Tyler Kolek, Jack Flaherty, Zech Lemond, Carson Baranik, Ti’Quan Forbes

5-11-14 - Tyler Kolek, RHP, Shepherd HS (TX) - When you see him and hear him talk, you would think he was a 25-year old. Which is about right since he can throw harder than 99.9-percent of 25-year-olds. He has hit 103 mph this year and he has been flashing a plus slider to go along with a change-up that is headed in the same direction. At 6’-5” and 240 pounds, projection isn’t needed — he is already there. Over 54.1 innings, he had 112 K/6 BB, allowing two runs on 20 hits. He threw a first-pitch strike to 132/194 batters and averaged 86.6 pitches-per-start. He should go in the top-three picks. Committed to TCU. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-high-school-players-rise-final-edition/42853#cZ17mE5vsjiSvU18.99

3-26-14 – TTF – 10 high school players on the rise — third edition – Jack Flaherty, RHP/3B, Harvard-Westlake HS (CA) - In his last start, Flaherty struck out 14 over seven innings, allowing two hits. He has been nearly untouchable all season and has been touching 93 mph with his fastball along with flashing a plus slider. Still somewhat raw as a pitcher as he has split his time focusing on hitting as well, he has shown higher upside on the mound this year even though his upside as a power hitting third baseman is huge. At 6’-4” and 200 pounds, he has been clocked at 6.37 in the 60 and is a great athlete. Committed to North Carolina. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-10-high-school-players-rise-third-edition/42098#CmrUPUJfBWKiV2MO.99

3-20-14 – Zech Lemond, RHP, Rice - Like Brink, Lemond has a fresh arm as he has been used mostly in relief during his career at Rice. When ace Jordan Stephens went out with an injury needing Tommy John surgery recently, Lemond became the Friday night starter. Through his first two starts, he has been excellent. Over 14.2 innings, he has allowed two runs on 10 hits while striking out 15 to five walks. His fastball sits 92-95 mph and he has been able to maintain velocity deep into his starts -- a great sign. He adds a slider and curveball -- both in the low-80s -- and both are quality offerings. His change-up still needs refining, but with his 6’-4”, 190 pound frame and easy mechanics, there is a ton to like about him. http://www.chicagonow.com/cubs-den/2014/03/mlb-draft-a-look-at-5-college-arms-for-the-2nd-round/

3-19-14 – TTF – Carson Baranik, RHP, Louisiana-Lafayette (NR) - The 6’-3”, 215 pound right-hander has finally found a home and is starting to show the stuff that made him one of the top pitching prospects coming out of high school back in 2011. After playing his freshman season for LSU, he transferred to Miami Dade College before enrolling at Louisiana-Lafayette this year. Over five starts this season, he has a 0.70 ERA, 0.62 WHIP and 30 K/8 BB over 38.2 innings, holding opponents to a miniscule .128 batting average. He features a low/mid-90s fastball, a low-80s slider with plus potential and he adds a developing change-up, as well as a spike curveball. Louisiana-Lafayette is currently ranked eighth in the nation at 18-2 and Baranik is a huge part of its success this season. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-10-college-players-rise-week-5/41905#JeRjl1lAwHFUPJlv.99

3-17-14 – TTF – 10 High School Players On The Rise – Ti’Quan Forbes, SS, Columbia HS (MS) - One of the better shortstops available in the 2014 MLB draft, scouts wanted to see more from his bat this year. Defensively, his strong arm, plus speed (6.4/60) and instincts should allow him to stick at a premium position. Offensively, he shows raw power and a patient approach at the plate but wasn’t consistent and some mentioned some mechanical issues with his swing. Over 10 games this year, he is hitting .400/.488/.600 with a double, two home runs and five stolen bases. He has already showed more pop in his bat than he did last year and, at 6’-4” and 180 pounds, there is a lot of upside. Committed to Ole Miss. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-10-high-school-players-rise-second-edition/41810#OfV5L7GbWgi2Xqtf.99

Marcus Wilson, Tyler Kolek, Aaron Nola, Ti’Quan Forbes, K.J. Bryant

2-8-14 - Todd Gold ‏@TGold_PG  -  2014 OF Marcus Wilson (Los Angeles, CA) hammered pair of 2Bs, 1 to CF 1 to LCF, ran 6.44 60 yard dash.

