The 2009 College Baseball Preseason All-Freshman Teams

The 2009 college preview continues today with our Preseason Freshman All-America Teams:

First Team

Catcher – Jordan Swaggerty, Arizona State

Will initially share catching duties with JuCo transfer Carlos Ramiriez and should also see time in Coach Murphy's bullpen.

First Base – Danny Hultzen, Virginia

He easily could have made this list as a pitcher, but he swung the Cavaliers' most potent bat in the fall.

Second Base – Tony Rendon, Rice

His athletic ability will enable him to play all over the diamond for Coach Graham.  He looked great in fall ball.

Shortstop – Andy Burns, Kentucky

Highest-ranked high chool prospect in Colorado,  Andy held his own as a 17-year-old in the Northwoods League last summer.

Third Base – Zack Cox, Arkansas

Has prodigious raw power from the left side and a cannon arm at the hot corner.  Will be draft-eligible as a sophomore.

Outfield – Brian Humphries, Pepperdine

If he develops more power, he has more upside than any other position player on this list.  Should lead off in '09. 

Outfield – Zach Cone, Georgia

Breathtaking five-tool potential, yet still very raw.  Might see only limited playing time this year.

Outfield – Chase Davidson, Georgia

Has the most power in the entire freshman class, however he's streaky.  Runs well for his size and has a strong throwing arm.

Designated Hitter – Harold Martinez, Miami

Will try to reverse a disappointing end to his high-school career.  Expected to start immediately at third base for the Hurricanes.

Pitcher – Gerrit Cole, UCLA

The most highly-touted member of his class. Turned down $2 million from the Yankees and will bring his 97-mph heater to Westwood.

Pitcher – Sonny Gray, Vanderbilt

An arm injury and an ironclad Vandy commitment severely hurt his draft stock.  Will probably begin as a weekday starter.

Pitcher – Alex Meyer, Kentucky

He turned down $2 million and a trip on Red Sox owner John Henry's private plane for a chance to pitch for his mother's alma matter.

Pitcher – Michael Palazzone, Georgia

Lanky projectable build with best curveball in '08 high-school class.  Also features a 92- to 94-mph fastball.

Pitcher – Mark Pope, Georgia Tech

Will break in as G-Tech's closer, but he's too good to remain in the bullpen for his entire college career.

Second Team

Catcher – Ben McMahon, Florida

Will start immediately for the Gators and contribute both on offensive and defense.

First Base – Ricky Oropesa, Southern California

USC's lone marquee freshman should be a fixture in the middle of the lineup right out of the gate.

Second Base – Riccio Torres, Arizona State

Joins older brother Raoul in the Sun Devils' infield.  Already has enough plate discipline to be an effective leadoff hitter.

Shortstop – Brandon Loy, Texas

He leveraged an excellent fall into a starting assignment in the spring.  A defensive whiz.

Third Base – Shane Kroker, Wake Forest 

A defensive standout who could probably start at shortstop for most teams.  However, questions about his bat remain.

Outfield – Cory Farris, Kentucky

This former All-Kentucky running back showcased his exceptional strength with mammoth home runs in fall ball.

Outfield – Bryan Haar, San Diego

Uber-athletic middle-of-the-field player who enjoyed a banner summer in Alaska.

Outfield – Austin Stadler, Wake Forest

Had an eye-opening fall, hitting .396.  Should also see time on the mound, where he led the Deacons in scrimmages with 21 strikeouts.

Designated Hitter – Zack Wilson, Arizona State

Will see action all over the diamond in '09.  Hits the ball with authority to all fields.

Pitcher – Daniel Marrs, Wake Forest

Improved conditioning has allowed him to tighten up his body and improve his endurance.  Should see action as a weekend starter.

Pitcher – Nick Maronde, Florida

Excellent mound presence and moxie are overshadowed by three quality pitches, including a low-90s fastball with tailing action.

Pitcher – Brett Mooneyham, Stanford

Will compete for a spot in the Cardinal's weekend rotation.  His father, Bill, pitched in the majors with Oakland. 

Pitcher – Brian Busick, Stanford

A pro body with four above-average pitches.  A near lock to be a weekend starter in 2010.  Will serve in the bullpen until then.

Pitcher– Anthony Fazio, Rice

He'll compete with fellow freshman Taylor Wall for the Sunday starter role.  The loser will start mid-week.