Draft Notes 5-31-12 – Kevin Gausman, Corey Seager, Tom Murphy, Mark Appel

Kevin Gausman

Kevin Gausman has been through this before. But this time, he's much more prepared, both physically and mentally.  Gausman was a fairly highly regarded prospect as a Colorado high schooler in 2010. But he was a fastball pitcher with poor command, below-average secondary stuff and a rail-thin build. In addition, a commitment to Louisiana State and the fact he'd be eligible for the Draft again in two years made it almost certain that he'd go on to college.

Corey Seager

Corey Seager, 3B, Northwest Cabarrus HS (NC) - Class: HS Senior -  Hometown: Kannapolis, North Carolina   Height/Weight: 6-4/190   Born: April 27, 1994  Seager is the younger brother of Kyle Seager, who is in the midst of a breakout season with the Seattle Mariners. Like his older brother, Corey, has the perfect combination of polish and impressive raw talent.

Kevin Goldstein –

Q - What is the main factor between Carlos Correa and Devin Marrero in your opinion?

A - WAY better hit/power.

                         

Tom Murphy  

The bar for being a productive catcher in the major leagues is low. It's not low in that it's still very, very hard to play baseball at that high a level, but it's lower for catchers than for lots of other positions. Which is why you can re-calibrate expectations for catchers. A guy who profiles with average power at other positions becomes above-average for a catcher. The flip side of that is that a guy who has to move off the position can go from being a great prospect to an average one with one small switch in positions. Why is this relevant? Because Tom Murphy could be one of the best catchers in the draft, but he's not really one of the best hitters. He's got good power, but may not be able to make great contact consistently in the majors. He's good defensively, and has a good chance at sticking with catching in the future.

Mark Appel  

4. Mark Appel, RHP, Stanford - Who he is: There are three big college arms in this draft, and Appel is generally seen as the best. He certainly passes the sniff test, due to a 6-foot-5 power frame and a 93-95 mph fastball that can touch 98. His breaking ball is a bit of a hybrid, but is effective and misses plenty of bats, and his changeup is average. He's excellent, but for some, he lacks the wow factor of a potential 1-1 pick. One scout commented, “The parts are greater than the sum,” as he can be surprisingly hittable at times. Draft skinny: Currently the favorite to go No. 1 to Houston, but not yet a lock. He should get through the minors quickly, but he's also the top prospect being advised by Scott Boras, and teams are unsure as to what those negotiations will be like under the new rules.

Draft Notes 5-28-12 – Josh Ludy, D.J. Davis, Kevin Gausman, Tim Cooney

Jim Callis‏

Still just wild speculation...I'll say 1st rd but no idea where. @frankpeavey: Any idea where Giolito ends up? Top 5? 10? 1st Rd?

Josh Ludy

Josh Ludy, C, Baylor -  55 G, .361 AVG, 34 R, 13 2B, 13 HR, 64 RBI, .449/.616/1.065 - Through his first 25 games this season, Ludy had zero home runs. Since then, he has smacked 13 over his last 29 including a 5-for-6 game with three home runs and seven RBI against Kansas State on April 15. He is also hitting .431 (31-for-72) over his last 21 games with three doubles, 11 home runs and 28 RBI. The 5’-11”, 210-pound right-hander is a big, solid guy but he came into this season with just five home runs over 289 career at-bats. With 26 walks to 39 strikeouts on the year, he also shows a very good approach at the plate. Ludy’s breakout season could see him get selected in the first couple of rounds come draft day.

 D.J. Davis 

DJ Davis, Stone (Wiggins, Miss.) - A newcomer, Davis was not among the top players listed six months ago. A strong spring has vaulted Davis up among the top five high school outfielders and a potential low first-round pick.

Kevin Gausman

SEC Pitcher Of The Year!! Wow I can’t describe how blessed my life is. Thank you TigerNation for always supporting me and the rest of this team!!  More importantly, thank you Lord for picking me up in hard times and showing that through you anything is possible and no goal out of reach.

