Draft 14 – Dylan Davis, Aaron Nola, Griffin Helms, Taylor Sparks,Tanner English

10-15-13 – Baseball America - 37. Dylan Davis, of/rhp, Oregon State: Similar to J.D. (no relation) with power both ways, he’s more advanced as a hitter and has more velocity on the mound. http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/2014-draft-top-50-october-2013-carlos-rodon/
 

9-30-13 – TTF Mock 2.0 - 23. Texas Rangers — Aaron Nola, RHP, LSU  Maybe the best control artist available in the 2014 MLB draft, the 6’-1” right-hander features a plus, low-90s fastball with nasty sink to it. He offsets his fastball with a deceptive change-up that freezes hitters. As a freshman, he had 89 K/7 BB over 89.2 innings and 40 of those strikeouts were looking. He was lights-out as a sophomore for LSU, going 12-1 over 17 starts with a 1.57 ERA, 0.80 WHIP and 122 K/18 BB over 126 innings. His size limits his upside a bit, but you’d be hard pressed to find a better pitcher, in the true sense of the word, out there. 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 – 60.Griffin Helms – C, Norcross (GA) HS http://www.ninebaseball.org/Wordpress/sullys-2014-top-100-mlb-hs-draft-prospects/


10-14-13 – Top ’14 College Hitters - 9. Taylor Sparks / RF / UC-Irvine — Sparks has a smooth swing and should product above-average power numbers, but he’ll have to show better plate discipline and more consistency if he’s going to justify going in the top 2-3 rounds in June. http://mlbdraftinsider.com/2013/10/top-14-for-14-college-hitters/


10-18-13 – Matt Garroich – OF Tanner English at South Carolina is one of the remaining college hitters I haven't mentioned. He reminds me a little of Tyler Naquin a few years ago but Naquin was a better hitter at this point. English covers center field better and looks like he could be a 4th outfielder type of guy.http://www.minorleagueball.com/2013/10/18/4851030/2014-mlb-draft-atlantic-region-college-discussion

Draft 15 – Kyle Molnar, Isiah Gilliam, Nolan Kingham, Brendan Rodgers,Wesley Rodriguez

11-2-13 - Perfect Game USA ‏@PerfectGameUSA  - 2015 Kyle Molnar (CA) with top OF velo at CA underclass throwing 92 mph! 2016 Holden Groff (CA) looked very good and threw 90 mph from OF!


10-28-13 – Jim Callis - Another 2015 prospect, right fielder Isiah Gilliam (Parkview High, Lilburn, Ga.), provided the key hit of the game when he tripled off an 88-mph Blewett fastball to plate the tying run in the bottom of the fourth. A 6-foot-2, 210-pound switch-hitter, he may wind up at first base in pro ball but does have arm strength to go with his enticing power. http://ht.ly/qeYJz


10-4-13 – ScoutingBaseball.com - 50 Names To Watch In The 2015 Prep Class – 15. Nolan Kingham   RHP   Sierra Vista (NV)   None http://sbb.scout.com/2/1332771.html


10-29-13 - Jeff Sullivan ‏@JSully12  -  I don't know if there is a better HS baseball player in the country than 2015 SS Brendan Rodgers.


10-27-13 – PG Showcase Jupiter - Wesley Rodriguez (George Washington HS, Bronx, N.Y.) Rodriguez, meanwhile, handled the bottomless GBG Marucci lineup, striking out five in three innings to overcome some tough defense behind him. His fastball featured heavy run from a three-quarter slot, ranging between 85-90 and topping out at 92 in the first. He also showed the ability to spin a 74-75 breaking ball that was current average with a good chance for more. http://www.baseballamerica.com/draft/projectable-righties-rule-as-playoff-push-begins-in-jupiter/

Draft 14 – Jeff Hoffman, Grant Holmes, Alex Verdugo, Jackson Reetz, Josh Ockimey

11-3-13 – Baseball America - East Carolina’s scout day was held Friday night, which gave in-state scouts a look at righthander Jeff Hoffman, who ranked as the No. 1 prospect in the Cape Cod League this summer. Hoffman dominated with Cape with sharpened stuff that produced 12 strikeouts per nine and a 6.6 strikeout-walk ratio. Hoffman sat 93-96 mph with his fastball through two innings and did not throw a fastball below 94 in his second inning. He has a loose, easy arm action and the ball jumps out of his hand with downhill plane and minimal effort from a three-quarters slot. Hoffman largely pitched off his fastball. http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/east-carolina-scout-day-jeff-hoffman/


10-30-13 - Clint Longenecker/BA – WWBA World Championship - Righthander Grant Holmes started the first game of the tournament on Thursday, which allowed him to come back for Sunday morning’s semi-final matchup against the Orlando Scorpions, who have won many of the national tournaments this year. The strong-bodied Holmes, a Perfect Game All-American, touched 95 mph and sat 89-94, striking out five and allowing one run over four innings. The Canes rallied to win 4-3 in dramatic fashion, scoring three runs in the seventh inning to advance to the championship game, as Lane delivered an opposite-field two-run single. . http://www.baseballamerica.com/draft/evoshield-canes-win-perfect-game-wwba-world-championship/


