10-28-11: - http://orioles-nation.com/2011/10/26/wwba-2012-highlights - Ralph Garza (New Braunfels TX) – He is changing my mind about wanting to have him as a pitcher. Always had above average stuff in the 87-88 mph range, but over his start here it was sitting 90 mph and touching 92 mph into the late innings. He is still a bit stiff mechanically. When he showed sound mechanics, it is the point when he hit his highest readings. He has some solid sink and keeps the ball down in the zone.
10-30-11: - http://mlbdraftguide.com/1/2011/10/29/tanner-rahier-2012-draft-profile - Tanner Rahier is a prep shortstop from California who has worked extrememly hard to achieve his position among the top ranked players in the country (check out the mydesert.com link to see how he trains). After playing for Palm Desert High’s team as a freshman in 2009, he has opted to participate in a spring wood bat league the last 2 years. Rahier has a short compact swing and generates plus bat speed. He squares up with authority and projects good power. Recorded 60 times for Rahier are 6.62 and 6.63. Rahier has good footwork and plus range at shortstop. He has a good arm for the position. He is solid on the double play and shows soft hands. Even among baseball players shooting to make it to the next level, Rahier’s drive stands out. It is easy to see good things for him in the future.
10-30-11: - http://mlbdraftguide.com/1/2011/10/30/addison-russell-2012-draft-profile - Player: Addison Russell Position: SS/3B School: Pace HS (FL) Date of Birth: 1/23/1994 Height/Weight: 6’1/210 Bats/Throws: R/R Class Of: 2012 Committed To: Auburn Scouting Report: Addison Russell has been on the radar for 2012 for quite a while. He participated in the Under Armour All-American Game in 2010 and the Perfect Game All-American Classic in 2011. Russel is one of those players who makes the game look easy. Russel has a patient approach at the plate. He squares up consistently and the ball really jumps off his bat. Russel’s bat speed is above average. He has a line drive swing with good power potential. Russel has a recorded 60 time of 6.75. In the field, Russell has a strong arm and good range.
10-31-11: - http://baseballdraftreport.com - Bethune-Cookman C Peter O’Brien surprised everybody when he didn’t sign as a third round pick this past June. He surprised everybody again when he announced his intention to transfer to Miami with the hopes of being eligible to play for the Hurricanes in 2012. If deemed eligible, I think this is a genius move on O’Brien’s part. He now has the opportunity to play big time college ball in a major conference for a team with legitimate postseason aspirations. Scouts who questioned his defense and ability to make enough contact – the same questions that were asked last year at this time, by the way — will get many marquee ACC matchups to come see him play. Bonus points for doing all of that while soaking up his last year of limited responsibility in the awesome college backdrop Miami provides. 99% of the time I think players should take the pro money and not think twice (if I was O’Brien’s “advisor” I would have begged him to sign with the Rockies), but quality of life, even if that “life” is only one year, shouldn’t be ignored. Maybe this is all an overreaction because I foolishly spent my four undergrad years in snowy Boston, but good on O’Brien for taking the road less travelled.
11-2-11: - http://mlbdraftguide.com/1/2011/11/01/aj-simcox-2012-draft-profile - Player: AJ Simcox Position: SS School: Farragut HS (TN) Date of Birth: 6/22/1995 Height/Weight: 6’3/165 Bats/Throws: R/R Class Of: 2012 Committed To: Tennessee Scouting Report: AJ Simcox is a rangy 6’3/165 shortstop with projection. Simcox has a good approach at the plate. He hits to all fields and has gap power. His recorded 60 time is 6.92. Reviews on Simcox’s defense are all positive. He has good range and soft hands. Simcox also shows a plus arm at short.
