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Barnes Named Preseason
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Feb. 10, 2011
LUBBOCK, Texas - Texas Tech sophomore Barrett Barnes was named Preseason All-Big 12 by Baseball America, the publication announced Thursday. Barnes, sophomore second baseman Jamodrick McGruder and junior Kelby Tomlinson were also mentioned in Baseball America's preseason preview of the Big 12 Conference. Barnes, who will make the switch to center field after playing first base in 2010, was the preseason all-conference pick at first base and also selected the Big 12 player with the "Best Raw Power" in the Best Tools category. McGruder was labeled as the league's "Fastest Runner" and as the "Best Base Runner" in the Big 12 Conference. Tomlinson, a junior who transferred to Tech after playing two seasons at Seward County Community College, was selected as the No. 10 top newcomer in the conference. Barnes also received recognition as the No. 5 top prospect among players eligible for the 2012 Major League Baseball Draft. In addition, Barnes was named to the preseason All-Big 12 team by College Baseball Daily. Overall, Barnes has been recognized with 10 preseason honors. Recently, Barnes was named the No. 6 "College Baseball 1B to Watch" by CollegeBaseball360.com in its preseason ranking of the top players in the country at each position. Texas Tech is almost a week away from opening its season as Opening Day for the Red Raiders is Friday, Feb. 18, as they welcome Western Michigan for a 6 p.m. first pitch at Dan Law Field. Tech will host the Red Raider Classic (Feb. 18-20) while beginning an 18-game homestand. The publication also selected Texas Tech to finish eighth in the league standings. The preseason poll listed Oklahoma as the league favorite, followed by Texas, Baylor, Texas A&M, Nebraska, Oklahoma State, Kansas State and with Kansas and Missouri landing behind Tech. Barnes' 2011 Preseason Honors:
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