1) Max Fried
Ranked #52 in the 2012 Prospects List compiled by the All-American Athletic Foundation http://allamericanfoundation.pointstreaksites.com/view/allamericanfoundation/news/mlb-2012-draft
full list under page link on right side of page
7-19-11: - http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2011/6/29/2250656/early-look-at-2012#comments - Max Fried, Montclair Prep HS, Encino CA, 6’3 170, string bean with loose arm from 3/4 slot, up to 90 most fb were 88-89 with late life and decent control and cb is more of a slider, side ways break that gets loopy on occ when he slows down his delivery. Definite watch for improvement in 2012.
8-7-11: - Command is what sets Fried apart as well, armed with a nasty fastball-curveball one-two punch that gives him a similar power profile to Virant. Fried's fastball velocity was a tick below Virant's at 88-92 at the National, but Fried showed more consistent diving movement on his heavy fastball, with a similar overall combination of size, stuff and control. Ranked 27th overall in the 2012 class, Fried also is a good all-around athlete, with above average speed and a smooth left-handed swing that could give him some value as a two-way player at the collegiate level.
8-25-11: - http://sullydraft.blogspot.com - This summer I went to the National Showcase, Prospect Classic, and the Under Armour All-American Game. Here is my updated top 50 HS prospects. - 14. Max Fried- LHP, Harvard-Westlake HS
10-10-11: - (Max) Fried is a specimen to watch for sure. As far as his 60 time, I’m not sold on that, he ran a 6.95 in Cary in June at TOS, Virant ran a 7.2, and both had fb that topped 92 on the stalker pro. One of the better specimens in Cary was RHP, 2012, Keiran Lovegrove of Mission Viejo, 6’4 180, ran 6.65 and topped 93 on stalker pro, great body projection much like Mike Mussina was Muss was in HS in Pa. I agree on the top 2 lefty talk for HS, there aren’t as many good HS lefties in 2012 as their were when Purke & Matzek were graduating. But it’s early!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LOL Fried for me threw 1 inning, so just a pocket follow, Virant threw 3 innings, very crude but there is something there, not first round based on what I saw though. I saw Kyle Lobstein from Arizona a few years back, and to be fair, Kyle was better at this stage than the two Fried & Virant at the same stage going into their SR years. Just my opinion however - http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2011/10/5/2466822/2012-mlb-mock-draft#comments
2) LHP Brian Johnson
3-21-11: - http://bullpenbanter.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=398:college-baseball-weekend-05-observations&catid=18:articles&Itemid=11 - Player: Brian Johnson College: University of Florida Position: Starting Pitcher Bats/Throws: L/L Height/Weight: 6'3" / 225 lbs. Class: Sophomore Tall with a solid lower half; no projection remaining 3/4 arm slot; repeats delivery well Firm fastball with some cut action; doesn't have bat missing abilities; wants hitters to put in play and few could square it up Sweeping breaking ball that works well as a chase pitch and can throw for strikes Straight change-up had some drop; good arm speed; threw with conviction Command was off in the first, but improved as the game went on Pitched hitters away and induced mostly weak contact Works quickly
Ranked #15 in the 2012 Prospects List compiled by the All-American Athletic Foundation http://allamericanfoundation.pointstreaksites.com/view/allamericanfoundation/news/mlb-2012-draft
6-20-11: - http://bleacherreport.com/articles/740905-omaha-eye-openers-2012-mlb-draft-prospects-at-the-2011-college-world-series#/articles/740905-omaha-eye-openers-2012-mlb-draft-prospects-at-the-2011-college-world-series/page/3 - The Gators are loaded with talent, and next year will be no different. Yes, they’ll lose Preston Tucker and Alex Panteliodis, but their star-studded roster will be led by their top draft prospect for 2012, LHP Brian Johnson. Johnson had a great season, posting a 3.66 ERA and a 70:15 K:BB ratio in 15 starts before an errant Mike Zunino throw plunked him in the head and sidelined him with a concussion (see above). He has yet to make an appearance in the NCAA tournament but is scheduled to return sometime during the CWS. Johnson has been excellent at keeping his low 90s fastball down but in the zone during his time with the Gators. He has shown a great curveball that got better as the 2011 season wore on.
7-9-11: - http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=6002 - Brian Johnson, LHP/1B, Florida - After suffering a concussion down the stretch as part of Florida's championship series run, Johnson was relegated to designated hitter duties, a role he continued with the Collegiate National Team. With a tall, physically mature frame, his upside remains higher on the mound, but he employs one of the more advanced approaches at the plate of any college hitter. He put an easy swing on the first pitch he saw in the bottom of the ninth inning on the home run mentioned above to drive a ball the opposite way over the left-field fence.
7-19-11: - http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2011/6/29/2250656/early-look-at-2012#comments - Brian Johnson, Florida, 6’2 220, L/L, also good hitting first base type, two way player that will let pro ball help him make his choice. Fb in low 90’s, most are 88-89, also hard slider 81-83 with decent tilt. Command is ok, crosses body during delivery which hinders full extension. 4-7 rounder for me.
3) LHP Hunter Virant
8-7-11: - http://www.perfectgame.org/AllAmerican/News.aspx?num=6104 - Virant is currently ranked 10th in the nation overall and the first among all left-handed pitchers from the high school class of 2012. With long and loose arms and legs, it's easy to see the 90-93 mph fastball velocity he showed as the National Showcase in mid-June continue to improve. He shows the ability to add running life to the pitch, as well as a power curveball. His changeup also is an advanced pitch for a player of his age.
