Trae Turner, Jeff Hoffman, Brady Aiken, Trea Turner, Aramis Garcia, Grant Holmes

5-12-14  -  Trea Turner, SS, North Carolina State - Turner has been showing all the tools that had him projected as a top-five pick before the season started. Over his last 15 games, he is hitting .407/.527/.678 with five doubles, a triple, three home runs and 15 walks. He also has stolen 10 bases, showing off his plus/plus speed and great instincts on the base paths. For the season, he is up to .330/.424/.523 with nine doubles, seven home runs, 21 stolen bases and 30 walks to 21 strikeouts. He has the speed, an advanced approach and now has started to show the power everyone has been waiting for. Some scouts still question his hit tool. I think a team is going to get a steal if he lands in the 8-12 range. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-20-college-players-rise-extended-version/42827#fT3rk0vlpqPHPiFi.99

3-15-14 - East Carolina’s Jeff Hoffman, struggled for the second straight week in a 7-2 loss to Tulane. I was on hand for that one getting my first look at Hoffman this year, and it was not a great look. Hoffman’s defense did him no favors, struggling in the outfield and behind the plate, but he was hardly overpowering anyway, allowing six runs (five earned) on seven hits and two walks over 6 1/3 innings, while striking out five. Hoffman did not have his best velocity, working mostly at 93-94 mph and reaching back for 97 in the first and once in the fifth. He did a good job jamming righthanded hitters with his 91-92 mph two-seamer, which had good arm-side run, but he left too many four-seamers out over the plate, and Tulane squared a handful of them up. His curveball ranged from 74-80 and showed some sharp bite, but it did not have the kind of power it had in the Cape Cod League, where we heard reports of it ranging from 79-84. Even in his season debut, he threw some curveballs at 80-83. He mixed in a short slider at 84-86, but his most impressive secondary pitch Friday was his 84-86 changeup, which he threw effectively against righthanded hitters to get multiple swing-throughs. http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/friday-roundup-nola-weaver-win-marquee-showdowns/

3-26-14 – MaxiPreps – Brady Aiken, Cathedral Catholic (San Diego) - In two outings, Aiken has given up just one hit and no runs in posting a 2-0 record. He has struck out 20 batters in 8.2 innings pitched while walking only two. He struck out 12 in 4.2 innings against La Costa Canyon. 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 -  Aramis Garcia, C, Florida International (NR) - Over his last five games, Garcia has gone 8-for-21 (.381) with two doubles, four home runs, nine RBI and has drawn four walks to one strikeout. Over 16 games, he is now hitting .424/.521/.763 with five home runs, ranking among the leaders in all four categories. At 6’-2” and 220 pounds, the right-hander has an easy swing with plenty of power behind it. As a sophomore, he hit .321/.378/.522 with 11 home runs. Scouts love the bat more than his defense right now, but with a canon arm and very good footwork, he has a chance to stick behind the plate. 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 –  Grant Holmes, RHP, Conway HS (SC) - In his first start of the season on March 7, Holmes struck out 12 to one walk over five innings. He has been reported to be hitting 97 mph with his fastball, and he adds a plus curveball to go with a change-up that projects to above-average. With three quality pitches in his arsenal, and that type of velocity, he doesn’t need much projection — the one knock on him as many believe he has maxed out physically at 6’-2” and 200 pounds. He has great mound presence and commands his stuff well. Should be a first-round pick and he seems to keep climbing draft boards. Committed to Florida. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-10-high-school-players-rise/41773#oFu0m6JRyhOHXIwD.99

Draft 14 – Grant Holmes, Joey Pankake, Jace Fry, Matt Chapman, Drew Rasmussen

2-3-14 – MaxPreps - Top 10 MLB Draft Prospects in high school - 7. Grant Holmes, Conway (S.C.) Holmes is seen as a pitcher with three potential big league pitches, including a fastball that approaches 96 mph, a heavy-dropping curveball and an above average changeup. Holmes is seen as one of the more polished high school pitchers in the draft. Look for him to go late in the first round. http://www.maxpreps.com/news/B41AzcsA90iOL5xwFL8T7Q/top-10-major-league-baseball-draft-high-school-prospects.htm

3-25-14 – TTF 10 college players on the rise — week 6  - Joey Pankake, 3B, South Carolina (53) - Pankake started off the season a bit slow but has really picked it up at the plate as of late. Over his last eight games, he is hitting 419/.500/.710 with three doubles, two home runs and four walks. Over 20 games this season, he is now hitting .307/.411/.480 with four doubles, three home runs and nine walks to just six strikeouts.  At 6’-1” and 200 pounds, he has an advanced approach at the plate, a canon arm and excellent bat speed. He showed developing power as a sophomore, hitting .311/.387/.496 over 62 games with 11 home runs while drawing 29 walks to just 29 strikeouts. His arm, footwork and power should allow him to stick at the hot corner. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-10-college-players-rise-week-6/42071#MDUXGtxd7YCtKt0X.99

3-9-14 – MLB Draft Insider - Jace Fry – LHP Oregon State – Fry pitched the fifth no hitter in Oregon State history, in the first game of a double header against Northern Illinois. Fry is a likely top five round pick, who has had some injury issues at OSU. He was only able to pitch seven innings last season, after a very good freshman year for Oregon State. Fry walked two hitters on the day and struck out ten in the course of the day. http://mlbdraftinsider.com/2014/03/the-rundown-march-8/#more-3872

2-27-14 – TTF - 10 college players on the rise - Matt Chapman, 3B, Cal State Fullerton (34) - The 6’-2”, 200 pound right-hander has found his groove at the plate recently. Over his last three games, he has gone 7-for-16 with two doubles, a home run and five RBI for the Titans. A gifted defender with a plus arm and the range to stick at the hot corner, scouts wanted to see more from his bat this year, including power. It’s only seven games, but a .344/.417/.531 slash line is a great sign. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-10-college-players-rise-2/41299#ldBBF8hRKzmaiy5H.99

P - Drew Rasmussen, RHP/3B, Sr., Mount Spokane (Wash.) - The big powerful righty has extra life on his fastball that typically works in the low 90s, allowing it to play up a bit firmer. He has a good delivery which allows him to locate the ball on both sides and backs it with a slider and changeup which both have good shape in the low 80s. http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=9561