Tim Cooney -  http://mlbdraftguide.com/

Player:  Tim Cooney   Position:  LHP   School:  Wake Forest   Ht/Wt:  6’3/195  Bats/Throws:  L/L   Class:  Junior   DOB:  12/19/1990   Previously Drafted:  Not Drafted  Scouting Report:   •Easy delivery   •3/4 arm slot   •good command   •90-92 MPH fastball with good movement, touches 94   •sharp curve   •mid 70′s change   •developing cutter   •nice pickoff move   •good composure

Loveland HS (CO.) Alec Hansen (2013) – 91

North Florida Christian HS (FL) LHPP Carson Sands (2014) -  90-91

Groton School MA pitching prospect, Rick Commons, ‘transfers’ to Harvard-Westlake

UCLA RHP David Berg has appeared in each of the team's last 18 games

ACC Tournament, Game 13, Greensboro, NC – Georgia Tech 8, #21 Miami 5 – 1B Jake Davies 2-5, 1-R, 2-RBI… DH/P Dane Evans 2-6, 3-RBI… CF Dale Carey 2-4, 2-R

Big East Tournament, Game 15, Clearwater, FL - St. John’s 7, USF 3 – 3B Sean O’Hare 2-5, 2-R… 2B Bret Dennis 1-3, 3-RBI… DH Zach Lauricella 1-1,2-R,2-RBI

SEC Tournament, Game 17, Hoover, AL – Mississippi State 3, Vanderbilt 0 – Ross Mitchell 5.0-IP, 5-H, 0-R… Tyler Beede 3.1-IP, 4-H, 3-ER… CF Hunter Renfroe 2-4

Southern Tournament, Game 15, Greenville, SC – Samford 9, Georgia Southern 6- C.K. Kirby 4.0-IP, 0-ER, 3-K… Chris Beck 1.2-IP, 4-ER… 2B Zeth Stone 4-6, 1-R, 4-RBI

Draft Notes – Kevin Gausman, Baylor SPs, Robert Benencasa

You can’t determine everything from a stat line. LSU RHP Kevin Gausman may have given up 5-R, 3-ER Friday; however a closer look showed that eight of the 10 hits given up were softies and bloopers. More important is his 9-K and 0-BB plus the fact that he led his team to victory. I have Kevin as a lock for one of the top five picks in the June draft and possibly the first pitcher taken. 

First the good news: Baylor starters Josh Turley and Trent Blank have combined for 21 starts and have gone 16-0. Turley is 1.74 and Blank 2.18… the bad news… a combined 94-K in 138.1-IP (32-BB). Turley won again Friday with a typical stat line: 7.1-IP, 0-R, 1-H, 5-K, 2-BB. You never hear anyone mention the 6-0 Turley as a top draft pick. Everybody wants height and velo.

Junior Robert Benancasa had his 11^th save for #1 Florida State Saturday. His season stats are quite impressive: 4-0, 20-appearances, 25.2-IP, 37-K and only 5-BB. The 6-2 RHP is a Tampa native and was drafted in the 33rd round by the Toronto Blue Jays in the 2009 MLB Draft. He will be drafted again. In June.

Draft 2012: Jack Wynkoop, Mark Appel, Kevin Gausman, Mitch Nay

 Jack Wynkoop, Cape Henry Collegiate (Virginia Beach, Va.)  Wynkoop lands at No. 6 mostly on projection. He's 6-foot-6 and 190 pounds and a solid athlete. He's pitched in the 84-87 mph range but touched 89 last summer and also offers a curveball, slider and changeup. He's a South Carolina signee, but could see his stock rise if the fastball becomes more firm and more consistently in the upper-80s to low-90s. http://espn.go.com/blog/high-school/baseball/post/_/id/1086/max-fried-leads-class-of-2012-left-handers  

SP Mark Appel School: Stanford  Cl.: Junior, Ht.: 6-5, Wt.: 215  Hometown.: San Ramon, Calif.   High school: Monte Vista  Appel is an ultra-talented right-hander who could very well be the top pick in the upcoming MLB draft with a fastball in the mid 90s. He’s expected to be even better this spring, as the Cardinal aims for Omaha. In 2011, Appel had a 3.02 ERA in 110 1/3 innings. He also struck out 86 and walked 20. http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=6498

