Michael Chavis, Gareth Morgan, Carson Sands, Michael Conforto, Nick Gordon

5-12-14  -  Michael Chavis, 3B, Sprayberry HS (GA) - Not many have improved their stock as much as Chavis has this year. He has continued to show his massive power potential, advanced hit tool and athletic abilities to stick in the infield. He hit four home runs in his last two games and hit .536/.632/1.143 over 30 games with seven doubles, 14 home runs and 17 stolen bases. He played shortstop and should be able to handle third base at the next level where the bat will more than play well. He looks like a good bet for the first round. Committed to Clemson. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-high-school-players-rise-final-edition/42853#cZ17mE5vsjiSvU18.99

3-14-14 – Prospect Insider - The Canadian Junior National Team has spent their spring training playing at the beautiful Al Lang Stadium in St. Petersburg, Florida. Outfielder Gareth Morgan is the top prospect on the squad and is one of the best high school prospects to come out of Canada in several years. Morgan has very quick hands that should generate solid pop. Although his swing may need to be toned down a bit in the future, as there is currently a lot of length in it. Morgan will be facing top flight competition, as the Canadian team will be facing local colleges as well as Pittsburgh Pirates’ and Detroit Tigers’ minor league squads. This might be the best look that scouts get at him before the draft, as when he returns to Canada he will be facing inferior competition. http://prospectinsider.com/category/2014-mlb-draft

3-26-14 – MaxiPreps – Carson Sands, North Florida Christian (Tallahassee, Fla.) - The senior left-hander is closing in on 40 career wins and 400 career strikeouts. He is off to a 4-1 start with a 0.57 ERA and 45 strikeouts in 24.2 innings pitched. He has a 35-9 career record with 398 strikeouts http://www.maxpreps.com/news/kRbRSgP8z06XdyYf0_JnPg/tyler-kolek,-michael-gettys,-brady-aiken-among-senior-baseball-prospects-off-to-strong-starts.htm

3-11-14 – TTF - Michael Conforto, OF, Oregon State (24) - Over his last six games, Conforto is hitting .563/.720/.875 with three doubles, a triple, 11 RBI and has drawn nine walks to one strikeout. The 6’-3” left-handed hitter is proving to be one of the best bats available in the 2014 MLB draft and could go in the first half of the first round due to his ability to rake to all fields. He has yet to hit a home run this season, but with a .396/.570/.566 slash line over 17 games, including 21 BB/5 K, few have been better offensively. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-10-college-players-rise-week-4/41715#PjStmsQ7UB5h8BYU.99

3-12-14 – 10 High School Players on the Rise – Nick Gordon, SS/RHP, Olympia HS (FL) - Gordon has been displaying more pop in his bat in the early going thanks to added muscle, as well as some extreme patience at the plate. Over 10 games, the left-handed hitter has gone 11-for-24 (.458) with three doubles, a triple, two home runs and six stolen bases. He has drawn nine walks to two strikeouts and has been hit by a pitch four times already. With a canon arm and smooth actions in the field, he should stick at shortstop and, if he continues to show increased power, should be a top-15 pick in the 2014 MLB draft. Committed to Florida State. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-10-high-school-players-rise/41773#oFu0m6JRyhOHXIwD.99

Draft 14 – Alex Jackson, Nick Gordon, Trea Turner, Kyle Schwarber, Gareth Morgan

1-27-14 – BP - Positional Preview: High School Catchers - Alex Jackson | C/OF | Rancho Bernardo (San Diego, CA) | Commit: Oregon  Height/Weight: 6-foot-2/210 pounds  B/T: R/R  Draft Day Age: 18y 5m  Jackson boasts one of the best blends of offensive and defensive upside in the draft class, with a chance to hit for average and power while providing solid defense behind the dish and a strong catch-and-throw game. The Oregon commit routinely impressed in batting practice throughout the summer showcase circuit, with big pull side power generated through a leveraged swing. In-game the load can get a little deep, with the swing length causing some issues with velocity, but the bat-to-ball ability and bat speed give hope that the Oregon commit will figure things out as he continues to log reps against quality arms. Behind the plate Jackson moves well side-to-side with and shows an ability to impact the game with his arm, clocking pops as low as 1.77 for me over the summer and routinely sitting in the 1.85 to 1.95 range with low, level lines on his throws. There’s work to be done, no doubt, but the San Diego prepster has the body and athleticism to grow into a solid receiver and defender. Should a team desire to shift him to a corner to expedite offensive development, he is athletic enough to handle right field and possesses more than enough arm. Jackson was a worthy recipient of the first annual Baseball Prospectus Prospect of the Year Award last August as an impressive athlete with a chance to grow into an impact bat at a premium defensive position. He currently profiles as a solid top half of the first round talent. http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=22662