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 – Grant Holmes, Luke Weaver , Tyler Beede, Michael Conforto, Nick Gordon

2-20-14 - Nathan Rode ‏@NathanRode  - RHP Grant Holmes (SC) threw two innings in a scrimmage last night. 94-96, touched 97-98. Conway, SC definitely on my to do list

3-25-14 – MLB Draft Insider Mock –  13  Luke Weaver     RHP        Florida State  - Weaver has been very good to start the season, showing plus command and occasionally a plus change. There are many pitchers with more upside than Weaver, but few with higher floors. http://mlbdraftinsider.com/2014/03/the-board-2014-volume-ii/

2-19 – TTF - 10 college players on the rise - Tyler Beede, RHP, Vanderbilt (2) - I’ve seen Beede ranked all over the place on draft boards. I have had him second to Carlos Rodon for a while now, and on Friday, he showed why. After a bit of a shaky start in the first, he settled down and retired the last 13 batters he faced, seven via strikeout. Over five innings, he allowed just one hit while striking out seven to no walks. He showed off his four-pitch mix headlined by a mid-90s fastball with life and a plus curveball that buckles hitters. His change-up was on and he had control of all of his stuff. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-10-college-players-rise/41224#Brkvtc4VfkP16udZ.99

1-3-14 – TTF Baseball - 26. Oakland Athletics — Michael Conforto, OF, Oregon State - One of the better bats available in the 2014 MLB draft, the 6’-2”, 215 pound right-hander uses the whole field and has a great approach at the plate. I got a chance to see him hit when the Collegiate National team played at Kane County, and I was extremely impressed by the way he handles himself at the plate — waiting for his pitch and driving it to the gaps with ease. He hit .328/.447/.526 over 65 games as a sophomore with 11 home runs and 41 walks. He’s not going to steal many bases, and he will most likely end up in left field. His bat is what will land him in the first round. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-2/40753#ppGUqI6CbWFvzsPf.99

2-11-14 – PG/Florida HS Dream Team – Best Defensive Infielder: Nick Gordon, Sr. Olympia - When you combine his plus athleticism, high baseball IQ, and cannon of an arm, he has the ability to make plays that shouldn’t be made. The added strength to his frame has done nothing to hinder him in the field, as he stills makes the play deep in the 5-6 hole. And while others may not have the arm strength to make the off-balance throw, Gordon has no problem firing an accurate strike to first base in such situations. He takes big, easy gliding steps to the ball with range to both sides and displays sound glove work. http://perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=9372    

Draft 14 – Marcus Wilson, Grant Holmes, Aaron Nola, Brady Aiken, Austin Murphy

2-10-14 - Serra’s Marcus Wilson, an Arizona State commit, was the unofficial MVP of the game (there aren’t any official stats). Wilson had two doubles in three trips to the plate and added a stolen base. “Today you saw what Marcus is all about, and what he can be,” a National League scout said. “As he fills out and gains more strength, one of those balls gets out of here.” Of the players who attended, Wilson (No. 24) was the highest-ranked on Baseball America’s most recent Top 100 high schoolers  http://www.baseballamerica.com/draft/marcus-wilson-shines-at-southern-california-invitational/

3-25-14 – MLB Draft Insider Mock – 04   Grant Holmes    RHP        Conway HS (S.C.) - I second-guessed myself the moment I had Holmes outside of the top five last time, and I’m not going to let that happen to me this time. There’s just too much here (three quality pitches, good feel for pitching, ready-now body) to keep him out of the top five. http://mlbdraftinsider.com/2014/03/the-board-2014-volume-ii/

2-9-14 - Number 12 on our countdown is LSU junior RHP Aaron Nola. The 6’1 right-handed pitcher from Baton Rouge, Louisiana was selected in the 22nd round by the Toronto Blue Jays in 2011. During his freshman season, Nola made 19 appearances for the Tigers including 16 starts. He posted a 7-4 record with an ERA of 3.61. In his 89.2 innings pitched Nola struck out 89 while walking just seven—the fewest amount of walks allowed in the SEC. His success earned him a variety of awards including being named to the Freshman All-SEC team, NCAA Regional All-Tournament Team, and Freshman All-American honors. http://ht.ly/2DHAhD

2-5-14 - Brady Aiken, LHP, Cathedral Catholic HS (CA) - Arguably the most polished prep pitcher available in the 2014 MLB draft, Aiken is a 6’-4”, 205 pound southpaw with some upside left. His fastball can touch 94 mph but sits more in the 89-92 range with good tailing action. His curveball sits in the low 70s and looks like a future out-pitch with good rotation. His change-up has good depth and deception and sits in the low 80s. He is an alumni of Team USA Baseball and was the winning pitcher in the gold-medal game against Japan in the World Cup Championship in Taiwan, allowing just one run over seven innings while striking out 10. The Cubs also lack depth in left-handed starting pitching and Aiken is a mature kid with great mound presence. Committed to UCLA. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-dark-horse-candidates-chicago-cubs-first-pick/41075#UeYBipV5rOuYd7xE.99

11-21-13 – BA Top 100 High School Players - 77 Austin Murphy OF L/L 6-2* 210 Episcopal HS, Jacksonville Auburn http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/2014-high-school-top-100-with-commitments/

Draft 14 – Brady Aiken, Jack Flaherty, Grant Holmes, Ti’Quan Forbes

1-3-14 – TTF Baseball - 9. Toronto Blue Jays — Brady Aiken, LHP, Cathedral Catholic HS (CA) - The Blue Jays have been burned twice in the last three years by prep pitchers in the first round of the draft so they might shy away from another one. Having said that, I like Aiken at this spot. Maybe the most polished prep pitcher available, the 6’-4” southpaw is an alumni of Team USA Baseball and was the winning pitcher in the gold-medal game against Japan in the World Cup Championship in Taiwan, allowing just one run over seven innings while striking out 10. His fastball sits in the low 90s, and both his curveball and change-up are above-average offerings with still room for more. He has great control of his pitches and dominated at The Tournament of Stars, striking out seven over three scoreless innings. Still has projection left and room for more velocity. Committed to UCLA. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-2/40753#ppGUqI6CbWFvzsPf.99

