Draft 14 – Jeff Hoffman, Michael Chavis, Max Pentacost, Justin Smith, Kel Johnson

2-23-14 - Anyway, I want RHP Jeff Hoffman from East Carolina. He’s my current perfect world pick. Mid-90s heat, serious FB movement, above-average FB command, knockout CB that he spots wherever and whenever, circle-CU that tumbles like a split, lots of projection left in his frame (6-4, 185 pounds), solid or better results his first two college years, breakout summer on the Cape…yeah, he’s my guy. Instantly the top prospect in the system when he signs and should be a quick riser through the system. http://baseballdraftreport.com/2014/02/20/rodon-hoffman-and-2014-mlb-draft-college-pitching/

3-25-14 – MLB Draft Insider Mock –  19  Michael Chavis  3B           Sprayberry HS (Ga.)        Sprayberry HS (Ga.)  -  Chavis has seen his stock shoot up with a strong spring, showing plus power and it looks like he’s going to be able to stick at third-base as well. What you see is what you get from him, however. http://mlbdraftinsider.com/2014/03/the-board-2014-volume-ii/

2-19 – TTF - 10 college players on the rise - Max Pentecost, C, Kennesaw State (13) The MVP of the Cape Cod League after hitting .346 over 35 games, Pentecost has been one of  the most talked about 2014 MLB draft prospects for awhile. Over his first three games, he has gone 8-for-13 with three doubles, two walks and no strikeouts. His offensive potential alone makes him a projected first-round pick. His ability to remain at catcher, along with developing power, could land him in the upper half of the first round. 

http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-10-college-players-rise/41224#Brkvtc4VfkP16udZ.99

 2-11-14 – PG/Florida HS Dream Team – OF – Justin Smith, Sr. Bartram Trail - Another University of Miami commit, Smith has shown all five tools throughout the past couple of years. At 6-foot-2, 210-pounds, Smith is a strong, athletic outfielder with the tools to match the frame. He has plenty of arm strength to stay in right field and has showed the ability to make the big throw in game settings. He flashes big power with the bat as well and runs a 6.67 60-yard dash. http://perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=9372  

1-3-14 – TTF Baseball - 56. New York Yankees — Kel Johnson, OF, (Home School) (GA) - A 6’-4”, 210 pound right-hander who has been a fixture on Perfect Game tournaments, Johnson is home schooled by his parents and plays for the East Cobb Braves — one of the premiere youth baseball operations in the country. Power would be his best tool right now as he generates a ton of it with his strong wrists and bat speed. A player who you come to watch hit batting practice. Finished second to Gatewood in the home run derby at Citi Field, hitting 11 in total. Committed to Georgia Tech. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-2/40753#ppGUqI6CbWFvzsPf.99

Draft 14 – Derek Fisher, Michael Conforto, Mex Pentacost, Kel Johnson

1-24-14 - Derek Fisher would be filling a need for the Mets, as he would give the system an outfielder with power who could potentially move quickly through the team's farm system. Fisher is an outfielder for the University of Virginia who has the tools of a stud corner outfielder, but those tools have yet to translate on the field. In 2013, Fisher recorded an .888 OPS and hit only seven home runs—solid numbers but not indicative of his raw talent. Despite the lack of home runs, Fisher has plenty of raw power that makes scouts salivate at his future home run potential. Another quality that could attract the Mets to Fisher is his patient approach at the plate, a trait the Mets preach to their young prospects. While his patience is enticing, Fisher still has some swing-and-miss in his approach. As Mets fans have witnessed with Ike Davis, power hitters can be supremely frustrating when they aren't making contact. http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1934895-4-prospects-the-new-york-mets-could-target-in-the-2014-mlb-draft/page/3

1-20-14 – PG Preseason College All-Americans – Outfield - Michael Conforto, Oregon State - 2013 Stats: .328 AVG, 14 2B, 1 3B, 11 HR, 47 RBI, 41 BB, 47 SO, 6 SB There are only a couple of hitters in college baseball that would be more feared than Conforto. Conforto is a pure hitter and has advanced skills in other areas, too. Conforto has an elite arm in left field, and offensively, he led the Beavers last season with big-time power despite hitting in a home ballpark that typically isn’t conducive to amazing power numbers. Conforto has a stocky/compact frame and is expected to have a productive spring as the nation’s No. 17 overall prospect. http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=9294

