UPDATE: 2009 MLB Draft - Top RHP

RHP:


1. Steven Strasburg - San Diego State… 6-5, 220… 56.9 K% 5.4 BB%, 100 mph fasball, but slider may be best pitch... really a slurve… 80-82… changeup: 80-82… 74 Ks in 34 IP through March 2009… 2008: 97.1 IP 12.3 K/9 1.5 8.3 K/BB… In his first start at the Olympics, Strasburg one-hit Netherlands over seven innings-- striking out five of the first six batters he faced… everyone has him being picked number one in the draft… through 4-1-09: 5-0, 42.1 IP, 24H. 8ER. 8BB. 88K, .161BA, 1.70ERA… through 4-7: 94Ks in 48 IP, 6-0, 1.49… named Mountain West pitcher of the week April 20: complete game shutout, 14 Ks, vs. Arizona. As of 4/23: 8-0, 63 1/3 IP, 41 H, 9 ER, 12 BB, 121 K, .186 BAA, 1.28 ERA… thru 4/23: has struck out 51.5% of batters while walking 8.8%, which may be the highest in college baseball history… Thru 4/30: 9-0, 70 1/3 IP, 45 H, 12 ER, 13BB, 135 K, .182 BAA, 1.54 ERA… From John Sickles: The buildup about Strasburg is actually getting a bit ridiculous. The numbers are awesome: 10-0, 1.38, 147/18 K/BB in 78 innings, 48 hits allowed. The scouting reports are awesome: upper 90s to 100 MPH fastball, excellent secondary pitches, excellent command. But people are now throwing around Tom Seaver comparisons and calling Strasburg a once-in-40-years prospect. I don't mean to downplay him at all; he's legitimately terrific, and the Nationals are fools if they don't make every possible effort to sign him, but he's still a pitcher and as such is risky by nature. The contrarian part of my mind is starting to rebel somewhat against the hype.


2. Aaron Crow - Unsigned 9th overall pick in 2008… left Missouri and became a member of the Fort Worth Cats/American Association… was 13-0, 127Ks for Missouri in 2008… pitched 1.0 innings for Ft. Worth in 2008… pitched Cape Cod summer where he led the league with 0.67 ERA projected as SP2… 6-3, 195, R/R… 2008 NCBWA All America… 2008: 3.57 ERA in 117.2 IP… Friday night starter… led team with 90Ks… some question his mechanics… mid-90s fastball… touches 98… excellent hard slider… keeps ball down in the zone… slider a plus pitch

3. Kyle Gibson - (up from #4) - Missouri - 2nd in country through March 2009 with 54 Ks… junior… 6’6” 195… 2008: 86.2 IP, 10.0 K/9, 2.4 BB/9… 2007 Baseball America Cape Cod League Top Prospect… Baseball America projects him as the 9th overall pick in the draft… fastball: 91-92, tops at 94… big, angular kick… above-average sinker… changeup 80-82… absolutely wicked slider… command and poise… definitely a first round pick… through 4-7-09: 4-1, 1.1554K/39.0 IP… through 4/23: 90 strikeouts and 11 walks over 69 innings… From John Sickles: 3.66 ERA with a 107/14 K/BB ratio in 84 innings, 77 hits allowed. While most attention has been focused on Stephen Strasburg, Gibson has also had a terrific season as shown by his lovely K/BB and K/IP ratios. He has a 90-93 MPH fastball, with sinking action, and both is slider and changeup are strong pitches. Combine that with his sharp control and consistent mechanics from a 6-6, 210 pound frame, and you have a possible Top Ten pick.

4. Alex White – - 2.7/1 K:BB… some mechanical concerns… hit on early this season… 20 years old… was drafted in 14th round by the Dodgers in 2007… fastball in 93-96 range with late life that acts like a turbo-sinker… slider that will be out pitch in majors… and spitter… 2.83 ERA in 15 games, 13-3, 113 Ks last year for Tarheels… 6-3, 200… some say he hasn’t developed since his high school days, but does have a pro-like fastball… currently projects out as a middle reliever in the Bigs. Named ACC player of the week April 20: last 4 outing, all against top 20 teams: 1.93, 36K, 32.2 IP…. threw UNC's first one-hitter since 1994… mechanics concerns over forearm turnover and pitching elbow well above shoulder height… through 4/25: 6-1, 3.14, 31H, 25BB, 58K, 44.1 IP… From John Sickles: White has a 3.36 ERA with a 77/26 K/BB in 70 innings so far, with 56 hits allowed. His components are very good though not exceptional. He has a fine body at 6-3, 200, a fine fastball at 89-94 MPH, an a very fine slider. His curveball and changeup will need some polish in pro ball. His command is generally solid, though not terrific. All in all, White is basically, well, solid, and would be another safe pick in the second half of the round.


