Draft Notes 5-14-12 – Stephen Piscotty, Nolan Sanburn, Jeremy Baltz, Josh Elander, Travis Jankowski

Stamford OF-1B (31-14)  Stephen Piscotty –

6.1-IP, 6-H, 3-R, 1-ER, 3-K, 0-BB, 72-P vs. Washington State

Seasonal – 9-G, 1-ST, 2.49, 21.2-IP, 12-K, 5-BB

This was Piscotty’s first start ever which wasn’t that bad; however, if you’re going to draft him, it’s as an everyday hitter (.344/.431/.516, 186-AB, 5-HR, 50-RBI, 14-K, 24-BB).

Piscotty projects as a utility player, which is exactly what his role was in school. For that reason alone I can’t see him picked until around the 4^th round.

Arkansas (35-17) RHP Nolan Sanburn –

                        1.0-IP, 4-H, 3-R, 1-K, 2-BB, 44-P vs. Auburn

                        Seasonal – 17-G, 4-ST, 3.23, 30.2-IP, 38-K, 17-BB

Sandburn earned his prospect status as a closer, but may be drafted as a starter. He does have three pitches which includes a fastball that hits 98 and a nasty 82-85 slider. 98 gets you a first round pick though I see it in the 22-31 range.

St. John’s (32-18) OF Jeremy Baltz –

                        4-5, 3-R, HR, 1-RBI vs. Louisville

                        Seasonal - .337/.424/.513, 6-HR, 44-RBI, 193-AB, 16-K, 25-BB

Baltz started this season with the 1B tag; however, he has played 2012 as a corner outfielder. We all know how both the Yankees and Mets love a local boy and he should be around after the sup-one round is completed. I’d pass on him, but that’s just me.

TCU (31-16) C/OF Josh Elander –

3-5, 3-R, 2-2B, HR, 4-RBI vs. Air Force… Elander could use around ten more games like this leading up to the draft…

Seasonal - .319/.446/.515, 7-HR, 34-RBI, 163-AB, 32-K, 32-BB

The interesting thing here is he’s already trying to get out from behind the plate. Baseball needs catchers, not ex-ones. Elander will be picked somewhere in the top three rounds simply due to the lack of talent in this draft at that position. He projects out in my book as a career minor leaguer.

Stony Brook (38-11) OF Travis Jankowski –

4-9, 3-R, 2-2B, SB, 1-BB, 3-RBI vs. UMBC… again, we have to insert a caveat here due to the limited competition in this conference…

Seasonal:  .382/.455/.608, 3-HR, 33-RBI, 186-AB, 15-K, 18-BB

I would gladly draft Travis if he was still around in the 5^th round. I don’t like everyday players in small D1 schools. They would have transferred if they dominated the game. Jankowski looks to have a good eye. He does have plus speed and defense, but lacks pop. Where have I heard that lately? Projection: 3^rd round.

Draft 2012 – Adam Climber, Josh Elander, Carlos Correa, Kevin Gausman, Andrew Susac

Adam Climber    RHP  Green Bay—Washington -  Adam went 2-1 and had a great 0.52 era in 34.1 innings of work. He appeared in 18 games, was among the leaders with 9 saves and he fanned 36 batters. He also allowed just 3 walks during the season. PG ranked him as the 20th best prospect in the league.

Josh Elander / TCU /C :  Elander really caught my eye early in the Cape Season and I wasn’t surprised to see him added to the USMNT roster (He actually replaced Zunino). The Texas Christian backstop is athletic with a well-rounded game. He doesn’t possess an ideal catcher’s body with his thick frame but certainly has a chance to stick there. The feeling is that his tools will play at a number of other positions in any case. Elander has a very disciplined approach at the plate and should hit for a high average with a chance for above average power. If he continues to progress behind the plate he could really move up draft boards this spring. http://mlbdraftinsider.com/2012/01/scouting-the-cape/#more-720  

 Carlos Correa — 6’-4”, SS, Puerto Rico Baseball Academy  (PR) - A defensive whiz with a ton of offensive potential, Correa has the frame to be a power-hitting third baseman while maintaining his gold-glove defense.  Has a strong and accurate arm, as well as great range and footwork. At the plate, he makes consistent contact and has an advanced approach at the plate. An exciting player to watch and a kid who will have a ton of scouts watching his every move this upcoming season. http://www.throughthefencebaseball.com/top-50-draft-prospects-for-2012-25-thru-1/15694/

