Top LHPs in 2010 Baseball Draft - updated

LHP:


1. Drew Pomeranz – Mississippi – ace of Ole Miss staff in 2009… 8-4, 3.40, 16 starts… struck out 124, walked 37 in 95.1 IP… was drafted by Rangers in the 12th round of the 2007 draft… BA ranked as 11th top sophomore in 2009…


7/07 fr. www.projectprospect.com :Pomeranz is a 6-foot-5 lefty with smooth mechanics, a fastball that sits 92-93 mph and touches slightly higher, a devastating curveball and good command. Last season, the Rebels’ ace struck out 31.2% of batters he faced last year while walking 9.3%. When I saw him earlier this spring he didn’t use his changeup much, but showed some feel for it. If his change can develop into a solid third offering, Pomeranz could have a long career as a No. 2 starter


7/13: Pomerance threw a wild pitch against Team Japan, which was followed by six runs, and the first loss of the year for Team USA.

7-20: pitched 6.0, 2-ER, 6-K, win, for Team USA win over Team Canada

7-29: From http://web.usabaseball.com/index.jsp - USA starter Drew Pomeranz (Ole Miss) took a no-hitter into the seventh inning and Team USA beat Germany, 8-1, in the championship game at the 2009 Enbridge Northern Gateway Pipeline World Baseball Challenge at Prince George Citizen Field.


8-1: from http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com - powerful build fb jumps with life out of his hand, mostly 91-93 early, off the table hammer gets hitters off balance and shows solid control. Could be one of top 5 on paper right now for 2010.

9-6: From an 8-25 post www.pgtracker.com: - “right now on paper, top 3 picks for 2010 MLB for me would be” - 1.) LHP Drew Pomeranz, U of Mississippi, 6'5 220, exploding fb, 90-95 range and hard breaking ball, questions on consistency I believe have been answered this summer. Not the best delivery, however, you can compare to Miller out of UNC 2 years ago.

9-16: From www.baseballamrica.com : - College Top 25 draft prospects 11. Drew Pomeranz, lhp Mississippi

9-24: From: http://mlbresource.blogspot.com: Mock Draft Version 1.0 – 11th pick overall - Drew Pomeranz, LHP - Ole Miss

9-28: From http://mlbresource.blogspot.com: - Mock Draft Version 2 - #4 pick overall - Drew Pomeranz, LHP - Ole Miss - The downfall of the Indians these past couple weeks is that they have struggled. The bright side however is that they are picking pretty high now and have a great shot at a kid like Pomeranz. This polished lefty along with last year's pick RHP Alex White give the Indians two quality starters two years in a row. With the truck full of prospects the Indians just acquired at the AAA level I could see them seeing the depth and taking a chance on a high school propsect but for now Pomeranz is the guy.

10-5 from http://mlbbonusbaby.com: 9. San Diego Padres – Drew Pomeranz, LHP, Ole Miss – (1st LHP pick in draft) - Left-handed power arms are hard to come by, and Pomeranz has one. There’s been some big questions about his arm action, and his lack of athleticism leads me to believe he’s going to be susceptible to the big arm injury. However, up to now he’s been healthy and effective, and his breaking ball can be one of the best in the 2010 class. He’s big, has a solid history, and is left-handed, so it’s hard to see him dropping out of the top fifteen without an injury of some sort.

10-5 from http://baseballdraftreport.com: - top 50 prospects in 2010 draft – #8 – Drew Pomeranz – 1st LHP on list

10-13 from www.mymlbdraft.com: 2010 MLB Mock Draft - #10 – (3rd LHP picked) – Drew Pomeranz

11-2 from www.perfectgame.com: - Future Scout Sully said: Here is my list of the Top 50 in the class. I have seen almost every one of these players. Went out to AFLAC for the week, saw team usa play, and went to many cape games: - 4- LHP Drew Pomeranz (1st LHP on list)

11-3 from www.mlbresource.com: 3rd Mock draft – 4. Drew Pomeranz, LHP - Ole Miss - I had the Royals taking James Paxton before but I believe if Pomeranz is here then the Royals have to take him. Pitching in the SEC gives Pomeranz big game experience and should shoot through the Royals system helping immediately. (1st LHP on list)

11-17 from www.mlbdraft.blogspot.com: - 5.Cleveland Indians- Drew Pomeranz, LHP, Ole Miss - The Indians are lacking a power LHP in the system, and Pomeranz would change that. At 6'5, Pomeranz sits low 90's with a curveball that is a legitimate swing and miss pitch. Cleveland will not pass that up. (1st LHP picked)

11-18 from www.macksmets.blogspot.com: - 9. LHP Drew Pomeranz – Pomeranz and Sale are the two top left hand pitchers is a draft with very few standouts. (2nd LHP on list)

11-20 from www.draftamerica.com: - 11. Toronto -- Drew Pomeranz, LHP, Ole Miss. Pomeranz misses bats and Toronto went after pitchers with their first four picks last year (despite only managing to sign their top selection, Chad Jenkins (RHP, Kennesaw St.)).



