Draft Notes 5-12-12 – Lance McCullers, Chris Beck, Martin Acosta, Dylan Florio

LHP Chris Beck and OF Victor Roache graduate today. Hopefully, Vic can accept the diploma with his healing wing. 

Nathan Rode -

Lance McCullers' 130-pitch effort Friday advanced No. 1 Tampa Jesuit to the 5-A state semi-finals to face No. 14 American Heritage.

           

A few of us writers here at MMs keep going around and around on Lance. None of us things he sucks but none of us agree what he’s worth to a major league team. We all assumed when the first mock drafts came out that this kid was the best kid in the draft. He definitely dominated all the press before the 2011 draft and there seemed to be no question that he was the next in the line of super picks. It just was wrong. He’s great, but he’s not Harper or Strasburg. I’ve read some of the best pundits and most project him as a middle reliever. It’s amazing how somebody can do that when the kid is still in high school. Look, God gives you the velo and this kid has it. Isn’t everything else teachable? Whatever.  In my book, he’s not worth a #12 and he won’t be around by the Mets sup-1 pick. Back-end first rounder at worst or one of the West Coast teams will pick him early.

Courtney Hawkins‏ -

John Mackin Ade  - good then I want to thank you for all the encouragement and dedication you give me through your site all the bad I read helps”

Kendall Rogers‏ -

TAMU RHP Ross Stripling tosses a no-hitter against SDSU on the same day he graduates

Adam Foster -

Mark Appel (8.0-IP, 6-H, 2-R, 10-K, 1-BB, 121-P) threw some really good changeups. Mostly used it outside to lefties, though…

If I were to retroactively rank Stanford RHP Mark Appel in Project Prospect 's 2012 Top 100, he'd be in the 25-50 range.

Kyle Zimmer -

Time to go win a series

GSU LHP Chris Beck – 4.3-IP, 10-H, 3-R, 3-K, 3-BB, 91-P – Beck graduated with questionable outings against inferior competition. Where do you draft this kid?  14-G, 13-ST, 4-6, 3.86, 99-K, 24-BB, 86.2-IP. I don’t know… right now I’d say sup-1.

St. Mary’s Martin Acosta – 8.0-IP, 6-H, 1-R, 12-K, 1-BB, 104-P – we know the competition is suspect, but stat line is impressive:  12-G, 12-ST, 8-2, 2.37, 87.1-IP, 74-K, 24-BB. A few too many walks at this level and a few too little strikeouts… 3^rd round?

CSF Dylan Florio – 6.3-IP, 9-H, 7-R, 2-K, 1-BB, W – so, do you go home happy after getting accredited for a win when you gave up seven runs? Florio has bee dominant all season long so we’re going to give him a pass on this one. I still see him being drafted on the first day, but probably as a sup-pick.

Draft 2012: Lance McCullers , Joey Gallo, Rio Ruiz, Matt Fultz

5. Lance McCullers, RHP, Jesuit HS, Tampa - McCullers is a guy I’ve tried to stay real positive about the past 4 or 5 months. I get tired of people dogging the power 18 year old. He’s been around major league ball most of his life with his father being a major league pitcher. The kid knows how pitch and throws in the mid 90′s with a wicked slider. The problem is his mechanics aren’t the nicest or cleanest in the world and he’s only 6’2. So there are questions on whether he can legitimately stay there and and whether or not he can stay healthy. There is a lot of talk about him being born to close.  Which in my opinion is ludacris but at the same time there are concerns and I understand that. With a commitment to Florida that far as I can tell is pretty strong. I like him, but I’m not sure enough to buy him out of college. It’s really hard to get a feel on him and I can’t say that 6 months is really going to change a whole lot. http://sodomojo.com/2012/02/13/more-mlb-draft-talk-and-a-quick-little-top-5/

10. Joey Gallo, 1B/RHP, BL/TR, Bishop Gorman HS, Las Vegas, NV - Raw power and fastball velocity are the two easiest tools for scouts to judge. Gallo exhibits both. He launched a 442-foot home run during a showcase game in August at Petco Park in San Diego -- one of the longest drives in the history of the stadium. As a pitcher, Gallo touches the mid-90's with his four seam heater. He doesn't run well, and if he chooses the mound, Gallo projects as a one inning middle reliever or closer. http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/highschool/02/13/baseball.top.10.prospects/index.html#ixzz1mJYi8Rky

3. Rio Ruiz, 3B, Bishop Amat (La Puente, Calif.)  Ruiz is a solid hitter whose power is a bit raw, but he has strong hands and sees the ball well from the pitcher's hand to contact. He's committed to USC and has touched the low-90s on the mound, but his best chance at the big leagues is likely at the plate. There is a chance he ends up moving to first base or perhaps a corner outfield spot. http://espn.go.com/blog/high-school/baseball/post/_/id/1108/joey-gallo-is-nation%e2%80%99s-top-corner-infielder  

