6-27 from: - link - Day two at TOS - C, Blake Swihart, 6'0 175, S/R, solid lil receiver with plus arm and release, 1.85, 55 arm close to 60, also bat speed with deceptive strength, reminds me some of Jason Kendall. Blake is from Cleveland HS, in New Mexico. Definite follow.
6-27: - With the conclusion of the Tournament of Stars in Cary, N.C., USA Baseball has now announced the trials rosters for the 18U national teams. - Blake Swihart C S/R 6-0 175 Cleveland HS, Rio Rancho, N.M. 2011
7-1 from: - http://web.usabaseball.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100630&content_id=11786118&vkey=recap_usab - CARY, N.C. -- Blake Swihart notched two hits and two RBIs to propel the Blue past the Red 3-2 Wednesday night at the USA Baseball National Training Complex in Cary, N.C. Christian Montgomery (1-0) earned the win improving the Blue team to 1-1 in the 18U National Team Trials. Offensively Swihart's 2-for-3 and two RBIs performance paced the Blue squad.
7-1 from: - http://sullydraft.blogspot.com – 2011 Mock Draft – 15. Blake Swihart- C, Cleveland HS
7-3 from: - http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2010/07/03/early-follow-list-for-2011-mlb-draft - from Fanhouse.com MLB Draft guru Frankie Piliere – Blake Swihart C Cleveland HS (N.M.) - Has the arm and body to stick behind the plate, but even more impressive power and consistent lasers to all parts of the field.
7-9-10 from: - http://sullydraft.blogspot.com/2010/07/high-school-top-tens-catcher.html - top 10 high school catchers - 1. Blake Swihart- Cleveland HS
7-13-10: - MaxPreps Junior All-American Baseball Team - Blake Swihart, Cleveland (Rio Rancho, N.M.), All-Purpose - An All-Metro first baseman as a sophomore at Rio Rancho, Swihart transferred to Cleveland, switched to catcher and didn't miss a beat. Named to the 5A all-state team.
7-15 from: - http://web.usabaseball.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100714&content_id=12257374&vkey=recap_usab - The USA Baseball 18U National Team slugged 13 hits to swing past the Chaska Cubs 8-3 Wednesday night at Chaska Athletic Park. Blake Swihart (Rio Rancho, N.M./Texas) notched two extra base hits and two RBIs. Swihart delivered a solo home run, after the U.S. lined into a double play, to give Team USA a 3-0 after two.
7-24 from: - http://www.baseballamerica.com/blog/high-school/?p=244 - Team USA went 5-0 against the Greater N.Y. Alliance All-Stars, a collection of New York-area high school seniors and college freshmen. After the New York swing, the team headed to Minnesota to play some summer teams as well as three friendlies against Canada. Team USA went 6-1 there with the one loss coming in a 4-3 decision against the Canadians. During the tour, Blake Swihart led the team in hitting with a .464/.467/.789 clip. Swihart is an athletic, switch-hitting catcher that can also play the infield, making him a versatile threat for Team USA.
7-25: - www.fanhouse.com: - Fanhouse Top 70 Prospects - 21. Blake Swihart, C, Cleveland HS (N.M.)
8-1 from: - http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2010/7/31/1598074/all-questions-answered#comments - He has all the tools to be a plus at the plate and behind it. I think he’s rawer than some say, but he could be an above-average hitter with plus power, and he has a plus arm with good footwork and decent receiving skills. He’s also a decent athlete, definitely more athletic than a regular catcher. I like him quite a bit, but I’m cautious with all high school catchers. I still don’t see him as being as polished as a lot of places say he is.
8-11-10 from: - http://baseballanalysts.com - Blake Swihart (Cleveland, Rio Rancho, NM), a 6-1, 175-pound switch-hitting catcher, had two hits and drew rave reviews from many talent evaluators for his offensive and defensive prowess. He is another Aflac selection who hit a team-leading .448 AVG (26-for-58) and .845 SLG (6 2B, 1 3B, and 5 HR) for the USA 18U club. He has also committed to play for the Texas Longhorns.
http://diamondscapescouting.com/articles_aflacallamerican2010_10playerstowatch_08152010.html - C, Cleveland HS (N.M.) -- Swihart was perhaps the best bat at the Area Code Games earlier this month, and possesses one of the best arms in this year's catching crop. Swihart produces consistent hard contact from both sides of the plate, showing the potential to grow into some power (he thrives gap-to-gap right now). His receiving will be tested tonight by an impressive collection of arms on the West roster, giving him the chance to solidify his hold among scouts as the top HS catcher in the 2011 class. His pop times are routinely sub-2.0 and often sub-1.9, and he gets excellent carry. While not a speedster, Swihart is a good enough athlete to move around the field as needed. He is committed to Texas.
8-19-10 from: - http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=4935 - I had heard about Swihart’s effortless approach at the plate before, and it was immediately evident the first time he took to the batter’s box. It starts with a patient and confident approach, knowing what he wants to hit and hit hard. The bat speed is obvious, using a quick, easy swing in which the ball jumps off his bat. He hit a hard single up the middle in the fifth inning off of a low-90s fastball from Deshorn Lake, and entered the game with a lot of fanfare for his overall hitting prowess. I can’t comment on his defense just from this game, but one player that he immediately reminded me of given his switch-hitting bat and prowess at the plate was Victor Martinez.
