Top Catchers - 2010 MLB Draft - Updayed

1. Bryce Harper – Las Vegas High School

From Rob Nyer, in 2008, as a 15-yr. old: Harper has a power bat and a plus throwing arm that "already grades out to 70 on the 20 to 80 scouting scale," according to Dave Perkin of Baseball America. During infield prior to the game, Harper, in full gear, rifled the ball out of a crouch to second and third base with precision. Upon seeing him in action, I marked down "+ + arm" next to his name in my program. Although the rap on him is that he's not all that fast, I thought he ran very well from home to third on that triple, especially considering his age, size, and power. The kid is nothing if not impressive.

As a 16-year old, Harper hit .626 in 2009, with 14 home runs and 55 RBIs in 115 at-bats for the Wildcats this season. He hit 22 doubles, nine triples and stole 36 bases. He only struck out five times. He also scored nine times on wild pitches… from 2nd base.

5/09: played a three-game travel schedule… hit 11-12, with 10 HRs and one double

7/07 fr. http://www.projectprospect.com/ :Just a few weeks ago the 2010 draft looked solid but lacked a true star. Enter Bryce Harper. Harper told the Las Vegas Review Journal that he planned on getting his GED and has already enrolled at the College of Southern Nevada, a junior college with a strong baseball program. The Sports Illustrated cover boy will be the most hyped teenage sports star since LeBron James. With 80 raw power, a plus-plus arm, above-average speed and good defensive ability at the most difficult position on the diamond, the only thing holding Harper back might be the pressure living up to the hype.

Fr. http://www.espn.com/: Harper's best asset as a hitter is his strength; not muscle or bulk but hand and wrist strength, so that when he makes contact the ball takes off with uncanny power for someone his age. He launches balls in batting practice out to right and right-center and can drive the ball easily to the left-center wall. He's still wiry but has plenty of room to fill out and eventually make his listed weight -- a heavy 205 pounds -- a reality. He loads with his hands well behind his back shoulder, so he nearly bars out his front arm, adding some length to the swing. But he strides into the ball and rotates his hips well with his swing and has good hand-eye coordination, so the result is a lot of contact and the big raw power for which he's become known. He's an above-average runner now and should settle in as at least average even if he fills out completely.

7-21: 2010 MLB Mock Draft - 2nd Edition - July 21, 2009 by Scouting The Sports - http://scoutingthesports.com/?p=3632 - 1. Washington Nationals - Bryce Harper: -Last year the Nationals got maybe the best prospect ever drafted in the Major Leagues in Stephen Strasburg. After again having the worst record in the MLB, they will be able to pick number one and will select one of the more touted hitting prospects of all time. Labeled “Baseball’s Chosen One” on the June 8 cover of Sports Illustrated, Harper, a 6-3 catcher who can also pitch in the 90s, hit .626 with 14 home runs and 55 RBI in only 115 at-bats this season for Las Vegas High School. Harper is also very good defensively, and very athletic stealing 36 bases last season. This guy is a once in a lifetime catcher that the Nationals will not be able to pass up.

8-1: from http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com/: had the purest swing in the whole tourney with best power potential as well, reminds me of Joe Maurer with the Twins, Joe is more athletic however, Bryce displayed ML plus arm strength and know how behind the dish. If he truly is going to get his HS GED as publicized, he could be taken in the top 10 selections in 2010, or he could be #1 in 2011. Only thing that bothered me was the arm sleeve he wore around his elbow. Also pitched 1 inning and k'0d all three hitters, 93 fb tops. Right now he grades out great, 50 hitter, 60 power (to all fields), 40 runner now, 65 arm, 60 field.

8-17 from http://www.baseballamerica.com/ re: AFLAC games - Bryce Harper (Las Vegas HS), the 16-year-old catching phenom, was the marquee attraction at the Aflac game, and while he showed his premium defensive tools, his offensive performance was underwhelming. He grounded out twice and struck out three times, rifling his batting helmet into the dugout after his third whiff. Over the past several weeks, scouts have been whispering that Harper was off of his game. Those suspicions were validated in San Diego. He could not catch up to a decent fastball and was badly fooled by every curve, flailing and missing badly. Harper's swing, sound previously, has gone backwards. He is far too long on the back end, he is lunging and diving at pitches, and his timing is drastically inconsistent.

