SP Hudson Randall School: Florida Cl.: Junior, Ht.: 6-3, Wt.: 180 Hometown.: Atlanta, Ga. High school: Dunwoody Randall isn’t quite the
prospect of weekend rotation counterparts Karsten Whitson and Brian Johnson,
but is expected to be a top three-to-four rounder. Randall clearly is the most
efficient pitcher on the Gators’ talented pitching staff. In 2011, tallied a
2.17 ERA in 124 1/3 innings and teams hit him at a .227 clip. http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=6498
Max Fried — 6’-4”, LHP,
Harvard Westlake HS (CA) When Fried was 12, he started honing his curveball. He
modeled it after Sandy Koufax, and six years later, he now owns arguably the
best one in the country. He also has a sinking fastball that touches 94 mph and
a change-up that projects to a plus pitch in the future. At 6’-4” and 180 lbs,
he has the frame to add more velocity as he matures. And being a lefty, he is a
hot commodity, especially after impressing throughout summer league events. He
is teaming up with possible number one pick, Lucas Giolito, at Harvard Westlake
High School this year and both of them will get plenty of attention their
senior seasons. Very high ceiling. http://www.throughthefencebaseball.com/top-50-draft-prospects-for-2012-25-thru-1/15694/
Trey
Williams, Valencia (Calif.),
Third Base, 6-1, R/R, Pepperdine Teams needing a hard-hitting third baseman
will fill their need with Williams, who has 26 home runs in his career at
Valencia. While his junior season didn't quite match up to his sophomore year,
Williams had a strong summer with some strong defensive plays in the Perfect
Game All-American Classic. Look for Williams to go somewhere between picks
10-20. http://www.maxpreps.com/news/-8V2A0MeEeGkPgAmVebEWg/maxpreps-top-10-mlb-draft-prospects.htm
J.T. Chargois /
Rice / 1B-RHP: Chargois played mostly
first base for Rice in 2011 but was used as a reliever on the Cape and may have
just found a pro future in that role. He showed some of the most impressive raw
stuff at the CCBL All Star Game at Fenway Park. There is a good amount of
effort in his less than ideal mechanics… but that’s not surprising seeing how
little he’s pitched. Chargois threw a lively power sinker that got into the mid
90’s along with a very tough power curveball. With more polish that two pitch
mix could be very tempting to teams on draft day. http://mlbdraftinsider.com/2012/01/scouting-the-cape/#more-720
Mike Zunino / Florida / C: I
saw Zunino in March and a number of other times on television and I remain a
big fan but he might be the highest profile prospect whose stock was hurt on
the Cape. He showed very little power and lots of strike outs in the CCBL on
his way to a disappointing .303/.395/.364 line. He looked tired and worn out,
perhaps as a result of his long season for the Gators – including a deep
College World Series run. Scouts I talked to were fairly negative about what
they saw of Zunino for Yarmouth-Dennis, but he’s still the best of the college
catcher crop and should easily be in consideration for a high first-round pick
with a strong spring. http://mlbdraftinsider.com/2012/01/scouting-the-cape/#more-720
Mark Appel — 6’-5”, RHP,
Stanford Appel is the most major-league
ready pitcher available in the draft. At 6’-5” and 200 lbs, he is a power
pitcher with great command and poise rarely seen for a player his size. His
fastball hits 95 mph, his circle change has late fade and sits in the mid-80s,
and his slider is tight and a wipe-out pitch. He posted a 3.02 ERA with 83 K/26
BB over 104.1 innings for Stanford in 2011. He should be a frontline starter
and could move through the minors rapidly. http://www.throughthefencebaseball.com/top-50-draft-prospects-for-2012-25-thru-1/15694/
Brian Johnson
6-28-11: - http://baseballdraftreport.com/ - It may be taking the whole left-handed pitching two-way prospect thing too far, but I think there are some similarities between the Danny Hultzen of last season and this year’s Brian Johnson. He’ll hit this weekend, but his ultimate home is on the mound. His ceiling as a pitcher does not compare to Hultzen’s (i.e. don’t go penciling in Johnson as the 2012 second overall pick now or ever), but I see first round stuff (88-92 fastball, good upper-70s curve that flashes plus, much improved low-80s change, and a raw but promising slider) in Johnson’s four-pitch mix
Michael Morin:
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/8 - Expect UNC’s closer RHP Michael Morin to get some looks as well. He hasn’t had the best year (4.71 ERA, .263 avg against), but he has locked down 10 saves for the Tar Heels. He has also posted a 65:18 K:BB ratio in 63 innings. He also shared duties as a weekday starter for UNC, making six starts, leading many to think he could be in line for an expanded role next season. Morin has great size (6'4", 180 lbs) and was already drafted once, by the Royals in the 40th round of the ’09 event.