Kevin Gausman, RHP, Louisiana State - His secondary pitches are impressive and flash plus-plus potential. That being said, they are inconsistent. His breaking ball looks almost unhittable sometimes and others it flattens out and gets hit. His changeup has a hard fade to it and can make hitters look silly but his command needs work. He usually is around the plate and isn't the kind of guy who doesn't know where it's going. He is refining his ability and it shows. http://www.minorleagueball.com/2012/2/9/2785340/2012-baseball-draft-college-prospects-1-5

 10. Mitch Nay, 3B, Hamilton (Chandler, Ariz.)  - Nay fits the physical profile of a third baseman as much as anyone on this list. An Arizona State commit, Nay isn't as known to scouts as some other talents, but the physical prowess is there and he'll get a chance to show off his power and arm strength all spring. The hit tool is generally the main concern with prep power bats and Nay falls into that category, too http://espn.go.com/blog/high-school/baseball/post/_/id/1108/joey-gallo-is-nation%e2%80%99s-top-corner-infielder

Draft 2012: Stephen Piscotty, Jesse Winker, Max Fried, Kevin Gausman, Lucas Giolito

3B Stephen Piscotty School: Stanford  Cl.: Junior, Ht.: 6-3, Wt.: 215 Hometown.: Pleasanton, Calif. High school: Amador Valley  There’s a lot to like about the Stanford third baseman. He has an impressive frame and plenty of overall upside. His offensive skills also are advanced, as he led the Cardinal in hitting last season. In 2011, Piscotty batted .364 with three home runs and 40 RBIs. Also had a .423 OBP. http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=6498

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. http://mlbdraftguide.com/

Max Fried, Harvard-Westlake (Studio City, Calif.)  Fried is a fastball—curveball--changeup southpaw with projection in his 6-foot-4, 170-pound frame and a present fastball that has hit 94 mph. He's part of UCLA's tremendous recruiting class but is a good bet to go in the top half of the first round. http://espn.go.com/blog/high-school/baseball/post/_/id/1086/max-fried-leads-class-of-2012-left-handers

While a six-inning scrimmage between the likely LSU starters and the reserves ended with the reserves on top 3-2, the Tigers still had to feel encouraged after a dominating performance by sophomore pitcher Kevin Gausman. Gausman, who LSU coach Paul Mainieri pegged as his probable opening night starter, did not allow the LSU starters to reach base in four masterful innings. The Colorado native needed only 42 pitches — 30 of which were strikes — and made the starting hitters look dumbfounded at times. http://www.lsureveille.com/sports/baseball-gausman-shines-in-lsu-intersquad-scrimmage-1.2694975#.TyyF4m4V1iQ.twitter

Lucas Giolito, RHP, Harvard Westlake, CA - The 6'6" righty has been at the top of the 2012 prep list for quite a while. Giolito could be on his way to breaking the streak of never having a Prep right hander taken 1st overall. Giolito has the highest ceiling of anyone in the 2012 draft. The amazing thing is that his floor is very high as well. As long as he doesn't have injury issues, he could have a floor of a #2 starter with the ceiling of an ace. His fastball reaches as high as 99 MPH but is usually a 94-96 MPH well commanded pitch. It has late movement and good sink.  His breaking ball is truly a plus pitch right now with potential to be a 70 pitch or better. He commands it well. It has tight spin and is more consistent than you would expect from a 17 year old. He looks more like a player who has spent 2-3 years in college or pro ball. His change is the third-best pitch but is still a very good pitch. His mechanics are smooth and clean. He uses his full body in his delivery and has a big durable frame. When the draft rolls around, I can't see him sliding out of the top five and has a shot at being the 1st overall pick. If by some chance he slides down and opts for college, he will head to UCLA. http://www.minorleagueball.com/2012/2/6/2773435/2012-baseball-draft-high-school-prospects-1-5  

Draft 2012 – Adam Climber, Josh Elander, Carlos Correa, Kevin Gausman, Andrew Susac

Adam Climber    RHP  Green Bay—Washington -  Adam went 2-1 and had a great 0.52 era in 34.1 innings of work. He appeared in 18 games, was among the leaders with 9 saves and he fanned 36 batters. He also allowed just 3 walks during the season. PG ranked him as the 20th best prospect in the league.

