FINAL 2009 RANKINGS DIVISION II TOP 30 PRESEASON RANKINGS There is no absence of quality teams this year making the positioning of the clubs, very, very, very, very, very difficult. Very difficult. Many people ask how teams are ranked and what the criteria is. We use an advanced algebra formula in establishing our rankings. It's rather lengthy, but effective. The formula is: [(nerdy statistical data + archived historical results) / campus mojo X tradition X (astrology forcast/4) + pep levels] + ((talent + tarot card reading)/coaching)^2 = 2010 perspective ranking Throughout the season updated rankings will be released first on Twitter. Follow us as http://twitter.com/pingbaseball to get the latest scoop first.

DII College Baseball Rankings - Updated January 15, 2010

Teams: 1-10 • 11-20 • 21-30

Rank	Team
1	UC SAN DIEGO TRITONS (41-15, Final 2009 Ranking: 3) Few top teams return as much as talent as UC San Diego. Three-quarters of the starting rotation will be back for the Tritons led by Preseason All Americans Tim Shibuya (2.28, 8-6) and Matt Rossman (2.95, 8-2). UCSD also has their top closer back in Guido Knudson (4.28, 4-1, 10 SVs). Offensively the Triton ship is in great shape with Vance Albitz (.374, 3, 39), Evan Kehoe (.376, 5, 49) and Brandon Gregorich (.381, 7, 38) who batted a combined .376. Softhanded shortstop Albitz also anchored the defense, earning National Defensive Player of the Year honors, as the team led the nation in fielding percentage.
2	FLORIDA SOUTHERN COLLEGE MOCCASINS (41-16, Final 2009 Ranking: 10) The Mocs made their 38th NCAA appearance last season, the most in Division II, but were stopped just short of reaching the CWS. A strong offense propelled the team last season, but it could be the pitchers who carry the weight in 2010. Max Russell (3.71, 10-2, 114 K in 104.1 IP), Stephen Batman (3.77, 9-3) and Daniel Tillman (3.15, 4-2, 12 SVs, 62 K in 54.1 IP) give FSC both talent and experience on the hill. Tillman was the toast of the Cape Code League over the summer as he did not give up a run in 16 appearances, earned five saves, struck out 31 and walked just seven in 22 innings. The offensive cupboard is far from being bare as Zach Maggard (.345, 10, 47) and Wade Kirkland (.321, 11, 45) have received preseason All American honors and Trae Gore (.360, 7, 36, 12 SBs) is an accomplished threat as well.
3	EMPORIA STATE HORNETS (49-14, Final 2009 Ranking: 2) Emporia State fell to Lynn in the national championship game by a single run, having their potent offense stymied at the most inopportune of times. However with their entire starting infield returning, led by slugging first baseman Kenny Burkhead (.386, 10, 86) back on the field, the Hornets are a strong candidate to return to Cary with a chance a redemption. Also returning to campus are two starting pitchers, Ben Graham (3.39, 8-4) and Colby Killian (4.25, 8-0) who played a large part in ESU’s success last season.
4	SOUTHERN ARKANSAS MULERIDERS (52-11, Final 2009 Ranking: 9) The Muleriders paced the rankings for much of 2009, only to be thwarted in the hopes of reaching the CWS in the South Region. Last season the SAU offense hit .331 as a team and left opposition with a lofty 9.06 ERA - this year shouldn’t be much different. Cannon Lester (.393, 19, 72) and Andrew Whittington (.372, 7, 76, 22 SB) give the ‘Riders one of the best left sides of the infield in the nation and SAU also returns its entire outfield, each of whom batted over .320. Hayden Simpson (2.32, 12-1, 6 CG, 132 K in 108.2 IP) leads a refurbished pitching staff which could use a little bit more experience, but Matt Speake (4.23, 9-0) and the rest of the SAU arms won’t need to contribute much if the offense is clicking.
5	GRAND VALLEY STATE LAKERS (45-16-1, Final 2009 Ranking: 7) The Lakers started last season strong, going 27-3 in their first 30 games. An uneasy second half of the season followed, but GVSU was able to regroup and advance to the CWS, only to be bounced in two games. Returning to the diamond are five of their top six hitters, led by Kyle Gendron (.390, 11, 56) and Cody Grice (.411, 5, 34) who excelled in their first seasons for the Lakers (Grendon a transfer and Grice a freshman). A pair of primary startering pitchers are no longer on the team due to graduation, but the rest of the pitching staff is in tact to make a return to Cary a very obtainable goal. Kyle Schepel (2.15, 5-1), Danny Richard (2.18, 5-2) and Matt Cade (2.44, 8-0) make the Lakers a team to beat once again.
