PGCROSSCHECKER COLLEGE TEAM SCOUTING REPORT

14. WICHITA STATE (46-22, lost in NCAA regionals).

Conference/Projected Finish: Missouri Valley (15-9, 3^rd in 2006; won conference post-season tournament).

Coach: Gene Stephenson (1,552-511, 29 years).

First Game: Feb. 16 at Pepperdine.

OVERVIEW: The Shockers haven’t been in the national spotlight as consistently as they were a decade ago, but could make a lot of noise this year as they return their top eight hitters and six best arms. Among the potential difference-makers in the everyday lineup are junior OF Matt Brown (.335-4-57), sophomore 3B Conor Gillaspie (.352-7-67) and versatile junior 2B Damon Sublett (.394-10-45), while heralded sophomore RHP Aaron Shafer (11-3, 2.63) joins junior RHP Travis Banwart (9-4, 3.87) and junior LHP Rob Musgrave (6-3, 4.11) at the front of a strong weekend rotation.

X-Factor: Sublett is a full-time second baseman and part-time closer, but his upside is on the mound. He has a bulldog approach to pitching to go with a low 90s fastball, and he proved almost unhittable at the college and summer level in 2006, going a combined 1-0, 0.00 with 12 saves in 22 appearances. In 20 innings, he allowed seven hits and struck out 40. 

TOP FRESHMAN: Dusty Coleman, ss-rhp. A rare South Dakota high school product, Coleman is multi-sport star expected to see two-way duty for the Shockers. His speed and arm strength are his best tools, but his opportunity will be limited on a veteran Wichita State team.

TOP SOPHOMORE: Aaron Shafer, rhp. With excellent command of a low- to mid-90s fastball and biting curve, the 6-foot-4, 205-pound Shafer stacks up as the next in a long line of Wichita State pitchers drafted in the first round. He’s one of the top arms in the 2008 college class.

TOP JUNIOR: Travis Banwart, rhp. The 6-foot-4 Banwart has clean, easy mechanics along with command of a 91-93 mph fastball and curve, making him the most attractive of this year’s Shocker candidates for the draft. Banwart projects as a third- to fourth-rounder, slightly ahead of Brown and Sublett.

TOP SENIOR: Derek Schermerhorn, 1b. One of the most versatile players in college baseball, Schermerhorn (.329-0-29) has played all over the field in his Wichita State career. He’s slated to start at first base this year. Determined to fit the profile of a prototypical first baseman, he clubbed three homers in seven fall games after hitting none in 68 spring games.