Justin Twine, Carson Sands, Bradley Zimmer, Mac Marshall, Mike Papi

5-11-14 - Justin Twine, SS/RHP, Falls City HS (TX) - A two-way standout in both baseball and football, Twine is a great athlete who has been a one-man wrecking crew for Falls City this season. At the plate, he is hitting .544/.672/1.196 over 16 games with six doubles, six triples, four home runs and has stolen 18 bases. He has drawn 16 walks to five strikeouts, showing a patient approach. On the mound, he has 49 K/8 BB over 21.1 innings, allowing just seven hits. At 5’-10” and 200 pounds, he has more upside as a position player where his speed (6.52/60) and strong arm will allow him to play at several positions. He is considered raw as he has split his time between sports, but he has all the tools and the power is already coming. Committed to TCU. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-high-school-players-rise-final-edition/42853#cZ17mE5vsjiSvU18.99

3-26-14 – TTF – 10 high school players on the rise — third edition – Carson Sands, RHP, North Florida Christian HS (FL) - In a huge match-up between Alex Destino of The First Academy, Sands was brilliant allowing one run on one hit over 6.2 innings, striking out 11 to one walk in a 7-1 win. Kiley McDaniel at Scoutingbaseball.com tweeted that he was hitting 92 mph with his fastball with plus life. For the season, he now has 45 K/11 BB over 24.2 innings, allowing 10 hits. 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. Committed to Florida State. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-10-high-school-players-rise-third-edition/42098#CmrUPUJfBWKiV2MO.99

3-21-14 - Dan Kirby ‏@DanMKirby  - Bradley Zimmer hitting .424/.473/.706 over 20 G with 5 2B, 5 HR, 9 SB. Cubs have to be looking at him at 4, best power/speed combo in draft.

Mac Marshall, LHP, Parkview HS (GA) - With a fastball that sits in the low-90s, an upper-70s curveball that shows plus potential, and an upper-70s change-up with a good feel, Marshall is one of the better southpaws available in the 2014 MLB draft. He is the best pitcher for one of the best programs in the country and is a big-game pitcher. Through 55.2 innings, he has 80 K/25 BB and has allowed just two runs on 24 hits. He could sneak into the first round and should be gone in the top-40 picks. Committed to LSU. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-high-school-players-rise-final-edition/42853#cZ17mE5vsjiSvU18.99

3-19-14 – TTF – Mike Papi, 1B/OF, Virginia (54) - When projected first-round pick Derek Fisher went down with a broken hamate bone in a series against Duke, Papi let the team know he could carry the load by responding with his bat. In the next game against James Madison, he went 2-for-4 with two home runs and three RBI in a 13-2 win on March 11. Already a gifted hitter with a great approach from the left side, the 6’-3”, 215 pound junior is showing off the power most thought would come with his size. Through 18 games, he is hitting .338/.470/.600 with five home runs and has drawn 16 walks to 11 strikeouts. He is starting to gain late-first round attention. Fisher is expected to miss 4-6 weeks. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-10-college-players-rise-week-5/41905#JeRjl1lAwHFUPJlv.99

Cody Reed, Mac Marshall, Mike Papi, Marcus Wilson, Griffin Helms, Matt Imhof

5-12-14  -  Cody Reed, LHP, Ardmore HS (AL) - High school stats can look silly at times. When you have filthy stuff, and play at a small school facing inferior competition, the numbers can get out of control. Such is the case for Reed. Through 77 innings, he has 193 K/12 BB, allowing just 24 hits. To put that into perspective, he is on pace for 501 strikeouts over 200 innings. That would be a record and instant admission into the Hall of Fame. At 6’-2” and 240 pounds, he has been touching 95 mph and adds solid secondary stuff. He is a Vanderbilt commit and they have a good track record of keeping their commits. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-high-school-players-rise-final-edition/42853#cZ17mE5vsjiSvU18.99

3-14-14 - Nathan Rode ‏@NathanRode  - 2014 LHP Mac Marshall (Parkview HS, GA) getting warmed up for #NHSI14. 5 IP, 0 H, 0 BB, 10 K tonight

3-6-14 – Prospect Insider - Virginia’s Mike Papi has been the top hitter on one of the nation’s top teams. He is hitting over .400 and has shown advanced pitch recognition skills as well as a quick bat. Although he currently plays first base, he shouldn’t be pigeon-holed into that position in the long run. He is a good enough athlete to handle one of the outfield corners. 

