Golden Spikes Award 2008 Candidates

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- Buster Posey
- Catcher, Florida State
- winner
- 2008
- 2008 Candidates
  GSA Winners
- winner
- 2008
- Buster Posey
- Catcher, Florida State
- Bats/Throws: R/R | Avg: .463 | H: 119 | R: 89 | HR: 26 | RBI: 93
- All-American Buster Posey has been recognized as the 2008 college baseball player of the year by several groups, including Baseball America and the Brooks Wallace Award Selection Committee. Posey was among the top 10 in seven NCAA individual statistical categories in 2008 with a .463 batting average, 89 runs and 93 RBIs. He collected 119 hits in 257 official trips to the plate, had a .879 slugging percentage, a .566 on-base percentage, and just eight errors in 68 games and 483 chances for a .983 fielding percentage. Posey batted an ACC-leading .479 in 30 ACC games and was the fourth ACC standout to win the conference's hallowed triple crown -- leading the league in average, home runs and RBIs.
- Brian Matusz
- Pitcher, San Diego
- finalist
- 2008
- 2008 Candidates
  GSA Winners
- finalist
- 2008
- Brian Matusz
- Pitcher, San Diego
- Bats/Throws: L/L | IP: 105 | W-L: 12-2 | ERA: 1.71 | BB: 22 | SO: 141
- After a slow start to the season, Brian Matusz has remained one of, if not THE, top pitcher in this year's Draft class. The lefty has four pitches he can throw for strikes and isn't afraid to use his entire arsenal in a game. His velocity has been a little down this year, and he hasn't pitched off his fastball as much as some would like, but he's still got front-of-the-rotation potential and is likely to see his name go off the board very early on Draft day.
- Aaron Crow
- Pitcher, Missouri
- finalist
- 2008
- 2008 Candidates
  GSA Winners
- finalist
- 2008
- Aaron Crow
- Pitcher, Missouri
- Bats/Throws: R/R | IP: 107.1 | W-L: 13-0 | ERA: 2.35 | BB: 38 | SO: 127
- After a strong Cape season, Aaron Crow was high atop Draft lists heading into the season. He's done nothing to hurt his status, showing three plus pitches to dominate hitters and establish himself as one of the top college arms, if not the top college arm, in the Draft class.
- Brett Wallace
- Third Baseman, Arizona State
- finalist
- 2008
- 2008 Candidates
  GSA Winners
- finalist
- 2008
- Brett Wallace
- Third Baseman, Arizona State
- Bats/Throws: L/R | Avg: .410 | H: 98 | R: 87 | HR: 22 | RBI: 83
- Drawing rave reviews for his work in the box, Brett Wallace is one of the best hitters in college and, perhaps, in the entire Draft class. His unbelievable plate discipline will undoubtedly be attractive to some teams, though it's unlikely he'll play anything but first as a pro. He could be the kind of Major Leaguer who hits .300 with 25 homers and a high OBP annually.
- George Brown
- Pitcher, St. John's
- 2008
- 2008 Candidates
  GSA Winners
- 2008
- George Brown
- Pitcher, St. John's
- Bats/Throws: L/L | IP: 89.2 | W-L: 9-1 | ERA: 2.91 | BB: 12 | SO: 59
- George Brown, the ace of a St. John's staff, has won at least 40 games in each of his seasons in Jamaica, Queens. Brown led the Red Storm in wins in 2008. The lanky left-hander has never been overpowering, but he has remarkable command, striking out more than six times as many batters as he has walked this season.
- Anthony Capra
- Pitcher, Wichita State
- 2008
- 2008 Candidates
  GSA Winners
- 2008
- Anthony Capra
- Pitcher, Wichita State
- Bats/Throws: L/L | IP: 75.1 | W-L: 9-0 | ERA: 2.87 | BB: 30 | SO: 87
- After finishing with matching 1.76 ERAs in both his freshman and sophomore seasons, Anthony Capra is doing it again his junior year in 2008. The lefty was named the No. 6 prospect out of the California Collegiate League by Baseball America in the summer of 2007 and was listed as a third-team preseason All-American by Collegiate Baseballbefore this season. He followed that up by going 9-0 in 13 starts with a 2.87 ERA on a dominant Wichita State pitching staff.
