Draft 2012: David Dahl, Gavin Cecchini, Mitchell Traver, Deven Marrero, Kyle Twomey

David Dahl, Oak Mountain (Birmingham, Ala.), Outfield, 6-2, L/R, Auburn The 2012 draft is strong on high school outfielders and Dahl is one of the best when it comes to defense. He has good speed with a strong arm. He batted .316 for Team USA 18U this fall at the Pan-American Games. He only had three extra-base hits in the tournament and had just two home runs in his junior year at Oak Mountain. More of a contact hitter, Dahl rarely strikes out. He is expected to go anywhere between 15-25. http://www.maxpreps.com/news/-8V2A0MeEeGkPgAmVebEWg/maxpreps-top-10-mlb-draft-prospects.htm

Gavin Cecchini — 6’-1”, SS, Barbe HS (LA) An incredibly gifted athlete, Cecchini hit .402 with six home runs, 43 RBI and stole 53 bases as a junior for Barbe last season. Was the MVP of the Under Armour All-American game and is a regular on every major summer team. His swing has few moving parts and his balance allows him to make consistent contact. Has gap power and the potential to be a major run producer to go along with elite speed. Has the arm, range and footwork to maintain the position but could move to second or third because of his bat. Brother Garin was a fourth-round draft pick by the Red Sox in 2010. Led U18 Team USA with a .469 average at the Pan Am Championships, adding 10 RBIs and eight stolen bases while playing a flawless second base. Extremely high understanding of the game. Cecchini is the 12th member of the gold winning U18 Team USA to make the list, showing just how impressive the assembled cast was. http://www.throughthefencebaseball.com/top-50-draft-prospects-for-2012-25-thru-1/15694/  

Mitchell Traver, Houston Christian (Houston)  Traver, a TCU commit, offers size (6-foot-7, 250 pounds), easy velocity in the 91-95 mph range and the occasional above-average curveball that has some promise. His arm action isn't clean and he'll need to throw more strikes, but he could land late in the first round if he answers a few questions. http://espn.go.com/blog/high-school/baseball/post/_/id/1051/top-10-class-of-2012-right-handed-pitchers

SS Deven Marrero School: Arizona State  Cl.: Junior, Ht.: 6-1, Wt.: 194  Hometown.: Davie, Fla.  High school: American Heritage  Marrero solidified himself as a top prospect as a sophomore last season and could be the top pick in this summer’s MLB draft. Marrero is an excellent defender and has a fantastic arm. Additionally, he has a ton of upside at the plate. Hit .315 with two home runs and 20 RBIs last season. http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=6498  

Kyle Twomey is one of the more interesting lefthanders eligible for the 2012 draft.  At 6’4/165, he has a great deal of projection.  Twomey has a nice easy delivery with a 3/4 arm slot and good arm speed.  Twomey has a four pitch repertoire; two seam fastball, circle change, slider, and curve.  His fastball has good sink, is comfortably 89-91 and can touch 92.  More velocity should come as he matures.  His change has the potential to be a true plus pitch.  His curve has good break and shows plus potential. 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. http://mlbdraftguide.com/

Draft 2012 – Tyler Horan, Troy Conyers, Matt Smoral, Jordan Ebert, Mitchell Traver

http://www.collegesummerbaseball.net/2012/01/top-30-position-players-in-necbl.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter   2.  Tyler Horan  OF   Danbury Westerners---Virginia Tech   Tyler was among the league-leaders with a hefty .341 batting average. He scored 26 runs, led the league with 35 rbi's and was the home run champ with 11. He also led the league with a .651 slugging percentage this summer.  PG ranked him as the 6th best prospect in the league while BA has him ranked at #10 this summer. On December 9th, I named him one of my 2011 Top Performers.

Troy Conyers is a big, well built lefthander with the look of a future workhorse.  He has been on the national stage for a while now, having played for the 2010 16 U National Team and the 2011 18U National Team. Conyers throws a high 80′s fastball with sink.  He should be able to add some more velocity in the future.  His change is a plus pitch and also throws a quality curveball.  Conyers has a low 3/4 release and his delivery creates some deception. Conyers will be one of the more interesting pitchers to watch leading up to the draft.  http://mlbdraftguide.com/

Matt Smoral is a monster. He's huge. Not only does he stand 6'8", he's got a big frame as well. Broad shoulders, long limbs, just a physically large human being. As you can probably imagine, that extra-large frame comes with some pretty hefty projection, as he has plenty of room to fill out and add on to his body. I think the projection card is often overplayed with young pitchers, particularly in regards to their peak velocities, but Smoral is just the sort of player the term was invented for. http://www.vivaelbirdos.com/2012/1/11/2699212/2012-draft-preview-ein-starting-off-sinisterly