12-9-13 – Pine Tar Press  -  33- INF Jack Flaherty Harvard Westlake HS (North Carolina Commit) Fun baseball player to watch as he definitely passes the eye test and looks like a big leaguer. Good infielder who projects as a 3B while being a solid line drive hitter in the Chase Headley mold. (Cardinals @ 31) http://pinetarpress.com/early-look-2014-mlb-draft/

1-21-14 – Grant Holmes is a physically developed 6'2", 190 LB righty without a lot of physical projection remaining. He has an easy delivery with a waist high leg kick and a ¾ delivery. Grant has solid bloodlines as his brother Colby was a 4-year starter at South Carolina and recently signed with the Braves as a non-drafted Free Agent. While Colby was an excellent college pitcher but Grant is in a different class. His fastball is already impressive sitting 91-94 but can bump it up to 96. His fastball doesn't have a lot of movement but occasionally runs down and in to right handed hitters. His easy delivery and arm slot should allow him to manipulate the ball more with time. It's a great pitch and one of the best fastballs in the draft. http://www.minorleagueball.com/2014/1/21/5325358/2014-mlb-draft-grant-holmes-rhp-conway-sc-high-school

11-21-13 – BA Top 100 High School Players - 23 Ti’Quan Forbes SS/3B R/R 6-3 184 Columbia (Miss.) HS Mississippi http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/2014-high-school-top-100-with-commitments/

Draft 14 – Grant Holmes, Brady Aiken, Cole Tucker, Jakson Reetz

1-3-14 – TTF Baseball - 18. Kansas City Royals — Grant Holmes, RHP, Conway HS (SC) - One of the better performers over the summer, the 6’-2” right-hander wowed scouts with a plus fastball, plus curveball and great command. He sat in the mid-90s all summer with his fastball and showed an above-average change-up to round out a three-pitch mix. The one knock: Many believe he has maxed out physically and there isn’t much projection left. Still, he projects to a mid-rotation starter who should miss a lot of bats. Committed to Florida. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-2/40753#ppGUqI6CbWFvzsPf.99

12-9-13 – Pine Tar Press  -  9- LHP Brady Aiken Cathedral Catholic HS (UCLA Commit) 8/16/96- He is going to be 17 at the time of the draft, which is impressive considering many kids with his birthday, would be going into their junior year. The top high school lefty in the country working with 3 solid, not spectacular, pitches. He turns a lot of heads with his overall athleticism. He would be a potential 2-way player if he were to go to UCLA. He has a very deliberate arm and was 88-91 at PG national last June. He showed a change at 83 and a mid 70’s curve. (Blue Jays @ 9) http://pinetarpress.com/early-look-2014-mlb-draft/

12-10-13 – TTF – Top 50 HS Players - 45. Cole Tucker, SS, Mountain Pointe HS (AZ)  - A switch-hitting shortstop with crazy hair who does everything well on a baseball field, the 6′-3″, 175-pound Tucker is long and rangy with good actions to remain at a premium position. He was a leader for the gold-medal winning U18 USA Team. At the plate, he makes good contact with a loose swing and projects to a top-of-the-order hitter with decent speed (6.8/60). Committed to Arizona. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-top-50/40532#zz88YJZTOG8iEa1Z.99

11-21-13 – BA Top 100 High School Players - 33 Jakson Reetz C/OF R/R 6-0 206 Norris HS, Hickman, Neb. Nebraska http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/2014-high-school-top-100-with-commitments/

Draft 14 – Grant Holmes, Tyler Beede, Trea Turner, Michael Cederoth,,Ti’Quan Forbes

11-6-13 – Todd Gold – WWBA World Championship – Grant Holmes (2014 RHP, EvoShield Canes) - It doesn't come as a big surprise that Holmes registered the tournament's highest velocity, touching 97 mph with his fastball in the opening game for the champion EvoShield Canes. His velocity has frequently sat in the mid-90s in showcase settings, and low- to mid-90s in a starting role. Just as importantly, in Jupiter he showed the ability to command that heat well. While his command in the semifinal start against the loaded Mets Scout Team doesn't look impressive in the box score with three walks and 59-percent strikes, he was making a noticeable effort to hit the corners of the strike zone. After pounding the zone in the opener, Holmes stayed out of the middle of the plate effectively in the semifinals and his command was good for the majority of that critical game while sitting 91-95 on fairly short rest. That command is key for his draft stock, as his thick stocky build doesn't neatly fit the mold of a classic starting pitching prospect. But in Jupiter he proved that he can command his fastball well and incorporate his hammer curveball effectively over multiple innings while knowing how and when to work in the changeup. That combination puts him in position to become a top 50 pick. His effort in the semifinals gave his team a chance to win against one of the best lineups in the tournament, and he was rewarded with a championship ring. http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=9157


11-4-13 – MLB Draft Insider - Top 14 for ’14: College Pitchers - 7. Tyler Beede / RHP / Vanderbilt – Outside of Rodon, Beede might be the most famous collegiate pitcher in the class after not signing as a first-rounder in 2011; but middling command and some potential medical issues make him more of a mid-first round pick at this point. http://mlbdraftinsider.com/2013/11/top-14-for-14-college-pitchers/


10-15-13 – Baseball America - 4. Trea Turner, ss, North Carolina State: Ankle issue hampered him in 2013, but he offers bat speed, athleticism and top-of-the-scale speed when healthy. http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/2014-draft-top-50-october-2013-carlos-rodon/


11-6-13 –  PG -- The scouting world didn’t get their dose of flame-throwing San Diego State righty, Michael Cederoth this summer, and because of that, his fall outings are garnering more attention than they would typically get. Since Cederoth did not pitch on Cape Cod, for Team USA, or anywhere else for that matter, the most recent reports come from his sophomore season. The 6-foot-6 right-hander’s velocity exploits are well documented, as he is known to frequently pitch in the upper 90s with his fastball and touch as high as 100 mph.  Cederoth took the mound on Friday afternoon at Tony Gwynn Stadium, where he was scheduled to throw four innings in San Diego State’s intrasquad game. But, if you looked at the large scouting contingent in attendance, you certainly wouldn’t know this was only a very controlled scrimmage among teammates.  The San Diego State ace did not bring out of his best velocity on Friday, and for most in attendance, the assessment was that this was probably somewhat intentional. We’ll keep an eye on it, but more than anything else Cederoth appeared to be striving for command and movement in favor of pure velocity. He worked consistently at 91-93 mph with his fastball, but throughout his four innings was able to reach for an easy 95 mph fastball whenever he wanted it. If he needed to sit around 95 mph, which we know he’s capable of, it appeared he could have done it quite easily.  More interesting, however, was the frequency of Cederoth’s breaking ball, and his variance of it. To the naked eye, Cederoth threw as many, or more, off-speed pitches as he did fastballs, and was mostly very effective with that approach. He mixed a 12-6 curveball at 76-78 mph that he even dropped down to 73 mph with late in his outing. But, his real put away pitch is his 81-85 mph slider. Although the bite on this pitch was a little inconsistent, when he got on top and not around it, it had the look of a plus or 60 offering on the 20-80 scale. http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=9172


