My ranking of the top right hand throwing pitchers in the 2010 draft...
7/07 fr. http://www.projectprospect.com/ : Pomeranz and Ranaudo were both selected by the Texas Rangers in the 2007 draft – in back-to-back rounds no less. The 6-foot-7 Ranaudo got the call in the decisive game three of the College World Series and helped propel the Tigers to their sixth national championship. Despite his exceptional size, Ranaudo doesn’t throw particularly hard. I’ve heard reports of his fastball touching mid-90’s, but the couple times I’ve seen him he sat 88-92 mph. Ranaudo does make the most of his height, coming nearly over-the-top and creating a lot of downhill plane on his pitches. His best pitch is his curveball, which should be an out pitch at the major league level; a true 12-to-6 offing that comes out of the same arm slot and flight path of his fastball before sharply falling off the table. The battle between Pomeranz and Ranaudo is extremely close, statistically the two were almost identical; Ranaudo struck out 31.5% of batters while walking 9.9%
7-21: 2010 MLB Mock Draft - 2nd Edition - July 21, 2009 by Scouting The Sports http://scoutingthesports.com/?p=3632 - - 2. Cleveland Indians - Anthony Ranaudo Pitcher LSU - Unlike last year, this years draft doesn’t have that obvious #1 pitcher. Still, Ranaudo is a solid pick. Ranaudo doesn’t have an overpowering fastball (hits about 93mph on the gun), instead relying on a very deceptive delivery and great command of all his pitches. Ranaudo keeps hitters off-balance with a breaking ball that he can locate for strikes. This control, and his strong pitching style, ,which includes the confidence to throw on the inner half of the place, has helped him rank #4 in strikeouts in college baseball last year, while often using his 93 mph fastball to punch guys out. Ranaudo is very, very polished and could be in the majors as quickly as 2011. Cleveland could really use someone that could come up soon.
8-1: from http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com/: power sinker and hard curveball, also nice cutter and makings of a solid changeup. He still needs confidence in his changeup. Has made huge strides since HS in Jersey. Top 10 on paper right now for 2010!
8-2: from 6-16 article http://www.sportsillustrated.cnn.com/: After pitching just six innings as a freshman, Ranaudo became LSU's ace as a sophomore, emerging as one of the Southeastern Conference's best pitchers. At 6-7, 231 pounds, he has the athleticism to repeat his delivery and pump his fastball into the 92-94 mph range. He pitched as if he had some fatigue in his CWS opener, with his velocity sitting more 89-91 mph. At his best, his curveball also is a power offering, and he's shown a decent feel for a changeup. Ranaudo's competitiveness combined with his stuff puts him at the front of the group of 2010 pitchers.
9-16: From http://www.baseballamrica.com/ : - College Top 25 draft prospects: #2. Anthony Ranaudo, rhp Louisiana State
9-24: From: http://mlbresource.blogspot.com/: Mock Draft Version 1.0 – 3rd pick overall - Anthony Raunado, RHP – LSU
9-28: From http://mlbresource.blogspot.com/: - Mock Draft Version 2 - #2 pick overall - Anthony Raunado, RHP, LSU - Raunado is starting to become the Dustin Ackley of this draft. Always one pick behind the internet sensation. Most boards have Raunado at #2 right now and it is not likely to change very much. Supposedly Pittsburgh did not spend as much this past draft to save money for Dominican SS Miguel Sano which will cost a ton. I understand Pittsburgh's thinking but I also think you need to take advantage of these top picks while you have them
2. Jameson Taillon – (TY-on) - The Woodlands HS, Spring, Texas – 6-5, 220 - already hitting mid-90s with his fastball… nice curve… great size and athleticism…
Fr. http://www.espn.com/: Jameson Taillon, a 6-foot-6, 225-pound righty from The Woodlands High School in Texas, was 90-94 mph with good life on his fastball and a very sharp, almost spike-like slider at 83-86. He also showed a curveball with depth and a decent changeup. He's got a quick arm and still has projection left in his body.
7-21: Fr. http://baseballdraftreport.com/: potential first round pick
8-1: from http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com/: appeared to be the same guy I saw last year, velocity topped out at 93, command was ok, for a big kid, breaking ball still needs help and has the makeup to get better with more instruction.
8-6: From http://www.baseballamerica.com/: - Taillon's big frame is likely maxed out, but he has established himself as one of the top pitchers in the upcoming draft class. His fastball sits in the 92-93 mph range and Taillon also throws a harder slider at 84-85 and a sharp curveball that registers at 82-83 mph.
