Draft 14 – Taylor Sparks, Brandon Finnegan, Michael Conforto, Luke Bonfield, Carl Chester

2-21-14 – Project Insider -  Taylor Sparks, 1B/3B — UC Irvine - Sparks enters the season with a chance to be a top 50 pick, but his week-1 performance isn’t going to help him. Spark went 0-for-15 with seven strikeouts and will give it another go this weekend at home versus Wright State. Sparks is a 6-foot-4, 225-pound right-handed hitter with a swing that needs work but plus raw power. http://prospectinsider.com/draft-prospect-watch-hoffman-vs-fisher

3-25-14 – MLB Draft Insider Mock – 21   Brandon Finnegan           LHP        TCU        -  Finnegan is one of the more controversial prospects in the class, some believing he’s a future No. 2 and some convinced he’s a reliever. I split the difference and think he can be a solid mid-rotation starter. http://mlbdraftinsider.com/2014/03/the-board-2014-volume-ii/   

2-19 – TTF - 10 college players on the rise - Michael Conforto, OF, Oregon State (24)  Considered one of the best bats in the 2014 MLB draft, the 6’-2”, 215 pound right-hander has been on fire out of the gate. After going 0-for-4 in the opener, he has gone 7-for-10 over his last three games with two doubles, a triple, 11 RBI and has drawn six walks to no strikeouts. Conforto’s ability to wait on his pitch and utilize his excellent bat speed allows him to spray the ball to all fields. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-10-college-players-rise/41224#Brkvtc4VfkP16udZ.99

2-11-14 – PG/Florida HS Dream Team – OF – Luke Bonfield, Sr. IMG Academy - Bonfield might be new to the state of Florida after transferring down from New Jersey for his high school senior season, but his reputation with the bat followed him. Bonfield has the ability to cover the entire plate and barrel up the ball with very good bat speed to all parts of the field. While he makes consistent, hard line drive contact to the gaps for doubles, don’t be surprised when those balls start making their way over the fence. http://perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=9372

1-3-14 – TTF Baseball - 63. Los Angeles Dodgers — Carl Chester, OF, Lake Brantley HS (FL) - A plus/plus runner who has been times at 6.28 in the 60, the right-hander can wreak havoc on the base paths, as well as in the outfield where you’d be hard pressed to hit anything over his head. At 6’-0” and 170 pounds, he also shows some raw power in his swing and excellent bat speed. A quick-twitch athlete with a lot of upside. He stole 18 of 20 bases as a junior and struck out just 11 times over 110 plate appearances. Committed to Miami. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-2/40753#ppGUqI6CbWFvzsPf.99 

Draft 14 – Kyle Schwarber, Trea Turner , Brandon Finnegan, Marcus Wilson, Carl Chester

2-21-14 - Dan Kirby ‏@DanMKirby  -  Stud! RT @KendallRogersPG: #Indiana C Kyle Schwarber just put 3-run bomb about 40-ft past the 379 marker and up. Absolute no doubter. Wow.

3-25-14 – MLB Draft Insider Mock –  17  Trea Turner        SS           NC State  -  It was nice to see Turner pick up some extra-base hits this weekend. It was not nice that the two extra-base hits he picked up that weekend tripled his total for the season. http://mlbdraftinsider.com/2014/03/the-board-2014-volume-ii/

2-19 – TTF - 10 college players on the rise - Brandon Finnegan, LHP, TCU (18)  The stuff is never questioned with Finnegan. His size, however, often is. At 5’-11” and 185 pounds, he doesn’t have the ideal frame to be a frontline starter at the next level. Able to hit the upper 90s with his fastball, along with a plus slider, some have compared him to former closer Billy Wagner. On Friday, he showed why he will be given every chance to remain a starter. Over seven shutout innings against Jacksonville, he allowed three hits and struck out 13 with three walks. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-10-college-players-rise/41224#Brkvtc4VfkP16udZ.99

1-3-14 – TTF Baseball - 45. Minnesota Twins — Marcus Wilson, OF, Serra HS (CA) - At 6’-3” and 180 pounds, the right-hander is raw in areas but has a lot of upside based on his plus speed and ability to drive the ball to all fields. His size implies more power will come. He also has a plus arm and is one of those players that gets better every time out. One of the youngest players in the 2014 MLB draft and one of those quick-twitch athletes scouts love. Committed to Arizona State. 

http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-2/40753#ppGUqI6CbWFvzsPf.99

2-11-14 – PG/Florida HS Dream Team – OF – Carl Chester, Sr. Lake Brantley - The 6.28 60-yard dash at the National Showcase can speak to Chester’s ability to run. That speed plays on both sides of the ball as he covers a lot of ground in center field (see below) and allows him to get down the first base line in the 4.0 to 4.1 area consistently. Once on base, Chester wreaks havoc and is very disruptive. The University of Miami commit shows a fluid righthanded swing with surprising pop and an advanced approach at the plate. http://perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=9372

Draft 14 – Grant Holmes, Kyle Schwarber, Chris Oliver, Bradley Zimmer, Carl Chester

2-12-14 - Jason Parks ‏@ProfessorParks  -  I heard 2014 arm Grant Holmes sat 94-95 and touched 98 in his last start. Mature build; fierce competitor; ++ arm strength.

