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It's almost college baseball season, which means the Cougars will be back in action. Washington State begins its season on Friday and the Cougars are thought to be potential playoff contenders. Baseball America previewed the Pac-12 season and listed WSU as one of seven conference teams either in the top 25 or projected as a regional team.
The Cougars are coming off a rough season, but as BA noted, the Cougars return the majority of key players. Via BA's Pac-12 preview:
The Cougars took their lumps with a young team last year, going 9-21 in the conference, but they return eight regulars and their top 10 pitchers. Friday starter Tanner Chleborad can run his fastball up to 94 and features an emerging slider; now he just needs to perform like an ace. Six-foot-8 Saturday starter Scott Simon reminds WSU of big leaguer Doug Fister for his frame and his heavy 87-90 fastball. Sr. LHP/1b Jason Monda moves into the rotation (where he throws strikes with three pitches and reaches 91) and helps anchor a veteran lineup. Yale Rosen and potentially Ben Roberts bring more power potential, while Nick Tanielu, Trek Stemp and Collin Slaybaugh should be on-base machines.
We can do better than text. Thanks to WSU, we have position previews from head coach Donnie Marbut.
Infielders
Outfielders
Catchers
Pitchers
It all begins on Friday with a three-game series against Cal State Fullerton. WSU will play its first home game on Feb. 21.
Baseball:
2014 College Preview: Pac-12 - BaseballAmerica.com
Washington State: The Cougars took their lumps with a young team last year, going 9-21 in the conference, but they return eight regulars and their top 10 pitchers. Friday starter Tanner Chleborad can run his fastball up to 94 and features an emerging slider; now he just needs to perform like an ace. Six-foot-8 Saturday starter Scott Simon reminds WSU of big leaguer Doug Fister for his frame and his heavy 87-90 fastball. Sr. LHP/1b Jason Monda moves into the rotation (where he throws strikes with three pitches and reaches 91) and helps anchor a veteran lineup. Yale Rosen and potentially Ben Roberts bring more power potential, while Nick Tanielu, Trek Stemp and Collin Slaybaugh should be on-base machines.
Football:
Top Pac-12 performances of 2013: California Bears' Chris Harper - ESPN
Who and against whom: Despite a 44-22 loss to Washington State, California receiver Chris Harper put on one of the top receiving performances in the Pac-12 in 2013.