Alex Faedo, Touki Toussaint, Carlos Rodon, Trea Turner, Matt Imhoff, Tyler Kolek

5-11-14  -  Alex Faedo, RHP, Alonso HS (FL) - Faedo has been rising all season and could go in the first three rounds of the 2014 MLB draft based on his size and upside. At 6’-5” and 210 pounds, the right-hander has a lot of projection and can touch 94 mph with his fastball. His slider shows plus potential and his easy delivery promises for more velocity. His change-up sits 77-80 mph, and he already has a good feel for it. He finished with 68 K/8 BB over 48 innings, allowing five runs on 27 hits. Committed to Florida. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-high-school-players-rise-final-edition/42853#cZ17mE5vsjiSvU18.99

3-20-14 – Cubs Insider - • Carlos Rodon, North Carolina State University left-hander: It’s difficult to picture him falling past the White Sox, though a good-but-not-great start (2-3, 2.45 ERA) may have opened up some possibilities for the odds-on favorite to go No. 1 overall. http://www.csnchicago.com/cubs/mlb-draft-cubs-identifying-targets-no-4-overall-pick

3-26-14 - One of the premier prospects at the National High School Invitational more than lived up to the hype, as Coral Springs (Fla.) Christian righthander Touki Toussaint pitched—and hit—his team to a 1-0 win against California’s Orange Lutheran High in the opening round of the tournament.

With a large audience of scouts packing the seats behind home plate, Toussaint was nearly untouchable from the outset. His fastball sat in the low 90s, and when the Lancers’ heat tried gearing up for the heat, Toussaint locked them up with a biting breaking ball in the mid-70s. He carried a no-hitter into the sixth inning and struck out 12. http://www.baseballamerica.com/high-school/nhsi-2014-toussaint-dazzles-in-coral-springs-win/ 

3-16-14 – Cubs Den – Trea Turner has struggled with the bat of late, hitting just .231 in 6 conference games and dropping to a .316/.386/.382 line overall this season.  He  has shown a good approach this year and his usual good defense, but Turner's calling card will be his speed.  I have mixed feelings on Turner, I like what he can bring in terms of top of the order skills, but nagging doubts about his hit tool temper my enthusiasm for now. http://www.chicagonow.com/cubs-den/2014/03/mlb-draft-update-arms-ahead-of-bats-early-on-but-questions-remain-at-the-top/

3-19-14 – TTF – Matt Imhof, LHP, Cal Poly (51) - The 6’-5”, 220 pound southpaw was at it again on March 14, striking out 14 to three walks over eight innings against Wagner. That gives him three starts (out of five) in which he has at least 14 strikeouts. He now has a 1.29 ERA, 0.91 WHIP and 55 K/12 BB over 35 innings for a 14.1 K/9 ratio. He is looking more and more like a first-round pick and has projection left as he will be one of the youngest college players available in the 2014 MLB draft. He features a low-90s fastball and solid secondary stuff, and he knows how to mix it up. 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 – Tyler Kolek, RHP, Shepherd HS (TX) - With a no-hitter on March 14, in which he struck out 11 batters to no walks over five innings, Kolek now has 35 K/1 BB over 16 hitless innings. He also reportedly hit 102 mph on the radar gun — which would be the main takeaway from this as he obviously isn’t facing great competition. With Carlos Rodon and Jeff Hoffman not exactly dominating the way most thought, the 6’-5”, 240 pound right-hander is now in discussions for the top overall pick in the 2014 MLB draft. Committed to TCU. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-10-high-school-players-rise-second-edition/41810#OfV5L7GbWgi2Xqtf.99

Scott Blewett, Braxton Davidson, Milton Ramos, Trea Turner, Connor Joe, Derek Fisher

5-11-14  -  Scott Blewett, RHP, Baker HS (NY) - At 6’-6” and 220 pounds, Blewett has the size you want in a frontline starter. He also has the arm as his fastball can touch 95 mph. He adds a potential plus curveball with great looping action, as well as a change-up and a circle-curve (change) he has been working on. Through 26 innings, he has 50 K/8 BB and has allowed one run on 12 hits. With his size, stuff and smooth mechanics, there is a lot of projection left. Committed to St. Johns.  http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-high-school-players-rise-final-edition/42853#cZ17mE5vsjiSvU18.99

3-17-14 – TTF – 10 High School Players On The Rise – Braxton Davidson, OF/1B, Roberson HS (NC) - At 6’-3” and 220 pounds, the left-handed hitting Davidson is already a beast. His power and advanced approach from the left side will land him in the first round of the 2014 MLB draft. His strong arm (92 mph from outfield) would play well in a corner outfield spot, although some believe he could end up at first base where he could be a plus defender. Over five games this season, he has gone 11-for-16 (.688) with four doubles and a home run, and he has yet to strike out. He has shown off his arm by striking out 20 over 10 shutout innings on the mound, allowing just one hit. Committed to North Carolina. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-10-high-school-players-rise-second-edition/41810#OfV5L7GbWgi2Xqtf.99

3-26-14 – TTF – 10 high school players on the rise — third edition – Milton Ramos, SS, American Heritage HS (FL) - One of the best defensive shortstops in the 2014 MLB draft, if not the best, Ramos is a 6’-1”, 170 pound right-hander with a lot of upside offensively, as well. He has shown some pop this season hitting .487/.543/.923 over 12 games with two doubles, three triples and three home runs. He has added seven stolen bases and has been clocked at 6.53 in the 60, showing above-average speed on the base paths. If he continues to show his offensive skills, he could go in the first round of the 2014 MLB draft. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-10-high-school-players-rise-third-edition/42098#CmrUPUJfBWKiV2MO.99

3-20-14 – Cubs Insider - • Trea Turner, North Carolina State University infielder: There are long-term questions about whether he could stay at shortstop, but with nearly 100 stolen bases on his college resume, he could become an offensive catalyst from the leadoff spot. http://www.csnchicago.com/cubs/mlb-draft-cubs-identifying-targets-no-4-overall-pick

3-19-14 – TTF – Connor Joe, C/OF/1B, San Diego (NR) - It’s not so much what Joe has been doing lately, it’s what he has been doing all season. Over 19 games, the 6’-0”, 210 pound right-hander is hitting .364/.474/.649 with five doubles, five home runs and 25 RBI, and he has drawn 11 walks to 11 strikeouts. He has shown the ability to play behind the plate, in the outfield and first base if needed. He is new to catching but the arm plays well and he has been getting praise for his receiving skills. The power is real and he has a solid approach at the plate. As I mentioned above, the  catching crop is weak this year and if scouts believe he can remain behind the plate, he could hear his name early on day two due to his power potential. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-10-college-players-rise-week-5/41905#JeRjl1lAwHFUPJlv.99