 Having spent the 2011 summer season playing with the powerhouse East Cobb Braves 17u squad, Jordan Ebert now feels like he’s ready to confront any challenges playing at the next level may present. And it doesn’t matter if that next level is playing for Auburn in the Southeastern Conference or playing  professionally –that depends on how the 2012 MLB First-Year Player Draft plays out in June. Ebert was at Terry Park Jan. 7-8 for the 2012 Perfect Game World Showcase, eager to show the overflow gathering of professional scouts in attendance that he deserves their consideration come draft day. He wanted to show them that he is rejuvenated, feeling good, far from burned-out and perhaps in the best shape he’s been in for months. http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=6457  

http://espn.go.com/blog/high-school/baseball/post/_/id/1009/mitchell-traver-highlights-2012-texas-class 1. Mitchell Traver, RHP, Houston Christian (Houston) Traver has hit 95 mph on the radar gun and pitches at 92-93 with a curveball and developing changeup. His size -- 6-foot-7, 250 pounds -- may concern some clubs, but he's far from soft and the velocity is easy. His arm action is another concern, and his control and command need significant improvement, but the upside outweighs those worries and Traver projects as a first-round pick. He's also considered a potential tough sign, however, as he's committed to TCU. Traver fanned 61 batters in 42.1 innings last season and posted an ERA of 2.31.

Draft 2012: - Mitchell Traver, Max Fried, LJ Mazzili, Trevor Gott, Corey Oswalt

11-15-11: - http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=6369  - Mitchell Traver (2012 RHP, Houston Heat)- Big, powerful and imposing. Traver is an intimidating mound presence at 6-foot-7, 235 pounds, and he uses his size and strength to overpower hitters. Traver uses his long frame to release the ball closer to the plate than most pitchers and with a sharp downhill plane, allowing his 90-94 mph fastball to play up several miles an hour. His 80 mph slider is a quality No. 2 pitch and has shown improved command since the summer, though he still tips it by slowing his arm down. But the biggest adjustment Traver has made is going from throwing his fastball toward the heart of the plate at 90-92 this summer, to working in the bottom of the zone at 92-94 in Jupiter. While he still has some things to improve upon, the progress that the PG All-American showed throughout the fall is encouraging for a player with so much upside.

11-22-11: - http://espn.go.com/blog/high-school/baseball/post/_/id/814/lucas-giolito-leads-loaded-cali-senior-class  - Here’s a look at the Top 10 California high school prospects in the Class of 2012. 2. Max Fried, LHP, Harvard-Westlake (Studio City, Calif.) Fried, who inked with UCLA along with his high school teammate Giolito, stands a projectable 6-foot-4 and combines consistent mechanics with above-average velocity that reaches 92 miles per hour. Fried, who will pitch in the same rotation as Giolito in 2012, stands a projectable 6-foot-4 and combines consistent mechanics with athleticism and above-average velocity that reaches 92 miles per hour. His changeup and curveball each figure to be average or better offerings, and when the smoke clears, Fried could hear his name called shortly after Giolito somewhere in the top half of the first round.

11-23-11: - http://ht.ly/1fNsWX - We continue the countdown today at number 60 with UConn junior LJ Mazzilli. He won three letters in high school between Greenwich (CT) High School and Iona Prep while graduating from IMG Pendelton School in Florida. As a freshman in 2010, he appeared in 36 games with 93 at-bats batting .312 with 29 hits and eight walks. He was able to record an on-base percentage of .373 and a slugging percentage of .548 as he helped lead the squad to the 2010 NCAA Tournament. He spent the summer of 2010 in the Cape Cod Baseball League with the Wareham Gatemen hitting .227 with a homer and five RBI in 30 games.

11-24-11: -  http://ht.ly/1fOAUP   - We continue the countdown today at number 59 with Kentucky sophomore RHP Trevor Gott. The Lexington, Kentucky native attended Tates Creek High School where he was a five year letter winner under coach Dom Fucci. As a senior, he posted a 6-0 record and a 1.12 ERA with 76 strikeouts in 47.1 innings. He was named all-state as a junior and senior, earning regional player of the year accolades while being named first-team all-city for three seasons. “Trevor Gott is one of the best high school pitchers I have ever seen,” Fucci said. “He only gave up one earned run all season. You can’t ask for any more than he has given our team.” Trevor decided to continue his baseball career at Kentucky under head coach Gary Henderson. As a freshman in 2011, he made 23 relief appearances going 2-4 including two saves with a 3.62 ERA in 27.1 innings. He struck out 34 batters while walking 16 on the year.

11-24-11: - http://mlbdraftguide.com/1/2011/11/23/corey-oswalt-2012-draft-profile  -  Corey Oswalt is one of the top third base projects eligible for the 2012 draft.  He has good tools and a large frame with projection.  Oswalt has been consistently productive on the field.  Oswalt has a spread stance at the plate.  He has very good bat speed and drives the ball consistently.  There is strong power potential in his bat.  Recorded 60 times for Oswalt range from 7.07 to 7.24. Oswalt shows good actions in the field.  He has soft hands and a strong arm.