2. Chris Sale – Florida Gulf Coast – 6-6, 190 –


8-1: from http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com: very good arm, lively fb, will reach 95 on occasion, more effective down and away on RHH and in on LHH, sharp slide piece which will be very effective vs LHH in pro ball. Has been said to have added 10 mph to his fb since HS and 30 lbs which probably has put him into the most projectible to be an early 1st rounder for 2010, however, again, very early. Also pitching in the Cape this summer. 60 OFP, upside that can only get better in time! Chuck Finley anyone?

8-31: From www.baseballamerica: - Sale won the Cape's pitcher of the year award after tying for the league lead with four victories and topping the Cape with 57 strikeouts and 55 innings. He was also the East Division's MVP at the all-star game, where he required just six pitches to work a perfect inning. Sale has a lean 6-foot-6, 185-pound frame and comes at hitters from a low arm slot. His fastball sits at 90-93 mph, features good life and should continue to add velocity as he fills out. His changeup gives him an effective weapon against righthanders, while his breaking ball needs refinement.

9-16: From www.baseballamrica.com : - College Top 25 draft prospects: 5. Chris Sale, lhp Florida Gulf Coast

9-28: From http://mlbresource.blogspot.com: - Mock Draft Version 2 - #17 pick overall - Chris Sale, LHP - Florida Gulf Coast - Sale along with Pomeranz and Paxton are the best lefties in this draft and all of them will be shuffled around first round mocks. The Cubs have some real nice righties in their farm system and throwing a southpaw in the mix will give the Cubs a nice blend.

10-5 from http://mlbbonusbaby.com: 10. Oakland Athletics – Chris Sale, LHP, Florida Gulf Coast – (2nd LHP pick in draft) - Sale was the star of the Cape Cod League this summer, and most prospect buffs would be lying to you if they told you they knew who he was before his summer run. He’s going to battle Pomeranz and James Paxton for the top lefty in the college class during the spring, and there’s a good chance Sale comes out ahead. He’s also big, standing at 6′6”, but he’s projectable too, as he might be able to add a good twenty pounds to his frame. He’s got a plus fastball with good movement and an effective changeup, and I see Sale as a relatively safe pick as far as pitchers go.

10-5 from http://baseballdraftreport.com: - top 50 prospects in 2010 draft – #15 – Chris Sale – 2nd LHP on list

10-13 from www.mymlbdraft.com: 2010 MLB Mock Draft - #6 – (1st LHP picked) - Chris Sale

11-2 from www.perfectgame.com: - Future Scout Sully said: Here is my list of the Top 50 in the class. I have seen almost every one of these players. Went out to AFLAC for the week, saw team usa play, and went to many cape games: - 12- LHP Chris Sale (2nd LHP on list)

11-3 from www.mlbresource.com: 3rd Mock draft – #11 - Chris Sale, LHP - Florida Gulf Coast - Toronto had terrible luck in the draft last year outside of first rounder Chad Jenkins. Sale so far seems like he will be a very easy sign and has shot up the draft boards. (2nd LHP on list)

11-16 from www.collegebaseballblog.com: Sale was named the top prospect from the Cape Cod League , going 4-2, 1.47, 57-K, 9-BB.

11-17 from www.mlbdraft.blogspot.com: - 7. New York Mets- Chris Sale, LHP, Florida Gulf Coast - Sale came out of nowhere this summer on the cape to become one of the top LHPs in the draft. The Mets would love to add a 6'6 lefty who is always around the plate into their system. Sale still has room to fill out too, as he is only 175 pounds. (2nd LHP picked)

11-18 from www.macksmets.blogspot.com: - LHP Chris Sale – Sale has come on strong in the “off” season and was voted the top prospect in this year’s Cape Cod League. (1st LHP on list)

11-20 from www.draftamerica.com: - 12. Cincinnati -- Chris Sale, LHP, Florida Gulf Coast. Cincy has learned college in the past few first rounds, and Sale fits well here as potential power arm either in a rotation or at the back of the pen.



