Brandon Finnegan, Trea Turner, Michael Cederoth, Grayson Greiner, Ehan Paul

3-6-14 – Nats GM - Brandon Finnegan LHP Texas Christian University - In his first start of the season, Finnegan overwhelmed the Jacksonville lineup with two plus offerings, flashing a powerful mid-90s fastball with excellent life and a devastating slider he threw for strikes; in addition, later in the game he showed a mediocre, but promising changeup with arm-side run that induced whiffs from right-handed batters.  Finnegan’s delivery is fairly polished though involving more effort than one might like, and his command of the strike zone is a bit below-average at this stage in his development.  However, his biggest negative for scouts is his size, as he is listed below 6-0 tall with little physical projection remaining.  If a team can overlook his less than prototypical size and believes in his changeup, Finnegan could be selected in the first 20-40 selections this June, as it is rare to find left-handed pitchers with two present plus pitches.  http://natsgm.com/2014/03/06/scouting-the-2014-mlb-draft-early-march-edition/

3-25-14 – TTF 10 college players on the rise — week 6  - Trea Turner, SS, North Carolina State (5) - While he hasn’t been collecting a lot of hits lately, having gone just 6-for-27 (.222) over his last six games, the hits he has have been hit very hard. He has homered in three of his last four games, showing the pop many were hoping to see this season. It has still been a down year for Turner, as he is now hitting .310/.386/.437 over 22 games with 12 walks to eight strikeouts and seven stolen bases. He is still considered a top-15 pick as he should stick at a premium position, and his plus/plus speed mixed with his ability to get on base in a variety of ways makes him one of the more unique players in the 2014 MLB draft. If he continues to show pop, while maintaining his advanced approach, he could be back in the mix for the top-five picks in the 2014 MLB draft. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-10-college-players-rise-week-6/42071#MDUXGtxd7YCtKt0X.99 

3-9-14 – MLB Draft Insider - Michael Cederoth – RHP San Diego State – After Cederoth struggled out of the gate for the Aztecs; he was moved to the pen. He started the first game of the season, but since then he has made seven appearances out of the pen including Saturday. He pitched in one and two thirds innings picking up a save. His line was no hits, one walk, no runs, no strikeouts, and a wild pitch. He has been very effective out of the pen, and many think that might be his best role going forward. http://mlbdraftinsider.com/2014/03/the-rundown-march-8/#more-3872

3-5-14 – TTF - 10 college players on the rise — week 3  - Grayson Greiner, C, South Carolina (57) - The 6’-5”, 220 pound right-hander has been tearing the cover off the ball for the Gamecocks all year. He has been getting even hotter as of late, going 9-for-22 (.409) over his last six games with two home runs, 11 RBI and has drawn four walks. On the year, he is now hitting .359/.468/.641 with three home runs and 18 RBI over 11 games. He has a plus arm (1.81 POP times) and is very accurate with it. He is a good athlete for his size and most believe he can stick behind the plate. There were some questions about weather the power was going to show up in games and he is answering those so far. One of the best leaders around. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-week-3/41478#ilZqhEaASo2Kkjik.99

MIF - Ethan Paul, Jr., Newport (Wash.) - A highly athletic defender with good lateral agility and aggressive actions coming to the baseball, his range to play up in spite of taking shorter strides than a taller infielder. His all around quickness translates well at the plate also with a quick left handed swing with emerging bat speed and the ability to consistently square the ball up for line drives. The junior edges out fellow 2015 grad Carson Kelly of Oregon for this spot but it was close call and Kelly's projection could eventually see him leapfrog Paul's present ability. http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=9561

Draft 14 – Braxton Davidson, Brandon Finnegan, Grayson Greiner, Jeff Hoffman, Branden Kelliher

2-3-14 – MaxPreps - Top 10 MLB Draft Prospects in high school - 5. Braxton Davidson, Roberson (Asheville, N.C.) Davidson has consistently been listed as one of the top five players in every mock draft. An infielder in high school, he could move to the outfield at the next level. Davidson doesn't have great power, but scouts expect him to be a consistent hitter at the next level. He could go somewhere in the top 15. http://www.maxpreps.com/news/B41AzcsA90iOL5xwFL8T7Q/top-10-major-league-baseball-draft-high-school-prospects.htm

3-25-14 – TTF 10 college players on the rise — week 6  - Brandon Finnegan, LHP, TCU (18) - With 10 K/2 BB over seven shutout innings against Texas Tech on March 21, Finnegan now has double-digit strikeouts in five of his six starts this season. In the other one, he had nine strikeouts. With 65 K/9 BB over 43.2 innings, he has a 13.4 K/9 ratio to go along with a 1.44 ERA, 0.80 WHIP and .172 BAA. Arguably the best pitcher in college this season with a fastball that touches 100 mph to go along with a plus slider, he isn’t being considered for the top-five selections because of one thing — his size. At 5’-11” and 195 pounds, he is considered undersized to be an elite starter at the next level simply because of the track record for guys that size. There is always the anomaly, however, and if a team believes he can continue to dominate at the next level, there is no telling how high he could go. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-10-college-players-rise-week-6/42071#MDUXGtxd7YCtKt0X.99

