Time heals all wounds, and the Gators are hoping several have been patched up since last season.
A mass exodus to professional baseball left Florida searching for innings and at-bats. The departure of 69 percent of its home runs and 81 percent of its RBIs shifted Florida’s focus to small ball on offense.
Florida scored 107 fewer runs last season. It is no secret the little things at the plate caused the Gators issues. Florida had a 7-11 record in one-run and extra-inning games — a trend No. 23 Florida hopes to reverse when it opens its season against Maryland on Friday at 7.
“We lost a lot of one-run games (and) a lot of close games,” junior first baseman Zack Powers said. “It all comes down to little details.”
Seventh-year coach Kevin O’Sullivan has harped on those little details since he arrived at Florida. There was more room for error in 2012 with a starting lineup that featured five hitters who are now in professional leagues at some level.
That caliber of veteran college baseball talent is few and far between. A lack of depth made its absence hurt even more. Now with a restocked freshman class and underclassmen who experienced the sting of a sub-.500 record, the Gators can move past a frustrating season.
“We had a tough time doing all of that little stuff, but that season is done with,” second baseman Casey Turgeon said. “We’re looking at this [season]. We come out and practice that stuff all the time. Like Sully always said, little stuff wins games.”
This will be the second-straight year of Sully Small Ball. If the Gators struggle offensively in 2014, another cliche, albeit Valentines’ Day appropriate, might fit better: “Absence makes the heart grow fonder.”
Weekend rotation announced: Junior left-hander Bobby Poyner will take the hill as Florida’s opening night starter against Maryland. He posted a 3.41 ERA in 14 appearances last season.
Poyner registered an out against South Carolina in the College World Series two years ago. Joining the Wellington native will be freshman Brett Morales on Saturday and senior right-hander Karsten Whitson for the series finale.
The Cincinnati Reds selected Morales in the 24th round in June. Whitson will make his first start since March 26, 2012, after missing 2013 with season-ending right shoulder surgery.
Gators filling outfield spot: After sophomore outfielder Harrison Bader crashed his scooter and Gainesville Police began an investigation regarding his blood-alcohol level at the time, Florida has been left without a starting outfielder.
Freshman Ryan Larson is the favorite to replace Bader, whom Florida suspended indefinitely on Feb. 4.
Larson has the ability to move runners and get on base — not too different from the human energizer bunny that Bader often was in his freshman year.
“He’s just a smart baseball player. He knows what he’s doing,” sophomore right-hander Eric Hanhold said. “He doesn’t make mistakes. He’s a solid all-around player.”
Martin eyeing shortstop return: A fractured right index finger suffered while attempting a sacrifice bunt in the series against Miami on March 3 forced shortstop Richie Martin to wear a cast, miss 12 games and move to center field upon his return. His absence in the infield meant second baseman Casey Turgeon platooned with Cody Dent up the middle.
“To tell you the truth, I thought it was pretty fun,” Martin said of center field. “Shortstop is my natural position ... But I had no problem going to the outfield and helping the team out.”
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Casey Turgeon bats against Florida State during Florida’s 4-1 loss on Mar. 12, 2013, at McKethan Stadium. Turgeon and the Gators open their season at home on Friday against Maryland at 7 p.m.
