PGCROSSCHECKER COLLEGE TEAM SCOUTING REPORT

6. VIRGINIA (47-15, lost in NCAA regionals).

Conference/Projected Finish: Atlantic Coast/3^rd (21-9, 3^rd in 2006).

Coach: Brian O’Connor (132-50, 3 years).

First Game: Feb. 9 vs. Elon at Coastal Carolina tournament at Myrtle Beach, S.C.

OVERVIEW: The Cavaliers set a school record for wins last year and return virtually intact. They’ve lost only one of their top 11 hitters and a No. 3 starter. Two-way star Sean Doolittle, who led the team in wins (11), ERA (2.38) and RBIs (57), remains the team’s centerpiece. He’ll get support in the lineup from senior OF Brandon Marsh (.380-2-30), junior OF Brandon Guyer (.336-7-57), sophomore 2B David Adams (.318-5-49) and sophomore 3B Jeremy Farrell (.324-2-32). His supporting cast on the mound is equally prominent, as it includes sophomore RHP Jacob Thompson (10-4, 2.60), junior LHP Pat McAnaney (5-1, 2.79) and senior closer Casey Lambert (3-2, 2.79, 10 SV).

X-Factor: Virginia hit only 25 homers in 62 games a year ago, and was outhomered by their opponents. A shortage of power may be the only glitch in an otherwise well-rounded, balanced lineup.

TOP FRESHMAN: Tyler Cannon, dh. Unlike last year when Thompson, Adams and Farrell made a big impact as freshmen, few first-year players will make inroads in a set lineup. Cannon, who can interchangeably play catcher and shortstop but will slot in as the DH, should make the biggest impact.

TOP SOPHOMORE: Jacob Thompson, rhp. The 6-foot-6, 205-pound Thompson has the size, velocity and raw ability to become a premium first-round pick in 2008.

TOP JUNIOR: Sean Doolittle, 1b-lhp. Doolittle has excelled both as a hitter and pitcher in two years at Virginia , but his performance with Team USA last summer caused scouts to re-evaluate his pro potential. He didn’t pitch at all because of a tired arm and he rarely drove the ball hard in his role as Team USA ’s first baseman, hitting just .239-2-13. But he has a picture swing, he’s an excellent defensive first baseman and his sense of game awareness is unparalleled.

TOP SENIOR: Casey Lambert, lhp. A 5-foot-10 breaking ball specialist, Lambert won’t impress scouts with his stuff, but he’s been an effective pitcher at the end of the Virginia bullpen.