8-9: from http://www.baseballamerica.com/: - Taillon, a big, strong righty from The Woodlands (Texas) HS, sat 94-95 in his one inning of work with a filthy breaking ball that was in the mid-80s.
8-11 from http://www.espn.com/: Jameson Taillon from Woodlands HS, TX, was the most dominant pitcher with a fastball going 95-93 and a 84-83 splitter.
8-15: from XMLBScout on http://www.perfectgame.com/: showed a much better CB with downward bite and occasional late tail on his heater. TV scouts had his FB at 96 on a couple pitches.
8-17 from http://www.baseballamerica.com/ re: AFLAC games - Righthander Jameson Taillon is a near perfect pitching prospect. Taillon (The Woodlands, Texas, HS) is an ideal prep pitching prospect, appearing to be formed out of a scout's dream. Solidly constructed at 6-foot-7 and 230 pounds, he comfortably draws comparisons to Stephen Strasburg. Taillon easily fires a blistering 93 to 95 mph fastball that peaks at 96. He adds a wicked 82 mph curve, a vicious breaking ball that is already a plus big league pitch. After registering one strikeout in a quick first inning, Taillon breezed through the second frame, striking out the side while barely breaking a sweat. "Nooooo contest," a scout said behind home plate.
8-19: Jeff Sullivan from the AFLAC Games: - This big right hander dominated in the game, striking out four, including striking out the side in the second. He is in a class by himself as far as pitchers go this year. He ran his fastball up to 97, and his breaking ball was also very sharp. In the second, he struck out Reggie Golden and Stetson Allie with the fastball, then got Connor Narron looking on his sharp breaking ball. For me, he is a definite top 5 pick in the draft at this point.
9-5: from Jonathan Mayo’s 8-26 article on http://www.minors.mlbblogs.com/: - He looked like a Top 10 pick, throwing an explosive fastball up to 95 mph and locating it to both sides of the plate. He showed a slider and a curve, the latter of which might be a plus pitch down the line. The FB and slider are plus offerings right now. He even showed a changeup. He's big, strong and showed an ability to throw down and to both sides of the plate.
9-7: From http://www.perfectgame.com/ on the AFLAC games: - Jameson Taillon, right now on paper would be in my top 5 for the 1st round if it were held today. He's always had the velocity, except now the cb is a true dominant type pitch, graded it at 70 right now, fb at times will have some inner half movement vs RHH. Good trajectory and is better balanced after he delivers the ball. He's cleaning up that delivery almost daily. Gotta love his work ethic, but remember, he's gonna have to go 6-7 innings a game and sustain it over 35-40 starts in pro ball, as compared to 1 inning stints in all-star tilts. I've now seen 35 innings pitched by Jameson and he's k'od 39 hitters, walked only 7 and allowed just 19 hits, 1 long hr last year.
9-6: From an 8-25 post http://www.pgtracker.com/: - “right now on paper, top 3 picks for 2010 MLB for me would be” - 2.) RHP Jameson Taillon, The Woodlands HS, 6'5 plus, 230, great arm strength, power type arm and 70 cb right now. Control is at least average projects to be 60, plus. Comparable big leaguers, better arm speed and action than Rick Sutcliffe, comparable bodies however and competitiveness.
9-16: From http://www.baseballamrica.com/ : - High School Top 25 draft prospects: 1. Jameson Taillon, rhp The Woodlands (Texas) HS
9-24: From: http://mlbresource.blogspot.com/: Mock Draft Version 1.0 – 12th pick overall - Jameson Taillon, RHP - The Woodlands HS (TX)
9-27 from: http://web.usabaseball.com/: Jameson Taillon struck out 12 and gave up three hits in an overpowering performance and the USA Baseball 18U National Team logged a seven-run inning for a third consecutive day in a 14-0 run-rule shutout Sunday against Panama in the third day of the COPABE "AAA" Pan American Junior Championships at Daniel Canonico Stadium. Taillon led the way on the mound for the Americans with a strong six-inning outing. The right hander struck out five in a row at one juncture and fanned the side in both the second and fourth innings. He allowed only one runner from Panama (1-1) to reach third base and no more than two baserunners in any inning. Taillon issued just two walks.
9-28: From http://mlbresource.blogspot.com/: - Mock Draft Version 2 - #9 pick overall - Jameson Taillon, RHP - The Woodlands HS (TX) - The Padres under Grady Fuson and Bill "Chief" Gayton have done a great job in restoring the Padres farm system. As seen these past couple weeks the Padres have some nice young talent and GM Kevin Towers when given the resources is one of the best in the game at putting a team together. With this said I think San Diego should boost that farm even more and taking the hard throwing prep out of Texas. He is committed to Rice so it could be a hard buy but it is worth the risk.