Josh Elander / TCU /C :  Elander really caught my eye early in the Cape Season and I wasn’t surprised to see him added to the USMNT roster (He actually replaced Zunino). The Texas Christian backstop is athletic with a well-rounded game. He doesn’t possess an ideal catcher’s body with his thick frame but certainly has a chance to stick there. The feeling is that his tools will play at a number of other positions in any case. Elander has a very disciplined approach at the plate and should hit for a high average with a chance for above average power. If he continues to progress behind the plate he could really move up draft boards this spring. http://mlbdraftinsider.com/2012/01/scouting-the-cape/#more-720  

 Carlos Correa — 6’-4”, SS, Puerto Rico Baseball Academy  (PR) - A defensive whiz with a ton of offensive potential, Correa has the frame to be a power-hitting third baseman while maintaining his gold-glove defense.  Has a strong and accurate arm, as well as great range and footwork. At the plate, he makes consistent contact and has an advanced approach at the plate. An exciting player to watch and a kid who will have a ton of scouts watching his every move this upcoming season. http://www.throughthefencebaseball.com/top-50-draft-prospects-for-2012-25-thru-1/15694/

 Kevin Gausman — 6’-4”, RHP, LSU At 6’-4” and 190 lbs, Gausman is a power righty who can get his fastball up to 99 mph. His long, easy delivery gives his fastball late life, running in on hitters. His change-up has late, fading action and should be an above average pitch while his breaking ball is still developing. Had a 3.51 ERA with 86 K/23 BB over 89.2 innings as a freshman for LSU, allowing only five home runs. Another strong sophomore season should cement him into a top-10 pick, possibly top-5. http://www.throughthefencebaseball.com/top-50-draft-prospects-for-2012-25-thru-1/15694/

Best Tool: Andrew Susac's best tool right now is power. According to the Baseball America scouting report he has "plus power and generates the kinds of backspun home runs that keep carrying until they clear the fence." For a team that has been starved of power this is an excellent thing to hear. Needs to work on: He has yet to make his pro debut so it is hard to get a clear read on what he needs to work on but one thing that the scouting reports have warned against is that his approach can be susceptible to breaking balls and that he will need to make adjustments on that as he moves up through the minors. http://www.crazycrabbers.com/2012/01/crazy-crabbers-top-20-prospects-andrew.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

Draft 2012 – Kevin Gausman, Jeremy Baltz, Stephen Piscotty, Dane Phillips

Kevin Gausman / RHP / LSU – A draft-eligible sophomore, Gausman struggled with his command in 2011, but a fastball that sits in the 94 range with an above-average change and breaking ball puts the former Colorado high-school star in the second slot to start the campaign. There’s very little wasted motion in the delivery, and scouts rave about his makeup. There’s plenty of projection here, and if the command improves, he’ll be gone before the first ten picks are made. http://mlbdraftinsider.com/2011/12/top-twelve-college-pitchers/

Jeremy Baltz — 6’-3”, OF, St. John’s - Baltz has one of the most polished bats in the draft. He hit .396 with 24 home runs and 85 RBI as a freshman in 2011, earning him NCAA Freshman of the Year honors. He then tore up the Cape Cod League hitting .321 with two home runs and 23 RBI over 42 games, including a league-leading 13 doubles. He also showed off his advanced plate discipline by walking 25 times while only striking out 22 times over that span. With another impressive sophomore campaign, Baltz could shoot up draft boards come June. http://www.throughthefencebaseball.com/top-50-draft-prospects-for-2012-50-thru-26/15621/

Already on radars following a sophomore season that saw him hit .364, Stephen Piscotty certainly helped his status with a strong Cape League season, where he won the batting title with his .349 average. Piscotty has an easy swing with good bat speed, making consistent hard contact and hitting to all fields. He's shown raw power to all fields as well and with some added strength there could be more there. An average runner, Piscotty is a good defender at third, with an accurate arm, good hands and decent range. He also can play the outfield, giving him a little flexibility. He hasn't shown much in-game home run power to date, but a team that thinks it will come with maturity will jump at the chance to add his bat and excellent baseball instincts to its system. http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/prospects/watch/y2012/

