Scott Blewett, Braxton Davidson, Milton Ramos, Trea Turner, Connor Joe, Derek Fisher

5-11-14  -  Scott Blewett, RHP, Baker HS (NY) - At 6’-6” and 220 pounds, Blewett has the size you want in a frontline starter. He also has the arm as his fastball can touch 95 mph. He adds a potential plus curveball with great looping action, as well as a change-up and a circle-curve (change) he has been working on. Through 26 innings, he has 50 K/8 BB and has allowed one run on 12 hits. With his size, stuff and smooth mechanics, there is a lot of projection left. Committed to St. Johns.  http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-high-school-players-rise-final-edition/42853#cZ17mE5vsjiSvU18.99

3-17-14 – TTF – 10 High School Players On The Rise – Braxton Davidson, OF/1B, Roberson HS (NC) - At 6’-3” and 220 pounds, the left-handed hitting Davidson is already a beast. His power and advanced approach from the left side will land him in the first round of the 2014 MLB draft. His strong arm (92 mph from outfield) would play well in a corner outfield spot, although some believe he could end up at first base where he could be a plus defender. Over five games this season, he has gone 11-for-16 (.688) with four doubles and a home run, and he has yet to strike out. He has shown off his arm by striking out 20 over 10 shutout innings on the mound, allowing just one hit. Committed to North Carolina. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-10-high-school-players-rise-second-edition/41810#OfV5L7GbWgi2Xqtf.99

3-26-14 – TTF – 10 high school players on the rise — third edition – Milton Ramos, SS, American Heritage HS (FL) - One of the best defensive shortstops in the 2014 MLB draft, if not the best, Ramos is a 6’-1”, 170 pound right-hander with a lot of upside offensively, as well. He has shown some pop this season hitting .487/.543/.923 over 12 games with two doubles, three triples and three home runs. He has added seven stolen bases and has been clocked at 6.53 in the 60, showing above-average speed on the base paths. If he continues to show his offensive skills, he could go in the first round of the 2014 MLB draft. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-10-high-school-players-rise-third-edition/42098#CmrUPUJfBWKiV2MO.99

3-20-14 – Cubs Insider - • Trea Turner, North Carolina State University infielder: There are long-term questions about whether he could stay at shortstop, but with nearly 100 stolen bases on his college resume, he could become an offensive catalyst from the leadoff spot. http://www.csnchicago.com/cubs/mlb-draft-cubs-identifying-targets-no-4-overall-pick

3-19-14 – TTF – Connor Joe, C/OF/1B, San Diego (NR) - It’s not so much what Joe has been doing lately, it’s what he has been doing all season. Over 19 games, the 6’-0”, 210 pound right-hander is hitting .364/.474/.649 with five doubles, five home runs and 25 RBI, and he has drawn 11 walks to 11 strikeouts. He has shown the ability to play behind the plate, in the outfield and first base if needed. He is new to catching but the arm plays well and he has been getting praise for his receiving skills. The power is real and he has a solid approach at the plate. As I mentioned above, the  catching crop is weak this year and if scouts believe he can remain behind the plate, he could hear his name early on day two due to his power potential. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-10-college-players-rise-week-5/41905#JeRjl1lAwHFUPJlv.99

3-18-14 – Jonathan Mayo - 3-18-14 – Jonathan Mayo - Derek Fisher came in at No. 15 on that Top 50, the third-highest-ranked college hitter on the list. The University of Virginia outfielder is out four to six weeks after breaking the hamate bone in his right hand against Duke the weekend of March 8. Keep in mind, once Fisher is back, it often takes those with this injury a while to get their power stroke back. "There probably have been a lot of guys who've seen him already," one cross-checker said about how this will impact Fisher, Draft-wise. "The clubs that feel really comfortable with him could see it as a bonus. Those that haven't might be chasing their tails." http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20140318&content_id=69552214&notebook_id=69553420&vkey=notebook_mlb&c_id=mlb

Draft 14 – Jacob Gatewood, Bradley Zimmer, Milton Ramos, Zach Shannon, Touki Toussaint

2-13-14 - Today we look at the rankings from Northern California. Strong crop for the Golden State and the No. 1 guy is Jacob Gatewood out of Clovis (Calif.) High School. Gatewood is a shortstop and can play at third and it will be interesting to see where his future position lies. Gatewood is headed off to Southern Cal next fall, that is if he doesn’t sign out of high school. The 6-foot-4, 190 pounder played two years in the Area Code Games (Athletics) and played in the 2013 Perfect Game All-American Classic in Petco Park.  - See more at: http://www.studentsports.com/baseball/2014/02/13/jacob-gatewood-norcals/#sthash.mjtZZxbN.dpuf