5. Zach Wheeler – 6-4, 180… 95 mph fastball, sinker, curve, good mechanics… turning 19… East Paulding HS, Dallas, Ga…. went 8-3 for East Paulding High School in 2008 with a 1.31 ERA and 127 strikeouts in 64 1/3 innings… big, slow delivery… compared to Orel Hershiser…

6. Shelby Miller - 94 mph fastball, sinker, two breakers… touched 97 this spring… 18 years old… Brownwood (Texas) HS… solid command of off-speed pitches… mid-70’s breaking ball… tossed three consecutive no-hitters last spring… committed to Texas A&M. week 4.25: 3-hit shutout… so far, 5-0 in league games.

7. Mychal Givens - Plant HS senior… 6-1, 185… R/R… explosive arm… a pleasure to watch in the field… also a top pitcher who hits 93 with his fastball… named the high school player of the year by AFLAC…

8. Mike Leake - (up from 17th) - Arizona State junior… 6-0,1 80, R/R… – pitched most innings in country through March, 40.0… 1.35 ERA… 32.4% K 4.7%... sophomore season: 16 G, 11-3, 3.49, 121.1 IP, 104K, 20BB… 88-94 fastball, sits at 91… hard slider 79-82… 73-76 curve… plus, plus command… a 70 on the scouting scale… as of 4/6/09: 7-1, 1.29, 62-13 K/BB, 56 IP. April 26: (9 IP, 5 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 7 K, 7h complete game of career, 3rd this season, 10-1, 1.54… From John Sickles: It is hard to beat Leake's statistical performance this year: 11-1, 1.59, 96/18 K/BB in 91 innings, 53 hits allowed. And Arizona State plays great competition. Leake has exceptional polish, and is rated as a first round talent despite a fastball in the 88-92 range. His slider, curveball, and changeup are all strong, especially the changeup, and his feel for pitching is terrific. Scouts love his competitive instincts and he should move quickly through the minors, even though he doesn't have the ceiling of some of these other guys. He could go anywhere from 20 to 50 on the draft board.


9. Alex Wilson - (up from #14) - Junior… 6-1, 205, R/R… 91-95 mph fastball… sits at 94… slider 82-85… 80-81 curve… had TJS and redshirted the 2008 season… 38.8% K 6.4% BB … Texas A&M… 49:8 strikeout-to-walk ratio … 2006 freshman All-American… 6-1, 205… thru 4-7-09: 68:12 strikeout-to-walk ratio.


10. Jacob Turner – 94 mph fastball… good curve and change… 6-4, 205… turning 18… Westminster Christian Academy, St. Louis… Pitched for Westminster Christian Academy, opponents, 5-2, 1.45, 92K/43 1 IP… Baseball America projects Turner as the 12th pick overall… pitched for USA 18U National team and struck out 19 in 10.0 IP… very big and strong… fastball in low 90s, tops 94… mid-70s plus curve… signability an issue… committed to North Carolina. Advisor: Scott Boras.

Ben Tootle – (up from #18) - Jacksonville State – 6-1, 185… named one of the top prospects in the Cape Cod League last summer after hitting triple digits in the closing role. Fastball sits 94-96 touching 98… a bit unorthodox because of his size and his enormous leg kick. His low to mid 80s breaking ball was called the Cape's best by his manager from Falmouth. Considered the 2nd top closing prospect in the draft… Feb 09: named to the Baseball America preseason All-America team… 09: converted to starter… as of 4-15: 3-1, 3.58, thru 8 starts… 45K/35.2 IP… some of the best stuff in the draft… some consider him to be future reliever… From John Sickles: Another hard thrower, Tootle can get up to 99 MPH and this is reflected with 47 strikeouts in 40 innings, a fine ratio in the context of Jacksonville State. On the other hand, his command needs work: he's walked 26 leading to a 4.54 ERA. He's somewhat raw but could go anywhere in the second half of the first round or in the supplemental round.


