61. MICHIGAN

2008 RECORD. Overall: 46-14 (Advanced to NCAA regional). Conference: 26-5 / 1^st in Big 10.

Coach: Rich Maloney (237-126, 7^th season at Michigan ; 493-270 overall in 13 years).

First Game, 2009: Feb. 20 vs. South Florida at Dunedin, Fla. (Big Ten-Big East Challenge).

 

OVERVIEW: With four straight regional appearances, Michigan has again become the unquestioned top baseball program in the Big Ten, much like two decades ago. The 2007 and 2008 Wolverine squads were both prominently-ranked nationally, yet this year’s squad will look much different with the loss of seven regulars and two starting pitchers—most prominently Zach Putnam, who went both ways (9-0, 2.58; .307-11-51), and slugging first baseman Nate Recknagel (.368-23-68). A revamped offense must replace 61 of the team’s 75 home runs. The Wolverines will build their pitching staff around senior RHP Chris Fetter, their top winner a year ago.

 

PROJECTED STARTING LINEUP

C: Chris Berset, Jr. (.242-1-18).

1B: Mike Dufek (4), Jr. (.324-3-25).

2B: Kevin Cislo (1), Sr. (.348-1-28, *18 SB).

3B: John Lorenz, Fr. (HS—Frankfurt, Ill.).

SS: Anthony Toth, So. (Did not play in 2008; .440-0-5 in 2007).

LF: Kenny Fellows, Sr. (.333-0-7).

CF: Ryan LaMarre (3), So. (.305-3-23).

RF: Alan Oaks, Jr. (.250-6-19).

DH: Jake McLouth, Fr. (HS—Whitehall, Mich.).

1/Starter: Chris Fetter, Sr. (*10-2, *2.47, *95 IP/*82 SO).

2/Starter: Travis Smith, So. (5-1, 4.40, 43 IP/28 SO).

3/Starter: Eric Katzman, Jr. (2-1, 3.52, 38 IP/33 SO).

Closer: Mike Dufek, Jr. (1-0, 5.84, 1 SV, 12 IP/10 SO).

 

BEST TOOLS

Best Athlete: Ryan LaMarre.

Best Overall Hitter: Mike Dufek.

Best Power Hitter: Alan Oaks.

Best Strike-Zone Discipline: Kevin Cislo.

Fastest Base Runner (60 time): Kenny Fellows (6.6 seconds).

Best Base Runner: Kevin Cislo.

Best Defender: Kevin Cislo.

Best Infield Arm: John Lorenz.

Best Outfield Arm: Alan Oaks.

Best Fastball (velocity): Mike Dufek (95 mph).

Best Breaking Ball: Tyler Burgoon.

Best Changeup: Travis Smith.

Best Command: Chris Fetter.

 

TOP FRESHMAN PROSPECT: Brandon Sinnery, rhp. Projection is the buzz-word with Sinnery, a 6-foot-4, 170-pound Worcester, Mass. , product. His fastball sits at 88-90 mph and has room for growth as he fills out his long, lanky frame. He already has good command and a solid breaking ball.

TOP SOPHOMORE PROSPECT: Ryan LaMarrre, of. A strong, physical outfield prospect, LaMarre has the highest ceiling of any player on the Michigan roster. He has three above-average tools: speed, raw power and arm strength.

TOP JUNIOR PROSPECT: Mike Dufek, rhp-1b. Dufek, an Arizona high-school product drafted in the 41^st round in 2006 as an outfielder by the Tampa Bay Rays, has made bigger strides in his two-year career at Michigan as a position prospect, but his greater upside appears to be on the mound. He’s still raw in his development as a pitcher as he worked just 12 innings a year ago, but he has showcased a fastball in the 91-95 mph range and will get first crack at the closer job this spring at Michigan .

TOP SENIOR PROSPECT: Chris Fetter, rhp. Fetter returns as the ace of the Wolverines staff after going undrafted after an outstanding junior season. For a 6-foot-8, 220-pound pitcher, Fetter doesn’t throw particularly hard, but is very deceptive as he comes at hitters from all different angles. His fastball sits in the upper 80s and will occasionally creep over 90, but his pitch of choice is his slider. Fetter has the ability to be a solid set-up man at the professional level.

--JEFF SIMPSON