3-25-14 – MLB Draft Insider Mock –  09.  Bradley Zimmer   OF San Francisco - The more I study Zimmer the more I am impressed; he might be the only five-tool player in this entire class, and there’s a non-zero chance that he ends up in center-field despite being 6’5″. http://mlbdraftinsider.com/2014/03/the-board-2014-volume-ii/

2-11-14 – PG/Florida HS Dream Team – MIF – Milton Ramos, Sr. American Heritage - Ramos is one of the best defenders in the this years draft class and has drawn favorable comps to fellow Floridian and 2013 second round pick Oscar Mercado. His bat has made steady progression over the summer and into the fall and will be followed closely this spring, especially as he adds strength to his frame. http://perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=9372

1-3-14 – TTF Baseball - 64. Detroit Tigers — Zach Shannon, 3B/RHP, Moeller HS (OH) - A two-way prospect who may have more upside as a hitter, the 6’-3”, 220 pound right-hander has a canon arm (95 mph) and his power bat would play well at the hot corner. He has shown the ability to hit to all fields and has good bat speed. On the mound, he also has an upper-70s curveball that shows plus potential to go along with his plus fastball that hit 95 mph at the PG Classic. He hails from the same school that produced Ken Griffey Jr., Barry Larkin and Buddy Bell. Committed to Ohio State. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-2/40753#ppGUqI6CbWFvzsPf.99

2-11-14 – PG/Florida HS Dream Team – Best Off-speed Stuff: Touki Toussaint, Sr. Coral Springs Academy - Toussaint claims back-to-back categories as his breaking ball is the pitch that he is most known for on the national scene. A true knockout pitch, Toussaint varies the velocity on the curveball, with a power curveball up to 80 mph and a knee buckling, mid-70s pitch with outstanding depth and break. In Jupiter his curveball registered 2800 RPM (rotations per minute) on the TrackMan radar, surpassing the MLB average of 2500 RPM. http://perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=9372

Draft 14 – Max Pentecost, Tyler Beede, Sean Newcomb, Milton Ramos, Todd Issacs Jr.

2-10-14 - Number 10 on our countdown is Kennesaw State junior catcher Max Pentecost. The Winder, Georgia native attended Winder-Barrow High School. He batted .295 with three home runs, eight doubles and 16 runs during an abbreviated senior campaign which led to him being drafted in the 7th round of the MLB Draft. He headed to Kennesaw State where he played in 56 games with 52 starts while accumulating a batting average of .277 with 16 doubles (tied for 2nd on team) and three triples, 23 runs and 23 RBI. He spent the summer of 2012 with the Holyoke Blue Sox of the NECBL where he appeared in 37 games hitting .303 with a 424 slugging percentage including 3 homers and 24 runs scored. http://ht.ly/2DJ3KA

3-25-14 – MLB Draft Insider Mock – 05   Tyler Beede        RHP        Vanderbil  -  Beede continues to dominate even in conference play, and the command continues to be impressive, especially when you consider how poor it was last year. http://mlbdraftinsider.com/2014/03/the-board-2014-volume-ii/

2-5-14 - Sean Newcomb, LHP, Hartford - He has the size and power arm you want in a frontline starter. At 6’-5” and 240 pounds, the southpaw can dial his fastball up to 95 mph. His secondary stuff stills needs some refining, although his slider shows plus potential. His change-up is still developing and continued progress this year could shoot him up draft boards. Over 13 starts, he had a 3.75 ERA, 1.25 WHIP and 92 K/37 BB over 72 innings while holding hitters to a .213 batting average. There is a lot to like about a pitcher of his size, arm strength and possible four-pitch mix from the left side. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-dark-horse-candidates-chicago-cubs-first-pick/41075#UeYBipV5rOuYd7xE.99

1-3-14 – TTF Baseball - 52. San Francisco Giants — Milton Ramos, SS, American Heritage HS (FL) - A defensive whiz who should stick at shortstop, the 6’-1”, 160 pound right-hander showed great improvements at the plate during the tournament circuit. He has been clocked at 6.53 in the 60, showing above-average speed, as well. If he continues to improve offensively, he could be a first-round pick. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-2/40753#ppGUqI6CbWFvzsPf.99

11-21-13 – BA Top 100 High School Players - 70 Todd Isaacs Jr. OF R/R 6-1* 175 American Heritage, Hialeah Gardens, Fla. Uncommitted http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/2014-high-school-top-100-with-commitments/

Draft 14 – Jeff Hoffman, Kodi Medeiros, Braxton Davidson, Milton Ramos

1-20-14 – PG Preseason College All-Americans - Starting Pitcher - Jeff Hoffman, East Carolina - 2013 Stats: 3.20 ERA, 109 2/3 IP, 84 K, 39 BB, .243 OPP BA - Though it remains a long shot in the eyes of many, Hoffman is one pitcher who could unseat Rodon as the top overall pick in next summer’s MLB draft. Hoffman, a 6-foot-4, 192-pounder, has elite stuff, and coach Billy Godwin feels like he has a chance to put all the puzzle pieces together once and for all this spring. Hoffman has a fastball anywhere from 94-97, with the ability to touch 98, while he possesses a good low-80s curveball and developing low-80s changeup. Perhaps no pitcher includes as much intrigue entering the spring as Hoffman. http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=9294