3-25-14 – MLB Draft Insider Mock – 03   Tyler Kolek          RHP        Shepherd HS (Tex.) - I actually considered putting Kolek ahead of Rodon, but at the end of the day I couldn’t pull the trigger. That being said, Kolek has been sensational this year, and has a legit chance of being the first prep right-hander to ever go No. 1. He throws hard. http://mlbdraftinsider.com/2014/03/the-board-2014-volume-ii/

2-5-14 - Aaron Nola, RHP, LSU - While he may not have the upside as others on this list, and he may not have the ideal size you want in a frontline starter at 6’-1” and 185 pounds, not many can toss a game like Nola. A pinpoint control artist, he went 12-1 with a 1.57 ERA, 0.80 WHIP and 122 K/18 BB over 126 innings as a sophomore. As a freshman, he had 89 K/7 BB over 89.2 innings and 40 of those strikeouts were looking. He features a plus, low-90s fastball with nasty sink to it. He offsets his fastball with a deceptive change-up that freezes hitters. He also adds a 77-80 mph curveball with depth that flashes plus potential. His three-pitch mix, great command of all of them, and mentality on the mound, make him one of the better pitchers in the 2014 MLB draft and a safe pick if there is such a thing. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-dark-horse-candidates-chicago-cubs-first-pick/41075#UeYBipV5rOuYd7xE.99

1-3-14 – TTF Baseball - 36. Miami Marlins — 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. Committed to Mississippi. 

http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-2/40753#ppGUqI6CbWFvzsPf.99

11-21-13 – BA Top 100 High School Players - 71 K.J. Bryant OF R/R 5-10 180 Wade Hampton HS, Taylors, S.C. Clemson http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/2014-high-school-top-100-with-commitments/

Draft 14 – Brady Aiken, Jack Flaherty, Grant Holmes, Ti’Quan Forbes

1-3-14 – TTF Baseball - 9. Toronto Blue Jays — Brady Aiken, LHP, Cathedral Catholic HS (CA) - The Blue Jays have been burned twice in the last three years by prep pitchers in the first round of the draft so they might shy away from another one. Having said that, I like Aiken at this spot. Maybe the most polished prep pitcher available, the 6’-4” southpaw is an alumni of Team USA Baseball and was the winning pitcher in the gold-medal game against Japan in the World Cup Championship in Taiwan, allowing just one run over seven innings while striking out 10. His fastball sits in the low 90s, and both his curveball and change-up are above-average offerings with still room for more. He has great control of his pitches and dominated at The Tournament of Stars, striking out seven over three scoreless innings. Still has projection left and room for more velocity. Committed to UCLA. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-2/40753#ppGUqI6CbWFvzsPf.99

12-9-13 – Pine Tar Press  -  33- INF Jack Flaherty Harvard Westlake HS (North Carolina Commit) Fun baseball player to watch as he definitely passes the eye test and looks like a big leaguer. Good infielder who projects as a 3B while being a solid line drive hitter in the Chase Headley mold. (Cardinals @ 31) http://pinetarpress.com/early-look-2014-mlb-draft/

1-21-14 – Grant Holmes is a physically developed 6'2", 190 LB righty without a lot of physical projection remaining. He has an easy delivery with a waist high leg kick and a ¾ delivery. Grant has solid bloodlines as his brother Colby was a 4-year starter at South Carolina and recently signed with the Braves as a non-drafted Free Agent. While Colby was an excellent college pitcher but Grant is in a different class. His fastball is already impressive sitting 91-94 but can bump it up to 96. His fastball doesn't have a lot of movement but occasionally runs down and in to right handed hitters. His easy delivery and arm slot should allow him to manipulate the ball more with time. It's a great pitch and one of the best fastballs in the draft. http://www.minorleagueball.com/2014/1/21/5325358/2014-mlb-draft-grant-holmes-rhp-conway-sc-high-school

11-21-13 – BA Top 100 High School Players - 23 Ti’Quan Forbes SS/3B R/R 6-3 184 Columbia (Miss.) HS Mississippi http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/2014-high-school-top-100-with-commitments/

Draft 14 – Kyle Freeland, Chris Oliver, Ti’Quan Forbes, Payton Squier

1-16-14 - Summer collegiate baseball has evolved into a way of evening up the playing field for college players across the country. Players from all corners of the nation and from various conferences, large and small, are on the same field and looking to prove themselves to the very same scouts. The Cape Cod League is the highest level example of that, and Evansville’s Kyle Freeland is among the best examples of what a player can do to take advantage of that platform in recent memory. Area scouts may have been well aware of Freeland’s potential, but a stellar summer on the Cape has him now squarely on the radar of scouting directors as one of the top lefthanders in the 2014 draft class. http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=9289