- Gordon Beckham
- Shortstop, Georgia
- finalist
- 2008
- 2008 Candidates
  GSA Winners
- finalist
- 2008
- Gordon Beckham
- Shortstop, Georgia
- Bats/Throws: R/R | Avg: .411 | H: 113 | R: 97 | HR: 28 | RBI: 77
- At first glance, Gordon Beckham doesn't stand out. But then you watch him play for a little and can't help but be impressed. Beckham has quality at-bats and some pretty good pop, which is surprising considering his size. He's capable of being an excellent defender but might be better suited at second as a pro. He's the kind of college infielder who should come off the board quickly.
- Alden Carrithers
- Second Baseman, UCLA
- 2008
- 2008 Candidates
  GSA Winners
- 2008
- Alden Carrithers
- Second Baseman, UCLA
- Bats/Throws: L/R | Avg: .377 | H: 84 | R: 51 | HR: 5 | RBI: 47
- Senior second baseman Alden Carrithers played his first two years at UC-Santa Barbara, hitting .317 with a .444 on-base percentage. Then before reaching UCLA, he was part of the Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox, the 2006 Cape Cod League champions, playing solid defense and leading the team in stolen bases. He led the Bruins with a .352 batting average, 53 runs, 32 walks and a .445 on-base percentage on their 2007 Super Regional team. This year, he's again at the top of the team in several offensive categories (highlighted by career-highs in batting average (.377) and on-base percentage (.484)), providing an excellent bat at second base.
- Dustin Ackley
- First Baseman, North Carolina
- 2008
- 2008 Candidates
  GSA Winners
- 2008
- Dustin Ackley
- First Baseman, North Carolina
- Bats/Throws: L/R | Avg: .405 | H: 100 | R: 75 | HR: 7 | RBI: 47
- Quiet and businesslike in nature, Dustin Ackley burst on the national scene as a freshman thanks to his offensive prowess. Ackley was primarily an outfielder in high school but successfully made the transition to first base at UNC. His on-base percentage in 2008 has hovered around an outstanding .500.
- Dane Carter
- Third Baseman, Texas A&M
- 2008
- 2008 Candidates
  GSA Winners
- 2008
- Dane Carter
- Third Baseman, Texas A&M
- Bats/Throws: L/R | Avg: .379 | H: 97 | R: 66 | HR: 8 | RBI: 60
- Dane Carter played his freshman and sophomore seasons at Vernon (Texas) College, hitting at or above .400 and receiving first-team all-conference honors both years. In his first year in College Station, he helped the Aggies reach the Super Regionals, but he's played a much larger role this year, starting every regular-season game at third base. He leads the team in runs (66), triples (9) and total bases (154) as he tries to take the club one step further this year -- to the College World Series.
- Matt Clark
- First Baseman, LSU
- 2008
- 2008 Candidates
  GSA Winners
- 2008
- Matt Clark
- First Baseman, LSU
- Bats/Throws: L/R | Avg: .340 | H: 71 | R: 52 | HR: 25 | RBI: 58
- The Pirates drafted Matt Clark in the 28th round in the 2007 Draft, but a productive season in 2008 likely means an improved First-Year Player Draft position for Clark in coming years. Only a junior, Clark has the potential and patience to be a major offensive threat from the left side of the plate in the future. In his college career, the former JUCO All-American has already shown significant power to all fields.
- Sawyer Carroll
- Outfielder, Kentucky
- 2008
- 2008 Candidates
  GSA Winners
- 2008
- Sawyer Carroll
- Outfielder, Kentucky
- Bats/Throws: L/R | Avg: .419 | H: 98 | R: 69 | HR: 19 | RBI: 83
- Sawyer Carroll turned down an offer a year ago to sign with the Nationals as an 18th-round pick to return to Kentucky. The Wildcats must be happy as the senior has been among the Division I leaders in hitting for much of the year and has dramatically improved his power output. Scouts do not think, however, that the power will translate to the pro game, and the fact that Carroll will be limited to left field, at best, does cap his Draft status somewhat. Still, he's bound to enhance his round by a good margin this June.
