Kyle Schwarber, Dylan Cease, Chris Diaz, Jackson Soto, Trent Gilbert

3-9-14 – MLB Draft Insider - Kyle Schwarber – C/LF Indiana – This class has two players who play catcher and project as first round picks. It seems when one of them is hitting the other is not, and since Pentecost has been struggling it is Schwarber’s turn to hit. He was two for five on the day with a walk, two runs scored, and a double. He started the game at catcher and moved to left field for Indiana. Most scouts don’t see much a future for Schwarber at catcher, but as Jesus Montero showed teams will keep trying a player at catcher until they are certain he can’t play there. http://mlbdraftinsider.com/2014/03/the-rundown-march-8/#more-3872

3-25-14 - Dylan Cease, ranked No. 26 on MLB.com’s Draft Top 50 list from this past fall, was slated to be among the highlights at the 2014 National High School Invitational. Instead, an elbow issue will force him to be able to only watch the action as his Milton High School team returns to the NHSI for the second straight  year. Cease, owner of one of the better fastballs in the class that regularly touches the upper-90s, is resting his powerful right arm for a month after dealing with a sore elbow. Cease said that he first felt discomfort in a start with game-time temperatures of around 30 degrees. http://minors.mlblogs.com/2014/03/25/draft-update-dylan-cease-to-miss-nhsi/  

3-5-14 – TTF - 10 college players on the rise — week 3 - Chris Diaz, LHP, Miami (FL) (NR) - On Friday, the 6’-1” southpaw out-dueled projected first-round pick Luke Weaver and Florida State, beating the ‘Noles 3-1. Diaz allowed one unearned run on four hits over seven innings, striking out six to two walks. He is now 3-0 on the year with a 1.90 ERA, 1.21 WHIP and 16 K/5 BB over 19 innings. Not a power pitcher, he relies on his ability to keep hitters off balance with a fastball/change-up combo and he commands both of them well. Posted a 1.64 ERA, 1.17 WHIP with 78 K/27 BB over 109.2 innings. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-week-3/41478#ilZqhEaASo2Kkjik.99

3B - Jackson Soto, Sr., West Albany (Ore.) - The physically imposing left handed hitter is also a high level football player and wrestler. He's less developed as a pure hitter than some of his counterparts on the dream team, but his physical strength is a huge asset and he can really drive the ball to the pullside with power and should begin to develop that power to the rest of the field as he progresses. Mitchell Gretler and Evan Haberle were also considered. http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=9561

3-11-14 – TTF - Trent Gilbert, 2B, Arizona (NR) - Over his last four games, Gilbert has gone 11-for-19 (.579) with five doubles, two triples, a home run and 10 RBI — and that includes an 0-for-5 game. Over 17 games this season, he is now hitting .406/.468/.667 with 12 extra-base hits, 16 RBI and has drawn six walks to seven strikeouts. With a short, compact swing from the left-side, Gilbert has shown developing power from his 6’-1”, 180 pound frame and he has an advanced approach at the plate.  http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-10-college-players-rise-week-4/41715#PjStmsQ7UB5h8BYU.99

Draft 14 – Michael Cederoth, Kyle Schwarber, Chris Ellis, Cobi Johnson, Matt Imhof

2-26-14 - During his sophomore season last year, Michael Cederoth made 15 appearances — all starts, going 3-9 with a 4.25 ERA and 109 strikeouts in 95.1 innings. He held opponents to a .213 batting average. but walked 48 batters. “It’s almost better for us to just put him in the closer’s role where he can go an inning and you have a chance to use him all three days.” Cederoth has three relief appearances since the switch. Against Loyola Marymount last Tuesday, he walked the first batter, got a double play and then recorded a strikeout. http://www.collegebaseballdaily.com/2014/02/25/san-diego-state-closer-michael-cederoth-reliever/

3-25-14 – 3.  Kyle Schwarber, Indiana, Height: 6'0", Weight: 230 DOB: 3/5/1993 L/R - Lefty bat, Schwarber is going to get a lot of hype, maybe more than Pentecost.  He might have a better power profile than Max, maybe among the leaders in the class.  But he may not stick at C, he isn't a premium athlete, so you're looking at a move most likely to 1B, and then the bat really has to play.  Still, dingerz attract attention.  Quick!  When does Seattle pick again? There aren't nearly the same number of hyped HS catchers this year.  HS catchers tend to be hyped and then fade at draft-time.  A lot go to school.  I think this was one factor for John Riley - he had to compete not only with classmates but the new HS guys 3 years later, to try and get into the top 200.  The Giants offered the cashish to get in that area, and its a done deal.  Not everybody is going in the top 15, there is too much competition.  For whatever reason, the catchers get weeded out a bit more fiercely. This year there is a lack of hyped HS guys. http://www.yougottalikethesekids.com/2014/03/ten-catchers-in-2014-mlb-draft.html    