1-3-14 – TTF Baseball - 11. Toronto Blue Jays — Max Pentecost, C, Kennesaw State - The Blue Jays receive this pick for failing to come to terms with their 2013 first round pick, Phil Bickford. Maybe the highest riser in the draft so far, Pentecost is perhaps the best catching prospect in a class weak on them. Even if he doesn’t stick behind the plate, his offensive potential and athleticism make him first-round material. The 6’-1” right-hander was the MVP of the Cape Cod League after hitting .346 over 35 games with six home runs, 29 RBI and five stolen bases. He also drew 16 walks to 22 strikeouts, showing off a solid approach at the plate. Many believe the power will continue to develop. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-2/40753#ppGUqI6CbWFvzsPf.99

11-21-13 – BA Top 100 High School Players - 65 Kel Johnson OF/1B R/R 6-3 196 Homeschooled, Palmetto, Ga. Georgia Tech http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/2014-high-school-top-100-with-commitments/

Draft 14 – Sean Reid-Foley, Kodi Medeiros, Montrell Marshall, KelJohnson, Michael Chavis

10-29-13 – Jim Callis – Top 10 World Wood Bat Association World Championship (WWBA) Jupiter, Fla - 6. Sean Reid-Foley, RHP, Cardinals Scout Team/FTB Chandler (Sandalwood High, Jacksonville, Fla./Florida State) -  Inconsistent but has shown a quality fastball, breaking ball and command at different times during the summer. http://ht.ly/qi5No


10-15-13 – Baseball America - 30. Kodi Medeiros, lhp, Waiakea HS, Hilo, Hawaii: With a lively fastball up to 95 mph and a power slider, Medeiros pairs electric stuff with an unconventional low slot. http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/2014-draft-top-50-october-2013-carlos-rodon/


10-25-13  - PG Showcase – Among Team Elite’s hitters, third baseman Montrell Marshall (Snellville, Ga.) showed well on Day One, hitting several balls with authority on a line, including a line drive triple just short of the center-field warning track. Marshall has a projectable 6-foot-5, 200-pound build and looks the part at third, where he moves well and has plenty of arm strength. http://www.baseballamerica.com/draft/toussaint-wows-evaluators-at-jupiter/


10-28-13 – Jim Callis - East Cobb's top 2014 Draft prospect, left fielder Kel Johnson (home-schooled in Palmetto, Ga.), didn't do much on Saturday. He went 0-for-3, grounding out and striking out on a 77-mph breaking ball against Blewett. He has tremendous raw power, but the Georgia Tech recruit will have to show he'll hit enough to get to it consistently. http://ht.ly/qeYJz


9-11-13 - Sully’s 2014 Top 100 MLB HS Draft Prospects - 6. Michael Chavis – 3B, Sprayberry (GA) HS http://www.ninebaseball.org/Wordpress/sullys-2014-top-100-mlb-hs-draft-prospects/

Draft 14 – Marcus Wilson,, Matt Chapman, Brady Aiken, Kel Johnson, Keith Weisenburg

9-30-13 – TTF Mock 2.0 - 29. Atlanta Braves — 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 that scouts love. Committed to Arizona State. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-mock-draft-2-0-draft-order-set/38280#5E3F5j1jWOgE69bJ.99

10-2-13 - Kevin Gallo ‏@kcmgallo905  - @JohnMackinAde Matt Chapman hit 97 on the mound for USA team over the summer.

