team must hit better than last year’s .279 to reach the 30-win mark.

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146 – EASTERN MICHIGAN. (27-32)

Watch for the emergence of 3B Ben Magsig, who hit .331 but sat the final month of the season, and J.C. transfer Tucker Rubino, who could become the leadoff man.

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147 – WILLIAM & MARY. (27-24)

The Tribe open at Oklahoma and start CAA play vs. James Madison. Talk about jumping in full-bore. They’ll have eight field starters and the entire pitch staff ready to face them.

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148 – PACIFIC. (31-23)

Losing leaders like mainstays C Joe Oliveira and OF Nick Longmire will be tough to overcome but three of the top four pitchers come back for 2011.

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149 – MARSHALL. (27-31)

Yes, the Herd actually tied for 3rd place last season. Ain’t that a kick. Most of the team returns and will add RHP Aaron Blair, a 21st round draftee of Houston.

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150 – BALL STATE. (29-29)

The Cards lose head coach Greg Beals to the Buckeyes, as well as most of the mound starters from last season. Do-it-all Kolbrin Vitek (hit .361 and pitched 3.28) will be impossible to replace.

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151 – EVANSVILLE. (32-27)

The Aces will be blazing fast again after leading the MVC with 117 steals, headed up by SS Eric Stamets, a Frosh All American with 43 thefts.

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152 – BELMONT. (27-27)

Could be a special season for the Bruins, as it’s all hands on deck. Every pitcher of note is back, featuring Jon Ivie, who had 10 saves. But they must improve the .950 defense.

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153 – CAL POLY. (23-32)

The ‘Stangs went 13-5 in May and hope there is a carry-over effect. Friday ace Mason Radeke returns after missing most of last year.

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154 – RHODE ISLAND. (31-26)

Improvement is imminent with SS Mike LeBel and OF Tom Coulombe combining for 42 stolen bases last season and the top incoming class in the Northeast.

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155 – BUCKNELL. (25-35)

Last year marked the 5th trip to the NCAAs since ’95 for the Bison. Another could be in the offing with every pitcher of not back and 1B Doug Shribman’s 21HR power joining them.

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156 – ARMY. (28-17)

Three legit dual-threat studs pace the Patriot regular season champs in Kevin McKague (13svs/.331), Joey Henshaw (3-1/.361) and Ben Koenigsfeld (3-2,.359).

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157 – KENNESAW STATE. (23-32)

Catcher Ronnie Freeman looks like the next big star after gathering Frosh All American honors. RHP Travis Dean comes to campus after turning down the Yankees as a 14th round pick.

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158 – SOUTHERN ILLINOIS. (28-29)

Dealing with the death of head coach Dan Callahan, the Salukis will play inspired ball this year. But this will be a youthful team with little starting pitching returning.

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159 – SIENA. (27-27)

Two of the best weapons in the sport will be Dan Paolini (26HRs) and Kevin Quaranto (.413, 12HRs). But the pitching must improve as none of the returnees were below 6.00 ERA.

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160 – UC DAVIS. (26-29)

The Ags return almost the entire squad for 2011, including a stout defense that was .972 last year. From 13 wins in 2009 to 26 in 2010 to…?

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161 – BINGHAMTON. (31-20)

Loaded. The ‘Cats welcome back the AmEast Player of the Year (OF Corey Taylor), Pitcher of the Year (James Giulietti) and Rookie of the Year (3B Mike Thompson).

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162 – NORTH FLORIDA. (30-28)

Former LSU coach Smoke Laval takes the reigns for the legendary Dusty Rhodes and has 1B Andrew Karneris (.382-10-47) to pace the offense.

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163 – LONG BEACH STATE. (23-32)

Last place in the Big West? Wow. Pitching guru Troy Buckley takes the reigns with high draftee-to-be Andrew Gagnon as staff horse and most of the other flingers coming back.

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164 – GEORGIA STATE. (34-23-1)

Will the new bats sour these heavy hitters? Panthers are coming off a .355 season (3rd nationally) and returning the top five sluggers in the order.

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165 – MAINE. (34-22)

All four weekend starters on the mound return, led by Jeffrey Gibbs and A.J. Bazdanes, which should keep the Black Bears’ 30+ win streak reach three years.