1-3-14 – TTF Baseball - 35. Houston Astros (From Orioles) — Kodi Medeiros, LHP, Waiakea HS (HI) - With two plus pitches already in his back pocket, the southpaw who throws from a low-three quarters slot has some of the filthiest stuff in the country — just ask anyone who faced him this year. His fastball can touch 96 mph with late movement and life and his slider is nasty and wipes out lefties. You don’t see many sidearm starters in the majors so it will be interesting to watch his development. Also, at 6’-0” and 185 pounds, his projection is limited. Still, he has established himself as one of best arms available in the 2014 MLB draft. Committed to Pepperdine. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-2/40753#ppGUqI6CbWFvzsPf.99

12-9-13 – Pine Tar Press  -  31- 1B Braxton Davidson T.C Roberson HS (UNC Commit) 6/18/96- the powerfully built LH swinger has a bit of a Justin Morneau comp in my opinion. He has a very good arm that will be wasted at 1B as he probably is not fleet enough to play RF. The top LH power hitter in his class. (Braves @ 29) http://pinetarpress.com/early-look-2014-mlb-draft/

11-21-13 – BA Top 100 High School Players - 25 Milton Ramos SS R/R 5-11 160 American Heritage, Hialeah Gardens, Fla. Florida Atlantic http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/2014-high-school-top-100-with-commitments/

Draft 14 – Kodi Medeiros, Grant Hockin, Micah Miniard, Milton Ramos, Brandon Finnegan

8-16-13 - 11th All-American Classic - Kodi Medeiros | LHP | Waiakea (Hilo, HI)  Height/Weight: 6 feet/185 pounds  B/T: L/L  Draft Day Age: 18 years, 0 months  Commitment: N/A  Scouting Notes: Impressive; deception pitcher with stuff but not a gimmick guy; worked from extreme low three-quarters slot—basically a sidearmer; fastball worked 93-94 with plus movement; ball was diving under barrels; upper-70s to low-80s slider was filthy; fastball disguise and pure funk on the late two-plane break; showed mid-80s changeup as well; curious to see if he can hold velo and command the fastball to both sides of the plate; can’t wait to see him this spring.  http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=21537

 

8-14-13 – Through The Fence – Top 50 Prospects – 38. Grant Hockin, RHP, Damien HS (CA) - Hockin is an athletic 6’-2” right-hander whose fastball has touched 95 mph with late life and sits in the 89-92 mph range. He also adds two solid secondary offerings in a curveball and change-up, and he locates his pitches well. He repeats his delivery well and still has some projection left. He is the grandson of Hall of Famer Harmon Killebrew http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-top-50-prospects/36463#mwWwsFxSUZy7YC5V.99

 

2013 East Coast Pro Showcase Top 50 Prospects    - 50. Micah Miniard – RHP,  Boyle County (KY) HS - 6’7, 200 RHP worked 90-91. http://www.ninebaseball.org/Wordpress/sullys-top-50-ecp-prospects/

 

8-24-13 - Most of the top high school hitters in the 2014 draft class are on hand for the Under Armour All-America Game, powered by Baseball Factory. Friday’s workout at the University of Illinois-Chicago’s Miller Field featured batting practice, infield and outfield and a home run derby, winnowing the field for Saturday’s derby prior to the game at Wrigley Field. Of the 2014 players, shortstop Milton Ramos (Hialeah Gardens, Fla.) put on the best show Friday. Ramos, who played at Florida Christian High in 2013 and will attend American Heritage this upcoming academic year, entered the summer with a reputation as a flashy, at times brilliant defender, and he didn’t disappoint in the workout. http://www.baseballamerica.com/draft/under-armour-all-star-game-notebook/

 

7-17-13 –  Brandon Finnegan, LHP, TCU - The stadium gun was off on Monday night but it was easy to see Finnegan was throwing heat, blowing his fastball past hitters and recording two strikeouts in his one inning of work.  Kevin Gallo tells me he topped out at 96 mph.  I mention Finnegan because he's just 5'11", 185 lbs and generates much of that velocity with tremendous arm speed.  Obviously there's not a lot of downward plane here and you wonder if his size will relegate him to the bullpen, though I'm told he can sustain that velocity late in games and he has a hard slider and a solid change-up to go with the fastball -- so he does have the necessary tools/skills to stick as a starter.   Either way, he's an interesting prospect whether he sticks as a starter or becomes a Billy Wagner type closer. http://www.chicagonow.com/cubs-den/2013/07/looking-ahead-to-the-2014-and-2015-mlb-draft-notes-from-the-collegiate-national-team-games/