2012 SEC TOURNAMENT

Tuesday-Sunday

Regions Park

Hoover, Ala.

All games on ESPN3.com

TBD -- each game will begin 30 minutes following the conclusion of the previous game

All games Tuesday-Friday are double-elimination. Single-elimination begins on Saturday

TUESDAY

Game 1: No. 4 Kentucky vs. No. 9 Ole Miss, 10:30 a.m. (SportSouth)

Game 2: No. 6 Arkansas vs. No. 7 Mississippi State, TBD (SportSouth)

Game 3: No. 3 Florida vs. No. 10 Auburn, 5:30 p.m. (CSS)

Game 4: No. 5 Vanderbilt vs. No. 8 Georgia, TBD (CSS)

WEDNESDAY

Game 5: Game 1 loser vs. Game 2 loser, 10:30 a.m. (SportSouth)

Game 6: No. 1 LSU vs. Game 1-2 low seed winner, TBD (SportSouth)

Game 7: Game 3 loser vs. Game 4 loser, 5:30 p.m. (CSS)

Game 8: No. 2 South Carolina vs. Game 3-4 low seed winner, TBD (CSS)

THURSDAY

Game 9: Game 6 loser vs. Game 5 winner, 10:30 a.m. (SportSouth)

Game 10: Game 1-2 top seed winner vs. Game 6 winner, TBD (SportSouth)

Game 11: Game 8 loser vs. Game 7 winner, 5:30 p.m. (CSS)

Game 12: Game 3-4 top seed winner vs. Game 8 winner, TBD (CSS)

FRIDAY

Game 13: Game 10 loser vs. Game 9 winner, 4 p.m. (CSS)

Game 14: Game 12 loser vs. Game 11 winner, TBD (CSS)

SATURDAY

Game 15: Game 10 winner vs. Game 13 winner, 1 p.m. (CSS)

Game 16: Game 12 winner vs. Game 14 winner, TBD (CSS)

SUNDAY

Game 17: Game 15 winner vs. Game 16 winner, 3:30 p.m. (ESPN2)

Breaking down the SEC tournament field:

(1) LSU (42-14)

*SEC West champion, SEC regular-season champion

Top hitter: Raph Rhymes (.469, 3 HR, 49 RBIs)

Top pitcher: Kevin Gausman (9-1, 2.86 ERA, 118 SO)

Tournament history: 63-35 (27 appearances), nine titles (1986, 1990#, 1992, 1993*, 1994*, 2000, 2008, 2009, 2010)

#LSU and Mississippi State were co-champions when weather halted play; *SEC West champions when there were two separate tournaments for the divisions

Against the field: 3-0 vs. Arkansas; 1-2 vs. Auburn; 2-1 vs. Florida; 2-1 vs. Georgia; 1-2 vs. Kentucky; 2-1 vs. Mississippi State; 2-1 vs. Ole Miss; 2-1 vs. South Carolina; 1-2 vs. Vanderbilt

Coach Paul Mainieri says: "We're extremely proud to be going to Hoover at all, after last year. Thirty games is an absolute grind. You have to beat an awful lot of good teams along the way just to get there. This past weekend was exciting for all of us. Anybody that loves college baseball would have loved to be in Columbia, South Carolina."

The skinny: LSU apparently still took last year's NCAA tournament snub extremely personally, making sure that it would be in the SEC tournament (and thus, almost automatically in the NCAA tournament) with a first-place finish. With questions about their hitting in the preseason, the Tigers boasted Rhymes flirting with a .500 average throughout the year, and watched Gausman blossom from another good Friday-night pitcher into a sure first-round (if not No. 1) draft pick. LSU, due to winning its last regular-season series against South Carolina and becoming undisputed champion of the league, has nothing to prove in Hoover except to show the fans what they missed out on seeing last year. They'll be at home next week (and the week after that) no matter what happens this week - they can play spoiler for a lower-seeded team seeking to improve its fortune, or be the classic bully by winning a tournament that it doesn't need to win.

