2013 Draft-Notes - James Ramsey, Michael Roth, Konnor Wade, AR-SC, Kurt Heyer

Cardinals Reach Agreement With James Ramsey 

Michael Roth‏ -   “One. Last. Time.” 

Roth started on three days of rest for the third time in his career. The previous two were the 2010 and 2011 championship clinchers. 

2009 Konnor Wade Scouting Report  -

Konner Wade is a 2010 RHP with a 6'3'', 180 lb. frame from Scottsdale, AZ who attends Chaparral HS. Slender long athletic frame, will add strength, projects. Standard delivery, hides ball well, tends to fall off a bit on release, fast whippy arm action, less fluid from stretch. FB upper 80's with consistent big tailing action, works outside half to RHH'ers. CB has short SL type break, occ sharp with some sweeping action, more power could make into SL, turns over Chg to get sinking action. Athletic mound actions, could become very good defensive 3B, sound hitting approach. Bat projects. Good future on the mound. Good student.

Ariz-USC 2013 Draft Eligibles:

                                    Ariz – LF – Johnny Field – comes in 5-8 in the series… .375 on the season with 43-BB… excellent shot to center in the first, but right at CF Marzilli…

                                    Ariz – SP – James Farris –  3 complete games this year… pounds the zone… gave up only 18-BBs… 88-91-FB in 1^st… came into this game not having pithed for two weeks… lots of first pitch strikes… 29 pitches, 21 for strikes by Farris through three… 42 P, 30 strikes, thru 4… 81-SL…  

 

Kurt Heyer -  Thank you God for blessing me with teammates that know how to win. We did it guys. Thank u!!!!!! #national champs

Draft Notes 5-29-12 – Patrick Biondi, Travis Jankowski, James Ramsey, Ty Buttrey

Patrick Biondi

Patrick Biondi, CF, Michigan, Junior - Patrick Biondi is Michigan’s centerfielder and leadoff hitter.  He is a contact hitter with enough pop to hit some doubles at the next level, but does not project to hit many home runs.  He has good speed and is a good baserunner.  Biondi gets good reads on flyballs in the outfield and covers plenty of ground.

Travis Jankowski

OF, Stony Brook   56 G, .411 AVG, 66 R, 16 2B, 9 3B, 4 HR, 40 RBI, 34 SB .476/.621/1.097 - The way Jankowski has been playing lately, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him go in the top 10 picks. The 6’-3”, 200-pound left-hander has very few holes in his game and should be a quick riser to the major leagues. He is hitting .544 (25-for-46) during his current 10-game hitting streak, and over his last 21, is a ridiculous 46-for-86 (.535) with 33 runs, five doubles, five triples, three home runs, 21 RBI and a slash line of .600/.814/1.414. Oh, and he has stolen 14 bases with just two strikeouts over that span. He gets on base, rarely strikes out and is a big-time threat on the base paths. He also is a very good defensive center fielder with a strong, accurate arm and speed to get to most anything hit his way.

 James Ramsey

Florida State SR OF James Ramsey: you’ll read lots of averages in his reports, which might not excite many, but those are actually a testament to the hard work he has put in since arriving on campus – Ramsey has come as far as any college player that I can remember in recent memory; above-average hit tool; average at best defender; average range; average at best speed; average arm; average power; was always considered a LF only professionally, but his range has improved a great deal in 2012 – can now play a decent enough CF to play there in a pinch; gets good jumps despite not having blazing speed; there were some rumors that he could be tried at 2B professionally, but I’m not sure the team that drafts him will want to mess with his bat that way; he now uses the whole field so much better than when I last saw him (100% pull-heavy) that he looks like a new player; still unsure of his pro ceiling, but I think his bat is good enough to find him a role in some capacity; 6-0, 200 pounds

 Ty Buttrey

Buttrey, an Arkansas commit, has garnered some national attention due to his ability to produce easy velocity from his large, athletic frame. Buttrey's motion features a high leg kick and surprisingly shows little effort as the ball jumps out of his hand. He has made significant strides in velocity recently, and still has room to fill out his frame. The pure arm strength and the frame present a dangerous combination that easily point toward future projection. If all goes according to plan, Buttrey profiles as the classic power arm who throws hard, challenges hitters and dares them to hit the fastball. Buttrey also throws a good curve that isn't particularly consistent, but is nasty when it is on. Shows a good feel for a changeup as well and could profile as having at least three average pitches if all goes well. In the words of one Baseball America game report, "He pitches like his car is parked next to a fire hydrant," and his quick, decisive mound presence is an effective tool for him in controlling the game. The team that takes Buttrey early in June will definitely try him out as a starter, and he has to much potential not to be tried there. If that experiment fails, however, he could easily slide into a bullpen and come out and throw 95-96 for an inning. His command, like almost every high school pitcher in existence, needs some refinement, but Buttrey has some of the highest upside of the prep arms in this class.

