7/07 fr. www.projectprospect.com: If you want your kid to be a massive power hitter, name him Bryce. Bryce Brentz is the No. 1 power hitting prospect from the four-year college ranks. Brentz lead all of Division-I in batting average, slugging percentage, home runs, and total bases all that ads up to a triple slash line of .465/.535/.930 with 28 home runs. While MTSU plays in a strong hitter park (120 PF, BoydsWorld.com), Brentz compliments his outstanding power with very solid zone judgement. Brentz walked 11.4% of the time last year while striking out in just 11.8% of his plate appearances. A college center fielder, Brentz gets knocked some for his defense as some think he may wind up at first base in the pros. Wherever he plays, his bat could be special.
7/09 fr. Keith Law/ www.espn.com : “he was by far the best player on Team USA".
7/13: As of July 13, hitting .476 for Team USA.
7-21: 2010 MLB Mock Draft - 2nd Edition - July 21, 2009 by Scouting The Sports http://scoutingthesports.com/?p=3632 - 8. Baltimore Orioles - Bryce Brentz Outfielder Middle Tennessee State - -In his first year, Brentz was a collegiate freshman All-American. In his second year, Brentz’s average actually rose and so did his homer run total. He finished with a .465/.535/.930 line in 230 at-bats, slugging 28 home runs, 19 doubles, and a pair of triples. Brentz has the most raw power in a draft class which is already loaded with power, and has incredible bat command and even better bat speed. Brentz can easily play any of the corner outfield positions with decent range and an above average arm. Teams could also look into developing him into a first baseman.
9-16: From www.baseballamrica.com : - College Top 25 draft prospects: 14. Bryce Brentz, of Middle Tennessee State
9-24: From: http://mlbresource.blogspot.com: Mock Draft Version 1.0 – 4th pick overall - Bryce Brentz, OF - Middle Tennesse State
9-28: From http://mlbresource.blogspot.com: - Mock Draft Version 2 - #8 pick overall - Bryce Brentz, OF - Middle Tennessee State - All Brentz does is hit every year. He is a perfect fit for Toronto and should be a middle of the order hitters for years to come. Toronto has actually done a very nice job developing pitching in their farm system and now David Cooper at 1B and Bryce Brentz in the OF could be a dangerous lineup to back these young arms.
10-5 from http://mlbbonusbaby.com: 20. Atlanta Braves – Bryce Brentz, OF, Middle Tennessee – (3rd OF picked in draft) - There’s been a lot of hype around Brentz with his huge numbers, and my draft profile of him has been wildly popular. However, Brentz has his flaws, as pitch recognition continues to be a bit of a concern with him. Do we have another Jeff Francoeur on our hands? Not at all. But it’s just something to watch. On the plus side, he’s got big raw power, solid athleticism, and a plus arm for a corner outfield spot, so any team looking for a potential middle-of-the-order hitter will grab him. Atlanta can’t have guys like Matt Diaz, Garret Anderson, and Ryan Church forever if they expect to win.
10-5 from http://baseballdraftreport.com: - top 50 prospects in 2010 draft – #23 - Brian Brentz – 2nd Ofer on list
10-7: - from http://mlbbonusbaby.com - Bryce Brentz, Middle Tennessee - Brentz is a corner outfielder with a plus arm who fits best long-term in right field. He’s got plus hit and power tools, and he’s probably got the highest ceiling of any college hitter in the 2010 class. Read more about Brentz here. Projected draft slot: Early- to mid-first round.
10-13 from www.mymlbdraft.com: 2010 MLB Mock Draft - #17 – (3rd OF picked) - Bryce Brentz
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: - 13-OF Bryce Brentz (1st OF on list)
11-3 from www.mlbresource.com: 3rd Mock draft – #15 - Bryce Brentz, OF - Middle Tennessee State - This is the compensation pick for signing LHP Matt Purke last year. I think the Rangers simply try and get the best hitter available with this pick and select the slugger that has done nothing but hit homeruns in college. (3rd OF on list)
11-17 from www.mlbdraft.blogspot.com: - 12. Cincinnati Reds- Bryce Brentz, OF, MTSU - Shuffled a lot on this pick, but ultimately settled on Brentz. All he has done since he entered college was mash. A true power hitter, Brentz has the ability to hit for power to all fields. With another big year at Middle Tennessee, Brentz will land himself in the middle of the first round. (1st OF picked)
11-18 from www.macksmets.blogspot.com: - 10 OF Brian Brentz – again, I like seasoned college vets over high schoolers and the top outfielder in this draft, IMO, is Brentz. (1st OF on list)
11-20 from www.draftamerica.com: - 7. New York (N) -- Bryce Brentz, OF, Mid. Tenn. St. The Mets tend to shy away from expensive selections, and Brentz could be a slot (or close to it) signing around here if organizations can't get comfortable with him as a top 10 pick given the offensive-friendly home park and inconsistent competition.
11-23 from www.deepleagues.com: - #7 - N.Y. Mets - Bryce Brentz (1B, Middle Tennessee State) (only 1B on list)
12-15 rom www.5tooltalk.com: Mock Draft – 1st round: - 24 Giants Bryce Brentz OF NCAA
12-20 from www.thecollegebaseballblog.com – voyed to the 2010 MCBWA 1st team all-american squad
1-7-9: Morisato's 2010 MLB Mock Draft - Version 1.0 - 14th Overall – The Milwaukee Brewers - Bryce Brentz (CF/RF), Middle Tennessee State - Brentz was drafted by the Cleveland Indians in the 30th round of the 2007 draft as a pitcher, but has since become one of the best outfield prospects in the college ranks. Brentz’s bat is his best tool, as he will hit for average and should hit for above average power. He’s got excellent bat speed and fairly good pitch recognition. However, he is an overly aggressive hitter, which results in him striking out a lot. That is a concern in the long term. Defensively, Brentz profiles well as a right fielder, thanks to his range and his strong arm. He is going to get his knocks on his stats because he plays in a smaller conference. Still, he deserves to be ranked as one of the top college outfield talents available in this draft. With the Brewers seeking more youth in their outfield, and with their aggressive shopping of Corey Hart, this seems like a solid fit.
2010 MLB DRAFT MOCK DRAFT- 12/31/09 – www.jjscouting.com - 12. Cincinnati Reds- Bryce Brentz, OF, MTSU - Shuffled a lot on this pick, but ultimately settled on Brentz. All he has done since he entered college was mash. A true power hitter, Brentz has the ability to hit for power to all fields. With another big year at Middle Tennessee, Brentz will land himself in the middle of the first round.
1-1-9 from www.draftsite.com: - #10 San Diego Bryce Brentz OF Middle Tennessee State 6'0" 185 R,R
1-15-0 from http://mlbbonusbaby.com: - 22. Texas Rangers – Bryce Brentz, OF, Middle Tennessee – Brentz is a bit of a message board sensation that even people with average interest in the draft have heard about. Looking at his stats can do that. However, with reports surfacing that Brentz has possible makeup and work ethic issues, I was generous in placing him even as high as this. He’s an all bat corner outfielder that’s faced limited competition, though the bat is truly special at times. If he has another monster year and answers some questions, he’ll go higher, but for now he slots well here as the Rangers’ second first-round pick. Previously: #20.
1-15-9 from http://baseballdraftreport.com: - #31 Tampa Bay Rays: OF Bryce Brentz – Middle Tennessee State - Super Nintendo numbers (.465/.535/.930) and comparisons to Nick Markakis’s two-way skill set have gotten Brentz a disproportionate amount of pub when compared to other draft prospects, but, hey, any time a casual baseball fan knows the name of a draft prospect months in advance we have to consider that a strong indicator of the rapid growth of MLB draft coverage. Brentz has special bat speed and should be an above-average defender in right field professionally. I’d love to take closer look at the game-by-game breakdown of Brentz’s ‘09 numbers to see the types of pitchers he is doing the most of his damage off of, though the sample sizes involved may not yield any kind of meaningful conclusions. With six months between now and then draft, I’m sure I’ll be able to delve a little deeper into Brentz’s numbers one way or another.
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… 1ST ROUND PICK – Tampa Bay
8-17: unsigned 1st round… will be eligible to draft again in 2010
9-16: From www.baseballamrica.com : - College Top 25 draft prospects: 4. LeVon Washington, of Chipola (Fla.) JC
9-24: From: http://mlbresource.blogspot.com: Mock Draft Version 1.0 – 13th pick overall - LeVon Washington, of - Chipola JC
9-28: From http://mlbresource.blogspot.com: - Mock Draft Version 2 - #13 pick overall - LeVon Washington, 2B - Chipola JC - Washington was taken in the first round by the Tampa Bay Rays this past year. A deal wasn't struck and he seemed all but certain to head to the Florida Gators for three years. Instead, he is playing at Chipola JC in Florida and will be eligible for the draft again. I am a huge advocate of if you get drafted in the first round you better take it because you never know what will happen but as of right now Washington seems to be getting what he wants.
10-5 from http://mlbbonusbaby.com: - 14. Milwaukee Brewers – LeVon Washington, OF, Chipola JC (FL) – (1st OF picked in draft) - Washington was a first-rounder in 2009, and there aren’t many current scenarios that knock him out of the first round in 2010. With a recovery in his right arm, which I do expect to happen, more teams will think of Washington as a true center fielder with plus range. His hit tool is still plus, and with a weaker class of hitters in the 2010 class, there’s nowhere to go but up with a good season at Chipola against solid Florida JUCO competition. Beware the Boras.
10-5 from http://baseballdraftreport.com: - top 50 prospects in 2010 draft – #33 - Levon Washington - 5th Ofer on list
10-7: - from http://mlbbonusbaby.com - LeVon Washington, Chipola JC (FL)
It’s hard to really point at a huge number of JUCO prospects yet, so Washington falls into the college category. A first-rounder a year ago, he’s projected to do the same this year. He’s got plus hit and speed tools, and if his arm firms up to become somewhere in 40-50 range, he’ll be a plus overall fielder. Projected draft slot: Mid- to late-first round.
