63. CHARLOTTE

2008 RECORD. Overall: 43-16 (Advanced to NCAA regionals). Conference: 19-8 / 1^st in Atlantic-10 Conference.

Coach: Loren Hibbs (495-401, 17^th season).

First Game, 2009: Feb. 20 at No. 21 Clemson.

 

OVERVIEW: With 92 wins over the last two years and a prohibitive favorite to win a third consecutive title this spring, Charlotte has become the class of the Atlantic-10. Despite the loss of five regulars from a team that hit a collective .333, the 49ers offense will be a strong point with the return of junior 1B Rob Lyerly and senior 3B Aaron Bray on the infield corners. Three of the four most frequently-used starters have also departed, but three vastly-improved sophomores move into the weekend rotation.

 

PROJECTED STARTING LINEUP

C: Ross Steadley, So. (.281-1-7). 

1B: Rob Lyerly (4), Jr. (.364-15-*76).

2B: Corey Shaylor, Jr. (.366-2-43).

3B: Aaron Bray (3), Sr. (.340-5-47, 18 SB).

SS: Justin Roland, Fr. (HS—Salisbury, N.C.).

LF: Justin Wilson, So. (.212-0-9).

CF: Cory Tilton (1), So. (.317-1-22).

RF: Alan Parks, Sr. (.306-3-27).

DH: Zane Williams, Jr. (.346-13-53 at Connors State, Okla. , JC). 

1/Starter: Joe Yermal, So. (8-2, 4.39, 84 IP/44 SO).

2/Starter: Andrew Smith, So. (4-2, 5.91, 53 IP/39 SO).

3/Starter: Ryan Rivers, So. (1-2, 6.85 24 IP/14 SO).

Closer: Sam Pierce, Sr. (4-1, 3.95; *4 SV, 27 IP/27 SO).

 

BEST TOOLS

Best Athlete: Ryan Rivers.

Best Overall Hitter: Rob Lyerly.

Best Power Hitter: Rob Lyerly.

Best Strike-Zone Discipline: Aaron Bray.

Fastest Base Runner (60 time): Corey Tilton (6.61 seconds).

Best Base Runner: Corey Tilton.

Best Defender: Aaron Bray.

Best Infield Arm: Rob Lyerly.

Best Outfield Arm: Corey Tilton.

Best Fastball (velocity): Bryan Hamilton (94 mph).

Best Breaking Ball: Sam Pierce.

Best Changeup: Andrew Smith.

Best Command: Joe Yermal.

 

TOP FRESHMAN PROSPECT: Jamie Blackwell, if. Blackwell will miss the 2009 season because of an injury suffered during his senior season at a Virginia high school. But he’s a physical infielder who can run and swing bat, and is expected to make an immediate impact for the 49ers, probably at third base, in 2010.

TOP SOPHOMORE PROSPECT: Ryan Rivers, rhp-if. Tall and physical at 6-foot-5 and 220 pounds, Rivers is a talented two-way prospect who will play a big role on the mound and provide power off the bench. He can run his fastball up to 94 mph, but will need to work on developing his off-speed pitches.

TOP JUNIOR PROSPECT: Rob Lyerly, 1b. Lyerly’s bat sticks out. He had a big sophomore campaign for the 49ers, leading the team in RBIs, and then led the Northwoods League over the summer with a .342 batting average. While slated to play first base this spring, Lyerly is a good enough athlete to become an average defender at third base.

TOP SENIOR PROSPECT: Aaron Bray, 3b. A solid all-around player, Bray will be expected to play a major role in the 49ers success this year by hitting in the 3-hole and holding down the hot corner. He’s more of a baseball player than a prospect, but Bray gets the fat part of the barrel on most balls, is an above-average defender and makes maximum use of his average speed.

--JEFF SIMPSON