More Weekly Draft Notes

 

2-4-21 - PAC 12 -

 

Pitcher of the Year: Zach Pettway, RHP, UCLA

 

There are pitchers in the Pac-12 with better stuff, but few, if any, have been steadier over the last three seasons than Pettway. A fourth-year junior righthander, Pettway is 13-6 in his career with a 3.44 ERA and 167 strikeouts compared to just 42 walks in 185.2 innings, and his 2020 season was tracking to be his best yet. At the time the season was canceled, he had a 1.05 ERA and a 29-to-1 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 25.2 innings. Expect more of the same in 2021, with Pettway piling up innings and outs for the Bruins, using deception and command more than stuff as UCLA tries to work its way back to the College World Series.

 

 

2-4-21 - BA -

 

When the Pirates selected South Alabama outfielder Travis Swaggerty 10th overall in 2018, it was just the second time in 27 years that a Jaguar was drafted among the top 10 picks in the draft.

 

But luckily for the South Alabama program, it won’t have to wait that long again. That’s because third-year sophomore outfielder Ethan Wilson projects as a top 10 overall pick this summer if he continues his current trajectory.

 

The pandemic may have cost him most of last season and a summer showcase opportunity in the Cape Cod League or with USA Baseball’s Collegiate National Team, but it has barely put a dent in Wilson’s draft stock. Thanks to his loud offensive tools, he was voted a Preseason All-American by major league scouting directors and enters the 2021 season as one of the most exciting hitters in all of college baseball.

 

Mack’s spin -

 

Wilson is no stranger to my scouting reports.

 

He will be drafted in the first round… probably in the 20-30 pick range. 

 

 

2-4-21 - Wolfpack -

 

Luca Tresh will assume starting duties behind the plate for the Pack this year. Tresh battled through injuries early on last year, but was on an absolute tear when the season was halted. The sophomore had double-digit hits in seven of ten games on the year, including ending the season by going 8-for-18 over the last four games. A Top 50 prospect for the 2021 MLB Draft, Tresh has a career slash line of .294/.397/.587 with 5 2B and 9 HR in just 131 PAs. The question is not whether he can hit, but just how good he can be defensively behind the dish.

 

Mack’s spin -

 

We will have to keep an eye on whether or not Tresh’s bat comes alive again in the spring.

  

2-3-21 - ACC Baseball Review -

 

Player of the Year: Adrian Del Castillo, C, Miami

 

Del Castillo currently ranks as the top college hitter in the country for the 2021 draft. His acute feel for putting the barrel on the baseball makes him arguably the best pure hitter in the country. He’s hit .336/.430/.571 over his first two seasons with the Hurricanes, with 14 home runs and 24 doubles to go along with more walks (43) than strikeouts (32). There are very few questions about Del Castillo’s bat entering the season and he spent time working with Royals catcher Salvador Perez last summer to hone his defensive game. Del Castillo should be the best hitter in one of the country’s best lineups—that’s enough for preseason Player of the Year honors in the ACC.

 

Mack’s spin -

 

I have said this a number of times.

 

I would gladly scoop this kid up if he was still on the board when we picked… but, he won’t be.

  

 

2-3-21 - Baseball America @BaseballAmerica

 

Jose Torres is a defensive whiz.

 

MLB scouting departments voted the @NCStateBaseball shortstop as the best NCAA defender in the 2021 draft class. 

 

 

2-2-21 - Joe @JoeDoyleMiLB

 

Every time I go see '21 OF Malakhi Knight (Marysville, WA), it gets better. Up to 200lbs, 10lbs stronger than June. Immensely projectable frame. Broad shoulders, lean strength. Big, strong forearms. More good weight coming. Love the swing/bat path.

 

Mack’s spin -

 

Knight will be an early pick in the draft.

 

One-two range.

  

 

2-2-21 - Baseball America @BaseballAmerica

 

Jordan Wicks has the best changeup in college baseball, according to MLB scouting departments.

 

Mack’s spin -

 

Currently my #3 pick for our first round selection. 

 

 

2-1-21 - BA - Best College Scouting Tools -

 

Best Athlete (Hitter)

 

Jud Fabian, OF, Florida

Sal Frelick, OF, Boston College

Jerrion Ealy, OF, Mississippi

 

Best Pure Hitter

 

Adrian Del Castillo, C, Miami

Colton Cowser, OF, Sam Houston State

Matt McLain, SS, UCLA

 

Best Power

 

Alex Binelas, 3B, Louisville

Hunter Goodman, C/OF, Memphis

Niko Kavadas, 1B, Notre Dame

 

Fastest Runner

 

Braiden Ward, OF, Washington

Max Ferguson, 2B, Tennessee

Sal Frelick, OF, Boston College 

 

 

1-31-21 - Joe @JoeDoyleMiLB

 

Saw 2021 RHP Kai Francis (Bainbridge Island, WA) yesterday as well. Really easy arm action from this kid. FB was 87-88. Up to 92 in the past. Good hop. Showcased a CB w/some bite. Got better as he worked. Fading change-up was inconsistent, but had good life

 

Mack’s spin -

 

This the first I am hearing about Francis.

 

I will keep an eye on him going forward. 

 

 

1-30-21 - Joe @JoeDoyleMiLB

 

One more... 2021 Catcher Jessada Brown (Chief Sealth HS) looks like a kid that could pop this spring. Big, strong, sturdy build with tons of strength in lower half. Explosive hands and natural loft in swing. Blocks and receives well. Has caught big arms/stuff/velo. UC-SB commit.

 

Mack’s spin -

 

Joe keeps coming up with them.

 

I have no other news on Brown so I will start a file and see if it builds.

 

Too early to project in the draft.