11. TEXAS CHRISTIAN

Coach : Jim Schlossnagle (251-120, 6 years).

2009 Record : 40-18 (15-5/1 ^st in Mountain West Conference).

Top Senior Prospect : C Bryan Holaday (.300-10-48). Top-level catch-and-throw tools, has some juice in his bat; will be counted on for leadership/experience.

Top Junior Prospect : RHP Stephen Maxwell (3-2, 6.10, 38 IP/27 SO). Came on strong in fall; FB to 94 mph, power curveball in low-80’s, projects as team’s Friday starter.

Top Sophomore Prospect : RHP Kyle Winkler (7-1, 4.15, 73 IP/48 SO). Power sinker to 94 mph, plus FB life, also throws curve/change; one of top Sunday starters in the country.

Top Freshman Prospect : LHP Matthew Purke (Rangers/1 ^st round). Premium talent with FB to 96 mph, still projectable, solid curve/change combination; will be soph-eligible in 2011 draft.

Outlook: The Horned Frogs are built primarily around their pitching staff, which could be among the top units in the country. How deep is it? Senior RHP Tyler Lockwood (4-2, 4.71, 70 IP/44 SO), an all-league selection in 2008 and two-year starter, will work out of the bullpen. Paul Gerish , another senior righthander and the 2009 staff leader in wins (7) and ERA (3.83), will work as a mid-week starter. Maxwell, Purke and Winkler, who comprise the projected weekend rotation, are all top prospects with low- to mid-90s stuff. The offensive production is less of a certainty as TCU will start a couple of freshmen and a trio of sophomores. Holaday is the senior leader and sophomore OF Jason Coats (.316-6-32) and sophomore SS Taylor Featherston (.322-5-28) are high-ceiling talents who could enjoy breakout seasons.

--DR

12. VANDERBILT

Coach : Tim Corbin (276-157, 7 seasons).

2009 Record : 37-27 (12-17/8 ^th in Southeastern Conference).

Top Senior Prospect : C Andrew Giobbi (.289-6-41). Above-average senior draft; has polished receiving/throwing skills and developing power, along with leadership ability.

Top Junior Prospect : RHP Taylor Hill (2-1, 5.05, 41 IP/43 SO). Power pitcher’s build at 6-4, 220; also has a fastball that touches 93, power slider.

Top Sophomore Prospect : RHP Sonny Gray (5-1, 4.30, 5 SV, 58 IP/72 SO). Moves from closer to Friday starter this spring; maintains mid-90’s velocity and has a nasty low-80’s curveball.

Top Freshman Prospect : LHP Sam Selman (Angels/14 ^th round). Other freshmen will play more this year, but the lanky Selman may have the highest ceiling with his 94 mph fastball.

Outlook: Rarely can a team lose its top three starters, including the seventh pick in the draft (LHP Mike Minor) from a team with a sub-.500 conference record, yet be as optimistic as the Commodores are this spring. The reason is that their three new starters, Gray, Hill and sophomore RHP Jack Armstrong (0-0, 12.91, 8 IP/8 SO), are all top-level talents who sport potential first-round stuff. Gray and Hill were solid out of the bullpen in 2009 but the key to the team’s success should be the 6-foot-7 Armstrong, who made huge strides over the summer in the Cape Cod League after hardly pitching last spring. Vandy also returns seven starters in the field from last season, and a year’s maturity should help the team considerably. Junior C/1B Curt Casali (.336-10-59) has returned to health and will combine with Giobbi to give the Commodores one of the best catching duos around. Junior OF/1B Aaron Westlake (.377-10-54) is the team’s top returning hitter and a versatile defender. Look for sophomore 3B Jason Esposito (.287-4-42, 20 SB), a potentially-outstanding defensive player, to have a breakout season with the bat.

--DR

13. SAN DIEGO

Coach : Rich Hill (381-261, 11 years).

2009 Record : 29-25 (11-10/5 ^th in West Coast Conference).

Top Senior Prospect : RHP A.J. Griffin (8-3, 3.33, 3 SV, 81 IP/85 SO). Former Team USA closer was forced into starting role in 2009 because of a run of injuries; has four-pitch mix with 90-mph fastball; changeup is best pitch, pounds the strike zone.

Top Junior Prospect : Kyle Blair (3-2, 3.12, 54 IP/62 SO). Fifth-round pick of Dodgers out of high school; has low-90’s fastball, outstanding curveball; very competitive; projected first-round pick in June.

Top Sophomore Prospect : LHP Sammy Solis (3-1, 3.83, 49 IP/42 SO in 2008). Technically a sophomore after red-shirting in 2009 because of ruptured disc in his back; could emerge as first-rounder in June, if returns to full health; has displayed excellent pitchability in past and can pound zone with three pitches.

Top Freshman Prospect : RHP Sam Wolff (Angels/42 ^nd round). South Dakota native with big upside; very athletic, FB to 92 mph, sharp curveball.

Outlook: Injuries hit the Toreros harder than virtually any other top team in the country in 2009, sidetracking a promising campaign with potential College World Series implications. The return to the starting rotation of Solis, who worked just 12 innings and was subsequently granted a red-shirt, along with junior CF Kevin Muno (.305-2-5, 9 SB in 17 G) and junior 3B Victor Sanchez (.263-5-23 in 28 G) to the starting lineup, will provide a big boost, although Sanchez will start the season at DH as his surgically-repaired labrum continues to heal. Blair, the team’s acknowledged ace who made only eight starts himself in 2009, and the dependable Griffin will lead the pitching staff, although Solis could give it a shot in the arm in he can live up to his comparisons with former USD great Brian Matusz. Junior RF James Meador (.376-6-45), the reigning WCC player of the year, will hit third and carry the Toreros offense, with sophomore 1B Bryan Haar (.298-5-38) a potential breakout candidate.

--DR

14. OREGON STATE

Coach : Pat Casey (505-314, 15 years).

2009 Record : 37-19 (15-12/3 ^rd in Pacific-10 Conference).

Top SeniorProspect : OF Adalberto Santos (.320-4-43, 15 SB). Has plus speed (6.5 in 60), can play multiple positions, polished hitter with gap-type power.

Top Junior Prospect : RHP Tyler Waldron (6-4, 4.15, 92 IP/70 SO). Most-dependable arm in OSU’s elite class of junior pitchers; has solid four-pitch mix with consistent 90-plus fastball, good command, superior mound presence.

Top Sophomore Prospect : RHP Sam Gaviglio (10-1, 2.73, 62 IP/55 SO). Took over Beavers’ Friday slot as a freshman; mature pitcher with plus command, changeup is best pitch.

Top Freshman Prospect : C Andrew Susac (Phillies/16 ^th round). Aflac All-American has plus defensive skills across the board, power in bat; starred in college-level West Coast League last summer and projects as first-rounder in 2011 as draft-eligible soph.

Outlook: The Beavers’ back-to-back CWS championships in 2006 and 2007 are becoming more distant in the rear-view mirror, but the recruiting haul of pitchers that Casey was able to bring to Oregon State as a result of that success is still very evident. As many as 7-8 arms on the 2010 staff are considered Top-10 round picks for this year’s draft, and that doesn’t include last year’s ace Gaviglio, who won’t be eligible until 2011. Unfortunately, LHP Josh Osich , who underwent TJ surgery in January, and RHP Taylor Starr , who underwent the same procedure last spring, are two of those top prospects. Osich’s loss is particularly difficult as he finally seemed to be harnessing his mid- to upper-90s fastball during the fall. Waldron and junior RHP Greg Peavey (4-3, 5.74), already a two-time draft, will follow Gaviglio in the weekend rotation, with junior RHP Kevin Rhoderick (3-3, 4.18, 9 SV, 23 IP/33 SO) and his killer slider finishing games. The big question mark for Oregon State, if it hopes to get beyond regional play for the first time in three years, is whether the everyday lineup will score enough runs. The Beavers slugged only 23 home runs as a team last year, although their two leading “sluggers”, Santos and junior 3B Stefen Romero (.291-5-51), both return. The two highest-ceiling hitting talents on the team are Susac and sophomore SS Carter Bell (.294-1-10). Susac could easily lead the team in home runs as a freshman if he adjusts quickly to college pitching.

--DR

15. ARKANSAS

Coach : Dave Van Horn (235-114, 6 years).

2009 Record : 41-24 (14-15/7 ^th in Southeastern Conference).

Top Senior Prospect : RHP Mike Bolsinger (6-4, 2.99, 2 SV, 69 IP/79 SO). Moves from long relief to weekend starter; has 88-93 mph fastball, but slider is his out-pitch; unsigned 33 ^rd -rounder in 2009 should be a quality senior sign.

Top Junior Prospect : RHP/OF Brett Eibner (5-5, 5.00, 72 IP/67 SO; .231-12-34). Quality two-way prospect was a fourth-round pick of Astros out of Texas high school; higher ceiling on mound with fastball up to 96 mph, big-breaking curve; also has explosive power potential, will start in CF, but must curb high strikeout total.

Top Sophomore Prospect : 3B/RHP Zach Cox (.266-13-39; 5-1, 4.82, 19 IP/15 SO). Top Cape Cod prospect last summer on some lists, and is draft-eligible in June; powerful lefthanded bat capable of driving balls to all fields; very aggressive player, sound in field with impressive arm strength; will also pitch out of bullpen on occasion.

Top Freshman Prospect : RHP D.J. Baxendale (undrafted/Sylvan Hills, Ark.). Best in-state recruit is a very athletic RHP with FB up to 94 mph, lots of movement in fall; potential weekend starter as freshman.

Outlook: The Razorbacks lost plenty of talent and leadership from their somewhat-surprising 2009 CWS team, but return enough raw, high-ceiling talent to believe that a repeat trip to Omaha is possible. Their prodigious power trio of Cox, Eibner and junior 1B Andy Wilkins (.319-19-58), all top prospects for this year’s draft, are prone to swinging-and-missing at an alarming rate (combined 178 K’s in 2009), but can change a score with one swing. All should be better with another year of experience. Observing Eibner’s performance early in the year will be particularly interesting, as his game-day production last year didn’t come close to matching his considerable tools on a frequent-enough basis. Soph-eligible LHP Drew Smiley (4-1, 4.66) holds similar intrigue as he moves from mid-week starter to the Friday-night guy after an impressive fall performance, while Bolsinger, the ace long reliever, also moves into the weekend rotation.

--DR

16. COASTAL CAROLINA

Coach : Gary Gilmore (554-293, 14 years).

2009 Record : 47-16 (21-5/1 ^st in Big South Conference).

Top Senior Prospect : RHP Austin Fleet (7-2, 3.53; 63 IP/28 SO). Experienced Sunday starter has 32 career starts and cumulative 16-7 record; good senior sign with a fastball that tops at 94 and a plus slider.

Top Junior Prospect : LHP Cody Wheeler (10-1, 3.83; 91 IP/98 SO). Friday starter is a combined 16-1 in first two seasons, 2009 Big South Pitcher of Year, member of Team USA staff last summer; small stature, but has quick, live arm with fastball that sits at 87-92, quality changeup.

Top Sophomore Prospect : RHP Anthony Meo (9-2, 2.93; 76 IP/68 SO). Had outstanding freshman campaign and will assume Saturday starter role this spring; has dynamic stuff with a fastball that touches 94.