9-11-13 - Sully’s 2014 Top 100 MLB HS Draft Prospects – 40.Ti’Quan Forbes – SS, Columbia (MS) HS http://www.ninebaseball.org/Wordpress/sullys-2014-top-100-mlb-hs-draft-prospects/

Draft 14 – Jeff Hoffman, Grant Holmes, Alex Verdugo, Jackson Reetz, Josh Ockimey

11-3-13 – Baseball America - East Carolina’s scout day was held Friday night, which gave in-state scouts a look at righthander Jeff Hoffman, who ranked as the No. 1 prospect in the Cape Cod League this summer. Hoffman dominated with Cape with sharpened stuff that produced 12 strikeouts per nine and a 6.6 strikeout-walk ratio. Hoffman sat 93-96 mph with his fastball through two innings and did not throw a fastball below 94 in his second inning. He has a loose, easy arm action and the ball jumps out of his hand with downhill plane and minimal effort from a three-quarters slot. Hoffman largely pitched off his fastball. http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/east-carolina-scout-day-jeff-hoffman/


10-30-13 - Clint Longenecker/BA – WWBA World Championship - Righthander Grant Holmes started the first game of the tournament on Thursday, which allowed him to come back for Sunday morning’s semi-final matchup against the Orlando Scorpions, who have won many of the national tournaments this year. The strong-bodied Holmes, a Perfect Game All-American, touched 95 mph and sat 89-94, striking out five and allowing one run over four innings. The Canes rallied to win 4-3 in dramatic fashion, scoring three runs in the seventh inning to advance to the championship game, as Lane delivered an opposite-field two-run single. . http://www.baseballamerica.com/draft/evoshield-canes-win-perfect-game-wwba-world-championship/


10-29-13 – Jim Callis – Top 10 World Wood Bat Association World Championship (WWBA) Jupiter, Fla - 10. Alex Verdugo, OF/LHP, Texas Scout Team Yankees (Sahuaro High, Tucson, Ariz.) -  Scouts are split on his future because he has a sweet left-handed swing and a strong arm. http://ht.ly/qi5No


10-15-13 – Baseball America - 49. Jackson Reetz, c/of/rhp, Hickman (Neb.) HS: An offensive star of the 18U USA Baseball squad that won a gold medal this summer, Reetz has shown the ability to hit in games, as well as the tools and athleticism to stick behind the plate. http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/2014-draft-top-50-october-2013-carlos-rodon/


9-11-13 - Sully’s 2014 Top 100 MLB HS Draft Prospects – 98. Josh Ockimey – 1B, Neumann-Goretti (PA) HS http://www.ninebaseball.org/Wordpress/sullys-2014-top-100-mlb-hs-draft-prospects/

Draft 14 – Grant Holmes, Brandon Finnegan, Keith Weisenberg, Spencer Adams, Michael Gettys

10-29-13 – Jim Callis – Top 10 World Wood Bat Association World Championship (WWBA) Jupiter, Florida - 8. Grant Holmes, RHP, Evoshield Canes (Conway, S.C., High/Florida) -  Averaged 92 mph and reached 97 with his fastball in Jupiter, showing nice life and control with the pitch.  http://ht.ly/qi5No


10-15-13 – Baseball America - 23. Brandon Finnegan, lhp, Texas Christian: Smallish lefty holds upper-90s velocity deep into games and developed a plus slider during his time with Team USA. http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/2014-draft-top-50-october-2013-carlos-rodon/


10-28-13 – Jim Callis - One of the best pitching matchups of the tournament pitted Marucci Elite's Keith Weisenberg (Osceola High, Seminole, Fla.) against Chicago Scouts Association's Noah Burkholder (Crown Point, Ind., High).Weisenberg, a right-hander who's committed to Stanford, also has a projectable frame at 6-foot-4 and 190 pounds. His loose arm delivered 91-95 mph fastballs in the first inning and still pumped 89-91 mph heat in his fourth and final frame. His fastball has sinking action, as does his changeup, which was a bit firm in the mid-80s. He threw 13 changeups and just two sliders. Weisenberg filled the strike zone with 46 of his 70 pitches, but his command wasn't as sharp as his control. He left some pitches up and gave up three runs on six hits and two walks while striking out five. http://ht.ly/qeYJz


10-25-13  - PG Showcase – Righthander Spencer Adams (Cleveland, Ga.), pitching for Team Elite, worked two innings in his start, showing the same feel for four pitches that made him an interest of scouts all summer. The 6-foot-5, 190-pounder sat between 89-91, peaking at 93 once, while also using a cutter-like slider at 85-87, curveball at 76-77 with two-plane action, and lesser-used changeup at 84. http://www.baseballamerica.com/draft/toussaint-wows-evaluators-at-jupiter/


9-11-13 - Sully’s 2014 Top 100 MLB HS Draft Prospects - 1.Michael Gettys – OF/RHP, Gainesville (GA) HS http://www.ninebaseball.org/Wordpress/sullys-2014-top-100-mlb-hs-draft-prospects/

Draft 14 – Touki Toussaint, Sean Newcomb, Greg Deichmann, Grant Holmes,Drew Lugbauer

10-29-13 – Jim Callis – Top 10 World Wood Bat Association World Championship (WWBA) Jupiter, Fla - 3. Touki Toussaint, RHP, Atlanta Blue Jays (Coral Springs, Fla., Christian High/uncommitted) -  Possesses electric fastball/curveball combination, but still learning how to harness his pitches. http://ht.ly/qi5No