10-13 from www.mymlbdraft.com: 2010 MLB Mock Draft - #13 – (1st OF picked) - LeVon Washington
10-24 from www.baseballrumormll.com: - top 10 prospects: - 7. LeVon Washington, (only OF on list) Buchholz HS, FL: Much like Paxton, Washington was the 30th overall pick in the 2009 draft by the Tampa Bay Rays, but was unable to sign. Unlike Paxton, Washington will attend a junior college this season which will allow him to re-enter the draft next June.
10-25: from www.mlbresource.com: - Blake's Scouting Report - I will go on record as saying that I never recommend not signing if you are a first round pick. Baseball is a crazy game and sometimes we don't get second chances. With that being said, we are looking at a kid that has all the tools to succeed at the next level. My one concern for Washington is if he will hit enough. Scouting him I see Tony Gwynn Jr. in the fact he can run but his power isn't there yet. I would give him a 60-65 on the MLB scouting scale on his arm from the outfield. I like Washington a lot but he definitely has a ton of strength that needs to develop.
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: - 14-OF LeVon Washington (2nd OF on list)
11-3 from www.mlbresource.com: 3rd Mock draft – #8 - LeVon Washington, OF - Chipola JC - It is always a risk taking the type of player Washington is. He could either be your next B.J. Upton type or simply be a guy that can run but can't hit. I think Washington will be the complete player and will be worthy of this high of a pick. (1st OF on list)
11-17 from www.mlbdraft.blogspot.com: - 19. Detroit Tigers- LeVon Washington, OF, Chipola JC - A first round pick from last year, Washington decided to take the JUCO route. He is represented by Boras, and the Tigers never shy away from the Boras client. Washington will be on most teams radars as we reach the mid to late first round. (3rd OF picked)
11-18 from www.macksmets.blogspot.com: - 13. OF/2B Leon Washington – I like Brentz as the top outfielder, but Washington offers experience both in the outfield as well as second base. No one likes wasting a first round pick on a second baseman, but, in this case, you get a decent outfielder with pop as well. (2nd OF on list)
11-20 from www.draftamerica.com: - 13. Chicago (A) -- LeVon Washington, OF/2B, Chipola JC (FL). The White Sox have gone the college route with 12 of their 14 first round/supplemental-first round picks since 2000, and while Washington could be a reach here, he fits the profile as an impressive athlete with excellent bat speed.
11-23 from www.deepleagues.com: - #13 - Chicago White Sox Levon Washington (2B, Gainesville, FL) (1st OF on list)
12-15 from www.5tooltalk.com: Mock Draft – 1st round: - 27 Phillies LeVon Washington CF NJCAA
1-7-9: Morisato's 2010 MLB Mock Draft - Version 1.0 - 16th Overall – The Chicago Cubs - LeVon Washington (CF), Florida Junior College - A first round pick of the Rays, Washington should see his stock rise in what is looking like a average at best college crop. His best quality is his speed, as he's able to run out base hits, steal bases, and cover a lot of ground in centerfield. He doesn't have great power, but his speed will help him earn extra bases. He lacks a great arm in center, but if he gains strength coming back from a labrum surgery, it should be adequate. Washington has good bat speed and should hit for average, and if he improves his plate discipline, he should be a capable leadoff man. He takes some bat routes in center right now, and his game overall is still a bit rough. But he should be a solid centerfielder, and one that will likely catch the Cubs' attention. The problem here is that he's a Boras client, which should make for some interesting negotiations, as Washington's draft negotiations were largely on backburner because of Stephen Strasburg's negotiations. It figures to be the same this year, with Bryce Harper likely the top pick (right now, anyway).
2010 MLB DRAFT MOCK DRAFT- 12/31/09 – www.jjscouting.com - 19. Detroit Tigers- LeVon Washington, OF, Chipola JC - A first round pick from last year, Washington decided to take the JUCO route. He is represented by Boras, and the Tigers never shy away from the Boras client. Washington will be on most teams radars as we reach the mid to late first round.
1-1-9 from www.draftsite.com: - #17 Tampa Bay LeVon Washington** OF/2B Junior College 5'10" 170 L,R
1-15-0 from http://mlbbonusbaby.com: - 8. Houston Astros – LeVon Washington, OF, Chipola JC (FL) – Washington’s another player on the rise, as he’s got early first-round potential in both center field and at second base. He’s still got a great bat and excellent speed, and there’s thought that he could be a dominant leadoff hitter in a relatively short period of time when compared to other bats so young. He’s still got the Boras factor, but the word is that his asking price wasn’t ridiculous at all when the Rays failed to sign him in August. Their mistake. Previously: #14.
3. Austin Wilson – Harvard-Westlake H.S. (CA.) – 6-4, 200 - has most power of the draft… not polished, but who cares… hit two 500+ HRs at Florida showcase, both to different parts of the field. One scout said he’s a “young Adam Jones”… 2008 Area Code games alumni… projects out on corners… average speed… excellent arm… star in batting practice…
7-21: 2010 MLB Mock Draft - 2nd Edition - July 21, 2009 by Scouting The Sports http://scoutingthesports.com/?p=3632 - - 3. San Diego Padres - Austin Wilson Outfielder Harvard-Westlake High School, Los Angeles, California - The Padres have holes at almost every position and need a superstar to build on. Local boy Austin Wood will be a good guy to start the rebuilding process. While he is unpolished, this AFLAC All-American has shown his that he has the most natural batting practice power in the 2010 draft At a showcase in Florida (where he was the only Junior invited) he hit a few batting practice balls over 500 feet, each one to different parts of the field. Wilson also has above average speed, stealing 12 of 13 bases last season, and a fantastic arm. With a .526 batting average as well as 6 home runs, 27 runs scored and 27 RBI’s in only 77 official at-bats
8-1: from http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com: 60-70 arm strength, runs well underway, made contact, showed some power in BP, didn't display it in 4 games however. Looks great in a uniform, definitely need to see again.
8-6: From www.baseballamerica.com: - Already a chiseled 6-foot-4 and 200 pounds, Wilson is a physical specimen who stands out on the field. He's an average runner but has a cannon for an arm, and he should have the size, athleticism and tools to be a special player.
8-10: From www.baseballamerica.com – Area Code Games - Wilson packs a plus arm and provocative power in his 6-foot-4, 213-pound build. He’s a superlative athlete as well, reeling off a 6.79 60 and a 35.4 vertical jump.
8-15: from XMLBScout on www.perfectgame.com: certainly displayed the power and some loft in his swing in the game, other than just in BP. Some of the tv talent experts were fishing out there on comparable current ML players, but the one that sticks out to me is a throwback era player, Ellis Valentine, very similar hitting approaches, throwing ability, flat out running speed.
9-16: From www.baseballamerica.com : - High School Top 25 draft prospects: 6. Austin Wilson, of Harvard-Westlake HS, Los Angeles
9-24: From: http://mlbresource.blogspot.com: Mock Draft Version 1.0 – 18th pick overall - Austin Wilson, OF - Harvard-Westlake HS (CA)
9-28: From http://mlbresource.blogspot.com: - Mock Draft Version 2 - #14 pick overall - Austin Wilson, OF - Westlake-Harvard HS (CA) - If Wilson didn't have enough on his resume for this draft he certainly went to the top of the pile with his blast at Wrigley Field in the Under Armour Showcase. He showed off that the transition to wood will be no problem and that his bat is ready for pro ball. He also has a cannon for an arm and can run. I would not be surprised if Wilson climbs higher than this in the draft.
10-5 from http://mlbbonusbaby.com: 17. Tampa Bay Rays – Austin Wilson, OF, Harvard-Westlake HS (CA) – (2nd OF picked in draft) - There’s been some hype about Wilson being a top five pick, but he just doesn’t have the polish to be that type of player quite yet. There’s not a lot of argument about whether Wilson is the best prep outfielder in the draft, as most scouts would say he is. However, there’s some question about where he might line up. His build is huge, he’s got plus raw power, and a plus-plus arm, but he needs to work on pitch recognition, and he’s not really a long-term center field prospect to most. If he falls this far, the Rays would probably be delighted to land him.
10-5 from http://baseballdraftreport.com: - top 50 prospects in 2010 draft – #5 – Austin Wilson – 1st Ofer on list
10-7: - from http://mlbbonusbaby.com - Austin Wilson, Harvard Westlake HS (CA)
Big-time tools include plus raw power and a plus-plus arm. However, he’s probably a right fielder in the long-run, and not a lot of prep corner outfielders go incredibly high in the draft. His bat isn’t quite elite enough to warrant top five consideration like Donavan Tate could command a year ago, but Wilson’s got enough raw talent to lock himself into the first round for now. Projected draft slot: Mid-first to late-first round.
10-13 from www.mymlbdraft.com: 2010 MLB Mock Draft - #16 (2nd OF picked) - Austin Wilson
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: - 22- OF Austin Wilson (4th OF on list)
11-3 from www.mlbresource.com: 3rd Mock draft – #14 - Austin Wilson, OF - Westlake-Harvard HS (CA) - I liked Wilson going in this same spot in my previous mock and I think the Brewers are a perfect fit. They have a very nice farm system but could use a few young outfielders. (2nd OF on list)
11-9-9 from www.examiner.com: - Top 15 High School Draft Prospects - 5. Austin Wilson, of
Harvard-Westlake HS, Los Angeles
College Commitment: Stanford - An athletic specimen at 6-foot-4, 200 pounds, Wilson has plus power potential and plus arm strength that will play well in right field. (1st OF on list)
11-17 from www.mlbdraft.blogspot.com: - 18. Seattle Mariners- Austin Wilson, OF, Harvard-Westlake HS(CA) - The best high school outfielder in the draft. Wilson is a good athlete with an absolute cannon from the outfield. Wilson already has a major league ready outfield arm. He has some good power, and those balls he hits in the gaps should turn into home runs down the road. (2nd OF picked)
11-18 from www.macksmets.blogspot.com: - 26. OF Austin Wilson – Wilson is the top high school outfielder. (3rd OF on list)
11-20 from www.draftamerica.com: - 28. Los Angeles (N) -- Austin Wilson, OF, Harvard Westlake HS (CA). It could be expensive to pry Wilson away from his commitment to Stanford, but the hometown Dodgers could roll the dice on the talented right fielder and his plus power potential.