2-27-14 – TTF - 10 college players on the rise - Chris Ellis, RHP, Ole Miss (65) - A breakout candidate by several draft experts, the 6’-5”, 210 pound right-hander didn’t come in with much of a track record. As a sophomore, he posted a 5.57 ERA, 2.00 WHIP and 16 K/11 BB over 21 innings. The stuff, however, has always been there, even if the results haven’t. He features a low/mid-90s fastball that he commands better in the low-90s. His change-up is much improved and he adds a solid curveball to round out a classic three-pitch mix. His size, stuff and command have him in talks for the first round and, this year, the results have been there. He tossed a five-hit shutout against Georgia State on Friday striking out four to no walks. He has now started the season with 15 shutout innings as he has become more of a pitcher then thrower. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-10-college-players-rise-2/41299#ldBBF8hRKzmaiy5H.99  

2-11-14 – PG/Florida HS Dream Team – Best Command: Cobi Johnson, Sr. James W. Mitchell - Johnson’s father, Dane, is a pitching coordinator for the Toronto Blue Jays, and he has passed his knowledge on to his son, Cobi. The younger Johnson has a knack for getting and staying ahead of hitters, and fills up the strike zone with all of his pitches. He shows plus control of his fastball in the lower half of the zone, which he is able to execute thanks to using his 6-foot-4 frame to generate sharp downhill plane. He also has a strong feel for his plus hammer curveball, which he throws in any count. http://perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=9372

2-21-14 – Project Insider -  Perhaps the best pitching matchup of the weekend is in L.A. where Cal Poly lefty Matt Imhof and UCLA ace James Kaprielian (class of 2015) face off at Jackie Robinson Stadium. Imhof is considered a Day 1 possibility but more likely an early Day 2 prospect — which is to say round 2 or so. He fanned 14 last Friday versus Kansas State. http://prospectinsider.com/draft-prospect-watch-hoffman-vs-fisher   

Draft 14 – Kyle Schwarber, Trea Turner , Brandon Finnegan, Marcus Wilson, Carl Chester

2-21-14 - Dan Kirby ‏@DanMKirby  -  Stud! RT @KendallRogersPG: #Indiana C Kyle Schwarber just put 3-run bomb about 40-ft past the 379 marker and up. Absolute no doubter. Wow.

3-25-14 – MLB Draft Insider Mock –  17  Trea Turner        SS           NC State  -  It was nice to see Turner pick up some extra-base hits this weekend. It was not nice that the two extra-base hits he picked up that weekend tripled his total for the season. http://mlbdraftinsider.com/2014/03/the-board-2014-volume-ii/

2-19 – TTF - 10 college players on the rise - Brandon Finnegan, LHP, TCU (18)  The stuff is never questioned with Finnegan. His size, however, often is. At 5’-11” and 185 pounds, he doesn’t have the ideal frame to be a frontline starter at the next level. Able to hit the upper 90s with his fastball, along with a plus slider, some have compared him to former closer Billy Wagner. On Friday, he showed why he will be given every chance to remain a starter. Over seven shutout innings against Jacksonville, he allowed three hits and struck out 13 with three walks. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-10-college-players-rise/41224#Brkvtc4VfkP16udZ.99

1-3-14 – TTF Baseball - 45. Minnesota Twins — Marcus Wilson, OF, Serra HS (CA) - At 6’-3” and 180 pounds, the right-hander is raw in areas but has a lot of upside based on his plus speed and ability to drive the ball to all fields. His size implies more power will come. He also has a plus arm and is one of those players that gets better every time out. One of the youngest players in the 2014 MLB draft and one of those quick-twitch athletes scouts love. Committed to Arizona State. 

http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-2/40753#ppGUqI6CbWFvzsPf.99

2-11-14 – PG/Florida HS Dream Team – OF – Carl Chester, Sr. Lake Brantley - The 6.28 60-yard dash at the National Showcase can speak to Chester’s ability to run. That speed plays on both sides of the ball as he covers a lot of ground in center field (see below) and allows him to get down the first base line in the 4.0 to 4.1 area consistently. Once on base, Chester wreaks havoc and is very disruptive. The University of Miami commit shows a fluid righthanded swing with surprising pop and an advanced approach at the plate. http://perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=9372

Draft 14 – Grant Holmes, Kyle Schwarber, Chris Oliver, Bradley Zimmer, Carl Chester

2-12-14 - Jason Parks ‏@ProfessorParks  -  I heard 2014 arm Grant Holmes sat 94-95 and touched 98 in his last start. Mature build; fierce competitor; ++ arm strength.