8-21-13 – Area Code Games - 6. Brady Aiken, lhp, Cathedral Catholic, San Diego/San Diego Show - A 6-foot-3, 207-pound lefthander with broad shoulders, a trim waist and long legs, the athletic Aiken has a projectable pitcher’s build. His fastball sat 87-91 mph from a high three-quarter arm slot. The UCLA commit has a 71-75 mph curveball with 1-7 tilt that is one of the better breaking balls in the class. Aiken threw three innings in Long Beach, allowing one hit and striking out eight. http://www.baseballamerica.com/draft/area-code-games-top-10-prospects/

9-4-13 – Mack’s Mock Draft v1.0 – 19 –   OF Kel Johnson – Home School (GA) – This is easiest the most talented home schooled ballplayer in the history of the game. Plays for the legendary travel team, the East Coast Braves. As one scout said, ‘you go out just to see this guy hit batting practice’.  A ton of raw power.

9-11-13 - Sully’s 2014 Top 100 MLB HS Draft Prospects – 75.Keith Weisenberg – RHP, Osceola (FL) HS http://www.ninebaseball.org/Wordpress/sullys-2014-top-100-mlb-hs-draft-prospects/

Draft 14 – Alex Calbick, Kel Johnson, Matt Lloyd, Derek Fisher, Sean Reid-Foley

10-2-13 - The first player on the list checking in at number 100 is Maine infielder Alex Calbick. The Burnaby, British Columbia native attended Burnaby Secondary school where he hit.390 as a senior with one home run and 38 RBI and as a junior, batted .333 with a home run and 29 RBI while being a member of the Canadian Junior National Team.  As a freshman in 2011, he appeared in all 57 games for the Black Bears, starting 56 of them. He hit for an average of .280 with 56 hits, 30 RBIs, nine doubles, a triple, and five home runs while having multiple hits in 16 games. He was named to the America East Second Team, America East All-Rookie Team selection and a Louisville Slugger Freshman All-American. http://www.collegebaseballdaily.com/2013/10/01/2014-top-100-players-countdown-100-alex-calbick-maine/

 

9-30-13 – TTF Mock 2.0 - 37. Milwaukee Brewers — Kel Johnson, OF, Home School, (GA)  A 6’-4”, 210-pound right-hander who has been a fixture on Perfect Game tournaments, Johnson is home schooled by his parents and plays for the East Cobb Braves — one of the premiere youth baseball operations in the country. Power would be his best tool right now as he generates a ton of it with his strong wrists and bat speed. A player who you come to watch hit batting practice. Finished second to Gatewood in the home run derby at Citi Field, hitting 11 in total. Committed to Georgia Tech. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-mock-draft-2-0-draft-order-set/38280#5E3F5j1jWOgE69bJ.99

9-21-13 - Foothill Dawgs Baseball shortstop Matt Lloyd was very impressive and the Alberta native certainly has to rank among the top 2014 Canadian prospects in the class. He’s a strong and lean 6-foot-2, 175-pound lefthanded hitter who was outstanding on defense, and single-handedly saved the Dawgs 3-3 tie with the Cal Stars a couple of times with his glove and arm. He charges the ball very well from shortstop but has the arm strength to make the long throw as well. Lloyd was also involved in a bizarre triple play that actually took a minute or two to figure out what went on. With the bases loaded and no outs in the fifth inning, the Dawgs brought their infield in. Lloyd made a diving stop of a hard line drive up the middle and the umpire responded with a somewhat quiet “out” call. The runner on third, thinking the ball had been trapped, raced home and Lloyd jumped to his feet and threw home for what he thought was a force-out. By then no one knew what was going on and had stopped, so the Dawgs just threw the ball around to every base, tagging players and bases until the umpires signaled three outs – 3 http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=9017

9-4-13 – Mack’s Mock Draft v1.0 – 8 – Phillies – OF  Derek Fisher – Virginia – Excellent gap hitter with above average bat speed. Had a horrible 2013 offensively in school but still projects out as a top draft pick. Projects as one of the top college bats in the draft.