3-6-14 – Nats GM -  Grayson Greiner C University of South Carolina - The first thing you notice about Greiner is his physically imposing size, as he appears larger than his listed 6-5 220lbs; this immediately makes scouts question if Greiner will be able to remain a catcher in the professional ranks.  However, Greiner provides a big, quiet target for the pitcher, shows notable arm strength, and is fairly agile behind the plate, making him a surprisingly quality defensive catcher.  Offensively Greiner has a longish swing with quality bat speed, but has not shown the production or power one might expect from such a strong, talented prospect in his first two collegiate seasons. Greiner will be an interesting prospect this coming June, as some teams will be put off by his size and lack of power numbers in college, yet some team will fall in love with his present defensive skills and dream on the potential of his bat.  While I do not see him as a 1st round pick, polished collegiate catchers are always in demand on draft day, and I see Greiner being selected early in June. http://natsgm.com/2014/03/06/scouting-the-2014-mlb-draft-early-march-edition/

3-5-14 – TTF - 10 college players on the rise — week 3 - Jeff Hoffman, RHP, East Carolina (3) - It’s hard to say Hoffman is rising considering he is already projected as a top-three pick. With his latest outing, however, he could be challenging Carlos Rodon for the top spot by the end of the year. Against Western Kentucky on Friday, the 6’-4” right-hander was brilliant, striking out 14 to one walk over eight innings. He allowed one unearned run on five hits in the no-decision. He had been showing off his ridiculous repertoire all year, but this time the results matched the stuff. With four pitches that grade out to at least above-average, along with his size and effortless delivery, the Justin Verlander comps are looking legit. Hoffman now has 26 K/6 BB over 21.1 innings, allowing just 14 hits. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-week-3/41478#ilZqhEaASo2Kkjik.99

P - Branden Kelliher, RHP/SS, Sr., Lake Stevens (Wash.) - The biggest arm in the region belongs to a smaller right hander, and his development has continued to progress at a good pace ever since establishing himself as one of the top prospects in the northwest at a young age. Kelliher ran his fastball up to 94 at the WWBA World Championship in October and he pairs it with two good offspeed pitches, an upper 70s curveball with hard 12-6 break that has reached as high as 80 mph, and an advanced changeup. He's also a good shortstop at this level and is one of the best all around high school players in the region. http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=9561

Draft 14 – Aaron Nola, Greyson Greiner, Bradley Zimmer, Nick Howard, Brandon Finnegan

2-21-14 – Project Insider - Aaron Nola, RHP — LSU  Nola was efficient in six scoreless versus New Orleans last week — 81 pitches — but did manage to hit three batters, so there’s something to nag at if you’re like me. Nola will face Virginia Tech Friday. http://prospectinsider.com/draft-prospect-watch-hoffman-vs-fisher

3-25-14 – 7.  Greyson Greiner, South Carolina Height 6'5", Weight 220 DOB: 10/11/1992 R/R - Tall for a catcher with a glove first rep.  GameCocks Link Greiner might be one of those guys that drops some, maybe to the 5-8 area, I could see the Giants taking a shot while other teams are trying to game the draft. http://www.yougottalikethesekids.com/2014/03/ten-catchers-in-2014-mlb-draft.html

3-5-14 – TTF - 10 college players on the rise — week 3  - Bradley Zimmer, OF, San Francisco (12) - Zimmer just keeps impressing. Over his last three games, the 6’-5” left-handed hitter has gone 8-for-14 (.571) with a home run and three stolen bases. He is now hitting .420/.453/.640 over 11 games with three doubles, two home runs and four stolen bases. A gifted athlete, he has a chance to stick in center field and he is showing the power that many thought would be coming. Already a projected first-round pick, he has a chance to go in the upper half due to his size, canon arm, speed and power potential. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-week-3/41478#ilZqhEaASo2Kkjik.99

3-4-14 - Nick Howard (RHP) - The Hoo’s closer came in on Friday and sat 92-95 with the fastball and showed a curveball that had nice depth but noticeably slower arm speed than the heater. He’ll be drafted fairly high on arm strength alone by a team that thinks they can tighten up the curveball or get him to come around the side of it a bit and see if it’ll slide. http://prospectinsider.com/scouting-derek-fisher-uva-prospects

2-27-14 – TTF - 10 college players on the rise - Brandon Finnegan, LHP, TCU (18) - Another repeat performer, Finnegan was once again untouchable. This time, however, his command was also pinpoint. Over seven shutout innings against BYU, he allowed six hits and struck out nine to no walks. The 5’-11” southpaw has now tossed 14 scoreless innings to start the year with 22 K/ 3 BB. The power-armed southpaw who can hit the upper-90s, also adds a plus slider and is showing he has the ability to remain a starter at the next level. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-10-college-players-rise-2/41299#ldBBF8hRKzmaiy5H.99