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166 – UTAH VALLEY. (42-17)

UVU went from 18 wins in 2009 to 42 last year thanks to the nation’s best offense at .372. Most of that returns, as does 9-game winner Blake Krahenbuhl on the bump.

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167 – JACKSONVILLE. (27-29)

JU could surprise if they play as well as last May’s A-Sun tourney. Frosh All Americans in OF Dan Gulbransen and 1B Adam Brett Walker are building blocks.

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168 – UTAH. (23-28)

1B C.J. Cron (.431-20-81) and SS Michael Beltran (.338, 16SBs) are back to give pitchers the willies. But the Ute mound staff will need a complete overhaul.

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169 – SOUTHEAST MISSOURI STATE. (30-25)

Oozing experience, the Redhawks could make a big posh with eight starters and LHP studs in Jordan Underwood (6-5, 4.11) and Shae Simmons (3-3, 3.20, 5svs).

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170 – STONY BROOK. (30-27)

Righties Nick Tropeano and Tyler Johnson had .213 and .210 OBA respectively and give the Seawolves a chance in any game.

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171 – MARYLAND. (17-39)

The Terps lost four of their top five pitchers, then had ace Brett Harman succumb to Tommy John surgery. Luck must change soon.

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172 – LOUISIANA TECH. (27-30)

The Dogs will be offensive – literally. Sluggers Mark Threlkeld (14HRs), Alex Williams (11HRs) and Clint Ewing (11HRs) helped the Dogs set four school records in ’10.

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173 – APPALACHIAN STATE. (38-18-1)

Mountaineers hope to keep climbing, after winning 33, 32, 33 and 38 the last four years. Speedsters Hector Crespo (31SBs) and Tyler Zupcic (18SBs) will set the tone.

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174 – LOYOLA MARYMOUNT. (23-33)

Lions have potentially dangerous rotation with future pros like Alex Gillingham, Chris Eusebio, John Lally and Martin Viramontes (a 27th round pick by the Yankees) in tow.

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175 – MIDDLE TENNESSEE STATE. (35-23)

Not as high-pressure expectations this year, and good thing because there are a lot of holes to fill. Justin Guidry (.389 and 2-0, 4.27) is a two-way guy that will play many roles.

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176 – TENNESSEE TECH. (31-25)

OF Chad Oberacker (.452), spurned St. Louis after being picked in the 19th round, but most of the pitching needs replenishing. Also, Tech can’t go 0-5 vs. Jax State again.

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177 – UL-MONROE. (17-38)

Seniorits may mean a better finish than 177th. The entire weekend rotation is four-year guys, which should improve that ugly 7.90 team ERA.

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178 – PEPPERDINE. (24-30)

Aye! The Waves lose the entire rotation but gain 5th round draftee RHP Scott Frazier and veteran battery of Jordan Durrance and C Trent Diedrich, who both missed 2010.

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179 – EASTERN KENTUCKY. (28-27)

The entire pitching staff comes back for the Colonels, as does reliever Ryne Purcell (12svs). SS Richie Rodriguez (.357, 21SBs) is a great threat and defensive leader.

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180 – ALABAMA-BIRMINGHAM. (28-25)

Lots of losses from the pitching staff is a bad sign in C-USA battles. Offense hit just .281, but has mercurial OF Ryan Ussery and 2B Nick Crawford to rebuild around.

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181 – MONMOUTH. (22-27)

Pitching-heavy, the Hawks had the 2nd-best staff in the Northeast and return everyone, including veteran RHPs Steve Sanguilliano and Matt Frazier who both sat out last season.

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182 – SOUTH ALABAMA. (32-27)

Final go-round for longtime skipper Steve Kittrell. Unfortunately this will be a rebuilding season as coach-in-waiting Mark Calvi gets his feet wet in Mobile.

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183 – STETSON. (27-31)

Odd to see the Hatters way down here, huh? Six .300+ hitters return, all fast as a sigh too. Look for some stolen base records to fall.

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184 – BRYANT. (34-22)

Won the NEC by five games last year and new coach Steve Owens has one-two punch of Peter Kelich (9-1, 4.23) and Mark Andrews (12svs) to rebuild with.

