Usually a tell-tale sign that a program is among the top of the country is the excellence of their recruiting class. If that is the case, then the Virginia Cavaliers baseball team is already there.
In 2004, the Virginia Cavaliers had the 12th best recruiting class in the country according to Virginiasports.com. In 2005, the Cavaliers landed the 10th. For the 2006 season, the Cavaliers excelled even more by bringing in the 8th best recruiting class in the nation. Even in the Atlantic Coast Conference --with such traditionally dominant teams as Clemson, Florida State, Miami and Georgia Tech -- Virginia still managed to secure the best recruiting class.
Assistant coach Kevin McMullan is the recruiting coordinator for Virginia. McMullan, who has previously served as a manager at East Carolina University and within the Atlanta Braves organization, has revitalized the Virginia baseball program with his efforts. Virginia head coach Brian O'Connor praised McMullan and assistant coach Karl Kuhn for their efforts.
"Both of our assistant coaches worked extremely hard," O'Connor said. "They have done a fantastic job identifying good fits for our baseball program."
It also helps to coach at a school with outstanding academics.
"The school sells itself," O'Connor said. "The baseball program is doing well, and it's a good combination."
Former third baseman Ryan Zimmerman's success at Virginia does not hurt either. Zimmerman -- USA Baseball's 2004 Athlete of the Year and Second Team All-American in 2005 -- helped bring Virginia baseball into the national spotlight when he was chosen No. 4 overall by the Washington Nationals and was called up to the Majors in September 2005.
"Anytime you have a player that has the magnitude of Zimmerman, playing in the big leagues after just two months, it just helps in bringing kids in," O'Connor said.
2006 recruit Jeremy Farrell will be asked to fill Zimmerman's shoes at third base this year. Farrell, a 41st round draft pick by the Colorado Rockies this past year, will team up with fellow freshman David Adams in the infield. Adams, a 21st round draft pick by the Detroit Tigers who dropped in the draft because he wanted to attend college, will start off at second base, replacing Kyle Werman. Adams, who is very versatile, could also see some time at third base this year. O'Connor has faith in these two players.
"It's hard to replace a Ryan Zimmerman, but these guys are capable of doing so," O'Connor said.
On the mound, two of the marquee pitchers that the Virginia coaching staff has brought in are right-handers Jacob Thompson and Shooter Hunt. Thompson is expected to compete for a weekend starting position along with sophomores Robert Poutier, Pat McAnaney and Sean Doolittle.
Hunt, a 34th round draft pick by the Texas Rangers, has excellent potential and might be called to pitch in different situations.
"He is a talented prospect," O'Connor said. "It's a challenge as a freshman to adapt; he will see some time as a closer and in other aspects of the game."
Freshmen at times have a hard time adjusting to college baseball and earning the trust of the veterans. Virginia first baseman and pitcher Doolittle believes these freshmen do not have this problem.
"I feel completely confident with them," Doolittle said. "They came in and worked hard and earned my respect and the team's respect. They all are going to be counted on to step up. They are going to be fine."
This season, the freshmen will need to step up right away. Virginia plays talented Coastal Carolina in the Springmaid Beach Resort Tournament in Myrtle Beach, S.C. Saturday and Sunday. Their season opens Friday in Myrtle Beach when they play the Citadel.
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