Lee’s Summit West  High School senior Matt Fultz – one of the country’s top catching prospects in the class of 2012 – was among the first to arrive at the indoor facility, in the company of Tom Hall, the father of Lee’s Summit left-hander Matt Hall. Matt Hall wasn’t scheduled to pitch until early afternoon, so he opted to sleep in a little later than Fultz and his father. Fultz, on the other hand, was in the first group on hitters scheduled to face live pitching at 9 a.m. Wide awake, he stood in and took his cuts. “(Fultz) is a strong left-handed hitter who took the best early swings of the group,” a PG blogger noted after Fultz faced his first of five pitchers at the well-attended event. “(He shows) a quick bat with bat speed, pull pop and good plate coverage.” http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=6560

Draft 2012: Brian Johnson, Lance McCullers, Austin Dean, Mac Williamson

3. Brian Johnson, LHP/1B, Florida - Johnson is a guy that I think may have a shot at Danny Hultzen fever (a guy that catches fire and ends up  in the top-5 discussion). He’s a guy that has a few things going for him on the mound and again he may just really lighting up the compitition on his way to a June payday. But he’s always been a tweener, never really one way or another, in therms of pitcher or position player and he’s not been real consistent. He’s not got the bat to stick long term at first base. He’s just got too many question marks to sit  inside the top-10 for me. Again this is purely my opinion, based on statistics, seen on both TV/youtube and what I’ve read online.  http://sodomojo.com/2012/02/13/more-mlb-draft-talk-and-a-quick-little-top-5/

8. Lance McCullers, RHP, Jesuit HS, Tampa, FL - McCullers utilizes a classic, old fashioned "drop and drive" delivery, his right knee scraping the dirt as he follows through, a la Tom Seaver. His father, also named Lance, was a major league pitcher for seven seasons and the younger McCullers also possesses big time stuff: A heavy mid- to high-90's fastball coupled with a biting low-80's breaking ball. In his pitching motion, McCullers severely cocks his arm behind his back prior to releasing the pitch, raising concerns of a future shoulder injury. As a professional, McCullers could be a fine starter but he profiles best as an elite closer. http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2012/highschool/02/13/baseball.top.10.prospects/index.html#ixzz1mJYi8Rky

 7. Austin Dean, 3B, Klein Collins (Spring, Texas)  I liked Dean more than most at the Area Code Games. He showed no glaring weaknesses despite the lack of a standout tool, but the power potential is apparent and he stings the ball consistently in batting practice. He's adept at going the other way and reminds some of a young Casey Blake. If he shows he can stick at third, he's a Day 2 pick. Dean is committed to the University of Texas. http://espn.go.com/blog/high-school/baseball/post/_/id/1108/joey-gallo-is-nation%e2%80%99s-top-corner-infielder  

Wake Forest JR OF Mac Williamson - Not exactly a banner year for ACC outfielders, but Thomas, Ramsey, and Williamson all do enough well to warrant early round draft consideration in 2012. Thomas, the most heralded outfielder in the conference by a long shot, comes by his high praise honestly. I’ve been told his tools have been consistently overrated by the national media (it is admittedly a minority view, but he’s been described to me as a “tweener” outfielder, i.e. not enough power for a corner, not enough speed for center), so I look forward to seeing him for myself this spring. Even as a tweener, he’s still worth mentioning as a great athlete who put up pretty darn impressive numbers last year as a sophomore. Ramsey’s best tool is easily his bat, though I’m not sure there is enough to it if he’s locked into left field always and forever. This is sort of the Devon Travis dilemma all over again: interesting prospect at one position only who is risky because of the unlikelihood of being able to transition to a utility role. Rumors of improved range (better jumps and increased mobility, most notably) and his forthcoming trial in center field for the Seminoles give some hope that he shows enough this spring to get pro teams believing he can at least hold down the fort at center and right. Williamson is another player who I’ve spent a disproportionate (compared to his prospect stock) amount of time writing about over the years. His tools, most notably the arm and power, continue to shine, and his improved approach in 2011, though not yet quite where you’d like to see in terms of BB/K numbers, is encouraging. Rumors of him being tried behind the plate at Wake Forest seem to be officially dead and buried, but I wonder if a pro team might see things differently.

Draft 2012: Lance McCullers, Tom Murphy, Michael Roth, Lucas Giolito

Lance McCullers — 6’-2”, RHP, Jesuit HS (FL) McCullers has been a hot commodity since hitting 96 mph on the radar gun as a sophomore. Son of the former major leaguer with the same name, he has an electric arm and one of the most powerful arms in the draft. His fastball hits 97 mph with ease. He also has a knee-buckling curve to go along with a plus-slider. Has a feel and poise for the game not seen in many players his age. Also an outstanding hitter but the mound is where he belongs. http://www.throughthefencebaseball.com/top-50-draft-prospects-for-2012-25-thru-1/15694/

Tom Murphy opened eyes with a strong 2011 season that earned him the Mid-America Conference Player of the Year Award and continued impressing over the summer with an All-Star summer in the New England Collegiate Baseball League. Murphy has a short compact swing with plus raw power.  He also shows good speed for a catcher, recording a 60 time of 6.75 over the summer. His defense is not gold glove quality, but Murphy is solid behind the plate.  He has a slightly above average arm and he has consistent 1.9 pop times. In addition to his skills on the field, Murphy is known for good work ethic and makeup.   He is likely to be chosen in the 2nd or 3rd round of the 2012 MLB Draft. http://mlbdraftguide.com/

