5-11-14 - Isiah Gilliam, OF/1B, Parkview HS (GA) - Mac Marshall gets most of the attention from scouts when they visit Parkview games, but Gilliam grabs your attention on sight alone. At 6’-3” and 220 pounds, he is a man already and the junior has been ruled eligible for the 2014 MLB draft as he will have four years of high school under his belt by year’s end. A switch-hitter, he can rake equally from both sides of the plate but has a bit more power from the right side. He has good bat speed and can take bad pitches out to all fields with his power. He has a strong arm (93 mph from outfield) but most likely will end up at first base where he shows above-average defensive skills. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-high-school-players-rise-final-edition/42853#cZ17mE5vsjiSvU18.99
3-16-14 – Cubs Den – Perhaps the best LHP in the draft is Hartford's Sean Newcomb, who is hitting 96 mph and has yet to give up an earned run (one run overall) in 24.2 innings. Like Hoffman, however, he needs to throw more strikes to ensure going high in the draft. He has walked 12 batters while striking out 31. http://www.chicagonow.com/cubs-den/2014/03/mlb-draft-update-arms-ahead-of-bats-early-on-but-questions-remain-at-the-top/
3-16-14 – Cubs Den – Perhaps the best LHP in the draft is Hartford's Sean Newcomb, who is hitting 96 mph and has yet to give up an earned run (one run overall) in 24.2 innings. Like Hoffman, however, he needs to throw more strikes to ensure going high in the draft. He has walked 12 batters while striking out 31. http://www.chicagonow.com/cubs-den/2014/03/mlb-draft-update-arms-ahead-of-bats-early-on-but-questions-remain-at-the-top/
3-26-14 – TTF – 10 high school players on the rise — third
edition – Justin Smith, OF, Bartram Trail HS (FL) - The 6’-2”, 200 pound
right-hander is starting to show why he is considered a five-tool prospect.
Over his last four games, he has gone 7-for-12 with a double, home run, five
walks and three stolen bases. For the season, he is now hitting .372/.571/.465
with 20 walks and nine stolen bases over 16 games. His strong arm (92 mph from
outfield) and speed (6.6/60) will allow him a chance to stick at center field.
He is still considered raw in some areas, but his excellent bat speed, along
with his frame, make for a huge upside. Committed to Miami. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-10-high-school-players-rise-third-edition/42098#CmrUPUJfBWKiV2MO.99
3-20-14 – Ben Smith,
LHP, Coastal Carolina - Smith is one of those pitchers that isn’t a power arm,
but he has the uncanny ability to make bats miss with his stuff. His 12.5 K/9
ranks fourth in the nation and is higher than guys like Carlos Rodon, Jeff
Hoffman and Sean Newcomb. At 6’-2” and 200 pounds, his fastball sits 88-91 mph
and he adds a potential plus change-up to go with a solid curveball in the
upper-70s that he locates well. With his low effort and clean delivery, there
is still room for added velocity as he matures. He impressed at the Cape Cod
League over the summer, striking out 44 over 36 innings to rank among the
leaders. The one knock on him is his command as he has issued 22 free passes
over those 26.2 innings. If the Cubs brass believe they can iron out that
issue, he could be a steal in the second round. http://www.chicagonow.com/cubs-den/2014/03/mlb-draft-a-look-at-5-college-arms-for-the-2nd-round/
3-17-14 – TTF – 10 High School Players On The Rise – Alex Destino, OF/LHP, North Buncombe
HS (NC) - At 6’-3” and 220 pounds, the left-hander is one of the top two-way
talents available in the 2014 MLB draft. On the mound, he has good arm speed
and can touch 92 mph with his fastball. He adds a mid-70s slider and low-80s
change-up, and he has a lot of projection due to his size and arm speed. At the
plate, he has a ton of power and could have more upside as an offensive player.
Over five games this season, he is 10-for-20 with three doubles and four home
runs already. On the mound, he has 26 K/7 BB over 16 innings. Committed to
South Carolina. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-10-high-school-players-rise-second-edition/41810#OfV5L7GbWgi2Xqtf.99
Aaron Mizell, OF,
Georgia Southern (NR) - Like James, Mizell is a huge surprise this year. Tied
for the national lead in home runs with nine, the 6’-1” left-hander has been
posting video-game numbers this season. Over 19 games, he is hitting
.392/.432/.823 with five doubles, nine home runs and 28 RBI. A JUCO transfer
out of Gordon State College, where he hit .348/.449/.572 over 54 games last
year, Mizell generates a ton of power from his quick wrists and also shows a
solid approach at the plate. Definitely one to keep an eye on for the rest of
the year. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-10-college-players-rise-week-5/41905#JeRjl1lAwHFUPJlv.99