3-18-14 – Jonathan Mayo - 3-18-14 – Jonathan Mayo - Derek Fisher came in at No. 15 on that Top 50, the third-highest-ranked college hitter on the list. The University of Virginia outfielder is out four to six weeks after breaking the hamate bone in his right hand against Duke the weekend of March 8. Keep in mind, once Fisher is back, it often takes those with this injury a while to get their power stroke back. "There probably have been a lot of guys who've seen him already," one cross-checker said about how this will impact Fisher, Draft-wise. "The clubs that feel really comfortable with him could see it as a bonus. Those that haven't might be chasing their tails." http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20140318&content_id=69552214&notebook_id=69553420&vkey=notebook_mlb&c_id=mlb

Clay Casey, Cameron Varga, Matt Imhof, Tyler Beede, Michael Kopech, Luke Weaver

5-12-14  -  Clay Casey, OF, De Soto Central HS (MS) - Few got into a zone quite like Casey did this year — and he’s still in it. Over his last 11 games, he has gone 23-for-32 (.719) with a double, four triples, nine home runs and 27 RBI. On the season, he is now hitting .511/.587/1.136 over 30 games with six doubles, five triples, 13 home runs and exactly 100 total bases. A very good athlete who also stars in football, the 6’-3”, 205 pound right-hander has tremendous power potential to go along with a strong arm in the outfield. He has a patient approach at the plate and has a lot of upside once he focuses full time on baseball. Committed to Ole Miss. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-high-school-players-rise-final-edition/42853#cZ17mE5vsjiSvU18.99

5-18-14  -  Cameron Varga -  I know high school stats can be deceiving, and scouts don’t put a whole lot of stock into them. However, when you have struck out every batter you have faced over your last two starts like Varga has, you should take notice. The 6’-4”, 200 pound right-hander has 31 K/0 BB over his last 10 innings without allowing a hit. In fact, over his last five starts, he has tossed four no-hitters with 68 K/1 BB over 25 innings. With a fastball that sits 91-95 mph and one of the best curveballs in his class — an upper-70s knee buckler that he has great command of, he has been one of the most dominant prep pitchers this spring. His change-up is still developing, but with his athleticism, most believe it will become a quality offering. He is one of the older players in his class but he has a fresh arm as he was a shortstop his first two years of high school in Florida. For the season, he has 110 K/4 BB over 44 innings, allowing one run on 10 hits. Getting a lot of first-round buzz, he is committed to North Carolina.
Read more at http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-five-high-school-players/42931#BrqM3BlCZROcRBlE.99

3-26-14 - For the debut of the Big West Spotlight, I am in fact featuring the star of one of these power schools: Cal Poly pitcher Matt Imhof. Imhof — a 6’5”, 220 lb southpaw with a wicked arsenal—has been phenomenal this season, compiling a 4-1 record with a 1.29 ERA for the 16-3 Mustangs. The junior has also tallied 55 strikeouts in 35.0 IP, tied with TCU’s Brandon Finnegan for first in D1 baseball, and sports a 0.914 WHIP on the year.  His success hasn’t gone unnoticed on the national level, as he has received a National Player of the Week award on three different occasions this season in addition to his three Big West Conference Pitcher of the Week awards, all of them coming from performances in which he tallied 14 or more strikeouts in a game.  http://www.bestcoastbaseball.com/2014/03/big-west-spotlight-matt-imhof-shining.html

3-11-14 – TTF - Tyler Beede, RHP, Vanderbilt (2) - Beede has answered his critics through his first four starts. In his latest start against Winthrop on March 7, he struck out nine to no walks over seven innings, allowing one run on six hits. He is now 4-0 with a 1.08 ERA, 0.64 WHIP and 33 K/5 BB over 25 innings. He is holding opponents to a miniscule .129 batting average. As a sophomore, he had a 5.6 BB/9 ratio over 101 innings. This year, he has a 1.8 BB/9 ratio, showing incredible improvement in his command and responding to the only knock on him by scouts. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-10-college-players-rise-week-4/41715#PjStmsQ7UB5h8BYU.99

3-14-14 – Prospect Insider - Mt. Pleasant’s Michael Kopech has been turning heads this spring and is quickly rising up draftboards. Kopech has a projectable frame and a lively fastball with heavy life. Last summer he flashed impressive stuff, but struggled to repeat his delivery. Although it still has a lot of moving parts, the delivery seems to be more rhythmic, and his curveball also shows enticing potential with sharp break and good depth. http://prospectinsider.com/category/2014-mlb-draft

3-16-14 – BLF –  Luke Weaver, Florida State Seminoles Ace, has seen his fair share of hype surrounding a prospect, Jameis Winston is after all, his teammate and not sure anyone in College sports has gotten the attention he did this year winning the Heisman and all. As a small side note, Jameis Winston came in for 3 IP and notched 7 K against NC State. Coming into this weekend series, Weaver has really run the board in terms of his projection for the draft, I’ve seen anywhere from the 20′s to the top10. Well, on Friday, he met with Rodon for a faceoff and while Rodon was solid, Weaver really took the show with 7K 2BB and only 1 ER over 6.1 IP. In comparison, Rodon had 12 K with 4 BB and 2 ER over 6.2IP. I think it must be my luck, but the past couple of times I’ve seen Rodon, I get excited, as any fan would, to see the top talent in the country and he ends up being just slightly less then his full dominant self. To be fair, This is probably the best performance I’ve got to see of Rodon live, hopefully that’ll change his next time out. But as some scouts have concerns about his command and control getting away from him, time to time, I’ve been unlucky enough to catch those games, it appears almost exclusively. While he has been absolutely dominant at times, and is every bit deserving of the hype he’s received recently, I certainly believe he has some work to do on his command and control. As I mentioned above, it has gotten away from him at times in the past and certainly this year so far, particularly against Notre Dame and FSU, he’s been a little less dominant then you would expect from him. Clearly, the 12 K game is going to catch some attention but I also look at the fact he had the 4 walks and gave up the 2 ER. Can’t be perfect no, but that’s a pretty big in conference game, you’re going to need your ace to have his absolute best stuff. Certainly, I’d take him over Gray and Appel right now, although Gray does put up quite the fight, Zimmer and Gausman for sure.  I’m by far, one of the biggest Appel detractors, placing him 13th in rankings at points last cycle, for Houston fans though, and fans of Appel, you have to get excited about the prospect of a rotation with Appel, Rodon, Cosart, and even Folty if you want to get into that line of thought. NC State 3B Andrew Knizner was one of the younger players on the field who really caught my attention, as a true freshman out of Glen Allen, Va., he showed some skill in the field and at the plate he’s been their best hitter to date, leading the team in batting average as well as RBI and tied for the lead in HR with 2. He’s got 2 errors so far, but with youth on his side I expect him to enjoy some success during his time in the Wolfpack lineup. http://bigleaguefutures.net/1/2014/03/16/luke-weaver-shines-against-rodon-and-wolfpack-beede-strong-as-dores-fall-to-nola-and-tigers/