We continue the countdown today at number 4 with South Carolina senior LHP Michael Roth. The Greer, South Carolina native attended Riverside High School. He was a member of several teams including 2006 & 2008 South Carolina AAA All-State team, 2006 & 2007 Louisville Slugger High School All-American, 2006 South Carolina AAA Player of the Year, and a 2008 Rawlings Preseason third team All-American. As a freshman in 2009, he made 16 appearances (two starts) while going 1-1 with a 4.22 ERA in 32 innings of work. He held opponents to a .254 batting average against while striking out 28 batters while walking 13 batters http://ht.ly/1gXFxV

1. Lucas Giolito, Harvard-Westlake (Studio City, Calif.)  - Giolito, a UCLA recruit, is the top prep arm in the class and could land in the top five come June. His arsenal features a plus fastball that brushes the mid-90s, and the velocity comes easy. http://espn.go.com/blog/high-school/baseball/post/_/id/1051/top-10-class-of-2012-right-handed-pitchers

Draft 2012: Marcus Stroman, Duane Underwood, David Dahl, Lance McCullers

RP Marcus Stroman School: Duke  Cl.: Junior, Ht.: 5-9 Wt.: 185  Hometown.: Medford, N.Y.  High school: Patchogue-Medford  Stroman certainly isn’t the most intimidating pitcher in college baseball with his smallish size, but his stuff is electric. The righty dazzled observers at the Cape Cod League over the summer with his 95-98 mph fastball and outstanding slider. In 2011, Stroman had a 2.80 ERA in 64 1/3 innings. http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=6498

Duane Underwood, Pope (Marietta, Ga.)  The Georgia commit has hit 97 mph on the radar gun and one scout I spoke to this fall said Underwood was sitting at 93-94 even after 75 pitches. He also offers deception in his delivery as he whips his arm through from a high three-quarter arm slot. http://espn.go.com/blog/high-school/baseball/post/_/id/1051/top-10-class-of-2012-right-handed-pitchers  

 David Dahl — 6’-2”, OF, Oak Mountain HS (AL)  Dahl is another member of U18 Team USA, and his recent play has his stock soaring up draft boards. He hit .364 with 11 runs, nine RBI and seven stolen bases batting leadoff for Team USA, while also playing stellar defense in the outfield at the Pan Am Championships. The lefty is one of the purest hitters in the draft, and his short, level swing allows for consistent contact, which projects to a high average hitter. Runs a 6.5/60 and should be a real threat on the base paths. Aside from his offensive prowess, Dahl also has a plus arm, and coupled with his speed and high baseball IQ, should be among the top 15 picks in the draft. http://www.throughthefencebaseball.com/top-50-draft-prospects-for-2012-25-thru-1/15694/

Lance McCullers, Jesuit (Tampa, Fla.), Pitcher, 6-2, L/R, Florida If there's a high school pitcher out there capable of breaking up the Harvard-Westlake monopoly it's McCullers. Ranked by at least two services as the No. 1 overall pick in the draft, the consensus is that the Jesuit standout will be the fifth overall pitcher chosen and the third among the prep pitchers. McCullers is reported with three plus pitches, including a changeup, a curve and a fastball that has reportedly reached 100 but is consistently in the mid 90s. http://www.maxpreps.com/news/-8V2A0MeEeGkPgAmVebEWg/maxpreps-top-10-mlb-draft-prospects.htm  

Draft 2012 – Duane Underwood, Lance McCullers, Cullen Mahoney, Ty Hensley, Ronnie Freeman

 

Duane Underwood — 6’-2”, RHP, Pope HS (GA)  Duane Underwood is a hard-throwing righty whose fastball can hit 97 mph with ease. He also features a hard curve that projects to a plus pitch and a deceptive change-up that is still developing. His command can get away from him at times, but his strong arm, athleticism and high baseball IQ will have many teams flocking to Georgia to see his talents. http://www.throughthefencebaseball.com/top-50-draft-prospects-for-2012-50-thru-26/15621/

Lance McCullers Jr., RHP, Jesuit (Tampa, Fla.)  - The son of former MLB pitcher Lance McCullers Sr., McCullers has potential as a power bat, but his fastball has sniffed triple digits and he’s flashed an above-average breaking ball. Scouts are split on his future as the spring nears, but he’s a surefire first-round arm — and could break into the top 10 — for clubs that view him as a long-term starter. The Florida commit struck out 79 in 52 innings last year while hitting .422 with seven homers and 24 RBIs. http://espn.go.com/blog/high-school/baseball/post/_/id/940/mccullers-jr-is-top-florida-diamond-star

Cullen Mahoney was one of the best players in the Northwoods League this summer. The All-Star 2B spent this summer playing for the Thunder Bay Border Cats. He hit .347 in 213 at-bats, which placed him second in the league in batting average. He scored 33 runs, drove in 29 and he led the league with 5 triples. He also hit 7 doubles and smacked 4 home runs for TB.  His bb/k ratio of 27/47 and he stole 10 bases as well. He was named to play in the NWL All-Star Game and Perfect Game ranked him as the 66th best prospect in the league. In my rankings of the top position players in the league from 2011, I ranked Cullen as the 3rd best