http://prospectinsider.com/category/2014-mlb-draft

3-26-14 – MaxiPreps – Marcus Wilson, Serra (Gardena, Calif.) - Although his team lost 5-3 to Los Alamitos on Saturday, Wilson had a big day in going 3-for-3 with two runs, two RBIs, a double and a home run. He is batting .545 on the season (6 for 11) with two home runs. http://www.maxpreps.com/news/kRbRSgP8z06XdyYf0_JnPg/tyler-kolek,-michael-gettys,-brady-aiken-among-senior-baseball-prospects-off-to-strong-starts.htm

3-12-14 – 10 High School Players on the Rise – Griffin Helms, C/OF, Norcross HS (GA) - Built like a linebacker at 6’-1” and 205 pounds, the right-hander has a mature body and is powerfully built. He is also a very good athlete having been timed at 6.59 in the 60. Defensively, his strong arm (1.85-1.9 pop times) and blocking/receiving skills make him a legitimate catching prospect. Offensively, his bat speed and approach allow him to wait on his pitch and drive it to all fields. Through his first six games, he was hitting .429/.520/.762 with a double, two home runs and six stolen bases. The catching crop is weak this year and Helms could benefit from it. Committed to Kennesaw State. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-10-high-school-players-rise/41773#oFu0m6JRyhOHXIwD.99

3-11-14 – TTF -  Matt Imhof, LHP, Cal Poly (51) - The 6’-5”, 225 pound southpaw just continues to blow away hitters. On March 7 against Seattle, he had 15 strikeouts to three walks over eight shutout innings, allowing four hits. Over four starts, he now has a 1.33 ERA, 0.96 WHIP and 41 K/9 BB over 27 innings. He is second in the nation in strikeouts behind TCU southpaw Brandon Finnegan (45) and is third among starters with a 13.7 K/9 ratio. He will only be 20 years old come draft day, making him one of the youngest college players in the draft. His fastball sits in the 89-92 mph range and can touch 94 due to his smooth, effortless delivery. He adds solid secondary stuff and knows how to mix his pitches well. Looking more and more like a first round pick with every outing. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-10-college-players-rise-week-4/41715#PjStmsQ7UB5h8BYU.99

Michael Kopech, Mac Marshall, Sean Newcomb, Mike Papi, Joey Morgan

3-12-14 – 10 High School Players on the Rise – Michael Kopech, RHP, Mount Pleasant HS (TX) - The 6’-4” right-hander has been touching 96 mph with his fastball lately. When I saw him at the 2013 Under Armour All-American game at Wrigley Field over the summer, his stuff was electric. He was popping the mitt with his fastball, showing great late life, and his slider was filthy. Over 15.2 shutout innings this season, he has 30 K/4 BB and has allowed just five hits. He still has projection due to his size, loose frame and his cleaned-up mechanics. Committed to Arizona. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-10-high-school-players-rise/41773#oFu0m6JRyhOHXIwD.99

3-26-14 – MaxiPreps – Mac Marshall, Parkview (Lilburn, Ga.) - The 6-foot-2 left-hander has yet to allow an earned run and has given up just six hits and one earned run in building a 4-0 record. He has struck out 32 batters in 20 innings pitched, including 11 in a win over Archer and 10 in a win over Shiloh. http://www.maxpreps.com/news/kRbRSgP8z06XdyYf0_JnPg/tyler-kolek,-michael-gettys,-brady-aiken-among-senior-baseball-prospects-off-to-strong-starts.htm

3-11-14 – TTF - Sean Newcomb, LHP, Hartford (15) - The 6’-5” southpaw has been extremely consistent this year. His first three starts have gone as follows: 5 IP 0 ER 3 H 9 K/3 BB - 5.2 IP 0 ER 3 H 6 K/3 BB - 7 IP 0 ER 2 H 8 K/3 BB - With a loose frame and easy delivery, he can touch the upper-90s with ease and he adds a slider that shows plus potential. He still needs to work on his command but he has great swing-and-miss stuff. His size, power from the left side and mechanics will have him off the board in the first half of the first round. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-10-college-players-rise-week-4/41715#PjStmsQ7UB5h8BYU.99     

