PGCROSSCHECKER COLLEGE TEAM SCOUTING REPORT

88. FLORIDA INTERNATIONAL (36-24, did not qualify for NCAA post-season play).

Conference/Projected Finish: Sun Belt/5^th (12-12, 4^th in 2006).

Coach: Danny Price (1,060-568, 23 years).

First Game: Feb. 3 at Central Florida .

OVERVIEW: The Golden Panthers have plenty of offense back with the return of five of their top six hitters, led by senior OF Chris Dunn (.376-2-36, 29 SB), senior 3B Bryan Pullin (.368-4-38), senior C Luis Bautista (.357-3-35) and junior OF James McOwen (.346-8-71). The pitching staff returns its three primary starters, but will have an entirely new look as junior RHP Chris Allen, a Clemson transfer, 5-foot-8 senior RHP Akeem Francis (6-1, 5.33) and freshman LHP Corey Polizzano will form a new rotation. Side-arming senior RHP Walker Whitley (10-7, 4.33), who led the team in wins and strikeouts a year ago as the No. 1 starter, moves into a closer role.

TOP PROSPECT/JUNIOR: James McOwen, of. McOwen’s combination of speed and lefthanded power potential makes him a candidate for the top five or six rounds of this year’s draft.

TOP FRESHMAN: Tyler Townsend, 1b. TOP SOPHOMORE: Eugene Glynn, ss. TOP SENIOR: Luis Bautista, c.