Atlantic Coast

TEAM TO BEAT: LOUISVILLE

he No. 2 preseason team in the country, Louisville should compete for a national title this season with a deep group of returning players that includes a strong core of hitters and impact pitching with a 1-2 punch of lefty Reid Detmers, righty Bobby Miller and lefty closer Michael Kirian. While the Cardinals lost a number of players to the 2019 draft—including first baseman Logan Wyatt, shortstop Tyler Fitzgerald, righty Michael McAvene and lefty Nick Bennett—they routinely bring more talent through the program. Third baseman Alex Binelas looks like one of the better hitters in the 2021 draft class and should help carry the offense, alongside returners like short-stop Justin Lavey,