Draft Notes 5-23-12 – Joey Gallo, Deven Merrero, Conference Championship Results

Southern Tournament, Game 2, Greenville, SC – Georgia Southern 19, Elon 2 – Chris Beck 7.0-IP, 5-H, 1-R, 6-K, 1-BB… C Chase Griffin 4-6, 2-R, 2-RBI

            Chris Beck -

God is good! Good team win today! Gotta put it behind and get ready for tomorrow!

SEC Tournament, Game 6, Hoover, AL - #26 Mississippi State 3, #7 LSU 2 - Chris Stratton (11-1) 6IP-2R-5H-2BB-8K…

ACC Tournament, Game 2, Greensboro, NC - #17 NC State 3, #21 Miami 2 –

America East Tournament, Game 2, #1 seed - #30 Stony Brook 14, Maine 6 – Tyler Johnson 9-1, 7.2-IP, 1-ER, 2-K, 3-BB… CF Travis Jankowski 4-5, 2-R, 1-RBI

Big 12 Tournament, Game 3, Oklahoma City, OK - #6 TAMU 10, Kansas 4 – Daniel Mengden  6.2-IP, 5-H, 0-ER, 5-K, 1-BB… RF Tyler Naquin 4-5, 3-R… 1B Jacob House 2-5, 1-R, 3-RBI… RF Tharp Tucker 2-4, 1-R, 1-RBI

Conference USA Tournament, Game 2, Pearl, MS - #4 Rice 7, Houston 5 – Taylor Wall 2.0-IP, 2-H, 0-R, 2-K, 1-BB… Jordan Lewis 5.1-IP, 8-H, 4-R, 4-K, 4-BB… 1B J.T. Chargois 3-5, 2-R, RBI…

Big 12 Tournament, Game 2, Oklahoma City, OK - #3 Baylor 11, Kansas State 1 – Josh Turley – 7.0-IP, CG, 1-R, 2-K, 1-BB… Kayvor Bahramzedeh 4.2-IP, 6-ER, 4-K, 1-BB… C Josh Ludy 2-2, 2-R, 2-HR, 6-RBI… RF Witt Tanner 3-2, 1-R

Joey Gallo

Joey Gallo, 3B, Bishop Gorman HS (NV) - Over his last 24 games, Gallo is hitting .581 (44-for-77) with an incredible 19 home runs and 59 RBI including a four-home run game on April 18 against Clark HS. Overall, The 6’-5”, 220-pound left-hander is hitting .514 with 21 home runs, 80 RBI and a ridiculous 1.811 over 37 games for powerhouse Bishop Gorman. There may be stronger guys on this list, but none have the ability to put the ball over the fence quite like Gallo can. For his career, he has hit .468 with 66 home runs, 248 RBI and a 1.618 OPS over 154 games. A lock for the first round and could go in the first 15 picks.

Deven Marrero

Deven Marrero, SS, Arizona State (13)-  Marrero has been on radars for a while, having been a solid high school prospect in 2009. He is, by far, the best defender at his position in this class and one of the few who has no questions at all about a long-term ability to stay at shortstop. The questions that do come up are about Marrero's bat, as he's struggled for much of the season offensively. He did go 8-for-12 with three doubles, a triple and five RBIs last weekend against Washington, which can only help his stock. Even with the offensive difficulties, Marrero's name is still being mentioned as a potential top-10 pick.

Draft 2012: Lance McCullers , Joey Gallo, Rio Ruiz, Matt Fultz

5. Lance McCullers, RHP, Jesuit HS, Tampa - McCullers is a guy I’ve tried to stay real positive about the past 4 or 5 months. I get tired of people dogging the power 18 year old. He’s been around major league ball most of his life with his father being a major league pitcher. The kid knows how pitch and throws in the mid 90′s with a wicked slider. The problem is his mechanics aren’t the nicest or cleanest in the world and he’s only 6’2. So there are questions on whether he can legitimately stay there and and whether or not he can stay healthy. There is a lot of talk about him being born to close.  Which in my opinion is ludacris but at the same time there are concerns and I understand that. With a commitment to Florida that far as I can tell is pretty strong. I like him, but I’m not sure enough to buy him out of college. It’s really hard to get a feel on him and I can’t say that 6 months is really going to change a whole lot. http://sodomojo.com/2012/02/13/more-mlb-draft-talk-and-a-quick-little-top-5/

