PGCROSSCHECKER COLLEGE TEAM SCOUTING REPORT

13. CAL STATE FULLERTON (50-14, advanced to College World Series).

Conference/Projected Finish: Big West/1^st (18-3, 1^st in 2006).

Coach: George Horton (452-186, 10 years).

First Game: Feb. 2 vs. Stanford.

OVERVIEW: The Titans may be hard pressed to make their third College World Series appearance in four years as they have lost their top six hitters, two of their top three starters and their closer. But few teams traditionally reload as quickly and the Titans still have junior RHP Wes Roemer (13-2, 2.38), who walked just seven in 155 innings in 2006, while striking out 145. Senior 3B Evan McArthur (.303-7-36) is the team’s top returning bat.

X-Factor: Newcomers will play prominent roles for the Titans, and none have more upside than three freshmen: SS Nate Bridges, OF Khris Davis and RHP Michael Morrison.

TOP FRESHMAN: Nate Bridges, ss. Bridges was looking for first- or second-round money in the 2006 draft and he was passed over altogether. He’s an advanced player in all phases, but needs to add strength to become an offensive contributor.

TOP SOPHOMORE: Chris Jones, of. A draft-eligible sophomore, Jones has the best power on the Fullerton team but has been plagued by injuries in his college career. He missed 2006 with a back injury but led the Northwoods League in home runs last summer and is expected to take a regular turn in left field this year for the Titans. He also is an above-average runner, capable of running the 60 in 6.7 seconds.

TOP JUNIOR: Wes Roemer, rhp. No pitcher in college baseball is more of a strike-throwing machine than Roemer. An 86-90 mph fastball may keep him out of the first round in June, but an excellent breaking ball along with his command and movement he generates on his fastball makes him the most efficient pitcher in the college game.  

TOP SENIOR: Evan McArthur, 3b. A solid all-around performer, McArthur has been a complementary player to this point in his career at Cal State Fullerton but will be counted on to be a run producer in the heart of the lineup this year.