Top Freshman Prospect : SS/RHP Josh Conway (Braves/42 ^nd round). Top-notch athlete who should be solid two-way contributor for veteran-laden team.

Outlook: Outside of talent-rich Virginia, there might not be another team in the top 25 that returns as many key contributors. The Chanticleers hit .329 with 86 home runs as a team in 2009, and also swiped 121 bases. The team’s offense should be equally potent on the bases with the return of junior CF Rico Noel (.315-8-45; 48 SB) and junior 3B Scott Woodward (.284-1-19; 30 SB), who is healthy again after an injury-riddled sophomore campaign. As a freshman, Woodward hit .364-7-45 with 42 bags, while also leading the the Big South Conference in walks, on-base percentage and hit by pitches. The offense is not centered only around speed as sophomore RF Dan Bowman .(.333-13-54) and senior C Jose Iglesias (.306-11-45) return. Another Coastal player to keep an eye on is red-shirt sophomore DH Tom LaStella , who transferred from St. John’s and will hit in the 3-hole. The pitching staff also is mostly intact with Wheeler, Meo and Fleet giving Coastal a solid, dependable weekend rotation. Fireballing sophomore RHP Brad Goldberg (1-1, 2.45; 14 IP/17 SO) takes over the closer role and will have big shoes to fill as Nick McCully (25 wins in three years) has moved on to pro ball.

--JEFF SIMPSON

17. UCLA

Coach : John Savage (141-150, 5 years).

2009 Record : 27-29 (15-12/3 ^rd in Pacific-10 Conference).

Top Senior Prospect : RHP Garrett Claypool (2-1, 3.46; 39 IP/48 SO): Projected mid-week starter; fastball sits at 89-91 mph, has a good feel for pitching; 32 ^nd -round draft pick last year.

Top Junior Prospect : LHP Rob Rasmussen (4-2, 6.45; 45 IP/51 SO). Sunday starter who is expected to improve dramatically on spotty ’09 season; fastball is normally 90-91 mph, but touched 94 last summer in Cape in breakout summer; has an outstanding breaking ball but will need to develop his changeup.

Top Sophomore Prospect : RHP Gerrit Cole (4-8, 3.49; 85 IP/104 SO). Unsigned Yankees 2008 first-rounder has electric stuff with a fastball that resides comfortably in the mid- to high-90s; also has above-average off-speed stuff, and should be in line for a huge sophomore year after dominating last summer with Team USA; early favorite to be No. 1 overall draft in 2011.

Top Freshman Prospect : OF Jeff Gelalich (Phillies/41 ^st round). Solid all-around athlete who will assume DH role initially, but should emerge as strong-armed right fielder; lefthanded bat that has a chance to hit for both power/average at the next level.

Outlook: Expectations have been very high for the Bruins since Savage arrived as coach, but the team has been an enigma in his five years—occasionally looking like one of the best, most-talented teams in the country, but also very mediocre. UCLA tied for third in Pac-10 play a year ago, but any shot at an NCAA tournament berth was short-circuited by a lengthy early-season losing streak. Pitching will definitely be the focal point this spring as few teams can match the talent in UCLA’s weekend trio of Cole, Rasmussen and sophomore RHP Trevor Bauer . Cole gets most of the accolades, but Bauer (9-3, 2.99; 105 IP/27 BB/ 92 SO) was the team’s best pitcher as a freshman and, like Cole, is in line to be a first-rounder in 2011. Offensively, UCLA will be challenged as Cody Decker (.322-21-53) and Casey Haerther (.305-9-42), the team’s two best bats, are gone from last year’s squad. Senior 1B Justin Uribe (.318-3-23) is the Bruins top returning hitter, but the team should get a boost with the return of oft-injured sophomore OF Brett Krill (.280-0-2), a highly-regarded prep prospect who has only 38 at-bats in his first two years. He will hit in the 3-hole this spring for the Bruins. While the Bruins have been one of the toughest teams in the country to peg in recent years, the raw talent is there for a big 2010 campaign.

--JS

18. MISSISSIPPI

Coach : Mike Bianco (365-203, 9 years).

2009 Record : 44-20 (20-10/1 ^st in Southeastern Conference).

Top Senior Prospect : RHP Aaron Barrett (0-1, 8.70, 30 IP/33 SO). Drafted three times, he struggled mightily as a junior in his first D-I exposure, but pitched to expectations in summer; teases scouts with his 90-94 mph FB and flashes a plus mid-80’s slider; will begin season in starting rotation.

Top Junior Prospect : LHP Drew Pomeranz (8-4, 3.40, 95 IP/124 SO). Big southpaw with two present plus pitches (92-95 mph fastball, nasty curveball); prime candidate to be top-5 selection in 2010 draft.

Top Sophomore Prospect : RHP David Goforth (1-1, 2.80, 3 SV, 35 IP/36 SO). Red-shirt sophomore, takes over closer role for Ole Miss; one of the hardest throwers in college game, FB sits at 96-99 mph out of pen; stands only 5-10, so size a concern to scouts, but has a big arm.

Top Freshman Prospect : OF Tanner Mathis (undrafted/Lake Charles, La.): Multi-talented player should step right into starting LF slot for Rebels; polished hitter for age, good speed.

Outlook: If any team can legitimately claim it is on the edge of a breakthrough, it’s Ole Miss, which has won a regional in four of the past five seasons, but has yet to reach Omaha in 38 years. Although it has some key holes to fill from 2009, Bianco’s squad has the talent to thrive again in the hyper-competitive SEC. Pomeranz is on every scout’s short list as one of the top prospects in the country, and his post-season heroics with the Rebels (2-0, 36 K’s in 24 IP) and performance last summer with Team USA (4-1, 1.75, 26 IP/48 SO) paint him as a big-game pitcher. The rest of the rotation behind Pomeranz is very talented, but unproven. Barrett, junior RHP Trent Rothlin and sophomore LHP Matt Crouse , the latter two JC transfers of note, did not win a game at the Division I level in 2009, but all have top-round potential. Goforth could become an All-American closer if he gets the ball enough late in games. The starting lineup is Omaha-caliber, too, led by junior RF Matt Smith (.336-8-59), the 2009 team leader in RBIs and co-leader in home runs, and junior CF Tim Ferguson (.358-2-21, 18 SB), the team’s leading hitter in 2009. Bianco, a former catcher, will have the luxury of having possibly the country’s top catching duo in sophomore Taylor Hightower (.476-0-2), a defensive stalwart, and junior Miles Hamblin (Howard, Texas, JC), who will DH when not behind the plate.

-- DR

19. MIAMI (Fla.)

Coach : Jim Morris (733-278 in 16 years at Miami; 1,237-522 in 28 years overall).

2009 Record : 38-22 (18-12/5 ^th in Atlantic Coast Conference).

Top Senior Prospect : 2B Scott Lawson (.333-4-34, 40 BB). Scrappy, high-performance player; maximizes limited physical tools; lefthanded hitter with good eye, line-drive stroke; good senior sign.

Top Junior Prospect : C Yasmani Grandal (.299-16-45). High-level defensive catcher and switch-hitter with big power, but will have to shorten swing at next level to excel at plate; Team USA catcher last summer, potential first-rounder in June.

Top Sophomore Prospect : 3B Harold Martinez (.270-9-47). High-ceiling tools; plus power potential, top-level defender; performance will skyrocket with more consistent contact.

Top Freshman Prospect : SS Stephen Perez (Reds/18 ^th round). Very polished defensive player, switch-hitter with some pop for his size, should start at shortstop from Day 1 for Hiurricanes.

Outlook: The key to the Hurricanes’ 2010 season probably lies in the hands of two very accomplished junior lefthanders, who need to overlook their 2009 experience. Eric Erickson and Chris Hernandez have near-identical 19-5 and 18-5 records, respectively, at UM but both likely want to discount last spring. The crafty Erickson missed the entire season with TJ surgery, but was healthy in the fall. Hernandez, who went 11-0 as a freshman, was a more mediocre 7-5, 4.76 when asked to take over Erickson’s lead role on the staff. The Hurricanes should be very strong up the middle defensively, with athletes at every position. Grandal is an All-America candidate behind the plate, and will look to build on a solid sophomore season, while Lawson will take Perez, a potential star, under his wing in the middle infield. A breakout season from the hugely-talented Martinez, who will likely bat cleanup, would go a long way to adding strength to the heart of the Hurricanes offense.

--DR

20. LOUISVILLE

Coach : Dan McDonnell (135-63, 3 years).

2009 Record : 47-18 (19-7/1 ^st in Big East Conference).

Top SeniorProspect : 1B Andrew Clark (.350-9-55, 55 BB). Veteran, polished hitter with excellent strike-zone judgment; needs to add legit power to be a factor in draft.

Top Junior Prospect : RHP Thomas Royse (3-2, 3.48, 2 SV, 41 IP/48 SO). Six-foot-5 righty moves into Friday-night slot; has plus command of 90-93 mph fastball, mature off-speed pitches.

Top Sophomore Prospect : RHP Tony Zych (6-2, 3.25, 2 SV, 44 IP/31 SO). Team USA reliever moves into starting rotation; heavy, low-90s sinker is his out-pitch, but has touched 96 mph, also has good slider.

Top Freshman Prospect : RHP Matt Koch (Red Sox/37 ^th round). Athletic 6-foot-3 arm with projection; FB at 90-92 mph, big-breaking, 80-mph slider is effective breaking ball.

Outlook: McDonnell’s three years at the Louisville helm have produced 45 wins a year, on average, with a 2007 trip to Omaha, so Cardinals have established themselves as a perennial top-20 type club. The balance of talent across this year’s roster means that’s unlikely to change. LHP Justin Marks (11-3, 105 IP/129 SO) has vacated his Friday role, but the pitching staff remains deep and talented. Royse has the stuff and command to become the No. 1 starter, while Zych has the best raw stuff on the staff, and will be an effective No. 2. But the focus of this team will be its ability to score runs. Junior 3B Phil Wunderlich (.365-18-78) isn’t near the top of many prospect lists, but is among the most productive hitters in the country. The right side of the infield is set with Clark and senior 2B Adam Duvall (.321-11-51). If the team’s top two raw athletes, junior LF Josh Richmond (.307-7-31) and sophomore RF Stewart Ijames (.351-9-38 in 2008; sidelined with shoulder injury in 2009) can take a step forward, the Cardinals could simply overwhelm most opponents.

--DR

21. CLEMSON

Coach : Jack Leggett (724-331, 16 years).

2009 Record : 44-22 (19-11/3 ^rd in Atlantic Coast Conference).

Top Senior Prospect : 2B Mike Freeman (.328-4-44). Third-year starter, very sure-handed fielder, line-drive hitter, good overall athletic ability.

Top Junior Prospect : OF Jeff Schaus (.320-13-50, 42 BB). Very polished hitting skills, power will continue to develop, quality lefthanded bat; defensive skills need work and may be limited to left field.

Top Sophomore Prospect : SS Brad Miller (.273-3-36, 16 SB). Very athletic middle infielder with plus range and arm strength, should cut down on errors (23) with experience; should expand offensive numbers, bat will eventually show power.

Top Freshman Prospect : 1B/3B/RHP Richie Shaffer (Dodgers/25 ^th round). Big-time power bat; was potential top-3 round pick in 2009 at NC high school before hamate injury; also capable of 94 mph off mound.