10-29-13 – Jim Callis – Top 10 World Wood Bat Association World Championship (WWBA) Jupiter, Fla - 10. Alex Verdugo, OF/LHP, Texas Scout Team Yankees (Sahuaro High, Tucson, Ariz.) -  Scouts are split on his future because he has a sweet left-handed swing and a strong arm. http://ht.ly/qi5No


10-15-13 – Baseball America - 49. Jackson Reetz, c/of/rhp, Hickman (Neb.) HS: An offensive star of the 18U USA Baseball squad that won a gold medal this summer, Reetz has shown the ability to hit in games, as well as the tools and athleticism to stick behind the plate. http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/2014-draft-top-50-october-2013-carlos-rodon/


9-11-13 - Sully’s 2014 Top 100 MLB HS Draft Prospects – 98. Josh Ockimey – 1B, Neumann-Goretti (PA) HS http://www.ninebaseball.org/Wordpress/sullys-2014-top-100-mlb-hs-draft-prospects/

Draft 14 – Sean Reid-Foley, Kodi Medeiros, Montrell Marshall, KelJohnson, Michael Chavis

10-29-13 – Jim Callis – Top 10 World Wood Bat Association World Championship (WWBA) Jupiter, Fla - 6. Sean Reid-Foley, RHP, Cardinals Scout Team/FTB Chandler (Sandalwood High, Jacksonville, Fla./Florida State) -  Inconsistent but has shown a quality fastball, breaking ball and command at different times during the summer. http://ht.ly/qi5No


10-15-13 – Baseball America - 30. Kodi Medeiros, lhp, Waiakea HS, Hilo, Hawaii: With a lively fastball up to 95 mph and a power slider, Medeiros pairs electric stuff with an unconventional low slot. http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/2014-draft-top-50-october-2013-carlos-rodon/


10-25-13  - PG Showcase – Among Team Elite’s hitters, third baseman Montrell Marshall (Snellville, Ga.) showed well on Day One, hitting several balls with authority on a line, including a line drive triple just short of the center-field warning track. Marshall has a projectable 6-foot-5, 200-pound build and looks the part at third, where he moves well and has plenty of arm strength. http://www.baseballamerica.com/draft/toussaint-wows-evaluators-at-jupiter/


10-28-13 – Jim Callis - East Cobb's top 2014 Draft prospect, left fielder Kel Johnson (home-schooled in Palmetto, Ga.), didn't do much on Saturday. He went 0-for-3, grounding out and striking out on a 77-mph breaking ball against Blewett. He has tremendous raw power, but the Georgia Tech recruit will have to show he'll hit enough to get to it consistently. http://ht.ly/qeYJz


9-11-13 - Sully’s 2014 Top 100 MLB HS Draft Prospects - 6. Michael Chavis – 3B, Sprayberry (GA) HS http://www.ninebaseball.org/Wordpress/sullys-2014-top-100-mlb-hs-draft-prospects/

Draft 14 – Sean Newcomb, Michael Rivera, Braxton Davidson, Max Pentacost, Jeremy Vasquez

10-31-13 – TTF – Sean Newcomb shows a plus fastball that tops out at 96. He also features a cutter/slider, and a curveball. He’s also known to mix in a changeup. Not surprisingly, the fastball is easily his best pitch. The cutter/slider is solid. Improved command of his secondary pitches is a big key for Newcomb’s continued development. Mechanically, Newcomb features a relatively low effort delivery. He shows good arm speed, but occasionally struggles with maintaining his release point. He throws from a natural 3/4 arm slot, with clean, rather than whippy arm action. Pitchers are always injury risks to some extent, but Newcomb’s delivery doesn’t contain any red flags. At 6’5, he should get good downward plane, though he sometimes gets too low on his back leg, causing him to leave pitches up in the zone. Using an abbreviated leg lift, his mechanics stay consistent from the stretch. Sean Newcomb has the size and fastball velocity that teams covet.  In terms of delivery and frame, he is drawing comparisons to Boston Red Sox pitcher Jon Lester. Everything he has shown so far indicates he will continue to improve. With a solid junior year, he could go within the top twenty picks of the 2014 draft. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-sean-newcomb/39495#JdMvtKL1EPdg1xCE.99


10-30-13 - Clint Longenecker/BA – WWBA World Championship - The Florida Burn, made up exclusively of players from the Sunshine State, had a strong balance of run scoring and run prevention to advance to the championship game. Catcher Michael Rivera, an offensive star for Team USA committed to Florida, from Venice (Fla.) High hit four doubles and five walks against one walk, finishing with a .286/.423/.476 line.  http://www.baseballamerica.com/draft/evoshield-canes-win-perfect-game-wwba-world-championship/


10-29-13 – Jim Callis – Top 10 World Wood Bat Association World Championship (WWBA) Jupiter, Fla - 9. Braxton Davidson, OF, Dirtbags (Roberson High, Asheville, N.C.) -  Packs a lot of left-handed power in his 6-foot-3, 220-pound frame; pitchers rarely challenged him in Jupiter. http://ht.ly/qi5No


10-15-13 – Baseball America - 28. Max Pentecost, c, Kennesaw State: Athletic for the position if he can stick there, and coming off a boffo summer when he won Cape Cod League MVP. http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/2014-draft-top-50-october-2013-carlos-rodon/