Brandon Finnegan, Trea Turner, Michael Cederoth, Grayson Greiner, Ehan Paul

3-6-14 – Nats GM - Brandon Finnegan LHP Texas Christian University - In his first start of the season, Finnegan overwhelmed the Jacksonville lineup with two plus offerings, flashing a powerful mid-90s fastball with excellent life and a devastating slider he threw for strikes; in addition, later in the game he showed a mediocre, but promising changeup with arm-side run that induced whiffs from right-handed batters.  Finnegan’s delivery is fairly polished though involving more effort than one might like, and his command of the strike zone is a bit below-average at this stage in his development.  However, his biggest negative for scouts is his size, as he is listed below 6-0 tall with little physical projection remaining.  If a team can overlook his less than prototypical size and believes in his changeup, Finnegan could be selected in the first 20-40 selections this June, as it is rare to find left-handed pitchers with two present plus pitches.  http://natsgm.com/2014/03/06/scouting-the-2014-mlb-draft-early-march-edition/

3-25-14 – TTF 10 college players on the rise — week 6  - Trea Turner, SS, North Carolina State (5) - While he hasn’t been collecting a lot of hits lately, having gone just 6-for-27 (.222) over his last six games, the hits he has have been hit very hard. He has homered in three of his last four games, showing the pop many were hoping to see this season. It has still been a down year for Turner, as he is now hitting .310/.386/.437 over 22 games with 12 walks to eight strikeouts and seven stolen bases. He is still considered a top-15 pick as he should stick at a premium position, and his plus/plus speed mixed with his ability to get on base in a variety of ways makes him one of the more unique players in the 2014 MLB draft. If he continues to show pop, while maintaining his advanced approach, he could be back in the mix for the top-five picks in the 2014 MLB draft. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-10-college-players-rise-week-6/42071#MDUXGtxd7YCtKt0X.99 

3-9-14 – MLB Draft Insider - Michael Cederoth – RHP San Diego State – After Cederoth struggled out of the gate for the Aztecs; he was moved to the pen. He started the first game of the season, but since then he has made seven appearances out of the pen including Saturday. He pitched in one and two thirds innings picking up a save. His line was no hits, one walk, no runs, no strikeouts, and a wild pitch. He has been very effective out of the pen, and many think that might be his best role going forward. http://mlbdraftinsider.com/2014/03/the-rundown-march-8/#more-3872

3-5-14 – TTF - 10 college players on the rise — week 3  - Grayson Greiner, C, South Carolina (57) - The 6’-5”, 220 pound right-hander has been tearing the cover off the ball for the Gamecocks all year. He has been getting even hotter as of late, going 9-for-22 (.409) over his last six games with two home runs, 11 RBI and has drawn four walks. On the year, he is now hitting .359/.468/.641 with three home runs and 18 RBI over 11 games. He has a plus arm (1.81 POP times) and is very accurate with it. He is a good athlete for his size and most believe he can stick behind the plate. There were some questions about weather the power was going to show up in games and he is answering those so far. One of the best leaders around. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-week-3/41478#ilZqhEaASo2Kkjik.99

MIF - Ethan Paul, Jr., Newport (Wash.) - A highly athletic defender with good lateral agility and aggressive actions coming to the baseball, his range to play up in spite of taking shorter strides than a taller infielder. His all around quickness translates well at the plate also with a quick left handed swing with emerging bat speed and the ability to consistently square the ball up for line drives. The junior edges out fellow 2015 grad Carson Kelly of Oregon for this spot but it was close call and Kelly's projection could eventually see him leapfrog Paul's present ability. http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=9561

Draft 14 – Kyle Schwarber, Trea Turner , Brandon Finnegan, Marcus Wilson, Carl Chester

2-21-14 - Dan Kirby ‏@DanMKirby  -  Stud! RT @KendallRogersPG: #Indiana C Kyle Schwarber just put 3-run bomb about 40-ft past the 379 marker and up. Absolute no doubter. Wow.

3-25-14 – MLB Draft Insider Mock –  17  Trea Turner        SS           NC State  -  It was nice to see Turner pick up some extra-base hits this weekend. It was not nice that the two extra-base hits he picked up that weekend tripled his total for the season. http://mlbdraftinsider.com/2014/03/the-board-2014-volume-ii/

2-19 – TTF - 10 college players on the rise - Brandon Finnegan, LHP, TCU (18)  The stuff is never questioned with Finnegan. His size, however, often is. At 5’-11” and 185 pounds, he doesn’t have the ideal frame to be a frontline starter at the next level. Able to hit the upper 90s with his fastball, along with a plus slider, some have compared him to former closer Billy Wagner. On Friday, he showed why he will be given every chance to remain a starter. Over seven shutout innings against Jacksonville, he allowed three hits and struck out 13 with three walks. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-10-college-players-rise/41224#Brkvtc4VfkP16udZ.99

1-3-14 – TTF Baseball - 45. Minnesota Twins — 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 scouts love. Committed to Arizona State. 

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

2-11-14 – PG/Florida HS Dream Team – OF – Carl Chester, Sr. Lake Brantley - The 6.28 60-yard dash at the National Showcase can speak to Chester’s ability to run. That speed plays on both sides of the ball as he covers a lot of ground in center field (see below) and allows him to get down the first base line in the 4.0 to 4.1 area consistently. Once on base, Chester wreaks havoc and is very disruptive. The University of Miami commit shows a fluid righthanded swing with surprising pop and an advanced approach at the plate. http://perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=9372

Draft 14 – Brad Zimmer, Evan Skoug, Trea Turner, Scott Hurst, Kyle Schwarber

2-5-14 - Number 18 on our countdown is San Francisco junior outfielder Bradley Zimmer. The La Jolla, California native attended La Jolla, High School. He was a three year varsity starter as he led the squad in many categories including average (.446), home runs, RBI, stolen bases, on-base percentage. As a freshman, he started 42 games while hitting .242 in 153 at-bats with nine doubles, one triple, and 15 RBI. In 2013, he played in 58 games while hitting .320 with seven home runs, 37 RBI and 19 stolen bases. He had a team-high .512 slugging percentage and team-best .949 OPS. He spent the summer with the USA Collegiate National Team where he hit .300 with a home run, 11 RBI and a team-best 11 stolen bases. He finished the summer with the Cotuit Kettleers of the Cape Cod Baseball League where she was named postseason MVP after leading the team to the league championship. http://ht.ly/2DA1oL