Outlook: Clemson won 44 games last year using a very deep roster and little star power, and could utilize a similar formula for success this year—at least until some of the members of an extremely-talented sophomore class step forward. Every projected starter, except for Shaffer, a highly-acclaimed freshman, had at least 120 at-bats last year. Schaus has the highest offensive ceiling of the starters, though Miller should be the highest eventual draft on the team when he becomes eligible in 2011. Freeman, Miller and 3B Jason Stolz (.315-1-21) give the Tigers one of the better defensive infields in the country. Two-sport standout OF/QB Kyle Parker (2,526 yards, 20 TD’s in the fall) will again add his power bat (26 HR’s in 2 years) to the middle of the lineup. Fifteen different Tigers pitchers threw nine or more innings in 2009, and that kind of depth and experience will come in handy, especially as top sophomore prospects like RHP Scott Weisman (3-1, 1.23, 37 IP/28 SO) and LHP Will Lamb (0-0, 2.45, 22 IP/15 SO) move from the bullpen into the weekend rotation. It will be closer by committee at the start of the year, with freshman RHP Dominic Leone likely to get many early chances.

--DR

22. OHIO STATE

Coach : Bob Todd (873-454, 26 years).

2009 Record : 42-19 (18-6/1 ^st in Big Ten Conference).

Top Senior Prospect : OF Michael Stephens (.346-14-63). Four-hole hitter with sound mechanics, plus power stroke; versatile, can play all outfield positions.

Top Junior Prospect : RHP Alex Wimmers (9-2, 3.27; 104 IP/136 SO). Potential first-round pick in June; polished arm with three quality pitches, highlighted by a plus-plus curve; could be a legit No. 1 starter if can add another tick or two to FB velocity; has confident, take-charge demeanor on mound.

Top Sophomore Prospect : RHP Ross Oltorik (1-1, 9.58; 31 IP/19 SO). Top-notch athlete that doubles as back-up QB on Buckeyes football team; struggles with control, but has low- to mid-90s fastball with much improved off-speed stuff.

Top Freshman Prospect : RHP Brett McKinney (undrafted/Hamilton, Ohio). Has low-90s fastball with good life, will likely see minimal time in bullpen initially for veteran-laden pitching staff.

Outlook: With the return of almost every key contributor from a team that won the Big Ten regular-season title last year, the Buckeyes could produce their most-rewarding season since winning the College World Series in 1966. Wimmers is one of the elite arms in the college ranks, and he’ll have plenty of support atop the rotation from the likes of junior RHPs Drew Rucinski (12-2, 5.54) and Dean Wolosiansky (11-2, 6.04), along with senior LHP Eric Best (7-4, 5.95). The loss of 2009 All-American Jake Hale (0-1, 1.31, 18 SV) leaves a significant end-of-game void, however, and is the main area the Buckeyes will have to address. OSU also returns its top five hitters, notably Stephens, junior C Dan Burkhart (.354-10-62), senior 1B Ryan Dew (.388-7-42) and senior OF Zach Hurley (.346-6-53).

--JS

23. EAST CAROLINA

Coach : Billy Godwin (161-90, 4 years).

2009 Record : 46-20 (17-7/1 ^st in Conference USA).

Top Senior Prospect : 1B Kyle Roller (.336-16-75). More of a one-dimensional talent, but also one of the nation’s top returning and most prolific hitters; has 39 career homers and handily won Cape Cod League MVP honors last summer for league champion Bourne; drafted in 47 ^th -round by A’s last year, but should be solid senior sign.

Top Junior Prospect : OF Devin Harris (.344-14-48). Excellent athlete with significant raw tools, notably power, speed, right-field arm strength; just scratching the surface of his potential and could climb draft boards if it all comes together this spring; Orioles’ unsigned eighth-rounder last year.

Top Sophomore Prospect : LHP Kevin Brandt (9-2, 3.64; 81 IP/72 SO). Was one of the Pirates most consistent starters last year as a freshman and will settle into Saturday role this spring; has good feel for three pitches, including high-80s fastball.

Top Freshman Prospect : 3B John Wooten (Padres/20 ^th round). Projectable athlete at 6-4, 200 with big offensive upside; slated to start at first base this year, but should make switch across diamond eventually.

Outlook: The Pirates return several key players from a squad that beat out national power Rice in conference and reached the super-regional round of 16. The return of Roller and Harris, who both spurned significant bonus offers from big-league clubs, was a huge shot in the arm. They join junior OF Trent Whitehead (.376-7-47), the team’s top returning hitter, and junior SS Dustin Harrington (.318-14-49). Junior RHP Seth Maness (9-3, 4.71; 107 IP/83 SO) is back as the Friday starter for a third straight year, and joins Brandt and junior RHP Brad Mincey (10-5, 3.16; 82 IP) to give ECU an experienced, proven weekend rotation. Junior RHP Seth Simmons (3-1, 3.69; 9 SV) returns as the team’s closer. The Pirates have never been to the College World Series, but this might be their year.

--JS

24. NORTH CAROLINA

Coach : Mike Fox (500-208, 11 years).

2009 Record : 48-18 (19-10/2 ^nd in Atlantic Coast Conference; 5 ^th in College World Series).

Top Senior Prospect : SS Ryan Graepel (.283-2-42). One of only two seniors on Tar Heel roster; team leader, valuable/dependable player; excellent defensive shortstop.

Top Junior Prospect : RHP Matt Harvey (7-2, 5.40, 75 IP/81 SO). Much-hyped player has struggled with delivery/pitching mechanics; an obvious first-round talent if he gets straightened out; at his best, has 91-95 mph FB, power curveball, plus change.

Top Sophomore Prospect : 3B Levi Michael (.290-13-57). Skipped his senior year of HS to enroll at UNC and power (from both sides) was a big surprise as a freshman; a gamer with tools; versatile player, moving to 3B from 2B, may play SS next year.

Top Freshman Prospect : OF Brian Goodwin (White Sox/17 ^th round). Former Aflac All-American has the athleticism/5-tool package to be a future first rounder; can run (6.5 in 60), hit, and power evolving.

Outlook: The Tar Heels have made Omaha a regular June destination the past four years, but will be challenged to repeat in 2010. UNC was hit very hard by the draft—first-rounders Dustin Ackley and Alex White were among six Heels taken in the top 10 rounds—and return only four starting position players. They’ll also have to rework the roles on virtually the entire pitching staff. Harvey may hold the key. As the new Friday-night starter, he’ll need to match performance to his high first-round potential for UNC to have any real shot of returning to Omaha. The balance of the projected starting rotation, junior RHPs Colin Bates (4-4, 3.15, 6 SV, 60 IP/59 SO), Patrick Johnson (2-2, 3.49, 56 IP/77 SO) and Bryant Gaines (4-0, 4.08, 35 IP/38 SO), all move from relief/swing roles, but should form the backbone of the team. The pressure will be on several newcomers (both freshmen and JC transfers) to perform immediately, and Michael, who should technically still be a freshman himself, will be expected to provide much of the lineup’s power. How young is North Carolina? It will have more freshmen in key positions (Goodwin, 2B Tommy Coyle , closer Chris Munnelly ) than seniors on the entire roster.

--DR

25. TEXAS A&M

Coach : Rob Childress (156-92, 4 years).

2009 Record : 37-24 (14-13/6 ^th in Big 12 Conference).

Top SeniorProspect : OF Brodie Greene (.344-11-35). Gamer who can play all over the field, but seems at home in center; superior athlete; speed is best tool, but shows power at the plate as well.

Top Junior Prospect : RHP Barret Loux (3-3, 4.12, 48 IP/62 SO). Coming off minor elbow surgery; fastball has reached 98 mph in past, but low- to mid-90s heavy sinker is premium out pitch, still developing consistency with off-speed stuff.

Top Sophomore Prospect : SS/RHP Adam Smith (.267-9-25). Huge arm strength is obvious tool; touched 98 in brief mound appearance last summer, but shortstop is his immediate priority, solid defender; projects plus power for the position, but must improve contact/offensive approach.

Top Freshman Prospect : RHP Michael Wacha (undrafted/Texarkana, Texas). Unheralded 6-6 freshman can touch 92 mph with good command/maturity; excellent downhill angle to pitches, has emerged quickly as high-ceiling talent.

Outlook: The Aggies were pre-season national-title contenders a year ago, but never jelled. Expectations are not quite as high this spring, though the talent is certainly there to surpass last year’s 37 wins. The pitching staff, which disappointed in 2009, has been significantly revamped but will not hurt for hard throwers. Projected Friday starter Nick Fleece (4-1, 3.54, 28 IP/32 SO) moves from the bullpen and will team with Loux to give the Aggies two mid-90s arms at the front of the rotation. Sophomore RHP John Stilson both pitched and played shortstop at Texarkana JC last spring, but will just pitch this year. He touched 97 during the fall, and was quickly slotted into the closer role. The wild card on the Aggies staff may be highly-regarded sophomore LHP Ross Hales (6-2, 4.11, 77 IP/76 SO), a starter last year who had off-season elbow surgery and won’t be available to start the season. If Hales can contribute by the second half, the Aggies could be well-positioned for post-season play. The day-to-day lineup should be more stable, particularly with strength up the middle in Smith, Greene and junior C Kevin Gonzalez (.289-5-36). Junior 1B Caleb Shofner (.348-7-42) was the team’s leading hitter a year ago, while senior DH/C Joe Patterson (.385-12-52) returns as the primary power source.

--DR

26. STANFORD

Coach: Mark Marquess (1,367-701, 33 years).

2009 Record: 30-25 (13-14/6 ^th in Pacific-10 Conference).

Top Senior Prospect: OF Toby Gerhart (.288-7-36). Though 2009 Heisman Trophy runner-up has indicated he won’t play baseball this spring in order to concentrate on NFL draft, he’ll still be Stanford’s most asked-about senior by scouts; has explosive raw speed/power potential, but never has developed as a baseball talent because of commitment to football.

Top Junior Prospect: OF Kellen Kiilsgaard (.313-9-46). Powerfully-built ex-Cardinal football player quit that sport to focus on baseball; can run, throw and hit for power, but must trust his superior athleticism more, play game with more passion.

Top Sophomore Prospect: LHP Brett Mooneyham (6-3, 4.14, 67 IP/72 SO). Six-foot-5 lefty has impressive frame, excellent arm action with fastball at 92 and climbing; could make big strides this spring with improved change, addition of cut fastball; will fill Saturday role in rotation, projected 2011 first-rounder.

Top Freshman Prospect: 3B Kenny Diekroeger (Rays/2 ^nd round). Top-ranked player in 2012 draft class has speed, raw power, easy defensive actions to make immediate impact at college level; will start career at third base, but could eventually return to short, his HS position.

