Draft Notes 5-16-12 – Albert Almora, Duane Underwood, Nick Travieso, Lance McCullers Jr.

Doc Silvey – http://www.prospectnation.com/blog/?p=1710

Albert Almora, Mater Academy (Hialeah Gardens, Fla.), OF, Senior - Almora had a phenomenal regular season, hitting .603 with six homers, 34 RBIs, 42 runs scored and 27 stolen bases. But a shocking loss to Hialeah-Miami Lakes (Hialeah, Fla.) in the Class 8A district playoffs ended the season of Mater Academy, which failed to qualify for the regional tournament. Meanwhile, the rest of The Starting Nine was still in postseason play through Sunday.

John Manuel - http://www.baseballamerica.com/blog/draft/2012/05/what-to-do-with-duane-underwood/

And then there's Duane Underwood. The athletic 6-foot-2, 185-pound righthander at Marietta's Pope High has had an up-and-down spring, mostly on the down side. A late uptick produced buzz that Underwood could put himself back into first-round consideration, as he reportedly hit 96-97 mph as Pope High approached the playoffs.

MLB Draft 2012 – http://mlbdraftcountdown.wordpress.com/category/mlb-draft-2012/

Nick Travieso is one of just a handful of pitchers who have consistently been clocked in the mid-to-high 90s, and that’s a primary reason that he has so much helium headed into the final month before the draft.

ESPN HS -

Lance McCullers Jr., RHP, Jesuit (Tampa, Fla.) - McCullers’ domination – he didn’t allow an earned run during the regular season -- has continued during the postseason as he went all seven, fanning 13 and allowing just four hits. Amazingly, those were the most hits he’s allowed in a start all season. As one scout in attendance opined, “We got to see him really focus, and bow his neck today, and the results speak for themselves.”

North Carolina sophomore pitcher, Shane Taylor, named ACC Pitcher of the Week.

LSU Kevin Gausman named SEC Pitcher of the Week.

Mack –

“How’s the recovery process. Are you 100%?”

Alex Bregman -

One hundred percent. Really excited to move forward with my baseball career.

Draft 2012: Marcus Stroman, Duane Underwood, David Dahl, Lance McCullers

RP Marcus Stroman School: Duke  Cl.: Junior, Ht.: 5-9 Wt.: 185  Hometown.: Medford, N.Y.  High school: Patchogue-Medford  Stroman certainly isn’t the most intimidating pitcher in college baseball with his smallish size, but his stuff is electric. The righty dazzled observers at the Cape Cod League over the summer with his 95-98 mph fastball and outstanding slider. In 2011, Stroman had a 2.80 ERA in 64 1/3 innings. http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=6498

Duane Underwood, Pope (Marietta, Ga.)  The Georgia commit has hit 97 mph on the radar gun and one scout I spoke to this fall said Underwood was sitting at 93-94 even after 75 pitches. He also offers deception in his delivery as he whips his arm through from a high three-quarter arm slot. http://espn.go.com/blog/high-school/baseball/post/_/id/1051/top-10-class-of-2012-right-handed-pitchers  

 David Dahl — 6’-2”, OF, Oak Mountain HS (AL)  Dahl is another member of U18 Team USA, and his recent play has his stock soaring up draft boards. He hit .364 with 11 runs, nine RBI and seven stolen bases batting leadoff for Team USA, while also playing stellar defense in the outfield at the Pan Am Championships. The lefty is one of the purest hitters in the draft, and his short, level swing allows for consistent contact, which projects to a high average hitter. Runs a 6.5/60 and should be a real threat on the base paths. Aside from his offensive prowess, Dahl also has a plus arm, and coupled with his speed and high baseball IQ, should be among the top 15 picks in the draft. http://www.throughthefencebaseball.com/top-50-draft-prospects-for-2012-25-thru-1/15694/