This year, Oklahoma might not have the quantity of talent that Texas does, but the state is well represented by Sante Fe (Edmond, Okla.) right-hander Ty Hensley. Standing in at 6-foot-5 and 220 pounds, Hensley is one of the most physically imposing pitchers in his class. Last season, he went 6-0 with a 2.26 ERA and 58 strikeouts in 31 innings. "He's got a power arm with a power delivery,” said Jason A. Churchill, who covers scouting, player development and the MLB Draft for ESPN Insider. “I had him up to 94 mph and sitting 91-92 at the Area Code Games and he used what appeared to be two different breaking balls — either a slider and a curve or a variation of one of them. He may end up in the bullpen, but I like to stay away from labeling a high school kid. You do have to dream on the command and off-speed stuff and hope he develops a changeup if he's to be a full-time starter, however.”  http://espn.go.com/blog/high-school/baseball/post/_/id/983/hensley-is-latest-oklahoma-star-hurler  

collegesummerbaseball   - 1.   Ronnie Freeman   C   Holyoke Blue Sox--Kennesaw State -  Ronnie was third in the league with a .373 batting average. He led the league with 56 hits and led the league with 12 doubles. Ronnie was second in the league with 32 runs scored and he also drove in 25 this season. To go along with his 12 doubles, he slammed 5 home runs and walked 17 times. He was given the leagues Sportsmanship Award this summer. PG ranked him as the 7th best prospect in the league while BA ranked him as the 2nd best in the league. On December 1st, I named  him one of my 2011 Top Performers.

Draft 2012: - Clate Schmidt, Peter O’Brien, Lance McCullers, Addison Russell, Rhett Wiseman

7-19-11: - http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2011/6/29/2250656/early-look-at-2012#comments - Clate Schmidt, Allatoona HS, Ackworth GA, 6’1 175, deceptive arm strength up to 92 on the day, fb was mostly straight and hittable, but has a lil giddy up on fb when in on RHH, quickness in arm action to show 3 pitches to be effective, cb and change still in development stage but can be a good one in time.

9-27-11: - http://mlbdraftguide.com/1/2011/09/22/trey-williams-2012-draft-profile -

Player:  Trey Williams

 Position:  3B

 School:  Valencia HS, CA

 Date of Birth:  3/9/1994

 Height/Weight:  6’1/211

 Bats/Throws:  R/R

 Class Of:  2012

 Committed To:  Pepperdine

Scouting Report:

Trey Wiliams may be the top hitting prospect eligible for the 2012 MLB Draft.  Showing how much respect opposition coaches have for Williams’ bat, he was intentionally walked with the bases loaded in a game his sophomore year.  The son of former Major Leaguer Eddie Williams, he has had excellent coaching from day one and it shows.

People talk about the sound of the bat hitting the ball being different for a special few hitters.  Williams is one of those hitters.  He has an impressive swing with tremendous bat speed.  Williams has an upright stance, strong hands, and shows power to all fields.

While his bat is his ticket on draft day, Williams is strong at third base.  He moves well, has good hands, and displays a strong accurate arm.

A strong finish to his junior year (.500, 6 HR in final 11 games) and good showings throughout the summer have Williams’ looking likely to land near the top of the first round, with the top five a possibility

9-21-11: - http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=6253 – Hey Kendall, love your college baseball reports. Any idea if Peter O'Brien of Miami will be cleared to get that waiver and be eligible this year? When is the deadline on that stuff? Who will replace Roger Tomas? Thanks K-Rog!   -  First of all, I was shocked Peter O'Brien didn't sign with the Rockies as a third-round pick to the Rockies this past summer. He's most certainly not going to sniff that kind of slot or money (at least in my opinion) in the coming season. With that said, I spoke to two sources inside the Miami program at length about a week and a half ago and they were cautiously optimistic Peter would get cleared as paperwork was just sent. You never know with the NCAA, and there's not timeline .... it happens when it happens.

9-27-11: - http://legendsoftomorrow.blogspot.com/2011/09/lance-mccullers-son-of-gun.html - Lance McCullers Jr. has pretty much hit the ground running. As a sophomore, he was throwing 96 on the radar gun, not unlike the self proclaimed messiah of baseball, Bryce Harper. Like Bryce, he's a two-way star, as he plays infield too, but its widely believed that McCullers will wind up a pitcher, like his father. Since going to Tampa Jesuit, McCullers has left behind a trail of awards and top amateur team selections. He was the 2009 MaxPreps Freshman of the Year, was named to several Perfect Game USA all star teams, played in the 2011 Baseball Factory Under Armour All American game at Wrigley Field as the only non-senior, and was named a Louisville Slugger All American Honorable mention. He's committed to pitching for the University of Florida, but don't expect him to go unless Scott Boras takes him under his wing, which is highly likely.

