Anteaters await potential roster pillaging by pro ranks

Hillman, a hard-hitting third baseman, is projected to go between rounds 10 and 15, Altobelli said. The two-time All-Southern California performer, hit .363 with 11 homers, 53 RBIs, a school-record 21 doubles and a .646 slugging percentage for the Pirates in 2009.

Deragisch, a first-team All-Big West performer who split time between third base and the outfield, hit .355 with three homers and 39 RBIs as a senior.

Stevenson, a junior second baseman who earned second-team All-Big West Conference recognition, hit .346 with three homers and 41 RBIs.

Hernandez, whom Gillespie called the program’s best hitter, sat out 2009 due to eligibility issues after transferring from a community college.

“If [some scouts] were doing their job and paying attention in the fall and in some of our intrasquad games, [Hernandez] has a chance to get drafted,” Gillespie said.

Asaro, who hit .230 with no homers and 10 RBIs as a senior, was drafted in the 47th round by the St. Louis Cardinals last season.

Altobelli said sophomore Ricky Stokes is another hoping to be drafted, while former Pirates Eric Oliver (a senior at UC Santa Barbara) and Nick Rotkowitz (a senior at Biola) and Daniel Cooper (a Costa Mesa High product who pitched at Rice and USC) are additional prospects awaiting the call.