1-27-14 – BP - Positional Preview: High School Catchers - Evan Skoug | C/CIF | Libertyville (Libertyville, IL) | Commit: Texas Christian  Height/Weight: 5-foot-10/200 pounds  B/T: L/R  Draft Day Age: 18y 7m  As was the case with Schwarz, Skoug really stood out in Syracuse at the East Coast Pro showcase, and in particular during his BP sessions where the big left-handed power was on display. The TCU commit took an even bigger step forward up follow lists with a monster performance in Jupiter for the Reds Midwest Scout Team, showing huge pull-side power throughout the tournament and very little difficulty squaring velocity. Skoug boasts a thick build with a monster lower half and has no trouble generating torque in his swing. He’s among the more interesting left-handed power bats at the high school ranks due to his solid approach and recent on-field performances, and should enter the spring high on Midwest follow lists. http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=22662

1-3-14 – TTF Baseball - 6. Seattle Mariners — Trea Turner, SS, North Carolina State - Arguably my favorite player in the 2014 MLB draft, the 6’-1” right-hander is a burner who gets on base and plays great defense at a premium position. Some have questioned his hit tool but all he has done is hit for a high average with great strikeout/walk ratios. 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. He was slowed by an ankle injury over the summer, which might have led to some dropping him in their rankings, but he is fully healed now and should be one of the most exciting players in college this year again.  http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-2/40753#ppGUqI6CbWFvzsPf.99

11-21-13 – BA Top 100 High School Players - 39 Scott Hurst OF L/R 5-10 167 Bishop Amat, La Puente., Calif. Cal State Fullerton http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/2014-high-school-top-100-with-commitments/

3-20-14 – Cubs Insider - • Kyle Schwarber, Indiana University catcher/outfielder: Might be another reach at No. 4, but this could be the best college power bat available. Not sure if he would remain at catcher. The Cubs had at least two staffers scouting him when the Hoosiers came to Surprise Stadium for last month’s Pac-12/Big Ten Challenge. http://www.csnchicago.com/cubs/mlb-draft-cubs-identifying-targets-no-4-overall-pick

Draft 14 – Alex Jackson, Nick Gordon, Trea Turner, Kyle Schwarber, Gareth Morgan

1-27-14 – BP - Positional Preview: High School Catchers - Alex Jackson | C/OF | Rancho Bernardo (San Diego, CA) | Commit: Oregon  Height/Weight: 6-foot-2/210 pounds  B/T: R/R  Draft Day Age: 18y 5m  Jackson boasts one of the best blends of offensive and defensive upside in the draft class, with a chance to hit for average and power while providing solid defense behind the dish and a strong catch-and-throw game. The Oregon commit routinely impressed in batting practice throughout the summer showcase circuit, with big pull side power generated through a leveraged swing. In-game the load can get a little deep, with the swing length causing some issues with velocity, but the bat-to-ball ability and bat speed give hope that the Oregon commit will figure things out as he continues to log reps against quality arms. Behind the plate Jackson moves well side-to-side with and shows an ability to impact the game with his arm, clocking pops as low as 1.77 for me over the summer and routinely sitting in the 1.85 to 1.95 range with low, level lines on his throws. There’s work to be done, no doubt, but the San Diego prepster has the body and athleticism to grow into a solid receiver and defender. Should a team desire to shift him to a corner to expedite offensive development, he is athletic enough to handle right field and possesses more than enough arm. Jackson was a worthy recipient of the first annual Baseball Prospectus Prospect of the Year Award last August as an impressive athlete with a chance to grow into an impact bat at a premium defensive position. He currently profiles as a solid top half of the first round talent. http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=22662

1-24-14 - Nick Gordon, son of former ballplayer Tom and brother of Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Dee, is one of the most exciting prospects in the upcoming draft largely because he is considered a top-15 prospect as both a pitcher and a position player. Like his brother Dee, Nick has a slight frame—standing at 6’2” and 170 pounds—but he projects to fill out more than his older brother. Also like his brother, Nick has outstanding speed, which helps him both on the bases and in the field. Currently, Nick is a shortstop as a position player, and there’s little reason to think he would have to move off the position. He has great range and an absolute cannon to go along with great hands. http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1934895-4-prospects-the-new-york-mets-could-target-in-the-2014-mlb-draft/page/2

1-26-14 - Jim Callis ‏@jimcallisMLB  - Turner overall, Bregman better bat. Bregman a pro 2B. @dhb38: diff classes but who's better Trea Turner or Alex Bregman? Both ss?

1-3-14 – TTF Baseball - 24. Detroit Tigers — Kyle Schwarber, C/1B, Indiana - The 6’-0”, 230 pound right-hander has tremendous power and is also one of the better hitters available in the 2014 MLB draft. His ability to remain behind the plate is still up for debate, but he wants to stay there and has been working hard on his defense. Over 61 games as a sophomore, he hit .366/.456/.647 with 10 doubles, 18 home runs and drew 42 walks to just 37 strikeouts. He then hit .308/.396/.436 over 21 games for the Collegiate National Team with 11 walks. We all saw the premium put on college bats in last year’s draft, and Schwarber should benefit from that this year. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-2/40753#ppGUqI6CbWFvzsPf.99

11-21-13 – BA Top 100 High School Players - 45 Gareth Morgan OF R/R 6-4 231 North Toronto (Ont.) Collegiate Uncommitted http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/2014-high-school-top-100-with-commitments/

Draft 14 – Dylan Davis, Trea Turner, Kyle Freeland, Derek Hill

1-22-14 – PG - The career of Dylan Davis just feels like it’s been a long winding one already, even though that’s not truly possible for a player only entering his junior year in college baseball. It’s taken some time for scouts to decide just exactly where he fits on the baseball diamond, and even still the answer to that may not be completely clear. Davis has generated some debate, but mainly on the strength of his success and potential both in the field and on the mound. If you are an elite draft prospect, there are certainly far worse problems you could have. http://perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=9296

1-20-14 – PG Preseason College All-Americans - Shortstop - Trea Turner, NC State - 2013 Stats: .368 AVG, 13 2B, 4 2B, 7 HR, 42 RBI, 38 BB, 31 SO, 30 SB - North Carolina State lefthanded pitcher Carlos Rodon might be the nation’s elite pitcher and prospect, and the headliner for the Wolfpack. But plenty of coaches out there would take Turner over anyone else in college baseball. Turner, a lanky 6-foot-1, 171-pounder, has exceptional speed, an advanced offensive approach and is a more than adequate defender. He’s truly one of the electrifying players in college baseball, and it’s a good reason why he’s our No. 3 prospect entering the season. http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=9294