7/07 fr. http://www.projectprospect.com/: Brandon Workman of Texas had a good spring and has good upside, but needs to clean up his delivery…
7-23: stats thru 7-15 in Cape Cod League: 1-0, 1.86, 10-K… starting for west division in Cape Cod All-Star game
7-25 fr. http://www.baseballamerica.com/: - Wareham righthander Brandon Workman (Texas) also drew praise from scouts for his strong outing, striking out two in a perfect first for the West. Workman's fastball sat at 94-95, and he struck out Austin Wates (Virginia Tech) on a nasty 75 mph curveball in the dirt.
8-1: from http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com/: excellent velocity, has reached 97-98, mostly 92-93 and very straight, at times however arm side run in on RHH. Makings of a plus breaking pitch and closer type mentality. Stamina is a question as a starter. Reminds me of Steve Bedrosian formerly of the Braves & Phils.
8-2: from 6-16 article http://www.sportsillustrated.cnn.com/: At 6-5 and 220 pounds, Workman stands above his Longhorns teammates such as Chance Ruffin (son of Bruce) and Cole Green, though those are Texas' top two starters. All three are sophomores. Workman has the best pro body and best fastball, sitting at 89-92 mph and reaching higher. He pitches off the fastball and adds a hard curveball. He'll rocket up lists if he masters something off speed.
7-23: stats thru 7-15 in Cape Cod League: 1-0, 1.86, 10-K… starting for west division in Cape Cod All-Star game
7-25 fr. http://www.baseballamerica.com/: - Wareham righthander Brandon Workman (Texas) also drew praise from scouts for his strong outing, striking out two in a perfect first for the West. Workman's fastball sat at 94-95, and he struck out Austin Wates (Virginia Tech) on a nasty 75 mph curveball in the dirt.
8-1: from http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com/: excellent velocity, has reached 97-98, mostly 92-93 and very straight, at times however arm side run in on RHH. Makings of a plus breaking pitch and closer type mentality. Stamina is a question as a starter. Reminds me of Steve Bedrosian formerly of the Braves & Phils.
8-2: from 6-16 article http://www.sportsillustrated.cnn.com/: At 6-5 and 220 pounds, Workman stands above his Longhorns teammates such as Chance Ruffin (son of Bruce) and Cole Green, though those are Texas' top two starters. All three are sophomores. Workman has the best pro body and best fastball, sitting at 89-92 mph and reaching higher. He pitches off the fastball and adds a hard curveball. He'll rocket up lists if he masters something off speed.
9-16: From http://www.baseballamrica.com/ : - College Top 25 draft prospects: #16 - Brandon Workman rhp, Texas
9-24: From: http://mlbresource.blogspot.com/: Mock Draft Version 1.0 – 10th pick overall - Brandon Workman, RHP - Texas
9-28: From http://mlbresource.blogspot.com/: - Mock Draft Version 2 - #10 pick overall - Brandon Workman, RHP – Texas - I suspect the Astros will be pretty disappointed if they don't get Taillon but good thing Texas is a big state and they can just head over to Austin and grab their ace Brandon Workman. Already a third round pick in 2007, Workman has used his three years as a Longhorn to watch good college football and turn into a first rounder.
7-21: Fr. http://baseballdraftreport.com/: - potential first round pick
7-21: 2010 MLB Mock Draft - 2nd Edition - July 21, 2009 by Scouting The Sports http://scoutingthesports.com/?p=3632 - 5. Arizona Diamondbacks - A.J. Cole Pitcher Oveido High School, Florida - -Cole is an overpowering righty that could challenge Ranaudo as the first pitcher picked come June. Cole has by far the best arm in the draft, currently sitting at about 94-95 mph, while still filling out his lanky body. Once Cole does fill out his frame, he could be scary. Expect his fastball to jump from 2-3 mph, and the added size and strength will make his curveball all the more devastating. As a junior in high school Cole made the AFLAC All American Game Arizona has a young, developed squad, this could be a good pick for Arizona as they have the capabilities to leave him in their system for a few years to develop.
7-29: From: http://www.baseballfactory.com/: - Cole is one of the top pitchers in the 2010 class. He sits comfortably in the low 90s and has touched as high as 96 mph this spring. He combines athleticism, velocity and movement with a decent curveball and developing change to dominate high school hitters. He will play this summer for the Orlando Scorpions – an Under Armour Franchise Team who will be participating in the UA Southeast Tournament
8-1: from http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com/: topped out at 91, solid arm strength, type of build that will get stronger as he matures, cuts fb some, cb has proper spin, location on his pitches were ok, has upside to improve.