Dane Phillips decided to change majors after his sophomore season at Oklahoma State University and he cited that is the reason for his transfer to the University of Arkansas, but he was denied eligibility and chose to transfer to Oklahoma City University an NAIA school where Phillips will be eligible to play. Phillips is a somewhat promising prospect. He has a quick swing that he uses to hit a good amount of line drives, and he uses the entire field. He has power potential that hasn’t really surfaced as a collegiate athlete as he hit just 7 home runs in two seasons at OSU, although he did show some nice gap power in 2011, hitting 16 doubles and 8 triples in 2011 for the Cowboys. Phillips has a decent eye at the plate, although he does strike out too much. A lot of Phillips’ draft stock has to do with whether his power potential comes into fruition. We’ll have to see if that happens at OKCU in 2012. http://rayscoloredglasses.com/2011/12/21/taking-an-early-look-at-the-catchers-in-the-2012-mlb-draft-part-1

Draft 2012: - Kevin Gausman, Nick Williams, Alex Bregman, Tony Bucciferro

12-2-11: - http://mlbdraftcountdown.wordpress.com/2011/12/02/2012-mlb-mock-draft-updated-top-15-with-final-mlb-standings - 13) Chicago White Sox: Kevin Gausman, RHP, LSU  The White Sox have some of the worst starting pitching depth in baseball, arguably the worst. As such, it wouldn’t be a total surprise to see them go after a premium arm in the upcoming 2012 draft. LSU right-hander Kevin Gausman has the potential to be a top 10 pick in 2012, thanks not only to his velocity and developing secondary pitches, but also to his very prototypical pitcher’s body. At 6’4″ and 185 pounds, he still has plenty of room to add some more weight (increasing his durability and stamina). Another season of pitching in college baseball’s toughest conference should give him all the seasoning he needs to make the jump to pro ball.

http://mlbdraftinsider.com/2011/12/top-twelve-high-school-position-players/#more-602 3. Nick Williams / OF / Galveston Ball HS (LA): The word “raw” gets thrown out there for a lot of high-school athletes, but at this point it’d be harder to find a more raw player than Williams. The left-handed hitting outfielder has outstanding speed and arm-strength, with raw power and a short, compact swing, but that hasn’t necessarily shown up in games. If you’re looking for a high risk, high reward talent, Nick Williams is your man.

Alex Bregman is a player who Baseball America called “scrappy” and who has been praised for his leadership and intangibles. Sounds like a Rays player already! Bregman also happens to be a very good prospect. Bregman has a swift, fluid swing that he uses to spray line drives all over the field. But one he’s ahead in the count or in situations when his team needs a home run, Bregman often uses a longer stroke that he uses to hit for good power, especially for a player his size. That stroke especially comes into play because Bregman has a good eye and is very good at working the count.With his beautiful swing and great plate discipline, it’s hard to imagine him not being a .300 hitter with a .370 OBP in the big leagues, and he seems like a 15-20 homer threat as well. Bregman was a shortstop most of his high school career before recently being converted to catcher. One of the reasons he was converted was that he’s pretty slow, averaging a 6.9 in the 60 (think a tick under 4.6 in the 40). He does have good reflexes, leading scouts to believe that he could survive defensively at second base as a pro, but there’s no chance he’ll be a shortstop. As a catcher, Bregman has good motions, but his arm is average at best. Bregman seems like he has the tools to be a solid defensive catcher, but he’ll never throw out too many attempted basestealers. http://rayscoloredglasses.com/2011/12/21/taking-an-early-look-at-the-catchers-in-the-2012-mlb-draft-part-1

 We continue the countdown today at number 34 with Michigan State senior RHP Tony Bucciferro. The Joliet, Illinois native attended Minooka Community High School. His high school career saw him go 21-1 with an ERA of 1.50 in two years on the varsity squad. As a freshman in 2009, he went a respectable 5-2 with a 3.55 ERA in 71.0 innings of work. He struck out a team-high 61 while walking just 12 while being named to the Big Ten All-Freshman team. In his sophomore season in 2010, he became the Spartans number 3 starter going 7-5 with a 5.08 ERA while having a team high two shutouts. Tony was second on the team and 10th in the conference with 88.2 innings pitched, which also ranked 10th most in an MSU single-season.  http://ht.ly/1gl4u9