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185 – GEORGETOWN. (24-31)

Last year was the most competitive Hoya squad in 15 years and most of the key players are back for 2011. Look for an escape from the Big East cellar.

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186 – GARDNER-WEBB. (25-30)

Coach Rusty Stroupe barely had anything returning before last year, but led the team to 25 wins and improvement across the board. Encore?

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187 – GONZAGA. (20-36)

The 2010 “rebuilding season” is done. Now, a steady infield backs ace pitchers Ryan Carpenter and Cody Martin (who turned down the Twins in the 20th round).

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188 – MISSOURI STATE. (21-34)

Shocking to see this team at the bottom of the MVC. Two-time all-conference 2B Kevin Medrano (.410) and CF Aaron Conway (24SBs) lead a resurgence.

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189 – MURRAY STATE. (28-28-1)

Coach Rob McDonald nearly got the Racers their second winning season of the 2000s. Lots of injuries and different combinations will make for a better team in ’11.

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190 – ILLINOIS-CHICAGO. (24-30)

It could be time for coach Mike Dee and the Flames to reclaim their spot on top of the Horizon as 554 of the 665 innings thrown last year return to the mound.

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191 – TOWSON. (19-36)

Four All-CAA performers return, including double-play combo of SS Nick Natoli and 2B Chris Wychock, but last year’s team ERA of 8.14 was an abomination.

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192 – UNLV. (29-29)

New head coach Tim Chambers (from Southern Nevada) is a great hire and will build this program back. Only three pitchers of note return, so expect some bumps this year.

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193 – CENTRAL CONNECTICUT STATE. (33-23)

The .334 offense (4th nationally) returns highly-underrated 1B Pat Epps (.418-18HRs), and though the pitch staff is intact, they can’t let opponents to hit .324 off them again.

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194 – NORTHWESTERN. (24-32)

Lots of improvement from 2009 to last year. Expected ace Francis Brooke issued just seven walks in 89 inns. and 1B/RHP Paul Snieder hit .353 and had 12 saves.

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195 – TEXAS A&M-CORPUS CHRISTI. (20-33-1)

Lots of returnees buoy high hopes. Hoelscher brothers Adam (2-3, 4.47), and incoming TCU transfer and 27th round draftee, Sean, will have big impacts.

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196 – GEORGE MASON. (28-22)

Patriots look to make amends to the 1-10 finish to last season. Dual talent Anthony Montefusco (3-1, 1.17/.317) is valuable since no weekend starters return.

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197 – ARKANSAS-LITTLE ROCK. (29-25)

The Trojans return an all-senior infield including power bats/gloves of Jason Houston (14HRs) and Jake Rowell (.308-8-48) will help overcome lack of returning pitching.

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198 – SETON HALL. (19-30)

The Hall ran out of gas, going 6-15 from Tax Day onward and the Pirates also hit a bony-armed .262 as a team. The schedule is wicked-tough too. Gah!

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199 – NORTHERN COLORADO. (34-24)

RHP Joe Sawicki (9-2, 3.06) is a dominant, high-draftee type and leads the best arms staff in the Great West. C Hunter Nolen hit .361 in ’09 but sat last year with injury.

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200 – McNEESE STATE. (31-27)

There are some big losses, but football DB/baseball SS Jace Peterson (.353, 34SBs) and RHP Jaden Dillon (8-0) are lead-by-example types to keep the Pokes bucking.

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201 – WAGNER. (26-31)

A 30-win season isn’t out of the question. Seth Boyd, Joe Conforti and Kevin McDonnell all hit over .310 and stole 12+ bases in their last time around.

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202 – CORNELL. (18-20)

Don’t look for a repeat of last year’s 2-8 start in Ivy play as the Big Red will sport a junior-senior heavy lineup that should contend for a division title.

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203 – NAVY. (30-21)

The Mids won the most games overall but finished in last place in League play. What?… Anyway, three of four weekend starters return from a 4.38ERA staff.

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204 – UT-ARLINGTON. (29-31)

Aw crap! The Mavs have some curious times ahead after saying goodbye to All American Michael Choice and all three weekend starters, though eight fielders are back.