3-9-14 – MLB Draft Insider - Mike Papi – 1B/OF Virginia – Papi played first base and batted leadoff for the Cavaliers in a double header against Duke. He went one for four on the day scoring a run, striking out twice, and hitting his third home run of the year. In the second game Papi went zero for four with a strikeout. http://mlbdraftinsider.com/2014/03/the-rundown-march-8/#more-3872

3-7-14 – C - Joey Morgan, Sr., Sisters (Ore.) - Morgan brings a well rounded skill set to the table, with sound receiving ability, a strong arm and blocks well. He also pitches at times with a low-mid 80s fastball and can contribute at this level on the mound. Offensively he brings good contact ability to the table with emerging strength and developing power. Justin Hancock's ability to square offspeed stuff as well as velocity combined with his athleticism defensively makes him an interesting projection prospect at this position, but Morgan gets the nod as the more advanced present player with plenty of talent in his own right.  http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=9561

Draft 14 – Luis Ortiz, Jackson Reetz, Chris Ellis, Mike Papi, Brandon Downes

2-3-14 – MaxPreps - Top 10 MLB Draft Prospects in high school - 10. Luis Ortiz, Sanger (Calif.) When it comes to postseason awards, Ortiz did not win many last spring, earning honorable mention all-area by the Fresno Bee. However he made his presence felt during the summer. The 6-3, 210-pound pitcher was the tournament MVP for Team USA 18U at the World Cup and helped the United States win the gold medal. He also pitched well in the Breakthrough Series, pitching two no-hit innings with four strikeouts. The scouts like his fastball, that reaches 93-95 mph, and his slider, which is in the 80-83 range. Look for Ortiz 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 – 10.  Jackson Reetz, Nebraska HS  Height 6'1 Weight 195 DOB: 1/3/1996 R/R - - Reetz might fade but he might pick up some hype.  Played well for Team USA, always a big plus in my book.  A good runner, there are doubts (like most HS kids) if he can stick behind the plate.  Good hitter, with plenty of bulk to power up.  Interesting guy, and for whatever reason Oklahoma has all the B-ball hype over Nebraska, nice to see a kid from NE get some love. 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

3-5-14 – TTF - 10 college players on the rise — week 3  - Mike Papi, OF, Virginia (54) - You don’t see too many 6’-3”, 230 pound first basemen batting leadoff. Over his last four games at the top of the order, Papi has flourished in that spot. He has gone 5-for-9 with a home run, three RBI and has drawn seven walks to no strikeouts. For the season, he is now hitting .405/.560/.622 with two doubles, two home runs and he has drawn 12 walks to just three strikeouts. He put his name on the map after hitting .381/.517/.619 over 176 at-bats as a sophomore with 45 walks to just 25 strikeouts. Arguably one of the better hitters in the 2014 MLB draft, there will be a lot of pressure put on his bat if he is relegated to first base. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-week-3/41478#ilZqhEaASo2Kkjik.99

3-4-14 - Brandon Downes (CF) - The star of Friday’s game -– he ripped two homers off of Jeff Hoffman – is another guy to watch out for in the early rounds come June. The right-handed hitting Downes showed playable bat speed and impressed with his ability to drop and pull the bat head down and in and still spank velocity. Despite simple, toe-tapping footwork, Downes looks like he’s going to swing and miss some because of some hand-eye and head movement issues, something we saw more of on Saturday. He’s an average runner –- 4.27 from the right side – who plays a pretty good center field. If a club thinks he can stick –- I’m cautiously optimistic about it, though I don’t think he’s elite there or anything – then he’ll be an early draft pick. He has a fringe-average regular ceiling for me, likely a fourth outfielder type. http://prospectinsider.com/scouting-derek-fisher-uva-prospects

Draft 14 – Luke Weaver, Chris Harvey, Brandon Downes, Mike Papi, Andrew Daniel

2-21-14 – Project Insider - Luke Weaver, RHP — Florida State  Weaver tossed six no-hit frames at Niagara a week ago and has been lights out in his sessions all winter. He’ll face Georgia Friday night. http://prospectinsider.com/draft-prospect-watch-hoffman-vs-fisher