3. James Paxton – Kentucky… dominated SEC… 37.9% K 4.8% BB… born in Canada… 6-4, 210… 97 mph fastball, slurve, changeup… 4-0, 3.30, 47K/6BB/30.0 IP through March 2009… Through 3-25-09, Paxton is 4-0, 3.30 with 47 strikeouts and six walks in 30 innings. On March 20, he out-dueled Vanderbilt lefthander Mike Minor, striking out 10 in 6.2 innings… roughed up lately, but still touching 97 mph… From John Sickles: Paxton has an unattractive 5.40 ERA, but this is around average for his context, and his other numbers are sharp: 97/17 K/BB in 65 innings, 68 hits allowed, giving him K/IP, K/BB, and H/IP marks that are all very strong for the context in which he's pitching. His biggest weakness is a high home run rate, with 10 dingers given up. Paxton is 6-4, 215 and has been clocked as high as 95 MPH. He's from Canada and is a bit raw compared to some other college pitchers, but has a very high ceiling. He could go anywhere in the first or second round… for season: 5-2, 5.30, 109K, 20BB, 73.0IP… From Lincoln Hamilton’s Top 30 draftees… #11 (#3 LHP on list) - 6-foot-4 lefty with plus, plus velocity , dominating SEC (34.0% K 5.9% BB), long arm action… age: 20.5… May 25th ProjectProspect’s mock draft: 11) Colorado Rockies - James Paxton, LHP University of Kentucky The Rockies have gone surprisingly college-heavy in recent years, not taking a high school player last year until the 14th round. Even post-humidor, Coors Field is a tough place to pitch and the Rockies need pitchers who can get outs on their own. Paxton keeps the ball out of play, by striking everyone out. He could go much higher, but shouldn't last past Colorado with this pick.. 5-28 John Sickles: James Paxton, Kentucky: STRENGTHS: 92-96 MPH fastball, sharp curveball, good control, high strikeout rates in college ball, big and strong, from Canada so he has a fresher arm than most college guys. WEAKNESSES: Why does he have an ERA over 5.00? Vulnerable to home runs this year; needs a better changeup; Canadian background also means he needs more polish. Paxton is something of an enigma, but University of Kentucky pitchers actually have a pretty good track record, and despite the high ERA his K/BB and K/IP ratios are outstanding.


8-20: from www.rivals.yahoo.com: There’s no question Paxton always had the talent to be an excellent pitcher when he stepped on Kentucky’s campus. But his stock rose after having an impressive spring and compiling a great strikeout-to-walk ratio. With his stock at a high entering the draft, the Blue Jays chose the left-hander in the supplemental first round. Paxton may put together an even more impressive senior campaign, but there’s a very good chance he doesn’t get drafted as high next summer. He had the leverage the past two months, but didn’t get the deal he was looking for. UK is glad to have Paxton back, but time will tell if it was the best decision.


9-16: From www.baseballamrica.com : - College Top 25 draft prospects 7. James Paxton, lhp Kentucky

9-24: From: http://mlbresource.blogspot.com: Mock Draft Version 1.0 – 17th pick overall - James Paxton, LHP – Kentucky

9-28: From http://mlbresource.blogspot.com: - Mock Draft Version 2 - #5 pick overall - James Paxton, LHP – Kentucky - This is definitely the ceiling for Paxton as we will not go higher than this. Teams dream about building a rotation like Maddux, Glavine, Smoltz or Zito, Hudson, Mulder. Could Zack Greinke, Aaron Crow, and James Paxton be the next? If Drew Pomeranz gets here, the Royals should take him but with him off the board right now Paxton is the pick. The Royals top prospects all finished this season at Single-A Wilmington or Burlington and with Crow last year and Paxton this year who is a senior as well will rush in some older more big league ready talent.

10-5 from http://mlbbonusbaby.com: 19. Detroit Tigers – James Paxton, LHP, Kentucky – (3rd LHP pick in draft) - If the Tigers win tomorrow, then they slide two spots from here. I’m just guessing they’ll lose. Sorry Tiger fans. Anyway, Paxton is a strong-armed lefty and Boras client, and the Tigers like both. With better results to go with the plus stuff that Paxton flashed in 2009, he’ll probably improve his draft position from the supplemental first round slot he landed to the Blue Jays in the 2009 draft. Paxton isn’t your typical senior sign, as he’ll still just be 21 at the time of the draft, and he’s still unlocking the potential he has after years in an even colder climate than Kentucky. He’s a probable first-rounder to at least a team with multiple early picks after the free agent signings shake out.

10-5 from http://baseballdraftreport.com: - top 50 prospects in 2010 draft – #24 – James Paxton – 3rd LHP on list

10-13 from www.mymlbdraft.com: 2010 MLB Mock Draft - #7 – (2nd LHP picked) - James Paxton

10-24 from www.baseballrumormll.com: - top 10 prospects: - 10. (only LHP on list) James Paxton, RHP (sic), Kentucky: Paxton was originally taken with the 37th overall pick in the 2009 draft, but was unable to sign with the Blue Jays and has returned to Kentuckey for his senior year. Paxton is a hard thrower who also has a good slider, but needs to improve his control.

11-2 from www.perfectgame.com: - Future Scout Sully said: Here is my list of the Top 50 in the class. I have seen almost every one of these players. Went out to AFLAC for the week, saw team usa play, and went to many cape games: - 24- LHP James Paxton (3rd LHP on list)

11-3 from www.mlbresource.com: 3rd Mock draft – #18 - James Paxton, LHP - Kentucky - Seattle at this point will have a ton of choices. I just look at their lack of depth in left handed pitching in their system and Paxton immediately provides that upgrade. Josh Osich out of Oregon State could be another possibility. (3rd LHP on list)

11-4 from: www.baseballamerica.com: - Paxton was already drafted in the supplemental first round as a junior in 2009, but he could climb into the top 10 overall picks if he can be more consistent as a junior. But he was limited in fall ball after having his knee scoped in August and then coming down with mononucleosis. He was throwing again by late October, but the Wildcats did not plan to give him any action in live intrasquads.

