Blake's Scouting Report: - Taillon has three quality pitches. His fastball sits around 94-96 and coming from his tall frame makes it even quicker with a long and balanced drive to home plate. His hard slider comes in around 81-83 with sharp downwards movement. Although Taillon likes to use hard stuff being the power pitcher he is, there is a quality changeup in his repertoire that drops to 77-79 mph. He has ace of a staff type stuff and I see him playing pro ball in 2011 rather than being a Rice Owl.
Fr. www.espn.com: Jameson Taillon, a 6-foot-6, 225-pound righty from The Woodlands High School in Texas, was 90-94 mph with good life on his fastball and a very sharp, almost spike-like slider at 83-86. He also showed a curveball with depth and a decent changeup. He's got a quick arm and still has projection left in his body.
7-21: Fr. http://baseballdraftreport.com: potential first round pick
8-1: from http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com: appeared to be the same guy I saw last year, velocity topped out at 93, command was ok, for a big kid, breaking ball still needs help and has the makeup to get better with more instruction.
8-6: From www.baseballamerica.com: - Taillon's big frame is likely maxed out, but he has established himself as one of the top pitchers in the upcoming draft class. His fastball sits in the 92-93 mph range and Taillon also throws a harder slider at 84-85 and a sharp curveball that registers at 82-83 mph.
8-9: from www.baseballamerica.com: - Taillon, a big, strong righty from The Woodlands (Texas) HS, sat 94-95 in his one inning of work with a filthy breaking ball that was in the mid-80s.
8-11 from www.espn.com: Jameson Taillon from Woodlands HS, TX, was the most dominant pitcher with a fastball going 95-93 and a 84-83 splitter.
8-15: from XMLBScout on www.perfectgame.com: showed a much better CB with downward bite and occasional late tail on his heater. TV scouts had his FB at 96 on a couple pitches.
8-17 from www.baseballamerica.com re: AFLAC games - Righthander Jameson Taillon is a near perfect pitching prospect. Taillon (The Woodlands, Texas, HS) is an ideal prep pitching prospect, appearing to be formed out of a scout's dream. Solidly constructed at 6-foot-7 and 230 pounds, he comfortably draws comparisons to Stephen Strasburg. Taillon easily fires a blistering 93 to 95 mph fastball that peaks at 96. He adds a wicked 82 mph curve, a vicious breaking ball that is already a plus big league pitch. After registering one strikeout in a quick first inning, Taillon breezed through the second frame, striking out the side while barely breaking a sweat. "Nooooo contest," a scout said behind home plate.
8-19: Jeff Sullivan from the AFLAC Games: - This big right hander dominated in the game, striking out four, including striking out the side in the second. He is in a class by himself as far as pitchers go this year. He ran his fastball up to 97, and his breaking ball was also very sharp. In the second, he struck out Reggie Golden and Stetson Allie with the fastball, then got Connor Narron looking on his sharp breaking ball. For me, he is a definite top 5 pick in the draft at this point.
9-5: from Jonathan Mayo’s 8-26 article on www.minors.mlbblogs.com: - He looked like a Top 10 pick, throwing an explosive fastball up to 95 mph and locating it to both sides of the plate. He showed a slider and a curve, the latter of which might be a plus pitch down the line. The FB and slider are plus offerings right now. He even showed a changeup. He's big, strong and showed an ability to throw down and to both sides of the plate.
9-7: From www.perfectgame.com on the AFLAC games: - Jameson Taillon, right now on paper would be in my top 5 for the 1st round if it were held today. He's always had the velocity, except now the cb is a true dominant type pitch, graded it at 70 right now, fb at times will have some inner half movement vs RHH. Good trajectory and is better balanced after he delivers the ball. He's cleaning up that delivery almost daily. Gotta love his work ethic, but remember, he's gonna have to go 6-7 innings a game and sustain it over 35-40 starts in pro ball, as compared to 1 inning stints in all-star tilts. I've now seen 35 innings pitched by Jameson and he's k'od 39 hitters, walked only 7 and allowed just 19 hits, 1 long hr last year.
9-6: From an 8-25 post www.pgtracker.com: - “right now on paper, top 3 picks for 2010 MLB for me would be” - 2.) RHP Jameson Taillon, The Woodlands HS, 6'5 plus, 230, great arm strength, power type arm and 70 cb right now. Control is at least average projects to be 60, plus. Comparable big leaguers, better arm speed and action than Rick Sutcliffe, comparable bodies however and competitiveness.
9-16: From www.baseballamrica.com : - High School Top 25 draft prospects: 1. Jameson Taillon, rhp The Woodlands (Texas) HS
9-24: From: http://mlbresource.blogspot.com: Mock Draft Version 1.0 – 12th pick overall - Jameson Taillon, RHP - The Woodlands HS (TX)
9-27 from: http://web.usabaseball.com: Jameson Taillon struck out 12 and gave up three hits in an overpowering performance and 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. Taillon led the way on the mound for the Americans with a strong six-inning outing. The right hander struck out five in a row at one juncture and fanned the side in both the second and fourth innings. He allowed only one runner from Panama (1-1) to reach third base and no more than two baserunners in any inning. Taillon issued just two walks.
9-28: From http://mlbresource.blogspot.com: - Mock Draft Version 2 - #9 pick overall - Jameson Taillon, RHP - The Woodlands HS (TX) - The Padres under Grady Fuson and Bill "Chief" Gayton have done a great job in restoring the Padres farm system. As seen these past couple weeks the Padres have some nice young talent and GM Kevin Towers when given the resources is one of the best in the game at putting a team together. With this said I think San Diego should boost that farm even more and taking the hard throwing prep out of Texas. He is committed to Rice so it could be a hard buy but it is worth the risk.
9-29: From: http://www.baseballrumormill.com – Currently considered the #1 high school prospect available in the 2010 draft, Jameson Taillon continued to impress in his COPABE "AAA" Pan American Championships debut for the 18-and-under USA team. Taillon threw six strong innings, yielding just three hits and two walks, while striking out 12 in Team USA's 14-0 drubbing of Panama.
10-4 from www.myworldofbaseball.com: Bryce Harper may be considered a top draft pick by many, but Jameson Taillon made a statement by striking out 16 Cuban hitters in the United States 6-1 win over Cuba in the gold medal for the 18 and unders. Taillon went two outs into the eighth inning, giving up four hits and walking none with his 16 K’s.
10-5 from http://mlbbonusbaby.com: - 3. Baltimore Orioles – Jameson Taillon, RHP, The Woodlands HS (TX) – (2nd RHP picked in draft) - I had a hard time putting Taillon below Ranaudo, but I still think Ranaudo’s more proven history puts him slightly above Taillon’s rawness. There’s no doubt to me that Taillon is the best pitcher the 2010 prep class has to offer, as he’s raised his stock clearly above A.J. Cole. He’s got great size, great projectability, and great current stuff, so there’s not much to dislike here. His main question mark will be his representation, and he’s got a Rice commitment, too, so when the signability fog begins to clear, we’ll have a better read.
10-5 from http://baseballdraftreport.com: - top 50 prospects in 2010 draft – #2 – Jameson Taillon – 1st RHP on list)
10-6 from: http://baseballdraftreport.com: - RHP Jameson Taillon – Picking Harper for the top spot was a piece of cake. Picking Taillon right behind him is almost as easy. A piece of pie, if you will. Taillon’s extensive arsenal of quality pitches (heavy FB, nasty low-80s SL, near-plus high-70s CB, occasional splitters and CUs) and high level of high school competition put him above the rest of this year’s impressive crop of teenage righthanded pitching.
10-13 from www.mymlbdraft.com: 2010 MLB Mock Draft - #3 - (2nd RHP picked_ - Jameson Taillon
10-24 from www.baseballrumormll.com: - top 10 prospects: - 2. Jameson Taillon, RHP (1st RHP on list), The Woodlands HS, TX: Because of his size (6'7", 230 lbs) and where he's from (Texas), Taillon is already hearing Roger Clemens comparisons. Those are certainly premature, but the righty throws a very hard fastball and a good curveball. Taillon was dominant for Team USA during the COPABE "AAA" Pan American Championships.
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: - 2- RHP Jameson Taillon (1st RHP on list)
11-3 from www.mlbresource.com: 3rd Mock draft – 3. Jameson Taillon, RHP - The Woodlands HS (TX) - In my previous mock I had Christian Colon going to Baltimore. This is still a possibility due to Baltimore's love of Cal State Fullerton infielders. However, Taillon will be a nice restock of young pitchers with Matt Hobgood from last year. (2nd RHP on list)
11-9-9 from www.examiner.com: - Top 15 High School Draft Prospects - 2. Jameson Taillon, rhp
The Woodlands (Texas) HS
College Commitment: Rice - Taillon performed well at every showcase venue this summer, as the 6-foot-7, 230-pounder impressed with good command of a mid-90s fastball and a hard, late-breaking curveball. (2nd RHP on list)
11-17 from www.mlbdraft.blogspot.com: - 2. Pittsburgh Pirates- Jameson Taillon, RHP, The Woodlands HS (TX) The Pirates almost always lean on the college side with their first pick. However, Taillon has established himself as the front runner for this pick. Pittsburgh saved money with their first pick last year in Tony Sanchez, but signed some good HS players late. When drafted, Taillon would immediately become the number one pitcher in the system. (1st RHP picked)
11-18 from www.macksmets.blogspot.com: - 4. RHP - Jameson Taillon – my compilation mock has Taillon and Ranaudo neck and neck, but I place him a distant second to the LSU star. Still, he’s the top high school pitcher out there. (2nd RHP on list)
11-20 from www.draftamerica.com: - 2. Pittsburgh -- Jameson Taillon, RHP, The Woodlands HS (TX). Unlike 2009, where PIT felt there wasn't a clear-cut superior talent at 1:4, Taillon is positioning himself to be a "special" enough talent to entice PIT to go over slot (the big question remains, how much over will Taillon require?). (1st RHP on list)
11-23 from www.deepleagues.com: - #6 - Arizona D’Backs Jameson Tallion (P, Woodlands, TX) (3rd RHP on list)
12-10 from www.baseballdraftreport.com: - check out my initial ranking of 2010’s top righthanded high school pitching prospects. 1.Jameson Taillon
12-15 from www.5tooltalk.com: Mock Draft – 1st round: - 3 Orioles Jameson Taillon RHP High School
1-7-9: Morisato's 2010 MLB Mock Draft - Version 1.0 - 4th Overall – The Kansas City Royals
Jameson Taillon (RHP), Texas High School - Arguably the best arm in the draft, Taillon has drawn comparisons to Stephen Strasburg in terms of his stuff. Standing at 6-7, Taillon is blessed with a power pitchers frame and power stuff. He throws in the low 90’s, touching 96. It’s possible he might even gain velocity as he ages. He throws a power curve that is a solid out pitch. He is working on developing a changeup as well. However, he’s not very athletic and his delivery is a bit rough. Overall,Taillon could go anywhere from first to fourth, but this is probably the lowest he goes unless his elbow explodes. Even then, he’d get a huge contract from a big market club to forgo his Rice commitment.
2010 MLB DRAFT MOCK DRAFT- 12/31/09 – www.jjscouting.com - 2. Pittsburgh Pirates- Jameson Taillon, RHP, The Woodlands HS (TX) (1st RHP picked) - The Pirates almost always lean on the college side with their first pick. However, Taillon has established himself as the front runner for this pick. Pittsburgh saved money with their first pick last year in Tony Sanchez, but signed some good HS players late. When drafted, Taillon would immediately become the number one pitcher in the system.
#2 Pittsburgh Pirates: RHSP Jameson Taillon – The Woodlands HS (TX) - There are plenty of different ways to approach a given pick in a mock draft. You can look at a team’s recent drafting history in an attempt to discern notable patterns and trends. You can look at organizational strengths and weaknesses to help partially rule out or narrow down certain positions of interest, e.g. knowing with a high degree of certainty that Houston wasn’t taking a catcher, especially a college catcher, in the first couple of rounds last year. You can also just look at the draft board, check what individual talent is there, and just line up the best player available with whatever team happens to be picking. I try to combine all three components in every mock I do, but I’m slowly coming to realize the last part, the one about staying true to the draft board and slotting players in that way, is probably the surest way to get a mock draft looking like the eventual real deal in June. That’s why Taillon to Pittsburgh makes sense to me. He’s currently the second highest ranked draft-eligible player on the board. If Pittsburgh sees that the same way, they’ll take Taillon without hesitation, Tony Sanchez signability pick be damned. I love the willingness of the Pirates to take high upside fliers late in the draft. I go back and forth too much on these things to really have a meaningful draft philosophy of my own, but, if I had to align myself with a pro club’s approach to drafting, I think there would be a lot of similarities between what I would do and what the Huntington Pirates have done over the past two years. Then again, I’ve never been a Tony Sanchez guy at all, dating back to watching him play extensively over the past three years in person along the parking garage ramp at Boston College. Guess that just goes to show how hard it is to really understand what certain clubs will wind up doing on draft day.
1-1-9 from www.draftsite.com: - mock draft: - #8 Houston Jameson Taillon RHP The Woodlands HS, Tx. 6'5" 215 R,R
1-15-9 from http://baseballdraftreport.com: 3. Baltimore Orioles – Jameson Taillon, RHP, The Woodlands HS (TX) – Taillon’s the clear-cut best prep arm at this point in time, and if he drops here, I don’t see the Orioles passing him up. To most teams, Taillon would be the best player available after Harper and Colon, with Ranaudo being the other option. I see the Orioles opting for the higher-ceiling arm and picking Taillon. Beware the Rice commitment, though. He could end up as Gerrit Cole version 2010. Previously: #3.
1-30-10: - named to the Louisville Slugger 2010 Pre-Season High School All-America Team
1-28 from: http://web.usabaseball.com: - USA Baseball has announced Jameson Taillon as the recipient of the inaugural USA Baseball International Performance of the Year Award. Taillon led the 2009 USA Baseball 18U National Team to its first ever gold medal in the COPABE Pan American "AAA"/18U Championships on Oct. 3 in Venezuela, defeating intercontinental rival Cuba, 6-1. In the final, Taillon was awarded the win after striking out 16 Cuban batters in 7.2 innings pitched, with no runs allowed and one walk. The 16 strikeouts set a single-game record for a Team USA pitcher in an 18U Pan Am game, breaking the former mark of 15 which was set by Scott Kazmir (vs. Cuba in 2001) and Jeff Manship (vs. Netherlands Antilles in 2003). Taillon was USA Baseball's USOC October Athlete of the Month nominee.
2. A.J. Cole –(up from 3rd) - Oveido High School (FL) – 6-5, 190 - overpowering righty… fastball sits in the 94-95 range… tops at 97… one of the best arms coming out of high school… good depth on his curve… very loose and easy arm… curve and command improved in 2009… verbally committed to Miami… 7-21: Fr. http://baseballdraftreport.com: - potential first round pick
7-21: 2010 MLB Mock Draft - 2nd Edition - July 21, 2009 by Scouting The Sports http://scoutingthesports.com/?p=3632 - 5. Arizona Diamondbacks - A.J. Cole Pitcher Oveido High School, Florida - -Cole is an overpowering righty that could challenge Ranaudo as the first pitcher picked come June. Cole has by far the best arm in the draft, currently sitting at about 94-95 mph, while still filling out his lanky body. Once Cole does fill out his frame, he could be scary. Expect his fastball to jump from 2-3 mph, and the added size and strength will make his curveball all the more devastating. As a junior in high school Cole made the AFLAC All American Game Arizona has a young, developed squad, this could be a good pick for Arizona as they have the capabilities to leave him in their system for a few years to develop.
7-29: From: www.baseballfactory.com: - Cole is one of the top pitchers in the 2010 class. He sits comfortably in the low 90s and has touched as high as 96 mph this spring. He combines athleticism, velocity and movement with a decent curveball and developing change to dominate high school hitters. He will play this summer for the Orlando Scorpions – an Under Armour Franchise Team who will be participating in the UA Southeast Tournament
8-1: from http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com: topped out at 91, solid arm strength, type of build that will get stronger as he matures, cuts fb some, cb has proper spin, location on his pitches were ok, has upside to improve.
8-6: From www.baseballamerica.com: - Cole is long and lanky and has the projection scouts can dream on. But, even if he doesn't fill out, he already throws 88-91 mph and touches 93 with clean, effortless mechanics. He mixes in a 78 mph knuckle -curve that he throws for strikes.
8-11 from www.espn.com: AJ Cole, a RHP from FL, had a nice 93-90 mph fastball, but did not locate the pitch very well and his breaking ball wasn't fooling hitters as much as it needs to be.
8-19: Jeff Sullivan from the AFLAC Games: - Cole came into the weekend as my second ranked right hander, but struggled a bit on the mound. He was battling an eye problem the whole week but it was still easy to see why he is ranked so high. His fastball ran up to the mid 90’s and his breaking ball is up there with the best off speed pitches in the country. Cole struck out Stefan Sabol in the game, while letting up a double to outfielder Brian Ragira. Cole still fits himself in the middle of the first round.
9-5: from Jonathan Mayo’s 8-26 article on www.minors.mlbblogs.com: - showed plus velocity as well, with questionable secondary stuff.
9-7: From www.perfectgame.com on the AFLAC games: - can anyone say, Kris Benson mold? This young man, if he ever fills out, will be a true gem. Stamina will be watched closely. Can not deny his arm strength and control one bit. Projection, mid-late first rounder on paper right now.
9-16: From www.baseballamerica.com : - High School Top 25 draft prospects: 2. A.J. Cole, rhp Oviedo (Fla.) HS
9-24: From: http://mlbresource.blogspot.com: Mock Draft Version 1.0 – 9th pick overall - A.J. Cole, RHP - Oveido HS (FL)
9-28: From http://mlbresource.blogspot.com: - Mock Draft Version 2 - #7 pick overall - A.J. Cole, RHP - Oveido HS (FL) – I’m Sticking with Cole to the Diamondbacks for two straight drafts. Arms that throw in the upper 90's don't come around very often and Arizona can add another great arm to an already good young farm system. Cole is currently committed to play for the University of Miami as well.
10-5 from http://mlbbonusbaby.com: 6. Arizona Diamondbacks – A.J. Cole, RHP, Oviedo HS (FL) – (4th RHP picked in draft) - Cole, who was considered pretty much even with Taillon entering the summer, has had a good summer, but not one that matched Taillon’s. He’s also a really big kid, but with a much more projectable frame that some teams drool over. His fastball is of the plus variety, and his slurve (that’s what I call it) is a plus pitch, too. He’s got true number one potential, so I don’t see him falling too much unless he completely falls apart in the spring. He’s committed to Miami.
10-5 from http://baseballdraftreport.com: - top 50 prospects in 2010 draft – #4 – A.J. Cole – (2nd RHP on list)
10-13 from www.mymlbdraft.com: 2010 MLB Mock Draft - #5 – (4th RHP picked) - A.J. Cole
10-17 from www.mlbresurce.com: - Blake's Scouting Report - Most have said Cole's arm slot is around 3/4 but I feel he is straight over the top. He has a little hitch back motion with his arm that can be deceptive and makes it look 3/4 but at his release he is over the top. Cole's fastball sits from 92-95 mph but is pretty straight with little movement. Cole's main off-speed pitch is a over the top breaking ball that has tremendous dive at the end. He doesn't throw it very hard and I think putting more velocity on his breaking ball could help make him even more of a power pitcher. His change-up is average as it is new to his repertoire. In summary Cole has a chance to be a front of the rotation starter. He is lanky and still gaining strength which makes his projectability outstanding. Expect to see Cole taken very early in the draft.
10-24 from www.baseballrumormll.com: - top 10 prospects: - 6. AJ Cole, RHP (5th RHP on list), Oviedo HS, FL: Much like Allie, Cole can throw the ball hard, hitting 96 at the East Coast Showcase and throwing 93 at the AFLAC All-Star game. However, Cole also needs to improve his control and his other pitches are not yet professional quality.
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: - 5-RHP AJ Cole (3rd RHP on list)
11-3 from www.mlbresource.com: 3rd Mock draft – 5. A.J. Cole, RHP - Oviedo HS (FL) - If Christian Colon is here this will be a tough decision. Cole and Taillon are so far the top prep pitchers and with Lonnie Chisenhall as the shortstop of the future I see the Tribe taking Cole. (3rd RHP on list)
11-9-9 from www.examiner.com: - Top 15 High School Draft Prospects - 1. A.J. Cole, rhp
Oviedo (Fla.) HS
College Commitment: Miami - Long and strong at 6-foot-5, 190 pounds, Cole complements his pro build with a heavy fastball and advanced secondary offerings. (1st RHP on list)
11-17 from www.mlbdraft.blogspot.com: - 6. Arizona Diamondbacks- AJ Cole, RHP, Oviedo HS (FL) - Cole might be the most projectable pitcher in the draft. At 6'4, 180 pounds, he still has a lot of room to get stronger. He has two plus pitches and when he fills out they should both improve. He is a top of the line starter. (3rd RHP picked)
11-18 from www.macksmets.blogspot.com: - 12. RHP A. J. Cole – could easily go in the top ten, but in my book, he’s resting at 11. (6th RHP on list)
11-20 from www.draftamerica.com: - 6. Arizona -- AJ Cole, RHP, Oviedo HS (FL). 'Zona loaded up on college and HS talent alike while grabbing five of the first forty-five picks in last year's draft -- Cole would be an ideal addition to a system a little light in impact arms at the lower levels. (4th RHP on list)
11-23 from www.deepleagues.com: - #5 - Cleveland Indians A.J. Cole (RHP, Winter Springs, FL) (2nd RHP on list)
11-28 from www.baseballdraftreport.com: - •91-93 FB/94-96 peak; has reportedly been as high as 98 - •potential plus 76-80 KCB - •average 84-88 SF that acts as a change - •78-81 SL that appears to come and go from outing to outing (?) - •projectable frame at 6-5, 190 pounds - •Zach Wheeler and Rick Porcello comps
12-10 from www.baseballdraftreport.com: - check out my initial ranking of 2010’s top righthanded high school pitching prospects. - 2.AJ Cole
12-14 from www.baseballdraftreport.com: - AJ Cole (Oviedo HS, Florida) - lBoth Taillon and Cole have already had their moment in the sun. AJ Cole is really good now, and he could be really, really good in the future. Jameson Taillon is really, really good now, and he should stay really, really good in the future. I compared Cole’s upside to Justin Verlander and Taillon’s to Josh Johnson. Too positive? Probably seems that way, but remember we’re talking upside here and, again, remember that AJ Cole and Jameson Taillon both have the potential to be very, very good.