10. Joey Gallo, 1B/RHP, BL/TR, Bishop Gorman HS, Las Vegas, NV - Raw power and fastball velocity are the two easiest tools for scouts to judge. Gallo exhibits both. He launched a 442-foot home run during a showcase game in August at Petco Park in San Diego -- one of the longest drives in the history of the stadium. As a pitcher, Gallo touches the mid-90's with his four seam heater. He doesn't run well, and if he chooses the mound, Gallo projects as a one inning middle reliever or closer. http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/highschool/02/13/baseball.top.10.prospects/index.html#ixzz1mJYi8Rky

3. Rio Ruiz, 3B, Bishop Amat (La Puente, Calif.)  Ruiz is a solid hitter whose power is a bit raw, but he has strong hands and sees the ball well from the pitcher's hand to contact. He's committed to USC and has touched the low-90s on the mound, but his best chance at the big leagues is likely at the plate. There is a chance he ends up moving to first base or perhaps a corner outfield spot. http://espn.go.com/blog/high-school/baseball/post/_/id/1108/joey-gallo-is-nation%e2%80%99s-top-corner-infielder  

Lee’s Summit West  High School senior Matt Fultz – one of the country’s top catching prospects in the class of 2012 – was among the first to arrive at the indoor facility, in the company of Tom Hall, the father of Lee’s Summit left-hander Matt Hall. Matt Hall wasn’t scheduled to pitch until early afternoon, so he opted to sleep in a little later than Fultz and his father. Fultz, on the other hand, was in the first group on hitters scheduled to face live pitching at 9 a.m. Wide awake, he stood in and took his cuts. “(Fultz) is a strong left-handed hitter who took the best early swings of the group,” a PG blogger noted after Fultz faced his first of five pitchers at the well-attended event. “(He shows) a quick bat with bat speed, pull pop and good plate coverage.” http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=6560

Draft 2012: Daniel Robertson, Lucas Giolito, Joey Gallo, Tony Kemp

6. Daniel Robertson, 3B, Upland (Calif.)  Robertson doesn't look the part of a traditional, prototypical third baseman. The 6-foot, 180-pounder appears to try and compensate for the lack of natural power, which creates poor swing mechanics and an approach that needs refined. Scouts expect a more advanced plan this season and saw glimpses over the summer showcase circuit. One area scout opined that Robertson is "the new age third baseman if he can show he can hit first, hit for power second." He's signed on to play at UCLA and projects as a Day 2 selection. http://espn.go.com/blog/high-school/baseball/post/_/id/1108/joey-gallo-is-nation%e2%80%99s-top-corner-infielder

2. Lucas Giolito, RHP, Harvard Westlake School, Studio City, CA - Recent drafts have featured hard-throwing righthanders the size of tight ends, such as Stephen Strasburg, Jameson Taillon and Gerrit Cole. The 6-foot-6, 242-pound Giolito is next in that line. He fires a blistering 93-94 mph fastball which touches 97 and adds a vicious hard slider at 83-84. An enthusiastic fan of Cole, last year's No. 1 overall pick, Giolito is working to develop a change, a curve and a two seam fastball. He profiles comfortably as a staff ace or shutdown closer. http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/highschool/02/13/baseball.top.10.prospects/index.html#ixzz1mJYi8Rky   

2. Joey Gallo, 1B, Bishop Gorman HS, Las Vegas - Many different people associate Gallo as a third basemen but I believe he’s more likely a first basemen due to his huge stature and size (6’5, 220lbs+) at already the tender age of 17. He’s very similar, in my mind at least, to that of Travis Harrison last year. A guy who a lot of guys liked but never could quite figure out whether he was an elite first basemen or would stick long term at third base. The end summation was Harrison dropping into sandwich rounds and getting scooped up by Minnesota.  I tend to think that Gallo will drop but then again, he could end up being this years version of Christian Yelich. He’s also been clocked as high as 94 coming off the mound so there is even the slight chance that a team might go with him as a pitcher. Either case he’s not a top-10 pick to me and certainly not someone in the top-5. http://sodomojo.com/2012/02/13/more-mlb-draft-talk-and-a-quick-little-top-5/  

