60. KENNESAW STATE

2008 RECORD. Overall: 30-26. Conference: 21-12 / 2^nd in Atlantic Sun Conference.

Coach: Mike Sansing (662-284, 17^th season).

First Game, 2009: Feb. 20 at Samford.

 

OVERVIEW: The Owls are heavy favorites to win the Atlantic Sun this year, but one of four teams in the conference still in the process of transitioning to full Division I status. So they won’t be eligible for post-season play. With all but one regular returning, the Owls will be solid at the plate and in the field. But the team’s real strength is on the mound as junior RHPs Kyle Heckathorn and Chad Jenkins have both reached the mid- to high-90s and are potential early-round draft picks.

 

PROJECTED STARTING LINEUP

C: Jace Whitmer, Jr. (.266-*9-44).

1B: Josh Whitaker, So. (.252-2-13).

2B: Bucky Smith, So. (.254-3-14).

3B: Tyler Stubblefield (3), Jr. (.314-2-34).

SS: Curtis Van Wyck, Sr. (.314-0-18).

LF: Martin Baker, Sr. (.288-3-29, 10 SB).

CF: Jacob Robbins (1), Sr. (*.362-0-21, *17 SB).

RF: Jordan Craft, Fr. (Pirates/47^th round).

DH: Ric Bishop (4), Sr. (.293-*9-*47).

1/Starter: Kyle Heckathorn, Jr. (4-2, 4.98, 60 IP/64 SO).

2/Starter: Chad Jenkins, Jr. (*5-5, 3.96, 89 IP/78 SO).

3/Starter: Ryan Rodebaugh, So. (2-1, 5.54, 37 IP/41 SO).

Closer: Kenny Faulk, Sr. (1-0, 3.34, 1 SV, 30 IP/40 SO).

 

BEST TOOLS

Best Athlete: Josh Whitaker.

Best Overall Hitter: Ric Bishop.

Best Power Hitter: Jace Whitmer.

Best Strike-Zone Discipline: Ric Bishop.

Fastest Base Runner (60 time): Jacob Robbins (6.55 seconds).

Best Base Runner: Jacob Robbins.

Best Defender: Tyler Stubblefield.

Best Infield Arm: Tyler Stubblefield.

Best Outfield Arm: Jordan Craft.

Best Fastball (velocity): Kyle Heckathorn (97 mph). 

Best Breaking Ball: Chad Jenkins.

Best Changeup: Kyle Heckathorn.

Best Command: Chad Jenkins.

 

TOP FRESHMAN PROSPECT: Jordan Craft, of. A top all-around athlete with five-tool potential, Craft shows plus speed and arm strength. He can also run his fastball into the 90s and could pitch on occasion for the Owls, though the starting left-field job is his primary assignment.

TOP SOPHOMORE PROSPECT: Ryan Rodebaugh, rhp. Though he has been overshadowed on the Kennesaw State pitching staff by the physical presence and raw arm strength of top prospects Kyle Heckathorn and Chad Jenkins, the 6-foot, 165-pound Rodebaugh is a significant prospect in his own right. He actually pitched better, on occasion, in the fall though will still be the Sunday starter this spring for the Owls. His best pitch is a 90-94 mph fastball.

TOP JUNIOR PROSPECT: Kyle Heckathorn, rhp. The 6-foot-6, 240-pound Heckathorn has some of the best raw stuff of any pitcher in the 2009 draft class with a fastball that ranges all the way up to 99 mph and an equally-imposing 86-91 mph slider. But Heckathorn needs to show he can win consistently after struggling to do so as a sophomore, and also prove his arm is healthy after concerns surfaced last summer, when he came home prematurely from the Cape Cod League, than he was encountering some minor discomfort.

TOP SENIOR PROSPECT: Kenny Faulk, lhp. Faulk assumes the closer job this season after performing a variety of bullpen roles a year ago. His equalizer is a 90-92 mph fastball.

--JEFF SIMPSON