8-6: From http://www.baseballamerica.com/: - Cole is long and lanky and has the projection scouts can dream on. But, even if he doesn't fill out, he already throws 88-91 mph and touches 93 with clean, effortless mechanics. He mixes in a 78 mph knuckle -curve that he throws for strikes.
8-11 from http://www.espn.com/: AJ Cole, a RHP from FL, had a nice 93-90 mph fastball, but did not locate the pitch very well and his breaking ball wasn't fooling hitters as much as it needs to be.
8-19: Jeff Sullivan from the AFLAC Games: - Cole came into the weekend as my second ranked right hander, but struggled a bit on the mound. He was battling an eye problem the whole week but it was still easy to see why he is ranked so high. His fastball ran up to the mid 90’s and his breaking ball is up there with the best off speed pitches in the country. Cole struck out Stefan Sabol in the game, while letting up a double to outfielder Brian Ragira. Cole still fits himself in the middle of the first round.
9-5: from Jonathan Mayo’s 8-26 article on http://www.minors.mlbblogs.com/: - showed plus velocity as well, with questionable secondary stuff.
9-7: From http://www.perfectgame.com/ on the AFLAC games: - can anyone say, Kris Benson mold? This young man, if he ever fills out, will be a true gem. Stamina will be watched closely. Can not deny his arm strength and control one bit. Projection, mid-late first rounder on paper right now.
9-16: From http://www.baseballamerica.com/ : - High School Top 25 draft prospects: 2. A.J. Cole, rhp Oviedo (Fla.) HS
7-21: 2010 MLB Mock Draft - 2nd Edition - July 21, 2009 by Scouting The Sports http://scoutingthesports.com/?p=3632 - 5. Arizona Diamondbacks - A.J. Cole Pitcher Oveido High School, Florida - -Cole is an overpowering righty that could challenge Ranaudo as the first pitcher picked come June. Cole has by far the best arm in the draft, currently sitting at about 94-95 mph, while still filling out his lanky body. Once Cole does fill out his frame, he could be scary. Expect his fastball to jump from 2-3 mph, and the added size and strength will make his curveball all the more devastating. As a junior in high school Cole made the AFLAC All American Game Arizona has a young, developed squad, this could be a good pick for Arizona as they have the capabilities to leave him in their system for a few years to develop.
7-29: From: http://www.baseballfactory.com/: - Cole is one of the top pitchers in the 2010 class. He sits comfortably in the low 90s and has touched as high as 96 mph this spring. He combines athleticism, velocity and movement with a decent curveball and developing change to dominate high school hitters. He will play this summer for the Orlando Scorpions – an Under Armour Franchise Team who will be participating in the UA Southeast Tournament
8-1: from http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com/: topped out at 91, solid arm strength, type of build that will get stronger as he matures, cuts fb some, cb has proper spin, location on his pitches were ok, has upside to improve.
8-6: From http://www.baseballamerica.com/: - Cole is long and lanky and has the projection scouts can dream on. But, even if he doesn't fill out, he already throws 88-91 mph and touches 93 with clean, effortless mechanics. He mixes in a 78 mph knuckle -curve that he throws for strikes.
8-11 from http://www.espn.com/: AJ Cole, a RHP from FL, had a nice 93-90 mph fastball, but did not locate the pitch very well and his breaking ball wasn't fooling hitters as much as it needs to be.
8-19: Jeff Sullivan from the AFLAC Games: - Cole came into the weekend as my second ranked right hander, but struggled a bit on the mound. He was battling an eye problem the whole week but it was still easy to see why he is ranked so high. His fastball ran up to the mid 90’s and his breaking ball is up there with the best off speed pitches in the country. Cole struck out Stefan Sabol in the game, while letting up a double to outfielder Brian Ragira. Cole still fits himself in the middle of the first round.
9-5: from Jonathan Mayo’s 8-26 article on http://www.minors.mlbblogs.com/: - showed plus velocity as well, with questionable secondary stuff.
9-7: From http://www.perfectgame.com/ on the AFLAC games: - can anyone say, Kris Benson mold? This young man, if he ever fills out, will be a true gem. Stamina will be watched closely. Can not deny his arm strength and control one bit. Projection, mid-late first rounder on paper right now.