12-15 from www.5tooltalk.com: Mock Draft – 1st round: - 8 Astros A.J. Cole RHP High School
1-7-9: Morisato's 2010 MLB Mock Draft - Version 1.0 - 6th Overall – The Arizona Diamondbacks - A.J. Cole (RHP), Florida High School
The second best prep arm behind Taillon, Cole himself has some big time projection on him. He has a loose arm, and his frame is fairly projectable. He throws a fastball in the low 90’s, reaching 95. Cole has hit 98 at times as well. He also throws a biting curveball that rates as a plus pitch as well. Cole has not developed his changeup much, but that’s typical among prep prospects. It shows the potential to become a average pitch, and a usable weapon against lefties. His mechanics don’t show any problems. All in all, he also has ace potential if he’s able to maximize his potential. The Diamondbacks, who lack much starting pitching depth in their system, have the opportunity to nab the second best young pitcher in the draft at this spot.
2010 MLB DRAFT MOCK DRAFT- 12/31/09 – www.jjscouting.com - 6. Arizona Diamondbacks- AJ Cole, RHP, Oviedo HS (FL) - Cole might be the most projectable pitcher in the draft. At 6'4, 180 pounds, he still has a lot of room to get stronger. He has two plus pitches and when he fills out they should both improve. He is a top of the line starter.
1-11-9 from http://baseballdraftreport.com: - 1.3 Baltimore Orioles: RHSP AJ Cole – Oviedo HS (FL) - I promise I won’t quote myself all that much going forward, but my positive feelings towards the direction of the Orioles have only gone stronger in the past year. Here’s what I said in last year’s first mock: Matt Weiters, Brian Roberts, Adam Jones, Nick Markakis, Brian Matusz, Chris Tillman, Jake Arrieta, and the fifth pick in the draft. That’s a foundation for something; I don’t know what exactly, but something. We now know who that fifth pick turned out to be (Matt Hobgood) and we can count newly added and/or 2009 breakthrough prospects like Josh Bell, Zach Britton, Brandon Erbe (he’s more of a reemergence than a breakthrough guy, actually), and a decent haul from outside the first round including Mychal Givens, Justin Dalles, Ryan Berry, Jake Cowan, and Mike Ohlman all as part of the core of the next great Orioles team. On top of all that, of course, is the pick that will produce the highest drafted O’s prospect since Ben McDonald (my goal is to mention him as often as possible, apparently) in 1989. Since 2001, Baltimore has averaged roughly the seventh overall pick in the draft, but they’ve never been higher than 4th. Those two number four overall picks were LHSPs Brian Matusz and Adam Loewen. Ole Miss lefthander Drew Pomeranz and Florida Gulf Coast lefty Chris Sale are potential candidates to uphold my worthless trend of Baltimore taking lefthanded pitchers when they get top four draft picks, but I’m thinking they eschew any kind of recent drafting trends and go for broke by picking the top available talent on the board. AJ Cole, come on down.
1-1-9 from www.draftsite.com: - mock draft: - #5 Kansas City A.J. Cole RHP Oviedo HS, Fla. 6'5" 190 R,R
1-15-0 from http://mlbbonusbaby.com: - 6. Arizona Diamondbacks – A.J. Cole, RHP, Oviedo HS - FL) – The Diamondbacks haven’t chosen a high school pitcher in the top round (or supplemental round) since Jarrod Parker in 2007, and Cole’s arm is in that same category. Picking this high, Arizona has to hit with this pick, as they don’t have any extra picks to fall back on this year. They need high-ceiling arms in their system, and Cole’s got a special one. I haven’t heard anything about Cole’s signability yet, so this is definitely a constantly changing pick. Previously: #6.
3. Anthony Ranaudo – LSU – 6-7, 231, junior… drafted in 11th round 2007 draft… superb command… fastball 94-96 range… nasty curve which he can locate for strikes… decent changeup… deceptive delivery and great command… very polished… velocity way down in 2009 CWS… had tendinitis as freshman… 2009: 10-3, 2.95, 147K, 109.2 IP, oba: .198… throws from an easy, cross-fire delivery, Randy Johnson like…. Curve 80-84… BA ranks as 15th top sophomore in 2009…
7/07 fr. www.projectprospect.com : Pomeranz and Ranaudo were both selected by the Texas Rangers in the 2007 draft – in back-to-back rounds no less. The 6-foot-7 Ranaudo got the call in the decisive game three of the College World Series and helped propel the Tigers to their sixth national championship. Despite his exceptional size, Ranaudo doesn’t throw particularly hard. I’ve heard reports of his fastball touching mid-90’s, but the couple times I’ve seen him he sat 88-92 mph. Ranaudo does make the most of his height, coming nearly over-the-top and creating a lot of downhill plane on his pitches. His best pitch is his curveball, which should be an out pitch at the major league level; a true 12-to-6 offing that comes out of the same arm slot and flight path of his fastball before sharply falling off the table. The battle between Pomeranz and Ranaudo is extremely close, statistically the two were almost identical; Ranaudo struck out 31.5% of batters while walking 9.9%
7-21: 2010 MLB Mock Draft - 2nd Edition - July 21, 2009 by Scouting The Sports http://scoutingthesports.com/?p=3632 - - 2. Cleveland Indians - Anthony Ranaudo Pitcher LSU - Unlike last year, this years draft doesn’t have that obvious #1 pitcher. Still, Ranaudo is a solid pick. Ranaudo doesn’t have an overpowering fastball (hits about 93mph on the gun), instead relying on a very deceptive delivery and great command of all his pitches. Ranaudo keeps hitters off-balance with a breaking ball that he can locate for strikes. This control, and his strong pitching style, ,which includes the confidence to throw on the inner half of the place, has helped him rank #4 in strikeouts in college baseball last year, while often using his 93 mph fastball to punch guys out. Ranaudo is very, very polished and could be in the majors as quickly as 2011. Cleveland could really use someone that could come up soon.
8-1: from http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com: power sinker and hard curveball, also nice cutter and makings of a solid changeup. He still needs confidence in his changeup. Has made huge strides since HS in Jersey. Top 10 on paper right now for 2010!
8-2: from 6-16 article www.sportsillustrated.cnn.com: After pitching just six innings as a freshman, Ranaudo became LSU's ace as a sophomore, emerging as one of the Southeastern Conference's best pitchers. At 6-7, 231 pounds, he has the athleticism to repeat his delivery and pump his fastball into the 92-94 mph range. He pitched as if he had some fatigue in his CWS opener, with his velocity sitting more 89-91 mph. At his best, his curveball also is a power offering, and he's shown a decent feel for a changeup. Ranaudo's competitiveness combined with his stuff puts him at the front of the group of 2010 pitchers.
9-16: From www.baseballamrica.com : - College Top 25 draft prospects: #2. Anthony Ranaudo, rhp Louisiana State
9-24: From: http://mlbresource.blogspot.com: Mock Draft Version 1.0 – 3rd pick overall - Anthony Raunado, RHP – LSU
9-28: From http://mlbresource.blogspot.com: - Mock Draft Version 2 - #2 pick overall - Anthony Raunado, RHP, LSU - Raunado is starting to become the Dustin Ackley of this draft. Always one pick behind the internet sensation. Most boards have Raunado at #2 right now and it is not likely to change very much. Supposedly Pittsburgh did not spend as much this past draft to save money for Dominican SS Miguel Sano which will cost a ton. I understand Pittsburgh's thinking but I also think you need to take advantage of these top picks while you have them
10-5 from http://mlbbonusbaby.com: 2. Pittsburgh Pirates – Anthony Ranaudo, RHP, LSU – (1st RHP picked in draft) - A lot of people are basing their judgment of Ranaudo on his College World Series performance, where he was noticeably tired and didn’t have his best stuff. However, it’s hard to find the pure size of Ranaudo, and his stuff is much better than that nationally-televised outing. Don’t look for pure gas or a Strasburg-like bender, but he grades out as above-average in everything with more projectability than your average collegiate. He’s a Boras client, so we’ll see if that affects his status, but for now he’s the best major college prospect.
10-5 from http://baseballdraftreport.com: - top 50 prospects in 2010 draft – #6 - Anthony Ranaudo (3rd RHP on list)
10-6 from: http://baseballdraftreport.com: - RHP Anthony Ranaudo - Ranaudo is lower here than even I expected, but the upside of the five names in front of him partially explains his low standing. I also have personal reservations about big guys that don’t throw nearly as hard as expected. There is plenty of tape on him floating around, so I’ll need to take a closer look and break him down in the near future.
10-13 from www.mymlbdraft.com: 2010 MLB Mock Draft - #:2 – (1st RHP picked) - Anthony Ranaudo
10-24 from www.baseballrumormll.com: - top 10 prospects: - 3. Anthony Ranaudo, RHP (2nd RHP on list), LSU: Excluding Harper who's technically a college player, Ranaudo figures to be the first collegiate player drafted. He compliments a mid-90s fastball with a solid curveball and changeup. The only factor which may cause him to slide is signability - Scott Boras is his advisor.
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: - 3- RHP Anthony Ranaudo (2nd RHP on list)
11-3 from www.mlbresource.com: 3rd Mock draft – 2. Anthony Ranaudo, RHP – LSU - There could be a temptation to take Jameson Taillon in this spot but Pittsburgh could be competitive in the next couple years and Ranaudo is closer to the big leagues. (1st RHP on list)
11-17 from www.mlbdraft.blogspot.com: - 4. Kansas City Royals- Anthony Ranaudo, RHP, LSU - Ranaudo comes into the year as the best college pitcher. He is represented by Scott Boras, so that always has an effect on where a player is drafted. When it comes to draft day, the Royals will take the best player available. That is Ranaudo. (2nd RHP picked)
11-18 from www.macksmets.blogspot.com: - 1. RHP Anthony Ranaudo – as many of you know, I’m big on college starters, and the best out there is Ranaudo. (1st RHP on list)
11-20 from www.draftamerica.com: - 4. Kansas City -- Anthony Ranaudo, RHP, LSU. KAN hasn't suffered from sticker shock in recent drafts, and Boras advisee Ranaudo would add another developed arm to a growing stable in the KAN system. (2nd RHP on list)
11-23 from www.deepleagues.com: - #2 - Pittsburgh Pirates Anthony Ranaudo (P, LSU) (1st RHP on list)
12-15 from www.5tooltalk.com: Mock Draft – 1st round: - 2 Pirates Anthony Ranaudo RHP NCAA
1-7-9: Morisato's 2010 MLB Mock Draft - Version 1.0 - 2nd Overall – The Pittsburgh Pirates
Anthony Ranaudo (RHP), LSU - A former Ranger draft pick (11th round, 2007), Ranaudo has been dominant for LSU. He had an impressive sophomore year, going 10-3 with a 2.95 ERA, with 147 K’s in 110 innings. However, some people were down on him because he was gassed in the College World Series. The first thing that catches you about Ranaudo is that he’s an absolutely massive pitcher, standing at 6-7. He doesn’t have one dominant pitch, but he has a good three pitch arsenal that all grades above average. His fastball clocks in the low 90’s, and he has touched 95 in the past. He also throws a curveball and a changeup that both grade as above average. He has a lot of deception in his delivery, as well as good command as well. However, he’s going to get knocked because of his lack of a knock out offering, and his representation isn’t going to do the Pirates any favors (hint: rhymes with Mott Moras). Overall, I think the pirates will tag him because of his closeness to the majors. This is far from a sure thing, as there is a chance Harper will be here, or that one of the other members of the top five could go out of their minds.
2010 MLB DRAFT MOCK DRAFT- 12/31/09 – www.jjscouting.com - 4. Kansas City Royals- Anthony Ranaudo, RHP, LSU - Ranaudo comes into the year as the best college pitcher. He is represented by Scott Boras, so that always has an effect on where a player is drafted. When it comes to draft day, the Royals will take the best player available. That is Ranaudo.
1-1-9 from www.draftsite.com: - mock draft: - #2 Pittsburgh Anthony Ranaudo RHP LSU 6'7" 231 R,R
1-15-9 from http://baseballdraftreport.com: - 4. Kansas City Royals – Anthony Ranaudo, RHP, LSU – Ranaudo’s made a bold move by selecting Scott Boras as his advisor heading into his draft year. Having attached his name to Boras means he needs to have a dominating junior year to sit this high in the draft, where teams know they’ll be extorted for every penny by Boras. Don’t get me wrong, Boras is only doing his job, but the pressure now on Ranaudo to perform to the high expectations is magnified. I think he’ll do just fine, and the Royals will have no qualms about paying him. Previously: #2.
4. Deck McGuire – Georgia Tech – junior… 6-6, 223, R/R… four quality pitchers… 2008 1st team All-American from Collegiate Baseball… excellent command… 2008: 8-1, 13 starts, four relief appearances
8-1: from http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com: power fb when down in the zone, range velo 90-95, mostly 91-92 early, breaking ball easy to read on occasion, projects well if he can keep his delivery balance in synch.
9-16: From www.baseballamrica.com : - College Top 25 draft prospects: 3. Deck McGuire, rhp Georgia Tech
9-28: From http://mlbresource.blogspot.com: - Mock Draft Version 2 - #21 pick overall - Deck McGuire, RHP - Georgia Tech - If the Giants do draft a pitcher you can count on them going onto have success. Tim Lincecum, Madison Bumgarner, Aaron Poreda are all examples and could McGuire be the next? Scouts love McGuire and he has big game experience against quality hitters in the ACC.
10-5 from http://mlbbonusbaby.com: 5. Cleveland Indians – Deck McGuire, RHP, Georgia Tech –(3rd RHP picked in draft) - McGuire’s a polarizing figure, but no one doubts his pure size and stuff. Like Ranaudo, some say that McGuire’s prospect package relies too much on size and projectability and not enough on actual pitching ability. However, McGuire’s got an above-average fastball with a pair of breaking pitches and a good changeup, so I don’t see anything that isn’t Major League-caliber in terms of future grades. He’s got to firm up his command, but he’s definitely right up at the top of the pack for the 2010 college pitching class.
10-5 from http://baseballdraftreport.com: - top 50 prospects in 2010 draft – #12 - Deck McGuire (7th RHP on list)
10-13 from www.mymlbdraft.com: 2010 MLB Mock Draft - #4 – (3rd RHP picked) - Deck McGuire
10-24 from www.baseballrumormll.com: - top 10 prospects: - 4. Deck McGuire, RHP, Georgia Tech: McGuire was the 2009 ACC Pitcher of the Year and figures to be on everyone's Top Ten lists. While his fastball currently tops out in the low 90s, he throws his slider, changeup and curveball all at an above average level.
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: -26- RHP Derek McGuire (10th RHP on list)
11-3 from www.mlbresource.com: 3rd Mock draft – #10 - Deck McGuire, RHP - Georgia Tech - Scouting Director Eric Kubota is one of the best in the business. He doesn't really have any trends or patterns in his drafts besides that he likes to take players out of college with his top pick. He has loaded the farm system and McGuire would simply add to his stock. (5th RHP on list)
11-17 from www.mlbdraft.blogspot.com: - 15. Texas Rangers- Deck McGuire, RHP, Georgia Tech - McGuire is a guy with an impressive repetoire. He throws all his pitches well, and at 6'6, he is a very intriguing pick. This pick is the compensation pick for not signing Matthew Purke, so the Rangers have to make sure they pick a player that they know is signable. Look for McGuire to have a big spring in the ACC. (8th RHP picked)
11-18 from www.macksmets.blogspot.com: - 20. RHP Deck McGuire – 2009’s ACC Pitcher of the Year should get lots of press and attention this season. (11th RHP on list)
11-20 from www.draftamerica.com: - 5. Cleveland -- Deck McGuire, RHP, Georgia Tech. The last five CLE first round selections have come from the college ranks -- McGuire's stuff compares favorably with last year's number one, Alex White (UNC, RHP). (3rd RHP on list)
11-23 from www.deepleagues.com: - #10 - Oakland A’s Deck MaGuire (P, Georgia Tech) (6th RHP on list)
12-15 from www.5tooltalk.com: Mock Draft – 1st round: - 26 Rockies Deck McGuire RHP NCAA 1-7-9: Morisato's 2010 MLB Mock Draft - Version 1.0 - 9th Overall – The San Diego Padres - Deck McGuire (RHP), Georgia Tech - I’m not sure how the Padres will draft, with the new regime and all. However, I’ll base it off of the typical age old addage: draft the best player available. McGuire emerged as the ace of the Yellow Jackets’ rotation this past year. McGuire has a fastball that clocks in the low 90’s, but has heavy sink. He compliments it with a hard slider that is a plus pitch. McGuire also has a changeup, but while it is a solid pitch, it’s not anywhere near the slider. Still, McGuire has all the physical tools to be a quality pitcher, with only some improvement in his command holding him back from being a solid Number Two/Three in the majors.
2010 MLB DRAFT MOCK DRAFT- 12/31/09 – www.jjscouting.com - 15. Texas Rangers- Deck McGuire, RHP, Georgia Tech - McGuire is a guy with an impressive repetoire. He throws all his pitches well, and at 6'6, he is a very intriguing pick. This pick is the compensation pick for not signing Matthew Purke, so the Rangers have to make sure they pick a player that they know is signable. Look for McGuire to have a big spring in the ACC.
1-7-9 from http://baseballdraftreport.com : - 1.8 Houston Astros: RHSP Deck McGuire – Georgia Tech - Possessing truly one of the great baseball names of the 2010 MLB Draft, Deck McGuire’s scouting profile reads a lot like the man picked two spots ahead of him. His fastball sits 88-91 MPH (peaks at 93) with enough great sink that makes it an above-average pitch despite the less than thrilling velocity. His out pitch is a hard high-70s CB that is in the running for best curve in the college class. His impressive change makes for a fantastic third option, especially when stacked against the typical so-so third pitches you see from amateur prospects at his level. McGuire’s biggest flaws are his off-and-on control and his iffy mechanics, two issues that are very commonly seen in tandem. If a team sees a way to clean up his arm action and help him gain a more consistent release point, he’ll hear his name called in the top fifteen picks on draft day.
1-1-9 from www.draftsite.com: - mock draft: - #4. Cleveland Deck McGuire RHP Georgia Tech 6'6" 223 R,R
1-15-0 from http://mlbbonusbaby.com: - 10. Oakland Athletics – Deck McGuire, RHP, Georgia Tech – No matter who I slot here, if it’s a college player, I always get the complaints that the A’s don’t pick “safe” college guys anymore. However, McGuire has way more upside than your typical college righty, and with a great spring, he won’t fall this far. This is no James Simmons pick. I see the A’s pouncing on another high-ceiling college player that falls this year, similar to Grant Green from 2009. Previously: #5.
5. Kartsen Whitson – (up from 7th) - Chipley HS (FL) – 6-4, 195 – commited to Florida - son of Ed Whitson… top knotch sinker/slider… quick arm… 92-94 fastball… late sink down in zone… low-80s slider
7-21: Fr. http://baseballdraftreport.com: - potential first round pick
7-29: from www.baseballfactory.com: - Whitson has an ideal pitcher’s frame and is a strong righty with a loose, live arm. He pounds the strike zone with a 90-95 mph fastball that requires little effort. He also throws a sharp slider at 78-81, making him one of the top pitchers in the 2010 class.
8-1: from http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com: another righty with good arm strength, 92 tops, mostly 88-90, breaking ball is a slurvy type that should get better, flies open early with delivery, correctible flaws however, can only get better in next 3-4 years.
8-11 from www.espn.com: Karston Whitson was similarly dominant to Taillon throwing three solid pitches: a 94-91 fastball, 84-79 slider and a 80-79 change up.
8-19: Jeff Sullivan from the AFLAC Games: - Whitson was a personal favorite of mine, the way he handled himself on and off the mound. He has a good work ethic and a great arm to boot. His fastball was around 93-95 during the game, and his slider could be a great out pitch at the upper levels. Whitson struck out Harper with a nice fastball, and forced MVP Tony Wolters to ground into a double play. Look for Whitson to have a huge year and find himself in the middle of the first round.