3-25-14 – MLB Draft Insider Mock –  16  Kyle Schwarber C/1B      Indiana   -  If a team believes that Schwarber can catch, he’s going to be a top ten pick. Even as a first-baseman though, he’s maybe the best pure hitter of any collegiate player in the class. http://mlbdraftinsider.com/2014/03/the-board-2014-volume-ii/

2-19 – TTF - 10 college players on the rise - Chris Oliver, RHP, Arkansas (78) I had Oliver ranked at 78 in my top-100 prospects list. After his first start, he should be moving up. Working mostly out of the pen his first two years, the 6’-4”, 185 pound right-hander allowed just one run on one hit over five innings on Saturday. He struck out five to no walks in picking up the win against Appalachian State. His fastball can touch 97 mph and he adds a mid-80s power slider. With his size, easy delivery and stuff, you should hear a lot about him going forward. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-10-college-players-rise/41224#Brkvtc4VfkP16udZ.99

1-3-14 – TTF Baseball - 16. Arizona Diamondbacks — Bradley Zimmer, OF, San Francisco - With so much pitching in their system, the D-backs can grab one of the higher upside guys in the 2014 MLB draft. The younger brother of Royals top prospect Kyle Zimmer, Bradley is a 6’-5” right-hander with plus speed and developing power. Over 58 games as a sophomore, he hit .320/.437/.512 with 12 doubles, seven home runs and stole 19 bases. He also shows a great approach at the plate as he drew 29 walks to 31 strikeouts and was hit by a pitch a whopping 16 times, proving he’ll do whatever it takes to get on base. He showed off his wheels for the Collegiate National Team, swiping 11 of 12 bases over 21 games while also hitting an even .300. His speed and plus arm should allow him to remain in center field at the next level. 

http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-2/40753#ppGUqI6CbWFvzsPf.99

2-11-14 – PG/Florida HS Dream Team – Best Defensive Outfielder: Carl Chester, Sr. Lake Brantley - Carl Chester is the complete package in center field. Being a plus runner, Chester gets a quick first step on the ball, and is able to cover a vast amount of real estate. He glides easily to the ball with clean fielding actions. On top of those tools, Chester owns a strong arm, something not commonly associated with fleet-footed center fielders. http://perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=9372  

Draft 14 – Michael Gettys, Max Pentecost, Erick Fedde, Derek Hill, Carl Chester

2-21-14 – Jim Callis - Of the current top 15 Draft prospects, who can make the biggest jump based on what they show this year? - Tory J., Tampa, Fla. - Gainesville (Ga.) High School outfielder Michael Gettys immediately jumps to mind. For the third straight year, the most electric high school talent is a prep outfielder from the Peach State, with Gettys following Buxton (2012), Frazier and Meadows (2013). Gettys posted some eye-popping numbers at the Perfect Game National Showcase last June, running the 60-yard dash in 6.43 seconds, uncorking a throw clocked at 100 mph from the outfield and working at 91-94 mph off the mound. If he were solely a pitcher, he'd be an early-round prospect, but he'll get drafted as an outfielder. http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article/pipeline-inbox-wholl-be-top-prospect-at-each-level?ymd=20140221&content_id=68046312

3-25-14 – MLB Draft Insider Mock –  15  Max Pentecost C  Kennesaw State  -  Pentecost is going to end up behind the plate, and I still think he’s going to be a regular. I’m just not sure how good of a regular he’s going to be. http://mlbdraftinsider.com/2014/03/the-board-2014-volume-ii/ 

2-19 – TTF - 10 college players on the rise - Erick Fedde, RHP, UNLV (37)  The 6’-4”, 190 pound right-hander was brilliant in his first start of the season. On Friday against Central Michigan, he went 7.1 scoreless innings, allowing just one hit. He added 11 strikeouts to no walks as he baffled opponents all game with his stuff. His best pitch is his mid-80s power slider that shows plus potential. He adds a 90-93 mph fastball and a solid change-up to his arsenal. He has great mound presence and was a member of Collegiate Team USA. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-10-college-players-rise/41224#Brkvtc4VfkP16udZ.99