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205 – NORTHERN ILLINOIS. (24-31)

Not a single hitter that went over .300 comes back to the batting order. But the double play combo of SS Alex Jones and 2B Alex Beckmann returns as a potent pair of gloves.

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206 – SANTA CLARA. (23-31)

The Broncos lose All-Everything C Tommy Medica and all their quality starters are missing. But 1B Curtis Wagner, a .404 hitter, leads the WCC’s best offense (.325).

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207 – HOLY CROSS. (26-26)

Three years of good Patriot League campaigns make coach Greg DiCenzo hot property. Now nearly his entire team returns and he should have the best team in his tenure.

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208 – WOFFORD. (17-38)

After hitting .301, the Terriers offense, which returns eight starters in the order, should be off the charts. For good measure, the top eight pitchers also come back.

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209 – NICHOLLS STATE. (27-29)

Assistant coach Seth Thibodeaux takes over in Thibodeaux and has a pair of swift sweeps in OFs Bear Comer (.372, 17SBs) and Scott Moseley (.346, 16SBs). Pitching is a problem though.

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210 – SOUTHERN. (25-22)

Roger Cador always has a top-flight SWAC squad. And he’s got RHP Brian Foster (4-1, 2.91) and LHP Jesse Holiday (5-0, 4.17) from the 2nd best arms corps in the conference.

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211 – EASTERN ILLINOIS (18-35)

Six of the top eight pitchers return to the Ohio Valley’s best pitching staff (5.60 team ERA), featuring RHP Mike Hoekstra, who had a 39-to-5 K-to-BB ratio.

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212 – LaSALLE. (22-32)

Coach Mike Lake led the Explorers’ to just their 2nd-ever A-10 tourney spot last season. He’s got six field starters and an all-soph rotation this year. Future success.

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213 – CAMPBELL. (28-27)

Back-to-back winning seasons have the Camels on the uptick. OF Cameron Nelson (.396) and 2B Ellis Lowe (.382) buoy hopes for 30+ wins.

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214 – NEW ORLEANS. (13-39)

The Privateers go the independent route this year, but will go to LSU, Wichita State, Tennessee, San Diego, Southern Miss and Kansas State. Ouch.

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215 – LIPSCOMB. (19-36)

Didn’t get to play in the A-Sun Tourney they hosted last May. Vanderbilt transfer RHP Connor Sinclair should dramatically help the team ERA of 7.54.

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216 – AUSTIN PEAY. (28-25)

A senior-heavy exodus left the squad, but three of the four infielders come back, led by SS Jon Clinard, a .333 hitter with 30SBs. He leads four .326+ hitters who return for 2011.

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217 – WISCONSIN-MILWAUKEE. (33-26)

The Horizon’s winningest team look to defend their title with ace Chad Pierce and two-headed monster closers Cameron Amsrud and Greg Blohowiak.

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218 – UNC-GREENSBORO. (20-33)

A major overhaul is necessary for the Spartans has the offense hit a wispy .258 and returns just four hitters. The pitching staff was 2nd-to-last in the SoCon at 6.63.

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219 – HOUSTON BAPTIST. (28-31)

From 11 wins in ’09 to 28 in ’10, niiiiice. Everyone is back, including all three weekend starters. But the Huskies went a combined 0-9 vs. No. Colorado and Utah Valley.

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220 – BRADLEY. (20-32)

The pitching staff did its part last year (respectable 5.67ERA), but the offense wallowed. OF Brian Martin (.364, 24SBs) needs others to step up.

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221 – NORTHEASTERN. (13-31)

The pitching-heavy Huskies dropped in RPI from No. 117 in 2009 down to 246 last season. But have two real studs in LHP Andrew Leenhouts and RHP Les Williams.

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222 – HARVARD. (17-26)

The Crimson return the top eight pitchers from last year (the best four of which are southpaws) and have a good chance to get their first winning season since 2005.

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223 – MOREHEAD STATE. (24-25-1)

Lots of hope for continued progression as the Eagles will have five .300+ hitters and five of the top seven pitchers back. Also, the defense was 2nd in the OVC. Capital!

