1/30/14

Draft 14 - A Quick Look - RHP - Jeff Hoffman - East Carolina



       Jeff Hoffman
6-9-13  -  16.Jeff Hoffman, RHP (East Carolina): The righty has shown a strong low-to-mid 90s fastball, and two potentially-plus off-speed pitches. Doesn’t strikeout as many as the other big college arms though (7.06 K/9 IP). http://www.minorleaguerundown.com/2013/06/09/2014-mlb-draft-top-30-prospects/

6-9-13  - 10. Seattle Mariners — Jeff Hoffman, RHP, East Carolina - The 6’-4”, 190-pound right-hander is a workhorse who could have a Jonathan Gray-like rise next season with continued development on his curveball and change-up, both of which are solid offerings right now. His fastball is a plus pitch already and touches 97 mph. Over 15 starts this season, he had a 3.20 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 84 K/39 BB over 109.2 innings. His 7.3 innings-per-start show the kind of stamina he has, and he maintains velocity deep in games. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-mock-draft-1-0-no-time-like-the-present/34008#Vj5KQGPZZT1XUyhx.99

6-10-13 -  Jeff Hoffman, RHP, East Carolina - Hoffman was one of the most impressive pitchers on the Cape last summer.  He has 3 pitches that all grade out above average.  His fastball gets above 95. http://bigleaguefutures.net/1/2013/06/10/2014-mlb-draft-early-college-names-to-know/

6-13-13  -  10. Seattle Mariners — Jeff Hoffman, RHP, East Carolina - The 6’-4”, 190 pound right-hander is a workhorse who could have a Jonathan Gray-like rise next season with continued development on his curveball and change-up, both of which are solid offering right now. His fastball is a plus pitch already and touches 97 mph. Over 15 starts this season, he had a 3.20 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 84 K/39 BB over 109.2 innings. His 7.3 innings-per-start show the kind of stamina he has and he maintains velocity deep in games. http://beforeitsnews.com/sports/2013/06/2014-mlb-mock-draft-1-0-no-time-like-the-present-2513748.html?currentSplittedPage=2

7-17-13 - Kiley McDaniel ‏@kileymcd  - Hyannis/East Carolina 2014 RHP Jeff Hoffman working 94-97 in the first inning in front of a loaded scouting section.
Jeff Hoffman is a 6’4″, 185 pound right-handed starter from Latham, NY. He plays collegiatly for the East Carolina Pirates and for the Hyannis Harbor Hawks in the Cape Cod League. I have seen him pitch three times this season, the first of which was at beautiful Clark-LeClair Stadium in Greenville, NC when the ECU Pirates opposed the University of Central Florida Golden Knights. On 5/16/2013, Jeff threw 8 innings, surrendered 6 hits, walked 6, struck out 5, and allowed 2 runs. The next two outings were on 7/4/2013 and 7/17/2013 during some Cape Cod League Baseball action at McKeon Park in Barnstable, MA. On July 4th, Hoffman went 6 innings, allowed 2 earned runs, 5 hits, 1 walk, and struck-out 8. On July 17th, he was even more impressive. That day, his final line was 7.2 IP, 0 ER, 3 H, 1BB, and 11 K. http://bullpenbanter.com/jeff-hoffman-the-ace-of-the-cape/ e-up that is more of an out pitch. His command can be shaky at times as he is still learning how to be a pitcher instead of just running his overpowering fastball. Over 15 starts this year, he had a 4.25 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 109 K/48 BB over 95.1 innings. If he works on his command the way Jonathan Gray did this year, as well as refine his off-speed stuff, he could challenge Beede and Rodon for the top pick. http://beforeitsnews.com/sports/2013/06/2014-mlb-mock-draft-1-0-no-time-like-the-present-2513748.html?currentSplittedPage=2  