1-3-14 – TTF Baseball - 41. Houston Astros — Derek Hill, OF, Elk Grove HS (CA) - One of the better defensive outfielders in the 2014 MLB draft, the 6’-2” right-hander has been timed at 6.44 in the 60 and his arm has been clocked at 93 mph from the outfield. His instincts, route running and speed allow him to make highlight plays in center and he should stick at the premium position. At the plate, he shows good bat speed and developing power. Committed to Oregon. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-2/40753#ppGUqI6CbWFvzsPf.99

2-11-14 – PG/Florida HS Dream Team – Best Baserunner:  Carl Chester, Sr. Lake Brantley - Chester turned in the top 60 time of the past year from all Perfect Game events, a 6.28 at last June's National Showcase. A plus runner, Chester uses his speed both in the outfield and on the bases, showing aggressiveness on the base-paths and is very disruptive to the opposing pitcher once he gets on. Todd Isaacs Jr. came bursting on the scene in Jupiter with the Atlanta Blue Jays, and made a strong run at this category, as did Nick Gordon. http://perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=9372  

Draft 14 – JD Davis, Devon Fisher, Nick Gordon, Carl Chester, Brandon Finnegan

1-30-14 - Number 25 on our countdown is Cal State Fullerton junior first baseman and RHP JD Davis. The Elk Grove High School native was a four-year letter winner at Elk Grove High School. He was a two time All-American selection in his junior and senior year with outstanding campaigns which he hit .486 batting average with 8 homers, 60 RBI, 1.80 ERA, 91 strikeouts as a junior and a .505 batting average, 9 homers, 45 RBI, 1.56 ERA, 70 strikeouts. He was selected in the fifth round of the 2011 MLB Draft. As a freshman, he appeared in 41 games while making five pitching appearances as he hit .229 with 20 RBIs and a team high four home runs. On the mound, he had a 3.52 ERA with three walks and nine strikeouts in 23 innings. He played the summer with the Wisconsin Woodchucks of the Northwoods League as he batted .344 with three home runs and 26 RBIs while posting a 4-0 record with a 2.10 ERA on the mound. His summer was cut short after getting into an auto accident which broken his clavicle and sprained an ankle. http://ht.ly/2DnG2Y

1-27-14 – BP - Positional Preview: High School Catchers - Devon Fisher | C/3B/RHP | Western Branch (Chesapeake, VA) | Commit: Virginia  Height/Weight: 6-foot-1/200 pounds  B/T: R/R  Draft Day Age: 18y 1m  Fisher is solidly built, particularly in the trunk, already showing some in-game pop to the gaps and an ability to really put a charge into the ball when he loads up in BP. He put together an impressive series of offensive showings in Cary during the Tournament of Stars last June before fading some in August at East Coast Pro and then coming back strong in October down in Jupiter. The Virginia commit shows quick hands and a fairly compact swing despite a slight wrap. He is a solid athlete, with a projectable build that should be able the weather the strain of the long pro season behind the plate. He can get choppy in his transfer, but there’s enough arm strength for the catch-and-throw game to play at the next level. http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=22662

1-3-14 – TTF Baseball - 21. Tampa Bay Rays — Nick Gordon, SS/RHP, Olympia HS (FL) - A two-way talent with great bloodlines (Tom “Flash“ Gordon is his dad and Dee Gordon is his brother), the 6’-2” right-hander may have a brighter future at short where his strong arm, instincts and athleticism could allow him to stick at a premium position. Offensively, he hits from the left side and projects to a top-of-the-order hitter with speed and a very good approach at the plate. Over 30 games as a junior, he hit .505 with 15 doubles, six triples and 12 stolen bases. Committed to Florida State. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-2/40753#ppGUqI6CbWFvzsPf.99

11-21-13 – BA Top 100 High School Players - 69 Carl Chester OF R/R 5-11 167 Lake Brantley, Longwood, Fla. Miami http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/2014-high-school-top-100-with-commitments/

3-20-14 – Cubs Insider - • Brandon Finnegan, Texas Christian University left-hander: Opening eyes by putting up 55 strikeouts against seven walks through his first five starts this season. The Cubs are on the clock. http://www.csnchicago.com/cubs/mlb-draft-cubs-identifying-targets-no-4-overall-pick