11. Ryan Berry - Rice… 6’1”, 195… 91 mph fastball, 82 mph pro curveball, 84 mph slider… 4-0, 1.96, 31K/37.0 IP through March 2009… also led nation through March with three complete games… and two shutouts… MVP of Houston College Classic… 2007: 11-3, 3.01, 125 K… through 4/25: 4-0, 1.69, 16H, 7BB, 31K, 36.2 IP – Update 5/1: - will pitch an inning in relief 5/6… hasn’t pitched since March 21, sidelined by a subscapular muscle strain…


12. Tanner Scheppers - top '08 prospect before stress fracture injury… In his Junior year at Fresno State went 8-2 with a 2.93 ERA in 12 games (11 starts) with one complete game. In 70.2 innings he walked 34 and struck out 109 while opponents hit just .202 against him...Named 2008 WAC Pitcher of the Year and All-Conference First Team… was drafted in the 2nd round last year after the injury and turned down seven figures with the Pirates… left school and played for the Saint Paul Saints/American Association… now throwing 95 mph fastball, 87mph slider…fastball has touched 99… 40.1% K… 12.8% BB… 4/30: pitched in intrasquad Indy game – upper 90s


13. Chris Jenkins - (up from 40th) - Westfield HS; Westfield, NJ 6′7, 225, Bats R, Throws R… has hit 95, averages 91… 2008: 94K/50.0 IP, 1.60… throws from downhill plane… basically one pitch pitcher at this stage…

14. Bryan Berglund - (down from #13) - Royal HS… 6-4, 185… committed to Loyola Marymount… excellent slider, 80-82, sharp break…

15. Jason Stoffel – (up from #42) - Arizona – many consider nation’s top reliever in draft… was named Pitcher of the Week in Pac-10 for Mar. 9 – 15… short memory and seldom gets rattled… would rather start… low-90s fastball… curve is a plus pitch… as of 4/23: 39 Ks, 7 saves in 25.2 IP – down a tick this year… fastball slightly down… 1-1, 4.54 thru 4/23… In Pac-10, 15 runs in 13 innings… hammer curveball has regressed… From John Sickles: Stoffel has struggled a bit with his command this year. He has a 5.59 ERA with a 41/19 K/BB in 39 innings, 36 hits allowed, collecting eight saves. His K/IP is very good for context, and even his ERA isn't bad given that the overall ERA in Arizona games is about 6.20. At his best, Stoffel buzzes hitters with a mid-90s fastball and a hard curveball, but he hasn't always been at his best this year. This reminds me of what happened to Mariners prospect Josh Fields at the University of Georgia, who had a similar slump in his junior year. Teams still like Stoffel, but where he gets drafted will likely depend on what his bonus demands are.

17. Brad Boxberger - (up from 30th) - USC… 6-2, 200… R/R… closer turned starter… averages 95 fastball plus cutter and good slider… 25.5% K 12.7% BB… has 25 walks through 32 innings through March this year… played in Cape Cod League in 2007: 1-0, 1.24… thru April 6, 2009: Only four walks over past 15 innings. As of April 23: Opponents hitting just .171 off of him… From John Sickles: 2.76 ERA with a 84/42 K/BB in 78 inning, 51 hits allowed. Boxberger's K/IP and H/IP ratios are excellent, but his walk rate is rather high. The stuff is here: 90-95 MPH fastball, good slider, curveball, changeup with some potential. Because of the command issue, he could last to the second round. There has been talk of making him a reliever, but given his overall performance this spring he could remain in the rotation as a pro. He would be another option late in the first round or in the supplemental area.