 Kevin Gausman — 6’-4”, RHP, LSU At 6’-4” and 190 lbs, Gausman is a power righty who can get his fastball up to 99 mph. His long, easy delivery gives his fastball late life, running in on hitters. His change-up has late, fading action and should be an above average pitch while his breaking ball is still developing. Had a 3.51 ERA with 86 K/23 BB over 89.2 innings as a freshman for LSU, allowing only five home runs. Another strong sophomore season should cement him into a top-10 pick, possibly top-5. http://www.throughthefencebaseball.com/top-50-draft-prospects-for-2012-25-thru-1/15694/

Best Tool: Andrew Susac's best tool right now is power. According to the Baseball America scouting report he has "plus power and generates the kinds of backspun home runs that keep carrying until they clear the fence." For a team that has been starved of power this is an excellent thing to hear. Needs to work on: He has yet to make his pro debut so it is hard to get a clear read on what he needs to work on but one thing that the scouting reports have warned against is that his approach can be susceptible to breaking balls and that he will need to make adjustments on that as he moves up through the minors. http://www.crazycrabbers.com/2012/01/crazy-crabbers-top-20-prospects-andrew.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

Draft 2012 – Josh Elander, Jake Barrett, Hunter Virant, Avery Romero, Robert Refsnyder

Josh Elander — 6’-0”, C, TCU  Elander is an offensive catcher with great plate discipline. He hit .333 with five home runs, 38 RBI and nine stolen bases over 48 games for TCU in 2011. He also added 28 walks, showing his advanced approach at the plate. Just average defensively, Elander is athletic enough to improve enough behind the dish to stay at his position. A strong 2012 could push him to a late-first-round pick. http://www.throughthefencebaseball.com/top-50-draft-prospects-for-2012-50-thru-26/15621/

Jake Barrett / RHP /Arizona State – Barrett’s repertoire is good enough to start, but the delivery screams reliever, as does the command. His size (6-4, 220) gives him the chance to be a durable innings eater, but a beyond maximum delivery makes this very unlikely. Still, there’s a chance he can be next years John Stilson, hopefully without the injury to end the year. http://mlbdraftinsider.com/2011/12/top-twelve-college-pitchers/

Hunter Virant hasn't been pitching for all that long, but he's shown the potential and projectability to get scouts very excited about his future. Virant has the chance to have four at least Major League average offerings. While his fastball sits in the 87-88 mph range, he'll touch 90 mph and with his projectable frame, there should be more in the tank. There's the typical lefty sink in to left-handed hitters on his two-seamer. His curve is inconsistent right now -- he'll drop his arm angle to make it too slurvy -- but that will improve with time and experience. He doesn't always command his changeup now, but it should be a solid offering in the future. He'll also cut his fastball for a slider-like look. He throws the fastball for strikes and competes well. And he does it all with a very smooth delivery. Those raw ingredients, along with his ideal pitcher's frame and his handling of the big-spotlight events should have many scouts watching his progress this springhttp://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/prospects/watch/y2012/

Avery Romero, 2B/SS, Pedro Menendez (St. Augustine, Fla.)  - Generally speaking, scouts believe Romero has to move off shortstop as a pro, likely sliding to third base where his plus arm and sound fundamentals should play well. His hit tool is his calling card at present and more power should develop as he improves his plate skills. Romero, a potential top 50 selection, is also committed to the University of Florida. He hit .458 last year with five homers, 18 RBIs and 13 stolen bases. 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 28 with Arizona junior outfielder Robert Refsnyder. The Laguna Hills High School alum starred at the school being named First team All-CIF, Pacific Coast League MVP as a senior, and named to the All-PCL First Team as a junior. He currently still holds school records for highest career batting average and highest single season batting average. Refsynder stepped right into the Arizona Wildcats lineup as a freshman in 2010 making 57 appearances including 55 starts while playing defensively at designated hitter, second base, third base, left field and first base. He finished with a .344 average with two homers and 40 RBI while stealing six bases. He was named a 2010 Pac-10 Honorable Mention member for his performance.  http://ht.ly/1grZBu

