Josh Adams - Mr. Consistent
Tuesday, February 16, 2010 | Baseball
By Stephen Kerkhof, UF Communications
After a pair of successful seasons in the Orange and Blue, Josh Adams has become a cornerstone of a potent Florida Gators' offensive attack. As a freshman, he hit .330 with eight home runs, 51 runs batted in and 11 stolen bases and earned All-SEC recognition at second base. That season, Adams became the first Florida rookie since 1991 to be named to the All-SEC's first team and he was tabbed as a Freshman All-American.
Adams was not satisfied with his first year's statistics, however, and came out swinging again in 2009. As a sophomore, he became the first Gator since Brad Wilkerson in 1998 to earn first-team All-SEC in consecutive campaigns. Last season also saw him better the output from his rookie campaign in almost every category. He was among the team leaders with a batting average of .342, to go along with eight home runs and 52 RBI, all while hitting cleanup for the Gators - not a traditional lineup spot for a second baseman.
With UF's increase in the number of power hitters this spring, Adams will likely move to a more natural spot in the lineup, hitting second in the order. This is a challenge he welcomes.
“My approach at the plate has changed from having the mentality of going up and trying to drive in runs to getting on base and letting the other guys take care of getting me in. That will be my job, to move runners over and play small ball. I'm looking forward to it.”
Adams' versatility extends beyond just his performance at the plate. During his first two seasons in Gainesville, he has shown an ability to play all over the diamond, actually beginning the 2009 season as the club's opening-day third baseman and playing several contests at the hot corner.
“It is one of my biggest assets,” Adams said of his positional versatility, which he learned growing up and playing several spots in the field. This season, however, an increase in team depth will likely allow Adams the opportunity to focus on just one position: second base.
“Being able to focus on one position has definitely helped in my preparation. I have been able to focus on other things, like becoming a more vocal leader, instead of having to prepare for multiple positions.”
That vocal leadership Adams talks about is something Florida fans should expect to see more of this upcoming season. With the departure of vocal seniors, including Avery Barnes and Brandon McArthur, Adams has found himself as one of the older players looked up to by the many freshmen and sophomores, especially after experiencing such success in his short time in Gainesville.
“The past couple of years, I have just tried to do my best on the field and not say anything. This year, I have definitely had to open my mouth a little more during this offseason. I have been helping out the freshmen who are just coming in and showing them how to do things around here. Although it is one of those things that does not come easy, it fell on my shoulders so I have to handle it.”
Being an upperclassman plays a big part in what Adams' feels is his role for the 2010 season.
“I need to be that vocal leader whenever we need it. I want to show the guys how we play and what we do here. Our goal is to get to Omaha.”
After the success Florida enjoyed as a team last season, that goal certainly seems attainable for this year's club. Along with the second baseman, the Gators return many key pieces, and the squad has a little added motivation with the way last season ended.
“The end of last season was bitter for awhile. Our goal again this year is to get back to Omaha and we are going to work hard for it. Hopefully, that little bit of extra motivation can help get us there,” Adams said.
Even though he has already put together two exceptional seasons for the Gators, fans should not expect Adams to rest on his laurels.
“I set very high expectations for myself,” Adams said regarding the beginning of the season.
The 2010 season is packed with potential for Adams and the rest of Gators as they look to get to build upon the successes of the past two years under head coach Kevin O'Sullivan. Fans should also keep an eye on the Jacksonville native as he looks to extend his career high hitting streak of 13 games when the Gators open their season on Friday night, Feb. 19, by taking on USF in the season opener at McKethan Stadium.
-UF-