11-23 from www.deepleagues.com: - #15 - Texas Rangers Austin Wilson (OF, Los Angeles, CA) (2nd OF on list)
1-7-9: Morisato's 2010 MLB Mock Draft - Version 1.0 - 22th Overall – The Texas Rangers - Austin Wilson (CF), California High School - Wilson is a top flight outfield talent that has been mentioned as a top 20 pick. Wilson has a large frame, and projects to hit for significant power. He also has a strong arm in the outfield. However, Wilson has two big flaws. First, his range will decrease enough as he matures that he’ll have to move to right field. Second, Wilson lacks plate discipline, and will strike out a lot. Overall, though, the talent is here for him to become a run producing outfielder, similar to Jermaine Dye. Because this pick is protected, the Rangers will roll the dice here on Wilson, provided he falls here.
2010 MLB DRAFT MOCK DRAFT- 12/31/09 – www.jjscouting.com - 18. Seattle Mariners- Austin Wilson, OF, Harvard-Westlake HS(CA) - The best high school outfielder in the draft. Wilson is a good athlete with an absolute cannon from the outfield. Wilson already has a major league ready outfield arm. He has some good power, and those balls he hits in the gaps should turn into home runs down the road.
1-1-9 from www.draftsite.com: - #16 Chicago Cubs Austin Wilson OF Harvard-Westlake School, Ca. 6'4" 210 R,R
1-15-0 from http://mlbbonusbaby.com: - 13. Chicago White Sox – Austin Wilson, OF, Harvard-Westlake HS (CA) – I had Wilson discounted a little in my first mock draft in October, but I now don’t see him dropping past some of the tool-hungry scouting departments in this section of the first round. Despite drafting Jared Mitchell and Trayce Thompson a year ago, the White Sox still have a place to pick a high-level future right fielder with plus-plus power potential in Wilson. The White Sox don’t have a lengthy history of drafting prep bats this high, but they didn’t have an opportunity to do so most years, so the logic is here. Previously: #17.
1-15-9 from http://baseballdraftreport.com: - #12 Cincinnati Reds: OF Austin Wilson – Harvard Westlake HS (CA) - Honest to goodness, I had a dream last night that I finally published this mock. It was marvelous. After staring at this Word document for over ten days, it was a joy to finally rid my brain of the incessant, nagging thoughts of “who goes where?” and “is this guy ?” and “what’s the damn point of doing a mock over six months and a full amateur season before the actual event?” I hit the tiny PUBLISH button and breathed the sweetest sigh of relief known to man. Then, without warning, my dream turned into terrifying nightmare. The delight my dream-time self was feeling over getting this stinking mock done quickly turned to dread as I realized I forgot to include Austin Wilson. I checked, double-checked, triple-checked…and he was nowhere to be found. Apparently there was neither an edit nor a delete feature in my nightmare, so the omission of Wilson was forced to stand as an ugly black mark against my draft forecasting soul for all of eternity. Maybe I take all this draft stuff too seriously…
Wilson could be this year’s Donovan Tate. Wilson could be this year’s Brian Goodwin. I obviously lean much closer to the Tate side of things, but I’m a sucker for 6-4, 200 pound outfielders rocking the plus power/plus arm combo. The comps for Wilson range from silly (Dave Winfield) to topical (Andre Dawson) to “man, I feel old comparing high school kids to players I loved when I was 10″ (Juan Gonzalez, Moises Alou) to intriguingly ultra-modern and therefore ultra-hip (Mike Taylor, Mike Stanton) all the way to completely made up by me just now (Shawn Green, Ellis Burks). It goes without saying that Wilson hitting his ceiling would be blessed to have a career like any of the players listed above (minus the minor leaguers, I suppose), but they do provide some context into what has been said about Wilson’s upside as a prospect so far. The two current minor league comps stick out to me as particularly interesting; Mike Stanton is a comp that mixes Wilson’s most immediate “realistic” upside as top minor league prospect with an equally plausible estimation of his tools (power, arm, good enough speed, should be good defenders in the corner), and Mike Taylor’s name serves as a reminder that Stanford commits like Wilson are always a pain in the neck to get signed.
I was looking over the Cincinnati organizational depth chart to see what kind of future lineup the Reds could throw out if they decided to add Wilson into the mix. They’ve gotten so much good press this offseason as a team on the rise that I was curious to see what kind of future starting 8 they might be able to field. Instead of fleshing out the idea, I became distracted by one name. Todd Frazier. Now I’ve seen a lot of Mr. Frazier over the years, from his high school days right on through his junior year at Rutgers. Through those years, one thing in particular stood out to me about Frazier’s game. Get ready for some seriously hard hitting prospect analysis here. Ready? Sure? Todd Frazier could be Peyton Manning’s body double, if the need for such a thing ever arises. Saw him in high school, remember thinking he looked like he could be the long lost missing Manning brother. By his last year at Rutgers, he was no longer just a random no-name honorary Manning. No, he was Peyton Manning. He is Peyton Manning.
The Ohio high school pitcher I have going fourteenth overall may also make sense if you’re into regional ties impacting drafting strategy. If I had realized the connection beforehand, maybe I would have made Stetson Allie the pick here for the Reds. Maybe next time.
4. Josh Sale – Bishop Blanchet HS (WA) – 6-1, 195, L/L …
8-10: From www.baseballamerica.com – Area Code Games - Sale homered twice in last year’s Area Code Games and he picked up where he left off on Wednesday night, blasting another round tripper out of spacious Blair Field.
8-19: Jeff Sullivan from the AFLAC Games: - Sale is one of the top hitters in the country. It is unsure where he will play defensively but his bat should play anywhere. He went 0-1 with a walk during the gam. I wouldn’t be surprised if by draft time, he is the top high school hitter in the draft.
9-16: From www.baseballamerica.com : - High School Top 25 draft prospects: 10. Josh Sale, of Bishop Blanchet HS, Seattle
10-5 from http://mlbbonusbaby.com: - 24. San Francisco Giants – Josh Sale, OF, Bishop Blanchet HS (WA) – (4th OF picked in draft) - Sale’s the type of kid that could absolutely explode into top draft material with a huge spring season. He’s a corner outfielder in the truest sense of the word, but the bat’s legit. A lefty hitter, he’s got all the makings of a middle-of-the-order hitter, and he can put an absolute charge into a ball. The Giants need those type of hitters, and they’re quietly building a solid nucleus of young hitting prospects to go with their usual glut of young pitching. A lineup including Josh Sale in a corner outfield spot could be special.
10-7: - from http://mlbbonusbaby.com - Josh Sale, Bishop Blanchet HS (WA)
Not a lot of great hitters come into the pros as preps from the state of Washington, but Sale’s got that potential. A lefty at the plate and a corner outfield prospect, Sale’s got good power potential and a good hit tool, and he’s made himself into a household name in scouting circles. Projected draft slot: Mid-first to early-second round.
10-13 from www.mymlbdraft.com: 2010 MLB Mock Draft - #30 – (4th OF picked) – Josh 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: - 27- OF Josh Sale (5th OF on list)
11-3 from www.mlbresource.com: 3rd Mock draft – #31 - Josh Sale, OF - Bishop Blanchet (WA) - Sale has gone pretty quietly through all the draft talk so far. However, he has outstanding pop and gives the Rays a plus bat for their system. (5th OF on list)
11-9-9 from www.examiner.com: - Top 15 High School Draft Prospects - 6. Josh Sale, of
Bishop Blanchet HS, Seattle
College Commitment: Gonzaga - Equipped with advanced plate discipline and a smooth, balanced swing, Sale may have the best present hittability in the class. (2nd OF on list)
11-17 from www.mlbdraft.blogspot.com: - 23. Florida Marlins- Josh Sale, OF, Bishop Blanchet HS(WA) - Possibly the best pure hitter in the whole 2010 HS class. Sale is a left handed power bat that could be a middle of the order hitter for a long time. He is destined for either left field or right field, and he is not that athletic, but the bat is a special one. (5th OF picked)
1-7-9: Morisato's 2010 MLB Mock Draft - Version 1.0 - 29th Overall – The Los Angeles Angels (Compensation For John Lackey) - Josh Sale (COF), Washington High School - I’m not really all that wild about high school corner outfielders. Usually, the guy really has to hit or he’s screwed. Sale, however, looks like he’ll do the former. Sale has the potential to develop plus power, and has shown the knoack for making contact. He isn’t a burner, and will likely move over to left field as he matures, but if everything goes well, he could become your classic cleanup hitter.
2010 MLB DRAFT MOCK DRAFT- 12/31/09 – www.jjscouting.com - 23. Florida Marlins- Josh Sale, OF, Bishop Blanchet HS(WA) - Possibly the best pure hitter in the whole 2010 HS class. Sale is a left handed power bat that could be a middle of the order hitter for a long time. He is destined for either left field or right field, and he is not that athletic, but the bat is a special one.