Draft 14 – Taylor Sparks, Brandon Finnegan, Michael Conforto, Luke Bonfield, Carl Chester

2-21-14 – Project Insider -  Taylor Sparks, 1B/3B — UC Irvine - Sparks enters the season with a chance to be a top 50 pick, but his week-1 performance isn’t going to help him. Spark went 0-for-15 with seven strikeouts and will give it another go this weekend at home versus Wright State. Sparks is a 6-foot-4, 225-pound right-handed hitter with a swing that needs work but plus raw power. http://prospectinsider.com/draft-prospect-watch-hoffman-vs-fisher

3-25-14 – MLB Draft Insider Mock – 21   Brandon Finnegan           LHP        TCU        -  Finnegan is one of the more controversial prospects in the class, some believing he’s a future No. 2 and some convinced he’s a reliever. I split the difference and think he can be a solid mid-rotation starter. http://mlbdraftinsider.com/2014/03/the-board-2014-volume-ii/   

2-19 – TTF - 10 college players on the rise - Michael Conforto, OF, Oregon State (24)  Considered one of the best bats in the 2014 MLB draft, the 6’-2”, 215 pound right-hander has been on fire out of the gate. After going 0-for-4 in the opener, he has gone 7-for-10 over his last three games with two doubles, a triple, 11 RBI and has drawn six walks to no strikeouts. Conforto’s ability to wait on his pitch and utilize his excellent bat speed allows him to spray the ball to all fields. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-10-college-players-rise/41224#Brkvtc4VfkP16udZ.99

2-11-14 – PG/Florida HS Dream Team – OF – Luke Bonfield, Sr. IMG Academy - Bonfield might be new to the state of Florida after transferring down from New Jersey for his high school senior season, but his reputation with the bat followed him. Bonfield has the ability to cover the entire plate and barrel up the ball with very good bat speed to all parts of the field. While he makes consistent, hard line drive contact to the gaps for doubles, don’t be surprised when those balls start making their way over the fence. http://perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=9372

1-3-14 – TTF Baseball - 63. Los Angeles Dodgers — Carl Chester, OF, Lake Brantley HS (FL) - A plus/plus runner who has been times at 6.28 in the 60, the right-hander can wreak havoc on the base paths, as well as in the outfield where you’d be hard pressed to hit anything over his head. At 6’-0” and 170 pounds, he also shows some raw power in his swing and excellent bat speed. A quick-twitch athlete with a lot of upside. He stole 18 of 20 bases as a junior and struck out just 11 times over 110 plate appearances. Committed to Miami. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-2/40753#ppGUqI6CbWFvzsPf.99 

Draft 14 – Kyle Schwarber, Trea Turner , Brandon Finnegan, Marcus Wilson, Carl Chester

2-21-14 - Dan Kirby ‏@DanMKirby  -  Stud! RT @KendallRogersPG: #Indiana C Kyle Schwarber just put 3-run bomb about 40-ft past the 379 marker and up. Absolute no doubter. Wow.

3-25-14 – MLB Draft Insider Mock –  17  Trea Turner        SS           NC State  -  It was nice to see Turner pick up some extra-base hits this weekend. It was not nice that the two extra-base hits he picked up that weekend tripled his total for the season. http://mlbdraftinsider.com/2014/03/the-board-2014-volume-ii/

2-19 – TTF - 10 college players on the rise - Brandon Finnegan, LHP, TCU (18)  The stuff is never questioned with Finnegan. His size, however, often is. At 5’-11” and 185 pounds, he doesn’t have the ideal frame to be a frontline starter at the next level. Able to hit the upper 90s with his fastball, along with a plus slider, some have compared him to former closer Billy Wagner. On Friday, he showed why he will be given every chance to remain a starter. Over seven shutout innings against Jacksonville, he allowed three hits and struck out 13 with three walks. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-10-college-players-rise/41224#Brkvtc4VfkP16udZ.99

1-3-14 – TTF Baseball - 45. Minnesota Twins — Marcus Wilson, OF, Serra HS (CA) - At 6’-3” and 180 pounds, the right-hander is raw in areas but has a lot of upside based on his plus speed and ability to drive the ball to all fields. His size implies more power will come. He also has a plus arm and is one of those players that gets better every time out. One of the youngest players in the 2014 MLB draft and one of those quick-twitch athletes scouts love. Committed to Arizona State. 

http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-2/40753#ppGUqI6CbWFvzsPf.99

2-11-14 – PG/Florida HS Dream Team – OF – Carl Chester, Sr. Lake Brantley - The 6.28 60-yard dash at the National Showcase can speak to Chester’s ability to run. That speed plays on both sides of the ball as he covers a lot of ground in center field (see below) and allows him to get down the first base line in the 4.0 to 4.1 area consistently. Once on base, Chester wreaks havoc and is very disruptive. The University of Miami commit shows a fluid righthanded swing with surprising pop and an advanced approach at the plate. http://perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=9372

