PGCROSSCHECKER COLLEGE TEAM SCOUTING REPORT

93. McNEESE STATE (35-20, did not qualify for NCAA post-season play).

Conference/Projected Finish: Southland/2nd (22-8, 1st in 2006).

Coach: Chad Clement (82-80, 3 years).

First Game: Feb. 9 vs. Cal State Northridge at Edinburg, Texas .

OVERVIEW: The Cowboys progressed from eighth place to first in the Southland Conference in 2006, but weren’t rewarded for their efforts with a trip to the NCAA tournament because they failed to win the SLC tournament. They should make another run this year as they return six regulars, led by junior 3B Bryan Cartie (.339-2-33) and senior OF Charlie Kingrey (.338-9-51), the team’s top two hitters. The pitching staff also bears a striking resemblance to last year as the three winningest pitchers all return—junior RHP Derek Blacksher (7-3, 3.01) and senior RHP Chris Denton (8-4, 4.88), who will start, and senior LHP Danny Davis (8-0, 2.43, 7 SV), who will close. The 6-foot-5, 225-pound Davis led the SLC in ERA a year ago.

TOP PROSPECT/JUNIOR: Derek Blacksher, rhp. Blacksher isn’t overpowering with a fastball in the 89-91 mph range, but he has command of four pitches. In 99 innings a year ago, he walked only 19 while fanning 79.

TOP FRESHMAN: Jonathan Conrad, rhp. TOP SOPHOMORE: Shon Landry, ss. TOP SENIOR: Charlie Kingrey, of.