8-19: Jeff Sullivan from the AFLAC Games: - Although he had a disappointing game at the plate, Harper still showed why he is the number one talent in high school, and possibly, the number one talent in the 2010 draft. He went 0-5 with three strikeouts in the game, including getting completely fooled by Cameron Bedrosian, on a nasty breaking ball. During the week he showcased his power in batting practice and it is truly amazing what he can do with the bat. Harper also showed off his power arm from behind the dish, and even if he struggled in the game, he is still the number one prospect from the game.

9-5: from Jonathan Mayo’s 8-26 article on http://www.minors.mlbblogs.com/: - The "big" name, the phenom who was on the cover of Sports Illustrated, the presumptive No. 1 pick for next year. A word of caution: A lot can happen between now and then. Not saying he's not good, just don't crown the guy just yet. At the AFLAC game, he showed bat speed and plus arm strength. There were some concerns with his approach at the plate, where he seems more focused on hitting long home runs and didn't make adjustments. His release on his throws was a little longer than it's been in the past. He still showed plenty of tools, but he didn't make in-game adjustments

9-7: From http://www.perfectgame.com/ on the AFLAC games: - had a bad day at the dish, which was bound to happen sooner or later. He rifled off some great throws and played solid defense. Don't be fooled by his lunging and missing other pitches he should of crushed, but he saw a different pitcher each at bat. For as much ink as this young man has had and with his tools he's still in the top 5 players on paper going in the 1st round, barring a total meltdown in 2010.

9-16: From http://www.baseballamerica.com/ : - College Top 25 draft prospects: #1: Bryce Harper, c CC of Southern Nevada

9-24: From: http://mlbresource.blogspot.com/: Mock Draft Version 1 – #1 Bryce Harper, C, College of Southern Nevada

9/27 from: http://web.usabaseball.com/: Bryce Harper and Manny Machado each drove in two runs in a seven-run third inning to lead the USA Baseball 18U National Team to a 14-0 run-rule shutout against Argentina Saturday in Day 2 of the COPABE "AAA" Pan American Championships at Daniel Canonico Stadium.

9-28: From http://mlbresource.blogspot.com/: - Mock Draft Version 2 - Bryce Harper, C, College of Southern Nevada - Harper is as of right now the undisputed #1 pick. He is a five tool player and believe it or not is getting more attention than Stephen Strasburg. My only concern for Harper is expectations. If Harper is a solid major leaguer is that enough for Washington fans? I fully expect Harper to be an All-Star caliber player for many years but this is a ton of pressure on a kid that hasn't played at a higher level than high school.

9-30: From: http://web.usabaseball.com/: - Karsten Whitson, Connor Mason and Kevin Gausman combined on a three-hitter, and an opportunistic offense took advantage of five errors as the USA Baseball 18U National Team remained unbeaten with a 19-0 run-rule shutout of Colombia Monday on Day 4 of the COPABE "AAA" Pan American Junior Championships at Daniel Canonico Stadium. Garin Cecchini made it a 3-0 game with an RBI double. The team then added four more runs in the second on Tony Wolters' two-run double and a two-run home run by Bryce Harper, a towering blast to right field. Team USA erupted for five runs in the fifth on two hits and two Columbia errors, with Brian Ragira's two-run double the big hit in the at bat. Wolters ended up with three RBIs. Harper, Cecchini, Ragira and Kavin Keyes had two apiece. Keyes also had three hits. Harper, Cecchini and Manny Machado each scored three runs.

10-1 from: http://www.baseballrumormill.com/: - The COPABE "AAA" Pan American Championships began this past weekend and the 18-and-under squad from Team USA got off to a very hot 3-0 start with wins over Aruba, Argentia and Panama. Three stars stood out offensively for Team USA: Bryce Harper: The well publicized SI coverboy lived up to the hype in Game 2 against Argentina. Team USA crushed Argentina 14-0 and Harper had two doubles and two RBI.










2. Yasmani Grandal – Miami – taken in the 27th round of the 2007 draft by Boston… excellent power and plate discipline… strong arm… needs work on his skills…
7/07 fr. http://www.projectpropsect.com/: One of the top unsigned prospects for the 2007 Draft Grandal might be 2010’s Josh Phegly - a good hitter, with big time power but questionable defensive ability behind the dish despite a strong arm. Grandal lead the Hurricane’s in home runs with 16 this spring while sporting a .299/.410/.599 line with 33 walks and 37 strikeouts in 239 plate appearances. If Grandal can stay at catcher defensively, his strong bat could make him a star.