18. Drew Storen - (up from 58th) - Sophomore… Stanford… 6-2, 175… switch-hitter… fastball in 89-95 range… fast curve averages 80-81… good college reliever who seems to have overcome reported command problems… so far as of 4/15: 32Ks and only 1 BB. From John Sickles: Storen has shown excellent command this year, posting a 42/4 K/BB in 28 innings. His K/IP is outstanding, and his 3.21 ERA and 25 hits allowed are very solid for context. He's picked up six saves, but his arsenal should be diverse enough to be a starter in pro ball: 90-94 MPH fastball, good curveball, and a changeup that needs polish but is promising when he uses it. His control is obviously excellent, and he fits well as a "safe" pick late in the first round or in the supplemental round.

19. Kendal Volz - (up from 32nd) - Baylor… 6-5, 225, R/R junior… Baseball America ranked him the 6th MLB draft prospect… pitched for the USA baseball national team this summer… fastball 88-92, tops at 97… slider 79-82… changeup 81-84… very good command… had 0.00 ERA and went 8-for-8 in save opportunities for college team... … thru 4-6-09: Walks up… strikeouts down… may be better suited as a reliever. Reports are he has lost 3-5 mph from his fastball…. 9 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 10 K, in a no-decision 4/27… From John Sickles: Volz's performance hasn't quite matched his potential yet. He's 3-5, 4.00 with a 71/33 K/BB in 74 innings, 73 hits allowed. His components are above average for context, but he lacks consistency. At his best, he has a 97 MPH fastball and a plus slider, but both his velocity and control will slip when his mechanics aren't right. His ceiling is impressive but he's still polishing up his game, and like several of these guys he could go later in the first round.

20. Eric Arnett – (up from #102) - Indiana… 6-5, 225… fastball touching 96 this year… 94 in the 9th inning… as of 4/23: 8-1, 69K, 19BB, 70IP, 4 complete games… 84-85 slider… pitched out of the bullpen first two years… through 4/25: 8-1, 1.94 69K/19BB in 70.0 IP… From John Sickles: Emerging prospect this spring, going 9-1, 2.49 with a 76/24 K/BB in 76 innings, 58 hits allowed. The contextual ERA in which he's pitched is about 6.00, and all of his component ratios are quite strong. He's big and physical at 6-5, 225, and scouts report his velocity has improved from 90-93 to 93-96 this spring, along with a sharper slider. He looks like a possibility in the second half of the first round, and isn't likely to get past the supplemental round.

21. A.J. Morris - (up from 62nd ) - Kansas State… Junior… 6-2, 200, R/R… 4th year junior… 2008: 14 appearances, 12 starts, 4-4, 6.04… as of 4-7: 8-0, 0.83… April 26: 9 IP, 8 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 5 K… pick up his school-record 10th win of the year… From John Sickles: Morris is 10-0, 1.27 with a 74/20 K/BB in 78 innings, this year, with 55 hits allowed. All of his components are excellent for the context, and he has one of the livelier arms among college seniors this year, getting his fastball into the low-90s. His breaking ball and changeup are also solid, and his command has been very steady this spring. He doesn't have as much leverage as other pitchers and could be a nice bargain pick in the second round range.


22. Scott Bittle - (up from #23) - Mississippi… 6-2, 195… drafted by Yankees in 2nd round of the 2008 draft… Named to the Brooks Wallace Award Watch List honoring the nation’s top player ... 2008: 27 appearances… .145 OBA, 1.78 ERA, 130K/70.2 IP… 2009 so far: named SEC pitcher of the week 4/6 by the College Baseball Blog… 2 wins in 2 starts… 13K vs. Kentucky.. 0 BB.

23. Blake Smith - (up from #26) -California… Junior… 6-2, 220… on Wallace Watch List… pitched this summer for USA National team… 2008: 3-0, 3.80, 36Ks, 21.1 IP… great hitter

24. Kyle Heckathorn (up from 26th) - Kennesaw State… Junior 6-6, 220, R/R… 2008: 4-2, 4.98, 64K, 22 BB, 60.0 IP… fastball 96, touching 99… two-seamer sinker… major league changeup

25. Trent Stevenson – (down from 14th) – Brophy College Prep HS (AZ)… 6-5…

26. Tim Clubb – (down from 12th) - Missouri State… Junior… R/R… 6-2, 190… 2008 MVC Pitcher of the Year… 2008: 11-0, 2.52 ERA, 82K, 103.2 IP… known for his command… fastball only hits high 80s…

27. Andrew Carraway - (down from 12th) - Virginia… 2008: as starter: 4-3, 4.06, 87Ks… career: 13-3, 3.44, 34BB, 172


28. Keyvius Sampson - (up from #33) - Forest HS; Ocala, FL. 6′1, 180… fastball in 90-92 range… has hit 95… excellent mechanics… curve in mid-60s.. committed to FSU.

