26. ALABAMA

2008 RECORD. Overall: 35-28 (Advanced to NCAA regional). Conference: 16-14 / 2^nd in SEC (West).

Coach: Jim Wells (589-300, 15^th season).

First Game, 2009: Feb. 20 vs. Southeast Missouri State .

 

OVERVIEW: The Crimson Tide should have no problem putting runs on the board with six everyday players returning from a team that hit .310 and drilled 87 homers in 2008. Sophomores Josh Rutledge and Ross Wilson, the team’s best everyday prospects, will anchor the middle infield. Junior LHP Del Howell finally appears ready to unleash his considerable potential as Alabama ’s closer while the pitching staff will otherwise rely primarily on several talented but unproven arms.

 

PROJECTED STARTING LINEUP

C: Kyle Moore, Sr. (.332-1-8).

1B: Brandon May (4), Jr. (.365-9-50).

2B: Ross Wilson, So. (.295-15-47).

3B: Jake Smith, Jr. (.240-8-34).

SS: Josh Rutledge (3), So. (*.369-0-31, *16 SB).

LF: Taylor Dugas (1), Fr. (HS--Lafayette, La).

CF: Alex Kubal, Sr. (.329-4-23).

RF: Kent Matthes, Sr. (.303-11-52).

DH: Clay Jones, Jr. (.412-12-62 at Shelton State, Ala. , JC).

1/Starter: Austin Hyatt, Sr. (5-4, 4.53, *93 IP/*80 SO).

2/Starter: Miers Quigley, Sr. (5-4, 5.58, 79 IP/62 SO).

3/Starter: Adam Morgan, Fr. (HS--Marietta, Ga.).

Closer: Del Howell, Jr. (1-1, 6.65, 0 SV, 23 IP/24 SO).

 

BEST TOOLS

Best Athlete: Josh Rutledge / Ross Wilson.

Best Overall Hitter: Brandon May.

Best Power Hitter: Kent Matthes.

Best Strike-Zone Discipline: Brandon May.

Fastest Base Runner (60 time): Josh Rutledge (6.4 seconds).

Best Base Runner: Ross Wilson.

Best Defender: Jake Smith.

Best Infield Arm: Jake Smith.

Best Outfield Arm: Kent Matthes.

Best Fastball (velocity): Austin Evans (95 mph).

Best Breaking Ball: Del Howell.

Best Changeup: Austin Hyatt.

Best Command: Adam Morgan.

 

TOP FRESHMAN PROSPECT: Adam Morgan, lhp. Morgan will be expected to play a key role for the Crimson Tide as he assumes the role of Sunday starter. He has good command of three pitches with a fastball in the 88-90 mph range.

TOP SOPHOMORE PROSPECT: Ross Wilson, 2b / Josh Rutledge, ss. If they’re not already one of the nation’s best double-play combinations based on their impressive freshman seasons, Wilson and Rutledge definitely should be by their draft year in 2010. Both projects as possible first- or second-round selections. Wilson, younger brother of Alabama QB John Parker Wilson, can run, hit with power and play defense, while Rutledge’s best asset is his defense, though he flashes all five tools.

TOP JUNIOR PROSPECT: Del Howell, lhp. Howell’s raw talent, both as a pitcher and outfielder, has been evident since he was an 18^th-round draft pick out of an Alabama high school in 2006. But the 6-foot-3, 200-pound Howell has been slow to emerge as a legit prospect until he made big strides on the mound last summer in the Texas Collegiate League, and was selected that league’s top prospect. When he’s on his game, Howell shows hitters a fastball in the 90-93 mph range and a plus slider, but he’ll need to improve his command and consistency to maximize his potential.

TOP SENIOR PROSPECT: Miers Quigley, lhp. The 6-foot-5, 220-pound Quigley has teased scouts with his size and raw stuff since he played at a Georgia high school, but has never put it altogether in college. He has a good feel for three pitches, including a fastball that he can run up to 92 mph.

--JEFF SIMPSON