11-17 from www.mlbdraft.blogspot.com: - 10.Oakland Athletics- James Paxton, LHP, Kentucky - Paxton was taken in the first round last year, but didn't sign. A power lefty who can hit upper 90s, Paxton will be the first senior taken on draft day. However, Paxton will still be 21 by the signing deadline, and he still has yet to open his true potential. He has a good fastball/slider mix that he uses well, and a developing change up as well. (3rd LHP picked)

11-18 from www.macksmets.blogspot.com: - 27. LHP James Paxson – the last of the top LHPs in this draft. (4th LHP on list)

11-20 from www.draftamerica.com: - 18. Seattle -- James Paxton, LHP, Univ. of Kentucky. Paxton showed mid-90s velocity last spring before falling-off in the second half, and a solid spring could place him solidly in the first round and fair game for an organization that covets power stuff.



4. Josh Osich – Oregon State – 6-3, 195, L/L, junior - fastball sits at 97… devastating curve… 2009: 0-0, 2.05, in 17 appearances, 1 start… 26.1-IP, 34-K… Baseball America ranked him as the 25th top sophomore in 2009…

7/07 fr. www.projectprospect.com : Osich is a power lefty who was used primarily out of the bullpen last season but will look to transition to starting in 2010. Coming from an over-the-top arm slot, Osich has a fastball that sits 94-96 mph with late life. His curveball shows great break and is pretty much unhittable when it’s on. Osich’s changeup is thrown with good arm speed and has solid fading action, but wasn’t used much last spring in relief. Osich has the best pure stuff of any college pitcher in this class, but also the shortest track record. He could go No. 2 overall, or fall out of the first round depending on how he fares this spring. For now, I’ll take my chances with a guy of his talent.


7-21: 2010 MLB Mock Draft - 2nd Edition - July 21, 2009 by Scouting The Sports http://scoutingthesports.com/?p=3632 - 10. New York Mets - Josh Osich Pitcher Oregon State - -Big league scouts are already drooling over Osich, and for good reason. His fastball sits at around 97 mph, and his curve is devastating. His changeup could be special if he continues to work on it. Oh, and one other thing. Osich is left-handed. As a lefty specialist, Osich could be dominant right now in the majors.


9-24: From: http://mlbresource.blogspot.com: Mock Draft Version 1.0 – 26th pick overall - Josh Osich, LHP - Oregon State

11-2 from www.perfectgame.com: - Future Scout Sully said: Here is my list of the Top 50 in the class. I have seen almost every one of these players. Went out to AFLAC for the week, saw team usa play, and went to many cape games: - 47- LHP Josh Osich (6th LHP on list)

11-9 from www.mlbresource.com: - Josh Osich, LHP Oregon State - Osich throws in the low to mid 90’s and is being seen as a future closer at the next level.



5. Bryan Morgado – Tennessee – 6-3, 203, L/L, Junior - BA ranked him as the 26th top 2009 sophomore… 2009: 4-2, 6.36, in 20 games, 5 start… 75-Ks in 52.1 IP


7-17: 5.0-IP, 8-K, 6-BB, 0-R for Bourne in the Cape Cod League

9-16: From www.baseballamrica.com : - College Top 25 draft prospects 13. Bryan Morgado, lhp Tennessee

10-5 from http://mlbbonusbaby.com: 31. Tampa Bay Rays – Bryan Morgado, LHP, Tennessee – (4th LHP pick in draft) - This pick isn’t protected against a player not signing, so the Rays will probably have to go the college route with the pick. Morgado was a third-rounder a year ago to the White Sox as a draft-eligible sophomore. A great summer raised his stock, and he didn’t sign, but he established himself as a great 2010 prospect in the process. He’s probably more in the supplemental- to early-second round range, but the Rays just need a signable guy in this slot, and Morgado’s got good potential.

10-13 from www.mymlbdraft.com: 2010 MLB Mock Draft - #19 – (4th LHP picked) – Bryan Morgado

11-3 from www.mlbresource.com: 3rd Mock draft – #32 - Bryan Morgado, LHP – Tennessee - A lot of scouting directors were surprised Morgado dropped all the way to the third round to the White Sox in 2009. The Yankees love grabbing collegiate pitching in the draft and have a very nice selection in Morgado. (4th LHP on list)

11-20 from www.draftamerica.com: - 19. Detroit -- Bryan Morgado, LHP, Univ. of Tennessee. Morgado had an impressive summer on the Cape and brings good low-90s velo on his fastball and a slider with plus bite and depth when it's at its best -- seems to fit the Detroit profile.


