Foster Griffin, Chase Vallot,, Jacob Gatewood, Tyler Beede, Sean Reid-Foley

5-12-14  -  Foster Griffin, LHP, The First Academy (FL) - Foster is a 6’-5” southpaw with a three-pitch mix who can dial his fastball up to 95 mph. He adds a change-up and slider, both projecting to above-average offerings. He is polished on the mound and has good command of his stuff. Over 60 innings, he has 102 K/21 BB, allowing 13 runs on 32 hits. He should go in the top-40 picks. Committed to Ole Miss. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-high-school-players-rise-final-edition/42853#cZ17mE5vsjiSvU18.99

5-18-14 - Chase Vallot - C - Vallot finished his season hitting .550/.656/1.107 with 14 doubles, 13 home runs and 62 RBI over 36 games, leading his team to a state championship. With some of the best raw power in his class, he puts on shows in the batting cages and has won his share of home run derbys. The power also shows up in games, however, as you can see from the stat line. The 6’-0”, 205 pound right-hander has a plus arm, but scouts are split on his ability to remain behind the plate. Either way, his bat is his calling card and he is a tireless worker. He should be gone on day one and he is committed to Mississippi State.
t http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-five-high-school-players/42931#BrqM3BlCZROcRBlE.99

3-14-14 – Prospect Insider - Clovis High (CA) Shortstop Jacob Gatewood made headlines last week after launching a home run that was measured to have traveled just under 500 feet. Gatewood has long been known for that prestigious power, but his hit tool is still a pretty big question mark for him. He will have to improve his pitch-recognition skills if he wants to utilize that power. Scouts will be watching him closely this spring, and Gatewood will have two opportunities to showcase his skills this weekend, as his team will play on both Friday and Saturday. http://prospectinsider.com/category/2014-mlb-draft

3-16-14 – Cubs Den – Some feel that perhaps Tyler Beede has passed up Rodon as the best pitcher this season.  As we expected, he has improved his command this season and has gone 4-1 with a 0.84 ERA.  In 32.1 innings he has struck out 40 batters, but perhaps more importantly, has walked just 6. Beede was recently locked up in an excellent pitcher's matchup with LSU's Aaron Nola, who statistically has been the best player in this draft.  Beede went 7.1 IP without giving up an earned run (one unearned), walking just one and striking out 7.  Nola matched and perhaps even surpassed that performance with 12Ks and just 2 walks in 6.2 innings.  Both pitchers got a no decision. http://www.chicagonow.com/cubs-den/2014/03/mlb-draft-update-arms-ahead-of-bats-early-on-but-questions-remain-at-the-top/

3-17-14 – TTF – 10 High School Players On The Rise – Sean Reid-Foley, RHP, Sandalwood HS (FL) - Another start, another gem for Reid-Foley. The 6’-4” right-hander struck out 13 over six innings on March 14, allowing two runs on just one hit in a tough loss. He now has 50 K/5 BB over 22 innings, allowing just two runs on three hits. He features a four-pitch mix headlined by a fastball that touches 94 mph and a hammer, upper-70s curve that is one of the best in his class. His slider shows plus potential and his change-up is developing nicely. A ton of upside due to his size, easy delivery and four pitches. Committed to Florida State. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-10-high-school-players-rise-second-edition/41810#OfV5L7GbWgi2Xqtf.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 – Kodi Medeiros, Isiah Gilliam, Luke Weaver, Joey Pankake, Travis Jones

2-6-14 - Looks like pitching leads the way in the Four Corners region with Kodi Medeiros taking the top spot. (Check out his Day in the Life here and see how he spends the time in Hawaii.) He is a 6-foot-1, 190 pound lefty out of Waiakea (Hilo, Hawaii) and is headed to Pepperdine. At the Area Code Games, playing for the Reds, in August he was in the low 90′s and by the time he got to the Perfect Game All-American Classic later that week he touched 95.  - See more at: http://www.studentsports.com/baseball/2014/02/06/kodi-medeiros-leads-top-players-corners-hawaii/#sthash.qpfyJAOu.dpuf 