8-14-13 – Through The Fence – Top 50 Prospects – 5. Jeff Hoffman, RHP, East Carolina - The 6’-4”, 200-pound right-hander was dominate at the Cape Cod League this year. Over 24.1 innings, he had 33 K/5 BB and allowed 20 hits for Hyannis. His fastball can touch 98 mph, and both his curveball and change-up are solid offerings and getting better. Over 15 starts as a sophomore, he had a 3.20 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 84 K/39 BB over 109.2 innings. His 7.3 innings-per-start show the kind of stamina he has, and he maintains velocity deep in games. We all saw Jonathan Gray rocket up draft boards this past year, and Hoffman could enjoy the same ride.  http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-top-50-prospects/36463#mwWwsFxSUZy7YC5V.99

9-1-13 - Jim Callis – 2. Jeff Hoffman, rhp, East Carolina - Starred in Cape Cod League last two summers with mid-90s fastball, big-breaking curve.

9-4-13 – Mack’s Mock Draft v1.0 – 9 – Twins – RHP   Jeff Hoffman – East Carolina – 6-4 control finesse pitcher (7.06 K/9 IP) who simply gets the job done working the corners with his 92-95, 97 fastball and two + off-speed pitches. 84 K/39 BB over 109.2 innings last season.  Had a big summer in the Cape Cod League and a lot of scouts are predicting a Jonathan Gray-like rise in the rankings for him once the season starts. I already have him there.

9-10-13 – Top Arms in 2013 Cape Cod League - Jeff Hoffman 6-4/183, Hyannis Harborhawks 24.1 IP, 33K, 3.70 ERA: FB 93-97 CB 78-82 CH 86-89-  Hoffman has put himself in the discussion of top 5 picks for next year’s draft. His FB is thrown with downward plane and flashes late bore. His CB is tight with depth in the zone and late break. His CH is firm but has run. Other than one outing, he dominated CCBL line-ups. http://bullpenbanter.com/2013-all-cape-team-pitchers 
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9-27-13 - Jim Callis - The 2014 Draft is a solid group that impresses scouts more than the 2012 and 2013 talent pools. College pitching is always a prized commodity, and there's plenty behind Rodon, starting with right-handers Jeff Hoffman (East Carolina) and Tyler Beede (Vanderbilt). There's more velocity this year in the high school ranks, with righty Tyler Kolek (Shepherd, Texas, HS) leading the way with a consistent upper-90s fastball. The pitchers stand out more than the position players, though there are plenty of intriguing bats. Catcher/outfielder Alex Jackson (Rancho Bernardo HS, San Diego) and shortstop Jacob Gatewood (Clovis, Calif., HS) offer plenty of power, while Trea Turner (North Carolina State) has uncommon speed and is a rare collegian who should be able to play shortstop in the Majors. http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130927&content_id=61864804&c_id=

9-29-13 – XMLBScout – 10.)RHP, Jeff Hoffman, East Carolina, 6'4 190, nice easy delivery with fb that reaches 95, most are 91-92 with life and boring action in on RHH, cb and change still coming along, both could be used to get outs in pro ball currently but need improvement at the ML level to be effective, appears to have enough stamina and strength to be a starter but has a loose enough arm that he could be effective best out of the bullpen. Definite one to watch for 2014, 1-3 round projection, for me 4-7 round seems fair. http://xmlbscout.angelfire.com/ 

9-30-13 – TTF Mock 2.0 - 4. Chicago Cubs — Jeff Hoffman, RHP, East Carolina   With Javier Baez, Kris Bryant, Albert Almora and Jorge Soler leading the way, the Cubs have some outstanding offensive potential coming through the system at a rapid pace. By selecting Hoffman here, they can hopefully add that ace in the rotation they so desperately need. The 6’-4”, 200-pound right-hander was dominate at the Cape Cod League this year. Over 24.1 innings, he had 33 K/5 BB and allowed 20 hits for Hyannis. His fastball can touch 98 mph, and both his curveball and change-up are solid offerings and getting better. Over 15 starts as a sophomore, he had a 3.20 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 84 K/39 BB over 109.2 innings. His 7.3 innings-per-start show the kind of stamina he has, and he maintains velocity deep in games. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-mock-draft-2-0-draft-order-set/38280#5E3F5j1jWOgE69bJ.99 