8-25-11: - http://sullydraft.blogspot.com - This summer I went to the National Showcase, Prospect Classic, and the Under Armour All-American Game. Here is my updated top 50 HS prospects. - 18. Hunter Virant-LHP, Camarillo HS
10-6-11: - http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2011/10/5/2466822/2012-mlb-mock-draft#comments - Virant is extremely athletic. He’s only a year into concentrating on pitching and crosses his body on delivery at times. I’m guessing that’s what people mean by “project”. He does have a really good feel for pitching in the looks I’ve seen. His CB is not yet at the same level as Fried (who throws two versions) but Virant might have the better Changeup. Fried throws a bit harder. Virant just pitched out in Cali (following the USA 18u Trials) a week ago. Sat 86-88 touching 90. He needs to shut down. He was sick coming into the Area Codes, showed up late and pitched just OK. PGAA was pretty much a mess. Now he’s getting ready for a trip to Colombia with the 18u’s. Looks like he’s lost a lot of weight since the start of the summer which speaks to the drop in velo. Somebody needs to step in and advise him to take a rest and recover.
10-11-11: - http://espn.go.com/blog/high-school/baseball/post/_/id/455/prep-arms-the-difference-in-class-of-2012 - Max Fried, LHP -- Harvard-Westlake (North Hollywood, Calif.) Fried, who transferred from Montclair Prep (Van Nuys, Calif.) to join forces with Giolito, offers a fastball in the 89-92 mph range and a potentially plus curveball and changeup. He stays over the rubber well and is a good athlete, running sub seven-second 60 times over the summer. He's hit 94 on the gun in the past and his 6-foot-4, 175-pound frame offers plenty of projection to suggest he could sit in the 93-96 mph range down the road. Fried is committed to UCLA, but could perform his way into the Top 10 where the bonus money exceeds $2 million.
4) LHP Lex Rutledge
10-11-10 – Top 10 2012 Prospects from Jim Callis/Baseball America - #9. Lex Rutledge, lhp, Samford
Ranked #12 in the 2012 Prospects List compiled by the All-American Athletic Foundation http://allamericanfoundation.pointstreaksites.com/view/allamericanfoundation/news/mlb-2012-draft
6-10-11 from http://www.draftsite.com/mlb/mock-draft/2012 - 14 Pittsburgh Lex Rutledge LHP Samford 6' 2" 200
7-19-11: - http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2011/6/29/2250656/early-look-at-2012#comments - Lex Rutledge, Samford U (Ala), 6’1 185, pitchability and sneaky quick arm, will touch 93-94 on occ with fb, most are 90-91 with very good tailing action away from RHH. Also slurvy type breaking ball that’s solid average when he leads with his elbow from 3/4 arm slot. Command is solid average and he has a killer change up on occasion. Throwing strikes is his key to success. Will be a top 25-30 selection barring any injury.
5) Mathew Smoral
Ranked #103 in the 2012 Prospects List compiled by the All-American Athletic Foundation http://allamericanfoundation.pointstreaksites.com/view/allamericanfoundation/news/mlb-2012-draft
8-25-11: - http://sullydraft.blogspot.com - This summer I went to the National Showcase, Prospect Classic, and the Under Armour All-American Game. Here is my updated top 50 HS prospects. - 13. Matthew Smoral- LHP, Solon HS
10-23-11: - http://www.baseballamerica.com/blog/draft/2011/10/smoral-stands-out-among-big-arms - The World Wood Bat Association World Championship has long been a place where high school prospects can establish themselves as elite players against high-level competition. Matt Smoral, a lefthander from Solon (Ohio) High has always been considered to be among the top pitchers in the country, but he may have solidified himself as the top southpaw with an impressive outing on Friday. Smoral took the hill for the Midland Redskins/Royals Scout Team and lit up radar guns immediately, sitting 90-92 mph and touching 94 twice in the first inning. He remained in the low 90s for the first three innings before settling in at 88-91 in his final inning. He throws from a three-quarter arm slot and has a fairly easily delivery. His second-best pitch is a hard tilting slider in the low 80s.
10-28-11: - http://orioles-nation.com/2011/10/26/wwba-2012-highlights - Matt Smoral (Solon OH) – Left handed pitcher that will run it to 94 mph and easily stay in the low 90s late into innings. The slider shows solid bite and when on it has a crisp spin and could be difficult for lefties to hit when he learns to pound it inside to them. His change up is a little better than “show me” stage, but needs some refinements. Displays some late life sinking action on two seam fastball. Loose and low effort for a 6’8” frame pitcher that is less mechanical driven and maintains decent balance. Nice boring plane, even if the slot is closer to ¾ delivery. He still places his foot to third – mid rubber – and someone his size should try to work off the first base side to ride the arm angle and plane.