1-3-14 – TTF Baseball - 28. Boston Red Sox — Kyle Freeland, LHP, Evansville - A 6’-4”, 185 pound southpaw, Freeland was one of the better pitchers at the Cape Cod League, posting a 2.25 ERA and 48 K/4 BB over 40 innings. He seemed to get better as the season went on, and his last start was his best outing — he allowed three hits over seven shutout innings while striking out 10 to no walks. His fastball sits in the low 90s and he adds a plus slider. His change-up still needs work but there’s a lot to like about him. As a sophomore, he had 84 K/26 BB over 93.1 innings. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-2/40753#ppGUqI6CbWFvzsPf.99

11-21-13 – BA Top 100 High School Players - 18 Derek Hill OF R/R 6-0 185 Elk Grove (Calif.) High Oregon http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/2014-high-school-top-100-with-commitments/

Draft 14 – Chris Ellis, Joseph Gatto, Trea Turner, Isan Diaz

1-14-14 – PG - It doesn’t come as a surprise when certain players are dubbed “sleepers” or as “flying under the radar”, as many of them come from less than traditional baseball hot-beds or have a more undervalued skill-set. Then, there are players like Ole Miss righthander, Chris Ellis that shouldn’t surprise anyone, but appears poised to do just that nonetheless. There’s nothing sneaky about Ellis’ raw stuff, his delivery, or where he goes to school. And, he performed at a top notch level in the nation’s elite collegiate summer league on Cape Cod in 2013. But, nevertheless, Ellis has not yet received his full credit for being the potential first round selection that his ability clearly dictates that he may be. http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=9288

1-3-14 – TTF Baseball - 54. Arizona Diamondbacks — Joseph Gatto, RHP, St. Augustine Prep (NJ) - The 6’-5”, 210 pound right-hander turned heads by gaining nearly 10 mph on his fastball over the last year and now can sling it 95 mph with explosive, late life. He showed great command of his secondary stuff at the Perfect Game Nationals, and he still has a ton of projection due to his size and arm action. Scouts reportedly were raving about his efficiency and feel for his stuff. He hit 93 mph at the PG Classic. Committed to North Carolina. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-2/40753#ppGUqI6CbWFvzsPf.99

12-9-13 – Pine Tar Press  -  7- SS Trea Turner NC State 6/30/93- Plus speed guy who will join his Wolfpack teammate as a top 10 pick.  He has all of the intangibles of a great offensive weapon including plate awareness, and a solid line drive swing.  He should be able to stick at SS but should also be viewed as a potential CF. (Mariners @ 6) http://pinetarpress.com/early-look-2014-mlb-draft/

11-21-13 – BA Top 100 High School Players - 55 Isan Diaz 2B/SS L/R 5-10 184 Springfield (Mass.) Central HS Vanderbilt http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/2014-high-school-top-100-with-commitments/

Draft 14 – Keaton McKinney, Sean Reid-Foley, Trea Turner, Dillon Peters, JJ Schwartz

10-15-13 – Baseball America - 43. Keaton McKinney, rhp, Ankeny (Iowa) HS: Six-foot-5, 223-pounder has a low-90s fastball that has touched 94 and one of the better changeups in the class. http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/2014-draft-top-50-october-2013-carlos-rodon/
 

9-30-13 – TTF Mock 2.0 - 26. Detroit Tigers — Sean Reid-Foley, RHP, Sandalwood HS (FL)  The 6’-3”, 210-pound right-hander flashes a plus fastball that touches 94 mph with late life, thanks to his easy delivery and strong build. He also features a filthy, upper-70s curveball that may be one of the best in his class, as well as a slider that looked like a future plus pitch at The Tournament of Stars in North Carolina. He has put his name on the map over the last month and has huge upside due to his size, easy delivery and stuff. Committed to Florida State. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-mock-draft-2-0-draft-order-set/38280#5E3F5j1jWOgE69bJ.99


10-21-13 - Summary:  Trea Turner is going to be an impact player on both sides of the ball.  He would be an explosive leadoff man on any team.  He also has enough power that they can’t cheat in on him without him burning them.  He will be a game changer when he makes it to the next level. http://bigleaguefutures.net/1/2013/10/20/scouting-report-trea-turner-ss-north-carolina-state/


10-23-13 - College Baseball Daily kicks off our countdown to the start of the 2014 College Baseball season by checking in on the top 100 players in the country. We will be providing one player per day until we reach number 1.  We continue the list today at number 85 with University of Texas junior LHP Dillon Peters. In his sophomore season with the Longhorns, Peters went 6-3 with a 1.97 ERA; he finished the 2013 season with 86.2 IP and struck out 57 batters in the process. A second team All-Big 12 selection, Peters had an impressive .223 batting average against and during his 14 starts on the mound, the Longhorns were able to go 10-4. On top of his success on the field, Peters also shined in the classroom as he was named to the Big 12 Commissioner’s Honor Roll for fall 2012. http://ht.ly/2AZ41K


9-11-13 - Sully’s 2014 Top 100 MLB HS Draft Prospects – 17. JJ Schwarz – C, Palm Beach Gardens (FL) HS http://www.ninebaseball.org/Wordpress/sullys-2014-top-100-mlb-hs-draft-prospects/

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 – Aaron Nola, Trea Turner, Jacob Gatewood, Forest Griffin,Michael Cederoth

10-15-13 – Baseball America - 10. Aaron Nola, rhp, Louisiana State: Smallish, athletic college ace has excellent life on a low-90s fastball and plus changeup. http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/2014-draft-top-50-october-2013-carlos-rodon/

 

10-14-13 – Top ’14 College Hitters - 2. Trea Turner / SS / NC State — Turner was outstanding over his sophomore campaign, but an ankle injury essentially ruined his Team USA experience this summer. Turner’s speed is élite, and with above-average pitch recognition and hand-eye coordination, many scouts believe he is a future prototypical leadoff hitter. Defensively he was outstanding in 2013 as well, using his speed to make plays to his left and right with above-average arm strength for the position. Don’t be surprised to see Turner go off the board in the first five picks of the 2014 draft. http://mlbdraftinsider.com/2013/10/top-14-for-14-college-hitters/


9-30-13 – TTF Mock 2.0 - 3. Chicago White Sox — Jacob Gatewood, SS, Clovis HS (CA) With maybe the worst farm system in baseball, the White Sox have a chance to add a franchise player here and should go after the kid with perhaps the highest ceiling among the prep bats. Gatewood is a 6’-5”, 190 pound right-hander with some serious raw power, as well as excellent bat speed. He won the Junior Home Run Derby at Citi Field, slugging 13 home runs — three of them reaching the third deck. I also got to see him launch several bombs out of Wrigley Field as he won the home run derby at the 2013 Under Armour All American Game. He most likely will have to move off shortstop but his canon arm and instincts should play well at the hot corner or a corner outfield spot where his bat will more than justify the position. High character kid who is committed to USC.  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 – 46. Foster Griffin – LHP, The First Academy (FL) http://www.ninebaseball.org/Wordpress/sullys-2014-top-100-mlb-hs-draft-prospects/


