64. SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI

2008 RECORD. Overall: 42-22 (Advanced to NCAA regionals). Conference: 15-9 / 2^nd in Conference USA .

Coach: Corky Palmer (418-255, 11^th season).

First Game, 2009: Feb. 20 vs. Lehigh

 

OVERVIEW: Though they are overshadowed in their own state by SEC powers Mississippi and Mississippi State , the Golden Eagles have won at least 39 games in each of the last five seasons and will shoot for their seventh consecutive regional appearance in 2009. They return only five regulars and one of their top arms from 2008, and were forced to tap into the junior-college ranks more than normal to plug most of their holes.

 

PROJECTED STARTING LINEUP

C: Travis Graves, Jr. (.393-16-79 at Eastfield, Texas , CC).

1B: Joey Archer (4), Jr. (.412-14-80 at Alabama Southern CC).

2B: James Ewing (3), Sr. (*.359-5-*46).

3B: Taylor Walker, Jr. (.468-11-44 at Northwest Mississippi CC).

SS: Brian Dozier, Sr. (.342-5-*46).

LF: Corey Stevens, Sr. (.271-2-13) / Tyler Koelling, So. (.348-12-43 at Meridian, Miss. , CC).

CF: Bo Davis (1), Sr. (.314-6-27).

RF: Michael Ewing, Sr. (.214-11-28) / Kameron Brunty, Fr. (HS—Pensacola, Fla.).

DH: Kyle Maxie, Jr. (.259-9-39).

1/Starter: Todd McInnis, So. (6-3, 5.45, 71 IP/75 SO).

2/Starter: Cody Schlagel, Jr. (4-2, 2.23, 6 SV at Daytona Beach CC). 

3/Starter: Moses Munoz, Jr. (Transfer—Bossier Parrish , La. , CC; Marlins/33^rd round) / Scott Copeland, Jr. (8-4, 2.47 at Panola, Texas , CC).

Closer: Wade Weathers, Sr. (4-1, 3.81, 2 SV, 57 IP/52 SO).

 

BEST TOOLS

Best Athlete: Bo Davis.

Best Overall Hitter: Brian Dozier.

Best Power Hitter: Joey Archer.

Best Strike-Zone Discipline: Brian Dozier.

Fastest Base Runner (60 time): Bo Davis (6.4 seconds).

Best Base Runner: Bo Davis.

Best Defender: Brian Dozier.

Best Infield Arm: James Ewing.

Best Outfield Arm: Bo Davis.

Best Fastball (velocity): Todd McInnis (93 mph).

Best Breaking Ball: Todd McInnis.

Best Changeup: Wade Weathers.

Best Command: Cody Schlagel.

 

TOP FRESHMAN PROSPECT: B.A, Vollmuth, 3b. A 32^nd-round pick of the Houston Astros in last year’s draft out of a Mississippi high school, Vollmuth has the size (6-3, 200), overall hitting ability and raw power potential to be an impact player at the college level. But he lacks the feet and range to be a shortstop, his high school position, and it will just be a matter of time before he makes the adjustments needed to slide in on one of the infield corners.

TOP SOPHOMORE PROSPECT: Todd McInnis, rhp. With a 92-93 mph fastball and a plus breaking ball, McInnis has the best stuff on the Southern Miss staff. He is eligible for this year’s draft as he red-shirted in 2007 after suffering a season-ending back injury after jumping out to an impressive 4-1, 2.17 start.

TOP JUNIOR PROSPECT: Scott Copeland, rhp. Of the many junior-college transfers who will compete for starting jobs this spring for Southern Miss, the 6-foot-3, 200-pound Copeland appears to have the most professional upside. He has two quality pitches in his fastball and changeup, and must improve his pitchability and the command of his curveball to realize his potential.

TOP SENIOR PROSPECT: Brian Dozier, ss. Though he was the second leading hitter for Southern Miss in 2008, the strength of Dozier’s game has always been his defense. He has excellent hands and can make all the routine plays at shortstop, but his 4.6-second speed down the line speaks to his limited range as a middle infielder and is the primary reason he has never been drafted. With continued offensive improvement, he stands to be a solid senior sign in June.

--ALLAN SIMPSON