6. Jake Elipoulos – (new) –

8-15: www.draftlist.com: - #28 on mock draft

11-2 from www.perfectgame.com: - Future Scout Sully said: Here is my list of the Top 50 in the class. I have seen almost every one of these players. Went out to AFLAC for the week, saw team usa play, and went to many cape games: - 34- LHP Jake Eliopoulos (4th LHP on list)



7. Chad Jones - LSU – junior…

10-9 from www.nytimes.com: - This past spring, Jones batted .355 as L.S.U.’s starting center fielder before leaving to participate in spring football drills. When he returned to baseball, he was buried on the outfield depth chart. In an effort to find a spot for him on the postseason roster, L.S.U.’s baseball coach, Paul Mainieri, asked him to throw a bullpen session. It marked the first time that Jones had pitched in two years, but Mainieri was flabbergasted by Jones’s command. Two days later, Jones pitched in a simulated game and struck out all three batters he faced. He appeared that week in a game against Auburn. After allowing a single, he struck out two batters with the bases loaded. “A star was born,” Mainieri said. Jones shone brightest at the College World Series, where he tossed three hitless innings of relief in three appearances, including one and two-thirds innings in the title-clinching victory against Texas. He finished the season with a 2.70 earned run average in six and two-thirds innings.

11-20 from www.draftamerica.com: - 32. New York (A) -- Chad Jones, LHP/OF, LSU. The two-way star (he's also a safety on LSU's football team) has stated baseball is his true love, though that doesn't mean he'll necessarily be easy to pry from LSU. He has big stuff off the mound and is perhaps the best pure athlete in the class, showing five-tool potential and a surprisingly solid approach at the plate, given his split focus.


8. Chris Hernandez – Miami – 6-1, 195, L/L, Junior – named to 2009 NCBWA Preseason First Team All-American… 2008: 11-0, 2.72… BA ranked as 13th top sophomore in 2009…

7/07 fr. www.projectprospect.com: There’s lots of depth in this years college class, and you could make the case for a dozen other players finding a spot on this list. I decided to go with Hernandez because he has a long track record of success he was the National Freshman of the Year in 2008 and followed that up with a very solid 2009 campaign in which he struck out 24.7% of hitters while walking 8.2%. Hernandez has solid, but not overpowering stuff. His fastball sits in the high-80’s with good sink, he features a solid changeup and very good curve. He doesn’t have the sexiest upside, but his combination of command, multiple breaking pitches and good knowledge of how to pitch make Hernandez a good bet to have a solid big league career.

8-15: www.draftlist.com – 35th pick on mock draft

11-10 from www.collegebaseballblog.com: - named the 72nd top college player



9. Kevin Ziomek – (up from 19th) - Amherst HS (MA) – 89-91 fastball… 77-slider… pro curveball…

8-9: from Keith Law/ www.espn.com: - The New England team was led by LHP Kevin Ziomek and RHP TJ Pecoraro. Ziomek hit 88 on his fastball and showed a good curveball.

8-10: From www.baseballamerica.com – Area Code Games - Ziomek is a projectable lefthanded pitcher whose fastball sits in the high 80s and can touch 91 mph. He adds two types of curveballs: a slower, sweeping 69 version, and a harder 77 slurve.

11-2 from www.perfectgame.com: - Future Scout Sully said: Here is my list of the Top 50 in the class. I have seen almost every one of these players. Went out to AFLAC for the week, saw team usa play, and went to many cape games: -35- LHP Kevin Ziomek (5th LHP on list)


10. Sammy Solis – San Diego – 6-5, 228, L/L, junior… BA ranked as #5 sophomore in 2009… 2009: 1-1, 4.50 in only 2 starts.

From PG Crosschecker: : The similarities between Solis and Brian Matusz, his former college teammate, are striking. Like Matusz, a fourth-round pick out of an Arizona high school who went on to become the fourth overall pick in this year’s draft after a stellar three-year career at USD, Solis is a big, fluid lefthander from Arizona. He passed up an offer to sign with his home-state Arizona Diamondbacks after striking out 398, the second-best total in state 4-A history, in his high school career and pitching the Arizona Firebirds to the 2006 Connie Mack World Series title by spinning a four-hit shutout in the championship game. Solis couldn’t crack a Matusz-led rotation as a freshman at USD, but went an acceptable 3-1, 3.83 with 12 walks and 42 strikeouts in 49 innings in a swing role. He worked solely as a starter this summer in the Cape Cod League and went 3-2, 2.41 with seven walks and 32 strikeouts in 37 innings. What impressed scouts most was Solis’ excellent command for a big lefthander, and the ease with which the ball came out of his hand. His fastball was a consistent 89-91 mph, and yet he grabbed a 93 when he needed it. He created good sinking action on the pitch, and his ball jumped on hitters from his tall, clean, angular release point. He also threw consistent strikes with his curve and his changeup was a solid third pitch. Solis has two years to get bigger and stronger, and may be throwing 94-95 mph with ease by the time he’s eligible for the draft again in 2010. He easily projects as a possible top-10 pick. Solis is so advanced as a pitcher at this stage in his development that all he really needs to improve on are some of the little things, like holding runners better.