1-3-14 – TTF Baseball - 61. Tampa Bay Rays — Chris Oliver, RHP, Arkansas - A 6’-4”, 185 pound right-hander who can touch 97 mph with his fastball and adds a mid-80s power slider, Oliver will get a chance to start this year after working out of the bullpen his first two years. His change-up is still developing and a big year could propel him up draft boards. Had 21 K/8 BB over 20 innings last year, allowing 14 hits. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-2/40753#ppGUqI6CbWFvzsPf.99

12-9-13 – Pine Tar Press  -  29- SS Ti’Quan Forbes Columbia HS (Ole Miss Commit) 8/26/96- He is a tall, lanky SS in the mold of a young BJ Upton with the speed and coming power to support that debate. He moves well on the diamond and has a chance to be one of the fastest rising players in this June’s draft. (A’s @ 28) http://pinetarpress.com/early-look-2014-mlb-draft/

11-21-13 – BA Top 100 High School Players - 83 Payton Squier 2B/SS L/R 6-0 191 Greenway HS, Glendale, Ariz. UNLV http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/2014-high-school-top-100-with-commitments/

Draft 14 – Grant Holmes, Tyler Beede, Trea Turner, Michael Cederoth,,Ti’Quan Forbes

11-6-13 – Todd Gold – WWBA World Championship – Grant Holmes (2014 RHP, EvoShield Canes) - It doesn't come as a big surprise that Holmes registered the tournament's highest velocity, touching 97 mph with his fastball in the opening game for the champion EvoShield Canes. His velocity has frequently sat in the mid-90s in showcase settings, and low- to mid-90s in a starting role. Just as importantly, in Jupiter he showed the ability to command that heat well. While his command in the semifinal start against the loaded Mets Scout Team doesn't look impressive in the box score with three walks and 59-percent strikes, he was making a noticeable effort to hit the corners of the strike zone. After pounding the zone in the opener, Holmes stayed out of the middle of the plate effectively in the semifinals and his command was good for the majority of that critical game while sitting 91-95 on fairly short rest. That command is key for his draft stock, as his thick stocky build doesn't neatly fit the mold of a classic starting pitching prospect. But in Jupiter he proved that he can command his fastball well and incorporate his hammer curveball effectively over multiple innings while knowing how and when to work in the changeup. That combination puts him in position to become a top 50 pick. His effort in the semifinals gave his team a chance to win against one of the best lineups in the tournament, and he was rewarded with a championship ring. http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=9157


11-4-13 – MLB Draft Insider - Top 14 for ’14: College Pitchers - 7. Tyler Beede / RHP / Vanderbilt – Outside of Rodon, Beede might be the most famous collegiate pitcher in the class after not signing as a first-rounder in 2011; but middling command and some potential medical issues make him more of a mid-first round pick at this point. http://mlbdraftinsider.com/2013/11/top-14-for-14-college-pitchers/


10-15-13 – Baseball America - 4. Trea Turner, ss, North Carolina State: Ankle issue hampered him in 2013, but he offers bat speed, athleticism and top-of-the-scale speed when healthy. http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/2014-draft-top-50-october-2013-carlos-rodon/


11-6-13 –  PG -- The scouting world didn’t get their dose of flame-throwing San Diego State righty, Michael Cederoth this summer, and because of that, his fall outings are garnering more attention than they would typically get. Since Cederoth did not pitch on Cape Cod, for Team USA, or anywhere else for that matter, the most recent reports come from his sophomore season. The 6-foot-6 right-hander’s velocity exploits are well documented, as he is known to frequently pitch in the upper 90s with his fastball and touch as high as 100 mph.  Cederoth took the mound on Friday afternoon at Tony Gwynn Stadium, where he was scheduled to throw four innings in San Diego State’s intrasquad game. But, if you looked at the large scouting contingent in attendance, you certainly wouldn’t know this was only a very controlled scrimmage among teammates.  The San Diego State ace did not bring out of his best velocity on Friday, and for most in attendance, the assessment was that this was probably somewhat intentional. We’ll keep an eye on it, but more than anything else Cederoth appeared to be striving for command and movement in favor of pure velocity. He worked consistently at 91-93 mph with his fastball, but throughout his four innings was able to reach for an easy 95 mph fastball whenever he wanted it. If he needed to sit around 95 mph, which we know he’s capable of, it appeared he could have done it quite easily.  More interesting, however, was the frequency of Cederoth’s breaking ball, and his variance of it. To the naked eye, Cederoth threw as many, or more, off-speed pitches as he did fastballs, and was mostly very effective with that approach. He mixed a 12-6 curveball at 76-78 mph that he even dropped down to 73 mph with late in his outing. But, his real put away pitch is his 81-85 mph slider. Although the bite on this pitch was a little inconsistent, when he got on top and not around it, it had the look of a plus or 60 offering on the 20-80 scale. http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=9172


