Alex Destino, Derek Hill, Chase Vallot, Tyler Kolek, Aaron Nola, Greg Deichmann

5-11-14  -  Alex Destino, LHP, OF, North Buncombe HS (NC) - Maybe the best two-way player this year, Destino has done it all for the Blackhawks. On the mound, he has 94 K/31 BB over 58.1 innings, allowing 11 runs on 29 hits. At the plate, he is hitting .560/.623/1.179 over 24 games with 13 doubles, 13 home runs and just four strikeouts. At 6’-3” and 220 pounds, the left-hander has equal upside as both a pitcher and hitter. He is also a very good athlete which bodes well for projection. His fastball can touch 93 mph and he adds a mid-70s slider and low-80s change-up. With full-time focus on pitching, he should add velocity and he has great arm speed. Committed to South Carolina. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-high-school-players-rise-final-edition/42853#cZ17mE5vsjiSvU18.99

5-18-14  -  Derek Hill  -  One of my favorite players coming into the season, Hill has been rocketing up draft boards all spring and some have him going in the top 25 picks. The 6’-0”, 185 pound right-hander has plus speed (6.33/60), a strong, accurate arm, and is an extremely gifted route runner who should be an elite defender at the next level. Offensively, he has an advanced approach at the plate and his bat speed allows him to spray the ball to all fields. He doesn’t have much home run power, but his speed should make him a headache on the base paths. Through 25 games, he is hitting .500/.585/.774 with nine doubles, seven triples and 18 stolen bases. Committed to Oregon.
 http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-five-high-school-players/42931#BrqM3BlCZROcRBlE.99
3-26-14 – TTF – 10 high school players on the rise — third edition – Chase Vallot, C/OF, St. Thomas More HS (LA) - I don’t think anyone in the country is mashing the ball quite like Vallot is this season. Over 18 games, he is hitting .583/.672/1.270 (1.943 OPS) with 10 doubles, a triple, seven home runs and 36 RBI. He has also drawn 17 walks and I’m not really sure why he wouldn’t get a free pass every time going forward. 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 could allow him to stick at a premium position but some believe a move to a corner outfield position is likely where the power would play well. Another player I got to see at Wrigley, he hit a couple bombs out of the park with ease and showed a polished approach at the plate during the game. Committed to Mississippi State. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-10-high-school-players-rise-third-edition/42098#CmrUPUJfBWKiV2MO.99

3-18-14 - This past summer, Baseball America dubbed Tyler Kolek the next great big-bodied, right-handed pitching prospect from Texas – following the footsteps of guys like Roger Clemens, Kerry Wood and Josh Beckett – and the Shepherd High senior is certainly living up to that billing on the mound this season. Three weeks into the Texas prep baseball season, Kolek has yet to allow a hit, according to MaxPreps. The 6-foot-5, 250-pounder has recorded 35 strikeouts against just one walk over 15 innings in his first three appearances for the Pirates. He's earned two of Shepherd's four wins in the team's first 13 games. http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/highschool-prep-rally/top-rated-pitching-prospect-tyler-kolek-has-yet-to-allow-a-hit-as-a-high-school-senior-170058989.html;_ylt=A0SO8zAMdihTKVQAt25XNyoA;_ylu=X3oDMTB0cDAxNDRiBHNlYwNzYwRjb2xvA2dxMQR2dGlkA1ZJUDI5M18x

3-16-14 – Cubs Den – Aaron Nola is 4-0 with a 0.27 ERA this season in 33.2 innings.  He has walked just 4 batters and struck out 48.  But the question with Nola isn't his skill or even his stuff, which is plenty good enough to be at least a mid-rotation guy.  It's more about a low arm angle that scouts believe will make him susceptible to more advanced LH hitters. http://www.chicagonow.com/cubs-den/2014/03/mlb-draft-update-arms-ahead-of-bats-early-on-but-questions-remain-at-the-top/

 3-17-14 – TTF – 10 High School Players On The Rise – Greg Deichmann, SS/3B, Brother Martin HS (LA) - Left-handed hitting power shortstops are a nice commodity, and the 6’-2”, 190 pound Deichmann has a chance to stick at short due to his strong arm, speed and instincts in the field. He has excellent bat speed and can put on displays in the cage during batting practice. Even if he ends up at third, the power and arm will play well. Over 12 games, he is hitting .429/.565/1.086 with three doubles, a triple, six home runs and 10 stolen bases, showing off his speed (6.62/60) and athleticism. Committed to LSU. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-10-high-school-players-rise-second-edition/41810#OfV5L7GbWgi2Xqtf.99