Lance McCullers, Jesuit (Tampa, Fla.), Pitcher, 6-2, L/R, Florida If there's a high school pitcher out there capable of breaking up the Harvard-Westlake monopoly it's McCullers. Ranked by at least two services as the No. 1 overall pick in the draft, the consensus is that the Jesuit standout will be the fifth overall pitcher chosen and the third among the prep pitchers. McCullers is reported with three plus pitches, including a changeup, a curve and a fastball that has reportedly reached 100 but is consistently in the mid 90s. http://www.maxpreps.com/news/-8V2A0MeEeGkPgAmVebEWg/maxpreps-top-10-mlb-draft-prospects.htm  

Draft 2012 – Hunter Virant, Brandon Thomas, Mike Wisecarver, Byron Buxton, Duane Underwood

 Hunter Virant — 6’-4”, LHP, Camarillo HS (CA)  One of the top prep lefties in the draft, Virant is a freak athlete who excels at just about everything on the baseball field. He hit .446 as a junior and has elite speed. His pitching abilities are what will make him a first round pick, however. Has four pitches that all grade out to at least average, and with his 6’-4”, 180 lb frame, has a lot of room for improvement. His fastball is his best pitch, sitting in the low 90s, and his curveball has serious potential. He is a gamer who plays his best during the biggest events and is a member of the U18 Team USA baseball. http://www.throughthefencebaseball.com/top-50-draft-prospects-for-2012-25-thru-1/15694/

Brandon Thomas / Georgia Tech / OF:  The Georgia Tech outfielder really stood out for me on a Wareham team I got to see numerous times (It’s the shortest trip for me). Thomas has very good raw tools and athleticism for a college player. He is a switch hitter with a nice looking swing from each side and possesses a quick bat and has above average power. His glove may end up a little short for centerfield given his size, but he’s a quality defender with good instincts and actions in the outfield. Thomas has a mix of tools, athleticism and polish that should make him an early round pick. http://mlbdraftinsider.com/2012/01/scouting-the-cape/#more-720  

Mike Wisecarver  LHP  Waterloo Bucks--Nicholls State   Mike went a perfect 6-0 and had was third in the league with a 1.91 era in 56.2 innings pitched. He allowed just 46 hits, walked 19 and fanned 44 this summer. PG ranked him as the 32nd best prospect in the league. http://www.collegesummerbaseball.net/2012/01/top-35-pitchers-in-northwoods-league_20.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter  

Byron Buxton — 6’-1”, OF, Appling County HS (GA)  Georgia is a hotbed for baseball talent, and Buxton may be the best of the bunch this year. His elite speed and strong, accurate arm will allow him to stay in center field at the next level. Has extremely quick wrists and an easy, fluid swing. Mainly a pull hitter right now, the power should develop with time. Buxton is one of those players with so much talent that his body isn’t ready for it yet. Justin Upton comes to mind when watching him play. http://www.throughthefencebaseball.com/top-50-draft-prospects-for-2012-25-thru-1/15694

Duane Underwood is the top pitching prospect hailing from the state of Georgia, which has been a great source of talent for big-league clubs over the years. He doesn’t have a ceiling as high as some of the most recent, including 2009 first-rounder Zack Wheeler, but he has enough potential that he could sneak into the first-round. Underwood is a lithe, athletic right-hander with a power arm that at first glance reminds a bit of 2010 first-rounder Taijuan Walker. He has great velocity, capable of reaching 97-98 mph, and the makings of an above-average curveball. In the field, he’ll be an above-average defender. http://mlbdraftcountdown.wordpress.com/2012/01/19/duane-underwood-rhp-pope-hs-ga/

Draft 2012 – Duane Underwood, Lance McCullers, Cullen Mahoney, Ty Hensley, Ronnie Freeman

 

Duane Underwood — 6’-2”, RHP, Pope HS (GA)  Duane Underwood is a hard-throwing righty whose fastball can hit 97 mph with ease. He also features a hard curve that projects to a plus pitch and a deceptive change-up that is still developing. His command can get away from him at times, but his strong arm, athleticism and high baseball IQ will have many teams flocking to Georgia to see his talents. http://www.throughthefencebaseball.com/top-50-draft-prospects-for-2012-50-thru-26/15621/

