Few programs have been able to compete with Arizona State in the consistency department the past few seasons.

The Sun Devils had an excellent team two seasons ago and were ousted from the postseason in super regional play by eventual national champion Fresno State.

Last season, though, the Devils returned to business. They dominated the Pac-10 and won a regional and super regional before returning to the College World Series with weekend starters Mike Leake and Josh Spence leading the way.

Leake, an All-American, was a first-round draft pick this past summer and is long gone. Spence, though, surprised everyone by deciding to return to Tempe, Ariz., for his senior campaign. His return is absolutely huge for the Devils.

Offensively, the Devils appear to be in solid shape. Sure, replacing power hitters Jason Kipnis and Carlos Ramirez will be difficult. However, they welcome back at least eight key hitters, including Kole Calhoun, who was a man on a mission in Omaha this past summer.

Look for the Sun Devils to once again return to Omaha.

It's time to breakdown the Devils.

Arizona State's five fall keys

1. Move forward without Mike Leake -- The Sun Devils were spoiled the last three seasons with the right-handed pitcher in the weekend rotation. Leake was an outstanding asset for the program and finished off his career in style last season. He started 18 games and had a 1.71 ERA in 142 innings. He also struck out 162 and walked 24 and held opposing teams to an incredibly low .193 clip. The Devils are in fantastic shape with the return of senior pitcher Josh Spence, but Leake being out of the rotation still is a huge hit. Others such as Seth Blair, Matt Newman and Mitchell Lambson must rise to the occasion in the spring.

2. Spence needs to have a big year -- The Australian left-handed pitcher had an amazing junior campaign last season. But after turning down the Angels after getting drafted in the third round last season, you just hope he doesn't have a down 2010 campaign. Spence compiled great numbers in '09. He started 15 games and made 18 appearances and had a 2.37 ERA in 102 2/3 innings. He also struck out 125 and walked 30 and held opposing teams to a .240 batting average. The Devils certainly have some talent on the mound, but Spence must emulate last season's numbers to have the ability to win a national title. We don't expect the lefty to skip a beat.

3. Create more bullpen depth -- The Sun Devils found a way to put together phenomenal numbers on the mound last season without too much depth. It worked last season and the Devils compiled a 2.90 ERA. But in '10, we expect the Devils to work hard on creating more bullpen depth. In addition to Leake's departure, the Devils also are without Jason Franzblau, who recorded 20 appearances last season. Potential key relievers include Matt Newman, Mitchell Lambson and Jordan Swagerty. More arms will be needed and several newcomers could assume starter or reliever roles. The list includes freshman stud Jake Barrett, Merrill Kelly, Brady Rodgers and Josh Moody. Look for ASU to make this a top priority between now and the spring.

4. Replace the power of Kipnis and Ramirez -- The Devils welcome back a talented lineup but need some hitters to rise to the occasion from a power standpoint. ASU will be without Jason Kipnis and Carlos Ramirez in the spring. Kipnis batted .384 with 16 homers and 71 RBIs last season. Ramirez, meanwhile, batted .338 with 19 homers and 75 RBIs. Also worth noting is the fact Kipnis recorded 21 doubles and four triples and Ramirez rpped 13 doubles and a pair of triples. ASU welcomes back power producer Kole Calhoun, but that won't be enough. It needs some guys to step up in the spring.

5. Meet expectations at the plate -- Sure, the Devils have a plethora of power to replace, and that could become a huge issue in the spring. But for now, it does look like this team will be able to hit with consistency from a batting average standpoint. ASU batted .303 last season in what was considered a "down" year for many inside the program. That likely is good news for the upcoming campaign. Even without Ramirez and Kipnis, the Devils still welcome back at least eight hitters that earned significant playing time last season. The list includes Johnny Ruettiger, Kole Calhoun, Drew Maggi, Matt Newman, Andy Workman, Riccio Torrez, Raoul Torrez and Zack MacPhee. Look for this unit to be much better in the average department. Power, though, is a question mark.