9-11-13 - Sully’s 2014 Top 100 MLB HS Draft Prospects – 40.Ti’Quan Forbes – SS, Columbia (MS) HS http://www.ninebaseball.org/Wordpress/sullys-2014-top-100-mlb-hs-draft-prospects/

Draft 14 – Alex Jackson, Kodi Medeiros, Nick Burdi, Ti’Quan Forbes,Bryson Brigman

11-11-13 – PG HS Rankings – 3  -   Alex Jackson C OF, 3B 6-2 210 R R Rancho Bernardo Escondido CA  Oregon San Diego Show  -  Huge power, very good defensive catcher, Also play OF well. Has all the tools, outstanding at PG Nat. Games and Area Codes. Outstanding at PG National. PG All American  http://www.perfectgame.org/Rankings/Players/Default.aspx?gyear=2014&num=500


11-6-13 – Todd Gold – WWBA World Championship – Kodi Medeiros (2014 LHP, Ohio Warhawks) - Medeiros' start against Chandler Baseball was the main event of amateur baseball's main event. Hundreds of golf carts created a wall four plus rows deep behind the plate to get a glimpse at the 2014 class' most intrguiging prospect. The native of Hilo, a town of aprox. 45,000 on Hawaii's big island, was relatively unknown on the national scene prior to taking the mound at the PG National Showcase in June. His electric stuff took the scouting community by surprise and he continued to impress throughout the summer in one and two inning stints at the Area Code Games and PG All-American Classic. But with his small frame, unorthodox delivery and short track record there has been an ongoing debate amongst scouts as to whether he can maintain his high level stuff through the physical rigors of a role in the starting rotation. Simply put; there has never been a prospect quite like Medeiros. That fact should be viewed as a huge positive, though the lack of a viable comp does make him somewhat more difficult to evaluate. His fastball sits comfortably in the 90-92 range and has peaked as high as 95, but more than the velocity, his fastball features plus movement and life, seemingly accelerating after leaving his hand and darts hard to the arm side with sink. He has shown some feel for locating his fastball on the corners, which is impressive considering it's depth of run. His slider has plus bite and depth, but is a pitch that he's still developing feel for. This should come as no surprise given that very few catchers at this level are able to handle the pitch because of it's devastating late bite and huge depth. Subsequently, he is unable to use it with two strikes or a runner on third in game situations. With high-level catching, Medeiros will have an opportunity to develop better feel for using the pitch in-game situations and begin to realize the pitch's 80-grade potential. His changeup was inconsistent in his previous outings, flashing plus at the PG National before betraying him at the Area Code Games and in the PG All-American Classic. With that in mind he made a point to show it off in Jupiter and with very go od results, locating the first three for strikes. In Jupiter his changeup caused several ugly swings, and several of them were legitimate plus offerings, though he still has work to do to improve his consistency with it. His three inning outing was a Rorshach for scouts, as those who view him as a starter will point to his six pitch first inning and quality of changeup, while those who see a future in the bullpen will fixate on his velocity dipping to 88-90 in the third inning. Regardless of his future role, Medeiros is a special talent who has a chance to be among the best pitchers in baseball in that role, should he manage to stay healthy going forward and continue to develop. http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=9157


11-4-13 – MLB Draft Insider - Top 14 for ’14: College Pitchers - 12. Nick Burdi / RHP / Louisville — He’s strictly a reliever, but potentially a very good one with a fastball that has touched triple digits and a slider that will give right-handed hitters fits. http://mlbdraftinsider.com/2013/11/top-14-for-14-college-pitchers/


10-15-13 – Baseball America - 39. Ti’Quan Forbes, ss, Columbia (Miss.) HS: Young and spindly, the three-sport Forbes is a premium athlete and plus runner who will need time to develop with the bat. http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/2014-draft-top-50-october-2013-carlos-rodon/