Vanderbilt outfielder Tony Kemp gets out of the batter’s box pretty quickly. He thinks outside the box, too. This offseason the preseason All-American and former Centennial standout even tried yoga. “I got made fun of, but that’s OK,” said Kemp, laughing. “I think it just really helps with your balance. You’ve got a lot of guys, like (former Titans running back) Eddie George, he used to take yoga classes. I did yoga a few times so I could stretch more, I guess you could say that.”  http://www.tennessean.com/article/20120214/SPORTS0602/302140033/Vandy-outfielder-hungry-more

Draft 2012: James Crownover, Mike Zunino, Mark Appel, Joey Gallo

James Crownover, Ringgold (Ga.)  Crownover is a sturdy left-hander who has touched 95 on the radar gun. He uses his secondary stuff well, when necessary, and both his curveball and changeup has occasionally shown as above-average pitches. He lacks projection -- he's 6-feet tall -- so he's not likely a first-round talent, but the compensation round could be within reach.  http://espn.go.com/blog/high-school/baseball/post/_/id/1086/max-fried-leads-class-of-2012-left-handers

Mike Zunino  Florida  Jr. | C | 6-2  Not only did Zunino's bat help the Gators to the College World Series Finals as a sophomore, his play behind the plate may have helped even more. Zunino became just the second Gator to be named SEC Player of the Year after leading the league in hitting (.371), home runs (19), total bases (178), hits (98), runs (75) and doubles (23). The Cape Coral, Fla., native was also named to the All-SEC Defensive Team after committing just three errors and helping the pitching staff to a 2.93 ERA in 2011. Named a finalist for the Johnny Bench Award, Zunino raised his batting average even higher in the postseason, hitting .395 in the NCAA tournament with four home runs in Florida's 11 games. http://www.ncaa.com/news/baseball/article/2012-02-08/baseball-gets-full-swing

Mark Appel, RHP, Stanford -  My concern with Appel is that he has the potential to be dominant but lacks...um..something. He tends to be around the plate. He leaves balls up in the zone and almost throws too many strikes. He suffers from "pitch to contact" syndrome; an affliction that many Minnesota Twins fans are aware of. If a team has a good defense behind him and he pitches with a little more killer instinct as well as develops more with instruction and better competition, he could be a frontline starter. If he doesn't gain those things and stays a similar pitcher, he may just be a #3 or 4 starter that you are always expecting more from. That being said, he should go in the top 5 without any complications and is likely to be the #1 or #2 pick overall. http://www.minorleagueball.com/2012/2/9/2785340/2012-baseball-draft-college-prospects-1-5

1. Joey Gallo, 1B, Bishop Gorman (Las Vegas)  Gallo, who’s also a bit of a prospect as a right-handed pitcher, is a big, strong left-handed hitter that stands 6-foot-5. He creates leverage and loft and has above-average present game power to support the projections of his raw-power grade. He's played some third base but likely ends up at first. At the Area Code Games last August, scouts likened him to Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman in terms of potential. He's committed to LSU, but has a great chance to go in the first round if he can clean up his contact rates. http://espn.go.com/blog/high-school/baseball/post/_/id/1108/joey-gallo-is-nation%e2%80%99s-top-corner-infielder

Draft 2012: Rhett Wiseman, Austin Fairchild, Victor Roache, Joey Gallo, Trey Williams

 A power/speed combination in centerfield, Rhett Wiseman is often compared to Johnny Damon. Wiseman has a short quick swing and squares up on the ball well.  A pull hitter with some loft, he has plus bat speed and good power potential.  Wiseman runs a 6.51 60 and is dangerous on the basepaths. Wiseman shows good actions in centerfield and has been improving defensively.  His speed allows him to cover plenty of ground and while he lacks a cannon, his arm is accurate and playable in center.  Wiseman plays all out on every play, both in the field and on the bases.  He is the type of player that fans and coaches will love. http://mlbdraftguide.com/

Austin Fairchild, St. Thomas (Houston)  Fairchild isn't built like the prototypical starting pitcher at 6-foot-1 and 175 pounds, but he reaches the low-90s with his fastball and also offers a curveball and changeup. He has good arm speed, too, but there is a lot of effort in his delivery, which could mean he's headed for the bullpen down the line. Fairchild is a TCU commit, and among the most likely of their better signees to actually get to campus next fall. http://espn.go.com/blog/high-school/baseball/post/_/id/1086/max-fried-leads-class-of-2012-left-handers