9-22-11: - http://www.pnj.com/article/20110922/SPORTS10/109220318/Addison-Russell-making-stops-Team-USA - The 6-1, 193-pound shortstop — who has verbally committed to play baseball at Auburn — already has developed relationships with most of the players, having spent pretty much the entire summer competing with and against them for the prestigious Team USA spots. "It was a grueling process," (Addison) Russell said. "They invited 144 draft-eligible kids to compete in a tournament. From there, they made cuts down to 40 players. Those 40 players got to stay for another week and we competed for another week to get down to 28 players. "They invited those 28 guys back a week ago, but because some of them were in football, we only had 21 kids come back. So we had 21 to get down to the final 20. The Saturday night was hectic. All they told us was to go back to our room and wait for a phone call. They called my room around 10:35 p.m. and told me to come down to their room. They told me 'Well, you're a good guy and we appreciate you coming down here, but I want to congratulate you for making the team.' I was so excited and relieved at the same time."

9-1-11: - http://xmlbscout.angelfire.com - Rhett Wiseman, Buckingham Browne & Nichols Schools, Mansfield MA, 6' 195 L/R, gamer with some bat speed, stiff back when he hits and throws, runs better underway, lack of fluid actions bother me, but has strength in his swing and throwing arm to watch again. May just be a solid college player in the long run, but worth a follow.

2012 Draft: - Mason Katz, Tyler Naquin, Nick Williams, Lance McCullers, Keon Barnum

7-19-11: - http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2011/6/29/2250656/early-look-at-2012#comments  - Mason Katz, LSU, 5’11 190, R/R, scrappy hitter with decent running ability, throws well enough to play any OF position, ability to make contact as a hitter is his strength and plays hard. 8-12 round type guy.

7-19-11: - http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2011/6/29/2250656/early-look-at-2012#comments  - Tyler Naquin, Texas A&M, 6’2 175, L/L, string bean with solid arm strength, ability to hit and with occ HR power, as he matures could add more HR frequency, right now more of a contact hitter, who tends to reach for pitches with his aggressiveness.

9-1-11: - http://projectprospect.com/article/2011/08/31/2012-mlb-draft-top-prospects  - Nick Williams, OF, Galveston Ball HS, TX - Williams features a compact swing with a plane conducive - to covering the outer half well but has quick enough hands to still burn on the inner-half. Williams has plus power and a good amount of loft in his swing. You could make a good argument as to what is more projectable, Williams' body or his swing. Currently, he keeps his front side closed longer than needed, and doesn't open up into contact as much as he could, though he can occasionally get caught in between and pull off with his front side. In time, he could learn how to clear his front side to let his back side fully drive through, which, not coincidentally, is when things would get really entertaining. Clearing his hands from 'hiding' behind his front shoulder might help him get even quicker on the inner half as well. Oh, did we mention he's 6-foot-3' 190 pounds and has room to add 20 pounds without forcing himself to re-learn how to run with the additional weight? Williams is a plus runner with at least an average arm. He has current strength and figures to add plenty more. If you see anyone laying any Griffey comps on this kid, go ahead and laugh them out of the room. However, calling Williams a 'tool shed' certainly won't get you laughed at. Factual statements have a tendency to get treated with respect.

9-8-11: - http://www.gacksports.com/65590/2012-mlb-mock-draft-update  - 3. Minnesota Twins Lance McCullers Jr. Pitcher Tampa Jesuit High School Florida Even though were beginning to see pitchers like Mark Appel and Lucas Giolito slowly separate themselves as the #1 and #2 overall prospects at this point, Lance McCullers Jr. is still a top 3 overall talent. You would be a fool to dismiss what Lance brings to the table in terms of pitching potential down the road.

7-19-11: - http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2011/6/29/2250656/early-look-at-2012#comments  - Keon Barnum, King HS, Tampa FL, 6’4 220, L/L, strong lefty swing with power to RF, arm strength and runs well once underway, 4.3 on grounders, has made some improvements to pitch selection as hitter, still developing. One of better Florida Kids to watch in 2012.

Draft 2012: - Cory Jensen, Logan Vick, Lance McCullers, Kyle Twomey, Tucker Linder

8-31-11: http://www.collegesummerbaseball.net/2011/08/top-15-position-players-in-cal-ripken.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter  - Top 15 Position Players in the Cal Ripken League - 5. Cory Jensen 2B Baltimore--Florida Southern - Cory was the offensive spark for the Baltimore Redbirds this summer. He hit .339 in 124 at-bats this summer. He scored 27 runs, hit 11 doubles and stole 15 bases for the Redbirds. He was also named to the All-League Team.


7-19-11: - http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2011/6/29/2250656/early-look-at-2012#comments  - Logan Vick, Baylor, 5’11 185, L/R, scrappy player who gives 100%, has fair arm strength and solid base running speed, makes enough contact to be 4th type OF at ML level with occ 5-8 type HR power frequency. 8-12 round type.


9-1-11: - http://projectprospect.com/article/2011/08/31/2012-mlb-draft-top-prospects  - Lance McCullers Jr., RHP, Tampa Jesuit HS, FL - McCullers' arm action has some length thanks to a huge degree of scapular loading present in the pick-up phase of his delivery. It is a little atypical, think Daniel Hudson except from a 3/4 arm angle, but not necessarily a bad thing. He appears to have pretty good timing, strong hip rotation, and keeps his front side closed pretty well. He throws with some effort, which again isn't always a bad thing. There will be some who want to knock McCullers' mechanics but, unless we see something different in the future, we won't be among them.