Draft 2012: - Mitchell Traver, Travis Jankowski, Kevin Gausman, Shayne Houck, Joey Rickard

10-28-11: - http://orioles-nation.com/2011/10/26/wwba-2012-highlights - Mitchell Traver (Sugar Land TX; Houston Christian HS) – A big frame and solid build that with added strength should raise his game a notch.  Very limited compact delivery with some minor wrinkles that will need to be ironed out as he matures, but sound foundation at the present moment.  A real heavy fastball that sits 89-92 mph.  The slider has some serious potential and at its best has tight lateral drop that could be tough to adjust for hitters.  He has a decent change up that he will need to throw more often to increase its effectiveness, but shows a solid three pitch arsenal.

11-2-11: - http://www.collegesummerbaseball.net/2011/11/top-35-position-players-in-cape-cod.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter  - Top 35 Position Players in the Cape Cod League 4.   Travis Jankowski   OF   Bourne Braves---Stony Brook   Travis had an outstanding summer for the Braves and was rewarded by being named the leagues MVP. He hit .329, led the league with 57 hits and led the league with 31 runs scored. He also led the league with 7 triples. He went 1 for 4 in the All Star Game and he was the 10th ranked prospect in the league according to Baseball America. Perfect Game ranked him as the 20th best prospect in the league.

11-4-11: - http://www.throughthefencebaseball.com/chicago-cubs-2012-free-agent-and-draft-pick-possibilities/13157/#  -  RHP Kevin Gausman, 6’-4″, 190 lbs, LSU — Gausman is one of the most major-league ready pitchers in the draft, mostly because of his outstanding mound presence. Has great command of his fastball, change-up and slider, and all are above-average pitches already. Held opponents to a .213 average while posting 86 K/23 BB over 89 innings this past season.

11-5-11: - http://www.collegesummerbaseball.net/2011/11/2011-top-performer-shayne-houck.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter  - Shayne Houck -  Butler BlueSox of the Prospect League  Kutztown University  Senior  Third Basemen  6-0/205 pounds  Bats Right  Throws Right  Born on 5-29-1990  From Boyertown, PA  Attended Boyertown High School - Synopsis of Summer Season:  Shayne might not be your prototypical third basemen, but according to several scouts, "no player in the league plays harder" than Shayne. He was the best player on his team, and he was one of the best in the league. He led his team with a .347 batting average and he was tied for third in the league with 10 home runs. He found a way to get on base, and when he did, he scored. He finished the season with 33 runs scored and 44 runs batted in.

11-7-11: - http://ht.ly/1fwsQx  - We continue the countdown today at number 74 with Arizona junior outfielder Joey Rickard. The Las Vegas, Nevada native attended Bishop Gorman High School where he was a member of four straight state championship squads. As a senior, he hit .554 with 23 doubles, seven home runs, 62 RBI and 29 stolen bases. He was also an accomplished pitcher as he accumulated 53 strikeouts in 49 innings pitched with an ERA of 1.92. Rickard stepped right into the Wildcats lineup as a freshman playing in all 58 games (57 starts) hitting .307 with eight homers and 51 RBI. He also led the squad with 13 stolen bases in 21 attempts. He continued his strong college career as a sophomore finishing second on the squad with a .347 batting average while hitting four homers and driving in 37 runs. He finished second on the team with 16 stolen bases in 24 attempts.

Draft 2012: - Jason Goldstein, Walker Weickel, Mitchell Traver, Rob Corsi, Lucas Giolito

10-21-11: - http://mlbdraftguide.com/1/2011/10/19/jason-goldstein-2012-draft-profile   -Player:  Jason Goldstein  Position:  C   School:  Highland Park HS (IL)   Date of Birth:  3/9/1994    Height/Weight:  6’0/190   Bats/Throws:  R/R   Class Of:  2012   Committed To:  Illinois  Scouting Report:  Jason Goldstein is one of the top prep catchers eligible for the 2012 MLB draft.  He has a mature, durable body that should hold up well behind the plate.  A steady player, Goldstein has good present skills.  Goldstein has a good approach at the plate.  Among all players at the 2011 Area Code Games, Goldstein had the 10th highest average, at .363.  He has quick hands and good bat speed.  He has a line drive swing with some power.  Goldstein’s recorded time in the 60 is 7.54.  Goldstein looks good behind the plate.  He gets rid of the ball quickly and his throws are accurate.  Goldstein’s pop times range from 1.80 to 1.88.

