2016 College Conference Preview: MEAC

BA breaks down the MEAC, including our projections for player of the year, pitcher of the year and top prospects.

Members: Bethune-Cookman, Coppin State, Delaware State, Florida A&M, Maryland-Eastern Shore, Norfolk State, North Carolina A&T, North Carolina Central, Savannah State.

Team to beat: Florida A&M. Coach Jamey Shouppe, the former Florida State assistant, has tapped into Florida’s junior colleges for instant contributors who have made the Rattlers competitive and should keep them there. This year’s top imports include Chipola (Fla.) JC transfers junior catcher Jacky Miles (.244/.347/.280 in 2015) and lefthander Jo Jo Durden, who tossed 40 innings for Chipola the last two seasons.

Player of the year: Demetrius Sims, ss, Bethune-Cookman: The Michigan native, hampered as a freshman by a hamstring injury, needs reps but has undeniable physical talent, with the range and arm for shortstop. He hit .283/.354/.337 and led the team with 35 runs scored as a redshirt freshman last year.

Pitcher of the year: Matt Outman, lhp, Norfolk State. The redshirt senior has experience, size and a good feel for changing speeds with a three-pitch mix. He went 8-2, 3.12 and struck out 85 batters in 75 innings last season to win conference pitcher of the year honors.

Freshman of the year: Chase Anderson, 2b/rhp, Norfolk State: Undersized at a listed 5-foot-9, 180 pounds, Anderson was a strong prep performer in Virginia as both a contact-oriented hitter and competitive pitcher.

Notable storylines: Bethune-Cookman had missed regional play just three times since 1999, but they had their worst season since 1993 last year, going just 19-40. The Wildcats were competitive in the league and figure to be so again with more depth and experience in 2016. A veteran infield returns, led by 6-foot-2, 180-pound redshirt-sophomore shortstop Demetrius Sims, the league’s top prospect. Sims gained experience in the Northwoods League last summer, hitting .238. The Wildcats look for a bigger year from senior righthander Alex Seibold (5-5, 5.05), whose career began at Florida International … Norfolk State won the MEAC regular season last season before its pitching staff, which led the MEAC with a 4.23 team ERA, gave out in the conference tournament—the Spartans yielded 31 runs in three games while going 1-2. Steady senior lefty Matt Outman returns after back-to-back 8-2 seasons and after leading the league with 85 strikeouts in 75 innings, joined by junior lefty Devin Hemmerich (4-4, 3.41 with 75 strikeouts in 71 innings), who threw five complete games last spring, including Norfolk State’s first no-hitter since 1996. The Spartans also may focus third baseman/righthander Robbie Hiser more on the mound, as he’s bumped the low 90s with his fastball. He recorded two saves in five appearances, while hitting .291/.397/.386 in 38 games.

Tournament dates: Six teams, double elimination, May 19-22, Perdue Stadium, Salisbury, Md.

TOP 10 PROSPECTS FOR 2016 DRAFT

1. Demetrius Sims, ss, Bethune-Cookman

2. Devin Hemmerich, lhp, Norfolk State

3. Robbie Hiser, rhp, Norfolk State

4. Alex Seibold, rhp, Bethune-Cookman

5. Jacky Miles, c, Florida A&M

6. Nathan Bond, of, Bethune-Cookman

7. Matt Outman, lhp, Norfolk State

8. Charles Sikes, 1b/of, Savannah State

9. Denathan Dukes, of, Norfolk State

10. Michael Cruz, c, Bethune-Cookman