9-7: From www.perfectgame.com on the AFLAC games: - saw more of the arm hook in back swing and it effects his release points and stamina. Worrisome to me as many pitchers with this type of delivery have arm woes down the road quickly in pro ball.
9-16: From www.baseballamerica.com : - High School Top 25 draft prospects: 3. Karsten Whitson, rhp Chipley (Fla.) HS
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. Taillon may throw harder than Karsten Whitson, but one scout felt Whitson's fastball was the best because of its movement. Whitson was still throwing 94, not shabby at all. His slider was also impressive, but Whitson did not demonstrate good command of the pitch.
9-28: From http://mlbresource.blogspot.com: - Mock Draft Version 2 - #22 pick overall - Karsten Whitson, RHP - Chipley HS (FL) - The Marlins are very random when it comes to their first pick and definitely seem to follow the rule of best player available. Right now this is Whitson and he just happens to be a prep in their state. Great arm and great for Florida. The only snag is that he is committed to the Florida Gators right now. Whole lot of Florida love for this kid.
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. In a five-inning outing, Whitson struck out nine while permitting three hits and issuing four walks. He cruised through the final four frames of his stint after escaping a bases-loaded, no-out jam in the first thanks to some heads-up defense by the U.S. (4-0).
10-5 from http://mlbbonusbaby.com: 7. New York Mets – Karsten Whitson, RHP, Chipley HS (FL) – (5th RHP picked in draft) - Here is the best name no one’s talking about. People always talk about Taillon and Cole while leaving Whitson’s name out, but I don’t necessarily see it that way. He’s of similar size to Cole, with similar projectability, also has a plus fastball, and possibly has more movement on that pitch. He’s got both a slider and curve, and while neither are plus now, they’ve got great potential, too. That whole package is going to attract droves of scouts, and I see him going the way of Zack Wheeler from the 2009 class.
10-5 from http://baseballdraftreport.com: - top 50 prospects in 2010 draft – #7 - Karsten Whitson (4th RHP on list)
10-13 from www.mymlbdraft.com: 2010 MLB Mock Draft - #9 – (5th RHP picked) – Karsten Whitson
10-24 from www.baseballrumormll.com: - top 10 prospects: - 5. Karsten Whitson, RHP (4th RHP on list), Chipley HS, FL: Whitson pitched for Team USA as well and threw well in the COPABE "AAA" Pan American Championships. He doesn't throw as hard as his teammate, Taillon, but has more movement on the pitch.
10-29 from: www.mlbresource.com: - Blake's Scouting Report - There is no questioning the type or arm Whitson has. He has potential front of the rotation type stuff and should be a top pick. Whitson comes with a straight over the top delivery with a little herky jerk type movement in his delivery. He sits at around 92-94 and has touched 96. He has a sharp slider and everything he throws is hard with late bite
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: - 15-RHP Karsten Whitson (8th RHP on list)
11-3 from www.mlbresource.com: 3rd Mock draft – #9 - Karsten Whitson, RHP - Chipley HS (FL) - I definitely think the Padres take a pitcher with this selection. They need to rebuild the farm system and the pitching is currently below average. Whitson would fit in perfect but I could also see the Padres wanting someone more developed and closer to the big leagues. (4th RHP on list)
11-9-9 from www.examiner.com: - Top 15 High School Draft Prospects - 3. Karsten Whitson, rhp
Chipley (Fla.) HS
College Commitment: Florida - Whitson generates easy velocity from a 6-foot-4, 190-pound frame and throws a low-80s slider that should become a plus pitch eventually. (3rd RHP on list)
11-17 from www.mlbdraft.blogspot.com: - 14. Milwaukee Brewers- Karsten Whitson, RHP, Chipley HS(FL) - Whitson is a personal favorite of mine, who doesn't get enough love from the scouts. I feel he is right there with Cole as the number two pitcher in the class. He has a live arm, and a good feel for his slider. Look for Whitson to have a big spring. (7th RHP picked)
11-18 from www.macksmets.blogspot.com: - 6. RHP Karsten Whitson - a lot of people are jumping on the Whitson bandwagon this month, and so am I. (3rd RHP on list)
11-20 from www.draftamerica.com: - 10. Oakland -- Karsten Whitson, RHP, Chipley HS (FL). Oakland is looking for best available talent up-the-middle (C-SS-2B-CF) or on the mound, and Whitson's power stuff make him the top dog left on my current board. (6th RHP on list)
11-23 from www.deepleagues.com: - #16 - Chicago Cubs Karsten Whitson (P, Chipley, FLA) (7th RHP on list)
12-10 from www.baseballdraftreport.com: - check out my initial ranking of 2010’s top righthanded high school pitching prospects. - 7.Karsten Whitson
12-14 from www.baseballdraftreport.com: - Karsten Whitson (Chipley HS, Florida) - Covey, Cowart, Allie, and Whitson form a pretty logical quartet of high school arms. All four are big fellas (Covey is the shrimp of the group at a round, but athletic 6-2, 200 pounds), with big fastballs (all four have hit at least 95 on the gun at one point or another), and big questions that could define them come draft day. Covey, my current favorite of the four, has the easiest questions (inconsistent mechanics and command, plus a less than idea young pitcher body type) to answer going forward, especially when you consider how far he has come to answer one of those questions (his command has looked sharper every time I’ve seen him) already. Whitson, currently ranked fourth in this little subgroup, has a potential dynamite 1-2 punch with his fastball (sitting 91-93, hitting 95-96) and slider (works best in the mid-80s, but has shown up as a less effective slurvy high-70s CB at times), but I think his mechanics will need something pretty close to a complete overhaul as a professional. Cowart has grown on me just as much as a hitter than as a pitcher lately, but his potential on the mound is still vast. Cowart is as likely as anybody on the list to shoot up to the top of the subgroup and could, I stress could, actually challenge the more established top two if everything breaks right. Everything Cowart throws moves downward, from his sharp high-80s slider to his low-80s split-fingered changeup. Allie has the most electric arm of the foursome, but has been plagued by up and down command and control throughout his career on the high school showcase circuit. He also doesn’t have quite the secondary stuff as some of his contemporaries.
12-15 from www.5tooltalk.com: Mock Draft – 1st round: - 20 Braves Karsten Whitson RHP High School
1-7-9: Morisato's 2010 MLB Mock Draft - Version 1.0 - 10th Overall – The Oakland Athletics
Karsten Whitson (RHP), Florida High School - The second Florida prep arm (and third pitcher from Florida period) in this mock draft, Whitson is another pitcher that should get more press than he gets. He’s got a excellent frame with plenty of projection, and while he doesn’t throw as hard as Taillon or Cole, he’s able to get his fastball up to 94 with plenty of sink. He throws a good slider, and a average curveball. However, Whitson’s issue is that he doesn’t command his stuff well, which will only come from experience. Still, he does an excellent job of keeping the ball in the park, and should be able to develop into a groundball starter in time.
2010 MLB DRAFT MOCK DRAFT- 12/31/09 – www.jjscouting.com - 14. Milwaukee Brewers- Karsten Whitson, RHP, Chipley HS(FL) - Whitson is a personal favorite of mine, who doesn't get enough love from the scouts. I feel he is right there with Cole as the number two pitcher in the class. He has a live arm, and a good feel for his slider. Look for Whitson to have a big spring.
1-1-9 from www.draftsite.com: - mock draft: - #6 NY Mets Karsten Whitson RHP Chipley HS, Fla. 6'4" 190 R,R 1
1-15-0 from http://mlbbonusbaby.com: - 9. San Diego Padres – Karsten Whitson, RHP, Chipley HS (FL) – Regime change is always interesting when putting together mock drafts. However, it’s becoming clear that this regime will depart from the previous one when it comes to the draft. Expect more prep arms and more upside, though at the cost of risk. Whitson has an elite arm, and if his asking price is reasonable, he’s also a top ten to fifteen level talent. The top four prep arms in general are excellent compared to most years, and it wouldn’t surprise me to see a situation like this one where they are all picked in the first nine picks. Previously: #7.
1-15-9 from http://baseballdraftreport.com: - #18 Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim: RHSP Karsten Whitson – Chipley HS (FL) - It took seventeen full picks to get here, but we made it. The Angels taking Karsten Whitson is the first pick that I can look at and honestly say I have nothing of value to add with my commentary. Whitson has a definite first round fastball, but closer to tenth round caliber secondary stuff and throwing mechanics. The Angels can afford to gamble on such a player with the first of their nine (again, the numbers may not be accurate) first round picks.
6. Stetson Allie – St. Edward HS, Cleveland – 6-4, 215 - threw 99 in tournament in Metrodome… 90 slider… command only “20”… raw project… a closer’s mentality… used only as closer as a 17-year old…
7-21: Fr. http://baseballdraftreport.com: - potential first round pick
7-29: from www.baseballfactory.com: - Allie has a big-league body already with four tools to match. Aside from his running speed, all of his tools rate out as plus. He has strong quick hands that get the barrel to the ball and result in power to all fields. His hands are soft and sure and his arm is a cannon across the diamond. On the mound, Allie has been up to 96 mph. He has verbally committed to the University of North Carolina
8-6: From www.baseballamerica.com: - With his big thighs, broad shoulders and barrel chest, Allie is built like an ox. Because of his size, his game has a lot of strength. He's strong with the bat, but what stands out the most is his arm, and his future is likely on the mound. His fastball sits in the 94-95 mph range and can touch 97. The North Carolina recruit also has an 89 mph slider and a changeup.
8-9: from www.baseballamerica.com: - Stetson Allie, a third baseman and righthander from St. Edward Prep in Lakewood, Ohio had an impressive BP session and faced Castellanos in the derby finals. He didn’t stand out at the plate in the game and had an error at third, but he did get on the mound where his fastball ranged from 92-97 mph.
8-15: from XMLBScout on www.perfectgame.com: first time seeing him, albeit, TV, he showed pure arm strength and rear back and fire it type of delivery. I'd like to see more of him again, than just 1 IP. In the field he was very rough and he has bat speed as a hitter, but missed pitches by more than just hair. Again, I'd like to see more on him. Reading hype doesn't do justice when you don't see enough of a player that's been built up such as Stetson Allie. I'm sure I'll see more of him this weekend.
8-17 from www.baseballamerica.com re: AFLAC games - Stetson Allie (St. Edward HS, Olmstead Falls, Ohio), a mature-framed righty, comfortably fired a 93-95 mph fastball and added an 85 mph change and sharp 80 mph slider. Allie is a definite candidate to go in the first round in 2010.
8-19: Jeff Sullivan from the AFLAC Games: - Allie has an outstanding arm, and is the hardest thrower in the 2010 class. He usually sits around 96-97 mph, and at this event touched 97 also. He is a big RHP, listed at 6’4, 225 and he showed why is ranked so high in the class. He allowed a walk to Kris Bryant, but struck out Bratsen, then recorded two straight groundouts to end the inning. Definite first round arm at this point!
9-5: from Jonathan Mayo’s 8-26 article on www.minors.mlbblogs.com: - was up to 97 mph, but looked more like a thrower than a pitcher right now;
9-8: www.pgtracker.com: lists as the #1 high school player coming out of Ohio
9-16: From www.baseballamrica.com : - High School Top 25 draft prospects: 5. Stetson Allie, rhp/3b St. Edward HS, Lakewood, Ohio
9-24: From: http://mlbresource.blogspot.com: Mock Draft Version 1.0 – 15th pick overall - Stetson Allie, RHP - St. Edward HS (OH)
9-28: From http://mlbresource.blogspot.com: - Mock Draft Version 2 - #24 pick overall - Stetson Allie, RHP/3B - St. Edward HS (OH) - Allie is the last of the top two-way players but he is the most likely to stay on as a relief pitcher. He was a closer for his HS team and I think the Rangers should draft him and keep him there. This is a power arm that can sit around 95-97 MPH. This is one of the first examples of a pure reliever out of high school but may start a trend in keeping arms fresh. Texas will have to spend a ton to keep him from going to North Carolina.
10-5 from http://mlbbonusbaby.com: - 16. Chicago Cubs – Stetson Allie, RHP, St. Edwards HS (OH) – (9th HP picked in draft) - Some scouts see Allie as a third base prospect, but his arm is just too good to pass up. Remember how we thought Shelby Miller had the best pure arm a year ago? Allie’s is better. Remember how Madison Younginer got hype because of his closer role and plus fastball? Allie’s better. He already touches 99 with his fastball, has a slider in the upper-80s, and could be the best pure arm from high school in quite awhile. The problem is that he might just be a reliever, as he has a high-effort delivery. The Cubs seem to like these kind of cases, so this seems like a solid fit.
10-5 from http://baseballdraftreport.com: - top 50 prospects in 2010 draft – #10 - Stetson Allie (6th RHP on list)
10-13 from www.mymlbdraft.com: 2010 MLB Mock Draft - #14 – (6th RHP picked) – Stetson Allie
10-24 from www.baseballrumormll.com: - top 10 prospects: 9. Stetson Allie, RHP (6th ranked RHP on list), St. Edward HS, OH: Allie continues to play both the field and pitch, but most scouts agree that his professional future is as a pitcher. Despite control issues, he was throwing 97 against some of the top amateur competition at the AFLAC All-Star game - the type of speed that really gets attention.
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: - 7- RHP Stetson Allie – (4th RHP on list)
11-3 from www.mlbresource.com: 3rd Mock draft – #12 - Stetson Allie, RHP - St. Edwards (OH) - Allie has a live arm that could propel him to the big leagues at a very young age. He is a closer in high school and the temptation of taking an Ohio native I think proves to be too much temptation to pass on him. (6th RHP on list)
11-9-9 from www.examiner.com: - Top 15 High School Draft Prospects - 9. Stetson Allie, rhp/3b
St. Edward HS, Lakewood, Ohio
College Commitment: North Carolina - Allie is an exciting two-way prospect with impressive raw power at the plate and a high-90s fastball. (4th RHP on list)
11-17 from www.mlbdraft.blogspot.com: - 9.San Diego Padres- Stetson Allie, RHP, St. Edward HS(OH) - The hardest thrower in the draft, Allie has already flashed up to 99 mph. Usually a safe picking team, the Padres have showed recently that they are not afraid to spend the money to sign the best player available. The only negative about Allie is that due to his high effort delivery, he might just be a reliever. At worst case, Allie should be able to develop into a power closer, but he will be given his shot in the rotation. (5th RHP picked)
11-18 from www.macksmets.blogspot.com: - 15. RHP Stetson Allie – a fastball that hits 99, and a slider at 92, very few high school closers get picked this high… huge ceiling. (8th RHP on list)
11-20 from www.draftamerica.com: - 16. Chicago (N) -- Stetson Allie, RHP, St. Edward HS (OH). I went back and forth between Allie, Ohio St. righty Alex Wimmers and Indiana prepster Justin O'Connor, settling on Allie's plus-plus velocity. (9th RHP on list)
11-23 from www.deepleagues.com: - #9 - San Diego Padres Stetson Allie (P, Olmstead Falls, OH) (5th RHP on list)
12-10 from www.baseballdraftreport.com: - check out my initial ranking of 2010’s top righthanded high school pitching prospects. - 6.Stetson Allie
12-15 from www.5tooltalk.com: Mock Draft – 1st round: - 12 Reds Stetson Allie RHP High School
12-25 from www.pgcrosschecker.com: - Stetson Allie, a hard-throwing right-hander from Ohio, is perhaps the top recruit in Carolina’s new class, and perhaps the most intriguing. He’s been clocked at 100 mph, but can be a little wild when he throws as hard as he can. He pitched better in the Aflac All-American game in August when he dialed it back to “only” 97 mph, and he’s also an accomplished corner infielder with a good bat.
“He’s a unique talent, there’s no question about that,” said Fox. “Just his physical appearance. You look at him and think, ‘He’s only 17 or 18 years old.’ He’s really put together.”
Allie fills out a uniform at 6-foot-4 and 225 pounds. Fox doesn’t know if Allie will be a starting pitcher, a closer, a third baseman, a first baseman or a combo player for the Tar Heels. And there’s no guarantee Allie will enroll at Carolina, considering he’s ranked as the No.8 player in the graduating class of 2010 by Perfect Game.
1-7-9: Morisato's 2010 MLB Mock Draft - Version 1.0 - 18th Overall - The Los Angeles Angels (Compensation For Chone Figgins) - Stetson Allie (SS/RHP), Ohio High School - A two way prospect, Allie is a legitimate prospect as a shortstop and as a pitcher. As a positional player, Allie has a strong arm, solid range, and a quick swing. He also is able to hit for some pop. However, as he matures, he’ll likely have to move over to third base. As for his potential on the mound, Allie has a quick arm that allows him to throw in the upper 90’s. He couples it with a slider that allows him to have a second solid offering. However, Allie also has a delivery that has a lot of effort, which may result in him having to move to the bullpen in time.
2010 MLB DRAFT MOCK DRAFT- 12/31/09 – www.jjscouting.com - 9. San Diego Padres- Stetson Allie, RHP, St. Edward HS(OH) - The hardest thrower in the draft, Allie has already flashed up to 99 mph. Usually a safe picking team, the Padres have showed recently that they are not afraid to spend the money to sign the best player available (Donovan Tate '09). The only negative about Allie is that due to his high effort delivery, he might just be a reliever. At worst case, Allie should be able to develop into a power closer, but he will be given his shot in the rotation.
1-1-9 from www.draftsite.com: - mock draft: - #13 Chicago WS Stetson Allie RHP/SS St. Edward HS, Oh. 6'3" 215 R,R
1-15-0 from http://mlbbonusbaby.com: - 20. Boston Red Sox – Stetson Allie, RHP, St. Edwards HS (OH) – The Red Sox aren’t afraid of prep arms, but the question about Allie is what team will actually view him as a starter, rather than a power reliever. Boston has had success turning previous two-way player Casey Kelly into a top arm, so I don’t doubt their willingness to go after someone like Allie, but once again, only if they believe he has the durability and motion to go six innings with something more than his plus-plus fastball. The arm is special, and his arm strength is number one in this class, but I can’t see him cracking the top fifteen at the moment. Previously: #16.
1-15-9 from http://baseballdraftreport.com: - #14 Milwaukee Brewers: RHSP Stetson Allie – St Edward HS (OH) - Back to Gary Brown and Christian Colon for a minute because a couple of comps occurred to me today. How about Brown as Shane Victorino and Christian Colon as a slightly less hacktastic Placido Polanco capable of playing shortstop? Neither comps is perfect, but I think the tools of each player matches up pretty well with their respective big league comparisons. The ghost of Jack Z would be very proud of this Allie pick for Milwaukee. Big, hard throwing, erratic, and a difficult sign. Sounds about right.
7. Brandon Workman - Texas – 6-5, 220… fastball in the 89-92 range… hard curveball.
7/07 fr. www.projectprospect.com: Brandon Workman of Texas had a good spring and has good upside, but needs to clean up his delivery…
7-23: stats thru 7-15 in Cape Cod League: 1-0, 1.86, 10-K… starting for west division in Cape Cod All-Star game
7-25 fr. www.baseballamerica.com: - Wareham righthander Brandon Workman (Texas) also drew praise from scouts for his strong outing, striking out two in a perfect first for the West. Workman's fastball sat at 94-95, and he struck out Austin Wates (Virginia Tech) on a nasty 75 mph curveball in the dirt.
8-1: from http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com: excellent velocity, has reached 97-98, mostly 92-93 and very straight, at times however arm side run in on RHH. Makings of a plus breaking pitch and closer type mentality. Stamina is a question as a starter. Reminds me of Steve Bedrosian formerly of the Braves & Phils.
8-2: from 6-16 article www.sportsillustrated.cnn.com: At 6-5 and 220 pounds, Workman stands above his Longhorns teammates such as Chance Ruffin (son of Bruce) and Cole Green, though those are Texas' top two starters. All three are sophomores. Workman has the best pro body and best fastball, sitting at 89-92 mph and reaching higher. He pitches off the fastball and adds a hard curveball. He'll rocket up lists if he masters something off speed.
9-16: From www.baseballamrica.com : - College Top 25 draft prospects: #16 - Brandon Workman rhp, Texas
9-24: From: http://mlbresource.blogspot.com: Mock Draft Version 1.0 – 10th pick overall - Brandon Workman, RHP – Texas
9-28: From http://mlbresource.blogspot.com: - Mock Draft Version 2 - #10 pick overall - Brandon Workman, RHP – Texas - I suspect the Astros will be pretty disappointed if they don't get Taillon but good thing Texas is a big state and they can just head over to Austin and grab their ace Brandon Workman. Already a third round pick in 2007, Workman has used his three years as a Longhorn to watch good college football and turn into a first rounder.
10-5 from http://mlbbonusbaby.com: - 15. Texas Rangers – Brandon Workman, RHP, Texas – (8th RHP picked in draft) - This pick is unprotected against future compensation, as this pick itself is compensation for the Rangers not signing Matt Purke from the 2009 draft. Therefore, it really has to be a college player here, and Workman’s probably affordable and solid from a talent perspective. He didn’t have a good summer, but he had an extra long spring at UT, and he still has a good fastball-curveball mix. There could be better talent available here, but it’s doubtful that the Rangers could afford it.
