SEC baseball tournament preview

The 2014 SEC baseball tournament starts tomorrow as eight teams fight to make it out of the single-elimination portion of the tournament and into the double-elimination field.

Here’s a look at the 12 teams competing this week in Hoover and what they’re hoping to accomplish by the time they leave Hoover Metropolitan Stadium.

Alabama (#8 seed)

The Crimson Tide are into the NCAA tournament and might have a shot at hosting a regional if they make a deep run in Hoover. Unless that happens, Alabama is likely looking at having to hit the road as a two-seed. If the Tide knock off Kentucky in their first game, look for Spencer Turnbull, Baseball America’s 81st-ranked prospect, to take the mound for Alabama in double-elimination action.

Arkansas (#7 seed)

The Razorbacks are probably looking at traveling in the NCAA tournament unless they can win the conference title. Arkansas is currently 23rd in Baseball America’s poll, but the Razorbacks have an RPI of 41, which could hurt them in the seeding process. The lineup is anchored by Brian Anderson, who leads the team with a .319 batting average, and rotation’s top arm belongs to Chris Oliver (7-4, 2.63 ERA).

Florida (#1 seed)

The Gators won’t be needing their suitcases anytime soon. Even if they crash and burn in Hoover, there is almost no way that Gator Nation will have to travel out of Gainesville for a super regional. Florida’s ace is freshman phenom Logan Shore, who owns the SEC’s third-lowest ERA (1.85) and has walked just 16 batters in 85 innings.

Georgia (#12 seed)

After missing the tournament last year, Georgia punched its ticket to Hoover with a win over Kentucky on the last day of the season. The Bulldogs will need at least three victories in the SEC tournament to have a winning record. If Georgia has any hope of a big run in Hoover, they will need strong performances from third baseman Hunter Cole, who leads the Bulldogs with a .327 average and racked up four RBIs in the season finale against Kentucky.

Kentucky (#9 seed)

The Wildcats are in, but they won’t host without a deep run in Hoover. While the Cats may not be making waves in the national polls, Kentucky has one of the most talented athletes in college baseball. First baseman/pitcher A.J. Reed leads the nation in home runs (23), leads the SEC in RBIs (70), and has more wins (10) than any other pitcher in the conference.

LSU (#3 seed)

LSU is also a likely regional host because of the great baseball venue that is Alex Box Stadium, but the Tigers have earned their way into the regional conversation. LSU owns a 40-14-1 record is almost certain to stay in Baton Rouge for the regionals. The Bayou Bengals are led by ace Aaron Nola, who could possibly be the first overall pick in this year’s MLB draft.

Mississippi State (#5 seed)

The Bulldogs missed out on a first-round bye and will have to knock off the worst team in the tournament to advance to double-elimination play. Regardless, Mississippi State is likely on the right side of the NCAA tournament bubble. If the Bulldogs get in a jam, expect them to turn to workhorse Jacob Lindgren, who is 5-1 with a minuscule 0.96 ERA in 24 appearances out of the bullpen this season.

Ole Miss (#2 seed)

The Rebels won the SEC West, but will likely need some help if they hope to earn a national seed. Ole Miss will probably need South Carolina and Vanderbilt to struggle in Hoover while the Rebels make a run at the championship if there is any chance of a super regional being held in Oxford. Chris Ellis is the ace of the Ole Miss pitching staff, owner of an undefeated record and a 2.12 ERA.

South Carolina (#4 seed)

The Gamecocks will host a regional; now they’re looking for more. South Carolina needs to shake off its history of disappointing performances in Hoover and notch multiple victories in order to land a national seed. Catcher Grayson Greiner is the star of USC’s injury-riddled lineup, accounting for eight home runs and 50 RBIs this season.

Tennessee (#11 seed)

The Volunteers were one of college baseball’s biggest surprises early in the season, but now they find themselves on the NCAA bubble. A tournament championship may be the only way to earn a bid in a stacked SEC. Tennessee will send freshman Hunter Martin to the hill on Tuesday for the school’s first SEC tournament game since 2007.

Texas A&M (#10 seed)

The Aggies are probably NCAA-bound, but a decent run in Hoover wouldn’t hurt. Texas A&M has an RPI of 33 and a 33-23 overall record, which should be enough to earn a bid to the tournament. In Hoover, the Aggies will lean on freshman outfielder Nick Banks, the team’s leader in batting average and on-base percentage.

Vanderbilt (#6 seed)

The Commodores missed a chance to possibly lock down a national seed last weekend against South Carolina, but the ‘Dores are still in the hunt. If Vanderbilt goes deep in the SEC tournament, Tim Corbin’s squad might be able to land a super regional. Vanderbilt’s Tyler Beede is one of the most electrifying pitchers in the country and will be a first-round draft pick.