3-25-14 – MLB Draft Insider Mock –  16  Kyle Schwarber C/1B      Indiana   -  If a team believes that Schwarber can catch, he’s going to be a top ten pick. Even as a first-baseman though, he’s maybe the best pure hitter of any collegiate player in the class. http://mlbdraftinsider.com/2014/03/the-board-2014-volume-ii/

2-19 – TTF - 10 college players on the rise - Chris Oliver, RHP, Arkansas (78) I had Oliver ranked at 78 in my top-100 prospects list. After his first start, he should be moving up. Working mostly out of the pen his first two years, the 6’-4”, 185 pound right-hander allowed just one run on one hit over five innings on Saturday. He struck out five to no walks in picking up the win against Appalachian State. His fastball can touch 97 mph and he adds a mid-80s power slider. With his size, easy delivery and stuff, you should hear a lot about him going forward. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-10-college-players-rise/41224#Brkvtc4VfkP16udZ.99

1-3-14 – TTF Baseball - 16. Arizona Diamondbacks — Bradley Zimmer, OF, San Francisco - With so much pitching in their system, the D-backs can grab one of the higher upside guys in the 2014 MLB draft. The younger brother of Royals top prospect Kyle Zimmer, Bradley is a 6’-5” right-hander with plus speed and developing power. Over 58 games as a sophomore, he hit .320/.437/.512 with 12 doubles, seven home runs and stole 19 bases. He also shows a great approach at the plate as he drew 29 walks to 31 strikeouts and was hit by a pitch a whopping 16 times, proving he’ll do whatever it takes to get on base. He showed off his wheels for the Collegiate National Team, swiping 11 of 12 bases over 21 games while also hitting an even .300. His speed and plus arm should allow him to remain in center field at the next level. 

http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-2/40753#ppGUqI6CbWFvzsPf.99

2-11-14 – PG/Florida HS Dream Team – Best Defensive Outfielder: Carl Chester, Sr. Lake Brantley - Carl Chester is the complete package in center field. Being a plus runner, Chester gets a quick first step on the ball, and is able to cover a vast amount of real estate. He glides easily to the ball with clean fielding actions. On top of those tools, Chester owns a strong arm, something not commonly associated with fleet-footed center fielders. http://perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=9372  

Draft 14 – Brad Zimmer, Evan Skoug, Trea Turner, Scott Hurst, Kyle Schwarber

2-5-14 - Number 18 on our countdown is San Francisco junior outfielder Bradley Zimmer. The La Jolla, California native attended La Jolla, High School. He was a three year varsity starter as he led the squad in many categories including average (.446), home runs, RBI, stolen bases, on-base percentage. As a freshman, he started 42 games while hitting .242 in 153 at-bats with nine doubles, one triple, and 15 RBI. In 2013, he played in 58 games while hitting .320 with seven home runs, 37 RBI and 19 stolen bases. He had a team-high .512 slugging percentage and team-best .949 OPS. He spent the summer with the USA Collegiate National Team where he hit .300 with a home run, 11 RBI and a team-best 11 stolen bases. He finished the summer with the Cotuit Kettleers of the Cape Cod Baseball League where she was named postseason MVP after leading the team to the league championship. http://ht.ly/2DA1oL

1-27-14 – BP - Positional Preview: High School Catchers - Evan Skoug | C/CIF | Libertyville (Libertyville, IL) | Commit: Texas Christian  Height/Weight: 5-foot-10/200 pounds  B/T: L/R  Draft Day Age: 18y 7m  As was the case with Schwarz, Skoug really stood out in Syracuse at the East Coast Pro showcase, and in particular during his BP sessions where the big left-handed power was on display. The TCU commit took an even bigger step forward up follow lists with a monster performance in Jupiter for the Reds Midwest Scout Team, showing huge pull-side power throughout the tournament and very little difficulty squaring velocity. Skoug boasts a thick build with a monster lower half and has no trouble generating torque in his swing. He’s among the more interesting left-handed power bats at the high school ranks due to his solid approach and recent on-field performances, and should enter the spring high on Midwest follow lists. http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=22662

1-3-14 – TTF Baseball - 6. Seattle Mariners — Trea Turner, SS, North Carolina State - Arguably my favorite player in the 2014 MLB draft, the 6’-1” right-hander is a burner who gets on base and plays great defense at a premium position. Some have questioned his hit tool but all he has done is hit for a high average with great strikeout/walk ratios. Over 56 games as a sophomore, he hit .368/.455/.553 with 30 stolen bases and drew 38 walks to just 30 strikeouts. He also hit seven home runs, showing developing power. As a freshman, he led the nation in stolen bases with 57 and was only thrown out four times. He was slowed by an ankle injury over the summer, which might have led to some dropping him in their rankings, but he is fully healed now and should be one of the most exciting players in college this year again.  http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-2/40753#ppGUqI6CbWFvzsPf.99

11-21-13 – BA Top 100 High School Players - 39 Scott Hurst OF L/R 5-10 167 Bishop Amat, La Puente., Calif. Cal State Fullerton http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/2014-high-school-top-100-with-commitments/

3-20-14 – Cubs Insider - • Kyle Schwarber, Indiana University catcher/outfielder: Might be another reach at No. 4, but this could be the best college power bat available. Not sure if he would remain at catcher. The Cubs had at least two staffers scouting him when the Hoosiers came to Surprise Stadium for last month’s Pac-12/Big Ten Challenge. http://www.csnchicago.com/cubs/mlb-draft-cubs-identifying-targets-no-4-overall-pick

