PGCROSSCHECKER COLLEGE TEAM SCOUTING REPORT

20. NEBRASKA (42-17, lost in NCAA regionals).

Conference/Projected Finish: Big 12/3^rd (17-10, T-3^rd in 2006).

Coach: Mike Anderson (140-56, 4 years).

First Game: Feb. 16 vs. New Mexico at Texas-Arlington Invitational.

OVERVIEW: The Cornhuskers would have faced considerable losses in the 2006 draft had their leading hitter, junior SS Ryan Wehrle (.367-8-48), and top winner and ERA leader, junior LHP Tony Watson (10-2, 2.78), not made it clear they were unsignable. Both were potential high-round picks as draft-eligible sophomores, but slipped to the mid rounds when teams heeded their warnings not to waste a pick. Their return gives a significant boost to a depleted roster, though junior RHP Johnny Dorn (9-4, 3.89) and draft-eligible sophomore RHP Charlie Shirek (4-2, 3.23) also return to the pitching staff.

X-Factor: Nebraska has strength up the middle and on the mound, with promising sophomore C Jeff Lanning (.300-0-2), junior 2B Jake Opitz (.293-2-27) and junior CF Bryce Nimmo (.259-3-21) joining Wehrle. But the Cornhuskers will need junior college transfers on the infield corners and freshman RF D.J. Belfonte to add some much-needed power with the departure of the team’s two double-digit home run hitters.

TOP FRESHMAN: D.J. Belfonte, of. An unheralded 5-foot-10 high school outfielder from Missouri , Belfonte appears to have won the starting job in right field with a strong fall season.

TOP SOPHOMORE: Charlie Shirek, rhp. With two big seasons in the Northwoods League, Shirek has had more success in summer competition than in college. His 94 mph power sinker is the most dominant pitch on the Nebraska staff. He also has command of a changeup and 83 mph slider.

TOP JUNIOR: Tony Watson, lhp. A polished college pitcher capable of touching 94 mph, Watson has twice turned down significant money to remain at Nebraska . He’ll be ready to go out this time, and could knock on the door of the first round if it all comes together for him this spring. Wehrle, a polished talent with good instincts and fundamentals, both offensively and defensively, won’t be far behind.

TOP SENIOR: Andrew Brown, dh. One of only two seniors on the roster, Brown (.298-9-30) is the team’s top returning power threat.