Draft 2012: - Tanner Rahier, Kevin Gausman, Paxton De La Garza, David Dahl, Pat Stover

10-28-11: - http://orioles-nation.com/2011/10/26/wwba-2012-highlights - Tanner Rahier (Indian Wells CA; Palm Desert HS) – Good frame and solid build.  Borderline violent pull swing with solid bat speed, but still remains in control that he can square up at a high rate.  Generates a lot of torque and can drive the ball with power, even with a line drive to ever so slight uplifting swing.  He shows the arm to play at third base with nice footwork setting up for a balanced release.  He will not wow defensively, but should be above average at the hot corner.

11-9-11: - http://diamondprospects.blogspot.com/2011/11/kevin-gausman-draft-profile.html - Kevin Gausman was one of the best prep prospects just two years ago, but he dropped to the 6th round of the 2010 draft and decided to go to LSU. He became the most reliable starter on the staff in his Freshman year and is now a potential Top-10 pick as a draft-eligible Sophomore. With a great K/BB ratio, Gausman shows great command of a mid-90's fastball that runs in on righties. Shaky secondary pitches are one reason Gausman dropped coming out of high school and he has worked hard to improve those pitches. His efforts are paying off as he now possesses a plus curveball and a developing change that projects as above-average. With LSU's talented roster ready to once again make a run at Omaha, a dominant year from Gausman should put him in the Top-5 on draft day.

11-12-11: - http://mlbdraftguide.com/1/2011/11/12/paxton-de-la-garza-2012-draft-profile   -  Paxton De La Garza is a shortstop from Coronado High School in Texas. Two traits that everyone I asked about De La Garza came back with were that he has great makeup and plays the game hard. De La Garza’s tools at the plate project well. He has quick hands and a short stroke with some extra base pop. De La Garza demonstrates good plate coverage. He has a recorded 60 time of 6.80. Most project De La Garza as a shortstop at the next level. He is steady in the field and shows good range with a strong arm. Had De La Garza not been injured in the final game of the State 5A Tournament, he would have had more chances to show his skills on the summer showcase circuit. His performance in the spring should be watched closely.

11-15-11: - http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=6369  - David Dahl (2012 OF, FTB Mizuno/Cardinals Scout Team)- Dahl's talents were obvious this summer, in spite of being sidelined for a portion of it with a bout of mononucleosis. Shortly before taking time off to rest and recover, Dahl was very impressive at the 2011 National Showcase in June. Dahl threw 95 mph from the outfield and posted a blazing 6.49 60-yard dash time, and went 3-for-5 against live pitching, earning a spot in the 2011 Perfect Game All-American Classic. The full extent of his abilities appeared likely to be very impressive based on what he was able to do at less than 100%, and in Jupiter Dahl lived up to expectations. Several member of the PG scouting staff in Jupiter expressed that they believe Dahl was the best prospect in attendance. A potential five-tool player, Dahl posted a team best .400 average and .571 on base percentage out of the second spot in a lineup that featured four 2011 PG All-Americans (including Dahl), with several underclassmen who look to be likely candidates for next year's game. The only tool of Dahl's that is not already plus is his power, though he has the bat speed and projectable strength to develop home run power down the road.

11-15-11: - http://www.collegesummerbaseball.net/2011/11/top-50-position-players-in-northwoods.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter  - Pat Stover   OF   Willmar Stingers---Santa Clara   Pat is a big (6-4/210) outfielder from Santa Clara University. He was sixth in the league with a .337 batting average this summer. He scored 23 runs, drove in 25 and walked 20 times as well this summer. He also did not commit an error for the Stingers. Pat spent the summer's of 09 and 2010 with the Waterloo Bucks. He was ranked as the 27th best prospect in the league by Perfect Game.

