More Michigan Baseball Previews

With 25 days until the 2016 season opener, more Michigan baseball previews were posted today to go along with the nice one recently posted here by Out of Left Field. First, the baseball program itself put out a preview.

So far this preseason, the Wolverines have earned recognition in multiple preseason polls, and numerous baseball organizations across the nation have predicted Michigan to finish atop the competitive Big Ten Conference. Individually, junior utility/pitcher Carmen Benedetti has also earned multiple preseason honors, including two Pre-Season All-America selections and a selection to Baseball America's Top 100 Draft Picks list.

Baseball America, which has the Wolverines ranked #15 in their preseason top 25, posted a Michigan preview today that includes a projected lineup. In addition to freshman outfielder Jonathan Engelmann, other newcomers to look out for include juco transfer shortshop Michael Brdar and fifth-year grad transfer Matt Ramsay, penciled in as the DH but also likely to see time in the outfield.

Benedetti will draw much of the attention from opposing pitchers, but the Wolverines’ offense will not be a one-man show. Jake Bivens was named Big Ten freshman of the year last season after hitting .319/.435/.352 and manning shortstop. He will move to second base this spring to accommodate junior-college transfer Michael Brdar, who stands out most for his defense. Catcher Harrison Wenson and outfielder Johnny Slater were both drafted coming out of high school and will now be counted on to take on larger roles as juniors.

Michigan also welcomes freshman Jonathan Engelmann, the highest ranked player on the BA 500 to make it to a Big Ten school this year, and senior Matt Ramsay, a graduate transfer from Wofford. Engelmann is an athletic, toolsy outfielder with plus raw power who fits the right field profile. Ramsay hit .359/.459/.483 and led the Southern Conference in on-base percentage and hits (84).

On a recent appearance on WTKA (podcast), Erik Bakich referred to Ramsay as the baseball team's version of Jake Rudock.

Michigan kicks off the season in Port St. Lucie, Florida, with a four-game series against Canisius, with the opener on Friday, February 19, 2pm ET. Full schedule.