TUCSON, Ariz. — Stanford is the pre-season favorite to win the 2000 College World Series, according to Collegiate Baseball’s annual pre-season survey of NCAA Division I baseball coaches across the USA. The Cardinal, which finished third at last year’s College World Series, returns seven position player starters and three superb pitchers off a team which rolled to a 50-15 overall record and Pac-10 championship.

Three players are expected to be first or second round draft picks next June in RHP Jason Young (12-3, 3.43 ERA), RF Joe Borchard (.372, 11 HR, 16 2B, 56 RBI) and RHP Justin Wayne (10-1, 4.94 ERA, 135 K, 43 BB). Young led the nation last year with 178 strikeouts (also a Stanford single-season record). He led the Pac-10 in innings pitched (154.6), wins (12) and games started (21). It should also be noted Young hurled 10 complete games which may have led the nation as well.

"This is the most veteran team I have ever had at Stanford (in 23 years)," said Head Coach Mark Marquess. "We are very fortunate we have so many seniors on this team (6) who play such pivotal roles on the team. It is rare to see this since so many top juniors are usually signed." Key starting seniors who have returned include C Damien Alvarado, 1B/3B John Gall, 2B/SS Eric Bruntlett, CF Edmund Muth, and 1B Craig Thompson.