OF Victor Roache School: Georgia Southern  Cl.: Junior, Ht.: 6-1, Wt.: 225 Hometown.: Ypsilanti, Mich.  High school: Lincoln  While many hitters struggled with the BBCOR bats last season, Roache did the opposite. The hard-hitting outfielder turned into an elite prospect with a mammoth campaign. He also raised eyebrows at the Cape Cod League. In 2011, he batted .326 with 30 home runs and 84 RBIs. http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=6498  

Joey Gallo, Bishop Gorman  . Considered the top all-around player among high school players, Gallo can pitch and hit. While Gallo's fastball reaches around 94 mph, he will likely end up a position player due to his hitting skills. He has 25 home runs as a junior and reportedly has power to all fields. Has a strong arm but he can play just about any of the infield positions, including the left side and first base. He could possibly go around pick No. 20. http://www.maxpreps.com/news/-8V2A0MeEeGkPgAmVebEWg/maxpreps-top-10-mlb-draft-prospects.htm  

Trey Williams, 3B, Valencia, CA - Williams is the son of journeyman major leaguer Eddie Williams and has all the tools to make it to the majors and hopefully surpass his fathers' accomplishments. At 6'2", 205 and extremely athletic, he could be a very good 3B due to soft hands and smooth movements. He's handled shortstop at the high school level but will be a 3B at the next level.  On the offensive side, Trey can rake. The smooth swinging righty should have an above average bat with above average power as well. He's not a burner but he has solid average speed. He could be a .280 type hitter with 25 home runs annually. He's physically mature and has good baseball instincts. Williams could be a future middle of the order hitter with a good glove as well. He is likely a top 15 pick in this year's draft but could slide if he makes it past that. He is committed to Pepperdine and that usually is a pretty solid commitment. http://www.minorleagueball.com/2012/2/6/2773435/2012-baseball-draft-high-school-prospects-1-5   

Draft 2012: Victor Roache, Michael Roth, Max Foody, Joey Gallo

Victor Roache, OF, Georgia Southern - Defensively, Roache is an adequate corner outfielder. He doesn't have a rocket for an arm but it is strong enough to be useful and he is accurate. He covers enough ground and is a good enough athlete to be a solid outfielder. I don't see a positional change needed here although he is a big guy at 6'1", 225 lbs. I have heard he is a plus runner but I would rate him closer average. http://www.minorleagueball.com/2012/2/9/2785340/2012-baseball-draft-college-prospects-1-5

SP Michael Roth School: South Carolina   Cl.: Senior, Ht.: 6-1, Wt.: 210 Hometown.: Greer, S.C.  High school: Riverside  Two seasons ago, the talented left-handed pitcher was just a reliever for the Gamecocks. Now he’s one of the nation’s elite starters. Roth had a magical junior campaign for the Gamecocks and returned for another season. In 2011, he had a 1.06 ERA in 145 innings, limiting teams to a .208 average. http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=6498  

Max Foody, IMG Baseball Academy (Bradenton, Fla.)  - Foody, a Florida State commit, is big and strong at 6-foot-4 and 225 pounds, but he remains athletic and showed toughness in coming back from shoulder problems prior to last season. He employs a fastball, curveball and changeup, and has hit the low 90s in 2011. He could pitch his way into the first round with a strong spring. http://espn.go.com/blog/high-school/baseball/post/_/id/1086/max-fried-leads-class-of-2012-left-handers

Joey Gallo is a physically strong, 6-foot-5, 205-pound, CI/RHP from Bishop Gorman HS (NV).  One of the elite bats in the 2012 draft class, Gallo possesses power to all fields with exceptional pull-side power.  However, it’s not just the left-handed hitter’s bat that intrigues scouts – Gallo also has potential on the mound. With a low-90s arm across the diamond, scouts will continue to debate whether Gallo is more projectable as a position player or pitcher.  Given his 6-foot-5 frame, he has impressive athleticism and exhibits natural defensive actions at third base.  However, he isn’t an elite defender and will probably never grade higher than a 55 at the hot corner. Gallo’s best tool is without a doubt his power, which has the potential to be a 65 or 70 by the time he arrives in the Major Leagues. Last season at Bishop Gorman, he batted .471 with 25 home runs and 76 RBI while posting a 24/17 BB/K rate.  In 2010, Gallo swatted 15 bombs while posting a .474 batting average. http://thegoldensombrero.com/wordpress/archives/5929