9-16: From http://www.baseballamerica.com/ : - High School Top 25 draft prospects: 2. A.J. Cole, rhp Oviedo (Fla.) HS
9-24: From:
9-28: From
5. Matt Harvey – (down from 3rd) - North Carolina – 6-4, 230 - … was 3rd round pick by the Angels out of high school and turned down a $1mil offer. Low-90s fastball that touches 95. Excellent curveball… average changeup… comes from ¾ arm slot… changeup 78-81… breaking ball 76-79… works quickly from stretch… 2009: 7-2, 5.35, 78K, 70.2 IP… BA ranks him as the #1 sophomore of the 2009 season…
7/07 fr. http://www.projectprospect.com/: - A first round talent out of high school in 2007, Harvey slipped to the fourth round due to bonus demands. While his time at North Carolina has been a bit rocky, Harvey still has good stuff and struck out 81 batters in 75 innings last spring. Harvey’s fastball sits in the low 90’s with some sink, and is complimented by a potentially plus breaking ball and changeup. If Harvey can show some improved command this spring, he walked 11.9% of batters last spring, he still has as much upside as any pitcher in this class.
8-1: from http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com/: put on some weight this year and arm angle dropped a bit, most fb were very straight during CWS, velocity still solid abv ave range 89-94 will touch 95-96 on occasion. Must work with finger pressure and get more movement on his fb for 2010. Solid slide piece when on top. Control is solid as well.
8-2: from 6-16 article http://www.sportsillustrated.cnn.com/: Harvey turned down $1 million from the Angels as a third-round pick out of high school, and the Connecticut product is pitching in his second straight CWS with the Tar Heels. He'll become the undisputed staff ace next year when White and senior Adam Warren (a fourth-round pick of the Yankees this year) move on, using a low-90s fastball that reaches 95 at times and a true hammer curveball that is his best pitch. Harvey can lose control of the strike zone due to a long arm action and some effort in his delivery, so he's not a finished product. But he was the best pitching prospect in the Cape last summer and may be again in 2009.
9-24: From: http://mlbresource.blogspot.com/: Mock Draft Version 1.0 – 8th pick overall - 8. Matt Harvey, RHP - North Carolina
9-28: From http://mlbresource.blogspot.com/: - Mock Draft Version 2 - #15 pick overall - Matt Harvey, RHP - North Carolina - North Carolina seems to breed first round pitching and out comes another. Harvey has been higher on other boards and even my previous one but a shaky 5.40 ERA last year will need to be improved on. Stats do not tell the whole story as this is a polished righty with a chance to be a quality big league starter.
6. Stetson Allie – (up from 13th) – St. Edward HS, Cleveland – 6-4, 215 - threw 99 in tournament in Metrodome… 90 slider… command only “20”… raw project… a closer’s mentality… used only as closer as a 17-year old…
7-21: Fr. http://baseballdraftreport.com/: - potential first round pick
7-29: from http://www.baseballfactory.com/: - Allie has a big-league body already with four tools to match. Aside from his running speed, all of his tools rate out as plus. He has strong quick hands that get the barrel to the ball and result in power to all fields. His hands are soft and sure and his arm is a cannon across the diamond. On the mound, Allie has been up to 96 mph. He has verbally committed to the University of North Carolina
8-6: From http://www.baseballamerica.com/: - With his big thighs, broad shoulders and barrel chest, Allie is built like an ox. Because of his size, his game has a lot of strength. He's strong with the bat, but what stands out the most is his arm, and his future is likely on the mound. His fastball sits in the 94-95 mph range and can touch 97. The North Carolina recruit also has an 89 mph slider and a changeup.
8-9: from http://www.baseballamerica.com/: - Stetson Allie, a third baseman and righthander from St. Edward Prep in Lakewood, Ohio had an impressive BP session and faced Castellanos in the derby finals. He didn’t stand out at the plate in the game and had an error at third, but he did get on the mound where his fastball ranged from 92-97 mph.
8-15: from XMLBScout on http://www.perfectgame.com/: first time seeing him, albeit, TV, he showed pure arm strength and rear back and fire it type of delivery. I'd like to see more of him again, than just 1 IP. In the field he was very rough and he has bat speed as a hitter, but missed pitches by more than just hair. Again, I'd like to see more on him. Reading hype doesn't do justice when you don't see enough of a player that's been built up such as Stetson Allie. I'm sure I'll see more of him this weekend.
8-17 from http://www.baseballamerica.com/ re: AFLAC games - Stetson Allie (St. Edward HS, Olmstead Falls, Ohio), a mature-framed righty, comfortably fired a 93-95 mph fastball and added an 85 mph change and sharp 80 mph slider. Allie is a definite candidate to go in the first round in 2010.
8-19: Jeff Sullivan from the AFLAC Games: - Allie has an outstanding arm, and is the hardest thrower in the 2010 class. He usually sits around 96-97 mph, and at this event touched 97 also. He is a big RHP, listed at 6’4, 225 and he showed why is ranked so high in the class. He allowed a walk to Kris Bryant, but struck out Bratsen, then recorded two straight groundouts to end the inning. Definite first round arm at this point!