- Yonder Alonso
- First Baseman, Miami
- 2008
- 2008 Candidates
  GSA Winners
- 2008
- Yonder Alonso
- First Baseman, Miami
- Bats/Throws: L/R | Avg: .370 | H: 70 | R: 74 | HR: 21 | RBI: 66
- Yonder Alonso or Justin Smoak. Smoak or Alonso. It can be quite a debate over which college first baseman should go first on Draft day. Alonso is a hitter, period, with a great approach and power, especially the other way right now. Defensively, he's no great shakes, but it's that bat that teams will dream about putting in the middle of their lineup to produce plenty of runs in the future.
- Jason Castro
- Catcher, Stanford
- 2008
- 2008 Candidates
  GSA Winners
- 2008
- Jason Castro
- Catcher, Stanford
- Bats/Throws: L/R | Avg: .372 | H: 94 | R: 62 | HR: 12 | RBI: 63
- College catchers, especially those who hit left-handed, are always in demand, and Jason Castro has used a strong Cape League season to put himself in position to be one of the first backstops taken. He's got legit power and a good set of defensive skills. He might not be the first college catcher to go off the board, but he likely won't have to wait long.
- Allan Dykstra
- First Baseman, Wake Forest
- 2008
- 2008 Candidates
  GSA Winners
- 2008
- Allan Dykstra
- First Baseman, Wake Forest
- Bats/Throws: L/R | Avg: .323 | H: 60 | R: 51 | HR: 16 | RBI: 50
- In another year, Allan Dykstra might be a hot commodity as a college, lefty, power-hitting first baseman with advanced skills at the plate. But if there's one strength in this class, it's first basemen, and he's probably a half-step behind the elite players at the spot. An experiment at third didn't work, so Dykstra will probably have to wait -- albeit not too long -- until other first sackers go off the board.
- David Cooper
- First Baseman, California
- Candidates
  GSA Winners
- David Cooper
- First Baseman, California
- Bats/Throws: L/L | Avg: .359 | H: 79 | R: 55 | HR: 19 | RBI: 55
- There are a number of college first baseman to choose from this Draft season, and David Cooper is making a claim to be among the first to be chosen. He's got legitimate power to all fields, and his advanced approach at the plate helps him avoid any slumps. Although somewhat limited defensively, there's no doubt a team will still take him fairly early just to get that bat into its system.
- Ike Davis
- First Baseman / Pitcher, Arizona State
- 2008
- 2008 Candidates
  GSA Winners
- 2008
- Ike Davis
- First Baseman / Pitcher, Arizona State
- Bats/Throws: L/L | Avg: .394 | H: 78 | R: 62 | HR: 16 | RBI: 73
- On radars since high school, when he was a 19th-round pick of the Rays in 2005, Ike Davis has a sweet left-handed swing that should generate more power in the future. He's not speedy, but the son of ex-big leaguer Ron Davis is a solid base runner and would be fine as a corner outfielder or first baseman at the next level.
- Johnny Dorn
- Pitcher, Nebraska
- 2008
- 2008 Candidates
  GSA Winners
- 2008
- Johnny Dorn
- Pitcher, Nebraska
- Bats/Throws: R/R | IP: 106.1 | W-L: 6-2 | ERA: 2.45 | BB: 29 | SO: 102
- While the 6-foot-3 right-hander may not be able to match the 12 wins of his junior season, Johnny Dorn has reduced his ERA by more than two and a half runs as a senior. Dorn has averaged nearly a strikeout per inning and is holding opponents close to a .200 batting average in his final season for the nationally-ranked Huskers.
- Chris Dominguez
- Third Baseman, Louisville
- 2008
- 2008 Candidates
  GSA Winners
- 2008
- Chris Dominguez
- Third Baseman, Louisville
- Bats/Throws: R/R | Avg: .365 | H: 91 | R: 68 | HR: 21 | RBI: 75
- One of the bigger enigmas in the Draft class, Chris Dominguez is eligible as a sophomore after red-shirting his freshman year back in 2006. Healthy now, he's been an impact player at the college level this season, but his performance has been extremely inconsistent. He'll look outclassed one moment and in a league of his own the next, leaving many a scout to scratch his head. Still, his size, strength, athleticsm and potential all should pique someone's interest early enough.