10-6-13 – Kendall Rogers/PG – College Prospects - 2. Jeff Hoffman, rhp,  East Carolina (Drafted: Never) - There’s always that prospect who takes a massive step forward during the summer. Last summer, it was Mississippi State outfielder Hunter Renfroe, who parlayed a strong summer and spring into a Padres first-round pick. Now, it’s likely Hoffman, who elevated his status at the Cape Cod League by sitting 94-97, and up to 98, with his fastball, which had exploding life. Hoffman also showed a good 80-82 curveball throughout the summer. If Hoffman is consistent in the spring, it’s not out of the question that he could be the first overall pick in the MLB draft. http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=9081
10-9-13 – Early Pick for Cubs - Jeff Hoffman, RHP, East Carolina - Carlos Rodon is left off the 2014 MLB draft list because the only way he falls out of the top three is if he has an injury or decides to give up the sport altogether — neither of which I hope happens. Jeff Hoffman, a 6’-4” right-hander, impressed some scouts so much in the Cape Cod League that some have put him in the discussion for 1-1 with Rodon. With more than 24.1 innings, he had 33 K/5 BB and showed off his great stuff, headlined by a mid-90s fastball and the makings of a plus curveball that sits in the 80-84 mph range. Hoffman also adds an above-average change-up and solid slider, giving him a quality four-pitch mix. His command still needs to be a little more consistent but he shows a smooth, effortless delivery so the mechanics are there. At 185 pounds, there is still projection left and he could actually gain more velocity as he fills out. It is no secret that the Cubs organization lacks starting pitching depth and, if Hoffman is still on the board for the 2014 MLB draft, he could be a huge addition to one of the best farm systems in baseball. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-early-targets-chicago-cubs-fourth-overall-pick/38723

10-16-13 – Kevin Gallo on Jeff Hoffman - Fastball: Has a plus FB that sits in the mid-90s with excellent tailing action. Secondary Pitches: Hoffman has an above average to plus Curveball closer to plus. CB sits around 80mph with a 1 to 7 hard biting break. He looks to be an out pitch at the Major League Level. Change up: His Changeup is average but doesn’t use it very much. It sits in the high 80s but shows good tailing and arm action. I have been told his Changeup has improved but I can only go off what I have seen. Command: He works good command of his FB and CB but didn’t see enough of his CU to get an idea of it.  Summary: Hoffman as show the tools to be the #1 pick in next year’s draft but Rondon is going to be difficult to overtake. He also has room to gain muscle and develop. He has the pieces to be a pure #1 and if his changeup has improved he could become an elite pitcher http://www.chicagonow.com/cubs-den/2013/10/guest-post-scouting-report-on-jeff-hoffman/

10-15-13 – Baseball America - 2. Jeff Hoffman, rhp, East Carolina: His stuff isn’t far off from Rodon’s, but he hasn’t performed to a comparable level (6.8 K/9 in two seasons). http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/2014-draft-top-50-october-2013-carlos-rodon/

10-18-13 – Matt Garroich – Jeff Hoffman of East Carolina is a righty that has frontline potential and three plus pitch potential. He would be the kind of guy who would be in discussions for the top pick in any draft, so he should be in this draft as well, even with Rodon in it. I don't want to oversell Hoffman at this point because his stuff has always been better than his results but his summer on Cape Cod was simply dominant. http://www.minorleagueball.com/2013/10/18/4851030/2014-mlb-draft-atlantic-region-college-discussion

11-3-13 – Baseball America - East Carolina’s scout day was held Friday night, which gave in-state scouts a look at righthander Jeff Hoffman, who ranked as the No. 1 prospect in the Cape Cod League this summer. Hoffman dominated with Cape with sharpened stuff that produced 12 strikeouts per nine and a 6.6 strikeout-walk ratio. Hoffman sat 93-96 mph with his fastball through two innings and did not throw a fastball below 94 in his second inning. He has a loose, easy arm action and the ball jumps out of his hand with downhill plane and minimal effort from a three-quarters slot. Hoffman largely pitched off his fastball. http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/east-carolina-scout-day-jeff-hoffman/