8-17-10 from: - http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2010/08/17/which-2011-mlb-draft-prospects-impressed-as-aflac-all-americans - Blake Swihart, C: Austin Hedges may be the standout with the arm and Marlette the standout as far as raw power, but it is Swihart that offers the best total package. He has the skills and frame to stick behind the plate and his bat continues to look fantastic. Swihart is very consistent mechanically from both sides of the plate, and unlike many young switch-hitters looks equally impressive from each side. With his consistent line-drive approach and plus power potential, he has the look of a future star behind the plate.
8-27 from: - http://xmlbscout.angelfire.com - C Blake Swihart Cleveland HS, Rio Rancho NM, 6'0 1/2 175 S/R - reminds me of the days Todd Hundley was a young catcher in the ML for the Mets, very quick bat and quick release as a receiver with plus arm strength and know how, range is good, will stab on occ at pitches due to unfamiliarity of pitchers in showcase circuit, but all the qualities are there for a young man who could advance up the system in 3-4 years to the show and hit enough to contribute in driving in runs from the 6 hole position in a lineup and hit 10-15 HR in pro ball.
6-12-10 from: - link - Smaller School Sleeper: Peter O’Brien, C, Bethune-Cookman, .386/.445/.748. The MEAC Conference MVP, I can’t give you a lot of background on O’Brien. He’s said to have a big arm, clubbed 20 home runs, and earned an invitation to the Cape Cod League for the summer. That’s good enough for me.
July 7, 2010 - http://web.usabaseball.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100707&content_id=12054480&vkey=news_usab&gid= - CNT Trials: Red-Blue game ends in tie. The nine-inning affair ended in a five-all tie when Peter O'Brien (Bethune-Cookman) singled home a pair of runs in the eighth frame.
7-6 from: - http://web.usabaseball.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100706&content_id=12003730&vkey=news_usab&gid= - USA Baseball kicked off its Collegiate National Team (CNT) trials Tuesday afternoon at the National Training Center (NTC), which will run through July 11. - Peter O'Brien (Bethune-Cookman) paced the Red squad to a 4-1 victory over the Blue. O'Brien, who caught for both teams on the day, was 1-for-4 at the dish connecting on a home run off Noe Ramirez (Cal State Fullerton) in the top of the first inning.
7-13-10 from: - http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com/4/OpenTopic?q=Y&a=tpc&s=114295945&f=6174069131&m=3221081702&p=3 - C, Peter O'Brien, Bethune-Cookman, Jr to be, 6'2 1/2 210, R/R, playing in a conference that's not top of mind, is not going to hinder this young man's exposure moving forward and it's put his team mates on display for 2010-2011 as well on the BC roster. Peter has a solid throwing arm, ave release, 1.92 with gear on and in game situation, also displayed level swing with line drive alley power and future HR power with lift to hit 15-20 HR in the ML. Shifting wise and leadership wise, no questions here. Loved his makeup in the heat too!
7-23-10 from: - http://pnrscouting.com/articles_teamusacollegiate_finalroster_07212010.html - USA CNT Roster Breakdown, Spring Stat Links and Trials Notes: - Peter O'Brien - CA So. Bethune-Cookman Univ. - Trials Notes: O'Brien put together a highly impressive week at CNT Trials, with a nice showing at the plate and behind it. Offensively, O'Brien has a balanced set-up and loads well, creating good leverage and in-game power. He shows solid bat speed through strong wrists and used that bat speed and strength to launch a pair of in-game homeruns (in addition to multiple highly impressive BP sets). Though his weight transfer is solid and he generally flows well through his core, he fell out of his timing a handful of times against more advanced off-speed stuff. Behind the plate, O'Brien was solid side-to-side and showed an ability to deaden balls in front of him. He is athletic enough to perhaps grow into an average defensive backstop, but his size may ultimately force a shift to a corner outfield spot. O'Brien has an adequate transfer and solid arm strength and footwork. He clocked pop times in the 1.95 - 2.10 second range, both in-game and between innings. He was one of the better overall bats during the week and could prove most valuable over the Summer. He has early-round potential and could be one of the first catchers off the board next June.
7-23-10 from: - http://thecollegebaseballblog.com/2010/07/23/team-usa-hammers-strike-zone-of-omaha-16-0 - In its final tune-up game before heading overseas to Taiwan and Japan, Team USA defeated the Strike Zone of Omaha 16-0 in seven innings Thursday afternoon at Warrior Field. With the win Team USA improves to 9-0 on the summer. Peter O’Brien (Bethune-Cookman) hit a pair of home runs and four RBIs. O’Brien’s solo home run to left field and an RBI double off the bat of Miller highlighted Team USA’s two-run third that extended the lead to 10-0. O’Brien’s second homer of the game, a three-run shot to left, capped a five-run sixth that gave Team USA a 15-0 lead.
7-25: - www.fanhouse.com: - Fanhouse Top 70 Prospects - 10. Peter O’Brien, C, Bethune Cookman
7-28 from: - http://thecollegebaseballblog.com/2010/07/27/team-usa-defeats-chinese-taipei-6-3 - Pete O’Brien (Bethune-Cookman) hit his fourth home run of the season and drove in two runs to help the Collegiate National Team (CNT) snap its two-game skid against Chinese-Taipei Tuesday with a 6-3 victory at Hsinchuang Field. With the win Team USA improves to 10-2 on its summer tour. O’Brien’s fielder’s choice RBI in the fourth inning broke a one-all and gave USA the lead for good at 2-1.