10-15-13 – Baseball America - 21. Michael Cederoth, rhp, San Diego State: Physical 6-foot-6, 210-pounder rivals Aztecs great Stephen Strasburg in velocity with 94-98 mph fastball. http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/2014-draft-top-50-october-2013-carlos-rodon/

Draft 14 – Max Pentacost, Dylan Cease, Trea Turner, Justus Sheffield, Gregory Deichmann

10-14-13 – Top ’14 College Hitters - 3. Max Pentecost / C / Kennesaw State — Pentecost may not be a household name right now, but has drastically improved his draft stock with a very strong summer. Pentecost has average power from the right side (with potential for more) and shows good patience and pitch recognition. He isn’t a lock to stick behind the plate, but if a team believes he can catch due to his athleticism and arm strength he could be a top 15 candidate. http://mlbdraftinsider.com/2013/10/top-14-for-14-college-hitters/

8-27-13 - Dylan Cease, a right-hander from Milton High in Georgia, has impressed scouts all summer with his mid-90s fastball and his feel for the changeup and curveball. He said he will spend his offseason preparing for spring, when he and the rest of the high school seniors will make their final impressions before the Draft. "I had a pretty good summer," he said. "During the offseason I'll focus on putting on weight, getting stronger and improving my control."  http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130827&content_id=58571204&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb&tcid=tw_article_58571204

9-29-13 – XMLBScout – 11.)SS, Trea Turner, N C State, 6' 180, R/R, swift runner with a quick bat and occ power to the alleys, has enough glove and arm to be a starter at the ML level and contribute offensively with his 70 speed. Trea has a compact swing that generates alley power and he's getting better every year. Reminds me some of JJ Hardy. Definite early round guy for 2014! http://xmlbscout.angelfire.com/

9-11-13 - Sully’s 2014 Top 100 MLB HS Draft Prospects – 21.Justus Sheffield – LHP, Tullahoma (TN) HS http://www.ninebaseball.org/Wordpress/sullys-2014-top-100-mlb-hs-draft-prospects/

9-30-13 – TTF Mock 2.0 - 32. Colorado Rockies — Gregory Deichmann, SS, Brothers Martin HS (LA)  Left-handed hitting power shortstops are a nice commodity to have, and the 6’-2”, 190-pound Deichmann has a chance to stick at short due to his strong arm, speed and instincts in the field. He has excellent bat speed and can put on displays in the cage during batting practice. Even if he ends up at third, the power and arm will play well. Committed to USC. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-mock-draft-2-0-draft-order-set/38280#5E3F5j1jWOgE69bJ.99

Draft 14 – Michael Gettys, Benton Moss, Luis Ortiz, Kodi Medeiros, Trea Turner

10-9-13 – Early Pick for Cubs - Michael Gettys, OF, Gainesville HS (GA) - Theo Epstein and Co. have always made it clear that they will take the best available player in the 2014 MLB draft over need. Gettys, a 6’-2”, 200 pound right-hander, may be the best available player when the Cubs are on the clock. A plus runner with a plus arm, he has been timed at 6.43 in the 60 and his arm has been clocked at 100 mph from the outfield. I got a chance to see him at Wrigley for the Under Armour All American Game and, after seeing him deposit a home run to dead center field, the power is real, too. With excellent bat speed, he should be a high-average hitter, giving him all five tools. He has a strong, linebacker-type  build — similar to that of Mike Trout — and has added 50 pounds to his frame over the last two years without losing any of his explosiveness. I had the opportunity to interview Gettys and you can read it here. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-early-targets-chicago-cubs-fourth-overall-pick/38723

 

10-11-13 - Aaron Fitt ‏@aaronfitt  - I'm at @DiamondHeels fall world series. RHP Benton Moss looks strong - 90-93, locating well to arm side, nasty tight slider/cutter at 84-85.

 

9-29-13 – XMLBScout – 7.)RHP, Luis Ortiz, Hallmark Charter School, Sanger CA, 6'2 210, live arm, show quickness, all pitches from upper 3/4 slot, slider has proper spin, not the break and deception to be plus pitch, a work in progress still, fb has very good velo, pitch life however is fair, very straight - easy to read, also threw some straight changes with some deception, strong build, has some comps to Giovanni Gallardo, fb velo ranged from 90-94, most fb were 91-92, slider 80-82, change middle 70's, good looking arm for 2014, top 50 for sure. Fresno State commit. http://xmlbscout.angelfire.com/

 

9-11-13 - Sully’s 2014 Top 100 MLB HS Draft Prospects - 7.Kodi Medeiros – LHP, Waiakea (HI) HS http://www.ninebaseball.org/Wordpress/sullys-2014-top-100-mlb-hs-draft-prospects/

 

9-30-13 – TTF Mock 2.0 - 2. Miami Marlins — Trea Turner, SS, North Carolina State There are a lot of players who could go second-overall but I like Turner, a 6’-1” right-hander with plus/plus speed, an excellent approach at the plate and a kid who will remain at a premium position due to his silly range, strong arm and instincts on the field. 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. An alumni of Team USA Baseball, he is a franchise-type player and should be a huge fan favorite. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-mock-draft-2-0-draft-order-set/38280#5E3F5j1jWOgE69bJ.99

Draft 14 – Michael Gettys, Bryce Dyrda, Michael Conforto, Trea Turner, Brandon Finnegan

9-30-13 – TTF Mock 2.0 - 6. Seattle Mariners — Michael Gettys, OF, Gainesville HS (GA)  There isn’t much to nitpick about the 6’-2” right-hander with all five tools. He has plus speed, an arm that has been clocked at 100 mph from the outfield and, with great bat speed, the power is coming fast. A two-way player with great stuff on the mound, his future is in the outfield where his speed and arm make him a legitimate center field prospect at the next level. Another kid who I got to see launch bombs out of Wrigley, as well as show off him arm with a strike to third base from centerfield, the Mariners would be getting a high character kid with as much talent as anyone in the 2014 MLB draft. 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 – 58.Bryce Dyrda – RHP, Oakdale (CA) HS http://www.ninebaseball.org/Wordpress/sullys-2014-top-100-mlb-hs-draft-prospects/

9-29-13 – XMLBScout – 15.) OF, Michael Conforto, Oregon St, 5'11 190, L/L, a hitter with good enough defensive skills to reach ML, shows short compact stroke with gap power to RF, should hit 15-20 HR in pro ball, enough speed to be respected and defensively won't be a liability, best suited for the corner OF. Top 4 round guy for 2014! One of best offensive tools hitter coming out of the college ranks for 2014. http://xmlbscout.angelfire.com/