Outlook: Stanford has struggled to keep its head above water in Pac-10 play in recent years, and may be challenged to do so again this season—though it may benefit from what is expected to be a down year for one of the nation’s power conferences. Much of the Cardinal’s talent is concentrated in its freshman and sophomore classes, and it may be 2011 before the once-mighty Stanford program asserts itself again nationally. The more noteworthy upperclassmen are Kiilsgaard and overachieving junior 2B Colin Walsh (.320-0-25), the team’s top two hitters in 2009, and slick-fielding but weak-hitting junior SS Jake Schlander (.232-1-22). Diekroeger, at third base, and Jake Stewart , in center field, are two of the nation’s elite freshmen and should make an immediate impact. The influence of Stanford’s impressive crop of young talent will be particularly felt on the pitching staff, with sophomores Mooneyham, RHP Jordan Pries (4-4, 4.62, 76 IP/50 SO) and rapidly-emerging LHP Scott Snodgress (1-3, 5.85) slated to occupy the first three spots in the rotation, and an elite crop of freshman arms like RHP Mark Appel adding significant depth. With Diekroeger, Stewart and Appel all ranked among the nation’s 10 best freshmen prospects, Stanford’s future is particularly bright. It’s just a case of whether the future takes hold this year.

--AS

27. SOUTH CAROLINA

Coach : Ray Tanner (580-266, 13 years).

2009 Record : 40-23 (17-13/5 ^th in Southeastern Conference).

Top Senior Prospect : 1B Nick Ebert (.321-23-72): Legit 4-hole hitter with impressive raw power, though has holes in swing that can be exposed; adequate defender at 1B, but can play 3B in a pinch; 32 ^nd -round pick of Yankees last year, should be solid senior sign in June.

Top Junior Prospect : RHP Sam Dyson (9-4, 5.21; 102 IP/94 SO). One of the best pure arms in the nation with fastball that tops at 99 mph, and does it easy; will be USC’s Friday starter, but future role in question depending on development of breaking stuff; was A’s 10 ^th -rounder in 2009 as draft-eligible soph, but may have been in first-round mix if not for signability issue.

Top Sophomore Prospect : OF Jackie Bradley (.349-11-46). Freshman All-American last year and has raw talent to blossom into elite prospect this season; excellent athlete with hitting ability, power potential and huge RF arm; was slated to move to CF, hit in 3-hole for Gamecocks this season, but will miss first 4-8 weeks with a broken hand.

Top Freshman Prospect : 3B Christian Walker (Dodgers/49 ^th round). Elite power hitter in high school, slated to start at third base for Gamecocks; potential cleanup hitter down the road, has big offensive upside.

Outlook: While a relentless, power-oriented offense has generally been South Carolina’s calling card in recent years, this team could have a different look as pitching appears to be the strongest component. The staff got a huge boost when the hard-throwing Dyson elected to pass up a lucrative bonus offer in last year’s draft, and return as the team’s ace. Nearly the entire 2009 staff is intact, with dependable senior RHP Blake Cooper (9-4, 4.50, 86 IP/65 SO) and crafty sophomore LHP Nolan Belcher (4-5, 5.33, 82 IP/) both returning to the weekend rotation, and offering a nice contrast to Dyson’s heat. Offensively, Ebert and Bradley will be big contributors in the middle of the order, while junior RF Whit Merrifield (.340-11-49, 15 SB) offers a variety of skills on both sides of the ball, while senior SS Bobby Haney (.291-4-30) is the glue to the team’s infield defense. If anything, this will be a more balanced team than typical Gamecock squads of the recent past.

--JS

28. GEORGIA

Coach : David Perno (289-208, 8 years).

2009 Record : 38-24 (15-15/6 ^th in Southeastern Conference).

Top Senior Prospect : LHP Alex McRee (4-4, 6.27, 56 IP/56 SO). Unsigned 27 ^th -rounder last year had initial expectations of going in top 2-3 rounds, but derailed by command issues; will move from rotation to closer role, where he can just cut loose with his power stuff; heavy, low-90s fastball is best pitch; could be very good senior sign.

Top Junior Prospect : RHP Justin Grimm (4-4, 4.15, 78 IP/72 SO). Friday starter and projected first-rounder has huge upside; features 92-96 mph fastball, three other solid pitches; just needs to perform consistently like he did late last summer in Cape.

Top Sophomore Prospect : OF Zach Cone (.323-4-18). One of the top five-tool athletes in country went unsigned as Angels third-rounder in 2008; speed (6.45 in 60), raw power stick out; could take off after part-time role as freshman.

Top Freshman Prospect : LHP Patrick Boling (undrafted/Cartersville, Ga.). TJ surgery slowed his progress as HS senior, but now fully recovered; throws heavy 93-mph fastball, has outstanding secondary stuff, but may have to wait his turn on team’s prospect-laden staff.

Outlook: Georgia was the national runner-up in 2008 and started last year on fire, briefly reaching the top spot in the national rankings. But things quickly leveled off for the Bulldogs, and they struggled mightily down the stretch. With a relatively-inexperienced roster this season, Georgia could struggle again initially, but it should be only a matter of time before the team’s exceptional crop of young talent steps to the forefront. Pitching is the team’s most proven commodity. Grimm inherits the No. 1 role, and RHP Jeff Walters (2-0, 4.64; 42 IP/46 SO), who has been drafted four times already, steps into the Saturday spot. The bullpen could be especially strong with the 6-foot-7 McRee contending for the closer role with 6-foot-6, 235-pound RHP Cecil Tanner (3-1, 4.29; 35 IP/46 K), a projected 2011 first-rounder whose fastball has peaked at 98 mph. Offensively, the Bulldogs lost almost every key player from last year’s squad, and could end up starting only sophomores and freshmen this season. Sophomore SS Colby May (.339-11-42) is the top returnee of note and will bat third for the Bulldogs. But the athletic Cone and power-hitting sophomore 1B Chase Davidson (.231-3-19) were both unsigned third-rounders in the 2008 draft, and their influence, along with talented soph OF Peter Verdin (.316-2-8), should be felt in a resounding way this season.

--JS

29. WICHITA STATE

Coach : Gene Stephenson (1,683-577, 32 years).

2009 Record : 30-27 (11-7/3 ^rd in Missouri Valley Conference).

Top Senior Prospect : OF Ryan Jones (.277-7-36, 14 SB). Experienced subpar 2009 season, but has solid pro-level tools across the board; a jump in power production would be big for WSU in 2010, and boost his own draft stock.

Top Junior Prospect : RHP Tim Kelley (5-4, 2.86, 94 IP/102 SO). Not a hard thrower hurts pro chances, but has superior command/feel for pitching; changeup is best pitch.

Top Sophomore Prospect : RHP Jordan Cooper (8-6, 2.78, 97 IP/91 SO). Prototypical Shockers standout righty; has great command of 90-mph fastball, solid off-speed pitches; 17 ^th -rounder out of high school, and draft-eligible this year as sophomore.

Top Freshman Prospect : 1B-3B Johnny Coy (DNP in 2009; Phillies/7 ^th round, 2008). The 6-foot-8 Coy has huge power potential, but yet to swing a bat against college competition, making him a tricky proposition for scouts; originally attended Arizona State to play basketball, continues to play that sport after transferring to Wichita, will be late reporting to baseball.

Outlook: The 2009 Shockers were arguably the worst club in Stephenson’s 32 years at Wichita State. This year’s edition will have a similar cast, but should make a profound leap forward as the 47 starts (in 57 games) that went to Cooper, fellow freshmen arms Brian Flynn and Charlie Lowell , and Kelley (a sophomore) will now be going to the same group, only with one more year of experience. The quartet combined to go 21-17 with an impressive 315 K’s in 311 innings in 2009, and the talent and potential are there for them to become the front end of a dominant staff .Cooper, Flynn and Lowell are all potential early-round picks—Cooper this year; Flynn and Lowell in 2011. The Shocker offense is more of a question mark, particularly with the lack of proven power hitters. Jones, 1B Clinton McKeever (.333-6-43) and 2B Will Baez (.275-2-30, 42 BB, 17 SB) will be looked to first for production, but only McKeever has ever hit consistently. A big coming-out party from Coy could be a key to the Wichita State season.

--DR

30. ALABAMA

Coach : Mitch Gaspard (first year at Alabama).

2009 Record : 37-21 (18-11/4 ^th in Southeastern Conference).

Top Senior Prospect : 3B-RHP Jake Smith (.359-18-54; 0-1, 2.13, 2 SV, 12 IP/13 SO). Potential outstanding senior sign has 34 career homers; 2009 draft stock was derailed by serious, season-ending ankle injury; solid defender at hot corner, projects to hit for power/average at next level, but was just making his mark as closer when hurt last year.

Top Junior Prospect : 2B Ross Wilson (.353-9-47). Superior athlete with natural middle-infield actions; will be Tide’s 3-hole hitter, has impressive hitting ability, raw power; younger brother of ex-Alabama QB John Parker Wilson; likely early-round pick in June.

Top Sophomore Prospect : RHP Tyler White (1-0, 2.28, 2 SV, 28 IP/37 SO). Has a long way to go to become an effective pitcher, but has the arm, all the raw stuff to dominate one day; needs to improve his mechanics/breaking stuff, but already has mid-90s fastball; red-shirted in 2008, so is draft-eligible in June.

Top Freshman Prospect : LHP Matt Taylor (Pirates/50 ^th round). Very athletic two-way prospect should be immediate hit for Tide, likely to fill closer role; has more upside on mound, but will also see regular time in outfield, where 6.6 speed should be asset.

Outlook: The Crimson Tide finished near the top of the SEC in 2009 and Gaspard, a first-year coach, inherits most of that team, the notable exceptions being OF Kent Matthes (.358-28-81), who shared the national lead in home runs, and RHP Austin Hyatt (8-3, 3.76), the team’s top winner. Gaspard was responsible for recruiting this year’s team in his previous role as chief assistant, and it features arguably the best double-play combo in the country in Wilson and junior SS Josh Rutledge (.305-5-44), both early-round prospects in this year’s draft. Smith gives the Tide a third cornerstone in the infield, while sophomore OF Taylor Dugas (.352-2-27) will be a catalyst atop the batting order. Pitching will need to step up after posting a 5.13 ERA last year, but sophomore LHP Adam Morgan (4-2, 4.17, 58 IP/44 SO) and junior RHP Jimmy Nelson (2-3, 4.54, 38 IP/39 SO) could be difference-makers. Morgan, the Friday starter, combines an 88-90 mph fastball with a plus breaking ball and outstanding command, while the 6-6, 235-pound Nelson is more of a true power pitcher.

--JS

41. UC RIVERSIDE

Coach : Doug Smith (149-126, 5 years).

2009 Record : 33-20 (12-12/4 ^th in Big West Conference).

Top Senior Prospect : 3B Ryan Goetz (.340-5-45). Plus overall skills for undrafted junior; handles bat head extremely well (only 9 K’s in 236 plate appearances); powerful arm, solid defensively with only 9 errors in 2009.

Top Junior Prospect : RHP Matt Larkins (4-2, 3.86, 35 IP/32 SO). Projected Saturday starter; fastball has improved to 90-92 mph, pounds the strike zone.

Top Sophomore Prospect : C Robert Brantly (.316-4-23). Draft-eligible soph moved to forefront in 2010 class after selected top prospect in Northwoods League/won batting title at .346-6-34; left handed hitter, solid catch/throw tools.

Top Freshman Prospect : RHP Mitch Patito (Marlins/40 ^th round). Solid 90 mph fastball, big-breaking curveball; smaller frame but still projectable, needs to fine tune command.

