Golden Spikes Award 2008 Semifinalists

Quiet and businesslike in nature, Dustin Ackley burst on the national scene as a freshman thanks to his offensive prowess.

Yonder Alonso or Justin Smoak. Smoak or Alonso. It can be quite a debate over which college 1B should go first on Draft day.

George Brown, the ace of a St. John's staff, has won at least 40 games in each of his seasons in Jamaica, Queens.

After finishing with matching 1.76 ERAs in both his first two seasons, Anthony Capra is doing it again his junior year.

UCLA senior second baseman Alden Carrithers played his first two years at UC-Santa Barbara, hitting .317 with a strong .444 on-base percentage.

Sawyer Carroll turned down an offer a year ago to sign with the Washington Nationals as an 18th-round draft pick to return to Kentucky.

Dane Carter played his freshman and sophomore seasons at Vernon (Texas) College, receiving first-team all-conference honors both years.

College catchers, especially those who hit lefty, are always in demand, and Jason Castro has put himself in position to be one of the first backstops taken.

The Pirates drafted Matt Clark in the 28th round in the 2007 Draft, but a productive season in 2008 likely means an improved First-Year Player Draft position.

There are a number of college first baseman to choose from this Draft season, and David Cooper is making a claim to be among the first to be chosen.

Collin Cowgill is one of those outfielders whose performance surpasses how his tools grades. After turning down the A's, he's certainly improved his Draft status this year.

A five-tool player, Jordan Danks is a versatile OF who moved from left to center in 2008 after he was a part of the U.S. National Team that won the silver at the 2007 Pan Am Games.

On radars since high school, when he was the Rays' 19th-round selection, Ike Davis has a sweet lefty swing that should generate more power in the future.

The only freshman named as a semifinalist for the Golden Spikes Award, Kentrail Davis accepted invitation to the 2008 U.S. National Team Trials.

One of the bigger enigmas in the upcoming Draft class, Chris Dominguez is eligible as a sophomore after redshirting his freshman year back in 2006.

While the 6'3" right-hander may not be able to match the 12 wins of his junior season, Johnny Dorn has reduced his ERA by more than 2.5 runs as a senior.

In another year, Allan Dykstra might be a hot commodity as a college, lefty, power-hitting first baseman with advanced skills at the plate.

Sophomore outfielder Tim Fedroff made a large impact on the Tar Heels in his debut season in 2007, finishing second on the team in batting.

A second-round Draft pick last year by the Braves after a subpar junior season, Josh Fields and his advisor could not come to terms with Atlanta.

A strong and athletic infielder with a classic lefty swing, Ryan Flaherty has drawn a comparison to Wally Joyner in terms of his offensive skill set.

Behind San Diego's Brian Matusz, Christian Friedrich is likely the best college lefty -- especially once he gains more consistent command.

After a strong Cape season, Conor Gillaspie has followed up with an excellent junior campaign and has been over .400 for most of the year.

Scott Gorgen's impressive combination of stuff, command and makeup in a different package would be flying up Draft charts everywhere.

2007 Pac-10 Pitcher of the Year Preston Guilmet won't light up a radar gun, but he's got three outstanding secondary pitches and excellent command.

Jeremy Hamilton is the driving force behind a Wright State club trying to reach its third straight Horizon League Tournament title game.

A legitimate prospect in high school, teams were scared off by Reese Havens because of his strong commitment to South Carolina.

With a strong junior season, Shooter Hunt has moved himself into serious first-round contention, sporting an above-average fastball and curve.

Not on the map to start the season, Jake Jefferies has had a tremendous junior campaign and has been steadily moving up the ladder all year.

Corey Kemp, a former JUCO stud, has found success on a bigger stage at East Carolina. Kemp is touted as a highly intelligent catcher who receives pitches well and who isn't afraid to block the plate.

Ryan Lavarnway has had a solid junior season in 2008, following his breakout year in 2007. The Yale standout moved behind the plate last year and set school records in multiple categories, including home runs.

College seniors are always intriguing draftees, largely because they appear to be easier signs, and Long Beach State starter Andrew Liebel could be among the first this year to hear his name called.

The Pittsburgh Pirates have selected Pat McAnaney twice now. The left-hander came back for his senior season, though, to lead the Virginia staff, setting career-highs in strikeouts and innings pitched.

Mike McKenna entered 2008 with a slew of preseason accolades, thanks to the .413 batting average he posted in 2007.

Few players can mash the ball with the ferocity of Michigan's Nate Recknagel, who has more than 20 homers and 60+ RBIs.

There is some debate over San Diego two-way player Josh Romanski's value, whether it's higher on the mound or in the outfield.

A stellar 2007 led to David Sappelt being named to the Louisville Slugger Preseason All-America Third Team in 2008.

After earning all-star honors for the second consecutive summer in the Cape Cod League, Josh Satin returned to Cal for his senior season.

Originally recruited by Fresno State as a shortstop, Tanner Scheppers is an intriguing right-handed starter with a ton of upside.

Xavier Scruggs has been the main bright spot for a struggling UNLV squad. An improving fielder, he plays both corner infield spots.

Georgia Southern's Chris Shehan came into his own as a hitter after being moved defensively from third base to the outfield.

There are a number of top-notch college first basemen in this year's class, and Justin Smoak is right at the top of the list.

A tall, talented righty who worked out of the bullpen as a freshman, Stephen Strasburg has moved to the starting rotation in 2008.

Pat Venditte, a "switch-pitcher" who is effective as a lefty and righty reliever, could be an "economical two-for-one" in the Majors.

Even though he plays the same position as his older brother, Rickie, Miami infielder Jemile Weeks is not the same kind of player.

Sophomore right-hander Alex White has been in the Tar Heels' rotation, for the most part, since he arrived in Chapel Hill.