10-5 from http://baseballdraftreport.com: - top 50 prospects in 2010 draft – #9 - Brandon Workman (5th RHP on list)
10-6 from: http://baseballdraftreport.com: - RHP Brandon Workman - Workman has been a fascination of mine since the Phillies failed to sign him coming out of high school, so I feel confident in his placement based on his outstanding raw stuff and physical build.
10-13 from www.mymlbdraft.com: 2010 MLB Mock Draft - #18 – (8th RHP picked) – Brandon Workman
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: - 9- RHP Brandon Workman (6th RHP on list)
11-17 from www.mlbdraft.blogspot.com: - 8.Houston Astros- Brandon Workman, RHP, Texas - Armed with a solid fastball and above average curveball, Workman will be on Houston's radar all spring long. A safe pick who should be able to eat up innings. (4th RHP picked)
11-18 from www.macksmets.blogspot.com: - 14. RHP Brandon Workman – had a very successful stint in the AFLAC games and is very signeable. (7th RHP on list)
11-20 from www.draftamerica.com: - 8. Houston -- Brandon Workman, RHP, Univ. of Texas. "Local" selection makes a lot of sense here, and Houston needs a little of everything in their system. (5th RHP on list)
11-23 from www.deepleagues.com: - #8 - Houston Astros Brandon Workman (P, Texas) (4th RHP on list)
12-15 from www.5tooltalk.com: Mock Draft – 1st round: - 22 Rangers Brandon Workman RHP NCAA
1-7-9: Morisato's 2010 MLB Mock Draft - Version 1.0 - 15th Overall – The Texas Rangers (Compensation For Matt Purke) - Brandon Workman (RHP), Texas - Workman has been rated as a high ceiling talent since he drafted by the Phillies in the 3rd round back in 2007. However, Workman instead went to Texas and has been rolling ever since, until he ran out of gas during the Cape Cod season. Workman throws his fastball in the low 90’s, touching 94 with good movement. He throws a spike curveball that is a borderline plus at times. His changeup is coming along, and should be average. His mechanics aren’t great, but he repeats if fairly well. One thing that does stand out is that his command still leaves a lot to be desired, and will ultimately hinder his progress. Overall, he’ll likely be inexpensive, and if his command improves, he could be a solid middle of the rotation workhorse. Because this pick isn’t protected, and with Rangers ownership still in a state of flux, this is where he’ll likely be popped.
2010 MLB DRAFT MOCK DRAFT- 12/31/09 – www.jjscouting.com - 8. Houston Astros- Brandon Workman, RHP, Texas - Armed with a solid fastball and above average curveball, Workman will be on Houston's radar all spring long. A safe pick who should be able to eat up innings.
1-7-9 from http://baseballdraftreport.com : - 1.9 San Diego Padres: RHSP Brandon Workman – Texas - 2010 = Year of the College Curveball. First Blair, then McGuire, now Workman. Workman’s version of the pitch is another plus offering, a 77-78 MPH nasty 12-6 hook. His fastball isn’t too shabby either, comfortably sitting in the low-90s with a pretty consistent peak of 95 MPH and has reached 98 in the past. The only issue I have with Workman are the similarities between how he looked as a high school senior and how he looks today. Coming out of high school he had a high velocity fastball and a curve with plus potential. That’s good. What he didn’t have was a quality third pitch and non-cringe worthy throwing mechanics. There has been some noise about a changeup being worked on, but I haven’t personally seen enough proof of the pitch to give it the Baseball Draft Report stamp of approval. There has also been some reports that Workman has cleaned up his mechanics a little bit since enrolling at Texas. If he has, I’m not seeing it. That’s not to say he hasn’t, I’m literally just saying that I can’t really tell the difference between the video I saw of him as a prep player and the real life version of Workman I saw pitch live last year. I’m neither trained to notice such things nor do I worry too much about mechanics in general (remember my mechanics creed – so long as it is repeatable, I’m happy), but I figured it was worth mentioning. Flaws from high school shouldn’t still exist after two full years in college, right? Could be a red flag, could be nothing.
1-1-9 from www.draftsite.com: - mock draft: - #15 Texas (Compensation for failure to sign Matthew Purke) Brandon Workman RHP Texas 6'5" 220 R,R
1-15-0 from http://mlbbonusbaby.com: - 31. Tampa Bay Rays – Brandon Workman, RHP, Texas – I said in the October mock that I think the Rays will go with a college pitcher in this spot, and I continue to say it. This pick is compensation for Washington not signing in August, and they lose this pick if their new pick doesn’t sign, too. Workman’s a signable righty with a good pitch mix that would work well as either a mid-rotation starter or back-end reliever. The Texas pitching staff will be scouted plenty as it is, so whoever picks him will know what they’re getting when the time comes. Previously: #15.
8. DeAndre Smelter – Tattnall Square Academy (GA) – 6-3, 215 - already throws fastball in 92-95 range… low-80s split-finger change…
7-29: From www.baseballfactory.com: Smelter is a 6-foot-3, 215-pound righthander with broad shoulders and a thick lower half. He rocks back and fires 89-92 mph fastballs from a lower three-quarters arm slot and touches 93. Smelter hides the ball well and mixes in an 83 mph changeup and an 80-81 mph slider. He’s a good athlete who ran the 60-yard dash in 6.6 seconds.
8-1: from http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com: loose arm with pure arm strength, a couple out of zone readings at 97, mostly 90-94, fb true, at times sink and arm side run, leg lift and balance needs work, slider or cut fb was solid 84-87, again he needs some work with mechanics, but very good arm to follow for 2010. Top Georgia guy for me.
8-19: Jeff Sullivan from the AFLAC Games: - To me, the next group of five right handers is relatively close at this point. It will be very interesting to see who separates themselves in the upcoming year as they all have first round arms. Smelter was the most impressive to me, striking out the side in the 8th inning. He made easy work of phenom Bryce Harper, Krey Bratsen, and Austin Wilson. His fastball ran up to 95 and sat in the low to mid 90’s the entire inning. His splitter was also very impressive, and this one could be a great one!
9-5: from Jonathan Mayo’s 8-26 article on www.minors.mlbblogs.com: - was up to 94-95 mph and was aggressive, going right after hitters.
9-7: From www.perfectgame.com on the AFLAC games: - I saw the sleeve in warmups and boy that bothered me, just like it did with Harper this summer. Deandre had better movement on his pitches in the game and a better calm to his delivery. He learns quickly and he wants a shot at pro ball. For a 3 sport talent, heck he would play more if he had the time, LOL, lots of upside left in this young man. Bob Gibson made a comment to me that Deandre could be one of the top ML arms in 3-4 years if he keeps improving as he has done.
10-5 from http://baseballdraftreport.com: - top 50 prospects in 2010 draft – #37 - DeAndre Smelter (20th RHP on list)
11-2 from www.thehardballtimes.com: - DeAndre Smelter, RHP, 2010, Macon Ga., Canes
Smelter is an amazing physical presence; his listing of 6-foot-2 and 205 pounds does not do him justice—he looks more like a University of Georgia linebacker than a Georgia high school pitching prospect. So no big surprise that he’s also a bigtime football recruit, which may make him a difficult sign.
Smelter had the best fastball velocity I saw. Nothing came in lower than 91, and he was consistently sitting 93-94, touching 95 twice. I was told he hit 97 in an earlier outing. The fastball isn’t so movement-heavy, though, and while he wasn’t erratic, he was so-so hitting spots. All he has right now to complement it is a low 80s slider. It’s tight, but low movement (in other words, not the loopy version you see often at this level, but there isn’t enough horizontal or vertical break to it). He got the slider over consistently, however.
I’m not so thrilled with Smelter mechanically. He doesn’t strike me as a big injury-risk, because he’s not so jerky or max-effort. He flies open a bit, which he compensates for with adept glove-hand work, but sometimes his hips open early and the arm gets behind. His arm action is a bit long as well, which can contribute to the problems. The concerns here are that the momentum is going to the wrong places at times in his delivery, which can make command a big issue. Also, his arm slot and action had one observer questioning if he’ll ever be able to develop above-average offspeed offerings.
With a body built more for sprints than marathons and not much after a fastball, Smelter may be a guy who winds up in the pen. Right now, his main weapon is his fastball velocity, but A) That’s a damn important weapon, and B) That velocity is near the top of the charts for his class. In an average year, he probably falls between late first and early second rounds. His spring performance and his signability have the potential to push that in either direction.
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: - 10- RHP DeAndre Smelter (7th RHP on list)
11-17 from www.mlbdraft.blogspot.com: - 16. Chicago Cubs- DeAndre Smelter, RHP, Tattnall Square Academy(GA) - Smelter is a great athlete. The Cubs have been known to love athletes. Smelter mixes his pitches very well, while hiding the ball effectively. He still has yet to tap into his full potential as a pitcher, and when he does he could sneak his way even higher into the first round. (9th RHP picked)
11-18 from www.macksmets.blogspot.com: - 11. RHP DeAndre Smelter – was a big hit in the AFLAC games which raises his value above many of the kids sitting at home this summer. (5th RHP on list)
11-20 from www.draftamerica.com: - 14. Milwaukee -- DeAndre Smelter, RHP, Tatnall Square Academy. MIL doesn't shy away from high schoolers, and Smelter's split-finger and solid feel for pitching could put him in the mid-first round. (7th RHP on list)
11-23 from www.deepleagues.com: - #25 - St. Louis Cardinals DeAndre Smelter (P, Macon, Georgia) (13th RHP on list)
12-10 from www.baseballdraftreport.com: - check out my initial ranking of 2010’s top righthanded high school pitching prospects. - 9.DeAndre Smelter
12-15 from www.5tooltalk.com: Mock Draft – 1st round: - 7 Mets Deandre Smelter RHP High School
2010 MLB DRAFT MOCK DRAFT- 12/31/09 – www.jjscouting.com - 16. Chicago Cubs- DeAndre Smelter, RHP, Tattnall Square Academy(GA) - Smelter is a great athlete. The Cubs have been known to love athletes. Smelter mixes his pitches very well, while hiding the ball effectively. He still has yet to tap into his full potential as a pitcher, and when he does he could sneak his way even higher into the first round.
1-1-9 from www.draftsite.com: - mock draft: - #14 Milwaukee DeAndre Smelter RHP Tattnall Square, Ga. 6'3" 215 R,R
9. Alex Wimmers – Ohio State – Junior… 6-2, 195, R/R… 2009: 9-2, 3.27, 136-K, 104.2-IP… pitched no-hitter against Michigan
7/07 fr. www.projectprospect.com: Alex Wimmers from The Ohio State University has smooth mechanics and a big curveball that helped dominate big 10 action this spring, with another strong season he should garner lots of first round attention…
9-8: www.pgtracker.com lists as one of the top college player coming out of Ohio.
9-16: From www.baseballamrica.com : - College Top 25 draft prospects: 9. Alex Wimmers, rhp Ohio State
9-28: From http://mlbresource.blogspot.com: - Mock Draft Version 2 - #32 pick overall - Alex Wimmers, RHP - Ohio State - Yankees have stayed on a trend drafting quality arms in the past couple drafts outside of OF Slade Heathcott last year. Wimmers has shown signs of dominance at Ohio State and could boost his status with a big year for the Buckeyes.
10-5 from http://mlbbonusbaby.com: 12. Cincinnati Reds – Alex Wimmers, RHP, Ohio State – (6th RHP picked in draft) - Wimmers had a great late summer on the Cape, and I think he’s moved into being the best cold-weather guy in the 2010 class. He’s not a big guy, unlike the pitchers above, but his stuff is quite advanced. I might call his fastball average, maybe a tick above with movement and command, but his curve and change are above-average and improving. The Reds went with Mike Leake in 2009, so they might want to go in a different direction from the polished college pitcher in 2010, but Wimmers is in-state and a true first-round talent, so there’s no reason to believe he can’t go here.
10-13 from www.mymlbdraft.com: 2010 MLB Mock Draft - #15 – (7th RHP picked) – Alex Wimmer
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: - 48- RHP Alex Wimmers (17th RHP on list)
11-14 from www.rivals.yahoo.com: - Alex Wimmers needs to be Alex Wimmers -- This key may sound like common sense or even be strange to some people, but there have been plenty of times in the past when a pitcher expected to throw exceptionally well cratered the next season. Wimmers can't do that if the Buckeyes plan on reaching the College World Series. As a sophomore last season, he had a 9-2 record and compiled a 3.27 ERA in 104 2/3 innings. He also struck out 136 and walked 55 and limited opposing teams to a .211 clip. Wimmers will be a preseason All-American and will have much pressure to succeed. It'll be interesting to see how the talented pitcher handles the spotlight.
11-18 from www.macksmets.blogspot.com: - 28. RHP Alex Wimmers – another big school (Ohio State) weekend starter that many teams just love because of they’ve already survived the pressure of big crowds, tough press, and great competition. (13th RHP on list)
11-20 from www.draftamerica.com: - 21. Minnesota -- Alex Wimmers, RHP, Ohio St. Wimmers has solid command and advanced secondaries, a nice fit for the Twins, who tend to go the college arm route when they aren't grabbing toolsy high school outfielders. (10th RHP on list)
#29 - Boston Red Sox Alex Wimmers (P, Ohio State) (15th RHP on list)
12-15 from www.5tooltalk.com: Mock Draft – 1st round: - 13 White Sox Alex Wimmers RHP NCAA
1-7-9: Morisato's 2010 MLB Mock Draft - Version 1.0 - 7th Overall – The New York Mets
Alex Wimmers (RHP), Ohio State - The Mets are notoriously stingy in the draft, and have more or less stayed around slot. With that in mind, I passed on some of the other higher upside kids, and went for more of a sure thing. Wimmers doesn’t have a large frame, but he is similar to Mike Leake and has excellent command and control over his stuff. He finished in the top five of the NCAA Division One Schools in strikeouts thanks to it. His fastball is average, about the low 90’s, but his off-speed pitches show promise. His curveball is his best pitch, a true wipeout pitch with good movement. His changeup is also an above average pitch, giving him an effective three pitch mix. All in all, Wimmers should be taken high, and won’t cost much more over slot. He’s got low upside, but he also should be a solid back of the rotation guy.
1-1-9 from www.draftsite.com: - mock draft: - #22 Texas Alex Wimmers RHP Ohio State 6'2" 195 L,R
1-15-0 from http://mlbbonusbaby.com: - 15. Texas Rangers – Alex Wimmers, RHP, Ohio State – This pick is compensation for Matt Purke not signing in August, so I expect to see the Rangers go a bit conservative, saving money for their #22 overall pick and their two supplemental first-round picks. Wimmers is an excellent candidate for such a pick, and he offers roughly #2 or 3 starter upside. He’s bound to go somewhere in the middle of the round with a good spring, and his signability won’t be an issue. Previously: #12.
1-15-9 from http://baseballdraftreport.com: - #16 Chicago Cubs: RHSP Alex Wimmers – Ohio State - I saw Wimmers a lot last year and every time I saw him I had a similar thought – “hey, this guy is better than I thought coming in.” Good fastball, good sinking changeup, and a plus curve make him a good bet as a first rounder. Speaking of good bets, I made my first group of tiers today while at a meeting at work. This was newsworthy for a couple different reasons. First, while paying more attention on sketching out my rankings than I did on what the presenter was telling me about various co-teaching models, I technically got paid to write about baseball. I’m a professional baseball writer! Second, and actually somewhat seriously, there are a lot of talented players at the top of this year’s draft class. The “lock” group for first rounders was bigger than I remember it being last year, as was the “very likely” group. Without spoiling any surprises, Wimmers was just barely on the outside looking in on that “very likely” to go in the first round group. I’d say that’s a pretty strong indication that the first round isn’t as barren as some have claimed.
10. Dylan Covey – (up from 13th) - Maranatha High (CA) – excellent power pitcher… competition was weak… low to mid 90’s fastball, mid-70 curve, low-80 slider…
7-21: Fr. http://baseballdraftreport.com: - potential first round pick
8-17 from www.baseballamerica.com re: AFLAC games - Dylan Covey (Maranatha HS, Pasadena, Calif.) hails from a tiny private school and has big-time stuff. He mixes a 91-94 mph fastball, 83 mph slurve, 81 mph change and 77 mph curve effectively.
9-7: From www.perfectgame.com on the AFLAC games: - 6'4 righty, came to pitch, loosey goosey with some arm side run and sinks it down in the k-zone. Breaking ball has the proper bite and spin now and will only get better. Very projectible. For only 1 inning I saw, he's definitely put down as a MUST SEE early rounder for 2010.
9-16: From www.baseballamerica.com : - High School Top 25 draft prospects: 14. Dylan Covey, rhp Maranatha HS, Pasadena, Calif.
10-5 from http://mlbbonusbaby.com: 23. Florida Marlins – Dylan Covey, RHP, Maranatha HS (CA) – (10th RHP picked in draft) - The Marlins have a long history with preps in California, and Covey’s the best pitcher out there in the 2010 class. There’s a pretty clear line between Covey and the top arms like Taillon, Cole, Whitson, and Allie, but don’t be surprised if Covey has a big jump similar to fellow California prep Matt Hobgood had in the 2009 class. He’s got a plus fastball and curveball, but like most preps, he lacks a good current changeup, and he’ll need that to thrive in the pros. He’s a mid- to late-first rounder now, but there’s room for more.
10-5 from http://baseballdraftreport.com: - top 50 prospects in 2010 draft – #19 – Dylan Covey (12th RHP on list)
10-13 from www.mymlbdraft.com: 2010 MLB Mock Draft - #28 – (12th RHP picked) – Dylan Covey
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: -23- RHP Dylan Covey (9th RHP on list)
11-9-9 from www.examiner.com: - Top 15 High School Draft Prospects - 15. Dylan Covey, rhp
Maranatha HS, Pasadena, Calif.
College Commitment: San Diego - Covey did not pitch this summer due to injury, but he features a mid-90s fastball and the makings of a plus curveball when healthy. (6th RHP on list)
11-17 from www.mlbdraft.blogspot.com: - 29.Boston Red Sox-Dylan Covey, RHP, Marantha HS(CA) - Covey had a great summer. Some like Covey up with Cole, as the 2-3 behind Taillon. He's in that next level down for me, with Whitson, Smelter, Allie and Bedrosian. The Sox would love to add an arm like this into the lower levels. (12th RHP picked)
11-20 from www.draftamerica.com: - 30. Los Angeles (A) -- Dylan Covey, Maranatha HS (CA). The Angels began restocking the system last year with a plethora of early picks, and Covey would fit nicely as a potential future workhorse with a true power arsenal. (14th RHP on list)
11-23 from www.deepleagues.com: #24 - San Fransisco Giants Dylan Covey (P, Pasadena, CA) (12th RHP on list)
12-10 from www.baseballdraftreport.com: - check out my initial ranking of 2010’s top righthanded high school pitching prospects. - 4.Dylan Covey
12-15 from www.5tooltalk.com: Mock Draft – 1st round: - 31 Rays Dylan Covey RHP High School
1-7-9: Morisato's 2010 MLB Mock Draft - Version 1.0 - 23rd Overall – The Florida Marlins
Dylan Covey (RHP), California High School - The Marlins have taken quite a few high school arms in recent years, and this year figures to be no exception. Covey is a prep arm from California that shows solid potential. He throws a fastball in the mid 90’s with good movement. He also has a solid curveball that gives him a second good offering. Like most prep pitchers, he lacks a changeup, which he’ll need to remain a starter. Still, he has the potential to be a solid middle of the rotation guy, with a chance to become a Number Two Starter if everything works out.
2010 MLB DRAFT MOCK DRAFT- 12/31/09 – www.jjscouting.com - 29. Toronto Blue Jays-Dylan Covey, RHP, Marantha HS(CA) - Covey had a great summer. Some like Covey up with Cole and Whitson, as the top of the board behind Taillon. He's in that next level down for me, with Smelter and Allie. The Jays would love to add an arm like this into the lower levels.
1-1-9 update: - -One name that I keep hearing is that of Dylan Covey. When I did my first 2010 mock, Covey was clearly behind the triumvirate of Taillon, Cole, and Whitson, but many scouts I’ve talked to now prefer Covey to Whitson, and Covey offers a little less projection, but a tad more polish than Cole, leading some to wonder if Covey if this year’s Matt Hobgood. I don’t have a big enough handle on it yet, but I get the feeling that Covey could explode with a big spring, and his upside is better than Hobgood’s.
1-1-9 from www.draftsite.com: - mock draft: - #31 Tampa Bay (Compensation for failure to sign LeVon Washington) Dylan Covey RHP Maranatha HS, Ca. 6'2" 200 R,R
1-15-0 from http://mlbbonusbaby.com: - 7. New York Mets – Dylan Covey, RHP, Maranatha HS (CA) – As explained in my bits and pieces entry, Covey’s stock has been on the upswing. After missing time this summer with a minor injury, Covey came back strong in the fall, and he’s in the conversation with Taillon and Cole for best prep arm in the 2010 class. The Mets have gone with some prep arms in the past, and their top pick from a year ago was prep lefty Steven Matz. If Covey’s spring is as good as his fall, he’s definitely a top ten pick if signable. Previously: #23.
