Feb. 16, 2010
IRVING, Texas - The Texas A&M baseball team was picked to finish third in a preseason vote of the league's head coaches, the Big 12 office announced Tuesday.
Defending regular-season champion Texas (81) was a unanimous choice as the league favorite, followed by Kansas (69), the Aggies (64), Oklahoma (57), Oklahoma State (47), Baylor (39), Kansas State (29), Missouri (22), Nebraska (22) and Texas Tech (20). Coaches were not allowed to vote for their own team.
The Big 12 placed a record eight teams in the NCAA Tournament last season, with two--Texas and OU--receiving national seeds.
A&M returns 17 letterwinners, five position starters and 10 pitchers from a 2009 squad that racked up 37 wins and advanced to the NCAA tournament for the third consecutive season.
Top returnees on the offensive side include senior infielder and first-team All-Big 12 honoree Brodie Greene (.344, 11 HR, 35 RBI), senior designated hitter and second-team all-conference selection Joe Patterson (.386, 12 HR, 52 RBI), junior honorable mention all-Big 12 catcher Caleb Shofner (.348, 7 HR, 42 RBI).
The pitching staff brings back 21 wins and is led by junior right-hander Clayton Ehlert (5-2), junior right-hander Barret Loux (3-3, 4.12) and sophomore lefty Shane Minks (1-1, 19 appearances), and sophomores Ross Stripling (1-0, 13 apps) and Estevan Uriegas (1-1, 3.09) highlight the rest of the arms.
The Aggies open the 2010 season this Friday night against Seton Hall with first pitch set for 6:35 p.m. Loux will get the ball on opening night for Texas A&M. Season tickets and special discounted ticket packs are available now by calling 888-99-AGGIE or visiting tickets.12thmanfoundation.com.
BIG 12 PRESEASON COACHES' POLL
Rk Team (1st votes) Points
1. Texas (9) 81
2. Kansas (1) 69
3. Texas A&M 64
4. Oklahoma 57
5. Oklahoma State 47
6. Baylor 39
7. Kansas State 29
8. Missouri 22
Nebraska 22
10. Texas Tech 20