From Rob Nyer, in 2008, as a 15-yr. old: Harper has a power bat and a plus throwing arm that "already grades out to 70 on the 20 to 80 scouting scale," according to Dave Perkin of Baseball America. During infield prior to the game, Harper, in full gear, rifled the ball out of a crouch to second and third base with precision. Upon seeing him in action, I marked down "+ + arm" next to his name in my program. Although the rap on him is that he's not all that fast, I thought he ran very well from home to third on that triple, especially considering his age, size, and power. The kid is nothing if not impressive.
As a 16-year old, Harper hit .626 in 2009, with 14 home runs and 55 RBIs in 115 at-bats for the Wildcats this season. He hit 22 doubles, nine triples and stole 36 bases. He only struck out five times. He also scored nine times on wild pitches… from 2nd base.
5/09: played a three-game travel schedule… hit 11-12, with 10 HRs and one double
7/07 fr. www.projectprospect.com :Just a few weeks ago the 2010 draft looked solid but lacked a true star. Enter Bryce Harper. Harper told the Las Vegas Review Journal that he planned on getting his GED and has already enrolled at the College of Southern Nevada, a junior college with a strong baseball program. The Sports Illustrated cover boy will be the most hyped teenage sports star since LeBron James. With 80 raw power, a plus-plus arm, above-average speed and good defensive ability at the most difficult position on the diamond, the only thing holding Harper back might be the pressure living up to the hype.
Fr. www.espn.com: Harper's best asset as a hitter is his strength; not muscle or bulk but hand and wrist strength, so that when he makes contact the ball takes off with uncanny power for someone his age. He launches balls in batting practice out to right and right-center and can drive the ball easily to the left-center wall. He's still wiry but has plenty of room to fill out and eventually make his listed weight -- a heavy 205 pounds -- a reality. He loads with his hands well behind his back shoulder, so he nearly bars out his front arm, adding some length to the swing. But he strides into the ball and rotates his hips well with his swing and has good hand-eye coordination, so the result is a lot of contact and the big raw power for which he's become known. He's an above-average runner now and should settle in as at least average even if he fills out completely.
7-21: 2010 MLB Mock Draft - 2nd Edition - July 21, 2009 by Scouting The Sports - http://scoutingthesports.com/?p=3632 - 1. Washington Nationals - Bryce Harper: -Last year the Nationals got maybe the best prospect ever drafted in the Major Leagues in Stephen Strasburg. After again having the worst record in the MLB, they will be able to pick number one and will select one of the more touted hitting prospects of all time. Labeled “Baseball’s Chosen One” on the June 8 cover of Sports Illustrated, Harper, a 6-3 catcher who can also pitch in the 90s, hit .626 with 14 home runs and 55 RBI in only 115 at-bats this season for Las Vegas High School. Harper is also very good defensively, and very athletic stealing 36 bases last season. This guy is a once in a lifetime catcher that the Nationals will not be able to pass up.
8-1: from http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com: had the purest swing in the whole tourney with best power potential as well, reminds me of Joe Maurer with the Twins, Joe is more athletic however, Bryce displayed ML plus arm strength and know how behind the dish. If he truly is going to get his HS GED as publicized, he could be taken in the top 10 selections in 2010, or he could be #1 in 2011. Only thing that bothered me was the arm sleeve he wore around his elbow. Also pitched 1 inning and k'0d all three hitters, 93 fb tops. Right now he grades out great, 50 hitter, 60 power (to all fields), 40 runner now, 65 arm, 60 field.
8-17 from www.baseballamerica.com re: AFLAC games - Bryce Harper (Las Vegas HS), the 16-year-old catching phenom, was the marquee attraction at the Aflac game, and while he showed his premium defensive tools, his offensive performance was underwhelming. He grounded out twice and struck out three times, rifling his batting helmet into the dugout after his third whiff. Over the past several weeks, scouts have been whispering that Harper was off of his game. Those suspicions were validated in San Diego. He could not catch up to a decent fastball and was badly fooled by every curve, flailing and missing badly. Harper's swing, sound previously, has gone backwards. He is far too long on the back end, he is lunging and diving at pitches, and his timing is drastically inconsistent.
8-19: Jeff Sullivan from the AFLAC Games: - Although he had a disappointing game at the plate, Harper still showed why he is the number one talent in high school, and possibly, the number one talent in the 2010 draft. He went 0-5 with three strikeouts in the game, including getting completely fooled by Cameron Bedrosian, on a nasty breaking ball. During the week he showcased his power in batting practice and it is truly amazing what he can do with the bat. Harper also showed off his power arm from behind the dish, and even if he struggled in the game, he is still the number one prospect from the game.
9-5: from Jonathan Mayo’s 8-26 article on www.minors.mlbblogs.com: - The "big" name, the phenom who was on the cover of Sports Illustrated, the presumptive No. 1 pick for next year. A word of caution: A lot can happen between now and then. Not saying he's not good, just don't crown the guy just yet. At the AFLAC game, he showed bat speed and plus arm strength. There were some concerns with his approach at the plate, where he seems more focused on hitting long home runs and didn't make adjustments. His release on his throws was a little longer than it's been in the past. He still showed plenty of tools, but he didn't make in-game adjustments
9-7: From www.perfectgame.com on the AFLAC games: - had a bad day at the dish, which was bound to happen sooner or later. He rifled off some great throws and played solid defense. Don't be fooled by his lunging and missing other pitches he should of crushed, but he saw a different pitcher each at bat. For as much ink as this young man has had and with his tools he's still in the top 5 players on paper going in the 1st round, barring a total meltdown in 2010.