Lance McCullers Jr., RHP, Jesuit (Tampa, Fla.)  - The son of former MLB pitcher Lance McCullers Sr., McCullers has potential as a power bat, but his fastball has sniffed triple digits and he’s flashed an above-average breaking ball. Scouts are split on his future as the spring nears, but he’s a surefire first-round arm — and could break into the top 10 — for clubs that view him as a long-term starter. The Florida commit struck out 79 in 52 innings last year while hitting .422 with seven homers and 24 RBIs. http://espn.go.com/blog/high-school/baseball/post/_/id/940/mccullers-jr-is-top-florida-diamond-star

Cullen Mahoney was one of the best players in the Northwoods League this summer. The All-Star 2B spent this summer playing for the Thunder Bay Border Cats. He hit .347 in 213 at-bats, which placed him second in the league in batting average. He scored 33 runs, drove in 29 and he led the league with 5 triples. He also hit 7 doubles and smacked 4 home runs for TB.  His bb/k ratio of 27/47 and he stole 10 bases as well. He was named to play in the NWL All-Star Game and Perfect Game ranked him as the 66th best prospect in the league. In my rankings of the top position players in the league from 2011, I ranked Cullen as the 3rd best

This year, Oklahoma might not have the quantity of talent that Texas does, but the state is well represented by Sante Fe (Edmond, Okla.) right-hander Ty Hensley. Standing in at 6-foot-5 and 220 pounds, Hensley is one of the most physically imposing pitchers in his class. Last season, he went 6-0 with a 2.26 ERA and 58 strikeouts in 31 innings. "He's got a power arm with a power delivery,” said Jason A. Churchill, who covers scouting, player development and the MLB Draft for ESPN Insider. “I had him up to 94 mph and sitting 91-92 at the Area Code Games and he used what appeared to be two different breaking balls — either a slider and a curve or a variation of one of them. He may end up in the bullpen, but I like to stay away from labeling a high school kid. You do have to dream on the command and off-speed stuff and hope he develops a changeup if he's to be a full-time starter, however.”  http://espn.go.com/blog/high-school/baseball/post/_/id/983/hensley-is-latest-oklahoma-star-hurler  

collegesummerbaseball   - 1.   Ronnie Freeman   C   Holyoke Blue Sox--Kennesaw State -  Ronnie was third in the league with a .373 batting average. He led the league with 56 hits and led the league with 12 doubles. Ronnie was second in the league with 32 runs scored and he also drove in 25 this season. To go along with his 12 doubles, he slammed 5 home runs and walked 17 times. He was given the leagues Sportsmanship Award this summer. PG ranked him as the 7th best prospect in the league while BA ranked him as the 2nd best in the league. On December 1st, I named  him one of my 2011 Top Performers.

Draft 2012: - Duane Underwood, Freddy Avis, Carson Kelly, Connor Harrell, Max Fried

11-15-11: - http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=6369  - Duane Underwood (2012 RHP, East Cobb Baseball)- The live armed righty made the leap to high level prospect status this summer when he ran his fastball up to 97 mph during the 17u WWBA National Championship. He cemented his lofty reputation by touching 98 at East Coast Pro and 96 at the PG All-American Game. Given the ball on possibly the biggest stage in amateur baseball, Underwood started the Opening Night matchup between East Cobb and Palm Beach PAL in Roger Dean Stadium. Underwood did not disappoint, limiting PAL's talented lineup to one (unearned) run on four hits, while striking out nine without issuing a walk in 4 1/3 innings. Underwood topped out at 95 with his fastball in the victory, using his secondary stuff sparingly. Underwood flashed a quality curveball at 75 with sharp biting action, but had little need to mix his pitches much given how dominant his fastball is, even against good competition.

