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5/27/14

Isiah Gilliam, Sean Newcomb, Justin Smith, Ben Smith, Alex Destino, Aaron Mizell



5-11-14 - Isiah Gilliam, OF/1B, Parkview HS (GA) - Mac Marshall gets most of the attention from scouts when they visit Parkview games, but Gilliam grabs your attention on sight alone. At 6’-3” and 220 pounds, he is a man already and the junior has been ruled eligible for the 2014 MLB draft as he will have four years of high school under his belt by year’s end. A switch-hitter, he can rake equally from both sides of the plate but has a bit more power from the right side. He has good bat speed and can take bad pitches out to all fields with his power. He has a strong arm (93 mph from outfield) but most likely will end up at first base where he shows above-average defensive skills. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-high-school-players-rise-final-edition/42853#cZ17mE5vsjiSvU18.99

3-16-14 – Cubs Den – Perhaps the best LHP in the draft is Hartford's Sean Newcomb, who is hitting 96 mph and has yet to give up an earned run (one run overall) in 24.2 innings.  Like Hoffman, however, he needs to throw more strikes to ensure going high in the draft.  He has walked 12 batters while striking out 31. http://www.chicagonow.com/cubs-den/2014/03/mlb-draft-update-arms-ahead-of-bats-early-on-but-questions-remain-at-the-top/

3-26-14 – TTF – 10 high school players on the rise — third edition – Justin Smith, OF, Bartram Trail HS (FL) - The 6’-2”, 200 pound right-hander is starting to show why he is considered a five-tool prospect. Over his last four games, he has gone 7-for-12 with a double, home run, five walks and three stolen bases. For the season, he is now hitting .372/.571/.465 with 20 walks and nine stolen bases over 16 games. His strong arm (92 mph from outfield) and speed (6.6/60) will allow him a chance to stick at center field. He is still considered raw in some areas, but his excellent bat speed, along with his frame, make for a huge upside. Committed to Miami. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-10-high-school-players-rise-third-edition/42098#CmrUPUJfBWKiV2MO.99

3-20-14 – Ben Smith, LHP, Coastal Carolina - Smith is one of those pitchers that isn’t a power arm, but he has the uncanny ability to make bats miss with his stuff. His 12.5 K/9 ranks fourth in the nation and is higher than guys like Carlos Rodon, Jeff Hoffman and Sean Newcomb. At 6’-2” and 200 pounds, his fastball sits 88-91 mph and he adds a potential plus change-up to go with a solid curveball in the upper-70s that he locates well. With his low effort and clean delivery, there is still room for added velocity as he matures. He impressed at the Cape Cod League over the summer, striking out 44 over 36 innings to rank among the leaders. The one knock on him is his command as he has issued 22 free passes over those 26.2 innings. If the Cubs brass believe they can iron out that issue, he could be a steal in the second round. http://www.chicagonow.com/cubs-den/2014/03/mlb-draft-a-look-at-5-college-arms-for-the-2nd-round/

3-17-14 – TTF – 10 High School Players On The Rise – Alex Destino, OF/LHP, North Buncombe HS (NC) - At 6’-3” and 220 pounds, the left-hander is one of the top two-way talents available in the 2014 MLB draft. On the mound, he has good arm speed and can touch 92 mph with his fastball. He adds a mid-70s slider and low-80s change-up, and he has a lot of projection due to his size and arm speed. At the plate, he has a ton of power and could have more upside as an offensive player. Over five games this season, he is 10-for-20 with three doubles and four home runs already. On the mound, he has 26 K/7 BB over 16 innings. Committed to South Carolina. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-10-high-school-players-rise-second-edition/41810#OfV5L7GbWgi2Xqtf.99


Aaron Mizell, OF, Georgia Southern (NR) - Like James, Mizell is a huge surprise this year. Tied for the national lead in home runs with nine, the 6’-1” left-hander has been posting video-game numbers this season. Over 19 games, he is hitting .392/.432/.823 with five doubles, nine home runs and 28 RBI. A JUCO transfer out of Gordon State College, where he hit .348/.449/.572 over 54 games last year, Mizell generates a ton of power from his quick wrists and also shows a solid approach at the plate. Definitely one to keep an eye on for the rest of the year. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-10-college-players-rise-week-5/41905#JeRjl1lAwHFUPJlv.99

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