Draft 14 – Jakson Reetz, Kyle Schwarber, J.J. Schwartz, Monte Harrison

1-27-14 – BP - Positional Preview: High School Catchers - Jakson Reetz | C/OF/RHP | Norris (Firth, NE) | Commit: Nebraska  Height/Weight: 6-foot-1/195 pounds  B/T: R/R  Draft Day Age: 18y 5m  Reetz is one of the better athletes in the draft class at the catcher position, and showed good growth in his game between June and October. The Nebraska commit is an instinctual player who has no trouble slowing the game down on both sides of the ball. Throughout the summer and fall Reetz showed a knack for squaring up pitches and effectively working the whole field. Perhaps most impressive was how strong he finished the long summer, with a monster August/September that included a standout performance for the gold medal USA Baseball 18U National Team, a loud Area Code Games, and MVP honors at the Perfect Game All-American Classic. He’ll enter the spring as the top draft prospect in the Cornhusker State. http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=22662

1-24-14 – Kyle Schwarber is a similar prospect to Derek Fisher in that he is enticing because of his patience and power potential, but he strikes out a fair amount as well. Schwarber gained publicity when he led the University of Indiana to an impressive College World Series run last season. Playing catcher, he hit a number of majestic home runs that displayed his incredible raw power. For the season, he hit 18 home runs with an impressive 1.102 OPS. While Schwarber currently plays catcher, he is unexceptional behind the plate and would likely have to move to first base. If teams had faith he could stay behind the plate, he would be a potential top-five pick, but having to move to first base puts much more pressure on his bat to succeed. http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1934895-4-prospects-the-new-york-mets-could-target-in-the-2014-mlb-draft/page/3

1-3-14 – TTF Baseball - 48. Colorado Rockies — J.J. Schwarz, C, Palm Beach HS (FL) - The 6′-2” right-hander was a monster for U18 Team USA, hitting .429/.452/.536 to help the US win the gold medal in Taiwan. He shows big-time power potential due to his excellent bat speed and strong wrists. With good footwork and a strong arm, he has a legit shot to remain at catcher and scouts will be watching him closely this season. Committed to Florida. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-2/40753#ppGUqI6CbWFvzsPf.99

11-21-13 – BA Top 100 High School Players - 22 Monte Harrison OF R/R 6-2 201 Lee’s Summit West (Mo.) Nebraska http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/2014-high-school-top-100-with-commitments/

Draft 14 – Alex Jackson, Nick Gordon, Trea Turner, Kyle Schwarber, Gareth Morgan

1-27-14 – BP - Positional Preview: High School Catchers - Alex Jackson | C/OF | Rancho Bernardo (San Diego, CA) | Commit: Oregon  Height/Weight: 6-foot-2/210 pounds  B/T: R/R  Draft Day Age: 18y 5m  Jackson boasts one of the best blends of offensive and defensive upside in the draft class, with a chance to hit for average and power while providing solid defense behind the dish and a strong catch-and-throw game. The Oregon commit routinely impressed in batting practice throughout the summer showcase circuit, with big pull side power generated through a leveraged swing. In-game the load can get a little deep, with the swing length causing some issues with velocity, but the bat-to-ball ability and bat speed give hope that the Oregon commit will figure things out as he continues to log reps against quality arms. Behind the plate Jackson moves well side-to-side with and shows an ability to impact the game with his arm, clocking pops as low as 1.77 for me over the summer and routinely sitting in the 1.85 to 1.95 range with low, level lines on his throws. There’s work to be done, no doubt, but the San Diego prepster has the body and athleticism to grow into a solid receiver and defender. Should a team desire to shift him to a corner to expedite offensive development, he is athletic enough to handle right field and possesses more than enough arm. Jackson was a worthy recipient of the first annual Baseball Prospectus Prospect of the Year Award last August as an impressive athlete with a chance to grow into an impact bat at a premium defensive position. He currently profiles as a solid top half of the first round talent. http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=22662

1-24-14 - Nick Gordon, son of former ballplayer Tom and brother of Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Dee, is one of the most exciting prospects in the upcoming draft largely because he is considered a top-15 prospect as both a pitcher and a position player. Like his brother Dee, Nick has a slight frame—standing at 6’2” and 170 pounds—but he projects to fill out more than his older brother. Also like his brother, Nick has outstanding speed, which helps him both on the bases and in the field. Currently, Nick is a shortstop as a position player, and there’s little reason to think he would have to move off the position. He has great range and an absolute cannon to go along with great hands. http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1934895-4-prospects-the-new-york-mets-could-target-in-the-2014-mlb-draft/page/2

1-26-14 - Jim Callis ‏@jimcallisMLB  - Turner overall, Bregman better bat. Bregman a pro 2B. @dhb38: diff classes but who's better Trea Turner or Alex Bregman? Both ss?