(2) SOUTH CAROLINA (39-15)

*SEC East champion

Top hitter: Christian Walker (.335, 10 HR, 49 RBIs)

Top pitcher: Michael Roth (5-1, 2.66 ERA, 70 SO)

Tournament history: 24-35 (20 appearances), one title (2004)

Against the field: 2-1 vs. Arkansas; 3-0 vs. Auburn; 1-2 vs. Florida; 1-1 vs. Georgia; 0-3 vs. Kentucky; 1-2 vs. LSU; 3-0 vs. Mississippi State; DNP Ole Miss; 2-1 vs. Vanderbilt

Coach Ray Tanner says: "We're delighted to be going to Hoover. We're excited to finish the regular season. Our guys played pretty hard after a slow start. It was a tough start for us, but our guys kind of stayed the course. We were able to win a lot of the close ones."

The skinny: Some say USC is locked into a national seed, some say it isn't, but the fact that there is doubt (and could be more, if Kentucky makes a run this week) means the Gamecocks need to go to Hoover and win. They don't have to win the whole shebang (although that would ensure a top-eight seed) but probably just win two games to make sure that the selection committee smiles upon them on Sunday and Monday. The Gamecocks were one of the hottest teams in the country as they got themselves back in contention for the SEC crown, but they stubbed their toes a bit with a 5-4 record in their last nine games. Going to Hoover, where USC has been bad since it won its only title in 2004, could be a breakthrough or a case of same-old, same-old. The Gamecocks obviously didn't forget how to win despite going a combined 1-4 in Hoover over the past two years, and last year, they were in LSU's spot. They'll be at home next week, but if they're at home in two weeks depends on what they do this week.

(3) FLORIDA (40-16)

Top hitter: Mike Zunino (.324, 15 HR, 51 RBIs)

Top pitcher: Hudson Randall (7-1, 2.89 ERA, 51 SO)

Tournament history: 53-53 (32 appearances), six titles (1981, 1982, 1984, 1988, 1991, 2011)

Against the field: 1-2 vs. Arkansas; 2-1 vs. Auburn; 2-1 vs. Georgia; 2-1 vs. Kentucky; 1-2 vs. LSU; 2-1 vs. Mississippi State; 1-2 vs. Ole Miss; 2-1 vs. South Carolina; 3-0 vs. Vanderbilt

Coach Kevin O'Sullivan says: "We feel like we're playing the best baseball we have all year. Seems like we're starting to get healthy. Trainers have done a really nice job getting our players healthy for this part of the year."

The skinny: With the label of the team fielding the most pure talent in the country, it hasn't come easy for Florida this year, but the Gators are still around. Because of their aggressive scheduling, Florida is a lock for a national seed despite finishing third in its own conference and not even winning its division. The Gators didn't have to win the tournament last year but did, wanting to prove that they were better than going 0-2 at the College World Series the year before. They went 0-2 in the national championship series last year and are hoping to rectify that wrong, so they may just storm through the tournament again. But like LSU, Florida doesn't have to do anything this week.

(4) KENTUCKY (41-15)

Top hitter: Austin Cousino (.330, 9 HR, 38 RBIs)

Top pitcher: Corey Littrell (8-1, 2.64 ERA, 74 SO)

Tournament history: 16-28 (15 appearances), no titles

Against the field: 2-1 vs. Arkansas; DNP Auburn; 1-2 vs. Florida; 2-1 vs. Georgia; 2-1 vs. LSU; 0-3 vs. Mississippi State; 2-1 vs. Ole Miss; 3-0 vs. South Carolina; 1-2 vs. Vanderbilt

Coach Gary Henderson says: "Obviously, we've lost four in a row, so we're excited to get back on the field and get rid of that streak. We're looking forward to getting to playing again."