10-6-13 – Kendall Rogers/PG – College Prospects - 3. Trea Turner, ss, North Carolina State (Drafted: 2011, Pirates -- 20th round) - If there’s a position player who could vault to the top of the draft in 2014, Turner is a very good bet at this point. Turner is a 6-foot-1, 171-pounder, with exceptional speed. Turner has good offensive skills and some pop in his bat. In the field, there are some who believe Turner is an outfielder at the next level. However, he has shown good balance and a strong arm at shortstop, and most believe he’ll stay there. http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=9081

10-6-13 – Kendall Rogers/PG – College Prospects -  4. Brandon Finnegan, lhp, Texas Christian (Drafted: 2011, Rangers -- 45th round) - The fact Finnegan is a 5-foot-11, 190-pounder, might turn off some because he’s a not an imposing physical specimen, but don’t let that fool you. Finnegan has a classic Texas gunslinger attitude, and has the stuff to complement that well. He’s 95-98 with his fastball, has good feel for an 82-84 changeup and continues to develop a low-80s slider. http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=9081

Draft 14 – Justin Smith, Trea Turner, Carson Sands, Jeff Hoffman, Eric Fedde

8-14-13 – Through The Fence – Top 50 Prospects – 32. Justin Smith, OF, Bartram trial HS (FL) - The 6’-2”, 200-pound right-hander has all five tools, including a canon arm in the outfield (92 mph) and plus speed (6.6/60). He is still considered raw in some areas, but his excellent bat speed, along with his frame, make for a huge upside. He stood out at the East Coast pro tournament making several strong plays in the outfield and driving the ball to all fields. Many are expecting a huge senior season. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-top-50-prospects/36463#mwWwsFxSUZy7YC5V.99

 

Top 5 MLB Draft Prospects - #2. Trea Turner, SS (NC State): Heavy-duty hit tool and method with plus speed up the middle, all of which make up for just around compact power potential. In all probability the most power-driven and exhilarating player in the 2014 MLB draft, the 6’-2” right-hander has presented the range, arm and makeups to stick at shortstop. Offensively, his speed is his finest tool and he should be a major menace on the base paths at the next level. He also has a pronounced methodology at the plate and should hit for a high average, as well. He displayed increasing power this season and, if he continues to do so, Troy Tulowitzki comparisons will be impending. Hit .336 as a freshman and led the nation in stolen bases with 57. Over 51 injury condensed games this season, he hit .377 with 12 doubles, seven home runs, 27 stolen bases and drew 35 walks to 30 strikeouts for a .464 OBP/.578 SLG.  http://bigleaguefutures.net/1/2013/08/30/top-5-mlb-draft-prospects/

 

8-15-13 - Under Armour All-Star Game – Carson Sands, LHP: Similar in build and stuff to Griffin, the projectable Sands needs a bit more consistency on his secondaries but both his change and breaking ball. http://www.chicagonow.com/cubs-den/2013/08/2014-mlb-draft-ua-game-roster-and-preview-plus-more-tickets-and-meet-up-information/

 

9-4-13 – Mack’s Mock Draft v1.0 – 9 – Twins – RHP   Jeff Hoffman – East Carolina – 6-4 control finesse pitcher (7.06 K/9 IP) who simply gets the job done working the corners with his 92-95, 97 fastball and two + off-speed pitches. 84 K/39 BB over 109.2 innings last season.  Had a big summer in the Cape Cod League and a lot of scouts are predicting a Jonathan Gray-like rise in the rankings for him once the season starts. I already have him there.

 

9-10-13 – Top Arms in 2013 Cape Cod League - Eric Fedde 6-4/175, Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox 30.2 IP, 26 K, 2.35 ERA: FB 91-96 SL 78-80 CH 83-84 -  Slim, projectable frame with 2 plus pitches. The third is a work in progress and will determine whether or not he hears his name called in the first round.  http://bullpenbanter.com/2013-all-cape-team-pitchers/

Draft 14 – Trea Turner, Jacob Gatewood, Tyler Spoon, South Carolina, Michael Gettys

6-22-13  -  Player:  Trea Turner   Position:  SS   School:  NC State   Height/Weight:  6’1/175  Bats/Throws:  R/R   2014 Class:  College Junior   Previously Drafted:  2011, 20th rd, Pirates Scouting Report: from Don Olsen on 6/18/2013 - Trea is a slender ideal frame, athletic lean, with decent overall development. He should sit 180-190 pounds as he matures; definitely see a bit more lower half development.  He has a little bit of load, with some uplift.  This is a minor issue as he has the blend of rhythm and bat speed to make contact concerns die off. Good balance and weight transfer with lower half torque in the swing.  Short compact path with good bat head control, drops the barrel with a mistake for pull power at this stage.  Shows solid plate coverage, good gap power, stays back on decent breaks, sound approach.  He can get a good amount of backspin on pulled balls, so seen power improvements over multiple views this spring.  On the paths, I have caught 3.85 – 4.0 down the line and 2.79 – 3.0 from 1st to 2nd.  His instinct on the path is already mature, picks a part pitchers timing and triggers quickly.  Soft hands, range to left and right is good, arm to carry, footwork around the bag and transfer is sound.  He has cleaned up footwork on catch, set, release, but it can be a point of growth in his game.

6-13-13  -  9. Los Angeles Angels — Jacob Gatewood, OF, Clovis HS (CA) - At 6’-4” and 200 pounds, the right-hander generates a ton of power due to his excellent bat speed and he also has a canon arm that has been clocked in the low/mid-90s. He plays shortstop now, but with his size, a move to the hot corner seems likely and his arm and bat would more than play well there. Not fast, he is a very good athlete and there is still a good amount of projection left. Committed to USC. LINK 

6-22-13  -  Player:  Tyler Spoon   Position:  OF   School:  Arkansas    Height/Weight:  5’11/190   Bats/Throws:  R/R   2014 Class:  College RS Sophomore Scouting Report: - from Don Olsen on 6/18/2013 - Tyler has a compact and lean athletic build in the Bobby Higginson type mold, with good development in the hips and upper quads.  At the plate, he has a wide stance.  Tyler shows a quite lower half, good hip rotation, simple swing.  High hands, no trigger, little longer path with the compact path and hand speed makes it a non-issue.  He shows a good patient approach at the plate.  Path is line drive, good bat head control and balance, finds the barrel and routinely squares up.  Sound contact hitter with spray gap power.  He does show good pull power and with maturation it could an average to above average tool, solid hit tool.  Defensively, he tracks the ball off the bat, decent range, and above average arm strength with carry to profile at either corner position down the road. LINK

