2010 College World Series: The Top 10 Pitchers

The College World Series is under way, and there will be a number of big-time arms on display in Omaha in the weeks to come.

UCLA boasts easily the deepest staff of the group, but there are a number of individual aces that could make some noise as well, and a trio of closers that are among the nation's best.

So with that, here are the top 10 pitchers at this year's College World Series.

No. 10: Dan Klein, UCLA

Season Stats: 6-0, 9 Saves, 1.93 ERA, 50 K
Class: Sophomore (RS)

As much talk as there is about UCLA's starting pitching depth, Klein is just as impressive in the late inning role as evidenced by his team-best 1.93 ERA.

Klein was taken in the third round by the Orioles, and should be on the fast track to the majors with his late-inning experience and solid stuff.

No. 9: Alex Panteliodis, Florida

Season Stats: 11-2, 3.26 ERA, 80 K
Class: Sophomore

Panteliodis is at the head of what is a weak Florida rotation. However, he is a legitimate ace, and his ability was on full display against Miami in Game One of the Super Regionals when he struck out 11 in a complete game win.

Still just a sophomore, Panteliodis will be back next season and will attempt to move himself into position to be a high draft pick next summer.

No. 8: Trevor Bauer, UCLA

Season Stats: 10-3, 3.02 ERA, 141 K
Class: Sophomore

UCLA undoubtedly has the best starting pitching in Omaha, and Bauer is one of three ace-quality pitchers in the Bruins rotation. He was one of the top freshmen pitchers in the country last season, and the success has carried over.

Bauer also played with Team USA last summer, and will be an early round pick in next year's draft, but for now he will focus on taking the mound in Game One of the Florida series.

No. 7: Rob Rasmussen, UCLA

Season Stats: 11-2, 2.73 ERA, 117 K
Class: Junior

The second of the Bruins big three on this list, Rasmussen led the trio in wins and ERA this season, helping to make him a second round pick by the Florida Marlins.

While Bauer will get the opening game start, Rasmussen gives the Bruins another ace, and he should see a favorable matchup on the mound against pitching thin Florida.

No. 6: Kevin Chapman, Florida

Season Stats: 3-0, 11 Saves, 1.48 ERA, 43 K
Class: Junior

Chapman, a hard-throwing left-hander, has been a workhorse for the Gators this season, making 30 appearances and pitching a total of 42.1 innings.

He will bring his game to the Royals at the next level, as they made him a fourth round pick. With his stuff, he could be one of the first of the 2010 class to reach the majors.

No. 5: Jordan Swagerty, Arizona State

Season Stats: 14 Saves, 2.06 ERA, 46 K
Class: Sophomore

Swagerty, a second round pick by the Cardinals, was arguably the best closer in college baseball this season, but he is far from a traditional stopper.

His fastball sits in the low-90s, and he is more of a finesse pitcher than a flamethrower. Beyond that though, he is the team's backup catcher and has caught and pitched in the same game four times this season.

No. 4: Blake Cooper, South Carolina

Season Stats: 12-1, 2.81 ERA, 105 K
Class: Senior

While he wasn't quite as high of a draft pick as some others on this list, going in the 12th round, Cooper is the heart and soul of the South Carolina rotation and he has been excellent as their ace all season.

Oklahoma is a good offensive team, and getting a win with Cooper on the mound will be paramount for the Gamecocks' hopes of advancing.

No. 3: Gerrit Cole, UCLA

Season Stats: 10-3, 3.25 ERA, 138 K
Class: Sophomore

Cole, a first round pick by the Yankees two years ago who made headlines by not even negotiating with the team—despite being a Boras client—has one of college baseball's best fastballs, and he used it to rank 12th nationally with 11.4 K/9.

He will no doubt be a first round pick once again next year, and he is the most talented of the Bruins' three great starting pitchers.

No. 2: Seth Blair, Arizona State

Season Stats: 12-0, 3.35 ERA, 104 K
Class: Junior

The 46th overall pick in this year's draft, Blair anchors a solid Sun Devils staff, but he is clearly the ace.

Blair throws a mid-90s fastball with a devastating knuckle curve that highlights his full four pitch repertoire. He should be a good one at the next level.

No. 1: Matt Purke, TCU

Season Stats: 14-0, 3.23 ERA, 133 K
Class: Freshman

Purke is at the head of the class in this year's College World Series, with his nation-high 14 wins and electric stuff.

A first-round pick last season out of high school, Purke turned down a $4 million signing bonus to bring his game to TCU, and he has shown all season why he was worthy of such high standing.