8-27 from: - http://xmlbscout.angelfire.com - C Pete O'Brien Bethune-Cookman U 6'2 210 R/R - quality receiver with above ave arm and release, most are in the 1.9 or less pop time range, quick on his feet and alert, handles good velocity pitches well as evidenced during 2010 TEAM USA games. Has plus power and ability to hit for average at ML level - right handed version of Brian McCann. He's put his college team mates and the program at BCU on the map for years to come.
7-1 from: - http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2010/6/30/1544396/pats-first-2011-top-50#storyjump – Pat Hickey Mock Draft – 42. Brandon Sedell, C, American Heritage HS (Fla.)
7-3 from: - http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2010/07/03/early-follow-list-for-2011-mlb-draft - from Fanhouse.com MLB Draft guru Frankie Piliere – Blake Swihart C Cleveland HS (N.M.) - Has the arm and body to stick behind the plate, but even more impressive power and consistent lasers to all parts of the field.
7-9-10 from: - http://sullydraft.blogspot.com/2010/07/high-school-top-tens-catcher.html - top 10 high school catchers - 4. Brandon Sedell- American Heritage HS
7-13-10: - MaxPreps Junior All-American Baseball Team - Brandon Sedell, American Heritage (Plantation, Fla.), Catcher - Selected as the top 3A player in the state of Florida by the Dairy Farmers Association, Sedell led American Heritage with his prowess at the plate as he batted .612 (52-for-85) with 40 runs, 46 RBI, 11 doubles and 9 home runs. He was also named to the All-Broward County team by the Miami Herald and he was the small school MVP by the Fort Lauderdale Sun Sentinel.
7-25: - www.fanhouse.com: - Fanhouse Top 70 Prospects - 50. Brandon Sedell, C, American Heritage HS (Fla.)
4-7-10 from: link - C Jett Bandy (Arizona): Bandy was a very strong-armed 6-foot-4 catcher with a cool name, and a long, strong swing out of high school. He played mainly third base as a freshman at Arizona, attesting to his athleticism. Back at catcher this spring, Bandy is hitting .450-5-27 with 15 walks and only seven strikeouts, which seems to address how he has adjusted his swing. Tools plus performance plus athleticism plus premium position . . . hard to imagine that doesn’t equal a very high draft pick.
6-12-10 from: - http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/wait-til-next-year-2011-draft-preview - Catcher - Best Player: Jett Bandy, C/3B, Arizona, .354/.444/.538. By far the thinnest position of the draft class, I don’t think there is a college catcher that will be drafted on the first day. However, Bandy has an invitation to play for USA Baseball this summer, and if the 6-foot-4 slugger proves that he can stick behind the plate, he has a chance. Bandy threw out 24-of-67 runners this year, while hitting 23 doubles and posting a 10.3 K%.
6-15-10 from: - http://www.deepleagues.com/?p=1830 – 2011 Mock Draft - 18. Philadelphia Phillies Jett Bandy C, University of Arizona
7-4 from: - http://pnrscouting.com/articles_teamusacollegiate_trialroster_07042010.html - Arizona’s Jett Bandy provides a nice combination of glove work and bat, possessing solid receiving skills and catch-and-throw-ability. At the plate, Bandy shows a good eye and ability to square-up with gap-to-gap pop, though he was more impressive out of conference than in.
7-25: - www.fanhouse.com: - Fanhouse Top 70 Prospects - 60. Jett Bandy, C, Arizona
7-25 from: - http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2010/7/24/1585669/all-questions-answered#comments - I thought long and hard about having Bandy in my top 50, but there are enough questions about his catching ability for me to have him in the 51-65 range. He’s got a solid-average bat with above-average raw power, though he’s more of a gap-to-gap hitter right now with the power being more about projection and his batting practices. There’s little doubt that he’ll be able to be at least a solid hitter against quality pitching, so the question is more about his glove. He has an above-average arm, but his footwork and receiving needs some work. I was a little surprised he was cut from Team USA in the trials, as I’d take him over Steve Rodriguez and have him and Pete O’Brien as a relative wash.
6-13 from: - http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com/4/OpenTopic?a=tpc&s=114295945&f=6174069131&m=3221081702 - C-3b-SS, Nick Delmonico, Farragut HS, Knoxville TN, 6'3 190, S/R, gamer, good bloodlines, solid ML arm with carry, runs just ok, biggest concern, also gets eaten up with good inside heat, will occasionally show power when he can fully extend his arms. Solid hands.
6-14-10 from: - http://prospectinsider.com/360mock.php - 2011 Mock Draft – 17 Detroit Nick Delmonico, SS/C -- Farragut HS
6-15-10 from: - http://www.deepleagues.com/?p=1830 – 2011 Mock Draft - 21. Texas Rangers Nick Delmonico C, Knoxville, Tennessee
7-9-10 from: - http://sullydraft.blogspot.com/2010/07/high-school-top-tens-catcher.html - top 10 high school catchers - 6. Nick Delmonico- Farragut HS
7-7 from: - http://web.usabaseball.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100707&content_id=12029396&vkey=news_usab&gid= - USA Baseball 9, N.Y. All-Stars 0 - QUEENS, N.Y. -- Four Team USA pitchers combined on a one-hit shutout to propel the USA Baseball 18U National Team over the Greater Alliance N.Y. All-Stars 9-0 Wednesday afternoon at Jack Kaiser Stadium in Queens, N.Y. Offensively five USA batters each notched two hits apiece Including Nicky Delmonico. Francisco Lindor added two RBIs Delmonico.