9-5: from Jonathan Mayo’s 8-26 article on http://www.minors.mlbblogs.com/: - was up to 97 mph, but looked more like a thrower than a pitcher right now;
9-8: http://www.pgtracker.com/: lists as the #1 high school player coming out of Ohio
9-16: From http://www.baseballamrica.com/ : - High School Top 25 draft prospects: 5. Stetson Allie, rhp/3b St. Edward HS, Lakewood, Ohio
9-24: From: http://mlbresource.blogspot.com/: Mock Draft Version 1.0 – 15th pick overall - Stetson Allie, RHP - St. Edward HS (OH)
9-28: From
7. DeAndre Smelter – Tattnall Square Academy (GA) – 6-3, 215 - already throws fastball in 92-95 range… low-80s split-finger change…
7-29: From http://www.baseballfactory.com/: Smelter is a 6-foot-3, 215-pound righthander with broad shoulders and a thick lower half. He rocks back and fires 89-92 mph fastballs from a lower three-quarters arm slot and touches 93. Smelter hides the ball well and mixes in an 83 mph changeup and an 80-81 mph slider. He’s a good athlete who ran the 60-yard dash in 6.6 seconds.
8-1: from http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com/: loose arm with pure arm strength, a couple out of zone readings at 97, mostly 90-94, fb true, at times sink and arm side run, leg lift and balance needs work, slider or cut fb was solid 84-87, again he needs some work with mechanics, but very good arm to follow for 2010. Top Georgia guy for me.
8-19: Jeff Sullivan from the AFLAC Games: - To me, the next group of five right handers is relatively close at this point. It will be very interesting to see who separates themselves in the upcoming year as they all have first round arms. Smelter was the most impressive to me, striking out the side in the 8th inning. He made easy work of phenom Bryce Harper, Krey Bratsen, and Austin Wilson. His fastball ran up to 95 and sat in the low to mid 90’s the entire inning. His splitter was also very impressive, and this one could be a great one!
9-5: from Jonathan Mayo’s 8-26 article on http://www.minors.mlbblogs.com/: - was up to 94-95 mph and was aggressive, going right after hitters.
9-7: From http://www.perfectgame.com/ on the AFLAC games: - I saw the sleeve in warmups and boy that bothered me, just like it did with Harper this summer. Deandre had better movement on his pitches in the game and a better calm to his delivery. He learns quickly and he wants a shot at pro ball. For a 3 sport talent, heck he would play more if he had the time, LOL, lots of upside left in this young man. Bob Gibson made a comment to me that Deandre could be one of the top ML arms in 3-4 years if he keeps improving as he has done.
8-1: from http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com/: loose arm with pure arm strength, a couple out of zone readings at 97, mostly 90-94, fb true, at times sink and arm side run, leg lift and balance needs work, slider or cut fb was solid 84-87, again he needs some work with mechanics, but very good arm to follow for 2010. Top Georgia guy for me.
8-19: Jeff Sullivan from the AFLAC Games: - To me, the next group of five right handers is relatively close at this point. It will be very interesting to see who separates themselves in the upcoming year as they all have first round arms. Smelter was the most impressive to me, striking out the side in the 8th inning. He made easy work of phenom Bryce Harper, Krey Bratsen, and Austin Wilson. His fastball ran up to 95 and sat in the low to mid 90’s the entire inning. His splitter was also very impressive, and this one could be a great one!
9-5: from Jonathan Mayo’s 8-26 article on http://www.minors.mlbblogs.com/: - was up to 94-95 mph and was aggressive, going right after hitters.
9-7: From http://www.perfectgame.com/ on the AFLAC games: - I saw the sleeve in warmups and boy that bothered me, just like it did with Harper this summer. Deandre had better movement on his pitches in the game and a better calm to his delivery. He learns quickly and he wants a shot at pro ball. For a 3 sport talent, heck he would play more if he had the time, LOL, lots of upside left in this young man. Bob Gibson made a comment to me that Deandre could be one of the top ML arms in 3-4 years if he keeps improving as he has done.
8. Kevin Gausman – (up from 20th) – Grandview HS, Aurora, Colo. – 6-4, 180… throws a 93-94 fastball… loose and easy arm action… needs to develop secondary pitches…
7-29: from http://www.baseballfactory.com/: - With a long and lean frame, Gausman has good projectability for a prep pitcher. His fastball sits between 89-91 mph and he can get it up to 93. He mixes in a 77 mph breaking ball that he throws for strikes, and everything is around the zone.