29. Madison Younginer - (up from #31) - Mauldin HS; Simpsonville, SC. 6′3, 190… 91-94 fastball… 75 mph curve… over past 2 years: 6-1-1… verbally committed to Clemson…

30. Sam Dyson – (up from 57th) - South Carolina… draft-eligible sophomore… 98 mph fastball… 2008: 8-0, 4.09, 44K/28BB/51.0 IP…through 4-7 this year: 4-2, 4.85, 40K/20BB/43.0 IP, but consistently in the the 93-96 ranke and touching 98. Plus 78-82 hard curve.

31. Jerry Sullivan – (down from 15th) - Oral Roberts… junior… 6-4, 200, R/R… 2008: 9-2 record with a 3.88 ERA in 18 appearances and 15 starts

32. Trevor Cahill - In October 2008, Baseball America had him as the 4th overall pick in the draft…

33. Mike Belfiore – Boston College – Closer…

34. Luke Demko - Rhode Island… senior… 6-6, 290, R/R… So far in 2009: Tallied seven strikeouts in 2.1 innings of relief to earn his first win of the season against NC State on Feb. 20... Earned his first save of the season pitching one inning in a 3-0 victory over No. 8 Miami (Fla.)... Pitched two scoreless innings against Fairfield to earn his second save of the season on March 5…

35. Brooks Pounder (down from #23) - Temecula Valley HS… 5-11, 150… R/R…


36. Eric Pettis - UC Irvine…6-2, 200… 2008: 15 saves… 28 relief appearances… 1.76 ERA, 4-2, 46K/41.0 IP… one of the five semifinalists for the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA) Stopper of the Year award.


37. Daniel Webb – (previously unranked) – Okaloosa-Walton CC (FL) – 6-3, 215, R/R

38. Matt Vaughn - Clemson… senior… 6-3, 215, R/R… 2008: 1-2, 3.15, 11 saves… 3-year career: 5-3, 3.98, 12 saves, 59 appearances

39. Kyle Bellamy - Miami… junior… 6-5, 220… 2nd team Rivals All-American… many consider the top relief pitcher in draft… over 2 years: 53 G, 90K/72.2 IP, 1.24 K/IP… 2008: 1.86

40. Matt Graham - (up from #48) - Oak Ridge HS; Spring, TX. 6′4, 215… very raw… mid-90 fastball … right now, he’s a one pitch pitcher… very slow worker… rated as one of the top 5 prep pitchers this year… basically a thrower that needs to be taught how to pitch… a project.


41. Tim Boyce - Rhode Island… 6-2, 183, R/R… RS Junior… So far in 2009: Stuck out seven batters in four innings against NC State on Feb. 20... Tallied seven K's with just four hits to earn his first win of the season against Duquesne on Feb. 28… 2008: 0.89 ERA, 5 saves.

42. Louis Coleman - LSU… 6-4, 190, S/R, senior… was drafted in the 14th round by the Redskins in the 2008 draft… was also drafted in the 28th round of the 2006 draft by the Braves… will be primary reliever in 2009…

43. Bobby Gagg - Coastal Carolina… 6-0, 215, R/R… 2008: 6-3, 3.28 in 14 starts, 54Ks/85IP


44. Todd Roth - Penn… freshman… 6-2/195, R/R… 2008: 14 games, 11 starts, 4-5, 2.32

45. Nick Gaudi - Pepperdine… 6-4, 202, R/R, senior… summer 2008: BA ranked #10 Northwood League prospect… 1.35, 31/3 K/BB, 13 saves… 2008: named to the Stopper of the Year Midseason Watch List… 15 saves, 29 appearances, 2.68

