LAST YEAR'S RECORD: 45-23
COACH: Mike Martin
KEY PLAYERS: Aaron Cheesman C, .347, 18 doubles, 42 RBI; Ryne Malone 1B, .330, 12 HR, 54 RBI; Mark Sauls P, 6-4, 5.22 ERA, 17 starts
THREE DATES TO CIRCLE: Feb. 11-13 Home series with Auburn provides season's first test; Mar. 18-20 Series opposite conference newcomer Virginia Tech begins ACC play; Apr. 22-24 Pivotal series at Miami. The teams meet for three games, instead of customary six.
CONFERENCE OUTLOOK: Following last season's ACC championship will be a tough order with Miami and a stronger Georgia Tech in the fold.
THREE SIGNS 2005 WILL BE A BIG HIT:
1. Cheesman, Malone and Shane Robinson pack a punch at the top of the order.
2. Sauls has increased his velocity and cleaned up his mechanics.
3. Martin's track record reveals nothing but success.
THREE SIGNS 2005 WILL BE A BIG WHIFF:
1. Three freshman and a sophomore JUCO tranfer who are projected to start could experience growing pains at the plate.
2. The Seminoles enter the season without a proven starter.
3. Hunter Jones and Glen Simon -- experienced starting pitchers returning from offseason surgery -- have been delayed in their rehab.