PGCROSSCHECKER COLLEGE TEAM SCOUTING REPORT

82. CONNECTICUT (39-18, did not qualify for NCAA post-season play).

Conference/Projected Finish: Big East/5^th (18-6, 2^nd in 2006).

Coach: Jim Penders (98-69, 3 years).

First Game: Feb. 23 at Western Carolina .

OVERVIEW: The Huskies won a school-record 39 games and finished a solid second in the Big East a year ago, but were passed over for an NCAA at-large bid. They should be in the running for post-season honors again as they return seven of nine regulars, including six .300 hitters, led by senior C Larry Day (.332-1-51), senior SS Dennis Donovan (.341-5-42) and senior OF Josh Farkes (.349-5-31). Tim Norton (7-2, 2.04) and Nick Tucci (9-2, 3.67) are two significant losses from the pitching staff, but senior LHP Rich Sirois (6-3, 3.64) and junior LHP Mike Tarsi (3-1, 2.38) are capable replacements at the front of the rotation. Sophomore 3B-RHP Erik Turgeon (.327-2-22; 0-0, 5.19), whose fastball has been clocked at 92 mph, could be a big contributor on the pitching staff while holding down the third-base job.

TOP PROSPECT/JUNIOR: Mike Tarsi, lhp. The 6-foot-7 Tarsi worked only 34 innings a year ago, but will carry a much heavier workload this season as the Huskies top starter. He has two plus pitches: an 88-91 mph fastball and slider.

TOP FRESHMAN: Bob Van Woert, rhp. TOP SOPHOMORE: Erik Turgeon, 3b-rhp. TOP SENIOR: Rich Sirois, lhp.