January 1, 2008

Kendall Rogers
Rivals.com College Baseball Editor

? MORE: Rivals.com Countdown to First Pitch

Competitiveness is consistent in the Big 12.

Sure, Texas is often the leader atop the conference standings. However, others such as Missouri, Baylor and Oklahoma State have staked their claims in recent years.

With the return of outfielders Kyle Russell and Jordan Danks, among others, the Longhorns are the league favorite. Meanwhile, Missouri hopes to rise to the occasion with Aaron Crow in charge.

Baylor, Texas A&M, Oklahoma State and Nebraska should compete for postseason berths, while Kansas State could be a pleasant surprise.

We preview the Big 12.

Rivals.com's Big 12 Preview
Predicted order of finish	Preseason all-conference
1. Texas 2. Missouri 3. Baylor 4. Texas A&M 5. Oklahoma State 6. Nebraska 7. Kansas State 8. Oklahoma 9. Kansas 10. Texas Tech	1B. Rebel Ridling, Oklahoma State 2B. Blake Stouffer, Texas A&M 3B. Matt Hague, Oklahoma State SS. Beamer Weems, Baylor OF. Kyle Russell, Texas OF. Jordan Danks, Texas OF. Byron Wiley, Kansas State C. Preston Clark, Texas SP. Aaron Crow, Missouri SP. Brad Hutt, Kansas State SP. Stephen Porlier, Oklahoma RP. Daniel Edwards, Kansas State DH. Roger Kieschnick, Texas Tech

Big 12 breakdown
Team on the rise
Baylor Sitting in the conference room at Reckling Park in Houston two seasons ago, Baylor coach Steve Smith discussed the challenges his program would face in 2007. At the time, Smith seemed somewhat pessimistic. However, the Bears helped him rest a little easier last season. Even without several key players, the Bears managed to earn another NCAA Tournament berth. BU finished the year with a 35-27 overall record. After making another postseason appearance in '07, the Bears once again have their sights set on Omaha. Veteran shortstop Beamer Weems is a premier player, while sophomore Raynor Campbell and others hope to provide more fireworks.
Coach on the rise
Rob Childress When Texas A&M began searching for a new coach over two years ago, they had some candidates in mind. Rob Childress was on the list. Childress spent several successful seasons as the pitching coach and recruiting coordinator at Nebraska, but some wondered if he had the ability to be a successful head coach. Childress answered that question last season. After experiencing the worst in his first season with the Aggies, Childress guided the Maroon & White to a Super Regional berth in 2007. A&M finished the year with a 48-19 overall record. Though the Aggies still have more to prove, Childress has them aiming higher.
Best pitcher
Aaron Crow Just a few seasons ago, Missouri was content with making an NCAA Tournament berth. Now the Tigers are aiming for something bigger and better ? a College World Series appearance. Though several players enter the spring with significant roles, no player is more important than Crow. As a sophomore last season, the talented right-handed pitcher impressed observers. Crow went 9-4 with a 3.59 ERA in 117 2/3 innings of work. He also struck out 90 and walked 33, while allowing just 47 earned runs. Overall, Crow finished the year with two complete games in 18 starts. If the Tigers hope to get to Omaha, Crow must rise to the occasion.
Best hitter
Blake Stouffer After failing to impress two seasons ago, Blake Stouffer entered his junior campaign with something to prove. That was bad news for opposing pitchers. Not only did Stouffer show improvement, he tallied outstanding numbers at the plate. As a junior last season, Stouffer batted a team-leading .398 with 12 homers and 85 RBIs. He also slugged .668 and had a .487 on-base percentage. Stouffer also finished the year with 23 doubles, five triples and 171 total bases. In addition to his offensive production, Stouffer ended the year 22-of-31 in stolen bases. After returning for his senior season, Stouffer hopes to guide the Aggies to Omaha.
Kendall's analysis
The Big 12 has lacked star power the past two seasons, but the state of the league is strong entering the 2008 season. After winning yet another conference crown last season, Texas enters the spring as the league favorite. The Longhorns must find a way to replace weekend starters Adrian Alaniz and James Russell and talented third baseman Bradley Suttle. However, they welcome the return of pitchers Kenn Kasparek and Riley Boening, who were each sidelined with injuries last season ? Though Texas leads the charge, Missouri is close behind with weekend starters Aaron Crow and Rick Zagone leading the charge. The Tigers are also excited about position starters Jacob Priday, Aaron Senne and Trevor Coleman, among others. If Missouri wants to consider 2008 a successful campaign, it must be in Omaha this June ? Baylor is still somewhat young, but should be vastly improved with most of its players a year older and wiser ? Texas A&M must replace weekend starters Kyle Nicholson and David Newmann, but keep a close eye on freshman right-hander Barret Loux ? Oklahoma State hopes to receive great production from talented transfers Matt Hague and Luis Flores, while Nebraska hopes to improve with veteran pitcher Johnny Dorn leading the charge ? Kansas State could fit into the surprise category, while Kansas returns several players from last year's team ? Oklahoma must replace several key players, while Texas Tech could be in good shape if Miles Morgan (who was injured last season) returns to old form.

Kendall Rogers is the college baseball editor for Rivals.com. He can be reached at rogersk@yahoo-inc.com.