11-22-11: - http://espn.go.com/blog/high-school/baseball/post/_/id/814/lucas-giolito-leads-loaded-cali-senior-class  - Here’s a look at the Top 10 California high school prospects in the Class of 2012. 3. Freddy Avis, RHP, Menlo School (Atherton, Calif.)  Despite lacking the physical frame of some of his in-state rivals at 6-foot-2 and 180 pounds, Avis has good arm speed and a fluid delivery, producing easy velocity in the 90 to 93 mph range and also holstering a curveball. He's believed to be a strong commit to Stanford, but is also likely to be considered in Round 1.

11-24-11: - http://mlbdraftguide.com/1  - The top 2012 prospect from Oregon in the 2012 class, Carson Kelly has high upside at the plate and on the mound.  He is an athletic player who has who has been a member of the 18U National Team in 2010 and 2011. Kelly has a line drive swing with power to all fields.  He has above average bat speed.  His recorded 60 time is 7.12. Kelly should be at least average defensively at third.  He has good quickness and a plus arm. On the mound, Kelly has an easy delivery with a high 3/4 release.  He throws a fastball from 88-92.  He has a change with sink that shows good potential.  Kelly’s 74-77 curve is also a quality pitch. While Kelly has the ability to pitch at the next level, most see his future at third base due to his offensive potential.

11-26-11: - http://ht.ly/1fPzwd  - We continue the countdown today at number 58 with Vanderbilt junior Connor Harrell. The Houston, Texas native spent his high school career at Kinkaid High School where he was a four year letterwinner in baseball while picking up two in football. He was named a three-time first-team all-conference and first-team All-South zone selection. He decided to continue his baseball career at Vanderbilt under head coach Tim Corbin. He ended up appearing in 58 games .300 with 15 doubles, 3 home runs and 39 RBI as a freshman. He played the summer of 2010 in the NECBL with the Newport Gulls. Harrell hit .265 with three homers and 10 RBI in 31 games. Harrell ended up sliding back a little as a sophomore with a .289 batting average with nine homers and 36 RBI. He spent the summer in the Cape Cod Baseball League with the Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox. He ended up hitting .244 with two RBI in 20 games totaling 45 at bats

11-26-11: - Tweet: - eric sondheimer - Just saw lefty Max Fried throw a 95 mph fastball in his first winter outing. Pretty impressive. Could be top 10 pick in June

Draft 2012: - Duane Underwood, Tanner Rahier, Shaun Cooper, Justin Amlung, Cody Stiles

10-28-11: - http://orioles-nation.com/2011/10/26/wwba-2012-highlights - Duane Underwood (Marietta GA; Pope HS) – An absolute flame thrower that can maintain the speed that ran up to 93-95 mph (touched 98 mph at East Coast Showcase). Does display a bit of effort on the hill leading to thoughts of power relief pitcher.  He throws a curveball that sometimes flashes potential, but is not very consistent offering.  Other than the effort in the throw, there is not much worry about pressure mechanically.  It will depend on his ability to throw three consistent pitches. One of the better fastballs out of the high school rank.

11-15-11: - http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=6369  - Tanner Rahier (2012 SS, ABD Bulldogs)- The 6-foot-2, 210 pound shortstop really stood out during his third tour of duty at the WWBA World Championship. Rahier not only stood out defensively, but as per usual, put on a show with the bat. Rahier hit .429/.467/1.000 with a pair of triples, a double and a Home Run in 15 plate appearances. The oversized SoCal shortstop invokes the obvious physical comparison to another California product, Troy Tulowitzki. With the size and arm strength that Rahier possesses it would be easy to peg him as a future third basemen. But his speed and athleticism combined with his aggressive high effort fielding actions give him plus range at short in spite of playing at over 200 pounds. Rahier showed his athleticism off by posting a 6.62 60-yard dash time at the 2011 National Showcase. It was no fluke either, as Rahier ran a 6.67 at the California Underclass Showcase in January, a 6.63 at the 2010 West Coast Top Prospect Showcase and a 6.94 at the 2010 California Underclass as a sophomore. Even though he clearly possesses the arm strength to play third (93 mph in the workout at the National Showcase), there is no reason to believe that he will need to move off of shortstop. The only imminent position change for Rahier is that he will give up pitching to become a full-time position player. Rahier's combination of size, speed and power are extremely rare and he compliments his tools with an impressive makeup, hard nosed competitive approach and an obvious passion for the game.