9-16: From www.baseballamerica.com : - College Top 25 draft prospects: #1: Bryce Harper, c CC of Southern Nevada
9-24: From: http://mlbresource.blogspot.com: Mock Draft Version 1 – #1 Bryce Harper, C, College of Southern Nevada
9/27 from: http://web.usabaseball.com: Bryce Harper and Manny Machado each drove in two runs in a seven-run third inning to lead the USA Baseball 18U National Team to a 14-0 run-rule shutout against Argentina Saturday in Day 2 of the COPABE "AAA" Pan American Championships at Daniel Canonico Stadium.
9-28: From http://mlbresource.blogspot.com: - Mock Draft Version 2 - Bryce Harper, C, College of Southern Nevada - Harper is as of right now the undisputed #1 pick. He is a five tool player and believe it or not is getting more attention than Stephen Strasburg. My only concern for Harper is expectations. If Harper is a solid major leaguer is that enough for Washington fans? I fully expect Harper to be an All-Star caliber player for many years but this is a ton of pressure on a kid that hasn't played at a higher level than high school.
9-30: From: http://web.usabaseball.com: - Karsten Whitson, Connor Mason and Kevin Gausman combined on a three-hitter, and an opportunistic offense took advantage of five errors as the USA Baseball 18U National Team remained unbeaten with a 19-0 run-rule shutout of Colombia Monday on Day 4 of the COPABE "AAA" Pan American Junior Championships at Daniel Canonico Stadium. Garin Cecchini made it a 3-0 game with an RBI double. The team then added four more runs in the second on Tony Wolters' two-run double and a two-run home run by Bryce Harper, a towering blast to right field. Team USA erupted for five runs in the fifth on two hits and two Columbia errors, with Brian Ragira's two-run double the big hit in the at bat. Wolters ended up with three RBIs. Harper, Cecchini, Ragira and Kavin Keyes had two apiece. Keyes also had three hits. Harper, Cecchini and Manny Machado each scored three runs.
10-1 from: www.baseballrumormill.com: - The COPABE "AAA" Pan American Championships began this past weekend and the 18-and-under squad from Team USA got off to a very hot 3-0 start with wins over Aruba, Argentia and Panama. Three stars stood out offensively for Team USA: Bryce Harper: The well publicized SI coverboy lived up to the hype in Game 2 against Argentina. Team USA crushed Argentina 14-0 and Harper had two doubles and two RBI.
10-5 from http://mlbbonusbaby.com: #1: Washington Nationals – Bryce Harper, C, CC of Southern Nevada – Harper’s not the best thing to ever happen to baseball, but he’s the frontrunner for this spot at the current moment. A big spring against more advanced competition will lock this spot up for him. He’s got some competition, but there’s no clear top talent behind him, so if the class is this muddy eight months from now, Harper’s going to go #1. (only catcher in first round)
10-5 from http://baseballdraftreport.com: - top 50 prospects in 2010 draft - C Bryce Harper (1st catcher on list)
10-6 from: http://baseballdraftreport.com: - C Bryce Harper - The Harper backlash has already begun in some corners of the internet, but I’m going to be oh so bold and stick with him as the top draft prospect heading into 2010.
10-13 from www.mymlbdraft.com: 2010 MLB Mock Draft - # 1 C Bryce Harper
10-19 from www.mlbresource.com: - Blake's Scouting Report - Bryce Harper has all the tools. He hits, hits for power, runs great, great arm, and plays outstanding defense. The only downfall which was hard to find is that Harper has struggled a bit against good pitching. It will be interesting to see his numbers this year at CSUN. Harper is also 93-95 off the mound but I doubt he ends up ever pitching. The 6'3 sweet swinging lefty has a chance to be a perennial All-Star and will immediately be a #1 prospect in whichever organization he joins.
10-24 from www.baseballrumormll.com: - top 10 prospects: - 1. Bryce Harper, C, College of Southern Nevada: The SI coverboy left high school after only his sophomore year so that he could enroll at a junior college and be eligible for the 2010 draft, instead of the 2011 draft. Harper brings all of the tools that teams want to see out of a draft prospect. He can hit for average and power, runs well, throws well and has great baseball acumen. The only question is whether he'll be a catcher as a professional.
10-24 from Jim Callis: Could Nationals go with Taillon or Ranaudo over Harper? - - Sure they could. I'll do a column on this at some point, but I don't think it's far-fetched to conceive of Bryce Harper falling out of the first round. It's going to be almost impossible to live up to the hype, and if he falls short and is looking for big money--is Strasburg's contract a starting point--he may scare off clubs, who know he can re-enter the 2011 and 2012 drafts and still have lots of leverage. It's also possible that after spending $15.1 million on Strasburg, the Nationals don't want to spend huge money on another No. 1 overall pick.