Draft 14 – Cobi Johnson, Kyle Schwarber, Carl Chester, Braxton Davidson

1-3-14 – TTF Baseball - 30. Cincinnati Reds (Shin-Soo Choo) — Cobi Johnson, RHP, Mitchell HS (FL) - At 6’-4” and 180 pounds, the right-hander has the ideal size for a frontline starter. His fastball has touched 93 mph, and he adds a solid curveball that could be a plus pitch. His change-up, like most prep pitchers, is still developing, but he shows a  good feel for pitching, and his athleticism will help with his progression. He has shown very good command of his stuff and had 103 K/14 BB over 71 innings as a junior. He also hit .426/.508/.703 over 30 games with 18 stolen bases. His velocity does drop off in later innings, but he should gain more stamina as he fills out his frame. He struck out three in one perfect inning at the PG Classic. Committed to Florida State. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-2/40753#ppGUqI6CbWFvzsPf.99

12-9-13 – Pine Tar Press  -  21- C Kyle Schwarber Indiana 3/5/93- He was not a well known prospect coming out of HS in Ohio but he has emerged as one of the top power bats in the 2014 class. The Hoosier C swings it from the left side and he jacked 18 HR as a sophomore. Unfortunately, he isn’t a great catcher so a move to 1B is a possibility or even the OF since he moves well. But, with his power and approach he will be fine there. (Orioles @ 17) http://pinetarpress.com/early-look-2014-mlb-draft/

12-10-13 – TTF – Top 50 HS Players - 42. Carl Chester, OF, Lake Brantley HS (FL) - A plus/plus runner who has been times at 6.28 in the 60, the right-hander can wreak havoc on the base paths, as well as in the outfield where you’d be hard pressed to hit anything over his head. At 6’-0” and 170 pounds, he also shows some raw power in his swing and excellent bat speed. A quick-twitch athlete with a lot of upside. He stole 18 of 20 bases as a junior and struck out just 11 times over 110 plate appearances. Committed to Miami. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-top-50/40532#zz88YJZTOG8iEa1Z.99

11-21-13 – BA Top 100 High School Players - 10 Braxton Davidson OF/1B L/L 6-1 217 Roberson HS, Asheville, N.C. North Carolina http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/2014-high-school-top-100-with-commitments/

Draft 14 – Chase Vallot, Carl Chester, Nick Gordon, Dylan Cease, Chad Sobotka

8-15-13 - Under Armour All-Star Game – Chase Vallot, C:  If the Cubs can't land Jackson or feel like he can't stick at catcher, Vallot is the next best prep option.  There's a lot to like about Vallot, starting with a strong arm and great pop times (1.92 seconds) though like most H.S. catchers, he still needs work on his receiving skills.  Vallot has a strong build and should hit for power and as a bonus, is a pretty good athlete.  He's someone the Cubs could certainly be interested in if he lasts to their second pick -- but Vallot also has a chance to shoot up higher into the first round with a good season. http://www.chicagonow.com/cubs-den/2013/08/2014-mlb-draft-ua-game-roster-and-preview-plus-more-tickets-and-meet-up-information/

8-14-13 – Through The Fence – Top 50 Prospects – 43. Carl Chester, OF, Lake Brantley HS (FL) - A plus/plus runner who has been times at 6.28 in the 60, the right-hander can wreak havoc on the base paths, as well as in the outfield where you’d be hard pressed to hit anything over his head. At 6’-0” and 170 pounds, he also shows some raw power in his swing and excellent bat speed. A quick-twitch athlete with a lot of upside. He stole 18 of 20 bases as a junior and struck out just 11 times over 110 plate appearances. Committed to Miami. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-top-50-prospects/36463#mwWwsFxSUZy7YC5V.99

9-1-13 – Petco Game - Nick Gordon (SS/RHP) (L/R) 6’2″ 170; Grad: 2014 Orlando, FL This was my first look at the SS so thought I would include him on my list. Tall, lean look with good projection to body. Two way athlete and EZ  to dream considering the bloodline: father is Flash Gordon and brother is Dee Gordon (LAD). Fast twitch swing geared for contact/LD at the moment; lives in middle part of diamond. /As body matures and strengthens, can project as LD/gaps hitter with BA power. Instinctive base runner and SB threat. Alert defender w/quick first step and smooth, fluid actions. Plenty of arm to stay at SS. Premium  defender and future GG candidate. Pending how the bat progresses this spring, Nick has a chance to go early in the first round 2014. http://bigleaguefutures.net/1/2013/09/01/aflac-game-wrap-up-better-late-than-never/

9-4-13 – Mack’s Mock Draft v1.0 – 10 – Seattle – RHP  Dylan Cease – Milton (GA) HS – The second of four very talented high school righties that will go high in the first round.  Cease doesn’t throw as hard as the other two (92-95, 97), but he does project by most scouts to wind up being the most successful. Most of his other pitchers are still a work in progress.