11-4-13 – MLB Draft Insider - Top 14 for ’14: College Pitchers - 2. Jeff Hoffman / RHP / East Carolina – He doesn’t have Rodon’s track record, but Hoffman was as good — if not better — than any collegiate pitcher this summer, occasionally hitting 97 on the gun with a plus-plus curve and a change that also flashed plus. http://mlbdraftinsider.com/2013/11/top-14-for-14-college-pitchers/

   11-27-13 – Big League Futures Top 25 Poll –  3 Jeff Hoffman    RHP East Carolina http://bigleaguefutures.net/1/2013/11/26/mlb-draft-top-25-prospects-poll/

B/R – 11-21-13 - 2. Miami Marlins: Jeff Hoffman, RHP, East Carolina - A 6’4”, 183-pound right-hander, Jeff Hoffman has a very projectable frame that will allow him to add considerable strength, especially to his lower half, as he develops. Throwing on a consistent downhill plane, Hoffman will usually sit in the 92-97 mph range with his fastball and more toward the high end of that range when he’s at his best. While he does a decent job of working the pitch to both sides of the plate, his overall command leaves room for improvement. In terms of his secondary arsenal, Hoffman features a plus curveball in the 78-83 mph range with tight, top-to-bottom rotation and late downer bite. The offering has plus-plus potential at maturity. Hoffman also throws a mid-80s slider that already grades as at least an average offering when on, though it’s less consistent than the true curveball. The right-hander has a changeup with average fading action that should develop into another weapon during his rise to the major leagues. http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1860341-2014-mlb-mock-draft-early-first-round-projections-for-all-30-teams/page/10

12-9-13 – Pine Tar Press  -  6- RHP Tyler Beede Vanderbilt 5/23/93- He turned down the Blue Jays (21st overall) out of HS and has become a dominant collegiate for Vandy winning 14 games as a sophomore. He has 3 solid pitches with a 92-94 fastball and a very good curve and change. He still has question marks with overall command. (Cubs @ 4) http://pinetarpress.com/early-look-2014-mlb-draft/

1-3-14 – TTF Baseball - 3. Chicago Whit Sox — Jeff Hoffman, RHP, East Carolina - Since Kenny Williams took over in 2000, the White Sox have selected a college player in the first round 13 of 17 times. Eight of those have been pitchers. He would have his pick of a couple here but I say he would go with Hoffman, a 6’-4”, 200 pound right-hander who has been rocketing up draft boards since dominating the Cape Cod League. Over 24.1 innings, he had 33 K/5 BB and allowed 20 hits for Hyannis. His fastball can touch 98 mph, and both his curveball and change-up are solid offerings, and getting better. Over 15 starts as a sophomore, he had a 3.20 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 84 K/39 BB over 109.2 innings. His 7.2 innings-per-start show the kind of stamina he has, and he maintains velocity deep in games. A strong showing his junior season could propel him in talks for the number-one spot. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-2/40753#ppGUqI6CbWFvzsPf.99


1-20-14 – PG Preseason College All-Americans - Starting Pitcher - Jeff Hoffman, East Carolina - 2013 Stats: 3.20 ERA, 109 2/3 IP, 84 K, 39 BB, .243 OPP BA - Though it remains a long shot in the eyes of many, Hoffman is one pitcher who could unseat Rodon as the top overall pick in next summer’s MLB draft. Hoffman, a 6-foot-4, 192-pounder, has elite stuff, and coach Billy Godwin feels like he has a chance to put all the puzzle pieces together once and for all this spring. Hoffman has a fastball anywhere from 94-97, with the ability to touch 98, while he possesses a good low-80s curveball and developing low-80s changeup. Perhaps no pitcher includes as much intrigue entering the spring as Hoffman. http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=9294

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