Draft 14 – Jacob Gatewood, Jake Cosart, Matt Chapman, Chandler Avant

1-16-14 - Jeff Sullivan ‏@JSully12 - Man I can't wait to see Jacob Gatewood down at NHSI in March. Just watching him take BP is an event. W a good spring, he could go top 10.

1-3-14 – TTF Baseball - 62. Cleveland Indians — Jake Cosart, RHP, Seminole State (JUCO) - The younger brother of Astros’ prospect Jarred Cosart, Jake is a 6’-1”, 185 pound right-hander with quick arm actions that can touch 98 mph with his fastball. He is still raw as a pitcher and has a lot of work to do on his secondary stuff but he has a ton of upside due to his arm strength, long arms and quick hands. He shows a mid-70s curveball that, when on, looks like a future plus pitch. Could end up being a steal in this draft. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-2/40753#ppGUqI6CbWFvzsPf.99

12-9-13 – Pine Tar Press  -  48-3B/RHP Matt Chapman Fullerton 4/28/93- Fullerton loves them some 2-way players. Chapman is the second Fullerton player in as many drafts who have an unclear path to the majors. Much like last year with Michael Lorenzen (eventually drafted as a P) he will have to show where he fits this spring. He has not seen as much time on the mound but it is easy to see where the love is for him as a pitcher when you see him rifle a throw across the diamond. The hit tool is good and he shows solid plate awareness but the game power just hasn’t been consistent. Scouts will like the arm though and appreciate the fact that it has very little wear in terms of innings pitched. (Out of First round- Brewers selection) http://pinetarpress.com/early-look-2014-mlb-draft/

11-21-13 – BA Top 100 High School Players - 75 Chandler Avant 2B R/R 5-9 160 Pike Liberty, Troy, Ala. Alabama http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/2014-high-school-top-100-with-commitments/

Draft 2012 – Jake Cosart, Keon Barnum, Kevin Plawecki, Austin Maddox, Lewis Brinson

Jake Cosart — 6’-1”, RHP, Clear Creek HS (TX)  When you can throw 99 mph, you are going to get some attention. At 6’-1” and 165 lbs, the power Cosart generates from his arm is scary. At the 2011 Perfect Game National Showcase, he hit 99 mph on the radar gun, easily the fastest time at the event. It must run in the family bloodline — his brother Jarred Cosart, a top prospect for the Astros, hit 102 mph at the 2008 Perfect Game World Showcase. Jake shows signs of a future devastating curve but is still inconsistent with his command. A strong senior season, and added weight, could see him sky rocket when the draft comes around. http://www.throughthefencebaseball.com/top-50-draft-prospects-for-2012-50-thru-26/15621/

Keon Barnum, 1B, King (Tampa, Fla.)  - Barnum has plus raw power and a major-league frame at 6-foot-5 and 230 pounds. He's a decent athlete but profiles best at first base, which will limit his value come draft day. But a better year hitting to all fields and making contact could put him into the top 30. Barnum, a Miami recruit, batted .491 last year with six homers and 27 RBIs. http://espn.go.com/blog/high-school/baseball/post/_/id/940/mccullers-jr-is-top-florida-diamond-star

We continue the countdown today at number 23 with Purdue junior catch Kevin Plawecki. The Carmel, Indiana native attended Westfield High School where he was a four year letter winner. He was a two-time All-Indy North, All-Hoosiers Crossroads and All-Hamilton County selection while leading his team to the State semifinals as a senior. As a freshman in 2010, he made 54 appearances (52 starts) while hitting .343 with eight homers and a team high 53 RBI. He was excellent behind the plate throwing out 16 baserunners out of 46 attempts. He picked up several honors including being named a Louisville Slugger Freshman All-American by Collegiate Baseball, NCBWA Freshman All-American, and Big Ten All-Freshman Team member. http://ht.ly/1gyc28  

We continue the countdown today at number 22 with Florida junior RHP/infielder Austin Maddox. The Jacksonville Florida native attended Eagle’s View Academy where in his four-year high school career, Maddox led the Warriors to a 19-2 playoff record, a pair of state championships and four final fours. He was picked  by the Tampa Bay Rays in the 37th round of the 2009 Major League Baseball Draft with the 1,129th pick but decided to head to Gainesville to play for the Gators. As a freshman, he started 63 games playing four different positions at third base (29), designated hitter (19), first base (14) and catcher (1). He ended up finishing second on the team with a .333 batting average while leading the team  in homers at 17 and RBI with 72. Maddox picked up several honors including being named SEC’s Freshman of the Year, third-team All-American by the NCBWA, Freshman All-America teams by Baseball America, Lou­isville Slugger, NCBWA, second-team All-SEC recognition, and was named to the league’s All-Freshman Team. http://ht.ly/1gAsQf

Lewis Brinson has the tools that scouts look for and the skills to put those tools to use on the field.  In a deep outfield class, he is among those at the top. Brinson has above average bat speed and good power.  He has room to fill out and should add more power as he matures.  Brinson shows good speed with recorded 60 times from 6.51-6.60. Brinson projects as a centerfielder at the next level.  He has plenty of range and a plus arm. On draft day, Brinson is a likely first round selection.  If he slips, he won’t slip far. http://mlbdraftguide.com/