9-10-13 – Top Arms in 2013 Cape Cod League - Chad Sobotka  (USC-Upstate Jr. ) 6-7/200, Chatham Anglers 24 IP, 24 K, 2.25 ERA: FB 89-94 CB 76-78 SL 81-87 CH 83-86 -  I became enamored with Sobotka the first time I same him mowing guys down at Y-D. His over the top arm angle generates tons of downward plane, and he spins the ball really well. With room to add weight, his stuff will get even better. http://bullpenbanter.com/2013-all-cape-team-pitchers/

Draft 14 – Brady Aiken, Carlos Rodon,, Chase Vallot, Carl Chester, Touki Toussaint

8-31-13 – Area Code Games - Brady Aiken (LHP) 6’4″ 205; 2014 Large frame w/strong, athletic build. Exceptional athlete also plays CF. Good projection body that looks the part on the mound. Simple delivery remains online for pinpoint command. Loose HTQ arm uses present 5/future 6FB w/future 60 command. Lives on top of BB w/confident arm side spot and downplane. Late breaking CB w/12:6 shape. Advanced feel for CH sells with same arm speed and tumbling effect; misses bats. Finishes all his pitches and lives down in the zone. Showed mound savvy where game came very EZ for him. Strong follow; 3-pitch mix starter material.  http://bigleaguefutures.net/1/2013/08/31/area-code-notes/

9-1-13 - Jim Callis – 1. Carlos Rodon, lhp, North Carolina State - Spectacular summer with Team USA cements him as clear top prospect for now.

8-14-13 – Through The Fence – Top 50 Prospects – 44. Chase Vallot, C, St. Thomas More HS (LA) - One of the youngest players in the draft, the 6’-0”, 205-pound right-hander generates a ton of raw power due to his bat speed and strong wrists. His strong arm, size and footwork should allow him to stick at a premium position and he also has pretty good speed. Committed to Mississippi State. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-top-50-prospects/36463#mwWwsFxSUZy7YC5V.99

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2013 East Coast Pro Showcase Top 50 Prospects    - 47. Carl Chester – OF, Lake Brantley (FL) HS - Has game changing speed and a plus arm from the OF. http://www.ninebaseball.org/Wordpress/sullys-top-50-ecp-prospects/

9-1-13 - Jim Callis – 8. Touki Toussaint, rhp, Coral Springs (Fla.) Christian HS - Has struggled with command this summer but his premium stuff is impossible to deny.

Draft 14 – Mac Marshall, Travis Jones, Carl Chester, Grant Holmes, Brady Aiken

8-6-13 - Top pitchers - East Coast Professional Showcase, Syracuse, NY -  2. Mac Marshall, LHP, Parkview HS (Ga.): Marshall had suffered a minor oblique injury at the Perfect Game showcase in Minneapolis, so this was his first time back on the mound. He clocked 90-92 mph, but typically throws much faster. But Marshall commanded his breaking stuff well and was very efficient. http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130806&content_id=56048786&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb

 

7-24-13  -  Travis Jones, of/3b, Atascocita, Humble, Texas/Columbia Angels - The 6-foot-5, 205-pound Jones is a tall, long and rangy athlete. He has long levers and room to fill his large frame. Jones, who is also a wide receiver on the football field, moves well laterally and is a long strider with plus straight-line speed. The Texas commit offers an interesting combination of hitting ability and power. He has some loft to his swing and has shown pull-side power. Jones has the athleticism to handle third or the outfield. http://www.baseballamerica.com/draft/tyler-koleks-heavy-fastball-among-tournament-of-stars-standouts/

 

7-25-13 – Top 30 High School Prospects For 2014 Draft - 15. Carl Chester, CF, Lake Brantley HS (FL) - 6'0/175, R/R, Draft Day Age: 18.48, Miami commit, Full Report & Video - Quick Take: Chester comes from the school that produced Mariners SS Nick Franklin and has another top round prospect for this year's draft, IF Tate Blackman, as one of the stronger teams in a completely loaded Orlando high school scene. Chester is a plus to plus-plus runner with great feel to hit in games and solid gap power. http://sbb.scout.com/2/1310090.html

 

2013 East Coast Pro Showcase Top 50 Prospects    - 1. Grant Holmes – RHP, Conway (SC) HS - Sitting 92-94 with one of the best breaking balls in the class. He was up to 96 at the National Showcase. http://www.ninebaseball.org/Wordpress/sullys-top-50-ecp-prospects/

 

8-11-14 - Jeff Sullivan ‏@JSully12 - Brady Aiken - LHP, Cathedral Catholic (CA) HS sitting 91-92, touched 93