9-11-13 - Sully’s 2014 Top 100 MLB HS Draft Prospects – 28.Bryson Brigman – SS, Valley Christian (CA) HS http://www.ninebaseball.org/Wordpress/sullys-2014-top-100-mlb-hs-draft-prospects/

Draft 14 – Casey Gillespie, Ti’Quan Forbes,Devin Smeltzer, Brandon Murray, Jeff Hoffman

10-14-13 – Top ’14 College Hitters - 11. Casey Gillespie / 1B / Wichita State — There’s no doubt that the switch hitting Gillespie can get on base (.447 on-base percentage, 62 walks in 2012), but there are concerns about his size (6-5, 240) and whether or not he’ll hit for enough power to play everyday at first. http://mlbdraftinsider.com/2013/10/top-14-for-14-college-hitters/

9-30-13 – TTF Mock 2.0 - 19. Kansas City Royals — 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-mock-draft-2-0-draft-order-set/38280#5E3F5j1jWOgE69bJ.99

9-11-13 - Sully’s 2014 Top 100 MLB HS Draft Prospects – 62.Devin Smeltzer – LHP, Bishop Eustace Prep (NJ) http://www.ninebaseball.org/Wordpress/sullys-2014-top-100-mlb-hs-draft-prospects/

9-29-13 – XMLBScout – 16.)RHP, Brandon Murray, 6'2 1/2 185, R/R, Hobart HS, Hobart, IN, this kid has arm strength from 3/4 arm slot for 3 pitches, a fb that runs in on RHH and sinks away on occasion, his change and slider both from same arm slot and deceptive to hitters. Slider still in development stage it seems, not a sharp breaker, but enough to fool hitters at this level. FB velo was 89-94, most were 90-91, not afraid to pitch down in the zone, competitor and the type of body to fill out in time, small shoulder frame. http://xmlbscout.angelfire.com/

10-15-13 – Baseball America - 2. Jeff Hoffman, rhp, East Carolina: His stuff isn’t far off from Rodon’s, but he hasn’t performed to a comparable level (6.8 K/9 in two seasons). http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/2014-draft-top-50-october-2013-carlos-rodon/

Draft 14 – Ryan Castellani, Alex Jackson, Ti’Quan Forbes, Tyler Kolek, Tyler Beede

8-30-13 - Player:  Ryan Castellani   Primary Position:  RHP  Secondary Position(s):  OF  Height/Weight:  6’4/195  Bats/Throws:  R/R  Date of Birth:  4/1/1996  Home Town:  Phoenix. AZ  School:  Brophy Prep  Class of:  2014  - Committed To:  UCLA - Scouting Notes:   2013 Tournament of Stars Notes from Don Olsen  - Ryan has the ideal athletic frame with a projectable loose arm.  He could fill out into a 215-220 pound type in Carl Pavano type mold.  Good arm action, but tends to fall and collapse to 1B at times, leaving him riding high the release when he does not get the weight fully over.  Fastball has some life and hop on it, 90-91 (92) mph.  He shows a solid two way bite with the slider, 77-78 mph.  Ryan has a big sweeping curve with decent rotation, 75-77 mph.  Change was 79-80 mph, with nice depth and deception, little touch of hand side movement.  He shows pitchability and works off everything.  Fastball moves around and routinely pounds it in on the hands.  He never gets rattled and shows moxie with the ability to bear and grind out when needed.  Ryan shows projection and ability to show 4 potential offerings, rare combination. http://bigleaguefutures.net/1/2013/08/28/2014-mlb-draft-profile-ryan-catellani/

8-14-13 – Through The Fence – Top 50 Prospects – 7. Alex Jackson, C, Rancho Bernardo HS (CA) - The best catching prospect in the draft, the 6’-2”, 210-pound right-hander has a plus arm and, mixed with his footwork and athleticism, should stick at the premium position. His power is some of the best in the class, and he should hit for a high average with his approach and plus bat speed. He hit .343/.479/.806 over 35 games as a junior with 14 home runs and 29 walks. Committed to Oregon. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-top-50-prospects/36463#mwWwsFxSUZy7YC5V.99

2013 East Coast Pro Showcase Top 50 Prospects    - 34. Ti’Quan Forbes – SS, Columbia (MS) HS - Has one of the highest ceilings in the entire 2014 class. If the bat can play, he is a top 10-15 player in the class. http://www.ninebaseball.org/Wordpress/sullys-top-50-ecp-prospects/