9-11-13 - Sully’s 2014 Top 100 MLB HS Draft Prospects – 45. Jeremy Vasquez – 1B/OF, Martin County (FL) HS http://www.ninebaseball.org/Wordpress/sullys-2014-top-100-mlb-hs-draft-prospects/

Draft 14 – Kodi Medeiros, Justus Sheffield, Isan Diaz, Jesse Lepore,Braxton Davidson

10-29-13 – Jim Callis – Top 10 World Wood Bat Association World Championship (WWBA) Jupiter, Fla - 5. Kodi Medeiros, LHP, Ohio Warhawks (Waiakea High, Hilo, Hawaii/Pepperdine) -  Compact lefty has outstanding movement on his pitches, has hit 95 mph with his fastball. http://ht.ly/qi5No


10-15-13 – Baseball America - 38. Justus Sheffield, lhp, Tullahoma (Tenn.) HS: He offers a fastball up to 95 mph, above-average breaking ball/changeup combo and the ability to throw strikes. http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/2014-draft-top-50-october-2013-carlos-rodon/


10-28-13 – Jim Callis – SS Isan Diaz (Springfield, Mass., Central High) showed smooth actions at shortstop, making several plays look easier than they were. The 6-foot, 185-pounder has shown some offensive promise but went 0-for-3 with two strikeouts and struggled against breaking balls. He has yet to commit to a college. http://ht.ly/qeYJz


10-27-13 – PG Showcase – RHP Jesse Lepore featured an 88-91 mph fastball, touching 92 once in his three-inning stint. He limited the Bulls to one hit. From his similarly high slot, Lepore spun a sharp 12-6 curveball between 72-75, and sparingly mixed in a mid-70s changeup with effective arm speed and sink. Early on, the Miami commit’s biggest issue was getting ahead and throwing consistent strikes, though he eventually settled in the zone with greater regularity. This may have been a product of Lepore’s athletic yet deceptive delivery, which has some effort. He begins slowly, taking his time getting to his balance point, but as he readies to move toward the plate he quickly tilts his shoulders back, creating a better plane. It’s relatively difficult to repeat, and seemed to cause his body to race ahead of his arm at times. In all, he finished with two walks and three strikeouts http://www.baseballamerica.com/draft/projectable-righties-rule-as-playoff-push-begins-in-jupiter/


9-11-13 - Sully’s 2014 Top 100 MLB HS Draft Prospects - 3. Braxton Davidson – 1B/OF, T.C. Roberson (NC) HS http://www.ninebaseball.org/Wordpress/sullys-2014-top-100-mlb-hs-draft-prospects/

Draft 14 – Grant Holmes, Brandon Finnegan, Keith Weisenberg, Spencer Adams, Michael Gettys

10-29-13 – Jim Callis – Top 10 World Wood Bat Association World Championship (WWBA) Jupiter, Florida - 8. Grant Holmes, RHP, Evoshield Canes (Conway, S.C., High/Florida) -  Averaged 92 mph and reached 97 with his fastball in Jupiter, showing nice life and control with the pitch.  http://ht.ly/qi5No


10-15-13 – Baseball America - 23. Brandon Finnegan, lhp, Texas Christian: Smallish lefty holds upper-90s velocity deep into games and developed a plus slider during his time with Team USA. http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/2014-draft-top-50-october-2013-carlos-rodon/


10-28-13 – Jim Callis - One of the best pitching matchups of the tournament pitted Marucci Elite's Keith Weisenberg (Osceola High, Seminole, Fla.) against Chicago Scouts Association's Noah Burkholder (Crown Point, Ind., High).Weisenberg, a right-hander who's committed to Stanford, also has a projectable frame at 6-foot-4 and 190 pounds. His loose arm delivered 91-95 mph fastballs in the first inning and still pumped 89-91 mph heat in his fourth and final frame. His fastball has sinking action, as does his changeup, which was a bit firm in the mid-80s. He threw 13 changeups and just two sliders. Weisenberg filled the strike zone with 46 of his 70 pitches, but his command wasn't as sharp as his control. He left some pitches up and gave up three runs on six hits and two walks while striking out five. http://ht.ly/qeYJz


10-25-13  - PG Showcase – Righthander Spencer Adams (Cleveland, Ga.), pitching for Team Elite, worked two innings in his start, showing the same feel for four pitches that made him an interest of scouts all summer. The 6-foot-5, 190-pounder sat between 89-91, peaking at 93 once, while also using a cutter-like slider at 85-87, curveball at 76-77 with two-plane action, and lesser-used changeup at 84. http://www.baseballamerica.com/draft/toussaint-wows-evaluators-at-jupiter/


9-11-13 - Sully’s 2014 Top 100 MLB HS Draft Prospects - 1.Michael Gettys – OF/RHP, Gainesville (GA) HS http://www.ninebaseball.org/Wordpress/sullys-2014-top-100-mlb-hs-draft-prospects/

Draft 14 – Erick Fedde, Cobi Johnson, Austin Byler, Jeff Hoffman, NickNaquet

10-15-13 – Baseball America - 26. Erick Fedde, rhp, Nevada-Las Vegas: He has room to fill out his 6-foot-4 frame and add velocity to a fastball that he throws in the low 90s with good command. http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/2014-draft-top-50-october-2013-carlos-rodon/

