Kirk Saarloos

Saarloos to play pro ball after his junior year at Cal State Fullerton, but no team drafted him. So the 6-foot, 180-pound righthander joined Team USA and was spectacular as the team's closer, going 3-0, 0.34 with four saves. That performance, on a team full of first-round talent, ignited confidence in Saarloos. He had a senior season the equal of any pitcher in college baseball. He led the Big West Conference in almost every pitching category as the Titans entered regional play as the national No. 1 seed. He doesn't have the dominant stuff expected of a high-round pick, but he'll be drafted in the second or third round by a team that's looking for a bargain and someone who can move quickly. Saarloos' stuff has not changed much since last year, but he has become a master at keeping hitters off balance with an 86-88 mph fastball that has excellent sink and run, a fine slider and a changeup. More than one scout described Saarloos as Doug Jones with more velocity. He projects as a set-up man in pro ball.