9-2-11: - http://mlbdraftguide.com/1/2011/09/02/kyle-twomey-2012-draft-profile  - Kyle Twomey is one of the more interesting lefthanders eligible for the 2012 draft. At 6’3/165, he has a great deal of projection. Twomey has a nice easy delivery with a 3/4 arm slot and good arm speed. Twomey’s fastball has good sink and can touch 91. More velocity should come as he matures. His curve has good break and his change has the potential to be a true plus pitch. Twomey is a polished pitcher and knows what he is doing on the mound. He pounds the strikezone with three quality pitches. His development in the spring will be watched closely.


7-19-11: - http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2011/6/29/2250656/early-look-at-2012#comments  - Tucker Linder, Tallmadge HS, Ohio 6’5 220, has some pop to fb, up to 91, most are 88-89 with some life down in zone, most fb were up in limited action, only saw breaking ball in the k-zone once out of 20 pitches, has chance to develop once in college.

Draft 2012: - JT Chargois, Lance McCullers, Lucas Giolito, Tomas Nido, Max Dutto

7-19-11: - http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2011/6/29/2250656/early-look-at-2012#comments  - JT Chargois, Rice, 6’3 200, S/R, strong hitter with contact ability to hit 280 at ML level, occ power to LF alley, goes the other way, could be a surprise for 2012 as he’s made adjustments with new bats and appears to handle the wood bat well. Throws well enough to stick at 3b or play 1b, both positions he’s played in college.

8-15-11: - http://www.draftsite.com/article/High-School-Names-to-Know/94  - Lance McCullers – RHP/SS HT -6’2’’ WT -195 Tampa Jesuit (FL) -For a while it seemed like McCullers would have an easy ride as the top prep arm and possibly all the way to the top overall pick. However, he has been hit a little harder than usual this year and Lucas Giolito has jumped ahead of him in the rankings. But don’t get it twisted, McCullers is still a top three prospect. He is an impressive athlete, who also plays shortstop. He can get it up to 98 mph and pairs it with a filthy mid 80’s curve, along with a developing change. He also has the bloodlines that scouts love so much as his dad pitched in the Majors for seven seasons with the Padres in the 80’s. In an interesting move, McCullers chose to stick with his AAU team this summer instead of playing for Team USA – giving scouts more looks at Giolito. He will no doubt get a chance to start at the next level but his frame and delivery now have some scouts wondering if he would be better suited for closing; Just one more thing to monitor during his senior season.

8-24-11: - Lucas Giolito - diamondscapescouting.  - (rhp, Harvard-Westlake School, Studio City, Calif.) broke out last summer with a high velo showing at the Area Code Games and has maintained momentum through the start of this summer scouting season. The physical righty followed two strong Tournament of Stars showings with a scoreless inning against the USA Collegiate Team, sitting 93-95 mph with life and dropping a hard 80-82 mph 12-to-6 curve into the mix. Giolito is still working to repeat his mechanics, keeping things slow and deliberate while ticking off his checkpoints. While he will still hit patches where he struggles to command, he is generally keeping a consistent arm slot and release point. Giolito profiles as one of the top follows for next year's draft, and possesses the frame and stuff to draw top five overall interest. –

8-22-11: - http://mlbdraftguide.com/1/2011/08/22/tomas-nido-2012-draft-profile  - In a lineup that included Dante Bichetee Jr and set the Florida record for home runs in a season, the leading home run hitter was Tomas Nido. He hit 17 home runs, setting the Central Florida single season record for home runs. Nido is agressive at the plate and has very good bat speed. He has an uppercut in his swing and shows good power potential. Defensively, Nido possesses good catch and throw skills. He moves well and has soft hands. Nido’s arm is above average and he has a quick release. His reported pop times are from 1.85 to 2.10.

7-19-11: - http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2011/6/29/2250656/early-look-at-2012#comments  - Max Dutto, San Ramon Valley HS, Danville CA 5’11 180, L/R, a hitter with enough arm strength, runs ok, not a burner but knows how to run bases, reminds me of a left handed version of Ron Cey, former Dodger, will go as far as his bat takes him and if he can find a position.

Draft 2012: - Sean Hagen, C.J. Saylor, Walker Weickel, Lance McCullers, Blake Hickman

Sean Hagen:


7-19-11: - http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2011/6/29/2250656/early-look-at-2012#comments  - Sean Hagan, St John’s, 6’6 220, a biggin’ with plus arm strength, fb up to 93, most are 90-91 with some late arm side run, hard cb lacks command from 3/4 slot, crosses and fights himself some in delivery. FB movement is his plus with that velocity and could be early rounder or 8-12 rounder. Needs good fall & spring.


C.J. Saylor:


8-12-11: - http://www.prospectwire.com/pw/article.php?id=290  - C C.J. Saylor (5'10" 180, R/R, West Covina, CA) is an excellent receiver, blocks balls in the dirt extremely well, and looks to have a chance to hit for some average, with a compact, strong stroke. He isn't sexy or that big strong monster behind the plate with the wow arm and big raw power but his skills and talents at his position, they play very well.