8-1: from http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com/: - nice arm strength, needs more work with delivery, fb was 88-92, topped out at 93, some arm side run and sink when down in zone, slurvy type breaking ball, once he naturally fills out, watch out.
8-10: From http://www.baseballamerica.com/ – Area Code Games - Gausman is a highly touted righthander who did not disappoint his opening day start, sitting at 91-92 and touching 93.
8-17 from http://www.baseballamerica.com/ re: AFLAC games - Kevin Gausman (Grandview HS, Centennial, Colo.) was an Area Code standout with his tall and highly projectable frame. He showed a 90-95 fastball with terrific natural sink.
9-16: From http://www.baseballamerica.com/ : - High School Top 25 draft prospects: 9. Kevin Gausman, rhp Grandview HS, Centennial, Colo.
9-28: From
9. Seth Blair – (up from 11th) - Arizona State – 6-2, 190… posted 1.55 ERA in 2008 Cape Cod league… 2009 at ASU: 7-2, 3.16… fastball 88-92, touches 95… average slider… BA ranks as 41st top sophomore in 2009…
8-2: from 6-16 article http://www.sportsillustrated.cnn.com/: An Illinois native, Blair pitched well in the Cape Cod League last summer, posting a 1.55 ERA to save a difficult freshman season. He carried that confidence over this spring to Arizona State, going 7-2 with a 3.16 ERA as the Sun Devils' No. 3 starter. He has average velocity on his fastball, in the 88-92 mph range, and has touched 95 at times thanks to a quick arm. The 6-foot-2, 190-pounder also has a second average-to-plus pitch in his slider.
9-24: From: http://mlbresource.blogspot.com/: Mock Draft Version 1.0 – 16th pick overall - Seth Blair, RHP - Arizona State
9-28: From http://mlbresource.blogspot.com/: - Mock Draft Version 2 - #12 pick overall - Seth Blair, RHP - Arizona State - Oakland loves college talent as proven by their previous first round selections. Why mess with success as Oakland as one of the best farm systems in the game and scouting director Eric Kubota leads that charge. Blair is a quality right-hander that comes from a winning program and would be a perfect fit for the A's.
10. Dylan Covey – (up from 16t) - Maranatha High (CA) – excellent power pitcher… competition was weak… low to mid 90’s fastball, mid-70 curve, low-80 slider…
7-21: Fr. http://baseballdraftreport.com/: - potential first round pick
8-17 from http://www.baseballamerica.com/ re: AFLAC games - Dylan Covey (Maranatha HS, Pasadena, Calif.) hails from a tiny private school and has big-time stuff. He mixes a 91-94 mph fastball, 83 mph slurve, 81 mph change and 77 mph curve effectively.
9-7: From http://www.perfectgame.com/ on the AFLAC games: - 6'4 righty, came to pitch, loosey goosey with some arm side run and sinks it down in the k-zone. Breaking ball has the proper bite and spin now and will only get better. Very projectible. For only 1 inning I saw, he's definitely put down as a MUST SEE early rounder for 2010.
9-16: From http://www.baseballamerica.com/ : - High School Top 25 draft prospects: 14. Dylan Covey, rhp Maranatha HS, Pasadena, Calif.
6 comments:
Interesting - good to "throw back" Matt Harvey.
What's crazy is how many of the pitchers on that list are "no shows".....scouting is a tough business, for sure.
Promotions
It might be sort of nice for the Mets to offer all its fans the opportunity to have "Kids Under Age 12 Get In Free With An Accompanying Parent" the rest of the way, to anyone wanting to get out to a game this season who had a hard time affording current ticket prices. There is room enough at Citi Field I think to accommodate this.
Or it could be a tie-in promotion, like for "The David and Jose Farewell Tour."
Maybe call it "David and Jose Down By The School Yard."
Conditioning and Chemistry
I am hoping that some of the current NY Mets players coming back in 2019 consider a really good off season conditioning program and then really stick to it. I won't mention any names here, because it is rude even by my standards.
It goes without saying that every Mets player could be made better fit by such a program this off season, especially the ones habitually injured season to season. Fitness can sometimes cancel out injury.
In all honesty here, I'd like the Mets to shed as many of these constantly injured players this off season as possible. Some other players just need to get out there doing their roadwork (like a mile a day or more), maybe add-in weightlifting to their programs. These things work.
Weightlifting is a gradual thing as everyone knows.
You don't just go all out right away because that is how you get seriously hurt.
Team Chemistry
The best team chemistry teams are the teams that win a lot of games, I have noticed. And often these two things go hand-in-hand. A winning team where players really all get along with one another, plays for each other and has some serious fun doing so, is what every baseball team fan wants to see and peripherally be apart of.