10-15-13 – Baseball America - 19. Sean Newcomb, lhp, Hartford: Breakout Cape Cod League performer has a durable 6-foot-5, 240-pound frame, and he flashes a four-pitch mix with mid-90s heat. http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/2014-draft-top-50-october-2013-carlos-rodon/


10-28-13 – Jim Callis - Marcucci Elite had a lineup laden with prospects, headlined by shortstop Gregory Deichmann (Brother Martin High, New Orleans). A 6-foot-2, 185-pounder, he had the lone hit against Burkholder, pulling a double inside the first-base bag in the fifth. Deichmann has a quick left-handed bat and solid speed, and he may have the arm and range to stay at shortstop. The Louisiana State recruit made a nice play on a grounder up the middle in the top of the third. http://ht.ly/qeYJz


10-25-13  - PG Showcase – The tournament’s first pool play time slot also put power arms on display with Grant Holmes (Conway, S.C. HS) and Alex Verdugo (Sahuaro HS, Tucson) throwing on opposite sides of the Marlins complex. Holmes, a strong-bodied righthander playing with the Evoshield Canes, worked between 91-93, peaking at 96 with two strikes on a hitter once, with excellent late life. He created lots of weak contact off the hands of righthanded hitters, and showed he could spot to both corners of the plate. He also spun a hard, late-breaking 80-81 curveball from his three-quarter slot. http://www.baseballamerica.com/draft/toussaint-wows-evaluators-at-jupiter/


9-11-13 - Sully’s 2014 Top 100 MLB HS Draft Prospects – 38. Drew Lugbauer – C, Arlington (NY) HS http://www.ninebaseball.org/Wordpress/sullys-2014-top-100-mlb-hs-draft-prospects/

Draft 14 – Joey Pankake, Sean Reid-Foley, Grant Holmes, Handsome Monica, Brandon Downes

10-18-13 – Matt Garroich – SS Joey Pankake, yep, like pancake, at South Carolina improved from a funny name and a decent defender as a freshman to an impact college bat as well. He won't be a superstar with the stick (well, Garciaparra) likely won't be a superstar with the stick but is a solid all around up the middle talent and should be a top pick this coming June. http://www.minorleagueball.com/2013/10/18/4851030/2014-mlb-draft-atlantic-region-college-discussion

10-15-13 – Baseball America - 31. Sean Reid-Foley, rhp, Sandalwood HS, Jacksonville: Athletic righthander with a fastball up to 95 mph, above-average slider and average changeup with good control. http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/2014-draft-top-50-october-2013-carlos-rodon/


9-30-13 – TTF Mock 2.0 - 10. New York Mets — Grant Holmes, RHP, Conway HS (SC) A Florida Gator commit, the 6’-2”, 190-pound right-hander hit 96 mph at the Perfect Game Nationals and flashed a plus curveball with excellent command. He also hit 95 mph at the PG Classic, showing one of the better fastballs in the prep class. He adds an above-average change-up, rounding out a solid three-pitch mix. Some scouts think he has maxed out physically, limiting his upside, but as it is, he profiles to a mid-rotation starter and possibly as high as a two. He is a very good athlete with a sound delivery and one of the best prep arms in the draft. 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 – 78. Handsome Monica – C, St. Paul’s (LA) HS http://www.ninebaseball.org/Wordpress/sullys-2014-top-100-mlb-hs-draft-prospects/


10-14-13 – Top ’14 College Hitters - 12. Brandon Downes / OF / Virginia — Downes has average to above-average tools across the board, though some scouts I’ve talked to are concerned about the swing and miss in his game and didn’t have the most productive of summers. http://mlbdraftinsider.com/2013/10/top-14-for-14-college-hitters/

Draft 14 - A Quick Look At - RHP - Grant Holmes - Conway (SC) HS

Grant Holmes

7-2-13 - 8. Grant Holmes- RHP, Conway (SC) HS -  RHP who sat 94-96 in his first inning at the National Showcase with a plus slider http://www.ninebaseball.org/Wordpress/jeff-sullivans-top-100-2014-prospects/    

7-5-13 - Grant Holmes, RHP, Conway HS (SC) - A Florida Gator commit, the 6’-2”, 190-pound right-hander hit 96 mph at the Perfect Game Nationals and flashed a plus curveball with excellent command. He adds an above-average change-up, rounding out a solid three-pitch mix. Some scouts think he has maxed out physically, limiting his upside, but as it is, he profiles to a mid-rotation starter and possibly as high as a two. He is a very good athlete with a sound delivery. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/prep-arms-chicago-cubs/34856#Vp7zJ4JvRevfV1fR.99    

7-23-13 - Justin Hlubek ‏@PGJustinHlubek  - Grant Holmes night is done K'd 8 of 9 batters he faced. FB 93-95 touched 96 CB was 84 mph

7-25-13 – Top 30 High School Prospects For 2014 Draft - 5. Grant Holmes, RHP, Conway HS (SC) - 6'1/205, Draft Day Age: 18.21, Florida commit, Full Report & Video - Quick Take: Holmes is another righty that isn't that big and doesn't have any projection but is athletic and strongly-built with big time stuff: he sits 93-95 and hits 96 mph with a wicked 82-85 mph plus curveball and a solid changeup. http://sbb.scout.com/2/1310090.html    

8-6-13 - Top pitchers - East Coast Professional Showcase, Syracuse, NY -  9. Grant Holmes, RHP, Conway HS (SC): Holmes faced Sheffield and more than kept up. The 6-foot-2 right-hander reached 94 mph and showed a very good breaking ball. http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130806&content_id=56048786&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb    

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/    

8-14-13 – Through The Fence – Top 50 Prospects – 14. Grant Holmes, RHP, Conway HS (SC) - A Florida Gator commit, the 6’-2”, 190-pound right-hander hit 96 mph at the Perfect Game Nationals and flashed a plus curveball with excellent command. He also hit 95 mph at the PG Classic, showing one of the better fastballs in the prep class. He adds an above-average change-up, rounding out a solid three-pitch mix. Some scouts think he has maxed out physically, limiting his upside, but as it is, he profiles to a mid-rotation starter and possibly as high as a two. He is a very good athlete with a sound delivery and one of the best prep arms in the draft. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-top-50-prospects/36463#mwWwsFxSUZy7YC5V.99   

