Check out key details about the 2017 UF baseball team set to open the season Friday.
Big departures: P A.J. Puk, P Logan Shore, CF Buddy Reed, 1B Peter Alonso
Key newcomers: LF/P Austin Langworthy, P Andrew Baker, P Nate Brown
Home opener: 6:30 p.m. Friday vs. William & Mary
Outlook: The Gators must replace several key players from a squad that set a school record for wins and earned the top seed before faltering in the College World Series. Seven Gators, including five pitchers, were selected among top 108 picks of the draft. No problem for 10th-year coach Kevin O’Sullivan, who simply reloads his roster each season.
Right-hander Alex Faedo, a 6-foot-5 junior and top-10 talent, will move from the No. 3 to No. 1 spot in the rotation. Behind him are flamethrowers Brady Singer and Jackson Kowar, a pair of sophomores with fastballs reaching 97 mph.
The bullpen has to be rebuilt. Gone are Shaun Anderson, whose 13 saves tied the school record, and first-rounder Dane Dunning. Senior right-hander Frank Rubio likely will be the workhorse in relief. UF lost power-hitting first baseman Peter Alonso, but returns the rest of its infield.
Much is expected from sophomores Jonathan India, a freshman All-American at third base, and second baseman Deacon Liput of Oviedo. Junior catcher JJ Schwarz will share time at first base with junior Christian Hicks. After hitting 18 home runs in 2015, Schwarz had another solid season (.290, seven HRs, team-high 60 RBI).
Coaches believe Austin Langworthy of Williston is himself a rare talent at the plate. Former infielder Brian Reese faces the tall order of stepping in for fleet-footed centerfielder Buddy Reed.
UF PG Kasey Hill’s improvement and consistency has been a big key to the Gators’ success. Hill looks to bounce back from an uncharacteristically poor outing vs. Texas A&M (three points, five turnovers).
UF PG Kasey Hill’s improvement and consistency has been a big key to the Gators’ success. Hill looks to bounce back from an uncharacteristically poor outing vs. Texas A&M (three points, five turnovers).
UF PG Kasey Hill’s improvement and consistency has been a big key to the Gators’ success. Hill looks to bounce back from an uncharacteristically poor outing vs. Texas A&M (three points, five turnovers).
UF PG Kasey Hill’s improvement and consistency has been a big key to the Gators’ success. Hill looks to bounce back from an uncharacteristically poor outing vs. Texas A&M (three points, five turnovers).
UF’s five-game winning streak was in jeopardy. But following a timeout the Gators came alive against Texas A&M and rode the play of some of the team’s veteran players to a 71-62 victory.
UF’s five-game winning streak was in jeopardy. But following a timeout the Gators came alive against Texas A&M and rode the play of some of the team’s veteran players to a 71-62 victory.
UF graduate transfer Canyon Barry has adjusted quickly and become a leader and go-to scorer for the Gators.
UF graduate transfer Canyon Barry has adjusted quickly and become a leader and go-to scorer for the Gators.
The Florida Gators are riding a four-game winning streak and coming off a historic win against Kentucky – 88-66 on Saturday night in Gainesville. But Tuesday’s visit to Georgia concerns coach Mike White. The Gators needed overtime Jan. 14 at home to slip by the Bulldogs.
The Florida Gators are riding a four-game winning streak and coming off a historic win against Kentucky – 88-66 on Saturday night in Gainesville. But Tuesday’s visit to Georgia concerns coach Mike White. The Gators needed overtime Jan. 14 at home to slip by the Bulldogs.
UF picked up the biggest win of the Mike White Era, an 88-66 rout of Kentucky. But White said he and the Gators cannot spend too much time celebrating.
UF picked up the biggest win of the Mike White Era, an 88-66 rout of Kentucky. But White said he and the Gators cannot spend too much time celebrating.
egthompson@orlandosentinel.com
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