Draft 2012 – Carson Kelly, Branden Kline, Chris Beck, Corey Seager, Josh Elander

Carson Kelly — 6’-2”, 3B/RHP, Westview HS (OR) - Kelly, the top prep player in Oregon, is an athlete who excels both on the mound and at the plate. He hit .473 with 14 home runs as a junior and is a line-drive hitter with power to all fields. Has very good bat speed and a solid approach at the plate. His strong arm and athleticism should allow him to stick at third base, if he chooses. As a pitcher, his curve, sinker and 93 mph fastball are all quality pitches with the ability to get better with more time and focus on the mound. Was outstanding at the Pan Am Championships for Team USA, going 2-0 1.29 ERA and 12 K/1 BB over 14 innings. http://www.throughthefencebaseball.com/top-50-draft-prospects-for-2012-50-thru-26/15621/

Branden Kline / RHP / Virginia – A plus fastball and breaking ball, Kline would be the first reliever off the board if not for Stroman. He won’t dominate hitters, but a solid set up man with the potential for more if he can add a tick or two on his heater. http://mlbdraftinsider.com/2011/12/top-twelve-college-pitchers/

Chris Beck is a strong right-hander who may not be the first college arm to come off Draft boards, but a strong junior season could have him in the top of the first-round discussion. The Georgia native has the chance to have three pitches that will be Major League average or better. He can run his fastball up to 94 mph, sitting comfortably at 92-93 mph, and he maintains his velocity deep into starts. When he stays on top of his slider, it's a sharp breaking ball with late tilt. His changeup is above-average with late sink and a lot of deception. He can throw all three pitches for strikes and has a very good feel for pitching. For a guy with his size and stuff -- think a Kyle Davies type with more power -- he doesn't always throw like a power arm. His fastball will flatten out at times and his slider isn't always crisp, but if he would pitch off of his fastball more, he could be even better, a frontline starter with three weapons to choose from. http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/prospects/watch/y2012/

http://mlbdraftinsider.com/2011/12/top-twelve-high-school-position-players/#more-602  10. Corey Seager / 2B / NW Carrabus HS (NC): This is another aggressive ranking, but just watch the kid take batting practice and you’ll understand why I’m high on the South Carolina commit. The ball jumps off his bat to all parts of the field, and his bat speed is as good as any infielder in the class. He might have to move to third-base, but there’s plenty of arm strength to play the hot corner.

Josh Elander is a good catching prospect, but he the potential to be a high-riser in the months before the 2012 MLB Draft if he can show more flashes of the ability scouts have seen in him. Elander has shown good bat speed with an ability to spray line drives all over the field, but he has been primarily a singles hitter thus far in his career. Scouts have seen the power potential in Elander, but maybe his swing is too short for him to display it in games. He does have pretty good plate discipline, but he strikes out too much, especially for a player who’s a singles hitter at this point. He is fast for a catcher, able to run a 6.78 in the 60 (4.5 in the 40), and he was a perfect 9 for 9 in stolen bases in 2011. If Elander can ever bring his power out, he’ll be a good offensive prospect. Right now, he’s a decent hitting prospect at best. Defensively, Elander has a very strong arm and he is smooth behind the plate. He has the makings of a good defensive catcher.  http://rayscoloredglasses.com/2011/12/21/taking-an-early-look-at-the-catchers-in-the-2012-mlb-draft-part-1

Draft 2012 – Eric Grabe , Stephen Piscott, Chris Beck, Josh Elander, Kris Hall

Eric Grabe has made alot of stops since high school.  He has played for three colleges and also played in the Coastal Plains League for three straight summers.  One thing that has remained constant is Grabe’s production.  Grabe has hit everywhere he has been.  He has good bat speed and is willing to take a walk.  While in high school, his 60 time was 6.98. Grabe is a versatile defender, which should help him at the next level.  He moves well in the infield and has a good arm.  He can handle either third or second. While his name is not likely to be called early in the draft, Grabe’s play merits being chosen at some point http://mlbdraftguide.com/

Stephen Piscotty — 6’-3”, 3B, Stanford - With his smooth swing and excellent bat speed, Piscotty is one of the purest hitters in the draft, able to spray the ball to all fields. He hit .364 with three home runs and 40 RBI over 57 games as a sophomore in 2011. He then led the Cape Cod League with a .349 average. His lack of power could force a move to left field where his strong and accurate arm could play well. http://www.throughthefencebaseball.com/top-50-draft-prospects-for-2012-50-thru-26/15621/