Draft 2012: - Mitchell Traver, Travis Jankowski, Kevin Gausman, Shayne Houck, Joey Rickard

10-28-11: - http://orioles-nation.com/2011/10/26/wwba-2012-highlights - Mitchell Traver (Sugar Land TX; Houston Christian HS) – A big frame and solid build that with added strength should raise his game a notch.  Very limited compact delivery with some minor wrinkles that will need to be ironed out as he matures, but sound foundation at the present moment.  A real heavy fastball that sits 89-92 mph.  The slider has some serious potential and at its best has tight lateral drop that could be tough to adjust for hitters.  He has a decent change up that he will need to throw more often to increase its effectiveness, but shows a solid three pitch arsenal.

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 4.   Travis Jankowski   OF   Bourne Braves---Stony Brook   Travis had an outstanding summer for the Braves and was rewarded by being named the leagues MVP. He hit .329, led the league with 57 hits and led the league with 31 runs scored. He also led the league with 7 triples. He went 1 for 4 in the All Star Game and he was the 10th ranked prospect in the league according to Baseball America. Perfect Game ranked him as the 20th best prospect in the league.

11-4-11: - http://www.throughthefencebaseball.com/chicago-cubs-2012-free-agent-and-draft-pick-possibilities/13157/#  -  RHP Kevin Gausman, 6’-4″, 190 lbs, LSU — Gausman is one of the most major-league ready pitchers in the draft, mostly because of his outstanding mound presence. Has great command of his fastball, change-up and slider, and all are above-average pitches already. Held opponents to a .213 average while posting 86 K/23 BB over 89 innings this past season.

11-5-11: - http://www.collegesummerbaseball.net/2011/11/2011-top-performer-shayne-houck.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter  - Shayne Houck -  Butler BlueSox of the Prospect League  Kutztown University  Senior  Third Basemen  6-0/205 pounds  Bats Right  Throws Right  Born on 5-29-1990  From Boyertown, PA  Attended Boyertown High School - Synopsis of Summer Season:  Shayne might not be your prototypical third basemen, but according to several scouts, "no player in the league plays harder" than Shayne. He was the best player on his team, and he was one of the best in the league. He led his team with a .347 batting average and he was tied for third in the league with 10 home runs. He found a way to get on base, and when he did, he scored. He finished the season with 33 runs scored and 44 runs batted in.

11-7-11: - http://ht.ly/1fwsQx  - We continue the countdown today at number 74 with Arizona junior outfielder Joey Rickard. The Las Vegas, Nevada native attended Bishop Gorman High School where he was a member of four straight state championship squads. As a senior, he hit .554 with 23 doubles, seven home runs, 62 RBI and 29 stolen bases. He was also an accomplished pitcher as he accumulated 53 strikeouts in 49 innings pitched with an ERA of 1.92. Rickard stepped right into the Wildcats lineup as a freshman playing in all 58 games (57 starts) hitting .307 with eight homers and 51 RBI. He also led the squad with 13 stolen bases in 21 attempts. He continued his strong college career as a sophomore finishing second on the squad with a .347 batting average while hitting four homers and driving in 37 runs. He finished second on the team with 16 stolen bases in 24 attempts.

Draft 2012: - Lucas Giolito, Brian Johnson, Jameis Winston, Mike Zunino, Kevin Gausman

7-19-11: - http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2011/6/29/2250656/early-look-at-2012#comments - Lucas Giolito, Harvard-Westlake HS, Santa Monica CA, 6’6 220, tall righty with definite arm strength, was up to 95 with FB, most fb were straight and at times would get arm side run in on RHH, front side opens early, some similarities to Mark Prior in delivery, also makings of a hard slider, slurvy action at present, should tighten up to be a plus pitch and makings of change up which he changes his delivery on, so lacks deception on breaking/off-speed pitches. Definitely worth early look next spring, potential top 40 selection.

9-8-11: - http://www.gacksports.com/65590/2012-mlb-mock-draft-update - 13. Los Angeles Dodgers Brian Johnson Pitcher Florida Anyone remember Brian Johnson the Florida pitcher who got hit in the head?  That was a brutal injury that Johnson suffered against Georgia.  True Gator baseball fans will tell you that brutal is not even close to describing what Johnson’s injury was in terms of severity.

