Feb. 17, 2009

The Big 12 Conference baseball coaches have picked Mizzou to finish fifth in the league, according to the 2009 Big 12 Preseason Poll released on Tuesday. The Tigers received 51 points in the poll. Texas A&M was picked the win the conference, followed by Texas. Baylor and Oklahoma State tied for third in the voting. It marks the first time in 10 years that the Aggies have been selected to win the Big 12 crown prior to the season.

Coaches were not allowed to vote for their own team.

The Tigers enter the 2009 campaign ranked No. 10 by Baseball America. Overall six of the Big 12's 10 teams are ranked nationally, including the Texas A&M (1), Texas (4), Baylor (8), Missouri (10), Oklahoma State (13) and Oklahoma (16).

Mizzou will open the 2009 season this Friday against Nevada at the Grand Canyon Classic in Phoenix, Ariz. First pitch is set for 8 p.m. CT.

2009 BIG 12 CONFERENCE BASEBALL PRESEASON COACHES' POLL
Rank 	Team (First-place votes) 	Points
1. 	Texas A&M (9) 81
2. Texas (1) 69
3. 	Baylor 59
3. 	Oklahoma State 59
5. 	Missouri 51
6. 	Oklahoma 42
7. 	Nebraska 38
8. 	Texas Tech 25
9. 	Kansas State 15
10. 	Kansas 11