1-3-14 – TTF Baseball - 24. Detroit Tigers — Kyle Schwarber, C/1B, Indiana - The 6’-0”, 230 pound right-hander has tremendous power and is also one of the better hitters available in the 2014 MLB draft. His ability to remain behind the plate is still up for debate, but he wants to stay there and has been working hard on his defense. Over 61 games as a sophomore, he hit .366/.456/.647 with 10 doubles, 18 home runs and drew 42 walks to just 37 strikeouts. He then hit .308/.396/.436 over 21 games for the Collegiate National Team with 11 walks. We all saw the premium put on college bats in last year’s draft, and Schwarber should benefit from that this year. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-2/40753#ppGUqI6CbWFvzsPf.99

11-21-13 – BA Top 100 High School Players - 45 Gareth Morgan OF R/R 6-4 231 North Toronto (Ont.) Collegiate Uncommitted http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/2014-high-school-top-100-with-commitments/

Draft 14 – Kyle Schwarber, Carson Sands, Monte Harrison, Jack Flaherty

1-20-14 – PG Preseason College All-Americans - Catcher - Kyle Schwarber, Indiana - 2013 Stats: .366 AVG, 10 2B, 1 3B, 18 HR, 54 RBI, 42 BB, 37 SO - Several college baseball coaches have said Schwarber is the best pure hitter they’ve seen in many seasons. Schwarber, though, is a complete player in every sense of the word. Schwarber, ranked as the No. 7 prospect for the upcoming draft, is a 6-foot, 240-pounder, who’s extremely consistent offensively, good defensively and possesses plus raw power. With Schwarber and Travis in the middle of the Indiana lineup, there’s no doubt the Hoosiers are expected to make a return trip to the College World Series this spring. http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=9294

1-3-14 – TTF Baseball - 60. Texas Rangers — Carson Sands, LHP, N. Florida Christian HS (FL) - The 6’-3”, 215 pound southpaw has a low-90s fastball with arm-side run and there is still room for more velocity as he matures. He has great mound presence and looks like a polished pro. He also shows two solid secondaries in a change-up and curveball. His command gets him in trouble at times, but all of the ingredients are there. An alumni of Team USA Baseball, he has played against the best competition. Committed to Florida State. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-2/40753#ppGUqI6CbWFvzsPf.99

12-9-13 – Pine Tar Press  -  38- OF Monte Harrison Lee’s Summit West HS (Nebraska commit for football and baseball) 8/10/95- The similarities between Monte Harrison and the last Kansas City area kid to go in the first round out of HS are endless. Both of them are talented athletes who excel in 3 sports and both have the type of arms that could also gain attention on the mound. Both were committed to Nebraska for football and they also both had early birthdays for their class. Harrison has plenty of upside with a cannon for an arm in the OF and as he continues to be educated on how to be a baseball player his ceiling is certainly high.  He is no different than most Midwest hitters though as his hit tool needs serious refinement and reps against quality arms. He has a tendency to be a bit over aggressive on the diamond and I could see where some would see a potential diva type but one would hope that as he ages he will continue to mature as a person too. (Out of first round- Yankees selection) http://pinetarpress.com/early-look-2014-mlb-draft/ 

11-21-13 – BA Top 100 High School Players - 49 Jack Flaherty 3B/RHP R/R 6-3 217 Harvard-Westlake, Burbank, Calif. North Carolina http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/2014-high-school-top-100-with-commitments/

Draft 14 – Cobi Johnson, Kyle Schwarber, Carl Chester, Braxton Davidson

1-3-14 – TTF Baseball - 30. Cincinnati Reds (Shin-Soo Choo) — Cobi Johnson, RHP, Mitchell HS (FL) - At 6’-4” and 180 pounds, the right-hander has the ideal size for a frontline starter. His fastball has touched 93 mph, and he adds a solid curveball that could be a plus pitch. His change-up, like most prep pitchers, is still developing, but he shows a  good feel for pitching, and his athleticism will help with his progression. He has shown very good command of his stuff and had 103 K/14 BB over 71 innings as a junior. He also hit .426/.508/.703 over 30 games with 18 stolen bases. His velocity does drop off in later innings, but he should gain more stamina as he fills out his frame. He struck out three in one perfect inning at the PG Classic. Committed to Florida State. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-2/40753#ppGUqI6CbWFvzsPf.99

12-9-13 – Pine Tar Press  -  21- C Kyle Schwarber Indiana 3/5/93- He was not a well known prospect coming out of HS in Ohio but he has emerged as one of the top power bats in the 2014 class. The Hoosier C swings it from the left side and he jacked 18 HR as a sophomore. Unfortunately, he isn’t a great catcher so a move to 1B is a possibility or even the OF since he moves well. But, with his power and approach he will be fine there. (Orioles @ 17) http://pinetarpress.com/early-look-2014-mlb-draft/

12-10-13 – TTF – Top 50 HS Players - 42. Carl Chester, OF, Lake Brantley HS (FL) - A plus/plus runner who has been times at 6.28 in the 60, the right-hander can wreak havoc on the base paths, as well as in the outfield where you’d be hard pressed to hit anything over his head. At 6’-0” and 170 pounds, he also shows some raw power in his swing and excellent bat speed. A quick-twitch athlete with a lot of upside. He stole 18 of 20 bases as a junior and struck out just 11 times over 110 plate appearances. Committed to Miami. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-top-50/40532#zz88YJZTOG8iEa1Z.99