Draft 2012: Deven Marrero, Taylore Cherry, Joey Gallo, Bryan De la Rosa

We continue the countdown today at number 3 with Arizona State junior shortstop Deven Marrero. The Davie, Florida native attended American Heritage High School where he was a two time captain. He was also named All-State and All-County in 2008, when American Heritage won both the Florida State title and the National title. He ended up being drafted in the 17th round (509th overall) by the Cincinnati Reds during the 2009 MLB Draft. He decided to turn down the Reds offer to head to Tempe, Arizona to play for the Arizona State Sun Devils http://ht.ly/1gYOjz

Taylore Cherry, Vandalia-Butler (Vandalia, Ohio)  This 6-foot-9, 260-pound beast sits 92-94 mph with a four-seam heater that shows sink, setting up a changeup that has caught above-average to plus grades. He throws strikes and holds his delivery together. Cherry is committed to North Carolina. http://espn.go.com/blog/high-school/baseball/post/_/id/1051/top-10-class-of-2012-right-handed-pitchers

Joey Gallo — 6’-5”, 1B/RHP, Bishop Gorman HS (OK) - Gallo is a two-way star who could legitimately be taken in the first round as a hitter or a pitcher. As a junior for powerhouse Bishop Gorman, he hit .471 with a 1.756 OPS and 25 home runs over 121 at bats. He hits from the left side, and at 6’-5”, 210 lbs, what team doesn’t want that hitting in the middle of their lineup? He does have a big swing that could lead to a lot of strikeouts, but the power potential is what scouts love. On the mound he throws right handed. His fastball can hit 94 mph with ease and still room for more velocity once he commits full time. His curveball looks to be a possible plus pitch at the next level and his change-up will be at least average. Whichever route he chooses, he is a lock for the first round. http://www.throughthefencebaseball.com/top-50-draft-prospects-for-2012-25-thru-1/15694/

Bryan De la Rosa is among the many talented 2012 draft prospects from Puerto Rico.  He is a short catcher with a compact build and good physical strength. De La Rosa can be somewhat inconsistent at the plate.  When he is going good, he has a short stroke and sprays line drives.  He can get into trouble overswinging at times.  He has good bat speed.  Reports on his power are mixed, but he should hit quite a few doubles at the next level.  His 60 time is 7.18.De La Rosa stands out defensively.  He moves well behind the plate and has a strong accurate arm.  He recorded an event record 1.71 pop time at the Perfect Game World Showcase. http://mlbdraftguide.com/

Draft 2012: - Steven Dressler, James Ramsey, Joey Gallo, Skye Bolt, Adam Nelubowich

10-28-11: - http://orioles-nation.com/2011/10/26/wwba-2012-highlights - Steven Dressler (Burlington ON) -  Mechanically, he is loose, inline, and sound without issues that trigger command or injury concerns.  He rode it up to 90 mph, but mainly sat 87-88 mph.  I think with some solid instruction he could flash three pitch potential.  His curve needs to tighten up, but flashed some depth.  I see a foundation for the change up, but he will have to work out the kinks as he matures.  He looks the part of a mid to back rotation starter.

11-2-11: - http://www.collegesummerbaseball.net/2011/11/top-35-position-players-in-cape-cod.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter  - Top 35 Position Players in the Cape Cod League 8.   James Ramsey   OF   YD---Florida State   James was one of the best power hitters in the league this summer. He hit .313 in 112 at-bats. The FSU senior also hit 6 homers and drove in 17 runners. In the All-Star Game, he went 1 for 3, with a home run. Baseball America ranked him as the 26th best prospect in the league, while Perfect Game ranked James as the 48th best in the league.

11-4-11: - http://www.throughthefencebaseball.com/chicago-cubs-2012-free-agent-and-draft-pick-possibilities/13157/#  -  3B/RHP Joey Gallo, 6’-5″, 205 lbs, Bishop Gorman HS (NV) — Gallo hit 25 home runs last season at Bishop Gorman, showing the awesome power he generates from his big frame. He can also sling it 96 mph on the mound, which is good because the Cubs need both of those abilities. Maybe the left-hander can play third base until the ninth inning, then come in and save the game on the mound. Whichever path he chooses, it would be a winning situation for the Cubs.

