43. KENTUCKY

2008 RECORD. Overall: 44-19 (Advanced to NCAA regionals). Conference: 16-14 / 3^rd in SEC (East).

Coach: Gary Henderson (1^st season).

First Game, 2009: Feb. 20 vs. Troy at Conway, S.C. (Caravelle Resort Tournament).

 

OVERVIEW: There is a change in leadership for the Wildcats this season as Gary Henderson was promoted to head coach after John Cohen left to take over the reins at Mississippi State , his alma mater. As Kentucky ’s recruiting coordinator, Henderson played a vital role as the Wildcats set (in 2006) and then tied (in 2008) the school record for wins. His transition should be seamless, but the Wildcats have lost significant offensive production from last year’s squad, including the top four power threats. With senior Chris Rusin, junior James Paxton and sophomore Logan Darnell, all lefthanders, returning in key roles and the Wildcats landing one of the biggest coups of the recruiting season in Indiana prep RHP Alex Meyer, the pitching staff has a chance to be dominant.

 

PROJECTED STARTING LINEUP

C: Marcus Nidiffer, Jr. (.216-5-17).

1B: Will Campbell, Jr. (.337-4-21 at Bellevue, Wash. , CC).

2B: Andy Burns, Fr. (Rockies/25^th round).

3B: Chris McClendon (3), Sr. (.346-3-33).

SS: Chris Wade, So. (.296-5-51).

LF: Troy Frazier (4), Jr. (.256-3-26).

CF: Keenan Wiley (1), Jr. (.327-2-38).

RF: Bryan Rose, So. (.290-4-21).

DH: Cory Farris, Fr. (White Sox/43^rd round).

1/Starter: Chris Rusin, Sr. (6-3, 3.33, *84 IP/*65 SO).

2/Starter: James Paxton, Jr. (4-2, 2.92, 52 IP/43 SO).

3/Starter: Clint Tilford, Jr. (3-0, 4.61, 41 IP/29 SO).

Closer: Logan Darnell, So. (0-0, 4.08, 0 SV, 18 IP/12 SO).

 

BEST TOOLS

Best Athlete: Chris Wade.

Best Overall Hitter: Chris McClendon.

Best Power Hitter: Troy Frazier.

Best Strike-Zone Discipline: Chris McClendon.

Fastest Base Runner (60 time): Navarro Hall (6.5 seconds).

Best Base Runner: Keenan Wiley.

Best Defender: Chris Wade.

Best Infield Arm: Chris Wade.

Best Outfield Arm: Keenan Wiley.

Best Fastball (velocity): Alex Meyer (96 mph).

Best Breaking Ball: Chris Rusin.

Best Changeup: Chris Rusin.

Best Command: Chris Rusin.

 

TOP FRESHMAN PROSPECT: Alex Meyer, rhp. By turning down a reported $2 million-dollar bonus offer from the Boston Red Sox as a 20^th-round pick in the 2008 draft, the 6-foot-8 Meyer is certainly the most celebrated recruit to ever make it to the Kentucky campus. He’ll break in as a mid-week starter, but it should be only a matter of time before he assumes a more responsible role as his fastball sits at 92-96 mph and he complements it with a very hard, sharp slider. He just needs to refine his delivery and come up with a dependable third pitch.

TOP SOPHOMORE PROSPECT: Logan Darnell, lhp. The 6-foot-2, 200-pound Darnell has a feel for three pitches, but should excel in a closer role because of the movement he gets on a fastball in the 90-94 mph range. He worked sparingly as a freshman for the Wildcats, but turned the corner last summer when he was judged the top prospect in the New York Collegiate League.

TOP JUNIOR PROSPECT: James Paxton, lhp. Another strong-armed lefthander on the Kentucky staff, the 6-foot-4, 210-pound Paxton assumes the role of Saturday starter for the Wildcats. He has an easy delivery and gets good sinking action on a 90-94 mph fastball. A product of British Columbia , he’ll be one of the top Canadians drafted in June.

TOP SENIOR PROSPECT: Chris Rusin, lhp. Rusin was drafted by Oakland in the 23^rd round last June. He doesn’t overpower hitters with a fastball in the 87-90 mph range, but he’s a complete pitcher with his command of an above-average curve, fastball, slider and changeup.

--JEFF SIMPSON