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224 – HOFSTRA. (20-28)

Not sure what will be tougher, replacing team leader Matt Prokopowicz, who hit .431 last season, or improving that 8.96 team ERA.

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225 – CENTRAL ARKANSAS. (19-35)

Allen Gum takes over after a highly successful run at Southern Arkansas. He’ll have six starters returning from a defense that was 2nd in the conference at .966.

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226 – FURMAN. (19-37)

From 33 wins in ’08 to 24 in ’09 and just 19 last year, the Paladins are running in syrup. Though eight field starters come back, they had a .957 fielding percentage last year.

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227 – LONGWOOD. (28-20)

The Lancers have their work cut out as four of the top five hitters have flown the coop, all hitting .345 or higher, and they’ll also miss ace Lance Harting who was 10-0.

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228 – DELAWARE. (27-24)

Six returning starters hit .303 or better and frosh All American 2B D.J. Long and SS Dave Anderson will keep the .964 defense stout.

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229 – OHIO. (20-35)

Coach Joe Carbone has been on the job for 24 years, so losing a talent like Guantlett Eldemire at the top of the order won’t phase him. Only 27 starts on the mound return as well.

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230 – AIR FORCE. (13-42)

Oddly, nine of the Falcons’ 13 wins came against teams with winning records, so there is potential there. Nearly every pitcher returns, most of them were frosh last year.

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231 – LAFAYETTE. (15-30)

LHP Jack Rems (2-2, 2.83) and RHP Jeff Snell (3-1, 4.19) must get more support form a staff that had a PL-worst 8.20 ERA. Offensively, 1B Matt Fenster hit .410.

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232 – UT-MARTIN. (24-31)

The Skyhawks won more games in 2010 than they have since the 1992 season. 3B Trey Karlen (.356-14-45, 30SBs) leads a potent order that should keep UTM in every game.

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233 – JACKSON STATE. (36-21)

The Tigers have become the top program in the SWAC, winning 30+ games for four straight years. They return the top hitting (.315) and top pitching (5.49) units in the loop.

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234 – SACRED HEART. (31-27)

The Pioneers are in rebuilding mode after last year’s 2nd place finish in the NEC. But a stocked infield and 1B Rob Griffin (.401) and OF Steve Tedesco (.325, 17SBs) will ease things.

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235 – DAVIDSON. (19-32)

A big jump could be made with all nine returning to the order and seven of the top eight pitchers coming back. Experience and confidence are two things the Cats have missed.

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236 – SACRAMENTO STATE.

The Reggie Christiansen era begins and works with 1B Trevor Paine (.382-10-44) and reliever Andrew Galvan (6svs), plus RHP Zach Morgan, a 35th round pick of Arizona.

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237 – WRIGHT STATE. (31-25)

The Raiders have strung together five straight 30+ win seasons and have the Horizon’s best offense (.338 in ’10) and best Friday ace in Casey Henn (7-0).

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238 – FORDHAM. (21-35)

Lots of promise here as the top eight pitchers come back, including the starter-closer combo of Max Krakowiak (7-4) and Jordan Grangard (1.74, 3svs).

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239 – LEHIGH. (23-37)

The Hawks must expand on 2010′s 12-8 Patriot mark with all nine fielders returning, and all being seniors. Wow. But the pitching will rely on a lot of newbies.

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240 – SOUTH CAROLINA-UPSTATE. (19-37)

Two straight last place finishes in A-Sun play may change with the addition of LHP David Rosenbloom, who was a Red Sox draftee last summer.

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241 – YALE. (21-22)

Like a lot of Ivy teams, this will be hugely experienced team as five of the eight field starters back are seniors and all of them hit .299 or better.

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242 – AKRON. (21-34)

The Zips had just three MAC wins last year, but gets the entire weekend rotation back, including RHP Andrew Brown and Alex Loftin, both had ERAs below 5.00.

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243 – UNC-ASHEVILLE. (17-35)

In coach Tom Smith’s 1st season, the ERA went from 8.27 to 6.82 last year and the defense went .948 to .963. He’ll have eight starters and all three weekend pitchers back for 2011.