Draft 14 – JD Davis, Devon Fisher, Nick Gordon, Carl Chester, Brandon Finnegan

1-30-14 - Number 25 on our countdown is Cal State Fullerton junior first baseman and RHP JD Davis. The Elk Grove High School native was a four-year letter winner at Elk Grove High School. He was a two time All-American selection in his junior and senior year with outstanding campaigns which he hit .486 batting average with 8 homers, 60 RBI, 1.80 ERA, 91 strikeouts as a junior and a .505 batting average, 9 homers, 45 RBI, 1.56 ERA, 70 strikeouts. He was selected in the fifth round of the 2011 MLB Draft. As a freshman, he appeared in 41 games while making five pitching appearances as he hit .229 with 20 RBIs and a team high four home runs. On the mound, he had a 3.52 ERA with three walks and nine strikeouts in 23 innings. He played the summer with the Wisconsin Woodchucks of the Northwoods League as he batted .344 with three home runs and 26 RBIs while posting a 4-0 record with a 2.10 ERA on the mound. His summer was cut short after getting into an auto accident which broken his clavicle and sprained an ankle. http://ht.ly/2DnG2Y

1-27-14 – BP - Positional Preview: High School Catchers - Devon Fisher | C/3B/RHP | Western Branch (Chesapeake, VA) | Commit: Virginia  Height/Weight: 6-foot-1/200 pounds  B/T: R/R  Draft Day Age: 18y 1m  Fisher is solidly built, particularly in the trunk, already showing some in-game pop to the gaps and an ability to really put a charge into the ball when he loads up in BP. He put together an impressive series of offensive showings in Cary during the Tournament of Stars last June before fading some in August at East Coast Pro and then coming back strong in October down in Jupiter. The Virginia commit shows quick hands and a fairly compact swing despite a slight wrap. He is a solid athlete, with a projectable build that should be able the weather the strain of the long pro season behind the plate. He can get choppy in his transfer, but there’s enough arm strength for the catch-and-throw game to play at the next level. http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=22662

1-3-14 – TTF Baseball - 21. Tampa Bay Rays — Nick Gordon, SS/RHP, Olympia HS (FL) - A two-way talent with great bloodlines (Tom “Flash“ Gordon is his dad and Dee Gordon is his brother), the 6’-2” right-hander may have a brighter future at short where his strong arm, instincts and athleticism could allow him to stick at a premium position. Offensively, he hits from the left side and projects to a top-of-the-order hitter with speed and a very good approach at the plate. Over 30 games as a junior, he hit .505 with 15 doubles, six triples and 12 stolen bases. Committed to Florida State. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-2/40753#ppGUqI6CbWFvzsPf.99

11-21-13 – BA Top 100 High School Players - 69 Carl Chester OF R/R 5-11 167 Lake Brantley, Longwood, Fla. Miami http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/2014-high-school-top-100-with-commitments/

3-20-14 – Cubs Insider - • Brandon Finnegan, Texas Christian University left-hander: Opening eyes by putting up 55 strikeouts against seven walks through his first five starts this season. The Cubs are on the clock. http://www.csnchicago.com/cubs/mlb-draft-cubs-identifying-targets-no-4-overall-pick

Draft 14 – Brandon Finnegan, Bryce Carter, J.D. Davis, D.J. Peters

2-1-14 - Brandon Finnegan - Texas Christian University  - Standing under 6', listed at 5'11", 190 LBS, Finnegan wouldn't be as big of a prospect as a righty but he is blessed to be throwing from the left side. He is mature physically and likely won't add any velocity. He has a solid delivery with a ¾ arm slot and long arm action in back but he repeats it fairly well. His fastball sits 90-95 but I have seen it up to 101 on a TV gun, which I'm sure was a little hot. I've heard reports up to 98. His command has improved since he was a freshman as has his stamina and ability to hold his velocity deeper into games. As a freshman, I thought I was watching a future closer. As a sophomore, he looked like there was a good chance to start and I think that remains. http://www.minorleagueball.com/2014/2/1/5365036/2014-mlb-draft-profile-brandon-finnegan-lhp-texas-christian-university

1-27-14 – BP - Positional Preview: High School Catchers - Bryce Carter | C/OF/1B | Cascia Hall Prep (Tulsa, OK) | Commit: Stanford  Height/Weight: 6-foot-1/195 pounds  B/T: L/R  Draft Day Age: 18y 9m  Carter kicked off the summer with an impressive showing for the Vegas Gold squad at PG Nationals, making consistent loud contact including a hard home run over the Metrodome’s right field wall. He continued to show a good feel for the barrel throughout the summer and fall, and in particular at the Area Code Games in August. He brings to the plate a simple load, good leverage, and natural loft, producing easy power both oppo and pull. His well below-average straight-line speed makes first base the likely defensive fallback, but there’s enough to work with for him to get every opportunity to stick as a backstop. He currently profiles as a potential early round target. http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=22662