Foster Griffin, Chase Vallot,, Jacob Gatewood, Tyler Beede, Sean Reid-Foley

5-12-14  -  Foster Griffin, LHP, The First Academy (FL) - Foster is a 6’-5” southpaw with a three-pitch mix who can dial his fastball up to 95 mph. He adds a change-up and slider, both projecting to above-average offerings. He is polished on the mound and has good command of his stuff. Over 60 innings, he has 102 K/21 BB, allowing 13 runs on 32 hits. He should go in the top-40 picks. Committed to Ole Miss. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-high-school-players-rise-final-edition/42853#cZ17mE5vsjiSvU18.99

5-18-14 - Chase Vallot - C - Vallot finished his season hitting .550/.656/1.107 with 14 doubles, 13 home runs and 62 RBI over 36 games, leading his team to a state championship. With some of the best raw power in his class, he puts on shows in the batting cages and has won his share of home run derbys. The power also shows up in games, however, as you can see from the stat line. The 6’-0”, 205 pound right-hander has a plus arm, but scouts are split on his ability to remain behind the plate. Either way, his bat is his calling card and he is a tireless worker. He should be gone on day one and he is committed to Mississippi State.
t http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-five-high-school-players/42931#BrqM3BlCZROcRBlE.99

3-14-14 – Prospect Insider - Clovis High (CA) Shortstop Jacob Gatewood made headlines last week after launching a home run that was measured to have traveled just under 500 feet. Gatewood has long been known for that prestigious power, but his hit tool is still a pretty big question mark for him. He will have to improve his pitch-recognition skills if he wants to utilize that power. Scouts will be watching him closely this spring, and Gatewood will have two opportunities to showcase his skills this weekend, as his team will play on both Friday and Saturday. http://prospectinsider.com/category/2014-mlb-draft

3-16-14 – Cubs Den – Some feel that perhaps Tyler Beede has passed up Rodon as the best pitcher this season.  As we expected, he has improved his command this season and has gone 4-1 with a 0.84 ERA.  In 32.1 innings he has struck out 40 batters, but perhaps more importantly, has walked just 6. Beede was recently locked up in an excellent pitcher's matchup with LSU's Aaron Nola, who statistically has been the best player in this draft.  Beede went 7.1 IP without giving up an earned run (one unearned), walking just one and striking out 7.  Nola matched and perhaps even surpassed that performance with 12Ks and just 2 walks in 6.2 innings.  Both pitchers got a no decision. http://www.chicagonow.com/cubs-den/2014/03/mlb-draft-update-arms-ahead-of-bats-early-on-but-questions-remain-at-the-top/

3-17-14 – TTF – 10 High School Players On The Rise – Sean Reid-Foley, RHP, Sandalwood HS (FL) - Another start, another gem for Reid-Foley. The 6’-4” right-hander struck out 13 over six innings on March 14, allowing two runs on just one hit in a tough loss. He now has 50 K/5 BB over 22 innings, allowing just two runs on three hits. He features a four-pitch mix headlined by a fastball that touches 94 mph and a hammer, upper-70s curve that is one of the best in his class. His slider shows plus potential and his change-up is developing nicely. A ton of upside due to his size, easy delivery and four pitches. Committed to Florida State. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-10-high-school-players-rise-second-edition/41810#OfV5L7GbWgi2Xqtf.99

Michael Chavis, J.J. Schwartz, Chase Vallot, Trenton Kemp

1-30-14 - Michael Chavis | 3B/2B/OF | Sprayberry (Marietta, GA) | Commit: Clemson  Height/Weight: 5-foot-10/195 pounds  B/T: R/R  Draft Day Age: 18y 10m  Chavis hits. That’s the simplest description of the Clemson commit's profile. He utilizes a short and explosive swing that produces regular loud contact and allows him to both turn on velocity and let pitches travel on the outer half. The lack of load can lead to an abrupt entry into the swing and inconsistent barrel delivery—something that could potentially be exposed by more advanced pitching, even if it leads to more soft contact than empty swings. Those issues have yet to surface, however, and the core of the profile remains Chavis’ ability to put barrel to ball on a consistent basis. http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=22705#.UurW2-Hoi5s.twitter

