Justin Blaine

Blaine is the top college pitcher in San Diego eligible for this year's draft, even though he ranks as no better than the third-best pitching prospect on his own staff. A year from now when they become eligible, USD teammates Nate Boman and Josh Butler are expected to be premium picks. Blaine carried much of the pitching load this year, however, after Boman was lost to arm surgery. He was the first college pitcher to reach 100 innings and he may have tired down the stretch as his performance was inconsistent and his stuff flattened out. In 117 innings, he had struck out 106 and walked 58. His fastball touched 91 mph, but more commonly registered in the 87-89 range late in the year. His other stuff is considered just fair, but he can be tough on lefthanded hitters. A .500 pitcher at the college level prior to this season, Blaine had a big summer in the Cape Cod League in 2004, which elevated his stock. He has drawn mixed interest this spring; some teams see high as a fourth- to sixth-rounder while others see him closer to a 10th-rounder.