MaxPreps 2015 Minnesota preseason baseball Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard

1. Mahtomedi
2014 finish: 24-3
Head coach: John Hardgrove

The Zephyrs had the best record in Class 3A entering the state tournament at 23-1, but they lost in the first round and finished with a 1-2 record at the tournament. Mahtomedi returns the state's top pitcher, and the tallest, in 6-foot-11 right-handed pitcher Sean Hjelle. The Kentucky-bound hurler also plays basketball but will play baseball for the Wildcats next season. He reportedly throws 89 miles per hour.

View last season's Minnesota baseball rankings, presented by the Army National Guard

2. Minnetonka
2014 finish: 20-6
Head coach: Paul Twenge

The Skippers just missed a trip to the state tournament, but they have three quality seniors returning in pitcher Robbie Palkert, catcher Josh Falk and catcher Ian Cote. Palkert is headed to Nebraska while Cote will play at South Dakota State.

View last season's Minnesota baseball playoff brackets

3. Eden Prairie
2014 finish: 20-7
Head coach: Mike Halloran

The Eagles reached the Class 3A state championship game, falling to Mounds View 9-0. Although only seven juniors return for their senior year, the Class of 2016 is a strong one, led by first baseman Jeff Athey, and pitchers Trevor Divinski, Charlie Sheehan and Ryan Swanson.

View last season's Minnesota baseball stat leaders

4. Lakeville North
2014 finish: 23-5
Head coach: Erik Gassman

The Panthers reached the Class 3A semifinals before losing to eventual champion Mounds View. Lakeville North topped Lakeville South for third place. The Eagles return one of the state's top shortstops in Angelo Altavilla, who will play at Nebraska next year. He had a .422 batting average last season.

View the MaxPreps Minnesota baseball pro photo galleries

5. Mounds View (Arden Hills)
2014 finish: 21-6
Head coach: Mark Downey

Mounds View followed the lead of the state's top player, Sam Hentges, to a second straight Class 3A state championship last year. Coach Mark Downey, who is in his second year of his second stint at Mounds View (he coached from 2007-10), welcomes back 17 seniors who played on the varsity last year.