6) LHP Justin Jones
Ranked #45 in the 2012 Prospects List compiled by the All-American Athletic Foundation http://allamericanfoundation.pointstreaksites.com/view/allamericanfoundation/news/mlb-2012-draft
Tall and lean with thin thighs; projectable body
Lincecum-esque delivery, perhaps a bit less extreme
High 3/4 arm slot without much effort
Fastball is firm with late sink and arm side run
Fastball is definitely hittable when left up in the zone
Slow, big sweeping 11-5 curve ball with excellent depth and steep break
Curve is consistently a good pitch, but will occasionally break off one that is excellent with sharp steep break; maintained its sharpness throughout the entire outing
Angle on the curve ball makes it very difficult to square up; induced many weak foul balls; can also miss bats
Change-up has drop with only average action (occasionally a tick above)
Change-up has ground ball tendencies but doesn't fool many batters; unlike with the curve, he seems to slow his arm down a bit when throwing it
Slider with good late movement 10-4; doesn't throw often but looked solid the couple times that he did
Command of his fastball and change-up was just OK; had a tendency to miss with both pitches up and to his arm side; did a better job of keeping both pitches down later in the game
Commanded the curve ball to both sides of the plate; threw for strikes and as a chase pitch
Mixes pitches well and used the curve ball as his out pitch
6-20-11: - http://bleacherreport.com/articles/740905-omaha-eye-openers-2012-mlb-draft-prospects-at-the-2011-college-world-series#/articles/740905-omaha-eye-openers-2012-mlb-draft-prospects-at-the-2011-college-world-series/page/6 - After Renda, the next top guy is floppy-haired LHP Justin Jones. Jones will be searching for his 10th victory of the season in the CWS, and if he gets it, he would have posted back-to-back 10-win campaigns. As a freshman, Jones made an immediate impact, going 10-6 with a 4.22 ERA in 18 games (15 starts). He tossed two complete games and joined Renda on the Freshman All-American Team. This season, Jones stepped up his game, posting a 2.93 ERA, tossing three complete-games, and finishing first on the team with 119.2 innings. He also led the Bears with four pickoffs.
7) Andrew Heaney
Ranked #98 in the 2012 Prospects List compiled by the All-American Athletic Foundation http://allamericanfoundation.pointstreaksites.com/view/allamericanfoundation/news/mlb-2012-draft
7-19-11: - http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2011/6/29/2250656/early-look-at-2012#comments - Andrew Heaney, Oklahoma St, 6’2 1/2 170, string bean with cross over delivery and fb up to 93, most are 91 with middle out life and sink and hard slider that lacks only consistent command to be plus out pitch. Potential first rounder for sure in 2012.
8) LHP Hoby Milner
Ranked #42 in the 2012 Prospects List compiled by the All-American Athletic Foundation http://allamericanfoundation.pointstreaksites.com/view/allamericanfoundation/news/mlb-2012-draft
4-11-11: - http://bullpenbanter.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=408:college-baseball-weekend-08-observations&catid=18:articles&Itemid=11 - Player: Hoby Milner College: University of Texas Position: Starting Pitcher Bats/Throws: L/L
Height/Weight: 6'2" / 165 lbs. Tall & thin with a very projectable frame 3/4 arm slot with high leg kick Fastball seemed firm; a touch of arm side run on a bit of a downward plane, but movement was unimpressive; 90 in the 4th (via announcer) Fastball induced almost exclusively fly ball contact; mostly weak, but HR came off on left up and out over the plate 10-5 curve ball with good sharp break; liked to try to backdoor against RH batters; most effective ground ball weapon in his arsenal Change up had drop; improved throughout the game, showing late action by the 2nd inning; 83 in the 2nd (via announcer) Change-up got swings and misses within the zone and was his most impressive offering Slider has 10-4 movement with a bit of late slide; looked more like a cutter at times; threw one slider with good sharp break at 79 MPH in the 4th (via announcer) Fastball command was lacking throughout the game Worked very quickly and attacked hitters, minimizing inefficiencies with his command Paid a lot of attention to runners when on base
6-20-11: - http://bleacherreport.com/articles/740905-omaha-eye-openers-2012-mlb-draft-prospects-at-the-2011-college-world-series#/articles/740905-omaha-eye-openers-2012-mlb-draft-prospects-at-the-2011-college-world-series/page/4 - The Longhorns produce more big leaguers than almost any other NCAA program, and next year will be no different. While there won’t be any players of Taylor Jungmann’s caliber, there will be a decent group of veterans led by LHP Hoby Milner. Milner was one of the Longhorn’s hardest working players this season, making nine starts and 21 relief appearances. He finished third on the team with seven victories and notched an impressive 2.53 ERA and struck out 60 in 81.2 innings. Milner also excelled out of the bullpen in 2010, posting an ERA under 2.00 and about one strikeout per inning. The scrawny (6'2", 165) left-hander was drafted back in 2009 by the Nationals in the 44th round.
7-9-11: - http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=6002 - Hoby Milner, LHP, Texas - Built with a tall and lanky yet wiry strong frame, Milner was turned to pitch out of the bullpen in both games played in Omaha. He served as a stalwart out of the Longhorns' bullpen during his freshman year in 2010, and assumed a more crucial swing role last spring. Milner, who throws in the upper-80s with a big breaking curveball, may be looked upon as a weekend starter next year for a Texas team looking to redeem themselves after a quick exit from the College World Series this year.
7-15-11: - http://mlbdraftguide.com/1/2011/07/13/hoby-milner-2012-draft-profile - Hoby Milner is a thin lefty who, at 6’2/160, still has plenty of projection. His father Brian player in the Blue Jays organization for 5 years. Milner’s fastball comes in from 89-91, with reports as high as 93. His curve is a good offering and comes in at 78-80. His change is also a quality pitch. Milner has a 3/4 arm slot and a high leg kick.
