21. CLEMSON

2008 RECORD. Overall: 31-27. Conference: 11-18 / 8^th in ACC.

Coach: Jack Leggett (680-309, 16^th season; 1,057-599 overall in 29 seasons).

First Game, 2009: Feb. 20 vs No. 63 Charlotte.

 

OVERVIEW: The 2008 season was one that most Clemson followers would rather forget. The Tigers missed the NCAA tournament for the first time in 21 years as a combination of injuries and unfulfilled expectations doomed the team. But the Tigers are primed for a bounce-back year as all but one regular returns and only one pitcher of note has departed. An impressive crop of newcomers has only bolstered the roster. Junior 1B Ben Paulsen and sophomore RF Kyle Parker, the team’s top two home-run hitters in 2008, are back and should provide significant power in the middle of the order. The return of sophomore CF Addison Johnson, who missed last season with a broken hamate bone, should provide a spark at the top of the lineup. The Tigers pitching staff has plenty of talent, especially in the freshman class, but it is largely unproven and will be a key if the Tigers hope to return to the top of the ACC.

 

PROJECTED STARTING LINEUP

C: Phil Pohl, Fr. (Rays/44^th round).

1B: Ben Paulsen (4), Jr. (.310-13-49).

2B: Mike Freeman, Jr. (*.332-1-19).

3B: Brad Miller, Fr. (Rangers/39^th round) / Jason Stolz, Fr. (Braves/31^st round).

SS: Stan Widdman, Sr. (.238-2-29; *14 SB).

LF: Jeff Schaus, So. (.315-3-31).

CF: Addison Johnson (1), So. (Did not play in 2008; .286-1-23 in 2007).

RF: Kyle Parker (3), So. (.303-*14-50).

DH: Will Boyd, Jr. (.300-11-44).

1/Starter: Graham Stoneburner, Jr. (*6-5, 5.55, *99 IP/106 SO).

2/Starter: Trey Delk, Sr. (2-1, 4.01, 43 IP/34 SO).

3/Starter: Kevin Brady, Fr. (Orioles/44^th round) / Chris Dwyer, Fr. (Yankees/36^th round).

Closer: Scott Weismann, Fr. (Tigers/18^th round) / Matt Vaughn, Sr. (1-2, 3.15, *11 SV, 40 IP/43 SO).

 

BEST TOOLS

Best Athlete: Addison Johnson.

Best Overall Hitter: Ben Paulsen.

Best Power Hitter: Kyle Parker/Ben Paulsen.

Best Strike-Zone Discipline: Jeff Schaus.

Fastest Base Runner (60 time): Will Lamb (6.5 seconds).

Best Base Runner: Mike Freeman.

Best Defender: Addison Johnson.

Best Infield Arm: Brad Fielder.

Best Outfield Arm: Addison Johnson.

Best Fastball (velocity): Graham Stoneburner (95 mph).

Best Breaking Ball: Chris Dwyer.

Best Changeup: Tomas Cruz.

Best Command: Kevin Brady.

 

TOP FRESHMAN PROSPECT: Kevin Brady, rhp. / Chris Dwyer, lhp. The top prospects in Clemson’s outstanding recruiting class, Brady and Dwyer were late-round drafts in 2008 and will compete for the Sunday starting job. The 6-foot-2, 205-pound Brady can command a live fastball in the 90-94 mph range and his curve and changeup are developing pitches. The 6-4, 200-pound Dwyer approached Brady’s velocity in the fall and continues to make strides with a hard, tight breaking ball. Dwyer finds himself in the unique position of being eligible for this year’s draft as a 21-year-old freshman.

TOP SOPHOMORE PROSPECT: Addison Johnson, of / Graham Stoneburner, rhp. At 5-foot-7 and 175 pounds, Johnson is small in stature but his game plays much larger. He is a hard-nosed player in the mould of ex-big leaguer Lenny Dykstra. Johnson has the tools and aggressive approach to excel as a leadoff hitter, and he is a sound defender with above-average speed and arm strength. He should have no ill effects from missing last season. Stoneburner himself missed 2007 after tearing his ACL just prior to the season, but quickly grabbed a starting job as a red-shirt freshman and returns this year as Clemson’s No. 1 starter. The former Virginia high school two-way standout has a loose, easy arm stroke with electric stuff, including a fastball in the 91-93 mph range that will touch 95. He also has good feel for a breaking ball and changeup. Both players are eligible for this year’s draft.

TOP JUNIOR PROSPECT: Ben Paulsen, 1b. After a strong sophomore year, followed by a good summer season in the Cape Cod League, Paulsen is poised to be one of top lefthanded bats in this year’s draft. He has good athletic ability in his 6-foot-4, 210-pound frame, and can drive balls to any part of the park. He also excels defensively at first base.

TOP SENIOR PROSPECT: Trey Delk, rhp. Delk doesn’t fit the profile at 5-foot-10, but is expected to make an impact for the Tigers in 2009 as he has a quality three-pitch mix, including a fastball in the 90-92 mph range. He should be a solid senior sign.

--JEFF SIMPSON