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: - 1- C Bryce Harper (1st catcher on list)
11-3 from www.mlbresource.com: 3rd Mock draft – 1. Bryce Harper, C - College of Southern Nevada - Nothing changes here. Harper is hands down the consensus to go #1 and unless the Nationals decide they can't financially, he is going in this spot. (1st catcher on list)
11-17 from www.mlbdraft.blogspot.com: - 1. Washington Nationals- Bryce Harper, C, CC of Southern Nevada - Although it is nearly impossible for Harper to live up to ALL the hype surrounding him, he is still the clear number one talent in the draft. Unless something catastrophic happens between now and June, Harper will be the first player taken in the draft. (1st catcher picked)
11-18 from www.macksmets.blogspot.com: - 5. C – Bryce Harper - I haven’t totally signed off on this kid yet. I live in a small town and watch kids kill bad pitching all the time. Harper won’t prove anything to me playing in the dinky league he’s scheduled to play in this year either. Good player against shity competition, but not worth Strassburg money… yet. (1st C on list)
11-20 from www.draftamerica.com: - 1. Washington -- Bryce Harper, C, Southern Nevada CC. Even with a "down" end of the summer, Harper is still the top talent in the draft. (only C on list)
11-23 from www.deepleagues.com: - #1 - Washington Nationals Bryce Harper (C, College of the Nevadas) (1st C on list)
12-15 from www.5tooltalk.com: Mock Draft – 1st round: - 1 Nationals Bryce Harper C NJCAA
1-7-9: Morisato's 2010 MLB Mock Draft - Version 1.0 - 1st Overall – The Washington Nationals - Bryce Harper (C), College Of Southern Nevada
Harper is the defacto top prospect here, and for the moment, will slot at the top of the draft. Harper is regarded to be the best young prep hitting prospect since Justin Upton back in 2005. He's been followed by prospect hounds every since he was around 14. Harper is not actually supposed to be eligible for this draft, but instead went to get his GED and enrolled in a junior college on the advice of his parents and his representative, making him eligible for next year. Anyhow, Harper is a massive kid that is regarded to be a future Gold Glover, has excellent power (he has hit the longest home run in Tropicana Field History) and has a quick, smooth swing that projects for solid contact. Overall, scouts feel he could have a Joe Mauer like impact in the majors, though that may be a bit optimistic in my opinion. However, it should be noted that unlike last year’s Number One overall, Harper isn’t a consensus number one. It’s very possible that if he struggles or if his price tag gets far too ridiculous, the Nationals could pass.
2010 MLB DRAFT MOCK DRAFT- 12/31/09 – www.jjscouting.com - 1. Washington Nationals- Bryce Harper, C, CC of Southern Nevada - Although it is nearly impossible for Harper to live up to ALL the hype surrounding him, he is still the clear number one talent in the draft. Unless something catastrophic happens between now and June, Harper will be the first player taken in the draft.
1-11-9 from http://baseballdraftreport.com: - 1.1 Washington Nationals: C Bryce Harper – College of Southern Nevada - Steven Strasburg is going first overall in this draft. Book it. One man by his lonesome may not be able to turn a baseball team’s on-field fortunes around, but it only takes one superstar to revive public interest in a moribund franchise. If nothing else, Strasburg has the kind of arm that makes every fifth day a must-see event. He’s got the oft-cited, but impossible to quantify “it”…wait, whoops. This was the intro to my first mock of 2009. Luckily it still works with a couple of easy tweaks. Let’s try it out… Bryce Harper is going first overall in this draft. Book it. Two men may not be able to turn a baseball team’s on-field fortunes around, but it only takes one superstar position player and one superstar starting pitcher to revive interest in a moribund franchise. Harper has such a head start on gaining the national media’s attention that he’ll be sure to draw fans ranging from obsessively devoted to insouciantly (ooo…all that SAT vocab studying from five years ago paid off!) indifferent to the ballpark, for curiosity’s sake if nothing else. Heck, I’d go. I realize I may be 100% crazy with this theory, but here goes nothing. The signing of Ivan Rodriguez is a strong data point indicating the Nationals already have made up their mind about the number one pick. Clearly the timeline doesn’t quite work out just right (nearly impossible Rodriguez is still be on the team by the time Harper joins), but it is possible somebody in the Washington front office thinks it would be swell if Harper could spend time with Rodriguez in his first spring training as a professional in 2011. Maybe I’m just trying too hard to wrap my head around the incomprehensible… Special power, special arm, above-average contact skills, above-average potential as a receiver, and average running speed. That’s Bryce Harper.
1-1-9 from www.draftsite.com: - #1 - Washington Bryce Harper C Las Vegas HS, Nv. 6'3" 205 L,R
1-15-0 from http://mlbbonusbaby.com: - 1. Washington Nationals – Bryce Harper, C, CC of Southern Nevada – I’ve seen a couple of inferences that Harper has somehow fallen off from the number one slot, most recently here by BP’s Kevin Goldstein. I just don’t see it happening. Harper’s got the best tools for stardom by a landslide in this class, and the money shouldn’t be an issue too big to overcome. He’s going to mash as a 17 year-old JUCO player this spring, and the doubters will be silenced. Previously: #1.
7/07 fr. www.projectprospect.com: - Tennessee’s backstop Blake Forsythe and LSU’s catcher Micah Gibbs are potential first round picks. Both guys need to improve their contact abilities next spring but have good upside.
8-1: from http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com: solid receiver, at least 50 arm strength w/good release, has legit power, frequency and contact ability still in question, was a bit stiff at CWS, however, the talent and skills package is there, he'll have to put it all together in 2010.
9-24: From: http://mlbresource.blogspot.com: Mock Draft Version 1 – #24 pick overall - Micah Gibbs, C – LSU
9-28: From http://mlbresource.blogspot.com: - Mock Draft Version 2 - #16 pick overall - Micah Gibbs, C – LSU - Scouting Director R.J. Harrison has proven to be one of the best in all of baseball through the building of one of the best farm systems. The Rays have a ton of pitching and a ton of young athletic players and to me bringing Gibbs in is another quality chip in the bag. Dioner Navarro has been good but I am not sure how much longer he will be in Tampa. The catching position seems to be one need and this good be a good pick for the Rays.