 

10-15-13 – Baseball America - 22. Cobi Johnson, rhp, Mitchell HS, Holiday, Fla.: Son of Blue Jays pitching instructor Dane offers athleticism, projection and command of a fastball that touches 93 mph and a potentially plus curveball. http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/2014-draft-top-50-october-2013-carlos-rodon/


10-14-13 – Top ’14 College Hitters - 10. Austin Byler / 3B-OF / Nevada — It’s not the prettiest swing you’ll see this year, but Byler has plus power from the left side and the bat should profile at either corner outfield position. http://mlbdraftinsider.com/2013/10/top-14-for-14-college-hitters/


9-30-13 – TTF Mock 2.0 - 4. Chicago Cubs — Jeff Hoffman, RHP, East Carolina   With Javier Baez, Kris Bryant, Albert Almora and Jorge Soler leading the way, the Cubs have some outstanding offensive potential coming through the system at a rapid pace. By selecting Hoffman here, they can hopefully add that ace in the rotation they so desperately need. The 6’-4”, 200-pound right-hander was dominate at the Cape Cod League this year. Over 24.1 innings, he had 33 K/5 BB and allowed 20 hits for Hyannis. His fastball can touch 98 mph, and both his curveball and change-up are solid offerings and getting better. Over 15 starts as a sophomore, he had a 3.20 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 84 K/39 BB over 109.2 innings. His 7.3 innings-per-start show the kind of stamina he has, and he maintains velocity deep in games. 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 – 84. Nick Raquet – LHP, State College (PA) HS http://www.ninebaseball.org/Wordpress/sullys-2014-top-100-mlb-hs-draft-prospects/

Draft 14 – Joey Pankake, Sean Reid-Foley, Grant Holmes, Handsome Monica, Brandon Downes

10-18-13 – Matt Garroich – SS Joey Pankake, yep, like pancake, at South Carolina improved from a funny name and a decent defender as a freshman to an impact college bat as well. He won't be a superstar with the stick (well, Garciaparra) likely won't be a superstar with the stick but is a solid all around up the middle talent and should be a top pick this coming June. http://www.minorleagueball.com/2013/10/18/4851030/2014-mlb-draft-atlantic-region-college-discussion

10-15-13 – Baseball America - 31. Sean Reid-Foley, rhp, Sandalwood HS, Jacksonville: Athletic righthander with a fastball up to 95 mph, above-average slider and average changeup with good control. http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/2014-draft-top-50-october-2013-carlos-rodon/


9-30-13 – TTF Mock 2.0 - 10. New York Mets — Grant Holmes, RHP, Conway HS (SC) A Florida Gator commit, the 6’-2”, 190-pound right-hander hit 96 mph at the Perfect Game Nationals and flashed a plus curveball with excellent command. He also hit 95 mph at the PG Classic, showing one of the better fastballs in the prep class. He adds an above-average change-up, rounding out a solid three-pitch mix. Some scouts think he has maxed out physically, limiting his upside, but as it is, he profiles to a mid-rotation starter and possibly as high as a two. He is a very good athlete with a sound delivery and one of the best prep arms in the draft. 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 – 78. Handsome Monica – C, St. Paul’s (LA) HS http://www.ninebaseball.org/Wordpress/sullys-2014-top-100-mlb-hs-draft-prospects/


10-14-13 – Top ’14 College Hitters - 12. Brandon Downes / OF / Virginia — Downes has average to above-average tools across the board, though some scouts I’ve talked to are concerned about the swing and miss in his game and didn’t have the most productive of summers. http://mlbdraftinsider.com/2013/10/top-14-for-14-college-hitters/

Draft 14 – Michael Gettys, Benton Moss, Luis Ortiz, Kodi Medeiros, Trea Turner

10-9-13 – Early Pick for Cubs - Michael Gettys, OF, Gainesville HS (GA) - Theo Epstein and Co. have always made it clear that they will take the best available player in the 2014 MLB draft over need. Gettys, a 6’-2”, 200 pound right-hander, may be the best available player when the Cubs are on the clock. A plus runner with a plus arm, he has been timed at 6.43 in the 60 and his arm has been clocked at 100 mph from the outfield. I got a chance to see him at Wrigley for the Under Armour All American Game and, after seeing him deposit a home run to dead center field, the power is real, too. With excellent bat speed, he should be a high-average hitter, giving him all five tools. He has a strong, linebacker-type  build — similar to that of Mike Trout — and has added 50 pounds to his frame over the last two years without losing any of his explosiveness. I had the opportunity to interview Gettys and you can read it here. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-early-targets-chicago-cubs-fourth-overall-pick/38723

 

10-11-13 - Aaron Fitt ‏@aaronfitt  - I'm at @DiamondHeels fall world series. RHP Benton Moss looks strong - 90-93, locating well to arm side, nasty tight slider/cutter at 84-85.

