Mack – Draft News – Duke Ellis, Patrick Bailey, Dylan Crews, Marquis Grissom Jr., Garrett Crochet

 https://www.baseballamerica.com/stories/top-25-seniors-we-want-to-see-in-college-baseball-in-2021/       -

15. Duke Ellis, OF, Texas

Ellis is a catalyst atop the Texas lineup. He’s not a player you will look to for big power numbers, and in his first two seasons, he hasn’t boasted an eye-popping batting average, but he’s often on base, as evidenced by his career .409 on-base percentage, and with 40 career stolen bases, he can make things happen once he gets on.

Early returns suggest that the 2020 season could have been his best yet, as the season ended with him hitting .302/.441/.377, which all would have been career-best figures, plus seven stolen bases, which was on pace to be his highest total in a single season.

 

 

https://prospectinsider.com/mlb-draft-prospects-rankings-veen-bailey-asa-lacy-torkelson/            -

9. Patrick Bailey, C — North Carolina State

Bailey might be the only catcher to go in Round 1, though positional scarcity could punch a Round-1 grade for Arizona’s Austin Wells and prep star Drew Romo. Also, I’m a big fan of Ohio State’s Dillon Dingler, but not in Round 1.

Bailey is a sound performer with no significant weaknesses, led by above-average defense and arm strength and no issues with contact or swing mechanics. He’s a switch hitter with some power upside from both sides.

Bailey’s unlikely to be a star, but the value of an average player at catcher is markedly more valuable than the description suggests. Plus, I think he’s a better player than Shea Langeliers, who went No. 9 a year ago, illustrating the dearth of catching in baseball.

Scouts seem to love the idea Bailey leads with instincts and isn’t afraid to take charge. He gives up his body and has an accurate throwing arm.

When I asked for a comp, I got Will Smith, Roberto Perez, Jason Varitek, Michael Barrett and Mike Lieberthal.

 

https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/news/2020-mlb-draft-ranking-top-25-position-players-and-how-scouts-executives-view-these-hitters/    -

17. Dylan Crews, OF, Lake Mary (HS)

Were this based on name recognition, Crews would be much higher. Alas, he had a brutal spring that, combined with the fatigue that develops over time with well-known prospects, makes him difficult to rank. When Crews is right, he looks like a potential starting right fielder: an above-average hitter with a strong arm. Because of his stock's volatility, it stands to reason he might honor his commitment to LSU and re-establish himself as a top-of-the-draft player there.

 

 

DraftSite’s 4^th Round Pick for the Mets –

          Marquis Grissom Jr.   RHP   Counterpane HS (HS-Georgia)

6' 2"    180

https://www.perfectgame.org/players/playerprofile.aspx?ID=499564 - 

Marquis Grissom Jr is a 2020 RHP/OF with a 6-2 180 lb. frame from Atlanta, GA who attends Counterpane. Long and slender young build, lots of room to fill out and get stronger. High 3/4's to over the top arm slot, gets downhill very well and pitches with angle, some energy at release, consistent with his release points and slot. Upper 80's fastball, topped out at 90, has been up to 92 mph in the past, worked his fastball to both sides of the plate with intent. Big breaking curveball with power and depth, tunneled well with his fastball, curveball has a chance to be a plus pitch in the future. Solid change up with fading action and good arm speed. Works quickly and fields his position well. High ceiling young talent who just needs to get stronger to take the next step.

 

 

https://www.sny.tv/mets/news/5-pitching-prospects-mets-could-target-in-2020-mlb-draft/313404994  -

          LHP Garrett Crochet - Tennessee

At 20 years old, Crochet should move through a system a lot faster than any of the prep arms in the draft. And his arsenal is tantalizing.

According to his MLB Pipeline scouting report, the 6-foot-6 lefty has a fastball that sat between 96 and 100 mph during the fall.

MLB Pipeline scouting report snippet: For a 6-foot-6 pitcher, Crochet does a nice job of keeping his long levers in sync and providing strikes. Scouts like his delivery and arm action, though he still needs to refine his command to make the most of his overpowering stuff.