Draft 2012: Brett Lilek, James Ramsey, Stephen Sauter, Walker Weickel

Brett Lilek, Marian Catholic (Chicago Heights, Ill.)  Lilek offers a loose armed delivery that helps him get to the low-90s with his fastball. At times he looks the part of a first-rounder, teasing scouts in the process. The Arizona State commit also employs a curveball and change, both of which should eventually benefit from the top-end arm speed. But there are some concerns with the rest of the delivery, specifically his right leg, which lands a bit violently.  http://espn.go.com/blog/high-school/baseball/post/_/id/1086/max-fried-leads-class-of-2012-left-handers

OF James Ramsey  School: Florida State  Cl.: Senior, Ht.: 6-0, Wt.: 190  Hometown.: Alpharetta, Ga.  High school: Wesleyan  Ramsey blossomed into an elite hitter last season and almost ended up signing professional after an impressive summer at the Cape Cod League, ranking No. 48 in terms of prospects in the league. In 2011, Ramsey batted 364 with 18 doubles, 10 home runs and 67 RBIs. http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=6498  

Stephen Sauter is a switch hitting catcher from California.  He has a projectable body with room to fill out and add strength. Sauter is a legitimate switch hitter with an easy swing from both sides of the plate.  He squares up well and projects good power. Sauter has good skills behind the plate.  His pop times range from 1.81 to 2.02 with an accurate arm. http://mlbdraftguide.com/

Walker Weickel, RHP, Olympia, FL  When looking at a high school pitcher, I tend to expect them to lose 2 MPH unless they are thin and look like strengthening will add velocity. Weickel fits this by throwing 96 on occasion. Even if he only touches 96 and often throws 2-4 MPH less than that so that he is more under control, you are still talking about a plus fastball.  At 6'6", 205 LBS, he is a huge kid. He is very athletic and repeats his delivery well. He has long legs and arms and uses his height well in his delivery. He also uses his limbs to cause some deception in his delivery. His breaking ball can get a little loopy and he will have to tighten that up for it to be as effective as it can be but it flashes plus potential. His change is in the same ballpark as his breaking ball. It's inconsistent but shows flashes of a plus pitch.  While Weickel isn't likely to be an Ace, he is more likely to be a #2 or #3 starter depending on how well his secondary pitches develop, he is likely to be a major league caliber pitcher with 3 average or better pitches. He also has a small chance at gaining a few MPH's on his fastball with professional strength training and coaching. That is one reason he is as high as he is. He will likely be taken in the top 15 picks. If he doesn't sign, he is also committed to go to Miami. http://www.minorleagueball.com/2012/2/6/2773435/2012-baseball-draft-high-school-prospects-1-5   

Draft 2012 – Brian Johnson, James Ramsey, Andy Hunter, Deven Marrero, Nolan Fontana

 Brian Johnson — 6’-4”, LHP, Florida  Johnson is the best left handed college pitcher in the draft. Has a low-90s fastball with sink, an above average change-up and his slider projects to a plus pitch at the next level. At 6’-3” and 225 lbs, he has great mound presence and teams usually eat up left handed college pitchers come draft day. Also a tremendous hitter and could be drafted high as an outfielder. In 12 at bats for Collegiate Team USA, he smashed three home runs, drove in five runs and walked three times. He also picked up a win, giving up one run over four innings, striking out four, while walking none. http://www.throughthefencebaseball.com/top-50-draft-prospects-for-2012-25-thru-1/15694/

James Ramsey / Florida State / OF – Ramsey had a strong college season for the Seminoles in 2011 and built on that with an impressive performance on the Cape. He was drafted in the 22nd round by the Twins following his Junior season but decided to return to school as a Senior this year. There is some skepticism over how Ramsey’s game will play in pro ball. He often drops his back-end and takes an aggressive uppercut swing. While this leads to some long home runs (his six home runs tied him for second in the Cape) it also leads to more than a few strikeouts. The tools and athleticism are solid across the board and Ramsey is a max effort guy who plays the game the right way. He was named Cape League All Star Game MVP after hitting a looooong home run over the bullpens in right field. I also saw Ramsey in March, and while I still have questions about his bat I saw improvements in his ability to shorten up his swing and make adjustments. After a very good Cape campaign Ramsey is poised to be one of the more interesting Senior draftees. http://mlbdraftinsider.com/2012/01/scouting-the-cape/#more-720