Walker Weickel:


8-12-11: - http://www.perfectgame.org/AllAmerican/News.aspx?num=6123  – Right-hander Walker Weickel tossed the second inning for the East, throwing what was described by David Rawnsley as a "typical easy Weickel inning." He was 89-91 with a big, slow 71 curve.


Lance McCullers:


8-14-11: - http://www.perfectgame.org/AllAmerican/News.aspx?num=6123  - Lance McCullers, a flame-throwing right-handed pitcher, consistent offensive threat from the left side of the plate and a slick fielding, strong-armed infielder, has been named the recipient of the 2011 Jackie Robinson Award as the nation’s top high school prospect in the class of 2012. McCullers, who will enter his senior year at Jesuit High School in Tampa, Fla., this fall, received the award Saturday night at the Perfect Game All-American Classic presented by Rawlings Awards Banquet held at the San Diego Hall of Champions.


Blake Hickman:


7-19-11: - http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2011/6/29/2250656/early-look-at-2012#comments  - Blake Hickman, Simeon HS, Chicago IL, 6’4 1/2 200, R/R, strong ML arm, pop times at best were 1.97 real time, has quick bat with occ power, body to fill out in time, potential ML backup catcher, would like to see him convert to the hill to utilize his arm strength, will go as far as bat takes him.

Devon Rodriguez, Branden Kline, Richie Shaffer, Mark Appel, Lance McCullers

Devon Rodriguez:


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/6  - 1B Devon Rodriguez might get a call late on draft day. He has posted .288 and .289 averages over the past two years and only has a combined eight home runs, but he does have some raw power in his bat, and his defense is slightly above-average. He made only four errors this season in 532 chances.


Branden Kline:


7-9-11: - http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=6002  - Branden Kline, RHP, Virginia - Like Fontana, Kline was in Omaha for the College World Series, where he enjoyed a late inning showdown between Matt Price and the eventual CWS champion South Carolina Gamecocks in one of the most memorable CWS games ever played. With a tall, projectable frame and long, strong limbs, Kline sits in the low-90s with his fastball while also throwing a nasty low-80s slider. That combination led to 18 saves for the Cavaliers last spring, and may put him a position to serve as a weekend starter next year.


Richie Shaffer:


7-19-11: - http://baseballdraftreport.com/  - Richie Shaffer  - 2012  - ranked 38th
Clemson University - FR – .323/.415/.525 – 18 BB/36 K – 158 AB - SO – .315/.438/.577 – 44 BB/53 K – 222 AB •“recovered from broken hamate to show true plus power” •“good present defender with the chance to be excellent” •“strong arm”


Mark Appel:


7-21-11: - http://www.draftsite.com/article/College-Names-To-Know/92  - Strengths – Appel possesses great height for a pitcher, with a frame that has room to fill out, offering plenty of projection down the road. He has a low effort delivery and an extremely quick arm, along with easy arm action that produces 97 MPH heat. His pitches have very good movement; can run his fastball in on righties with terrific arm side run. He has a slider that could partner with his fastball for another out pitch; he also has a change-up. He pitches well out of the windup.


Lance McCullers:


7-21-11: - http://www.mockdraftmania.com/  - 1. Houston Astros Lance McCullers Jr. P Tampa Jesuit High School Florida I said back in March that the Astros would finish in last place instead of the Pittsburgh Pirates. Looks like I was right on that call while the rest of the country is shocked by the Pirates being in contention this season. To be honest, I’m not that surprised by the Pirates this season. I said back in March that the Pirates would win 70 games and have the division lead at some point in the MLB season. Every other MLB expert, sports personality, or Pirates fan never in their right mind would have picked the Pirates to win 70 games let alone be in contention for first place this late in the season.

Chris Munnelly, Kevin Gausman, Mark Appel, Lance McCullers, Cohl Walla

Chris Munnelly:


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/8  - RHP Chris Munnelly was the Tar Heels third starter this season and he filled the role admirably, winning six games and posting a 4.11 ERA. You could tell he didn’t have near the experience on the mound or the composure of Patrick Johnson or Kent Emanuel, as evidenced by his 57:31 K:BB ratio in 70 innings. Coming out of high school Munnelly was ranked the No. 5 prospect in the state of North Carolina by Impact Baseball. He throws in the mid-to-high 80s, occasionally scraping the low 90s and complements his fastball with a changeup and a curveball.


Kevin Gausman:


7-2-11: - http://www.draftsite.com/article/Quick-MLB-Draft-Hits/89  - The starter for Team USA was LSU’s Kevin Gausman. A 2010 sixth round pick for the Dodgers, Gausman is a sophomore-eligible arm in 2012. How he pitched on Monday really depends on who you talk to you. Those coming in with huge expectations were disappointed and blasted his stock from a potential top 10 pick, to possibly out of the first round. While others had a much more realistic approach and noted that he is still raw but has tremendous upside in a mid 90’s fastball and a plus slider.


