23. MIAMI (Fla.)

2008 RECORD. Overall: 53-11 (Advanced to College World Series). Conference: 23-5 / 1^st in ACC (Coastal).

Coach: Jim Morris (695-256, 16^th season at Miami ; 1,199-500 overall in 27 years).

First Game, 2009: Feb. 20 vs. Rutgers .

 

OVERVIEW: The Hurricanes cruised through the 2008 season, winning the ACC regular-season and tournament championships while being ranked as the the nation’s No. 1 team almost throughout. Their season went unfilled, though, with a disappointing 1-2 showing at the College World Series. The chances of this year’s Miami team even coming close to duplicating last year’s success is a longshot as six key players were drafted in the first four rounds last June, including 1B Yonder Alonso (.367-23-71), 2B Jemile Weeks (.367-11-59, 21 SB) and closer Carlos Gutierrez (5-3, 3.02, 13 SV) in the first round. Overall, five regulars and three key arms were lost. Moreover, promising hitter Joey Terdoslavich, who would have been the heir-apparnt to Alonso at first, elected to transfer to Long Beach State (even though he will have to sit out this season) and LHP Eric Erickson (8-1, 4.32), who started as a freshman, was lost in the fall to Tommy John surgery. But the cupboard is not completely bare as the Canes return sophomore C Yasmani Grandal, junior SS Ryan Jackson, freshman LHP Chris Hernandez and junior closer Kyle Bellamy—all top prospects--and they’ve added several impact junior-college transfers.

 

PROJECTED STARTING LINEUP

C: Yasmani Grandal, So. (.234-7-28).

1B: Jason Hagerty (4), Jr. (.289-8-38).

2B: Scott Lawson, Jr. (.468-6-40, 22 SB at Grayson County, Texas , CC; Astros/40^th round).

3B: Chris Herrmann (3), Jr. (.442-14-50 at Alvin, Texas , CC; Orioles/10^th round).

SS: Ryan Jackson, Jr. (.360-4-50).

LF: Ryan Perry, Sr. (.250-1-8).

CF: Nathan Melendres (1), Fr. (HS—Miami).

RF: Dave DiNatale, Sr. (.295-9-43, 12 SB).

DH: Harold Martinez, Fr. (Rangers/19^th round).

1/Starter: Chris Hernandez, So. (*11-0, 2.72; *112 IP/*117 SO).

2/Starter: David Gutierrez, Jr. (5-0, 4.67, 52 IP/40 SO).

3/Starter: Taylor Wulf, Jr. (10-1, 3.82 at Alvin, Texas , CC; Braves/39^th round).

Closer: Kyle Bellamy, Jr. (6-0, *1.86; 3 SV, 63 IP/74 SO).

 

BEST TOOLS

Best Athlete: Nathan Melendres.

Best Overall Hitter: Chris Herrmann.

Best Power Hitter: Jason Hagerty.

Best Strike-Zone Discipline: Scott Lawson.

Fastest Base Runner (60 time): Nathan Melendres (6.5 seconds).

Best Base Runner: Ryan Jackson.

Best Defender: Ryan Jackson.

Best Infield Arm: Ryan Jackson.

Best Outfield Arm: Nathan Melendres.

Best Fastball (velocity): Taylor Wulf (94 mph).

Best Breaking Ball: Chris Hernandez.

Best Changeup: Kevin Youst.

Best Command: Kyle Bellamy.

 

TOP FRESHMAN PROSPECT: Harold Martinez, 3b. Entering the 2008 season, the 6-foot-3, 200-pound Martinez was projected as a first-round pick. It didn’t work out that way, and Martinez fell all the way to the 19^th round—paving his way to attend Miami . He has the actions and above-average arm strength to become an accomplished defender at third base, but he may have to wait his turn as JC transfer Chris Herrmann is expected to earn a bulk of the playing time at third for Miami in 2009. But Martinez ’ bat will be in the lineup on an everyday basis. He has above-average power and room to grow as a hitter.

TOP SOPHOMORE PROSPECT: Chris Hernandez, lhp. Hernandez was the ace of the Miami pitching staff in 2008 and enjoyed one of the best freshman seasons in Hurricanes history. His stuff isn’t overpowering as his fastball sits in the 87-90 mph range, but he commands four plus college pitches extremely well. His sense of pitchability is well beyond his years—and that’s what separates him from other college arms.

TOP JUNIOR PROSPECT: Ryan Jackson, ss. Jackson is a premier defender and a potential Gold-Glover down the road. He’s also become a force at the plate in his two years at Miami , and is now capable of making solid, consistent contact with gap power. His instincts for the game, in all phases, are also an asset. If there is a shortcoming in Jackson ’s game, it’s his speed—and it could be a swing factor whether he’s picked in the first round in June.

TOP SENIOR PROSPECT: Dave DiNatale, of. With five of Miami ’s top bats gone from a power-packed 2008 team, DiNatale will be counted on to pick up much of the load. He flashes plus power at the plate, and has an above-average arm in right field.

--JEFF SIMPSON