Prospect Review: Ohio State, Michigan State

Prospect notes on the Buckeyes and Spartans by Burke Granger of D1Baseball.

OHIO STATE

While the Buckeyes may have experienced some growing pains with their young pitching staff last season, that experience will pay dividends this season as the entire starting rotation from last season has returned.  

Sophomore Garrett Burhenn (6-4, 3.96) is back in the Friday night role. As a true freshman ace last season, he showed uncommon maturity and poise on the mound, earning a spot on the Big Ten All-Freshman team. He fills the zone with three pitches: a fastball that sits 89-to-91 mph, a low 80s slider and a changeup with deceptive arm speed and tumble. 

Perhaps the most appealing draft talent on the team, redshirt sophomore Seth Lonsway (8-4, 3.70) is also back after finishing second in the conference in strikeouts (126) last season. The southpaw sits 88-91 mph with his fastball and has a devastating curveball that looks like a future plus pitch. After holding hitters to...