PGCROSSCHECKER COLLEGE TEAM SCOUTING REPORT

76. DELAWARE (30-24, did not qualify for NCAA post-season play).

Conference/Projected Finish: Colonial/3^rd (12-18, T-7^th in 2006).

Coach: Jim Sherman (191-148, 6 years).

First Game: Feb. 23 at Richmond .

OVERVIEW: Delaware led the nation with 111 home runs a year ago and not only returns eight of its top 10 hitters but its top three long-ball threats in sophomore 2B Alex Buchholz (.378-18-64), senior OF Bryan Hagerich (.288-16-55) and junior OF Brandon Menchaca (.395-16-64). Menchaca, the Blue Hens top hitter, also led the team with 28 stolen bases. Pitching may be another story, however, as Delaware posted a 5.91 ERA a year ago. But junior RHP Mike McGuire (2-2, 6.81) has one of the best arms on the east coast, while senior LHP Brent Gaphardt was drafted by the Mariners last year despite working only five innings in 2006.

TOP PROSPECT/JUNIOR: Mike McGuire, rhp. As a high school senior, the 6-foot-7, 240-pound McGuire had the highest Major League Scouting Bureau grade of any prep player in the country. But he has never come close to converting potential into performance. He’s been beset by command issues through the years.

TOP FRESHMAN: Ryan Cuneo, 1b. TOP SOPHOMORE: Alex Buchholz, 2b. TOP SENIOR: Bryan Hagerich, of.