1-1-9 from www.draftsite.com: - #28 Boston Josh Sale OF Bishop Blanchet HS, Wa. 6'0" 205 L,R
1-15-0 from http://mlbbonusbaby.com: - 14. Milwaukee Brewers – Josh Sale, OF, Bishop Blanchet HS (WA) – There are some baseball players who just seem born to hit. Sale (pronounced Sally) doesn’t have the best athleticism, the best arm, or the best body in the 2010 class, but he might have the best pure bat. That’s caught the attention of numerous clubs, and the Brewers are likely one of them. Milwaukee doesn’t shy away from prep hitters, and they took a far less refined one in Max Walla in the second round in 2009. Sale shouldn’t come with a high price tag, as he’s only committed to nearby Gonzaga, so he’ll get drafted on talent alone. Previously: #24.
1-15-9 from http://baseballdraftreport.com: - #26 Colorado Rockies: OF Josh Sale – Bishop Blanchett HS (WA)- Too low? Probably, but I’m still having a hard time getting an actual read on where Sale’s prospect stock currently stands. What I do know is that the man is a hitter. He hits, hits, hits, and hits. He isn’t a slug in the field, but many scouts still believe that he probably profiles best as a big league leftfielder. Boy, first Ragira and now Sale; I’m starting to realize that Goldstein is going to have it really easy with this year’s high school class. If he needs a head start on his fun facts for Sale’s future top 11 piece, he can take the following tidbits free of charge: Sale’s full name is Joshua Ezkiel Gasu Sale and his dad is a native Samoan famous for being a champion power lifter.
5. Brett Eibner – Arkansas – 6-4, 200 - not sure if he prospects out as an outfield or a pitcher… fastball hits 95…
8-1: from http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com: also plays OF and DH for UA, has power at the dish, upper cut swing, on the bump he can run it up to 96, mostly 91-93 with solid hammer when his delivery is in synch. Great makeup too!
8-2: from 6-16 article www.sportsillustrated.cnn.com: Eibner is a true prospect both as a hitter and as a pitcher. Offensively, he profiles as a center fielder with long, graceful strides and average-to-plus range. His arm would fit in right field, because he has hit 95 mph off the mound. He struggled handling both roles this season as Arkansas went to Omaha, moving into the weekend rotation in the second half. He has an ideal pro body at 6-4 with fast-twitch athleticism and wiry strength.
9-24: From: http://mlbresource.blogspot.com: Mock Draft Version 1.0 – 29th pick overall - Brett Eibner, OF – Arkansas
10-5 from http://mlbbonusbaby.com: 28. Los Angeles Dodgers – Brett Eibner, OF/RHP, Arkansas – (5th OF picked in draft) - Eibner’s the best two-way player in the 2010 college class, and I really think he’s a first-round type of guy. He’s got plus power at the plate with solid actions in a corner outfield spot, and he’s also a potential mid-rotation guy on the mound. I like him more as a hitter, so I’ll stick with that for now. The Dodgers picked both Aaron Miller and Blake Smith, the two best two-way college players in the 2009 draft, so why not Eibner?
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: - 29-OF - Brett Eibner (6th OF on list)
11-3 from www.mlbresource.com: 3rd Mock draft – #29 - Brett Eibner, OF/RHP – Arkansas - Boston has loved the Casey Kelly experiment up to this point and might as well take another two-way player in Eibner. Either way Eibner goes he has quality big league potential. (4th OF on list)
11-10 fro www.mlbresource.com: - Blake' Scouting Report - Hard to not high on a guy like Eibner. You are looking at a big strong kid that has a chance to hit 25 to 30 homeruns consistently in the big leagues. Off the mound Eibner has been seen in the mid 90's and his ball is heavy. Overall I want to see Eibner take his bat as far as he can go. Pitching is so unpredictable but a guy that is as big as Eibner and with this much pop will always have a place to play.
11-17 from www.mlbdraft.blogspot.com: - 25.St. Louis Cardinals- Brett Eibner, OF/RHP, Arkansas - Eibner might just be the best two way college player. I'm still 50/50 with him right now. Either way, this season should decide that. (6th OF picked)
1-1-9 from www.draftsite.com: #39 Brett Eibner OF University of Arkansas 6'4" 210 R,R
6. Brian Ragira – Martin HS (TX) – 6-3, 175 –
8-1: from http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com: long limbs and neck, pure hitter with doubles type power, foul line HR power, hit the ball where it was pitched, runs better on the way and adequate arm strength, on the bump he was 84-87 on the stalker, there is arm strength there, and great character too. Another who will need to get bigger and stronger in college then watch out.
8-6: From www.baseballamerica.com: - Ragira is an athletic player with room to fill out as he matures and adds strength. He's still learning how to handle wood bats, but shows flashes of potential and has good bat speed. He's patient at the plate but aggressive on the bases with his above-average speed.
9-5: from Jonathan Mayo’s 8-26 article on www.minors.mlbblogs.com: - Brian Ragira showed a really good approach at the plate, laying off breaking balls and showing he can hit a fastball anywhere. When the game sped up, he kept up. He's a Stanford commitment, so he might be hard to woo away from college.
9-16: From www.baseballamerica.com : - High School Top 25 draft prospects: 16. Brian Ragira, of Martin HS, Arlington, Texas
9-26 from: http://www.baseballrumormill.com: - While Bryce Harper and Jameson Taillon dominated the reports from the USA Baseball 18-and-under team trials, a number of lesser-known players also had good performances which landed them on the roster. Though his speed was mediocre at best, outfielder Brian Ragira impressed scouts with solid swing. Ragira is also intriguing because at 6'2" and only 175 lbs, there's plenty of room to fill out.
9-27 from: http://web.usabaseball.com: The USA Baseball 18U National Team logged a seven-run inning for a third consecutive day in a 14-0 run-rule shutout Sunday against Panama in the third day of the COPABE "AAA" Pan American Junior Championships at Daniel Canonico Stadium. Brian Ragira hit a two-run homer to center, his first and the team's third of the tourney.
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: 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: Brian Ragira: In Game 1, Team USA beat Aruba 13-3 and Ragira went 2 for 3 with three RBI.
10-5 from http://baseballdraftreport.com: - top 50 prospects in 2010 draft – #31 - Brian Ragira - 4th Ofer on list
10-6 from: http://baseballdraftreport.com: - OF Brian Ragira - I think I have Ragira too low in this spot. He is a legit CF prospect with an above-average big league quality arm, in addition to a mature beyond his years approach at the plate.
10-7: - from http://mlbbonusbaby.com - Brian Ragira, James Martin HS (TX) - Ragira’s got arguably the highest amount of potential of this group of hitters, as he has plus raw power and a plus hit tool, though his current tools in game action aren’t as strong as the players above. There’s some question about his future position, as he might be a bit of a ‘tweener defensively, with a good arm, but only above-average speed with the possibility of losing range as he gets bigger. Projected draft slot: Early-second to mid-third round.
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: - 36- OF Brian Ragira (7th OF on list)
11-9-9 from www.examiner.com: - Top 15 High School Draft Prospects - 8. Brian Ragira, of
James Martin HS, Arlington, Texas
College Commitment: Stanford - A wiry and athletic outfielder, Ragira is the top power-speed combo prospect in this year’s prep class. (3rd OF on list)
1-1-9 from www.draftsite.com: - #46 Brian Ragira OF Martin HS, Tx. 6'2" 185 R,R
1-15-9 from http://baseballdraftreport.com: - 1.24 San Francisco Giants: OF Brian Ragira – Martin HS (TX) - They have to continue their attempts to balance out the arms with some bats in the system, right? Ragira offers up a similar skill set to Anthony Wolters: above-average speed, professional approach at the plate, legit up the middle defense, and a better than average arm. Future Kevin Goldstein Top 11 Fun Fact about Brian Ragira (pick one, or combine two or more for added fun!): his full name is Brian Aosa Mogaka Ragira, he is of Kenyan descent, and his father lived in the next tribe over from where Barak Obama’s father grew up. I’d bet money on it. As awesome a name as Brian Aosa Mogaka Ragira is, can we all agree that it is simply no match for the greatest name in the history of names, Mr. Dikembe Mutombo Mpolondo Mukamba Jean-Jacques Wamutombo?
7. Reggie Golden – Wetumpka HS (AL) – 5-11, 200 - 2009: .458, 9-HR, 30-RBI… verbally committed to Alabama…
7-29: from www.baseballfactory.com: - Built like a running back, Reggie packs a punch on the diamond with an exceptional combination of speed and power as well as a strong throwing arm. He makes good, consistent contact at the plate and puts on shows in batting practice
8-1: from http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com: solid runner, 4.25 to 1b, ave to just abv ave arm strength, has power in his swing, chased many pitches up in the zone and didn't do a thing with it, showed BP power during BP, will need to make adjustments next spring to cut down on swing n misses. Good athlete.
8-9: from www.baseballamerica.com: - Golden is another raw, athletic outfielder that has big power but can struggle with pitches away. Well, in his last at-bat he got a fastball in and absolutely crushed it to left-center, just missing leaving the stadium and landing on Waveland Avenue by only a couple of feet.
9-5: from Jonathan Mayo’s 8-26 article on www.minors.mlbblogs.com: - He's got all the raw tools you'd want to see and might have the best overall tool package in the Draft class. He's an above-average runner, he's got raw power to spare. The question is whether he'll make adjustments. If he does in the spring, he'll move up in a hurry.
10-7: - from http://mlbbonusbaby.com - Reggie Golden, Wetumpka HS (AL) - Golden is such a toolsy player that it’s hard to take your eyes off him when he’s on the field. However, he’s your usual raw prep hitter that has some big troubles with pitch recognition and patience. He’s got plus raw power, plus speed, and a plus arm, all of which will play in center field. Hit-or-miss type of player. Projected draft slot: Early-second to late-third round.
