2017 College Preseason Top 25 Capsules: No. 22 Arizona

22. Arizona

2016 Record (Ranking): 49-24 (2). RPI: 12.
Coach (Record at school): Jay Johnson (49-24, 1 year)
Postseason History: 38 regionals (active streak: 1), 17 CWS trips (active streak: 1), 4 national titles (last in 2012).

Jay Johnson has a keen understanding of how to motivate his team and keep his players loose, as he showed last season during Arizona’s improbable run through the NCAA Tournament to the College World Series finals. While other teams tightened up in the postseason, the Wildcats let it all hang out, shooting a music video in Omaha for ESPN on an off day and celebrating every victory with a team photo.

Arizona fell one victory shy of winning the national championship in Johnson’s first year as head coach, losing the finals in three games to Coastal Carolina. While coming so close to the ultimate goal might seem like good motivation for 2017, Johnson isn’t drawing on it.

“We don’t talk about results or the College World Series at all here,” Johnson said. “Everyone knows everybody in this program wants to be there worse than they want to breathe. They’ve done an A+ job setting their own course for what it’s going to take for them to be successful.”

This year’s Wildcats are going to need their own roadmap for success after seeing several of last year’s key players move on to pro ball. Outfielder Zach Gibbons and second baseman Cody Ramer, who ranked first and second in the nation in hits, two-way star Bobby Dalbec and ace Nathan Bannister all have to be replaced.

In recognition of the departures and the need to get deeper quickly, Arizona dipped heavily into the junior college ranks for its 10th-ranked recruiting class. Outfielder Cal Stevenson and catcher/DH Cody Voss, the 2015 co-Mountain West Conference freshmen of the year, lead the junior college transfers offensively, while righthanders Landon Faulkner and Tyler Megill could immediately step into the rotation behind J.C. Cloney, a junior college transfer a year ago.

A few talented freshmen also figure to see significant action this spring. Third baseman Nick Quintana, an 11th round pick last June, has the tools to provide an immediate impact. Infielder Cameron Cannon and outfielder Matt Frazier also look ready to contribute.

Arizona’s team chemistry was part of the reason for its success last season, and with so many newcomers, this year’s group will need to quickly develop its own.

“We’re creating an organization of competitors focused on a common goal,” Johnson said. “I wouldn’t say we’re concerned (about creating team chemistry), but aware is fair and we’re doing things to help push us in the right direction with regards to that.”

Johnson knows the task of replacing the on-field production lost to the draft can’t be placed solely on one or two players. Instead, he is looking for returning players to take steps forward, much as Gibbons and Ramer did a year ago. Neither had been a star in 2015, but they became the engine of Arizona’s offense as seniors.

“Your players that have extensive playing time the previous year, the next year totally rests on their improvement,” Johnson said “My goal is they’ll use the experience they got last year and development in fall ball to help move us forward. That’s critical regardless of whether it’s pitching of the offensive side of it.”

Arizona will have more depth this year both on the mound and in the lineup. Offensively, many of the Wildcats have the versatility to play multiple positions, giving Johnson options as he fills out the lineup. Their flexibility also extends to the pitching staff, where a few pitchers will likely end up in swing roles similar to Dalbec and lefthander Cameron Ming last season.

As he prepares for his second season at Arizona, Johnson is pleased with the program’s development.

“I think we’re deeper (this year),” Johnson said. “I don’t compare teams, but I think there’s more length to the staff and some more position player options. I’m excited to work to figure out the right combinations to help us be successful.”

2017 LINEUP
Pos.	Name, Yr.	AVG	OBP	SLG	HR	RBI	SB
C	Cesar Salazar, So.	.276	.329	.342	0	28	1
1B	Alfonso Rivas, So.	.247	.329	.332	1	26	1
2B	Cameron Cannon, Fr.	HS—Glendale, Ariz.
3B	Nick Quintana, Fr.	HS—Las Vegas
SS	Louis Boyd, Sr.	.240	.378	.306	0	23	11
LF	Cal Stevenson, Jr.	Tr.—Chabot (Calif.) JC
CF	Jared Oliva, Jr.	.240	.293	.378	4	36	13
RF	Matt Frazier, Fr.	HS—Fresno
DH	J.J. Matijevic, Jr.	.287	.331	.411	4	37	2
Pos.	Name, Yr.	W	L	ERA	IP	SO	SV
LHP	J.C. Cloney, Sr.	8	4	2.45	110	61	0
RHP	Tylor Megill, Jr.	Tr.—Cypress (Calif.) JC
RHP	Landon Faulkner, Jr.	Tr.—Chipola (Fla.) JC
RP	Cameron Ming, Jr.	3	3	3.59	80	59	4