20. FLORIDA

2008 RECORD. Overall: 34-24 (Advanced to NCAA regional). Conference: 17-13 / 2^nd in SEC (East).

Coach: Kevin O’Sullivan (34-24, 2^nd season).

First Game, 2009: Feb. 20 vs. No. 11 Louisville .

 

OVERVIEW: Kevin O’Sullivan’s first year at Florida was an immediate hit as the rebuilding Gators finished third overall in the rugged SEC. He also secured one of the top recruiting classes in the country with his current group of freshmen—and may have outdone himself with his 2010 crop. Offensively, the Gators should be strong again with the return of junior OF Matt den Dekker and sophomore 3B Josh Adams, and five other regulars. Sophomore RHP Tommy Toledo (4-4, 4.40), a third-round pick in the 2007 draft, has been lost for the season because of Tommy John surgery, costing the Gators their best arm, but the talented freshman trio of RHP Anthony DeSclafani, and LHPs Nick Maronde and Alex Panteliodis should help fill the void.

 

PROJECTED STARTING LINEUP

C: Hampton Tignor, Jr. (.304-3-9) / Buddy Munroe (.237-3-17).

1B: Brandon McArthur, Sr. (.337-2-44).

2B: Clayton Pisani, Jr. (.271-5-28).

3B: Josh Adams (4), So. (.330-8-51, 11 SB).

SS: Michael Mooney, Jr. (.332-0-15 at Palm Beach, Fla. , CC).

LF: Avery Barnes (1), Sr. (*.360-2-19, *26 SB).

CF: Matt den Dekker (3), Jr. (.333-8-48, 20 SB).

RF: Jonathan Pigott, Jr. (.220-2-16). / Riley Cooper, So. (.207-2-10).

DH: Preston Tucker, Fr. (HS--Tampa) / Ben McMahan, Fr. (Yankees/30^th round).

1/Starter: Patrick Keating, Sr. (*8-1, 4.16, *84 IP/52 SO).

2/Starter: Nick Maronde, Fr. (Athletics, 43^rd round).

3/Starter: Alex Panteliodis, Fr. (HS--Tampa).

Closer: Jeff Barfield, Jr. (5-3, 2.68 at Lake City, Fla. , CC).

 

BEST TOOLS

Best Athlete: Matt den Dekker.

Best Overall Hitter: Josh Adams.

Best Power Hitter: Preston Tucker.

Best Strike-Zone Discipline: Michael Mooney.

Fastest Base Runner (60 time): Avery Barnes (6.5 seconds).

Best Base Runner: Avery Barnes.

Best Defender: Matt den Dekker.

Best Infield Arm: Josh Adams.

Best Outfield Arm: Matt den Dekker.

Best Fastball (velocity): Anthony DeSclafani (93 mph).

Best Breaking Ball: Patrick Keating.

Best Changeup: Alex Panteliodis.

Best Command: Alex Panteliodis.

 

TOP FRESHMAN PROSPECT: Nick Maronde, lhp. The Gators scored a big recruiting coup by landing Maronde, a power lefthander from Kentucky . He has three plus pitches: a lively fastball in the 89-92 mph range, a sharp slider and a solid changeup. He also creates excellent deception with his delivery and is highly competitive.

TOP SOPHOMORE PROSPECT: Josh Adams, 3b. Adams ’ bat is his best tool; he has a good hitting approach and uses all parts of the field. He’s also a versatile defender and has the intelligence and instincts to adapt to almost any position. He earned all-SEC honors a year ago as a second baseman, and makes the move to third this season.

TOP JUNIOR PROSPECT: Matt den Dekker, of. Den Dekker earned first-team all-SEC honors in 2008, but his potential five-tool talent didn’t come to the forefront until he spent the summer season with Team USA —even as he hit just .229. He’s now recognized as a premium defender with a high level of athletic ability.

TOP SENIOR PROSPECT: Avery Barnes, of. Barnes led the Gators in batting, runs (65), stolen bases and on-base percentage (.434) in 2008, and is a valuable and disruptive presence at the top of the batting order. He has above-average speed and excellent base-running instincts, and is a vastly improved defender after making the conversion to the outfield from second base. He elected to return for his senior year after being selected in the 40^th round of last year’s draft by the Washington Nationals.

--JEFF SIMPSON