 

9-29-13 – XMLBScout – 7.)RHP, Luis Ortiz, Hallmark Charter School, Sanger CA, 6'2 210, live arm, show quickness, all pitches from upper 3/4 slot, slider has proper spin, not the break and deception to be plus pitch, a work in progress still, fb has very good velo, pitch life however is fair, very straight - easy to read, also threw some straight changes with some deception, strong build, has some comps to Giovanni Gallardo, fb velo ranged from 90-94, most fb were 91-92, slider 80-82, change middle 70's, good looking arm for 2014, top 50 for sure. Fresno State commit. http://xmlbscout.angelfire.com/

 

9-11-13 - Sully’s 2014 Top 100 MLB HS Draft Prospects - 7.Kodi Medeiros – LHP, Waiakea (HI) HS http://www.ninebaseball.org/Wordpress/sullys-2014-top-100-mlb-hs-draft-prospects/

 

9-30-13 – TTF Mock 2.0 - 2. Miami Marlins — Trea Turner, SS, North Carolina State There are a lot of players who could go second-overall but I like Turner, a 6’-1” right-hander with plus/plus speed, an excellent approach at the plate and a kid who will remain at a premium position due to his silly range, strong arm and instincts on the field. Over 56 games as a sophomore, he hit .368/.455/.553 with 30 stolen bases and drew 38 walks to just 30 strikeouts. He also hit seven home runs, showing developing power. As a freshman, he led the nation in stolen bases with 57 and was only thrown out four times. An alumni of Team USA Baseball, he is a franchise-type player and should be a huge fan favorite. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-mock-draft-2-0-draft-order-set/38280#5E3F5j1jWOgE69bJ.99

Draft 14 - A Quick Look At - OF - Derek Hill - Elk Grove (Calif.) High/NorCal

Derek Hill

7-2-13  -  2014  - Top 100 High School Prospects -  96. Derek Hill- OF, Elk Grove (CA) HS http://www.ninebaseball.org/Wordpress/jeff-sullivans-top-100-2014-prospects/

7-24-13  -  8. Derek Hill, of, Elk Grove (Calif.) High/NorCal - The son of former minor leaguer and current Dodgers area scout Orsino Hill, Derek is a student of the game. He ran consecutive 60-yard times on grass at TOS in just under 6.4 seconds, and he is one of the fastest players in the class. He consistently produces home-to-first times in the 4.0-4.1-second range from the right side. Hill, who is uncommitted, is one of the top defensive players in the class and has a knack for making highlight-reel catches. He also has an average present arm. At the plate, Hill has a high hand load, balanced base and short stride. He has quick hands, bat speed and a line-drive oriented approach. Hill has a short stroke conducive to hard contact up the middle and to the gaps. The lean 6-foot-1, 175-pounder with a V-shaped upper body has a discerning eye at the plate and rarely swings and misses. http://www.baseballamerica.com/draft/tyler-koleks-heavy-fastball-among-tournament-of-stars-standouts/

7-25-13 – Top 30 High School Prospects For 2014 Draft - 16. Derek Hill, CF, Elk Grove HS (CA) - 6'2/170, R/R, Draft Day Age: 18.43, No college commitment - Quick Take: Hill comes from the same school as 2013 bonus babes 1B Rowdy Tellez (Blue Jays, $850,000) and C Dom Nunez (Rockies, $800,000) and may make more money than both of them. He's had among the best game at-bats early in showcase season but also shows easy plus speed and a fluid swing with a direct bat path. http://sbb.scout.com/2/1310090.html

9-11-13 - Sully’s 2014 Top 100 MLB HS Draft Prospects – 52.Derek Hill – OF, Elk Grove (CA) HS http://www.ninebaseball.org/Wordpress/sullys-2014-top-100-mlb-hs-draft-prospects/

Draft 14 – Braxton Davidson, Lukas Schiraldi, Touki Toussaint, Mike Rivera, Tucker Baca

10-28-13 – John Sickles - At the plate is where Braxton Davidson shines. His raw power is not the best in this draft class but his usable power is. Of all the players in this class that can put a charge into the ball, Davidson does it the most consistently and with the most ease. That's saying something. There are probably 10 guys with plus power projection or better in this draft. His hit tool allows for this. It could easily be plus and we are talking about a guy I wouldn't be scared to say will hit .300 in the majors. http://www.minorleagueball.com/2013/10/26/5029046/2014-mlb-draft-profile-braxton-davidson-1b-of-arden-nc-high-school

10-15-13 – Baseball America - 47. Lukas Schiraldi, rhp, Texas: Son of former big leaguer Calvin, he shined this summer while flashing a plus fastball and solid secondary repertoire. http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/2014-draft-top-50-october-2013-carlos-rodon/

10-25-13  - PG Showcase - Touki Toussaint (Coral Springs Christian Academy, Coral Springs, Fla.) took the hill for the Atlanta Blue Jays. Toussaint featured similar stuff to what he’s delivered since creating headlines in Jupiter a year ago when he showed off a fastball up to 97 and devastating curveball. This year, the athletic righthander showed off a 91-94 mph fastball, peaking at 95, while predominantly mixing in his plus curveball at 74-77. At its best, Toussaint’s wrinkle earned audible praise from the typically tight-lipped scouting community. The 6-foot-2, 195-pounder also threw an 85-86 changeup with deceptive arm speed, as well as an 84 mph slider. Compared to other national showcase events, Toussaint threw more strikes, though he was not always fine. His body and arm seemed to be working in better sync, allowing him to repeat his delivery. After getting squeezed on some close pitches, however, he had some wildness and ran up his pitch count, forcing his exit after two innings. http://www.baseballamerica.com/draft/toussaint-wows-evaluators-at-jupiter/