- Kentrail Davis
- Outfielder, Tennessee
- 2008
- 2008 Candidates
  GSA Winners
- 2008
- Kentrail Davis
- Outfielder, Tennessee
- Bats/Throws: L/R | Avg: .330 | H: 68 | R: 45 | HR: 13 | RBI: 44
- The 2008 SEC Freshman of the Year, and the only freshman named as a semifinalist for the Golden Spikes Award, Kentrail Davis was one of the first players to accept an invitation to the 2008 U.S. National Team Trials. His first year in Knoxville has been one for the record books. He led the team with a .330 average, 13 home runs, 44 runs batted in, a .435 on-base percentage, 68 hits and 120 total bases. His four multi-HR games tied a school, single-season record. Also, with his 12th homer of the year, he passed Rockies slugger Todd Helton on the Vols' all-time freshman home run list.
- Collin Cowgill
- Outfielder, Kentucky
- 2008
- 2008 Candidates
  GSA Winners
- 2008
- Collin Cowgill
- Outfielder, Kentucky
- Bats/Throws: R/R | Avg: .361 | H: 84 | R: 80 | HR: 19 | RBI: 60
- Collin Cowgill is one of those college outfielders whose performance surpasses how his tools grade out. He's got a good hitting approach, but scouts don't expect him to hit for power in the future. He most likely profiles best as a fourth outfielder type, the kind of guy who could fill in every day in center, but wouldn't be seen as a long-term solution. After turning down the A's (29th round last year), he's certainly improved his Draft status this year.
- Tim Fedroff
- Outfielder, North Carolina
- 2008
- 2008 Candidates
  GSA Winners
- 2008
- Tim Fedroff
- Outfielder, North Carolina
- Bats/Throws: L/R | Avg: .402 | H: 102 | R: 69 | HR: 12 | RBI: 67
- Sophomore outfielder Tim Fedroff made a large impact on the Tar Heels in his debut season in 2007, finishing second on the team in batting (.344) while starting 56 games, mostly in right field. While still using his speed on the bases, Fedroff has developed his power stroke in 2008. His offensive numbers have increased in every major category. Fedroff's value at the plate is matched by his play in the field, where he has committed just one error thus far during his two years in Chapel Hill.
- Ryan Flaherty
- Shortstop, Vanderbilt
- 2008
- 2008 Candidates
  GSA Winners
- 2008
- Ryan Flaherty
- Shortstop, Vanderbilt
- Bats/Throws: L/R | Avg: .324 | H: 83 | R: 52 | HR: 14 | RBI: 63
- A strong and athletic infielder with a classic left-handed swing, Ryan Flaherty has drawn a comparison to Wally Joyner in terms of his offensive skill set. He should hit for average, but hasn't shown much power at this point. Defensively, he's got a good arm, but does not have the range to stay at short. A move to third might make the most sense given his size.
- Jordan Danks
- Outfielder, Texas
- 2008
- 2008 Candidates
  GSA Winners
- 2008
- Jordan Danks
- Outfielder, Texas
- Bats/Throws: L/R | Avg: .321 | H: 75 | R: 70 | HR: 7 | RBI: 46
- A five-tool player, Jordan Danks is a versatile outfielder who moved from left to center for the 2008 season. After making a huge jump from his freshman to sophomore year, he was a part of the U.S. National Team that won the silver medal at the Pan Am Games in the summer of 2007. As a junior this spring, he had stolen 32 straight bases before being thrown out against Texas Tech on March 20. His all-around skills -- speed, solid bat and strong outfield defense -- make him a good prospect to join his brother, White Sox pitcher John, in the big leagues.
- Josh Fields
- Pitcher, Georgia
- 2008
- 2008 Candidates
  GSA Winners
- 2008
- Josh Fields
- Pitcher, Georgia
- Bats/Throws: R/R | IP: 31.2 | W-L: 2-2 | ERA: 2.27 | BB: 18 | SO: 56
- A second-round Draft pick last year by the Braves after a subpar junior season, Josh Fields and his advisor, Scott Boras, could not come to terms with Atlanta. So the closer returned to Georgia for a senior season to try and make his junior campaign a distant memory. He was off to a good start and could be the kind of college closer teams look for these days.
