Trae Turner, Jeff Hoffman, Brady Aiken, Trea Turner, Aramis Garcia, Grant Holmes

5-12-14  -  Trea Turner, SS, North Carolina State - Turner has been showing all the tools that had him projected as a top-five pick before the season started. Over his last 15 games, he is hitting .407/.527/.678 with five doubles, a triple, three home runs and 15 walks. He also has stolen 10 bases, showing off his plus/plus speed and great instincts on the base paths. For the season, he is up to .330/.424/.523 with nine doubles, seven home runs, 21 stolen bases and 30 walks to 21 strikeouts. He has the speed, an advanced approach and now has started to show the power everyone has been waiting for. Some scouts still question his hit tool. I think a team is going to get a steal if he lands in the 8-12 range. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-20-college-players-rise-extended-version/42827#fT3rk0vlpqPHPiFi.99

3-15-14 - East Carolina’s Jeff Hoffman, struggled for the second straight week in a 7-2 loss to Tulane. I was on hand for that one getting my first look at Hoffman this year, and it was not a great look. Hoffman’s defense did him no favors, struggling in the outfield and behind the plate, but he was hardly overpowering anyway, allowing six runs (five earned) on seven hits and two walks over 6 1/3 innings, while striking out five. Hoffman did not have his best velocity, working mostly at 93-94 mph and reaching back for 97 in the first and once in the fifth. He did a good job jamming righthanded hitters with his 91-92 mph two-seamer, which had good arm-side run, but he left too many four-seamers out over the plate, and Tulane squared a handful of them up. His curveball ranged from 74-80 and showed some sharp bite, but it did not have the kind of power it had in the Cape Cod League, where we heard reports of it ranging from 79-84. Even in his season debut, he threw some curveballs at 80-83. He mixed in a short slider at 84-86, but his most impressive secondary pitch Friday was his 84-86 changeup, which he threw effectively against righthanded hitters to get multiple swing-throughs. http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/friday-roundup-nola-weaver-win-marquee-showdowns/

3-26-14 – MaxiPreps – Brady Aiken, Cathedral Catholic (San Diego) - In two outings, Aiken has given up just one hit and no runs in posting a 2-0 record. He has struck out 20 batters in 8.2 innings pitched while walking only two. He struck out 12 in 4.2 innings against La Costa Canyon. http://www.maxpreps.com/news/kRbRSgP8z06XdyYf0_JnPg/tyler-kolek,-michael-gettys,-brady-aiken-among-senior-baseball-prospects-off-to-strong-starts.htm 

3-11-14 – TTF -  Aramis Garcia, C, Florida International (NR) - Over his last five games, Garcia has gone 8-for-21 (.381) with two doubles, four home runs, nine RBI and has drawn four walks to one strikeout. Over 16 games, he is now hitting .424/.521/.763 with five home runs, ranking among the leaders in all four categories. At 6’-2” and 220 pounds, the right-hander has an easy swing with plenty of power behind it. As a sophomore, he hit .321/.378/.522 with 11 home runs. Scouts love the bat more than his defense right now, but with a canon arm and very good footwork, he has a chance to stick behind the plate. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-10-college-players-rise-week-4/41715#PjStmsQ7UB5h8BYU.99

3-12-14 – 10 High School Players on the Rise –  Grant Holmes, RHP, Conway HS (SC) - In his first start of the season on March 7, Holmes struck out 12 to one walk over five innings. He has been reported to be hitting 97 mph with his fastball, and he adds a plus curveball to go with a change-up that projects to above-average. With three quality pitches in his arsenal, and that type of velocity, he doesn’t need much projection — the one knock on him as many believe he has maxed out physically at 6’-2” and 200 pounds. He has great mound presence and commands his stuff well. Should be a first-round pick and he seems to keep climbing draft boards. Committed to Florida. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-10-high-school-players-rise/41773#oFu0m6JRyhOHXIwD.99

Draft 14 – Alex Jackson, Josh Pennnington, Michael Kopech, Kyle Schwarber, Trae Turner

9-29-13 – XMLBScout – 5.)C, Alex Jackson, Rancho Bernardo HS, 6'2 200, R/R, strong, durable, has pop in his bat, needs mechanic work with approach as hitter, throws well from OF and behind dish, interesting to follow next 2 years, 2014, Rancho Bernardo HS, Ca, slimmed down from 220 and throws better and more fluid than he did in 2012. Quick power stroke with gaining discipline as a hitter, upside is there to have a productive pro career.  http://xmlbscout.angelfire.com/

9-11-13 - Sully’s 2014 Top 100 MLB HS Draft Prospects – 64.Josh Pennington – RHP, Lower Cape May Regional (NJ) http://www.ninebaseball.org/Wordpress/sullys-2014-top-100-mlb-hs-draft-prospects/