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244 – OAKLAND (23-34)

Look for marked improvement as the Grizzlies return everyone. But the arms corps has to make big strides, as Mark Leightman (3-5, 4.31) was the only flinger with an ERA below 7.94.

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245 – FAIRFIELD. (18-32)

An experienced 2010 team went 2-13 down the stretch, so confidence could be a real problem for the Stags. They’ll also face all the MAAC contenders on the road.

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246 – ST. JOSEPH’S. (18-29)

Four of the top five pitchers from last year have moved on and none of the returnees held their opposing batters to less than a .300 average. Oh my.

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247 – BUFFALO. (23-29)

Oh boy… not a lot of experience returns to the mound or the field for the Bulls. But 3B Alex Baldock (.311) and C Tom Murphy (.313) will be solid building blocks.

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248 – BROWN. (13-31)

Don’t groove one to these guys. That’s a warning. BU will have the best power in the Ancient 8 with Ryan Zrenda (11HRs), Mike DiBiase (8HRs) and Pete Greskoff, who led the loop with 18 dingers.

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249 – RICHMOND. (24-28)

OF/RHP Billy Barber is a great two-way player, who hit .374 and had a 2.48ERA. He’ll throw to hulking C Chris Cowell, who blasted 17HRs and is a roadblock on plays at the plate.

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250 – TEXAS SOUTHERN. (30-26)

The Tigers unseated Southern at the top of the SWAC West last season and return eight starters and all four starting pitchers. But be sure to red flag the defense, which fielded at a putrid .931 percentage.

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251 – CHARLESTON SOUTHERN. (17-38)

The Bucs will do some damage with the top six bats back, including All American Nick Chinners (.385), Brantley Meier (.378) and Derek Smith (.324-8-30).

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252 – PENN. (21-20)

3B Dan Williams hit .403 and SS Derek Vigoa went .361, leading the Quaker attack and hoping to improve the .954 defense. OF Jeremy Maas (.350) will join the hit parade.

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253 – GEORGE WASHINGTON. (26-28)

The Colonials have won 25, 23, 26, 22 and 26 games the last five seasons and will really miss SS Tom Zebroski’s .429 average and staff ace Eric Cantrell.

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254 – SIU-EDWARDSVILLE. (14-38)

This tailspin must stop! SIU-E sunk to just 14 wins and had a 7.93 ERA and terrible .948 defense. Seven fielders return to bolster hope for a better offense.

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255 – MOUNT ST. MARY’S.(20-31)

The best chance for a post-season run? A junior-senior heavy squad has eight field starters back, but staff ace Kent Worthington and saves leader Mike Matta are gone.

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256 – PRESBYTERIAN. (15-39)

The Blue Hose aren’t overly talented, but they don’t beat themselves, issuing just 184 walks last season. RHP Andrew Foushee (2-4, 4.83) leads the mound corps.

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257 – WESTERN MICHIGAN. (12-42)

Robert J. Bobb Stadium gets a facelift. Too bad the Broncos can’t get one as well, with the team ERA of 7.62 and .270 batting last year shows us.

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258 – LONG ISLAND. (14-42)

Despite just 14 wins, the arms corps tossed the most Ks in the NEC and returns three weekend starters, led by RHP Justin Topa (6-6, 4.67).

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259 – SEATTLE. (11-39)

Redhawks are acclimating to D1, but return seven of top eight hitters (five are sophs) and have all three in weekend rotation back, including  6’10″ ace Max Whieldon.

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260 – ST BONAVENTURE. (17-31)

2B/RHP Billy Urban (.337/4svs) may be one of the better dual purpose players in the country. Watch for Nick Brennen and Bard Steinbeck, who combined for 30 stolen bases last year.

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261 – IPFW. (17-38)

Every pitcher of note returns for the Mastdons, as do three big time bats which will bolster hopes in Brett Clark (.340), A.J. Christensen (.325-9-41) and Daren Boss (.315).

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262 – ALCORN STATE. (27-26)

Braves came within a game of the NCAAs and have three All-SWACers back in OF Kirby Perdomo (.355-10-54), 3B Rodney Warren (.393) and RHP Steve Easter (6-4).

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263 – TEMPLE. (14-37)

Unlike their winning football brethren, the Owlsplayed some bad ball with the worst defense in the A-10 at .941 and a .337 opposing batting average.