- Conor Gillaspie
- Third Baseman, Wichita State
- 2008
- 2008 Candidates
  GSA Winners
- 2008
- Conor Gillaspie
- Third Baseman, Wichita State
- Bats/Throws: L/R | Avg: .425 | H: 94 | R: 69 | HR: 10 | RBI: 79
- After a strong Cape season, Conor Gillaspie has followed up with an excellent junior campaign. He's a terrific hitter and has been over .400 for most of the year. His lack of power makes it hard to profile him anywhere other than as a Bill Mueller-type third baseman. There are worse things to be, of course, and a team that values what Gillaspie can do will surely take him.
- Scott Gorgen
- Pitcher, UC Irvine
- 2008
- 2008 Candidates
  GSA Winners
- 2008
- Scott Gorgen
- Pitcher, UC Irvine
- Bats/Throws: R/R | IP: 109 | W-L: 11-3 | ERA: 2.31 | BB: 36 | SO: 115
- Scott Gorgen's combination of stuff, command and makeup in a different package would be flying up Draft charts everywhere. But as a stocky, "undersized righty," he'll have to fight an uphill battle to get the recognition he probably deserves. There are always teams who look outside that certain box, and his ability to throw three pitches -- fastball, curve, changeup -- for strikes, on top of a terrific work ethic, should entice one of them to take him.
- Preston Guilmet
- Pitcher, Arizona
- 2008
- 2008 Candidates
  GSA Winners
- 2008
- Preston Guilmet
- Pitcher, Arizona
- Bats/Throws: R/R | IP: 92.1 | W-L: 6-4 | ERA: 4.29 | BB: 20 | SO: 89
- Pitchers who simply produce in college often get overlooked early, but invariably get drafted, particularly by some teams who value that kind of performance. Preston Guilmet won't light up a radar gun, but he's got three outstanding secondary pitches and excellent command. He's come down to earth a little bit from last year's Pac-10 Pitcher of the Year performance, but he's still a strike thrower with an unorthodox and deceptive delivery. That delivery has some thinking he's a middle reliever or swingman in the future, but there's no question he knows how to pitch.
- Jeremy Hamilton
- First Baseman, Wright State
- 2008
- 2008 Candidates
  GSA Winners
- 2008
- Jeremy Hamilton
- First Baseman, Wright State
- Bats/Throws: L/L | Avg: .410 | H: 75 | R: 60 | HR: 9 | RBI: 49
- Jeremy Hamilton is the driving force behind a Wright State club trying to reach its third straight Horizon League Tournament Championship game (he was named to the All-Tournament Team the last two years). He led the team in slugging percentage (.649), RBIs (62), walks (28) and triples (6) in his breakout sophomore season, after which he joined the USA National Team in the summer. In 2008, he finished the season with a career-high batting average of .410. The junior has shown a solid glove at first base his whole career, and he combines that with both speed and power at the plate.
- Christian Friedrich
- Pitcher, Eastern Kentucky
- 2008
- 2008 Candidates
  GSA Winners
- 2008
- Christian Friedrich
- Pitcher, Eastern Kentucky
- Bats/Throws: R/L | IP: 81.2 | W-L: 5-1 | ERA: 1.43 | BB: 33 | SO: 108
- College lefties are always in high demand and, truth be told, there aren't that many upper-echelon ones out there this year. Behind San Diego's Brian Matusz, Christian Friedrich is likely the best -- especially once he gains more consistent command -- with a repertoire that should land him in the middle of a big-league rotation in short order. Matusz may go first, but it shouldn't take long for Friedrich to hear his name either.
- Reese Havens
- Shortstop, South Carolina
- 2008
- 2008 Candidates
  GSA Winners
- 2008
- Reese Havens
- Shortstop, South Carolina
- Bats/Throws: L/R | Avg: .359 | H: 89 | R: 76 | HR: 18 | RBI: 57
- A legitimate prospect in high school, teams were scared off by Reese Havens because of his strong commitment to South Carolina. Havens improved steadily in his three years there and has evolved into a good all-around hitter with outstanding plate discipline. He may need to move to third down the road because of his lack of range, but his smarts in the field may at least give him the opportunity to play his way off of short as a pro. At either spot, he's sure to go off the board pretty quickly.