1-3-14 – TTF Baseball - 53. Los Angeles Angels — J.D. Davis, 1B/3B, Cal State Fullerton - The 6’-3”, 215 pound right-hander has plus power to all fields and a solid approach at the plate. Over 60 games as a sophomore, he hit .318/.407/.436 with 31 walks to 37 strikeouts. He also has a plus arm and can touch 94 mph on the mound as a reliever. He doesn’t offer any speed but could handle the hot corner due to his arm and footwork. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-2/40753#ppGUqI6CbWFvzsPf.99

11-21-13 – BA Top 100 High School Players - 66 D.J. Peters OF/1B R/R 6-4 214 Glendora (Calif.) HS Cal State Fullerton http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/2014-high-school-top-100-with-commitments/

Draft 14 – Brandon Finnegan, Michael Gettys, Nick Gordon, Bradley Zimmer

1-3-14 – TTF Baseball - 20. Cincinnati Reds — Brandon Finnegan, LHP, TCU - A power lefty who can touch 97 mph with his fastball, Finnegan’s size (5’-11”, 185 pounds) has some questioning his ability to remain a starter. His fastball sists in the mid 90s with a lot of life and his slider has plus potential. Posted a 3.18 ERA, 1.37 WHIP with 86 K/35 BB over 79.1 innings as a sophomore. Starring for the Collegiate National Team, he had a team-high 23 K over 23.2 innings, allowing just 11 hits. He did issue 10 walks, however, and his command can get him in trouble at times. A strong junior season is expected. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-2/40753#ppGUqI6CbWFvzsPf.99  

1-20-14 – Michael Gettys is a 6'2", 195 pound physical specimen. He is a tightly wound, quick twitch athlete with amazing speed and phenomenal arm. If he couldn't hit at all, he would be a top 100 prospect as a pitcher, but I don't see any chance he steps on a mound because of the loud tools as a position player. He has a 92-94 MPH fastball and a very good mid 70's to low 80's breaking ball that both have potential. He covers a ton of ground with his speed and can throw the ball 100 MPH from the outfield, although it came with a lot of effort. He has the potential to be a great defender in centerfield. http://www.minorleagueball.com/2014/1/20/5320530/2014-mlb-draft-profile-michael-gettys-of-gainsville-ga-high-school  

11-21-13 – BA Top 100 High School Players - 9 Nick Gordon SS/RHP L/R 6-0 170 Olympia HS, Orlando, Fla. Florida State http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/2014-high-school-top-100-with-commitments/

1-20-14 – PG Preseason College All-Americans – Outfield - Bradley Zimmer, San Francisco - 2013 Stats: .320 AVG, 12 2B, 3 3B, 7 HR, 37 RBI, 29 BB, 31 SO, 19 SB - Bradley’s brother, righthanded pitcher Kyle Zimmer, was a first-round pick in the MLB draft two summers ago. Bradley could be the next Zimmer to receive that honor should he put together a strong spring, which by the way, is expected. Zimmer has a very lengthy frame at 6-foot-5, 205-pounds and impressed scouts this past summer on the Cape Cod League with his ability to consistently put the bat on the ball. Zimmer has good instincts in the outfield, and also possesses above average speed. http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=9294    

Draft 14 – Luke Weaver, Brandon Finnegan, Alex Jackson, Shane Benes

1-3-14 – TTF Baseball - 17. Baltimore Orioles — Luke Weaver, RHP, Florida State - A 6’-2”, 180 pound right-hander, Weaver enjoyed an outstanding season for the Seminoles this year. Over 15 starts, he had a 2.29 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 119 K/19 BB over 98.1 innings. His 10.9 K/9 and 6.3 K/BB ratios show the kind of power/command pitcher he is. His fastball sits in the low/mid 90s and he adds a change-up that shows plus potential. There is still room for projection and added velocity as he fills out. Over 21 innings for Team USA, he had 17 K/5 BB. 

http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-2/40753#ppGUqI6CbWFvzsPf.99

12-9-13 – Pine Tar Press  -  39- LHP Brandon Finnegan TCU 4/14/93- The win total for a pitcher we all know is a terrible statistic to define how good a pitcher is. Certainly, that case is proven with Brandon who went 0-8 as a sophomore at TCU. The power lefty sits under 6’0 but routinely dials his fastball at 95 plus. Some see him as a game changing 2-pitch reliever but he certainly has the repertoire to be a SP if his change develops. But, if I had to project him out I would suggest his future is out of the bullpen. (Out of first round- Rockies selection) 

http://pinetarpress.com/early-look-2014-mlb-draft/

11-21-13 – BA Top 100 High School Players - 2 Alex Jackson C/OF R/R 6-1 224 Rancho Bernardo, Escondido, Calif. Oregon http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/2014-high-school-top-100-with-commitments/