9-11-13 - Sully’s 2014 Top 100 MLB HS Draft Prospects - 5.Sean Reid-Foley – RHP, Sandalwood (FL) HS http://www.ninebaseball.org/Wordpress/sullys-2014-top-100-mlb-hs-draft-prospects/

Draft 14 - Michael Gettys, Kel Johnson, Stone Garrett, Luke Weaver, Chris Ellis

8-15-13 - Under Armour All-Star Game – Michael Gettys, RHP/OF:  Perhaps the best two-way player in the draft, Gettys has 1st round potential as a pitcher and outfielder but most seem to like him as an OF'er where he has the potential for all 5 tools including, of course, a rocket arm.  He's a high energy player, a style that remind some of Clint Frazier, who was also a Georgia prep product.  Gettys  is faster than Frazier with a better chance to stick in CF.  He's an explosive player but all of this is leading to his one weakness -- his approach is every bit as aggressive as the rest of his game.  He goes up there swinging. http://www.chicagonow.com/cubs-den/2013/08/2014-mlb-draft-ua-game-roster-and-preview-plus-more-tickets-and-meet-up-information/

8-14-13 – Through The Fence – Top 50 Prospects – 35. Kel Johnson, OF, Home School, (GA) - A 6’-4”, 210-pound right-hander who has been a fixture on Perfect Game tournaments, Johnson is home schooled by his parents and plays for the East Cobb Braves — one of the premiere youth baseball operations in the country. Power would be his best tool right now as he generates a ton of it with his strong wrists and bat speed. A player who you come to watch hit batting practice. Finished second to Gatewood in the home run derby at Citi Field, hitting 11 in total. Committed to Georgia Tech. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-top-50-prospects/36463#mwWwsFxSUZy7YC5V.99

 

9-1-13 – Petco Game - Stone Garrett (OF) (R/R) 6’2″ 190; Grad: 2014 Sugar Land, TX Intriguing athlete with loose, muscular build. Quick bat w/flat bat plane through hitting zone. Shows pull-side power in BP and at his best when living in the gaps in game mode. AA  speed and a better runner underway. Relies on athleticism in OF and still learning reads/routes. Avg. arm. Toolsy player with athletic upside. Quality make-up should allow him to  reach his potential. http://bigleaguefutures.net/1/2013/09/01/aflac-game-wrap-up-better-late-than-never/

 

9-4-13 – Mack’s Mock Draft v1.0 – 18 –  RHP Luke Weaver – Florida State - Excellent control pitcher with a 2.90 FIP, only walking 17 in 92-IP. Over 15 starts, he has a 2.29 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 119 K/19 BB over 98.1 innings. Fastball sits in the mid-90s. Scouts say there is still room for projection.

 

9-10-13 – Top Arms in 2013 Cape Cod League - Chris Ellis 6-5/195, (Ole Miss) Cotuit Kettleers 37.2 IP, 23 K, 2.39 ERA: FB 87-94 CB 79-81 CH 82-84 -  He flashed 1st round stuff throughout the summer. His power curve looks borderline unhittable at times, and the change has a lot of late life. His frame can still fill out, and the FB velocity is only going to increase and become more consistent. http://bullpenbanter.com/2013-all-cape-team-pitchers/

Draft 14 – Ti’Quan Forbes, Quinn Brody, Kel Johnson, David Peterson, Nick Gordon,

 

8-14-13 – Through The Fence – Top 50 Prospects – 16. Ti’Quan Forbes, SS, Columbia HS (MS) - At 6’-4” and 180 pounds, the right-hander oozes potential due to his defensive abilities, strong arm, plus speed (6.4/60) and developing raw power. He has shown a patient approach at the plate, driving the ball to all fields, and his size suggests more power will come. He hit .391/.447/.758 as a junior with only seven strikeouts over 103 plate appearances. If teams believe he can stick at shortstop, he could shoot up draft boards. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-top-50-prospects/36463#mwWwsFxSUZy7YC5V.99

8-10-13 - New Balance Area Code games - For the Brewers, left-hander Quinn Brody (CA) got the start. He isn’t the biggest, most projectable arm but he had an easy delivery that he repeated well with a smooth arm action. The left-handers fastball sat 87-89 MPH and had solid plane. His curve got slurvy at times but flashred nice 1-7 break at 71-73 MPH. http://prospectinsider.com/view/2013-area-codes:-day-4-notes/

2013 East Coast Pro Showcase Top 50 Prospects    - 7. Kel Johnson – OF, Palmetto (GA) HS - Big time power bat. Has the most raw power of any player I’ve seen in the 2014 class. Has been raking all summer for East Cobb. http://www.ninebaseball.org/Wordpress/sullys-top-50-ecp-prospects/