7-09: Fr. Keith Law/ http://www.espn.com/ : Grandal sports an above average arm, but really gets scouts attention with his ability to hit effectively from both sides of the plate.
7-20: homered in the first inning for Team USA win over Team Canada

7-21: 2010 MLB Mock Draft - 2nd Edition - July 21, 2009 by Scouting The Sports http://scoutingthesports.com/?p=3632 - 6. Oakland Athletics - Yasmani Grandal Catcher Miami - -Grandal was actually taken in the 27th round by the Red Sox in ‘07, but chose to go to college instead. It was certainly a good decision to return to Miami because he has developed his power and plate discipline. Grandal can certainly hit, and there are no questions about his ability at the plate. But it’s his work behind the plate that is lagging because while Grandal has a strong arm, he really needs to work on his game calling skills and work with pitchers. Oakland loves picking college kids, so this is no surprise here. If Grandal refines himself behind the plate, he could move even higher in this draft, especially with the nature of catching in baseball.
7-20: In the 6-3 Team USA loss to Team Germany: hit solo home run
8-1: from http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com/: has filled out since HS days and shows more power in his stroke, technique to throw to 2b has improved, still a bit erratic however. One of the top 3 college catchers in the game and a high demand could make him an early rounder easily next spring. Consistency is biggest concern overall in his skill set performance, tools are there, just put it all together! Jorge Posado anyone?
9-24: From: http://mlbresource.blogspot.com/: Mock Draft Version 1 – #5 pick overall - Yasmani Grandal, C - University of Miami
9-28: From http://mlbresource.blogspot.com/: - Mock Draft Version 2 - #27 pick overall - Yasmani Grandal, C - University of Miami (FL) - Grandal and Micah Gibbs will fight for the position of top college catcher behind Bryce Harper and all three are solid. He is solid on defense and popped 16 HR last year for the Hurricanes. I could see Grandal going a little lower but for now he is a first rounder.



3. Micah Gibbs - LSU – 6-0, 220, S/R -

7/07 fr. http://www.projectprospect.com/: - Tennessee’s backstop Blake Forsythe and LSU’s catcher Micah Gibbs are potential first round picks. Both guys need to improve their contact abilities next spring but have good upside.
8-1: from http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com/: solid receiver, at least 50 arm strength w/good release, has legit power, frequency and contact ability still in question, was a bit stiff at CWS, however, the talent and skills package is there, he'll have to put it all together in 2010.
9-24: From: http://mlbresource.blogspot.com/: Mock Draft Version 1 – #24 pick overall - Micah Gibbs, C – LSU
9-28: From http://mlbresource.blogspot.com/: - Mock Draft Version 2 - #16 pick overall - Micah Gibbs, C – LSU - Scouting Director R.J. Harrison has proven to be one of the best in all of baseball through the building of one of the best farm systems. The Rays have a ton of pitching and a ton of young athletic players and to me bringing Gibbs in is another quality chip in the bag. Dioner Navarro has been good but I am not sure how much longer he will be in Tampa. The catching position seems to be one need and this good be a good pick for the Rays.




4. Stefan Sabol –- Aliso Niquel HS (CA) – 6-0, 200 – 6.75 in 60-yd… pop time: 1.88… needs work on catching balls, not throwing…

8-9: from Keith Law/ http://www.espn.com/: - Figuring to be a first round pick in 2010, Stefan Sabol continued to impress at the games. He displayed plenty of tools at the games: running and throwing well, while demonstrating a solid swing that can go to all parts of the field. The only question is where to put him in the field. He's currently a catcher, but most teams will probably want to put his athleticism in the outfield.
8-10: From http://www.baseballamerica.com/ – Area Code Games - The highest overall score in 2009 was posted by Stefan Sabol, a catcher/outfielder from Aliso Niguel High School in Aliso Viejo, Calif. Sabol, whose cousin is Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu, recorded a stratospheric 80.87 overall score. Sabol trampolined to a remarkable 36.2 inch vertical leap, and shocked everyone present—himself included—by racing off to one of the fastest 60 times in Area Code history—6.28. The score is shocking because Sabol typically runs in the 6.5- to 6.7-second range.
8-19: Jeff Sullivan from the AFLAC Games: - Sabol is an outstanding athlete who is a blast to see play. He is athletic enough to play almost anywhere on the diamond, but if he is able to stick at catcher, it will greatly improve his draft stock. He has blazing speed and is a very exciting player. Sabol went hitless in the game, but he is a fantastic athlete who has committed to play for Oregon.

