By BRIAN LANDMAN, Times Staff Writer
Published February 3, 2006
2005 RECORD: 53-20, 19-11 (fourth in the ACC). Won the NCAA region in Tallahassee, lost to host Florida in the Super Region.
COACH: Mike Martin (1,391-472-4, 27th season).
KEY RETURNING PLAYERS: CF Shane Robinson, Jr. (.427, 122 hits, 49 steals); RF Jack Rye, So. (.328); 3B Ryne Malone, Jr. (.316, 7 HRs, 61 RBI); RHP Bryan Henry, Jr. (9-3, 2.22); RHP Tyler Chambliss, Jr. (7-3, 2.06 ERA); LHP Barrett Browning, Sr. (4-4, 3.54); RHP Brian Chambers, Jr. (2-0, 4.67 ERA).
KEY NEWCOMERS: SS Buster Posey, Fr., RHP Luke Tucker, Jr.; RHP Brent Marsh, Sr.
NOTABLE: The Seminoles, No. 15 in Baseball America's preseason poll, have some key veterans back in the field, beginning with Robinson, the former Jesuit star who was Collegiate Baseball's national player of the year. Posey is one of the nation's top-rated freshmen and should help anchor the middle defense. But the strength starts with pitching. Henry, who began last season as the third baseman, emerged as the ace of the staff. Chambliss, who was fourth nationally in saves (15), becomes a starter along with Browning. Senior RHP Mark Sauls and junior RHP Michael Hyde bring plenty of starting experience. Chambers, the former Jefferson standout, figures to assume Kevin Lynch's role as the long reliever and should benefit from facing 11 NCAA Tournament teams last season. Tallahassee native Marsh, a transfer from South Carolina (4-3, 11 saves, 2.87 ERA) who began his career at FSU, is an experienced reliever. Tucker, a transfer from Okaloosa-Walton Junior College, throws in the low 90s.