10-5 from http://baseballdraftreport.com: - top 50 prospects in 2010 draft - 48th - C Micah Gibbs (4th catcher 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: - 46-C Micah Gibbs (4th catcher on list)
11-18 from www.macksmets.blogspot.com: - 32. C Micah Gibbs – (4th C on list)
12-15 from www.5tooltalk.com: Mock Draft – 1st round: - 9 Padres Micah Gibbs C NCAA
12-22 fr. http://baseballdraftreport.com: - JR C Micah Gibbs (2010) is currently a potential late first round pick who, even with a subpar junior season, still ought to hear his name called in the first three rounds of the 2010 Draft. Offensively he is more solid than spectacular, though his plate discipline (career 69/76 BB/K ratio) is a skill worth getting somewhat excited about. Scouts have long pegged him as a player with big raw power, especially from the left side, but in two years at LSU he hasn’t been able to show off that batting practice thunder in game situations. Gibbs’ leadership is praised far and wide and his defense is beyond reproach, so expect Gibbs to get a ton of ink as one the chosen players MLB decides to “talk up” with positive press heading into the June draft.
1-1-9 from www.draftsite.com: - # 23 - Florida Micah Gibbs C LSU 5'11" 214 B,R
3. Justin O’Connor – Cowan HS (IN) – also plays SS and hits well… fastball touches 99…
8-19: Jeff Sullivan from the AFLAC Games: - O’Conner had a rough game, going 0-2 with 2 strikeouts, but I was able to see him all week and he is a great player with some pop in his bat. He had some great BP sessions and is able to generate a lot of power with his 6’1,190 pound frame. He has smooth actions in the middle infield and has a solid arm. He also threw an inning in the game, reaching the low 90’s. He is a great two-way talent, who to me is better as a position player.
9-16: From www.baseballamerica.com : - High School Top 25 draft prospects: 18. Justin O'Conner, ss/rhp Cowan HS, Muncie, Ind.
9-28: From http://mlbresource.blogspot.com: - Mock Draft Version 2 - #11 pick overall - Justin O'Conner, RHP/INF - Cowan HS (IN) - O'Conner is considered by many to be the top two-way player in the draft with Stetson Allie and Kaleb Cowart right behind. From what I have heard his future is on the mound but when you hit .580 with 19 HR in high school he will at least get a chance to prove he can hit. Plus most of Cincinnati's top prospects are at AAA or just called up to the big leagues so it will be nice to restock with a solid prep player.
10-5 from http://mlbbonusbaby.com: 32. New York Yankees – Justin O’Conner, SS, Cowan HS (IN) – (5th SS picked in draft) - The Yankees are building a solid core of young hitting in their system, and they’re only lacking an eventual replacement for Derek Jeter. Enter Justin O’Conner. O’Conner’s got all the tools to be a plus shortstop with both the glove and the bat, and it’s only his geographic location that’s hampered him as a prospect. He’s got one of the best infield arms in the entire class, and there’s not much thought that he’ll ever have to move positions. He hits well, too, and he could easily surpass both Machado and Cabrera in this class of shortstops. This would be a great pick for the Yankees, who should be brainstorming about who should replace Jeter in the near-future.
10-5 from http://baseballdraftreport.com: - top 50 prospects in 2010 draft – #49 – Justin O’Connor – 6th SS on list
10-6 from: http://baseballdraftreport.com: - SS/RHP Justin O’Conner - I think Justin O’Conner could wind up as this year’s Casey Kelly, a ridiculously talented two-way player picked late in the first round by a team willing to pony up the big bucks for his services. In the end, however, I think O’Conner will deviate from the Kelly plan by proving himself to be a better hitter than pitcher.
10-8 from http://mlbbonusbaby.com – Justin O’Conner, Cowan HS (IN) - There aren’t a lot of Indiana prep prospects that go straight to the pros, especially this high up, but O’Conner’s the exception. Unlike Machado and Cabrera, there aren’t a lot of questions around O’Conner’s ability to stay at shortstop long-term, and he should be a solid hitter, too. Projected draft position: Late-first to late-second round.
11-2 from www.perfectgame.com: - Future Scout Sully said: Here is my list of the Top 50 in the class. I have seen almost every one of these players. Went out to AFLAC for the week, saw team usa play, and went to many cape games: - 44- SS Justin O'Conner (6th SS on list)
11-3 from www.mlbresource.com: 3rd Mock draft – #19 - Justin O'Connor, SS/RHP - Cowan (IN) - Detroit loves young power arms and could either have a power arm on the mound or as a shortstop that can flat out hit. O'Connor could definitely shoot up the draft board but right now I have him with Detroit. (2nd SS on list)
11-9-9 from www.examiner.com: - Top 15 High School Draft Prospects - 7. Justin O’Conner, ss/rhp
Cowan HS, Muncie, Ind.
College Commitment: Arkansas - O’Conner has athleticism and strength, premium defensive tools and above-average power potential. (2nd SS on list)
11-18 from www.macksmets.blogspot.com: - 17. SS Justin O’Connor – O’Connor’s stock has risen the past few months, especially since his fatball was clocked at 99. Not bad for a shortstop. (3rd SS on list)
11-20 from www.draftamerica.com: - 26. Colorado -- Justin O'Connor, SS/RHP, Cowan HS (IN). Ideally, Gausman would have been hanging around for me to neatly slot in here, but Texas jumped the gun. O'Connor shows good instincts at short and a strong arm to go along with a compact swing and potentially plus hit tool.