2-21: from www.mlb.com: - With all the talk about San Diego State's top prospect, Stephen Strasburg, at the Urban Invitational college baseball tournament, the University of San Diego and left-hander Sammy Solis decided to make a splash of their own on Friday.
Solis followed Strasburg's dominating, 11-strikeout performance with a gem of his own, striking out a career-high nine batters in six-plus innings in San Diego's 6-4 win over Southern University in the second annual Urban Invitational at MLB's Urban Youth Academy.


8-1: from http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com: projects well, has been drafted in the past 18th round out of HS, fb mostly 88-90, occasionally runs it up there to 92-93, mostly effective when he gets ahead in the count as do most pitchers. CB command and off speed are ok, still upside to improve, physically mature right now.

11-2 from www.perfectgame.com: - Future Scout Sully said: Here is my list of the Top 50 in the class. I have seen almost every one of these players. Went out to AFLAC for the week, saw team usa play, and went to many cape games: - 49-LHP Sammy Solis (7th LHP on list)

11-4 from: www.baseballamerica.com: - lefthander Sammy Solis is progressing well in his recovery from a herniated disk in his back. Solis has looked strong playing catch, though he has not yet gotten up on the mound, by design. He rehabbed this summer with big leaguers at Athletes' Performance Institute in Arizona.

11-7 from www.collegebaseballblog.com: - named the 73rd top college player

11-18 from www.macksmets.blogspot.com: 24. LHP Sammy Solis – back problems has taken Solis off many lists, but I look for a big return this season. (3rd LHP on list)



11. Jesse Biddle – Germantown Friends HS (PA) – 6-6, 220 – 91-fastball… very loose arm…



8-1: from http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com: topped out at 90, crude mechanics, some bite to hard slide piece, command is ok, will benefit from further instruction and could be one of the top lefties to follow in HS in 2010.


10-5 from http://baseballdraftreport.com: - top 50 prospects in 2010 draft – #50 – Jesse Biddle – 4th LHP on list




12. Tyler Lyons – Oklahoma State… 6-2, 207… S/L… 2nd team all-Big 12… 12 wins in 2008… 7-1, 2.99 in conference… on Team USA… excellent curve… fastball command…

Fr. www.OKState.com : 2008: Established himself as one of the Big 12's top starting pitchers ... earned second-team All-Big 12 honors ... ranked second in the Big 12 and tied for fourth nationally with 12 wins ... 12 victories tied for the eighth most in a single season in OSU history ... led the Big 12 with 108.2 innings pitched and tied for the league lead with four complete games ... was 7-1 with a 2.99 ERA in nine Big 12 starts ... all four of his complete games came in conference play ... earned a win in his first-career start with a five-inning effort against Gonzaga (2/23) ... did not suffer a loss in his final 11 starts ... won four consecutive starts from March 22-April 12 ... struck out a career-high 10 against Baylor (3/15) ... earned back-to-back complete game wins against Missouri (4/5) and Nebraska (4/12) ... tossed a complete game against Oklahoma (5/17) in which he did not allow an earned run and struck out nine ... named the Big 12 Pitcher of the Week on May 20 following his performance against the Sooners ... earned NCAA Stillwater Regional All-Tournament Team honors after pitching OSU to an opening-round win over Western Kentucky (5/30) ... worked 8.2 innings against WKU and allowed just three runs while recording six strikeouts ... was a first-team Academic All-Big 12 pick and a second-team ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District choice ... pitched for Team USA during the summer and was 2-0 with 17 strikeouts in 14 innings ... made 11 appearances for Team USA and did not allow an earned run ... part of Team USA club that led the United States to a 24-0 record and a gold medal at the FISU World Championships. Fr: www.withthefirstpick.com: Strengths: Tyler Lyons is a polished college pitcher with four solid pitches. He throws his sinker at 90 mph and it maxes out at 92. His curve, slider and changeup are also good pitches. His arsenal plays up because of his excellent command & control. In 108 2/3 innings in 2008, Lyons struck out 92 and walked only 19. Weaknesses: Lyons has no obvious flaws, but he doesn't have any big strengths, either. His stuff is average and he profiles as a mid-rotation starter as opposed to a future ace like Stephen Strasburg or even Andrew Oliver. The Future: Andrew Oliver (#50) and Lyons are one of the best pitching tandems on paper in college baseball. While Oliver hasn't met expectations, Lyons has lived up to the hype. While Oliver has played his way out of the first round, Lyons could be taken as late as the supplemental round or the late first round.

8-20: from www.rivals.yahoo.com: Lyons dazzled observers two seasons ago with an excellent sophomore campaign. He put together another good season as a junior, but certainly was better the previous season. Perhaps being a left-hander, Lyons believes he will increase his stock by returning for another season. That may very well be the case. But given the fact the Yankees drafted him in the top ten rounds, it still was surprising that Lyons didn’t follow the lead of Andy Oliver and Tyler Blandford and sign a pro contract. Lyons could increase his stock by having an impressive senior campaign. His stock also could dip with an unimpressive final campaign.




