C:
1. Josh Phegley - Indiana… Junior… 5-11, 215, R/R… 2008: Was named a second team All-American by Collegiate Baseball News, the American Baseball Coaches Association, the National Collegiate Baseball Writers of America and Ping!Baseball… .438/.507/.756, 34 BB/22K, 37 extra base hits in 224 at bats… .522 wOBA*, .329 IsoP, 16.5% BB, 13.6% K… having a big year in 2009 at the plate… currently considered one of the two (Tony Sanchez) top college catchers available in the draft. Could possibly be moved out of position long term… mixed reviews on defensive ability… thru 5/6: .368/13HRs… 5/18: hitting .362 with seven homers and 62 RBIs… 5/18 from MiLB: There's little question about the Hoosier backstop's ability to hit, and he showed it in a weekend series against Michigan. Phegley went 6-for-11 with a pair of home runs in that three-game set. For the season, he's batted .354 and slugged .672 with 17 homers and 62 RBIs…. From Lincoln Hamilton’s Top 30 draftees… #14 (top catcher on list) - Josh Phegley Offensive first catcher, .354/.470/.672 with 42 BB and 29 K, will lose a lot of value if not C… year: 21.2… 5-28 from MLBBonusBaby: - position in overall draft: 49. Pittsburgh – Josh Phegley, C, Indiana – Signability is a huge part in a draft, and if the Pirates do get Jacob Turner with their first pick, then I don’t doubt that this pick will be on the cheap end. Phegley’s catching skills are in question, but he’s got a good bat with moderate power. Previously: #50… 5-29 ProjectProspect’s analysis of top 20 hitters in draft: Josh Phegley just keeps hitting. While generally thought of as a lesser prospect than BC's backstop Tony Sanchez, Phegley has a clear statistical advantage. Phegley's combination of plus patience and well above-average contact ability and power make him a good bet to keep hitting as a big leaguer. He's a relatively poor defender, but not completely hopeless. If he stays as a catcher he projects as an elite hitter, but even if he has to shift to a corner he could be solid-average offensively and still a possible everyday player.
2. Max Stassi – Yuba City… 5-10, 190… excellent defense… strong arm… power potential… hit three home runs in his first two games this season…18 years old… verbally committed to UCLA… a baseball rat… excellent plus plus defensively… great catch and throw skills… line drive hitter… good speed for a catcher. 2009: As of 4-7: 14-22, 7 doubles, 7 HRs… a baseball rat… rocket arm… from realsportsblooger, who picked Stassi first catcher drafted: The best statistical prep hitter among the catchers, Stassi is probably the most complete catcher of the prep class in this draft. He has a highly advacned approach to the plate and should hit for a quality average and decent power. He’s been fairly durable and is a capable defender with a cannon for an arm. Overall, he’d be a steal here for the Twins, who could not only get great value here, but an eventually successor to Joe Mauer, whom I think will wind up at third base at some point in the future… From Lincoln Hamilton’s Top 30 draftees… #16 (2nd catcher on list) Polished defensive C with strong arm, good approach at plate, power potential age: 18.1… 5/23: Technically, he's just coming off the shelf, but Max Stassi definitely lost some time and maybe a little of his Draft value by missing a chunk of the year behind the plate because of a shoulder issue. He's at or near the top of a pretty deep list of high school catchers in this class, so being able to show his throwing arm is sound will be important to his future… May 25th ProjectProspect’s mock draft: 20) Toronto Blue Jays - Max Stassi, C Yuba City HS (CA) Toronto has a reputation for being very 'Moneyball' inspired, and hence college heavy in the draft. In reality, the Blue Jays are not opposed to taking high profile high schoolers, enter Max Stassi. Since Luke Bailey's injury, Stassi has resumed his spot as the top high school catcher in a draft very deep at that position. An athletic backstop, with a strong arm, smooth line-drive stroke, and good approach at the plate, Stassi has all the makings of a good big leaguer. Since the Jays' current backstop is Rod Barajas and their catcher of the future, JP Arencibia, is yet to post a OBP over .308 since A-ball, catcher is a spot of organizational need. At this point in the draft, need should match up well with value and Stassi could be trading in dollars for Canadian loonies.
3. Wil Myers - Wasleyan Christian Academy… also plays 3B… hit .625 through March this season… rated No. 13 best high school player in the country by PG Crosschecker as well as the No. 1 best high school player in the state of North Carolina… rated No. 14 best high school player in the country by Baseball America, as well as the No. 27 best prospect in the nation for the 2009 MLB Draft … named by Baseball America as one of the top 10 hitters at the 2008 World Wood Bat Championships. Committed to Univ. South Carolina… 11 HRs in first 11 games… considered more valuable if he stays behind the plate… From Lincoln Hamilton’s Top 30 draftees… #18 (3rd catcher on list) Athletic versitile defender, strong arm, power potential, great offensive potential at C – age: 18.4… May 25th ProjectProspect’s mock draft: 4) Pittsburgh Pirates - Wil Myers, C Wesleyan Christian Academy (NC) Myers ranked No. 18 in my most recent draft board so going fourth overall would seem like a stretch. However, trying to peg what the Pirates are going to do is always a dicey proposition. More importantly, the Pirates' brass seems to be focusing significant financial resources into the Latin American market this summer. Dominican shortstop Miguel Angel Sano seems likely to command as much money as a top five pick. Myers is very athletic and versatile with a solid approach at the plate and good power potential. He should be able to stay at catcher and profiles as above-average offensively and defensively at the position. If the Pirates can come to a "handshake" below-market deal, Myers could be the pick.
4. Luke Bailey - Troup HS (GA)… 6-0, 195, R/R… top prep catcher… also plays 1B… committed to Auburn… has power and a very good arm… rated top high school catcher… some concern about his weight. – 5/1 update: out – strained ulnar collateral ligament while pitching – scheduled for TJS… from BA 5/8: Bailey was near the top of a pretty long list of high school catchers in this Draft class until he underwent Tommy John surgery last week. This report comes from a game a month ago and teams might still be interested in his catch-and-throw skills… From Lincoln Hamilton’s Top 30 draftees… #25 4th catcher on list) Now injured but the tools won't leave, sweet swing, plus power, should be good defender – age: 18.1… 5/23 from BA: Lincoln Hamilton’s Top 30 draftees… #25 Now injured but the tools won't leave, sweet swing, plus power, should be good defender – age:18.1… May 25th ProjectProspect’s mock draft: 26) Milwaukee Brewers - Luke Bailey, C Troup County HS (GA) Just about every team will be monitoring Bailey's early stage recovery from Tommy John surgery, and assuming all goes well he could still figure into the late first round. When fully healthy, Bailey is a smooth defender with a strong, accurate throwing arm who figures to be a plus all-around defender. Offensively, Bailey has big time raw power, as he generates incredible bat speed with strong wrists and maintains great plate coverage. Before the injury, Bailey was a possible top 10 pick and given the high rate of recovery for Tommy John patients, the Brewers could get a steal with this selection. I have a hard time seeing Bailey get by the Red Sox or Yankees, both of whom have deep pockets and a need for a backstop of the future.
5. Griffin Benedict - Georgia Southern… senior… 6-0, 185…hitting .407 with an on-base percentage over .520… 2008: Named Third Team Preseason All-America by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association... Second Team All-Southern Conference... ranked 61st nationally in RBI per game (1.14)... thru 5/6: .412… 5/18: hitting .414 with 10 homers and 51 RBIs…
6. Tony Sanchez – (down from 4th) - Boston College… 5-10, 210… hit .410/.505/.710 through first 78 at-bats this season… Sanchez hit .313 during BC's 2008 season and led the Eagles in most major offensive categories, including hits (66), RBI (45), total bases (109) and home runs (9)… 4-6-9: named ACC pow, for 2nd time in 2009: has 12 HRs so far this season… through 4-7: .381/.475/.763. Current scouting consensus has him first catcher drafted. Is projected to remain behind the plate for his entire career. Thru 4-25: .366/.459/.686, 153 Abs… thru 5/6: .358/14HRs/41RBIs… for season: .362 with 14 homers and 43 RBIs in 49 games… hitting .362/.465/.676 through first 188 at-bats… 5/18: hitting .356 with 14 homers… May 25th ProjectProspect’s mock draft: . 28) Boston Red Sox - Tony Sanchez, C Boston College - Sanchez is a solid, if somewhat unspectacular, prospect who profiles as average or above-average in just about every category. The Red Sox will be a prime target for Luke Bailey, should he drop, and any signability pick will always be on their radar. Boston might prefer to go offense with this pick but some college arms are possibilities, Rex Brothers of Lipscomb, Alex Wilson of Texas A&M, and Eric Arnett of Indiana all figure to go in the late-first to early second round. With Jason Varitek on his last legs and the Red Sox offense having several question marks in the future, a polished product who can move quick and is a solid value makes sense. Of course, none of this offensive despiration would weigh heavily if David Ortiz were still hitting… 5-29 ProjectProspect’s analysis of top 20 hitters in draft: BC's Tony Sanchez made good improvement this year, but his very poor 2008 season keeps his overall score down. My system sees a hitter with average power, poor patience, and iffy contact ability - which isn't a good recipe for a big league hitter. Sanchez has the tools and reputation to profile as a good defender and could have a decent future as a long time big league backup.