7-24-13  -  David Peterson, lhp, Regis Jesuit, Denver/FTB - Colorado has a strong lineage of big, projectable high school pitchers and Peterson is next in line. With broad shoulders and long arms and legs, the 6-foot-6, 215-pound Oregon commit fits the description. Peterson has an easy delivery and hides the ball well from a tick below three-quarter arm slot. His velocity sat in the upper-80s and touched 91 mph with above-average movement. Both his mid-70s curveball and 78-79 mph changeup are in the developmental stages but show promise. http://www.baseballamerica.com/draft/tyler-koleks-heavy-fastball-among-tournament-of-stars-standouts/

7-25-13 – Top 30 High School Prospects For 2014 Draft - 13. Nick Gordon, SS/RHP, Olympia HS (FL) - 6'1/170, L/R, Draft Day Age: 18.62, Florida State commit, Full Report & Video - Quick Take: Gordon is probably the second most famous player in this class behind Toussaint as he's at most national events and has elite bloodlines from father Tom (former MLB closer) and brother Dee (Dodgers shortstop). Gordon has been up to 94 mph with an above average curve on the mound but is a better prospect as a lefty-hitting shortstop with good pop, feel to hit and defensive skills. http://sbb.scout.com/2/1310090.html

Draft 14 – Justus Sheffield, Alex Verdugo, Bryce Montes de Oca, Kel Johnson, Derek Hill

8-6-13 - Top pitchers - East Coast Professional Showcase, Syracuse, NY -  7. Justus Sheffield, LHP, Tullahoma HS (Tenn.): Sheffield could have been higher up on this list, perhaps hurt slightly because he more or less threw the way people have come to expect. There's also the fact that he is a bit undersized, albeit while throwing left-handed. Sheffield reached 94 mph in this event, but some feel he needs a tighter breaking ball. http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130806&content_id=56048786&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb

 

8-9-13 - Clint Longenecker ‏@Clint_BA  - Alex Verdugo (Ariz) continues to impress in many facets of game. Strong throw from right field to hose runner at the plate

 

8-9-13 - The biggest player on either the East or West teams' rosters for Sunday's 11th annual Perfect Game All-American Classic presented by Rawlings won't throw a pitch, swing a bat or field a ground ball at all this weekend.  But Lawrence (Kan.) High School senior and University of Missouri commit Bryce Montes de Oca is determined to make the most out of the PG All-American Classic opportunity that he has been presented with, even if Tommy John surgery performed in early April will keep him from competing. http://www.perfectgame.org/AllAmerican/News.aspx?num=8868

 

7-24-13  -  Kel Johnson, of/1b, Homeschooled, Palmetto, Ga./FTB Mizuno - Johnson showed toughness and determination battling through a stomach virus during TOS. He has strength throughout his large 6-foot-4, 210-pound frame. The Georgia Tech commit’s calling card is his bat. Johnson, who has a loud setup with lots of moving parts and unique timing mechanisms for his hands and front leg, has good bat speed with a swing path conducive to power—especially to his pull side. He has above-average raw power and can put on a show in batting practice. The righthanded hitter is faster than quick and has enough arm and speed to handle an outfield corner. Johnson is homeschooled, a rarity for potential pro prospects. http://www.baseballamerica.com/draft/tyler-koleks-heavy-fastball-among-tournament-of-stars-standouts/

 

7-25-13 – Top 30 High School Prospects For 2014 Draft - 16. Derek Hill, CF, Elk Grove HS (CA) - 6'2/170, R/R, Draft Day Age: 18.43, No college commitment - Quick Take: Hill comes from the same school as 2013 bonus babes 1B Rowdy Tellez (Blue Jays, $850,000) and C Dom Nunez (Rockies, $800,000) and may make more money than both of them. He's had among the best game at-bats early in showcase season but also shows easy plus speed and a fluid swing with a direct bat path. http://sbb.scout.com/2/1310090.html

Draft 14 – Jose Trevino, Kel Johnson, Benton Moss, Braxton Davidson, Mississippi State