13. Josh Spence – Arizona State – junior… as of 4/6/09: 6-0, 1.17, 72-16 K/BB in 54 IP… velocity not as high as scouts like… fastball maxes out at 86… Tom Glavine type… through 4/23: 8-0, 1.56, 89K, 69 IP… was drafted in 25th round of the 2008 draft by Arizona… thru 5/6: 2.23 in 75.1IP… 5/11: out for the rest of the season with a tendon strain in his pitching arm.


8-20: from www.rivals.yahoo.com: After starring at Central Arizona two seasons ago, Spence arrived at Arizona State as a virtual unknown to those following Division I baseball. That didn’t last long. The talented left-handed pitcher mystified opposing hitters and almost earned All-American honors with a strong campaign. Spence isn’t the hardest thrower in college baseball, but few can equal his overall arsenal. Surprisingly, the Angels drafted Spence in the third round, but he chose to return to ASU for his senior campaign. Spence wasn’t expected to return to college, but the Devils will take it.

11-9 from www.mlbresource.com: - Josh Spence, LHP Arizona State - Scouts doubt if the soft throwing lefty who throws all pitches with movement can do better than a 3rd round selection by the Los Angeles Angels a year ago.



14. Scott Alexander – Pepperdine –6-2, 200, L/L, Junior… BA ranked #20 sophomore in 2009… 2009: 4-5, 4.11, in 16 games, 10 starts… 60-K in 65.2-IP

15. Daniel Bibona – (up from 17th) – UC Irvine…5-11, 165… mid-80s fastball… flawless control… compared to Tom Glavine… thru 5/6: 2.13 ERA…

8-20: from www.rivals.yahoo.com: Where he was drafted was a huge surprise. Much like Arizona State’s Josh Spence, Bibona won’t break too many windows with his fastball. But there’s no question he has some of the nation’s better off-speed stuff. The Cardinals waited to the 16th round to select Bibona and likely didn’t offer him much of a financial contract. But even with that knowledge, it’s still surprising to me the talented left-handed pitcher decided to return for his senior campaign. As with many returnees, Bibona has little to prove next spring.

11-4 from www.rivals.yahoo.com: - There's a huge reason Irvine is very confident about its weekend rotation. It's the return of ace pitcher Danny Bibona in addition to Christian Bergman and Crosby Slaught. Bibona's return this fall was a huge surprise to many. The talented left-hander tallied All-American-like numbers last season. He went 12-1 with a 2.63 ERA in 106 innings. He also struck out 108 and walked 26 and held opposing teams to a .209 batting average

11-7-9 from www.mlbresource.com: - Daniel Bibona, LHP UC Irvine - Scouts worry about his size and the lack of velocity. Bibona is a pitcher and relies on pinpoint control.



16. Cam Booser - Fife HS – named player of the year in his league… voted one of top 10 high school prospects in State…


17. Scotty Burris - Univ. of Portland – 6-1, 185, L/L, junior… 2009: 5-4, 4.70, 13-starts, 69.0-IP, 31-K


18. Drew Vettleson - Central Kitsap HS – 6-1, 190, B/B… ambidextrous… named to all-Kitsap County first team… 2009: named 2008-2009 Gatorade Washington Baseball Player of the Year… 4-2, 1.60, 45-K, 38.0-IP… 2-no hitters… batted: .415, 5-HR, 20-RBI, 13-R


19. Cody Wheeler - Coastal Carolina – 5-11, 160, L/L, Junior… 2008: 6-0, 5.62… 2009: 10-1, 3.83, 15-starts, 91.2-IP, 98-K


July 14: Started for Team USA’s win against Team Japan and gave up four runs in 3.2-IP, 1-ER, 5-K

7-20: pitched 1.o in relief, 1-K, 0-R, for Team USA win over Team Canada



20. Rob Rasmussen – UCLA – 5-11, 160, L/L, junior - BA ranks him as the 43rd top 2009 sophomore… 2009: 19 appearances, 6-starts, 4-2, 6.75… 51-K in 44.2-IP… 4th on the team in strikeouts…


7-23: stats thru 7-15 in Cape Cod League: 2-0, 0.96, 26-K… starting in Cape Cod All-Star game

11-10: www.collegebaseballblog.com – named the 70th top college player in the nation








21. Cayle Shambaugh – Jay HS (OK) – 6-0, 185 –

7-29: From www.baseballfactory.com: - On the mound, abilities are at a pro level. Fastball is straight but locates down in the zone to both sides of the plate. Breaking ball displays an 11/5 shape, tight spin and late sharp action. Change up is above average displaying a plus feel for with sinking action.

8-6: From www.baseballamerica.com: - With a lean but strong, 6-foot and 185-pound frame, Shambaugh has good arm strength, topping out at 92 mph. He locates his pitches well and also throws a tight, late breaking ball and has a good feel for a changeup. While Shambaugh is likely only pitching at the event, he's also a good defensive outfielder with a powerful bat.