7. Mike Zunino - Mariner HS; Cape Coral, FL. 6′2, 185, Bats R, Throws R… verbally committed to Florida… ranked No. 12 in the state of Florida according to Prospectswire.com, No. 2 C … ranked No. 50 on Baseball America's list of Top 100 High School Prospects… ranked No. 60 on PG CrossChecker.com list of Top High School Prospects… batted .457 with 32 RBI, an .897 slugging percentage and a school-record 10 HR
8. Tommy Joseph – (up from 9th) - Horizon HS (AZ)… From BA 5/8: In a tight 6-5 victory in April over Desert Ridge High School and fellow draft prospect Jake Barrett, Joseph when 1-for-4 with a double and three RBIs as Horizon scored six times in the seventh to win. For the season, Joseph has hit .494 through 27 games with 15 homers and 34 RBIs… 5-28 from MLBBonusBaby: - 39. Milwaukee - Tommy Joseph, C, Horizon HS (AZ) – Milwaukee’s a bit hard to predict, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see them in on catchers after watching a few teams prosper from having a surplus. Joseph’s got a huge bat, and if he sticks at catcher, he could be a plus ML catcher long-term. Previously: #30…. Draft Tracker Chart May 27 - 17-year-old is raw behind the plate, but has a strong arm and light-tower power
9. Austin Maddox - Eagle’s View Academy (FL)… 6'4" 220, RR … raw power… tremendous arm…17 years old… can punish the ball… well below-average runner… arm is plus plus… possibly best arm in draft… tree truck thighs… finalist for the Jackie Robinson Award as the 2008 National High School Player of the Year… ranked No. 4 in the state of Florida according to Prospectswire.com, No. 1 C… ranked No. 14 on PG CrossChecker.com list of Top High School Prospects … ranked No. 18 on Baseball America's list of Top 100 High School Prospects… member of the 2008 USA 18-U National Team… first-team Class 1A all-state selection as a catcher in 2008… batted .515 with 67 RBI and 12 homers at Eagle's View Academy last spring… batted .491 with 41 RBI and five homers and was a first-team all-state pick as a sophomore… 1.76 pop time… arm clocked in the mid-90s… committed to Univ. of Florida…. 5/17 BA: lacks fluidity… rest of prep catchers have past him by..
10. Ryan Ortiz - Oregon State… junior… 6-3, 205, R/R… no home run power… below-average speed… average arm but quick release… won Pac-10 pow 4-6-9: 6-12 week before, .500, .667 slug%, .571 OBP… plays 1B also…
11. Cameron Garfield – (up from 15th) - Murrieta Valley HS… 6-0, 190… R/R… 3.71 GPA… committed to San Diego… 5/28 from MiLB: On the Mend - Cameron Garfield, C - Murrieta Valley HS, Calif. - A good combination of defensive skills and hitting ability normally would make any high school catcher intriguing. An ankle injury, though, cut down on his ability to catch during the season and it's clear he suffered from it. He was trying to make up for it with some good workouts, but it will remain to be seen how high Garfield goes.
12. Murphy, J.R.- The Pendleton School, Bradenton, Fla…. From BA: “Formerly an outfielder and third baseman, Murphy's polished bat has produced supplemental-round buzz”
13. Richard Stock - Agoura HS; Agoura Hills, CA. 6′3, 185, Bats L, Throws R… 2008: power hitter… potential 30+ HR hitter… also, gap power… rifle arm, clocked at 1.85 to second… slow on the basepath.
14. Joey Lewis - Georgia … 6-4, 225, junior, R/R… 2008: .264, 6HR, 38 RBI, .979 fielding, threw out 38% of runners… started all six games at the College World Series and batted .450 (9-for-20) with two doubles, a triple and 7 RBI (6 with two outs), his .450 average ranked second overall on the club behind only Gordon Beckham (.522)
15. Geno Escalante – Fairfield HS… 5-10, 185, R/R… Keith Law (9/08 article) had him as the 35th draft pick…
16. Andrew Susac – Jesuit HS; Roseville, CA. 6′1, 190, Bats R, Throws R… Oregon State commit… 2008: earned First-Team honors on the All-State, All-City and All-League lists and was a Perfect Game National Showcase invitee. His junior year, he batted .475 with 33 RBI, eight stolen bases, nine doubles and six home runs.
17. Jonathan Meyer – Simi Valley HS… 6-1, 200… 2008: .402, 34 R, 41 H, 43 RBIs, 9 HR… committed to Cal-State Fullerton… 350 with a .563 slugging percentage over 80 at-bats this season… may switch to 3B in pros…
18. Chris Henderson – 4/27: CAA player of the week: batted .640 prior week… leads league with .436… 5/18: hitting .436 with 21 doubles, 13 homers and 51 RBIs…
19. Drew Robertson - Middle Tenn St…. 6-3, 165… hitting .460 so far this season and has a .535 on-base percentage. 2008: played only in 38 games and batted .175…. thru 5/6: .355/3HR…
20. Dan Burkhart - Ohio State… sophomore… L/R… 5-11, 205… outstanding defensive catcher… 2008: ranked fifth on the team with 53 hits and fourth with 29 RBI ... played summer baseball in the Northwoods League for the Mankato (Minn.) Moon Dogs. 2009: Through 4-7: .387, named Big-10 POW… thru 5/6: .380…
21. Blake Forsythe – Tennessee… 6-2, 220… sophomore… 2008: played in 22 games with 16 starts ... threw out 11 potential base-stealers ... thru 5/6: .333/13HRs…
22. Jonathan Walsh - Coppell HS senior… 6-3, 211… S/R… above average arm… weakness is defense… some pop on ball… very good overall athlete, but known for his bat… can drive the ball gap-to-gap… excellent bat speed… committed to Texas.
23. J.T. Wise – Oklahoma… thru 5/6: .389/15HRs/48RBIs… 5/18: hitting .376 with 16 homers… 5/18: won Big 12 Player of the Year…
24. Diego Seastrunk – Rice… junior… 5-10, 180, S/R… good hitter from both sides of the plate… more of a gap hitter… runs average for catcher… solid arm… a line-drive machine… great name… from Rice 5/10: “Junior catcher Diego Seastrunk first came up with a clutch three-run homer in the bottom of the seventh inning to tie the score, he then hung-on to the ball for the final out in the game's deciding collision at the plate to close out the Rice baseball team's 8-7 victory over visiting UCF in the finale of the three-game Conference USA weekend series Sunday afternoon at Reckling Park”…
25. Mark Fleury – (up from 40th) - North Carolina junior… 4/25: named ACC player of the week: thru 4/25: .339, 10HRs, 52 RBIs… 5/27 BA Draft Tracker “3-down”: Like his Friday-night battery mate, Fleury's stock is falling late in the year. The Tar Heels catcher has stopped hitting, perhaps wearing down from a heavy catching load late in the season, and might slip out of the first five or six rounds altogether. On top of that, he's been relegated to DH duty lately with freshman backstop Jacob Stallings healthy, so scouts aren't getting final looks at Fleury behind the plate. He's still a nice package, as a lefthanded hitter with offensive ability, solid defense and leadership skills, but the bat has taken a step backwards in recent weeks.
26. Carl Leaf – San Ignacio de Loyola HS, Puerto Rico… 5-11, 190, S/R… super speed… power from left side of field… major league arm… 1.91 to 2B… signed with Mississippi State…
27. Jeremy Gillan – Jacksonville… thru 5/6: .412… 5/18: hitting .403 with 18 doubles, 11 homers and 56 RBIs…
28. Billy Alvino – High Point… thru 5/6: .420… 5/18: hitting .417 with 17 doubles, three homers and 47 RBIs…
29. Jeff Farnham - New Mexico St. – 5/18: hitting .386 with 11 homers and 71 RBIs.
30. Matt Williams - Duke… .394 batting average so far this year… 3.41 grade point average…
31. Nolan Arenado – El Toro HS (CA.) – also plays SS… finished season going 8-14 in playoffs… 2009: .529, 21G, 3 HR, 14 doubles, 19 RBIs, 68 Abs.
32. Drew Beuerlein - UNLV junior… 6-0, 195… also plays 1B and DH… solid hitter… 2008: .260, 2 HRs, 10 RBIs…
33. Jack Murphy - Princeton… junior… S/R… 6-4, 230… first team all-Ivy… 2008: .391, 61 H, 156 Abs, 40 RBI, 33R, 8 HR, .628 slug %...