11-21-13 – BA Top 100 High School Players - 10 Braxton Davidson OF/1B L/L 6-1 217 Roberson HS, Asheville, N.C. North Carolina http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/2014-high-school-top-100-with-commitments/

Draft 14 – Evan Skoug, Nick Gordon, Kyle Schwarber, Alex Jackson, Slade Heggen

10-30-13 - Clint Longenecker/BA – WWBA World Championship - Although he was not a part of the championship squad, Reds Scout Team catcher Evan Skoug won the tournament’s most valuable player award by hitting .636/.800/1.000 with a double and a home run. The lefthanded-hitting Texas Christian commit from Libertyville (Ill.) High had eight walks against one strikeout. Skoug is a physical beast with a powerful lower half, sloped shoulders and strength throughout his large frame at 5-foot-11, 200 pounds. He is a hard-nosed, high-intensity player with above-average raw power. http://www.baseballamerica.com/draft/evoshield-canes-win-perfect-game-wwba-world-championship/


10-29-13 – Jim Callis – Top 10 World Wood Bat Association World Championship (WWBA) Jupiter, Fla - 4. Nick Gordon, SS/RHP, Cardinals Scout Team/FTB Chandler (Olympia High, Orlando, Fla./Florida State)  Son of former All-Star Tom offers defensive ability, above-average speed and a low-90s fastball. http://ht.ly/qi5No


10-15-13 – Baseball America - 17. Kyle Schwarber, c/1b, Indiana: Physical lefthanded swing helps him hit for power and average; his best position is clearly the batter’s box. http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/2014-draft-top-50-october-2013-carlos-rodon/


10-29-13 – Jim Callis – Top 10 World Wood Bat Association World Championship (WWBA) Jupiter, Fla - 1. Alex Jackson, C, Cardinals Scout Team/FTB Chandler (Rancho Bernardo High, San Diego/Oregon) -  Plus right-handed power and arm strength are his two best tools; no reason he can't stay behind the plate. http://ht.ly/qi5No


9-11-13 - Sully’s 2014 Top 100 MLB HS Draft Prospects – 100. Slade Heggen – C, Loyala Sacred Heart (MT) HS http://www.ninebaseball.org/Wordpress/sullys-2014-top-100-mlb-hs-draft-prospects/

Draft 14 – Christian Ibarra, Kyle Schwarber, Chase Vallot, Mac Marshall, Jeff Hoffman

10-17-13 - College Baseball Daily kicks off our countdown to the start of the 2014 College Baseball season by checking in on the top 100 players in the country. We will be providing one player per day until we reach number 1.  We continue the list today at number 89 with LSU’s third baseman Christian Ibarra. Before transferring to LSU for his junior season, Ibarra was a shortstop at Rio Hondo and earned All-State and All-Pacific Division Team recognition last season after batting .396 with 20 doubles, 6 HR, 40 runs and 50 RBIs in 45 games. The Marauders were 40-5 and made it to the California Final Four, the junior-college equivalent of a Super Regional. http://ht.ly/2AMUWG

10-14-13 – Top ’14 College Hitters - 5. Kyle Schwarber / C-1B / Indiana — The industry is higher on Schwarber than I am right now, with many believing the left-handed hitting backstop possesses 70 power and can stick behind the plate. I think his defensive position is more in question, however, and as a first baseman I don’t see a good enough bat to justify being a top ten pick. There’s plenty of time to prove me wrong, however. http://mlbdraftinsider.com/2013/10/top-14-for-14-college-hitters/

9-30-13 – TTF Mock 2.0 - 34. Cleveland Indians — Chase Vallot, C, St. Thomas More HS (LA) One of the youngest players in the draft, the 6’-0”, 205-pound right-hander generates a ton of raw power due to his bat speed and strong wrists. His strong arm, size and footwork should allow him to stick at a premium position and he also has pretty good speed. Another player I got to see at Wrigley, he hit a couple bombs out of the park with ease and showed a polished approach at the plate during the game. Committed to Mississippi State. 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 – 25.Mac Marshall – LHP, Parkview (GA) HS http://www.ninebaseball.org/Wordpress/sullys-2014-top-100-mlb-hs-draft-prospects/

9-29-13 – XMLBScout – 10.)RHP, Jeff Hoffman, East Carolina, 6'4 190, nice easy delivery with fb that reaches 95, most are 91-92 with life and boring action in on RHH, cb and change still coming along, both could be used to get outs in pro ball currently but need improvement at the ML level to be effective, appears to have enough stamina and strength to be a starter but has a loose enough arm that he could be effective best out of the bullpen. Definite one to watch for 2014, 1-3 round projection, for me 4-7 round seems fair. http://xmlbscout.angelfire.com/

Draft 14 – Alex Jackson, Josh Pennnington, Michael Kopech, Kyle Schwarber, Trae Turner