9-1-13 - Keith Law:  "Shepherd, Texas, right-hander Tyler Kolek, all 6-foot-6, 245 pounds of him, showed big velocity yet again. He worked 93-97 mph, throwing just one off-speed pitch in an 81 mph curveball. Assuming he stays healthy, he'll probably be the first prep pitcher taken next spring because of his sheer size and fastball. However, other guys in the class have better feel or command. www.baseballamerica.com

9-1-13 - Jim Callis – 7. Tyler Beede, rhp, Vanderbilt - Can make hitters swing and miss with three pitches but can’t always control and command them.

Draft 14 – Alex Jackson, Luis Ortiz, Ti’Quan Forbes, Michael Kopech, Scott Blewett

8-21-13 – On defense, Alex Jackson could be a catcher or right fielder. But I don’t think he’ll be better than average at either position. Starting with catcher, I didn’t see the agility behind the plate for me to believe he could be an average or better defender. The strong hands are evident, though, as is a plus arm that can profile well in right field. Most people I’ve talked to think he’ll be in right, but there are some believers that he could stay behind the plate. It only takes one team to see the dream. (of course, it depends where they pick in the draft, but you get the point). http://rontrarianreport.com/2013/08/21/scouting-alex-jackson-mlb-draft/

 

8-16-13 - 11th All-American Classic - Luis Ortiz | RHP | Sanger HS (Sanger, CA)  Height/Weight: 6-foot-3/220 pounds  B/T: R/R  Draft Day Age: 18 years, 7 months  Commitment: N/A  Scouting Notes: Good size, strength; pitched from the stretch; starts with high hands; high leg lift; slight rock back and stays tall; good balance; good drive to the plate; arm is fast; fastball worked 92-95; downhill; some sink; slider at 83 with some late tilt; 1.35 seconds to home with runners on; looked comfortable on the mound; showed two quality pitches.  http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=21537

 

8-13-13 - The Perfect Game All-American Classic in San Diego - * It was my first look at Ti’Quan Forbes (Columbia High School, Miss.) — who the scouts that I talk to have raved about — and I get the appeal; he’s got good size (6’4″, 175) and he looked good during infield with above-average speed and a strong arm. My issue was with the swing, as he drops his hands fairly significantly and negates some of the bat speed he generates. http://mlbdraftinsider.com/2013/08/thoughts-on-perfect-game-all-american-classic/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

 

8-14-13 – Through The Fence – Top 50 Prospects – 33. Michael Kopech, RHP, Mount Pleasant HS (TX) - Another one of those loose arm, projectable right-handers, the 6’-4” Kopech has an electric fastball that can touch 93 mph and he has some deception to his delivery. His mechanics need some refining and he needs to command his secondary stuff better, but the size and stuff is already there. Had 129 K/33 BB over 80.1 innings as a junior. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-top-50-prospects/36463#mwWwsFxSUZy7YC5V.99

 

2013 East Coast Pro Showcase Top 50 Prospects    - 22. Scott Blewett – RHP, Charles W Baker (NY) HS - 6’6, 210 RHP came out sitting 91-93 and touched 94. http://www.ninebaseball.org/Wordpress/sullys-top-50-ecp-prospects/

Draft 14 – Keaton McKinney, Ti’Quan Forbes, Tyler Kolek, Grant Holmes, Justin Smith

8-20-13  -  LOS ANGELES - The Blue team used a pair of home runs and a five-run first inning to beat the Red team, 10-2, in Game 3 of the 2013 USA Baseball 18U National Team Trials at Dodger Stadium on Monday evening – RHP  Keaton McKinney (Ankeny, Iowa) followed suit in the bottom of the second, ripping a pitch into the left field bleachers to lead off the inning for the Blue team and pushing the lead to 6-0.  http://web.usabaseball.com/article.jsp?ymd=20130820&content_id=57577990&vkey=news_usab

 

8-16-13 - 11th All-American Classic - Ti’Quan Forbes (SS/OF, Columbia HS (Columbia, MS): Wiry, athletic build with plenty of room to fill out; open stance; quick-twitch swing with bat speed; some pre-load movement; line-drive stroke in game action; potential for some power down the line; athleticism plays on defensive side; easy actions; highly projectable at 6-foot-4, 177 pounds; very high ceiling, a lot to dream on. —Chris Rodriguez http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=21537