6-27-13  -  SOUTH CAROLINA - Hey, remember these guys? The Gamecocks stole the show in Omaha for three years with back-to-back national titles, and national runner-up honors in 2012. However, the Gamecocks stayed at home this June after dropping a hard-fought, three-game series against North Carolina. With that said, look for the garnet and black to make the trek back to Omaha next June. The bullpen certainly is a concern for the Gamecocks without Tyler Webb and Adam Westmoreland, but keep an eye on a very talented crop of newcomers, including Cody Mincey, Wil Crowe, John Parke and Canaan Cropper, among others. The Gamecocks also will have a very good starting rotation with left-handed pitchers, junior Jordan Montgomery and sophomore Jack Wynkoop, back in the mix. Meanwhile, the Gamecocks should have a very good offensive lineup. The Gamecocks return six of their top seven leading hitters, but must replace hard-hitting first baseman LB Dantzler. Junior shortstop Joey Pankake is expected to have an All-American type of campaign, while catcher Grayson Greiner and outfielder Tanner English also are capable of having very good years at the plate, with Greiner making strides as a sophomore this past season. South Carolina is hungry again, and should return to Omaha after a one-year hiatus. http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=8705

6-29-13  -  Perfect Game USA ‏@PerfectGameUSA  - 2014 RHP Michael Gettys (GA) with 2 scoreless innings so far. 90-92 mph with his fastball! – PG Tourney

Draft 14 – Trea Turner, Bryce Montes De Oca, Tyler Beede, Adam Plutko, Jack Flaherty

6-10-13 -  Trea Turner, SS, North Carolina State - Turner is the most dynamic player in the country.  He came to national attention with his great baserunning and speed, but has shown that there is much more to his game.  He should be one of the first players selected in 2014. LINK

6-13-13  -  29. Texas Rangers — Bryce Montes De Oca, RHP, Lawrence HS (MO) - This one is all about upside. At 6’-8” and 265 pounds, the right-hander can run his fastball up to 95 mph with ease. Add in the fact that it his release point is probably halfway to home plate, it is near impossible to pick it up as a hitter. His secondary stuff is still developing and he is still learning to pitch but it’s hard to pass on a kid with his size and arm strength. LINK

6-17-13  -  2. Tyler Beede, RHP, Vanderbilt - Perkin said Beede (6-foot-4, 215), who declined to sign after Toronto drafted him in the first round in 2011, may benefit like Stanford's Mark Appel, the No. 1 overall pick last week whose stock improved after being drafted previously and turning down first-round money. Beede is "a smooth righty with top of the rotation stuff," Perkin said, noting "a 90-to-94 mph fastball that peaks at 95, a harsh 78-to-80 curve and a fall-off-the-table 82-to-84 changeup." LINK

Kendall Rogers ‏@KendallRogersPG  @KendallRogersPG: Adam Plutko wins most valuable player .... Deserved! UCLA

6-26-13  -  The Los Angeles Times and the Los Angeles Daily News both pegged Jack Flaherty as their All-Area Player of the Year. Just this week, Cal-Hi Sports selected Flaherty as its state player of the year, marking one of the few times in the publication's long history that it has chosen a junior as the state's top player. This week, MaxPreps names Flaherty as its National Player of the Year, beating out such talented seniors as Clint Frazier of Loganville (Ga.), Rob Kaminsky of St. Joseph Regional (Montvale, N.J.) and Tyler Danish of Durant (Plant City, Fla.). LINK

Draft 14 – Grayson Greiner, Trea Turner, Luke Weaver, Aaron Nola, Jacob Gatewood

6-10-13 -  Grayson Greiner, C, South Carolina - The South Carolina catcher has a big frame and shows a strong arm.  He has a quick bat and projects to hit for more power than he has shown to this point. LINK

6-11-13 - 6. Trea Turner, SS, N.C. State: He's a shortstop who can stay there, a leadoff hitter extraordinaire with plus-plus speed that allowed him to steal 84 bases in his first two seasons of college ball. LINK

6-13-13  -  13. Minnesota Twins — Luke Weaver, RHP, Florida State - A 6’-2”, 180 pound right-hander, Weaver has enjoyed an outstanding season for the Seminoles this year. Over 15 starts, he has a 2.29 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 119 K/19 BB over 98.1 innings. His 10.9 K/9 and 6.3 K/BB ratios show the kind of power/command pitcher he is. His fastball sits in the low/mid-90s and he adds a change-up that shows plus potential. There is still room for projection and added velocity as he fills out. LINK

6-16-13  -  Aaron Fitt ‏@aaronfitt  - Aaron Nola and Plutko were both fantastic, as expected. Nola was 87-90 late, had 92 when needed it. He loves that backdoor breaking ball vs. LHHs.

1.  Jacob Gatewood, SS, Clovis (Calif.) High - Perkin likens Gatewood (6-foot-5, 190 pounds) to a young Troy Tulowitzki and calls him a "once-in-a-decade talent," noting his fastball reaches 92 mph on the mound, his "ballet-like fielding skills" and his prodigious power. LINK

Draft 14 – Tyler Nurdin, Sam Travis, Trea Turner, Cole Tucker

Sophomore lefty Tyler Nurdin (4-3, 1.83) was hampered by turf toe for much of the season but threw a complete-game shutout in his final regular-season start, and he has learned to command a solid four-pitch mix (5-29-13) - LINK

Sam Travis, 1B, Indiana - I need to show some love for the Midwest. Travis was named the Big 10 Freshman of the Year after hitting .319 over 60 games with 17 doubles, nine home runs, 50 RBI and a slash line of .397/.509/.906. The 6’-0”, 200-pound right-hander reached base in his first 30 games, including a 17-game hitting streak. This season, he has reached base in all eight of Indiana’s games to start the season. Over those eight games, he is 13-for-29 (.448) with five doubles, two home runs, 10 RBI and 10 walks for a ridiculous slash line of .600/.828/1.428. 

LINK

Trea Turner has taken a long path to likely top 10 pick and possible #1 overall pick in the 2014 MLB Draft. He was a little-known late riser as a senior from a south Florida high school that passed on a six figure offer from the Pirates as a 20th round pick. I talked to him earlier this season after a solid game early in his return from an ankle injury. He described how he knew he was just a physically weaker, slap-hitting, one dimensional prospect in high school that couldn't get calls returned from his dream school, Florida State. Some elite athletes aren't developed when they turn 18 and especially the slim-bodied, up-the-middle type athletes often have to add some bulk and develop physically before it all comes together.  LINK

Todd Gold ‏@TGold_PG  - Bomb shy...2014 SS Cole Tucker (Phoenix, AZ) is now 3-for-3 with a 1B, 2B & 3B for the #Dbacks Elite Scout Team (all from L side)