Stephen Perez:
6-29-11: - http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2011/6/29/2250695/the-all-reese-team#storyjump - SS: Stephen Perez, Sophomore from the University of Miami - I only had the opportunity to see him once this year, and he really make an impression on me defensively. It was a poor day by his standards as he committed a couple of errors on routine ground balls; yet, he showed silky smooth actions throughout the game. In one instance he ranged far into the hole, fielded the ball on a slider and made a strong throw to first in the same motion. It was MLB caliber and the best defensive play that I saw all season. The bat, especially when batting right handed, is a work in progress, but there is some wizardry in that glove. Honorable Mention: Nolan Fontana, Sophomore from the University of Florida
Hudson Randall:
7-1-11: - http://mlbdraftguide.com/1/2011/06/30/hudson-randall-2012-draft-profile - Hudson Randall is one of the top pitchers in college baseball. The question with Randall is how much his lack of elite velocity will affect his success at the next level. Randall has great command. He walked just 10 batters in 102 innings during the 2011 season. Randall changes speeds and moves the ball around well. In games I have seen, his velocity has been between 87-90 and there are reports as high as 92. His change is a plus pitch, while both his curve and slider are quality offerings. Randall is tall and thin, giving some hope of added velocity still to come. If his fastball were to climb a few notches, he would be a truley elite pro prospect.
Marcus Stroman:
7-2-11: - http://www.draftsite.com/article/Quick-MLB-Draft-Hits/89 - Duke’s Marcus Stroman is basically Tom Gordon version 2.0. He packs a powerful 95 mph fastball for such a small package, at only 5’9’’ and 185 pounds. To go along with that fastball, that has hit the upper 90’s, potentially as high as 100 mph; he has a nasty slider that falls off with tremendous lateral movement. He is a starter for the Blue Devils now but with his size and stuff he has the makings of a fast moving reliever in someone’s system down the road, with the ceiling of a closer
Christian Walker:
6-28-11: - http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/college/postseason/college-world-series/2011/2612014.html - The Hero: Christian Walker was not in the starting lineup South Carolina coach Ray Tanner turned in about an hour before game time because of a broken hamate bone in his left wrist, which was diagnosed Monday morning. But he got treatment from South Carolina doctors before the game, hit three home runs in batting practice and found his way into the final starting lineup. He proceeded to go 2-for-5 with a double, a single and the game-winning run in the 11th
Colby Holmes:
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/9 - RHP Colby Holmes was the Gamecock’s Sunday starter this season, and he benefited from having one of the best defensive units in the country. He went 7-3 with a 3.78 ERA in 12 starts (17 total appearances) and posted a 70:20 K:BB ratio in 81 innings. Holmes has strung together a couple of gutsy efforts in the regionals and figures to get at least one more start before the season is through. Holmes throws in the low 90s and has always gotten rave reviews for his great command, but his breaking stuff isn’t all that impressive, as evidenced by the 12 home runs he surrendered this year. Holmes is also a former ’09 draft pick, in the 47th round by the Atlanta Braves.