Chris Beck / RHP / Georgia Southern – If you’re curious why Beck is ranked so low, it’s simple — I haven’t seen him yet, and I have a hard time putting someone in the top three that I haven’t seen with my own eyes (another argument against putting these top twelve up so early, I know). The reports say that the Beck has a low 90′s fastball with a change-up that ranges from above-average to plus and a slider in that same grade range. I’ll  see Beck very early next year, and don’t be surprised if he’s fast riser in the early editions of The Board. http://mlbdraftinsider.com/2011/12/top-twelve-college-pitchers  

A solid prospect coming out of high school, teams knew Josh Elander would be a tough sign, so he slid and went on to TCU as planned. He's emerging as a very interesting backstop option. Strong and athletic, Elander has a lot of strength and will flash excellent bat speed at the plate, though he does try to muscle up at times. He has the power to hit the ball out anywhere, but it's especially apparent to his pull side. He runs well, especially for a catcher, and also can play the outfield. His defense is a work in progress, but he has a solid-average arm and moves fairly well behind the plate. He has very good instincts and is an intense competitor. Elander's overall status might hinge on how he looks behind the plate as 2012 unfolds. His bat and power potential will get him drafted, but if he continues to show improvement behind the plate, he'll move up boards as a potential everyday backstop from the college ranks. http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/prospects/watch/y2012/

Kris Hall, a 2009 graduate of Strongsville High School, is a top college baseball pitching prospect who is now honing his skills year-round in the warm Cleveland weather. Cleveland, Tennessee, that is. After attending Cleveland State University his freshman year, Hall transferred to Lee University where the slightly sunnier climate will allow him to practice throughout the winter. Hall, a 6-foot-3, 220-pound right-handed pitcher, was recently ranked 80th on Baseball America’s national list of top 100 college players eligible for the 2012 draft http://highschoolsports.cleveland.com/news/article/8667157097217668852/strongsville-high-school-graduate-kris-hall-ranked-as-one-of-colleges-top-baseball-prospects

Draft 2012: - Michael Wacha, Nick Whittgren, Josh Elander, Austin Dean

12-2-11: - http://mlbdraftcountdown.wordpress.com/2011/12/02/2012-mlb-mock-draft-updated-top-15-with-final-mlb-standings - 2) Minnesota Twins: Michael Wacha, RHP, Texas A&M  The 2012 draft will mark the first time that the Twins will be picking inside the top 10 since 2001. That was the year that they famously passed over Mark Prior in favor of hometown kid Joe Mauer. I’d say that deal worked out OK for them, although it looks like their most recent deal for him might not. With all the injury concerns surrounding Mauer and without Wilson Ramos, who they dealt to Washington back when Mauer was still healthy, the Twins could really use a catcher, but right now, there isn’t one worthy of a No. 2 overall pick. Taking that into consideration, as well as the Twins lack of depth in starting pitching (see Kyle Gibson), my guess is they’d be happy scooping up Michael Wacha, arguably the No. 2 overall college pitcher. Taking Arizona State shortstop Deven Marrero would have been a no-brainer had they not pulled the trigger on Levi Michael this past draft, a player they feel comfortable can handle shortstop.

12--8-11: - http://ht.ly/1g3OEJ We continue the countdown today at number 47 with Purdue junior RHP Nick Wittgren. The Lafayette, Indiana native attended McCutcheon High School where he won three letters in baseball while picking up three in basketball and four in tennis. As a senior, he hit .395 at the plate while striking out 55 on the mound as he was named the team MVP and leading them to a sectional title.  He spent his freshman season at Parkland College in Champaign, Illinois where he pitched a total 60.2 innings pitched while going 10-0 with one save and 54 strikeouts. Nick transferred to Purdue for his sophomore season where he made 28 relief appearances and one start going 2-3 including 12 saves with an ERA of 3.18 in 51 innings of work. He showed excellent control striking out 55 batters while walking ten and holding opponents to a batting average of .244. He was named Second Team All-Big Ten while also being on the NCBWA Stopper of the Year Midseason Watch List.