8-13-13 - The Perfect Game All-American Classic in San Diego - * I’ve heard nothing but good things about Grant Holmes (Conway High School, S.C.), and he was very good on Sunday for me, hitting 93 on his first seven fastballs, and showing a good change and breaking ball. The arm action isn’t the cleanest, but I think he’s one of the safer arms in this year’s class. http://mlbdraftinsider.com/2013/08/thoughts-on-perfect-game-all-american-classic/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter     

8-16-13 - 11th All-American Classic - Grant Holmes (RHP, Conway HS (Conway, SC)): strong build; three-quarters slot; some deception in the arm swing and the high front side in the delivery; brings up a high leg and breaks hands late; arm-heavy delivery with some sling; good arm speed; fastball was meaty at 92-93, touching 94; showed good sink; slider at 82 mph with some bite; attacked and showed poise. —Jason Parks http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=21537   

8-15-13 - Under Armour All-Star Game – Grant Holmes, RHP:  Another pitcher who can hit 96 mph, Holmes is about the same size as Toussaint but perhaps a smaller frame and he may not project quite as well.  The alternative is that his change-up and his command are more advanced.  He adds a good curve to the mix but the limits on physical projection may also limit his ceiling. 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 – 14 – RHP Grant Holmes – Conway (SC) HS – The last of the ‘big 4’ high school right handers. Holmes  sits 93-95 and has an above average chamge-up. He’s only 6-1 which could lead him in the direction of the pen someday.

9-11-13 - Sully’s 2014 Top 100 MLB HS Draft Prospects - 2.Grant Holmes – RHP, Conway (SC) HS http://www.ninebaseball.org/Wordpress/sullys-2014-top-100-mlb-hs-draft-prospects/   

9-11-13 – Keith Law - Right-hander Grant Holmes of Conway (S.C.) HS was solid yet again, sitting 92-94 with a strong breaking ball at 80-81 that had good two-plane break, flashing a future-average or better changeup as well. Holmes has impressed at every stop this summer and the fact that he's still showing above-average velocity at this late date, when most kids are already worn out and have lost a little off their fastballs, is a huge point in his favor when considering possible indicators of long-term durability. http://insider.espn.go.com/blog/mlb-draft/post/_/id/1131/top-prospects-flock-to-metropolitan-classic?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter  

9-30-13 – TTF Mock 2.0 - 10. New York Mets — Grant Holmes, RHP, Conway HS (SC) A Florida Gator commit, the 6’-2”, 190-pound right-hander hit 96 mph at the Perfect Game Nationals and flashed a plus curveball with excellent command. He also hit 95 mph at the PG Classic, showing one of the better fastballs in the prep class. He adds an above-average change-up, rounding out a solid three-pitch mix. Some scouts think he has maxed out physically, limiting his upside, but as it is, he profiles to a mid-rotation starter and possibly as high as a two. He is a very good athlete with a sound delivery and one of the best prep arms in the draft. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-mock-draft-2-0-draft-order-set/38280#5E3F5j1jWOgE69bJ.99

 

10-15-13 – Baseball America - 24. Grant Holmes, rhp, Conway (S.C.) HS: Powerfully built but undersized, the 6-foot Holmes has a fastball that reaches 96 mph with power and depth to his curveball. http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/2014-draft-top-50-october-2013-carlos-rodon/

 

 

10-25-13  - PG Showcase – The tournament’s first pool play time slot also put power arms on display with Grant Holmes (Conway, S.C. HS) and Alex Verdugo (Sahuaro HS, Tucson) throwing on opposite sides of the Marlins complex. Holmes, a strong-bodied righthander playing with the Evoshield Canes, worked between 91-93, peaking at 96 with two strikes on a hitter once, with excellent late life. He created lots of weak contact off the hands of righthanded hitters, and showed he could spot to both corners of the plate. He also spun a hard, late-breaking 80-81 curveball from his three-quarter slot. http://www.baseballamerica.com/draft/toussaint-wows-evaluators-at-jupiter/

Draft 14 – Grant Holmes, Derek Fisher, Michael Cederoth, Brian Gonzalez, Jeff Hoffman

10-15-13 – Baseball America - 24. Grant Holmes, rhp, Conway (S.C.) HS: Powerfully built but undersized, the 6-foot Holmes has a fastball that reaches 96 mph with power and depth to his curveball. http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/2014-draft-top-50-october-2013-carlos-rodon/

10-14-13 – Top ’14 College Hitters - 1. Derek Fisher / OF / Virginia — Fischer is going to have to hit — he doesn’t have the arm strength or instincts to be anything but a left fielder — to earn this ranking, but he certainly has the offensive tools to justify it. The left-handed hitting outfielder has above-average bat speed and a linear swing that should lead to above-average power numbers, though we haven’t seen that translate into games as much as one would hope. Consistency has been a problem for Fischer, but with a strong junior season you could see him go very early, as he’s one of the few middle of the order type bats in this class. http://mlbdraftinsider.com/2013/10/top-14-for-14-college-hitters/

9-30-13 – TTF Mock 2.0 - 13. San Diego Padres — Michael Cederoth, RHP, San Diego State  He is 6′-6“, 210 pounds and can touch 100 mph with his fastball. Shall I go on? He also adds a mid-80s slider, as well as a mid-80s change-up that is more of an out pitch. His command can be shaky at times as he is still learning how to be a pitcher instead of just running his overpowering 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 the way Jonathan Gray did last year, as well as refine his off-speed stuff, he should be one of the first college pitchers off the board. 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 – 92.Brian Gonzalez – LHP/1B, Archbishop McCarthy (FL) HS http://www.ninebaseball.org/Wordpress/sullys-2014-top-100-mlb-hs-draft-prospects/

10-18-13 – Matt Garroich – Jeff Hoffman of East Carolina is a righty that has frontline potential and three plus pitch potential. He would be the kind of guy who would be in discussions for the top pick in any draft, so he should be in this draft as well, even with Rodon in it. I don't want to oversell Hoffman at this point because his stuff has always been better than his results but his summer on Cape Cod was simply dominant. http://www.minorleagueball.com/2013/10/18/4851030/2014-mlb-draft-atlantic-region-college-discussion

Draft 14 - Michael Cederoth, Nick Gordon, Marcus Wilson, Grant Holmes, Chris Oliver

9-8-13 – Exclusive – There might be some injury news involving San Diego State RHP Michael Cederoth that could be driving him down the mock drafts as that season progresses. Confidentail word is he pitched most of 2-13 with a similar partial tear that the Mets’ Michael Harvey currently has it this should drive him out of any consideration as a first round pick.

