Not only is he one of the top left-handed starters in this draft (6-6, sits at 93), but he also projects as one of the top bats playing outfield on his non-pitching days.
In six weeks, New Castle High School senior Trey Ball will likely be selected in the first round of the Major League Baseball draft. At 6-6, left-handed and possessing a fastball that hits 93 mph even on a cold night, many scouts like him as a pitching prospect. Others like his speed and power as a position player, believing he would be best suited as an everyday outfielder. He’s the top two-way talent available in the draft, according to Baseball America. LINK
Ball is an interesting two-way prospect. The consensus seems to be that he’s better as a hitter, but it’s a lot closer than most two-way players. He’s got a lot of upside as a hitter. Baseball America calls him a five-tool potential outfielder. Jonathan Mayo says he has a Shawn Green look to him at the plate, with an easy stroke that should add power. As a pitcher he throws 89-92 with a loose arm and a tall, projectable frame. The odds for hitting prospects tend to be better than pitching prospects. If the Pirates took Ball, he’d have more value to them as a hitter, since they’ve got plenty of tall, projectable pitchers in the system. The pitching does add some value, giving Ball a fallback plan if his hitting career fades early. LINK
Ball is a lean, lanky, athletic left-hander with serious projectability and intriguing present stuff. A Texas commit, his fastball has been clocked anywhere in the 87-92 range throughout the most recent showcase circuit, but most project an increase in velocity as he further fills out his frame. He has some interesting secondary offerings to go along with the fastball, highlighted by a change-up in the 80-83 range with good fade. He keeps his arm speed very well when throwing the change-up and also shows an inconsistent, but occasionally effective curveball in the 75-78 range. Ball is an excellent athlete and it shows on the mound. He could be the best two way player in this draft, as his speed (he runs the 60 in 6.7 seconds), athleticism and arm strength play very well in the outfield. There’s a bit of effort in his delivery and he doesn’t have great command of any of his pitches at this point, but teams will naturally be intrigued by a lefty of Ball’s caliber. His future is almost certainly on the mound where his combination of projection and athleticism are sure to interest several teams. LINK
Mack - Ball will most likely be the second LHSP taken after Sean Manaea, who will be long gone before the Mets pick at #11. More importantly, Ball would not last until #48. He's the kind of a lefty you can build a team around but he's 4-5 years away. I can't see the Mets waiting that long though, projected talent and ceiling wise, he's right up their with the top prospects out of high school. I'd pass due to need.
No comments:
Post a Comment