9-30-13 – TTF Mock 2.0 - 16. Arizona Diamondbacks — Michael Kopech, RHP, Mount Pleasant HS (TX) - Another one of those loose arm, projectable right-handers, the 6’-4” Kopech has an electric fastball that can touch 93 mph and he has some deception to his delivery. His mechanics need some refining and he needs to command his secondary stuff better, but the size and stuff are already there. He was absolutely dominant at the Under Armour Game at Wrigley, showing off an explosive mid-90s fastball with late life and a nasty slider with hard bite. Had 129 K/33 BB over 80.1 innings as a junior. Quickly becoming one of my favorite players in the 2014 MLB draft. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-mock-draft-2-0-draft-order-set/38280#5E3F5j1jWOgE69bJ.99

10-6-13 – Kendall Rogers/PG – College Prospects - 8. Kyle Schwarber, c, Indiana (Drafted: Never) - One of the chief architects of Indiana’s rise up the college baseball rankings last season, Schwarber is as good as it gets from an offensive standpoint. The bulky 6-foot, 230-pounder, is good enough behind the plate, but what sets him apart from other prospects are his offensive skills. Schwarber is a smart, pure hitter, who has impressive raw power and the ability to hit to all sides of the field.  http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=9081

10-9-13 – Early Pick for Cubs - Trea Turner, SS, North Carolina State - If the speedy right-hander is still available when the Cubs are on the clock, you could be reading about their future shortstop and leadoff man. At 6’-”1 and 170 pounds, Turner is the best base-stealer in the 2014 MLB draft and is also one of the best hitters. More than 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. His unreal range, strong arm and instincts will allow him to remain at shortstop and, even though Javier Baez looks like he should remain at shortstop, you can never have enough shortstop prospects in your system. Plus, I think Turner would be able to handle centerfield or second base if needed. The Cubs have plenty of power hitters in their system. What they lack is leadoff-type guys who can get on, steal bases and set the table for the thumpers. Turner is that guy and a future lineup with Baez, Albert Almora, Kris Bryant, Jorge Soler and Turner make me giggle. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-early-targets-chicago-cubs-fourth-overall-pick/38723

Draft 14 – Jeff Hoffman, Jacob Hoffman, Aaron Pinto, Trae Turner, Spencer Adams

9-30-13 - Patrick Ebert ‏@PGPatrickEbert   I’m sure @FPilierePG would like to start the Jeff Hoffman vs. Carlos Rodon to the Astros debate right about now  -  Frankie Piliere ‏@FPilierePG  - Hoffman is not the same guy he was in the spring. It's absolutely close now

8-21-13 – Area Code Games - 2. Jacob Gatewood, ss/3b/of, Clovis (Calif.) High/SGV Arsenal/San Diego Show - The athletic 6-foot-4, 190-pound Gatewood gained national recognition by winning the Junior Select Home Run Derby with 14 home runs at Citi Field during the MLB All-Star Game in July. In Long Beach, Gatewood showed some of the best power in class during batting practice, making Blair Field look small. He was geared up to hit the fastball in game action and his timing was a little off, causing him to hit into a few double plays. The Southern California commit gave scouts an extended look in the field and showed fluid actions and an above-average arm. http://www.baseballamerica.com/draft/area-code-games-top-10-prospects/

9-21-13 – Aaron Pinto took the ball for the SGV Arsenal on Friday night, and was aggressive from the get go. Attacking hitters with his fastball, the righthander worked at 84-86 mph, reaching 87 mph in the first inning. He also mixed in a curveball that flashed 11-to-5 depth at 71 mph. His delivery stays very compact and he does a good job of hiding the ball. It’s a delivery that he should be able to repeat time after time. .  http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=9017

9-4-13 – Mack’s Mock Draft v1.0 – 4 – Cubs -  SS Trea Turner – North Carolina State – Turner could easily go 1-2 with his fellow Wolfpack, P Carlos Rodon. Has all 5-tools,  especially speed and the ability to stick at shortstop. Compared to Troy Tulowitzki. This is about as good as a draftable SS can be.

9-11-13 - Sully’s 2014 Top 100 MLB HS Draft Prospects – 90.Spencer Adams – RHP, White County (GA) HS http://www.ninebaseball.org/Wordpress/sullys-2014-top-100-mlb-hs-draft-prospects/

Draft 14 – Matt Chapman, Trae Turner, Michael Gettys, Dylan Cease, Carlos Rodon

8-14-13 – Through The Fence – Top 50 Prospects – 45. Matt Chapman, 3B, Cal State Fullerton - The 6’-2”, 200-pound right-hander has a plus arm and enough range to stick at the hot corner. Whether or not the power will show up to remain there is up for debate. He does show an advanced approach at the plate, having drawn 34 walks to 29 strikeouts over 55 games as a sophomore. I got to see him play with The Collegiate National Team and really liked his line-drive s+wing. If the power comes this year, he could move up draft boards. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-top-50-prospects/36463#mwWwsFxSUZy7YC5V.99

9-1-13 - Jim Callis – 4. Trea Turner, ss, North Carolina State - More than just a burner, he also offers hitting prowess and the ability to stick at shortstop.