7/6 from: - http://web.usabaseball.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100706&content_id=11987434&vkey=news_usab&gid= - the USA Baseball 18U National Team past the Greater Alliance N.Y. All-Stars 8-5 Tuesday afternoon at MCU Park in Coney Island, N.Y. - The 18U National Team regained the lead manufacturing three runs on three consecutive two-out RBI hits. Nicky Delmonico capped the big inning for Team USA with a RBI triple off the left center field wall.
7-13-10: - MaxPreps Junior All-American Baseball Team - Nicky Delmonico, Farragut (Knoxville, Tenn.), Infield - One of the top players in the class of 2011, Delmonico is a veteran of Team USA play and was a key factor in Farragut's three straight state championships in Tennessee. He batted .485 with 18 home runs 75 RBI, 12 doubles, 66 hits and 66 runs scored.
7-15 from: - http://web.usabaseball.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100714&content_id=12257374&vkey=recap_usab - The USA Baseball 18U National Team slugged 13 hits to swing past the Chaska Cubs 8-3 Wednesday night at Chaska Athletic Park. C Nicky Delmonico (Knoxville, Tenn.) ripped a two-run home run. Delmonico propelled USA to an early two-run lead courtesy of a mammoth two-run home run. The Knoxville, Tenn., product sent the 2-0 Andy Daulwater offering well over the right field wall to give the U.S. an early lead.
8-3 from: - http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2010/7/31/1598074/all-questions-answered#comments - More of a solid player than a top-level talent to me. Above-average hitter with average power, fringe-average runner. Good arm, but not the most polished at catcher. Could end up at third base, but I think there’s a good chance he ends up at Georgia.
8-12-10 from: - http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/high-school/events/under-armour-preseason-all-america-tournament/2010/2610524.html - C/1B - Farragut HS, Knoxville Delmonico is one of the top hitters in the 2011 class. He has a sweet lefthanded stroke with bat speed and barrel accuracy. He hit a walkoff home run to win a state title for Farragut. He's a good athlete who can play multiple positions. Catching gives him the highest draft value, but he has played first base for Team USA the last two summer and shortstop on his high school team. He has committed to Georgia.
8-29-10 from: - http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2010/8/16/1625615/2010-under-armour-all-american#comments – How about Nicky Delmonico throwing guys out stealing (and stealing one himself)? And he’s definitely a kid who’s going to get stronger as he has a lot of room for muscle on his frame. The swing gets a little grooved at times, but his actions are good behind the plate.
6. Daniel Mengden:
7-1 from: - http://sullydraft.blogspot.com – 2011 Mock Draft – 49. Daniel Mengden- RHP/C, Westside HS
7-3 from: - http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2010/07/03/early-follow-list-for-2011-mlb-draft - from Fanhouse.com MLB Draft guru Frankie Piliere – Daniel Mengden C Westside HS (Texas) - Lightning-fast hands. Has some Gary Sheffield in his setup and swing. Ball explodes off his bat. Strong arm behind the dish.
7-9-10 from: - http://sullydraft.blogspot.com/2010/07/high-school-top-tens-catcher.html - top 10 high school catchers - 3. Daniel Mengden- Westside HS
7-19 from: -http://sullydraft.blogspot.com - High School Top Tens: RHP - 10. Daniel Mengden- Westside HS
7-25: - www.fanhouse.com: - Fanhouse Top 70 Prospects - 52. Daniel Mengden, C, Westside HS (Texas)
7-27-10 from: - http://www.prospectwire.com/pw/article.php?id=98 - Dan Mengden, C/RHP, Houston Westside (TX) HS - I only got a brief look at Mengden on the mound and he showed low-90s strength out of an impressive delivery. There’s raw material to work with as a pitcher, but he’s relatively polished behind the plate, a plus defender in the making who has a chance to hit at the highest level. Mengden has the athleticism to play the outfield or third base as well as on the mound, but I like him best as the backstop. His 6’0” 190 lb frame is strong and sturdy but lacks projection for a pitcher
7. Cameron Gallagher:
7-3 from: - http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2010/07/03/early-follow-list-for-2011-mlb-draft - from Fanhouse.com MLB Draft guru Frankie Piliere – Cameron Gallagher C Manheim Township HS (Pa.) - Big raw power, and beginning to take it into game action. Physically mature, strong frame. Swing mechanics need work, big offensive upside.
7-9-10 from: - http://sullydraft.blogspot.com/2010/07/high-school-top-tens-catcher.html - top 10 high school catchers - 5. Cameron Gallagher- Manheim Township HS
7-25: - www.fanhouse.com: - Fanhouse Top 70 Prospects - 56. Cameron Gallagher, C, Manheim Township HS (Pa.)
8. Austin Hedges:
6-27 from: -http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com/4/OpenTopic?q=Y&a=tpc&s=114295945&f=6174069131&m=3221081702&p=2 - Day two at TOS - C, Austin Hedges, 5'11 160, R/R, Jserra HS, San Juan Capistrano CA, nice little receiver with plus release and ML arm strength, a tad better than ave, bat will come, there is bat speed but upper body still not fully developed and he receives well. Handled Owens well on the 3 inning stint by the lanky lefty.
6-27: - With the conclusion of the Tournament of Stars in Cary, N.C., USA Baseball has now announced the trials rosters for the 18U national teams. - Austin Hedges C R/R 5-10 160 JSerra Catholic HS, San Juan Capistrano, Calif. 2011
7-1 from: - http://sullydraft.blogspot.com – 2011 Mock Draft – 44. Austin Hedges- C, J Serra HS
7-3 from: - http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2010/07/03/early-follow-list-for-2011-mlb-draft - from Fanhouse.com MLB Draft guru Frankie Piliere – Austin Hedges C Junipero Serra HS (Calif.) - Very strong arm and good catch-and-throw skills in general. Good instincts. Line drive, lacks lift currently.