1-24-14 - Nick Gordon, son of former ballplayer Tom and brother of Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Dee, is one of the most exciting prospects in the upcoming draft largely because he is considered a top-15 prospect as both a pitcher and a position player. Like his brother Dee, Nick has a slight frame—standing at 6’2” and 170 pounds—but he projects to fill out more than his older brother. Also like his brother, Nick has outstanding speed, which helps him both on the bases and in the field. Currently, Nick is a shortstop as a position player, and there’s little reason to think he would have to move off the position. He has great range and an absolute cannon to go along with great hands. http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1934895-4-prospects-the-new-york-mets-could-target-in-the-2014-mlb-draft/page/2

1-26-14 - Jim Callis ‏@jimcallisMLB  - Turner overall, Bregman better bat. Bregman a pro 2B. @dhb38: diff classes but who's better Trea Turner or Alex Bregman? Both ss?

1-3-14 – TTF Baseball - 24. Detroit Tigers — Kyle Schwarber, C/1B, Indiana - The 6’-0”, 230 pound right-hander has tremendous power and is also one of the better hitters available in the 2014 MLB draft. His ability to remain behind the plate is still up for debate, but he wants to stay there and has been working hard on his defense. Over 61 games as a sophomore, he hit .366/.456/.647 with 10 doubles, 18 home runs and drew 42 walks to just 37 strikeouts. He then hit .308/.396/.436 over 21 games for the Collegiate National Team with 11 walks. We all saw the premium put on college bats in last year’s draft, and Schwarber should benefit from that this year. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-2/40753#ppGUqI6CbWFvzsPf.99

11-21-13 – BA Top 100 High School Players - 45 Gareth Morgan OF R/R 6-4 231 North Toronto (Ont.) Collegiate Uncommitted http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/2014-high-school-top-100-with-commitments/

Draft 14 - Alex Jackson, Gareth Morgan, Michael Cederoth, Nick Burdi, Matt Troupe

8-15-13 - Under Armour All-Star Game – Alex Jackson, C/OF:  The best catching prospect in the draft and it's a position of great need for the Cubs, something they've admitted themselves.   Jackson has a tremendous arm behind the plate and Professor Parks called his pop times "near elite".  At the plate he shows the potential for plus power from the right side.  Jackson has the great makeup and leadership ability to go with his physical skills, of which Parks says, "When physical talent and makeup join forces, the end result can change the fortunes of an organization, and Jackson looks like a player well on his way to that reality."  Jackson sounds like he was tailor made for the Cubs and will undoubtedly become a fan favorite as we approach the draft, if he isn't already.  The one question, and it's a big one for Cubs fans, is that not everyone thinks he can stick behind the plate. 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 – 39. Gareth Morgan, OF, North Toronto Collegiate (ON) - The 2014 prep class is full of big-time power bats and Morgan, a 6’-4”, 210-pound right-hander, has as much of it as anyone else on this list. He is more raw than the players listed above, and he has had mixed results when he has faced elite competition. All of the tools are there, however, including excellent bat speed and a good approach; he just needs to refine his game. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-top-50-prospects/36463#mwWwsFxSUZy7YC5V.99

 

Top 5 MLB Draft Prospects - #5. Michael Cederoth, RHP (San Diego State):  He is 6′-6″, 210 pounds, his fastball at this time stands from 92-98, granting however- he’s been clocked at 100 in 2013. Mutually his slider and curve have displayed bursts of being plus, he possesses a mid-80s change-up that is more of /an out pitch. His location can be precarious at times as he is still learning how to be a pitcher instead of just running his overwhelming fastball. Over 15 starts this year, he had a 4.25 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 109 K/48 BB over 95.1 innings. If he works on his command, as well as upgrade his off-speed stuff, he may well contest Beede and Rodon for the top pick. http://bigleaguefutures.net/1/2013/08/30/top-5-mlb-draft-prospects/

 

9-4-13 – Mack’s Mock Draft v1.0 – 23 – RHRP Nick Burdi – Louisville – Very few relief pitchers are drafted in the first round, but Burdi will be the exception.  His fastball consistently hits 100 and his slider is in the low 90s range. Last year, had a 0.78 ERA and 61-Ks in 34.2-IP. Rumors are he will be moving to a rotation slot for his junior year.

