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 – Erick Fedde, Isan Diaz, Jakson Reetz, Luke Dykstra

1-3-14 – TTF Baseball - 37. Cleveland Indians — Erick Fedde, RHP, UNLV - The 6’-4”, 180 pound right-hander features a classic three-pitch mix and all three are solid offerings. 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. As a sophomore, he posted a 3.92 ERA, 1.31 WHIP and 83 K/28 BB over 96.1 innings. He also was a member of Collegiate Team USA, striking out eight to one walk over 5.2 innings. Great mound presence and knows how to mix up his offerings. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-2/40753#ppGUqI6CbWFvzsPf.99

1-5-14 - Mark Ellenbogen ‏@MarkEllenbogen  - 2014 SS/2B Isan Diaz has really impressed. Very good hitter and is smooth defensively as well. @PerfectGameUSA #WorldShowcase

12-9-13 – Pine Tar Press  -  35- C Jakson Reetz  Norris HS (Nebraska Commit) Athletic catcher who is very mature for his age. He also will be looked at as a P where he can pitch in the low 90’s. If he goes to Nebraska he could see time as a reliever for Darin Erstad’s Huskers. Scouts like the overall athleticism of Reetz and while he has the intangibles of a solid backstop he could also be considered for a corner OF spot in the future. His bat produces plenty of pop and his work ethic is second to none. (Out of 1st round- Rangers selection around pick 37) http://pinetarpress.com/early-look-2014-mlb-draft/

11-21-13 – BA Top 100 High School Players - 93 Luke Dykstra 2B/3B R/R 6-0 203 Westlake HS, Thousands Oaks, Calif. Fresno State http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/2014-high-school-top-100-with-commitments/

Draft 14 – Erick Fedde, Cobi Johnson, Austin Byler, Jeff Hoffman, NickNaquet

10-15-13 – Baseball America - 26. Erick Fedde, rhp, Nevada-Las Vegas: He has room to fill out his 6-foot-4 frame and add velocity to a fastball that he throws in the low 90s with good command. http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/2014-draft-top-50-october-2013-carlos-rodon/

 

10-15-13 – Baseball America - 22. Cobi Johnson, rhp, Mitchell HS, Holiday, Fla.: Son of Blue Jays pitching instructor Dane offers athleticism, projection and command of a fastball that touches 93 mph and a potentially plus curveball. http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/2014-draft-top-50-october-2013-carlos-rodon/


10-14-13 – Top ’14 College Hitters - 10. Austin Byler / 3B-OF / Nevada — It’s not the prettiest swing you’ll see this year, but Byler has plus power from the left side and the bat should profile at either corner outfield position. http://mlbdraftinsider.com/2013/10/top-14-for-14-college-hitters/


9-30-13 – TTF Mock 2.0 - 4. Chicago Cubs — Jeff Hoffman, RHP, East Carolina   With Javier Baez, Kris Bryant, Albert Almora and Jorge Soler leading the way, the Cubs have some outstanding offensive potential coming through the system at a rapid pace. By selecting Hoffman here, they can hopefully add that ace in the rotation they so desperately need. The 6’-4”, 200-pound right-hander was dominate at the Cape Cod League this year. Over 24.1 innings, he had 33 K/5 BB and allowed 20 hits for Hyannis. His fastball can touch 98 mph, and both his curveball and change-up are solid offerings and getting better. Over 15 starts as a sophomore, he had a 3.20 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 84 K/39 BB over 109.2 innings. His 7.3 innings-per-start show the kind of stamina he has, and he maintains velocity deep in games. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-mock-draft-2-0-draft-order-set/38280#5E3F5j1jWOgE69bJ.99


9-11-13 - Sully’s 2014 Top 100 MLB HS Draft Prospects – 84. Nick Raquet – LHP, State College (PA) HS http://www.ninebaseball.org/Wordpress/sullys-2014-top-100-mlb-hs-draft-prospects/

Draft 14 – Bradley Zimmer, Carlos Rodon, Foster Griffin, Michael Cederoth, Erick Fedde

8-14-13 – Through The Fence – Top 50 Prospects – 30. Bradley Zimmer, OF, San Francisco - The younger brother of Royals prospect Kyle Zimmer, Bradley is a 6’-5”, 205-pound, left-handed hitter who has tremendous speed for his size. He also has a great arm and instincts in the field. 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. An exciting player who could shoot up draft boards with another impressive junior season. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-top-50-prospects/36463#mwWwsFxSUZy7YC5V.99

8-30-13 – Top 5 MLB Draft Prospects - #1. Carlos Rodon, LHP (NC State): You may possibly have prepared a plight for Rodon going 1:1 this year. His junk, K rate, refinement, and mechanics all point to him being a durable 1 or 2 starter. Rodon, a 6-foot-3, 234-pound sophomore, maintains an 18-2 record and a 2.39 ERA as a N.C. State pitcher. His 9-2 record displays the potential of certain Major League aptitude. Trusting on a mix of mid-90s fastballs, power sliders, cutters, curveballs and changeups, Rodon is so prevailing that he could be the No. 1 pick in the 2014 draft. http://bigleaguefutures.net/1/2013/08/30/top-5-mlb-draft-prospects/

