Marshall pre-season review......
Marshall shocked the nation last year by going 21-9 in C-USA, and Jeff Waggoners club hopes to take things a step further in 2017. The Herd certainly has some holes to fill, but theres plenty of reason for optimism in Huntington. For instance, Tommy Lane (.296/13/48) has big-time power to all fields, while two-way standout Tyler Ratliff (.327/12/47) is the best player on the team. Ratliff is a terrific athlete with big-time power, and should excel on the mound with a fastball in the low-to-mid 90s, along with an impressive ability to field his position. JC transfers Jacob Niggemeyer and Sam Boone should be watched closely. Niggemeyer impressed the coaches in the fall with a sinking fastball in the 87-90 range, along with a physical body and good pitchability. Meanwhile, Boone works from a 3/4 slot and goes downhill with his fastball, along with a good splitter he can throw in any count. From the freshman class, RHP Hunter Sexton could be an immediate contributor to watch.