Razorbacks slotted No. 17 in preseason poll

FAYETTEVILLE – The University of Arkansas baseball team is position No. 17 in the Baseball America preseason Top 25 poll, as released by the publication Wednesday. The Baseball America poll represents the second major preseason ranking released heading into the 2010 season. The Razorbacks were ranked No. 23 in the Collegiate Baseball preseason poll released in December.

Arkansas ended the 2009 season with a 41-24 record and No. 7 ranking in the final Baseball America poll after its run through the postseason, capped by the sixth College World Series appearance in program history. The Razorbacks return 19 letterwinners from last season, including preseason All-America selection Andy Wilkins.

The Southeastern Conference is well represented in this preseason release with six teams scattered throughout the top 25. In addition to the Razorbacks, the poll includes LSU (No. 2), Florida (7), South Carolina (10), Georgia (22) and Ole Miss (24). The SEC is tied with the Atlantic Coast Conference for the most teams in the preseason rankings.

After opening the spring semester with individual workouts, the Razorback baseball team will begin its team practices Jan. 29. Arkansas opens the 2010 season Feb. 19-21 against Ball State at Baum Stadium. The Hogs are set to play 34 games, including five SEC series, on their home field at Baum Stadium this season.

Download: BA PRESEASON TOP 25 POLL.pdf