9-1-13 – Petco Game - Michael Gettys (CF) (R/R) 6’2″ 205; Grad: 2014 Gainesville, GA Large frame w/compact, muscular build. From a body perspective, it’s similar to a Mike Trout look. Uphill swing w/extra juice at contact. Exceptional RAW power has the ability to put them in the seats during BP. Swing geared for FB and still working on pitch recognition in game; some swing and miss to CB. Burner on the bases. More than enough range for  CF and playable arm anywhere in the OF. Can’t miss 8arm and still remains his best tool. Bat remains suspect, but if he puts it together you’re looking at a complete 5 tool package. Big  upside here.  http://bigleaguefutures.net/1/2013/09/01/aflac-game-wrap-up-better-late-than-never/

8-15-13 - Under Armour All-Star Game – Dylan Cease, RHP:  Per Baseball America, Cease is the 3rd pitcher on this list capable of hitting 96 mph, though he sits 92-93.  He has the type of athleticism the Cubs prefer in a pitcher.  He's loose and projectable with a clean, low effort delivery.  Like Touissant, he's a bit raw -- perhaps even more so as Cease has similar issues with command but his breaking stuff isn't quite as advanced.  His change, like that of most high schoolers, is still developing.  What you get with Cease is a a great starter kit for a pitcher.  All the parts you need are there for him to become a front line pitcher. http://www.chicagonow.com/cubs-den/2013/08/2014-mlb-draft-ua-game-roster-and-preview-plus-more-tickets-and-meet-up-information/

9-4-13 – Mack’s Mock Draft v1.0 –  1 – Houston – LHSP Carlos Rodon – North Carolina State – This might be the last year that the Astros gets the first pick in the draft, though it is the third in the row. It’s close to impossible… no, I take that back… it’s literally impossible for them to pass on picking Rodon, who is so far more taleted than anyone in this draft. He has a five- pitch arsenal that includes a mid-90s fastball, a wipeout slider, a lethal cutter, an above-average curveball and a change-up with nice fade. He could be in the majors by late 2015.

Draft 14 – Trae Turner, Jacob Gatewood, Michael Gettys, Jacob Nix, Ti’quan Forbes

8-14-13 – Through The Fence – Top 50 Prospects – 2. Trea Turner, SS, NC State - The 2013 MLB draft lacked depth up the middle. Turner, a 6’-1” right-hander, is a fantastic defender with outstanding range and a strong arm. His elite speed, advanced approach at the plate and ability to drive the ball to all fields make him one of the more exciting players in college and, once he gets on base, don’t blink. 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. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-top-50-prospects/36463#mwWwsFxSUZy7YC5V.99

8-10-13 - New Balance Area Code games - The A’s still had their two big players remaining in Jacob Gatewood (CA) and Derek Hill (CA). Gatewood crushed two balls right back up the middle but couldn’t buy a base hit today. One was right at the pitcher who caught it and tossed it over to the first and the other hit the pitcher's foot and deflected at the second baseman who gathered it and threw Gatewood out. Gatewood has showed timing issues this week with a lot of swings and misses but when he makes hard contact, the ball explodes off of his bat. Gatewood has also showed good athleticism and body control at shortstop -- especially for his size -- and has continued to show off his strong arm. http://prospectinsider.com/view/2013-area-codes:-day-4-notes/

2013 East Coast Pro Showcase Top 50 Prospects    - 5. Michael Gettys – OF/RHP, Gainesville (GA) HS - A true 5 tool prospect. Has the best OF arm in the class and ran a 6.43 60 at National Showcase. 6.58 at ECP. Also sat 90-91 on the mound and can run it up to 94. http://www.ninebaseball.org/Wordpress/sullys-top-50-ecp-prospects/

 

7-24-13  -  Jacob Nix, rhp, Los Alamitos (Calif.) - With a large frame, wide shoulders and a strong lower half, the 6-foot-4, 205-pound Nix has a durable pitcher’s build. A UCLA commit, Nix has a smooth, easy delivery that looks like he is playing catch. He possesses impressive arm strength and his fastball sits 90-93 mph, touching 94, from a high three-quarter arm slot. He varies the shape and velocity of his 71-75 mph breaking ball that shows two-plane break but lacks power, and he mixes in a mid-80s changeup. 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 - 6. Ti'quan Forbes, SS, Columbia HS (MS) - 6'4/175, R/R, Draft Day Age: 17.78, Ole Miss commit, Full Report & Video - Quick Take: A relative unknown a few months ago has captured scouts' imaginations as a super projectable athlete that's the youngest of the top prospects in the class. He's still slightly awkward at times, but has good pop already and collects hits in bunches in games along with a chance to stick at shortstop due to his plus speed, great actions and an above average arm. http://sbb.scout.com/2/1310090.html

