PGCROSSCHECKER COLLEGE TEAM SCOUTING REPORT

12. OREGON STATE (50-16, College World Series champions).

Conference/Projected Finish: Pacific-10/2^nd (16-7, 1^st in 2006).

Coach: Pat Casey (391-250, 12 years).

First Game: Jan. 25 at Hawaii-Hilo.

OVERVIEW: The Beavers surprised the college baseball world by winning the College World Series in 2006, but face a significant rebuilding job this season. They must replace five regulars and the guts of their pitching staff with the departure of starters Dallas Buck (13-3, 3.44) and Jonah Nickerson (13-4, 2.24), the CWS MVP, and all-star closer Kevin Gunderson (3-2, 2.36, 20 SV). But they still have a number of quality arms like junior LHP Joe Paterson (1-1, 4.11) and junior RHP Mike Stutes (8-2, 3.10), and two key everyday players: junior C Mitch Canham (.299-7-54) and junior SS Darwin Barney (.330-0-36).

X-Factor: Six-foot-5, 250-pound junior RHP Eddie Kunz (5-1, 3.61) made a name for himself last summer in the Cape Cod League when his sinking fastball reached the mid-90s and he chewed up wood bats. But he’s never been used in anything more than a setup role at Oregon State because he lacks a second pitch. His emergence could be a boon for the Beavers as they try and replace Gunderson, and it could lead to his being drafted in the first round.

TOP FRESHMAN: Joey Wong, 2b. A solid defender, Wong will look to replace Chris Kunda, possibly the best defensive second baseman in college baseball a year ago. Wong proved his worth last summer in the West Coast Collegiate League, where he was named that league’s No. 3 prospect—as one of the rare high school players in summer ball.

TOP SOPHOMORE: Jason Ogata, 2b. An Oregon high school product, Ogata returned home to play for the Beavers after a season at Louisiana State . He may have the best bat on the team, but he may have trouble beating out the more well-rounded Wong for the second base job.

TOP JUNIOR: Mitch Canham, c. A draft-eligible sophomore in 2006, Canham had the talent to go in the top three rounds, but he dropped to the Cardinals in the 41^st because teams couldn’t get a handle on his signability. An athletic, lefthanded-hitting catcher, Canham could emerge as a first- or second-round pick this year if his defense improves. He’s been catching only two years.  

TOP SENIOR: Scott Santschi, of. The Beavers have no impact seniors, but Santschi (.271-2-29) returns to regular duty in right field.