34. Shane Brown - Central Florida… junior… 5-10, 200… 2008: .367, 9 HR, 49 RBI… .609 slug%... .447 OBP
35. Tommy Medica – – 6-1, 190, L/L…
36. Bryce Massanari – Georgia… thru 4/6: .331/17HRs/51RBIs… 5/18: 19 homers and 54 RBIs this season
37. Eric Castro - San Diego State… as of 4/6/09: leads the team: .389/.517/.684, 6 HRs…
38. Trevor Coleman – Missouri – Junior… 6-1, 211 S/R…
39. Carlos Ramirez – Arizona State – transfer from Chandler-Gilbert CC… MVP in Northwoods league… through April 25: .307/.431/.677, 13 HRs… excellent defensively.
40. Travis Simas - Nevada… senior… hit .600 for the week that included his 10th and 11th HR of the season…
41. Steven Barron – Ferguson School (FL) – 6-0, 185… through April: .333 in 23 games..
42. Buck Afenir – Kansas – senior… 6-1, 205… 5/18: named Big 12 player of the week…
43. Ben Theriot - Texas State University L/R - Thrown out 18 of 24 runners… 1.8 consistent pop time... Batting .343…
1. Josh Phegley - Indiana… Junior… 5-11, 215, R/R… 2008: Was named a second team All-American by Collegiate Baseball News, the American Baseball Coaches Association, the National Collegiate Baseball Writers of America and Ping!Baseball… .438/.507/.756, 34 BB/22K, 37 extra base hits in 224 at bats… .522 wOBA*, .329 IsoP, 16.5% BB, 13.6% K… having a big year in 2009 at the plate… currently considered one of the two (Tony Sanchez) top college catchers available in the draft. Could possibly be moved out of position long term… mixed reviews on defensive ability… thru 5/6: .368/13HRs… 5/18: hitting .362 with seven homers and 62 RBIs… 5/18 from MiLB: There's little question about the Hoosier backstop's ability to hit, and he showed it in a weekend series against Michigan. Phegley went 6-for-11 with a pair of home runs in that three-game set. For the season, he's batted .354 and slugged .672 with 17 homers and 62 RBIs…. From Lincoln Hamilton’s Top 30 draftees… #14 (top catcher on list) - Josh Phegley Offensive first catcher, .354/.470/.672 with 42 BB and 29 K, will lose a lot of value if not C… year: 21.2… 5-28 from MLBBonusBaby: - position in overall draft: 49. Pittsburgh – Josh Phegley, C, Indiana – Signability is a huge part in a draft, and if the Pirates do get Jacob Turner with their first pick, then I don’t doubt that this pick will be on the cheap end. Phegley’s catching skills are in question, but he’s got a good bat with moderate power. Previously: #50… 5-29 ProjectProspect’s analysis of top 20 hitters in draft: Josh Phegley just keeps hitting. While generally thought of as a lesser prospect than BC's backstop Tony Sanchez, Phegley has a clear statistical advantage. Phegley's combination of plus patience and well above-average contact ability and power make him a good bet to keep hitting as a big leaguer. He's a relatively poor defender, but not completely hopeless. If he stays as a catcher he projects as an elite hitter, but even if he has to shift to a corner he could be solid-average offensively and still a possible everyday player.
2. Max Stassi – Yuba City… 5-10, 190… excellent defense… strong arm… power potential… hit three home runs in his first two games this season…18 years old… verbally committed to UCLA… a baseball rat… excellent plus plus defensively… great catch and throw skills… line drive hitter… good speed for a catcher. 2009: As of 4-7: 14-22, 7 doubles, 7 HRs… a baseball rat… rocket arm… from realsportsblooger, who picked Stassi first catcher drafted: The best statistical prep hitter among the catchers, Stassi is probably the most complete catcher of the prep class in this draft. He has a highly advacned approach to the plate and should hit for a quality average and decent power. He’s been fairly durable and is a capable defender with a cannon for an arm. Overall, he’d be a steal here for the Twins, who could not only get great value here, but an eventually successor to Joe Mauer, whom I think will wind up at third base at some point in the future… From Lincoln Hamilton’s Top 30 draftees… #16 (2nd catcher on list) Polished defensive C with strong arm, good approach at plate, power potential age: 18.1… 5/23: Technically, he's just coming off the shelf, but Max Stassi definitely lost some time and maybe a little of his Draft value by missing a chunk of the year behind the plate because of a shoulder issue. He's at or near the top of a pretty deep list of high school catchers in this class, so being able to show his throwing arm is sound will be important to his future… May 25th ProjectProspect’s mock draft: 20) Toronto Blue Jays - Max Stassi, C Yuba City HS (CA) Toronto has a reputation for being very 'Moneyball' inspired, and hence college heavy in the draft. In reality, the Blue Jays are not opposed to taking high profile high schoolers, enter Max Stassi. Since Luke Bailey's injury, Stassi has resumed his spot as the top high school catcher in a draft very deep at that position. An athletic backstop, with a strong arm, smooth line-drive stroke, and good approach at the plate, Stassi has all the makings of a good big leaguer. Since the Jays' current backstop is Rod Barajas and their catcher of the future, JP Arencibia, is yet to post a OBP over .308 since A-ball, catcher is a spot of organizational need. At this point in the draft, need should match up well with value and Stassi could be trading in dollars for Canadian loonies.
3. Wil Myers - Wasleyan Christian Academy… also plays 3B… hit .625 through March this season… rated No. 13 best high school player in the country by PG Crosschecker as well as the No. 1 best high school player in the state of North Carolina… rated No. 14 best high school player in the country by Baseball America, as well as the No. 27 best prospect in the nation for the 2009 MLB Draft … named by Baseball America as one of the top 10 hitters at the 2008 World Wood Bat Championships. Committed to Univ. South Carolina… 11 HRs in first 11 games… considered more valuable if he stays behind the plate… From Lincoln Hamilton’s Top 30 draftees… #18 (3rd catcher on list) Athletic versitile defender, strong arm, power potential, great offensive potential at C – age: 18.4… May 25th ProjectProspect’s mock draft: 4) Pittsburgh Pirates - Wil Myers, C Wesleyan Christian Academy (NC) Myers ranked No. 18 in my most recent draft board so going fourth overall would seem like a stretch. However, trying to peg what the Pirates are going to do is always a dicey proposition. More importantly, the Pirates' brass seems to be focusing significant financial resources into the Latin American market this summer. Dominican shortstop Miguel Angel Sano seems likely to command as much money as a top five pick. Myers is very athletic and versatile with a solid approach at the plate and good power potential. He should be able to stay at catcher and profiles as above-average offensively and defensively at the position. If the Pirates can come to a "handshake" below-market deal, Myers could be the pick.
4. Luke Bailey - Troup HS (GA)… 6-0, 195, R/R… top prep catcher… also plays 1B… committed to Auburn… has power and a very good arm… rated top high school catcher… some concern about his weight. – 5/1 update: out – strained ulnar collateral ligament while pitching – scheduled for TJS… from BA 5/8: Bailey was near the top of a pretty long list of high school catchers in this Draft class until he underwent Tommy John surgery last week. This report comes from a game a month ago and teams might still be interested in his catch-and-throw skills… From Lincoln Hamilton’s Top 30 draftees… #25 4th catcher on list) Now injured but the tools won't leave, sweet swing, plus power, should be good defender – age: 18.1… 5/23 from BA: Lincoln Hamilton’s Top 30 draftees… #25 Now injured but the tools won't leave, sweet swing, plus power, should be good defender – age:18.1… May 25th ProjectProspect’s mock draft: 26) Milwaukee Brewers - Luke Bailey, C Troup County HS (GA) Just about every team will be monitoring Bailey's early stage recovery from Tommy John surgery, and assuming all goes well he could still figure into the late first round. When fully healthy, Bailey is a smooth defender with a strong, accurate throwing arm who figures to be a plus all-around defender. Offensively, Bailey has big time raw power, as he generates incredible bat speed with strong wrists and maintains great plate coverage. Before the injury, Bailey was a possible top 10 pick and given the high rate of recovery for Tommy John patients, the Brewers could get a steal with this selection. I have a hard time seeing Bailey get by the Red Sox or Yankees, both of whom have deep pockets and a need for a backstop of the future.