 

9-10-13 – Top Arms in 2013 Cape Cod League - Matt Troupe (Arizona – Jr. ) 6-1/190, Orleans Firebirds 20 IP, 32 K, 1.35 ERA: FB 87-92 CB 73-75 -  As far as dominant relievers and pitchers who strikeout that many hitters, Troupe does not possess the same off-the-charts stuff. However, Troupe has a 9th-inning mentality/make-up and keeps his fastball between the lower thigh and mid-shins, consistently. When he incorporates his plus CB into the mix, that is the moment he becomes the “Trouper.” http://bullpenbanter.com/2013-all-cape-team-pitchers/

Draft 14 – Mason McCullough, Mike Papi, Spencer Yurnbull, Gareth Morgan, Oregon State

6-30-13 - Frankie Piliere ‏@FPilierePG  - Mason McCullough says hello. Sitting 97-98 mph in his @HarwichMariners debut @DiamondHeels

6-13-13  -  25. Pittsburgh Pirates — Mike Papi, OF, Virginia - The 6’-3”, 200 pound left-hander wasn’t even a starter until the 11th game of the season. Since then, he has been one of the best hitters in college, including leading the nation in OBP. Over 53 games, he hit .393 with 15 doubles, six home runs, 55 RBI and drew 43 walks to just 22 strikeouts for a .527 OBP/.625 SLG. With an advanced approach at the plate, and the size that suggests more power will come, Papi could erupt next season. He can also flash the leather in the outfield. LINK

6-24-13 - Player:  Spencer Turnbull   Position:  RHP   School:  Alabama   Date of Birth:  9/18/1992   Height/Weight:  6’3/220   Bats/Throws:  R/R   2014 Class:  College Junior   Previously Drafted:  2011. 2nd Rd, Brewers  Scouting Report: - from Don Olsen on 6/18/2013 - Good frame and bit of lower half development that looks the part of a 215-220 pound type power RHP in a Matt Cain type mold.  High slot and upright delivery shows higher plane more suited to a pitcher a few inches taller.  Fastball, 90-94 (95) mph, has some plane that makes it tough to square up, but not much movement and does not change eye levels.  His secondary’s are a work in progress, shows a 12/6 power curve, 79-81 mph, with his slot should be able to sit above average.  Change is not quite present, but flashes it.  Change progression is a point to monitor and could raise his stock. LINK

6-13-13  -  28. Cincinnati Reds — Gareth Morgan, OF, North Toronto Collegiate (ON) - The 2014 prep class is full of big time power bats and Morgan, a 6’-4”, 210 pound right-hander, has as much of it as anyone else on this list. He is more raw than the players listed above and he has had mixed results when he has faced elite competition. All of the tools are there, however, including excellent bat speed and a good approach, he just needs to refine it. LINK

6-27-13  -  OREGON STATE - The Beavers fell short of a national title in Omaha this June, but should return to TD Ameritrade Park next summer. OSU will have some question marks entering the season. For instance, replacing veteran left-handed pitcher Matt Boyd won't be easy, but they welcome back several key cogs, both at the plate and on the mound. Offensively, the Beavers will welcome back their top four hitters in All-American outfielder Michael Conforto, Dylan Davis, Andy Peterson and Kavin Keyes. Additionally, the pitching staff will again be stout. Right-handed pitcher Andrew Moore is back in the saddle as the staff ace, while it would be a surprise if Jace Fry doesn't have a dominant campaign. The No. 3 starting spot is up for grabs, but reliever Max Engelbrekt could move to that spot if he gets stronger in the season. And get this, the Beavers are surprisingly confident left-handed pitcher Ben Wetzler, who was a fifth-round pick to the Phillies, returns to Corvallis, Ore., for his senior campaign. We're not counting that as a likely scenario at this point, but it's something to watch moving forward. Meanwhile, reliever Scott Schultz could very well be back for OSU, while newcomers on the mound such as Kevin Flemer, Chandler Eden and John Pomeroy are potential instant impact arms. In terms of newcomers in the field, catchers Logan Ice and Mason Fishback are talented backstops who will battle for Jake Rodriguez's vacated spot, while shortstop Trevor Morrison is expected to step in and take the place of departed middle infielder Tyler Smith. LINK

Draft 14 - An Early Look At - OF - Gareth Morgan

Gareth Morgan

6-9-13  - 21.Gaereth Morgan, OF (Toronto HS): Has lots of power with still plenty of room to grow. Might challenge anyone else in the high school ranks for power potential, even if he’s a bit raw.  LINK

6-13-13  -  28. Cincinnati Reds — Gareth Morgan, OF, North Toronto Collegiate (ON) - The 2014 prep class is full of big time power bats and Morgan, a 6’-4”, 210 pound right-hander, has as much of it as anyone else on this list. He is more raw than the players listed above and he has had mixed results when he has faced elite competition. All of the tools are there, however, including excellent bat speed and a good approach, he just needs to refine it. LINK