Draft 2012: Brett Lilek, James Ramsey, Stephen Sauter, Walker Weickel

Brett Lilek, Marian Catholic (Chicago Heights, Ill.)  Lilek offers a loose armed delivery that helps him get to the low-90s with his fastball. At times he looks the part of a first-rounder, teasing scouts in the process. The Arizona State commit also employs a curveball and change, both of which should eventually benefit from the top-end arm speed. But there are some concerns with the rest of the delivery, specifically his right leg, which lands a bit violently.  http://espn.go.com/blog/high-school/baseball/post/_/id/1086/max-fried-leads-class-of-2012-left-handers

OF James Ramsey  School: Florida State  Cl.: Senior, Ht.: 6-0, Wt.: 190  Hometown.: Alpharetta, Ga.  High school: Wesleyan  Ramsey blossomed into an elite hitter last season and almost ended up signing professional after an impressive summer at the Cape Cod League, ranking No. 48 in terms of prospects in the league. In 2011, Ramsey batted 364 with 18 doubles, 10 home runs and 67 RBIs. http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=6498  

Stephen Sauter is a switch hitting catcher from California.  He has a projectable body with room to fill out and add strength. Sauter is a legitimate switch hitter with an easy swing from both sides of the plate.  He squares up well and projects good power. Sauter has good skills behind the plate.  His pop times range from 1.81 to 2.02 with an accurate arm. http://mlbdraftguide.com/

Walker Weickel, RHP, Olympia, FL  When looking at a high school pitcher, I tend to expect them to lose 2 MPH unless they are thin and look like strengthening will add velocity. Weickel fits this by throwing 96 on occasion. Even if he only touches 96 and often throws 2-4 MPH less than that so that he is more under control, you are still talking about a plus fastball.  At 6'6", 205 LBS, he is a huge kid. He is very athletic and repeats his delivery well. He has long legs and arms and uses his height well in his delivery. He also uses his limbs to cause some deception in his delivery. His breaking ball can get a little loopy and he will have to tighten that up for it to be as effective as it can be but it flashes plus potential. His change is in the same ballpark as his breaking ball. It's inconsistent but shows flashes of a plus pitch.  While Weickel isn't likely to be an Ace, he is more likely to be a #2 or #3 starter depending on how well his secondary pitches develop, he is likely to be a major league caliber pitcher with 3 average or better pitches. He also has a small chance at gaining a few MPH's on his fastball with professional strength training and coaching. That is one reason he is as high as he is. He will likely be taken in the top 15 picks. If he doesn't sign, he is also committed to go to Miami. http://www.minorleagueball.com/2012/2/6/2773435/2012-baseball-draft-high-school-prospects-1-5   

Draft 2012: - Joseph Paul Ciancola , Stephen Sauter, Kolby Copeland, Lee Sosa, Alfredo Escalera

10-21-11: - http://mlbdraftguide.com/1/2011/10/19/jason-goldstein-2012-draft-profile  Player :  Stephen Sauter   Position:  C   School:  Troy HS (CA)   Date of Birth:  2/8/1994   Height/Weight:  6’2/190   Bats/Throws:  S/R   Class Of:  2012   Committed To:  Oregon  Scouting Report:  Stephen Sauter is a switch hitting catcher from California.  He has a projectable body with room to fill out and add strength. Sauter is a legitimate switch hitter with an easy swing from both sides of the plate.  He squares up well and projects good power. Sauter has good skills behind the plate.  His pop times range from 1.81 to 2.02 with an accurate arm.

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 - Kolby Copeland, of, Parkway HS, Bossier City, La.  Arrived late because he also plays football but showed impressive hitting ability and power from the left side of the plate.

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  - 15.   Lee Sosa   RHP  Lehigh Valley---Binghamton University   Lee (6-2/205) was one of the best relievers in the league this summer. He went 1-2, had a 0.90 era and fanned 27 batters for the Catz. Perfect Game ranked Lee as the 8th best prospect in the league. 

10-26-11: - http://mlbdraftguide.com/1/2011/10/26/alfredo-escalera-2012-draft-profile  - Alfredo Escalera was one of the top performers at the Southeast Top Prospect Showcase.  He is a top athlete with high level tools and the ability to play all over the field. At the plate, Escalera has a compact fluid swing.  He has above average bat speed.  Escalera has current doubles power and should add more power as he matures.  His recorded 60 times are 6.59 and 6.60. Escalera has quick feet and good range in the field.  His arm is above average and he has soft hands.  Going forward, Escalera should be able to play any position up the middle.  With his speed and arm, he projects well to center. Escalera is one of the more interesting prospects to watch leading up to the draft.  On draft day, he will be just 4 months past his seventeenth birthday.

10-27-11: - http://www.collegebaseballdaily.com/2011/10/27/uris-joseph-ciancola-passes-away - URI baseball player Joseph Paul Ciancola passed away on Thursday afternoon after an medical emergency during a strength and conditioning workout. Ciancola was only 20 years old. University of Rhode Island President David M. Dooley:  “Joe was a beloved member of our baseball team and the URI community. We will miss him more than is possible to say. We send all of our sympathy, hopes, and prayers to Joe’s family. We pray that our shared memories of Joe, and his love for baseball and for life, will be a comfort to all who mourn his passing.”