11-22 from http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com: - Justin O’Connor will be a surprise in the first round at the catching position. I saw him at area code and it was some of the best stuff in the country with his hands, arm strength, and athletic ability. Not many people know that he plays here, yet.
11-23 from www.deepleagues.com: - #28 - LA Dodgers - Justin O’Connor (P, Muncie Indiana) (3rd C on list)
1-1-9 update: - Justin O’Conner has indeed been working on a possible full-time transition from shortstop to catcher, and a successful transition would vault O’Conner’s stock into the mid first-round range. He’s got the tools for it, but so do other big prep catching busts, so nothing’s certain yet.
1-3 from www.perfectgame.com: - Top 2010 HS MIFs. Based on summer performance (PG Natl SC,TOS,Area Code, East Pro SC, Under Armour & AFLAC) and lots of discussions. Justin O'Connor 6'1- Aflac All American. Plus arm strength(also top p prospect 92-94) Avg plus speed (6.72 60 PG Natl SC) 4.35 to first.Pop in bat at times.Won HR derby at PG Natl. Didnt hit well at Area Code or Aflac during games but did well in bp. Possibly working out at C which is very intriguing. High Potential.
1-7-9: Morisato's 2010 MLB Mock Draft - Version 1.0 - 13th Overall – The Chicago White Sox - Justin O’Conner (SS), Indiana High School - A early personal favorite of mine, O’Connor is an excellent prep shortstop that should be ranked up high with Machado and Cabrera as a top prospect. O’Connor has excellent range and a strong arm to remain at short (he can also touch 96 as a pitcher). He also shows a good swing and shows the ability to make contact. O’Conner has also shown the ability to hit for power, as he hit 19 home runs in his junior year. All in all, he’s the best two way player in the class. He’s a logical fit here for the White Sox.
1-1-9 from www.draftsite.com: - #34 - Justin O'Connor RHP/SS Cowan HS, In. 6'1" 190 R,R
1-15-0 from http://mlbbonusbaby.com: - 30. Los Angeles Angels – Justin O’Conner, SS, Cowan HS (IN) – Until the catching experiment is deemed successful this spring, O’Conner is still a prep shortstop, and a good one at that. With all the tools to be plus at the position (and catching), along with an excellent hit tool, O’Conner has stirred up some conversations as a back-third first-round candidate. He’s a little less refined than the premier prep names in the top part of the round, but if O’Conner’s catching experiment does go well, he could easily leapfrog Sabol. Previously: #32.
7/07 fr. www.projectpropsect.com: One of the top unsigned prospects for the 2007 Draft Grandal might be 2010’s Josh Phegly - a good hitter, with big time power but questionable defensive ability behind the dish despite a strong arm. Grandal lead the Hurricane’s in home runs with 16 this spring while sporting a .299/.410/.599 line with 33 walks and 37 strikeouts in 239 plate appearances. If Grandal can stay at catcher defensively, his strong bat could make him a star.
7-09: Fr. Keith Law/ www.espn.com : Grandal sports an above average arm, but really gets scouts attention with his ability to hit effectively from both sides of the plate.
7-20: homered in the first inning for Team USA win over Team Canada
7-21: 2010 MLB Mock Draft - 2nd Edition - July 21, 2009 by Scouting The Sports http://scoutingthesports.com/?p=3632 - 6. Oakland Athletics - Yasmani Grandal Catcher Miami - -Grandal was actually taken in the 27th round by the Red Sox in ‘07, but chose to go to college instead. It was certainly a good decision to return to Miami because he has developed his power and plate discipline. Grandal can certainly hit, and there are no questions about his ability at the plate. But it’s his work behind the plate that is lagging because while Grandal has a strong arm, he really needs to work on his game calling skills and work with pitchers. Oakland loves picking college kids, so this is no surprise here. If Grandal refines himself behind the plate, he could move even higher in this draft, especially with the nature of catching in baseball.
7-20: In the 6-3 Team USA loss to Team Germany: hit solo home run
8-1: from http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com: has filled out since HS days and shows more power in his stroke, technique to throw to 2b has improved, still a bit erratic however. One of the top 3 college catchers in the game and a high demand could make him an early rounder easily next spring. Consistency is biggest concern overall in his skill set performance, tools are there, just put it all together! Jorge Posado anyone?
9-24: From: http://mlbresource.blogspot.com: Mock Draft Version 1 – #5 pick overall - Yasmani Grandal, C - University of Miami
9-28: From http://mlbresource.blogspot.com: - Mock Draft Version 2 - #27 pick overall - Yasmani Grandal, C - University of Miami (FL) - Grandal and Micah Gibbs will fight for the position of top college catcher behind Bryce Harper and all three are solid. He is solid on defense and popped 16 HR last year for the Hurricanes. I could see Grandal going a little lower but for now he is a first rounder.
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: - 28-C Yasmani Grandal (2nd catcher on list)
11-3 from www.mlbresource.com: 3rd Mock draft – #17 - Yasmani Grandal, C - University of Miami, Florida - Something tells me that the Rays would really like to add another catcher along with Luke Bailey from last year's draft. Catchers are so unpredictable and I think Grandal provides an older and more mature backstop. (2nd catcher on list)
11-18 from www.macksmets.blogspot.com: - 18. C Yasmani Grandal – someone has to be the 2nd catching prospect in the “Year Of Harper”, but Grandal can make his own headlines, thank you. (2nd C on list)
11-23 from www.deepleagues.com: - #26 - Colorado Rockies Yasmani Grandal (C, Univ. of Miami) (2nd C on list)
12-11 from www.collegebaseballblog.com: named the 39th top college player to play in the 2010 season
1-1-9 update: - -Guys with sinking draft stock currently include Kris Bryant, Yasmani Grandal, Drew Pomeranz, and Kevin Keyes. Keyes was never in the class of the other names here, but with his weight balloon and shift to first base, he’s lost a lot of scouting value.