11-15-11: - http://www.collegesummerbaseball.net/2011/11/top-50-position-players-in-northwoods.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter  - Shaun Cooper   OF   Mankato MoonDogs---Utah  Shaun was, hands down, the best player in all of summer ball this season. He absolutely crushed the ball from day one this summer. He was named the Northwoods League Most Valuable Player and Perfect Game named him as their Summer League Player of the Year. He hit .335/.641/.444 for the MoonDogs. He scored 55 runs, knocked in an amazing 61 rbi's and most impressively, hit 20 home runs. He also managed to steal 15 bases. He was just about the most amazing home run hitter in all of summer league baseball. He won the home run derby and hit an amazing 33 home runs in three rounds. He also hit .333, with 1 home run in the playoffs for Mankato. All in all, he was first in the league in home runs, first in runs batted in and tied for first in runs scored. He also placed third in the league in hits with 81. He was ranked as the 8th best prospect in the league by PG and Baseball America ranked him as the 15th best prospect in the league.

11-16-11: - http://ht.ly/1fGaJz  - We continue the countdown today at number 66 with Louisville redshirt junior RHP Justin Amlung. The 6’0 175 pound righthander comes from Louisville, Kentucky and St. Xavier High School. He was a two year letter winner for coach John Jefferson going 7-1 with a 1.55 ERA and 50 strikeouts as a senior and was 6-3 with a 2.09 ERA and 45 strikeouts during his junior season. After taking a redshirt in 2009, he made 20 appearances (10 starts) going 5-2 with a 4.27 ERA in 65.1 innings during the 2010 season. He ended up striking out 55 batters while walking only 14 and holding opponents to a .286 batting average against.

http://www.collegebaseballdaily.com/2011/11/16/uncs-cody-stiles-dismissed-from-team  - Cody Stiles was dismissed from UNC baseball team according to multiple media reports in the Chapel Hill area. Stiles was expected to be a key contributor to the UNC pitching staff in 2012. Last season, he went 4-0 in 12 appearances including eight starts while having an ERA of 2.43. As a freshman, he had seven appearances with one start while posting a 4.50 ERA without recording a decision. He was drafted by the New York Yankees in the 39th round out of J.P. Taravella High School but decided to head to Chapel Hill.

Draft 2012: - Steven Ewing, Darrell Miller, Duane Underwood, Victor Roache, Alex Bregman

Steven Ewing:


7-19-11: - http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2011/6/29/2250656/early-look-at-2012#comments  - Steven Ewing, Miami, 6’2 225, must watch weight and fights across his body from H 3/4 slot, fb up to 91, most are upper 80’s with life and changes speeds off fb and cb well, command is key, throws lots of pitches and nibbles but gets K on occ, groundball guy mostly.


Darrell Miller:


8-12-11: - http://www.prospectwire.com/pw/article.php?id=290  - I also liked Darrell Miller (6'2" 200, R/R, Yorba Linda, CA) mostly because he is a tremendous receiver, with strong, soft hands that just seemed to eat up the pitch and stop it in it's tracks. He sits really well behind the plate and presents a great target too. His actions are quiet and small. Offensively I think he will struggle more than Saylor but he has a little power and he generally has a pretty short swing with some strength in it.


Duane Underwood:


8-12-11: - http://www.perfectgame.org/AllAmerican/News.aspx?num=6123  – Duane Underwood continues to establish himself as one of the top rising right-handers in the 2012 class. He throws incredibly easy, touching 95 in the scrimmage while sitting at 93-94 with a 76 mph curveball and a low-80s changeup.