12-10-13 – TTF – Top 50 HS Players - 49. Shane Benes, SS, Westminster Christian Academy (MO) - The 6′-3″, 200-pound right-hander showed off his tremendous raw power in Jupiter by registering 108 mph on his exit velocity. His size may move him off short but he shows soft hands, enough range and an arm to at least make it interesting. Very good bloodlines as his dad, Andy Benes, was the first-overall pick by the Padres in the 1988 MLB draft and spent 14 seasons in the majors. Committed to Missouri. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-top-50/40532#zz88YJZTOG8iEa1Z.99

Draft 14 – Grant Holmes, Brandon Finnegan, Keith Weisenberg, Spencer Adams, Michael Gettys

10-29-13 – Jim Callis – Top 10 World Wood Bat Association World Championship (WWBA) Jupiter, Florida - 8. Grant Holmes, RHP, Evoshield Canes (Conway, S.C., High/Florida) -  Averaged 92 mph and reached 97 with his fastball in Jupiter, showing nice life and control with the pitch.  http://ht.ly/qi5No


10-15-13 – Baseball America - 23. Brandon Finnegan, lhp, Texas Christian: Smallish lefty holds upper-90s velocity deep into games and developed a plus slider during his time with Team USA. http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/2014-draft-top-50-october-2013-carlos-rodon/


10-28-13 – Jim Callis - One of the best pitching matchups of the tournament pitted Marucci Elite's Keith Weisenberg (Osceola High, Seminole, Fla.) against Chicago Scouts Association's Noah Burkholder (Crown Point, Ind., High).Weisenberg, a right-hander who's committed to Stanford, also has a projectable frame at 6-foot-4 and 190 pounds. His loose arm delivered 91-95 mph fastballs in the first inning and still pumped 89-91 mph heat in his fourth and final frame. His fastball has sinking action, as does his changeup, which was a bit firm in the mid-80s. He threw 13 changeups and just two sliders. Weisenberg filled the strike zone with 46 of his 70 pitches, but his command wasn't as sharp as his control. He left some pitches up and gave up three runs on six hits and two walks while striking out five. http://ht.ly/qeYJz


10-25-13  - PG Showcase – Righthander Spencer Adams (Cleveland, Ga.), pitching for Team Elite, worked two innings in his start, showing the same feel for four pitches that made him an interest of scouts all summer. The 6-foot-5, 190-pounder sat between 89-91, peaking at 93 once, while also using a cutter-like slider at 85-87, curveball at 76-77 with two-plane action, and lesser-used changeup at 84. http://www.baseballamerica.com/draft/toussaint-wows-evaluators-at-jupiter/


9-11-13 - Sully’s 2014 Top 100 MLB HS Draft Prospects - 1.Michael Gettys – OF/RHP, Gainesville (GA) HS http://www.ninebaseball.org/Wordpress/sullys-2014-top-100-mlb-hs-draft-prospects/

Draft 14 – Michael Gettys, Bryce Dyrda, Michael Conforto, Trea Turner, Brandon Finnegan

9-30-13 – TTF Mock 2.0 - 6. Seattle Mariners — Michael Gettys, OF, Gainesville HS (GA)  There isn’t much to nitpick about the 6’-2” right-hander with all five tools. He has plus speed, an arm that has been clocked at 100 mph from the outfield and, with great bat speed, the power is coming fast. A two-way player with great stuff on the mound, his future is in the outfield where his speed and arm make him a legitimate center field prospect at the next level. Another kid who I got to see launch bombs out of Wrigley, as well as show off him arm with a strike to third base from centerfield, the Mariners would be getting a high character kid with as much talent as anyone in the 2014 MLB draft. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-mock-draft-2-0-draft-order-set/38280#5E3F5j1jWOgE69bJ.99

9-11-13 - Sully’s 2014 Top 100 MLB HS Draft Prospects – 58.Bryce Dyrda – RHP, Oakdale (CA) HS http://www.ninebaseball.org/Wordpress/sullys-2014-top-100-mlb-hs-draft-prospects/

9-29-13 – XMLBScout – 15.) OF, Michael Conforto, Oregon St, 5'11 190, L/L, a hitter with good enough defensive skills to reach ML, shows short compact stroke with gap power to RF, should hit 15-20 HR in pro ball, enough speed to be respected and defensively won't be a liability, best suited for the corner OF. Top 4 round guy for 2014! One of best offensive tools hitter coming out of the college ranks for 2014. http://xmlbscout.angelfire.com/

10-6-13 – Kendall Rogers/PG – College Prospects - 3. Trea Turner, ss, North Carolina State (Drafted: 2011, Pirates -- 20th round) - If there’s a position player who could vault to the top of the draft in 2014, Turner is a very good bet at this point. Turner is a 6-foot-1, 171-pounder, with exceptional speed. Turner has good offensive skills and some pop in his bat. In the field, there are some who believe Turner is an outfielder at the next level. However, he has shown good balance and a strong arm at shortstop, and most believe he’ll stay there. http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=9081

