78. CINCINNATI

2008 RECORD. Overall: 39-20. Conference: 19-8 / 2^nd in Big East.

Coach: Brian Cleary (306-374, 13^th season).

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

 

OVERVIEW: It was a banner year for Cincinnati baseball in 2008 as the Bearcats finished second in the Big East, posting a school-record 39 wins. But in the end they were denied their first NCAA tournament appearance since 1974. The Bearcats return their top two power hitters from last year’s squad in senior 3B Mike Spina and senior RF Cameron Satterwhite, while most of their pitching staff also returns.

 

PROJECTED STARTING LINEUP

C: Jimmy Jacquot, Jr. (Transfer--SW Illinois JC).

1B: Kevin Johnson, Jr. (.249-7-34).

2B: T.J. Jones, Fr. (HS--Cincinnati).

3B: Mike Spina (3), Sr. (.377-*21-*79).

SS: Chris Peters, So. (.241-0-18).

LF: Lance Durham, Jr. (.338-13-48 at Kaskaskia, Ill. , JC).

CF: Jamel Scott (1), Jr. (.311-1-38, 35 SB).

RF: Cameron Satterwhite (4), Sr. (.364-14-61, 21 SB).

DH: Justin Riddell, So. (.272-2-15).

1/Starter: Michael Hill, Sr. (6-4, 3.46, 81 IP/65 SO).

2/Starter: Brian Garman, Jr. (5-3, 6.24, 53 IP/39 SO).

3/Starter: Tyler Smith, Jr. (3-3, 4.27, 53 IP/50 SO).

Closer: Jake Geglein, Sr. (3-0, 2.30; *9 SV, 43 IP/36 SO).

 

BEST TOOLS

Best Athlete: Jamel Scott.

Best Overall Hitter: Mike Spina.

Best Power Hitter: Mike Spina.

Best Strike-Zone Discipline: Mike Spina.

Fastest Base Runner (60 time): Jamel Scott (6.65 seconds).

Best Base Runner: Jamel Scott.

Best Defender: Chris Peters.

Best Infield Arm: Mike Spina.

Best Outfield Arm: Cameron Satterwhite.

Best Fastball (velocity): Dan Jensen (91 mph).

Best Breaking Ball: Michael Hill.

Best Changeup: Cory Hough.

Best Command: Jake Geglein.

 

TOP FRESHMAN PROSPECT: T.J. Jones, 2b: A local high-school product, Jones should slide seamlessly into the Bearcats lineup after playing at a high-level of competition while a member of Cincinnati’s nationally-prominent Midland Redskins youth team. He’s a steady defender and should help to replace some of the speed the Bearcats lost with the departure of SS Josh Harrison and OF Tony Campana, who stole 76 bases between them.

TOP SOPHOMORE PROSPECT: Dan Jensen, rhp: A transfer from Ohio ’s Sinclair JC, the 6-foot-7, 210-pound Jensen throws in the 90-92 mph range now, and there’s plenty of untapped velocity in the tank. He’s got work to do, though, in his development as a pitcher.

TOP JUNIOR PROSPECT: Kevin Johnson, 1b/lhp. The 6-foot-5, 200-pound Johnson is an intriguing two-way talent with significant upside, but has yet to perform to an acceptable level to date as either a pitcher or hitter. He has significant power potential and can run his fastball with ease into the 88-90 mph range.

TOP SENIOR PROSPECT: Mike Spina, 3b. A Florida high-school and junior-college product, Spina had a big junior year in his first season at Cincinnati , breaking Kevin Youkilis’ school record for home runs. Spina believed his big season warranted being drafted higher than the 45^th round, and rejected an offer from the Minnesota Twins in favor of playing in the New York Collegiate League. He led that league in homers as well. Spina performed better defensively last summer than he did in the past, but his greatest qualities on the field may be his work ethic and leadership qualities. He gets high marks for makeup.

--JEFF SIMPSON