Outlook: It will be easy for Smith, the Highlanders coach, to fill out a lineup this spring as he had practice last year putting down almost the same names. Eight out of nine starters return with only CF Carl Uhl (.329-5-36) missing from last year’s 33-20 team. Goetz and senior LF Michael Hur (.372-7-52), the team’s triple-crown winner in 2009, is back, along with junior CF and leadoff hitter Tony Nix (.318-4-39). They will be the immediate focus of the Riverside offense, but much of the attention and perhaps the key member in the lineup is Brantly, the team’s top prospect and one of the top catching prospects in the country. His bat blossomed during the summer, especially his ability to hit for power. Sophomore RHP Matt Andriese (5-4, 3.94, 66 IP/37 SO) is the team’s other top prospect and will be counted on to lead a pitching staff that lost its top three starters (a combined 19-5) from 2009. Larkins, the staff’s hardest thrower, and junior RHP Dustin Emmons (1-3, 2.80, 45 IP/29 SO) will move from middle relief into weekend rotation.

--DR

42. MINNESOTA

Coach : John Anderson (1,006-645, 28 years).

2009 Record : 40-19 (17-6/2 ^nd in Big Ten Conference).

Top Senior Prospect : C Kyle Knudson (.296-4-48). Three year starter, polished catch-and-throw receiver, some pop in bat, good senior sign.

Top Junior Prospect : RHP Seth Rosin (7-1, 4.21, 77 IP/16 BB/65 SO). Huge mound presence at 6-7, 240; very consistent low-90s fastball that touches 94, excellent command.

Top Sophomore Prospect : CF Justin Gominsky (.338-3-25, 11 SB). Best athlete on team in 6-4, 185-pound frame; very good defender, bat and power should continue developing.

Top Freshman Prospect : RHP T.J. Oakes (undrafted/Jordan, Minn.). Six-foot-5, 215-pound arm with developing 87-91 mph FB, solid 80-mph slider; polished for Minnesota prep product, should contribute immediately.

Outlook: It was a big bounce-back year for the Golden Gophers in 2009 as they doubled their win count from a difficult 2008 season (20-35), which represented the only time in a quarter century the program had not reached 30 wins. Along the way, Anderson won his 1,000th game at Minnesota. The 2010 squad will be without all-star 2B Derek McCallum (.409-18-86) and athletic OF Eric Decker (.319-4-25), who will concentrate on the NFL draft, plus starters Tom Buske and Chauncy Handren, who were a combined 17-7. But Gominsky and junior RF Michael Kvasnicka (.341-10-65) give Minnesota two of the best outfielders in the Big 10. Sophomore SS A.J. Pettersen (.353-2-45) and sophomore 1B Nick O’Shea (.287-11-44) will look to build on impressive freshman years. In Knudson, Gominsky and Pettersen, the Gophers are very athletic and sound defensively up the middle. Despite the loss of two starters, Minnesota’s core pitching should continue to be strong. Sophomore RHP Austin Lubinsky (3-1, 4.78, 37 IP/23 SO) and junior LHP Kyle Rasmussen (4-0, 3.99, 29 IP/22 SO) were the team’s best set-up men last year and should move seamlessly into the starting rotation alongside Rosin. Junior RHP Scott Maytas (0-1, 2.22, 15 SV, 28 IP/45 SO) is a dominant closer.

--DR

43. NORTH CAROLINA STATE

Coach : Elliot Avent (483-311, 13 years).

2009 Record : 25-31 (10-20/11 ^th in Atlantic Coast Conference).

Top Senior Prospect : OF Kyle Wilson (.265-5-30; 30 SB). Best athlete on team; capable of playing multiple positions, but will start in center field; above-average speed, solid defender; bat will determine draft status.

Top Junior Prospect : RHP Jake Buchanan (2-6, 6.54; 74 IP/72 SO). Solidified status as Friday starter with all-star summer in Cape Cod League (3-1, 0.84); fastball mostly 87-89 mph, but complements it with plus curve/change; advanced pitchability is key to success.

Top Sophomore Prospect : C Pratt Maynard (.261-6-40). Moves in as 3-hole hitter and starting catcher; converted infielder with plus arm behind plate; lefthanded bat with big offensive upside, had strong summer in Coastal Plain League.

Top Freshman Prospect : OF Tarran Senay (Tigers/38 ^th round). Outstanding hitting prospect slated to start in left field for Wolfpack; has advanced approach from left side, could evolve into one of school’s top hitting prospects in recent years.

Outlook: The 2009 season is one that most Wolfpack followers would rather forget as nothing clicked on the mound or at the plate. The previous year, the team came within one game of the College World Series, so expectations were understandably high for 2009. There is plenty of raw talent on the NC State roster as 14 players have previously been drafted, but much of it is unproven. Maynard is the top returning hitter and yet should make a much greater impact as a sophomore with the strides he has made over the past year. Much more will be expected from senior 2B Dallas Poulk (.262-0-23) and senior RF Drew Poulk (.266-9-36), cousins who will hit leadoff and cleanup, respectively. The biggest wild card on this year’s team could be standout NC State QB Russell Wilson (.236-0-10), who was considered a better baseball prospect out of high school than a football player. This will be the first spring that Wilson devotes all his attention to baseball. Buchanan will anchor a pitching staff that is long on talent, but short on experience.

--JS

44. NOTRE DAME

Coach: Dave Schrage (97-72, 3 years; 573-625 in 22 years overall).

2009 Record: 36-23 (15-12/5 ^th in Big East Conference.

Top Senior Prospect: RHP Eric Maust (6-3, 4.94). Punter on Notre Dame football team; has been serviceable starter on baseball squad, but 28 SO/104 H in 86 IP as junior points to inferior stuff; savvy approach, locates three pitches well, change is best weapon.

Top Junior Prospect: RHP Brian Dupra (6-5, 7.13, 82 IP/48 SO). Has the physical profile, raw stuff to be a significant draft in June, but hasn’t established a role or dominated to date in college/summer ball like he should; FB can reach 95, slider/change can be dominating, but all pitches inconsistent.

Top Sophomore Prospect: LHP Steve Sabatino (3-0, 3.86, 3 SV, 33 IP/25 SO). Lefty can throw three pitches for strikes, FB mostly 86-88, can touch low 90s.

Top Freshman Prospect: RHP Pat Veerkamp (undrafted/Fort Wayne, Ind.). One of Indiana’s best prep prospects in 2009 has projectable body, stuff; FB in high 80s, curve still in early stages of development.

Outlook: The Irish return practically their entire roster, the notable exceptions being first-round pick A.J. Pollock (.365-10-52, 21 SB) and dependable SS Jeremy Barnes (.353-15-70), the team’s top two hitters and run producers. OF Golden Tate (.329-2-21, 13 SB), who would have been the top returning hitter and stolen-base threat, elected not to play after a monster season on the football field in the fall, which prompted him to make the NFL draft a higher priority. The only other casualty is RHP Evan Danieli (0-1, 10.80), whose hopes of becoming an early-round pick in this year’s draft have been compromised by season-ending Tommy John surgery. But the 6-7, 230-pound Danieli and his mid-90s fastball will hardly be missed as the Irish return Dupra, Maust and the team’s other weekend starter, junior RHP Cole Johnson (7-3, 4.47). Though there are few true prospects of note among the team’s position players, C Cameron McConnell (.289-3-37), 1B David Casey (.330-3-21) and 3B Nick Doyle (.327-3-31), all juniors, and senior RF David Mills (.325-1-28) are all solid college players.

--AS

45. PEPPERDINE

Coach : Steve Rodriguez (217-142, 5 years).

2009 Record : 31-23 (12-9/3 ^rd in West Coast Conference).

Top SeniorProspect : LHP Robert Dickmann (3-5, 5.44 in 2008). Went down with injury in first start last February, returns as fifth-year senior; crafty, competitive lefty with command of four pitches.

Top Junior Prospect : LHP Matt Bywater (6-1, 3.57, 63 IP/66 SO). Upper 80s lefthander with an outstanding swing-and-miss changeup; steps in as No. 2 starter.

Top Sophomore Prospect : RHP Cole Cook (7-3, 3.69, 83 IP/79 SO). Red-shirt sophomore; 6-6 righty with power stuff, 90-94 mph fastball with plus breaking ball, potential top 2-3 round pick in June.

Top Freshman Prospect : LHP Alex Najera (undrafted/Anaheim Hills, Calif.). Mature, tough lefthander with upper-80s fastball, sharp-breaking curveball.

Outlook: There was plenty of optimism before the 2009 Pepperdine season, but it was short-circuited when the team’s rotation of Dickmann, LHP Scott Alexander and RHP Nathan Newman ended up going a combined 7-10. Alexander has since transferred to Division II Sonoma State, Newman has graduated and Dickmann returns from an arm injury that shelved him after one start. The silver lining is that three talented young arms received extra innings last year and will be the core of the Waves’ 2010 hopes. Bywater and Cook combined to go 13-4 after starting out in the bullpen, and will join Dickmann in a revamped rotation. LHP/DH Aaron Gates (.309-2-8; 3-3, 6.14, 44 IP/43 SO), a potential two-way standout, could give Pepperdine a fourth top starter if he can improve his command. The team’s offense should be stable and strong. Sophomore CF Brian Humphries (.305-2-38) is an elite-level athlete who showed flashes of his vast potential as a freshman. Senior 3B Colin Rooney (.327-6-31) and senior 1B Ryan Heroy (.290-7-28), along with Gates, will provide power in the middle of the lineup.

--DR

46. DUKE

Coach : Sean McNally (116-107, 4 years).

2009 Record : 35-24 (15-15/7 ^th in Atlantic Coast Conference).

Top SeniorProspect : 1B/LHP Jeremy Gould (.340-7-37). Solid hitter, makes consistent/hard contact with good power, moves from OF to 1B this season; did not pitch in 2009 but scheduled to as senior, tops at 91 mph with nice slider.

Top Junior Prospect : SS Jake Lemmerman (.287-7-45). Smooth defensive SS with very good range/actions, 6.7 runner; needs to prove himself with bat after struggling at plate two straight summers on Cape, but developing some power.

Top Sophomore Prospect : LHP Eric Pfisterer (3-2, 5.00, 45 IP/45 SO). Upper 80’s southpaw with very advanced changeup/command, breaking ball still a work in progress; also a prolific hitter (.283-0-6 as freshman), but will focus on pitching.

Top Freshman Prospect : RHP/2B Marcus Stroman (Nationals/18 ^th round). Incredible arm strength for 5-9 athlete; FB up to 96 mph in fall, plus command of 80-mph slider; will also start at 2B, has gap power, 6.8 speed.

Outlook: When McNally, a former Blue Devils player, took the helm at Duke in 2006, the program hadn’t had a winning season since 1998 and was 15-82 in the ACC the previous four years. After an introductory “the cupboard is bare” 15-40 first year, McNally’s teams have averaged 34 wins a year and won 15 ACC games in 2009. Needless to say, expectations are much higher today for Duke. The 2010 team will be very young at many positions, but many of those players were highly-ranked prospects out of high school and should be competitive immediately. Gould and Lemmerman are by far the most experienced position players in the line up, and will provide much of the team’s power. The player causing the most excitement, however, is Stroman, a potential two-way star and Lemmerman’s eventual successor at shortstop. Senior LHP Chris Manno (5-6, 4.89) returns for his third season as a starter in an otherwise young rotation. Pfisterer and Stroman will be the other weekend starters, while senior RHP Mike Ness (2-2, 2.44, 3 SV, 44 IP/38 SO) gives the staff an experienced closer.