7-9-10 from: - http://sullydraft.blogspot.com/2010/07/high-school-top-tens-catcher.html - top 10 high school catchers - 2. Austin Hedges- J Serra HS
7-25: - www.fanhouse.com: - Fanhouse Top 70 Prospects - 57. Austin Hedges, C, Junipero Serra HS (Calif.)
8-3 from: - http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2010/7/31/1598074/all-questions-answered#comments - More of a defensive specialist at this point. Average bat, fringe-average power. Great defensive tools including plus arm and plus footwork. Good receiver, too. Easily had the best pop time at PG National. He’s the type of player that might slide if his bat doesn’t develop over the next 10 months.
8-11-10 from: - http://baseballanalysts.com - Teammate Austin Hedges (JSerra, San Juan Capistrano, CA), also an Aflac selection, had two hits and was 4-for-10 overall. He is an outstanding defensive catcher with a strong arm that was obvious to anyone paying attention before and during the games.
8-13-10 from: - http://www.prospectwire.com/pw/article.php?id=122 - Catcher Austin Hedges had one of the other hits and he is a standout player. I don't know that he will be more than an average hitter at the pro level and his power will likely fall short of average but he is a very good defensive catcher, with excellent catch/throw skills and a plus arm.
8-18-10 from: - http://www.hardballtimes.com/main/article/the-2010-aflac-all-american-baseball-classic - On the other side, Austin Hedges (San Juan Capistrano, Calif.) knocked a double to left-center and made a terrific throw to nail Baez attempting to steal second in the first. Baez got a great jump on the pitch and I had conceded the bag, but Hedges had other ideas. I wondered if maybe Baez lacked speed, but he showed plenty when legging out a triple to right-center in his next at-bat. Hedges just made a great throw.
8-19-10 from: - http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=4935 - Similar to Bryce Harper from a year ago, Hedges’ arm strength alone was impressive enough to be mentioned in this column. He fired a seed to second to throw out Javier Baez stealing in the first inning, and overall showed like he belonged behind the dish. I also was impressed with his approach at the plate, as he used a quick, compact stroke to put a charge in a 94 mph Dillon Maples fastball in the third inning that was hit into the gap in left-center for a double. He also showed pretty good wheels for a catcher.
8-31-10 from: - http://www.prospectwire.com/pw/article.php?id=142 - Austin Hedges - C, 6'0" 184, R/R, J Serra HS (CA) - Hedges was the best all-around catcher, perhaps the top all-around position player at Area Codes. He is a frontline defensive catcher, with outstanding catch/throw skills, a plus arm, strong receiving skills, and good agility. If he were only a high level defensive catcher he would be a prospect but he also has a chance to hit for average power and just might be an average hitter.
9. C J Cron:
4-6-10 from: - http://collegebaseball360.com/2010/04/06/utahs-cron-gets-usa-team-trials-invite - Utah sophomore baseball player C.J. Cron has received an invitation to the 2010 USA Baseball Collegiate National Team Trials, head coach Bill Kinneberg announced today. “This is a great opportunity for C.J. to put his skills against the best players in country,” Kinneberg said. “If he makes the team, what an experience that will be for him.” Cron, who plays at both first base and catcher, currently leads the Mountain West Conference with a .429 batting average and is second in the conference with a .725 slugging percentage. He is tied for the MWC lead with seven home runs, ranking third with 32 RBI
4-7-10 from: http://www.pgcrosschecker.com/articles/DisplayArticle.aspx?article=2253 - C C.J. Cron (Utah): Cron’s father, Chris, is a former major league first baseman and currently a coach in the Chicago White Sox organization, so he has hitting genetics that he’s using to the fullest. He has surprising athleticism for a 6-4, 230-pound catcher, but it’s his bat that gets the most notice. Cron is hitting .438-9-38 this spring after an impressive .337-11-58 freshman year that included a three-hit performance off Stephen Strasburg.
6-12 from: - http://thecollegebaseballblog.com/2010/06/11/ncbwa-announces-district-players-of-the-year - Nine of college baseball’s finest student-athletes have been named 2010 National Collegiate Baseball Writers of America District Players of the Year, as the NCBWA announced these 11th annual awards today. One was District VIII: C-1B-DH C.J. Cron - Cron, one of the nation’s most versatile standouts, started at catcher, first base and designated hitter for the 2010 Utes. The sophomore from Phoenix, Ariz., already has been selected to a pair of All-America teams while pacing Utah in virtually every category on offense. The two-time All-Mountain West performer leads the nation with 1.65 RBI (81 in 49 contests) and is fifth in slugging percentage (.817). He batted .431 with 55 runs and currently is eighth in NCAA Division I with 0.41 home runs per game. He 81 RBI total is 11th nationally, and Cron was 2010 Mountain West Conference Player of the Year as well as a MWC All-Tournament team member. He is the Utes’ first All-America choice since SS Ryan Khoury in 2006.
6-12-10 from: - http://www.fangraphs.com/blogs/index.php/wait-til-next-year-2011-draft-preview - Catcher - Small School Sleeper: C.J. Cron, C/DH, Utah, .431/.487/.817. I know Utah doesn’t qualify as a small school, but it’s difficult to discern a top tier, and Cron is following his head coach Bill Kinneberg with the USA Baseball team this summer. That’s not to say it isn’t well-earned after his 20 home run season, but it will be his chance to prove his mettle against elite competition.