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264 – NORTH DAKOTA STATE. (22-30)

RHP/1B Zach Wentz was 5-2, 4.21 and hit .389 and was one of the best talents in the Summit Conference. Three weekend starters come back on the mound.

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265 – NORTH DAKOTA. (19-35)

Much more competitive in their second year in Division I, the Fighting Sioux return all 54 starts on the mound and have 1B Jake Magner (21HRs) to intimidate at the dish.

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266 – MASSACHUSETTS. (19-27)

Well at least there isn’t any more talk of dropping the program. Otherwise, there’s a lot of work to do here as zero starting pitching returns to the roster.

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267 – QUINNIPIAC. (14-39)

Six of the top seven hurlers come back, including staff ace Kyle Birdsall (4-5, 4.83), in what will be a deep unit. Offense returns four .300+ hitters but hit just .281 collectively.

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268 – ST. PETER’S. (18-34)

I don’t have to beat the Peacock drum as they’ve experienced decent success the last few years. In 2011, they’ll feature SS Justyn Carter (.359, 33SBs) as a MAAC MVP candidate.

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269 – CENTENARY. (28-26)

The Gentlemen will be in their final year of D1 play this year and have very little experience returning. They’ll also play just 44 games, 32 of which will be on the road.

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270 – NEW YORK TECH. (26-29-2)

The pitching was a senior-dominated unit last year, so look for some shaky moments on the bump. But 3B Effrey Valdez, and his .438 average, is back to ruffle feathers.

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271 – ALBANY. (13-40)

A mostly crud season ignited when the Danes nearly made the NCAAs in the AmEast tourney title round. The top nine pitchers all return, including all four starters.

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272 – BUTLER. (21-29)

Two straight years of last place in the Horizon were replaced by last year’s 11-win campaign. But still no overall winning seasons since 2003.

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273 – VALPARAISO. (24-32)

The Crusaders have all nine starters back including numerous potent bats, led by 1B Ryan O’Gara’s .388 and OF Kyle Gaedele’s .365.

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274 – NORFOLK STATE. (21-29-1)

Two straight .500 finishes in MEAC play could lead to more with eight field starters coming back and stout reliever Ryan Shook, who was 4-3/2.89 with six saves.

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275 – PRINCETON. (12-30)

The Tigers will go into the Tigers den, opening at LSU. Yikes. But they’ve added two MLB draftees in LHP Michael Fagan (Padres, 45th round) and C Bobby Geren (A’s, 36th round).

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276 – SOUTHERN UTAH. (18-36)

Only two returning pitchers tossed more than 20 innings as the T-birds will have to dig deep to find quality arms. They’ll throw to C Taylor Shaw, a reliable backstop.

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277 – NIAGARA. (17-36)

At 13-11, the Purple Eagles have posted two straight winning seasons in MAAC play, but they’ve got zero returning pitchers and lots of holes for 2011. Could be tough.

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278 – HARTFORD. (11-37)

A dreadful .940 defense and 9.47 staff ERA hindered any improvement. But watch for C Andy Drexel (12HRs), one of the better raw power guys in the AmEast.

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279 – FAIRLEIGH-DICKINSON. (16-38)

The 16 wins is the most in the 2000s for the Knights. New coach Gary Puccio could have the team primed for more with six .297+ hitters back in the order.

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280 – PAN AMERICAN. (22-33)

Nine of 10 pitchers return to a unit that was 2nd in the Great West at 6.02 and led the loop with 371Ks. Now if the Broncos could do something about that .947 defense.

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281 – WESTERN ILLINOIS. (14-39)

It was a tough first year for coach Mike Villano, and he will welcome 23 new players into the program this season. OF Rich Mascheri hit .385 and had a .497 on-base%.

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282 – GRAMBLING STATE. (22-32)

A great, spirited run in the post season led to the Tigers first SWAC title since 1985. The pitching staff must still improve a lot, with its 2nd-to-last-in-the-SWAC 8.73 ERA.

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283 – CLEVELAND STATE. (13-43)

The Vikings still haven’t had a winning campaign in their 10 years of Horizon play, including last seasons last place finish.