1-15-9 from http://baseballdraftreport.com: - #13 Chicago White Sox: RHSP Dylan Covey – Maranatha HS (CA) - Remember how my angle for the Cincinnati pick was going to be about the way they are suddenly a team getting a ton of positive buzz? I really can’t tell you how many different places have come out and said the Reds are the Central’s second best team heading into 2010, as well as the team best positioned to take over St Louis when the Cardinals realize spending 98% of your payroll (figure may not be exact) on two players. I’m not necessarily disputing either idea, just pointing out that it has been interesting to see so many sources from all across the baseball landscape (from analytical types to scouty types) all hyping up the Reds lately. Well…Covey is a little bit like the Reds. He’s the prospect that has gotten a huge groundswell of support over the past few weeks from just about everybody with a keyboard and an opinion on amateur baseball. Just wait, they said. Watch him pitch, they said. His stock will soar, they said. Good call, internet. Covey could have very easily been swapped with Cowart at the number four spot in this draft. If we accept that all pitching prospects come with major questions, maybe we should work towards finding the prospect with the easiest questions to answer. This isn’t a great strategy in general as I tend to be more of a “focus on what a player can do rather than what he can’t do” kind of fellow, but it does serve a useful purpose when comparing so many similarly talented players like the ones featured in this year’s prep righthanded pitching crop. Covey’s questions include inconsistent in-game mechanics, inconsistent command start to start, and a body type that doesn’t inspire much projection going forward. Mechanics can always be tweaked, his command has looked sharper every time I’ve seen him, and the body isn’t anywhere close to Sir Sidney Ponson levels of bad.
1-30-10: - named to the Louisville Slugger 2010 Pre-Season High School All-America Team
11. Jesse Hahn – (up from 14th) - Virginia Tech
9-16: From www.baseballamrica.com : - College Top 25 draft prospects: - 18. Jesse Hahn, rhp Virginia Tech
10-5 from http://mlbbonusbaby.com: - 13. Chicago White Sox – Jesse Hahn, RHP, Virginia Tech – (7th RHP picked in draft) - I’ll get a little heat for this, but I really think a team like the White Sox will bite on Hahn’s electric arm early in the first round. He’s got the definition of a plus fastball, just from velocity alone. With a better curveball, Hahn could easily slide into the top ten to a team that thinks he can be a top-tier starter. The only problem is that he’s probably still going to be a reliever eventually in pro ball, despite his big 6′5” frame, and that will knock him completely off some teams’ first-round lists. The arm is too big to ignore, though, and Hahn’s a real first-rounder in my book.
10-5 from http://baseballdraftreport.com: - top 50 prospects in 2010 draft – #14 – Jesse Hahn (8th RHP on list)
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: - 31-RHP Jesse Hahn – (11th RHP on list)
11-20 from www.draftamerica.com: - 15. Texas -- Jesse Hahn, RHP, Virginia Tech. TEX needs to sign this compensation pick or lose it, so I could see a power relief arm here, much the way WAS targeted Storen this past year's draft. (8th RHP on list)
11-23 from www.deepleagues.com: #21 - Minnesota Twins Jesse Hahn (P, Virginia Tech) (10th RHP on list)
12-15 from www.5tooltalk.com: Mock Draft – 1st round: - 15 Rangers Jesse Hahn RHP NCAA
1-7-9 from http://baseballdraftreport.com : #7 New York Mets: RHP Jesse Hahn – Virginia Tech - Hahn has a huge heater that has helped him hike up his heretofore humble hold amidst fellow hurlers in the draft hierarchy. The best fastball in the 2010 class has been clocked a steady 96-98 with true plus life. Unfortunately for Hahn, there isn’t a whole lot else in his bag of tricks at this point in his development. To his credit, he does throw a curve and a change that both have average potential down the line. Additionally, he has thrown both a slider and a cutter at intermittent points in the past. Neither pitch caught on, but it’s nice to know that Hahn has experience messing around with them at the very least. If one of those four pitches develops into at least a big league average pitch this spring, Hahn will assure himself a spot in the first round as a reliever. If he shows enough with two of those pitches (at least proving they have the potential to be league average weapons, even if they aren’t quite there by June), he’ll go even higher still. Aroldis Chapman has a slider that is already better than any of Hahn’s secondary stuff and a change has shown a ton of potential, but if you squint really hard you can begin to see some similarities between the two.
1-1-9 from www.draftsite.com: - mock draft: - #45 Jesse Hahn RHP Virginia Tech 6'5" 185 R,R
12. Kyle Blair – San Diego - junior… 6-3, 200, R/R… 2009: 3-2, 3.13, 54.2-IP, 62-K… led the team with lowest ERA…
8-1: from http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com: ML plus velo, delivery needs work still, cb at times unhittable, health a bit in question and hope any concerns are put to rest this fall.
9-16: From www.baseballamrica.com : - College Top 25 draft prospects: - 21. Kyle Blair, rhp San Diego
9-24: From: http://mlbresource.blogspot.com: Mock Draft Version 1.0 – 26th pick overall - Kyle Blair, RHP - San Diego
10-5 from http://mlbbonusbaby.com: 26. Colorado Rockies – Kyle Blair, RHP, San Diego – (11th RHP picked in draft) - If only Blair could up his fastball. That’s the story I keep hearing. His slider is an absolute plus pitch, and with a solid changeup, Blair could be a top prospect with a couple ticks extra on his average fastball. However, it’s not the case, and I see him as more of a late first-rounder at the moment. He’s probably more hyped than your average 2010 draft prospect, but it’s all about current draft position, and I can’t put him higher than this now. A good spring season could bump him up, as could extra ticks on the fastball.
10-5 from http://baseballdraftreport.com: - top 50 prospects in 2010 draft – #17 – Kyle Blair (10th RHP on list)
10-13 from www.mymlbdraft.com: 2010 MLB Mock Draft - #24 – (10th RHP picked) – Kyle Blair
11-8 from www.rivals.yahoo.com: - The Toreros return some talented hitters and relievers, but the weekend rotation is the strongest unit with the return of a trio of starters. The returnees include Kyle Blair, Matt Thomson and AJ Griffin. Blair had a 3.13 ERA in 54 2/3 innings last season. He also struck out 62 and walked 18 and held opposing teams to a .225 batting average. Griffin compiled a 3.33 ERA in 81 innings and limited teams to a .250 batting average. Thomson, meanwhile, went 5-5 with a 5.98 ERA in 81 1/3 innings. He held opposing teams to a .258 batting average. There's also a chance the Toreros will look to Darrin Campbell or Sammy Solis as starters, too. At any rate, there's no excuse for this unit not to be one of the nation's best.
11-18 from www.macksmets.blogspot.com: - 16. RHP Kyle Blair – has the best slider in the draft, and will be conversted to a specialist unless he ups the fastball this season. (9th RHP on list)
11-26 from www.collegebaseballblog.com: - named the 55th top college player for the 2010 season.
11-23 from www.deepleagues.com: #31 - Yankees Kyle Blair (P, San Diego State) (17th RHP on list)
12-15 from www.5tooltalk.com: Mock Draft – 1st round: - 23 Marlins Kyle Blair RHP NCAA
1-7-9: Morisato's 2010 MLB Mock Draft - Version 1.0 - 28th Overall – The Los Angeles Dodgers - Kyle Blair (RHP), San Diego - Blair was a top prospect coming out of high school, but he failed to come to terms with the Dodgers in the 2007 draft. He has since had a great career at San Diego, and will likely be the Torero’s Friday Night Starter. Blair has an excellent three pitch arsenal. His slider is a plus offering, and he also has a second solid offering in his changeup. His command and control also are solid as well. However, Blair’s fastball clocks in the 89-92 mph range, and while he commands it well, it’s not enough to make him more than perhaps a back of the rotation guy. Blair also had his sophomore year cut short by a bout of shoulder soreness. If he’s able to pitch without it reoccurring, he’s a back of the rotation guy that’s worth a selection in the back of the first round. If the injury also held back his velocity a bit, and his fastball clocks in the 92-94 mph range this year, then Blair could be something more.
1-7-9 from http://baseballdraftreport.com: 1.6 Arizona Diamondbacks: RHSP Kyle Blair – San Diego My favorite draft-eligible college prospect had to find a way to get himself into the top ten, right? An above-average fastball that sits in the low-90s, a plus mid-70s curve, and a good low-80s change make for a potent mix in my book. Blair was a big recruit coming out of high school who hasn’t disappointed since joining the Toreros. Love the USD staff, by the way. Blair, Sammy Solis (another potential first rounder), and AJ Griffin (my favorite senior sign, by far) make up one heck of a three-headed monster. Or three-armed monster. Six-armed monster? As for Blair, yes, this is a generous placement on the mock, but it’s defensible not only because of that present three pitch mix but also the chance his peak fastball velocity perks up in the spring. If he is topping out at 94-95 once the season starts, watch out.
1-1-9 from www.draftsite.com: - mock draft: - #24 San Francisco Kyle Blair RHP San Diego 6'3" 200 R,R
13. Cameron Bedrosian – East Coweta HS (GA.) – son of Steve Bedrosian… low-90’s fastball… big breaking ball… hard power curve is a serious out pitch… also has changeup… reported a real strike thrower…
7-21: Fr. http://baseballdraftreport.com: - I personally loved what I saw on video of Cam Bedrosian
8-3 fr. www.baseballamerica.com: Cameron has a four-pitch arsenal: A running 92-94 mph fastball that touches 96, a sharp 84-86 slider, an 80-82 changeup and a 74-78 curveball. He's also working on a two-seam fastball. "He's probably going to throw a plus-plus fastball down the stretch, and I think his slider has potential to be a lights-out pitch. His changeup has a chance to be a little bit above-average," the AL scout said.
8-17 from www.baseballamerica.com re: AFLAC games - Cameron Bedrosian (East Coweta HS, Senoia, Ga.) is shorter and more compact than his dad. Bedrosian struggled with his command, but still displayed a 92-93 mph fastball, 79 mph change, 75 mph curve and an excellent 88 mph spiltter.
8-19: Jeff Sullivan from the AFLAC Games: - Bedrosian had a busy inning in the first, allowing two runs after allowing a single and walk, but also showed his plus stuff. His curveball is outstanding, and it made Bryce Harper look foolish. He also got power hitter Kris Bryant to strike out on the curve.
9-5: from Jonathan Mayo’s 8-26 article on www.minors.mlbblogs.com: - looked ok, but a little nervous.
9-7: From www.perfectgame.com on the AFLAC games: - 6'+ 195, solid build and know how with some upside still left and potential to grow another inch or two in the next 3-4 years. Nice spin and tilt on the breaking ball and a bulldog mentality. He never lost his cool even with the errant wild pitch. Definite top 25 HS players for 2010.
9-16: From www.baseballamerica.com : - High School Top 25 draft prospects: 21. Cameron Bedrosian, rhp
9-24: From: http://mlbresource.blogspot.com: Mock Draft Version 1.0 – 22nd pick overall Cameron Bedrosian, RHP - East Coweta HS (GA)
9-28: From http://mlbresource.blogspot.com: - Mock Draft Version 2 - #19 pick overall - Cameron Bedrosian, RHP - East Coweta HS (GA) - It is no secret to anyone that I thought the Jack Zduriencik signing to become the GM in Seattle was the best off-season move for the Mariners last year. Zduriencik revived the Brewers organization and is doing the same in Seattle. He continues to stockpile young talent and this prep righty has a high ceiling. He is the son of former major league pitcher and Cy Young Winner Steve Bedrosian so his baseball background is solid.
10-5 from http://baseballdraftreport.com: - top 50 prospects in 2010 draft – #16 – Cameron Bedrosian (9th RHP on list)
10-6 from: http://baseballdraftreport.com: - RHP Cameron Bedrosian - Undersized righthander with a hot fastball and an excellent curve with big league bloodlines? If it hasn’t been made before, I’m happy to be the first to throw out the Kyle Drabek/Cameron Bedrosian comparison.
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: -19- RHP Cameron Bedrosian (9th RHP on list)
11-3 from www.mlbresource.com: 3rd Mock draft – #30 - Cameron Bedrosian, RHP - East Coweta (GA) - Bedrosian gives the Angels a nice young arm that will be added to an already loaded farm system. Bedrosian has a nice baseball pedigree with his father being a former big league pitcher but Cameron is here regardless of what his father accomplished. (11th RHP on list)
11-17 from www.mlbdraft.blogspot.com: - 20. Atlanta Braves- Cameron Bedrosian, RHP, East Coweta HS(GA) - The Braves love the local pick, and Bedrosian could be their guy. He has been around the game for a while, as he is the son of Cy Young Award Winner Steve Bedrosian. Bedrosian has a solid fastball, and a breaking ball that made even Bryce Harper look foolish in the AFLAC game. (10th RHP picked)
11-18 from www.macksmets.blogspot.com: - 21. RHP Cameron Bedrosian – everyone loves the pedigree of this prep star… killer fastball. (12th RHP on list)
11-23 from www.deepleagues.com: #20 - Atlanta Braves Cameron Bedrosian (P, Coweta, GA)(9th RHP on list)
12-10 from www.baseballdraftreport.com: - check out my initial ranking of 2010’s top righthanded high school pitching prospects. - 3.Cam Bedrosian
2010 MLB DRAFT MOCK DRAFT- 12/31/09 – www.jjscouting.com - 20. Boston Red Sox- Cameron Bedrosian, RHP, East Coweta HS(GA)- The Red Sox acquired this pick with the Braves signing Billy Wagner. Bedrosian has been around the game for a while, as he is the son of Cy Young Award Winner Steve Bedrosian. Bedrosian has a solid fastball, and a breaking ball that made even Bryce Harper look foolish in the AFLAC game.
1-1-9 from www.draftsite.com: - mock draft: - #42 Cameron Bedrosian RHP East Coweta HS, Ga. 6'0" 195 R,R
1-15-0 from http://mlbbonusbaby.com: - 32. New York Yankees – Cameron Bedrosian, RHP, East Coweta HS (GA) – The Yankees have typically liked their raw talent guys early in the draft over the past number of years. Bedrosian isn’t an excellent fit into that mold, but the bloodlines carry a lot of weight. He could easily sneak himself into first-round consideration, and with a price tag that’s supposed to be fairly reasonable (despite an LSU commitment), Bedrosian could offer solid upside while leaving budget room beyond this pick. It’s just an early thought before the spring season starts. Previously: NR.
1-15-9 from http://baseballdraftreport.com: - #15 Texas Rangers: RHSP Cam Bedrosian – East Coweta HS (GA) - I only quote myself because I know 95% of readers only come to check out the mock drafts anyway: I’ll willingly admit I like Bedrosian more than most talent evaluators do a the moment. One of the reasons I think I like him more than others is simple – short righties don’t scare me. I know I’ve made the Bedrosian/Kyle Drabek comparison before, and I’m happy to mention again in print here. Bedrosian’s 6-0, 195 pound frame doesn’t bother me much at all because it is compact and muscular in all the right places, most notably the legs. His arm action is a thing of beauty with a consistent landing spot and a very smooth, repeatable delivery. Bedrosian’s fastball is a potential plus big league offering, already sitting 90-93 and hitting 95-96, and his curve is on the very short list of the very best high school secondary pitches I’ve had the pleasure of watching. Beyond those two plus/potential plus pitches, Bedrosian can mix in a mid-70s CU and a really exciting high-80s splitter that could grow into a big league strikeout pitch in time. Power stuff (FB, hard CB, SF) combined with at least the occasional appearance of that changeup makes Bedrosian a rare bird among young pitchers. I’m often quick to dismiss bloodlines as a reason for liking one prospect over another, but Bedrosian’s cerebral approach to pitching has pretty clearly been influenced by having a former professional ballplayer as a father.
Drabek had the off the field issues to contend with, but it makes me a little concerned that I have Bedrosian, a wonderful prospect but one with a lesser grade than Drabek at similar points in their development, going higher than Drabek did in his draft year. This one may be a case of letting my own personal take get in the way of making the most accurate mock possible. Oh well, I love this guy. I think he makes some sense for the Rangers here as they continue to build up their young pitching stockpile. In some ways a pick like this is reminiscent of the Michael Main selection in 2007. In other ways, it so totally isn’t. Yeah, think about that one for a while. It’s like a paradox wrapped in poor grammar wrapped by questionable syntax wrapped in a vest.
1-15-9 from http://baseballdraftreport.com: - #23 Florida Marlins: RHSP Deandre Smelter – Tattnall County HS (GA) - It would be easy to lose track of a player like Smelter in the midst of so many other similarly talented prep righties, but that would be a mistake. Smelter can do just about everything you want to see out of a young pitching prospect. His fastball sits 89-93 MPH with a peak velocity of 97. I’ve seen that peak a lot lower in some places, but I trust the number. Of course, and this is huge, always remember that high school peak velocities almost always come from one inning relief showcase outings. It goes without saying that the 97 wouldn’t hold up as a starter, but nobody does that anyway. Tangent aside, let’s just settle on the fact that Smelter has a strong enough present fastball that he’s actually been criticized for being too reliant on it at times. When he isn’t just blowing it by hitters, he throws an excellent splitter (82-84 MPH) that could be a big league out pitch in time. To go a step further, I’d go out on the limb and say that Smelter’s splitter has the potential to be one of the signature pitches of this year’s draft class; it reminds me a little bit of the split Kevin Brown used to throw to lefties. His repertoire also features a low-80s changeup and a high-70s slider. The slider is currently the better pitch, but it needs serious tightening up going forward.
He is a legitimate three sport high school star (baseball, football, and basketball), a fact that is readily apparent the first time you see him pitch. It’s clear just from watching him that his overall athleticism is off the charts, but it’s just as clear that his delivery and arm action are all kinds of raw. His herky jerky delivery will almost certainly need some polish as a professional. And, yes, herky jerky is the professional term, thankyouverymuch. Anyway, since I’m not an expert on pitching mechanics in the least, here’s my basic theory on what I personally look for out of a pitcher’s throwing motion, reprinted from the first mock I did last year:
A pet scouting theory on mechanics of mine can be summed up like this: The most direct path to smooth, consistent, and repeatable delivery is through outstanding athleticism. Anecdotally, it seems that plus athletes tend to “figure things out” mechanically more often than other pitchers. It could be an offshoot of the great size debate – again, anecdotally it seems pitchers in the 6-0 to 6-3 range tend to be more athletic than the larger, “classic” pitcher’s frame guys (pitchers 6-4 and up). The scouting bias against short pitchers, righthanders especially, has turned them into a valued underappreciated commodity. It’s more than just that, however; these shorter pitchers, once more anecdotally, seem to have better control of their more athletic bodies, and thus smoother, easier to repeat deliveries. Smooth, easy to repeat deliveries lead not only to cleaner injury records but also increased velocity.
Just a pet theory, nothing more. Honestly, my knowledge of pitching mechanics isn’t really at the level where I should be coming up with any half-baked theories. All I look for (or, more honestly, all I really know how to look for) in a young pitcher is repeatability. Even if the motion looks weird and, in some extreme cases, painful, the question I always come back to is can he repeat it every time? If he can, sign him up. If not, back to the drawing board.
So there you have it. Herky jerky delivery or not, Smelter’s outstanding athleticism gives him a better than average chance at figuring things out as a professional. So says me, anyway.
1-30-10: - named to the Louisville Slugger 2010 Pre-Season High School All-America Team
14. Justin Grimm - (up from 16th) - Georgia… 6-4, 193… drafted in 13 round by Red Sox in 2007… excellent velocity… fastball hits 96… 4-4, 41.5 in 2009.
7/07 from www.projectprospect.com: - Georgia right hander Justin Grimm has a plus fastball, sitting 93-96 mph, but must improve his command and off speed offerings….
7-21: 2010 MLB Mock Draft - 2nd Edition - July 21, 2009 by Scouting The Sports http://scoutingthesports.com/?p=3632 - 9. Cincinnati Reds - Justin Grimm Pitcher Georgia - -At just a hair over 6′4, Grimm has the prototypical body you want in an overpowering pitcher. After struggling in his freshman year, Grimm really turned things around in his sophomore year, working on commanding his 96 mph, while also flashing an improved curveball that kept hitters off balance. This past season, Grimm finally learned to control his fastball. For a college guy, Grimm still has lots of room to grow and, ,even out of school, will need a few years in the system. Look for a team like Cincinnati to draft him that is waiting to leave him in their system for a few years.
8-4: named the Cape Code Pitcher of the Week
9-16: From www.baseballamrica.com : - College Top 25 draft prospects: - 23. Justin Grimm, rhp Georgia
9-24: From: http://mlbresource.blogspot.com: Mock Draft Version 1.0 – 27th pick overall - Justin Grimm, RHP - Georgia
10-5 from http://baseballdraftreport.com: - top 50 prospects in 2010 draft – #29 - Justin Grimm (18th RHP on list)
12-2 from www.collegebaseballblog.com: - named the 49th top college ballplayer for the 2010 season.
12-15 from www.5tooltalk.com: Mock Draft – 1st round: - 14 Brewers Justin Grimm RHP NCAA
1-1-9 from www.draftsite.com: - mock draft: - #38 Toronto (failure to sign James Paxton) Justin Grimm RHP University of Georgia 6'4" 170 R,R
15. Kevin Gausman – Grandview HS, Aurora, Colo. – 6-4, 180… throws a 93-94 fastball… loose and easy arm action… needs to develop secondary pitches…
7-29: from www.baseballfactory.com: - With a long and lean frame, Gausman has good projectability for a prep pitcher. His fastball sits between 89-91 mph and he can get it up to 93. He mixes in a 77 mph breaking ball that he throws for strikes, and everything is around the zone.