Victor Roache:


8-14-11: - http://mlbdraftguide.com/1/2011/08/10/the-good-the-disappointing-from-the-cape  - Victor Roache, OF/1B, Georgia Southern- Roache had an great sophomore season at Georgia Southern, with a .326/.438/.778 with 30 home runs. He was named to muliple All-American teams, including Baseball America and Louisville Slugger. I was very interested to see how Roache would handle the competition at the Cape. If this summer was a test, Roache passed, easily. He looked like a possible triple crown winner for a while and finished with a .316/.467/.537 line, leading the Cape with a 1.004 OPS. After being named the CCBL’s Outstanding Pro Prospect, Roache’s place near the top of the first round appears secure.


Alex Bregman:


7-19-11: - http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2011/6/29/2250656/early-look-at-2012#comments  - Alex Bregman, Albuquerque Academy, Albuquerque NM, 5’11 180, R/R, gamer with fair arm strength, best tools are quick bat, bat speed & strength and ability to square up ball with the bat, occ power to LF alley, 4.38 runner from RH side, could move to 2b or LF. Competitor!

2012 Draft: - Stephen Bruno, Kenny Diekroeger, Marcus Stroman, Victor Roache, Duane Underwood

Stephen Bruno:


6-20-11: - http://bleacherreport.com/articles/740905-omaha-eye-openers-2012-mlb-draft-prospects-at-the-2011-college-world-series#/articles/740905-omaha-eye-openers-2012-mlb-draft-prospects-at-the-2011-college-world-series/page/2  - INF Stephen Bruno saw very little time this year after a breakout freshman season that saw him hit .388 in 36 games. A native of New Jersey, Bruno is a baseball rat, who can do a little of everything on the field. He is somewhat limited by his size (5'9", 165), but he was already drafted once by New York back in the 26th round of the '09 draft.


Kenny Diekroeger:


7-21-11: - http://www.mockdraftmania.com/  - 5. San Diego Padres Kenny Diekroeger SS Stanford The Padres need a shortstop. Diekroger had a breakout freshman campaign, but fell of the map as a sophomore with a batting average that fell from .342 to .292. Scouts said he would have to move to outfield straight out of high school. Diekroger has mastered his craft at shortstop and should remain a shortstop in the MLB despite his 6 foot 2 200 pound size. Kenny Diekroeger has the ability to be a complete shortstop prospect with the baseball IQ and high character that former Stanford baseball prospect Sam Fuld had coming out of college. I don’t see any reason why the Padres should not draft Kenny Diekrogger if he slips to #5 overall.


Marcus Stroman:


7-19-11: - http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2011/6/29/2250656/early-look-at-2012#comments  - Marcus Stroman, Duke, 5’9 185, one of the best arms I’ve seen in this area, starts mostly for Duke, but used as closer for Team USA this summer. Upper 90’s fb with hard slider, both pitches abv ave and yes, you can compare to former MLer Tom “Flash” Gordon. Definite early round guy!


Victor Roache:


Victor Roache (Georgia Southern)- He has dominated the Cape Cod Baseball League this summer as he has a .328 batting average while hitting six homers and driving in 28 runs. Roache is coming off an outstanding sophomore year with Georgia Southern which saw him hit .326 with 30 homers and 84 RBI. These numbers were off the charts as the new bat rules went into effect this season to help deaden the bats but Roache’s was far from it. - http://www.collegebaseballdaily.com/2011/07/29/2011-cape-cod-all-star-game-players-to-watch/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+CollegeBaseballDaily+%28College+Baseball+Daily%29&utm_content=Twitter  


Duane Underwood:


