Some of the top college baseball players to watch this season:

— Pedro Alvarez, 3B, Vanderbilt, junior. One of country's top all-around hitters (.386, 18 home runs, 68 RBIs) could be first position player drafted in June.

— Aaron Crow, RHP, Missouri, junior. Possible No. 1 overall pick improved draft stock in Cape Cod League, where he flashed upper-90s fastball and was selected top pro prospect.

— Preston Guilmet, RHP, Arizona, junior. Pac-10 pitcher of year went 12-2 with 1.87 ERA and 146 strikeouts, which tied for fourth in nation.

— Ryan Lavarnway, C, Yale, junior. Set school records in various offensive categories, including Division I-leading .467 batting average, 14 HRs, 55 RBIs and 131 total bases.

— Brian Matusz, LHP, San Diego, junior. Another possibility for Tampa Bay at No. 1 because of excellent command of low- to mid-90s fastball, solid changeup and curve.

— Kyle Russell, OF, Texas, junior. Returned to Longhorns after leading Division I with school-record 28 HRs as draft-eligible sophomore.

— Justin Smoak, 1B, South Carolina, junior. Switch-hitting slugger has power from both sides and is also outstanding defensive player.

— Jacob Thompson, RHP, Virginia, junior. Had dominant sophomore season while going 11-0 with 1.50 ERA and was finalist for Roger Clemens Award as nation's top pitcher.

— Brett Wallace, 3B, Arizona State, junior. Pac-10 player of year won conference's Triple Crown after hitting .404 with 16 HRs, 78 RBIs.

— Jemile Weeks, 2B, Miami, junior. Younger brother of Milwaukee's Rickie Weeks is Hurricanes' sparkplug and one of country's most exciting players when healthy.