Brandon Thomas
6-23-11: - http://baseballdraftreport.com - Georgia Tech SO OF Brandon Thomas
.322/.434/.449 – 38 BB/40 K – 20/23 SB – 205 AB - It’s easy to see why Thomas has drawn favorably comparisons (by me) to former Georgia Tech outfielders Charlie Blackmon and Danny Payne. A quick rundown of his biggest positives: above-average range in a corner spot, an arm strong enough for right field, good speed that he knows how to use, gap power with a chance for more, excellent athleticism, and a pro ready body (6-3, 205 pounds). It can sometimes be difficult to pinpoint a good prospect a year ahead of the draft, but tools like that combined with really strong production at an outstanding college program make this whole prognostication thing a lot easier.
Hudson Randall:
6-28-11: - http://baseballdraftreport.com - Randall’s upside isn’t in the same league as many of his sophomore year contemporaries, but his average across the board raw stuff is underrated by many. Maybe he is a sinker/slider reliever long-term, but there could be some teams that value his plus command and his ability to keep four different pitches at or below the knees consistently enough to keep him as a starter
Jesse Winker:
6-28-11: - http://mlbdraftguide.com/1/2011/06/26/jesse-winker-2012-draft-profile - You hear stories about players growing up with a batting cage in their backyards. Jesse Winker is one of those players. The work in the cage has paid off as Winker is one of the top high school hitters eligible for the 2012 draft. Winker is a patient hitter with a solid approach at the plate. He has good power and drives the ball to all fields. WInker’s bat speed is excellent. In the field, Winker has a strong accurate arm that will play in right field. He gets good jumps on balls when they come off the bat. Winker shows up ready to play at every event in which he takes part. With his hard work and dedication, he is sure to stay high on draft boards
Hudson Randall:
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/3 - Last but not least is this year’s ace, RHP Hudson Randall. Randall was an all-everybody freshman last year, winning eight games and posting a 3.24 ERA. This year he stepped it up a notch, winning 10 games and posting a minuscule 2.29 ERA. He is not, and never will be, a big strikeout guy (only 62 K in 110 IP), but he’s also got great control (12 BB). He’s also durable as a horse, as he proved consistently this season. Pitching on Friday nights in the SEC takes a certain kind of pitcher, and Randall proved himself worthy this year.
Albert Almora:
6-21-11: - http://www.baseballamerica.com/blog/high-school/2011/06/fulmer-shows-big-arm-at-tos-day-one - Albert Almora, an outfielder from Mater Academy in Hialeah, Fla., had a loose, easy swing in batting practice and went 2-for-4 with two walks and four runs in the first game of the day. He shows easy power and an ability to go the other way, but was bailing with his front foot during the game.
Steve Bruno:
6-23-11: - http://baseballdraftreport.com/ - Virginia SO SS Stephen Bruno
.240/.269/.320 – 0 BB/7 K – 0/1 SB – 25 AB - I wrote about Bruno a bit back in the day… FR SS Stephen Bruno (2012) was one of the rarest of the rare coming out of high school – a prep player actually expected to stay at shortstop as a pro. We always hear about how pretty much every worthwhile big leaguer was the star shortstop/pitcher of his high school team, but it never registered how often these players were forced to move off the position after signing that first pro deal. I mean, Jim Thome was a shortstop in high school* because, let’s be honest, that’s just where you put the best athlete at that level. I remember watching Billy Rowell play shortstop in high school. He positioned himself about 3 steps out on the outfield grass, basically admitting to all in attendance he had no range and instead relying exclusively on his rocket arm to gun people down at first. Rowell wasn’t a pro prospect as a shortstop, but he played shortstop on his high school team because, quite simply, if he didn’t, then who would? Bruno was a top ten round talent in 2009 who fell to the Yankees in the 26th round due to a very strong commitment to Virginia. He’ll stick at shortstop throughout his career due to his plus range, slightly above-average speed, and Speedy Gonzalez quick hands. He has flashed present power, launching a couple of 450 bombs his senior year of school, but lacks the overall strength to do it on a consistent basis. That last point may not seem like a huge deal for a middle infield prospect, but it does speak to the general concerns about Bruno’s future. Some players are projects based on the development of their tools, an area that Bruno grades out fairly well across the board (in addition to the aforementioned defensive skills, he has a 55 arm), but other players are projects based on their physical development. That’s where Bruno is at right now. He has worked his tail off to improve in each of the five tools (most notably speed and arm strength), but it’ll be the way is body fills out (keeping in mind he is 5-9, 165) that will make him into either a first round caliber guy or not. It really is a shame that an injured hamstring has held back Bruno in 2011 because, when healthy, he can really, really play. He should get his chance next season, though it remains to be seen if he’ll get the opportunity to unseat the incumbent Chris Taylor or have to put his strong arm and good athleticism to use elsewhere on the diamond. As good as Taylor has been at short for the Cavaliers, I think Bruno’s defensive upside is even higher.