8-1: from http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com: - nice arm strength, needs more work with delivery, fb was 88-92, topped out at 93, some arm side run and sink when down in zone, slurvy type breaking ball, once he naturally fills out, watch out.
8-10: From www.baseballamerica.com – Area Code Games - Gausman is a highly touted righthander who did not disappoint his opening day start, sitting at 91-92 and touching 93.
8-17 from www.baseballamerica.com re: AFLAC games - Kevin Gausman (Grandview HS, Centennial, Colo.) was an Area Code standout with his tall and highly projectable frame. He showed a 90-95 fastball with terrific natural sink.
9-16: From www.baseballamerica.com : - High School Top 25 draft prospects: 9. Kevin Gausman, rhp Grandview HS, Centennial, Colo.
9-28: From http://mlbresource.blogspot.com: - Mock Draft Version 2 - #25 pick overall - Kevin Gausman, RHP - Grandview Aurora HS (CO) - Teams love drafting local talent if it's available and a great pick. Gausman fits both of these and Colorado will get to add a young pitcher to join forces with recent draft pick Tyler Matzek. You have got to develop young pitching if you are the Rockies and they have. Let the trend continue.
10-5 from http://mlbbonusbaby.com: 27. Philadelphia Phillies – Kevin Gausman, RHP, Grandview HS (CO) – (12th RHP picked in draft) - The Phillies signed the marquee 2009 LSU pitching recruit in Brody Colvin, and Gausman’s that guy in the 2010 class. He’s blessed with good size at 6′4”, and he’s ultra-projectable, probably more projectable than anyone in the class. He doesn’t have the plus fastball velocity that the top guys have, but it’s still above-average with good life. He’s got the makings of a good curveball and changeup, so we might have another high-ceiling arm on our hands. The Phillies love these type of projectable arms, and assuming they don’t sign a Type A free agent, Gausman might be on their short list.
10-5 from http://baseballdraftreport.com: - top 50 prospects in 2010 draft – #36 – Kevin Gausman (19th RHP on list)
10-13 from www.mymlbdraft.com: 2010 MLB Mock Draft - #26 – (11th RHP picked) – Kevin Gausman
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: - 33- RHP Kevin Gausman (12th RHP on list)
11-3 from www.mlbresource.com: 3rd Mock draft – #13 - Kevin Gausman, RHP - Grandview (CO) - Gausman is a great piece to start building up some pitching in an organization that lacks the depth. Don't be surprised to see Chicago really target pitchers with their first few picks. (7th RHP on list)
11-9-9 from www.examiner.com: - Top 15 High School Draft Prospects - 10. Kevin Gausman, rhp
Grandview HS, Centennial, Colo.
College Commitment: Louisiana State - Gausman sits in the low-90s with his fastball and should add more velocity as he fills out a projectable 6-foot-4, 180-pound frame. (5th RHP on list)
11-17 from www.mlbdraft.blogspot.com: - 26. Colorado Rockies- Kevin Gausman, RHP, Grandview HS(CO) - Gausman is intriguing. He still has a lot of room for him to fill out, as he is 6'4, 180 pounds. He is ultra projectable, and the home state Rockies would love for him to fall to them. (11th RHP picked)
11-18 from www.macksmets.blogspot.com: - 19. RHP Kevin Gausman – another tall (6-4) prep star that many have going straight into the pen when he becomes a pro. (10th RHP on list)
11-20 from www.draftamerica.com: - 22. Texas -- Kevin Gausman, RHP, Grandview HS (CO). After grabbing a slot pick at 1:15, the Rangers could look power arm here, and Kevin Gausman has current stuff with room to project to even more velocity. (11th RHP on list)
11-23 from www.deepleagues.com: #23 - Florida Marlins Kevin Gausman (P, Denver Colo.) (11th RHP on list)
12-10 from www.baseballdraftreport.com: - check out my initial ranking of 2010’s top righthanded high school pitching prospects. - 11.Kevin Gausman
1-7-9: Morisato's 2010 MLB Mock Draft - Version 1.0 - 31st Overall – The Tampa Bay Rays (Compensation For LeVon Washington) - Kevin Gausman (RHP), Colorado High School - Gausman has been working the showcase circuit his junior year, and has begun to see his name surface as a potential first rounder. He has a projectable frame at 6-4, and shows an average fastball. Baseball America had him throwing in low 90’s at the Area Code Games, but there may be more if he continues to fill out. He does have good movement on his heater. He also shows the makings of an above average curveball and changeup. All in all, a good swing could solidify Gausman near the top of the first round, in particular if he continues to show his good command and he gains a couple of ticks.
2010 MLB DRAFT MOCK DRAFT- 12/31/09 – www.jjscouting.com - 26. Colorado Rockies- Kevin Gausman,RHP,Grandview HS(CO) - Gausman is intriguing. He still has a lot of room for him to fill out, as he is 6'4, 180 pounds. He is ultra projectable, and the home state Rockies would love for him to fall to them.
1-1-9 from www.draftsite.com: - mock draft: - #30 LA Angels Kevin Gausman RHP Grandview HS, Co. 6'4" 185 L,R
1-15-0 from http://mlbbonusbaby.com: - 19. Houston Astros – Kevin Gausman, RHP, Grandview HS (CO) – The Astros under Bobby Heck have become known for their ability to find excellent pitchers with pre-draft workouts, drafting them earlier than expected, then getting them signed and into their system fairly quickly. Having picked a bat in Washington earlier in the round, I expect nothing less than another such find here. Gausman comes from a non-traditional state in Colorado, but his arm is far from lagging behind. He has an LSU scholarship that might be an obstacle, but without strong family ties or state ties, it doesn’t look too bad on the surface. Previously: #27.
1-21 from www.baseballrumormill.com: - One of the top prospects entering the 2010 MLB Draft this June, Kevin Gausman, had another excellent, albeit brief, performance in front of scouts at the second annual Four Corners Scout Day in Las Vegas last weekend. The scouting "day" consists of a wood bat high school showcase that took place January 16th and 17th. High school players were invited from the four corners area of the southwest: Utah, Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona as well as the host state, Nevada. Similar to fellow standout Michael Wagner, Gausman is also tall at 6'4" and skinny at 180lb. In his outting at the Scout Day, Gausman threw a 92-91mph fastball, an 88-87mph two-seem fastball, 76mph change up and a 78-77mph slider. Though Gausman's fastball is not that fast by major league standards, his frame projects a better fastball as he develops and his secondary "stuff" is some of the best available.
1-21 from www.baseballamerica: - On Sunday the 17th, Kevin Gausman made a brief cameo as the showcase shifted outdoors to Centennial High School in the hinterlands of Northwestern Las Vegas. Gausman, who hails from Grandview HS in Aurora, Colo., is BA’s 7th ranked national high school prospect. An Aflac game star, Gausman exhibited his low 90s fastball and his customary outstanding secondary stuff: 87-88 two seamer, 76 change and 77-78 slider. An innovator, Gausman showed BA his unusual hybrid changeup grip. “I couldn’t get the hang of a circle change, and I couldn’t get the hang of a split” explained the lanky righthander. Gasman grips his change by placing his middle finger on the outside of the seams split finger style, then ever so slightly curls his index figure on the opposite of the ball. “I then move my thumb underneath the ball into any spot I want, depending on what type of movement I want to put on the pitch.”
16. Kevin Jacob – Georgia Tech -
8-31: From www.baseballamerica: Jacob settled in as Georgia Tech's closer during the second half of last season and the success carried over to summer league play. With an unorthodox, over-the-top delivery, Jacob whips fastballs that sit in the mid-90s and top out at 98 mph. He also has an above-average breaking ball that helped him put up some video-game numbers as the Bucs' closer this summer. Over 24 appearances, the 6-foot-6, 223-pound righthander went 2-1, 0.34 with 12 saves, 45 strikeouts and four walks in 27 innings, an indication that he has made progress toward eliminating the command lapses that have plagued him in the past. He was about as dominating as you can get—opposing hitters batted just .101 against him (9-for-89).
11-20 from www.draftamerica.com: - 29. Boston -- Kevin Jacob, RHP, Georgia Tech. Boston pounces on special arms, and Jacob's mid- to upper-90s fastball combines with a hard breaking ball to form just that. They'll undoubtedly grab their share of high schoolers that drop due to signability, and Jacob makes a ton of sense for them here. (13th RHP on list)
12-15 from www.5tooltalk.com: Mock Draft – 1st round: - 19 Tigers Kevin Jacob RHP NCAA
1-1-9 from www.draftsite.com: - mock draft: - #35 Kevin Jacob RHP Georgia Tech 6'5" 230 R,R
17. Chad Bettis – Texas Tech – junior… 6-0, 193, R/R… 2009: 6-1, 3.59… only 58-K in 72.2 IP… starts and relieves… projects out as reliever in the Bigs… 90-94 fast ball and a very good slider
7/13: As of July 13, hasn't allowed a run in six innings for Team USA
9-16: From www.baseballamrica.com : - College Top 25 draft prospects: 14. Chad Bettis, rhp Texas Tech
9-24: From: http://mlbresource.blogspot.com: Mock Draft Version 1.0 – 21st pick overall - Chad Bettis, RHP - Texas Tech
9-28: From http://mlbresource.blogspot.com: - Mock Draft Version 2 - #20 pick overall - Chad Bettis, RHP - Texas Tech - Detroit has made no secret to their draft success. Draft hard throwing right handers. High school or college doesn't matter but they love guys that can dominate with the fastball. Now you never know and Detroit could go in another direction this year but if they want to continue their trend Chad Bettis is a great fit.
10-13 from www.mymlbdraft.com: 2010 MLB Mock Draft - #29 – (13th RHP picked) – Chad Bettis
10-25 from www.mlbresource.com: - Blake's Scouting Report - Bettis to me can be a poster boy for how you want to teach kids to pitch. He has a nice smooth motion and comes right over the top. I personally like Bettis better as a starter because his fastball isn't overpowering and I think he has the kind of stuff to be a quality starter in the big leagues. He still has some strength to gain and once he does it might factor more into the rotation/bullpen conversation. My only concern with Bettis is that his ball is pretty straight. Same reason I had concern last year for Jason Stoffel out of Arizona. Other than this you are looking at a quality arm with big game experience.
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: - 40- RHP Chad Bettis (15th RHP on list)
11-3 from www.mlbresource.com: 3rd Mock draft – #26 - Chad Bettis, RHP - Texas Tech - I debated with this pick quite a bit but I like the arm on Bettis and I think he would be a nice piece to add to the bullpen quickly. Bettis is going to be a big time closer and the Rockies start another great draft class with the Texas Tech right-hander. (10th RHP on list)
11-20 from www.draftamerica.com: - 31. Tampa Bay -- Chad Bettis, RHP, Texas Tech. I was leaning Gyorko here, as a "safe" pick. But Bettis is potentially the best power reliever in the draft, should sign for slot here and could be up to help the big club in fairly short order. (15th RHP on list)
11-23 from www.deepleagues.com: - #27 - Philadelphia Phillies Chad Bettis (P, Texas Tech) (14th RHP on list)
1-1-9 from www.draftsite.com: - mock draft: - #32 NY Yankees Chad Bettis RHP Texas 6'0" 193 R,R
1-15-0 from http://mlbbonusbaby.com: - 26. Colorado Rockies – Chad Bettis, RHP, Texas Tech – After staging a successful draft coup with Tyler Matzek, Tim Wheeler, Rex Brothers, and more a year ago, I expect a bit of a regression in 2010, not because of poor scouting, but lesser draft position. Brothers fit the traditional mold for Rockies’ scouting, and Bettis fits into that mold of a power college arm, too. A bullpen that would feature a healthy Casey Weathers, Brothers, and Bettis could shut down some Major League clubs now. Previously: NR.
18. Matt Harvey – North Carolina – 6-4, 230 - … was 3rd round pick by the Angels out of high school and turned down a $1mil offer. Low-90s fastball that touches 95. Excellent curveball… average changeup… comes from ¾ arm slot… changeup 78-81… breaking ball 76-79… works quickly from stretch… 2009: 7-2, 5.35, 78K, 70.2 IP… BA ranks him as the #1 sophomore of the 2009 season…
7/07 fr. www.projectprospect.com: - A first round talent out of high school in 2007, Harvey slipped to the fourth round due to bonus demands. While his time at North Carolina has been a bit rocky, Harvey still has good stuff and struck out 81 batters in 75 innings last spring. Harvey’s fastball sits in the low 90’s with some sink, and is complimented by a potentially plus breaking ball and changeup. If Harvey can show some improved command this spring, he walked 11.9% of batters last spring, he still has as much upside as any pitcher in this class.
8-1: from http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com: put on some weight this year and arm angle dropped a bit, most fb were very straight during CWS, velocity still solid abv ave range 89-94 will touch 95-96 on occasion. Must work with finger pressure and get more movement on his fb for 2010. Solid slide piece when on top. Control is solid as well.
8-2: from 6-16 article www.sportsillustrated.cnn.com: Harvey turned down $1 million from the Angels as a third-round pick out of high school, and the Connecticut product is pitching in his second straight CWS with the Tar Heels. He'll become the undisputed staff ace next year when White and senior Adam Warren (a fourth-round pick of the Yankees this year) move on, using a low-90s fastball that reaches 95 at times and a true hammer curveball that is his best pitch. Harvey can lose control of the strike zone due to a long arm action and some effort in his delivery, so he's not a finished product. But he was the best pitching prospect in the Cape last summer and may be again in 2009.
9-24: From: http://mlbresource.blogspot.com: Mock Draft Version 1.0 – 8th pick overall - 8. Matt Harvey, RHP - North Carolina
9-28: From http://mlbresource.blogspot.com: - Mock Draft Version 2 - #15 pick overall - Matt Harvey, RHP - North Carolina - North Carolina seems to breed first round pitching and out comes another. Harvey has been higher on other boards and even my previous one but a shaky 5.40 ERA last year will need to be improved on. Stats do not tell the whole story as this is a polished righty with a chance to be a quality big league starter.
10-5 from http://baseballdraftreport.com: - top 50 prospects in 2010 draft – #18 – Matt Harvey (11th RHP on list)
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: - 8- RHP Matt Harvey (5th RHP on list)
11-3 from www.mlbresource.com: 3rd Mock draft – #16 - Matt Harvey, RHP - North Carolina - Harvey gives the Cubs an experienced big game pitcher that comes from a school known for developing quality pitchers. Harvey could go even higher than this. (8th RHP on list)
11-17 from www.mlbdraft.blogspot.com: - 13. Chicago White Sox- Matt Harvey, RHP, UNC - Harvey was viewed as a top 5 pick, if not the top pick in the draft for quite some time. That was before Harper entered the draft, and before Harvey has a disapointing season at UNC. If Harvey bounces back to form, he could find himself near the top of the draft again. (6th RHP picked)
11-18 from www.macksmets.blogspot.com: - 8. RHP Matt Harvey – a weak draft means lots of right hand pitchers taken early and Harvey will be one of the first ones grabbed. (4th RHP on list)
11-23 from www.deepleagues.com: - #19 - Detroit Tigers Matt Harvey (P, North Carolina) (8th RHP on list)
2010 MLB DRAFT MOCK DRAFT- 12/31/09 – www.jjscouting.com - 13. Chicago White Sox- Matt Harvey, RHP, UNC - Harvey was viewed as a top 5 pick, if not the top pick in the draft for quite some time. That was before Harper entered the draft, and before Harvey has a disapointing season at UNC. If Harvey bounces back to form, he could find himself near the top of the draft again.
1-1-9 from www.draftsite.com: - mock draft: - #55 NY Mets Matt Harvey RHP University of North Carolina 6'4" 225 R,R
1-15-9 from http://baseballdraftreport.com: - #28 Los Angeles Dodgers: RHSP Matt Harvey – North Carolina - After Harvey’s hot start last season, I wrote the following on March 1, 2009:
[W]hat is the likelihood, if it exists at all, that Matt Harvey reaches the same level of hype other elite college pitchers (Strasburg, Price, and Prior, to name a few) had heading into his draft year? Uhh, I’m going to have to go out on a limb here and say that the likelihood isn’t all that good. Controversial answer, I know. It’s probably weird having Matt Harvey in the first round at this point, but, if anything, I actually feel weird about having him this low. A really, really good rule to follow when tracking draft prospects is to remember that once a player shows you a skill, it is his to own. There are obvious exceptions to this, major injuries being the most obvious, but good players just don’t plain forget how to do good things on the field. Elite prospects who don’t sign out of high school tend not to drop too far after three years of college, even if those three years are so-so. The most recent reports on Harvey have been largely positive: 90-93 sitting velocity with fastball, 94-95 peak velocity, plus 77-80 CB, and a solid sinking low-80s change. The biggest problem with Harvey’s game seems to be his bizarre velocity inconsistency with his fastball. One day you’ll see him pitching in the mid-90s, the next he’ll be down to maxing out at 86 (86!), and then he’ll be back up to sitting 88-90, but still not hitting 96 like before…until the next time out when he suddenly has regained those lost 10 MPH on the fastball. What the heck is that? It’s not even a start-to-start phenomenom, either; Harvey has experienced sudden velocities dips and gains in-game as well. I have no idea what to make of Harvey. If the right scouting director sees him on the right day, he’ll go high. If not, he’ll be lumped in with the rest of the college guys who project as relievers hoping to get a spot in the first five rounds. I like the idea of the Dodgers taking Harvey one pick before the Angels, the team that couldn’t get him signed back in 2007. I wonder what Harvey’s career would have looked like so far if he would have signed out of high school. He’s a prime candidate for an Alternate Reality Crystal Ball…
19. AJ Vanegas - Redwood Christian HS (CA) –
8-19: Jeff Sullivan from the AFLAC Games: - Vanegas was a pleasant surprise during the weekend. He was in the 91-92 range in the game, touching 93 and he coasted through an easy third inning. He has a good breaking ball, that will improve if he adds a little velocity to it. He struck out two in his inning. He could emerge as a top pitcher in the country and put himself in the upper class of RHP’s with a good year. Personal favorite of mine.
9-16: From www.baseballamerica.com : - High School Top 25 draft prospects: 20. A.J. Vanegas, rhp Redwood Christian HS, San Lorenzo, Calif.
9-29: From: http://www.baseballrumormill.com – AJ Vanegas improved his stock and got the USA rolling in the opening game against Aruba. Vanegas lasted just four innings, but allowed one one run on three hits and five strikeout while Team USA won 13-3.
10-5 from http://mlbbonusbaby.com: 30. Los Angeles Angels – A.J. Vanegas, RHP, Redwood Christian HS (CA) – (13th RHP picked in draft) - Vanegas has good pure stuff, and he probably has one of the best breaking balls in the entire class. He didn’t have a great summer, but the talent was always on display, despite some hiccups. The biggest question I have about him is his Stanford commitment, and that could scare a lot of teams away. If he’s signable, he’s probably a late first-round or supplemental-round talent. The Angels wouldn’t mind signing this in-state prospect.
10-5 from http://baseballdraftreport.com: - top 50 prospects in 2010 draft – #28 – AJ Vanegas (17th RHP on list)
10-6 from: http://baseballdraftreport.com: - RHP AJ Vanegas - Vanegas may be a quick riser as a professional; prep pitchers that can throw four pitches for consistent strikes tend to move fast.
10-13 from www.mymlbdraft.com: 2010 MLB Mock Draft - #23 – (9th RHP picked) – A.J. Vanegas
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: - 37- RHP AJ Vanegas (13th RHP on list)
11-17 from www.mlbdraft.blogspot.com: - 31. Tampa Bay Rays- AJ Vanegas, RHP, Redwood Christian HS(CA) - Vanegas has some great stuff. A solid fastball, and a power curveball. He is committed to Stanford and that could come into play. If not, his talent is deserving of a late first round pick. (13th RHP picked)
12-10 from www.baseballdraftreport.com: - check out my initial ranking of 2010’s top righthanded high school pitching prospects. - 8.AJ Vanegas
1-30-10: - named to the Louisville Slugger 2010 Pre-Season High School All-America Team
1-7-9: Morisato's 2010 MLB Mock Draft - Version 1.0 - 32nd Overall – The New York Yankees - A.J. Vanegas (RHP), California High School - Vanegas is another quality prep arm in this draft, though he belongs in the second tier. He throws in the low 90’s, and has a pair of solid breaking pitches. He throws a solid curveball, and shows some feel for a slider. Vanegas also has a thick build which draws some comparisons to Mark Prior. Ironically, Vanegas’ delivery also reminds others of Prior because it places a lot of stress on his elbow. Vanegas will drop in this draft because of his commitment to Stanford, which is notoriously difficult to sign away players from. Still, look for the Yankees to make him an offer he can’t refuse.
2010 MLB DRAFT MOCK DRAFT- 12/31/09 – www.jjscouting.com - 31. Tampa Bay Rays- AJ Vanegas, RHP, Redwood Christian HS(CA) - Vanegas has some great stuff. A solid fastball, and a power curveball. He is committed to Stanford and that could come into play. If not, his talent is deserving of a late first round pick.
