Isiah Gilliam, Sean Newcomb, Justin Smith, Ben Smith, Alex Destino, Aaron Mizell

5-11-14 - Isiah Gilliam, OF/1B, Parkview HS (GA) - Mac Marshall gets most of the attention from scouts when they visit Parkview games, but Gilliam grabs your attention on sight alone. At 6’-3” and 220 pounds, he is a man already and the junior has been ruled eligible for the 2014 MLB draft as he will have four years of high school under his belt by year’s end. A switch-hitter, he can rake equally from both sides of the plate but has a bit more power from the right side. He has good bat speed and can take bad pitches out to all fields with his power. He has a strong arm (93 mph from outfield) but most likely will end up at first base where he shows above-average defensive skills. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-high-school-players-rise-final-edition/42853#cZ17mE5vsjiSvU18.99

3-16-14 – Cubs Den – Perhaps the best LHP in the draft is Hartford's Sean Newcomb, who is hitting 96 mph and has yet to give up an earned run (one run overall) in 24.2 innings.  Like Hoffman, however, he needs to throw more strikes to ensure going high in the draft.  He has walked 12 batters while striking out 31. http://www.chicagonow.com/cubs-den/2014/03/mlb-draft-update-arms-ahead-of-bats-early-on-but-questions-remain-at-the-top/

3-26-14 – TTF – 10 high school players on the rise — third edition – Justin Smith, OF, Bartram Trail HS (FL) - The 6’-2”, 200 pound right-hander is starting to show why he is considered a five-tool prospect. Over his last four games, he has gone 7-for-12 with a double, home run, five walks and three stolen bases. For the season, he is now hitting .372/.571/.465 with 20 walks and nine stolen bases over 16 games. His strong arm (92 mph from outfield) and speed (6.6/60) will allow him a chance to stick at center field. He is still considered raw in some areas, but his excellent bat speed, along with his frame, make for a huge upside. Committed to Miami. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-10-high-school-players-rise-third-edition/42098#CmrUPUJfBWKiV2MO.99

3-20-14 – Ben Smith, LHP, Coastal Carolina - Smith is one of those pitchers that isn’t a power arm, but he has the uncanny ability to make bats miss with his stuff. His 12.5 K/9 ranks fourth in the nation and is higher than guys like Carlos Rodon, Jeff Hoffman and Sean Newcomb. At 6’-2” and 200 pounds, his fastball sits 88-91 mph and he adds a potential plus change-up to go with a solid curveball in the upper-70s that he locates well. With his low effort and clean delivery, there is still room for added velocity as he matures. He impressed at the Cape Cod League over the summer, striking out 44 over 36 innings to rank among the leaders. The one knock on him is his command as he has issued 22 free passes over those 26.2 innings. If the Cubs brass believe they can iron out that issue, he could be a steal in the second round. http://www.chicagonow.com/cubs-den/2014/03/mlb-draft-a-look-at-5-college-arms-for-the-2nd-round/

3-17-14 – TTF – 10 High School Players On The Rise – Alex Destino, OF/LHP, North Buncombe HS (NC) - At 6’-3” and 220 pounds, the left-hander is one of the top two-way talents available in the 2014 MLB draft. On the mound, he has good arm speed and can touch 92 mph with his fastball. He adds a mid-70s slider and low-80s change-up, and he has a lot of projection due to his size and arm speed. At the plate, he has a ton of power and could have more upside as an offensive player. Over five games this season, he is 10-for-20 with three doubles and four home runs already. On the mound, he has 26 K/7 BB over 16 innings. Committed to South Carolina. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-10-high-school-players-rise-second-edition/41810#OfV5L7GbWgi2Xqtf.99