9) Austin Fairchild:
8-25-11: - http://sullydraft.blogspot.com - This summer I went to the National Showcase, Prospect Classic, and the Under Armour All-American Game. Here is my updated top 50 HS prospects. - 40. Austin Fairchild- LHP, St. Thomas HS
10) Taylor Rogers
Ranked #64 in the 2012 Prospects List compiled by the All-American Athletic Foundation http://allamericanfoundation.pointstreaksites.com/view/allamericanfoundation/news/mlb-2012-draft
7-11-11: - http://collegebaseball360.com/2011/07/11/cape-cod-baseball-playerpitcher-awards-july-11 - Taylor Rogers (Kentucky) has earned this week’s Coca Cola Pitcher of the Week honor for leading his team to a 1-0 victory over Orleans on Saturday. Rodgers threw seven innings of two-hit ball, striking out two and walking none. The shutout performance lowered Rogers’ earned run average to a paltry 2.14. He is 2-2 on the season, but has pitched two shutouts and not given up more than three runs in a start this season. Rogers is a sophomore at Kentucky. He is a promising prospect, and quickly established himself as a force to be reckoned with in the SEC, leading the Wildcats in innings pitched in his freshman year. Rogers was selected by the Orioles in the 37th round of the 2009 Major League Baseball draft.
11) Rock Rucker:
7-19-11: - http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2011/6/29/2250656/early-look-at-2012#comments - Rock Rucker, Redan HS, Marietta GA, 6’4 210, L/L, great body and has apparent arm strength, up to 89 on this day, tries to finess and then tries to over power hitters, command is ok, has some ability to improve with more exposure and full-time duties on the hill, more fb vel left in that tank. Keep an eye on in 2012. Saw also in 2010 at Breakthrough Series, has some pop in his bat.
12) James Mathew Crownover
6-24-10: - http://sullydraft.blogspot.com/2010/06/sneak-peak-2012-high-school-top-ten.html - After watching the Junior National Showcase at Tropicana Field. Here is my top ten list for the class of 2012. - 9. Matthew Crownover- LHP, Ringold HS
Ranked #96 in the 2012 Prospects List compiled by the All-American Athletic Foundation http://allamericanfoundation.pointstreaksites.com/view/allamericanfoundation/news/mlb-2012-draft
7-11-11 via Twitter: - KendallRogersPG - by PerfectGameUSA - #Clemson commit James Matthew Crownover is 87-90 FB with a 75 CH and a 73 CB for the East Cobb Braves so far today. #Tigers #ACC
7-19-11: - http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2011/6/29/2250656/early-look-at-2012#comments - Matthew Crownover, Ringold HS, Ringold GA, 6’ 195, max effort guy with fb up to 90, most were 87-88 with middle out life vs RHH, rolling breaking ball and fair control. Will be watched closely next spring. Good competitor.
8-12-11: - http://www.perfectgame.org/AllAmerican/News.aspx?num=6123 – Lefty Matthew Crownover took the mound for the East in the first inning and made quick work of the West with a crisp 1-2-3 inning. Crownover struck out two batters using a 88-90 fastball, a mid-70s curve and an upper-70s changeup showing his usual mastery of the strikezone.
8-25-11: - http://sullydraft.blogspot.com - This summer I went to the National Showcase, Prospect Classic, and the Under Armour All-American Game. Here is my updated top 50 HS prospects. - 42. Matthew Crownover- LHP, Ronggold Hs
13) LHP Sam Selman
Ranked #39 in the 2012 Prospects List compiled by the All-American Athletic Foundation http://allamericanfoundation.pointstreaksites.com/view/allamericanfoundation/news/mlb-2012-draft
http://baseballdraftreport.com SO LHP Sam Selman (2012) - There are way too many teams and players for me to keep track of everybody and everything quite the way I’d like to. The case of Sam Selman exemplifies the limits of my coverage. In doing research for this very piece, I checked out Selman’s 2011 stats, excited to see what kind of numbers a player with a potential plus fastball (mid-90s peak), plus slider, and promising changeup (per my notes) put up. Selman threw a whopping 6.1 innings last year. Based on the reports I had on him from his high school/early Vanderbilt days, some major injury must have popped up for Selman in 2011 to limit his innings that drastically, I thought. Not so fast, my friend. Selman’s lack of work can be traced to an overcrowded (in the best possible way) Vanderbilt pitching staff and a somewhat disappointingly slow transition to the college game, most notably from a strength standpoint. His string bean 6-3, 170 pound physique has not yet proven to be reliable enough to handle any kind of real innings workload and his control has kept him from being able to effectively utilize his array of promising pitches.
14) LHP Christian Jones
Ranked #38 in the 2012 Prospects List compiled by the All-American Athletic Foundation http://allamericanfoundation.pointstreaksites.com/view/allamericanfoundation/news/mlb-2012-draft
5-9-11: - http://bullpenbanter.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=417:college-baseball-weekend-12-observations&catid=18:articles&Itemid=11 - Tall, narrow frame with thin thighs and some projection
Delivery is fast and looked a bit out of control with a slinging low 3/4 arm slot; falls off the mound slightly
Regardless, he repeats the delivery well and it didn't seem to affect his ability to hit his spots
Fastball is firm with arm side run and some sink; worked to both sides of the plate effectively
Fastball lost some life and velocity around the 7th inning and Oregon State started to square the pitch up
10-5 breaking ball with good two plane break and nice shape; sharp break at times
Showed ability to add and subtract velocity/movement to his breaking ball; possibly two unique pitches that were blending into each other
Change-up has good action: drop and arm side fade
All pitches flashed some ability to miss bats, but they're simply not there yet and only managed a handful of swinging strikes on the night; as a result, he lacked a 'put-away' pitch when in a 2 strike count
Hitters had difficult time squaring up pitches for the majority of the night; he induced ground ball after ground ball, especially with the breaking ball
Showed ability to command of all of his pitches; went through a couple of bouts of ineffective command but quickly re-established it
Good reactions on the mound; he fielded his position well despite putting himself in a non-ideal fielding position
Worked quickly and seemed unfazed by base runners; induced 4 GIDPs on the night
7-19-11: - http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2011/6/29/2250656/early-look-at-2012#comments - Christian Jones, Oregon, 6’3 195, strong armed lefty from H 3/4 to 3/4 slot, fb up to 93, most are 90 with some sink when down, arm side run and command is ok, tends to throws lots of pitches, nibbles way too much. Could be early round guy with good fall and spring.