9-16: From http://www.baseballamerica.com/ : - High School Top 25 draft prospects: 15. Stefan Sabol, c/of Aliso Niquel HS, Aliso Viejo, Calif.


5. Cameron Rupp – Texas – 6-3, 220, R/R- also plays 1B…

8-1: from http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com/: solid power straight away and at least an ave ML hitter, 260-270 type with 15-20 type HR at the least. Solid arm strength, tends to rush throws thus causing accuracy problems to 2b. Has improved since HS days.


6. Blake Forsythe – (up from 8th) - Tennessee -

7/07 from http://www.projectprospect.com/: - Tennessee’s backstop Blake Forsythe and LSU’s catcher Micah Gibbs are potential first round picks. Both guys need to improve their contact abilities next spring but have good upside. Forsythe has more power while Gibbs has more defensive value…
7-09: Fr. Keith Law/ http://www.espn.com/ : Law critizes Forsythe by saying "he's Adam Dunn at the plate -- it takes an act of Congress to get the bat off his shoulder."

9-24: From: http://mlbresource.blogspot.com/: Mock Draft Version 1 – #28 pick overall - Blake Forsythe, C - Tennessee



7. Mitch Karraker Univ. of Oregon – 6-1, 175, junior… 2009: 51-G, 34-starts, 2.16, second on the team with 18-RBIs, .979 fielding percentage, 31 –assists, caught 14-32 (.696) base runners


8. Rob Brantly – UC Riverside

9-16: From http://www.baseballamrica.com/ : - College Top 25 draft prospects: 25. Rob Brantly, c UC Riverside


9. Jeremy Malo – Texas Tech – Junior – 5-10, 194, R/R… good power… 2009: .313/.453/.618 in 144 at bats… 11-HRs, 35-RBIs, 11-E

10. Zane Evans – Roswell HS (GA) – 6-3, 210, R/R – raw power… also RHP with 88mph fastball… excellent arm strength--- verbally committed to Auburn….

11. Samuel Peterson – DeRidder HS (LA) – 6-0, 185, R/R – excellent catch and throw skills… handles bat well…

12. Arman Valenzuela – Northview HS (CA) – 6-1, 175, R/R – athletically built… all around defensive skills… verbally committed to Loyola Marymount…


13. Cody Stanley – UNC Wilmington junior L/R…

7-23: stats thru 7-15 in Cape Cod League: .276, 1-HR, 5-RBI… starting in Cape Cod All-Star game

14. Mike Murray – Wake Forest – senior L/R…
7-23: stats thru 7-15 in Cape Cod League: .385, 0-HR, 3-RBI… starting in Cape Cod All-Star game

15. Alex Lavisky - St. Edward HS (OH) – 6-1, 205 -
7-29: From: http://www.baseballfactory.com/: - Lavisky is a strong and agile backstop with solid catch-andthrow ability. At the plate, he employs an open stance and has quick wrists that allow him to catch up to velocity well
9-8: http://www.pgtracker.com/ lists as one of the top 10 high school players coming out of Ohio.


16. Alex Ramsay – Severna Park (MD) - 6-0, 185 –
7-29: From: http://www.baseballfactory.com/: - One of the top catchers in the 2010 class, Ramsay is an excellent athlete who runs the 60-yard dash in 7.0 seconds. He shows good actions behind the plate with quick feet, a strong arm and good blocking and receiving skills. He’s a good hitter with quick hands and above-average bat speed.

17. Kellin Deglan – Langley HS (BC) – 6-2, 180 –
7-29: from http://www.baseballfactory.com/: - Deglan is a big, strong catcher who is 6-foot-2 and 200 pounds. The combination of his arm strength and power from the left side make him an intriguing prospect and he has blossomed lately, hitting in the middle of the Canadian Junior National Team’s lineup.

18. Jacob Felts – Orangefield HS (TX) – 6-0, 195 –
7-29: from http://www.baseballfactory.com/: - Felts is a very solid defender who flashes a 1.8-second pop time. He hits with some authority too, with a line drive approach to all fields.
19. Shane Rowland –

9-7: From http://www.perfectgame.com/ on the AFLAC games: - I saw some blinking going on this summer and he did it again, except I didn't see it 100% until I saw the video playback of the game today on a couple of pitches. Good young receiver that some compare to Greg Zaun.


20. Dan Burkhart – Ohio State –

9-8: http://www.pgtracker.com/ lists as one of the top 10 college players coming out of Ohio.