Aaron Mizell, OF, Georgia Southern (NR) - Like James, Mizell is a huge surprise this year. Tied for the national lead in home runs with nine, the 6’-1” left-hander has been posting video-game numbers this season. Over 19 games, he is hitting .392/.432/.823 with five doubles, nine home runs and 28 RBI. A JUCO transfer out of Gordon State College, where he hit .348/.449/.572 over 54 games last year, Mizell generates a ton of power from his quick wrists and also shows a solid approach at the plate. Definitely one to keep an eye on for the rest of the year. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-10-college-players-rise-week-5/41905#JeRjl1lAwHFUPJlv.99

Draft 14 – Michael Cederoth, Michael Gettys, A.J. Reed, , Justin Smith, J.J. Schwarz

2-21-14 – Project Insider -  San Diego State ace Michael Cederoth struggled last weekend — 3 2/3 IP, 3 H, 3 ER, 4 BB, 6 SO — and needed a relief appearance mid-week to get in his work. He walked a batter in that inning, too. He’s no Stephen Strasburg, but he’s better than that. Or at least he’ll need to be to avoid falling off the map. One additional Aztecs note: freshman catcher CJ Saylor started mid-week versus Loyola Marymount and went 2-for-4 with two extra-base hits. Remember the name, he’ll be a legit prospect in 2016. http://prospectinsider.com/draft-prospect-watch-hoffman-vs-fisher

3-25-14 – MLB Draft Insider Mock – 22   Michael Gettys OF          Gainesville HS (Ga.)        -  There’s no denying Gettys’ athletic ability, and he has one of the strongest throwing arms in the entire class and some power potential; but that doesn’t mean much if Gettys’ can’t hit, which is still very much in doubt. http://mlbdraftinsider.com/2014/03/the-board-2014-volume-ii/   

2-23-14 - A.J. Reed - Has “it”. On the mound, he’s a back of the rotation starter or middle reliever with three pitches. Fringy fastball, average breaking ball and good change. Fastball could tick up with strength and conditioning. At the plate, he has some swing and miss but also induces the HSE. The HSE or Holy Shit Effect is brought on occasionally by players that unleash tools or accomplishes something that one would not expect them to possess. When he lauches a ball 420′ to RCF in a game when he doesn’t hit them that far in BP, you say holy shit. Love this guy. He’s a ball player. http://mlbdraftprospects.com/aj-reed/

1-3-14 – TTF Baseball - 66. Oakland Athletics — Justin Smith, OF, Bartram Trails HS (FL) - The 6’-2”, 200 pound right-hander has all five tools, including a canon arm in the outfield (92 mph) and plus speed (6.6/60). He is still considered raw in some areas, but his excellent bat speed, along with his frame, make for a huge upside. He stood out at the East Coast pro tournament making several strong plays in the outfield and driving the ball to all fields. Many are expecting a huge senior season. Committed to Miami. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-2/40753#ppGUqI6CbWFvzsPf.99

2-11-14 – PG/Florida HS Dream Team – C – J.J. Schwarz, Sr. Palm Beach Gardens - Finding a catcher who projects to stay behind the plate at the next level isn’t always an easy task, never mind a defensive catcher that shows big potential at the plate. That’s exactly what you’ll find in Schwarz, who shows solid catch-and-throw ability behind the plate with a quick release and a strong, accurate arm to second base in game action. At the plate, the 6-foot-2 Schwarz uses his long limbs to create leverage in his easy and loose swing, repeatedly driving the ball to deep left field. He shows good bat speed and the ball seems to jump of his barrel and finds a second gear once in flight. http://perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=9372  

Draft 14 – Jeff Hoffman, Michael Chavis, Max Pentacost, Justin Smith, Kel Johnson

2-23-14 - Anyway, I want RHP Jeff Hoffman from East Carolina. He’s my current perfect world pick. Mid-90s heat, serious FB movement, above-average FB command, knockout CB that he spots wherever and whenever, circle-CU that tumbles like a split, lots of projection left in his frame (6-4, 185 pounds), solid or better results his first two college years, breakout summer on the Cape…yeah, he’s my guy. Instantly the top prospect in the system when he signs and should be a quick riser through the system. http://baseballdraftreport.com/2014/02/20/rodon-hoffman-and-2014-mlb-draft-college-pitching/