22. Aaron Meade – Missouri State… junior… 6-2, 175… 2009: 15G, 14 starts, 9-2, 3.39… 89Ks in 90-IP… OBA: .232… played Cape Cod Ball in off-season: 3-1, 1.91 in eight games, seven starts… 47-Ks in 42.1-IP…

10-19 from www.thecollegebaseballblog.com: - named the 94th top player in college baseball






23. Tanner Robles – Oregon State – 6-4, 200, L/L, Junior… BA ranks him as the 44th top 2009 sophomore… 2009: 1-3, 4.75, in 9 games, eight starts…


24. John Gast – Florida State –6-2, 216, L/L, Junior - BA ranks him as the 4th top 2009 sophomore… 2009: 5-3, 5.12, in 28 games, 3 starts…


25. Logan Ehlers – Nebraska City HS (Neb) – 6-1, 190 –

8-1: from http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com: have watched him 3 times now and has already committed to U of Neb for 2010-2011. Smooth lefty with arm strength, fb down will run and sink and solid hammer, had some trouble with location and he's not faced this type of competition as compared to Class B baseball in HS, he's on the map with Scouts though. Great makeup!


26. Kyle Ryan – Auburndale HS (FL) – 6-2, 175 -
8-1: from http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com: lefty with arm strength and downward bite on breaking pitch, true cb that sweeps at times, room to fill out, upper 80's on velocity. X-body some in delivery from 3/4 as well. Definite watch through college on him.

27. Evan Grills – Simclair CC (Ont.) –

8-6: From www.baseballamerica.com: - As a member of the Canadian Junior National Team, Grills has been playing against advanced competition since he was 14 years old. Grills pitches at 88-91 mph with an above-average curveball and a deceptive changeup. He's very composed with great pitchability and knows how to win.


28. Evan Rutckyj – St. Joseph’s HS (Ont.) –

8-6: From www.baseballamerica.com: - Rutckyj (pronounced ROOT-skee) doesn't have a lot of baseball experience, but offers a lot of physicality and projection. The 6-foot-5 lefthander recently gave up hockey to focus on baseball and he's already touching 90 mph.


29. Kevin Gelinas – Conejo (CA.) –


8-31: From www.baseballamerica: Gelinas has been a prospect everywhere he goes, from Pepperdine to Central Arizona JC to the California Collegiate League. He ranked second on the league's prospect list last summer and gets the nod this year for his big body and power repertoire. The 6-foot-5, 235-pound southpaw pumps his fastball in the 90-94 mph range and struck out 54 in just 36 innings. He still needs to work on control (20 walks), but Gelinas profiles as a fast-moving lefthanded reliever in the Alan Embree mold at the pro level. He's transferring to UC Santa Barbara for his junior season.


30. Blake Monar – Indiana – 6-1, 195, sophomore – L/L - fastball sits 88-91, 4 good pitches… 5-3, 4.64 as freshman…



31. Joel Bender – verbally committed to Louisville –

9-8: www.pgtracker.com lists as one of the top 10 high school players coming out of Ohio.


32. Cameron Hobson – Dayton -
9-8: www.pgtracker.com lists as one of the top 10 college players coming out of Ohio.


33. Kyle Hallock – Kent State –

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


34. Henry Owens – (new) – Edison HS (CA.) – 6-5

11-27: from www.baseballamerica.com: - Re: 2009 World Wood Bat Association World Championship - 6-foot-5 lefthander Henry Owens from Edison High in Huntington Beach, Calif., who was named the tournament’s most valuable pitcher –



35. Logan Darnell – Kentucky, junior, 2009: 5-6, 4.50 ERA, in 28 relief appearances… 47-K in 46.0-IP… summer 2009: Alaskan Baseball League: 5-1, 1.66 in 13 games, nine starts

10-29: from www.collegebaseballblog.com: - named the 82nd top college player




36. Eric Erickson – Miami – junior…

11-4 from: www.baseballamerica.com: - Miami's staff will get a major boost from the returns of lefthander Eric Erickson and righty Taylor Wulf from Tommy John surgery. Erickson went 19-5, 3.27 over his first two seasons before missing last season. "Getting Erickson back is key for us," Miami pitching coach J.D. Arteaga said early in the fall. "Erickson is healthy and throwing every other day. He's shown great feel—from Day One he was throwing strikes. He'll be throwing during scrimmages."

37. Kyle Haid –

11-11-9 from www.thebaseballdraftreport.com: - Old Dominion - JR LHP Kyle Hald (2010) and his dominating split-fingered changeup. Hald doesn’t throw hard (sitting mid-80s), but he does everything else you could possibly want a pitcher to do well. The secondary stuff is solid (hard SL and decent show-me CB), he is an outstanding fielder, his pickoff move is a legit weapon, and his mechanics are clean, consistent, and repeatable. That alone would make him a potential mid-round get, even when factoring in the below-average fastball. It’s the inclusion of his unique split-fingered change that makes him a sleeper to watch in 2010. I may be wildly overrating him based on one great pitch, but it’s a pitch that impressed me so much I’m willing to stick my neck out for it.