1-1-9 from www.draftsite.com: #52 Baltimore Reggie Golden OF Wetumpka HS, Al. 5'11" 200 R,R
8. Tyler Holt - Florida State -
7/07 fr. www.projectprospect.com: While Holt may not have the same buzz as the rest of guys above him on this list, he is very deserving. At least a plus runner, Holt gets good jumps on the ball and covers tons of ground in centerfield. He’s an asset in the field and on the base paths (34-39 stolen base attempts). Holt’s biggest tool is his on-base ability, as he walked an astonishing 17.9% of the time last spring boosting his overall line to .401/.520/.578. A line-drive hitter with strong wrists and good bat-speed and a fantastic approach, Holt projects as a prototypical lead-off hitter.
7/13: As of July 13, hitting .438 for Team USA.
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: 45- OF Tyler Holt (8th OF on list)
12-10 from www.collegebaseballblog.com: - named the 41st top college player for the 2010 season
1-1-9 from www.draftsite.com: #70 Minnesota Tyler Holt OF Florida State 6'0" 190 R,R
9. Jarrett Parker - Virginia – 6-4, 205 junior… excellent size, power, speed, and defense… zero HRs as a freshman, 15 as a sophomore… struck out 76 times in 259 at bats.
8-2: from 6-16 article www.sportsillustrated.cnn.com: Few hitters in the Class of 2010 can match Parker's combination of size, speed, power and defense. Parker worked hard in the offseason to add about 20 pounds of muscle to his athletic 6-4, 205-pound frame, and as a result he pounded 16 homers this year after hitting none in 50 games as a freshman. But he did not lose his speed or agility, and his range, instincts and arm strength are all assets in center field. The biggest thing Parker must improve is his contact rate; he has struck out 76 times in 259 at-bats this spring.
9-16: From www.baseballamrica.com : - College Top 25 draft prospects: 22. Jarrett Parker, of Virginia
10-7: - from http://mlbbonusbaby.com - Jarrett Parker, Virginia - A center fielder, Parker’s someone whose draft position is up in the air. He was absolutely horrible on the Cape, and even though it was probably due to exhaustion from a long season, he looked incredibly out of sync. He’s a power-speed type of guy and he should be about average as a pro center fielder. I like his overall patience, but the summer hurt his stock. Projected draft slot: Late-first to late-second round.
10-13 from www.mymlbdraft.com: 2010 MLB Mock Draft - #31 – (5th OF picked) – Jarrett Parker
1-1-9 from www.draftsite.com: #75 Colorado Jarrett Parker OF Virginia 6'3" 190 L,L
1-26 from www.baseballdraftreport.com: - JR OF Jarrett Parker (2010) is one of the best of the many 2010 toolsy lottery ticket kind of players. I haven’t been doing this draft thing for that long, so it is hard for me to compare talent levels from class to class, but it seems that this year has a high number of mid-round high upside, high flameout potential players. I also haven’t been doing this writing thing long, as you can see from the mess that was that last sentence. Anyway, as mentioned, Parker is one of the very best of the so-called (by me) “lottery ticket” group, so he isn’t necessarily included in the mid-round subsection. In fact, many see him as a candidate to go in the first round. It’s easy to see why. His mix of tools and big-time sophomore numbers would make him a top-three round guy right now. Continued incremental improvements in his game his junior year will push his draft stock even higher. I’ll make a scary cross-race comparison here and claim Parker has a similar skill set as Lastings Milledge. He has plus power potential, an above-average arm, good speed, and the defensive chops to be a well above-average corner outfielder or a steady stopgap in center. Like Milledge, he struggles against breaking balls to the point that it’s hard not to see him as a 100+ strikeout big league hitter at this point. However, and I try my best to sandwich the bad news in between good news when I can, two big assets in Parker’s favor are his big league ready frame (6-4, 210 after packing on serious muscle), and the seemingly ever-increasing athleticism and agility (honed by practicing yoga) that should help him withstand the rigors of the professional grind. Additionally, Parker improved his walk rate from his freshman year to his sophomore year, and continued the positive trend during his otherwise disappointing campaign on the Cape this summer. I like that.
10. Trey Griffin – MLK H.S. (Stockbridge, GA.) – 5-tooler… quickly reads ball off of bat… good speed… also plays SS… incredible hands… power to all fields.
7-21: 2010 MLB Mock Draft - 2nd Edition - July 21, 2009 by Scouting The Sports http://scoutingthesports.com/?p=3632 - 4. Kansas City Royals - Trey Griffin Outfielder Martin Luther King High School, Stockbridge Georgia - Griffin is a five-tool prospect with incredible athleticism who can play a few different positions. In high school, Griffin has mainly played the outfield position, where his ability to quickly read balls off the bat and good speed have allowed him to cover tons of ground. However Griffin has also played some shortstop in high school, where his incredible hands and good arm strength make him the most talented fielding shortstop in this draft. Wherever Griffin plays, he will hit. Griffin has power to all fields and incredible bat control for a prospect his age.
7-29: From www.baseballfactory.com: - Trey is a premium athlete with the body and skills to be a future top round pick. He has is a plus runner with arm strength and advanced ability at the plate. He shows flashes of present power with more to come. His overall package has elicited comparisons to last year’s Under Armour All-America Game participant Donovan Tate.
8-6: From www.baseballamerica.com: - Griffin is a gifted athlete with good size and strength that provides him with the tools and athleticism to be a good all-around player. He hits from an open stance and runs the 60-yard dash in 6.8 seconds. Griffin's half brother, Xavier Avery, was a second-round pick by the Orioles last year.
8-9: from www.baseballamerica.com: - Griffin tied the game in the fourth when he doubled home Castellanos, but then gave Baseball Factory the lead when he caught catcher Jacob Felts sleeping as he stole home when Felts was lobbing the ball back to the pitcher.
9-24: From: http://mlbresource.blogspot.com: Mock Draft Version 1.0 – 19th pick overall - Trey Griffin, OF - King HS (GA)
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: 50- OF Trey Griffin (9th OF on list)
1-1-9 from www.draftsite.com: - #68 Atlanta Trey Griffin OF/1B Martin Luther King HS, Ga. 6'4" 205 R,R
11. Krey Bratsen – Bryan HS, Texas -
1-1-9 from www.draftsite.com: - #63 Milwaukee Krey Bratsen OF Bryan HS, Tx. 6'0" 160 R,R
12. Gary Brown – Cal State Fullerton – junior R/R… 2009: .340, 3-HR, 40-RBI, 63-G
7-23: stats thru 7-15 in Cape Cod League: .344, 2-HR, 9-RBI… starting in Cape Cod All-Star game
8-2: from 6-16 article www.sportsillustrated.cnn.com: Brown's speed tantalizes scouts, who would love to see him perform at a more consistent level. He's bounced between the outfield corners and third base for the Titans and may profile best at second. His well-above-average speed would play anywhere in the middle of the diamond, or at the top of the lineup as his bat develops.
9-16: From www.baseballamrica.com : - College Top 25 draft prospects: 24. Gary Brown, of Cal State Fullerton
10-7: - from http://mlbbonusbaby.com - Gary Brown, Cal State Fullerton - Brown’s a controversial guy in the scouting community, but I put him here just to keep you aware of him. This spot could have easily gone to one of Leon Landry, Tyler Holt, or Michael Choice, but Brown’s a lesser name that you should remember. He’s got plus-plus speed and a solid hit tool, and even though he’ll never hit for much power, that should make him a decent offensive threat. His speed also makes him a good defender in center, though he needs to add arm strength to an otherwise accurate arm. Projected draft slot: Early-second to early-third round.
11-7-9 from www.mlbresource.com: - Gary Brown, OF Cal State Fullerton - Brown carries a big bat. Defense is still a bit shaky as he is a converted outfielder.
11-23 from www.collegebaseballblog.com: - ranked the 58th top college player for the 2010 season
1-1-9 from www.draftsite.com: - #66 Seattle Gary Brown OF Cal State Fullerton 6'0" 185 R,R
2-5: from www.collegebaseball360.com: Baseball America Pre-Season All American team: - Second Team - OF Gary Brown, Cal State Fullerton
13. Leon Landry – LSU – 5-10, 200, L/R –
7/07 fr. www.projectprospect.com: Leon Landry will follow in the footsteps of teammate Jared Mitchell as a super-toolsy two-sport athlete outfielder from LSU.
8-1: from http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com: this kid can really run, has probs earlier in the year and was sat down, however when he got his opportunity against some of the best college pitchers, he showed much better focus as a hitter. 70 runner with solid defensive skills and range, 40 plus arm. Will be one to watch for 2010 for sure.
10-5 from http://baseballdraftreport.com: - top 50 prospects in 2010 draft – #39 - Leon Landry - 6th Ofer on list
10-6 from: http://baseballdraftreport.com: - OF Leon Landry – Landry is a total upside play here, but I trust the LSU coaching staff like few others.
10-21 from www.collegebaseballblog.com: - named the 91st top player in 2010 college baseball
12-22 fr. http://baseballdraftreport.com: - JR OF Leon Landry (2010) had better be prepared for the onslaught of Jared Mitchell comps sure to be thrown his way this spring. The comparisons between the two football playing outfielders work in some ways (both players have plus speed and are ridiculous athletes, but each guy had a below-average arm), but fall apart in other areas, most notably in the power department. Landry has already shown as much present power through two seasons of collegiate development as Mitchell did through three. A more interesting crop of first round caliber talents in 2010 may push Landry’s draft position down past where Mitchell went in 2009 (23rd overall), but I’m willing to go on the record and say that his forthcoming monster junior season will catapult his overall prospect stock past his former two sport teammate’s. He’s a potential plus defender in center with good range but a below-average arm for the position.
1-1-9 from www.draftsite.com: #74 St. Louis Leon Landry OF LSU 5'11" 197 L,R
2-5: from www.collegebaseball360.com: Baseball America Pre-Season All American team: - Third Team - OF Leon Landry, Louisiana State
14. Cheves Clark – Marietta HS (GA) – 6-0, 185 – verbally committed to Georgia Tech
7-29: From: www.baseballfactory.com: - Clarke is an advanced young player with a complete game. He has a short, quick stroke from both sides of the plate that leads to consistent hard contact. He already shows gap power and can turn on balls at times. He can go get it in the outfield and throws well from all three spots. Overall, Clarke has the tools and polish that make him one of the top all-around players in the class
8-6: From www.baseballamerica.com: - Clarke is a flashy outfielder who has been on the prospect map for awhile. The 6-foot, 190-pounder is a toolsy center fielder that hits from both sides of the plate, runs well and shows off above-average arm strength.