Andy Hunter  RHP  Green Bay Bullfrogs—Gonzaga -  Andy went 5-2 and was fourth in the league with a 1.97 era this season. He pitched 59.1 innings and appeared in 17 games for the Bullfrogs. He allowed 42 hits, walked just 11 and was among the league leaders with a .195 BAA. PG ranked him as the 25th best prospect in the league this summer. In late November, I named him one of my top performers. http://www.collegesummerbaseball.net/2012/01/top-35-pitchers-in-northwoods-league_20.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

Deven Marrero — 6’-1”, SS, Arizona State Marrero excels on both sides of the field and could be the first shortstop taken in the draft. Was a 17th-round pick by the Reds in 2009 but chose to attend Arizona State. Hit .397 with six home runs, 42 RBIs and 11 stolen bases as a freshman, earning first-team, freshman All-American by collegiate baseball while setting an Arizona State freshman record for batting average. Won Pac-10 Defensive Player of the Year honors as a sophomore as his defense caught up to his offense. Shows a great approach at the plate, as he has only struck out 54 times in 96 games at ASU. Has the ideal size (6’-1”, 190), range and footwork to be a gold-glove caliber shortstop down the road. Brother Chris was a first-round pick in 2009 and made his major-league debut for the Nationals this year. Led Collegiate Team USA with 19 hits, 14 RBI, five doubles and six stolen bases over 14 games during the summer. http://www.throughthefencebaseball.com/top-50-draft-prospects-for-2012-25-thru-1/15694/

A lefthanded hitter, Nolan Fontana excels at small ball, leading the SEC with 52 walks last year and drawing a total of 105 the past two seasons, while striking out just 59 times in his career. He also led the conference in sacrifice flies last season with nine and topped the Gators in total sacrifices (20).  He doesn't have blazing speed, but he is a smart, aggressive baserunner who led Florida with five triples as a sophomore.  In two years and 472 at-bats, Fontana is a .288/.426/.426 hitter with 27 doubles, seven triples, eight homers, 113 runs and 72 RBIs. Fontana said he gained five pounds of muscle over the summer, and O'Sullivan expects a bit more pop out of his shortstop this year. http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/college/season-preview/2012/2612858.html

Draft 2012 – Dario Pizzano, Tanner Rahier, Taylor Dugas, James Ramsey

http://www.collegesummerbaseball.net/2012/01/top-30-position-players-in-necbl.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter  4.  Dario Pizzano   OF   North Shore Navigators—Columbia -  Dario had an outstanding summer while patrolling the outfield this year. He hit .365 and was second in the league with 54 hits. He scored 29 runs, knocked in 27 and was tied for first with 12 doubles. He had a great OPS of 1.001 and the SABR nerd in me loves his RC number of 36.391. BA ranked him as the 9th best prospect while PG has him listed at #26 this summer.

34. Tanner Rahier — 6’-2”, SS, Desert HS (CA)  Rahier attends Palm Desert high school but doesn’t play for the team. Instead, he plays for a spring league that uses wood bats to better prepare him for the majors. He is an extremely hard-working player who has a workout regimen Rocky Balboa would be embarrassed by. His arm has been clocked at 93 mph, and his plus-range at footwork make him a legitimate shortstop at the next level. His short, compact swing generates plus-power, and his bat speed allows him to catch up to any pitch, making him a great contact hitter. Has elite speed as he runs a 6.6/60. Overall, the kid has very few holes to his game, and playing in the ABCL has given him a leg up on his peers. The talent is off the charts, but the drive is what really separates him from the rest. http://www.throughthefencebaseball.com/top-50-draft-prospects-for-2012-50-thru-26/15621/

We continue the countdown today at number 17 with Alabama senior Taylor Dugas, The Lafayette, Louisiana, native attended Teurlings Catholic High School where he was a four year starter for head coach Mike Thibodeaux. In his high school career, he batted .518 (176 for 340) with 19 home runs and 159 RBI. His senior season saw him hit .640 (57 for 86) with 10 home runs, 38 RBI, 55 runs, 17 doubles and four triples while being named a Collegiate Baseball High School All-American, LBCA Player of the Year, first-team All-State by the LBCA, and won the Rebel of the Year Award at TCHS. He decided to head out of state to play for the Alabama Crimson Tide. His freshman campaign saw him appear in 56 games (54 starts) as he hit .352 (83-for-236) with two home runs and 27 RBI in 56 games, He was able to lead the Crimson Tide in hits (83), multi-hit games (25) and doubles (20). He was honored at the end up the season by being named a Freshman All-American by the Collegiate Baseball Newspaper and the National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association. http://ht.ly/1gG4ic