46. Matt Hobgood – (up from 49th) - Norco HS; Norco, CA. 6′4, 245… 91-95 range, sinker, 4-seamer… hard curve…

47. Colby Holmes – (up from 60th) - Conway HS (SC)… 5-11/190/R/R… fastball has hit 94… arm action excellent… curve in high 70s… change 78… committed to South Carolina… projects as closer… rated by Baseball America as No. 9 best high school prospect at 2009 Under Armour Preseason All-America Tournament… rated No. 4 best high school player in the state of South Carolina by Diamond Prospects… rated No. 7 best high school player in the state of South Carolina by PG Crosschecker… played on 2008 17-U Diamond Devils summer team that won the 17-U World Wood Bat Association National Championships as well as the Continental Amateur Baseball Association 18-U Wood Bat World Series

48. Garrett Gould – (up from 54th) - 6-3, 190… Maize H.S. (Kansas)… member of underallamerica team… 12-6 curve…

49. Justin Sarratt - Clemson… junior… 5-9, 170… excellent control… All-ACC academic team… 2008: 2-2, 4.34 in 27 appearances… 4-6-9: named ACC POW: beat #1 ranked Georgia… retired 17 batters in a row.

50. Aj Griffin - San Diego… junior… 6-5, 215, R/R… 2008: 29 appearances, 1.96 in 48.0 IP… 14 saves Louisville Slugger 3rd team A/A.

51. Christian Bergman - UC Irvine… 3/28/2009: 8.0IP, 0ER vs. #10 UC Irvine

52. Shawn Tolleson – (up from #91) - Baylor… sat out 2007 with TJS… sophomore… 6-2, 225, 2009 Baseball America No. 23 MLB Draft Prospect (college). 2008: 6-4, 5.06

53. Jake Morgan - Mississippi… sophomore… R/R, 6-1, 230… 2008: 19 appearances, 41.1 IP, 38K, 14BB, 3.70

54. Chris Fetter - (up from 49th) - Michigan… Senior… 6-8, 230 R/R… All-America candidate… 2008: career 13-5 in Big-10… carrer 161 Ks… 16 games in 2008, 14 starts – 10 wins, 2.47, .209 OBA… 4/27: names Big-10 pitcher of the week: 2nd in league in Ks, 2.18…

55. Daniel Tuttle - Senior, Randleman HS; Randleman, NC. 6′2, 185… in 90-92 range… has hit 93… good curve… has a plus-slider… slight mechanics problem… only medium size… low ¾ delivery…

56. Justin Robichaux - Louisiana-Lafayette… junior… R/R, 6-2, 205… honor roll… 2008: 9 saves… 21 appearances, 19H, 31.1 IP


57. Matt Hobgood - Norco HS; Norco, CA. 6′4, 245… 91-95 range, sinker, 4-seamer… hard
curve…

58. Nate Garcia - Santa Clara… Junior… 6-0, 210,,, plays outfield also… 200*; 14 appearances, 13 starts… 86.1 IP, 75 K, 3.65 ERA

59. David Hale – (up from #73) - Princeton… 2008: 9 pitching starts and 24 games as either OF or DH… 2-4, 5.04, 44.2 IP

60. Scott Griggs - San Ramon Valley H.S. (CA.)… low-90’s fastball that has hit 95…

61. Clayton Ehlert - Texas A&M… Junior… 6-1/195/R/R… 2008: 16 games, 11 starts, 6-2, 3.41, 4.8 L/BB… 48 K, 10 BB, 69 IP

62. Ryan Buch - Monmouth… Junior… 6-3, 195, R/R… 2007 Northeast Conference Rookie of the Year… very good curveball… 2nd straight season named to Brooks Wallace Watch List

64. Scott Swinson - Maryland… Junior… 6-1, 185, R/R… weekend ace… plus fastball, excellent change-up, breaking ball… 2008: 13 stars, 5 wins, no-hitter, 71Ks

65. Mike Ojala - Rice… Junior… 6-3, 195… good breaking ball… 2008: 5-0 in 12 starts… 10.6K/9… 3.2 K/BB

66. Andrew Robinson - Georgia Tech… Junior… 6-1, 182, R/R… live fastball, good slider, changup… long relief pitcher… 2008: 33 appearances, 0.86 K/IP, 4-2.