7-30-11: - http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=6082  - Duane Underwood (2012 RHP/OF, East Cobb Astros 16u)- PG was first introduced to Duane Underwood at the 16U National Championship in 2009. Underwood was a primary OF for the Georgia Blue Jays, and he made a mildly positive impression with his bat. The scouting notes on Underwood from that event read: “high hands, late start, athletic, quick hands, spins out on curveball, runs well.” The pitching notes were more positive on the secondary RHP who sat 82-84, topping out at 86, throwing all fastballs. Underwood showed enough raw talent to be invited to the 2010 Jr National Showcase, where he touched 89 mph on the radar gun and flashed potential with both his curveball and slider and a much improved swing. In 2011 Underwood absolutely blew us (and opposing hitters) away with his ability on the mound. With significantly improved mechanics Underwood’s live arm now routinely generates low-mid 90s velocity, touching 96 on the PG gun with sharp downhill plane. One of the best power arms in the country, Underwood’s bat is almost as impressive and he’s a big time two-way prospect who will be representing the East team at the PG All-American Game on August 14.

2012 Draft: - Logan Scott, Duane Underwood, Deven Marero, Paul Blackburn, Kevin Gausman

Logan Scott:


6-20-11: - http://bleacherreport.com/articles/740905-omaha-eye-openers-2012-mlb-draft-prospects-at-the-2011-college-world-series#/articles/740905-omaha-eye-openers-2012-mlb-draft-prospects-at-the-2011-college-world-series/page/6  - RHP Logan Scott is another intriguing option. After making only three appearances as a freshman, Scott was utilized often this season, making 23 appearances, including one start. He finished with a 2.89 ERA and 29:9 K:BB ratio in 43.2 innings. Despite having ideal size (6'4", 216 lbs) Scott doesn’t have premium stuff (mid-to-high 80s fastball), but he does have two average offerings in a changeup and a curveball.


Duane Underwood:


7-6-11: - http://mlbdraftguide.com/1/2011/07/06/duane-underwood-2012-draft-profile  - Duane Underwood is a legitimate two way prospect from Georgia. Many believe that Underwood’s future will be on the diamond, but playing outfield is a legitimate option. Underwood uses a 3/4 release point. He has a low 90′s fastball that has reached up to 94. He also feautures a hard curve. At the plate, Underwood has good bat speed and some power potential. Underwood is a strong defender in the outfield. He has good range and a strong, accurate arm. Underwood is a strong athlete and has a 6.84 time in the 60.


Deven Marrero:


7-8-11: - http://diamondprospects.blogspot.com/  - The 2011 Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year, Deven Marrero is a plus-plus defender at shortstop. He has great range and smooth actions while utilizing his plus throwing arm to make tough plays look easy. He has a solid approach at the plate and quick hands that allow him to make consistent hard contact. He has the potential to hit for above-average power for a shortstop and profiles as a prototypical No. 2 hitter. However Marrero has just average speed on the basepaths and could slow down even more if he continues to fill out. Marrero didn't regress as much as Kenny Diekroeger in his sophomore year but he could jump into consideration for the top pick with a better year in 2012.


Paul Blackburn:


7- 9-11 via twitter: - Against McCullers is RHP Paul Blackurn (2012, Heritage HS, Oakley, CA) sitting 90-92, curveball 76-78


Kevin Gausman:


7-9-11: - http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2011/6/29/2250656/early-look-at-2012  - Gausman is a little more mature than most of the players we’be both seen. He adjusted to college ball easily moving from the mile high air and was told to pitch inside more which helped him, plus the fact he already had a nice breaking ball and his trajectory of pitches being 6’5 plus helped him a lot. What hasn’t been seen at least for me this year was the 98 mph on his fb he showed me as a HS jr, senior to be. He’ll be a second yr college pitcher next spring and draft eligible by age, so he’ll be a front runner for early round draft talk for certain. Progression for me would be better control and better command of his pitches, also an increase in velo, none of the three were shown to me this year thus far, but anything could change by next spring, LOL. Could be a remake of Anthony Renaudo, who I think will be a pretty good pitcher, starter? closer? More like a middle guy or 4th or 5th man in a rotation, which isn’t bad, but I don’t see dominance like an Alex Meyer showed this year after two rough springs at UK. We’ll see though. Lots of summer left! LOL -