high on the dogs

Expect great things from Mississippi State this season. At least that’s the forecast from Baseball America, which pegged the Bulldogs fifth in its preseason poll and suggested that anything short of a College World Series appearance will be a disappointment. Is that realistic? (The Bulldogs have been to Omaha only once since 1998.) State returns most of the key players from last year’s SEC Tournament championship club and added some impact newcomers. Still, there are “buts.” One of the missing pieces is ace starter Chris Stratton, an All-American and the Ferriss Trophy winner. Only one returning regular hit over .273. (That was rising star Adam Frazier, at .371.) The 2012 Bulldogs also didn’t hit much for power, though, as BA notes, the shortened left field at Dudy Noble may help there. (Perhaps this is the year Hunter Renfroe’s power blossoms.) BA likes State’s gritty approach at the plate, its defense, the depth of its pitching staff and the back-end presence of Jonathan Holder (nine saves). Those are good things. Opening day is Feb. 15. The anticipation will continue to build. P.S. Delta State, the NCAA Division II runner-up last season, is picked fifth in Baseball America’s D-II poll. The Statesmen, who won 49 games, expect a boost from MSU transfer Taylor Stark, who can pitch and hit. … Hinds Community College, the defending state juco champion, is ranked seventh in the NJCAA’s 10-team preseason poll. … Taylorsville’s Billy Hamilton is rated the No. 11 prospect in the minors by mlb.com. The stolen base king will go to spring training with Cincinnati but reportedly will start the 2013 campaign playing center field in Triple-A. … Former Jackson Generals standout Freddy Garcia, now 36, has signed a minor league deal with San Diego.