- Corey Kemp
- Catcher, East Carolina
- 2008
- 2008 Candidates
  GSA Winners
- 2008
- Corey Kemp
- Catcher, East Carolina
- Bats/Throws: R/R | Avg: .341 | H: 77 | R: 62 | HR: 18 | RBI: 72
- Corey Kemp, a former JUCO stud, has found success on a bigger stage at East Carolina. Kemp is touted as a highly intelligent catcher who receives pitches well and who isn't afraid to block the plate. This, combined with his strong, accurate arm, makes him a defensive force who also has a knack for a clutch hit. After playing just one year at ECU, he was named one of three team captains for the 2008 season.
- Jake Jefferies
- Catcher, UC Davis
- 2008
- 2008 Candidates
  GSA Winners
- 2008
- Jake Jefferies
- Catcher, UC Davis
- Bats/Throws: L/R | Avg: .387 | H: 96 | R: 47 | HR: 4 | RBI: 54
- Not on the map to start the season, Jake Jefferies has had a tremendous junior campaign and has been steadily moving up the ladder all year. A terrific contact hitter who almost never strikes out, he hasn't shown much power. Defensively, he's pretty good, though the arm is fringy. Whichever team sees more arm or more power in the future will likely be the one to take him.
- Shooter Hunt
- Pitcher, Tulane
- 2008
- 2008 Candidates
  GSA Winners
- 2008
- Shooter Hunt
- Pitcher, Tulane
- Bats/Throws: R/R | IP: 100.2 | W-L: 9-4 | ERA: 2.68 | BB: 56 | SO: 126
- With a strong junior season, Shooter Hunt has moved himself into serious first-round contention. While the right-hander doesn't always command his pitches well -- he's walked a few too many this year -- he's got terrific stuff, most notably his fastball and curve, both of which are above average. He hasn't needed a changeup much, but he has the feel for one. There might be one or two right-handers who rank ahead of Hunt heading into the Draft, but he's not too far behind them in the pecking order.
- Andrew Liebel
- Pitcher, Long Beach State
- 2008
- 2008 Candidates
  GSA Winners
- 2008
- Andrew Liebel
- Pitcher, Long Beach State
- Bats/Throws: R/R | IP: 117.1 | W-L: 8-4 | ERA: 2.22 | BB: 19 | SO: 97
- College seniors are always intriguing draftees, largely because they appear to be easier signs, and Andrew Liebel could be among the first to hear his name called. Long Beach State's Friday starter has competed well, averaging nearly eight innings per start, despite having just average stuff across the board. He does have a pretty good idea of how to pitch and that, along with his competitive nature, should be enough to get him drafted.
- Josh Romanski
- Pitcher / Outfielder, San Diego
- 2008
- 2008 Candidates
  GSA Winners
- 2008
- Josh Romanski
- Pitcher / Outfielder, San Diego
- Bats/Throws: L/L | IP: 96.2 | W-L: 9-1 | ERA: 4.00 | BB: 20 | SO: 78
- There is some debate over Josh Romanski's value, whether it's higher on the mound or in the outfield. He's got a solid hitting approach with occasional power, and he's OK in center field, though few think he could play there every day at the next level. He might be a bit of a tweener who ends up being a pretty good fourth outfielder one day.
- Ryan Lavarnway
- Catcher, Yale
- 2008
- 2008 Candidates
  GSA Winners
- 2008
- Ryan Lavarnway
- Catcher, Yale
- Bats/Throws: R/R | Avg: .398 | H: 43 | R: 28 | HR: 13 | RBI: 42
- Ryan Lavarnway has had a solid junior season in 2008, following his breakout year in 2007. The Yale standout moved behind the plate last year and set school records in batting average (.467), slugging percentage (.873), home runs (14), hits (70), doubles (17), RBIs (55) and total bases (131). His batting average and slugging percentage led the NCAA. With hits in the first 23 games of the 2007 season, he broke a 78-year-old school record for longest hitting streak, and including the last two games of 2006, his 25-game streak also set a new Ivy League record.
- Pat McAnaney
- Pitcher, Virginia
- 2008
- 2008 Candidates
  GSA Winners
- 2008
- Pat McAnaney
- Pitcher, Virginia
- Bats/Throws: R/L | IP: 83.1 | W-L: 4-6 | ERA: 3.89 | BB: 28 | SO: 93
- The Pittsburgh Pirates have selected Pat McAnaney twice now (in the 38th round in 2007 and in the 28th round out of high school). The left-hander came back for his senior season, though, to lead the Virginia staff, setting career-highs in strikeouts and innings pitched. McAnaney was named to the Louisville Slugger Freshman All-American Team in 2005 after going 7-0 with a 1.55 ERA. His ability to throw strikes makes him a valuable commodity from the left side.