12-10-11: - http://ht.ly/1g6dEj  - We continue the countdown today at number 45 with TCU junior catcher/outfielder Josh Elander. The Round Rock, Texas native attended Round Rock High School where he was a four year letter winner. As a senior, he picked up several awards including being named District 16-5A Most Valuable Player as a senior, first-team all-state, first-team all-Central Texas and an Under Armour All-American as a junior and senior. In the 2009 MLB Draft, the Washington Nationals selected him in the 39th round but he didn’t sign going to TCU to continue his education. His freshman season saw him appear in 59 games (51 starts) with 33 starts coming in right field, 17 as the designated hitter and one as the catcher. He finished the season with a .356 batting average with two homers and 33 RBI.

12-9-11: - http://mlbdraftguide.com/1  - Austin Dean is a solid, athletic player with good tools across the board.  He plays at Klein Collins with CJ Hinojosa. Dean is a line drive hitter with good bat speed.  He has a patient approach at the plate and shows good raw power.  His recorded 60 time is 6.74. Dean is a plus defender at first base.  He has also played 3rd base and 2nd base.  While Dean is profiled at first, he has enough arm and athleticism for third base. As a prospect, Dean brings above average tools and skills to the table.  He also impresses with how hard he plays the game.

Draft 2012: - Courtney Hawkins, Andrew Stumph, Josh Elander, Carson Kelly, Ronnie Freeman

9-1-11: - http://xmlbscout.angelfire.com - Courtney Hawkins from Corp Christi Carrol HS, Texas, 6'2 220, R/R, I've seen many times as a Dh and RHP, he's more of an athlete that is best suited to play the OF or potentially 1B in pro ball. Athletic build with strong shoulders and straight away speed, tends to lunge as a hitter which is not easily corrected, when he does square up the ball at the plate he has power and runs well once underway and shows near ML ave arm strength from the OF. He's a 2012, just a follow for me now or late 13-20 round type guy. Very rough around the edges.

10-10-11: - http://www.collegebaseballdaily.com/2011/10/10/top-100-countdown-94-andrew-stumph-texas-state  - We continue the countdown today at number 94 in Texas State junior Andrew Stumph. The 6’0 210 pound catcher out of Katy, Texas had an outstanding prep career at Katy High School. He picked up four letters under Tom McPherson. He was named All-Greater Houston Co-Newcomer of the Year as a freshman in 2006 as he set a school record with 51 RBIs. He also earned three-time all-state honors and all-American honorable mention in 2008 and 2009 while being named 2009 district MVP. As a freshman in 2010, he played in 54 games, starting 46 of those contests mostly at catcher. He finished the season with a .277 batting average (51-for-184), five home runs, five doubles, two triples, 36 RBIs and 24 runs scored. He spent the summer of 2010 with the Texas Tomcats in the Texas Collegiate League. He appeared in 25 games with a .200 batting average while driving in three runs.

10-8-11: - http://mlbdraftguide.com/1/2011/10/09/josh-elander-2012-draft-profile - When Mike Zunino backed out of playing with USA Baseball’s Collegiate National Team this summer, Josh Elander was called upon to take his place.  Elander is a solid batting prospect.  He has shown good plate discipline since arriving at TCU.  While he has hit only 7 home runs in his two college seasons, there is power potential in his bat.  Elander runs well for a catcher, stealing 20 bases in 28 attempts at TCU and running a 6.78 60 in high school. Elander has, at least, average tools defensively.  His recorded pop times in high school were from 1.90-1.96. Overall, Elander is an athletic catcher with good offensive potential.  Projections have his draft position from late first round to the third round.  His showing behind the plate this year will, in large part, determine where he is drafted in June.

10-16-11: - http://www.baseballamerica.com/blog/draft/2011/10/perez-will-head-to-central-arizona-early - Righthander Carson Kelly from Westview High in Portland was 88-91 mph in his first inning on the mound Saturday afternoon, topping out at 92. He mixed in a sharp 75-78 mph curveball and flashed a 79 mph changeup. Despite the impressive repertoire, he got squared up a few times by the Bayside Yankees from New York.