1-7-9: Morisato's 2010 MLB Mock Draft - Version 1.0 - 17th Overall – The Tampa Bay Rays - Yasmani Grandal (C), Miami - One of the bigger, but not elite, catching talents from the 2009, Grandal fell after a inconsistent senior season. He was taken in the later rounds by the Red Sox, but failed to come to terms with them. Grandal sought a seven figure bonus to skip college. With solid defense behind the bag, the ability to hit for power and above average plate discipline, Grandal will get his money and more in the top half of the first round. The Rays lack any sort of long term solution at catcher, and Grandal could rise quickly.
1-1-9 from www.draftsite.com: - #43 - Yasmani Grandal C Miami 6'2" 210 R,R
8-9: from Keith Law/ www.espn.com: - Figuring to be a first round pick in 2010, Stefan Sabol continued to impress at the games. He displayed plenty of tools at the games: running and throwing well, while demonstrating a solid swing that can go to all parts of the field. The only question is where to put him in the field. He's currently a catcher, but most teams will probably want to put his athleticism in the outfield.
8-10: From www.baseballamerica.com – Area Code Games - The highest overall score in 2009 was posted by Stefan Sabol, a catcher/outfielder from Aliso Niguel High School in Aliso Viejo, Calif. Sabol, whose cousin is Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu, recorded a stratospheric 80.87 overall score. Sabol trampolined to a remarkable 36.2 inch vertical leap, and shocked everyone present—himself included—by racing off to one of the fastest 60 times in Area Code history—6.28. The score is shocking because Sabol typically runs in the 6.5- to 6.7-second range.
8-19: Jeff Sullivan from the AFLAC Games: - Sabol is an outstanding athlete who is a blast to see play. He is athletic enough to play almost anywhere on the diamond, but if he is able to stick at catcher, it will greatly improve his draft stock. He has blazing speed and is a very exciting player. Sabol went hitless in the game, but he is a fantastic athlete who has committed to play for Oregon.
9-16: From www.baseballamerica.com : - High School Top 25 draft prospects: 15. Stefan Sabol, c/of Aliso Niquel HS, Aliso Viejo, Calif.
10-5 from http://baseballdraftreport.com: - top 50 prospects in 2010 draft - C/OF Stefan Sabol (2nd catcher on list)
10-13 from www.mymlbdraft.com: 2010 MLB Mock Draft - #32 – (2nd C picked) - Stefan Sabol
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: - 30- C Stefan Sabol – (3rd catcher on list)
11-9-9 from www.examiner.com: - Top 15 High School Draft Prospects - 14. Stefan Sabol, c/of
Aliso Niquel HS, Aliso Viejo, Calif.
College Commitment: Oregon - A cousin of Pittsburgh Steelers safety Troy Polamalu, Sabol is perhaps the best athlete in the class and has five-tool potential as an outfielder. (1st C on list)
11-9-9 from www.mlbresource.com: - Glimpse at Top 2011 - Stefan Sabol, C/OF Oregon - Sabol is going to create a lot of interest at the top of the 2010 draft with his five-tool play highlighted by power mixed with 6.5 speed. Plays for a premier Southern California high school.
11-17 from www.mlbdraft.blogspot.com: - 30.Los Angeles Angels- Stefan Sabol, C, Aliso Niguel HS(CA) - Sabol has a lot riding on this season. A lot of questions about him staying behind the plate. Sabol is a blazer though, and he has the ability to hit to all fields.
11-18 from www.macksmets.blogspot.com: - 23. C Steven Sabol – Sabol is a 5-tooler prep kid who will be converted to the outfield as soon as he turns pro… a speedster… (3rd C on list)
2010 MLB DRAFT MOCK DRAFT- 12/31/09 – www.jjscouting.com - 30. Los Angeles Angels- Stefan Sabol, C, Aliso Niguel HS(CA) - Sabol has a lot riding on this season. A lot of questions about him staying behind the plate. Sabol is a blazer though, and he has the ability to hit to all fields.
1-1-9 update: - -O’Conner’s catching stock may be going up, but less scouts are sure of Stefan Sabol’s future behind the plate. There’s a good possibility that teams won’t even be looking at Sabol as a catcher anymore, as there’s a strong possibility he’ll be an outfielder in the long-run. O’Conner’s transition will greatly impact Sabol’s future, since a successful transition for O’Conner would likely tank Sabol’s stock, as he’d no longer be in consideration for the top prep catching spot.
1-1-9 from www.draftsite.com: - #41 - Stefan Sabol C Aliso Niguel HS, Ca. 6'2" 205 R,R
1-15-0 from http://mlbbonusbaby.com: - 23. Florida Marlins – Stefan Sabol, C, Aliso Niguel HS (CA) – Calling Sabol a catcher is generous, though there’s a good chance that a team like the Marlins might pick Sabol this high even as an outfielder. He’s got all the tools to be an excellent pro ballplayer, and his price tag isn’t expected to top his slotting number, at least if picked in the first round. That’s the Marlins’ type of player. He’d fit well into their development program, though California prep catching product Kyle Skipworth hasn’t worked well there. For now, the Marlins’ and their heavily-scouted California base mix well with Sabol. Previously: NR.
