PGCROSSCHECKER COLLEGE TEAM SCOUTING REPORT

58. SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI (39-22, lost in NCAA regionals).

Conference/Projected Finish: Conference USA/3^rd (13-11, T-4^th in 2006).

Coach: Corky Palmer (337-209, 9 years).

First Game: Feb. 16 vs. Southern Illinois .

OVERVIEW: The Golden Eagles return sophomore 1B Mike Ewing (.313-8-41), junior 2B Trey Sutton (.375-4-32) and sophomore SS Brian Dozier (.368-3-39), and added Ewing’s twin brother James, a third baseman who hit .366-0-22 at Arkansas as a freshman, to fill out a talented infield. The return of senior OF Jody Blount (.294-10-47) helps to offset the loss of the team’s top two home run hitters, while senior RHP Ryan Belanger (8-3, 3.82) mitigates the loss of two starting pitchers and ace closer Daniel Best (6-2, 2.22, 13 SV).

TOP PROSPECT/JUNIOR: Trey Sutton, 2b. The lefthanded-hitting Sutton has had two exemplary seasons with the bat for the Golden Eagles, hitting .346-6-41 as a freshman and following with a similar season as a sophomore. He is expected to be Southern Miss’ best draft, but may be hard-pressed to crack the top 10 rounds.

TOP FRESHMAN: Todd McInnis, rhp. TOP SOPHOMORE: Mike Ewing, 1b. TOP SENIOR: Jody Blount, of.