Big 12 Baseball Power Rankings

If you thought last week was crazy how about this week? With no clear cut favorite and some intriguing series coming down the stretch for teams trying to lock up the conference and post-season spots, this week’s power rankings are even murkier.

1. Texas Tech Red Raiders (31-8, 8-4) Last Week: 2

Yes, the Red Raiders are back in 1st after an ugly, ugly, ugly, series win over K-State. After dropping the opener 3-5, and escaping Game 2 with a 3 run victory, (though it seemed much closer than that), the Red Raiders once again found themselves with a large lead late in Game 3. However, that lead would evaporate and go from 10-4 to 10-7 and get really interesting down the stretch. Is this middle of the season blues for the bullpen or a sign of a bigger problem? One thing is for sure, you won’t win many post-season games blowing large leads late. (Prediction: Tech wins series over OSU 2-1)) (Last Week Prediction: Tech sweeps KSU)

2. West Virginia Mountaineers (21-13, 8-4) Last Week: 4

Wow! West Virginia is for real as much as Baylor is overrated. The Mountaineers proved it this weekend with a rubber game walk-off to take two of three from TCU. West Virginia is getting hot at the right time and with Tech showing some weakness, TCU faltering and Oklahoma in free-fall, they may just be good enough to make a run at the conference title in the Big 12 tournament. They are also ranked this week for the first time in program history. (Prediction: WVU sweeps KSU) (Last Week Prediction: West Virginia loses series to TCU 1-2)

3. TCU Horned Frogs (28-7, 9-3) Last Week: 1

To say this was unexpected is an understatement. We knew West Virginia was better than predicted, but to be able to take a series from the preseason #1 team is a shocker. TCU has to rebound against a Baylor team that has recently seemed to find some of that early season promise followed up by a trip to Lubbock to take on the Red Raiders. It’s a crucial stretch for the Horned Frogs to seal up the conference and secure their post-season spot. (Prediction: TCU wins series over Baylor 2-1) (Last Week Prediction: TCU wins series over WVU 2-1)

4. Kansas Jayhawks (17-18, 6-6) Last Week: 7

America. Can start in the cellar and work your way up to middle class with hard work. The Jayhawks are proving that they aren’t a push over we once believed taking two of three from Oklahoma State. I think they have a great chance against the Sooners except for the fact they play in Norman next weekend which is the one place Oklahoma excels. Looking ahead, Kansas may have the easiest schedule going remaining of any Big 12 school. (Prediction: KU loses series to OU 1-2) (Last Week Prediction: KU loses series to OSU 1-2)

5. Oklahoma Sooners (27-12, 5-4) Last Week: 3

Since taking two of three from then ranked #3 (D1) Texas Tech, the Sooners have gone 2-6 including getting swept in Ann Arbor by the Wolverines. We’ve talked at length about the Sooners not playing much or well away from Norman and this current road trip has a 1-6 record attached to it. The Sooners are in free-fall in VTM’s power rankings and face a team this weekend that, outside of West Virginia, no one in the Big 12 wants to play. (Prediction: OU wins series 2-1) (Last Week Prediction: OU loses series to Michigan 1-2)

6. Baylor Bears (22-14, 5-7) Last Week: 8

It’s just one series, but Baylor needed it to hang on to any chance of a post-season birth. However it still maybe too little to late. A win over the up and down Longhorns is impressive and needed but any excitement felt maybe short lived as the Bears travel to Fort Worth to take on a TCU team looking to avenge their first conference series loss of the season. (Prediction: Baylor loses series to TCU 1-2) (Last Week Prediction: Baylor loses series to Texas 1-2)

7. Oklahoma State Cowboys (20-15, 4-8) Last Week: 6

Oklahoma State was young and had a lot of promise. And honestly, until right now, I still thought OSU would have more of the season the Sooners are having. Momentum is a funny thing and right now, Oklahoma State just can’t catch a break. A trend that is likely to continue as the Cowboys go to Lubbock to face Texas Tech this weekend. (Prediction: OSU loses series to Tech 1-2) (Last Week Prediction: OSU wins series over KU 2-1)

8. Texas Longhorns (24-15, 7-8) Last Week: 5

A tough series loss to Baylor, on the road, is nothing to be ashamed about. And playing their non-conference series this upcoming weekend, vs New Orleans, should right the ship. It’s been a good 1st season so far for Coach Pearce with a lot of promise going into next season. However, there just doesn’t seem to be enough games left to make a big post-season bid. They could be dangerous in the Big 12 tournament though. (Prediction: Texas wins series over New Orleans 2-1) (Last Week Prediction: Texas wins series over Baylor 2-1)

9. Kansas State Wildcats (17-18, 2-10) Last Week: 9

Gotta say... the Wildcats did not go quietly against Texas Tech this past weekend. Taking the opener, losing close in GM 2 and scratching back late in the rubber match to keep it interesting. Though not horrible, in a Big 12 that is not kind to one another right now, KSU finds itself at the bottom once again. Unfortunately, with the Jayhawks playing some of the best ball in recent memory, the Wildcats should get comfortable in the 9 spot. (Prediction: KSU gets swept by WVU) (Last Week Prediction: K-State gets swept by Tech)