Baseball America released its 2011 preseason All-America teams, which are voted on by MLB scouting directors. Three players represent the Mountain West across the first-, second- and third-teams.
Appearing on the first team is TCU Horned Frogs left-handed pitcher Matt Purke, who went 16-0 with a 3.02 ERA and 142 strikeouts as a freshman in 2010. Purke is joined by UCLA right-handed pitcher Gerrit Cole on the first team. Both are regarded as the top two college pitchers in the country and top-five selections in the coming June draft.
Making the second team is TCU outfielder Jason Coats. He hit .361/.403./.617 with 13 homers and 69 RBI last season. He will be counted on to be the top offensive performer for the Horned Frogs this season.
Utah Utes catcher C.J. Cron was voted to the third team. In 2010, Cron hit .431/.487/.817 with 20 home runs and 81 RBI, all team highs.
The only freshman to appear on any of the teams is the Stanford Cardinal's Austin Wilson, a 6-foot-4, 235-pound outfielder. The St. Louis Cardinals took a flyer on him in the 12th round last June just in case something happened, but Wilson's commitment to Stanford was that strong.
The college baseball season kicks off in two weeks on Friday, Feb. 18.