Draft 14 – Matt Chapman, Justin Bellinger, Sean Bouchard, Trae Turner

6-16-13 -  Player:  Matt Chapman - Position:  SS/3B - School:  Cal State Fullerton - Date of Birth:  4/28/1993 - Height/Weight:  6’1/195 - Bats/Throws:  R/R - 2014 Class:  College Junior - Previously Drafted: - Scouting Report: Solid build  Square stance  Good approach at the plate  Above average bat speed  Lift in swing  Above average power  Strong defense  Comes in on the ball well  Shows a strong arm in the field LINK

6-13-13  -  19. Detroit Tigers — Justin Bellinger, 1B, St. Sebastian’s HS (MA) - At 6’-5” and 235 pounds, the power potential is massive with the left-handed hitter. His patient approach at the plate, along with his strong wrists, allows him to wait on any pitch and drive it into the stratosphere. He has been a fixture at all of the summer events and showcases and is always one of the top performers. He doesn’t have a lot of speed (7.1/60) but he does project to a solid defender at first base. LINK

6-16-13  -  Player:  Sean Bouchard -  Position:  3B/SS -  School:  Cathedral Catholic (CA) -  Height/Weight:  6’3/190 -  Bats/Throws:  R/R  2014 Class:  High School Senior  Committed To:  UCLA - Scouting Report:   Athletic build with projection   Lifts front foot for trigger   Lift in swing   Above average bat speed   Top recorded 60 time of 6.70   Strong arm   Projects as a third baseman at the next level LINK

6-13-13  -  3. Milwaukee Brewers — Trea Tuner, SS, North Carolina State - Probably the most electric and exciting player in the 2014 MLB draft, the 6’-2” right-hander has shown the range, arm and instincts to stick at shortstop, including plays like this. Offensively, his speed is his best tool and he should be a major threat on the base paths at the next level. He also has a great approach at the plate and should hit for a high average, as well. He showed developing power this season and, if he continues to do so, Troy Tulowitzki comps will be coming. Hit .336 as a freshman and led the nation in stolen bases with 57. Over 51 injury shortened games this season, he hit .377 with 12 doubles, seven home runs, 27 stolen bases and drew 35 walks to 30 strikeouts for a .464 OBP/.578 SLG. LINK

Draft 14 – Trae Turner, Luke Weaver, Carlos Rodon, Mark Zagunis

6-24-13   -  SS: Trea Turner, North Carolina State - A repeat member of this squad, Turner impressed me as much with his rare insightfulness as with his special baseball ability. Sure, he’s an electrifying player, with game-changing speed, a lightning-quick bat and the ability to dazzle on occasion at shortstop. But UCLA coach John Savage rightfully gushed about Turner’s analytical skills after Turner broke down Nick Vander Tuig’s performance against the Wolfpack. So Turner gets the nod over three other players who were a joy to watch this year, LSU’s Alex Bregman, Texas A&M’s Mikey Reynolds and Cal State Fullerton’s Richy Pedroza. LINK

6-10-13 - Luke Weaver, RHP, Florida State - The Florida State righthander has managed to remain somewhat under the radar, but he has the ability to climb draft boards over the next year.  His fasball sits low 90′s and touches 94.  His change is an above average pitch and his breaking ball shows promise.  Weaver’s also shows very good command. LINK

6-13-13  -  2. Houston Astros — Carlos Rodon, LHP, North Carolina State - Rodon has pretty much everything you want in an ace. At 6’-2” and 230 pounds, the southpaw definitely has the size to carry the workload and his legs look like tree trunks. He has a five-pitch arsenal that includes a mid-90s heater, a power slider, a lethal cutter, an above-average curveball and a change-up with nice fade. He commands all of them well and is comfortable throwing any of them in any situation. Over 16 starts so far this year, he has a 3.19 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 161 K/40 BB over 110 innings. Opponents are hitting just .190 against him. His junior season should be full of ridiculousness. The only knock I have heard on him is his size and if he will be able to maintain that kind of velocity for the long haul. He also tends to get into control issues at times. LINK

6-10-13 - Mark Zagunis, C, Virginia Tech - Zagunis is a good athlete with good tools across the board.  He has a line drive swing and shows a good eye at the plate.  Zagunis is versatile in the field, showing the ability to play behind the plate or in the outfield. LINK