3-25-14 - Parkview (GA) High School junior Isiah Gilliam has been declared eligible for the 2014 MLB Draft according to several sources inside of MLB organizations. He started his high school career at Shiloh high school before transferring to a christian school and currently at Parkview. He received his GED this past December. He was determined to be eligible since it is now four years after entering high school as a freshman. Gilliam is expected to be a first round pick of the upcoming draft and this will be a developing story over the next couple of days.  http://www.collegebaseballdaily.com/2014/03/21/high-school-junior-isiah-gilliam-declared-eligible-for-2014-mlb-draft/ 

2-5-14 - Luke Weaver, RHP, Florida State - Like Nola, Weaver relies more on his ability to paint the corners and mix up his pitches rather than overpowering you. A groundball pitcher, his fastball can touch 96 mph and he uses a sinking change-up with great deception to baffle hitters. His slider is just average and a big progression in his breaking stuff would be needed for him to go this high. Over 15 starts, he had a 2.29 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 119 K/19 BB over 98.1 innings. His 10.9 K/9 and 6.3 K/BB ratios show the kind of command and stuff he has. Also like Nola, at 6’-2” and 170 pounds, his size can be a concern. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-dark-horse-candidates-chicago-cubs-first-pick/41075#UeYBipV5rOuYd7xE.99

1-3-14 – TTF Baseball - 43. Chicago White Sox — Joey Pankake, SS, South Carolina - Reports are Pankake is going to be playing all over the field this year. He will be the team’s closer, play some outfield and move around the infield — all in hopes of raising his draft stock. 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 and drew 29 walks to just 29 strikeouts. Even if he can’t stick at short, he should be bale to handle second base. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-2/40753#ppGUqI6CbWFvzsPf.99

11-21-13 – BA Top 100 High School Players - 82 Travis Jones OF R/R 6-3 205 Atascocita HS, Humble, Texas Texas http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/2014-high-school-top-100-with-commitments/

Draft 14 – Nick Gordon, Alex Jackson, Sam Coonrod, Joey Pankake, JustinTwine

11-11-13 – PG HS Rankings – 2  -   Nicholas Gordon SS RHP 6-2 170 L R Olympia Windermere FL  Florida State FTB Chandler Team  -  Good athlete, really projects both ways, outstanding defensive SS stood out at WWBA, BCS and PG Nat., great bloodlines, up to 94 @ PG World, Very good at PG All American Game  http://www.perfectgame.org/Rankings/Players/Default.aspx?gyear=2014&num=500


11-6-13 – Todd Gold – WWBA World Championship – Alex Jackson (2014 C/OF Cardinals Scout Team/FTB Chandler, 2014 SS), Jacob Gatewood (Toronto Blue Jays Scout Team) - Jackson and Gatewood are the type of alluring high ceiling prospects that cause some scouts to dream on their upside, and others to dwell on their present flaws. Their big reward potential comes with big risk, but both are the type of draft day gambles that can change the fortunes of a franchise. If either reaches their ceiling, they have a chance to become cornerstone players for whichever organization selects them. Despite being below average straight away runners, both are good athletes. Gatewood has good present defensive actions at shortstop and an above average arm, Jackson's plus-plus present arm is a weapon behind the plate and is also well suited for right field. The raw power for both players is tremendous and if all goes right they each have a chance to hit 30-plus home runs a year while manning premium defensive positions. Both strike out a lot even at this level and make infrequent contact, causing a lot of scouts to hesitate despite their gamechanging ceiling. These are the types of prospects that put a lot of pressure on scouting directors holding picks between fifth and fifteenth overall. They will be fun players to follow not only leading up to draft day, but throughout their development as professionals. Work ethic and desire to learn and improve will go a long way to determining whether these two will fail to overcome the challenges of pro ball, or go on to achieve superstardom and leave their mark in the Major Leagues. http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=9157