3-25-14 – 8.  Chris Harvey, Vanderbilt Height 6'5", Weight 220 DOB: 3/10/1993 R/R  - The other tall catcher who might drop.  Commodores Link  I gotta put in the Vandy guy!  This is the type of player the Giants seem to gravitate towards.  Good character, good defense, the bat will mature enough later. http://www.yougottalikethesekids.com/2014/03/ten-catchers-in-2014-mlb-draft.html    

3-5-14 - It’s difficult to hide a player with tools, especially a player that plays for arguably the best college team in the nation and a player that just spent a summer in the Cape Cod League with the eyes of the scouting world on him. But, although no one has missed on evaluating Brandon Downes, you could make the case that entering this spring, as part of a prospect laden Virginia roster, maybe the Cavaliers’ center fielder wasn’t talked about quite as much as he should have been. Just in case anyone had underestimated Downes, he made sure to remind everyone of just what kind of next level skill-set he had just two weeks into the college season and on the largest of stages. http://perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=9500

3-4-14 - Mike Papi (1B/OF) - Papi doesn’t really look the part until he gets in the cage and shows the smoothest, most polished, left-handed stroke on the team. He has excellent control over the bat and sneaky, fringe-average pull power. His weight will be a tad heavy on the front foot at times but the bat has a solid average ceiling. He’s stuck at first base right now — where a 55 bat and 45 power don’t quite profile — thanks to an embarrassment of riches in UVA’s outfield but he has the arm and legs to play right field in pro ball. Whether he has the feel for the position is unbeknownst to me as I have yet to see him play there. It’s his best shot at an everyday role. He may get popped in round two or three this June. http://prospectinsider.com/scouting-derek-fisher-uva-prospects

2-27-14 – TTF - 10 college players on the rise - Andrew Daniel, INF, San Diego (NR) - Few have been better offensively than the 6’-1”, 200 pound right-hander. Over his first seven games, he has gone 15-for-28 (.536) with a double, two home runs and has driven in 10 runs. He has drawn four walks to just one strikeout and has swiped a whopping eight bases — equaling his total as a sophomore over 60 games. I asked Aaron Fitt at Baseball America what was up with him this year and he said that he always liked him as a hitter but the stolen bases were surprising. I chalked it up to baseball just being weird sometimes and he may only steal two more the rest of the way. Whatever the case, his aggressiveness and approach at the plate have been noticed in the early going. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-10-college-players-rise-2/41299#ldBBF8hRKzmaiy5H.99

Draft 14 – Sean Newcomb, Mike Papi, Nick Gordon, Scott Hurst, Jeremy Vasquez

2-21-14 – Project Insider - Sean Newcomb, LHP — Hartford  -  Newcomb draws Georgetown to open his season. The southpaw will not face a lot of strong competition this year, but that’s generally not as much of a detriment for arms as it is bats, so it shouldn’t hurt his draft stock much. http://prospectinsider.com/draft-prospect-watch-hoffman-vs-fisher

3-25-14 – MLB Draft Insider Mock –  24. Mike Papi            OF/1B   Virginia   -  I feel like Papi has been a victim of his own statistics by some. No, he’s not going to be a guy who puts up massive numbers at the big-league level, but he sure isn’t Raph Rhymes either. - http://mlbdraftinsider.com/2014/03/the-board-2014-volume-ii/ 

2-23-14 - Bob Nightengale ‏@BNightengale  - Scouts are absolutely raving about Nicholas Gordon, son of Tom "Flash'' Gordon. projected to be high 1st round draft pick as a shortstop.

1-3-14 – TTF Baseball - 57. Kansas City Royals — Scott Hurst, OF, Bishop Amat HS (CA) - A burner who has been clocked at 6.49 in the 60, the 6′-0” right-hander projects to a top-of-the-order hitter with developing power. He also has one of the strongest arms in his class having been clocked at 99 mph from the outfield. Has a real chance to stick in center field, which would only help his draft stock. Committed to Cal State Fullerton. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-2/40753#ppGUqI6CbWFvzsPf.99

2-11-14 – PG/Florida HS Dream Team – 1B – Jeremy Vasquez, Sr. Martin County - Vasquez shows nice tools around the bag with soft hands and strong glove skills at first base. But what sets him apart from other first basemen are his skills in the box. A lefthanded hitter, Vasquez shows consistent hitting tools at every event he attends. Whether it is big-time velocity or quality breaking balls, the Florida commit uses loose, strong hands and an easy swing to barrel up the ball on a regular basis. http://perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=9372