5. Griffin Benedict - Georgia Southern… senior… 6-0, 185…hitting .407 with an on-base percentage over .520… 2008: Named Third Team Preseason All-America by the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association... Second Team All-Southern Conference... ranked 61st nationally in RBI per game (1.14)... thru 5/6: .412… 5/18: hitting .414 with 10 homers and 51 RBIs…
6. Tony Sanchez – (down from 4th) - Boston College… 5-10, 210… hit .410/.505/.710 through first 78 at-bats this season… Sanchez hit .313 during BC's 2008 season and led the Eagles in most major offensive categories, including hits (66), RBI (45), total bases (109) and home runs (9)… 4-6-9: named ACC pow, for 2nd time in 2009: has 12 HRs so far this season… through 4-7: .381/.475/.763. Current scouting consensus has him first catcher drafted. Is projected to remain behind the plate for his entire career. Thru 4-25: .366/.459/.686, 153 Abs… thru 5/6: .358/14HRs/41RBIs… for season: .362 with 14 homers and 43 RBIs in 49 games… hitting .362/.465/.676 through first 188 at-bats… 5/18: hitting .356 with 14 homers… May 25th ProjectProspect’s mock draft: . 28) Boston Red Sox - Tony Sanchez, C Boston College - Sanchez is a solid, if somewhat unspectacular, prospect who profiles as average or above-average in just about every category. The Red Sox will be a prime target for Luke Bailey, should he drop, and any signability pick will always be on their radar. Boston might prefer to go offense with this pick but some college arms are possibilities, Rex Brothers of Lipscomb, Alex Wilson of Texas A&M, and Eric Arnett of Indiana all figure to go in the late-first to early second round. With Jason Varitek on his last legs and the Red Sox offense having several question marks in the future, a polished product who can move quick and is a solid value makes sense. Of course, none of this offensive despiration would weigh heavily if David Ortiz were still hitting… 5-29 ProjectProspect’s analysis of top 20 hitters in draft: BC's Tony Sanchez made good improvement this year, but his very poor 2008 season keeps his overall score down. My system sees a hitter with average power, poor patience, and iffy contact ability - which isn't a good recipe for a big league hitter. Sanchez has the tools and reputation to profile as a good defender and could have a decent future as a long time big league backup.
7. Mike Zunino - Mariner HS; Cape Coral, FL. 6′2, 185, Bats R, Throws R… verbally committed to Florida… ranked No. 12 in the state of Florida according to Prospectswire.com, No. 2 C … ranked No. 50 on Baseball America's list of Top 100 High School Prospects… ranked No. 60 on PG CrossChecker.com list of Top High School Prospects… batted .457 with 32 RBI, an .897 slugging percentage and a school-record 10 HR
8. Tommy Joseph – (up from 9th) - Horizon HS (AZ)… From BA 5/8: In a tight 6-5 victory in April over Desert Ridge High School and fellow draft prospect Jake Barrett, Joseph when 1-for-4 with a double and three RBIs as Horizon scored six times in the seventh to win. For the season, Joseph has hit .494 through 27 games with 15 homers and 34 RBIs… 5-28 from MLBBonusBaby: - 39. Milwaukee - Tommy Joseph, C, Horizon HS (AZ) – Milwaukee’s a bit hard to predict, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see them in on catchers after watching a few teams prosper from having a surplus. Joseph’s got a huge bat, and if he sticks at catcher, he could be a plus ML catcher long-term. Previously: #30…. Draft Tracker Chart May 27 - 17-year-old is raw behind the plate, but has a strong arm and light-tower power
9. Austin Maddox - Eagle’s View Academy (FL)… 6'4" 220, RR … raw power… tremendous arm…17 years old… can punish the ball… well below-average runner… arm is plus plus… possibly best arm in draft… tree truck thighs… finalist for the Jackie Robinson Award as the 2008 National High School Player of the Year… ranked No. 4 in the state of Florida according to Prospectswire.com, No. 1 C… ranked No. 14 on PG CrossChecker.com list of Top High School Prospects … ranked No. 18 on Baseball America's list of Top 100 High School Prospects… member of the 2008 USA 18-U National Team… first-team Class 1A all-state selection as a catcher in 2008… batted .515 with 67 RBI and 12 homers at Eagle's View Academy last spring… batted .491 with 41 RBI and five homers and was a first-team all-state pick as a sophomore… 1.76 pop time… arm clocked in the mid-90s… committed to Univ. of Florida…. 5/17 BA: lacks fluidity… rest of prep catchers have past him by..
10. Ryan Ortiz - Oregon State… junior… 6-3, 205, R/R… no home run power… below-average speed… average arm but quick release… won Pac-10 pow 4-6-9: 6-12 week before, .500, .667 slug%, .571 OBP… plays 1B also…
11. Cameron Garfield – (up from 15th) - Murrieta Valley HS… 6-0, 190… R/R… 3.71 GPA… committed to San Diego… 5/28 from MiLB: On the Mend - Cameron Garfield, C - Murrieta Valley HS, Calif. - A good combination of defensive skills and hitting ability normally would make any high school catcher intriguing. An ankle injury, though, cut down on his ability to catch during the season and it's clear he suffered from it. He was trying to make up for it with some good workouts, but it will remain to be seen how high Garfield goes.
12. Murphy, J.R.- The Pendleton School, Bradenton, Fla…. From BA: “Formerly an outfielder and third baseman, Murphy's polished bat has produced supplemental-round buzz”
13. Richard Stock - Agoura HS; Agoura Hills, CA. 6′3, 185, Bats L, Throws R… 2008: power hitter… potential 30+ HR hitter… also, gap power… rifle arm, clocked at 1.85 to second… slow on the basepath.
14. Joey Lewis - Georgia … 6-4, 225, junior, R/R… 2008: .264, 6HR, 38 RBI, .979 fielding, threw out 38% of runners… started all six games at the College World Series and batted .450 (9-for-20) with two doubles, a triple and 7 RBI (6 with two outs), his .450 average ranked second overall on the club behind only Gordon Beckham (.522)
15. Geno Escalante – Fairfield HS… 5-10, 185, R/R… Keith Law (9/08 article) had him as the 35th draft pick…
16. Andrew Susac – Jesuit HS; Roseville, CA. 6′1, 190, Bats R, Throws R… Oregon State commit… 2008: earned First-Team honors on the All-State, All-City and All-League lists and was a Perfect Game National Showcase invitee. His junior year, he batted .475 with 33 RBI, eight stolen bases, nine doubles and six home runs.
17. Jonathan Meyer – Simi Valley HS… 6-1, 200… 2008: .402, 34 R, 41 H, 43 RBIs, 9 HR… committed to Cal-State Fullerton… 350 with a .563 slugging percentage over 80 at-bats this season… may switch to 3B in pros…
18. Chris Henderson – 4/27: CAA player of the week: batted .640 prior week… leads league with .436… 5/18: hitting .436 with 21 doubles, 13 homers and 51 RBIs…
19. Drew Robertson - Middle Tenn St…. 6-3, 165… hitting .460 so far this season and has a .535 on-base percentage. 2008: played only in 38 games and batted .175…. thru 5/6: .355/3HR…
20. Dan Burkhart - Ohio State… sophomore… L/R… 5-11, 205… outstanding defensive catcher… 2008: ranked fifth on the team with 53 hits and fourth with 29 RBI ... played summer baseball in the Northwoods League for the Mankato (Minn.) Moon Dogs. 2009: Through 4-7: .387, named Big-10 POW… thru 5/6: .380…
21. Blake Forsythe – Tennessee… 6-2, 220… sophomore… 2008: played in 22 games with 16 starts ... threw out 11 potential base-stealers ... thru 5/6: .333/13HRs…
22. Jonathan Walsh - Coppell HS senior… 6-3, 211… S/R… above average arm… weakness is defense… some pop on ball… very good overall athlete, but known for his bat… can drive the ball gap-to-gap… excellent bat speed… committed to Texas.
23. J.T. Wise – Oklahoma… thru 5/6: .389/15HRs/48RBIs… 5/18: hitting .376 with 16 homers… 5/18: won Big 12 Player of the Year…
24. Diego Seastrunk – Rice… junior… 5-10, 180, S/R… good hitter from both sides of the plate… more of a gap hitter… runs average for catcher… solid arm… a line-drive machine… great name… from Rice 5/10: “Junior catcher Diego Seastrunk first came up with a clutch three-run homer in the bottom of the seventh inning to tie the score, he then hung-on to the ball for the final out in the game's deciding collision at the plate to close out the Rice baseball team's 8-7 victory over visiting UCF in the finale of the three-game Conference USA weekend series Sunday afternoon at Reckling Park”…
25. Mark Fleury – (up from 40th) - North Carolina junior… 4/25: named ACC player of the week: thru 4/25: .339, 10HRs, 52 RBIs… 5/27 BA Draft Tracker “3-down”: Like his Friday-night battery mate, Fleury's stock is falling late in the year. The Tar Heels catcher has stopped hitting, perhaps wearing down from a heavy catching load late in the season, and might slip out of the first five or six rounds altogether. On top of that, he's been relegated to DH duty lately with freshman backstop Jacob Stallings healthy, so scouts aren't getting final looks at Fleury behind the plate. He's still a nice package, as a lefthanded hitter with offensive ability, solid defense and leadership skills, but the bat has taken a step backwards in recent weeks.
