Austin Cousino, Michael Chavis, Jeff Hoffman, Joe Wainhouse, Luke Bonefield

3-11-14 – TTF - Austin Cousino, OF, Kentucky (NR) - I had Cousino on my list last week and he just keeps hitting. Over his last six games, he has gone 14-for-27 (.519) with three doubles, two triples and has driven in five runs. On the season, he is now hitting .443/.500/.657 with eight doubles, two triples, a home runs and is a perfect 7-for-7 in stolen base attempts. The 5’-10” left-handed hitter is good defender in center field and has shown some extra pop in his bat this season as he ranks among the leaders in SLG. He also leads the nation in hits with 31. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-10-college-players-rise-week-4/41715#PjStmsQ7UB5h8BYU.99

3-26-14 – MaxiPreps – Michael Chavis, Sprayberry (Marietta, Ga.) - The shortstop has at least one hit in all 13 games his team has played, with 10 multi-hit outings. He's batting .667 (26 for 50) with 15 runs scored, 17 RBIs, four doubles and six home runs. His best outing came against Osborne in a 10-0 win when he went 3-for-3 with two home runs and five RBIs. http://www.maxpreps.com/news/kRbRSgP8z06XdyYf0_JnPg/tyler-kolek,-michael-gettys,-brady-aiken-among-senior-baseball-prospects-off-to-strong-starts.htm

3-9-14 – MLB Draft Insider - Jeff Hoffman – RHP East Carolina – It was another rough outing for Hoffman who only last three and a third innings. He walked seven, hit another two, and had a wild pitch. He only gave up just two hits but thanks to the control issues, he gave up three runs on the day. The positive side is he did manage to strike out six, but he ended up with the loss against Marshall. http://mlbdraftinsider.com/2014/03/the-rundown-march-8/#more-3872

1B - Joe Wainhouse, Sr., Kentridge (Wash.) - Wainehouse is a huge presence at 6-foot-6 and 250 pounds. He has huge strength that translates to raw power and when he connects he connects big. His large frame comes in handy defensively on handling high throws and stretching for close plays. Quinn Rawson was also considered for this spot. http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=9561

3-12-14 – 10 High School Players on the Rise – Luke Bonfield, OF, IMG Academy - One of the better prep hitters in the 2014 MLB draft, the 6’-2”, 190 pound right-hander was impressive in every event he played in over the summer, showing off excellent bat speed and power. Over 12 games this season, he is hitting .323/.500/.742 with three doubles, two triples, two home runs and 11 walks to just one strikeout, showing his advanced approach at the plate. He runs a 6.85/60 and has a strong enough arm to hold down a corner outfield position. Committed to Arkansas. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-10-high-school-players-rise/41773#oFu0m6JRyhOHXIwD.99

Draft 14 – Jacob Gatewood, Derek Fisher, Austin Cousino, Elliot Cary

2-3-14 – MaxPreps - Top 10 MLB Draft Prospects in high school - 2. Jacob Gatewood, Clovis (Calif.) Slowed by an injury for most of last year, Gatewood has been outstanding during the summer showcases. Scouts like his size (6-foot-5, 190 pounds) and his arm. His pop at the plate also makes him a high draft pick, possibly among the first 10 picks in the first round. He starts at shortstop, but some reports having him moving to third base at the next level. http://www.maxpreps.com/news/B41AzcsA90iOL5xwFL8T7Q/top-10-major-league-baseball-draft-high-school-prospects.htm

3-25-14 – TTF 10 college players on the rise — week 6  - Tommy Thorpe, LHP, Oregon (NR) - The 6’-1” southpaw was thrust into the Friday night starter spot when sophomore Cole Irvin was lost for the season having to undergo Tommy John surgery. Although he realizes he isn’t going to be an ace at the next level, he has been one of the best pitchers in college this season for one of the best teams. Over his last three starts, he has allowed just two runs over 22 innings with 22 K/1 BB, allowing 10 hits. On the season, he is now 3-2 with a 2.23 ERA, 0.94 WHIP and 33 K/10 BB over 40.1 innings. Thorpe had 11 K/4 BB over 10 innings for Collegiate Team USA over the summer. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-10-college-players-rise-week-6/42071#MDUXGtxd7YCtKt0X.99

3-9-14 – MLB Draft Insider - Derek Fisher – OF Virginia – Fisher played left field and hit third in both games for Virginia. He went one for four with three strikeouts and a double in a win for Virginia. In the second game he was one for four again this time in a Virginia loss. http://mlbdraftinsider.com/2014/03/the-rundown-march-8/#more-3872