1-27-14 – BP - Positional Preview: High School Catchers - JJ Schwarz | C | Palm Beach Gardens (Palm Beach Gardens, FL) | Commit: Florida  Height/Weight: 6-foot-2/195 pounds  B/T: R/R  Draft Day Age: 18y 2m  Schwarz stood out most for me at East Coast Pro, where he showed an ability to impact the game in the box and behind the plate. Offensively he shows some whip in the barrel and has no trouble producing hard contact and carry to the gaps. Defensively his actions are sound and the arm is a tick above average, which he’s not afraid to show-off via backpicks. He was one of the more consistent performers throughout the summer and fall, with particularly impressive showings with Team USA, at East Coast Pro, with FTB Mizuno in Jupiter, and at the Diamond Club Showcase. He profiles as a sound defender with the chance to hit for average power and could garner early-round attention with a solid spring. http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=22662

1-3-14 – TTF Baseball - 51. San Diego Padres — Chase Vallot, C/OF, 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 could allow him to stick at a premium position but many believe a move to a corner outfield position is likely. Another player I got to see at Wrigley, he hit a couple bombs out of the park with ease and showed a polished approach at the plate during the game. Committed to Mississippi State. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-2/40753#ppGUqI6CbWFvzsPf.99

11-21-13 – BA Top 100 High School Players - 46 Trenton Kemp OF R/R 6-0 190 Buchanan HS, Clovis, Calif. Fresno State http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/2014-high-school-top-100-with-commitments/

Draft 14 – Mac Marshall, Brendan McKay, Kevin Steen, Lukas Schiraldi,Chase Vallot

10-15-13 – Baseball America - 15. Mac Marshall, lhp, Parkview HS, LiLburn, Ga.: Athletic lefthander with a low-90s fastball that touches 94 mph, a plus changeup and emerging curveball. http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/2014-draft-top-50-october-2013-carlos-rodon/


10-28-13 – Jim Callis - Left-hander Brendan McKay (Blackhawk High, Beaver Falls, Pa.) pitched very well in relief, striking out 10 in 4 2/3 innings as the DBacks rallied for a 4-3 victory. The 6-foot-2, 205-pounder topped out at 89 mph with his fastball and sat in the 84-86 mph range, and the Royals never seemed to get good swings against it. He fanned both Cooley and Railey on fastballs. http://ht.ly/qeYJz


10-25-13  - PG Showcase – In relief of Toussaint was righthander Kevin Steen (Oak Ridge, Tenn., HS) who threw three sterling innings, primarily with his fastball. At 6-foot-2 and 165 pounds, Steen has a long, loose, projectable body and whippy arm, allowing his fastball to sit 90-91 mph in his first inning. Though his fastball eventually settled in the 87-89 range, his late life allowed him to carve through the Elite’s lineup, racking up six swing-and-misses and two strikeouts in his final inning. Steen commanded the zone, thanks to his athletic, repeatable delivery and fluid arm action, and also showed a 74-77 curveball with 10-5 shape. http://www.baseballamerica.com/draft/toussaint-wows-evaluators-at-jupiter/


10-29-13 - College Baseball Daily kicks off our countdown to the start of the 2014 College Baseball season by checking in on the top 100 players in the country. We will be providing one player per day until we reach number 1.  We continue the list today at number 82 with University of Texas RHP Lukas Schiraldi. Before fully committing to the Longhorns staff, Schiraldi pitched at Navarro College where he dominated the Region XIV Athletic Conference in the NJCAA. Son of former Longhorn ace Calvin Schiraldi, Lukas has followed in his father’s footsteps and looks forward to potentially playing as a career. During his sophomore season with the Bulldogs, Schiraldi went 9-2 with a 2.84 ERA. In 76 IP the righty was able to strikeout 67 and quickly became a player to watch. http://ht.ly/2BaiSA


9-11-13 - Sully’s 2014 Top 100 MLB HS Draft Prospects – 16. Chase Vallot – C, St. Thomas More (LA) HS http://www.ninebaseball.org/Wordpress/sullys-2014-top-100-mlb-hs-draft-prospects/