3-25-14 – MLB Draft Insider Mock –  19  Michael Chavis  3B           Sprayberry HS (Ga.)        Sprayberry HS (Ga.)  -  Chavis has seen his stock shoot up with a strong spring, showing plus power and it looks like he’s going to be able to stick at third-base as well. What you see is what you get from him, however. http://mlbdraftinsider.com/2014/03/the-board-2014-volume-ii/

2-19 – TTF - 10 college players on the rise - Max Pentecost, C, Kennesaw State (13) The MVP of the Cape Cod League after hitting .346 over 35 games, Pentecost has been one of  the most talked about 2014 MLB draft prospects for awhile. Over his first three games, he has gone 8-for-13 with three doubles, two walks and no strikeouts. His offensive potential alone makes him a projected first-round pick. His ability to remain at catcher, along with developing power, could land him in the upper half of the first round. 

http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-10-college-players-rise/41224#Brkvtc4VfkP16udZ.99

 2-11-14 – PG/Florida HS Dream Team – OF – Justin Smith, Sr. Bartram Trail - Another University of Miami commit, Smith has shown all five tools throughout the past couple of years. At 6-foot-2, 210-pounds, Smith is a strong, athletic outfielder with the tools to match the frame. He has plenty of arm strength to stay in right field and has showed the ability to make the big throw in game settings. He flashes big power with the bat as well and runs a 6.67 60-yard dash. http://perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=9372  

1-3-14 – TTF Baseball - 56. New York Yankees — Kel Johnson, OF, (Home School) (GA) - A 6’-4”, 210 pound right-hander who has been a fixture on Perfect Game tournaments, Johnson is home schooled by his parents and plays for the East Cobb Braves — one of the premiere youth baseball operations in the country. Power would be his best tool right now as he generates a ton of it with his strong wrists and bat speed. A player who you come to watch hit batting practice. Finished second to Gatewood in the home run derby at Citi Field, hitting 11 in total. Committed to Georgia Tech. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-2/40753#ppGUqI6CbWFvzsPf.99

Draft 14 – Matt Imhof, Braxton Davidson, Benito Santiago, Alex Verdugo, Justin Smith

2-19 – TTF - 10 college players on the rise - Matt Imhof, LHP, Cal Poly (51) - A guy I was hoping the Chicago Cubs could potentially target with their second-round pick, the 6’-5”, 220 pound southpaw may not last past the first round if he pitches the way he did against 18th ranked Kansas State on Friday. Over seven shutout innings, he allowed just two hits while striking out a career high 14 to three walks. His fastball sits in the 89-92 mph range and can touch 94 due to his smooth, effortless delivery. He adds solid secondary stuff and knows how to mix his pitches well. Imhof will be just 20 years old come draft day, making him one of the youngest collegiate players available. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-10-college-players-rise/41224#Brkvtc4VfkP16udZ.99

3-25-14 – MLB Draft Insider Mock –  18  Braxton Davidson    OF/1B            TC Roberson HS (N.C.)  -  Davidson was outstanding over the summer, and less so over the fall. How he preforms this spring — particularly at the NHSI this next week — will be very big for him and his stock. http://mlbdraftinsider.com/2014/03/the-board-2014-volume-ii/ 

2-23-14 - Coral Springs Christian Academy catcher Benito Santiago wakes up every day and tells his mother, Carmen Miranda, that he loves her. His father and namesake — the former big-league catcher — hasn’t been involved in his life in years, but that hasn’t stopped Santiago from becoming a top prospect. Santiago, a 5-10, 175-pound senior, has a scholarship to the University of Tennessee, and CSCA coach Matt Cleveland said scouts have told him his catcher should get selected in the first eight rounds in June’s MLB Draft. http://www.miamiherald.com/2014/02/21/3949941/coral-springs-christian-academy.html#storylink=cpy