15) Alex Wood:
Tall, wide shoulders, high waist, big frame with some projection remaining
3/4 arm slot with long arm action on backside; not too much effort in delivery
Four-seam fastball has a touch of arm side run and is firm; only average movement
Two-seam fastball has good late sink; used as his preferred fastball; Auburn hitters had a very difficult time squaring the pitch up
Used the four-seam as a pitch to try to spot on a corner or blow past a hitter with 2 strikes; tendency to be up in the zone with it
11-5 curve ball with rolling action; not a big breaking pitch but had nice shape; broke off a handful of bigger curves as well
Change-up has drop and some late arm side fade; just avg action but showed some above-average ability in the 4th and 5th inning
Change-up has more ground ball ability than swing and miss potential
Solid command of pitches, misses were generally just off of the plate; locates the curve ball well
Did a good job of keeping the ball down; outs came primarily via ground ball
Worked efficiently, getting ground balls early in the count
16) Zak Wasliewski
6-24-10: - http://sullydraft.blogspot.com/2010/06/sneak-peak-2012-high-school-top-ten.html - After watching the Junior National Showcase at Tropicana Field. Here is my top ten list for the class of 2012. - 7. Zak Wasilewski- LHP, Tazewell HS
Ranked #55 in the 2012 Prospects List compiled by the All-American Athletic Foundation http://allamericanfoundation.pointstreaksites.com/view/allamericanfoundation/news/mlb-2012-draft
17) Matt Whitehouse
6-13-11: - http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=5880 UC Irvine starting pitcher Matt Whitehouse allowed just one earned run in five innings of work, while reliever Andrew Thurman was fantastic, allowing just a run in four innings of work in a huge 6-4 win over Virginia to force a decisive third game in the Charlottesville Super Regional. While Whitehouse and Thurman led the way on the mound, Drew Hillman and Tommy Reyes each had two hits in the game. For Virginia, starting pitcher Tyler Wilson only allowed a run in six innings, but relievers Justin Thompson and Branden Kline were unable to take care of business.
18) R C Orlan
6-14-11: - http://baseballdraftreport.com - SO LHP RC Orlan (2012) | 12.56 K/9 – 5.65 BB/9 – 3.54 FIP – 14.1 IP Sometimes good college pitchers are just that. Other times they become good pro pitchers. On rare occasions, they become great pro pitchers. It may be easy to lump Orlan into that first category, but I think he ultimately could fall into the middle grouping. His raw stuff doesn’t jump out at you — upper-80s FB (92 peak), above-average mid-80s cutter, a pair of usable breaking balls — and his slight frame doesn’t scream big leaguer, but his total package is greater than the sum of his individual parts.
6-20-11: - http://bleacherreport.com/articles/740905-omaha-eye-openers-2012-mlb-draft-prospects-at-the-2011-college-world-series#/articles/740905-omaha-eye-openers-2012-mlb-draft-prospects-at-the-2011-college-world-series/page/8 - LHP R.C. Orlan served as the Tar Heels lefty specialist this year, appearing in 30 games but logging only 14.1 innings. He struck out 19 batters but also issued 10 walks, plunked two batters and threw two wild pitches. As a lefty specialist, he likely won’t get many looks, but if the Heels expand his role, he could do better than his 44th-round selection back in ’09.
7-19-11: - http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2011/6/29/2250656/early-look-at-2012#comments - R C Orlan, UNC-Chapel Hill, 5’11 190, hard thrower with pin straight fb, some tail way vs RHH up and away, also downer type cb that still in development stage, fb up to 91, most are 88-91, and he’s around the zone. Not very tall, best suited for relief.
19) Adam Westmoreland:
6-20-11: - http://bleacherreport.com/articles/740905-omaha-eye-openers-2012-mlb-draft-prospects-at-the-2011-college-world-series#/articles/740905-omaha-eye-openers-2012-mlb-draft-prospects-at-the-2011-college-world-series/page/9 - After Walker, there is a significant drop-off in talent, but one of the guys who will be the most intriguing to keep an eye on is 6'7", 270-pound LHP Adam Westmoreland. Westmoreland was South Carolina’s Mr. Baseball back in 2008 and was drafted by the Dodgers in the 35th-round that same year. After a solid freshman campaign, Westmoreland tore his elbow ligament in his pitching arm just before the 2010 season began. He missed the entire season after having Tommy John surgery and was forced to redshirt. He struggled when he finally did get back on the mound this season, posting a 5.77 ERA in 11 games, nine of which were starts. He pitched only 34.1 innings and had some issues with his command, posting a 26:18 K:BB ratio. He also hit three batters and issued two more wild pitches.
