The Gators’ trip to the College World Series may have been short, but they didn’t let it go to waste.
After two consecutive poor performances that led to a pair of losses against UCLA and FSU, Florida was eliminated before it could even enjoy Omaha, Neb.
But it won’t be long until it is back in the CWS.
“I think we are all foolish if we don’t pull something away from this and don’t try to improve and make ourselves better for next year,” coach Kevin O’Sullivan said. “I can tell you we are looking forward to breaking in the new (CWS stadium) next year.”
The Gators are expected to lose just one position player next season, senior center fielder Matt den Dekker, from a lineup that won the Southeastern Conference regular season title. The New York Mets drafted den Dekker in the fifth round of the 2010 MLB Draft.
“I think we had a great experience (in Omaha),” rising junior Preston Tucker said. “It was new to everybody on the team, so I think if we get back here next year we will be a little more confident.”
The corner outfield positions proved to be the two holes in the lineup this year. Daniel Pigott, Jonathan Pigott, Tyler Thompson and Kamm Washington combined to hit just 11 homers while picking up 69 RBIs in 456 at-bats this season.
In order to increase the team’s production from those two spots, O’Sullivan may plug Tucker into right field next year, while Austin Maddox takes over at first base.
O’Sullivan gave Tucker seven starts in right field this season and it was evident the first baseman needed some work before becoming an everyday outfielder. In the SEC Tournament on May 27 he misplayed two balls and committed one error in right field.
“(Tucker is) a good outfielder,” O’Sullivan said after that contest. “We have a lot of confidence with him playing in right field.”
UF won’t be losing much on the pitching side either.
The weekend rotation of Alex Panteliodis, Hudson Randall and Brian Johnson will be back. However, the Gators will have to find a replacement for All-SEC closer Kevin Chapman, who was drafted in the fourth round by the Kansas City Royals.
But O’Sullivan is already preparing to fill those voids. After bringing in the No. 1 recruiting class in the nation last year, he is luring in another premier wave of talent.
According to Gators pitching recruit Johnny Barbato, hurlers Jonathon Crawford (42nd round of MLB Draft) and Daniel Gibson (26th round), and third baseman Zack Powers (28th round), are all enrolled in summer classes at UF and have decided to pass on the MLB to play college baseball.
Barbato, who was picked in the sixth round by the San Diego Padres, is also enrolled in classes, but has not made a decision yet.
“My decision is depending on how much money I am offered, and if I don’t get what I want then I’m not going to sign (with the Padres),” he said.
The right-hander could end up being the prize recruit of this year’s class if he stays in Gainesville because Barbato expects pitcher Karsten Whitson (ninth pick overall) to sign his MLB contract.
“In three years I think I can be a top talent in the country with O’Sullivan’s help” Barbato said. “So to me it’s either give me the money now or later, but as of now I am definitely leaning toward Florida.”