10-15-11: - http://www.collegebaseballdaily.com/2011/10/15/top-100-countdown-89-ronnie-freeman-kennesaw-state  - We continue the countdown today at number 89 with Kennesaw State junior catcher Ronnie Freeman. The Lawrenceville, Georgia native attended Brookwood High School where he was a four year letter winner. He helped the team win the region championship in 07 and to a national ranking of 3rd in 2008. Freeman stepped right into the starting lineup for the Owls appearing in 54 games including 52 starts. He led the team in hitting with a .365 batting average while hitting nine homers and 47 RBI. Ronnie continued his strong collegiate career last season leading the Owls in hitting for a second time. He finished the year with a .392 batting average while hitting ten homers and driving in 51 runs. He spent the summer of 2011 in the NECBL with the Holyoke Blue Sox playing in 45 games between the regular season and postseason. He finished the summer with a .349 batting average, six homers, and 27 RBI. Baseball America rated him as the second best prospect in the NECBL after the season was over. Freeman also served as an altenate on the 2011 USA Collegiate National Team playing in six games hitting .500 in ten at-bats.

Draft 2012: - Josh Elander, Trevor Megill, Joey Rickard, Lewis Brinson, Kyle Funkhouser

Josh Elander:


7-19-11: - http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2011/6/29/2250656/early-look-at-2012#comments  - Josh “Jake” Elander, TCU, 6’2 1/2 210, R/R, have seen this young man since days at the TOS event in Cary. Strong arm and durable body with some pop in his bat and power to LF, runs decent for a catcher, could be a quality catcher or backup at the ML level quickly.


Trevor Megill:


8-12-11: - http://www.prospectwire.com/pw/article.php?id=290  - RHP Trevor Megill (6'7" 230, Huntington Beach, CA) was the one I like most for the long haul and with his body type, stuff (89-92 mph), arm action and easy fluid delivery, I can make a decent comparison to Marlins RHP Josh Johnson. What I also like about Megill is that he has feel for the breaking ball, a 76-77 mph curveball. I think Megill projects about as easily as you can fairly project any young pitcher.


Joey Rickard:


8-14-11: - http://mlbdraftguide.com/1/2011/08/10/the-good-the-disappointing-from-the-cape  - Joey Rickard, OF, Arizona- Rickard was one of my personal favorites coming out of Bishop Gorman in 2009. He was an All-Star at the Cape this summer and put up a line of .311/.382/.392 with 14 steals in 17 attempts.


Lewis Brinson:


8-15-11: - http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2011/8/14/2362719/2011-under-armour-all-america-game-top-10-prospects - 2011 Under Armour All America Game Top 10 Prospects - 4. Lewis Brinson 2012 OF 6'4 180 Tamarac, FL Coral Springs - Brinson has a ton of tools. He is really skinny, but has a big frame and should be able to add some strength. He already has good batting practice power and it should come in games with time. He is raw but he was one of the best players at the game.


Kyle Funkhouser:


7-19-11: - http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2011/6/29/2250656/early-look-at-2012#comments  - Kyle Funkhouser, Oak Forest HS, Ill, 6’3 200, nice build and arm looseness, not a real quick arm, will touch 91 on occ, most are 88-89, has proper rotation on breaking ball, still in development stage, might be one of those midwest kids that evolves once in college.

Dylan Mendoza, Travis Chavez, Josh Elander, Victor Roache, Rob Amaro

Dylan Mendoza


6-20-11: - http://bleacherreport.com/articles/740905-omaha-eye-openers-2012-mlb-draft-prospects-at-the-2011-college-world-series#/articles/740905-omaha-eye-openers-2012-mlb-draft-prospects-at-the-2011-college-world-series/page/7  - LHP Dylan Mendoza lacks the size (5'10", 175 lbs), but he should be given a chance to win a spot in the rotation next year, which should increase his exposure, giving him a chance to earn a spot somewhere in the draft.


Travis Chavez:


6-30-11: - http://www.prospectwire.com/pw/article.php?id=268  - Travis Chavez, INF, 2013, Tucson, AZ - 520 Elite (West Team) - The wiry 5'11/155 pound Chavez had an outstanding tournament at the 2011 West Coast Finals finishing in the top 10 in hitting, top 15 in 60 yard time and chipped in 4 innings of 2 hit baseball on the mound. What Chavez lacks in arm strength he makes up with on the offensive end with a knack for making things happen at the plate.


Josh Elander:


7-9-11: - http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=6002  - Josh Elander, C/OF, TCU - A sturdy athlete with a strong, compact frame, Elander has been a promising prospect before he stepped onto Texas Christian's campus as part of the same class that included Matt Purke. He was the Horned Frogs' second leading hitter each of the past two springs, and has more power potential than his seven career collegiate home runs indicate.


