By Brad Greer

Sports View

With the  2019 College baseball World Series ending last last week, it’s never to early to look ahead to the 2020 season and some of the top contenders who could make it to Omaha.

Vanderbilt

One can not start the list without mentioning the national champions as being one of the frontrunners to return to defend their title.

Sure they lost the SEC Player-of-the-Year J.J Bleday,Stephen Scott and others offensively, but will return Austin Martin, Pat DeMarco and National Freshman Pitcher-of-the-Year Kumar Rocker.

The ‘Vandyboys’ have recruited better than anyone the last three seasons and will seem to just reload.

Auburn

The Tigers, who got hot as a firecracker in the post-season to make it to Omaha, will return just about everybody in the starting lineup including Steven Williams, 18th round selection Eduoard Julien along with Jack Owen and Elliot Anderson.

North Carolina

Speaking of Auburn, the team the Tigers beat in the Super Regionals to get to Omaha will be looking for some redemption.

The Tar Heels will be loaded on the mound with Austin Love, Joey Lancellotti and Hansen Butler leading the charge.

Miami

The ‘Canes reached the regional final in 2019 before losing to Mississippi State, but will look to get back to Omaha next year for the first time since 2016. Miami returns its entire infield along with J.P Gates, who led the team in hitting last season as a freshman.

Arkansas

The Hogs look built to make a third straight trip to the CWS despite the loss of All-Americans Isaiah Campbell and Jack Kenley, but will return juniors Casey Martin and Heston Kjerstad as well as leading hitter Matt Goodheart.

Two freshman pitchers from the staff’s weekend rotation will also return for the 2020 season.