When the NCAA Baseball Tournament 64-team field was announced last season, Missouri found itself in a category that leaves a pit in your stomach: first four out. Inevitably, coach Tim Jamieson, set to begin his 22nd year at the helm of the program, began his first media session of the season with the words “one game.”
Mizzou has not reached the postseason since 2012, but a talented core of young players shifted the program’s mentality last season. Throw in veteran leaders like Ryan Howard and Zach Lavy and the Tigers are primed to hang another banner in the McArtor Baseball Facility.
Here’s our full season preview of what 2016 has in store for the Tigers.
**Biggest strength:**
Mizzou’s postseason hopes dwindle in the hands of their two big guns at the top of the rotation. Sophomore Tanner Houck, recently named the nation’s No. 1 2017 draft prospect by Perfect Game and Baseball America, is set to be the team’s Saturday night starter, preceded by Reggie McClain on Fridays. Questions were brewing regarding who would get the nod on Fridays, but Jamieson said he plans on keeping the rotation the same.
“Tanner (Houck) and Reggie (McClain) have both been great,” Jamieson said. “They’re both comfortable pitching on their days.”
Although Houck and McClain provide a formidable 1-2 punch, the Tigers do have some issues in trying to find a third starter. Austin Tribby likely has the edge to start the season, but nothing is set in stone. Tribby, who primarily served as a reliever last season, stepped into a slot in the starting rotation for the Falmouth Commodores in the Cape Cod League this past summer.
“I think that was an opportunity for him to expand what he does as a pitcher,” Jamieson said. “Tribby competes, so he’s never going to give the ball away.”
Providing some stiff competition to Tribby for that third spot will be southpaw Michael Plassmeyer. The freshman from St. Louis has improved his velocity considerably since stepping foot on campus, but is not yet near where he has to be to eat up quality innings for Mizzou. He’ll get some looks during non-conference play, but his role is still up in the air.
Point being, the Tigers will go as far as Houck and McClain take them.
**Biggest weakness:**
Jamieson admitted that the bullpen, a major strength of the team last season, will be the major question mark this year. Breckin Williams (13 SV, 1.98 ERA) and Andrew Schwaab (52.0 IP, 3.81 ERA) were the hallmarks of the pen last year, but are both now playing in the minors. John Miles (42.0 IP) is also gone. Tribby is making the transition to a starting role, leaving a weak bullpen. If Plassmeyer pans out, it is very possible Tribby could return to the pen, which would help immensely, but that is far from a guarantee.
Freshman Grant Macciocchi is expected to replace Williams, but it’s unclear how well his arsenal will fare against SEC-caliber hitters. Other potential impact relievers include 6-foot-7 flamethrower Bryce Montes de Oca, who could be a real weapon if he finds his location, as well as projectable right-hander Liam Carter and redshirt sophomores Cole Bartlett and Ryan Lee.
**Impact freshmen:**
Plassmeyer certainly has the biggest potential impact as a freshman, but he’s not the only one. Ian Nelson and Connor Brumfield will likely see extended time on the field, especially during non-conference play. Although Brumfield is listed as an outfielder, Jamieson said he would get a look at second base. Brett Peel, now a graduate assistant with the team, was a leader among the infield group last season.
“Brumfield got there by default,” Jamieson said. “We were just so thin in the infield, and he was the most likely candidate. He embraced it and got better and better offensively and he’s a guy with the skill set that gives him a chance to play at our level.”
Brian Sharp, a two-way player from Liberty, Missouri, could also see the field during the season.
“Brian (Sharp) wears the cage out,” Howard said. “He’s in there all the time and is a hard-working guy. When he gets his chance, he’ll be ready.”
**X-factor:**
Shane Benes, who missed most of last season following a re-injury of his torn anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee, could provide a monumental boost to Mizzou’s offensive attack this season.
“Shane looks a lot more like the guy we recruited,” Jamieson said. “He’s healthy. He’s strong. He’s just a little behind with his baseball instincts because he hasn’t played for a while.”
With a 6-foot-2, 204-pound frame, Benes’ power potential is off the charts, which could pay huge dividends to a lineup that lacks power in the middle of the order. Howard, according to Jamieson, is set to be the team’s leadoff hitter this year, replacing Peel, leaving power hole in the heart of the order. If Benes can remain healthy and return to form, the lineup will look much more fluid.
**On preseason expectations:**
“I want to have a great year. I want to go to the postseason and this is a team that has the capability to do it. We have to get over the hump.” – coach Tim Jamieson
“We’ve got all the pieces to the puzzle. It’s just putting the puzzle together. We know what we’re capable of. For us, it’s taking it one game at a time and hopefully we get a couple banners up here. That’s my goal and my plan.” – shortstop Ryan Howard
“I feel really confident. Everybody in that locker room does too. We feel that we’ve worked our tails off all offseason and put in hours of preparation coming into next week.” – starting pitcher Tanner Houck
**Projected record:**
Overall: 36-22
SEC: 18-12
**First game:**
The Tigers kick off the season Feb. 19 against Seton Hall at City of Palms Park in Fort Myers, Florida.