Victor Roache:


7-14-11: - http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/college/summer-scene/summer-stock/2011/2612099.html  - The 2011 college baseball season will be remembered as one dominated by pitching, in large part because of the enormous effect the new metal bats had on offensive numbers nationwide. But don't tell that to Georgia Southern outfielder Victor Roache. In a year when home runs per game dropped from 0.92 to 0.54, Roache defied statistics. The rising junior led Division I with 30 home runs—22 more than he hit in 2010 with the old, more potent bats. It was the nation's biggest power jump.


Rob Amaro:


6-20-11: - http://bleacherreport.com/articles/740905-omaha-eye-openers-2012-mlb-draft-prospects-at-the-2011-college-world-series#/articles/740905-omaha-eye-openers-2012-mlb-draft-prospects-at-the-2011-college-world-series/page/2  - INF/C Rob Amaro got very little time on the field this season, but could next year. He was a 40th-round pick of the Phillies back in 2009, mostly because of his relation to his uncle, Ruben Amaro, the Phillies GM. He could really benefit from seeing some time behind the plate.

Draft 2012 – Eric Grabe , Stephen Piscott, Chris Beck, Josh Elander, Kris Hall

Eric Grabe has made alot of stops since high school.  He has played for three colleges and also played in the Coastal Plains League for three straight summers.  One thing that has remained constant is Grabe’s production.  Grabe has hit everywhere he has been.  He has good bat speed and is willing to take a walk.  While in high school, his 60 time was 6.98. Grabe is a versatile defender, which should help him at the next level.  He moves well in the infield and has a good arm.  He can handle either third or second. While his name is not likely to be called early in the draft, Grabe’s play merits being chosen at some point http://mlbdraftguide.com/

Stephen Piscotty — 6’-3”, 3B, Stanford - With his smooth swing and excellent bat speed, Piscotty is one of the purest hitters in the draft, able to spray the ball to all fields. He hit .364 with three home runs and 40 RBI over 57 games as a sophomore in 2011. He then led the Cape Cod League with a .349 average. His lack of power could force a move to left field where his strong and accurate arm could play well. http://www.throughthefencebaseball.com/top-50-draft-prospects-for-2012-50-thru-26/15621/

Chris Beck / RHP / Georgia Southern – If you’re curious why Beck is ranked so low, it’s simple — I haven’t seen him yet, and I have a hard time putting someone in the top three that I haven’t seen with my own eyes (another argument against putting these top twelve up so early, I know). The reports say that the Beck has a low 90′s fastball with a change-up that ranges from above-average to plus and a slider in that same grade range. I’ll  see Beck very early next year, and don’t be surprised if he’s fast riser in the early editions of The Board. http://mlbdraftinsider.com/2011/12/top-twelve-college-pitchers  

A solid prospect coming out of high school, teams knew Josh Elander would be a tough sign, so he slid and went on to TCU as planned. He's emerging as a very interesting backstop option. Strong and athletic, Elander has a lot of strength and will flash excellent bat speed at the plate, though he does try to muscle up at times. He has the power to hit the ball out anywhere, but it's especially apparent to his pull side. He runs well, especially for a catcher, and also can play the outfield. His defense is a work in progress, but he has a solid-average arm and moves fairly well behind the plate. He has very good instincts and is an intense competitor. Elander's overall status might hinge on how he looks behind the plate as 2012 unfolds. His bat and power potential will get him drafted, but if he continues to show improvement behind the plate, he'll move up boards as a potential everyday backstop from the college ranks. http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/prospects/watch/y2012/

Kris Hall, a 2009 graduate of Strongsville High School, is a top college baseball pitching prospect who is now honing his skills year-round in the warm Cleveland weather. Cleveland, Tennessee, that is. After attending Cleveland State University his freshman year, Hall transferred to Lee University where the slightly sunnier climate will allow him to practice throughout the winter. Hall, a 6-foot-3, 220-pound right-handed pitcher, was recently ranked 80th on Baseball America’s national list of top 100 college players eligible for the 2012 draft http://highschoolsports.cleveland.com/news/article/8667157097217668852/strongsville-high-school-graduate-kris-hall-ranked-as-one-of-colleges-top-baseball-prospects