Matthew Hopps

Hopps is 23 and will be 24 in October, making him one of the oldest players in the 2009 draft. In High School, the 6'5" 240 pound righthander was a pitcher, first baseman and middle linebacker on the football team. Hopps began his career at CS Dominguez Hills, a D-2 school, as a position player and was named CCAA freshman of the year in 2005. His 7 homers and 45 rbis were offset by 64 strikeouts in 55 games, prompting a move to the mound. Injuries forced him to redshirt in 2007, but Hopps has been a solid starter in 2008 and 2009. Big, intimidating and physical, Hopps has no qualms about throwing inside. In a game against UCSD this year, he drilled a former High School teammate with the first pitch. Hopps fires a low 90's fastball and low 70's to high 80's curve, but mechanics and command have always been his nemesis. Hopps may begin his pro career as a starter, but he should easily transition into a middle relief role.