1-1-9 from www.draftsite.com: - mock draft: - #37 A.J. Vanegas RHP Redwood Christian, Ca. 6'3" 205 R,R
1-15-0 from http://mlbbonusbaby.com: - 29. Los Angeles Angels – A.J. Vanegas, RHP, Redwood Christian HS (CA) – The first of back-to-back picks, I continue to see this pick making a lot of sense. I was saying the same thing about Tyler Skaggs a year ago, and he ended up in the Angels’ lap in the supplemental first round. Vanegas had an up-and-down summer, though he definitely regained his prospect status with some eye-opening fall performances. He fits well into the Angels’ development program, so this pick makes good sense if the Stanford commitment is less than the typical Stanford commitment. Previously: #30.
20. Seth Blair – Arizona State – 6-2, 190… posted 1.55 ERA in 2008 Cape Cod league… 2009 at ASU: 7-2, 3.16… fastball 88-92, touches 95… average slider… BA ranks as 41st top sophomore in 2009…
8-2: from 6-16 article www.sportsillustrated.cnn.com: An Illinois native, Blair pitched well in the Cape Cod League last summer, posting a 1.55 ERA to save a difficult freshman season. He carried that confidence over this spring to Arizona State, going 7-2 with a 3.16 ERA as the Sun Devils' No. 3 starter. He has average velocity on his fastball, in the 88-92 mph range, and has touched 95 at times thanks to a quick arm. The 6-foot-2, 190-pounder also has a second average-to-plus pitch in his slider.
9-24: From: http://mlbresource.blogspot.com: Mock Draft Version 1.0 – 16th pick overall - Seth Blair, RHP - Arizona State
9-28: From http://mlbresource.blogspot.com: - Mock Draft Version 2 - #12 pick overall - Seth Blair, RHP - Arizona State - Oakland loves college talent as proven by their previous first round selections. Why mess with success as Oakland as one of the best farm systems in the game and scouting director Eric Kubota leads that charge. Blair is a quality right-hander that comes from a winning program and would be a perfect fit for the A's.
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: - 38- RHP Seth Blair (14th RHP on list)
11-3 from www.mlbresource.com: 3rd Mock draft – #24 - Seth Blair, RHP - Arizona State - Blair like Mike Leake from Arizona State last year is a winner. He has that how-to factor. I like Blair a lot and I believe any organization that gets him is getting someone that will win a ton of games in the big leagues. (9th RHP on list)
11-9 from www.mlbresource.com: - Seth Blair, RHP Arizona State - Being touted as this year’s Mike Leake with a plus fastball that simply knows how to win.
11-18 from www.macksmets.blogspot.com: - 31. RHP Seth Blair – (14th RHP on list)
11-23 from www.deepleagues.com: - #30 - LA Angels Seth Blair (P, Arizona State) (16th RHP on list)
1-1-9 from www.draftsite.com: - mock draft: - #44 Seth Blair RHP Arizona State University 6'2" 190 R,R
21. Robbie Aviles – Suffern HS (NY)
9-16: From www.baseballamerica.com : - High School Top 25 draft prospects: 22. Robbie Aviles, rhp Suffern (N.Y.) HS
10-5 from http://baseballdraftreport.com: - top 50 prospects in 2010 draft – #47 - Robbie Aviles (24th RHP on list)
12-10 from www.baseballdraftreport.com: - check out my initial ranking of 2010’s top righthanded high school pitching prospects. - 14.Robbie Aviles
12-15 from www.5tooltalk.com: Mock Draft – 1st round: - 32 Yankees Robert Aviles RHP High School
1-1-9 from www.draftsite.com: - mock draft: - #79 LA Dodgers Robbie Aviles RHP Suffern Hs, Ny. 6'4" 190 R,R
1-30-10: - named to the Louisville Slugger 2010 Pre-Season High School All-America Team
22. Sam Dyson – (up from 31st) – South Carolina
9-16: From www.baseballamrica.com : - College Top 25 draft prospects: 17. Sam Dyson, rhp South Carolina
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: - 42- RHP Sam Dyson (16th RHP on list)
1-1-9 from www.draftsite.com: - mock draft: - #78 Tampa Bay (Compensation for failure to sign Kenny Diekroeger) Sam Dyson RHP South Carolina 6'2" 195 R,R
23. Peter Tago – (up from 38th) – Dana Hills HS (CA) - fastball sits at 91-93… needs to beef up… 6-2, 180 - same high school as Tanner Scheppers… smooth arm and very fluid… fastball sits 88-92… mid-to-high curve is a 1-7….
9-5: from Jonathan Mayo’s 8-26 article on www.minors.mlbblogs.com: - Keep an eye on Peter Tago. The boxscore doesn't look pretty, but some scouts liked his arm action. He was up to 94 mph and threw a slider at 82 mph that has the chance to be a good pitch.
10-5 from http://baseballdraftreport.com: - top 50 prospects in 2010 draft – #26 – Peter Tago (15th RHP on list)
1-30-10: - named to the Louisville Slugger 2010 Pre-Season High School All-America Team
24. Nick Tepesch - Missouri – Junior… 6-5, 225, R/R… 2009: 6-5, 6.27
7/07 fr. www.projectprospect.com: - Missouri’s Nick Tepesch also has good velocity but was hit around a lot last spring…
10-5 from http://baseballdraftreport.com: - top 50 prospects in 2010 draft – #45 - Nick Tepesch (23rd RHP on list)
11-10: www.draftsite.com: - 43rd pick in mock draft – 15th RHP picked
25. Kevin Rhoderick – (up from 30th) – Oregon State – 6-0, 190, R/R… Junior… did not play in 2008 due to injury… 2009: 3-3, 4.18, 33-K, 23.2-IP
1-1-9 from www.draftsite.com: - mock draft: - #71 Texas Kevin Rhoderick RHP Oregon State 6'0" 190 R,R
2-8 from www.pnrscouting.com: - mock drafted 63rd
26. Taijuan Walker – (up from 100th) –
12-10 from www.baseballdraftreport.com: - check out my initial ranking of 2010’s top righthanded high school pitching prospects. - 17.Taijuan Walker
2-8 from www.pnrscouting.com: - mock drafted 64th
27. Drew Cisco – (up from 35th) - Wando HS (SC) – 6-1, 185 – verbally committed to Georgia
PGCrossChecker.com has Cisco ranked #1 prospect in SC high school, ad 177th in the nation
7-29: From: www.baseballfactory.com: - Cisco has a simple and smooth delivery, allowing him to pound the strike zone with an effective three-pitch mix. His fastball ranges from 88-92 mph with occasional cut and run, which he uses to set up an above-average curveball and promising changeup
8-1: from http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com: arm strength and aggressive on hill, topped at 91-92, top S Carolina prospect next spring.
8-15: from XMLBScout on www.perfectgame.com: seems a bit tired after a very good early summer, good bloodlines and bulldog mentality to aid in moving up the ladder in pro ball.
9-16: From www.baseballamerica.com : - High School Top 25 draft prospects: 19. Drew Cisco, rhp, Wando HS Mount Pleasant, S.C.
12-10 from www.baseballdraftreport.com: - check out my initial ranking of 2010’s top righthanded high school pitching prospects. - 10.Drew Cisco
12-14 from www.baseballdraftreport.com: - Drew Cisco (Wando HS, South Carolina) - The potential of Vanegas’s four-pitch mix (FB, CB, CU, SL) is very appealing, as is his superb fastball command and his ability to add and subtract off of the pitch. Smelter is a plus athlete with plus command and a potentially devastating 82-84 mph splitter. Cisco, like Bedrosian a player with outstanding pitching instincts and a strong background of being around the game, is the kind of player that scouts will keep finding a way to ding (fastball is a little too short, secondary stuff isn’t quite top notch quality), but will continue to get results. Or at least that’s what I think will happen this spring. Cisco’s fastball has hit 92 in the past, but sits 88-90 with the pitch. He has a curveball at 74-77 that is already an above-average pitch in addition to a low-80s CU that has above-average potential. Three potentially above-average pitches (fastball grade gets a boost due to impressive movement and pinpoint command) make Cisco one of the most professional baseball ready arms in all of high school baseball.
28. Addison Reed – (up from 63rd) - San Diego State – junior… 2009: 25 appearances, 0.65, 20-Sv… named the 2009 NCBWA Stopper Of The Year…
12-13: from www.collegebaseballblog.com: named the 38th top college player for the 2010 season
12-20: named to 1st team All-American 2010 NCBWA squad
2-8 from www.pnrscouting.com – mock drafted 71st
2-11 from Aman Reaka – www.thecollegebaseballblog.com: - 100. Addison Reed – San Diego State, RHP - 3 pitch guy, low 90’s FB, above avg. FB/slider/CH, stud closer
29. Brian Dupra – (new) – Notre Dame junior…
2-8 from www.pnrscouting.com: - mock drafted 74th
30. Rob Rasmussen – (new) – U. Calif junior -
2-8 from www.pnrscouting.com: - mock drafted 79th
31. Tyler Wilson – (up from 67th) - Gaffney HS (SC) - 6-2, 190…
PGCrossChecker has Wilson ranked #3 in SC, #158 in nation…
2-8 from www.pnrscouting.com – mock drafted 83rd.
32. Daniel Tillman – Florida Southern Junior… 6-1, 195… 2009: 4-2, 24 appearances, 12 saves, 3.15 ERA
10/23 from www.collegebaseballblog.com – voted 90th top college player
2-8 from www.pnrscouting.com: - mock drafted 94th
33. Dixon Anderson – (new) – UC-Berkley
2-8 from www.pnrscouting.com: - mock drafted 96th
34. Aaron Sanchez – (new) – Barstow HS (CA.) –
12-10 from www.baseballdraftreport.com: - check out my initial ranking of 2010’s top righthanded high school pitching prospects. - 15.Aaron Sanchez
2-8 from www.pnrscouting.com: - mock drafted 88th
35. Bobby Wahl – West Springfield HS (VA) – 6-4, 200 – committed to Ole Miss…
7-29: from www.baseballfactory.com: - With a tall, lean and projectable body, Wahl throws in the 90s and has touched 93. He uses his lower half to create a downhill plane and the ball comes out of his hand easily. He throws a three-pitch mix, including a curveball and changeup.
8-1: from http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com: topped out at 93, fb down and in had good sink, fb middle of the plate got whacked in his 2nd IP, easy to read breaking ball, control was ok, just hit way too many bats, should improve with better command, college will help him.
2-8 from www.pnrscouting.com – mock drafted 89th
36. Luke Jackson – (up from 105th) -
12-10 from www.baseballdraftreport.com: - check out my initial ranking of 2010’s top righthanded high school pitching prospects. - 18.Luke Jackson
2-8: from www.pnrscouting.com: - mock drafted 98th
37. Zach Lee – McKinney HS, Texas – 6-3, 190 - committed to play QB for LSU…
8-1: from http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com: arm strength and solid control for now, should improve each year with more work needed on breaking ball command and clean up his delivery some. Will be a solid college pitcher for sure, then look out.
10-5 from http://baseballdraftreport.com: - top 50 prospects in 2010 draft – #25 – Zach Lee (14th RHP on list)
1-1-9 from www.draftsite.com: - mock draft: - #61 Cincinnati Zach Lee RHP McKinney HS, Tx. 6'3" 195 R,R
38. Blake Hasselbrock – (new) – UNC-Greensboro
2-8 from www.pnrscouting.com: - mock drafted103rd
39. Tyler Waldron – (new) – Oregon St. Univ. -
2-8 from www.pnrscouting.com: - mock drafted 104th
40. Devin Rivera – (new) – Chandler-Gilbert JC (AZ) –
2-8 from www.pnrscouting.com: - mock drafted 108th
41. Andrew Smith – Roswell HS (GA) – 6-2, 190 – fastball touches 93 consistently… good md-70s curve…
7/29: from www.baseballfactory.com: - Smith is a 6-foot-2, 190 pound righthander. His fastball currently sits in the 91-93 mph range, but there’s room for more and he also mixes in a 74 mph breaking ball. He has a verbal commitment to North Carolina.
8-11 from www.espn.com: While most pitchers tailed off after the third inning, it took Andrew Smith (RHP, Georgia) a few pitches to get into his grove in the first and improved as his outing went along. He displayed a nice 93-92 fastball with a good 76-74 curveball.
2-8 from www.pnrscouting.com: - mock drafted 110th
42. Brent Welbley – (new) – Kent State Univ.
2-8 from: www.pnrscouting.com: - mock drafted 120th
43. Dallas Gallant – Sam Houston State junior… 2009: 15 appearances, 4-4, 6.52, 69.0-IP, gave up 13-HR… strong summer in Cape Cod League: 2-1, 1.95 in 14 appearances…
11-28 from www.collegebaseballblog.com: - named the 52nd top college player for the 2010 season
2-8 from www.pnrscouting.com: - mock drafted 121st
44. Patrick Cooper – (new) - Bradley
2-8 from www.pnrscouting.com: - mock drafted 123rd
45. Kolby Wood – (new) - Michigan
2-8 from www.pnrscouting.com: - mock drafted 128th
46. Adam Plutko – Glendora HS (CA) – 6-3, 180 –
8-1: from http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com: not much improvement over last summer, was upper 80's, fb very true, lacked deception in his delivery, hit many bats, breaking ball was easy to read. Definitely have to follow him in college however, loose arm.
2-8 from www.pnrscouting.com – mock drafted 133rd
47. Trent Rothlin – (new) – Mississippi -
2-8 from www.pnrscouting.com: - mock drafted 138th
48. Daniel Cropper – (new) – UNC-Wilmington -
2-8 from www.pnrscouting.com: - mock drafted 140th
49. Casey Mullholland – Pendleton School (FL) –
8-6: From www.baseballamerica.com: - Mullholland is a 6-foot-4, 175-pound righthander with a fastball in the 88-90 mph range, a 77-78 mph changeup and a 68-70 mph breaking ball. He uses his ideal pitcher's frame to work downhill. Mullholland is athletic, running a 7.0 second 60-yard dash and also spending time in the outfield.
2-8 from www.pnrscouting.com – mock drafted 143rd
50. John Barbato – Felix Varela HS (FL) – smooth delivery… fastball sits at 89-92… hits corners…
2-8 from www.pnrscouting.com – mock drafted 145th
51. Jimmy Nelson – (new) - Alabama
2-8 from www.pnrscouting.com: - mock drafted 150th
52. Nicholas Vander Twig – (new) – Oakdale HS (CA.)
2-8 from www.pnrscouting.com: - mock drafted 151st
53. Brandon Brennan – Capistrano Valley HS ( CA) – 6-4, 205 –
7-29: from www.baseballfactory.com: - Teammates with 2009 first-rounder Tyler Matzek, Brennan is a tremendous athlete with a 6-foot-4, 205-pound frame. He shows a fastball that ranges from 89-93 mph with hard, late run. He also has solid command of his changeup at 75-78 mph and a curveball with 11-5 break. Brennan is also a major college recruit as a quarterback
12-10 from www.baseballdraftreport.com: - check out my initial ranking of 2010’s top righthanded high school pitching prospects. - 13.Brandon Brennan
2-8 from www.pnrscouting.com: - mock drafted 152nd
54. Rett Varner – (new) – UT-Arlington
2-8 from www.pnrscouting.com: - mock drafted 155th
55. Tyler Green - Brazoswood HS (TX.)
11-2 from www.thehardballtimes.com: - Tyler Green, RHP, 2010, Lake Jackson, Texas, Texas Scout Team Yankees - There were like two more Tyler Green’s (or Tyler Greene’s) at this tournament. Popular baseball name, I guess (don’t forget the Cardinals shortstop). Green threw 88-91 from his tall frame, and the pitch had some great third-base run on it. He’s got some filling out left to do, which means he could add more velocity as well. He showed a slurve that he needs to mold into a slower, straight overhand curve. But the fastball velocity and movement are worth getting excited about.
2-8 from www.pnrscouting.com: - mock drafted 156th
56. Ryan Woolley – (new) – UA-Birmingham -
2-8 from www.pnrscouting.com: - mock drafted 163rd
57. Ralston Cash (new) – Lakeview Academy HS (GA.) -
2-8 from www.pnrscouting.com: - mock drafted 168th
58. Nick Pepitone – Tulane; Houston, Texas – 6-6, 230, R/R – Junior – 2009: 2-5, 3.26, 22 games, 9-Sv, 42-K, 38.2-IP
7-13: As of July 13, hasn't allowed a run in five appearances for Team USA
7-16: pitched three innings of scoreless relief with a strikeout against Team Japan
7-20: pitched 2.0, 1-K, save, for Team USA win over Team Canada
2-8 from www.pnrscouting.com: - mock drafted 169th
59. John Simms –
12-10 from www.baseballdraftreport.com: - check out my initial ranking of 2010’s top righthanded high school pitching prospects. – 20. John Simms
2-8 from www.pnrscouting.com: - mock drafted 170th
60. Mike Foltynewicz – Minooka HS (IL) – fastball sits at 90-92… mid 70s curve…
2-8 from www.pnrscouting.com – mock drafted 172nd
61. Asher Wojciechowski – The Citadel - 6-4, 205, R/R, 2009: 3-3, 4.39, 12 starts, 69.2-IP, 75-K, 34-BB…
July 15: Wojciechowski came in with the bases loaded in the ninth inning, for USA Baseball, against Team Japan, and closed it out, with three strikeouts
11-10 from www.collegebaseballblog.com: - named the 71st top college player
2-8 from www.pnrscouting.com: - mock drafted 175th
62. Nick Karow – (new) - Furman
2-8 from www.pnrscouting.com: - mock drafted 178th
63. Austin Wood (new) – St. Petersburg College -
2-8 from www.pnrscouting.com: - mock drafted 179th
64. Tyler Thornburg – (new) – Charleston Southern -
2-8 from www.pnrscouting.com: - mock drafted 180th
65. Kevin Munson – (new) - James Madison -
2-8 from www.pnrscouting.com: - mock drafted 182nd
66. Tommy Toledo – (new) - Florida
2-8 from www.pnrscouting.com: - mock drafted 184th
67. TJ Pecoraro –
8-9: from Keith Law/ www.espn.com: - The New England team was led by LHP Kevin Ziomek and RHP TJ Pecoraro. Pecoraro also threw about 88 on his fastball, but hasn't established a main off-speed pitch yet.
2-8 from www.pnrscouting.com: - mock drafted 188th
68. A.J. Griffin –
1-1-9 from www.draftsite.com: - mock draft: - #50 Washington A.J. Griffin RHP San Diego 6'5" 215 R,R
69. Matt Price – (new) – Virginia Tech
2-8 from www.pnrscouting.com: - mock drafted 193rd
70. Cole Green – (new) - Texas
2-8 from www.pnrscouting.com: - mock drafted 195th
71. Tyler Burgoon – (new) - Michigan
2-8 from www.pnrscouting.com: - mock drafted 199th
72. Seth Rosin – (new) - Minnesota
2-8 from www.pnrscouting.com: - mock drafted 200th
73. Jordan Cooper – (new) – Wichita State
2-8 from www.pnrscouting.com: - mock drafted 203rd
74. Jesus Valdez – Hueneme HS (CA) – 6-3, 180 – R/R – fastball sits in 91-93 range… rises… mid-70 curve ver tough on right handers…
7-21: Fr. http://baseballdraftreport.com: - Another big personal favorite of mine is Jesus Valdez, super projectable and already armed with a fastball with sick late life.
10-5 from http://baseballdraftreport.com: - top 50 prospects in 2010 draft – #27 – Jesus Valdez (16th RHP on list)
10-6 from: http://baseballdraftreport.com: - RHP Jesus Valdez - Valdez doesn’t have quite the velocity of some pitchers in his class, but the movement he gets on his fastball makes it a legit plus pitch going forward.
2-8 from www.pnrscouting.com: - mock drafted 204th
75. Tyrell Jenkins – 6-4, 175
8-9: from Keith Law/ www.espn.com: - Jenkins is just a 6'4" 175 lbs RHP, but was still throwing 92-90 with his fastball and threw a curveball with good movement and a "sharp slider."
10-5 from http://baseballdraftreport.com: - top 50 prospects in 2010 draft – #38 - Tyrell Jenkins (21st RHP on list)
10-6 from: http://baseballdraftreport.com: - RHP Tyrell Jenkins - Keyvius Sampson was my guy from day one last year. This year’s version might be Tyrell Jenkins. Jenkins has a lot of nice things going for him on paper – good velocity, sharp breaking ball (slider), very athletic, and a great amount of projection going forward.
12-10 from www.baseballdraftreport.com: - check out my initial ranking of 2010’s top righthanded high school pitching prospects. - 12.Tyrell Jenkins
2-8 from www.pnrscouting.com: - mock drafted 222nd
76. Burch Smith – (new) – Howard College (TX.)
2-8 from www.pnrscouting.com: - mock drafted 208th
77. Thomas Girdwood – (new) - Elon
2-8 from www.pnrscouting.com: - mock drafted 210th
78. Alex Schmarzo (new) – St. Mary’s College (CA.)
2-8 from www.pnrscouting.com: - mock drafted 212th
79. Jeff Sheilds – (new) – Chattahoochee Valley CC (AL.)
2-8 from www.pnrscouting.com: - mock drafted 214th
80. Damien Magnifico – (new) – Howard College (TX.)
2-8 from www.pnrscouting.com: - mock drafted 215th
81. Martin Viramontes – (new) – Loyola Marymount
2-8 from www.pnrscouting.com: - mock drafted 218th
82. Dan Child – Jesuit HS (CA) – 6-5, 235 - needs more work… 91-94 fastball… slider is top pitch, top at 84…
7-29: from www.baseballfactory.com: - Don’t let the last name fool you. At 6-foot-5 and 230 pounds, Child is all man. He fires fastballs that sit in the 90-92 mph range and touches 93. He also has an 83 mph breaking ball and is committed to Oregon State.