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

<iframe width="640" height="360" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/WsCEyRWoN0Y?feature=player_detailpage" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

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 – Chase Vallot, Keaton McKinney, Jacob Gatewood, Sean Reid-Foley, Austin DeCarr

8-23-13 - Player:  Chase Vallot   Primary Position:  C  Height/Weight:  6’0/210  Bats/Throws:  R/R  Home Town:  Youngsville, LA  School:  St. Thomas More  Travel Team(s):  Marucci Elite  Class of:  2014  Committed To:  Mississippi State - Scouting Notes: 2013 USA Tournament of Stars notes from Don Olsen: Chase is thick compact athletic build in an Austin Romine type mold. His swing has a little load and drops a tad early, leaving him a little long, but good bat speed to work with down the line.  The swing has a line drive path with a bit of loft. He has a patient approach that shows the plate coverage to work gap to gap type production, may show above average power. Defensively, he shows a clean set up, quite footwork, high caliber receiver.  Chase possesses a strong arm with quick transfer that already POP sub http://bigleaguefutures.net/1/2013/08/22/2014-mlb-draft-profile-chase-vallot/

 

8-16-13 - 11th All-American Classic - Keaton McKinney | RHP | Ankeny HS (Ankeny, IA) - Height/Weight: 6-foot-5/220 pounds - B/T: R/R - Draft Day Age: 18 years, 5 months  Commitment: Arkansas - History: McKinney started the summer in style, sitting upper-80s to low-90s with a heavy fastball at the Perfect Game National Showcase in June, while showing off a highly deceptive changeup a grade better than he’d shown in past showcase outings, and among the best off-speeds of any arm at the Metrodome over those five days. McKinney maintained his stuff through USA Baseball’s Tournament of Stars, earning himself an invite to the 18U Team Trials along side Reid-Foley. He showed well at the Area Code Games last week, as well, and entered the Perfect Game All-American Classic as an arm of interest, but not necessarily one of the big names in the class. - Development: McKinney breezed through his inning of work on Sunday, striking out three and walking one. The big Iowan set the tempo for the outing in his first four pitches, going changeup, fastball, changeup, changeup to big slugger, and Vanderbilt commit, Justin Bellinger, drawing empty swings on each of the off-speeds and sending Bellinger to the bench. As impressive as McKinney’s changeup has been thus far this summer, it was at its best at PGAAC, and the deceptive quality of the offering, along with the late tumble, left the East Squad hitters helpless. It’s a deep crop of high school arms this year, with a number of potential impact hurlers at the college ranks as well, but a dominant outing in front of the right collection of evaluators can do wonders for a players draft stock—McKinney’s inning was just such an outing, solidifying for him a prominent spot on follow lists for next spring. http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=21537

 

8-13-13 - The Perfect Game All-American Classic in San Diego - Clovis High School’s Jacob Gatewood - Gatewood’s bat speed is impressive — as is the power that he generates with said bat speed — but I saw a tendency for the swing to get “wild”, and it would have been nice to see him hit something with authority the other way. I also had some defensive questions; as he showed soft hands, but the ball has a tendency to tail on him and there’s some footwork issues as well. http://mlbdraftinsider.com/2013/08/thoughts-on-perfect-game-all-american-classic/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

 

8-14-13 – Through The Fence – Top 50 Prospects – 27. Sean Reid-Foley, RHP, Sandalwood HS (FL) - The 6’-3”, 210-pound right-hander flashes a plus fastball that touches 94 mph with late life, thanks to his easy delivery and strong build. He also features a filthy, upper-70s curveball that may be one of the best in his class, as well as a slider that looked like a future plus pitch at The Tournament of Stars in North Carolina. He has put his name on the map over the last month and has huge upside due to his size, easy delivery and stuff. Committed to Florida State. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-top-50-prospects/36463#mwWwsFxSUZy7YC5V.99

 

2013 East Coast Pro Showcase Top 50 Prospects    - 2013 East Coast Pro Showcase Top 50 Prospects    - 25. Austin DeCarr – RHP, Salisbury (MA) HS - Topped out at 91 at National Showcase. Came out at ECP sitting 91-93 with a plus curve. http://www.ninebaseball.org/Wordpress/sullys-top-50-ecp-prospects/