Huston Street

No one discusses Street without mentioning the words "heart" or "winner." As a freshman, he saved all four victories as Texas won the 2002 College World Series, and he outdid that performance last summer with the U.S. national team. In the semifinals of the Pan American Games in the Dominican Republic, Street pitched 8 2/3 innings of shutout relief to beat Mexico in a 14-inning classic, finishing with a 94-mph fastball. He didn't allow a run in 29 innings with Team USA. Street missed March with a strained groin and hasn't had his usual unbelievable sink for much of the spring, but he still put up a 1.60 ERA and limited opponents to a .172 average. Street isn't the most physical pitcher at 6 feet and 190 pounds, and neither his 88-92 mph fastball nor his slider are overpowering. But he generates good life on both pitches and spots them so well that he misses bats. He'll need a better changeup to combat pro lefthanders, an adjustment he should be able to make. Clubs that noted the quick arrival in the majors of 2003 first-round relievers Ryan Wagner, Chad Cordero and David Aardsma will be attracted to Street in this year's opening round. The Expos, who took Cordero 20th overall last June, could have some interest in Street at No. 13.