11-5-11: - http://mlbdraftguide.com/1 -  - Player: Skye Bolt  Position: OF School: Holy Innocents (GA) Date of Birth: 1/15/1994 Height/Weight: 6’2/175 Bats/Throws: S/R Class Of: 2012 Committed To: North Carolina Scouting Report: One of the top prospects from Georgia, Skye Bolt is an outfielder who projects well at the next level. Bolt is a switch hitter with a short quick swing from both sides of the plate. He has good bat speed and squares up the ball consistently. Bolt should add more power as he matures. His 60 times range from 6.61 to 6.90. Bolt plays well in the outfield. He has a true plus arm.

11-8-11: - http://www.collegesummerbaseball.net/2011/11/top-25-position-players-in-west-coast.html  - Top 25 Position Players In the West Coast League  4.   Adam Nelubowich   1B/3B   Wenatchee---Washington State  Adam, a Seattle Mariners 2009 draft pick was the best power hitter in the league. He hit .304 and led the league with 8 home runs in just over 200 at-bats. He also led the league in both runs and rbi's, with 35/36 respectively. BA ranked him as the #7 best prospect in the league while PG has him ranked as the 11th best in the league. I also named him to my Top Performers list.

Draft 2012: - Mitch Delfino, Jose Berrios, Lucas Giolito, Chris Harvey, Joey Gallo

7-19-11: - http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2011/6/29/2250656/early-look-at-2012#comments  - Mitch Delfino, Cal, 6’3 210, R/R, strong player with average HR power, 15 type HR power, throws well, goes to either side of glove well enough to stick at 3B or move to 1b in future. 8-12 type round draft.

8-15-11: - http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2011/8/14/2362719/2011-under-armour-all-america-game-top-10-prospects - 2011 Under Armour All America Game Top 10 Prospects - 10. Jose Orlando Berrios 2012 RHP 6'1 178 Bayamon, PR Papa Juan XXIII - Berrios is a long, lean righty that had one of the better fastballs at the game. It had some movement and was just an easy delivery. He doesn't have that big body like some others did, but I liked his delivery.

8-15-11: - http://www.draftsite.com/article/High-School-Names-to-Know/94  - Lucas Giolito – RHP HT – 6’6’’ WT – 230 Harvard Westlake (CA) -Coming into the summer it was Lance McCullers in the top spot and everyone else. However, Giolito wasn’t listening and has taken over. He broke out at the end of 2010 during the Area Code games but this summer he ruled everything. At the Tournament of Stars he dominated, pitching in the mid- 90’s with a mid-80’s change and a curveball with sharp bite. His combination of size and stuff has made several scouts push Giolito ahead of McCullers as the top prep arm in the 2012 class and Lucas is now in the running for the number one overall pick.

8-22-11: - http://www.collegebaseballdaily.com/2011/08/21/vanderbilt-adds-catcher-chris-harvey  - Baseball America is reporting that Vanderbilt will add Norristown Pennsylvania native Chris Harvey to the team. The 6’4 220 pound catcher was committed to the Vanderbilt squad for the 2013 season but ended up speeding up his high school education to enroll one year early. Harvey was considered one of the top high school catchers heading into the 2012 MLB Draft but now will have to wait until 2014 when he will be eligible again. We expect Harvey to start a majority of the games behind the plate for the Commodores who lost Curt Casali to graduation.

7-19-11: - http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2011/6/29/2250656/early-look-at-2012#comments  - Joey Gallo, Bishop Gorman HS, Las Vegas, NV 6’4 200 L/R, has pop in his bat, long swing with alley power to RF & LF, needs to shorten swing and get better plate discipline, ML arm strength, also pitches, has adequate fielding skills to stick at 1b in pro ball. Long term project.

Draft 2012: - Jake Miller, Anthony Alford, Austin Kubitza, Joey Gallo, Nick Williams

Jake Miller:


7-19-11: - http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2011/6/29/2250656/early-look-at-2012#comments  - Jake Miller, Baylor, 6’2 185, R/R, good build and strength, solid ML arm, shows solid bat speed with occ power to LF alley, 13-20 round type guy.


Anthony Alford:


8-15-11: - http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2011/8/14/2362719/2011-under-armour-all-america-game-top-10-prospects  - 2011 Under Armour All America Game Top 10 Prospects - 8. Anthony Alford 2012 OF 6'1 212 Petal, MS Petal - Alford is a massive player. He is built like a rock and looks like a future power hitter. He has a good apporoach and even went the other way in one at bat. He has a strong arm and will likely be a RF and should have the skills to be a good one, as long as he chooses baseball over football.


