2016 College Conference Preview: Big East
BA breaks down the Big East Conference, including our projections for player of the year, pitcher of the year and top prospects.
| Members: Butler, Creighton, Georgetown, St. John’s, Seton Hall, Villanova, Xavier | ||||||||||||||
| Tournament: Four teams, modified double-elimination. May 26-29 at Ripken Stadium, Aberdeen, Md. | ||||||||||||||
| Team to Beat: Creighton: With 23 juniors and seniors on the roster, many of whom are expected to take on key roles this spring, the Bluejays have an experienced, veteran team. After finishing as runner-up in the Big East Tournament in each of the last two years, Creighton is looking to win the conference for the first time since joining in 2014 and to make its first appearance in the NCAA Tournament since 2012. With its top seven hitters from a year ago, its whole weekend rotation and closer David Gerber all returning, Creighton is well positioned entering 2016. | ||||||||||||||
| Player of the Year: Alex Caruso, of, St. John’s: Last year’s Big East batting champion returns for his senior season for the Red Storm. He hit .382/.480/.426 last year as he helped St. John’s win the conference title. The center fielder doesn’t hit for much power but does a good job of controlling the strike zone and getting on base at the top of the lineup. | ||||||||||||||
| Pitcher of the Year: Rollie Lacy, rhp, Creighton: After Lacy redshirted in 2014, coach Ed Servais wasn’t sure how much he would help Creighton in 2015. Lacy wound up as the Bluejays breakout star, going 6-1, 2.66, leading the team in innings (74) and earning unanimous all-Big East honors. Expectations will be higher for the Minnesota native this season. | ||||||||||||||
| Freshman of the Year: Billy Layne, rhp, Seton Hall: Drafted in the 37th round by the Rangers last June, Layne chose instead to continue on to Seton Hall. Listed at 6-foot-4, 170 pound, and armed with a fastball that already gets up to 90 mph and a sharp slider, Layne offers projection for pro scouts to dream on. But he should also be able to provide immediate for the Pirates, likely coming out of the bullpen to begin his college career. | ||||||||||||||
| Notable Storylines: St. John’s closer Thomas Hackimer opted to return to school after being drafted by the Mets in the 15th round last June. The sidearming righthander went 4-1, 1.92 with a school record 15 saves last season. He also owns the Red Storm record for career saves (28) and career appearances (96) … Though Georgetown went 25-28 last season, it was a historic year for the program. The Hoyas made the Big East Tournament last season for the first time since 1986, and catcher Nick Collins became the first player in program history to be named Big East player of the year. Georgetown will have to replace Collins, who was drafted in the eighth round by the Athletics, but returns much of its pitching staff, including senior righthander Matt Smith, its Friday night starter and an all-Big East honoree … Xavier made a surprise run in the 2014 Big East Tournament to win the conference title in its first year in the league, but took a step back in 2015 and finished 15-38. As the Musketeers attempt to rebound this spring they will look to senior catcher Daniel Rizzie, who is back after missing most of last season due to a broken hand. Rizzie was an all-Big East honoree as a sophomore, when he hit .307/.395/.459 with five home runs and earned spots on both the all-Big East Tournament team and the all-Nashville Regional team. | ||||||||||||||
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