3-5-14 – TTF - 10 college players on the rise — week 3  - Austin Cousino, OF, Kentucky (NR) - One of the more exciting players in college, the 5’-10”, 185 pound left-hander makes up for his lack of size by doing a little bit of everything on a baseball field. Over his last six games, he has gone 13-for-27 (.482) with four doubles, a triple, four stolen bases, two HBP and hasn’t struck out. He is the ultimate “sparkplug” player who sets the table on offense and plays great defense in center field. For the year, he is hitting .438/.500/.667 over 11 games. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-week-3/41478#ilZqhEaASo2Kkjik.99

OF - Elliot Cary, Sr., Clackamas (Ore.) - A transfer who moved to Oregon from Florida, Cary is likely to provide a huge boost for the Cavs after hitting .438 as a junior playing against Florida 6A competition. Cary becomes one of the top hitters in the region and his athleticism is an asset in the outfield as well. It's rare for a high school team to land an impact senior like this and it is a huge boost for a team that was one win away from capturing their second state championship of the decade last year. http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=9561

Draft 14 – Touki Toussaint, Luis Ortiz, Brady Aiken, Brian Gonzalez, Austin Cousino

8-25-13 - Touki Toussaint displayed the talent that scouts are dreaming on. However, Toussaint also continued to work on a new wrinkle to his game, which could set him apart from his peers by the time June rolls around.  The word that would best describe Touki Toussaint is projectable. Toussaint’s present stuff is already electric, as I’ll get into, but there may be no prep pitcher that possesses more upside than the athletic right-handed pitcher. It all starts with the loose, athletic body with a big frame that has scouts dreaming about what could be. Toussaint is one of the best athletes I saw this week, and that includes the positional players. http://rontrarianreport.com/2013/08/25/scouting-touki-toussaint-mlb-draft/

8-26-13 - Player:  Luis Ortiz   Primary Position:  RHP  Height/Weight:  6’3/220  Bats/Throws:  R/R  Home Town:  Fresno, CA  School:  Sanger  Travel Team(s):  San Diego Show  Class of:  2014  -  2013 Tournament of Stars notes from Don Olsen  - Good frame, cleaned up a ton, looks stronger and more athletic and starting to really fire on all cylinders in a Yovani Gallardo type mold now.  I am really impressed with the progress, showing the work ethic to play the game at a high level.  Good arm action with a nice lower half that tends to be a bit upright in the release, could be leave it up with fatigue, and want to see in fuller workloads.   Fastball was 91-93 (94) mph which is worked around, changed eye levels, and shows some backspin on it.  Slider had good tilt, 83-84 mph, depth to be buried glove side, solid shot for above average offering.  Change up, 83-84 mph, had some depth to it and arm showed good deception, solid projectable offering.  Clean three pitch mix and workhorse frame with dedication to match, intriguing arm. http://bigleaguefutures.net/1/2013/08/26/2014-mlb-draft-profile-luis-ortiz/

8-14-13 – Through The Fence – Top 50 Prospects – 31. Brady Aiken, LHP, Cathedral Catholic HS (CA) - One of the youngest players in the 2014 MLB draft, the 6’-4” southpaw is an alumni of Team USA Baseball and is very polished on the mound. His fastball sits in the low 90s, and both his curveball and change-up are solid offerings. He has great control of his pitches and dominated at The Tournament of Stars, striking out seven over three scoreless innings. He had a 1.18 ERA and 80 K/25 BB over 53.1 innings as a junior for a team that included 2013 fourth-round pick Stephen Gonsalves. Committed to UCLA. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-top-50-prospects/36463#mwWwsFxSUZy7YC5V.99

2013 East Coast Pro Showcase Top 50 Prospects    - 41. Brian Gonzalez – 1B/LHP, McCarthy (FL) HS - 6’3, 230 two-way player has big time power and touched 90 on the mound. http://www.ninebaseball.org/Wordpress/sullys-top-50-ecp-prospects/

7-17-13 –  Austin Cousino, CF, Kentucky - At just 5'10", 185 lbs, I thought this kid was going to slap the ball around but that was not the case at all.  He's one of these high energy, quick twitch athletes that generates good bat speed with quick hands through the zone.  He pulverized a double into the right-center field gap that could have easily went out had he gotten a little back spin on it.  He runs well and should have no problems sticking in CF. http://www.chicagonow.com/cubs-den/2013/07/looking-ahead-to-the-2014-and-2015-mlb-draft-notes-from-the-collegiate-national-team-games/

Draft 14 - An Early Look At - OF - Austin Cousino

1.       Austin Cousino

 