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67. Steven Mazur - Norte Dame… Junior… 5-11, 195, R/R… sharp slider… sTrike thrower… mid-80’s… summer 09: 5-0, 3 saves, 0.99 in 24 appearances…

68. Brandon McClurg - Lipscomb… Senior… 5-11, 175, R/R… 200* 6-5, 2.70, 69 Ks 76.0 IP

69. Mike Nesseth - Nebraska… Sophomore… 6-5, 220, R/R… 2008 #2 prospect in Northwoods League… BA #63 prospect for 2009 college draft… 2008: 4-1, 4 saves, 3.58

70. Colin Bates - North Carolina… RS sophomore… 6-1, 170, R/R… 2008: 27 games… 2.78, 55.0 IP, 57Ks, 2.9:1 K/BB

71. Mike Nihsen - Creighton… Junior… 6-3, 200, R/R… 2008: 2.30 ERA, 14 starts… 70.1 IP, .231 OBA, all-star Northwoods League.

72. Nick McCully - Coastal Carolina… 5-11, 195 Freshman… named Big South Preseason Player of the Year… 2008: 10-3, 3.63, 24 appearances, 89.1 IP, 72K

73. Casey Upperman - Notre Dame Prep HS (AZ)… 6-0, 175, R/R… average size makes him project as RP… fastball in high 80s… has hit 91… quality change…

74. Bo O’dell - FSU… senior… 6-3, 210, R/R… 2008: 3.60, 21 appearances… went 5-1 as starter…

75. Mark Grbavac - Oregon State… Senior… 6-0, 185, R/R… summer: 11 appearances in Northwoods League, 1-1, 4.50… 2008: 22 appearances, 4-1, 3.61

76. Willy Kesler - New Mexico… Junior… 6-0, 215, R/R… started 2008 4-0, but had emergency appendectomy after that… then, season ending TJS… 1,90 ERA

77. Kyle Thebeau - Texas A&M… Senior… 6-1/195/R/R… first team All-Big 12… 2008: 6-3, 2.12, 33 appearances, .206 OBA

78. David Hale - Princeton… 2008: 9 pitching starts and 24 games as either OF or DH… 2-4, 5.04, 44.2 IP

79. Andrew Doyle - Oklahoma… junior… 6-3, 210, R/R… 2008: all Big-12 team… 9 wins, 72 Ks

80. Nick Karow - Furman… Junior… 6-2, 205, R/R… cut fastball go-to pitch… also plays catcher and fist base… 2008: consensus 2nd team All-Souther Conference relief pitcher… 5-0, 3.71, 9 saves

81. Chase Reid - Vanderbilt… sophomore… 6-3, 200, L/R… 2008: 4-0, 4.30 in 21 relief appearances…

82. Zach Von Tersch - Georgia Tech… Junior… 6-5, 215, R/R… 2008 ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District III Third Team… three pitches… drafted in the 38th round of the 2006 draft by Washington… 2008: 7-5, 4.33

83. Chase Dempsay - Houston… sophomore… 6-3, 200, R/R… 75. 2008 Rivals.com Freshman All-America First Team… 2008: set records by Cougar freshman with 11 saves and eight wins and ranks among the C-USA individual leaders both categories

84. Clinton Cox - New Mexico… Senior… 6-2, 215, R/R… 2008: 2nd team all-Mountain West… 26 appearances, 4 saves, 32K, 44.1 IP, 3-1, 3.86.

85. Ty Pryor - North Florida… Sophomore… 6-3, 205… 2008: 16 appearances… 37Ks/59.1 IP…

86. Steve Fischback – (previously unranked as a pitcher) - Cal Poly – 6-2, 200, R/R

87. Jorden Merry - Washington… senior… 6-1, 190, R/R… named to all-Pac 10 team… drafted by White Sox in 14th round of 2008 draft… 3.61 ERA… .233 OBA

88. Derek Ward - Louisiana-Monroe… Senior… 2008: 3.38, 7 saves, 28 appearances

89. Jeffrey Inman - Stanford… Junior… 6-2, 185, R/R… 2008: 7-2, 4.27, 71.2 IP, .246 OBA

90. Travis Starling - Texas A&M… Junior… 5-10, 180, R/R… 2008: first-team All-Big 12 selection as a relief pitcher, ranked third in the league with nine saves… 5-0, 2.74

