Dallas Baptist Patriots
Overall Rank: #40
Conference Rank: #1 Western Athletic Conference 
Dallas Baptist Team Page
The Patriots have high hopes for the upcoming season, which hinges on the production of their star senior, Boomer Collins. It also marks their only season in the WAC, as next season they have plans to join the Missouri Valley Conference. They are coming off of a campaign where they made it to the NCAA Regional and are looking to get at least as far for the third consecutive season, but have to replace many productive bats in their lineup.
2012: 41-19, 0-0
2012 Postseason: NCAA
Coach: Dan Heefner
Field Players:
Dallas Baptist is led by preseason All-American and redshirt senior, slugging outfielder, Boomer Collins. The standout mashed 13 homeruns, drove in 58 runs and hit .374. He also displayed great speed, swiping a team high 15 stolen bases. Although Collins is a great player, the team will need more production on offense than just his bat. Fellow outfielder Ronnie Mitchell will be relied upon to provide the Patriots with more balance on offense and take some pressure off of Collins. A season ago he hit a respectable .296 and drove in 27 runs. With other stars graduating, the 2013 Patriots will not only need these two players, but will need many others to step up for them to enjoy the type of season that they are expecting.
Pitchers:
This staff will be led by sophomore Cy Sneed. As a freshman he was a workhorse, eating through 85 innings, second best on the team. He has a year of seasoning and growing and is looking to make strides in his second season. A season ago he posted a 4.45 ERA. However his 71 strikeouts (second on the team) to 27 walks is a promising indication that this young man can be the ace of the team. He also had 17 starts a season ago, which was a team high. His experience as a starter and ability to go deep into ball games will be keys for this staff to have success.
Who to Watch:
Senior infielder Jaime Garrido did a great job when given the opportunity last season. In 32 games he hit .306, flashed some pop with two homeruns, and drove in 17 runs. His .372 on base percentage demonstrates his ability to draw walks as well. He may see more playing time this season and if he can match his offensive production with more opportunities, he could be the spark that the Patriots need to propel them through the NCAA tournament.
Final Projection:
This team has some star power and is loaded with potential. They made the NCAA regional last year, the super regional the year before and this year they are dreaming even bigger. That will be a difficult task, but they should wind up in the NCAA tournament, where anything can happen, for the third straight season.
Projected Postseason: NCAA Baseball Tournament
Returning Leaders:
At Bats: Boomer Collins, OF, 235
Hits: Boomer Collins, OF, 88
Home Runs: Boomer Collins, OF, 13
RBIs: Boomer Collins, OF, 58
Runs: Boomer Collins, OF, 62
Stolen Bases: Boomer Collins, OF, 15
Wins: Cy Sneed, RHP, 8
Innings: Cy Sneed, RHP, 85
Strikeouts: Cy Sneed, RHP, 71
Saves: Michael Smith, RHP, 6
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