1-15-9 from http://baseballdraftreport.com: - #22 Texas Rangers: Stefan Sabol – Aliso Niguel HS (CA) - Still not sure what position Sabol will eventually call home, but he’ll be a good one wherever he winds up. Actually, that first part is a lie. I do that a lot, apparently. Anyway, it’s not a total lie, but more of a nod to the scouting world consensus that seems to go back and forth on Sabol’s most likely eventual position. So allow me to amend that sloppy opening sentence by changing it up to say while many aren’t sure what position Sabol will play as a professional, I, however would bet a good chunk of change he sticks behind the plate for a good long while. His speed and athleticism (Sabol possesses arguably the best body of any amateur, college guys included) have already earned him Jason Kendall comps, but a comp like that ignores his significantly higher ultimate upside in the power department. The very same speed and athleticism are the reasons why I think so many want to prematurely move him out from behind the dish. True, he is athletic enough to play a variety of different positions, but, like Bryce Harper, his value is highest staying right where he is until he proves he can’t handle catching. He has a true plus arm that will play anywhere, above-average speed that could serve him well in the outfield (you know, just in case), and average to above-average big league power potential.
6. Blake Forsythe – Tennessee -
7/07 from www.projectprospect.com: - Tennessee’s backstop Blake Forsythe and LSU’s catcher Micah Gibbs are potential first round picks. Both guys need to improve their contact abilities next spring but have good upside. Forsythe has more power while Gibbs has more defensive value…
7-09: Fr. Keith Law/ www.espn.com : Law critizes Forsythe by saying "he's Adam Dunn at the plate -- it takes an act of Congress to get the bat off his shoulder."
9-24: From: http://mlbresource.blogspot.com: Mock Draft Version 1 – #28 pick overall - Blake Forsythe, C – Tennessee
1-1-9 from www.draftsite.com: - #49 - Blake Forsythe C Tennessee 6'2" 220 R,R
1-31: Named to the 2010 Ping!Baseball All American Teams: - CATCHER - Second Team - Blake Forsythe, Tennessee
7. Rafael Neda – New Mexico – junior… 2009: 55-G, .415 (32nd in nation), 7-HR, 49-RBI, .504 OBP…
11-18: www.collegebaseballblog.com: - named the 63rd top college baseball player for the upcoming season
12-25: www.thecollegebaseballblog.com: named to the 2010 NCBWA Division 1 second team All-Americans
1-31: Named to the 2010 Ping!Baseball All American Teams: - CATCHER - First Team: Rafael Neda, New Mexico
8. Rob Brantly – UC Riverside – 6-3, 195, sophomore… 2009: .316, 4-HR, 23-RBI, .454 slugging percentage, .344 OBP… summer in Northwoods League: led league with .346 BA… 6-HR, 34-RBI in 49 games… .516 slugging %... 21-BB…
9-16: From www.baseballamrica.com : - College Top 25 draft prospects: 25. Rob Brantly, c UC Riverside
10-5 from http://baseballdraftreport.com: - top 50 prospects in 2010 draft - 31. C Rob Brantly (3rd catcher on list)
10-6 from: http://baseballdraftreport.com: - C Rob Brantly - Brantly is another draft-eligible sophomore with tremendous upside; in a pretty good year for college catching, he’s the top four-year college backstop on my board.
11-7-9 from www.mlbresource.com: - Rob Brantly, C UC Riverside - Outstanding defensive catcher with a strong arm and a bat that is gap-to-gap and high average potential.
11-11: from www.collegbaseballblog.com: - named the 68th top college baseball player
9. Cameron Rupp – Texas – 6-3, 220, R/R- also plays 1B… junior… 2009: 63-G, .292, 11-HR, 46-RBI, threw out runners: .318… struggled with passed balls…
8-1: from http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com: solid power straight away and at least an ave ML hitter, 260-270 type with 15-20 type HR at the least. Solid arm strength, tends to rush throws thus causing accuracy problems to 2b. Has improved since HS days.
11-14: from www.collegebaseballblog.com: - named the 67th top college player
10. Dan Burkhart – Ohio State –
9-8: www.pgtracker.com lists as one of the top 10 college players coming out of Ohio.
1-31: Named to the 2010 Ping!Baseball All American Teams: - CATCHER - Second Team: Dan Burkhart, Ohio State
11. Mike Nelillo –
1-31: Named to the 2010 Ping!Baseball All American Teams: - CATCHER - Third Team: Mike Melillo, Elon
12. Matt Rice – Western Kentucky – junior
12-25 from www.thecollegebaseballblog.com: - named to the 2010 NCBWA Division 1 first team All-American team
1-31: Named to the 2010 Ping!Baseball All American Teams: - CATCHER - Third Team: Matt Rice, Western Kentucky
13. Tommy Medica
1-31: Named to the 2010 Ping!Baseball All American Teams: - CATCHER - Third Team: Tommy Medica, Santa Clara
14. Geoff Klein –
1-31: Named to the 2010 Ping!Baseball All American Teams: - CATCHER - Third Team: Geoff Klein, Santa Clara
15. Mitch Karraker Univ. of Oregon – 6-1, 175, junior… 2009: 51-G, 34-starts, 2.16, second on the team with 18-RBIs, .979 fielding percentage, 31 –assists, caught 14-32 (.696) base runners
16. Jeremy Malo – Texas Tech – Junior – 5-10, 194, R/R… good power… 2009: .313/.453/.618 in 144 at bats… 11-HRs, 35-RBIs, 11-E
17. Zane Evans – Roswell HS (GA) – 6-3, 210, R/R – raw power… also RHP with 88mph fastball… excellent arm strength--- verbally committed to Auburn….