8-15-13 - Under Armour All-Star Game – Nicholas Gordon: SS/RHP:  The son of former pitcher Tom Gordon, Nick also has a very good arm and can bring it at up to 92 mph but he's also a SS, where he may stand out more as a speedy top of the order hitter with great range, arm, and instincts in the field. 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 – 48. 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 that scouts love. Committed to Arizona State. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-top-50-prospects/36463#mwWwsFxSUZy7YC5V.99

9-4-13 – Mack’s Mock Draft v1.0 – 14 – RHP Grant Holmes – Conway (SC) HS – The last of the ‘big 4’ high school right handers. Holmes  sits 93-95 and has an above average chamge-up. He’s only 6-1 which could lead him in the direction of the pen someday.

9-10-13 – Top Arms in 2013 Cape Cod League - Chris Oliver (Ark. Jr.) 6-4/180, Harwich Mariners 14 IP, 16 K, 2.57 ERA: FB 88-96 SL 84-88 -  I caught a lot of Harwich games, which was good enough for me to watch Oliver on multiple occasions. The stuff is excellent. He generates downward plane, and the slider is very tight. The arm action and finish to his delivery aren’t ideal, but it should not be a detriment in his relief role. http://bullpenbanter.com/2013-all-cape-team-pitchers/

Draft 14 – Zach Shannon, Reese Cooley, Alex Jackson, Jacob Gatewood, Grant Holmes

8-14-13 – Through The Fence – Top 50 Prospects – 36. Zach Shannon, 3B/RHP, Moeller HS (OH) - A two-way prospect who may have more upside as a hitter, the 6’-3”, 220-pound right-hander has a canon arm (95 mph) and his power bat would play well at the hot corner. He has shown the ability to hit to all fields and has good bat speed. On the mound, he also has an upper-70s curveball that shows plus potential to go along with his plus fastball that hit 95 mph at the PG Classic. He hails from the same school that produced Ken Griffey Jr., Barry Larkin and Buddy Bell. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-top-50-prospects/36463#mwWwsFxSUZy7YC5V.99

2013 East Coast Pro Showcase Top 50 Prospects    - 30. Reese Cooley – OF, Fleming Island (FL) HS - Cooley has some big time tools, running sub 6.7 60s and mid 90s from the OF. Hit really well at ECP too. http://www.ninebaseball.org/Wordpress/sullys-top-50-ecp-prospects/

Top 5 MLB Draft Prospects - #3. Alex Jackson, INF/C (California HS): The most comprehensive high school player existing. It seems to be expected that teams would choose to play him at third once he goes pro, even though he’s pretty good behind the plate. In fact- he is an accomplished backstop.  At 6’2″, 210 pounds, Jackson has a good, moveable catcher’s physique. A genuine five-tool catcher, he pools exceptional defense with incredible power, which he’s displayed to all fields. Pop times in the 1.7′s, first-rate blocking skills, and rapid twitch flexibility will keep him behind the plate.  http://bigleaguefutures.net/1/2013/08/30/top-5-mlb-draft-prospects/

9-1-13 - Jim Callis – 6. Jacob Gatewood, ss, Clovis (Calif.) HS - Put on a show during Home Run Derby at Citi Field, may wind up at third base down the road.

8-15-13 - Under Armour All-Star Game – Grant Holmes, RHP:  Another pitcher who can hit 96 mph, Holmes is about the same size as Toussaint but perhaps a smaller frame and he may not project quite as well.  The alternative is that his change-up and his command are more advanced.  He adds a good curve to the mix but the limits on physical projection may also limit his ceiling. http://www.chicagonow.com/cubs-den/2013/08/2014-mlb-draft-ua-game-roster-and-preview-plus-more-tickets-and-meet-up-information/

Draft 14 – Max Pentecost, Grant Holmes, Joe Littell, Michael Gettys, Drew Lugbauer

8-21-13 - Until now, it had been a couple of years since Kennesaw State catcher Max Pentecost experienced life in the limelight. Pentecost was quite the hot commodity coming out of high school in Georgia. He was ranked No. 203 nationally as a high school senior, and attended KSU despite heavy overtures from the Texas Rangers as a seventh-round pick in the Major League Baseball draft. Though some at the time felt Pentecost should’ve signed and skipped his collegiate career, it’s becoming more clear he made the right decision. Following a good college spring season as a sophomore, Pentecost traveled to the prestigious Cape Cod Baseball League this summer, where he put together a performance that had scouts buzzing, making major strides in all aspects of the game, particularly from an offensive standpoint. For that reason and more, Pentecost, one of the nation’s fastest-rising 2014 MLB draft prospects, is the Perfect Game College Summer Player of the Year. http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=8911

 

8-16-13 - 11th All-American Classic - Grant Holmes (RHP, Conway HS (Conway, SC)): strong build; three-quarters slot; some deception in the arm swing and the high front side in the delivery; brings up a high leg and breaks hands late; arm-heavy delivery with some sling; good arm speed; fastball was meaty at 92-93, touching 94; showed good sink; slider at 82 mph with some bite; attacked and showed poise. —Jason Parks http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=21537

 

8-13-13 - The Perfect Game All-American Classic in San Diego - * One name that really stood out to me that I wasn’t familiar with coming into the weekend was Stillwater High School (Okla.) third-baseman Joe Littell. Littell gets very good extension in his swing, and the bat stayed in the zone as well as any hitter I saw over the weekend. There are some very good hot corner prospects in this year’s class, but Littell might be at the top of the list for me now. 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 – 13. Michael Gettys, OF/RHP, Gainesville HS (GA) - Maybe the most all-around talented prep player in the draft, the 6’-2” right-hander excels at just about everything on the baseball field. He plays the game at breakneck speed, much like fellow Georgia native, and fifth-overall pick in last year’s draft, Clint Frazier. He may have higher upside as an offensive player where his plus speed, plus bat speed and power rank him at the top among outfield prospects. He can also sling it 100 mph from the outfield, which would allow him to play all three outfield spots at the next level. On the mound, his fastball can touch 95 mph and he adds a mid-70s curveball. He posted a 0.99 ERA, 0.74 WHIP with 114 K/18 BB over 73 innings as a junior. Frazier told me he was the toughest pitcher he faced all season. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-top-50-prospects/36463#mwWwsFxSUZy7YC5V.99