--DR

47. SAN DIEGO STATE

Coach : Tony Gwynn (214-213, 7 years).

2009 Record : 41-23 (15-9/3 ^rd in Mountain West Conference).

Top Senior Prospect : 2B Mitch Blackburn (.315-2-24, 32 BB). Grinder/gamer-type, only 4 errors in 2009, makes solid contact, good organizational draft.

Top Junior Prospect : RHP Addison Reed (0-0, 0.65, 20 SV, 27 IP/38 SO). Maybe the top closer in country; has power stuff, FB to 96 mph, potential first-round pick.

Top Sophomore Prospect : RHP/SS Ryan O’Sullivan (4-4, 6.79; .264-6-27). Top 2-way prospect; steps into Stephen Strasburg’s vacated Friday role, best breaking ball on staff; starting SS rest of week, expect breakout 2010 season.

Top Freshman Prospect : 3B/SS Corey Black (undrafted/San Diego). Slick fielder, polished line-drive hitter; will play SS when O’Sullivan pitches.

Outlook: All eyes last year were on dazzling San Diego State RHP Stephen Strasburg (13-1, 1.32, 109 IP/19 W/195 SO), the top pick in the draft. His departure has left a significant void atop the Aztecs’ rotation, but he wasn’t the only key loss from that club. Hall-of-Famer Gwynn’s team also must replace triple-crown-winning C Erik Castro (.382-11-56) and Saturday starter Tyler Lavigne (8-2. 3.05). There is plenty of returning and new talent, though, and it starts with Reed, the national leader in saves who will likely pick up a few more innings than the 27 he threw last year. O’Sullivan is expected to improve considerably on a somewhat bumpy freshman season and should assume Strasburg’s Friday-night role. Another top sophomore, LF Brandon Meredith (.309-7-44) could easily surpass Castro’s production, while junior RF Cory Vaughn (.328-10-51) could as well, so the Aztecs shouldn’t have trouble scoring runs in bunches. O’Sullivan is the only projected starting pitcher with experience who returns, however, meaning Reed’s opportunity to close out wins may be a lot more limited than a year ago.

--DR

48. WASHINGTON STATE

Coach: Donnie Marbut (147-137, 5 years).

2009 Record: 32-25 (19-8/2 ^nd in Pacific-10 Conference).

Top Senior Prospect: RHP Seth Harvey (0-1, 2.25, 2 SV, 24 IP/28 SO). Turned corner as closer last summer in West Coast League, posting league-best 11 SV; can dominate with heavy, sinking fastball at 90-94 mph, new-found slider.

Top Junior Prospect: RHP Chad Arnold (8-3, 4.39, 80 IP/76 SO). TJ surgery victim earlier in college career, but velocity back up to 91 now, also has three solid secondary pitches/plus slider; has begun pitching with confidence again.

Top Sophomore Prospect: LHP Adam Conley (1-1, 5.97, 38 IP/26 SO). Posted perfect 0.00 ERA in New England Collegiate League last summer; competitive lefty with quick arm, FB at 88-92, needs to develop his slider.

Top Freshman Prospect: RHP Travis Cook (undrafted/Carnation, Wash.). Though he ultimately wasn’t drafted, made more strides in 2009 than any of Washington’s top prep prospects; excelled in fall and should be WSU’s No. 4 starter; FB tops at 93, slider at 83, and is a strike thrower.

Outlook: The resurgent Cougars, once the Pacific Northwest’s most prominent baseball program but a Pac-10 doormat in recent years, made their first foray into regional competition in 19 years in 2009. Though three three top hitters and two most-effective arms have departed, the Cougars should make another run at a post-season berth. Pitching will be the strength of the team. Arnold, who becomes the No. 1 starter; Conley, who joins him in the rotation; and Harvey, who steps in as the new closer, were among several WSU arms who enjoyed huge success in summer-league competition, providing high expectations for 2010. Sophomore OF Derek Jones (.223-12-37) is the best athlete and No. 1 power source on the roster and should expand on a promising 2009 debut. Much more is also expected from senior 2B Travis Coulter (.158-0-1 in 5 G), whose season was compromised by a shoulder injury; junior SS Shea Vucinich (.230-6-35) and junior 3B Matt Argyropoulos (.270-4-25), who had a breakthrough fall.

--AS

49. TENNESSEE

Coach : Todd Raleigh (53-58, 2 years).

2009 Record : 26-29 (11-19/10 ^th in Southeastern Conference).

Top Senior Prospect : RHP Stephen McCray (4-3, 5.16, 52 IP/39 SO). Big-bodied righthander will touch 94 mph with average off-speed stuff; good athlete who was two-way standout in JC.

Top Junior Prospect : LHP Bryan Morgado (4-2, 6.36, 52 IP/75 SO). White Sox unsigned third-rounder is two years off TJ surgery; first-round raw stuff with mid-90s fastball, nasty CB, must match performance to talent level.

Top Sophomore Prospect : RHP Matt Ramsey (0-3, 5.45, 36 IP/44 SO). Converted catcher only 5-foot-10 and still learning to use power stuff, but has FB up to 96 mph, low-80s curveball; will be team’s closer.

Top Freshman Prospect : 1B Cody Stubbs (Red Sox/29 ^th round). Six-foot-4, 220-pound lefthanded slugger with huge power potential; good overall athlete, will likely DH as a freshman.

Outlook: There is little doubt the Volunteers are going to score a vast number of runs this spring. Whether it’s enough to enable a UT team that has underachieved the past few seasons is another matter. The three big hitters in the Vols’ lineup should be 1B Cody Hawn (.364-21-81), C Blake Forsythe (.347-15-46, 40 BB) and OF Josh Liles (.313-8-25 in 35 G), all juniors. It would surprise few if Stubbs, a freshman slugger, put up at least double-figure home runs, as well. Junior 3B Matt Duffy (.388-13-57), a transfer from the disbanded Vermont program, and sophomore SS Zach Osborne (.281-4-33) should help offensively, too, but both are exceptional defenders and may contribute more in that area. The key for Tennessee is pitching. There is no lack of talent or raw stuff on the staff, but pitching has been a sore point for the Vols in recent years. The 2009 staff managed to strike out more hitters (493) than innings pitched (485), but still registered a ghastly 6.16 team ERA. Morgado was a poster child for the staff’s woes, combining a 6.36 ERA with 75 K’s in 52 IP. He will be the Friday starter this spring, with another strong-armed lefthander, draft-eligible sophomore Steven Gruver (0-1, 5.93, 30 IP/36 SO), joining him in the weekend rotation.

--DR

50. KENT STATE

Coach : Scott Stricklin (183-103, 5 years).

2009 Record : 43-17 (17-9/3 ^rd in Mid-American Conference).

Top Senior Prospect : 2B-OF Jared Humphries (.339-8-61, 23 SB). CF in 2009 and still team’s best defensive OF, but will fill hole at 2B this spring; best athlete on roster as fifth-year senior, will hit leadoff, plus runner with excellent base-running instincts, surprising power.

Top Junior Prospect : RHP/3B Brett Weibley (1-0, 7.56, 1 SV, 25 IP/28 SO). Started at third as freshman, converted to bullpen in 2009, now big-time closer prospect; has 92-95 mph fastball with good changeup, still working on slider.

Top Sophomore Prospect : LHP Andrew Chafin (4-1, 1.26, 8 SV, 35 IP/55 SO). Had dominant freshman year but succumbed to TJ surgery last June, will miss most of 2010 season; 90-93 mph fastball but slider is his out-pitch.

Top Freshman Prospect : RHP Addison Dunn (Cubs/45 ^th round). Fastball up to 92 mph, also has solid curveball; may struggle to find innings as frosh on deep staff.

Outlook: Kent State went 43-17 in 2009, despite seeing its top two starters, RHPs Brad Stillings and Kyle Smith, suffer from severe draft-itis and win only 10 games between them. Those were the only arms lost from the pitching staff, though Chafin is expected to miss most of the 2010 season. That may test the staff’s depth somewhat, but Weibley should emerge as a front-line closer in Chafin’s absence, and junior RHP Robert Sabo (3-1, 6.84), a 2009 draft pick, and sophomore LHP David Starn (2-0, 4.21, 2 SV) will join junior LHP Kyle Hallock (4-3, 4.57) as the first three starters. Offensively, Kent State returns five productive starters from an offense that averaged more than nine runs per game. The versatile, well-rounded Humphries will have support from senior LF Anthony Gallas (.324-10-53) and junior RF Ben Klafczynski (.318-6-43, 22 2B), who will provide power and production in the middle of the order. Sophomore SS Jimmy Rider (.353-6-45, 10 E) was one of the top freshman middle infielders in the country last year.

--DR/AS

51. LONG BEACH STATE

Coach : Mike Weathers (288-181, 8 years).

2009 Record : 25-29 (11-13/6 ^th in Big West Conference).

Top Senior Prospect : OF T.J. Mittelstaedt (.316-6-46). Starting right fielder, but can play a variety of positions; under-sized LH bat, yet may be Dirtbags’ best power source.

Top Junior Prospect : RHP Jake Thompson (4-7, 5.61; 85 IP/42 SO). Still in catch-up mode after skipping senior year of high school, but has big upside; projects three average or better pitches, including fastball that reaches 94 mph; Friday starter.

Top Sophomore Prospect : RHP Andrew Gagnon (3-7, 6.32; 72 IP/44 SO). Former Pirates 10 ^th -rounder flashes superior stuff, has obvious upside and could tap into it this spring as Saturday starter; lacks consistency and command deserts him at times.

Top Freshman Prospect : IF Matt Duffy (undrafted/Lakewood, Calif.). Two-time all-state selection will serve as backup infielder, could possibly see time on mound.

Outlook: For a team that normally produces a steady stream of pitchers in the early rounds of the draft (six in the first five rounds in 2008), last season was a disaster for the Dirtbags, who posted a 5.18 team ERA and had no arms taken in the early rounds. The result was just 25 wins, the fewest for the program since 1988. As the Nos. 1-2 starters, Thompson and Gagnon have the obvious potential to author a turnaround. Seven everyday starters also return, notably SS Devin Lohman (.307-4-36, 14 SB), the top position prospect for the Dirtbags who will hit in the three-hole. A significant pickup for Long Beach State may be sophomore DH Joey Terdoslavich , a big power threat from Miami (Fla.) who will hit cleanup. Terdoslavich had to sit out last year due to NCAA transfer rules. While the Dirtbags might have trouble surpassing Cal State Fullerton and UC Irvine in the Big West, there is no reason to think this shouldn’t become an NCAA tournament team again.

--JS/AS

52. ST. JOHN’S

Coach : Ed Blankmeyer (398-247, 12 years).

2009 Record : 30-22 (16-11/4 ^th in Big East Conference).

Top Senior Prospect : RHP Bruce Kern (5-4, 6.09, 65 IP/57 SO). Strike thrower with very good curveball, needs to keep upper-80s fastball on corners more consistently; Friday-night starter.

Top Junior Prospect : 3B Greg Hopkins (.349-7-45). Similar athlete to SS Joe Panik (see below), power improving, handles barrel very well, sure-handed defender, starter since beginning of frosh year.

