5/26/14

Tyler Kolek, Jack Flaherty, Zech Lemond, Carson Baranik, Ti’Quan Forbes



5-11-14 - Tyler Kolek, RHP, Shepherd HS (TX) - When you see him and hear him talk, you would think he was a 25-year old. Which is about right since he can throw harder than 99.9-percent of 25-year-olds. He has hit 103 mph this year and he has been flashing a plus slider to go along with a change-up that is headed in the same direction. At 6’-5” and 240 pounds, projection isn’t needed — he is already there. Over 54.1 innings, he had 112 K/6 BB, allowing two runs on 20 hits. He threw a first-pitch strike to 132/194 batters and averaged 86.6 pitches-per-start. He should go in the top-three picks. Committed to TCU. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-high-school-players-rise-final-edition/42853#cZ17mE5vsjiSvU18.99

3-26-14 – TTF – 10 high school players on the rise — third edition – Jack Flaherty, RHP/3B, Harvard-Westlake HS (CA) - In his last start, Flaherty struck out 14 over seven innings, allowing two hits. He has been nearly untouchable all season and has been touching 93 mph with his fastball along with flashing a plus slider. Still somewhat raw as a pitcher as he has split his time focusing on hitting as well, he has shown higher upside on the mound this year even though his upside as a power hitting third baseman is huge. At 6’-4” and 200 pounds, he has been clocked at 6.37 in the 60 and is a great athlete. Committed to North Carolina. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-10-high-school-players-rise-third-edition/42098#CmrUPUJfBWKiV2MO.99

3-20-14 – Zech Lemond, RHP, Rice - Like Brink, Lemond has a fresh arm as he has been used mostly in relief during his career at Rice. When ace Jordan Stephens went out with an injury needing Tommy John surgery recently, Lemond became the Friday night starter. Through his first two starts, he has been excellent. Over 14.2 innings, he has allowed two runs on 10 hits while striking out 15 to five walks. His fastball sits 92-95 mph and he has been able to maintain velocity deep into his starts -- a great sign. He adds a slider and curveball -- both in the low-80s -- and both are quality offerings. His change-up still needs refining, but with his 6’-4”, 190 pound frame and easy mechanics, there is a ton to like about him. http://www.chicagonow.com/cubs-den/2014/03/mlb-draft-a-look-at-5-college-arms-for-the-2nd-round/

3-19-14 – TTF – Carson Baranik, RHP, Louisiana-Lafayette (NR) - The 6’-3”, 215 pound right-hander has finally found a home and is starting to show the stuff that made him one of the top pitching prospects coming out of high school back in 2011. After playing his freshman season for LSU, he transferred to Miami Dade College before enrolling at Louisiana-Lafayette this year. Over five starts this season, he has a 0.70 ERA, 0.62 WHIP and 30 K/8 BB over 38.2 innings, holding opponents to a miniscule .128 batting average. He features a low/mid-90s fastball, a low-80s slider with plus potential and he adds a developing change-up, as well as a spike curveball. Louisiana-Lafayette is currently ranked eighth in the nation at 18-2 and Baranik is a huge part of its success this season. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-10-college-players-rise-week-5/41905#JeRjl1lAwHFUPJlv.99


3-17-14 – TTF – 10 High School Players On The Rise – Ti’Quan Forbes, SS, Columbia HS (MS) - One of the better shortstops available in the 2014 MLB draft, scouts wanted to see more from his bat this year. Defensively, his strong arm, plus speed (6.4/60) and instincts should allow him to stick at a premium position. Offensively, he shows raw power and a patient approach at the plate but wasn’t consistent and some mentioned some mechanical issues with his swing. Over 10 games this year, he is hitting .400/.488/.600 with a double, two home runs and five stolen bases. He has already showed more pop in his bat than he did last year and, at 6’-4” and 180 pounds, there is a lot of upside. Committed to Ole Miss. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-10-high-school-players-rise-second-edition/41810#OfV5L7GbWgi2Xqtf.99

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