26. Carl Leaf – San Ignacio de Loyola HS, Puerto Rico… 5-11, 190, S/R… super speed… power from left side of field… major league arm… 1.91 to 2B… signed with Mississippi State…
27. Jeremy Gillan – Jacksonville… thru 5/6: .412… 5/18: hitting .403 with 18 doubles, 11 homers and 56 RBIs…
28. Billy Alvino – High Point… thru 5/6: .420… 5/18: hitting .417 with 17 doubles, three homers and 47 RBIs…
29. Jeff Farnham - New Mexico St. – 5/18: hitting .386 with 11 homers and 71 RBIs.
30. Matt Williams - Duke… .394 batting average so far this year… 3.41 grade point average…
31. Nolan Arenado – El Toro HS (CA.) – also plays SS… finished season going 8-14 in playoffs… 2009: .529, 21G, 3 HR, 14 doubles, 19 RBIs, 68 Abs.
32. Drew Beuerlein - UNLV junior… 6-0, 195… also plays 1B and DH… solid hitter… 2008: .260, 2 HRs, 10 RBIs…
33. Jack Murphy - Princeton… junior… S/R… 6-4, 230… first team all-Ivy… 2008: .391, 61 H, 156 Abs, 40 RBI, 33R, 8 HR, .628 slug %...
34. Shane Brown - Central Florida… junior… 5-10, 200… 2008: .367, 9 HR, 49 RBI… .609 slug%... .447 OBP
35. Tommy Medica – – 6-1, 190, L/L…
36. Bryce Massanari – Georgia… thru 4/6: .331/17HRs/51RBIs… 5/18: 19 homers and 54 RBIs this season
37. Eric Castro - San Diego State… as of 4/6/09: leads the team: .389/.517/.684, 6 HRs…
38. Trevor Coleman – Missouri – Junior… 6-1, 211 S/R…
39. Carlos Ramirez – Arizona State – transfer from Chandler-Gilbert CC… MVP in Northwoods league… through April 25: .307/.431/.677, 13 HRs… excellent defensively.
40. Travis Simas - Nevada… senior… hit .600 for the week that included his 10th and 11th HR of the season…
41. Steven Barron – Ferguson School (FL) – 6-0, 185… through April: .333 in 23 games..
42. Buck Afenir – Kansas – senior… 6-1, 205… 5/18: named Big 12 player of the week…
43. Ben Theriot - Texas State University L/R - Thrown out 18 of 24 runners… 1.8 consistent pop time... Batting .343…
1B:
1. Rich Poythress - Georgia junior… 6-4, 235… .509 wOBA* .252 IsoP) 14% BB… .429/.534/.810 through March in 2009… 6-4, 245… named hitter of the week (8-13, 5 HRs, 12 RBIs)March 31 by NCBWA… 2008: .374/.461/.626, 15 HRs, 75 RBIs, .995 fielding %... named to the SEC All-Defensive Team… this season through 3/25: .429/.534/.810, 9 HRs… originally third baseman… awarded golden glove at 1B last season… 2009: .443/.540/.861 through first 115 at-bats… as of 4/7 (as DH): .443/.540/.881… through 4/23: .418/.519/.876 over first 153 at-bats… through 5/7… .406, 21 HRs, 75 RBIs… the consensus seems to be that he's a good hitter, rather than an elite bat… 5/23 from BA: From Lincoln Hamilton’s Top 30 draftees… #10 (#1 IBman on list) 245 lb masher, .379/.467/.738, K just 12.9%, big time power, very good defender at 1B – age: 21.7… May 25th ProjectProspect’s mock draft: . 13) Oakland Athletics - Rich Poythress, 1B University of Georgia - The A's have shifted their philosophy a bit from just grabbing slow guys who can walk, arbitraging the lack of importance placed on defense in recent years. Still I don't think Billy Beane can help himself with a player like Poythress. Patient and powerful, Poythress is as likely to hit in the middle of someone's order as any hitter in the draft. Even though he's a big guy, with the strength of a Kodiak Bear, Poythress is actually a good athlete for his size a very good defender at first base.
2. Colton Cain - Waxahachie HS… 6-3, 220… L/L… verbally committed to Texas… above average power… named to Texas 4A All-State team (.486, 9 HR, 45 RBIs) in 2008… from realsportsblogger: Cain is all about the power, both as a positional player and as a pitcher. As a first baseman, Cain has a good swing, good power, and is able to draw some walks as well. He’s got a strong arm at first (obviously), but isn’t fast and is limited strictly to first base as a defender. As a pitcher, Cain throws in the high 80’s, touching 92 at times, and throws a good curveball as well. He also has a changeup, but it’s weak at the moment. All in all, he’s probably one of the top lefties in the prep class. However, several factors work against him. First off, at 6-3, 230, he’s going to be seen as a durable pitcher with a strong frame, but scouts are also going to question how much projection he has left. Second, he’s got a college commitment to Texas, and they are pretty good at keeping their higher rated recruits. So we’ll see where he goes, but I do think he’s a first rounder, but I also think it’s going to take some good coin to sign him away from Austin. But he will probably be in the recommendations for draft rooms beginning at 26 with Milwaukee…. From MiLB 5/18 as a pitcher: High school lefties like Tyler Matzek, Matthew Purke, also from Texas, and Tyler Skaggs might go before Cain, but that doesn't mean he won't get a lot of interest. He lost a good matchup against Todd Glaesmann in April, 5-4, but still showed some pretty good stuff on the mound…
3. Mark Krauss - Ohio – thru 5/6: .404, 20HRs, 53 RBIs… from realsportsblog: A solidly built guy, Krauss plays a multitude of positions for the Redhawks. He has a quick bat and hits for some good power. He is also patient and uses the entire field. However, he’s regarded to be only average defensively, which hurts his draft stock a bit. It really depends on where a team sees him. He should be a steal in the lower rounds, and I’ll guess he probably goes in the third. Still, he’s pretty nifty in a Kellen Kulbacki sort of way, who had similar knocks like Krauss and went in the sandwich first round in 2007… 5/18: hitting .403 with 12 doubles, 23 homers and 62 RBIs… from BA 5/20: After starring in his first two years at Ohio and in the Great Lakes League in between, Krauss went to the Cape Cod League last summer and left as a premium prospect. He led the Cape in RBIs (34) and on-base percentage (.473) and has continued to raise his profile this spring, batting .404 and leading the Mid-American Conference with 22 homers and 61 RBIs with a week to go in the regular season. A lefthanded hitter, Krauss has a quick bat and advanced approach, as he has a discerning eye and uses the entire field. He consistently squares balls on the barrel of the bat. Some scouts wonder how much power he'll have with wood, but the consensus is he should have average pop as a pro. Though he's more athletic than most 6-foot-3, 220-pounders and has played some third base, he'll have to be a left fielder at the next level. He has arm strength but his hands, range and quickness are just adequate. Krauss' bat will have to carry him, but it's good enough to do so. As one of the best college hitters in a thin year for them, he could get taken as early as the second round.
4. Nate Freiman - Duke… 6-8, 245… played left field in college, but defensively, needs to play fist base exclusively… hits for average and hits basically all over the field… 3.92 grade average… ranked 2nd on career batting average at Duke (.357)… 2008: .381, 11 HRs, 46 RBIs… drafted last year by Texas
5. Ben Paulsen – (down from 4th) - Clemson… junior… 6-3, 195… great power to opposite field… 2008: hit .310 with 46 runs, 18 doubles, one triple, 13 homers, 49 RBIs, and a .393 on-base percentage in 58 games… All-Cape Cod League selection: 8 HRs, 33 RBIs, 4th in x-base hits... #11 Cape Cod League prospect by Baseball America. Makes great contact… disciplined and patient eye… thru 5/6: .380, 10 HRs, 50 RBIs… 5-29 ProjectProspect’s analysis of top 20 hitters in draft: Clemson's Ben Paulsen hasn't shown the patience or power usually demonstrated by elite college first basemen. With very little value outside of this bat, Paulsen will need to show more of the power he displayed as a sophomore (45.6% XBH in 2008) in order to have a successful big league career.
