PGCROSSCHECKER COLLEGE TEAM SCOUTING REPORT

95. MAINE (35-22, lost in NCAA regionals).

Conference/Projected Finish: America East/1^st (13-9, 3^rd in 2006; won conference post-season tournament).

Coach: Steve Trimper (35-22, 1 year).

First Game: March 3 vs. Penn at Palm Beach, Fla.

OVERVIEW: The Black Bears should be an offensive juggernaut again. Seven regulars return from a team that hit .325, including the three top hitters: junior SS Curt Smith (.390-5-55), sophomore 3B Kevin McAvoy (.369-10-64) and senior 1B Joel Barrett (.368-5-50). Four of the top five arms also return to the pitching staff, but of greater significance is the return of senior RHP Greg Norton, who missed the 2006 season while recovering from labrum surgery. He won nine games in 2005, one shy of the school record. His fastball has returned to the low 90s and he’ll be joined in the rotation by junior LHP Brad Hertzler, a former Red Sox draft pick capable of throwing three pitches for strikes

TOP PROSPECT/JUNIOR: Curt Smith, ss. A native of Curacao, Smith has been a hitting machine in two years at Maine . He makes hard contact to all fields and is an offensive player for his position. It’s unlikely he’ll remain at shortstop in pro ball, however, as he lacks the arm strength for the position. He was named the top defensive player last summer in the New England Collegiate League, when he moved to third base. But he’ll likely end up at second as he lacks the power desired for the hot corner.

TOP FRESHMAN: Myckie Lugbauer, c. TOP SOPHOMORE: Kevin McAvoy, 3b. TOP SENIOR: Greg Norton, rhp.