9-5: from Jonathan Mayo’s 8-26 article on www.minors.mlbblogs.com: - Chevez Clarke showed a good, short and quick swing, but he didn't run as well as some had advertised.
9-16: From www.baseballamerica.com : - High School Top 25 draft prospects: 11. Chavez Clarke, of Marietta (Ga.) HS
10-7: - from http://mlbbonusbaby.com - Chevez Clarke, Marietta HS (GA)
A lot of early summer hype was around fellow Georgia prep outfielder Trey Griffin, but Clarke has come out ahead of Griffin this fall. Clarke has all the tools to be a plus center fielder in the pros, and that really allows to gain ground on future corner outfielders like Wilson and Sale. A switch-hitter, Clarke doesn’t have a ton of current power, but he should become near average there with a plus hit tool. He’s very fast, so the tools are all there. Projected draft slot: Late-first to late-second round.
11-27: from www.baseballamerica.com: - Re: The Bo Jackson Five-Tool Championship: - the top three player performances belonged to outfielder Wagner Mateo (Dominican Republic), outfielder Chevez Clarke (Marietta, Ga., HS) and third baseman/righthander Kaleb Cowart (Cook County HS, Adel, Ga.).
10-29 from http://www.baseballrumormill.com: - The 2009 World Wood Bat Association World Championships wrapped up its five day tournament recently in Jupiter, Florida. Chevez Clarke and Kaleb Cowart were two of the standouts from the tool competition. Specifically, Cowart was clocked with a 100-mph reading throwing from right field, clearly dominanting the "arm strength" tool competition. Clarke did not have anything stand out quite as significantly as Cowart, but throughout all five tools submitted arguably the top performance.
11-2 from www.thehardballtimes.com: - Chevez Clarke, OF, 2010, Marietta, Ga., East Cobb Baseball - Every tool in the shed. Clarke is just an electric player, simply put. He may well be a first-round talent this June. He’s got an incredibly athletic body, with plus speed. He’s well polished with the bat (I only saw three ABs, they were all from the left side; he switch hits). The stroke is lightning-quick through the zone and has a mild uppercut, and he recognized pitches well. He’s a well above average runner, and aggressive on the basepaths. He reminds me a bit of Denard Span, with the potential to develop a bit more in the power department (he’s got longer limbs). Defensively, he showed a cannon, and he certainly has the speed for center fielder. No read on his routes or judgment, however. Not sure if he can play the infield, but he sure does have the athleticism, body type and arm.
1-1-9 from www.draftsite.com: - #77 Boston Chevez Clarke OF Marietta HS, Ga. 6'0" 185 R,R
1-15-0 from http://mlbbonusbaby.com: - 28. Los Angeles Dodgers – Chevez Clarke, OF, Marietta HS (GA) – I messed around with putting Clarke here in the October mock, only to go with Brett Eibner of Arkansas. Clarke has excellent tools and is a solid switch-hitter at the plate, and he’s got some good momentum heading into the spring. I expect him to be in the conversation at numerous spots late in the first round, though his college commitment to Georgia Tech might pose a problem if it is discovered that it’s strong. The Dodgers like tools with good makeup, and I see a match here. Previously: NR.
15. Todd Cunningham - Jacksonville State – S/R junior…
7-23: stats thru 7-15 in Cape Cod League: .368, 2-HR, 9-RBI… starting in Cape Cod All-Star game
8-1: from http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com: same school produced Tootle this year, Todd has a very good approach to hitting from both sides of the plate and at least average tools across the board. Also plays the game the way it's supposed to be played, and that's "all out!". Lots of ink on him this summer, however, it's best to watch him play, he will grow on you!
9-16: From www.baseballamrica.com : - College Top 25 draft prospects: 20. Todd Cunningham, of Jacksonville State
10-7: - from http://mlbbonusbaby.com - Todd Cunningham, Jacksonville State - Cunningham’s also a center fielder with a good chance to stay there as a pro. His biggest tool is his hit tool, and it’s outstanding. I got a question in the comments of my first 2010 mock a few days ago about what hitters were the best pure hitters in the class. Cunningham might be number one. He doesn’t have a lot of power, and he’s not exceptionally speedy, but he’s definitely a solid option for a number one or two hitter in the pros. Projected draft slot: Supplemental-first to late-second round.
1-1-9 from www.draftsite.com: - #80 LA Angels Todd Cunningham OF Jacksonville State 6'1" 205 B,R
2-5: from www.collegebaseball360.com: Baseball America Pre-Season All American team: - First Team - OF Todd Cunningham, Jacksonville State
16. Michael Choice – (up from 20th) – 2009: 4.13 11-HR 52-RBI UT Arlington -
7/9 fr. Keith Law www.espn.com: Michael Choice, OF, Texas-Arlington: He has below average speed and arm strength, so his only available defensive position is likely left field, but he has shown great power.
12-20 from www.thecollegebaseballblog.com – voyed to the 2010 MCBWA 3rd team all-american squad
1-27-10 from www.mlbdraft.blogspot.com: - A quick look at the top 15 outfielders for the 2010 draft. #10- Michael Choice-Tx-Arlington
2-5: from www.collegebaseball360.com: Baseball America Pre-Season All American team: - Second Team - OF Michael Choice, Texas-Arlington
17. Michael Lorenzen – (up from 28th) Fullerton HS (CA) – 6-2, 180 – 6.8 speed… powerful arm… also pitches in the low 90s… needs to develop plate discipline
9-16: From www.baseballamerica.com : - High School Top 25 draft prospects: 24. Michael Lorenzen, of/rhp Union HS, Fullerton, Calif.
1-27-10 from www.mlbdraft.blogspot.com: - A quick look at the top 15 outfielders for the 2010 draft. - #11- Michael Lorenzen- Union HS(CA)
18. Mike McGee – Florida State junior – 2009: 58 starts, .379 (2nd on team), 19-HR, 78-RBI
12-19: from www.collegebaseballblog.com: - named the 32nd top college player for 2010
19. Ryan Enos – Dallas Baptist senior… 5-10, 181, L/L… 2009: .376, 17-HR, 56-RBI, 13 steals in 21 attempts…
11-20 from www.collegebaseballblog.com: - ranked the 62nd top college baseball player
12-20 from www.thecollegebaseballblog.com – voyed to the 2010 MCBWA 2nd team all-american squad
20. Trent Whitehead – East Carolina – junior… 2009: .376 7-HR 47-RBI
12-20 from www.thecollegebaseballblog.com – voyed to the 2010 MCBWA 1st team all-american squad
21. Kyle Roller – East Carolina – junior – 2009: .336 16-HR 75-RBI
12-20 from www.thecollegebaseballblog.com – voyed to the 2010 MCBWA 1st team all-american squad
12-20 from www.thecollegebaseballblog.com – voyed to the 2010 MCBWA 1st team all-american squad
22. Gauntlett Eldemire – Ohio
9-8: www.pgtracker.com lists as one of the top 10 college players coming out of Ohio.
12-20 from www.thecollegebaseballblog.com – voyed to the 2010 MCBWA 3rd team all-american squad
23. Ryan LaMarre – Michigan – junior… 2009: .344 12-HR 62-RBI
12-20 from www.thecollegebaseballblog.com – voyed to the 2010 MCBWA 3rd team all-american squad
2-5: from www.collegebaseball360.com: Baseball America Pre-Season All American team: - Third Team - OF Ryan LaMarre, Michigan
24. Sam Wilson –
1-21 from www.baseballamerica: - Sam Wilson, of, Eldorado HS, Albuquerque, New Mexico: Lefthanded all the way, Wilson is a strong and athletic outfielder with multi-tool ability. He ran a bookend pair of 60ss at 6.62 and 6.63, and displayed a decent arm—86 mph off the mound on Saturday. As a hitter, Wilson’s bat hisses as it whips through the hitting area. However, Wilson is hampered by a tendency to get his weight out on his front foot, and he begins his swing with his hands in a weak position.
25. Dillon Meyer -
1-21 from www.baseballamerica: - Dillon Meyer, of, Palo Verde HS, Las Vegas: The surprise “find” of this showcase, Meyer is an outfielder that bats and throws righthanded and reminds scouts of Cutter Dykstra, drafted in the 2nd round by Milwaukee in 2008. Meyer has blistering speed, registering a 6.63 60 and then following with a 6.37 time that caused every timer to ask, “Did we get that right?” During infield/outfield drills, Meyer showed off an impressive arm. In BP, he hammered several hard line drives, but Meyer’s hitting mechanics are raw and need adjustment.
26. Matt Newman – Arizona State – 5-11, 175… spent summer with USA Team: .315/1-HR/13-RBI
July 13: went 3-5, with 4-RBIs for Team USA in their 7-5 loss to Team Japan… hitting .424 with 10 RBIs so far for Team USA
7-20: In the 6-3 Team USA loss to Team Germany: hit solo home run
10-14 from www.thecollegebaseballblog.com: - named the 99th top player in college baseball
11-9 from www.mlbresource.com: - Matt Newman, OF/LHP Arizona State - Newman is an outfielder at the next level. Scouts see a lot of what Mark Kotsay was at Cal State Fullerton.
27. Jabari Blash – Miami-Dade C.C. –
7/09 fr. http://www.withthefirstpick.net: - Jabari Blash, an outfielder from Miami-Dade Community College, is one of the most exciting prospects eligible for the draft. He's got plenty of speed, huge power and profiles in center-field or right. Blash's tools don't always translate to games, but he has All-Star talent. We ranked Blash 63rd overall and the Rangers selected him in the ninth round (he has yet to sign). The Virgin Islands native has been playing this summer for the Deland Suns of the Florida Collegiate Summer League, where he is hitting .234/.388/328.
