PGCROSSCHECKER COLLEGE TEAM SCOUTING REPORT

59. FLORIDA ATLANTIC (30-28, did not qualify for NCAA post-season play).

Conference/Projected Finish: Sun Belt/3^rd (14-16, T-5^th in Atlantic Sun Conference in 2006).

Coach: Kevin Cooney (680-431, 19 years).

First Game: Feb. 2 vs. Mississippi Valley State .

OVERVIEW: After going 86-37 in its first four seasons in the Atlantic Sun Conference, FAU faltered in its final year as it prepared to move on to the more competitive Sun Belt Conference. Most of the roster remains intact, with the return of eight of the top 10 hitters, including senior OF Jordan Hafer (.334-9-44), the team’s top hitter. The top four starters return as well, led by junior RHP Mickey Storey (7-9, 3.84) and senior RHP Brandon Cooney (4-6, 4.71), who takes over the closer’s role.

TOP PROSPECT/JUNIOR: Mickey Storey, rhp. Storey slumped from a 10-1, 1.70 record as a freshman to a sub-.500 mark in 2006, but struck out 125 in 120 innings while walking only 30. A possible fourth- to sixth-rounder, his best pitch is his curveball. 

TOP FRESHMAN: Larry Walicki, lhp. TOP SOPHOMORE: Alex Pepe, lhp. TOP SENIOR: Brandon Cooney, rhp.