PGCROSSCHECKER COLLEGE TEAM SCOUTING REPORT

83. KANSAS (43-25, lost in NCAA regionals).

Conference/Projected Finish: Big 12/9^th (13-14, T-5^th in 2006; won conference post-season tournament).

Coach: Ritch Price (145-112, 4 years).

First Game: Feb. 1 at Hawaii-Hilo.

OVERVIEW: The reigning Big 12 champion Jayhawks face a major rebuilding job with the loss of their top five pitchers, including all-star closer Don Czyz (6-0, 1.56, 19 SV). Czyz’ younger brother Nick (4-3, 5.11), a sophomore lefthander, becomes the team’s No. 1 starter. A family affair doesn’t stop there as sophomore Preston Land (.314-9-33), younger brother of Sean Land (5-7, 5.56), one of last year’s starters, returns at first base. Junior 2B Ryne Price (.256-9-24) returns and freshman Robby Price moves in at third. They are the sons of Kansas head coach Ritch Price and the younger brothers of Ritchie Price (.286-2-33), who started at second base a year ago. Other key returning players are junior OFs John Allman (.333-6-52) and Brock Simpson (.293-5-33), and junior SS Erik Morrison (.290-14-52).

TOP PROSPECT/JUNIOR: Erik Morrison, ss. Morrison, who led the Jayhawks in home runs last year, ranks among the nation’s elite shortstops. He’s an excellent athlete with the feet, hands and arm strength—not to mention the bat--to play the position at the pro level.

TOP FRESHMAN: Robby Price, 3b. TOP SOPHOMORE: Nick Czyz, lhp. TOP SENIOR: Ryotaro Hayakawa, rhp.