6-14-10: Named to 1st Team NCBWA 2010 All-America Team - C J Cron: - .431, 55-R, 20-HR, 81-RBI
7-1 from: - http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2010/6/30/1544396/pats-first-2011-top-50#storyjump – Pat Hickey Mock Draft – 39. C.J. Cron, C, Utah
7-1 from: - http://sullydraft.blogspot.com – 2011 Mock Draft – 45. CJ Cron- C, Utah
7-25 from: - http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2010/7/24/1585669/all-questions-answered#comments - I like his bat quite a bit, but he’s just outside of my top 50, as he’s unlikely to be able to be even average defensively behind the plate as a pro. He has an above-average hit tool and raw power, and his arm is in the solid-average/above-average range, but he’s a below-average receiver with bad footwork, and he’s just plain big behind the plate. He partially tore his PCL on the Cape before he was supposed to be part of Team USA, so that doesn’t help things, as there’s only a limited amount of scouting data on him against quality pitchers with a wood bat.
10. Garrett Boulware:
7-3 from: - http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2010/07/03/early-follow-list-for-2011-mlb-draft - from Fanhouse.com MLB Draft guru Frankie Piliere – Garrett Boulware C T.L. Hanna HS (S.C.) - Has the skills and solid frame to stick behind the plate. Shows big power to deepest parts of the field. Disciplined approach.
7-9-10 from: - http://sullydraft.blogspot.com/2010/07/high-school-top-tens-catcher.html - top 10 high school catchers - 10. Garrett Boulware- TL Hanna HS
7-25: - www.fanhouse.com: - Fanhouse Top 70 Prospects - 64. Garrett Boulware, C, T.L. Hanna HS (S.C.)
11. Mac Doyle:
5-10-10 from: - http://thecollegebaseballblog.com/2010/05/10/southern-conference-players-of-the-week-6 - Wofford catcher Mac Doyle has been named the Southern Conference Baseball Player of the Week.Doyle batted .462 (6-for-13) in four games last week while leading Wofford to a Southern Conference series win over visiting Samford. The Terriers’ sophomore backstop collected a pair of hits in each of the team’s first three games last week, totaling six RBIs and seven runs scored. Doyle also recorded a pair of doubles against East Tennessee State on Wednesday and blasted his 16th home run of the season in Friday’s game one win over Samford. In addition to his hits, Doyle drew six walks and was hit by a pitch to register a .650 on base percentage in 20 plate appearances.
12. Steve Rodriguez:
7-4 from: - http://pnrscouting.com/articles_teamusacollegiate_trialroster_07042010.html - UCLA’s Steve Rodriguez lags some in his offensive game, but is an above-average receiver who handled perhaps the most talented staff in all of college baseball, including two potential 2011 1st Rounders in Gerrit Cole and Trevor Bauer, as well as 2010 2nd Rounder Rob Rassmussen and 3rd Rounder Steve Klein. Regardless of how his bat plays this week, he should get ample attention off the strength of his glove alone.
7-13 from: - http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com/4/OpenTopic?q=Y&a=tpc&s=114295945&f=6174069131&m=3221081702&p=3 - C, Steve Rodriguez, UCLA, Jr to be, 6'1 190, L/R, smooth receiver, doesn't appear that big, but he'll fool you. He does everything rather easy and if he can handle the staff at UCLA like he did during the college season and this club with Team USA, you have to believe he's going to be mentioned with his skill package as a future ML backstop for sure. Some comparisons to Jorge Posada, except Jorge is a switch hitting witch! Steve handles the glove very well, is alert, light on his feet, 1.87 pop time and 55 arm, might be better as his throws have carry when on top of his throws, and he's accurate. Defensively I'd say he's ahead of Yasmani Grandal at the same point last year.
7-23-10 from: - http://pnrscouting.com/articles_teamusacollegiate_finalroster_07212010.html - USA CNT Roster Breakdown, Spring Stat Links and Trials Notes: - Steve Rodriguez CA So. Univ. of Calif. - Los Angeles - Trials Notes: Rodriguez is an advanced defensive catcher with soft hands receiving and some catch-and-throw skills (though more than a couple of his throws were lacking in carry). This past spring he worked with one of the best staffs in all of college baseball and brought that experience to the Trials, showing a high level of comfort with multiple talented arms. He has an average build and a good catcher's frame, showing solid agility, flexibility and athleticism. His footwork was impressive and he displayed pop times from 2.02 to 2.20 both in-game and between innings. At the plate, Rodriguez lacks the bat speed to catch-up to advanced velocity, though he did demonstrate an ability to start his bat early in fastball counts and put a charge into a couple of low-90s offerings. He has solid hands that are strong at contact, but unless he improves the barrel acceleration through the zone he may be limited to his current oppo to gap approach. He can also choke-and-poke, slapping gap-to-gap when he sacrifices leverage.
13. Tyler Marlette:
7-9-10 from: - http://sullydraft.blogspot.com/2010/07/high-school-top-tens-catcher.html - top 10 high school catchers - 8. Tyler Marlette- Hagerty HS
8-18-10 from: - http://www.hardballtimes.com/main/article/the-2010-aflac-all-american-baseball-classic - The catchers proved to be the stars on this day. Tyler Marlette (Oviedo, Fla.) started for the East All-Stars and crushed an 0-2 pitch off the second deck facade in left field in the fourth. Marlette also made a nice throw to nail local product Phillip Evans (Carlsbad, Calif.) at second in the first inning. (It looked like a bad call from my vantage, but the throw was strong). The one thing, other than his ability to hit the ball a long way, that stood out to me about Marlette is that he really crowded the plate.