10-6-13 – Kendall Rogers/PG – College Prospects -  4. Brandon Finnegan, lhp, Texas Christian (Drafted: 2011, Rangers -- 45th round) - The fact Finnegan is a 5-foot-11, 190-pounder, might turn off some because he’s a not an imposing physical specimen, but don’t let that fool you. Finnegan has a classic Texas gunslinger attitude, and has the stuff to complement that well. He’s 95-98 with his fastball, has good feel for an 82-84 changeup and continues to develop a low-80s slider. http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=9081

Draft 14 – Tyler Kolek, Matt Wezniak, Brandon Finnegan, Grant Homes, Carlos Rodon

8-21-13 – Area Code Games - 1. Tyler Kolek, rhp, Shepherd (Texas) High/Houston Heat - The 6-foot-5, 245-pound Kolek separated himself from the rest of the high school crop early in the summer and retained his billing as the top hurler in the class after showing his mid-90s fastball that touched 96 mph in Long Beach. His high-70s breaking ball showed two-plane break and depth. Although he gave up five hits in three innings and his fastball velocity fell to the low-90s in his third frame, four of his nine outs came via the strikeout. The Texas Christian commit will be the first player ever drafted from his high school. http://www.baseballamerica.com/draft/area-code-games-top-10-prospects/

9-21-13 – 1B Matt Wezniak is another one of the Clippers D-I commits, his to San Diego State. He is a strong, well-built player with an athletic frame. Wezniak has a smooth, fluid swing with some pop and he also runs well, especially for his size.  http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=9017

9-4-13 – Mack’s Mock Draft v1.0 – 27 –  LHP Brandon Finnegan – TCU – In any other year Finnegan would be easily ranked as the top college lefty in the draft.  Fastball: 93-96, 97…  slider: 85-85... change 82-85… Very polished pitcher who mixes pitches well. Some project him out as an eventual closer.

9-11-13 - Sully’s 2014 Top 100 MLB HS Draft Prospects - 2.Grant Holmes – RHP, Conway (SC) HS http://www.ninebaseball.org/Wordpress/sullys-2014-top-100-mlb-hs-draft-prospects/

9-12-13 - Liam (Dallas) - Do you think Tyler Kolek is the best non-Rodon pitcher in next year's draft class?... Keith Law: No. Chris Crawford and I are going to do a too-early ranking later this month, but I can tell you Kolek isn't the second pitcher on it. Carlos Rodon will be 1-1, of course.

Draft 14 – Brady Aiken, Grant Hockin, Brandon Finnegan, Drew Carlton, Tyler Beed

8-16-13 - 11th All-American Classic - Brady Aiken (LHP, Cathedral Catholic HS (San Diego, CA): Excellent size; major-league body; high three-quarters slot with a high front side; deliberate with the leg lift and plant; pretty easy and repeatable; pace was inconsistent and he struggled with runners on; slow release around 1.50 seconds to plate with runners on; fastball comfortable at 91-92 with some sink; long, tumbling curve at 73-74; good feel for the offering; fastball command limited the pitch. —Jason Parks http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=21537

 

8-25-13 - Nathan Rode ‏@NathanRode  - I was also excited to see RHP Grant Hockin (CA) get an MVP nod in the #UAAllAmerica Game today

 

8-14-13 – Through The Fence – Top 50 Prospects – 34. Brandon Finnegan, LHP, TCU - He has reportedly hit triple-digits with his fastball. That alone will get you first-round attention. At 5-’11”, however, his size draws question marks for a frontline starter. He also features an upper-70s slurve and a decent change-up that has come a long way. He could end up a dominant closer in the mold of Billy Wagner. Had 86 K/35 BB over 79.1 innings as a sophomore. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-top-50-prospects/36463#mwWwsFxSUZy7YC5V.99

 

2013 East Coast Pro Showcase Top 50 Prospects    - 38. Drew Carlton – RHP, George W Jenkins (FL) HS - 6’2, 190 RHP sitting 88-90, touched 92 - http://www.ninebaseball.org/Wordpress/sullys-top-50-ecp-prospects/

 

7-17-13 –  Tyler Beede, RHP, Vanderbilt - Beede has an ideal, athletic pitchers build (6'4", 215 lbs) and was anywhere from 91-96 mph on his fastball, but mostly was working with a two seamer so it was often at the lower end of that range.  He also tried to work in curve but had some issues commanding it.  He didn't walk a batter but he did hit two of them and didn't seem to locate as well he would have liked.  You don't want to get trapped into scouting results here (3 IP, 3 R) because you'd miss the boat.  The talent is obvious and it appears Beede may have been working on a few things as he prepares to face Cuba. http://www.chicagonow.com/cubs-den/2013/07/looking-ahead-to-the-2014-and-2015-mlb-draft-notes-from-the-collegiate-national-team-games/

