Draft 14 – Grant Holmes, Joey Pankake, Jace Fry, Matt Chapman, Drew Rasmussen

2-3-14 – MaxPreps - Top 10 MLB Draft Prospects in high school - 7. Grant Holmes, Conway (S.C.) Holmes is seen as a pitcher with three potential big league pitches, including a fastball that approaches 96 mph, a heavy-dropping curveball and an above average changeup. Holmes is seen as one of the more polished high school pitchers in the draft. Look for him to go late in the first round. http://www.maxpreps.com/news/B41AzcsA90iOL5xwFL8T7Q/top-10-major-league-baseball-draft-high-school-prospects.htm

3-25-14 – TTF 10 college players on the rise — week 6  - Joey Pankake, 3B, South Carolina (53) - Pankake started off the season a bit slow but has really picked it up at the plate as of late. Over his last eight games, he is hitting 419/.500/.710 with three doubles, two home runs and four walks. Over 20 games this season, he is now hitting .307/.411/.480 with four doubles, three home runs and nine walks to just six strikeouts.  At 6’-1” and 200 pounds, he has an advanced approach at the plate, a canon arm and excellent bat speed. He showed developing power as a sophomore, hitting .311/.387/.496 over 62 games with 11 home runs while drawing 29 walks to just 29 strikeouts. His arm, footwork and power should allow him to stick at the hot corner. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-10-college-players-rise-week-6/42071#MDUXGtxd7YCtKt0X.99

3-9-14 – MLB Draft Insider - Jace Fry – LHP Oregon State – Fry pitched the fifth no hitter in Oregon State history, in the first game of a double header against Northern Illinois. Fry is a likely top five round pick, who has had some injury issues at OSU. He was only able to pitch seven innings last season, after a very good freshman year for Oregon State. Fry walked two hitters on the day and struck out ten in the course of the day. http://mlbdraftinsider.com/2014/03/the-rundown-march-8/#more-3872

2-27-14 – TTF - 10 college players on the rise - Matt Chapman, 3B, Cal State Fullerton (34) - The 6’-2”, 200 pound right-hander has found his groove at the plate recently. Over his last three games, he has gone 7-for-16 with two doubles, a home run and five RBI for the Titans. A gifted defender with a plus arm and the range to stick at the hot corner, scouts wanted to see more from his bat this year, including power. It’s only seven games, but a .344/.417/.531 slash line is a great sign. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-10-college-players-rise-2/41299#ldBBF8hRKzmaiy5H.99

P - Drew Rasmussen, RHP/3B, Sr., Mount Spokane (Wash.) - The big powerful righty has extra life on his fastball that typically works in the low 90s, allowing it to play up a bit firmer. He has a good delivery which allows him to locate the ball on both sides and backs it with a slider and changeup which both have good shape in the low 80s. http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=9561

Draft 14 – Jacob Gatewood, Slade Heggen, Matt Chapman, Matthew Rainey, Nick Gordon

2-5-14 - Continuing our profiles of some of the top high school hitters available in the 2014 MLB Rule IV Draft brings a look at Jacob Gatewood, a Short Stop from Clovis High School in Clovis, CA. Do you like your up the middle players tall, lanky and wiry? Do you like them with plus raw power? Do you like them to wrists that would make Connor MacLeod envious? If you answered yes, you’ll probably like Gatewood. If you answered no to any of those three questions then I’ll remind you that Chuck Knoblauch ain’t coming through that door, and you really, really need to go watch Highlander. Gatewood works from a tall set-up, allowing his length and wiry strength to be used to his advantage. As I’ve discussed in regard to Joey Gallo, depth and distance from the plate in a hitter’s stance as well as angles through the zone become an ever-present concern for tall hitters with long limbs. Too much ‘hunch’ in their set-up will lead to an inability to get the bat head through the zone and anything less than an absolutely direct lines will lead to plenty of sad-faced calls to their bat supplier. http://projectprospect.com/article/2014/02/04/2014-mlb-draft-jacob-gatewood-hitter-profile