6. Brandon May - Alabama junior… 6-0, 200… first team 2008 all-SEC team… also plays the outfield… 2008: .328, 9 HR, 63 RBIs…
7. David Anderson – Coastal Carolina – thru 5/6: .373, 18 HRs, 65 RBIs… thru 5/18: hitting .384 with 18 homers and 68 RBIs
8. Dustin Dickerson - Baylor… junior… 6-4, 205, L/R… 2009 BA #71 college prospect… Summer 2008: played 12 games for the Brazos Bombers of the Texas Collegiate League ... Named the league's fourth-best pro prospect by Baseball America… 2008: .313… 4-7: named Phillips 66 Big-12 POW:
9. Dillon Baird - thru 5/6: .417, 5 HRs, 41 RBIs… 5/18: hitting .433 this season and has an OBP over .500 with 19 doubles… 5/27 – names PAC-10 player of the week during a critical week going into the College World Series: hit .538 with 3 HRs…
10. Jeff Malm – Bishop Gorman HS (NV
11. Jonathan Singleton – Millikan HS; Long Beach, CA. 6′2, 220, Bats L, Throws L – large lefty power… verbally committed to Long Beach State… 2008: .368, 32 hits, 24 RBI…
12. Kristopher Hobson – Stockdale HS… 2008: .505, 7 HR, 57 RBIs…
13. Breck Ashdown – Cataline Foothills HS… 6-4, 215, L/R… committed to Oregon State… power down the line… should develop into power hitter… also decent pitcher with high 80s fast ball… decent speed…
14. Chris McGuiness – The Citadel… junior… 6-1, 190, L/L… played 1B/P/DH in 2008… .413 OBP…4-6-9: named Southern Conference POW: batted .467 previous week… thru 5/6: .393, 12 HRs, 51 RBIs…
15. Tyler Townsend – Fla. Intl. … sophomore… 6-3, 215, L/R… 2008: .323, 14 HRs… .615 slugging %... summer 2009 Valley league: Over 42 games and 142 at-bats, he hit 387/500/739, with 40 runs, 55 hits, 12 doubles, a triple, 12 home runs, 36 RBI, an even 29/29 BB/K ratio, and an additional 14 stolen bases in 17 attempts…
16. Tim Morris - St. John’s… thru 5/6: .429, 10HRs, 49 RBIs
17. Brooks Pounders - Temecula Valley HS; Temecula, CA. 6′5, 220, Bats R, Throws R… also a pitcher prospect with 88-92 fastball… verbally committed to Southern Cal…
18. Nick Zaleski – thru 5/6: .420, 8 HRs, 54 RBIs…
19. Scott Krieger - Georgia Mason senior… 6-2, 210… named 2009 CAA baseball preseason Player of the Year… 2008: .381, 21 HRs, 60 RBIs…
20. Alan Ahmady - Fresno State… junior… 5-11, 195, R/R… 2008: .382, 13 HR, 92 RBIs… was second in the nation in RBIs with 92 and was sixth in the nation in hits with 110…
21. Luke Anders - Texas A&M senior… 6-6, 225, L/L… ... selected by the New York Yankees in the 16th round (500th overall pick) of the 2008 June draft… second-team All-Midwest Region selection by the American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) ... 2008: .349/.486/.660, 58 RBIs…
22. Jared Clark - Cal Sate Fullerton… senior… 6-4, 215, R/R… played for US National Team in 2008… in 13 games, hit 4 HRs… earned the team's Gold Glove Award for his outstanding defense… 2008: .533 slugging &, 53 RBIs… was drafted in the 45th round of the 2008 MLB First Year Player Draft by the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim.
23. Josh Olsen – Hill Murray HS
24. Alex Gregory - Radford… 6-2, 205… 2008: .430 average this spring led the Big South Conference… summer 09: .353/.437/.673 with 10 homers and 41 RBIs in 156 at-bats
25. Sam Honeck – Tulane… thru 5/6: 16 HRs…
26. Kelly Dugan – Notre Dame HS
27. Cody Hawn – Tennessee - hitting .351 with 14 doubles, 21 homers and 77 RBIs this season
2B:
1. Scooter Gennett - Sarasota HS… very strong arm, runs extremely well… 6.77 in 60… 87 mph throw to first… signed letter of intent for FSU… 2007: .440, 31 runs, 12 doubles, 5 HRs… 5-10, 170… very quick feet… also, is decent pitcher…
2. LeVon Washington, CF/2B… Buchholz HS; Gainesville, FL - Specs: 5′10, 170, Bats L, Throws R… fast… 6.21 60-yard dash… signed with Florida… ranked No. 2 in the state of Florida according to Prospectswire.com, No. 1 OF… ranked No. 20 on Baseball America's list of Top 100 High School Prospects… ranked No. 25 on PG CrossChecker.com list of Top High School Prospects… 2008: batted .363 with 41 runs, 35 stolen bases, 21 RBI and four homers as a junior… 2007: .375 clip, 20 stolen bases, 16 RBI and five homers as a sophomore
3. Stephen Batts – East Carolina… senior… 6-0, 195… 2008: .333 (80-for -240) with 10 home runs, 45 RBI and 65 runs scored…
4. Chad Kettler - Coppell HS; Coppell, TX. 6′1, 190, Bats B, Throws R… current plays shortstop but prospects out as a second baseman… hits for average from both sides… some pop… also plays 3B… athletic… strong arm… strong fluid swing… ran 60 yard dash in 7.5… down the line in 4.5.
5. David Nick - Cypress HS… 6-2, 190… also plays short… BA ranks him the 49th overall 2009 prospect… verbally committed to UCLA… 6.8 60-yd dash… limited arm strength will move him to right side of diamond…
6. Ryan Schimpf - LSU… S/S… 5-9, 181… junior… 2008: .320 (80-for-250) with 18 doubles, seven triples, 12 homers and 54 RBI…
7. Greg Folgia - Junior… Missouri… 5-10, 194… S/R… 2008: led team with 63 runs scored, 4 triples, and 47 walks… also pitched and played left field…
8. Stephen Batts - East Carolina… senior… 6-0, 195… 2008: .333 (80-for -240) with 10 home runs, 45 RBI and 65 runs scored…
9. Jason Stidham - Junior, Florida State University… 5-11, 180… L/R… moved from 3B to second… 2008: .324, 82 H, 255 Abs… 5/4: named ACC player of the week: 12-15, 1.700 slugging %...
10. Bryan Marquez – New Mexico State – senior… 6-0, 190… thru 5/6: .420/21 HRs/79 RBIs… 5/18: hitting .425 with 11 doubles, 21 homers and 80 RBIs…
11. Derek McCallum – Junior, University of Minnesota… junior… 6-1, 190, L/R… very strong arm… played SS last as sophomore… played for Northwoods League Champion St. Cloud Riverbats this past summer, and batted .328 with 48 runs, six home runs and 42 RBI… 2008: .291 with 28 runs, 32 RBI, nine doubles and three home runs… named Big Ten player of the week 4/20: .636/.680/1.636… 5/18: hitting .397 with 15 homers and 67 RBIs
12. Brandon Sizemore - College of Charleston… senior… 2008: hit .325 with 20 homers and 80 RBI last season, while picking up 24 doubles and 11 stolen bases… named preseason All-American by Collegiate Baseball and the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association…
13. Ryan Wood – East Carolina – senior… 6-5, 186… thru 5/6: .364/10 HRs…
14. Corey Jones, Junior, California State University – Fullerton junor… 6-0, 195… L/R… played half of 2008 games as DH… hit .302…
15. Phil Gosselin – Virginia… as of 4/7, top hitting 2Bman in nation, .375/.461/.592
16. Jeff Kobernus – California… 5/18 from MiLB: In a down year for college bats, Kobernus stands out as a solid, if unspectacular, option. In a game against UCLA, the second baseman went 3-for-5 with a triple, homer and two RBIs. For the season, Kobernus has hit .351 with a .563 SLG and 17 stolen bases…
17. Chase Lyles – Northwestern State – junior… 5/18: named Southland Conference player of the week…
14. Brad Agustin, Junior, University of Buffalo… junior… 5-10, 200, R/R… sat out the entire 2008 season…
15. Rich Michalek, Senior, Slippery Rock University… senior… 5-11, 190… also plays SS and OF… Summer ball for Hays Larks: .355 with nine doubles, four HRs, 31 RBIs and 33 runs scored in 49 games… 2008: .382, .586 slugging…
16. Wes Hatton, Senior, Norco HS (CA)… 5-10, 170… R/R… committed to CS Fullerton… hit .360 with a home run and 13 RBI in 2008… also, was 6-1 with a 1.66 ERA with 59 strikeouts…
