2/21/21

Mack - More Draft Notes

 



2-17-21 - Bleed Cubbie Blue -

 

The Georgia prep catcher Harry Ford would make for an interesting discussion, if on the board at 21. Catcher in three or four years might not seem an organizational weakness, but Ford seems flexible enough to go elsewhere, as needed. Time spent researching potential choices at 21 both relaxes you on the likelihood of quality there, and screams that the likely quality doesn't stop anywhere near 21. Which is why it's useful to follow a college team until MLB season starts. More teams than you might think are bringing 97 or higher out of the bullpen, late. Oh, to harness some command, as well.

 

Mack’s spin -

 

Boy, there is a lot of great catching talent in this draft.

 

I have Ford as a late first rounder. 

 

2-17-21 - Jheremy Brown  @JBrownPG

 

2022 RHP Dylan Lesko continues to up the ante every time he takes the hill. While the velocity continues to climb, it’s the polish & overall athleticism that stands out. Has one of the better CH in the country too. #VandyBoys

 

Kiley McDaniel @kileymcd

 

The top HS pitcher in the 2022 Draft class is RHP Dylan Lesko of Buford HS, outside of Atlanta. Here he is via @Matrix_Baseball sitting 95-97 in a preseason scrimmage. He was already the top arm in the class when he sat in the low-90’s; has a plus changeup, command also advanced. 

 

Mack’s spin -

 

Very early… but right now, Lesko is one of my top 2 picks in the 2022 draft. 

 

2-16-21 - Doug @FTLO_Baseball

 

Is Andrew Painter really the best prep arm? Haven't seen his FB metrics but it seems with his height and delivery he's going to have a steep approach angle and be a ground ball machine at the big league level more than a true bat misser.

 

Mack’s spin -

 

Did Doug say something good or bad about Painter? 

 

2-16-21 - Draft Sleepers -

 

Brandon Clarke, LHP, Independence HS, Ashburn, Va.

 

Perhaps the ship has already sailed on Clarke being a “sleeper” for the 2021 class, because he’s gotten significant attention after a loud performance at Prep Baseball Report’s Super 60 last week. At the event, Clark hit 95 mph on the mound and also showed good feel for an upper-70s breaking ball and a mid-80s changeup. Clarke raised eyebrows for scouts prior to the event based on a bullpen session where he sat 92-96 and some evaluators thought he looked like a first round talent because of that. Clarke wasn’t at many showcase events last summer as he was recovering from Tommy John surgery. Now healthy, he should be shooting up draft boards.

 

Mack’s spin -

 

I guess the true definition of a sleeper is someone you have no paper on.

 

I will keep an eye out for more on this kid. 

 

2-16-21 - Ian Smith @FlaSmitty

 

This feels like a fine time to say James Wood could have the highest ceiling in the entire 2021 prep class.

 

Mack’s spin -

 

It seems that Wood is rising every day in the projections.

 

Can’t wait to see what he does this year. 

 

2-14-21 - Detroit Free Press -

 

Leiter, 20, posted a 1.72 ERA, 0.830 WHIP, 22 strikeouts and eight walks across 15⅔ innings as a freshman in Vanderbilt’s canceled 2020 season. He started three of his four appearances.

 

His best pitch is a 12-6 curveball, accompanied by a slider and a fastball between 94-97 mph with cutting action. Leiter hasn’t used his changeup much since arriving at Vanderbilt. In his college debut, he struck out 12 through five no-hit innings against South Alabama.

 

“I think there’s a real shot that Leiter slides ahead of him, and Kumar is just the best player at No. 3,” McDaniel said. “If I had to put my money on anybody, I would say it’s him. And if it’s a bat, it’s unclear who the next best bat behind Lawlar is. I don’t have a great answer for you yet.”

 

Mack’s spin -

 

Big fan of Leiter… just don’t have him at 1.2 like most of the mockers.

 

He will be long gone before we pick him at 1.10. 

 

2-14-21 - Dan Zielinski III @DanZielinski3

 

Gage Jump (@gagejump1) is one of the most intriguing prep pitchers in July’s MLB Draft class. Read about the left-handed pitcher's skills, commitment to UCLA Baseball and status as a potential first-round pick in this year's draft

 

Mack’s spin -

 

I have Jump as a solid round two pick


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