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284 – NORTH CAROLINA A&T. (31-26)

The Aggies remain the only team remotely close to BCU’s level in MEAC play, going to two straight tournament title rounds. But still they come up just short.

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285 – IONA. (9-40)

After going through three straight 40+ loss seasons, the Gaels will be junior-heavy in 2011 which should reflect in the win column.

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286 – DELAWARE STATE. (13-36)

The Hornets will grow up a lot more this season with all nine of the field starters returning as well as the weekend rotation, which was all freshmen last year.

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287 – YOUNGSTOWN STATE. (22-34)

Only two field starters return, though OF Joe Iacobucci (.369) and 1B Jeremy Banks (.313) have good bats. But a full 35 of the 56 starts on the mound return.

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288 – ALABAMA A&M. (17-32)

The best possible news of the off-season was that Ed McCann, who had spent 12 successful seasons at Centenary comes in as head coach. Shows the administration cares.

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289 – ARKANSAS-PINE BLUFF. (19-34)

Carlos James takes over the coaching duties, coming over from Ark-Monticello and is a good hire. C B.J. McDonley is a star backstop, hitting .368-7-59.

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290 – SAVANNAH STATE. (24-26)

Though SSU won 24 games last year, eight of those were vs. non-D1 teams. OF Dexter Kelley won the Florida Collegiate League home run derby last summer.

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291 – FLORIDA A&M. (10-31-1)

Rattlers went from 2nd place in the MEAC in 2009 to last place in 2010. Interim head coach Brett Richardson is left to deal with their 8.69 team ERA and .350OBA.

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292 – MARYLAND-BALTIMORE COUNTY. (9-39)

Not sure if this is good or bad, but all nine field starters from last year’s 9-win outfit return. But 1B Max Himmelstein, who had just five errors, is a solid glove and good bat.

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293 – COPPIN STATE. (14-33)

The Eagles were one of the great success stories of 2010, going from an 0-29 mark the year before to 14 wins. All eight field starters return and every pitcher of note comes back as well.

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294 – NEW JERSEY TECH. (13-44)

New coach Mike Cole inherits an unenviable position, but has some talent to work with, including three .300+ hitters and most of the pitching staff returns.

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295 – PRAIRIE VIEW A&M. (12-35)

Coach Waskyla Cullivan has brought in seven J.C. pitchers for 2011. Behind them, all nine fielders come back and should improve.

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296 – MISSISSIPPI VALLEY STATE. (23-30)

All three ALL-SWAC performers from 2010 were underclassmen in SS Jerry Hildreth (.376), OF Donquarious Farmer (.274) and RHP Cody Parker (1-1, 4.19, .205OBA).

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297 – MARYLAND-EASTERN SHORE. (8-43)

Some capable offense returns, including Shaquille Bagwell (.314) and Tre-Von Johnson (.302), a pair of swift OFs who were part of 77 stolen bases for the Hawks.

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298 – ALABAMA STATE. (13-28)

Though the Hornets haven’t had a winning season since 2000, but did make great strides with 13 wins last year. But the weakest offense in the SWAC (.251) is the biggest problem.

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299- CHICAGO STATE. (4-52)

OFs Albert Carpen (.367, 12SBs) and William Hill (.339) are capable hitters and cover a lot of ground in the meadow. But there’s major overhauling to be done elsewhere.

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300 – NORTH CAROLINA CENTRAL.

Ya’ know, just for the hell of it, I’d love to see a loser-leaves-town cage match between the Eagles and the Cougars of Chicago State. Replete with pre-match interviews and hot female managers.

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*Up Next: Don’t worry guys and girls, this ain’t all there is for my pre-season preview. I’ll slap you with the team-by-team and conference-by-conference previews in a matter of days. I’m sure you’ll dig it the most. So stay tuned.

Special thanks for this 300 list goes to Rick Lawes, the former college baseball writer for Baseball Weekly. I originally saw him do a 1-to-300 ranking of every D1 team like this back before the 1994 season in that publication. If you know where he is now, give him a tip of the bottle for me.

And finally, if you are still reading at this point, give yourself a giant cookie from the desert tray. I’m very proud of you all.