9-29-13 – XMLBScout – 5.)C, Alex Jackson, Rancho Bernardo HS, 6'2 200, R/R, strong, durable, has pop in his bat, needs mechanic work with approach as hitter, throws well from OF and behind dish, interesting to follow next 2 years, 2014, Rancho Bernardo HS, Ca, slimmed down from 220 and throws better and more fluid than he did in 2012. Quick power stroke with gaining discipline as a hitter, upside is there to have a productive pro career.  http://xmlbscout.angelfire.com/

9-11-13 - Sully’s 2014 Top 100 MLB HS Draft Prospects – 64.Josh Pennington – RHP, Lower Cape May Regional (NJ) http://www.ninebaseball.org/Wordpress/sullys-2014-top-100-mlb-hs-draft-prospects/

9-30-13 – TTF Mock 2.0 - 16. Arizona Diamondbacks — Michael Kopech, RHP, Mount Pleasant HS (TX) - Another one of those loose arm, projectable right-handers, the 6’-4” Kopech has an electric fastball that can touch 93 mph and he has some deception to his delivery. His mechanics need some refining and he needs to command his secondary stuff better, but the size and stuff are already there. He was absolutely dominant at the Under Armour Game at Wrigley, showing off an explosive mid-90s fastball with late life and a nasty slider with hard bite. Had 129 K/33 BB over 80.1 innings as a junior. Quickly becoming one of my favorite players in the 2014 MLB draft. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-mock-draft-2-0-draft-order-set/38280#5E3F5j1jWOgE69bJ.99

10-6-13 – Kendall Rogers/PG – College Prospects - 8. Kyle Schwarber, c, Indiana (Drafted: Never) - One of the chief architects of Indiana’s rise up the college baseball rankings last season, Schwarber is as good as it gets from an offensive standpoint. The bulky 6-foot, 230-pounder, is good enough behind the plate, but what sets him apart from other prospects are his offensive skills. Schwarber is a smart, pure hitter, who has impressive raw power and the ability to hit to all sides of the field.  http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=9081

10-9-13 – Early Pick for Cubs - Trea Turner, SS, North Carolina State - If the speedy right-hander is still available when the Cubs are on the clock, you could be reading about their future shortstop and leadoff man. At 6’-”1 and 170 pounds, Turner is the best base-stealer in the 2014 MLB draft and is also one of the best hitters. More than 56 games as a sophomore, he hit .368/.455/.553 with 30 stolen bases and drew 38 walks to just 30 strikeouts. He also hit seven home runs, showing developing power. As a freshman, he led the nation in stolen bases with 57 and was only thrown out four times. His unreal range, strong arm and instincts will allow him to remain at shortstop and, even though Javier Baez looks like he should remain at shortstop, you can never have enough shortstop prospects in your system. Plus, I think Turner would be able to handle centerfield or second base if needed. The Cubs have plenty of power hitters in their system. What they lack is leadoff-type guys who can get on, steal bases and set the table for the thumpers. Turner is that guy and a future lineup with Baez, Albert Almora, Kris Bryant, Jorge Soler and Turner make me giggle. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-early-targets-chicago-cubs-fourth-overall-pick/38723

Draft 14 – Alex Lange, Alex Jackson, Garrett Kennedy, Kyle Schwarber

6-13-13  -  30. St. Louis Cardinals — Alex Lange, RHP, Lee’s Summit West HS (MO) - With three potential plus pitches in his arsenal, the 6’-3” right-hander has that classic mix you look for in a starter. His fastball sits in the low-90s with room for more as he continues to refine his mechanics. His mid-80s split-change-up already shows plus and his upper-70s curveball could be a dominant pitch down the road. LINK

6-13-13  -  6. Toronto Blue Jays — Alex Jackson, C, Rancho Bernardo HS (CA) - The 6’-2”, 210 pound right-hander will be one of the top power hitters in the 2014 MLB draft. Over 35 games as a junior, he hit .343 with 14 home runs and drew 29 walks for a .479 OBP/.806 SLG. Aside from the power potential, he also has a plus arm and is very athletic, making many believe he will stick at the premium position. Like Clint Frazier this year, Jackson may be the most talked about prep player next season. Committed to Oregon. LINK

6-16-13  -  Player:  Garrett Kennedy -  Position:  C   School:  Miami   Height/Weight:  6’1/185   Bats/Throws:  L/R   2014 Class:  College Junior   Scouting Report:   Defense first catcher   Stance starts open   Patient approach   A bit more strength in bat then he has shown to this point   Moves well behind the plate   Shows excellent blocking ability   Strong arm LINK

6-13-13  -  18. Cleveland Indians — Kyle Schwarber, C, Indiana - While he may not have enough to stick behind the plate, the 6’-0”, 230 pound left-handed hitter does have a strong arm and makes for a big target. His footwork needs work, however, and most think he will eventually end up at first base. That shouldn’t hurt his stock that much because the kid can flat out destroy a baseball. Over 57 games, he is hitting .374 with 10 doubles, 18 home runs and has drawn 39 walks to just 30 strikeouts for a .462 OBP/.676 SLG. He should be a leading candidate to lead the nation in home runs next season and, with that kind of power and patience from the left side, may be too hard to pass up in the first round. He was also named to the 2013 Collegiate Team USA. LINK