Top Sophomore Prospect : SS Joe Panik (.332-5-47): Outstanding freshman year; polished, disciplined hitter with power potential, sure-handed defender.

Top Freshman Prospect : RHP Kyle Hansen (Brewers/40 ^th round). Succeeds brother (Craig, ex-first-rounder/major leaguer) at St. John’s; 6-6 with power arm, has touched 94, sharp slider.

Outlook: St. John’s returns a veteran team. Six full or part-time starters are back from an offense that hit .349 and averaged more than eight runs per game, including the entire infield of Hopkins, Panik, junior 1B Paul Karmas (.331-3-31) and sophomore 2B Matt Wessinger . Senior RF Jim Parque (.360-5-61) will bat cleanup, if that distinction doesn’t go to promising freshman LF Jeremy Baltz . The pitching staff is also deep and experienced, though must collectively lower its 6.20 staff ERA if the Red Storm is going to make a run at the Big East title and a regional berth. Pitchers that accounted for 27 of the team’s 30 wins remain on the staff, though none collected more than five wins or threw more than 65 innings. Kern, senior RHP Nick Cenatiempo (5-3, 5.17) and sophomore RHP Eddie Medina (5-3, 3.81, 49 IP) will start, along with sophomore LHP Brendan Lobban (4-2, 5.50). Senior closer Ryan Cole (2-0, 3.49, 5 SV) could easily expand on his 2009 production.

--DR

53. FRESNO STATE

Coach : Mike Batesole (219-165, 7 years).

2009 Record : 32-30 (12-12/4 ^th in Western Athletic Conference).

Top Senior Prospect : RHP Matt Morse (4-3, 4.72, 80 IP/50 SO). Polished performer, touches 90 mph with FB, nice changeup, commands all pitches well; slotted in Saturday hole in rotation.

Top Junior Prospect : 2B Danny Muno (.379-3-41, 64 BB, 74 R). Outstanding leadoff skills, .525 on-base average, 6.6 runner; advanced offensively, erratic defensively (28 errors in 2009), now limited to 2B.

Top Sophomore Prospect : RHP Derek Benny (4-4, 5.09, 86 IP/22 BB/58 SO). Good sinking FB up to 92 mph, quality slider, shows plus command of both pitches; Friday starter..

Top Freshman Prospect : 1B Clay Cedarquist (Mariners/45 ^th round). Quality lefthanded bat, can square up balls consistently; draft-eligible in 2011, but not scheduled to start this spring.

Outlook: The 2009 Bulldogs didn’t come close to repeating their incredible 2008 rags-to-riches run to a College World Series championship, although they managed to secure an unexpected regional berth the same way, by winning the WAC tournament. Expectations will be lower for this year’s team, especially with the departure of power-hitting 3B Tommy Mendonca (.339-27-78). But Muno returns, along with a very talented sophomore class, led by CF Dusty Robinson (.319-15-45), RF Brennan Gowens (.280-5-27) and DH Kenny Wise (.291-6-28). They’ll hit in the middle of the order and should all improve on successful freshman seasons with Muno, one of the best leadoff hitters in college baseball, setting the table. The pitching staff will be similarly aligned, with Morse leading a group that is otherwise dominated by sophomores. Benny is the staff’s best prospect and should get the ball on Friday nights. Sophomore LHP Josh Poytress (2-2, 4.25, 42 IP/30 SO), a 16 ^th -round pick out of high school, could be a starter or fill a prominent role out of the bullpen.

--DR

54. TULANE

Coach : Rick Jones (673-331, 16 years).

2009 Record : 34-25 (13-11/3 ^rd in Conference USA).

Top Senior Prospect : LHP Matt Petiton (5-3, 5.13, 66 IP/45 SO). Crafty, experienced southpaw with mid-to-upper 80s fastball, good curve/change combination; 7-1, 2.73 as a sophomore.

Top Junior Prospect : RHP Nick Pepitone (2-5, 3.26, 9 SV, 38 IP/42 SO). Intimidating 6-foot-7 closer with low- to mid-90s heavy sinker; big 2009 summer for Team USA (14 IP/2 H, 0.00 ERA).

Top Sophomore Prospect : 3B/RHP Rob Segedin (.322-6-59 in 2008). Back injury forced red-shirt season last year; top all-around prospect, polished hitter with power, big-time arm strength, team leader.

Top Freshman Prospect : RHP Kyle McKenzie (Yankees/30 ^th round). Smaller pitcher with big arm, FB up to 95 mph in the fall, power curveball; will contribute immediately as mid-week starter.

Outlook: Tulane continues to recover from the devastating aftereffects of Hurricane Katrina, and its 34-25 record in 2009 was even more impressive given that two of its best players, Segedin and sophomore RHP Robby Broach (5-2, 5.15 in 2008), a projected weekend starter, were lost to injuries. Both players return to prominent roles this spring, but unfortunately only two regular starters, sophomore C Jeremy Schaffer (.311-14-56) and junior CF Nick Boullosa (.298-1-15, 22 SB), are back. The Green Wave could start as many as five freshmen, though SS Garrett Cannizaro and 2B Brennan Middleton , will be manning the key middle-infield positions and are top prospects. Not surprisingly, pitching will be Tulane’s strength. Strike-throwing junior RHP Connor Flynn (8-3, 3.93, 87 IP/7 BB/58 SO), Broach and Petiton (12-4 in two years) form a solid weekend rotation, and McKenzie has the staff’s highest ceiling as a mid-week starter. Petitone has the potential to be one of the country’s top closers, especially based on his dominating performance for Team USA.

--DR

55. VIRGINIA TECH

Coach : Pete Hughes (78-84, 3 years).

2009 Record : 32-21 (12-17/9 ^th in Atlantic Coast Confetrence).

TOP FRESHMAN PROSPECT: Matt Price, rhp. A 34 ^th -round pick of the Atlanta Braves out of a home-state high school, Price was wrestled away from the Braves by the Hokies. He is scheduled to start out as a weekday starter, but could move quickly into the weekend rotation. A lanky, projectable righthander, Price is capable of running his fastball into the 89-94 mph range while mixing in a quality slider from arm slots that vary from three-quarters to sidearm.

Top Senior Prospect : OF/C Steve Domecus (.406-4-42). Projected cleanup hitter, best overall bat on team; versatile, athletic defender who can catch but may see more time in outfield with depth of catchers on roster.

Top Junior Prospect : RHP Jesse Hahn (1-2, 6.00, 1 SV, 24 IP/23 SO). One of the nation’s premier arms, potential early first-round pick; has electric stuff with lively fastball up to 97-98 mph, above-average off-speed stuff (curve, slider, cutter); profiles as devastating closer, but expected to be Hokies’ Saturday starter to get much-needed innings.

Top Sophomore Prospect : RHP Matt Price (3-4, 6.90; 59 IP/53 SO). Draft-eligible sophomore with early-round potential. Lanky, projectable righty with lively 91-94 mph fastball, potential plus slider; projected Sunday starter, just needs innings to develop.

Top Freshman Prospect : C Chad Morgan (undrafted/Fairfax, Va.). Outstanding defensive catcher who will see time behind plate and at first base, plus arm strength; bat really came on last summer in Clark Griffith League.

Outlook: Virginia Tech will undoubtedly be overshadowed this spring by in-state ACC rival Virginia, but the Hokies have more than enough raw talent to make their first NCAA tournament appearance since 2000. Hahn is the first player that scouts will flock to see, but there are plenty of other talented players on the roster. Price and junior OF Austin Wates (.397-5-42, 16 SB) also have early-round potential and Wates, an outstanding athlete with plus speed, could join Hahn in the first round. Led by Domecus and Wates, the team’s top two hitters in 2009, Virginia Tech returns almost all of its key offensive contributors. Junior LHP Justin Wright (7-2, 3.95) has limited upside in his 5-foot-9 frame, but has been the Hokies’ most consistent pitcher the past two years. He will be the Friday starter, with Hahn and Price filling out the weekend rotation.

--JS

56. SAN FRANCISCO

Coach : Nino Giarratano (308-312, 12 years).

2009 Record : 28-28 (12-9/4 ^th in West Coast Conference).

Top Senior Prospect : RHP Doug Murray (9-0, 3.77, 88 IP/45 SO). Power sinker in 86-88 mph range big out-pitch, throws inside very well, slider is second-best pitch.

Top Junior Prospect : 3B/1B Steven Yarrow (.277-13-44). Six-foot-4 lefthanded hitter has big power potential, must cut down on strikeouts (77 in 2009); moves from 1B to 3B this year.

Top Sophomore Prospect : LHP Jordan Remer (0-0, 12.27, 11 IP/11 SO). Has best raw stuff on team; FB tops at 91 mph, hard breaking ball; still learning to pitch at college level.

Top Freshman Prospect : LHP Elliot Waterman (undrafted/Martinez, Calif.). Lanky, projectable 6-5 southpaw, mid-80s now with nice changeup.

Outlook: USF qualifies as a true “Sum-is-greater-than-the-parts” team, returning most of its key players from a .500 team in 2009 but featuring few prospects that will warrant top-10 round attention from the scouting community. Starting pitching should be a particular strength, starting with Murray, yet 5-foot-10 junior RHP Matt Hiserman (4-6, 3.44, 2 SV, 88 IP/89 SO) actually posted better raw numbers than Murray, if not the same perfect results. Junior LHP Matt Lujan (5-7, 5.74) was a freshman All-American (7-2, 3.19) in 2008, and a return to that form would give the Dons a huge boost. Sophomore RHP Cameron Love (4-1, 3.66, 52 IP/27 SO) would be a weekend starter on most teams, as well. The Dons also return six starters in the field, but only Yarrow had more than four home runs, so power might be a bit lacking. Senior SS Derek Poppert (.352-1-52, 16 SB) does everything on the field, except hit for power, and will bat third in front of Yarrow in the USF lineup. Senior C Ryan Lipkin (.66-4-37) and senior 2B Robert Abel (.241-4-34) will be looked to for run production and defense in the middle of the field.

--DR

57. MICHIGAN

Coach : Rich Maloney (267-151, 6 seasons).

2009 Record : 30-25 (9-15/7 ^th in Big Ten Conference).

Top Senior Prospect : RHP Alan Oaks (1-3, 5.28; 30 IP/15 SO). More of an offensive talent until this year, will be Saturday starter in 2010; low-90s fastball, really started to come around at end of last season.

Top Junior Prospect : OF Ryan LaMarre (.344-12-62; 13 SB). Three-hole hitter, career .327 average; highly-competitive athlete with plus speed, big power potential.

Top Sophomore Prospect : RHP Brandon Sinnery (2-2, 5.09; 35 IP/25 SO). Very projectable at 6-5, 160; fastball tops at 91, has above-average breaking ball, plus command, will likely come out of the bullpen this spring.

Top Freshman Prospect : SS Derek Dennis (Rays/10 ^th round). Outstanding athlete, slated to start at short; great defensive tools, chance to become one of best shortstops in country as freshman; draft-eligible sophomore.