8-17-10 from: - http://mlb.fanhouse.com/2010/08/17/which-2011-mlb-draft-prospects-impressed-as-aflac-all-americans - Tyler Marlette, C: In the power department, no player topped Marlette. The right-handed swinging catcher showed off massive power both in batting practice and in game action, blasting a shot off the second deck against Ricky Jacquez. His swing can get a bit long at times but for the most part he kept it under control. He's already a very big kid, so we will have to monitor his body to see if he can stay behind the dish.
14. Justin Kline:
6-13 from: - http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com/4/OpenTopic?a=tpc&s=114295945&f=6174069131&m=3221081702 - C, Justin Kline, North Dakota St, 6'2 190, R/R, solid arm strength and set up, as hitter has compact line drive swing and good eye hand coordination, have only seen on film, been told, he's definite follow for 2011 and this summer.
15. John David Crow:
8-1 from: - http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2010/7/31/1598074/all-questions-answered#comments - Auburn commit that I honestly don’t have a lot on right now, and I’m looking forward to seeing him play. From what I do know, scouts generally like his bat, and there’s a good chance he hits for average against good pitching. He’s not the best or most polished defender, though, and I know he hasn’t always been a catcher, and some scouts think he’s better suited for third base, but I don’t know the details of why. Sounds like a less physically impressive Kellin Deglan.
8-12-10 from: - http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/high-school/events/under-armour-preseason-all-america-tournament/2010/2610524.html - C - Oak Mountain HS, Birmingham Crowe is an advanced lefthanded bat with power. He makes consistent, hard contact with his clean, easy stroke and good bat speed. Crowe has a strong, athletic frame and is a good athlete behind the plate. His throws to second base show above-average arm strength and accuracy. He has committed to Auburn.
16. Jeremy Rodriquez:
5-12-10 from: - http://collegebaseball360.com/2010/05/11/cb360-primetime-performers-12-may-11 - Cal State Bakersfield sophomore catcher Jeremy Rodriguez is the Primetime Player of the Week. Rodriguez – a key top-of-the-lineup switch-hitter (#2/#3 spot) – batted 7-for-12 while factoring into 14 of Bakersfield’s runs (9 RBI, 5 R) and reaching base 12 times (5 BB; also had pair of doubles) during the Roadrunners’ series win at #21 Arizona (7-1 in 11 innings/6-17/22-5).
17. Jeremy Schaffer:
6-13 from: - http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com/4/OpenTopic?a=tpc&s=114295945&f=6174069131&m=3221081702 - C, Jeremy Schaffer, Tulane, 6'1 195, R/R, solid bat, ave arm with 1.9 pop, should hit enough to get into ML lineup or be suitable backup at ML level.
18. Andrew Susac:
6-13 from: - http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com/4/OpenTopic?a=tpc&s=114295945&f=6174069131&m=3221081702 - C, Andrew Susac, Oregon St, 6'2 205, R/R, solid receiver, one of top catching prospects for 2011, another question on consistency, release points range, 1.85 to 2.2. Too much action during exchange from glove to hand to release.
8-21-10 from: - http://projectprospect.com/article/2010/08/21/2010-cape-cod-wrapup - Andrew Susac was a second or third round talent out of high school, in the deep 2009 high school catching crop. Susac struggled a bit as a true freshman, hitting .260/.387/.365 for Oregon State. But he did walk in 12.6% of his plate appearances -- very encouraging -- while striking out 19.3% of the time, which is not terrible for a freshman. Susac had a big summer for Falmouth, sporting a .290/.393/.500 line and was tied for third in home runs (5). Susac drew rave reviews as the best defensive catcher in the Cape and could find his way into the first round of the 2011 draft if the age-eligible sophomore carries over his offensive improvement.
19. Chad Carman:
6-15 from: - www.ocusports.com - Chad Carman was named an NAIA baseball all-American. Carman, a sophomore catcher from Midwest City, Okla., became an honorable-mention selection. Carman led the team with a .412 average to go with 22 doubles, two triples, 14 homers and 56 RBIs. In the NAIA Championship Opening-Round Group 5 Tournament, Carman hit .538 with three homers and seven RBIs. He went 2-for-4 with two homers and four RBIs against Northwestern (Iowa) on May 18. In the postseason, Carman hit .388 with three doubles, six homers and 14 RBIs. Carman also made first-team all-SAC.
20. Kevin Cron:
6-13 from: - http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com/4/OpenTopic?a=tpc&s=114295945&f=6174069131&m=3221081702 - C-1b, Kevin Cron, Mountain Pointe HS, AZ, 6'4 220, R/R, abv ave power, more than Kris Bryant, solid stroke, lacks position he can stick to, best advice would be to play 1b or move to LF. Doesn't run bad either.
7-13-10: - MaxPreps Junior All-American Baseball Team - Kevin Cron, Mountain Pointe (Phoenix, Ariz.), Catcher - An all-state pick by the Arizona Republic, Cron tied a state record by blasting 22 home runs. He batted .491 on the season with 24 runs, 54 hits, 10 doubles and 52 RBI to go with his prodigious home run total. Committed to play at TCU following his senior year.
21. Parker Brunelle:
6-21-10 from: - http://baseballdraftreport.com - 2011 MLB Draft Players to Know – Florida State - JR C Parker Brunelle (.222/.297/.395; 8/13 BB/K; 0/1 SB; 81 AB) - Brunelle, a top high school prospect way back when, has disappointed since enrolling at Florida State. He’s still an outstanding athlete with a line drive swing, so there may still be some hope he’s another late blooming catching prospect. Unfortunately, the lack of power and an average at best throwing arm represent two major strikes against him.