11-4-13 – MLB Draft Insider - Top 14 for ’14: College Pitchers - 14. Sam Coonrod / RHP / Southern Illinois – Coonrod has touched 98 with his fastball and has shown an average breaking ball, though most I’ve talked to believe he’s a reliever at the next level unless his command improves considerably. http://mlbdraftinsider.com/2013/11/top-14-for-14-college-pitchers/


10-15-13 – Baseball America - 48. Joey Pankake, ss/3b/rhp, South Carolina: Powerfully built infielder controls the strike zone and has plus raw power to fit the profile at third base. 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 – 85.Justin Twine – SS, Hemphill (TX) 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 - Joey Pankake, Michael Cederoth, Grant Hockin, Touki Touissant, Carlos Rodon

6-10-13 -  Joey Pankake, SS, Souh Carolina - Pankake has good bat speed with plenty of pop in his bat.  His shows a strong arm in the field.  With a strong arm and nice hands, Pankake has a shot to remain at short.  If not, his bat willl play at third. LINK

6-11-13 - 8. Michael Cederoth, RHP, San Diego State: The 6-foot-6 right-hander's numbers this year weren't outstanding, thanks largely to some command issues, but he did strike out 109 in 95 1/3 innings and sported an upper-90s fastball at times. LINK

6-13-13  -  22. Baltimore Orioles — Grant Hockin, RHP, Damien HS (CA) - Hockin is an athletic 6’-4” right-hander whose fastball has touched 95 mph with late life. He also adds two solid secondary offerings in a curveball and change-up and he locates his pitches well. He repeats his delivery well and still has some projection left. He is the grandson of Hall of Famer Harmon Killebrew. LINK

6-17-13  -  Touki Toussaint, RHP, Coral Springs (Fla.) Christian Academy - Toussaint (6-foot-2, 190), who won gold with the U16 national team, stands out as a prep arm in what Simpson said is a draft class whose strength is college pitchers. "His fastball is 96-97 and he has the makings of an above-average curve," Simpson said. "He's the best high school arm at this point." LINK

6-18-13  -  Jordan Sams ‏@astrosjordan  - Carlos Rodon is going be so good. I can't believe he's coming out the year the Astros won't have 1-1.

Draft 14 - An Early Look At - SS - Joey Pankake

1.       Joey Pankake

 

6-9-13 -  29. Joey Pankake, SS (South Carolina): Quietly may settle in as the 2nd best college shortstop available. Has some interesting potential at the plate, even though he’s a bit raw as a hitter. http://www.minorleaguerundown.com/2013/06/09/2014-mlb-draft-top-30-prospects/

 

6-10-13 -  Joey Pankake, SS, Souh Carolina - Pankake has good bat speed with plenty of pop in his bat.  His shows a strong arm in the field.  With a strong arm and nice hands, Pankake has a shot to remain at short.  If not, his bat willl play at third. http://bigleaguefutures.net/1/2013/06/10/2014-mlb-draft-early-college-names-to-know/

 

6-13-13  -  24. Oakland Athletics — Joey Pankake, SS, South Carolina - He should get drafted in the first round on his name alone. With a real chance to stick at shortstop, the 6’-1”, 200 pound right-hander has also come a long way with the bat. He has an advanced approach at the plate, great bat speed and has shown good power this season. Over 60 games, he is hitting .314 with 11 home runs, 40 RBI and has drawn 28 walks to 28 strikeouts for a .390 OBP/.502 SLG. Shortstops who can get on base and hit for power are high on everyone’s wish list. And think of the jersey sales. http://beforeitsnews.com/sports/2013/06/2014-mlb-mock-draft-1-0-no-time-like-the-present-2513748.html?currentSplittedPage=2