8-31: From www.baseballamerica: Blash has tremendous raw talent, and he was drafted by the Rangers in the ninth round this June but did not sign. Blash has a great body at 6-foot-6, 220 pounds and has the potential to be a five-tool player. He has a strong enough arm to play right field and enough speed to play center. Blash hit .279/.400/.365 in 104 at-bats this summer but hit just one homer after blasting 10 in 102 at-bats this spring. He has plus raw power to go along with his plus speed and plus arm, but he has holes in his swing and is still learning the nuances of the game.
28. Ty Linton –
1-27-10 from www.mlbdraft.blogspot.com: - A quick look at the top 15 outfielders for the 2010 draft. #9- Ty Linton- Charlotte Christian School(NC)
29. Ryan Bolden –
1-27-10 from www.mlbdraft.blogspot.com: - A quick look at the top 15 outfielders for the 2010 draft. - #15- Ryan Bolden- Central HS(MS)
30. Johnny Field –
1-21 from www.baseballamerica: - Johnny Field, of, Bishop Gorman HS, Las Vegas: A powerfully-built righthander, Field ran well (6.71) and threw acceptably during infield and outfield. He exhibited interesting exit speed in his BP session, but, as with most high school hitters, his swing mechanics need alteration. Field grips the bat too tightly and buckles his front knee as he follows through.
31. Devon Dageford – Louisiana Tech – senior… 2009: .385 23-HR 68-RBI
12-20 from www.thecollegebaseballblog.com – voted to the 2010 MCBWA 1st team all-american squad
32. Kurtis Muller – Iowa – 5-10, 165, Junior
7-24 – Fr. www.rivals.yahoo.com: The skinny: Muller had an average spring campaign for the Hawkeyes and finished the season hitting .296 with a pair of homers and 20 RBIs. But with a wood bat this summer, Muller has elevated his game in many ways. For the Mallards, Muller is hitting .328 with eight doubles, a triple, three homers and 23 RBIs. He also was named the Most Valuable Player of the Northwoods All-Star game.
33. Mark Canha – Univ. of California – Junior – 6-2, 195… 2009: .366, 17-2B, 12-HR, 43-RBI, 75-H, 130-TB, .634 SLG, .444-OBP, 44-R… earned All-Pac 10… also plays 1B… hits for power… good threat for base stealing
34. Joc Peterson –
8-9: from Keith Law/ www.espn.com: RF Joc Pederson has a great swing that is quick to the ball with a nice follow through. Along with his above-average speed and ability to probably play center, Pederson figures to be on everyone's 2010 first round radar.
35. Taylor Lindsay - Desert Mountain HS, Scottsdale, Ariz. –
36. Angelo Gumbs – Torrance HS (CA) – 6-1, 190 – gome to first in 4:07… prep shortstop… good arm… thows inconsistently…
10-5 from http://baseballdraftreport.com: - top 50 prospects in 2010 draft – #30 - Angelo Gumbs – 3rd Ofer on list
37. Chris Lewis – Western Michigan – 6-0, 190, senior, S/R… played 2009 summer ball for the Battle Creek Bombers…
7-24 – Fr. www.rivals.yahoo.com: The skinny: Lewis is another player having a year to remember. Lewis finished the spring at Western Michigan hitting .318 with seven homers and 39 RBIs. He’s also making a huge statement at the Northwoods League this summer. He is hitting .333 with seven doubles, four triples, three homers and 35 RBIs. He also is slugging .458 and has an impressive .425 on-base percentage. His summer is good news for the Broncos.
38. Kolten Wong – Hawaii - named to the 2009 USA Baseball national team… 2009: .341, 11-HR, 21-doubles, 52-RBIs, 46-R, 11-SB… led team in outfield assists.
39. Rance Roundy – UNLV – 6-2, 180, junior… 2008: .283 (53-187) with two home runs and 30 RBI ... Scored 31 runs and had 14 extra-base hits ... Had 14 multi-hit games, including seven of three or more.. played 2009 summer ball for the Rochester Honkers.
7-24 – Fr. www.rivals.yahoo.com: The skinny: Roundy is having a year to remember at the plate. This past spring with the Rebels, Roundy finished the season hitting .364 with three homers, 32 RBIs and a .403 on-base percentage. His summer at the Northwoods has been equally impressive. Roundy is hitting .322 with 19 doubles, a triple, five homers and 25 RBIs. He also is slugging .519 and has a .393 on-base percentage. The Rebels desperately will need another productive campaign from him next spring.
40. Casey McGrew - Wright State –
41. James Meador – San Diego – senior… 2009: .376 in 213 at bats… .976 fielding… projects out as right fielder
42. Ryan Dew – Ohio State – Senior… 6-1, 220, L/L… led team in hitting in 2009: .388/.429/.562… 7-HR, 42-RBI… 1.000% fielding percentage
43. Evan Hilton – Woodlands HS (GA) – 5-10, 165, S/L – two-way… athletic… very accurate outfield arm… 6.93 speed… 83-86 fastball…
44. Daniel Groval – Virginia – junior L/L…
7-23: stats thru 7-15 in Cape Cod League: .294, 0-HR, 8-RBI… starting in Cape Cod All-Star game
1-26 from www.baseballdraftreport.com: - JR OF Dan Grovatt (2010) has a very patient approach at the plate, power to the gaps, average speed, and a good enough arm to play right field professionally. Sounds good, right? It should because Grovatt is a top five round caliber talent. My only worry is that his more good than great toolset makes him too similar a prospect to former Florida State standout Jack Rye. Rye was one of my all-time favorite college players and a guy I touted as a draft sleeper, but his pro numbers, especially his power indicators, haven’t exactly set the world on fire so far. The comparison is probably unfair – one player’s struggles don’t really have anything to do with another’s future – but, having seen both play, the similarity between the two seemed worth pointing out. However, the two aren’t clones of one another, either. Grovatt is the better athlete and defensive player, and he has more upside with the bat, especially in the power department. Those are all pretty important points in Grovatt’s favor. It’ll take more time and research to see where exactly Grovatt stacks up when compared to fellow 2010 college outfielders, but I have the feeling that he’ll grade out higher here than in most spots. His well-rounded game and extensive big-time college experience make him a good bet to hit the ground running professionally. I’d peg his upside as that of a solid everyday corner outfielder (defense included) with a still valuable floor as a good fourth outfielder.
45. Brandon Beans – Hartsville HS (SC) – 5-10, 175… also is RHP…
PG Cross Checker ranks Beans as the 7th top SC prospect out of high school, and the 348th in the nation…
46. Corey Dickerson – MCC – junior… 5-tooler… drafted by Rockies in 29th round out of high school… freshman: 15-HR,54-RBI, 14-SB, earning All-America honors… runs 60 in 6:58…
47. Taylor Kaczmarek – Desert Ridge HS (AZ) – 6-2, 210, R/R – very lively swing… raw power, projects out eithr on corners or first base….
48. Jordan Scott – Greer HS (SC) – 6-1, 160… also plays shortstop… verbally committed to South Carolina…
PG Gross Checker ranks Scott the 24th top SC high school prospect, and 288th overall in the nation…
49. Deshun Dixon – Terry HS (MS) – OF/LHP –
7-29: From: www.baseballfactory.com: - Smaller than his brother Rashun, a prospect in the Athletics organization, Deshun is an athletic and exciting player. His speed gives him the range to be a true center fielder and a terror on the bases. He hits from the right side and knows how to get on base. He also has a strong arm, getting it up to the low 90s off the mound.
8-15: from XMLBScout on www.perfectgame.com: first time seeing him this year, said to be a solid 2 way player (football & baseball) and showed very good defense and arm strength also pitched an inning to help his cause. Very interesting to see for 2010.
50. David Donald – J.L. Mann (SC) – 5-11, 175… verbally committed to College of Charleston…
PG Cross Checker ranks Donald as the 481st top prospect in the nation
51. Cory Hahn – Mater Dei HS (CA) – 5-9, 160 – toolsy… 6.6 lightning speed… solid arm… quick bat… strikes out too much…
8-1: from http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com: 5'10 155 L/L, smooth lefty swing, solid arm, know how in the field, reminds me of John Drennen from a few years back in the AFLAC event. This young man has good upside, average runner with good quickness and 1st step.
52. Kyle LeBlanc – Newburyport H.S. – 6-0 - average bat… 6.41 in 60-yds… solid fielding… projects as CF
53. Brian Fletcher – Auburn junior R/R…
7-23: stats thru 7-15 in Cape Cod League: .317, 1-HR, 10-RBI… starting in Cape Cod All-Star game
54. Zach Cone – Georgia – freshman R/R…
7-23: stats thru 7-15 in Cape Cod League: .267, 1-HR, 9-RBI… starting in Cape Cod All-Star game
55. Kyle Parker – Clemson – junior… 2008 as a freshman: .303, 14-HR, 50-RBI… 2009: .255, 12-HR, 52-RBI…
11-5 from www.collegebaseballblog.com: named the 76th top college player
56. Austin Wates – Virginia Tech – junior R/R…
7-23: stats thru 7-15 in Cape Cod League: .385, 0-HR, 10-RBI… starting in Cape Cod All-Star game
7-29: From http://www.capecodonline.com: - Austin Wates may be flying, but it’s no longer under the radar. The Yarmouth-Dennis corner outfielder out of Virginia Tech has hit in the high .300s almost all season while displaying most of the tools scouts are looking for, including 6.5 speed in the 60. His starry summer on the Cape has put him in prime position for the 2010 draft. “I think he’ll go in the top five rounds,” said Y-D manager Scott Pickler.