8-13-13 - The Perfect Game All-American Classic in San Diego - * There’s not much to say about Tyler Kolek (Shepard High School, Tex.) that hasn’t been said already, but I’ll try anyway. Kolek was 94-99 in his inning of work, and the two breaking balls I saw were above-average offerings. If the draft were held today, Kolek would be a lock to go in the top ten. http://mlbdraftinsider.com/2013/08/thoughts-on-perfect-game-all-american-classic/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

8-14-13 – Through The Fence – Top 50 Prospects – 14. Grant Holmes, RHP, Conway HS (SC) - A Florida Gator commit, the 6’-2”, 190-pound right-hander hit 96 mph at the Perfect Game Nationals and flashed a plus curveball with excellent command. He also hit 95 mph at the PG Classic, showing one of the better fastballs in the prep class. He adds an above-average change-up, rounding out a solid three-pitch mix. Some scouts think he has maxed out physically, limiting his upside, but as it is, he profiles to a mid-rotation starter and possibly as high as a two. He is a very good athlete with a sound delivery and one of the best prep arms in the draft. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-top-50-prospects/36463#mwWwsFxSUZy7YC5V.99

2013 East Coast Pro Showcase Top 50 Prospects    - 19. Justin Smith – OF, Bartram Trail (FL) HS - Hit really well at ECP and shows all 5 tools. http://www.ninebaseball.org/Wordpress/sullys-top-50-ecp-prospects/

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 – Trae Turner, Jacob Gatewood, Michael Gettys, Jacob Nix, Ti’quan Forbes

8-14-13 – Through The Fence – Top 50 Prospects – 2. Trea Turner, SS, NC State - The 2013 MLB draft lacked depth up the middle. Turner, a 6’-1” right-hander, is a fantastic defender with outstanding range and a strong arm. His elite speed, advanced approach at the plate and ability to drive the ball to all fields make him one of the more exciting players in college and, once he gets on base, don’t blink. Over 56 games as a sophomore, he hit .368/.455/.553 with 30 stolen bases and drew 38 walks to just 30 strikeouts. He also hit seven home runs, showing developing power. As a freshman, he led the nation in stolen bases with 57 and was only thrown out four times. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-top-50-prospects/36463#mwWwsFxSUZy7YC5V.99

8-10-13 - New Balance Area Code games - The A’s still had their two big players remaining in Jacob Gatewood (CA) and Derek Hill (CA). Gatewood crushed two balls right back up the middle but couldn’t buy a base hit today. One was right at the pitcher who caught it and tossed it over to the first and the other hit the pitcher's foot and deflected at the second baseman who gathered it and threw Gatewood out. Gatewood has showed timing issues this week with a lot of swings and misses but when he makes hard contact, the ball explodes off of his bat. Gatewood has also showed good athleticism and body control at shortstop -- especially for his size -- and has continued to show off his strong arm. http://prospectinsider.com/view/2013-area-codes:-day-4-notes/

2013 East Coast Pro Showcase Top 50 Prospects    - 5. Michael Gettys – OF/RHP, Gainesville (GA) HS - A true 5 tool prospect. Has the best OF arm in the class and ran a 6.43 60 at National Showcase. 6.58 at ECP. Also sat 90-91 on the mound and can run it up to 94. http://www.ninebaseball.org/Wordpress/sullys-top-50-ecp-prospects/

 

7-24-13  -  Jacob Nix, rhp, Los Alamitos (Calif.) - With a large frame, wide shoulders and a strong lower half, the 6-foot-4, 205-pound Nix has a durable pitcher’s build. A UCLA commit, Nix has a smooth, easy delivery that looks like he is playing catch. He possesses impressive arm strength and his fastball sits 90-93 mph, touching 94, from a high three-quarter arm slot. He varies the shape and velocity of his 71-75 mph breaking ball that shows two-plane break but lacks power, and he mixes in a mid-80s changeup. 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 - 6. Ti'quan Forbes, SS, Columbia HS (MS) - 6'4/175, R/R, Draft Day Age: 17.78, Ole Miss commit, Full Report & Video - Quick Take: A relative unknown a few months ago has captured scouts' imaginations as a super projectable athlete that's the youngest of the top prospects in the class. He's still slightly awkward at times, but has good pop already and collects hits in bunches in games along with a chance to stick at shortstop due to his plus speed, great actions and an above average arm. http://sbb.scout.com/2/1310090.html