10-23-11: - http://www.baseballamerica.com/blog/draft/2011/10/smoral-stands-out-among-big-arms  - • Righthander Walker Weickel from Olympia High in Orlando was his dominant self today for the Orlando Scorpions. Weickel pitched four innings, giving up one hit (a home run to catcher Austin Rei from Campolinado High in Moraga, Calif.) with eight strikeouts and three walks. His fastball sat in the 90-92 mph range, topping out at 94. He threw his fastball to both sides of the plate, mixed in a sharp 72-74 mph, 12-6 curveball and an 80-82 mph changeup. When Weickel stays on top of his fastball, he gets steep plane on the pitch, using his 6-foot-6 height to his advantage. But the pitch also has a tendency to flatten out a bit and become hittable.

10-24-11: - http://www.baseballamerica.com/blog/draft/2011/10/marucci-elite-and-rising-prospects-impress-in-jupiter - FIVE 2012 PLAYERS WHO IMPROVED THEIR STATUS - Mitchell Traver, rhp, Houston Christian HS  Physical righthander sat 92-94 with good life, threw a solid changeup with sink and a plus, power breaking ball.

10-25-11: - http://www.collegesummerbaseball.net/2011/10/top-20-pitchers-in-atlantic-collegiate.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter  - Top 20 Pitchers in the Atlantic Collegiate Baseball League - 1.   Rob Corsi   LHP   Jersey Pilots---Rutgers -  Rob is a 6-0/180 pound lefty from Oceanport, NJ. He had a tremendous summer and was rewarded by being named the leagues Most Valuable Pitcher.  He went 5-2 and sported a 1.54 era in 46.2 innings of work for the Pilots. He allowed just 37 hits, walked 16 and led the league with 56 strikeouts. He was fourth in the league in ERA and was tied for first with his five wins. Perfect Game ranked Rob as the 25th best prospect in the league

10-25-11: - http://espn.go.com/blog/high-school/baseball/post/_/id/637/giolito-compares-well-to-past-prep-prospects  - Lucas Giolito stands out in many ways. He's 6-foot-6 and 230 pounds, and is also the top prep pitcher in the draft class of 2012. There's a chance he's the No. 1 overall pick next June, and is certain to be taken off the board in the top 10. I've seen him up to 97 mph with his fastball, which sets up an above-average power curveball and a changeup drenched in promise. ESPN Insider's Keith Law wrote from the Area Code Games in August that Giolito's velocity "is easy to him and his delivery is built for starting; his command isn't there and he needs more consistency on each of his secondary pitches. But I don't think there's a better overall package among prep arms in the 2012 class yet." The industry agrees. One scouting supervisor called Giolito "a contender for a top-10 spot in any draft. He's very, very good, and he's only going to get better. There is a lot to like."

Draft 2012: - Mike Zunino, Christopher Rivera, Jeremy Baltz, Jesmuel Valentin, Mitchell Traver

Mike Zunino:

7-19-11: - http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2011/6/29/2250656/early-look-at-2012#comments  - Mike Zunino, Florida, 6’1 210, R/R, has come into his own in college and has total package to be a great catcher for a long time, ala Charlie O’Brien, former Wichita State star in the 80’s, could be in the top 10 players taken in 2012.


Christopher Rivera:


8-12-11: - http://www.prospectwire.com/pw/article.php?id=290  - Oh, a note about one of my favorite position players, 2013 shortstop Christopher Rivera. He was here playing with a bad leg, a quad issue I believe and it has really limited what he can do on the field. In fairness, he probably shouldn't be out there performing but he obviously likes to play and he is one of the very best players in the region, regardless of age, so people want to see him.


Jeremy Baltz:


8-14-11: - http://mlbdraftguide.com/1/2011/08/10/the-good-the-disappointing-from-the-cape  - Jeremy Baltz, OF, St. John’s- With only so much time in my day, Right Field Fog is my only daily stop for Cape League news. The name Jeremy Baltz seemed to pop up in their daily recaps, well, almost daily. He put up a .321/.436/.457 line for the season and made the All-Star Team. Baltz has gotten some mention as a first round pick and his summer only helped his chances.


Jesmuel Valentin:


8-15-11: - http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2011/8/14/2362719/2011-under-armour-all-america-game-top-10-prospects  - 2011 Under Armour All America Game Top 10 Prospects - 2. Jesmuel Valentin 2012 SS 5'10 175 Manati, PR Puerto Rico Baseball Academy - The son of Jose Valentin, his glove looks like it's big league caliber in the middle infield. He has a good balanced swing that looks like it could develop some pop as well.


Mitchell Traver:


7-19-11: - http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2011/6/29/2250656/early-look-at-2012#comments  - Mitchell Traver, Houston Christian HS, Tx 6’7 245, solid build and long loose arm from 3/4 up to 93 on fb, most were 91, showed sink and movement arm side into RHH, proper rotation on cb and threw strikes in relief stint. Has more in that tank.