 

2013 East Coast Pro Showcase Top 50 Prospects    - 21. Drew Lugbauer – C, Arlington (NY) HS - Made a bigger name for himself than any player at ECP. Has some big, easy raw power and can really hit. http://www.ninebaseball.org/Wordpress/sullys-top-50-ecp-prospects/

Draft 14 – Keaton McKinney, Ti’Quan Forbes, Tyler Kolek, Grant Holmes, Justin Smith

8-20-13  -  LOS ANGELES - The Blue team used a pair of home runs and a five-run first inning to beat the Red team, 10-2, in Game 3 of the 2013 USA Baseball 18U National Team Trials at Dodger Stadium on Monday evening – RHP  Keaton McKinney (Ankeny, Iowa) followed suit in the bottom of the second, ripping a pitch into the left field bleachers to lead off the inning for the Blue team and pushing the lead to 6-0.  http://web.usabaseball.com/article.jsp?ymd=20130820&content_id=57577990&vkey=news_usab

 

8-16-13 - 11th All-American Classic - Ti’Quan Forbes (SS/OF, Columbia HS (Columbia, MS): Wiry, athletic build with plenty of room to fill out; open stance; quick-twitch swing with bat speed; some pre-load movement; line-drive stroke in game action; potential for some power down the line; athleticism plays on defensive side; easy actions; highly projectable at 6-foot-4, 177 pounds; very high ceiling, a lot to dream on. —Chris Rodriguez http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=21537

8-13-13 - The Perfect Game All-American Classic in San Diego - * There’s not much to say about Tyler Kolek (Shepard High School, Tex.) that hasn’t been said already, but I’ll try anyway. Kolek was 94-99 in his inning of work, and the two breaking balls I saw were above-average offerings. If the draft were held today, Kolek would be a lock to go in the top ten. 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 – 14. Grant Holmes, RHP, Conway HS (SC) - A Florida Gator commit, the 6’-2”, 190-pound right-hander hit 96 mph at the Perfect Game Nationals and flashed a plus curveball with excellent command. He also hit 95 mph at the PG Classic, showing one of the better fastballs in the prep class. He adds an above-average change-up, rounding out a solid three-pitch mix. Some scouts think he has maxed out physically, limiting his upside, but as it is, he profiles to a mid-rotation starter and possibly as high as a two. He is a very good athlete with a sound delivery and one of the best prep arms in the draft. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-top-50-prospects/36463#mwWwsFxSUZy7YC5V.99

2013 East Coast Pro Showcase Top 50 Prospects    - 19. Justin Smith – OF, Bartram Trail (FL) HS - Hit really well at ECP and shows all 5 tools. http://www.ninebaseball.org/Wordpress/sullys-top-50-ecp-prospects/

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

Draft 14 - An Early Look At - RHP Grant Holmes - Conway (SC) HS

10th currently ranked RHP in draft -

Grant Holmes

7-2-13 - 8. Grant Holmes- RHP, Conway (SC) HS -  RHP who sat 94-96 in his first inning at the National Showcase with a plus slider http://www.ninebaseball.org/Wordpress/jeff-sullivans-top-100-2014-prospects/

7-5-13 - Grant Holmes, RHP, Conway HS (SC) - A Florida Gator commit, the 6’-2”, 190-pound right-hander hit 96 mph at the Perfect Game Nationals and flashed a plus curveball with excellent command. He adds an above-average change-up, rounding out a solid three-pitch mix. Some scouts think he has maxed out physically, limiting his upside, but as it is, he profiles to a mid-rotation starter and possibly as high as a two. He is a very good athlete with a sound delivery. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/prep-arms-chicago-cubs/34856#Vp7zJ4JvRevfV1fR.99

7-23-13 - Justin Hlubek ‏@PGJustinHlubek  - Grant Holmes night is done K'd 8 of 9 batters he faced. FB 93-95 touched 96 CB was 84 mph

7-25-13 – Top 30 High School Prospects For 2014 Draft - 5. Grant Holmes, RHP, Conway HS (SC) - 6'1/205, Draft Day Age: 18.21, Florida commit, Full Report & Video - Quick Take: Holmes is another righty that isn't that big and doesn't have any projection but is athletic and strongly-built with big time stuff: he sits 93-95 and hits 96 mph with a wicked 82-85 mph plus curveball and a solid changeup. http://sbb.scout.com/2/1310090.html

8-6-13 - Top pitchers - East Coast Professional Showcase, Syracuse, NY -  9. Grant Holmes, RHP, Conway HS (SC): Holmes faced Sheffield and more than kept up. The 6-foot-2 right-hander reached 94 mph and showed a very good breaking ball. http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130806&content_id=56048786&vkey=news_mlb&c_id=mlb

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/

8-14-13 – Through The Fence – Top 50 Prospects – 14. Grant Holmes, RHP, Conway HS (SC) - A Florida Gator commit, the 6’-2”, 190-pound right-hander hit 96 mph at the Perfect Game Nationals and flashed a plus curveball with excellent command. He also hit 95 mph at the PG Classic, showing one of the better fastballs in the prep class. He adds an above-average change-up, rounding out a solid three-pitch mix. Some scouts think he has maxed out physically, limiting his upside, but as it is, he profiles to a mid-rotation starter and possibly as high as a two. He is a very good athlete with a sound delivery and one of the best prep arms in the draft. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-top-50-prospects/36463#mwWwsFxSUZy7YC5V.99

 

8-13-13 - The Perfect Game All-American Classic in San Diego - * I’ve heard nothing but good things about Grant Holmes (Conway High School, S.C.), and he was very good on Sunday for me, hitting 93 on his first seven fastballs, and showing a good change and breaking ball. The arm action isn’t the cleanest, but I think he’s one of the safer arms in this year’s class. http://mlbdraftinsider.com/2013/08/thoughts-on-perfect-game-all-american-classic/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter