Rodriguez, Savery, Named To NCBWA Preseason All-America Team
12/13/2005 12:00:00 AM | Baseball
Dec. 13, 2005
IRVING -
Rice standouts Josh Rodriguez and Joe Savery were named first team preseason all-America selections for the upcoming 2006 season by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA), the organization announced Tuesday.
Last season Rodriguez and Savery led one of the youngest Rice teams in years to a 45-19 record and NCAA Super Regional appearance. After garnering a host of individual awards and accolades, both Owls were selected to play for the United States' national team on its 2005 summer tour.
Rice is one of only two schools in the country with multiple selections on the NCBWA's preseason first team. Rodriguez, a junior shortstop, was named third team all-America by the American Baseball Coaches Association last season. The standout from South Houston High School batted .345 and was among the Western Athletic Conference leaders in home runs (11), RBI (54) and steals (9).
Savery, a versatile sophomore pitcher and first baseman, was selected to the preseason team as a utility player after a sensational Division I debut on both sides of the ball. He was named Baseball America's 2005 Freshman of the Year after batting .382 with 17 doubles with 54 RBI and 49 runs scored. As a pitcher the former Lamar High School star compiled an 8-5 record on the mound with a 2.43 ERA and 129 strikeouts in 118.2 innings of work.
Rice gets the 2006 baseball season underway with its biennial Varsity-Alumni Game at home at Reckling Park on Jan. 28. The team's first official game is Feb. 4 at home against Central Missouri State. A winner of 10-consecutive conference championships spanning two different leagues, Rice baseball competes in Conference USA for the first time in 2006. The Owls are scheduled to host the C-USA postseason tournament May 24-28.