The skinny: There's one every year, and this year, it's Kentucky, which finished a magnificent season by playing itself right out of the division and league championships, plus probably a top-eight seed. Kentucky could get back into the picture, but knows it's playing behind USC and other national teams for it. The Wildcats need to at least get to the finals to rub out the sour memories of a crushing sweep at Mississippi State to close the season, and a weak non-conference schedule. They obviously have talent, and are confident after winning so much, but they haven't won in their most recent series, and it cost them. Is that confidence still shaken?

(5) VANDERBILT (29-25)

Top hitter: Anthony Gomez (.362, 1 HR, 48 RBIs)

Top pitcher: Sam Selman (8-3, 3.64 ERA, 68 SO)

Tournament history: 39-30 (17 appearances), two titles (1980, 2007)

Against the field: DNP Arkansas; 2-1 vs. Auburn; 0-3 vs. Florida; 2-1 vs. Georgia; 2-1 vs. Kentucky; 2-1 vs. LSU; 1-2 vs. Mississippi State; 3-0 vs. Ole Miss; 1-2 vs. South Carolina

Coach Tim Corbin says: "We're just excited to be part of this tournament again. Something we look forward to in the beginning of the year. We always feel like this is a very big accomplishment to get here, especially this year, in the way that we started."

The skinny: Perhaps the hottest team in the country, Vanderbilt swept Ole Miss and beat LSU 2-1 as part of winning its last four series to close the season. Corbin's aggressive scheduling cost his young team a lot of games in the early year, but it was for a purpose - he was hoping it would grow up enough to make a run in the postseason. It appears that it paid off. Vanderbilt removed itself from a win-or-go-home week in Hoover, not needing to win any games to be considered for the NCAA Regionals and looking to be in because of its RPI and top schedule. The 'Dores will want to win, though, and improve themselves as much as possible so that they can keep the good play going into the postseason.

(6) ARKANSAS (39-17)

Top hitter: Matt Reynolds (.347, 7 HR, 41 RBIs)

Top pitcher: Ryne Stanek (6-3, 2.96 ERA, 65 SO)

Tournament history: 19-28 (17 appearances), no titles

Against the field: 1-2 vs. Auburn; 2-1 vs. Florida; 1-2 vs. Georgia; 1-2 vs. Kentucky; 0-3 vs. LSU; 2-1 vs. Mississippi State; 1-2 vs. Ole Miss; 1-2 vs. South Carolina; 1-2 vs. Vanderbilt

Coach Dave Van Horn says: "We feel like that we a really good week. We all would rather be playing baseball than sitting around. The hardest part is for a team that played on the road - we played at Tennessee, then flew all the way back to Fayetteville, now we're headed to Hoover. But that's the way it is."

The skinny: A mercurial bunch, Arkansas has been the year's biggest mystery. Top-flight pitching and a great offense just hasn't made a lot of noise, despite a solid overall record. The Razorbacks only won four of their SEC series and even though they have 39 wins, they're on the outside looking in to host a regional. The talent is there to win this weekend, but Arkansas just hasn't put it all together. Stay away from giving up moonshots to the slugger-heavy lineup, and the opponent should be fine.

(7) MISSISSIPPI STATE (34-21)

Top hitter: Adam Frazier (.360, 0 HR, 23 RBIs)

Top pitcher: Chris Stratton (10-1, 2.16 ERA, 115 SO)

Tournament history: 48-44 (28 appearances), six titles (1979, 1985, 1987, 1990#, 2001, 2005)

# LSU and Mississippi State were co-champions when weather halted play

Against the field: 1-2 vs. Arkansas; 2-1 vs. Auburn; 1-2 vs. Florida; DNP Georgia; 3-0 vs. Kentucky; 1-2 vs. LSU; 2-1 vs. Ole Miss; 0-3 vs. South Carolina; 2-1 vs. Vanderbilt

Coach John Cohen says: "Really pleased with the effort our players gave this weekend. We pitched very well this past weekend, I think our kids have a lot of confidence going into the tournament. There's no question that Hoover and the Southeastern Conference do this tournament the right way. We still feel like we have something to prove."

