PGCROSSCHECKER COLLEGE TEAM SCOUTING REPORT
32.
GEORGIA
(47-23, advanced to College World Series).
Conference/Projected Finish: Southeastern/8th (18-12, T-3rd in 2006).
Coach: David Perno (183-126, 5 years).
First Game: Feb. 9 vs.
Oregon
State
.
OVERVIEW: The Bulldogs made a surprise run to the College World Series in 2006, but may find the Road to
Omaha
more treacherous this time as they’ve lost five regulars and the top two pitchers in their rotation. Junior RHP Josh Fields (3-2, 1.80, 15 SV), possibly the nation’s premier closer, is back, however, along with sophomore SS Gordon Beckham (.280-12-54), junior 1B Ryan Peisel (.310-2-45) and senior OF Jonathan Wyatt (.360-4-40), giving the Bulldogs a nucleus to build around.
Georgia
will get a stern test right off the bat, opening the season against defending CWS champion
Oregon
State
.
X-Factor: The Bulldogs will lean on an all-sophomore rotation of RHPs Trevor Holder (5-3, 4.70) and Stephen Dodson (1-0, 4.66), and LHP Nathan Moreau (8-1, 5.50). All have obvious professional potential, with Dodson eligible for this year’s draft. The trio can also throw strikes as they combined to walk only 40 in 176 innings a year ago.
TOP FRESHMAN: Luke Stewart, 3b. Stewart, 2B Mike Freeman and C Joey Lewis will all start as freshmen for the Bulldogs. Stewart, a Padres draft pick out of an Illinois high school, is expected to add power to his smooth lefthanded stroke as he fills out his 6-foot-4, 208-pound frame. Interestingly, Stewart, son of Padres scout Jeff Stewart, and Freeman were selected in back-to-back picks by
San Diego
in last year’s draft.
TOP SOPHOMORE: Gordon Beckham, ss. Beckham’s strengths are his power-hitting ability and defense, but he may struggle to hit for average as he is prone to striking out. He fanned 58 times a year ago.
TOP JUNIOR: Josh Fields, rhp. At 6-feet and 185 pounds, Fields doesn’t profile as a high first-round pick, but he generates exceptional velocity with athleticism and a very quick arm. His fastball is routinely in the 95-98 mph range; his 86-87 mph slider is also a special pitch.
TOP SENIOR: Jonathan Wyatt, of.
Georgia
’s top hitter a year ago is also a sound defender in center field and the team’s best base stealer.