9-21-11: - http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=6253 – Comment From Evan - Jameis Winston made quite an impression on me in the PGAAC, and it was as muc based on his build and obviosu tools as his wondrous trip around the bases. I've asked Patrick this before, but how likely is it that he ends up in baseball and how comparable is he to a talent like Bubba Starling?  - David Rawnsley: - Jameis is a freakishly good athlete and just as good a young man (he's a 4.0 student). His ability to balance football and baseball is impressive, he left straight from the All American Game to a major QB Camp in Malibu and was named the top prospect there. At this point I think he's a better football player than Starling but not as good of baseball prospect. Playing baseball comes very easy to Bubba, from his swing to defensive instincts to his throwing ability to just his gait on the field. He's a natural. Winston is going to have to commit himself to baseball to reach that point, he's further away.

9-22-11: - http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2011/9/18/2433708/2012-draft-profile-the-ups-and-downs-of-pick-projecting#comments - Dave Rawnsley was extremely high on (Mike) Zunino in the PG prospect chat yesterday as well. I asked him about Zunino and Trahan and he said Zunino was on another level, and projected him as a potential Top 5 pick. Not surprisingly, the opinion that college has less to offer this year is also held at PG, and extrapolating from various comments over there they see just a handful of current first round locks among college position players (Marrero, Zunino, Roache, Jankowski). If Yasmani Grandal was a legitimate option for KC at #4 in his draft, Zunino is absolutely in that range based on what I’ve seen. And I can attest that Jeff’s Zunino comments were the chief anecdotal source bolstering Zunino’s excellent performance stats for me.

9-23-11: - http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2011/9/22/2441104/top-50-draft-prospects-for-the-2012-mlb-draft#comments - Kevin Gausman throws two fb, 4 seamer he can cut and two seamer that has tail and sink, no slider and 1/7 would be a lefties’ breaking action, his breaking ball I call a slurve from 11/5 action from the hitters looking at his arm slot window, his straight change at times does have dive and fade, you pointed out the flaw, inconsistent, thus only giving him 2 pitches right now, if the change gets better this fall into next spring, that will be a plus. Beck has 3 plus pitches right now and 55 command/control, much like Drew Storen who made a quick leap to the ML for the Nationals. Gausman is a top 10 guy now, some other arms may pass him quickly next spring though, Renaudo was a top 5 candidate before arm woes in 2010

Draft 2012: - Lance McCullers Jr., Kevin Gausman, Brett Knief

7-19-11: - http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2011/6/29/2250656/early-look-at-2012#comments - Lance McCullers, Jesuit HS, Tampa FL, 6’1 185, R/R, max effort with some pitchability, fb up to 97, most are 93-94, same as in 2010, has hard breaking slider up to 87 that can be overpowering, throws strikes, jerks head some in delivery causing eratic command/control, can get better in time, has good bloodlines, type of physique to get bigger in time, potential starter, long term is as a short man out of pen. Definite type of arm strength to be considered top 10 in first round for 2012.

9-8-11: - http://www.gacksports.com/65590/2012-mlb-mock-draft-update - 12. Colorado Rockies Kevin Gausman Pitcher LSU Gausman led the team innings pitched for LSU last season.  Kevin Gausman managed to pitch 89.2 innings for the LSU Tigers in 15 starts.  With an improvement of his mechanics and change up pitch Kevin Gausman has the tools to be a top 10 pick now.

9-12-11: - http://www.collegesummerbaseball.net/2011/09/top-20-position-players-in-florida.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter - In the six-team Florida Collegiate Summer League this summer, the Sanford River Rats downed the Winter Park Diamond Dawgs to earn them the title of FCSL Champions. Individually, there were at least 25 position players that turned in great seasons. Unfortunately, I had to narrow the list down to the top 20.- 8.   Brett Knief   OF  DeLand--Seminole State College - Brett is 6-1/195 pounds and is a recent transfer from UNC. He hit .359 in 64 at-bats for the Suns. He scored 9 runs and drove in 12 this summer. He was ranked as the 14th best prospect in the league by Perfect Game.