Nick Gaudi

Righthanded closer Nick Gaudi was the most pleasant surprise in a disappointing season for Pepperdine. The 6-foot-4, 202-pounder racked up 47 strikeouts in 35 innings and saved nine after having 15 saves in 2008. Scouts attribute his 2009 success to the development of his slider and split-finger fastball, which finish off hitters after he sets them up by throwing his 88-91 mph fastball for strikes.