6-9-13 -  26. Austin Cousino, OF (Kentucky): One of the more toolsy college outfielders available in 2014. Will need to make more consistent contact to warrant an early-round pick though. http://www.minorleaguerundown.com/2013/06/09/2014-mlb-draft-top-30-prospects/

 

6-10-13 - Austin Cousino, OF, Kentucky - The 2013 season was somewhat disappointing for Cousino, but the first round tools are there.  He can run and provides exceptional defense in center.  At the plate, he has a line drive swing and should develop into a top of the order bat at the next level.  http://bigleaguefutures.net/1/2013/06/10/2014-mlb-draft-early-college-names-to-know/    

Draft 14 – Austin Cousino, Dylan Cease, Kodi Medeiros, Touki Toussaint, Luis Ortiz

6-10-13 - Austin Cousino, OF, Kentucky - The 2013 season was somewhat disappointing for Cousino, but the first round tools are there.  He can run and provides exceptional defense in center.  At the plate, he has a line drive swing and should develop into a top of the order bat at the next level.

 LINK  

6-11-13 - 10. Dylan Cease, RHP, Milton HS, Ga.: This year's Draft was partly about the outfielders in Georgia. Cease will make 2014 about pitching, as the right-hander has a loose, electric arm that touched 97 mph this past spring to go along with a good breaking ball and a feel for a changeup. LINK

6-13-13 - Todd Gold‏ @TGold_PG - 2014 LHP Kodi Medeiros (Hilo, HI) is sitting 90-92, touched 94 from low 3/4 slot with + tailing life, good 80 mph frisbee SL

6-13-13  -  4. New York Mets — Touki Toussaint, RHP, Coral Springs (FL) - The 6’-2” right-hander has an electric fastball which can touch 97 mph with late life and there is still room for more as he fills out. He has a deceptive delivery which makes his plus, mid-70s, knee-buckling curveball even harder to react to. His change-up is still developing, but with two plus pitches already, he will be one of the most talked about prep pitchers next season. Never has a prep RHP gone first-overall in the draft. Touki could change that. LINK

6-14-13  -  Luis Ortiz’s previous experience on the showcase circuit was at USA Baseball’s National Team Identification Series in Cary, N.C., where parents of other players on his summer team, Central Cal Baseball Academy, raised the necessary funds for the 6-foot-3 pitcher to travel cross country and attend the event. The 17-year-old Ortiz turned heads with his natural arm strength, showing a 91-93 mph fastball and 80-82 mph slider. LINK

Draft 14 – Austin Cousino, Brad Wegman , Derek Fisher, Carlos Rodon

Kentucky sophomores Austin Cousino, a sophomore earned All-SEC Defensive Team honors for the second straight year LINK

Todd Gold ‏@TGold_PG  - 2014 #USC RHP/OF Brad Wegman (Temecula, CA) is dealing w playoff berth on line. 87-89 w/ sink, has slider working well at 81-84. #PGTourney

Derek Fisher was a much higher profile prospect than Turner in the same 2011 prep draft class, turning down significant money in the 6th round from Texas. Fisher was a big name for awhile in high school, but as a cold weather prospect from Pennsylvania that had an iffy spring and serious swing-and-miss questions, his seven figure price tag limited his options. His freshman year in Charlottesville followed this narrative, as he hit .288 with 22 walks and 61 strikeouts in 219 AB despite flashing upside with 11 doubles, 8 triples and 7 homers as a toolshed with a center field profile. Fisher has made some adjustments at the plate this spring, hitting .309/.423/.533 with 23 BB and 30 K. There's a lot to like here with a 6'3, 210 pound left-handed hitting center fielder that flashes above average speed and power with some aptitude for making adjustments. LINK

Carlos Rodon, LHP, North Carolina State - The 6’-3”, 235-pound southpaw, who is about a clear-cut number-one overall pick as there is, didn’t start the season on a high note. In the season opener against Appalachian State, he gave up five runs over six innings in a 6-3 loss. He did, however, strikeout eight to just one walk, so it wasn’t all that bad. His last two starts have been something out of a video game. Over 14 innings, he has allowed one run on just two hits, including seven no-hit innings against LaSalle in which Karl Keglovits finished off the no-no with two hitless frames. Over those 14 innings, Rodon has struck out an incredible 30 batters to just three walks, pushing his season totals to 38 K/ 5 BB over 20 innings (17.1 K/9). He has a five- pitch arsenal that includes a mid-90s heater, a power slider, a lethal cutter, an above-average curveball and a change-up with nice fade. He commands all of them and is comfortable throwing any of them in any situation LINK