6-18-13  -  Player:  Jose Trevino  Position:  C/IF  School:  Oral Roberts  Date of Birth:  11/28/1992  Height/Weight:  5’11/195  Bats/Throws:  R/R  2014 Class:  College Junior  Scouting Report: from Don Olsen on 6/18/2013 - Jose has a compact athletic build with a thick lower half, good muscular development and gives off a bit of Raul Mondesi body comparison.  He starts off with ear hole high hands, not much of a trigger to get the bat head going.  There is a lot of raw power in the bat, gets a good amount of leverage and backspin in BP, translates better into games from last year.  The bat speed is present and the path is line drive with a touch of loft, ideal.  He can turn on speed and shows the ability to stay back and hammer a break.  He has more pull power, but showed the ability to drive it into the opposite gap.  Jose has the quick twitch first step and charge to stay at 3B with an above average to plus arm. LINK

6-13-13  -  12. San Diego Padres — Kel Johnson, OF, Home School (GA) - A 6’-4”, 210 pound right-hander who has been a fixture on Perfect Game tournaments, Johnson is home schooled by his parents and plays for the East Cobb Braves — one of the premiere youth baseball operations in the country. Power would be his best tool right now as he generates a ton of it with his string wrists and bat speed. A player who you come to watch hit batting practice. Committed to Georgia Tech. LINK

6-23-13  -  Player:  Benton Moss  Position:  RHP  School:  North Carolina  Date of Birth:  2/21/1993  Height/Weight:  6’2/174  Bats/Throws:  R/R  2014 Class:  College Junior Scouting Report: from Don Olsen on 6/18/2013 - Benton has sloped shoulders and narrow frame, a little light in the pants with decent muscular development who looks more of Tim Hudson mold type pitcher.  Decent three piece delivery that routinely does not get his weight over and leaves an upright release. 88-91 (92) mph fastball that wavers in command, due in part to the release point being in that high of a slot for his frame.  Curve has 11/6 path that shows the depth flashes out into a solid offering 75-77 mph.  He will work in a split change that shows some depth to it as well, can be deceptive at times with the action to show as an above average offering.  He looks more of the innings eater to BOR type righty at this stage. LINK

6-13-13  -  14. Philadelphia Phillies — Braxton Davidson, OF, T C Roberson HS (NC) - The 6’-3”, 215 pound left-hander will be one of the best prep bats in the 2014 MLB draft due to his bat speed, advanced approach at the plate and raw power. He shows good pitch recognition and his strong wrists allow him to wait on any pitch. Over 31 games as a junior, he hit .403 with seven doubles, eight home runs, and drew 30 walks for a .600 OBP/.831 SLG. His strong arm would play well in a corner outfield spot. LINK

6-27-13  -  MISSISSIPPI STATE - There's no greater motivator in college baseball than falling just short of winning the national title, so look for that to fuel the Bulldogs, who welcome back several key cogs next season. Though the Bulldogs have the extremely tough chore of replacing outfielder Hunter Renfroe and shortstop Adam Frazier, both high draft picks, with Renfroe the first-round pick of the Padres, they still welcome back a solid nucleus led by imposing first baseman Wes Rea and Alex Detz, who each had productive 2013 campaigns. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs once again will have a terrific pitching staff, though, as we saw against UCLA, the Bulldogs must develop the weekend rotation better next season. Left-handed pitcher Jacob Lindgren should develop into the dominant arm we all think he can be, while the Bulldogs can't wait for right-handed pitcher Brandon Woodruff to return from a tough injury. The Bulldogs welcome plenty more quality arms, including Ross Mitchell, closer Jonathan Holder, Ben Bracewell, Trevor Fitts, Will Cox and others. The Bulldogs also welcome in a very solid recruiting class with pitchers Dakota Hudson, Austin Sexton, Zach Houston, Avery Geyer and Glenn Irby leading the way, while shortstop Reid Humphreys, ranked No. 247 out of high school, is a potential instant impact position player. With the personnel he has coming back and coming in, there's a reason coach John Cohen all but guaranteed the Bulldogs would be back in the College World Series. LINK