We continue the countdown today at number 16 with Florida State senior outfielder James Ramsey. The Alpharetta, GA native attended Wesleyan High School where he was a four year starter. He earned All-Gwinnett County and All-Region 6-AA honors in 2007 and 2008. In 2007, he led all Gwinnett County hitters with a .468 batting average and .883 slugging percentage, guiding Wesleyan High School to the 6-AA championship. As a freshman in 2009, he appeared in 45 games making nine starts with seven starts in left field and two more as the DH. He finished the year hitting .296 with three doubles, two home runs, 19 runs scored and 14 RBI in 68 at bats. http://ht.ly/1gHl6Q

Draft 2012 – Cody Poteet, Walker Weickel, Barrett Barnes, Daniel Alrich, James Ramsey

Cody Poteet — 6’-1”, RHP, Christian HS (CA)  Poteet is seen as undersized by some scouts, but his arm strength leaves little concern. He can crank his fastball up to 96 mph, and his hard mid-70s curve is one of the best in the country. His change-up is still developing but is very deceptive at times and projects to an above-average offering. He has an easy delivery and is very aggressive on the mound, attacking hitters with superb command. He keeps the ball down, showing good signs of a  ground-ball pitcher. Has been a member of Team USA since he was 14. http://www.throughthefencebaseball.com/top-50-draft-prospects-for-2012-50-thru-26/15621/

Walker Weickel, RHP, Olympia (Orlando, Fla.)  - At 6-foot-6, Weickel is a projectable arm who has shown a consistent low-90s fastball with good downhill plane. He's displayed depth with a slow curveball and a change that lacks sink but brings deception due to his arm speed. Weickel, a Miami commit, has first-round abilities and shouldn't stay on the board long come June. 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 19 with Texas Tech junior outfielder Barrett Barnes. He is a 2009 graduate of Class 5A Fort Bend High School in Austin, Texas where earned varsity letters in baseball and was coached by Randy Ursery and Kenneth Sharp. He was named First-Team All-District for his senior season. Barnes made an immediate impact in the Red Raiders lineup starting all 57 games last season. He ended up leading the team with a .341 batting average while hitting 14 homers and driving in 53 runs. He also chipped in with 12 stolen bases in 15 attempts. He was named the Big 12 Conference Freshman of the Year and a member of the All-Big 12 Second Team. He was also named to multiple Freshman All-American teams including Baseball America First Team, Louisville Slugger, and Pro-Line Athletic/NCBWA. http://ht.ly/1gDyfS

We continue the countdown today at number 18 with redshirt sophomore outfielder Daniel Aldrich from the College of Charleston. He went to Wando High School in Mt. Pleasant, South Carolina where he player for coach Jeff Blankenship. As a senior, he hit.461 with 43 RBI while leading the state with 13 homers. He was a two-time All-State selection.  In 2010, he participated in six games with one start hitting .167 and two RBI before shutting it down. He received a medical redshirt for the season. http://ht.ly/1gEQYg  In 2011, he returned for his redshirt freshman season where he tore up the Southern Conference hitting .347 with 22 homers and 77 RBI. He picked up several national awards including being named NCBWA Freshman Player of the Year, Collegiate Baseball National Freshman of the Year, SoCon Freshman of the Year while being selected as Louisville Slugger All-American, NCBWA All-American and ABCA/Rawlings All-American.

After batting .364/.444/.593 as a junior in 2011, James Ramsey was selected by the Twins in the 22nd round of the draft.  Ramsey then had an All-Star season at the Cape. Ramsey makes consistent contact despite a swing that is a bit long.  Ramsey led the ACC in total bases in 2011.  Other than his bat, Ramsey’s tools are average.  He profiles as a leftfielder at the next level. Ramsey does possess all of the intangibles.  He is an very hard worker and goes all out on the field.  Ramsey is also a great student. If Ramsey turns in another good season as a senior, his draft stock should rise, but it is limited due to his lack of outstanding tools. http://mlbdraftguide.com/1/2012/01/10/james-ramsey-2012-draft-profile/

Draft 2012: - Steven Dressler, James Ramsey, Joey Gallo, Skye Bolt, Adam Nelubowich

10-28-11: - http://orioles-nation.com/2011/10/26/wwba-2012-highlights - Steven Dressler (Burlington ON) -  Mechanically, he is loose, inline, and sound without issues that trigger command or injury concerns.  He rode it up to 90 mph, but mainly sat 87-88 mph.  I think with some solid instruction he could flash three pitch potential.  His curve needs to tighten up, but flashed some depth.  I see a foundation for the change up, but he will have to work out the kinks as he matures.  He looks the part of a mid to back rotation starter.