- Nate Recknagel
- First Baseman, Michigan
- 2008
- 2008 Candidates
  GSA Winners
- 2008
- Nate Recknagel
- First Baseman, Michigan
- Bats/Throws: R/R | Avg: .368 | H: 77 | R: 56 | HR: 23 | RBI: 68
- Few players can mash the ball with the ferocity of Michigan's Nate Recknagel, who has more than 20 homers to go with his 60-plus RBIs in his senior season in Ann Arbor. Recknagel's slash stats -- .368 batting average/.465 on-base percentage/.751 slugging percentage -- were the biggest reason why Michigan romped to the Big Ten regular-season title this spring.
- Mike McKenna
- Outfielder, Florida Atlantic
- 2008
- 2008 Candidates
  GSA Winners
- 2008
- Mike McKenna
- Outfielder, Florida Atlantic
- Bats/Throws: R/R | Avg: .394 | H: 97 | R: 67 | HR: 16 | RBI: 75
- Mike McKenna entered 2008 with a slew of preseason accolades, thanks to the .413 batting average he posted in 2007. The senior, who had a 23-game hitting streak last season, has also proven he can hit for power, posting single-season RBI and home run totals that rank him in the top-10 in those categories in FAU history. He's followed with another season hitting close to .400 to go with similarly stellar power numbers for the Owls in 2008.
- Josh Satin
- Second Baseman, California
- 2008
- 2008 Candidates
  GSA Winners
- 2008
- Josh Satin
- Second Baseman, California
- Bats/Throws: R/R | Avg: .379 | H: 74 | R: 56 | HR: 18 | RBI: 52
- After earning all-star honors for the second consecutive summer in the Cape Cod League, Josh Satin returned to Cal for his senior season and has not disappointed, joining teammate David Cooper at the top of every offensive statistical category for the Bears, all while playing a premium position. Satin has proven himself an exceptional hitter with power to all fields, a rarity for a second baseman. He was the first freshman since Xavier Nady to earn All-America and All-Pac-10 honors.
- David Sappelt
- Outfielder, Coastal Carolina
- 2008
- 2008 Candidates
  GSA Winners
- 2008
- David Sappelt
- Outfielder, Coastal Carolina
- Bats/Throws: R/R | Avg: .355 | H: 94 | R: 63 | HR: 18 | RBI: 67
- A stellar offensive year in 2007 led to David Sappelt being named to the Louisville Slugger Preseason All-America Third Team before the 2008 season. The compact outfielder has spent extensive time in both center and left field, but he prefers center. As a sophomore, he broke Coastal Carolina's record for most hits in a single season with a Big South-leading 99 base knocks.
- Xavier Scruggs
- First Baseman, UNLV
- 2008
- 2008 Candidates
  GSA Winners
- 2008
- Xavier Scruggs
- First Baseman, UNLV
- Bats/Throws: R/R | Avg: .379 | H: 86 | R: 60 | HR: 20 | RBI: 65
- Xavier Scruggs has been the main bright spot for a struggling UNLV squad. An improving fielder, he can play both corner infield spots and has entrenched himself at first base this year, thanks to his impressive power at the plate. He's broken out in his junior year with a huge regular season, hitting 20 homers, driving in 65 runs and slugging .749. Those numbers have clearly made him one of the nation's premier power hitters.
- Chris Shehan
- Outfielder, Georgia Southern
- 2008
- 2008 Candidates
  GSA Winners
- 2008
- Chris Shehan
- Outfielder, Georgia Southern
- Bats/Throws: R/R | Avg: .438 | H: 98 | R: 84 | HR: 22 | RBI: 77
- Chris Shehan came into his own as a hitter after being moved defensively from third base to the outfield, where his speed, athleticism and strong arm made him a natural fit. One of the nation's leaders in total bases and batting average, Shehan has led his Georgia Southern team's torrid offensive attack in 2008. He is widely considered one of the most impressive hitters in the country.