8-15-13 - Under Armour All-Star Game – Foster Griffin, LHP:  Another 6'5" pitcher, Griffin is still gangly with room to grow but the height also gives him some natural plane,  He doesn't throw all that hard now 88-92, but there's obviously some projection left in that 195 lbs. build and could easily develop well above average velo for a southpaw.  He also has glove side run on his FB.  In addition, Griffin throws a curve and an advanced change for his age. http://www.chicagonow.com/cubs-den/2013/08/2014-mlb-draft-ua-game-roster-and-preview-plus-more-tickets-and-meet-up-information/

9-4-13 – Mack’s Mock Draft v1.0 – 17 –  RHP Michael Cederoth – San Diego State – 6-6 power pitcher that has fell down the list due to all the press this season by the high schooler. Still, he is routinely clocked at 100 with a mid-80’s slider to boot. 109 K/48 BB over 95.1 innings this past season.  He does need to work on his control but don’t be surprised if he doesn’t go higher next June.

7-10-13 - Erick Fedde is a rising Junior from UNLV who plays for the Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox. I have seen his past two starts on July 3 and July 9. On July 3, he threw 7.0 innings, allowed 5 earned runs, 8 hits, walked 1 and had 5 strikeouts. On July 9, he pitched 4 innings, allowed 1 earned on 2 hits, 4 walks, and 3 strikeouts. Summation: In both starts, Fedde showed a good arm, and really showed an ability to spin the baseball. What’s most promising for his future is that his changeup showed some potential for enough development to warrant consideration as a starter. In all probability, however, Fedde will wind up as a reliever, albeit one with a strong chance of a late-inning role. http://bullpenbanter.com/erick-fedde-is-a-dude-to-watch/

Draft 14 – Justus Sheffield, Joseph Gatto, Jesse McCord, Tyler Kolek, Erick Fedde

8-16-13 - 11th All-American Classic - Justus Sheffield (LHP, Tullahoma HS (Tullahoma, TN)): Four-pitch lefty who continues to impress—showed all four pitches despite facing two batters; fastball worked in the low 90s; low-80s slider; low-70s curve; low-80s change; all pitches in line with his previous summer showings; advanced feel and pitchability; works the quadrants and already shows understanding of sequencing; repeatable motion and solid arm action; high-level follow, Day 1 candidate; Vandy commit. —Nick J. Faleris http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=21537

 

8-14-13 – Through The Fence – Top 50 Prospects – 46. Joseph Gatto, RHP, St. Augustine Prep (NJ) - The 6’-5”, 210-pound right-hander turned heads by gaining nearly 10 mph on his fastball over the last year and now can sling it 95 mph with explosive, late life. He showed great command of his secondary stuff at the Perfect Game Nationals, and he still has a ton of projection due to his size and arm action. Scouts reportedly were raving about his efficiency and feel for his stuff. He hit 93 mph at the PG Classic. Committed to North Carolina. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-top-50-prospects/36463#mwWwsFxSUZy7YC5V.99

 

2013 East Coast Pro Showcase Top 50 Prospects   37. Jesse McCord – RHP, Spanish Fort (AL) HS - RHP sitting 90-91, touched 92 a couple times. http://www.ninebaseball.org/Wordpress/sullys-top-50-ecp-prospects/

 

Most of the top high school hitters in the 2014 draft class are on hand for the Under Armour All-America Game, powered by Baseball Factory. Friday’s workout at the University of Illinois-Chicago’s Miller Field featured batting practice, infield and outfield and a home run derby, winnowing the field for Saturday’s derby prior to the game at Wrigley Field. Righthander Tyler Kolek, the top pitcher in the 2014 prep class, said Friday night he will pitch in the game Saturday. Kolek originally was expected to pitch for the USA Baseball 18U national team but decided to come to the Under Armour Game after not being selected for Team USA. There was talk Kolek would attend but not pitch, but the Shepherd (Texas) High righty said he expected to appear. http://www.baseballamerica.com/draft/under-armour-all-star-game-notebook/

 

7-17-13 –  Erick Fedde, RHP, UNLV - The biggest surprise in the two games was Fedde .  He flew in from the Cape Cod League, where he'd been pitching well, and put on a uniform so new that they didn't even have time to sew his name on it yet.  Fedde is long, lean and projectable at 6'4", 175 lbs -- but he showed plenty of present stuff, including a 93 mph fastball and a tight slider that looks like it has plus potential.  He commanded both pitches well.  He got a few hitters to chase on the slider, pitching 3 no-hit, no-walk innings and striking out 5. http://www.chicagonow.com/cubs-den/2013/07/looking-ahead-to-the-2014-and-2015-mlb-draft-notes-from-the-collegiate-national-team-games/