Nolan Gallagher got the start today for Stanford and lasted just three innings. It was the fourth time in six starts that the Stanford "ace" didn't make it past four innings. The junior righty struggled with control, but still showed flashes striking out three. The Cardinal need Gallagher to get his act together, they can't keep outslugging the opposition on days when he starts. Stanford gets a 12 day layoff because of finals, so it will be interesting to see if he is still in the rotation when the Pac-10 season rolls around. My guess is yes, mostly because Stanford doesn't really have anyone else to go to.

While Gallagher is a big-time prospect that is struggling, Taylor is a prospect that is finding his stride. Right now he is hitting for power and average, and his arm in rightfield is probably the best in the conference. At 6-foot-6 and 260 pounds Taylor is a physical specimen and if he can keep the offensive production going, he could easily be a first round draft pick in June.

USC looked good this weekend, but they too are not without some concerns. All three of their starters pitched alright (Brad Boxberger pitched a great game on Saturday), but with the exception of closer Paul Koss, the bullpen has some issues. Relievers gave up ten runs today and three runs on Friday night. If Koss ever needs a day off, it will be an adventure in a close game.

USC has a slow week before facing ASU to open the Pac-10 in two weeks. That series against the Sun Devils could give an early indication of who to look for at the top of the standings at the end of the year. ASU, USC, OSU and UCLA should all be in the mix for the conference title, and Stanford could definitely find themselves in the mix.

Thanks for reading this weekend. Hopefully I'll be back sometime down the road.