Outlook: Michigan was firmly starting to establish itself as the premier program in the Big 10, but the Wolverines were never able to get untracked in 2009 after the draft took a huge toll the previous season. This year’s club should be greatly improved as several key offensive players return, notably LaMarre and senior 1B Mike Dufek (.304-17-59), the team’s top two hitters. Dennis and a second highly-touted freshman, LF Patrick Biondi (Tigers/35 ^th round), are expected to be immediate contributors. RHP Chris Fetter (7-3, 3.26) is missing, but Michigan’s pitching staff returns mostly intact. Senior LHP Eric Katzman (7-4, 3.53; 74 IP/64 SO) has been a three-year starter for the Wolverines and assumes the Friday starting job. Despite their contrasting physical profiles, 5-foot-10, 160-pound Tyler Burgoon (4-2, 4.86, 4 SV) and 6-foot-6, 220-pound Matt Miller (1-2, 3.70, 3 SV), both junior righthanders, had all-star summers as closers in the Cape Cod and Northwoods Leagues, respectively, and should be big factors this spring.

--JS

58. CONNECTICUT

Coach : Jim Penders (196-148, 6 years).

2009 Record : 36-24 (14-13/6 ^th in Big East Conference).

Top Senior Prospect : RHP Doug Jennings (3-1, 4.88, 28 IP/17 SO). Raw athletic ability evident on mound; has good FB to 92 mph, can spin the ball, command still not polished.

Top Junior Prospect : 3B Mike Olt (.301-8-40). High-ceiling talent; very good athlete with plus arm/power combination; still raw in many areas, needs to sharpen defensive skills, cut down on swings/misses.

Top Sophomore Prospect . RHP Matt Barnes (5-3, 5.43, 52 IP/55 SO). Ideal pitcher’s build at 6-5, 200; has big arm, FB tops at 97 mph; off-speed stuff/command developing, potential first-rounder in 2011.

Top Freshman Prospect : RHP Pat Butler (Twins/41 ^st round). Six-foot-5 athlete who tops out now at 91-92, projectable velocity; still working with off-speed consistency.

Outlook: UConn is quietly emerging as a legit national program. The Huskies lost in the finals of the Big East tournament last year, and should compete for a regional berth again this spring, even if the team may still be a year away from really asserting itself. Olt, junior 1B Mike Nemeth (.346-6-47), sparkplug junior 2B Pierre LePage (.340-1-38) and senior RF Mike Burnett (.311-3-49) return, but a sophomore class that is simply outstanding by any measure is the team’s real strength. In fact, two Huskies sophomores could be first-rounders in 2011: Barnes and CF George Springer (.358-16-57). Springer, an unheralded in-state product who was a 48 ^th -round pick out of high school, could be the best 5-tool outfielder in college baseball with his plus/plus-level raw power and arm strength. DH/closer Kevin Vance (.205-0-6; 0-1, 4.70) and SS/RHP Nick Ahmed (.288-2-20; did not pitch) are two more sophomores primed for breakout years after excelling in summer competition. Last year’s draft took a big hit on the UConn pitching staff, and it will be up to Barnes, Vance, promising junior RHP David Fischer (1-0, 3.96, 36 IP/27 SO) and possibly Ahmed to pick up a lot of the pieces. If Barnes doesn’t step forward as the Friday starter, that role should fall to junior LHP Elliot Glynn (5-4, 4.76, 73 IP/58 SO), the staff’s most experienced starter.

--DR/AS

59. GONZAGA

Coach: Mark Machtolf (180-149, 6 years).

2009 Record: 36-18 (14-7/1 ^st in West Coast Conference).

Top Senior Prospect: OF Drew Heid (.355-2-41). Marginal tools, but gets the most out of them; uncanny ability to hit with wood/square up balls and has won consecutive summer-league batting titles with .400-plus averages.

Top Junior Prospect: RHP Cody Martin (5-4, 3.07, 6 SV, 59 IP/68 SO). After two years as Zags closer (school-record 9 SV as freshman), moves to rotation this year; not overpowering with FB at 89-90 mph, but has effective slurve; good delivery, knows how to pitch.

Top Sophomore Prospect: LHP Ryan Carpenter (6-4, 5.26, 65 IP/68 SO). Big lefty got feet wet as freshman starter, but true talent surfaced in summer ball in Alaska, topped league with 0.67 ERA; fastball at 92-95 mph, slider became dominant pitch; 21 ^st -rounder in 2008 projects as first-rounder in 2011.

Top Freshman Prospect: C Kevin Hawk (undrafted/Boise, Idaho). Solid bet to step in as regular in first year; lefthanded bat, solid arm strength, good leadership skills.

Outlook: Gonzaga finished first overall in the WCC in 2009 for the first time ever, and made its first NCAA tournament appearance since 1981. That should be just the start of the impact the Bulldogs could make in the coming years, especially if they can continue to develop a lucrative pipeline to Arizona, among other Western states. The yield from Arizona’s prep ranks begins with Carpenter, a significant talent and projected first-rounder in 2011, and includes the likes of SS Ernesto Ortiz (.257-3-23), RF Royce Bolinger (.192-1-18) and RHP Andy Hunter (1-0, 4.82), all sophomores who could blossom in 2010. Martin will provide an effective righthanded complement to the lefthanded Carpenter, while Heid and four junior-college transfers will bolster a depleted lineup while the talented Bolinger matures into a top prospect.

--AS

60. BOSTON COLLEGE

Coach : Mik Aoki (84-80, 3 years).

2009 Record : 34-26 (14-15/8 ^th in Atlantic Coast Conference).

Top Senior Prospect : CF Matt Anston (.344-1-30, 15 SB). Plus runner (6.5 in 60) with advanced leadoff skills/tools; top defensive center fielder.

Top Junior Prospect : LHP Pat Dean (6-4, 3.30, 95 IP/16 BB/90 SO). Has outstanding command of solid 3-pitch mix; bump in velo could push him into top 2-3 rounds.

Top Sophomore Prospect : RHP Mike Dennhart (5-2, 4.96, 52 IP/44 SO). Polished approach with solid-average FB to 92 mph, uses off speed well; moves from swing role to weekend rotation.

Top Freshman Prospect : C Matt Watson (Astros/26 ^th round). Lefthanded-hitting catcher with middle-of-the-order hitting potential; will start right away as a freshman.

Outlook: Late May/early June last year were exciting times for Boston College baseball, and it may be a tough act to repeat. The Eagles gained their first regional berth since 1967 by beating both Georgia Tech and Miami in the ACC tournament, then played one of the all-time classic games in regional play, losing 3-2 in 25 innings to eventual national runner-up Texas. A week later, C Tony Sanchez and LHP/1B Mike Belfiore were picked in the first round of the draft. The 2010 Eagles have both those players to replace, but will be led by three more high-round draft candidates in Dean, junior 3B Mickey Wiswall (.320-14-63) and junior RHP Kevin Moran (5-2, 2.75, 52 IP), who will move from a set-up role to Saturday starter. Strong-armed sophomore RHP Matt Brazis (1-0, 5.60, 18 IP/21 SO) assumes Belfiore’s closer role. Wiswall will have plenty of help in the lineup from Anston and a sure-handed middle-infield combo of junior SS Garrett Smith (.297-1-25) and sophomore 2B Brad Zapenas (.287-0-26). The wildcard in the offense will be Watson, who will take over the catching duties from Sanchez (the fourth overall pick in the draft), and could start the season hitting right behind Wiswall in the batting order.

--DR

Coach: Bob Brontsema (435-423, 16 years).

2009 Record: 29-23 (11-13/5 ^th in Big West Conference).

Top Senior Prospect: 2B Matt Valaika (.343-6-45). Team’s best player; led team in batting a year ago, yet elected to return for senior year despite being drafted by Reds in 20 ^th round; solid defender, fundamentally-sound in all phases.

Top Junior Prospect: LHP Kevin Gelinas (transfer/Central Arizona CC). Power lefty steps into closer’s role for UCSB after going 7-0, 1.68 with 79 SO in 54 IP as JC starter in 2009; has dominated as reliever last two summers in Cal Collegiate League with intimidating size, 90-94 mph fastball; breaking stuff/changeup, command continue to improve.

Top Sophomore Prospect: OF Lance Roenicke (.200-0-0). Has just five at-bats in two years with Gauchos (red-shirted in 2008; patella tendon surgery in 2009), but lean frame, athletic ability remain evident; speed is a significant tool, also has pop; dad (Ron), uncle (Gary) and cousin (Josh, ex-UCSB closer now with Reds) all have big-league background.

Top Freshman Prospect: No established player.

Outlook: Expectations were high last year for UCSB, a school traditionally overshadowed in the Big West by the likes of Cal State Fullerton, UC Irvine and Long Beach State. But the Gauchos fell short, in large part because of injuries to pitchers like senior RHP Mike Ford (4-5, 6.75) and promising LHP Chris Joyce , a then-freshman who red-shirted and has since transferred to an Arizona junior college. UCSB got an unexpected boost this year when Valaika and red-shirt junior LHP Mario Hollands (6-6, 4.74), a Twins 24 ^th -rounder, passed up offers in last year’s draft to return for another year, and Gelinas (Pirates, 45 ^th round) also chose school over pro ball. Junior OF Mark Haddow (.298-5-25) went undrafted in 2009, despite pro-level tools. They help to offset the loss of Joyce, three of the team’s top four hitters and a void in the freshman and sophomore classes. Gelinas is the team’s top recruit and a significant talent, and most of the holes in both the lineup and pitching staff will be filled by other JC transfers. A return to form by Ford, who led the team in ERA, innings and strikeouts as a sophomore, could give the team another significant boost.

--AS

100. RUTGERS

Coach : Fred Hill (832-532-7, 26 years).

2009 Record : 22-31 (8-19/11 ^th in Big East Conference).

Top Senior Prospect : SS Dan Betteridge (.302-3-36). Solid all-around player, plus defensive tools with big arm, good speed, strike-zone discipline; if bat doesn’t work out at next level, could move to mound.

Top Junior Prospect : 1B Jaren Matthews (.328-6-28). Strong and athletic, has above-average power, speed and arm strength; though a 1B in college, has ability to play outfield at next level; 17 ^th -round pick of Red Sox in 2007, has chance to go much higher in June.

Top Sophomore Prospect : RHP Charlie Law (1-4, 10.26, 33 IP/31 SO). Very projectable frame at 6-8, 230; power arm with fastball at 88-90 mph now, much more velocity in tank; also has above-average changeup; will likely start out as a weekday starter, but could move into weekend rotation if command improves; 44 ^th -round pick of Phillies in 2008.

Top Freshman Prospect : SS/2B Steve Nyisztor (undrafted/Toms River, N.J.). Outstanding all-around athlete and most-talented player to come into Rutgers program since ex-first-rounder Todd Frazier; steps right in as 3-hole hitter, will start out at second base this year, but has the tools to move to shortstop down the road.

Outlook: The Scarlet Knights would rather forget 2009, but should be a much-improved team this season. The offense returns 10 of the top 11 hitters from last year, while welcoming Nyisztor, a highly-touted freshman. Junior OF Mike Lang (.343-8-38) led the team in hitting and several other offensive categories, and will be a force at the top of the order, as well as defensively. Matthews should be an equal force in the cleanup hole. While there are few questions with Rutgers’ offense, the same cannot be said about the pitching staff, which struggled with a 6.24 ERA last year. Senior RHP Casey Gaynor (2-9, 5.57, 76 IP/59 SO), who led his Toms River team to the 1998 Little League World Series title, is Rutgers’ Friday starter, and capable of pitching much better than he did in 2009. Law also could be difference-maker.

--JS