Austin Kubitza:


8-17-11: - http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/  There were some solid prospects in the game. The starting pitcher was Austin Kubitza from Rice. He showed a solid fastball and a good breaking ball. He won't be a front line starter, but he will be a pro ball player. He's 6'5", 190 lbs and will be a top 5 round pick in the 2012 draft and could go much higher with a good season.


Joey Gallo:


8-16-11: - http://diamondprospects.blogspot.com/  - Joey Gallo is one of the premier prep bats in the 2012 draft class out of Bishop Gorman High in Nevada. He is an imposing figure at the plate with a left-handed swing that provides easy power to all fields. He has a smooth swing and puts on fireworks displays when he takes batting practice. Joey's new highlight of his career was when he hit a home run that traveled 442 feet at the Perfect Game All-American Classic that earned him MVP honors. It was the longest homer ever at the All-American Classic and the 10th longest homer ever hit at the Padres' Petco Park. Gallo also shows solid actions at 3rd Base and is very athletic for a guy his size. He has a plus arm that fires bullets across the diamond. That arm is also helpful on the mound where he is consistently in the low 90's with his fastball and tops out at 94. Gallo also has the makings of an above-average curveball and decent change-up. He can struggle with quality off speed offerings at times while batting although the bat does stay through the zone long in his swing and he should become more adept at hitting secondary offerings at the next level. I consider Gallo to be a better position prospect right now, although some teams may see his big body and 94 MPH fastball and want to put him on the hill.


Nick Williams:


7-19-11: - http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2011/6/29/2250656/early-look-at-2012#comments  - Nick Williams, Ball HS, Galveston TX, 6’2 190, L/L, smooth hitting CF with very good actions and discipline as a hitter and fielder, ave to abv ave arm strength, room to fill out and get stronger, ran 4.2 from LH side, has power to alleys, definite top 5 for 2012 to follow.

College World Series, Chad Morgan, Joey Gallo, Chris Taylor, Adam Brett Walker

College World Series:


If any of you did not watch the Virginia-South Carolina game last night, find it on cable. It may be the most exciting college baseball game since the turn of the century.



Chad Morgan:


6-23-11: - http://baseballdraftreport.com/  - Virginia Tech SO C Chad Morgan
.237/.333/.360 – 16 BB/34 K – 139 AB - Morgan was a favorite heading into 2011 because of his big power upside, plus arm strength, and well above-average defensive skills. His sophomore year numbers don’t exactly scream early round candidate heading into 2012, but the big tools remain.



Joey Gallo:


6-21-11: - http://www.baseballamerica.com/blog/high-school/2011/06/fulmer-shows-big-arm-at-tos-day-one  - - Joey Gallo of Bishop Gorman High in Las Vegas, seems to be coming around with the bat and showed off his strength by using an inside-out swing to hit a ball to the warning track. He also made a couple of nice plays at third base ranging to his left and starting a double play.



Chris Taylor:


6-20-11: - http://baseballdraftreport.com/  - Virginia SO SS Chris Taylor
.320/.397/.426 – 25 BB/39 K – 10/14 SB – 256 - As an unheralded – though still heralded enough to land at UVA — high school recruit, Chris Taylor has had to work his way up the depth chart over time. He now finds himself firmly entrenched as the Cavaliers starting shortstop and leadoff hitter. His athleticism, defensive versatility, and plus arm are what really set him apart from the field at this point in his development.


Adam Brett Walker:


6-24-11: - http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20110624/SPORTS/110629919/-1/rss43  - When Adam Brett Walker stands up to the plate, extending his 6-foot-5, 225-pound frame to full size in his Hyannis Harbor Hawks uniform, you can just imagine the pitcher taking an extra breath and the third baseman unconsciously taking a step back before the pitch. The ardent followers among them know the right-handed swinging Walker was a Golden Spikes Award and a Dick Howser Award semifinalist, has been named to numerous second team All-American squads and was the Atlantic Sun Conference Player of the Year. Early as it may be, there is speculation he could move into the first round of next year's draft. All this after the Jacksonville University sophomore from Milwaukee hit .411 with 23 doubles, 13 homers, 75 RBIs, 99 hits, 165 total bases and a .685 slugging percentage this spring. The hits, RBIs and total bases are school records