1-27-14 – BP - Positional Preview: High School Catchers - Slade Heggen | C/OF/3B | Loyola Sacred Heart (Missoula, MT) | Commit: Oregon  Height/Weight: 6-foot/195 pounds  B/T: R/R  Draft Day Age: 18y 6m  Heggen is an interesting blend of athleticism, raw ability, and now performance. The Treasure State standout utilizes a short swing path with lots of pitch-plane overlap to produce hard contact, and showed the ability to square quality arms at multiple stops along the showcase circuit. He has a tendency to pop the clutch when transitioning from load to swing, but it is not a long-term concern. Heggen moves well behind the plate, but regularly struggles with his catch-and-throw game due to inconsistencies in his transfer and release (leading to lots of bounces into the bag). Further, some question whether his frame and build will prove capable of handling the grind of a long pro season behind the dish. If he does have to shift out from behind the plate he moves well enough to hold down an outfield corner. http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=22662

1-3-14 – TTF Baseball - 40. Milwaukee Brewers — Matt Chapman, 3B, Cal State Fullerton - The 6’-2”, 200 pound right-hander has a plus arm and enough range to stick at the hot corner. Whether or not the power will show up and remain there is up for debate. He does show an advanced approach at the plate, having drawn 34 walks to 29 strikeouts over 55 games as a sophomore. I got to see him play with The Collegiate National Team and really liked his line-drive swing. He wound up leading Team USA in RBI with 20 over 23 games and drew 14 walks for a .396 OBP. If the power comes this year, he could move up draft boards. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-2/40753#ppGUqI6CbWFvzsPf.99

11-21-13 – BA Top 100 High School Players - 42 Matthew Railey OF L/L 5-11* 195 North Florida Christian, Tallahassee, Fla. Florida State http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/2014-high-school-top-100-with-commitments/

3-20-14 – Cubs Insider - • Nick Gordon, Olympia High School (Orlando, Fla.) shortstop/pitcher: Good bloodlines as the son of Tom/“Flash,” who lasted 20-plus years in the big leagues, and younger brother of Dee, who plays for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Committed to Florida State University. http://www.csnchicago.com/cubs/mlb-draft-cubs-identifying-targets-no-4-overall-pick

Draft 14 – Jacob Gatewood, Jake Cosart, Matt Chapman, Chandler Avant

1-16-14 - Jeff Sullivan ‏@JSully12 - Man I can't wait to see Jacob Gatewood down at NHSI in March. Just watching him take BP is an event. W a good spring, he could go top 10.

1-3-14 – TTF Baseball - 62. Cleveland Indians — Jake Cosart, RHP, Seminole State (JUCO) - The younger brother of Astros’ prospect Jarred Cosart, Jake is a 6’-1”, 185 pound right-hander with quick arm actions that can touch 98 mph with his fastball. He is still raw as a pitcher and has a lot of work to do on his secondary stuff but he has a ton of upside due to his arm strength, long arms and quick hands. He shows a mid-70s curveball that, when on, looks like a future plus pitch. Could end up being a steal in this draft. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-2/40753#ppGUqI6CbWFvzsPf.99

12-9-13 – Pine Tar Press  -  48-3B/RHP Matt Chapman Fullerton 4/28/93- Fullerton loves them some 2-way players. Chapman is the second Fullerton player in as many drafts who have an unclear path to the majors. Much like last year with Michael Lorenzen (eventually drafted as a P) he will have to show where he fits this spring. He has not seen as much time on the mound but it is easy to see where the love is for him as a pitcher when you see him rifle a throw across the diamond. The hit tool is good and he shows solid plate awareness but the game power just hasn’t been consistent. Scouts will like the arm though and appreciate the fact that it has very little wear in terms of innings pitched. (Out of First round- Brewers selection) http://pinetarpress.com/early-look-2014-mlb-draft/

11-21-13 – BA Top 100 High School Players - 75 Chandler Avant 2B R/R 5-9 160 Pike Liberty, Troy, Ala. Alabama http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/2014-high-school-top-100-with-commitments/

Draft 14 – Luis Ortiz, Luke Weaver, Touki Toussaint, Justin Steele,Matt Chapman

10-15-13 – Baseball America - 14. Luis Ortiz, rhp, Sanger (Calif.) HS: Strong-bodied power pitcher with an easy delivery was MVP of 18U World Cup with fastball up to 95 mph and a plus slider http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/2014-draft-top-50-october-2013-carlos-rodon/