The Boston Red Sox are probably the best example of "team chemistry" this season, that I have seen. But the Mets are getting close too.
The Red Sox are also the best at fan relations.
Boston ownership literally caters to their younger kid fans in a way that I have never once seen before. This includes a ton of team promotions geared towards younger groups, like for the kids running the bases, television programming run by the kids themselves, entire school groups having their own day at Fenway Park...It's really all quite amazing. And it is really smart to do because the kids today are the parents of tomorrow. With such, there is fan consistency and appreciation for the game of baseball in general, as well as their team.
There are very few sports (probably no other) like baseball in that it is not a viscous physical game to play, but rather a game of sheer talent and intelligence one on one, pitcher against batter. There is also better maintained awareness for moral character and acceptable behavior, vastly missing from most other sports today I have noticed.
As a kid, anyone can play and enjoy baseball.
It changes somewhat in high school, as kids are weeded out talent wise, and don't mention the politics. But no one ever really forgets playing the game as little kids themselves, it is a kid's game after all. A "kid's team game" where everyone matters equally, they way things were probably supposed to be before the humungous egos had to take things over.
There are so many of the ego players in sports now, the ones who within their own minds think that somehow they have attained "deity status". It's a shame really. These type of players are so dangerous to their own team's morale and winning. But that is the world we all have to live in now, sorry to say. After all, it isn't enough to just be humbly really good at something, people are supposed to throw you a dang parade.
Be careful of the "humungous ego" people. They ruin all that they touch for everyone else, and they extend themselves way beyond just being utterly selfish, to a new plateau never before seen.
Chemistry and team spirit are two really good things, if you want to truly be a winning franchise.
Mack...
Can we start a potential "Mack's Mets Trade Page" segment to this message board? A place average humans can go to make sound trade proposals.
I'd like to start in with my own idea, if alright a thing to do.
Sometimes a team needs to go out and acquire "what they need most" to be added in with their current team, regardless of having to use a really good top prospect player as that acquisition's trade bait.
There has been much discussion on trying to figure out where infielder Andres Gimenez would best fit in here with these currently constructed NY Mets, that is once he is ready. Maybe everyone is looking at this wrong. Here's why...
The Red Sox are going to be vey much in need of a new second baseman, probably as soon as the end of this season. Dustin Pedroia is battle ruined at the knee and old. Brandon Phillips and Ian Kinsler have been around since World War II and are pre-Geritol now. They have no one down in their minor league as good as Andres Gimenez is at middle infield.
The NY Mets need a real third baseman, with real playing ability and homerun power. Someone young to blend in with the rest of the 2018 Mets team. David Wright is about to ride off with Jose Reyes under his arm, and I have always kind of questioned why the Mets even got Todd Frazier, to be honest here since they already had asdrubal Cabrera in tow. This is Todd's third consecutive season at batting under a .230 BA. He only seems to try really hard, when he has his people in the stands I have noticed.
So why not trade middle infielder Andres Gimenez straight-up for 3B Michael Chavis. Chavis has been banged up some this season, an oblique, a thumb ligament, and he too has had an issue with PEDs I believe. (Mack would probably be saying right now, "He'll fit in perfectly here.") But Chavis can hit homeruns, and he is like 22 years old as well. He'd be perfect here, while with the Red Sox he'd have Rafael Devers ahead of him for a long, long time.
Expanding this trade idea out to four players.
Trade Andres Gimenez and a kid starter (like a Justin Dunn) to Boston for Michael Chavis and lefty AA starter kid Darwinzon Hernandez.
Mets need a third baseman who can hit homeruns and a decent lefty starter. The Red Sox already have lefty starter Jason Groome ahead of Hernandez and they could really use a decent young righty starter more.
Makes some sense.
The Mets middle infield now, I would not touch at all. Rosario and McNeil are the real deal. Don't mess this up, may be good advice now. It's sort of like bringing Juan Lagares back for ST 2019. The outfield is doing so much better than before, and without Juan complicating matters in center field. Leave it alone.
Mets vs Nats (today Saturday)
Really hard to pick, neither starter today stands out much at all really, nor impresses me. Wondering if either will even stick in MLB, to be honest here.
Both teams have the capability to hit each starter very hard and score a lot of runs. Game could get out of hand kind of fast.
If me, would not touch it. Let someone else get the face egg.
If had to though, oh boy.
Probably the Mets in a really, really close 7-6 type game. But truthfully, either team could win it today. Whomever hits the best. This will not be a pitchers' duel, believe you me.
Good Luck!
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