18. Samuel Peterson – DeRidder HS (LA) – 6-0, 185, R/R – excellent catch and throw skills… handles bat well…
19. Arman Valenzuela – Northview HS (CA) – 6-1, 175, R/R – athletically built… all around defensive skills… verbally committed to Loyola Marymount…
20. Cody Stanley – UNC Wilmington junior L/R…
7-23: stats thru 7-15 in Cape Cod League: .276, 1-HR, 5-RBI… starting in Cape Cod All-Star game
21. Mike Murray – Wake Forest – senior L/R…
7-23: stats thru 7-15 in Cape Cod League: .385, 0-HR, 3-RBI… starting in Cape Cod All-Star game
22. Alex Lavisky - St. Edward HS (OH) – 6-1, 205 -
7-29: From: www.baseballfactory.com: - Lavisky is a strong and agile backstop with solid catch-andthrow ability. At the plate, he employs an open stance and has quick wrists that allow him to catch up to velocity well
9-8: www.pgtracker.com lists as one of the top 10 high school players coming out of Ohio.
23. Ladson Montgomery -
11-2 from www.thehardballtimes.com: - Ladson Montgomery, C, 2010, Jacksonville, Fla., Orlando Scorpions - The most impressive live-game pop time I got from a catcher at 1.93. That’s near the top of the charts for a high school catcher to begin with, but consider this: It was Montgomery’s fourth or fifth game behind the dish in the last 65 hours. (Being a catching prospect at some of these showcases is just unreal). But Montgomery isn’t all catch and throw. He’s got a legit left-handed bat, with moderate loft and a smooth plane. He’s a small guy, standing just 5-foot-9 (which can actually be a good thing for catchers), so he’ll probably be more of a doubles guy instead of over-the-fence power. But he has monster legs for someone his age and really gets his lower half and trunk into his swing.
24. Alex Ramsay – Severna Park (MD) - 6-0, 185 –
7-29: From: www.baseballfactory.com: - One of the top catchers in the 2010 class, Ramsay is an excellent athlete who runs the 60-yard dash in 7.0 seconds. He shows good actions behind the plate with quick feet, a strong arm and good blocking and receiving skills. He’s a good hitter with quick hands and above-average bat speed.
25. Kellin Deglan – Langley HS (BC) – 6-2, 180 –
7-29: from www.baseballfactory.com: - Deglan is a big, strong catcher who is 6-foot-2 and 200 pounds. The combination of his arm strength and power from the left side make him an intriguing prospect and he has blossomed lately, hitting in the middle of the Canadian Junior National Team’s lineup.
26. Jacob Felts – Orangefield HS (TX) – 6-0, 195 –
7-29: from www.baseballfactory.com: - Felts is a very solid defender who flashes a 1.8-second pop time. He hits with some authority too, with a line drive approach to all fields.
27. Shane Rowland –
9-7: From www.perfectgame.com on the AFLAC games: - I saw some blinking going on this summer and he did it again, except I didn't see it 100% until I saw the video playback of the game today on a couple of pitches. Good young receiver that some compare to Greg Zaun.
28. Edmond Sparks – LSU junior…
12-22 fr. http://baseballdraftreport.com: - JR C Edmond Sparks (2010) has a plus arm and is solid behind the plate, but right now his bat still lags behind his defense. His track record in junior college shows a player slowly beginning to tap into his gap power potential, but he still needs to show something on the big college baseball stage. He didn’t get nearly as many at bats in 2009 at Chipola as he did in 2008 (not sure why), but he figures to get some actual time as Gibbs’ backup in 2010.
29. Erick Fernandez – Georgetown junior… 2009: .349, 5-HR, 28-RBI
1-4: named to the 2010 Preseason All-Big East First Team as named by a vote of conference coaches:
30. Jeff Arnold – Louisville senior… 2009: .246, 3-HR
1-4: named to the 2010 Preseason All-Big East First Team as named by a vote of conference coaches:
31. Bobby Dombrowski – Monmouth
Great defensive catcher
32. Victor Gomez – C/1B Marshall University – will be starting catcher in 2010… freshman All-American and 2nd team in 2nd year… 2009: 18-HR, 62-RBI, .332/.367/.659/1.026
33. Cam Thomas – Abundant Life (SC) – won State Championship in 2009 – 6-4, 190 – 5-0, 1.47, 33K, 19.0 IP – SP2 and 1st string catcher: .449/.542/.939. – throws ¾ with a 2-seamer, 4-seamer, curve, change-up…
7-23: Thomas went to the mound for the Beaufort Ospreys in the ravel team’s playoff game on July 22, against Lancaster, and pitched a 5-hit, complete game, for a 5-1 victory. Thomas gave up zero earned runs, striking out six in the 7-nning game. He also went 1-3, with a single.
1-15: Taked with Coach Steve Exley… Thomas will stay primarily as a catcher and will SP2 as well. “Came is a tremendously talented defensive catcher, with a rocket arm… he also was one of the to hitters and leaders in home runs and runs batted in…”
34. Zack Jones –
1-23-10 from www,baseballdraftreport.com: - JR C Zach Jones (2010) is a bit of an enigma – a potential above-average defender behind the plate who doubles as an outstanding athlete and fantastic baserunner. I like guys who break the mold, and players who can legitimately catch AND steal double digit bases are a rarity. I also like guys who can hit, something Jones hasn’t proven he can do. His defense may be enough to get him drafted, but it won’t be until very late…and it may not be until his senior year.
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