Sanford On Midseason Watch List

[Brad]

Courtesy USF

Sanford On Midseason Watch List

STARKVILLE, Miss. – University of South Florida sophomore closer Shawn Sanford is one of 45 relief pitchers included on the midseason watch list for the fourth annual National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association Stopper of the Year Award, the association announced Thursday. 

The award is given to the top relief pitcher in Division I college baseball. 

"We expected him to do well from the very beginning of the season," said USF head coach Lelo Prado. "He has struggled a little bit here in the middle, but hopefully he'll finish strong. He's had two good outings recently, so hopefully he can build on those."

Sanford, who has 30 strikeouts in 28.1 innings, is 4-4 this season with eight saves in 22 appearances. He has earned a save in his last three appearances, which were against Louisville, Stetson and Bethune-Cookman. His eight saves ranks 25th in the country and second in the BIG EAST. Sanford leads the conference in appearances, games finished (20) and games in relief (22). 

The 2008 midseason watch list features teams representing 19 athletic conferences as well as one independent team. The Atlantic Coast Conference leads the way with six pitchers on the honor squad. The midseason watch list includes four players with double-figure saves totals through April 15, paced by NCAA saves leader Tyler Conn of Southern Miss. 

The watch list was compiled from nominations submitted by sports information contacts and conference media relations offices nationwide. At the conclusion of regular season competition, the NCAA Division I saves leader and four other relief pitching standouts will be selected as the finalists for the award and announced May 28 prior to the start of NCAA regional competition. 

The winner of the 2008 Stopper of the Year Award will be selected by the NCBWA’s All-America Committee and announced Wednesday, June 4, two days before NCAA Super Regional play begins.

A complete list of the midseason watch list can be seen at www.NCBWA.com