PGCROSSCHECKER COLLEGE TEAM SCOUTING REPORT

60. LAMAR (35-23, did not qualify for NCAA post-season play).

Conference/Projected Finish: Southland/1^st (19-11, 4^th in 2006).

Coach: Jim Gilligan (1,025-637, 29 years).

First Game: Feb. 9 vs. Oklahoma State at Texas-Pan American Classic.

OVERVIEW: The Cardinals return their top three hitters from 2006--junior OF Collin Delome (.376-11-56), senior OF Erik Kanaby (.356-0-23) and senior 1B Dan Hernandez (.350-9-42)--and welcome back junior C Mike Ambort, who missed last season while undergoing Tommy John surgery. Ambort set a school record with 18 homers in 2005, while also leading the team with a .336 average and 65 RBIs. The pitching staff lost its three primary starters, but junior LHP Allen Harrington (3-3, 3.39) and junior RHP Scott Meyer (5-0, 2.51) are primed for starting jobs and will be joined by sophomore RHP Matt Morgal, a two-time draft pick from Seminole State (Okla.) JC.

TOP PROSPECT/JUNIOR: Collin Delome, of. Delome, the 2006 Southland Conference player of the year, impresses scouts with his speed, arm strength and ability to cover ground in center field. It will be a toss-up whether he or a healthy Ambort will be the first Lamar player drafted, but both have the ability to go as early as the second round.

TOP FRESHMAN: Matison Smith, rhp. TOP SOPHOMORE: Matt Morgal, rhp. TOP SENIOR: Dan Hernandez, 1b.