The skinny: Another team that pulled itself out of the fire, MSU ended the year with an exclamation point by sweeping Kentucky. The Bulldogs looked left for dead after a sweep at USC, Cohen shaking his head and wondering when the close plays were going to start going his way, but it began soon after. MSU got healthy and behind its pitching, it began to solidify and play traditional Bulldog baseball. They need to win a few this weekend to eke themselves on the bubble to host, but they're going to be a tough out no matter where they wind up in the postseason.

(8) GEORGIA (31-24)

Top hitter: Curt Powell (.354, 2 HR, 20 RBIs)

Top pitcher: Alex Wood (7-2, 2.58 ERA, 95 SO)

Tournament history: 28-38 (20 appearances), no titles

Against the field: 2-1 vs. Arkansas; 3-0 vs. Auburn; 1-2 vs. Florida; 1-2 vs. Kentucky; 1-2 vs. LSU; 3-0 vs. Mississippi State; 1-2 vs. Ole Miss; 1-1 vs. South Carolina; 1-2 vs. Vanderbilt

Coach David Perno says: "We have played well of late, just a little short in the run category. Nonetheless, we're throwing strikes, we're taking care of the baseball and doing probably as good as we can do this year."

The skinny: Georgia has avoided the situation of last year (win a certain number or you're done) and heads to Hoover trying to improve its postseason destination. The Bulldogs won't host but can be a dangerous No. 2 seed in someone's regional, led by the 1-2 punch of Wood and Michael Palazzone in the rotation. Perno wants his team to play a smooth tournament and he also wants the tournament to run smoothly - this format was his idea.

(9) OLE MISS (34-22)

Top hitter: Alex Yarbrough (.386, 3 HR, 41 RBIs)

Top pitcher: Bobby Wahl (6-2, 2.20 ERA, 84 SO)

Tournament history: 28-29 (17 appearances), two titles (1977, 2006)

Against the field: 2-1 vs. Arkansas; 2-1 vs. Auburn; 1-2 vs. Florida; 2-1 vs. Georgia; 1-2 vs. Kentucky; 1-2 vs. LSU; 1-2 vs. Mississippi State; DNP South Carolina; 0-3 vs. Vanderbilt

Coach Mike Bianco says: "We had a tough weekend at Vanderbilt, coming off a good weekend the weekend before. We need to turn the page and get to Hoover and play well and win some baseball games."

The skinny: Ole Miss is in the NCAA Regionals and is trying to host, although it's probably too far off the screen to have a legit shot at it. It's enjoying life as one of the final two teams to make it to Hoover, but will want to win a few games to ensure its life in the postseason. With Alabama out of the way, Rebel fans may be able to buy some extra tickets this year, too.

(10) AUBURN (30-26)

Top hitter: Ryan Tella (.368, 5 HR, 34 RBIs)

Top pitcher: Daniel Koger (3-5, 3.42 ERA, 32 SO)

Tournament history: 29-39 (22 appearances), three titles (1978, 1989, 1998)

Against the field: 2-1 vs. Arkansas; 2-1 vs. Florida; 0-3 vs. Georgia; DNP Kentucky; 2-1 vs. LSU; 1-2 vs. Mississippi State; 1-2 vs. Ole Miss; 0-3 vs. South Carolina; 1-2 vs. Vanderbilt

Coach John Pawlowski says: "Obviously, we are excited about the opportunity to compete in the SEC baseball tournament. I know our team is anxious and looking forward to the challenge."

Gamecock Central has provided the most in-depth coverage of Gamecock sports and recruiting since 1998! Give our service a try with our special 7-Day FREE TRIALClick The skinny: Auburn won a game it had to have on the final day of the regular season, but needs to win a few more to make its NCAA life a definite. The Tigers are teetering despite having a better record than Vanderbilt, because the Commodores played a much tougher slate. This is the year that the old standby of "Make it to Hoover, make it to the regionals" bites the dust and the Tigers could be the first victim of it, if they don't do something spectacular this week.Here to view this Link.!