2. TEXAS A&M

2008 RECORD. Overall: 46-19 (Advanced to NCAA Super Regional). Conference: 19-8 / 1^st in Big 12.

Coach: Rob Childress (119-68, 4^th season).

First Game, 2009: Feb. 20 vs. Wright State .

 

OVERVIEW: It would be difficult to overstate just how good Texas A&M’s pitching staff could potentially be in 2009. The Aggies return their top four starters and have added former Winthrop All-American Alex Wilson, who red-shirted in 2008 while recuperating from Tommy John surgery. The bullpen returns the dominating duo of Travis Starling and Kyle Thebeau, who combined for 12 saves. A&M’s freshman class is also noteworthy—though only SS Adam Smith is expected to see meaningful playing time in 2009. Though the Aggies must replace five regulars, the team is very strong up the middle defensively and should see little drop in offense as four JC transfers—including C Joe Patterson, who led the nation with 95 RBIs, and slugged 28 homers at Seminole State (Okla.) CC—should provide enough offense in the unlikely event the pitching staff struggles. Expectations will be very high in College Station .

 

PROJECTED STARTING LINEUP

C: Kevin Gonzalez, So. (.261-3-29) / Joe Patterson, Jr. (.428-28-95 at Seminole State, Okla. , JC).

1B: Luke Anders (4), Sr. (.349-*16-58).

2B: Brodie Greene, Jr. (.290-4-27).

3B: Nick Anders, Jr. (.411-7-42 at Temple, Texas , JC).

SS: Adam Smith, Fr. (Diamondbacks/28^th round).

LF: Dylan Petrich, Jr. (.408-3-49 at Butler, Kan. , CC).

CF: Kyle Colligan (3), Sr. (.317-14-39, 12 SB).

RF: Brooks Raley (1), So. (.259-0-9) / Brett Parsons, So. (.418-10-51 at Navarro, Texas , JC).

DH: Nick Fleece, So. (.231-2-10).

1/Starter: Brooks Raley, So. (7-2, 4.76, *92 IP/68 SO).

2/Starter: Barret Loux, So. (6-2, 4.18, 90 IP/*81 SO).

3/Starter: Alex Wilson, Jr. (R/S in 2008; 6-4, 2.51 at Winthrop in 2007).

Closer: Travis Starling, Jr. (*8-2, 3.70, *9 SV, 48 IP/40 SO) / Kyle Thebeau, Sr. (6-5, 2.12, 3 SV, 76 IP/79 SO).

 

BEST TOOLS

Best Athlete: Brodie Greene.

Best Overall Hitter: Nick Fleece.

Best Power Hitter: Luke Anders.

Best Strike-Zone Discipline: Luke Anders.

Fastest Base Runner (60 time): Randall Thorpe (6.5 seconds).

Best Base Runner: Brodie Greene.

Best Defender: Kevin Gonzalez.

Best Infield Arm: Adam Smith.

Best Outfield Arm: Randall Thorpe.

Best Fastball (velocity): Alex Wilson (97 mph).

Best Breaking Ball: Travis Starling.

Best Changeup: Chad Sherman .

Best Command: Clayton Ehlert.

 

TOP FRESHMAN PROSPECT: Adam Smith, ss. A&M coach Rob Childress says Smith has the best infield arm he’s ever coached. He’s also a 6.8 runner with power potential—and his power should develop as he fills out his 6-foot-3, 200-pound frame. With excellent command of an 89-91 mph fastball, LHP Ross Hales is in the same class of prospect.

TOP SOPHOMORE PROSPECT: Barrett Loux, rhp. The 6-foot-5, 200-pound Loux projects as a first-round pick in 2010. He has a heavy 92-95 mph fastball and the present ability to throw strikes with three pitches.

TOP JUNIOR PROSPECT: Alex Wilson, rhp. Wilson was one of the nation’s top freshmen at Winthrop in 2006, when he went 13-3 and struck out 143 in 138 innings. He sat out 2008 after TJ surgery, was still drafted in the 10^th round last June by the Chicago Cubs and was back to his customary mid-90s last summer in the Cape .

TOP SENIOR PROSPECT: Luke Anders, 1b. There will be plenty of pressure on the 6-foot-6, 225-pound Anders, a 16^th-round pick of the Yankees last June, to carry a relatively inexperienced offense and show the way for his younger brother Nick (a JC transfer who will start at third), but his broad shoulders seem up to the task. Anders isn’t just a power threat as he has excellent plate discipline (40 BB in 2008) and can handle the bat head.

--DAVID RAWNSLEY