11-2-11: - http://www.collegesummerbaseball.net/2011/11/top-35-position-players-in-cape-cod.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter  - Top 35 Position Players in the Cape Cod League 8.   James Ramsey   OF   YD---Florida State   James was one of the best power hitters in the league this summer. He hit .313 in 112 at-bats. The FSU senior also hit 6 homers and drove in 17 runners. In the All-Star Game, he went 1 for 3, with a home run. Baseball America ranked him as the 26th best prospect in the league, while Perfect Game ranked James as the 48th best in the league.

11-4-11: - http://www.throughthefencebaseball.com/chicago-cubs-2012-free-agent-and-draft-pick-possibilities/13157/#  -  3B/RHP Joey Gallo, 6’-5″, 205 lbs, Bishop Gorman HS (NV) — Gallo hit 25 home runs last season at Bishop Gorman, showing the awesome power he generates from his big frame. He can also sling it 96 mph on the mound, which is good because the Cubs need both of those abilities. Maybe the left-hander can play third base until the ninth inning, then come in and save the game on the mound. Whichever path he chooses, it would be a winning situation for the Cubs.

11-5-11: - http://mlbdraftguide.com/1 -  - Player: Skye Bolt  Position: OF School: Holy Innocents (GA) Date of Birth: 1/15/1994 Height/Weight: 6’2/175 Bats/Throws: S/R Class Of: 2012 Committed To: North Carolina Scouting Report: One of the top prospects from Georgia, Skye Bolt is an outfielder who projects well at the next level. Bolt is a switch hitter with a short quick swing from both sides of the plate. He has good bat speed and squares up the ball consistently. Bolt should add more power as he matures. His 60 times range from 6.61 to 6.90. Bolt plays well in the outfield. He has a true plus arm.

11-8-11: - http://www.collegesummerbaseball.net/2011/11/top-25-position-players-in-west-coast.html  - Top 25 Position Players In the West Coast League  4.   Adam Nelubowich   1B/3B   Wenatchee---Washington State  Adam, a Seattle Mariners 2009 draft pick was the best power hitter in the league. He hit .304 and led the league with 8 home runs in just over 200 at-bats. He also led the league in both runs and rbi's, with 35/36 respectively. BA ranked him as the #7 best prospect in the league while PG has him ranked as the 11th best in the league. I also named him to my Top Performers list.

Draft 2012: - Dan Gulbransen, Michael Wacha, James Ramsey, Max Fried

7-19-11: - http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2011/6/29/2250656/early-look-at-2012#comments  - Dan Gulbransen, Jacksonville, 5’11 200, L/L, short compact swing as hitter with HR power to RF alley, can go the other way for extra base hits, throws adequate to be solid LF corner guy or 4th utility OF, runs well enough but not a threat to steal many bases, good base running ability however.

9-8-11: - http://www.gacksports.com/65590/2012-mlb-mock-draft-update  - 6. Chicago Cubs Michael Wacha Pitcher Texas A&M Wacha is 6 foot 6 220 pounds. The Cubs have 6 pitching prospects ranked in the top ten of their farm system. Hayden Simpson has struggled and none of the pitching prospects have made significant progress in AAA to the point where their close to playing in the MLB. The Cubs may have 5 farm prospects top 10 prospects at pitcher ready to arrive in the Pro’s in 2012. The Cubs have to add Wacha to their farm system. None of their farm prospects have managed to stand out in development and pitching is a serious issue in Chicago with the teams ERA.

9-12-11: - http://www.collegesummerbaseball.net/2011/09/top-20-position-players-in-florida.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter  - In the six-team Florida Collegiate Summer League this summer, the Sanford River Rats downed the Winter Park Diamond Dawgs to earn them the title of FCSL Champions. Individually, there were at least 25 position players that turned in great seasons. Unfortunately, I had to narrow the list down to the top 20. - 5. James Ramsey OF Sanford--South Florida - James was drafted by the Yankees in 2010. He hit .326 in 92 at-bats this summer. He scored 13 runs, drove in 11 and hit one home run this summer. He was selected to play in the All-Star Game and he hit one double in said game. During the playoffs, James led all hitters with 8 runs batted in.

7-19-11: - http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2011/6/29/2250656/early-look-at-2012#comments  - Max Fried, Montclair Prep HS, Encino CA, 6’3 170, string bean with loose arm from 3/4 slot, up to 90 most fb were 88-89 with late life and decent control and cb is more of a slider, side ways break that gets loopy on occ when he slows down his delivery. Definite watch for improvement in 2012.