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Papi (.381 batting average with seven home runs and 57 RBI) and third-year infielder Branden Cogswell (.346, 0 HR, 22 RBI) will both get a look at the leadoff spot in the order after the two players ranked first (.517) and third (.464), respectively, in on-base percentage last season. Second-year outfielder/first baseman Joe McCarthy (.336, four HR, 51 RBI), third-year outfielder Brandon Downes (.316, 10 HR, 59 RBI) and third-year outfielder Derek Fisher (.293, seven HR, 48 RBI), along with Papi, are all candidates to hit in the middle of the lineup. "I love this lineup because it has athleticism, power and there are a lot of tough outs," O'Connor noted. "It's not only an offense that can drive the ball out of the ball park, but they can situationally do what we need to do." Virginia may well boast the best outfield in the nation, combining both offensive and defensive skills. Papi was a first-team All-America honoree and McCarthy earned ACC Freshman of the Year and Freshman All-America honors last year. Downes and Papi each were named 2014 Preseason All-Americans, while Fisher is considered by some experts to be a potential first-round pick in the 2014 MLB Draft. Having that kind of talent gives Virginia four solid hitters and defenders. Moreover, Fisher said a side benefit is that it fosters position competition, making every player better as they battle for playing time in practice against each other. "Our outfield talent and depth is incredible. Every day in practice you want to outwork everybody," Fisher explained. "They're your teammates and you want them to succeed, but the harder you work, the harder they're going to work, and I think that's the great thing about our team." There are also plenty of options on the infield as Howard (.323, three HR, 38 RBI), Cogswell and third-year Kenny Towns (.290, seven HR, 44 RBI) all return from last year's club. Second-year John LaPrise is back and will get a look in the middle of i22-23.Baseball Preview.indd 4 Left-hander Brandon Waddell will anchor the weekend rotation after posting a 6-3 record and 3.96 ERA in 16 starts as a rookie last year. PHOTO BY JIM DAVES/COURTESY UVA the infield as will rookie shortstop Daniel Pinero, who was a 20th-round selection by the Houston Astros in the 2013 MLB Draft. Towns said that like the rest of the club there is skill and depth on the infield. "We have a ton of talented infielders," he said, "especially the young guys coming up, and whatever their roles are, they're very trustworthy infielders." "I like everything about Virginia this year," Fitt said. "It is the best lineup in college baseball — no doubt in my mind. Incredibly deep in all facets, but especially on offense. Powerful, athletic, experienced — the whole package." ◆ 1/16/14 12:16 PM