PGCROSSCHECKER COLLEGE TEAM SCOUTING REPORT

57. WINTHROP (46-18, lost in NCAA regionals).

Conference/Projected Finish: Big South/1^st (17-7, 2^nd in 2006).

Coach: Joe Hudak (541-351, 15 years).

First Game: Feb. 3 at Miami .

OVERVIEW: Winthrop is missing a couple of major contributors from its 2006 club, 1B Jacob Dempsey (.403-17-78) and RHP-OF Heath Rollins (13-4, 3.51; .328-4-31), but returns its best arm in sophomore RHP Alex Wilson (13-3, 3.78). He’s joined in the rotation by two part-time starters, sophomore RHP Jason Franzblau (4-1, 3.30) and junior RHP Josh McDonald (3-1, 3.66), while senior RHP Jonathan Settle (5-2, 3.24, 9 SV) is back as closer. Only four regulars return on offense, but they include sophomore 2B Phil Carey (.324-7-45), senior SS Chris Carrara (.364-7-34, 33 SB) and senior OF Tommy Lentz (.379-8-51).

TOP PROSPECT/SOPHOMORE: Alex Wilson, rhp. Though he worked 138 innings, a high workload for a freshman, Wilson led all freshmen pitchers with 13 wins and 143 strikeouts in 2006. His fastball, a steady 92-95 mph, also was one of the best in the class.

TOP FRESHMAN: Kevin Nolan, 3b. TOP JUNIOR: Tommy Lentz, of. TOP SENIOR: Chris Carrara, ss.