31. OKLAHOMA

2008 RECORD. Overall: 36-26 (Advanced to NCAA regional). Conference: 9-17 / 8^th in Big 12.

Coach: Sunny Golloway (127-78, 5^th season at Oklahoma ; 426-208 overall in 14 seasons).

First Game, 2009: Feb. 20 vs Western Illinois .

 

OVERVIEW: Oklahoma snuck into the 2008 NCAA tournament with a 9-17 conference record and an eighth-place finish in the Big 12, but should take a less-controversial route to the post-season this spring. Even though the Sooners return almost every pitcher from the staff that posted a lowly 5.29 ERA in 2008, pitching should be at the root of the team’s expected improvement. Most of Oklahoma ’s better arms enjoyed breakthrough seasons in summer-league competition and there is a realistic chance that as many as nine Sooner pitchers could be drafted in June. Junior RHPs Garrett Richards and Antwonie Hubbard, in particular, have big-time arms and their ability to match potential to performance in support of dependable veteran starters Andrew Doyle and Chase Anderson will be the key. The Sooners have impressive offensive credentials, as well, with the return of six regulars, including 1B Aaron Baker, who led the team with 61 RBIs in 2008, and OFs Casey and Jamie Johnson (no relation), who will hit in front of Baker.

 

PROJECTED STARTING LINEUP

C: J.T. Wise, Sr. (.278-7-49).

1B: Aaron Baker (4), Jr. (.315-*9-*61).

2B: Matt Harughty, Sr. (.273-2-27, 10 SB).

3B: Garrett Buechele, Fr. (Red-shirted in 2008).

SS: Bryant Hernandez, Jr. (.337-1-13).

LF: Casey Johnson (3), So. (.346-4-24).

CF: Jamie Johnson (1), Jr. (.344-5-27, *20 SB).

RF: Kaleb Herren, Jr. (.418-14-56 at North Central Texas CC).

DH: Cam Seitzer, Fr. (HS—Overland Park, Kan.).

1/Starter: Andrew Doyle, Jr. (*9-4, 4.53, *99 IP/*72 SO).

2/Starter: Chase Anderson, Jr. (5-4, 5.04, 64 IP/64 SO).

3/Starter: Antwonie Hubbard, So. (1-0, 3.97, 23 IP/28 SO).

Closer: Garrett Richards, Jr. (1-0, 6.97, 0 SV, 20 IP/18 SO).

 

BEST TOOLS

Best Athlete: Tyson Seng.

Best Overall Hitter: Casey Johnson.

Best Power Hitter: Ross Hubbard.

Best Strike-Zone Discipline: Aaron Baker.

Fastest Base Runner (60 time): Tyson Seng (6.5 seconds).

Best Base Runner: Garrett Buechele.

Best Defender: Bryant Hernandez.

Best Infield Arm: Bryant Hernandez.

Best Outfield Arm: Jamie Johnson.

Best Fastball (velocity): Garrett Richards (97 mph).

Best Breaking Ball: Garrett Richards.

Best Changeup: Chase Anderson.

Best Command: Andrew Doyle.

 

TOP FRESHMAN PROSPECT: Cam Seitzer, 1b/3b. The Sooners are expected to start two freshmen with big-league bloodlines in Seitzer (son of Kevin) and Garrett Buechele (son of Steve). Seitzer, whose father was recently named the new batting coach for the Kansas City Royals, predictably has a polished lefthanded bat with power potential in his 6-foot-4, 195-pound frame. Both Seitzer and Buechele, like their fathers, are third basemen—and Buechele will see most of the action at the hot corner this season. In all likelihood, Seitzer will spend most of this season as a DH and take over for incumbent Aaron Baker at first base in 2010.

TOP SOPHOMORE PROSPECT: Antwonie Hubbard, rhp. Hubbard has intimidating size at 6-foot-3 and 250 pounds, and a tough three-quarters arm slot that can drive righthanded hitters off the plate. He also has premium stuff with a fastball that touches 93 mph and a power curve in the upper 70s. To date, Hubbard has had little success in college as he red-shirted in 2007 and won only won game last year, but he’s draft-eligible in June and could substantially improve on his standing as a 12^th-round pick in 2006 if given a chance to work meaningful innings this spring.

TOP JUNIOR PROSPECT: Garrett Richards, rhp. Richards struggled in a closer’s role for the Sooners as a sophomore, but had an outstanding summer in the Alaska League to regain his prospect status. The 6-foot-2, 215-pound Richards works in the mid-90s and throws a power curve that is a legit strikeout pitch when he throws it for strikes. He could be rewarded by being a high-round pick in June if he comes close to repeating his summer success.

TOP SENIOR PROSPECT: J.T. Wise, c. Wise was a two-year starter at third base for LSU before transferring to Oklahoma and resuming a catching career that started in high school. He’s an athletic receiver with very good arm strength and accuracy, and threw out 39 percent of attempted base-stealers in 2008.

--DAVID RAWNSLEY