20) Dylan Mendoza
6-20-11: - http://bleacherreport.com/articles/740905-omaha-eye-openers-2012-mlb-draft-prospects-at-the-2011-college-world-series#/articles/740905-omaha-eye-openers-2012-mlb-draft-prospects-at-the-2011-college-world-series/page/7 - LHP Dylan Mendoza lacks the size (5'10", 175 lbs), but he should be given a chance to win a spot in the rotation next year, which should increase his exposure, giving him a chance to earn a spot somewhere in the draft.
21) Jess Winkler
6-17-11: - http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=5900 - The 2011 Perfect Game National Showcase began with the outfielders showing their arm strength from right field. Windermere, Florida native Jesse Winker was one of those players, hitting 91 on the radar gun on throws made to both third and home. Winker is no stranger to Perfect Game events, particularly those associated with the National Showcase, having attended the Junior National in both 2010 and 2009. "I love coming out here, Perfect Game does a great job putting this together,” Winker said after he took batting practice. “I love coming to show what I have and to see where I rank among all the other players. “There is a bunch of (great) talent here. From watching BP and from shagging there's a bunch of guys that can swing it and throw it, both infield and outfield. It's a lot of fun to watch and be part of.” He already was considered one of the top players in the nation eligible for the 2012 draft, and after an incredibly impressive round of BP he has cemented his status as one of the nation's elite hitters.
22) Aaron Stull:
6-20-11: - http://bleacherreport.com/articles/740905-omaha-eye-openers-2012-mlb-draft-prospects-at-the-2011-college-world-series#/articles/740905-omaha-eye-openers-2012-mlb-draft-prospects-at-the-2011-college-world-series/page/2 - Another interesting player should be LHP Aaron Stull, who logged only two innings on the mound this season. He has prototypical pitcher's size (6'6", 185) and is a former record-setting QB at Croatan HS, where he also won Jacksonville (NC) Daily News Player of the Year honors.
23) Joshua Turley:
7-19-11: - http://collegebaseball360.com/2011/07/19/roache-turley-take-weekly-cape-cod-league-honors - Wareham southpaw Joshua Turley (Baylor) has recorded two masterful performances to capture this week’s Coca Cola Pitcher of the Week award. In his two starts this week, Turley surrendered just three hits and one run over 12 innings. He struck out more than a batter than inning, recording 13 strikeouts this week while walking only two. Turley has been the epitome of consistent this season. After bouncing back from a rocky first appearance, Turley has given up only two runs in four starts. His 1-1 record this week brings him to 3-1 on the season, with a 2.03 earned run average. Turley has finished his sophomore season at Baylor, where he continues to show great promise. He seamlessly transitioned from a reliever to starter this past year, and has clearly continued to the role of starter this summer.
24) Tim Cooney:
7-19-11: - http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2011/6/29/2250656/early-look-at-2012#comments - Tim Cooney, Wake Forest, 6’3 195, finess guy with good control and will touch 90 on occ, most fb upper 80’s, change of speeds is key to his success from 3/4 slot. Will be 8-12 round type unless velo picks up a tick or two.
25) Sean Hagen:
7-19-11: - http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2011/6/29/2250656/early-look-at-2012#comments - Sean Hagan, St John’s, 6’6 220, a biggin’ with plus arm strength, fb up to 93, most are 90-91 with some late arm side run, hard cb lacks command from 3/4 slot, crosses and fights himself some in delivery. FB movement is his plus with that velocity and could be early rounder or 8-12 rounder. Needs good fall & spring.
26) Ty Blach:
7-19-11: - http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2011/6/29/2250656/early-look-at-2012#comments - Ty Blach, Creighton, 6’1 200, nice lefty with fb up to 91, 92 on occ, most are 88-89, some arm side run and good change up, cb a bit sloppy at times, needs more consistency with cb and command to be effective and move up in draft status. 8-12 guy on paper with potential to go 4-7 rounds, keys will be overall command and if fb ticks up in velo any. Comparisons to former Jay, Brad Kucera former high rounder of the Brewers in the late 80’s for coach Hendry.
9-1-11: - http://xmlbscout.angelfire.com - Ty Blach, Creighton, 6'1 200, nice lefty with fb up to 91, 92 on occ, most are 88-89, some arm side run and good change up, cb a bit sloppy at times, needs more consistency with cb and command to be effective and move up in draft status. 8-12 guy on paper with potential to go 4-7 rounds, keys will be overall command and if fb ticks up in velo any. Comparisons to former Jay, Brad Kucera former high rounder of the Brewers in the late 80's for coach Hendry.
27) Jake Drossner:
7-19-11: - http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2011/6/29/2250656/early-look-at-2012#comments - Jake Drossner, Council Rock North HS, Newtown PA, 6’3 190, loose lefty crosses body some during land, fb up to 90, most were upper 80’ and had downer type cb that got hitters out front and looking, was around the plate, has good move to 1b for age, could be 1-3 rounder, on paper is a 4-7 round follow, but could come on next year.
28) Eric Erickson:
8-17-11: - http://www.collegebaseballdaily.com/2011/08/17/tyler-beede-going-to-vanderbilt-good-or-bad - A player that I look at who actually has hurt himself by going to college is Miami (FL) lefthander Eric Erickson who was a 43rd round selection in the 2006 MLB Draft by the New York Yankees. He decided to head to college where he had a great freshman season in 2007 going 10-4 with a 2.50 ERA and 63 strikeouts in 90 innings. His sophomore season in 2008 saw him drop off somewhat to a 9-1 record and a 4.15 ERA. He ended up suffering an injury in fall practice in 2008 making him miss the 2009 season with “Tommy-John” surgery. He returned in 2010 to the diamond 4-1 record and a 2.52 ERA in ten starts missing his last few of the years as his arm flared up. He ended up having another “Tommy-John” surgery after the season. He did not attend Miami in 2011 and will be back in the mix in 2012 for his sixth year of eligibility.