Draft 14 – Kodi Medeiros, Grant Hockin, Micah Miniard, Milton Ramos, Brandon Finnegan

8-16-13 - 11th All-American Classic - Kodi Medeiros | LHP | Waiakea (Hilo, HI)  Height/Weight: 6 feet/185 pounds  B/T: L/L  Draft Day Age: 18 years, 0 months  Commitment: N/A  Scouting Notes: Impressive; deception pitcher with stuff but not a gimmick guy; worked from extreme low three-quarters slot—basically a sidearmer; fastball worked 93-94 with plus movement; ball was diving under barrels; upper-70s to low-80s slider was filthy; fastball disguise and pure funk on the late two-plane break; showed mid-80s changeup as well; curious to see if he can hold velo and command the fastball to both sides of the plate; can’t wait to see him this spring.  http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=21537

 

8-14-13 – Through The Fence – Top 50 Prospects – 38. Grant Hockin, RHP, Damien HS (CA) - Hockin is an athletic 6’-2” right-hander whose fastball has touched 95 mph with late life and sits in the 89-92 mph range. He also adds two solid secondary offerings in a curveball and change-up, and he locates his pitches well. He repeats his delivery well and still has some projection left. He is the grandson of Hall of Famer Harmon Killebrew http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-top-50-prospects/36463#mwWwsFxSUZy7YC5V.99

 

2013 East Coast Pro Showcase Top 50 Prospects    - 50. Micah Miniard – RHP,  Boyle County (KY) HS - 6’7, 200 RHP worked 90-91. http://www.ninebaseball.org/Wordpress/sullys-top-50-ecp-prospects/

 

8-24-13 - Most of the top high school hitters in the 2014 draft class are on hand for the Under Armour All-America Game, powered by Baseball Factory. Friday’s workout at the University of Illinois-Chicago’s Miller Field featured batting practice, infield and outfield and a home run derby, winnowing the field for Saturday’s derby prior to the game at Wrigley Field. Of the 2014 players, shortstop Milton Ramos (Hialeah Gardens, Fla.) put on the best show Friday. Ramos, who played at Florida Christian High in 2013 and will attend American Heritage this upcoming academic year, entered the summer with a reputation as a flashy, at times brilliant defender, and he didn’t disappoint in the workout. http://www.baseballamerica.com/draft/under-armour-all-star-game-notebook/

 

7-17-13 –  Brandon Finnegan, LHP, TCU - The stadium gun was off on Monday night but it was easy to see Finnegan was throwing heat, blowing his fastball past hitters and recording two strikeouts in his one inning of work.  Kevin Gallo tells me he topped out at 96 mph.  I mention Finnegan because he's just 5'11", 185 lbs and generates much of that velocity with tremendous arm speed.  Obviously there's not a lot of downward plane here and you wonder if his size will relegate him to the bullpen, though I'm told he can sustain that velocity late in games and he has a hard slider and a solid change-up to go with the fastball -- so he does have the necessary tools/skills to stick as a starter.   Either way, he's an interesting prospect whether he sticks as a starter or becomes a Billy Wagner type closer. http://www.chicagonow.com/cubs-den/2013/07/looking-ahead-to-the-2014-and-2015-mlb-draft-notes-from-the-collegiate-national-team-games/

Draft 14 - An Early Look At - LHP Brandon Finnegan - Texas Christian

 

4.    Brandon Finnegan

 

6-9-13  -  12.Brandon Finnegan, LHP (TCU): He’s overshadowed by Rodon as far as college lefties go, but Finnegan has touched the upper 90s with a plus breaking ball (and posted nearly an identical FIP to Rodon). http://www.minorleaguerundown.com/2013/06/09/2014-mlb-draft-top-30-prospects/

 

6-11-13 - Player:  Brandon Finnegan -  Position:  LHP -  School:  Texas Christian -  Date of Birth:  4/14/1993 -  Height/Weight:  5’11/184 -  Bats/Throws:  L/L -  2014 Class:  College Junior -  Previously Drafted:  2011, 45th rd, Rangers -  Scouting Report:  Low 3/4 arm slot   Quick arm   Fastball 93-96 early, 91-94 late, has touched 97   Fastball shows very good life -  Slider, 85-88, shows above average potential -  Change 82-85 -  Does a good job of changing speeds -  Has some issues with command http://bigleaguefutures.net/1/2013/06/11/2014-mlb-draft-profile-brandon-finnegan/

 

 

8-14-13 – Through The Fence – Top 50 Prospects – 34. Brandon Finnegan, LHP, TCU - He has reportedly hit triple-digits with his fastball. That alone will get you first-round attention. At 5-’11”, however, his size draws question marks for a frontline starter. He also features an upper-70s slurve and a decent change-up that has come a long way. He could end up a dominant closer in the mold of Billy Wagner. Had 86 K/35 BB over 79.1 innings as a sophomore. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-top-50-prospects/36463#mwWwsFxSUZy7YC5V.99