Baseball America has put out their Preseason All-American list lead by Justin Smoak (South Carolina) and Pedro Alvarez (Vanderbilt). Both players are expected to become top 5 picks in the 2008 MLB Draft in the springtime. Miami first baseman Yonder Alonso was the other corner infielder on the team leaving Brett Wallace (Arizona State) off the squad. The middle infielders are Gordon Beckham (UGA) and Jemile Weeks (Miami FL). The outfielders are teammates Kyle Russell and Jordan Danks of Texas. The team is filled out by Dennis Raben of Miami (FL). The biggest snub on the team is Dominic De La Osa (Vanderbilt). The pitching for the squad is led by Aaron Crow of Missouri after an unbelievable summer in the CCBL. The other pitchers are Christian Friedich of Eastern Kentucky, Brett Hunter of Pepperdine, Brian Matusz of San Diego, and Ryan Perry of Arizona. How is Jacob Thompson (UVA) left off the team? He has had two outstanding seasons in a very competitive ACC. Zach Putnam of Michigan is listed as the utility man after a strong NCAA tourney last season.
Full Release
All-American teams can be viewed here.
3 comments
Disappointing that BA seemed more interested in picking the collegians who would be the best professionals, than selecting the guys they were expecting to have the best seasons, and earn All America status.
But, judging by the numerous references to their pro potential, college baseball’s sole purpose must be to develop players for the pros.
This is even more embarrassing– not to mention off-base– than BA’s anamoly of a preseason Top 25 poll. Someone should advise Callis, Fitts and Manuel that a COLLEGE all-american listing should focus primarily on how one performs at the college level; NOT how you think they will rank in the amatuer draft! Just pathetic!
Walt,
Remember when BA used to be about College Baseball, and actually had information on, Division III baseball? Like the Sporting News, a fine publication that is steadily declining.
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