The defending champion from Pac-12, Arizona, was ranked third in the preseason baseball coaches’ conference poll.
The Wildcats received 77 votes, behind Stanford (98) and Oregon State (84) and just ahead of UCLA (75). Stanford received eight first-place votes, Oregon State one, and UCLA the other two.
Arizona is under the leadership of a new head coach Chip Hale. The Wildcats are tackled offensively by All-American catcher DAniel Susac and bring back several important pitchers from last year’s College World Series team.
UA’s third-ranked preseason Pac-12 rank might be considered low by some considering Arizona ranks above Oregon state in USA Today’s D1 Baseball and Coaches Polls.
Arizona has the advantage of hosting both Stanford and Oregon State at home this season.
For the first time, the Pac-12 champion won’t be decided by the regular-season league record. The Pac-12 will hold its first Scottsdale conference tournament May 25-29 at Scottsdale Stadium.
UA opens the Hale era February 18-20 at the State Farm College Baseball Showdown in Arlington, Texas against Kansas State, Oklahoma and Texas Tech.