 

10-15-13 – Baseball America - 32. Luke Weaver, rhp, Florida State: He draws Tim Hudson comparisons for the body and live arm that pumps fastballs up to 96 mph. http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/2014-draft-top-50-october-2013-carlos-rodon/


9-30-13 – TTF Mock 2.0 - 15. Los Angeles Angels — Touki Toussaint, RHP, Coral Springs Academy (FL) One of the most electric arms in the 2014 MLB draft (as well as this 2014 MLB mock draft too), the 6’-2”, 190-pound right-hander has touched 97 mph with his fastball and adds one of the best curveballs in the draft; a knee-buckling hammer that sits in the mid 70s. He adds a lot of deception to his delivery, making his stuff that much harder to pick up. The only knock on him right now is his command, which can get the best of him at times. He walked three and struck out three in one inning at the PG Classic. His stuff is outstanding.  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 – 93. Justin Steele – LHP, George County (MS) HS http://www.ninebaseball.org/Wordpress/sullys-2014-top-100-mlb-hs-draft-prospects/


10-14-13 – Top ’14 College Hitters - 8. Matt Chapman / 3B / Cal-State Fullerton — Chapman is similar to his teammate Davis in that they both profile as corner-infielders with pitching as a fallback option, but Chapman is much more likely to stick at third base but doesn’t have near the offensive upside. http://mlbdraftinsider.com/2013/10/top-14-for-14-college-hitters/

Draft 14 – Matt Chapman, Touki Toussaint, Tate Blackman, Aaron Nola, Cameron Varga

9-3-13 - Kendall Rogers ‏@KendallRogersPG  - INJURY NEWS: CalStateFullerton 3B, top MLBDraft prospect Matt Chapman will have surgery to repair a torn ligament on ring finger. HC Rick Vanderhook said he played through it this summer and will miss the start of fall workouts. Will be back though.

8-31-13 – Area Code Games - Touki Toussaint (RHP) 6’2″ 195; 2014 Sleek, slender look w/long, lean levers; good projection body. Compact delivery w/lighting quick arm. HTQ slot w/EZ gas 91-92 and will flash 7FB. Electric FB w/occ. tilt on outer third. More control vs command at the moment. FB plays CB up; will flash depth and downer action when right. Limited feel for spin. Mixes in firm CH85 works underneath and still a projection pitch. Cutter 87-88 will play. Strong follow: good athlete w/special FB and deeper projection secondary.  http://bigleaguefutures.net/1/2013/08/31/area-code-notes/

2013 East Coast Pro Showcase Top 50 Prospects    - 46. Tate Blackman – SS, Lake Brantley (FL) HS - Very solid all around player and had a great week with the bat http://www.ninebaseball.org/Wordpress/sullys-top-50-ecp-prospects/

9-1-13 - Jim Callis – 10. Aaron Nola, rhp, Louisiana State - With his solid fastball, plus changeup and impressive pitchability, he’ll move quickly in pro ball."

8-15-13 - Under Armour All-Star Game – Cameron Varga, RHP: Varga already has a good pitchers build at 6'3", 205 lbs. and sits in the low 90s and can touch 95 mph.  His secondaries are developing.  http://www.chicagonow.com/cubs-den/2013/08/2014-mlb-draft-ua-game-roster-and-preview-plus-more-tickets-and-meet-up-information/

Draft 14 – Matt Chapman, Trae Turner, Michael Gettys, Dylan Cease, Carlos Rodon

8-14-13 – Through The Fence – Top 50 Prospects – 45. Matt Chapman, 3B, Cal State Fullerton - The 6’-2”, 200-pound right-hander has a plus arm and enough range to stick at the hot corner. Whether or not the power will show up to remain there is up for debate. He does show an advanced approach at the plate, having drawn 34 walks to 29 strikeouts over 55 games as a sophomore. I got to see him play with The Collegiate National Team and really liked his line-drive s+wing. If the power comes this year, he could move up draft boards. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-top-50-prospects/36463#mwWwsFxSUZy7YC5V.99

9-1-13 - Jim Callis – 4. Trea Turner, ss, North Carolina State - More than just a burner, he also offers hitting prowess and the ability to stick at shortstop.

