Feb. 4, 2011

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DURHAM, NC-- Stanford sophomore shortstop Kenny Diekroeger (Woodside, CA), sophomore righthander Mark Appel (San Ramon,  CA) and freshman outfielder Austin Wilson (Los Angeles, CA) were each named a part of Baseball America's preseason All-America team. Diekroeger was named to the first team, Appel to the second and Wilson was named to the third team.

Diekroeger, who led the Cardinal in batting (.356) and RBIs (41) last year is rated as the No. 2 sophomore in the country according to the Durham publication. Wilson, who hit .485 with 52 runs and a .802 slugging percentage at Harvard Westlake High in Southern California,  is rated as the No. 3 freshman.

Appel was rated as the No. 4 sophomore, and along with Diekroeger was a top summer prospect, following a 3.45 ERA out of the bullpen over 21 games and a 5.92 ERA over 24 games and three starts in 2010.

The trio is part of a talented underclass for the Cardinal this season. Diekroeger and Appel's class was rated No. 2 by Baseball America, Wilson's freshman class was rated No. 1.

According to Baseball America, Diekroeger was “The top-rated prospect in the New England Collegiate Baseball League last summer, he's a righthanded hitter with quick hands and plenty of bat speed. He has gap power and should develop more pop as he adds strength to his wiry frame. He has slightly above-average speed but has yet to develop into much of a base running threat.”

Diekroeger, who occupied third base as a freshman, moved to short this fall following the departure of three-year starter Jake Schlander to the professional ranks.

"I think he's a shortstop," an American League scouting director said. "He's kind of big but he has a lot of ability and he's very athletic. He'll probably stick out more offensively, because that's what most people pay attention to, but he won't disappoint anyone with his defense."

Earlier this year Diekroeger was named a preseason second team All-American by Collegiate Baseball. The Cardinal, rated as high as No. 10 in the country, will open at Rice February 18-20. The home opener is February 22 against California. Stanford plays nine of its first 11 on the road.