PGCROSSCHECKER COLLEGE TEAM SCOUTING REPORT

43. MICHIGAN (43-21, lost in NCAA regionals).

Conference/Projected Finish: Big Ten/2^nd (23-9, 1^st in 2006; won conference post-season tournament).

Coach: Rich Maloney (149-93, 4 years).

First Game: Feb. 24 vs. Alabama-Birmingham at Dothan, Ala.

OVERVIEW: From a team that won the Big 10 regular-season and tournament titles, the Wolverines return six of their top seven hitters, led by junior C Doug Pickens (.302-7-47), junior 1B Nate Recknagel (.372-8-41), sophomore 3B Adam Abraham (.304-6-31) and senior OF Eric Rose (.329-2-44). Six-foot-8 junior RHP Chris Fetter (5-2, 2.22), who led the team in ERA, also returns but talented sophomore RHP Zach Putnam (6-2, 2.51) should be the unquestioned ace of the staff.

X-Factor: Putnam and Abraham, two of the nation’s most promising two-way players, barely scratched the surface of their considerable ability as freshmen. Putnam is expected to be a force on the mound and Abraham at third in 2007, but it may be Putnam’s ability to improve on his .167-0-4 numbers as a DH and Abraham’s 5-3, 3.96 contribution on the mound that will be a difference-maker for the Wolverines.

TOP FRESHMAN: Eric Katzman, lhp. Katzman, a New Jersey high school product, didn’t join the Wolverine program with nearly the fanfare of RHP-OF Alan Oaks, Michigan ’s top prep prospect, but the 6-foot, 200-pound lefthander worked his way into a spot in the rotation during the fall.

TOP SOPHOMORE: Zach Putnam, rhp-dh. Putnam was expected to be one of the nation’s top freshmen a year ago, both on the mound and at the plate, but his transition to the college game was slower than expected. His arm strength and power are above average, and scouts expect this to be his breakout year.

TOP JUNIOR: Doug Pickens, c. Pickens was draft-eligible a year ago, but passed up all overtures for a chance to catch everyday this season for the Wolverines. He spent 2006 in the outfield and as a backup to defensive wizard Jeff Kunkel (.335-0-28), whose departure has opened up the job for Pickens. His strengths are his arm strength and bat speed. 

TOP SENIOR: Eric Rose, of. Rose doesn’t bring a lot to the table at the plate, but he runs the 60-yard dash in 6.4 seconds, stole a team-best 32 bases a year ago and is an accomplished center fielder.