2/7/14

Draft 14 – Aaron Nola, Jake Cosart, Lukas Schiraldi, Alex Destino, Ti’Quan Forbes


11-19-13 - Aaron Nola (RHP) - College: LSU - In short, Nola’s numbers for LSU in 2013 were absolutely ridiculous. In 17 starts, he had 126 innings pitched–good for a little over seven and one/third innings per start. His control was impeccable walking just 18 batters while striking out 122, giving him an impressive strikeout-to-walk ratio of 6.78. At 6’1″, 183 pounds, Nola doesn’t have that towering pitcher build that scouts rave about, but as you can see by the numbers, he doesn’t really need it. He makes up for it by employing a somewhat deceptive three-quarters motion to provide exception movement on three above-average pitches. His go-to is his sinker which touches 94 MPH with both downward and tailing movement. He also has a plus changeup that mimics the movement of his fastball. Finally, he has an above-average 11-5 breaking ball which is resembles a slurve more than just a curveball or slider. Baseball America has him 10th in their latest 2014 draft rankings, so he, like Turner, will likely be unavailable by the time the Cardinals pick. However, if interested here is a video of him pitching in the Cape Cod League in 2012. His deceptive whipping motion is on full display in the video. In my opinion, he has the best chance of any pitching prospect to make a Michael Wacha-like rise through a team’s farm system. Let’s hope he doesn’t end up in the National League Central. http://stlcupofjoe.com/2013/11/19/2014-mlb-draft-five-prospects-to-keep-an-eye-on-part-2/

12-9-13 – Pine Tar Press  -  23- RHP Jake Cosart Seminole State- Duke transfer and younger brother of Zack. He is a fast riser and would be the highest JC player drafted. He is a late bloomer after getting only a few looks out of HS where he was known more as an OF. But, a lot of eyes will be on his JC program this spring as they have several potential high draft picks on their roster. (Reds @ 21) http://pinetarpress.com/early-look-2014-mlb-draft/

11-19-13 - Lukas Schiraldi (RHP) - College: University of Texas - After pitching his first two post-high school seasons at the JUCO level, Schiraldi is now a member of the Texas Longhorns. Because he was at the JUCO level, he flew under the radar a little bit. This, however, is no longer the case due to his 2013 Cape Cod League performance. He was given the BFC Whitehouse Outstanding Pitcher Award after he led the league with a 1.20 ERA. He had 27 strikeouts in 37.2 regular-season innings. Also, in his one playoff start in Cape Cod, he threw six shutout innings. At 6’4″, 197 pounds, he could add a little bulk to his frame, but his height is what is desired in a pitching prospect. Baseball America has him ranked 47th–noting his “plus fastball and solid secondary repertoire.” His fastball touches 95 MPH, and his changeup is already big-league ready. As he develops his breaking ball at UT, he will be one of the top pitching prospects out there. One of my favorite parts about him is his laid-back, goofy personality which can be seen in this 2.5 minute interview after his first start at Cape Cod. Give him time, and he could be the next Adam Wainwright–both on the mound and in the dugout/clubhouse. Based on his spring performance with Texas, he very well could be available for the Cardinals late in the first round, and I would be ecstatic if they were to pick him up. However, now that he plays for a perennial baseball powerhouse, Texas, scouts won’t be able to overlook him. I could see him flying up the draft board as the season rolls along. http://stlcupofjoe.com/2013/11/19/2014-mlb-draft-five-prospects-to-keep-an-eye-on-part-2/ 

11-21-13 – BA Top 100 High School Players - 68 Alex Destino LHP/OF L/L 6-2 213 North Buncombe, Weaverville, N.C. South Carolina http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/2014-high-school-top-100-with-commitments/

12-10-13 – TTF – Top 50 HS Players - 27. Ti’Quan Forbes, SS, Columbia HS (MS) - At 6’-4” and 180 pounds, the right-hander oozes potential due to his defensive abilities, strong arm, plus speed (6.4/60) and developing raw power. He has shown a patient approach at the plate, driving the ball to all fields, and his size suggests more power will come. He hit .391/.447/.758 as a junior with only seven strikeouts over 103 plate appearances. If teams believe he can stick at shortstop, he could shoot up draft boards. Committed to Mississippi. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-top-50/40532#zz88YJZTOG8iEa1Z.99

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