17. Anselmo Cantu - Norfolk State… senior… won MEAC POW 4/6/9… 9-22, .409 so far this season.
18. Chris Biguenet - Texas-Dallas – 4/7: named American Southwest POW – hit HR’s in 4 straight games.
19. Shane Brown – UCF junior – 4/27: named Conference US hitter of the week… .722 batting average that week…
20. A.J. Yoder – VMI senior… 4/27: named Big South player of the week: .500/.609/.722 in past week
SS:
1. Grant Green – USC junior… 6-3, 180… .254 IsoP '08, started year as top prospect… hits with power… 14th round draft pick in 2006 by San Diego… 2008: 205 Abs, .390/.438/.644… 5-tools… earned All Conference and All American honors in 2008… named all-star in Cape Cod League… hits for average… 5-tool potential… through 4-7-9: 110 Abs, .375/.455/.552 with 11 walks and 22 strikeouts… being advised by Scott Boras…. As of 4/23: .372/.439/.577, 13 SB... a definite first rounder… strikeout rate high… thru 4/25: 8.6% walk ratio, 17.3% K ratio… Hasn't progressed from last year; stock is slipping… May 25th ProjectProspect’s mock draft: . 19) St. Louis Cardinals - Grant Green, SS USC As likely as the Marlins are to pick prep, the Cardinals are about as likely to select a college player with this pick. Green entered the year as a potential top three pick, after he was compared to Evan Longoria and Troy Tulowitzki. Only problem is that those two players are nothing alike, making for a nonsensical comparison that carried too much weight. A sluggish junior year has depressed his draft stock. He still could go much higher, to a team that still believes in what they saw out of Green in the Cape Cod League last summer, but as of now he's more likely to go in the middle of the first round. Green's low walk rate could be a deterrent to Sig Mejdal and the Cardinals' brain trust, but there are so few players with a realistic chance of playing shortstop in this draft that Green could be appealing. 5/26 from ScoutingBook: One of the best position players available in the 2009 Amateur Draft, USC shortstop Grant Green had a chance to be the #1 overall pick until Stephen Strasburg's moment carried him into the top ranking. Green has an above average arm and plus range, which means he should be able to stick at shortstop, where he could become a premium player in the Majors one day. He reminds scouts of White Sox prospect Gordon Beckham, with superior plate discipline and the makings of real plus power… 5-29 ProjectProspect’s analysis of top 20 hitters in draft: Possible top 10 pick Grant Green scores poorly in my system. The drop off in power (his IsoP dropped 60 points from 2008 to 2009) and lack of improvement in his walk and strikeout rates are bad signs for a player who wasn't productive enough as a sophomore to warrant high round consideration.
2. Jiovanni Mier - Bonita H.S. (FL) senior… 6-2, 175… R/R… solid defense… 18 years old … free swinger who should develop into someone with some pop… excellent attitude… committed to Southern Cal… BA ranked him as the 13th H.S. prospect… 2007: .479, 3 HRs, 30 RBI and 15 stolen bases… projects out as super-pro… From Lincoln Hamilton’s Top 30 draftees… #20 (only SS on list) Draft's best SS plus defender, great range and arm, above-average hitter, good bat speed age: 18.7… May 25th ProjectProspect’s mock draft: . 24) Los Angeles Angels - Jiovanni Mier, SS Bonita HS (CA) A smooth defender with plus range and a strong arm, Mier has the tools to be a good defensive shortstop as well as the bat speed and swing plane to hit for a solid average. The Angels greatly favor high school talent in the draft and aren't afraid of taking someone who falls due to signability.
3. Nick Franklin – (up from 6th) - Lake Brantley HS… 6-1, 170… 2008: .433 with six home runs, 12 doubles and 38 runs scored… 2008 playoffs: .594, 3 HRs, 12 RBI in 32 at bats… can also pitch and play the outfield… very strong arm… verbally committed to Auburn… getting late first-round attention… Draft Tracker Chart May 27 - Switch-hitting Auburn recruit getting late first-round attention
4. Deven Marrero – American Heritage HS; Davie, FL. 6′0, 160, Bats R, Throws R… younger brother of Nats Chris Marrero… from realsportsbloggers: American Heritage (Plantation, Fla.) shortstop Deven Marrero went 2-for-3 on Tuesday and is hitting .405/.472/.747 with seven home runs but a substandard 10-13 BB/K ratio in 23 games. Marrero is generally considered the second-best prep shortstop behind Jiovanni Mier of Bonita HS in LaVerne, Calif…. The latest of the Marrero clan (brother Chris and…well Chris, are in the Nationals and White Sox systems, respectively). Despite this pedigree, he’s completely different from his brothers. He’s regarded to be a solid defensive shortstop, but he’s not as big as either of his brothers. He has some solid power potential, but it’s hampered a bit by average bat speed. He should become a decent, but not great, stolen base threat. However, he is showing an improved approach at the plate (it’s still not great, but better than he was hitting last year). I think he’ll probably be the second high school shortstop taken, though the issue with him is that the Mariners will have to buy him off of the Hurricanes, to whom he’s commited to.
5. Chris Owings – Gilbert HS (SC) – 5-11, 170… R/R… good swing… above-average speed… small frame… for season: .400, 22 SB… 5/23 from BA: A South Carolina signee and the best prep hitter in the Palmetto State, Owings elicits a mixed reaction from scouts and college recruiters. For some, he evokes Gordon Beckham, the former Georgia All-American and No. 8 overall pick in 2008. Those who like Owings see strength in his forearms and some real juice in his bat, to go with average other tools across the board with a plus run tool. Others see tools but less feel for the game than Beckham displayed, and disagree with the rosy projections on Owings' power. In a year with few position players moving up boards, Owings has a chance to move into the second round, if not a bit higher.
6. D.J. LeMahieu - LSU… streaky, but solid… questionable defense… 2008: .337, 56 R, 44 RBI… played Cape Cod league last summer: .290, 1 HR, 13 RBI… questionable range… through 4/23: .349/.439/.500…
7. Robbie Shields - Florida Southern… 6-0, 200, R/R… junior… 2008: led team in hits, .348, 9 HR, 36 RBIs… injured wrist in Cape Cod League this past summer… ability to hit high for average… great bat speed… limited defensively.
8. Joey Bergman – College of Charleston – 5/18: hitting .463 and has 22 doubles, 15 homers and 55 RBIs
9. Bryant Hernandez – Oklahoma… as of 4/7, top hitting SS in nation: .433/.472/.669… named Big 12 player of the week 4/27: .353 BA for season so far… thru 5/6: .369/9HRs.
10. Shaver Hansen – Baylor… junior… Phillips 66 POW 4-6-9: 3 HRs in same game vs. Baylor… thru 5/6: .330/15 HRs/48 RBIs…
11. Ryan Goins – Dallas Baptist… named starter on 2008 American Baseball Coaches Association (ABCA) Midwest All-Region Team… 2008: .318, 12 doubles, 2 HRs in 38 games… 2009 through 3-30: .375, 7 Hrs, 21 RBIs…signed with Waterloo Bucks in the Northwoods league… thru 5/6: .378/19HR/62 RBIs…
12. Cooper Moseley - Success Unlimited Academy (AL)… 5-11, 165 L-R… committed to Georgia… ranked as the No. 1 player in Alabama by Perfect Game in 2009
13. Stephen Perez – Gulliver Prep (FL)… senior… 5-11, 170, S/R… some ability to hit with power… below-average speed… solid arm… great instincts…
14. Drew Lee – Morehead State… thru 5/6: .456/17HRs/59RBIs…
15. Ben Orloff – UC Irvine… thru 5/6: .353… .973 fielding %...
16. Jedd Gyorko – West Virginia… thru 5/6: .395/6HRs/41RBIs
17. Reed Gragnani - Mills Godwin HS… 5-11, 180. S/R… verbal commit to Virginia… also plays second base…
18. Ryan Jackson - Miami junior… questionable bat, but excellent defense, in fact, considered one of the top defensive shortstops in the draft… 6-3, 185… R/R… has a plus arm for shortstop… good speed… through 4/23: just .260/.368/.390… falling on polls… projects out as a 30-35 runner… 4.6 down the line…
19. Chase Childers - Georgia State… senior… named CAA baseball player of the week on 4-6-09… as of 4-6-09:, 12-23, .522, 11 RBIs
20. Juan Martinez - Oral Roberts – senior . 4/13: named the Pro-Line Athelite of the Week: went 13-22 in 5 games for a weekly BA of .591.
21. Alfie Wheeler – High Point – senior… named Big South player of the week April 20… went 10-21 for the week prior, .476/.560/.619.
22. David Renfroe - South Panola HS (Miss.) – 6-3, 200, R/R… natural hitter… quick hands… uses the whole field… loft power is average… average runner… 4.3 down the line… excellent base runner, not base stealer… throws 93 as pitcher… terrific instincts… reminds some of David Wright…
5/27: BA Draft Tracker “3-Up”: Renfroe has two-way talent and ability but has been telling teams he wants to be a position player. He has third-base tools at the plate and in the field, with good infield actions defensively, plenty of arm strength, a surprising feel for hitting and average-to-plus raw power. That raw power was evident last year at the Under Armour/Baseball Factory All-American Game in Wrigley Field, where he homered of Canadian lefty Jake Eliopoulos. He also struck out five in two innings, though, and has flashed two plus pitches at times off the mound. He's locked in to Ole Miss, where his dad pitched, but he could be trying to work a pre-draft deal to a team that wants him as a hitter.