9-11-13 - Sully’s 2014 Top 100 MLB HS Draft Prospects – 70.Mike Rivera – C/INF, Venice (FL) HS http://www.ninebaseball.org/Wordpress/sullys-2014-top-100-mlb-hs-draft-prospects/

10-26-13 - Jim Callis ‏@jimcallisMLB  - Tucker Baca (HS/GA) creating a stir. Low angle LHP touched 94 in 1st, 90 in 3rd, killing LHB with his slider

Draft 14 - A Quick Look At - OF - Justin Smith - Bartram Trail HS (FL)

Justin Smith

6-13-13  -  15. Washington Nationals — Justin Smith, OF, Bartram Trail HS (FL) - The 6’-2”, 200 pound right-hander has all five tools, including a canon arm in the outfield (92 mph) and plus speed (6.69/60). He is still considered raw in some areas but his excellent bat speed, along with his frame, make for a huge upside. Many are expecting a huge senior season. http://beforeitsnews.com/sports/2013/06/2014-mlb-mock-draft-1-0-no-time-like-the-present-2513748.html?currentSplittedPage=2

7-2-13  -  2014  - Top 100 High School Prospects - 26. Justin Smith- OF, Bartram Trail (FL) HS http://www.ninebaseball.org/Wordpress/jeff-sullivans-top-100-2014-prospects/

2013 East Coast Pro Showcase Top 50 Prospects    - 19. Justin Smith – OF, Bartram Trail (FL) HS - Hit really well at ECP and shows all 5 tools. http://www.ninebaseball.org/Wordpress/sullys-top-50-ecp-prospects/

8-14-13 – Through The Fence – Top 50 Prospects – 32. Justin Smith, OF, Bartram trial HS (FL) - The 6’-2”, 200-pound right-hander has all five tools, including a canon arm in the outfield (92 mph) and plus speed (6.6/60). He is still considered raw in some areas, but his excellent bat speed, along with his frame, make for a huge upside. He stood out at the East Coast pro tournament making several strong plays in the outfield and driving the ball to all fields. Many are expecting a huge senior season. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-top-50-prospects/36463#mwWwsFxSUZy7YC5V.99

9-11-13 - Sully’s 2014 Top 100 MLB HS Draft Prospects – 43.Justin Smith – OF, Bartram Trail (FL) HS http://www.ninebaseball.org/Wordpress/sullys-2014-top-100-mlb-hs-draft-prospects/

9-30-13 – TTF Mock 2.0 - 36. Kansas City Royals — Justin Smith, OF, Bartram Trail HS  The 6’-2”, 200-pound right-hander has all five tools, including a canon arm in the outfield (92 mph) and plus speed (6.6/60). He is still considered raw in some areas, but his excellent bat speed, along with his frame, make for a huge upside. He stood out at the East Coast pro tournament making several strong plays in the outfield and driving the ball to all fields. Many are expecting a huge senior season. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-mock-draft-2-0-draft-order-set/38280#5E3F5j1jWOgE69bJ.99

 

Draft 14 – Luke Weaver, Derek Fisher, Cameron Varga, Cobi Johnson, John Jones

10-19 – BLF – Luke Weaver - Fastball:  Weaver shows a 91 to 94 mph Fastball with good tailing action. Secondary Pitches: Weaver throws a slider that shows flashes of plus potential and sits in the low 80s.  It sometimes shows a sweeping action and at times a harder break, once he is able to find a consistency in the slider it will be easier to grade.  But both have plus potential. Command: He shows excellent command and pounds the lower half of the strike zone.  He isn’t afraid  to pound the inner have of the  plate with all his pitches. Summary:   Luke Weaver is my dark horse in this draft.  He has a lot of good pieces and if he puts them together, Weaver will become a very good pitcher.  I see him as a #1/#2 type but could become a pure #1 if things go right.  I have heard comps on him like Brett Saberhagen and Tim Hudson. http://bigleaguefutures.net/1/2013/10/19/scouting-report-luke-weaver-rhp/

10-18-13 – Matt Garroich – Derek Fisher at Virginia was highly touted out of high school, I had him 20th overall in the draft, and he has done nothing to hurt his stock while a Cavalier. He still has some swing and miss issues, a balding head and big time power but his speed has maintained better than I expected. His toolset is that of a solid regular or better in the majors. http://www.minorleagueball.com/2013/10/18/4851030/2014-mlb-draft-atlantic-region-college-discussion

10-15-13 – Baseball America - 40. Cameron Varga, rhp, Cincinnati Hills Christian Academy, Loveland, Ohio: Nagging injuries sidelined Varga this summer, but the 19-year-old has touched 95 mph with his fastball in the past with a plus curveball, and he has an athletic build. http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/2014-draft-top-50-october-2013-carlos-rodon/