29) Brent Suter
Junior (2011): - Named as the pitcher teams want least to face as well as one of the Ivy League's top three starting pitchers by College Baseball Insider in the preseason ... Named to the Ivy League weekly Honor Roll after he threw a complete game two-hit shutout with nine strikeouts at NYIT on 3/27 ... Struck out five in 3.1 innings of scoreless relief against Northeastern on 4/12 ... Earned a complete game win with seven strikeouts at Baornw on 4/17 ... Had 11 strikeouts in a 7.0 inning complete game against Dartmouth on 5/1, striking out six of the last eight outs of the game. - http://www.gocrimson.com/sports/bsb/2010-11/bios/suter_brent
Coming off the only nine-inning complete game in the Cape Cod Baseball League this season in the series clinching game vs. Bourne in the first round of the playoffs, Wareham Gatemen LHP Brent Suter (Harvard) was named the CCBL Pitcher of the Week. Suter (Cincinnati, Ohio ) is the third Wareham pitcher to be so honored this season following teammates Luke Farrell (Northwestern) and Josh Turley (Baylor). The left-handed pitcher was on the mound for the game two, clinching, opening series win over the Bourne Braves; pitching nine innings, allowing only two earned runs, striking out eight and walking only two batters. Earlier in the week, Suter pitched five shutout innings against Falmouth; striking out five and allowing only four hits in the no-decision. - http://www.gocrimson.com/sports/bsb/2010-11/releases/20110809u2dv9v
30) Kyle Twomey:
9-2-11: - http://mlbdraftguide.com/1/2011/09/02/kyle-twomey-2012-draft-profile - Kyle Twomey is one of the more interesting lefthanders eligible for the 2012 draft. At 6’3/165, he has a great deal of projection. Twomey has a nice easy delivery with a 3/4 arm slot and good arm speed. Twomey’s fastball has good sink and can touch 91. More velocity should come as he matures. His curve has good break and his change has the potential to be a true plus pitch. Twomey is a polished pitcher and knows what he is doing on the mound. He pounds the strikezone with three quality pitches. His development in the spring will be watched closely.
10-28-11: - http://orioles-nation.com/2011/10/26/wwba-2012-highlights - Kyle Twomey (Placentia CA El Dorado HS) – Solid inline downhill left handed pitcher with some slight quick arm action from a ¾ delivery. Lean and tall that should fill out leading to an improved fastball that was sitting mainly 87-90 mph. Decent curveball, but the slot and wide break give it a slurve type of feel. The straight three finger change shows nice late sink and should be a pitch in his arsenal down the road at an advanced stage. If he shows up 180 pounds in the spring, he will be a name to remember early in the draft.
31) Steve Ewing
Ranked #169 in the 2012 Prospects List compiled by the All-American Athletic Foundation http://allamericanfoundation.pointstreaksites.com/view/allamericanfoundation/news/mlb-2012-draft
7-19-11: - http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2011/6/29/2250656/early-look-at-2012#comments - Steven Ewing, Miami, 6’2 225, must watch weight and fights across his body from H 3/4 slot, fb up to 91, most are upper 80’s with life and changes speeds off fb and cb well, command is key, throws lots of pitches and nibbles but gets K on occ, groundball guy mostly.
32) Steven Rodriguez
Ranked #122 in the 2012 Prospects List compiled by the All-American Athletic Foundation http://allamericanfoundation.pointstreaksites.com/view/allamericanfoundation/news/mlb-2012-draft
7-19-11: - http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2011/6/29/2250656/early-look-at-2012#comments - Steven Rodriguez, Florida, 6’2 220, bulldog lefty with fb up to 93 out of pen, may move into starter role this fall, but consensus is he’ll be a closer for the Gators. Hard slider lacks only consistency but has good dropping action in on RHH. Could be top 4-7 rounder.
