Texas Tech 2012 baseball preview

TEXAS TECH BASEBALL PLAYER CAPSULES

Starting Lineup

Jamodrick McGruder

 Was on pace to finish 2012 as one of the top base-stealers in the Big 12 before a broken hamate bone sidelined him the final three weeks of the season. Led conference with 25 HBP.

Reid Redman

Became one of the most consistent infielders in the Big 12 last year both at the plate and on defense. His .320 average led the Red Raiders in 2011. Drafted in the 37th round by the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Barrett Barnes

One of the top college draft prospects in the nation going into the season, Barnes was third in the Big 12 last season in home runs and second with 41 walks. His 19 stolen bases ranked in the top seven.

Scott LeJeune

Played just one game for the Red Raiders before leaving the team for personal reasons. As a sophomore he led the Big 12 and ranked seventh in the nation with 28 doubles.

Bo Altobelli

Was one of the top hitters in the Big 12 despite splitting starting duties with Kevin Whitehead. He hit .325 in Big 12 games with four doubles and 12 RBIs over 31 games (19 starts).

David Paiz

Earned first-team All-Big 12 honors last year as a utility player. On the mound was 3-5 with a 6.93 ERA, making nine starts. Should move to the bullpen this season.

Bryant Burleson

Emerged from a three-way battle of freshmen for the starting job at shortstop thanks to an outstanding fall at the plate. His brother, Cory, is the starting catcher at Nebraska.

Brennan Moore

Had an outstanding year in leading Grayson County College to the Region V Championship and a berth in the NJCAA World Series. Hit .400 (4 for 10) at the JUCO World Series.

Tim Proudfoot

Showed great potential in the fall with his defense at shortstop. Led Mount Si to the Class 3A Washington State championship.

Off the Bench

Matt Eureste

Drafted in the 40th round in June by the Cleveland Indians. First-team all-state selection and led St. Pius to the district title.

Kevin Whitehead

Started in 39 of 47 games while splitting time with Altobelli. Threw out 30 of 97 potential base-stealers.

Nick Hanslik

Played in 38 games with 12 starts on the season. Played in 20 games in Big 12 Conference play. Academic All-Big 12 first team.

Stephen Hagen

Played a vital role for Tech in 2011, starting all 58 games at first base. Two-time Big 12 Player of the Week honoree.

Zach Reding

Had a very impressive fall campaign to get the early shot at the start in right field. A first-team all-district selection, Reding helped lead Jesuit to back-to-back district championships.

Jordan Lopez

Played in 11 games before being medically redshirted due to season-ending reconstructive surgery on his right elbow.

Mason Randolph

Played in 25 games with 14 starts at catcher, left field and designated hitter. Played in 10 games, five starts, in Big 12 play.

Blake Bass

Hard-hitting slugger helped lead Coronado to the Class 5A state finals. Earned all-state and all-state tournament honors.

Starting rotation

Duke von Schamann

Emerged late last year as Tech’s most consistent and successful starter. First Red Raiders in 10 years to begin his career with at least a 5-0 record.

Shane Broyles

Transfer was one of the team’s top pitchers in the fall, earning a spot in the starting rotation. Second-team All-Region II last season.

Daniel Coulombe

Opened last season as Friday night starter and made four appearances before undergoing season-ending reconstructive elbow surgery.

Rusty Shellhorn

Sat out the 2011 season per NCAA rules after transferring from Washington State. Made just five appearances (three starts) as a sophomore for the Cougars in 2010.

The Bullpen

Trey Masek

Was solid in the weekend rotation last season, earning All-big 12 Conference Freshman Team honors.

Jamen Parten

Made 15 appearances with nine starts a year ago. Did not allow a run in six relief appearances.

Andre Wheeler

Played mostly in the outfield last year but will be moved to the mound. Made four relief appearances in 2011.

Jerad McCrummen

Had 26 relief appearances, which tied for eighth in the school’s record books for a single season.

Ben Flora

Finished with 24 appearances (three starts), which ranked third-most on the team last season.

Scott Erzinger

Made four appearances in 2011 with opposing batters hitting just .222. Retired first batter three out of four times.

Aaron Corwin

Made 19 relief appearances and a 1.86 ERA against nationally ranked opponents. Did record one save.

Ryan Bielitz

Perfect Game No. 79 high school prospect in the state. Led team to third round of the playoffs last season.

Blake Stewart

Ranked second in WJCAC last year in opponent batting average, fourth in wins and fifth in ERA.

John Neely

One of the top closers in the Big 12 with 7 saves. All-Big 12 second team and NCBWA third-team all-American

Travis Hoffmeister

Did not play last year after undergoing reconstructive elbow surgery in November of 2010. Compiled a 21-8 record in high school.

Brandon Easterling

Was 4-0 with a 2.25 ERA last season before suffering an injury that required season-ending elbow surgery.

Brennan Stewart

Will miss the start of the season after undergoing lower back surgery on Dec. 23 for injury suffered in the fall.