75. WASHINGTON STATE

2008 RECORD. Overall: 30-26. Conference: 8-16 / 9^th in Pac-10.

Coach: Donnie Marbut (115-112, 5^th season).

First Game, 2009: Feb. 20 at Arkansas .

 

OVERVIEW: From a distance, it seems as if RHP/OF Jared Prince has been at Washington State for more than his allotted time. Was it really 2006 that he was a two-way freshman sensation? Little has gone right for Prince since as debilitating injuries have taken a toll on him, but the 6-foot-2, 210-pound senior could still hold the key for the Cougars as they try and make inroads in the rugged Pac-10. Beyond Prince, the Cougars have an experienced team with an all-senior starting rotation, led by LHP Matt Way , the team’s most effective pitcher a year ago. They also have a solid catching tandem in seniors Greg Lagried and Alex Burg, but need some of their younger players like talented freshman OF Derek Jones to step up, with the departure of the team’s two top power hitters.

 

PROJECTED STARTING LINEUP

C: Greg Lagreid, Sr. (.282-3-26) / Alex Burg, Sr. (.284-2-13).

1B: Ryan Peterson, So. (.188-0-2).

2B: Travis Coulter (1), Sr. (*.333-1-29).

3B: Matt Argyropoulos (4), So. (.222-0-4).

SS: Shea Vucinich, So. (.316-1-29).

LF: Matt Fanelli, Jr. (.231-0-7).

CF: Garry Kuykendall, So. (.230-0-12).

RF: Derek Jones, Fr. (HS—Snohomish, Wash.).

DH: Jared Prince (3), Sr. (.306-6-32).

1/Starter: Matt Way , Sr. (4-4, *4.01, 2 SV, 74 IP/68 SO).

2/Starter: Jared Prince, Sr. (2-2, 7.78, 41 IP/21 SO).

3/Starter: Ross Humes, Sr. (4-4, 4.39, *6 SV, 55 IP/41 SO).

Closer: Seth Harvey, Jr. (0-1, 5.71, 17 IP/15 SO).

 

BEST TOOLS

Best Athlete: Derek Jones.

Best Overall Hitter: Matt Argyropoulos.

Best Power Hitter: Jared Prince.

Best Strike-Zone Discipline: Alex Burg.

Fastest Base Runner (60 time): Kyle Johnson (6.5 seconds).

Best Base Runner: Alex Burg.

Best Defender: Shea Vucinich.

Best Infield Arm: Shea Vucinich.

Best Outfield Arm: Matt Fanelli.

Best Fastball (velocity): Seth Harvey (93 mph).

Best Breaking Ball: Jeremy Johnson.

Best Changeup: Matt Way .

Best Command: Jared Prince.

 

TOP FRESHMAN PROSPECT: Derek Jones, of. Jones is the best athlete in the WSU program. He has excellent strength in his 6-foot-1, 205-pound frame, sub-7.0 speed in the 60 and a strong throwing arm. A lefthanded hitter with good overall bat speed, his best future tool is his power potential.

TOP SOPHOMORE PROSPECT: Shea Vucinich, ss. Vucinich is in the lineup primarily for his defensive ability and competitive spark, though he surprised the Cougars coaches with his ability to contribute with the bat as a freshman. He has excellent hands and balance at shortstop.

TOP JUNIOR PROSPECT: Seth Harvey, rhp. With seniors Matt Way and Ross Humes, who combined for eight saves in 2008, moving into the starting rotation, the closer’s role passes to the hard-throwing Harvey . The 6-foot-1, 210-pound righthander throws in the low-90s from a high-energy delivery and gets heavy sink on his fastball. His command and the development of his secondary pitches will be the key to his thriving in the role.

TOP SENIOR PROSPECT: Matt Way , lhp. Way, an Alaska high school product, moves from a long-relief/spot-starter slot into the Friday role as a senior. His fastball is consistently in the upper-80s, but he has a funky delivery and his best pitch is a very deceptive circle-change. He also throws a slider and slow curveball.

--DAVID RAWNSLEY