33) Brett Lilek
Ranked #63 in the 2012 Prospects List compiled by the All-American Athletic Foundation http://allamericanfoundation.pointstreaksites.com/view/allamericanfoundation/news/mlb-2012-draft
34) Cole Irvin
Ranked #74 in the 2012 Prospects List compiled by the All-American Athletic Foundation http://allamericanfoundation.pointstreaksites.com/view/allamericanfoundation/news/mlb-2012-draft
35) Kyle Carter
Ranked #105 in the 2012 Prospects List compiled by the All-American Athletic Foundation http://allamericanfoundation.pointstreaksites.com/view/allamericanfoundation/news/mlb-2012-draft
36) Kyle Richter
Ranked #116 in the 2012 Prospects List compiled by the All-American Athletic Foundation http://allamericanfoundation.pointstreaksites.com/view/allamericanfoundation/news/mlb-2012-draft
37) Max Foody
Ranked #117 in the 2012 Prospects List compiled by the All-American Athletic Foundation http://allamericanfoundation.pointstreaksites.com/view/allamericanfoundation/news/mlb-2012-draft
38) Zach Irwin
Ranked #121 in the 2012 Prospects List compiled by the All-American Athletic Foundation http://allamericanfoundation.pointstreaksites.com/view/allamericanfoundation/news/mlb-2012-draft
39) Cory Geisler
Ranked #134 in the 2012 Prospects List compiled by the All-American Athletic Foundation http://allamericanfoundation.pointstreaksites.com/view/allamericanfoundation/news/mlb-2012-draft
40) Tyler Joyner
Ranked #163 in the 2012 Prospects List compiled by the All-American Athletic Foundation http://allamericanfoundation.pointstreaksites.com/view/allamericanfoundation/news/mlb-2012-draft
41) Alex Wood
Ranked #167 in the 2012 Prospects List compiled by the All-American Athletic Foundation http://allamericanfoundation.pointstreaksites.com/view/allamericanfoundation/news/mlb-2012-draft
42) Detrich Enns
Ranked #199 in the 2012 Prospects List compiled by the All-American Athletic Foundation http://allamericanfoundation.pointstreaksites.com/view/allamericanfoundation/news/mlb-2012-draft
43) Robert Alexander
9-1-11: - http://xmlbscout.angelfire.com - Robert Alexander, Holy Trinity HS, Bronx NY, 6'2 200, loose with high leg kick delivery from 3/4 slot, changes speeds well, threw mid to upper 80's, most fb were 86 with late life middle out vs RHH and snapping cb that has downer action and straight change he teased hitters with first night out, was hit hard in medal round. Needs to have command and control at all times, will not be a power arm, but more of a finess guy like Mark Buerhle, has shot to be a good one in time. 2012 grad, 13-20 round type from cold weather area. Good attitude and smart kid.
44) Alex Robinson:
10-23-11: - http://www.baseballamerica.com/blog/draft/2011/10/smoral-stands-out-among-big-arms - • Lefthander Alex Robinson of Holy Trinity Diocesan School in Hicksville, N.Y., was a tough look for hitters on Friday. He has a high leg kick and hides the ball well, but comes from a low three-quarter arm slot and sits 88-89 with his fastball. Hitters took a lot of defensive swings against him. He also mixed in a 78-80 slider and 83 changeup with sink.
45) Rob Corsi:
10-25-11: - http://www.collegesummerbaseball.net/2011/10/top-20-pitchers-in-atlantic-collegiate.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter - Top 20 Pitchers in the Atlantic Collegiate Baseball League - 1. Rob Corsi LHP Jersey Pilots---Rutgers - Rob is a 6-0/180 pound lefty from Oceanport, NJ. He had a tremendous summer and was rewarded by being named the leagues Most Valuable Pitcher. He went 5-2 and sported a 1.54 era in 46.2 innings of work for the Pilots. He allowed just 37 hits, walked 16 and led the league with 56 strikeouts. He was fourth in the league in ERA and was tied for first with his five wins. Perfect Game ranked Rob as the 25th best prospect in the league.
46) Chris Phelan:
10-25-11: - http://www.collegesummerbaseball.net/2011/10/top-20-pitchers-in-atlantic-collegiate.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter - Top 20 Pitchers in the Atlantic Collegiate Baseball League 2. Chris Phelan RHP Southampton Breakers---Farmingdale State - Chris (6-0/210 pounds) led the league with a minuscule 0.68 era in 40 innings of work. He also went 4-0 and walked just 4 batters on the summer. for the Breakers. He started 5 games and completed 3 of them for Southampton.
47) Nathan Kirby:
10-28-11: - http://orioles-nation.com/2011/10/26/wwba-2012-highlights - Nathan Kirby (Midlothian VA; James River HS) – A lot of projection left in the thin framed LHP, with a good deal of room to gain some strength in both the lower and upper body. Kirby is a smooth left hander with some effort, but is long and loose. He has an extended 3/4 release and collapses heavily towards the glove side, which could be a reason why he shows trouble commanding his arsenal at times. The fastball has life and sits 88-90 mph, touching 91 mph. His curve has some decent bite; flashes a potential slider and change up. Good feel for pitching, but simply needs to tighten up on a consistent basis. Good deal of potential on the mound.
48) Steven Dressler:
10-28-11: - http://orioles-nation.com/2011/10/26/wwba-2012-highlights - Steven Dressler (Burlington ON) - Mechanically, he is loose, inline, and sound without issues that trigger command or injury concerns. He rode it up to 90 mph, but mainly sat 87-88 mph. I think with some solid instruction he could flash three pitch potential. His curve needs to tighten up, but flashed some depth. I see a foundation for the change up, but he will have to work out the kinks as he matures. He looks the part of a mid to back rotation starter.
49)
50) Brian Holmes:
10-6-11: - http://ht.ly/1f0wJA - We continue the countdown today with number 97 junior Wake Forest LHP Brian Holmes. He is from Lawrenceville, Georgia and was a two year letterwinner at Mill Creek High School. As a senior, he went 4-1 with a 1.89 ERA and 43 strikeouts while leading the team to the state playoffs both years. Holmes spent his freshman season at one of the top junior colleges in the country at Young Harris Junior College. He pitched in 13 games including eight starts. He finished the season with a 4-2 record and an 8.16 ERA while striking out 43 batters in 43 innings pitched. Holmes transferred over to Wake Forest for the 2011 season where he was inserted into the weekend rotation. He appeared in 15 games (11 starts) serving as the Demon Deacons top starting pitcher by the end of the year. He finished the year with a 3-4 record while having an ERA of 3.00 in 69 innings pitched. He struggled some with his walks with 28 on the year but struck out 68 batters.
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