9-30-13 – TTF Mock 2.0 - 28. Oakland Athletics — Cobi Johnson, RHP, James Mitchell HS (FL) At 6’-4” and 180 pounds, the right-hander has the ideal size for a frontline starter. His fastball has touched 93 mph, and he adds a solid curveball. His change-up, like most prep pitchers, is still developing, but he shows a  good feel for pitching, and his athleticism will help with his progression. He has shown very good command of his stuff and had 103 K/14 BB over 71 innings as a junior. He also hit .426/.508/.703 over 30 games with 18 stolen bases. His velocity does drop off in later innings, but he should gain more stamina as he fills out his frame. He struck out three in one perfect inning at the PG Classic. Committed to Florida State. 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 – 81.John Jones – C, East River (FL ) HS http://www.ninebaseball.org/Wordpress/sullys-2014-top-100-mlb-hs-draft-prospects/

Draft 14 – Michael Conforto, Luke Weaver, Alex Jackson, Dylan Cease, Carlos Rodon

10-14-13 – Top ’14 College Hitters - 13. Michael Conforto / LF-1B / Oregon State — He likely won’t provide much value with the glove or on the bases, but he’s been extremely productive for Oregon State and should hit enough to stick in left field someday. http://mlbdraftinsider.com/2013/10/top-14-for-14-college-hitters/

9-30-13 – TTF Mock 2.0 - 14. San Francisco Giants — Luke Weaver, RHP, Florida State  A 6’-2”, 180-pound right-hander, Weaver enjoyed an outstanding season for the Seminoles this year. Over 15 starts, he had a 2.29 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 119 K/19 BB over 98.1 innings. His 10.9 K/9 and 6.3 K/BB ratios show the kind of power/command pitcher he is. His fastball sits in the low/mid 90s and he adds a change-up that shows plus potential. There is still room for projection and added velocity as he fills out. Over 21 innings for Team USA, he had 17 K/5 BB. 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 - 8.Alex Jackson – C, Rancho Bernardo (CA) HS http://www.ninebaseball.org/Wordpress/sullys-2014-top-100-mlb-hs-draft-prospects/

10-15-13 – Baseball America - 35. Dylan Cease, rhp, Milton (Ga.) HS: Athletic pitcher who produces easy velocity, with a fastball up to 97 mph; inconsistent breaking ball and command are knocks. http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/2014-draft-top-50-october-2013-carlos-rodon/

10-18-13 – Matt Garroich – Carlos Rodon is the best lefty in the country and, as it stands, the clear-cut favorite to go first overall. He is the ace of the N.C. State Wolfpack and has been since he came to campus. He will likely be the same on any team he pitches as long as he is healthy. On the same squad is one of the top college hitters, Trea Turner. He is an impressive athlete with 80 speed and solid defense at short while swinging the bat well enough to impact in the batters box as well. http://www.minorleagueball.com/2013/10/18/4851030/2014-mlb-draft-atlantic-region-college-discussion

Draft 14 – Grant Holmes, Derek Fisher, Michael Cederoth, Brian Gonzalez, Jeff Hoffman

10-15-13 – Baseball America - 24. Grant Holmes, rhp, Conway (S.C.) HS: Powerfully built but undersized, the 6-foot Holmes has a fastball that reaches 96 mph with power and depth to his curveball. http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/2014-draft-top-50-october-2013-carlos-rodon/

10-14-13 – Top ’14 College Hitters - 1. Derek Fisher / OF / Virginia — Fischer is going to have to hit — he doesn’t have the arm strength or instincts to be anything but a left fielder — to earn this ranking, but he certainly has the offensive tools to justify it. The left-handed hitting outfielder has above-average bat speed and a linear swing that should lead to above-average power numbers, though we haven’t seen that translate into games as much as one would hope. Consistency has been a problem for Fischer, but with a strong junior season you could see him go very early, as he’s one of the few middle of the order type bats in this class. http://mlbdraftinsider.com/2013/10/top-14-for-14-college-hitters/

9-30-13 – TTF Mock 2.0 - 13. San Diego Padres — Michael Cederoth, RHP, San Diego State  He is 6′-6“, 210 pounds and can touch 100 mph with his fastball. Shall I go on? He also adds a mid-80s slider, as well as a mid-80s change-up that is more of an out pitch. His command can be shaky at times as he is still learning how to be a pitcher instead of just running his overpowering fastball. Over 15 starts this year, he had a 4.25 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 109 K/48 BB over 95.1 innings. If he works on his command the way Jonathan Gray did last year, as well as refine his off-speed stuff, he should be one of the first college pitchers off the board. 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 – 92.Brian Gonzalez – LHP/1B, Archbishop McCarthy (FL) HS http://www.ninebaseball.org/Wordpress/sullys-2014-top-100-mlb-hs-draft-prospects/

10-18-13 – Matt Garroich – Jeff Hoffman of East Carolina is a righty that has frontline potential and three plus pitch potential. He would be the kind of guy who would be in discussions for the top pick in any draft, so he should be in this draft as well, even with Rodon in it. I don't want to oversell Hoffman at this point because his stuff has always been better than his results but his summer on Cape Cod was simply dominant. http://www.minorleagueball.com/2013/10/18/4851030/2014-mlb-draft-atlantic-region-college-discussion

Draft 14 - A Quick Look At - OF/1B - Braxton Davidson - T C Roberson HS (NC)

