Barrett Astin

Arkansas built its 2012 College World Series team from the bullpen forward, beginning with Astin. He was electric as the team's durable closer, saving 11 games, getting plenty of ground balls and posting a 1.99 ERA. The 6-foot-1, 200-pounder also showed a fastball that reached 94-95 mph with bowling ball life down in the zone. He moved into a starting role this year and has been less electric, with his fastball sitting more in the 89-92 mph range. Astin throws a slider with cutter action that helps him combat lefthanded hitters, while adding a solid-average curveball with good shape. He does a good job of missing down, keeping the ball in the ballpark and avoiding big innings. Astin hasn't shown the durability to be a full-time starter, lasting more than six innings only once, and most teams think he profiles better as a fast-moving reliever.