2-5: from www.collegebaseball360.com: Baseball America Pre-Season All American team: - Third Team - OF Austin Wates, Virginia Tech
57. JaDamion Williams – Brooks-DeBartolo HS (FL) – 6-1, 185 –
7-29: From www.baseballfactory.com: - Williams is very fast and athletic. A switch-hitter, he has a quick bat and explosive swing from both sides of the plate. Williams’ father Reggie played four years in the big leagues with the Angels and Dodgers.
58. Kevin Jordan – Northside Columbus HS (GA) –
8-6: From www.baseballamerica.com: - Jordan is an athletic 6-foot-1 and 180 pounds. While not a burner, he gets good reads on the ball and can play center field. He hits from the left side and shows some power to all fields, giving him a high ceiling.
59. Marcus Davis – verbally committed to LSU -
9-8: www.pgtracker.com lists as one of the top 10 high school players coming out of Ohio.
60. Robert Maddox – Ohio… plays first base also…
9-8: www.pgtracker.com lists as one of the top 10 college players coming out of Ohio.
61. Ben Klafczynski – Kent State -
9-8: www.pgtracker.com lists as one of the top 10 college players coming out of Ohio.
62. Adam Eaton – Miami (OH) -
9-8: www.pgtracker.com lists as one of the top 10 college players coming out of Ohio.
63. Brian Kordal – Akron –
10-7 from: - www.mlbresource.blogspot.com: - Brian Kordal---OF---After struggling at the plate in his first two seasons, senior Brian Kordal had a monster junior year. Hitting .346 with 5 HR and a team leading 44 RBI will be asked to be repeated from Coach Bangston.
64. Noel Rico – CF – Coastal Carolina
10-19 from www.mlbresource.com - when Coastal Carolina begins it's 2010 season they will know that they can beat teams with their legs. Back for their junior years are speedsters CF Noel Rico (right) and LF Scott Woodward. Rico in 2009 stole 48 bags and Woodward swiped 30 of his own. Not only are the pair covering ground on the bases, but they are tracking down everything that is in the vicinity in the outfield. One AL Scout said "Rico and Woodward remind me of the Tampa Bay Rays outfield because you simply can't get anything to land around them." Both are juniors this season so who knows if this duo comes back in 2011 or will they be trying cover ground in the minor leagues
65. Daniel Camerena - Cathedral CHS (CA.) -
11-27: from www.baseballamerica.com: - Re: 2009 World Wood Bat Association World Championship - outfielder/lefthander Daniel Camarena from Cathedral Catholic in Bonita, Calif., the tournament’s most valuable player.
66. Chad Jones – LSU junior..
12-22 fr. http://baseballdraftreport.com: - JR OF Chad Jones (2010) is a problem for me. It is very easy for me to get in the habit of being too darn positive about these prospects because it is more fun to think about upside and ceilings and perfect world projections while ignoring the nasty reality that so many little things can go wrong to torpedo any given player’s prospect stock between now and June. I try my best to be mean, to find red flags about players I know I’m overrating based on upside. Chad Jones probably should be one of those red flag players because, logically at least, there has to be at least a couple tools duds sprinkled into this star packed LSU outfield. Mahtook, Landry, Watkins, Dishon, Dean, and Jones all can’t be serious big league prospects, can they? Watkins is the speed guy, Dean is the well-rounded senior masher, but Mahtook, Landry, Dishon, and Jones are all big-time projection guys cut from the same ultra-toolsy cloth. Of those four, Jones is probably the best athlete. To take it a step further, Jones may actually be the most unbelievable athlete of the entire 2010 college class. He has great size, speed, and strength with a definite plus arm and above-average power potential. I put him in the same class as Jake Locker last year, for better or worse. Each player has enormous untapped potential on the diamond (for better!) which, unfortunately for baseball fans, may forever go untapped due to the presence of football (for worse…). There are so many questions surrounding Jones heading into his baseball season that is quite difficult to even place a draft value on him. Does he even play baseball this year for LSU? If so, will he actually attempt to play while simultaneously prepping for the NFL Draft Combine and pre-draft workouts? If he sticks with baseball, is his future brighter in the field or on the mound? Does he put it all off and stick another year out at LSU just to make us ask all of these questions again a year from now? The word is that his first love is baseball, but there are undeniable advantages in taking a top three round NFL signing bonus while keeping the possibility of baseball in your back pocket just in case. It should be fine following Jones whichever path he chooses…assuming he makes the right choice and chooses baseball, of course. That’s a joke…mostly.
67. Johnny Dishon – LSU eligible sophomore -
12-22 fr. http://baseballdraftreport.com: - SO OF Johnny Dishon (2010) is yet another legit well-rounded five-tool talent. He has above-average speed, a plus arm, plays a good enough centerfield (though he fits best in right professionally), and has a really promising hit tool. After redshirting last season, he finds himself draft-eligible in 2010, but, and I’m sure a pretty clear theme is developing here, he has plenty to prove this upcoming season. Dishon heads into the season as LSU’s fourth outfielder, a testament to this team’s crazy outfield depth. At this point I consider Dishon to be one of the most underrated prospects in college baseball. He still swings and misses too often, but his base running is top notch and the pop in his bat could grow into real power with more reps.
68. Matt Guadet – LSU senior – plays 1B also…
12-22 fr. http://baseballdraftreport.com: - SR OF/1B Matt Gaudet (2010) is a player that finally helps answer the question what would a baseball player with severe sfairesphobia look like out in the field. In other, non-bastardized Greek words, Gaudet is a bit of a butcher defensively. His raw power is impressive, but he has a lot to prove after sitting out the 2009 season and, unfortunately for him, not a lot of time to do it. He is currently slated to be LSU’s righthanded hitting half of their designated hitter platoon.
69. Jimmy Parque – St. John’s junior… 2009: .360, 5-HR, 61-RBI
1-4: named to the 2010 Preseason All-Big East First Team as named by a vote of conference coaches:
70. Junior Carlin – USF junior – 2009: .384, 0-HR, 27-RBI
1-4: named to the 2010 Preseason All-Big East First Team as named by a vote of conference coaches
71. Zach Frazier – Bluffton H.S. (S.C.) –
72. Dave Giuliani
1-23-10 from www,baseballdraftreport.com:- JR OF Dave Giuliani (2010) ought to be in the running for some playing time in Stanford’s wide open outfield. A big junior year could get him noticed as a potential above-average big league backup outfielder option down the line. Giuliani does a lot right on defense (average in center, above-average on the corners, plus a very strong arm) and on the base paths (55 speed), but has a lot to prove with the bat. His lack of playing time his first two seasons at Stanford make him a good bet to stick around campus through his senior year.
73. Jeff Rowland – (new) –
1-28 from http://baseballdraftreport.com - JR OF Jeff Rowland (2010) is probably the single toolsiest player on the Georgia Tech roster. His plus speed, above-average power potential, gorgeous lefthanded swing, and above-average defense in center will comfortably get him into the top five rounds. His speed and ability to play center give him the edge over the similarly talented bat of Virginia OF Dan Grovatt.
74. Chase Burnett – (new) –
1-28 from http://baseballdraftreport.com - JR OF Chase Burnette (2010 – Georgia Tech) can play. His sophomore .351/.447/.691 line (albeit in only 97 at bats) shows the promise he has at the plate. On top of that, he’s a very good athlete with solid speed and an accurate outfield arm. In the past Burnette’s draft stock might have been dinged by teams that considered him to be a tweener – not quite a good enough defender for center, not quite the bat of a big league slugger in a corner. However, as more and more front offices begin to properly value defense, perhaps the market for a potential league average bat with an above-average glove will see a bump on draft day.
75. Gabriel Saade – (new) -
1-28 from http://baseballdraftreport.com - 12. SR OF Gabriel Saade (2010 – Duke) is a difficult player to figure out. He went into his junior year as a legitimate pro prospect, a versatile defender capable of playing anywhere up the middle (2B, SS, CF) coming off of two solid years playing every day in the ACC (.269/.354/.456 as a freshman, .286/.376/.483 as a sophomore). His junior year didn’t quite go according to plan, unless Saade’s plan was to hit .237/.339/.333. If that was the case, then his plan really couldn’t have gone any better. The big dip in numbers is concerning, especially the total disappearance of power, but there are some positives to glean from his 2009 performance. His K/BB ratio has dipped each season (2.26 to 1.96 to 1.33) and his stolen base numbers have remained consistently stellar (46/54 collegiately, including his stint in the Valley League). If he can bounce back to his pre-junior levels of production, something many scouts think he is capable of doing if he stops being so darn pull-happy, then he has a shot at being an interesting senior sign (round 15-25, maybe) for a team believing in his future as a steady fielding big league utility player.
76. Ben Bunting – (new) -
1-28 from http://baseballdraftreport.com - 14. JR OF Ben Bunting (2010 – North Carolina) brings two plus tools to the table – plus speed and plus defense. I’m a pretty big Tyler Holt fan, so please consider the following statement a compliment: Bunting is the homeless man’s version of Holt. Of course, while Holt has the upside of a big league starter, Bunting’s ceiling is probably that of a speedy fifth outfielder.
77. Jay Dantzler – (new) -
1-28 from http://baseballdraftreport.com - 15. SR OF Jay Dantzler (2010 – Georgia Tech) looks like a pretty solid senior sign candidate to me. In many ways he is an older version of fellow Georgia Tech outfielder Chase Burnette. Both players are good athletes, have decent arms, and have shown enough promise with the bat to at least get him a few looks here and there from scouts. His junior year numbers (.281/.397/.579) show a player with tons of patience and emerging power. But if he really is an older version of Burnette, then the elephant of the room becomes bigger, louder, and, yes, even brighter. It’s a big loud glowing elephant, and that elephant is age. Dantzler will be 23 years old by draft day. Even still, a big senior year could get him drafted in the last half of the draft.
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