The National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association released its 50-name watch list of Preseason Stopper of the Year candidates Tuesday. Valparaiso's Karch Kowalczyk (Peru, Ill./La Salle-Peru) was on the short list.

Kowalczyk was named the Horizon League's Relief Pitcher of the Year in 2013 after registering 12 saves and compiling a 1.73 earned run average. He allowed just 25 base runners in 26 innings pitched.

The initial list will be updated with a mid-season release the week of April 21, including the national saves leaders. At the conclusion of the regular season, the Division I national saves leader and four other relief pitching standouts will be selected as finalists and released Wednesday, June 4, prior to start of NCAA Super Regional tournament competition.

The NCBWA's All-America Committee will select the winner, with this year's recipient to be announced during the 2014 College World Series.