9-1-13 – Petco Game - Michael Gettys (CF) (R/R) 6’2″ 205; Grad: 2014 Gainesville, GA Large frame w/compact, muscular build. From a body perspective, it’s similar to a Mike Trout look. Uphill swing w/extra juice at contact. Exceptional RAW power has the ability to put them in the seats during BP. Swing geared for FB and still working on pitch recognition in game; some swing and miss to CB. Burner on the bases. More than enough range for  CF and playable arm anywhere in the OF. Can’t miss 8arm and still remains his best tool. Bat remains suspect, but if he puts it together you’re looking at a complete 5 tool package. Big  upside here.  http://bigleaguefutures.net/1/2013/09/01/aflac-game-wrap-up-better-late-than-never/

8-15-13 - Under Armour All-Star Game – Dylan Cease, RHP:  Per Baseball America, Cease is the 3rd pitcher on this list capable of hitting 96 mph, though he sits 92-93.  He has the type of athleticism the Cubs prefer in a pitcher.  He's loose and projectable with a clean, low effort delivery.  Like Touissant, he's a bit raw -- perhaps even more so as Cease has similar issues with command but his breaking stuff isn't quite as advanced.  His change, like that of most high schoolers, is still developing.  What you get with Cease is a a great starter kit for a pitcher.  All the parts you need are there for him to become a front line pitcher. 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 –  1 – Houston – LHSP Carlos Rodon – North Carolina State – This might be the last year that the Astros gets the first pick in the draft, though it is the third in the row. It’s close to impossible… no, I take that back… it’s literally impossible for them to pass on picking Rodon, who is so far more taleted than anyone in this draft. He has a five- pitch arsenal that includes a mid-90s fastball, a wipeout slider, a lethal cutter, an above-average curveball and a change-up with nice fade. He could be in the majors by late 2015.

Draft 14 – Matt Chapman, Justin Bellinger, Sean Bouchard, Trae Turner

6-16-13 -  Player:  Matt Chapman - Position:  SS/3B - School:  Cal State Fullerton - Date of Birth:  4/28/1993 - Height/Weight:  6’1/195 - Bats/Throws:  R/R - 2014 Class:  College Junior - Previously Drafted: - Scouting Report: Solid build  Square stance  Good approach at the plate  Above average bat speed  Lift in swing  Above average power  Strong defense  Comes in on the ball well  Shows a strong arm in the field LINK

6-13-13  -  19. Detroit Tigers — Justin Bellinger, 1B, St. Sebastian’s HS (MA) - At 6’-5” and 235 pounds, the power potential is massive with the left-handed hitter. His patient approach at the plate, along with his strong wrists, allows him to wait on any pitch and drive it into the stratosphere. He has been a fixture at all of the summer events and showcases and is always one of the top performers. He doesn’t have a lot of speed (7.1/60) but he does project to a solid defender at first base. LINK

6-16-13  -  Player:  Sean Bouchard -  Position:  3B/SS -  School:  Cathedral Catholic (CA) -  Height/Weight:  6’3/190 -  Bats/Throws:  R/R  2014 Class:  High School Senior  Committed To:  UCLA - Scouting Report:   Athletic build with projection   Lifts front foot for trigger   Lift in swing   Above average bat speed   Top recorded 60 time of 6.70   Strong arm   Projects as a third baseman at the next level LINK

6-13-13  -  3. Milwaukee Brewers — Trea Tuner, SS, North Carolina State - Probably the most electric and exciting player in the 2014 MLB draft, the 6’-2” right-hander has shown the range, arm and instincts to stick at shortstop, including plays like this. Offensively, his speed is his best tool and he should be a major threat on the base paths at the next level. He also has a great approach at the plate and should hit for a high average, as well. He showed developing power this season and, if he continues to do so, Troy Tulowitzki comps will be coming. Hit .336 as a freshman and led the nation in stolen bases with 57. Over 51 injury shortened 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. LINK