2008 Big 12 Softball Preseason Coaches Poll Announced [Archive]

spooky

01-24-2008, 10:52 PM

Maybe the third time's the charm for the Aggies. THe last two years they've been picked first, and while they've been very good, they haven't managed to win the title yet. This team is still loaded, at least until Scarborough and Gibson graduate. It's be nice for them to develop a 3rd dependable pitcher who doesn't also play the field. Having to make that switch hurt them down the stretch abit last year. They've also got some catching issues to resolve..

OU's got most of that amazing offense back, although Dickson is a big loss, and pitching should be a plus as long as it's the regular season version and not the Super-regional version. I think it's pretty much a tossup between OU and A&M for the top spot.

Baylor's gonna be really young. We've got only two seniors, neither of whom has been a full-time starter in the past. Pitching depth could be an issue. We need Krsten Shortridge to step up and be a true ace. She pitched really well late in the year last year, but will need to make that mental jump to be the #1. THis team won't have near the power as last year, but should have a little more speed. 11 players will be either freshmen or sophomores, so it's gonna be fun to see who steps in early to earn a position. I'm a little worried that 3rd place is too generous a prediction, but I really respect coach Moore's coaching ability, so it's not out of the question.

Texas should have a bunch of great athletes again, but hasn't been able to put it all together post-Cat. Losing Megan Willis will hurt, but they will definitely have talent. I think Missouri has a great chance to finsih better than 5th. They exceeded expectations last year by far, and look to be under the radar again this year.

Practice started here on Monday (theoretically at least, 40 degrees and drizzling isn't exactly softball weather, and our first games are a tournament here the weekend of the 16th. Can't wail for the season to start.