42. CALIFORNIA

2008 RECORD. Overall: 33-21 (Advanced to NCAA regional). Conference: 12-12 / 4^th in Pac-10.

Coach: David Esquer (263-236, 10^th season).

First Game, 2009: Feb. 20 vs. No. 80 UC Riverside .

 

OVERVIEW: Cal ’s talent-filled junior class, led by two-way Team USA standout and first-round candidate Blake Smith, should guarantee the program a strong season and a return to the NCAA tournament. Despite the loss of two players who combined on 37 home runs in 2008, scoring runs should not be a problem for the Bears with CF Brett Jackson, another potential first-round pick, 3B Jeff Kobernus and C Dylan Tonneson, all juniors, hitting around Smith in the batting order. Sophomore RHP Kevin Miller should be a top-level Friday starter after working in relief in 2008, but the key to the pitching staff could be how well Smith adapts to the move from the bullpen to the starting rotation. He has at least moved from right field to first base to ease the strain on his arm, but worked in just 21 innings a year ago.

 

PROJECTED STARTING LINEUP

C: Dylan Tonneson (4), Jr. (.304-6-33).

1B: Blake Smith, Jr. (.296-12-43).

2B: Richard Gorman, Jr. (.268-4-20).

3B: Jeff Kobernus (3), Jr. (.303-3-27, 11 SB).

SS: Michael Brady, Sr. (.241-5-29).

LF: Ryan Hanlon, Sr. (.148-0-2).

CF: Brett Jackson, Jr. (.307-4-40, *12 SB).

RF: Mark Canha, So. (.270-0-6).

DH: B.J. Guinn (1), So. (.316-0-4).

1/Starter: Kevin Miller, So. (6-1, *2.90, 71 IP/*68 SO).

2/Starter: Blake Smith, Jr. (3-0, 3.80, 21 IP/36 SO).

3/Starter: Chris Petrini, Jr. (3-3, 7.05, 37 IP/29 SO).

Closer: Daniel Wolford, Jr. (2-1, 6.63, 1 SV, 38 IP/43 SO).

 

BEST TOOLS

Best Athlete: B.J. Guinn.

Best Overall Hitter: Jeff Kobernus.

Best Power Hitter: Blake Smith.

Best Strike-Zone Discipline: Brett Jackson.

Fastest Base Runner (60 time): B.J. Guinn (6.6 seconds).

Best Base Runner: Brett Jackson.

Best Defender: Blake Smith.

Best Infield Arm: Michael Brady.

Best Outfield Arm: Brett Jackson.

Best Fastball (velocity): Blake Smith (96 mph).

Best Breaking Ball: Blake Smith.

Best Changeup: Daniel Wolford.

Best Command: Kevin Miller.

 

TOP FRESHMAN PROSPECT: Erik Johnson, rhp / Marcus Semien, ss. Johnson and Semien should wage a spirited battle to become the top Cal player drafted in 2011—possibly as high as the second round. Johnson is expected to contribute to the Bears staff immediately, likely as a mid-week starter, as his fastball is consistently in the 90-92 mph range and his curveball and change up are solid secondary pitches already. Semien is an athletic, agile middle infielder with arm strength who is capable of providing speed, consistent contact and line-drive power at the plate. But he may struggle to find playing time as a freshman.

TOP SOPHOMORE PROSPECT: B.J. Guinn, ss. Guinn, a 10^th-round draft pick of the Chicago White Sox in 2007, has more than enough raw talent to stand out at shortstop, but will back up senior Michael Brady while getting his at-bats in the DH role. He’s a 4-tool player with excellent speed, middle-infield arm strength and hitting ability, lacking only power potential.

TOP JUNIOR PROSPECT: Blake Smith, of/rhp. Scouts will debate all spring whether Smith is a better prospect as a player or pitcher, agreeing only that he has potential first-round tools in both areas. He touches 96 mph from the mound and has a nasty curveball. Despite limited experience on the mound, he posted a 0.00 ERA as a part-time closer for Team USA last summer. He has huge power from the left side of the plate and classic right-field tools on defense, although he will play first base this year to save his arm for pitching.

TOP SENIOR PROSPECT: Michael Brady, ss. Brady is one of only two seniors on the Cal roster, along with OF Ryan Hanlon. He’s been the Bears starting shortstop since his sophomore year. He has some pop in his bat for a middle infielder and is a sure-handed fielder with a strong arm.

--DAVID RAWNSLEY