Braxton Davidson

 

6-13-13  -  14. Philadelphia Phillies — Braxton Davidson, OF, T C Roberson HS (NC) - The 6’-3”, 215 pound left-hander will be one of the best prep bats in the 2014 MLB draft due to his bat speed, advanced approach at the plate and raw power. He shows good pitch recognition and his strong wrists allow him to wait on any pitch. Over 31 games as a junior, he hit .403 with seven doubles, eight home runs, and drew 30 walks for a .600 OBP/.831 SLG. His strong arm would play well in a corner outfield spot. http://beforeitsnews.com/sports/2013/06/2014-mlb-mock-draft-1-0-no-time-like-the-present-2513748.html

 

7-2-13  -  2014  - Top 100 High School Prospects - 4. Braxton Davidson- OF, T.C. Roberson (NC) HS - Absolutely mashed at TOS. Three home runs, and hit everything hard. Best bat at the event - http://www.ninebaseball.org/Wordpress/jeff-sullivans-top-100-2014-prospects/

 

7-24-13  -  4. Braxton Davidson, 1b/of, Roberson High, Asheville, N.C./Dirtbags - The 6-foot-2, 210-pound Davidson has a large frame with wide shoulders and a strong lower half. Using a wide base and deep hand load, Davidson produces raw plus power, which is his carrying tool. With three home runs in four games, he tied the TOS record and hit more home runs than all of the players at last year’s TOS combined (two). Folklore grew that one homer bounced onto a highway more than 500 feet away. His prodigious power does come at the expense of swings and misses. With adequate speed and arm strength, the North Carolina commit could play an outfield corner, but profiles best at first base. http://www.baseballamerica.com/draft/tyler-koleks-heavy-fastball-among-tournament-of-stars-standouts/

 

 

7-25-13 – Top 30 High School Prospects For 2014 Draft - 8. Braxton Davidson, 1B/RF, T.C. Roberson HS (NC) - 6'2/215, L/L, Draft Day Age: 17.97, North Carolina commit, Full Report & Video - Quick Take: Davidson is the safest bet on this list: he already has above average raw power with an upper body that should add even more strength to go with elite feel at the plate that already racks up extra base hits to all fields in bunches. He could fit in right field for now and he's one of the younger players in the class. http://sbb.scout.com/2/1310090.html

 

2013 East Coast Pro Showcase Top 50 Prospects   - 3. Braxton Davidson – OF/1B, T.C. Roberson (NC) HS - The most feared hitter in the 2014 class. Davidson hits everything hard and had three home runs at TOS. He continued to hit at ECP. http://www.ninebaseball.org/Wordpress/sullys-top-50-ecp-prospects/

 

 

8-14-13 – Through The Fence – Top 50 Prospects – 15. Braxton Davidson, OF, TC Roberson HS (NC) - The 6’-3”, 215-pound left-hander will be one of the best prep bats in the 2014 MLB draft due to his bat speed, advanced approach at the plate and raw power. He shows good pitch recognition, and his strong wrists allow him to wait on any pitch. Over 31 games as a junior, he hit .403 with seven doubles, eight home runs, and drew 30 walks for a .600 OBP/.831 SLG. His strong arm would play well in a corner outfield spot. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-top-50-prospects/36463#mwWwsFxSUZy7YC5V.99

 

8-13-13 - The Perfect Game All-American Classic in San Diego - *There aren’t a ton of left-handed bats in this year’s class, but Braxton Davidson (T.C. Roberson High School, N.C.) stood out with easy power and a smooth stroke from the left side. The issue was defensively, as he struggled making throws and I don’t see the athleticism to play right field. http://mlbdraftinsider.com/2013/08/thoughts-on-perfect-game-all-american-classic/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

 

8-16-13 - 11th All-American Classic - Braxton Davidson (OF/1B, TC Roberson HS (Asheville, NC)): Big 6-foot-3, 215 pound frame; big trunk; square stance; a toe-tap timing; balanced, fluid swing quick to the ball; creates good loft; potential 6/6 hit/power guy; arm is solid and accurate; chance he’s limited to first base, but could be a good one; hit tool is one of the most advanced in the prep class. —Chris Rodriguez http://www.baseballprospectus.com/article.php?articleid=21537

 

9-11-13 - Sully’s 2014 Top 100 MLB HS Draft Prospects - 3.Braxton Davidson – 1B/OF, T.C. Roberson (NC) HS http://www.ninebaseball.org/Wordpress/sullys-2014-top-100-mlb-hs-draft-prospects/

 

9-30-13 – TTF Mock 2.0 - 9. Toronto Blue Jays — Braxton Davidson, OF, TC Roberson HS (NC)  The 6’-3”, 215-pound left-hander will be one of the best prep bats in the 2014 MLB mock draft (and the real one too) due to his bat speed, advanced approach at the plate and raw power. He shows good pitch recognition, and his strong wrists allow him to wait on any pitch. Over 31 games as a junior, he hit .403 with seven doubles, eight home runs, and drew 30 walks for a .600 OBP/.831 SLG. His strong arm would play well in a corner outfield spot. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-mock-draft-2-0-draft-order-set/38280#5E3F5j1jWOgE69bJ.99