2013 Draft-Notes – Dan Slania, Blake Hickman, Nick Burdi, Mark Appel, Jordan Pacheco

Penn State facing loss of bowl/s and scholarships, but not so-called death penalty

Michael Conforto‏ -  Been a blast on this USA baseball team met so many great guys. Can't wait to compete against them next year

Marco Gonzales‏ -  What a truly life changing experience this has been. Made life long friends, had the time of our lives and won some ball games

Trevor Williams‏ -  USA Baseball its been real and a blessing! Going home with the bronze medal. Cant wait to be home and start training for ASU & Omaha 2013

Colton Plaia‏ -  A dream come true playing for #TeamUSA. Met some great guys. Wish them all the best of luck from here on. Can't wait to play some of them

Ryne Stanek‏ -  It's been a fun summer with this group of guys met good people, made memories, experienced some cool places playing baseball

USA win bronze medal with win over The Netherlands - Marco Gonzales 8.0-IP, 1-R, 6-H, 9-K… DJ Peterson - - 2-4 - Austin Cousino -  1-3, double, BB

Frankie Piliere‏ -  Dan Slania, closer for Cotuit showing a power fastball with big life. Up to 96 so far, sitting 93-95

Nathan Winfrey, a SS from Liberty HS, has committed to Wichita State

 Blake Hickman -  I'm glad I'm going to the University of Iowa for school and for baseball, this is going to be a fun 3 years hopefully get a Big Ten title every year and making history. I thank God for the people in my corner who helped me throughout my life with everything with out y'all i dont know where i would be today. I'm Blessed to have those people and I won't let them down. God Bless! 

Chatham released Pepperdine Jr RHP Scott Frazier & Louisville Soph RHP Nick Burdi

Mark Appel‏ -  Thanks to Pirates for drafting me, their fans, my friends and family for showing support and Stanford for 3 great years! Ready for 1more! So excited to see what God has in store for me in this next chapter in life! Cardinal for 1 more year! 

Jordan Pacheco (Victoria--UTSA) is now 5-1 this summer after picking up the win. He pitched seven shutout innings, allowed just four hits and fanned 8 in his outing.

Draft 2012: - Blake Hickman, Albert Amora, Mike Zunino, Rhett Wiseman

9-21-11: - http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=6253 – David Rawnsley: - JN, I saw Blake Hickman play all over the country this summer. He's a great kid from what I'm told and what I've seen and he certainly looks the part of the prospect, you aren't going to find a better and more projectable body. He has the bat and the arm strength to be a top 5 round pick but he's really behind right now in his receiving skills, so much that there are a number of scouts who want to see him on the mound. He'll have to prove himself next spring.

9-1-11: - http://xmlbscout.angelfire.com - Albert Almora, Mater Academy, Hialeah FL, 6'1 1/2 175, R/R, smooth hitting OF with ave speed, quick bat with deceptive strength and power to LF alley, squares up ball well, runs well once underway, has arm strength and good instincts in CF.

9-28-11: - http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2011/9/28/2455532/all-questions-answered-thread#comments  - Good defensive catcher with bat speed, patience and power. He will K some… but who cares? You’ll be getting plenty of offense from a good defender at a premium position. It may sound crazy… but with a good season he really could push himself into #1 overall consideration IMO. Appel and Marrero are not exactly known for their consistency… if they continue that trend this year and still want big paydays… I have Mike Zunino 5th on my board right now (Gausman and Giolito also above him). I would not be shocked at all to see him have a dominant season though… and that may be enough in a class where there hasn’t been a clear #1.

9-27-11: - http://mlbdraftguide.com/1/2011/09/27/rhett-wiseman-2012-draft-profile   - A power/speed combination in centerfield, Rhett Wiseman is often compared to Johnny Damon. Wiseman has a short quick swing and squares up on the ball well.  A pull hitter with some loft, he has plus bat speed and good power potential.  Wiseman runs a 6.51 60 and is dangerous on the basepaths. Wiseman shows good actions in centerfield and has been improving defensively.  His speed allows him to cover plenty of ground and while he lacks a cannon, his arm is accurate and playable in center. Wiseman plays all out on every play, both in the field and on the bases.  He is the type of player that fans and coaches will love.

Draft 2012: - Sean Hagen, C.J. Saylor, Walker Weickel, Lance McCullers, Blake Hickman

Sean Hagen:


7-19-11: - http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2011/6/29/2250656/early-look-at-2012#comments  - Sean Hagan, St John’s, 6’6 220, a biggin’ with plus arm strength, fb up to 93, most are 90-91 with some late arm side run, hard cb lacks command from 3/4 slot, crosses and fights himself some in delivery. FB movement is his plus with that velocity and could be early rounder or 8-12 rounder. Needs good fall & spring.


C.J. Saylor:


8-12-11: - http://www.prospectwire.com/pw/article.php?id=290  - C C.J. Saylor (5'10" 180, R/R, West Covina, CA) is an excellent receiver, blocks balls in the dirt extremely well, and looks to have a chance to hit for some average, with a compact, strong stroke. He isn't sexy or that big strong monster behind the plate with the wow arm and big raw power but his skills and talents at his position, they play very well.


Walker Weickel:


8-12-11: - http://www.perfectgame.org/AllAmerican/News.aspx?num=6123  – Right-hander Walker Weickel tossed the second inning for the East, throwing what was described by David Rawnsley as a "typical easy Weickel inning." He was 89-91 with a big, slow 71 curve.


Lance McCullers:


8-14-11: - http://www.perfectgame.org/AllAmerican/News.aspx?num=6123  - Lance McCullers, a flame-throwing right-handed pitcher, consistent offensive threat from the left side of the plate and a slick fielding, strong-armed infielder, has been named the recipient of the 2011 Jackie Robinson Award as the nation’s top high school prospect in the class of 2012. McCullers, who will enter his senior year at Jesuit High School in Tampa, Fla., this fall, received the award Saturday night at the Perfect Game All-American Classic presented by Rawlings Awards Banquet held at the San Diego Hall of Champions.


Blake Hickman:


7-19-11: - http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2011/6/29/2250656/early-look-at-2012#comments  - Blake Hickman, Simeon HS, Chicago IL, 6’4 1/2 200, R/R, strong ML arm, pop times at best were 1.97 real time, has quick bat with occ power, body to fill out in time, potential ML backup catcher, would like to see him convert to the hill to utilize his arm strength, will go as far as bat takes him.