Mark Appel:


7-3-11 via twitter - NickJFaleris Nick J. Faleris - Mark Appel in the 1st 93-95 w/one 96 and 97. CH at 83 and SL 83-84. #USACNT 2012 #MLBDraft


Lance McCullers:


7-3-11 via twitter: - PerfectGameUSA Perfect Game USA - Lance McCullers runs his FB up to 96 mph and shows a power breaking ball at 18U WWBA. Current #1 ranked player in 2012 class. 2012 #mlbdraft


Cohl Walla:


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/4  - OF Cohl Walla was supposed to be a breakout star this year, but instead, he finished the season very poorly, with a .231 average, zero home runs and only 18 RBI in 49 games. He struck out way too much (40 K in 143 ABs) and stole only three bases all season. Last year he showed much more potential, hitting .316 with 12 doubles, eight homers, 41 RBI and 14 steals. Walla is very athletic and will no doubt go higher than his 43rd-round selection back in ’09, but if he doesn’t have a strong bounce-back season in 2012, he won’t have much of a future as anything other than an organizational player.

Hudson Randall, Albert Almora, Steve Bruno, DJ Baxendale, Lance McCullers

Hudson Randall:


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/3  - Last but not least is this year’s ace, RHP Hudson Randall. Randall was an all-everybody freshman last year, winning eight games and posting a 3.24 ERA. This year he stepped it up a notch, winning 10 games and posting a minuscule 2.29 ERA. He is not, and never will be, a big strikeout guy (only 62 K in 110 IP), but he’s also got great control (12 BB). He’s also durable as a horse, as he proved consistently this season. Pitching on Friday nights in the SEC takes a certain kind of pitcher, and Randall proved himself worthy this year.



Albert Almora:


6-21-11: - http://www.baseballamerica.com/blog/high-school/2011/06/fulmer-shows-big-arm-at-tos-day-one  - Albert Almora, an outfielder from Mater Academy in Hialeah, Fla., had a loose, easy swing in batting practice and went 2-for-4 with two walks and four runs in the first game of the day. He shows easy power and an ability to go the other way, but was bailing with his front foot during the game.


Steve Bruno:


6-23-11: - http://baseballdraftreport.com/  - Virginia SO SS Stephen Bruno
.240/.269/.320 – 0 BB/7 K – 0/1 SB – 25 AB - I wrote about Bruno a bit back in the day… FR SS Stephen Bruno (2012) was one of the rarest of the rare coming out of high school – a prep player actually expected to stay at shortstop as a pro. We always hear about how pretty much every worthwhile big leaguer was the star shortstop/pitcher of his high school team, but it never registered how often these players were forced to move off the position after signing that first pro deal. I mean, Jim Thome was a shortstop in high school* because, let’s be honest, that’s just where you put the best athlete at that level. I remember watching Billy Rowell play shortstop in high school. He positioned himself about 3 steps out on the outfield grass, basically admitting to all in attendance he had no range and instead relying exclusively on his rocket arm to gun people down at first. Rowell wasn’t a pro prospect as a shortstop, but he played shortstop on his high school team because, quite simply, if he didn’t, then who would? Bruno was a top ten round talent in 2009 who fell to the Yankees in the 26th round due to a very strong commitment to Virginia. He’ll stick at shortstop throughout his career due to his plus range, slightly above-average speed, and Speedy Gonzalez quick hands. He has flashed present power, launching a couple of 450 bombs his senior year of school, but lacks the overall strength to do it on a consistent basis. That last point may not seem like a huge deal for a middle infield prospect, but it does speak to the general concerns about Bruno’s future. Some players are projects based on the development of their tools, an area that Bruno grades out fairly well across the board (in addition to the aforementioned defensive skills, he has a 55 arm), but other players are projects based on their physical development. That’s where Bruno is at right now. He has worked his tail off to improve in each of the five tools (most notably speed and arm strength), but it’ll be the way is body fills out (keeping in mind he is 5-9, 165) that will make him into either a first round caliber guy or not. It really is a shame that an injured hamstring has held back Bruno in 2011 because, when healthy, he can really, really play. He should get his chance next season, though it remains to be seen if he’ll get the opportunity to unseat the incumbent Chris Taylor or have to put his strong arm and good athleticism to use elsewhere on the diamond. As good as Taylor has been at short for the Cavaliers, I think Bruno’s defensive upside is even higher.


DJ Baxendale:


6-25-11: - http://www.collegebaseballdaily.com/2011/06/25/usa-baseball-sweeps-doubleheader-on-Friday  - DJ Baxendale (Arkansas) started and worked five innings for Team USA. His lone blemish on the night was an 0-1 pitch to David Perkins in the fifth that the left fielder connected on for a two-run home run over the left field fence. It sent Mystic to a 2-0 lead. Baxendale struck out six and issued just one walk – immediately before Perkins’ home run – but did not figure in the decision.


Lance McCullers:


6-25-11: - http://mlbdraftguide.com/1/2011/06/23/lance-mccullers-jr-2012-draft-profile  - Lance McCullers Jr. has been on the prospect map for a long time and is in line to be one of the first players selected in the 2012 draft. He is ranked numer 1 in Perfect Game’s Top 200 Draft Prospects for 2012. McCullers, whose father pitched in the Majors for 7 seasons, is a two way prospect, but his future is clearly on the mound. McCullers has great stuff and good command. His fastball sits 94-97 with some reports as high as 99. He also throws a power curve and a quality change. All three project as plus pitches. He has a fast, loose arm and uses a 3/4 arm slot. McCullers has the stuff and the competitive drive to excel at the next level.