1-3-14 – TTF Baseball - 42. Miami Marlins — Alex Verdugo, LHP/OF, Sahuaro HS (AZ) - One of the better two-way talents available in the 2014 MLB draft, the 6’-1” left-hander has a tough decision on his hands as he excels as both a hitter and pitcher. He can touch 93 mph with his fastball and also adds solid secondaries with a mid-70s curveball and an upper-70s change-up. He has great bat speed and shows raw power. Over 93 at-bats as a junior, he hit .484 with seven home runs, stole 24 bases and drew 25 walks to just three strikeouts. On the mound, he struck out 130 over 65 innings. Committed to Arizona State. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-2/40753#ppGUqI6CbWFvzsPf.99

2-11-14 – PG/Florida HS Dream Team – Best Outfield Arm: Justin Smith, Sr. Bartram Trail - Smith has shown big arm strength from the outfield since the Junior National Showcase in 2011 and it plays very well in right field in game action. He gets on top of his throws, allowing the ball to travel in a straight line to the intended target with no tail. http://perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=9372  

Draft 14 – Michael Kopech, Kyle Freeland, Justin Smith, Benito Santiago

1-3-14 – TTF Baseball - 34. Colorado Rockies — Michael Kopech, RHP, Mount Pleasant HS (TX) - The 6’-3” right-hander worked on his mechanics over the summer and it showed at the 2013 Under Armour Game at Wrigley Field. His fastball was popping the mitt, hitting the mid 90s with explosive life. He also showed his plus slider with hard bite as he worked a quick inning. There is still projection there and his frame suggests more velocity could still come. Had 129 K/33 BB over 80.1 innings as a junior. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-2/40753#ppGUqI6CbWFvzsPf.99

12-9-13 – Pine Tar Press  -  45-LHP Kyle Freeland Evansville 5/14/93- He had been very inconsistent in college before emerging last summer on the Cape where he led the league in K’s with 48 while walking just 4. He has a funky delivery that adds deception but it also certainly registers some concern for future health. He works with a low 90’s fastball and a solid slider/cutter.(Out of first round- Indians selection) http://pinetarpress.com/early-look-2014-mlb-draft/

12-10-13 – TTF – Top 50 HS Players - 34. Justin Smith, OF, Bartram Trails HS (FL) - The 6’-2”, 200-pound right-hander has all five tools, including a canon arm in the outfield (92 mph) and plus speed (6.6/60). He is still considered raw in some areas, but his excellent bat speed, along with his frame, make for a huge upside. He stood out at the East Coast pro tournament making several strong plays in the outfield and driving the ball to all fields. Many are expecting a huge senior season. Committed to Miami. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-top-50/40532#zz88YJZTOG8iEa1Z.99

11-21-13 – BA Top 100 High School Players - 90 Benito Santiago C L/R 5-9 166 Coral Springs (Florida) Academy Tennessee http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/2014-high-school-top-100-with-commitments/

Draft 14 – Grayson Greiner, Justin Smith, Tristan Hildebrandt, Michael Conforto, Keaton McKinney

9-29-13 – XMLBScout – 6.)C, Grayson Greiner, South Carolina, 6'5 215, R/R, one of best catchers in collegiate baseball for 2014, throws well above ave with sub 2.0 pop times and presence to be a strong ML catcher for a long time, has enough bat speed and strength to hit 250 and drive in some runs from the 6-7 hole spot and hit 15-20 HR's on occasion, best suited as a defensive guy, a gamer with good hands and shifts well defensively to be solid ML catcher. Top 10 picks for 2014!!  http://xmlbscout.angelfire.com/

9-30-13 – TTF Mock 2.0 - 36. Kansas City Royals — Justin Smith, OF, Bartram Trail HS  The 6’-2”, 200-pound right-hander has all five tools, including a canon arm in the outfield (92 mph) and plus speed (6.6/60). He is still considered raw in some areas, but his excellent bat speed, along with his frame, make for a huge upside. He stood out at the East Coast pro tournament making several strong plays in the outfield and driving the ball to all fields. Many are expecting a huge senior season. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-mock-draft-2-0-draft-order-set/38280#5E3F5j1jWOgE69bJ.99

