2011 record: 32-25
Coach (seasons, career record): Mike Sansing (23, 884-442)
Gone: The rotation and bullpen must replace 11 wins, including 10 saves. Second baseman Sean McClurken (.315 BA, 32 RBIs) will be the biggest loss on offense.
Returning: The team returns 17 lettermen, including seven starting position players and two starting pitchers. Led by catcher Ronnie Freeman (.392), five batters who hit better than .300 are back. Josh Carr (5-6, 3.94 ERA) leads the pitchers.
Three big ifs for success
- If the Owls find a closer to replace J.B. Johnson.
- If offense can be found to help Andy Chriscaden (2011 leader in homers, RBIs).
- If the Owls can continue their success after finishing 2011 on a five-game win streak (nine of final 11).
Schedule
February: 17 Bradley; 18 Virginia Tech; 19 Bradley; 19 Virginia Tech; 22 at Alabama State; 24-26 at Memphis; 29 at Georgia Tech
March: 2-4 at Jacksonville State; 6 vs. Georgia; 9 at Georgia State; 10-11 Georgia State; 13 UAB; 14 Presbyterian; 16-18 at Mercer; 21 at Presbyterian; 23-25 at Jacksonville; 27 at Western Carolina; 28 Western Carolina; 30-April 1 North Florida
April: 3 Georgia Tech; 5-7 at Lipscomb; 10 at Georgia Southern; 11 Alabama State; 13-15 Stetson; 17 Jacksonville State; 18 Mercer; 20-22 Belmont; 24 at UAB; 25 Savannah State; 27-29 at Florida Gulf Coast
May: 11-13 at South Carolina Upstate; 15 Georgia Southern; 17-19 East Tennessee State.
Compiled by Doug Roberson