22. Blake Hickman:
6-27 from: -http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com/4/OpenTopic?q=Y&a=tpc&s=114295945&f=6174069131&m=3221081702&p=2 - Day two at TOS - C, Blake Hickman, 6'5 190, R/R, Simeon HS Chicago product, for 2012, long release, but pure arm strength, 60 arm, the rest needs work, with foot quickness and hitting approach is ok, still a work in progress, perhaps convert that arm on the hill?
23. Wayne Taylor:
6-27: - With the conclusion of the Tournament of Stars in Cary, N.C., USA Baseball has now announced the trials rosters for the 18U national teams. - Wayne Taylor C L/R 6-1 190 Memorial HS, Houston 2011
24. Elvin Soto:
6-27: - With the conclusion of the Tournament of Stars in Cary, N.C., USA Baseball has now announced the trials rosters for the 18U national teams. - Elvin Soto C S/R 6-0 188 Xaverian HS, New York 2011
7/6 from: - http://web.usabaseball.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20100706&content_id=11987434&vkey=news_usab&gid= - the USA Baseball 18U National Team past the Greater Alliance N.Y. All-Stars 8-5 Tuesday afternoon at MCU Park in Coney Island, N.Y. - Elvin Soto registered a hit and RBI to round out the National Team's attack.
7-9-10 from: - http://sullydraft.blogspot.com/2010/07/high-school-top-tens-catcher.html - top 10 high school catchers - 9. Elvin Soto- Xaverian HS
25. BreShon Kimbrell:
7-9-10 from: - http://sullydraft.blogspot.com/2010/07/high-school-top-tens-catcher.html - top 10 high school catchers - 7. BreShon Kimbell- Mesquite HS
26. Cole Lankford:
7-13-10: - MaxPreps Junior All-American Baseball Team - Cole Lankford, Lamar (Houston, Texas), Catcher - Committed to play at Texas A&M after next year, Lankford was first team all-state and first team All-Greater Houston by the Houston Chronicle. He batted .541 with 10 home runs and 68 RBI.
27. Jake Lowery:
7-22-10 from: - http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com/4/OpenTopic?q=Y&a=tpc&s=114295945&f=6174069131&m=3221081702&p=4 - One last player I saw a few times for James Madison this spring is C, Jake Lowery, 6'0 195, L/R, some lefty pop with some power, solid arm strength and right at 2.0 release sometimes better - needs to stay down and not stand straight up to throw to 2b, drive his lower half to 2b from low position more which may aid his release time to be sub 2.0. Reminds me of former ML catcher, Steve Lake who caught for Cubbies among other ML teams. Should hit enough to get into ML lineup as backup at the least, 220-250 type hitter, shifts well enough behind the plate and said to be improved since HS days so that's a plus to know.
28. Chadd Krist:
7-21 from: - http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com/4/OpenTopic?q=Y&a=tpc&s=114295945&f=6174069131&m=3221081702&p=4 - C, Chadd Krist, Cal, 5'10 190, R/R, solid release time, 1.95, quick feet, glove is ok - can make adjustments, tends to stab a bit, needs to stay on top of his throws when he gets to the side the ball runs away from IF to 2b. Has compact swing with occ power, should hit enough to be contributor at worse as ML backup - some reminders of Redmond who played for Twins & Marlins.
29. Beau Taylor:
7-26 from: - http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com/4/OpenTopic?q=Y&a=tpc&s=114295945&f=6174069131&m=3221081702&p=4 - Here are some names of draft eligibles for 2011 who have not been mentioned much and are definitely on the radar for 2011 MLB scouting depts. – Catcher - Beau Taylor, Central Florida, 5'10 195, R/R, good receiver with abv ave release and knows how to play the game, puts the bat on the ball, occ 8-12 type HR power.
30. Coley Frank:
7-26 from: - http://perfectgame.atinfopop.com/4/OpenTopic?q=Y&a=tpc&s=114295945&f=6174069131&m=3221081702&p=4 - Here are some names of draft eligibles for 2011 who have not been mentioned much and are definitely on the radar for 2011 MLB scouting depts. – Catcher - Coley Frank, Michigan, 6'0 210, R/R, another power hitter with solid arm strength, gets it to 2b at 2.0 or less mostly, at times a bit stiff with glove, other times, very smooth, just needs to be more consistent, very strong kid.
7-26 from: - link - Here are some names of draft eligibles for 2011 who have not been mentioned much and are definitely on the radar for 2011 MLB scouting depts. – Catcher - Coley Frank, Michigan, 6'0 210, R/R, another power hitter with solid arm strength, gets it to 2b at 2.0 or less mostly, at times a bit stiff with glove, other times, very smooth, just needs to be more consistent, very strong kid.
31. Rafael Lopez:
8-6-10: - link - • Finally, catcher Rafael Lopez had probably the hardest hit ball of the night — an opposite-field line-drive double almost all the way to the left-center wall. Though he doesn’t have a body you’d call “projectable” — he stands at 5’9″ — his numbers on the season are hard to ignore: 92 AB, .337/.436/.533, 14 BB, 11 K. This for a team with a collective line of .282/.369/.398. Lopez had a less impressive college season, slashing .278/.389/.397 for a talented Florida State team that slashed .300/.411/.496 as a team en route to an 18-12 record in the ACC.
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