- Stephen Strasburg
- Pitcher, San Diego State
- 2008
- 2008 Candidates
  GSA Winners
- 2008
- Stephen Strasburg
- Pitcher, San Diego State
- Bats/Throws: R/R | IP: 97.1 | W-L: 8-3 | ERA: 1.57 | BB: 16 | SO: 133
- A tall, talented right-hander who worked out of the bullpen as a freshman, Stephen Strasburg has moved to the starting rotation in his sophomore season, and that move has paid off. He's near the top of the nation in ERA and strikeouts, and his strikeouts-per-nine innings have actually increased since last year. The San Diego native was one of the best closers in the country in 2007, striking out 11.7 batters per nine innings. Then, the next summer, he played for Torrington in the New England Collegiate Baseball League and was named the league's top reliever and top pro prospect.
- Pat Venditte
- Pitcher, Creighton
- 2008
- 2008 Candidates
  GSA Winners
- 2008
- Pat Venditte
- Pitcher, Creighton
- Bats/Throws: L/S | IP: 86.1 | W-L: 9-3 | ERA: 3.34 | BB: 21 | SO: 101
- Pat Venditte, a "switch-pitcher" who is effective as a reliever throwing right-handed or left-handed, could prove to be an "economical two-for-one" for some Major League team, according to longtime Phillies scout Jerry Lafferty. Venditte throws hard with an over-the-top motion while throwing righty and uses a side-armed delivery and a nasty slider as a lefty. The buzz from scouts is that someone will definitely take a chance on this one-man bullpen.
- Justin Smoak
- First Baseman, South Carolina
- 2008
- 2008 Candidates
  GSA Winners
- 2008
- Justin Smoak
- First Baseman, South Carolina
- Bats/Throws: S/L | Avg: .383 | H: 90 | R: 63 | HR: 23 | RBI: 72
- There are a number of top-notch college first basemen in this year's class, and Justin Smoak is right at the top of the list. That's because he's got a smooth and easy swing that generates plenty of power from both sides of the plate. This isn't college power; it will translate just fine to the pro game. He can't run and is limited to first base defensively, but there will be more than enough bat to make up for those shortcomings.
- Tanner Scheppers
- Pitcher, Fresno State
- 2008
- 2008 Candidates
  GSA Winners
- 2008
- Tanner Scheppers
- Pitcher, Fresno State
- Bats/Throws: R/R | IP: 70.2 | W-L: 8-2 | ERA: 2.93 | BB: 34 | SO: 109
- Originally recruited by Fresno State as a shortstop, Tanner Scheppers is an intriguing right-hander with a ton of upside. He may be a little raw because of his lack of experience -- he showed just two pitches early in the season -- but the above-average fastball and strong early results will be enough to keep scouts coming and keep him moving up Draft charts all spring.
- Jemile Weeks
- Second Baseman, Miami
- 2008
- 2008 Candidates
  GSA Winners
- 2008
- Jemile Weeks
- Second Baseman, Miami
- Bats/Throws: R/R | Avg: .366 | H: 79 | R: 75 | HR: 11 | RBI: 57
- Even though he plays the same position as his older brother, Rickie, Jemile Weeks is not the same kind of player. He doesn't have, and likely will never have, the kind of power Rickie does. He runs extremely well and with a line-drive approach, could be a good table-setter. His defense is somewhat in question, but a move to center would fix that. The Brewers drafted Weeks in the eighth round in 2005, and it's clear that it was more than just a favor to his brother.
- Alex White
- Pitcher, North Carolina
- 2008
- 2008 Candidates
  GSA Winners
- 2008
- Alex White
- Pitcher, North Carolina
- Bats/Throws: R/R | IP: 81.1 | W-L: 9-3 | ERA: 2.66 | BB: 37 | SO: 95
- Sophomore right-hander Alex White has been in the Tar Heels' rotation, for the most part, since he arrived in Chapel Hill. His freshman season was highlighted by a victory over Virginia in the ACC Tournament in which he struck out five Cavaliers and held them to two hits and no runs over seven innings. In his sophomore season, he's been the ace of the Carolina staff, lowering his ERA nearly a run and a half since his opening campaign, while hoping to lead the club back to the College World Series in Omaha.