6	CENTRAL MISSOURI MULES (44-15, Final 2009 Ranking: 11) The Mules just missed a trip to the CWS after being bested by rival Emporia State in the South Central Regional. With CMU returning eight position starters and 12 pitchers, look for the Mules and Hornets to battle once again for a chance to head to Cary. Returning players Chance Tuttle (.392, 12, 55, 34 SB), Jon Wegener (.387, 9, 56, 20 SB) and Bret Schwartz (.363, 1, 38, 19) were the Mules’ leading hitters last season and all have the green light on the basepaths. Nearly every pitcher who started a game will be back in action, including Brooks Martin (3.05, 6-5, 87 K in 76.2), Mitch Stubenhofer (3.13, 7-1) and Danny Potje (2.95, 6-3). The only hole the Mules need to fill is that of a closer as Chris Matlock was signed by the Texas Rangers after being selected in the MLB draft.
7	TAMPA SPARTANS (39-17, Final 2009 Ranking: 13) Perennial powerhouse Tampa is once again on the short-short list of top teams in the land. Jared Simon (.387, 9, 53) and Mike Schwartz (.368, 14, 58) are expected to stir the offensive drink, and transfers Mike Blanke (who led Florida junior colleges in RBIs with 68) and Larry Walicki (a “batting practice hero” per PGCrossChecker.com) are anticipated to create runs as well. Despite the return of Josh Bowman (4.96, 4-3, 52 K in 45.1 IP) the starting pitching staff could use some reinforcements; during the off season Tampa got them. Five hurlers with DI experience (Kris Castellanos, Austin Evans, Tim Kiley and Michael Park) are now attending Tampa. Bierman had a more than respectable season at Vanderbilt last season (4.57, 2-1, 43.1 IP) and would have competed for a spot a starter for the natinally ranked Commodores.
8	FRANCIS MARION PATRIOTS (38-15-1, Final 2009 Ranking: 18) After winning their first two games in the Southeast Regional, the Patriots were on the fast path to the CWS, however they lost their next two games to have their season come to a bitter end. With 23 of 32 players from last year's back on the field, FMU is in wonderful shape to pack their bags for Cary and a trip to the CWS. Barrett Kleinknecht (.372, 9, 64) and Preston Shuey (.317, 7, 51) were two of the Patriots biggest run producers and both will be back on the diamond. Alex Lee (.347, 3, 37) and Martin Gordon (.394, 0, 18), who played for South Africa in last year’s World Baseball Classic, should get on base early and often for them to bring them home. Twelve of fifteen pitchers from last year’s staff will also be back on the mound, with Brandon Forshee (2.08, 5-2), Josh Edgin (4.04, 4-2) and Jeremiah Meiners (4.15, 6-2) leading the way.
9	USC AIKEN PACERS (42-19, Final 2009 Ranking: 14) Led by slugger Travis Howard (.384, 19, 103) and speedster Alex Franklin (.384, 4, 50, 34 SB), the Pacers will be out to avenge their elimination at the Southeast Regionals. USCA also has three other batters who hit over .325 returning to the diamond, four if include Gary Asbill (.378) who had 98 at bats in 26 starts. Although they didn’t dominate opposition, Pacer pitchers did their part in continuing Aiken’s five season streak of winning at least 40 games. Much of the staff will be back, including Clayton Knight (4.59, 5-3, 77 K in 82.1) and Steven Spire (4.70, 7-2) as the Pacers challenge nationally.
10	VALDOSTA STATE BLAZERS (37-18, Final 2009 Ranking: 19) The Blazers will need plenty of offense as VSU’s top two pitchers were selected in the MLB draft after the season. Ross Gusky (5.93, 6-4) is the only returning starter with significant starting experience from last season, although Jeremy Forbus (3.83, 3-1) did flourish in a dual role. Nevertheless with a stacked starting lineup, a three legged dog could take to the hill for the Blazers and they’d still be competitive. Brandon Decker (.402, 22, 84) put together one of the most prolific seasons in DII baseball last year and Clayton Cain (.367, 12, 57), Austin Smith (.342, 16, 53) and Jon Koeninsfeld (.328, 2, 33) are threats to get across the plate every time they step up to the batter’s box. If a young arm or transfer pitcher steps up, the Blazers could be headed to Cary in the spring... or lose a bunch of games that look like football scores.

Teams: 1-10 • 11-20 • 21-30