Draft 14 – Kyle Freeland, Matt Chapman, Daniel Mengden, J.J. Schwarz, Mike Papi

2-21-14 – Project Insider -  Kyle Freeland, LHP — Evansville - Like Newcomb, Kyle Freeland will not face a lot of strong lineups, but he got off to a decent start last weekend firing five solid innings at Lipscomb. http://prospectinsider.com/draft-prospect-watch-hoffman-vs-fisher

3-25-14 – MLB Draft Insider Mock –  23  Matt Chapman  3B           Cal-State Fullerton  -  Chapman’s bat has really let him down over the last few weeks, but there’s plus raw power in his right-handed bat and there’s also a non-zero chance that someone’s going to give him a chance to play shortstop. http://mlbdraftinsider.com/2014/03/the-board-2014-volume-ii/    

2-23-14 – Daniel Mengden - With a unique over-the-head arm movement prior to his delivery, it gives him some deception. He has a simple, repeatbale delivery and works fast. His fastball gets on hitters fast and has good arm side run and sink. He has a hard 12-6 breaking ball that is a plus offering. It could be an out pitch in pro ball. Excellent change flashes plus as well. Mid rotation arm with potential to be a #2 or impact bullpen arm. http://mlbdraftprospects.com/daniel-mengden/

2-11-14 – PG/Florida HS Dream Team – Best Hitter For Power: J.J. Schwarz, Sr. Palm Beach Gardens - Schwarz has shown the ability to impact a game on both sides of the ball, with his bat possibly being the loudest tool throughout the course of the game. He shows very good strength in his righthanded swing with major power and loud contact off the barrel. He is able to generate pull-side power and has also shown the ability to sting the ball to the opposite way. Even as a 2015, Brendan Rodgers garnered consideration for this category, showing easy power off of the highest level pitching. http://perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=9372

1-3-14 – TTF Baseball - 55. Baltimore Orioles — Mike Papi, OF, Virginia - The 6’-3”, 200 pound left-hander wasn’t even a starter until the 11th game of the season. From that point on, he was one of the best hitters in college and led the nation in OBP. Over 55 games, he hit .381/.517/.619 with 15 doubles, seven home runs and drew an impressive 45 walks to just 25 strikeouts. A very good athlete, he should be able to stick at a corner outfield position. He has a tough act to follow as a junior. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-2/40753#ppGUqI6CbWFvzsPf.99

Draft 14 - Jacob Gatewood, Mike Papi, Keaton McKinney, Tyler Kolek, Dillon Peters

8-15-13 - Under Armour All-Star Game – Jacob Gatewood, SS:  Gatewood is one of the top hitters in this draft and a top 5 pick candidate.  He has great size at 6'5", 190 with tremendous bat speed and the ability to hit for average and big-time power.  His claim to fame right now is winning the HR derby for the high school players at the All-Star Game this past season.  He's not extremely quick and is not expected to stay at SS but his bat will play at 3B or a corner OF spot. http://www.chicagonow.com/cubs-den/2013/08/2014-mlb-draft-ua-game-roster-and-preview-plus-more-tickets-and-meet-up-information/

8-14-13 – Through The Fence – Top 50 Prospects – 47. Mike Papi, OF, Virginia - The 6’-3”, 200-pound left-hander wasn’t even a starter until the 11th game of the season. From that point on, he was one of the best hitters in college and led the nation in OBP. Over 55 games, he hit .381/.517/.619 with 15 doubles, seven home runs and drew an impressive 45 walks to just 25 strikeouts. A very good athlete, he should be able to stick at a corner outfield position. He has a tough act to follow as a junior. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-top-50-prospects/36463#mwWwsFxSUZy7YC5V.99

9-1-13 – Petco Game - Keaton McKinney (RHP) (R/R) 6’5″ 220; Grad: 2014  Ankeny, IA Tall, XL frame with durable pitchers build. Avg. athlete that repeats his delivery w/quick arm from HTQ slot. Ball comes out of hand well and showed ability to manipulate both sides of plate. FB91-93 and uses 2-seamer 88-90 with sink. Advanced CH880-82 that remains his best secondary offering. Plus feel to repeat fading action with swing and miss potential. Uses SL78-80 as third pitch and has a tendency to wrap and action will get slurvey. Intriguing, fresh arm w/feel for strikes who could continue to boost his stock if the SL develops this spring. Shows the ingredients for 3-pitch mix w/the FB and CH being plus offerings. http://bigleaguefutures.net/1/2013/09/01/aflac-game-wrap-up-better-late-than-never/