9-21-13 – SS Tristan Hildebrandt brings a well-rounded skill-set to the table and he put it on display on Friday. He has the ability to drive the ball to right-center field, and showed legitimate power potential in that direction in the first game on Friday. His footwork at shortstop is also a standout part of his game. He gets the ball out of his glove exceptionally well, and he made the game look easy during Friday’s action. One of the first things you notice about Hildebrandt is his confidence and at ease nature wherever he is on the field. He lets the ball track deep at the plate, doing a good job of trusting his hands. The shortstop picked up a double in game one for Hard 9, but also drove the ball later in the game as well. .  http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=9017

9-4-13 – Mack’s Mock Draft v1.0 – 12 – OF - Michael Conforto – Oregon State – This is a 6-1 bulldog type hitter. Michael Choice-like projected power.  I expect he will end this upcoming season as one of the top power hitters in college.

9-11-13 - Sully’s 2014 Top 100 MLB HS Draft Prospects – 32.Keaton McKinney – RHP/INF, Ankeny (IA) HS http://www.ninebaseball.org/Wordpress/sullys-2014-top-100-mlb-hs-draft-prospects/

Draft 14 – Justin Smith, Trea Turner, Carson Sands, Jeff Hoffman, Eric Fedde

8-14-13 – Through The Fence – Top 50 Prospects – 32. Justin Smith, OF, Bartram trial HS (FL) - The 6’-2”, 200-pound right-hander has all five tools, including a canon arm in the outfield (92 mph) and plus speed (6.6/60). He is still considered raw in some areas, but his excellent bat speed, along with his frame, make for a huge upside. He stood out at the East Coast pro tournament making several strong plays in the outfield and driving the ball to all fields. Many are expecting a huge senior season. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-top-50-prospects/36463#mwWwsFxSUZy7YC5V.99

 

Top 5 MLB Draft Prospects - #2. Trea Turner, SS (NC State): Heavy-duty hit tool and method with plus speed up the middle, all of which make up for just around compact power potential. In all probability the most power-driven and exhilarating player in the 2014 MLB draft, the 6’-2” right-hander has presented the range, arm and makeups to stick at shortstop. Offensively, his speed is his finest tool and he should be a major menace on the base paths at the next level. He also has a pronounced methodology at the plate and should hit for a high average, as well. He displayed increasing power this season and, if he continues to do so, Troy Tulowitzki comparisons will be impending. Hit .336 as a freshman and led the nation in stolen bases with 57. Over 51 injury condensed games this season, he hit .377 with 12 doubles, seven home runs, 27 stolen bases and drew 35 walks to 30 strikeouts for a .464 OBP/.578 SLG.  http://bigleaguefutures.net/1/2013/08/30/top-5-mlb-draft-prospects/

 

8-15-13 - Under Armour All-Star Game – Carson Sands, LHP: Similar in build and stuff to Griffin, the projectable Sands needs a bit more consistency on his secondaries but both his change and breaking ball. 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 – 9 – Twins – RHP   Jeff Hoffman – East Carolina – 6-4 control finesse pitcher (7.06 K/9 IP) who simply gets the job done working the corners with his 92-95, 97 fastball and two + off-speed pitches. 84 K/39 BB over 109.2 innings last season.  Had a big summer in the Cape Cod League and a lot of scouts are predicting a Jonathan Gray-like rise in the rankings for him once the season starts. I already have him there.

 

9-10-13 – Top Arms in 2013 Cape Cod League - Eric Fedde 6-4/175, Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox 30.2 IP, 26 K, 2.35 ERA: FB 91-96 SL 78-80 CH 83-84 -  Slim, projectable frame with 2 plus pitches. The third is a work in progress and will determine whether or not he hears his name called in the first round.  http://bullpenbanter.com/2013-all-cape-team-pitchers/

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/