2-8 from www.pnrscouting.com: - mock drafted 221st
83. Jake Cole – (new) – Sehauro HS (AZ.)
2-8 from www.pnrscouting.com: - mock drafted 223rd
84. Randy McCurry – (new) – Oklahoma State
2-8 from www.pnrscouting.com: - mock drafted 225th
85. T.J. Walz - Kansas; Omaha, Neb. - first Jayhawk to participate on the U.S. National team… 2009: 8-3, 4.70, 88-K, 82.1-IP
7-20: In the 6-3 Team USA loss to Team Germany: gave up 2-HRs in first 4-IP, going down 3-0 - Walz (2-1) pitched three innings for team USA, giving up three runs on six hits and striking out two batters.
2-8 from www.pnrscouting.com: - mock drafted 226th
86. Taylor Morton – (new) – Bartlett HS (Tenn.)
2-8 from www.pnrscouting.com: - mock drafted 229th
87. Tyler Skulina - verbally committed to Virginia
9-8: www.pgtracker.com lists as one of the top 10 high school players coming out of Ohio.
2-8 from www.pnrscouting.com – mock drafted 231st
88. Kevin Moran – (new) – Boston College -
2-8 from www.pnrscouting.com: - mock drafted 234th
89. Brett Winger – (new) – Olympia HS (FL.) -
2-8 from www.pnrscouting.com: - mock drafted 235th
90. Mike Nesseth – (new) - Nebraska
2-8 from www.pnrscouting.com: - mock drafted 236th
91. Thomas Royse – (new) – Louisville -
2-8 from www.pnrscouting.com: - mock drafted 239th
92. Jake Montgomery – (new) – Young Harris College -
2-8 from www.pnrscouting.com: - mock drafted 240th
93. Tyler Shreve – Redlands East Valley HS (CA) – fastball sits 91-93… good breaking ball… bug high school quarterback prospect…
2-8 from www.pnrscouting.com = moc drafted 241st
94. Barret loux – (new) – Texas A&M -
2-8 from www.pnrscouting.com: - mock drafted 242nd
95. Andrew Leary – (new) – San Diego State -
2-8 from www.pnrscouting.com: - mock drafted 249th
96. Josh Mueller – (new) – Eastern Illinois -
2-8 from www.pnrscouting.com: - mock drafted 254th
97. Jake Thompson – (new) – Long Beach State -
2-8 from www.pnrscouting.com: - mock drafted 256th
98. Joe Van Meter – (new) – Virginia Commonweath -
2-8 from www.pnrscouting.com: - mock drafted 257th
99. John Cornley – (new) – Wolford College -
2-8 from www.pnrscouting.com: - mock drafted 260th
100. Colin Bates – North Carolina – junior… 2009: 4-4, 3.15, 59-K, 53-RBI
12-20: named to 3rd team AA squad – 2010 NCBWA
2-8 from www.pnrscouting.com: mock drafted 261st
101. Jake Barrett –
11-10: www.draftsite.com: - 38th pick in mock draft – 13th RHP picked
1-1-9 from www.draftsite.com: - mock draft: - #56 Arizona Jake Barrett** RHP Arizona State 6'4" 235 R,R
102. Turner Phelps – (new) – James Madison
2-8 from www.pnrscouting.com: - mock drafted 266th
103. Zach Varce – (new) - Portland
2-8 from www.pnrscouting.com: - mock drafted 267th
104. Jacquis De Gruy – (new) – Jesuit-Dallas HS (TX.)
2-8 from www.pnrscouting.com: - mock drafted 269th
105. Tommy Kahnle – (new) – Lynn University
2-8 from www.pnrscouting.com: - mock drafted 270th
106. Dan Klein – (new) – U Cal /LA
2-8 from www.pnrscouting.com: - mock drafted 273rd
107. Connor Sadzeck – (new) -
2-8 from www.pnrscouting.com: - mock drafted 274th
108. Jared Ray – (new) -
2-8 from www.pnrscouting.com: - mock drafted 275th
109. Matt Miller – (new) -
2-8 from www.pnrscouting.com: - mock drafted 277th
110. Rudy Acosta –
11-10: www.draftsite.com: - 43rd pick in mock draft – 14th RHP picked
1-1-9 from www.draftsite.com: - mock draft: - #65 Tampa Bay Rudy Acosta RHP Mt. Miguel HS, Ca. 6'6" 190 R,R
111. Zach Nuding – (new) – Weatherford JC (TX)
2-8 from www.pnrscouting.com: - mock drafted 278th
112. Mitch Caster – (new) – Wichita State -
2-8 from www.pnrscouting.com: - mock drafted 279th
113. Tony Dischler – (new) – LSU - Eunice
2-8 from www.pnrscouting.com: - mock drafted 280th
114. Bobby Doran – (new) – Texas Tech
2-8 from www.pnrscouting.com: - mock drafted 285th
115. T J Jann – (new) – Westofrd Academy HS (Mass.)
2-8 from www.pnrscouting.com: - mock drafted 286th
116. Cole Johnson – Notre Dame junior… 2009: 7-3, 4.56
1-4: named to the 2010 Preseason All-Big East First Team as named by a vote of conference coaches
2-8 from www.pnrscouting.com: - mock drafted 287th
117. Caleb Smith – Abundant Life (SC) – 2009: 5-1, 1.08, 60K in 32.2 IP… .490/.581/1.037, 7 HRs, 41 RBIs in 51 at bats – won State Championship in 2009… being recruited by the Univ. of Penn…
12-9: Caleb smith has been named one of South Carolina's ten finalists for the Wendy's High School Heisman Award.
1-1-9 from www.draftsite.com: - mock draft: - #67 Detroit Caleb Smith RHP Abundant Life Academy, Sc. 6'2" 185 R,R
118. Tommy Winegardner – (new) – Polk CC (FL.)
2-8 from www.pnrscouting.com: - mock drafted 288th
119. Seth Hester – (new) – Southern Mississippi
2-8 from www.pnrscouting.com: - mock drafted 291st
120. Sam Lundquist –
1-1-9 from www.draftsite.com: - mock draft: - #73 San Francisco Sam Lindquist RHP East Catholic HS, Ct. 6'6" 240 R,R
121. Eric Ricks – Jenkins HS (GA) – 6-4, 195 – 2009: 10-1, gave up only 32 hits in 69.2 IP… ERA: 0.56. Fastball in low 80’s… good curve… 90Ks, 22 BB…
1-1-9 from www.draftsite.com: - mock draft: - #72 Florida Eric Ricks RHP Jenkins Co Hs, Ga. 6'4" 195 R,R
122. Josh Rider – (new) – Unknown (??)
2-8 from www.pnrscouting.com: - mock drafted 296th
123. Robbie Andrews – (new) – Virginia Commonwealth
2-8 from www.pnrscouting.com: - mock drafted 297th
124. Randy Fontanez Jr. - 1-4: named to the 2010 Preseason All-Big East First Team as named by a vote of conference coaches: Pitcher of the Year: Randy Fontanez, Jr., RHP, South Florida - P Randy Fontanez, Jr., USF (7-3, 3.09 ERA)
125. Cody Buckel – Royal HS (CA) – 6-0, 170 –
8-1: from http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com: smooth righty with deceptive arm strength and delivery, mostly 87-89, knows how to pitch.
1-30-10: - named to the Louisville Slugger 2010 Pre-Season High School All-America Team
126. Chance Ruffin - Texas – 6-1, 190
8-1: from http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com: solid pitcher, good control, command of off speed stuff is solid, fb velo is 88-90 mostly will touch 92-93 on occasion, doesn't need to overpower hitters with sinking fb, he's effective to be a #4 man in the ML.
12-20 from www.thecollegebaseballblog.com – voyed to the 2010 MCBWA 1st team all-american squad
127. Nick Kingham – Sierra Vista HS (NV) – 6-5, 210, R/R… fastball hits 89… sharp breaking curve at 72… also plays 1B with raw power….
1-21 from www.baseballamerica: - Two hurlers, both Area Code Game alumni, distinguished themselves. First was Nick Kingham (Sierra Vista HS, Las Vegas), a physically imposing 6-foot-5, 220-pound righthander. Kingham fired a heavy 90-94 mph fastball, adding a sharp 79 mph slider and an inconsistent but promising 82 mph changeup, which flashed late arm side movement. On hand for the event was Bret Saberhagen, a two-time AL Cy Young Award winner who now works as a consultant for West Coast Sports Management. Saberhagen gave BA his take on Kingham: “He has improved mechanically, but he has to make sure not to overthrow. His change was really nice, and he also has a tight breaking ball. I like the fact that he has lost about 20-30 pounds, has gotten thinner but also has gotten stronger.”
128. Michael Wagner –
1-21 from www.baseballamerica: - Two hurlers, both Area Code Game alumni, distinguished themselves. Also impressive was Michael Wagner (Centennial HS, Las Vegas), who at 6’4” and 180 pounds is the classic projectable high school righthander. Wagner offers a 90-91 mph fastball with excellent natural sink, an 81 mph curveball and an 80 mph change that has some slight screwball action. In his delivery, Wagner reminds observers of Goose Gossage, with a severely bent back leg and maximum effort delivery. Like Gossage, Wagner appears to throw both himself and the ball at the hitter. Saberhagen offered his opinion on Wagner: “He has good mechanics, and he works both sides of the plate well. He needs to work on the change, since he jerks it when he delivers it. The breaking ball is good, but not as tight as I’ve seen it before.”
129. Daniel Renken – Cal-State Fullerton – 6-4, 195… 2009: 11-3, 2.69, 103-K, 123.2-IP…
11-7-9 from www.mlbresource.com: - Daniel Renken, RHP Cal State Fullerton - Renken is 6’4 and sits in the low 90’s. Has a chance to shoot up draft boards with a standout 2010.
11-7: from www.collegebaseballblog.com: - named the 74th top college player
130. Eric Pettis – UC Irvine – junior… 2009: 5-2, 3.86, 29 appearances, 37-K, 42.0-IP
12-20: named to 1st team AA squad – 2010 NCBWA
131. Ryan Duke – Oklahoma – junor… 2009: 3-1, 3.22, 26 appearances…
12-20: named to 1st team AA squad – 2010 NCBWA
132. Chris Franklin – SE Louisiana – junior… 2009: 5-2, 2.60, in 24 appearances…
12-20: named to 1st team AA squad – 2010 NCBWA
133. Todd McInnis – Southern Miss. – 2009: 9-4, 3.73, 90-K, 101.1-IP
12-20: named to 3rd team AA squad – 2010 NCBWA
134. Christian Bergman – UC Irvine – 2009: 9-3, 3.50, 66-K, 97.2-IP
12-20: named to 3rd team AA squad – 2010 NCBWA
135. Jimmy Reyes – Elon - 2009: 8-0, 4.78, 101-K, 84.2-IP
136. Dennis Grady – Duke – junior… 5-10, 185, RHP/IF – R/R… played for the Brainerd Lakes Area Lunkers in the 2009 summer…
7-24 – Fr. www.rivals.yahoo.com: - The skinny: O’Grady didn’t have a particularly impressive spring with the Blue Devils, and finished the season with a 5.76 ERA in 45 1/3 innings. However, he’s having a fabulous summer at the Northwoods. O’Grady has a 5-0 record and a 0.98 ERA in 55 innings for the Lunkers. He also has struck out 44 and walked 11 and opponents are hitting him at a .162 clip. He appears to be ready to take the next step.
137. Case Nixon – Hillcrest HS, Tuscaloosa, Ala. – played 2009 as the primary catcher, but his fastball hits 93… look for full conversion topoitcher in 2010
8-6: From www.baseballamerica.com: - Nixon is an athletic 6-foot-2 and 185 pounds. On the mound, his fastball is in the 91-92 mph range and the arm strength is also evident behind the plate, where he posts sub-2.0 pop times. Nixon is committed to Alabama.
138. Connor Mason – Home Schooled – Suwanee, GA. – 90-91 fastball… excellent curve… plus command…
139. Nick Rumbelow – Bullard HS (TX) – 6-0, 190 – fastball sits at 90-92… one of the nastiest changeups in high school ball…
140. Nick Tropeano – Riverhead (NY) -
8-31: From www.baseballamerica: Tropeano came on strong down the stretch as Stony Brook's No. 3 starter this spring and was downright dominant this summer in the ACBL, going 7-3, 1.61 with a 77-14 strikeout-walk ratio in 50 innings to win the league's pitching triple crown. Tropeano's bread and butter is his biting breaking ball, and he uses his changeup effectively as well. He could add velocity to his 87-88 mph fastball as he grows into his 6-foot-4, 205-pound frame. Tropeano earns plaudits for his composed demeanor and focus on the mound.
141. Conrad Flynn – Tulane – 6-3, 210, R/R – junior… 2009: 8-3, 3.93, 14 starts, 87.0-IP, only 58-Ks
142. Logan Thomas – Pickens HS (SC) – 6-0, 170…
PGCrossCecker has Thomas ranked 4th in SC and 198th in nation
143. Trevor Bauer - UCLA; North Hollywood, Calif. - sophomore… 6-1, 175, /R – 2009: 20 appearances, 10 starts… 9-3, 2.99, 4-CG, 2-S, 92-K, 27-BB, .225-OBA, 105.1-IP… led staff in wins, ERA, and IP…
144. Sonny Gray - Vanderbilt; Nashville, Tenn. – 5-11, 180, R/R - sophomore – 2009: 5-1, 4.30, 72-K, 58.2-IP
7-23: SP in Team USA 10-2 win against Team Prince George: 7.0-IP, 1-R, 5-K, 3rd win
145. Kevin Brady – Clemson –
From www.baseballamerica.com: - Brady ranked as the No. 3 prospect in the Ripken League last year but made just four appearances as a freshman on Clemson's deep pitching staff this spring. He dazzled back in the Ripken League this summer, going 2-2, 1.53 with 38 strikeouts and five walks in 29 innings. Brady shows an average to plus fastball with some sink that he controls at 90-94 mph from a high three-quarters slot. Brady is deceptively strong and holds his fastball velocity beyond the sixth inning. His other pitches are works in progress: a 71-75 curve with below-average depth and an average 83-85 changeup. Brady is still working on commanding the zone with all three offerings, but he has significant upside.
146. Thomas Lees – Whitewater HS (GA) – 6-0, 175, R/R – 84-88 fastball… excellent movement…
147. Forrest Koumas – Hartsville HS (SC) – 5-10, 175
PG Cross Checker has Koumas ranked 8th in SC and 446 in nation…
148. Ryan Moore – Sheehan HS (CT) – 6-1, 175, R/R – 84-88 fastball… tight spun curve… fuild delivery…
149. Nick Ahmed – Connecticut… junior…
11-9 from www.baseballdraftreport.com: - The Huskies feature one of the nation’s most intriguing pair of two-way talents in SO RHP/SS Nick Ahmed (2011) and SO RHP/3B Kevin Vance (2011). Ahmed turned some serious heads in summer league play with a fastball sitting in the low-90s, a low-70s curve with promise, and a presently league average change.
150. Hunter Rice – Boiling Springs HS (SC) – 5-11/190
Also plays third base… PG Cross Checker has him ranked 10th in SC and 489th in nation…
151. Dace Kime – verbally committed to Louisville
9-8: www.pgtracker.com lists as one of the top 10 high school players coming out of Ohio.
152. Brett Welbley – Kent State -
9-8: www.pgtracker.com lists as one of the top 10 college players coming out of Ohio.
153. Dusty Issacs –
9-8: www.pgtracker.com lists as one of the top 10 high school players coming out of Ohio.
154. Burny Mitchem – Dayton
9-8: www.pgtracker.com lists as one of the top 10 college players coming out of Ohio.
155. Johnny Fasola –
9-8: www.pgtracker.com lists as one of the top 10 high school players coming out of Ohio.
156. Alex Jones – Jacksonville State – 200 lbs…
11-11-9 from www.thebaseballdraftreport.com: - Jacksonville State - SR RHP Alex Jones (2010) and his surgically repaired elbow’s nasty slider. Jones is coming off from Tommy John surgery and, unfortunately, is feeling the impact hard. His fastball that once topped out in the low-90s was only able to get up over 86 this past summer. Thankfully the procedure and subsequent time off had no negative consequences on his plus-plus slider, a pitch that may be the best of its kind in all of college baseball. If Jones can pick up some of that lost velocity, he’ll find himself as another potential mid-round college reliever sleeper. He’s got the pro body (6-6, 190 pounds) and financial advantage (he’d be a senior sign) that many similarly talented pitchers in the mid-rounds seem to lack.
11-25: - injury update: Jones played fall baseball pain free… fastball touching 90-91, and his slider is nasty as ever
157. Mike Ojala – senior… 2009: 5-0, 2.17, 13 games, 12 starts, 66.1-IP… Had TJS on June 18 and is expected to be back in April. Will come out of the bullpen in 2010.
10-29 from: www.collegebaseballblog.com: - voted 83rd top college player
158. Kyle Simons – Arizona junior…
11-9 from www.mlbresource.com: - Kyle Simon, RHP Arizona - If you are looking for someone to surprise draft boards in 2010, look no further than the tall right-hander for the Wildcats.
159. Luke Taylor - Woodinville HS – 62.22 SPARQ rating at 2010 Prospect Games in Washington State…
160. Greg Greve – Walsh Jesuit HS (OH) – 6-2, 185, R/R… good command… solid change-up… fastball hits 89…
161. Bradley Wallace – Woodlawn HS (AR) – 6-2, 155, R/R – fastball has hit 90… too lean… breaking ball spins at 70…
162. Vincent Velasquz – Garey High (CA) - had early season growth plate injury to his throwing arm, which prevented him from pitching… so, he played outfield, threw left-handed, and made the all-league team… slow runner (7.22)… comfortably sat at 88 before injury…75 curve…
163. A.J. Berglund – St. Francis HS (CA) – 6-3, 220, R/R – big and powerful… low 90’s fastball, 84 change, and
164. Robert Morey – Virginia… junior… 2009: 3-0, 3.33, 18 games, nine starts… 84-K in 67.2-IP
10-27 from www.collegebaseballblog.com: - voted 85th top college player
165. Sean Yost – Nebraska – sophomore eligible – 6-7, 200… fb 90-94, tops out 96…
11-15 from www.perfectgame.com: - Some comparisons to Madson with the Phils. Tall and angular, some arm whip with good arm side run when the ball is down in the strike zone, secondary stuff is adequate enough to get hitters out, most concerned about STAMINA!!!! Only 6'7 maybe 200 soaking wet. 210 or 215 would be a huge stretch to say he weighed that much. Will be a tough sign if he gets selected at all as a draft eli second year guy.
166. Robby Rowland –
12-10 from www.baseballdraftreport.com: - check out my initial ranking of 2010’s top righthanded high school pitching prospects. - 16.Robby Rowland
167. Luke Jackson – (up from 105th) -
12-10 from www.baseballdraftreport.com: - check out my initial ranking of 2010’s top righthanded high school pitching prospects. - 18.Luke Jackson
2-8: from www.pnrscouting.com: - mock drafted 98th
168. Eric Stevens –
12-10 from www.baseballdraftreport.com: - check out my initial ranking of 2010’s top righthanded high school pitching prospects. - 19.Eric Stevens
169. .Brandon Williams -
12-10 from www.baseballdraftreport.com: - check out my initial ranking of 2010’s top righthanded high school pitching prospects. - #21. Brandon Williams
170. Tony Rizzotti –
12-10 from www.baseballdraftreport.com: - check out my initial ranking of 2010’s top righthanded high school pitching prospects. - 22.Tony Rizzotti
171. Adam Duke –
12-10 from www.baseballdraftreport.com: - check out my initial ranking of 2010’s top righthanded high school pitching prospects. - 23.Adam Duke
172. Cody Buckel –
12-10 from www.baseballdraftreport.com: - check out my initial ranking of 2010’s top righthanded high school pitching prospects. - 23.Adam Duke
173. Evan Hudson –
12-10 from www.baseballdraftreport.com: - check out my initial ranking of 2010’s top righthanded high school pitching prospects. - 25.Evan Hudson
174. Jarret Summers – WVU junior… 2009: 7-3, 3.05
1-4: named to the 2010 Preseason All-Big East First Team as named by a vote of conference coaches:
175. Kyle Thompson –
1-23-10 from www,baseballdraftreport.com: - SR RHP Kyle Thompson (2010) is a deep, deep, deep sleeper, not unlike a hungover hibernating bear. How did the bear get so drunk in the first place? I’ll never tell. College relievers with 12.1 innings pitched through three healthy seasons don’t typically warrant more than a quick dismissal of their pro prospects, but any player who learned under the watchful eye of Mark Gubicza is alright by me. I know Thompson has been used only out of the bullpen for the Cardinal, but his stuff (low-90s fastball, above-average change, and usable breaking ball) would play better as a starter. Late round senior signs don’t normally have the upside of a middle reliever, let alone a fifth starter, but that’s what I see in Thompson. It’ll take a good pitching coach to help him unlock the potential of his stuff, but there is enough already there to make him a worthy late round (40+) pickup.
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