Draft 14 – Kyle Schwarber, Michael Gettys, Alex Jackson, Carlos Rodon, Keenan Eaton

 

6-10-13 -  Kyle Schwarber, C, Indiana - Kyle Scwarber is one of the top power bats in the country.  He has plus power with lift in his swing and should be able to hit home runs anywhere.  He also shows a good approach at the plate.  Schwarber is likely headed to first base, but his bat will play anywhere. http://bigleaguefutures.net/1/2013/06/10/2014-mlb-draft-early-college-names-to-know/

6-13-13  -  26. Boston Red Sox — Michael Gettys, RHP, Gainesville HS (GA) - An athletic right-hander who has touched 95 mph with his fastball, the 6’-2” Gettys is one of the more exciting players to watch in the 2014 prep class. As a junior, he hit .406 and stole 38 bases over 32 games. On the mound, he had a 0.99 ERA, 0.74 WHIP and 114 K/18 BB over 73 innings. He tossed two no-hitters and struck out 2013 fifth-overall pick Clint Frazier twice in their match-up on April 12. In an interview I did with Frazier, he said Gettys was the best pitcher he faced all season. http://beforeitsnews.com/sports/2013/06/2014-mlb-mock-draft-1-0-no-time-like-the-present-2513748.html?currentSplittedPage=2

6-17-13  -  3. Alex Jackson, C, Rancho Bernardo High in Poway, Calif. - Jackson (6-foot-2, 200) is a well-rounded backstop. "Catching prospects," Perkin noted, "normally appear in one of two forms: Throwers who can't hit or hitters who can't throw. Jackson is the rare backstop who does both at the highest level." Perkin also pointed out Jackson's tremendous power and his ability to get the ball to second base in 1.8 seconds, which is above major league average. http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/mlb/news/20130610/draft-prospects-carlos-rodon/#ixzz2WWk0FqzU

6-18-13  -  Carlos Rodon - from Don Olson on 6/18/2013 - Stout wide frame, impressive present strength and build, think maturation and power potential TORL. FB was 90-94 mph (95), cruising speed is never an issue.  4S was solid 92-95 mph, nice backspin with arm slot tails away from RHH.  Works both sides of the plate, attacks the inside, and changes eye levels constantly with the offering, all natural late subtle movement.  Command is average, think it can improve with his ability, losses it a little too much low, point of improvement. He hides the ball well and can get hitters to stretch the zone.  2S 90-91 mph (92) with a good amount of hand side tail that is hard, showed good command, hits it consistently L/O.  Cutter/Baby Slider was tight with good bite, more horizontal than vertical tilt at 89-91, safe plus grade with room to grow, effective action to both sides hitters, shows action that forces swings. Curve has good shape, a lot of spin with late drop action, but not a heavy rotation offering at any view this spring.  He shows a projectable change, showed good arm action and potentially highly deceptive, but it is a work in progress, point to monitor in the future. http://bigleaguefutures.net/1/2013/06/18/2014-mlb-draft-profile-carlos-rodon/

6-22-13 Jeff Sullivan ‏@JSully12    - Wasn't aware of him before the event, but 2014 OF Keenan Eaton has really impressed me all week. Vandy commit

Draft 14 – A.J. Reed, Kyle Schwarber, Tyler Beede, Carlos Rodon

Kentucky sophomore A.J. Reed (LHP-1B)was named All-SEC first team as the designated hitter and utility player.  http://www.ukathletics.com/sports/m-basebl/spec-rel/052813aaa.html Reed is the first UK player to earn first-team All-SEC honors since Thomas McCarthy in 2011. He is the first UK player to earn first-team honors as the designated hitter since Brad Hindersman in 1993.

I haven't scouted Kyle Schwarber yet, but the people that have can't stop raving about his bat. The squatty lefty hitter catches now but won't stick there and is a right field or first base fit long-term but the above average bat and power stand out, while his sophomore year numbers aren't bad either: .381/.469/.670, 33 BB, 25 K, 13 HR LINK

Tyler Beede, RHP, Vanderbilt - The only other player who has a chance to challenge Rodon for the top pick in next year’s MLB draft is Beede, who would be one hell of a consolation prize. The 6’-4” right-hander has three plus pitches of his own in a mid-90s fastball with great movement, a power curveball and a deceptive change-up. He doesn’t have quite the command that Rodon does, but he is just as unhittable. On the year, he is 3-0 with a 1.45 ERA, 1.13 WHIP and 20 K/9 BB over 18.2 innings, allowing just 12 hits for third-ranked Vandy. LINK

College Baseball 360‏ @CB360updates - NC State so. LHP ace Carlos Rodon faced only 36 (3 over min.) while allowing an unearned run & only one hit in 10 innings vs. UNC (14 Ks)