9-4-13 – Mack’s Mock Draft v1.0 – 11 – Mets – (compensation pick for failure in signing 2013 10th overall pick, P Phil Bickford) –  RHP Tyler Kolek – Shepard (TX) HS – Kolek is the third of the four top high school righties in this draft.  The 6-6 flamethrower turned on the scouts early when their radar guns hit 100. Also has a + low-80s slider, and a low 70s . He also set the record at the Perfect Game All-American Classic with a 99-mph fastball. An absolutely great combination of size and speed that is impossible to pass up on.

9-10-13 – Top Arms in 2013 Cape Cod League - Dillon Peters  (Texas – Jr. ) 5-10/190, Harwich Mariners 22 IP, 21 K, 1.22 ERA: FB 89-92 SL 76-77 -  Most of the other members of my All-Cape pitching staff are well above six feet tall. Peters doesn’t possess the same type of height, but he makes up for that based on his heart and competitive drive. He would be successful on his intensity alone. When you add that to a plus FB and a swing and miss slider, you have the makings of a pitcher that can get outs in any situation. http://bullpenbanter.com/2013-all-cape-team-pitchers/

Draft 14 – Mason McCullough, Mike Papi, Spencer Yurnbull, Gareth Morgan, Oregon State

6-30-13 - Frankie Piliere ‏@FPilierePG  - Mason McCullough says hello. Sitting 97-98 mph in his @HarwichMariners debut @DiamondHeels

6-13-13  -  25. Pittsburgh Pirates — Mike Papi, OF, Virginia - The 6’-3”, 200 pound left-hander wasn’t even a starter until the 11th game of the season. Since then, he has been one of the best hitters in college, including leading the nation in OBP. Over 53 games, he hit .393 with 15 doubles, six home runs, 55 RBI and drew 43 walks to just 22 strikeouts for a .527 OBP/.625 SLG. With an advanced approach at the plate, and the size that suggests more power will come, Papi could erupt next season. He can also flash the leather in the outfield. LINK

6-24-13 - Player:  Spencer Turnbull   Position:  RHP   School:  Alabama   Date of Birth:  9/18/1992   Height/Weight:  6’3/220   Bats/Throws:  R/R   2014 Class:  College Junior   Previously Drafted:  2011. 2nd Rd, Brewers  Scouting Report: - from Don Olsen on 6/18/2013 - Good frame and bit of lower half development that looks the part of a 215-220 pound type power RHP in a Matt Cain type mold.  High slot and upright delivery shows higher plane more suited to a pitcher a few inches taller.  Fastball, 90-94 (95) mph, has some plane that makes it tough to square up, but not much movement and does not change eye levels.  His secondary’s are a work in progress, shows a 12/6 power curve, 79-81 mph, with his slot should be able to sit above average.  Change is not quite present, but flashes it.  Change progression is a point to monitor and could raise his stock. LINK

6-13-13  -  28. Cincinnati Reds — Gareth Morgan, OF, North Toronto Collegiate (ON) - The 2014 prep class is full of big time power bats and Morgan, a 6’-4”, 210 pound right-hander, has as much of it as anyone else on this list. He is more raw than the players listed above and he has had mixed results when he has faced elite competition. All of the tools are there, however, including excellent bat speed and a good approach, he just needs to refine it. LINK

