Parker, Hultzen Named to NCBWA Preseason All-America Team

Honestly, I'm a little surprised only two players were named to the preseason All-America Team. That said, Jarrett Parker and Danny Hultzen are looking to lead the ACC Champions Virginia squad to another appearance this year in the most prestigious event of college baseball -- the College World Series. These leaders have a lot to live up to after last year's incredible performance, and most of the media are predicting the repeat appearance. The NCBWA preseason All-America Team press release, after the jump.

Virginia baseball's Jarrett Parker (Jr., Stafford, Va.) and Danny Hultzen (So., Bethesda, Md.) have been named to the National Collegiate Baseball Writers' Association Pro-Line Athletic 2010 Preseason All-America Team, the NCBWA announced today. Parker was a first-team outfield selection, while Hultzen was picked to the second team at utility.

Parker, a unanimous All-American in the national awards circuit last season, was a First-Team All-ACC pick in 2009 after putting up record-setting numbers. He finished with a .355 batting average with 16 home runs and 65 runs batted in. He also had 20 stolen bases while playing in all 65 of Virginia's games.

Parker set Virginia single-season records in runs (76), hits (94) and total bases (176) and tied the record for triples (7). He also ranked among the top 10 in UVa single-season history in doubles (20 - T4th), home runs (16 - T3rd) and RBI (65 - 3rd).

Hultzen was a two-way standout for the Cavaliers last year. The first ACC Freshman of the Year in Virginia history, Hultzen saw time at pitcher, first base, left field and designated hitter while earning a slot on the All-ACC First Team as well as several All-America teams. On the mound, he posted a 9-1 record with a 2.17 ERA in 17 games (16 starts). In 95 innings, Hultzen recorded 107 strikeouts, which is a Virginia freshman record and also ranks sixth overall in UVa history. His 16 starts tied a Virginia single-season record, while his total of nine wins is tied for sixth in the Virginia annals.

At the plate, Hultzen recorded a .327 batting average - second among ACC freshmen behind teammate Steven Proscia. He also hit three home runs and drove in 37 runs.

Virginia opens its 2010 season on Feb. 19 when it starts a three-game series at East Carolina.

Courtesy VirginiaSports.com