23. Josh Prince – Tulane – through April: .363/.481/.534, 30SB-35A
24. Billy Hamilton – Taylorsville HS, Miss… raw tools… through April: .504, 4 HR, 14 doubles, 20 steals
25. Gary Helmick – Towson – senior… 4/27: player of the week: .425 BA on year…
26. Brandon Wilkoff – Illinois – junior – 5/4: named Big-10 hitter of the week: .692 for week… .923 slugging
27. Wes Satzinger – Andover Senior HS –
28. Mike Rooney – UNC Wilmington – junior… 5/18: won CAA player of the week…
3B:
1. Matt Davidson - Yucaipa (Calif.) HS -6-2, 225… hits for average… Aflac All-America (won HR derby)… David Wright type ceiling… homered in first game in 2009… 18 years old… Yucaipa HS, Yucaipa, CA. 6′3, 210, Bats R, Throws R… verbally committed to Southern Cal… one of the best power hitters in this year's high school class… very good pull power… covers the plate well… speed is average… strong arm… could move to 1B soon… from realsportsbloggers, who picked Matt 23rd overall: This one was a tough one, and with the Nationals are back on the board, and they will have their choice between the top college lefty or the beginnings of the top of the prep class. With Strasburg already in the fold, the Nationals might choose one of the prep bats in an effort to keep some money free to sign some other guys in the lower rounds. That doesn’t mean they won’t get a top talent. Matt Davidson is the top prep bat in this draft. He is a big kid that might not remain at the hot corner, but his bat is good. His best tool is his bat, his power potential in particular, which is among the highest among the prep bats in this drat class. In addition, he also makes decent contact and has shown the beginnings of some plate discipline. There have been some reports that he has improved his defense to the point where he’s tolerable, and could be acceptable in time. So, Davidson is my pick here…for now anyway. The Astros haven’t been known to make the best draft picks when their turn comes up… 5/16: has 17 doubles and eight home runs in 110 plate appearances… 5/23 from BA: From Lincoln Hamilton’s Top 30 draftees… #12 (1st third baseman on list) Maybe best pure HS hitter, beautiful stroke, should hit for AVG and power, defensive ?' age: 18.1… May 25th ProjectProspect’s mock draft: . 27) Seattle Mariners - Matt Davidson, 3B Yucaipa HS (CA) Davidson may be the best high school pure hitter in the country. Maintaining great balance and good bat speed, Davidson has the natural strength and swing to hit for power, as well as a high average. Davidson has moved slightly down draft boards as teams tend to shy away from all-bat prospects with questionable gloves. Davidson is a rather poor runner and is questionable to stay at third base long-term. Even if he shifts to first, his bat should carry him. I assume Jack Z. will try and build the Mariners in a similar fashion as he helped the Brewers grow, Davidson is the type of big power, high probability bat that the Brewers managed successfully… 5-28 from MLBBonusBaby: - position in overall draft: 40. Los Angeles (AL) – Matt Davidson, 3B, Yucaipa HS (CA) – Davidson’s still got that monstrous power, and I’m sure the Angels have been watching him this Spring. He’s not really a true first rounder, mainly due to his questionable range at third, but this is a solid pick. Previously: #33.
2. Bobby Borchering – Bishop Verot HS (FL)… – switch hitter… hits for power from both sides… 6'4" 190 lbs… look for conversion to OF… hit .429, with 5 HRs, through March 2009… 18 years old… Bishop Verot HS; Alva, FL Specs: 6′4, 190, Bats B, Throws R… projected to move to 1B… verbally committed to Florida… ranked No. 8 in the state of Florida according to Prospectswire.com, No. 1 3B… ranked No. 12 on Baseball America's list of Top 100 High School Prospects… ranked No. 16 on PG CrossChecker.com list of Top High School Prospects… 2008: batted .463 with 30 RBI, 15 doubles and six homers last season, with a .866 slugging percentage and a .577 on-base percentage… 2007: hit .427 as a sophomore with 33 RBI and five homers… 2009: 8 homers in first 55 Abs… through 4/23: 12 home runs over first 82 plate appearances… 5/16: 13 home runs over 107 plate appearances… 5/23: From Lincoln Hamilton’s Top 30 draftees… #27 (2nd third baseman on list) Advanced switch hitter w/ power from both sides, 6'4" 190 lbs may outgrow 3B age:18.5
3. Kyle Seager - North Carolina… junior… 6-1/187… also plays 3B… L/R… second team All-America in 2008… .381 (45-118) with 32 RBI in 29 ACC games… considered a pure hitter… pro arm… 2009 thru 4-1-09: .376, 1HR, 11 doubles, 20 RBIs in 28 G, .523 slug%, .461 OBP, 6-6 SB… good overall hitting ability though only limited power… 5/18: hitting .376 with 43 RBIs, 22 doubles…
4. Chris Dominguez - Louisville… junior… 6-4, 240… R/R… 2009 Sporting News Preseason Player Of The Year… 2008: .365/13 doubles/21HR/75RBI. Drafted in the 5th round by the Colorado Rockies in 2008… massive… crushes the ball… too many Ks… A+ power… MLB arm… through 4/23: .340/.450/.613, 10 HRs… has refined his swing, walk rate much higher this season… defense still an issue… 5/18: hitting .362 with 19 homers… for the second year in a row, he was named Big East Player of the Year…
5. Anthony Rendon – Rice… thru 5/6: .374… 5/18: hitting .378 with 16 homers and 55 RBIs. He's also an excellent fielder…
6. Troy Channing – St. Mary’s CA… thru 5/6: .377/19 HRs… 5/18: hitting .379 with 20 homers and 75 RBIs…
7. Jayce Boyd - J.M. Tate Senior HS (FL)… 6-3, 170, R/R… very talented defensively… named the top prospect at the 2008 Under Armour Showcase… projects out as possible 1Bman…
8. Nick Cuckovich - Lambrick Park Secondary… 6-2, 190… RH… compact swing… excellent defensive player, especially arm speed… 7.07 in the 60…
9. Joey Rendon – College of Charleston… thru 5/6: .457/14 HRs/49 RBIs
10. Richard Shaffer - senior, Providence Sr. H.S. (NC)… 6-3, 190 R/R… heavy duty bat… projects out as a 30+ HR threat… not the best third baseman and could project out as a 1B….
11. Stuart Tapley - FSU… 5-10, 204… R/R… First team Freshman All-American by Collegiate Baseball and Rivals.com… 2008: .383/.472 OBP…
12. Tony Thompson – Kansas… thru 5/6: .363/15 HRs… 5/18: hitting .362 with 20 doubles, 17 homers and 71 RBIs…
13. Dan DiBartolomeo – West Virginia… thru 5/6: .417… 5/18: hitting .428 with 18 doubles and 46 RBIs…
14. Brent Greer – Western Carolina… thru 5/6: .414… 5/18: hitting .406 with 18 doubles, eight homers and 45 RBIs…
15. Tom Mendonca – Fresno State – as of 4-7, best hitting 3B in nation: .327/.437/.700… 5/18: named WAC Player of the Year…
16. Jake Smith - Alabama… thru 5/6: .357/16 HRs… 5/18: hitting .352 with 14 doubles, 17 homers and 48 RBIs…
17. Rawley Bishop – Middle Tennessee State… thru 5/6: .389/9 HRs… 5/18: hitting .386 with 10 homers and 42 RBIs…
18. Mike Spina - Cincinnati… senior… 6-0, 219, R/R… drafted by the Twins in the 45th round of the 2008 draft… 2008: 21 HRs, 79 RBIs
19. Kevin Mahoney - Canisius… senior… 6-0, 195, L/R… all-time school leader in runs scored, hits, doubles, RBIs, and total bases… named 2008 Rawlings Coastal Plains Offensive Player of the Year: .324/47R/13 HR46 RBI/.593 SLG
20. Jacob Lamb - Bishop Blanchet HS… 6-3, 190 senior… slow 7.28 in 60… above-average arm…
21. Derek Spencer – Bowling Green – junior – named MAC player of the week 4/27… h for season as of 4/27: .384
22. Brian Besl – Ohio… senior… 5/11: named MAC player of the week: .583 OBP…
2 comments:
Catcher is not an organizational need for the Jays.
Barajas is one the top catchers this year and Arencibia is walking a lot more this year and looks to end with around a .350 OBP this year. And he is the best power hitting catcher in the minors, with a plus plus arm.
Hey Cody...
thanks for the thoughts...
for some reason, I don't get many comments here, so I try and answer every one that comes in...
in many cases, I include the comments of the writers I average in to my listing... some pick certain teams, but believe me, at this early on level, no team is picking a first rounder by position... it's all ceiling and what their formula comes out to be the top player available, regardless of position, at the time...
drafting, let's say, a catcher, averages out to 4-5 years before that player will make an impact in the majors... meaning, even the Jays would draft a catcher if that was the best baseball player that was available on their chart when their turn came up.
Mack
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