DJ Baxendale:
6-25-11: - http://www.collegebaseballdaily.com/2011/06/25/usa-baseball-sweeps-doubleheader-on-Friday - DJ Baxendale (Arkansas) started and worked five innings for Team USA. His lone blemish on the night was an 0-1 pitch to David Perkins in the fifth that the left fielder connected on for a two-run home run over the left field fence. It sent Mystic to a 2-0 lead. Baxendale struck out six and issued just one walk – immediately before Perkins’ home run – but did not figure in the decision.
Lance McCullers:
6-25-11: - http://mlbdraftguide.com/1/2011/06/23/lance-mccullers-jr-2012-draft-profile - Lance McCullers Jr. has been on the prospect map for a long time and is in line to be one of the first players selected in the 2012 draft. He is ranked numer 1 in Perfect Game’s Top 200 Draft Prospects for 2012. McCullers, whose father pitched in the Majors for 7 seasons, is a two way prospect, but his future is clearly on the mound. McCullers has great stuff and good command. His fastball sits 94-97 with some reports as high as 99. He also throws a power curve and a quality change. All three project as plus pitches. He has a fast, loose arm and uses a 3/4 arm slot. McCullers has the stuff and the competitive drive to excel at the next level.
Nick Williams:
6-10-11: - http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20110608&content_id=20222396&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb&partnerId=rss_mlb Nick Williams, OF, Galveston Ball HS, Texas: He's got a very advanced idea at the plate, a left-handed hitter with the chance to be a run producer with power. He's athletic and should profile very well as a corner outfielder.
Hudson Randall:
6-10-11: - http://www.gatorzone.com/story.php?id=20873 - Sophomore right-hander Hudson Randall (Atlanta, Ga.) (10-3) held the Bulldogs scoreless into the seventh inning and was supported by a balanced offense that plated four runs in the first, two in the second, one in the third, two in the fourth and one in the fifth to build a 10-run cushion. Over eight full innings, his longest stint in NCAA play, Randall registered a season-high eight strikeouts, scattered six hits and permitted one run.
Kevin Gausman:
6-10-11: - http://lsubaseball.posterous.com/lsu-pitcher-kevin-gausman-named-to-usa-colle g LSU freshman pitcher Kevin Gausman was named Friday to the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team. The team is comprised of the top collegiate baseball players in the country, and it will compete this summer in a schedule of exhibition games against the world's top baseball talent. Gausman, a right-hander from Centennial, Colo. finished the 2011 regular season ranked No. 2 in the SEC in opponent batting average (.215) and No. 4 in the league in strikeouts (86). He was named SEC Freshman of the Week after firing a four-hit shutout with seven strikeouts against Tennessee on May 13.
Mike Yazstrzemski:
6-11-11: - http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=5869 - Player of the game: OF Mike Yazstrzemski, Vanderbilt -- The Commodores had a huge night at the plate and Yazstrzemski led the charge. The talented outfielder went 2-for-4 with a home run, two runs scored and four RBIs. It's also worth noting third baseman Jason Esposito went 2-for-4 with a home run, two runs scored and three RBIs.
Mike Zunino:
6-11-11: - http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=5869 - Player of the game: C Mike Zunino, Florida -- The Gators wanted to get off to a hot start against Mississippi State, and they did just that with the sophomore stud catcher leading the charge. Zunino had a key two-RBI single in the first inning and finished the afternoon 2-for-4 with a home run, two runs scored and three RBIs. Zunino was named the SEC Player of the Year a few weeks ago, and this is just another example of why that was the case.
