49. TULANE

2008 RECORD. Overall: 39-22 (Advanced to NCAA regional). Conference: 13-9 / 3^rd in Conference USA .

Coach: Rick Jones (639-306, 17^th season).

First Game, 2009: Feb. 20 vs LeMoyne.

 

OVERVIEW: In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, which greatly impacted the Tulane campus while leveling other parts of New Orleans, the Green Wave has struggled to return to the lofty standard it established earlier in the decade, when it won a program-best 56 games in both 2001 and 2005. Since Katrina, Tulane has averaged just 39 wins a season. But there is hope for 2009 as Tulane starts six seniors in a lineup that could be among the better everyday units in the country. Veteran 2B Seth Henry and 1B Sam Honeck lead that group, and there are high expectations that junior SS Josh Prince will play to his potential after a breakout summer season in the Northwoods League. But the best overall position player, and potentially the best pitcher on the Tulane staff, is sophomore 3B Rob Segedin—the remaining piece in a solid Tulane infield. Segedin will bat cleanup and close for the Green Wave. A trio of sophomores will comprise the starting rotation, including RHP Conrad Flynn, who won the championship game for Grayson County (Texas) CC at the 2008 Junior College World Series and was named the event’s outstanding pitcher. A veteran team will make the spring easier for coach Rick Jones, who will have the additional duties of being the head coach for Team USA’s national college team during the summer.

 

PROJECTED STARTING LINEUP

C: Jared Dyer, Sr. (.303-6-39).

1B: Sam Honeck, Sr. (.275-8-43).

2B: Seth Henry (3), Sr. (.319-7-54, 13 SB).

3B: Rob Segedin (4), So. (*.322-6-*59).

SS: Josh Prince, Jr. (.236-1-10, 19 SB).

LF: Andrew Rodgers, Sr. (.261-10-38).

CF: Scott Powell (1), Sr. (.235-2-8, 10 SB).

RF: Drew Allain, Sr. (.268-1-15).

DH: Jamie Bruno, Fr. (Mets/15^th round).

1/Starter: Conrad Flynn, So. (9-2, 3.84 at Grayson County, Texas , CC).

2/Starter: Matt Petiton, So. (7-1, 2.73, 69 IP/44 SO).

3/Starter: Robbie Broach, So. (5-2, 5.15, 57 IP/49 SO).

Closer: Rob Segedin, So. (1-2, 4.66, 5 SV, 19 IP/21 SO).

 

BEST TOOLS

Best Athlete: Seth Henry.

Best Overall Hitter: Sam Honeck.

Best Power Hitter: Jamie Bruno.

Best Strike-Zone Discipline: Seth Henry.

Fastest Base Runner (60 time): Josh Prince (6.56 seconds).

Best Base Runner: Josh Prince.

Best Defender: Josh Prince.

Best Infield Arm: Rob Segedin.

Best Outfield Arm: Drew Allain.

Best Fastball (velocity): Josh Zeid (94 mph).

Best Breaking Ball: Conrad Flynn.

Best Changeup: Robby Broach.

Best Command: Conrad Flynn.

 

TOP FRESHMAN PROSPECT: Jamie Bruno, 1b. Bruno has huge power from the left side of the plate and the New York Mets made a strong run at signing their 15^th-round pick last summer—but in the end he was the only player in the first 31 rounds they didn’t sign. He’ll DH as a freshman while polishing up his defense.

TOP SOPHOMORE PROSPECT: Rob Segedin, 3b/rhp. Segedin is extra strong at 6-foot-3 and 220 pounds, but still very athletic and light on his feet. He should at least double his home run-output as a freshman as he learns to lift the ball more consistently. He also can throw in the low-90s off the mound with a power curveball.

TOP JUNIOR PROSPECT: Josh Prince, ss. Prince is a defensive whiz at shortstop, with 6.5-second speed and excellent quickness despite his rangy 6-foot-3, 195-pound frame. He hit .371 as a freshman at Texas before transferring back home, but still needs to improve his offensive game for the next level.

TOP SENIOR PROSPECT: Sam Honeck, 1b / Seth Henry, 2b. Honeck was slowed by an ankle injury all last year, which hampered his power and swing. He could post big numbers this spring. Henry is a sure-handed middle infielder with gap power, and has an outstanding approach to the game.

--DAVID RAWNSLEY