6-27-13  -  OREGON STATE - The Beavers fell short of a national title in Omaha this June, but should return to TD Ameritrade Park next summer. OSU will have some question marks entering the season. For instance, replacing veteran left-handed pitcher Matt Boyd won't be easy, but they welcome back several key cogs, both at the plate and on the mound. Offensively, the Beavers will welcome back their top four hitters in All-American outfielder Michael Conforto, Dylan Davis, Andy Peterson and Kavin Keyes. Additionally, the pitching staff will again be stout. Right-handed pitcher Andrew Moore is back in the saddle as the staff ace, while it would be a surprise if Jace Fry doesn't have a dominant campaign. The No. 3 starting spot is up for grabs, but reliever Max Engelbrekt could move to that spot if he gets stronger in the season. And get this, the Beavers are surprisingly confident left-handed pitcher Ben Wetzler, who was a fifth-round pick to the Phillies, returns to Corvallis, Ore., for his senior campaign. We're not counting that as a likely scenario at this point, but it's something to watch moving forward. Meanwhile, reliever Scott Schultz could very well be back for OSU, while newcomers on the mound such as Kevin Flemer, Chandler Eden and John Pomeroy are potential instant impact arms. In terms of newcomers in the field, catchers Logan Ice and Mason Fishback are talented backstops who will battle for Jake Rodriguez's vacated spot, while shortstop Trevor Morrison is expected to step in and take the place of departed middle infielder Tyler Smith. LINK

Draft 14 - An Early Look At - OF - Mike Papi

Mike Papi

 

6-9-13 -  25. Mike Papi, OF (Virginia): Strong on base skills and hit tool, though he needs to hit for more power to be a regular at a corner position. LINK

 

6-13-13  -  25. Pittsburgh Pirates — Mike Papi, OF, Virginia - The 6’-3”, 200 pound left-hander wasn’t even a starter until the 11th game of the season. Since then, he has been one of the best hitters in college, including leading the nation in OBP. Over 53 games, he hit .393 with 15 doubles, six home runs, 55 RBI and drew 43 walks to just 22 strikeouts for a .527 OBP/.625 SLG. With an advanced approach at the plate, and the size that suggests more power will come, Papi could erupt next season. He can also flash the leather in the outfield. LINK

Draft 13 – Jan Hernandez, Phil Bickford, Mike Papi, Hunter Harvey, Phillip Ervin

Jan Hernandez, 3B, Carlos Beltran Baseball Academy (PR) - At 6’-3” and 195 pounds, the right-hander possesses great bat speed and raw power. Playing for the same school as 2012 first-overall pick Carlos Correa, he is well known in the scouting community. His strong arm, soft hands and range could make him a great defender at the hot corner and his bat should justify the position. His size alone makes him an intriguing prospect in the 2013 MLB draft. LINK

Phil Bickford, RHP, Oaks Christian HS (CA) - It seems that I have been writing a lot about Bickford over the last couple of weeks. That’s because he just keeps giving me something to write about. On Friday, the 6’-4” right-hander tossed six more scoreless innings, striking out 11 to one walk. Over his last four starts, he has allowed one run on six hits over 27 innings, striking out 50 to six walks. He has been flashing his plus fastball that can touch 97 mph and showing excellent command. On the season, he has a 0.95 ERA, 0.59 WHIP and 112 K/12 BB over 66.1 innings. My hopes of him being available when the Cubs pick again at 41 are dwindling by the day. Committed to Cal State Fullerton. LINK

Dan Kirby‏  @DanMKirby

Virginia So. 6'-3" (L) Mike Papi leads nation in OBP (.543). Hitting .403 over 43 G w/ 10 2B, 5 HR, 46 RBI, 35 BB/19 K. Big bat for 2014.

Another participant at last year's Under Armour All-American Game, Hunter Harvey has an athletic, projectable frame with a fastball that is already above-average and could potentially be a plus offering if he can consistently throw it in the 93-96 range he has shown at times. The right-hander also throws a curveball and changeup, the former a lot more than the latter. He will need to improve the command and feel of his breaking ball and get used to throwing the changeup in games, but the upside is there for him to be a late-first rounder. LINK

I like Phillip Ervin a lot. Is it crazy to suggest that he’s a little teeny tiny bit like the college version of everybody’s favorite high school hitter, Clint Frazier? Both are praised for, in order, their 1) electric bat speed, 2) well-rounded overall skill sets, 3) above-average arm strength (pre-injury for Frazier), 4) picture perfect pro-ready swings, 5) above-average speed on the base paths, and 6) advanced pitch recognition skills. The main concern for both is that they are maxed-out physically. Additionally, both can hack it in center (Ervin more than Frazier), but profile best defensively in right field (again, assuming Frazier’s bum arm bounces back in time). This is all far too simplistic a comparison and I’m clearly not taking into account the crucially important differences in their hair, but you can kind of see how the two share some things if you keep an open mind, right? LINK