91. Parker Bangs - South Carolina… Sophomore… 6-3, 210, R/R… 2008: 18 games as reliever… 3-3, 27.1 IP, 2 saves, 34K, .217 OBA

92. Daniel Bradshaw - LSU… Freshman… 6-1, 201, R/R… 2008 SEC Freshmen Academic Honor Roll… 2008: 26 G,2 starts, 4-5, 4.12

93. Connor Hoehn - Alabama… Sophomore… 6-2, 200… was drafted by the Brewers in the 21st round of the 2007 draft…

94. Kyle Morrison - Wagner… Junior… 6-1, 190… Named Third-Best Prospect In The Atlantic Collegiate Baseball League (ACBL) By Baseball America… 2008: 5-5, 57K, 3.99 ERA.

95. Austin Hyatt - Alabama… senior… 6-3, 205, R/R… 5th year senior… excellent control… 2008: 17 appearances, 14 starts, 93.1 IP, 80 K… 10-5, 4.26 over last 3 years

96. Madison Younginer - Mauldin HS… 6-3, 175… low 90s, touches 94… sharp 12-6 curve… past 2 years: 6-1-1… verbally committed to Clemson.


97. Miquel Valcarcel - St. John’s… freshman… 6-3, 200… was 32nd round draft pick in 2006 by the Rockies… 2008: 19-3, 1.32, 227K, 150 IP

98. Parker Thomas - Mt. Tabor HS… 6-5, 227

99. Josh Dahl - Deer Valley HS (AZ)… 6-0/200, R/R… low 90s fastball… tops 93… money pitch is curve… projected as a 2-pitch relief specialist…

100. Tyler Bess -- Morehead State… senior… 4-6-9: named Ohio Valley POW: allowed 1 run in 10.2 IP

101. Jason Kramer - Hawaii… senior… named WAC POW week 4-6-9: 2-3, 3.00, 48.0 IP

102. Cole White – New Mexico… top Lobos relief ace in 2009… through 4-7-09: 15 appearances, 1-0, 1.12, 30K, 16BB, 3 saves, 24.0 IP.

103. Bradon Tullis – Skagit Valley (Wash.) C.C. … 6-2, 190… first 28 innings in 2009: 4-0, 0.33, 27K, 11BB… fastball 88-91… three quality pitches


104. Jake Hale – Ohio State – senior… named Big Ten pitcher of the week April 20 after saving three games in a row the prior week… Stopper of the Year candidate… has not given up an earned run in April


105. Jake Barrett – Desert Ridge HS (AZ)… 6-4, 235, R/R… fastball in 90-94 range… power curve 74-77… split 75-76… emotional… a little heavy… as of 4/23: 5-2, 2.42, 60K/34IP…

106. Brad Stillings – (down from 98th) - Kent State – threw 9-inning no-hitter on 4-11 against Toledo. April 13: named the NCBWA pitcher of the week… 3.1 IP, 9 H, 9 ER on 4/25

107. Joshua Fields – (previously unranked) – Univ of Georgia – 6-0, 183, R/R


108. Chad Thompson – El Toro HS; Trabuco Canyon, CA Specs: 6′8, 215,… has hit 94… good downward plane… clean delivery… will undergo TJS May 1st

109. Tom Buske – (previously unranked) – 4/25:named Big-10 pitcher of the week: season era: 2.34

110. Jordon Cooper – (previously unranked) – Shelbyville Central HS, TN… 6-3, 185, B/R

111. Sean Black – (previously unranked) – Seton Hall – 6-5, 195, R/R

112. David Carpenter – (previously unranked) – New Mexico – 6-3, 185, R/R

113. Jeff Inman – (previously unranked) – Stanford – 6-2, 185, R/R…

114. Matt Thompson – (previously unranked) – San Diego – 6-4, 195, R/R…

115. Tom Lemke – (previously unranked) – Northwest Christian HS (AZ) – 6-7, 2-5, R/R….

116. Jorge Reyes – (previously unranked) – Oregon State – 6-2, 175, R/R

117. Kyle Smith (previously unranked) – Kent State – 6-6, 195, R/R

118. Brian Pearl – (previously unranked) – Washington – 6-1, 190, R/R