There’s a reason people think baseball players are superstitious and quirky. Guys like Nebraska pitcher Kyle Kubat perpetuate that notion. The Nebraska southpaw put on a show, both inside and outside the lines, in the Huskers’ opening game of the Big Ten tourney Wednesday.

The 2013 Big Ten Baseball Tournament got underway Wednesday at Target Field. No. 4 Minnesota carded a 3-2 walk-off victory over No. 5 Illinois, and No. 3 Nebraska routed No. 6 Michigan, 11-2.

This time of year, it’s always fun to look at the rosters and try to pick out the conference’s breakout stars. A year ago, if you had your eye on, say, Venric Mark, Allen Robinson, Jake Ryan or Ryan Shazier, you hit it out of the park. It’s time to go out on a limb and offer my top five candidates for who will go from an under-the-radar player to a household name in 2013.

CHICAGO – For the fifth straight year, BTN will televise live every game of the Big Ten Baseball Tournament. Coverage begins Wednesday and continues until Saturday, with a game on Sunday if necessary.