For those that might wonder how Jonathan Lucroy is stacking up with some of the nation's best freshman players ...

C/DH Jonathan Lucroy (Louisiana) .415, 3 HR, 25 RBI, .692 Slg, .458 OB
3B Brad Emaus (Tulane) .364, 9 HR, 32 RBI, .621 Slg, .463 OB
2B Chris Johnson (Stetson) .469, 5 HR, 42 RBI, .694 Slg, .535 OB
1B/P Joe Savery (Rice) .387, 2 HR, 24 RBI, .555 Slg., .479 OB

Of course, Lucroy does not have enough at-bats to qualify yet. But I think he will by the end of the season. Lucroy currently has 65 AB. The number of RBIs Lucroy has per AB is impressive (.385/AB). Emaus is at (.242/AB) with more than twice the number of ABs. Johnson is at (.263/AB) and Savery (.202). Lucroy's strikeout numbers are good in that they are rare (.077/AB). Lucroy is simply a tough hitter to fool. And when you do, he can still find a way to beat you.

Defensively, Rice's Joe Savery fields at a .990 clip (2 errors this season). Brad Emaus is fielding .909 (7 errors) and Chris Johnson .962 (4 errors). Lucroy has yet to make an error but is not the everyday catcher.

What makes Savery the most valuable freshman in the country (in my opinion), is his contributions on the mound. Savery has been a weekend starter all year long. Savery is 3-4 with a 2.32 ERA in 62 innings over 9 starts (21 BB and 71K). He has one complete game to his credit. I was able to see him in the Round Rock tournament and he is quite impressive.

Brian