GNATS AMONG NOMINEES FOR MiLBY AWARDS

GNATS AMONG NOMINEES FOR MiLBY AWARDS

The 2013 Gnats, Sewald, and Gnate's campaign video nominated

 

Savannah, GA – Online fan voting for MiLB.com's annual MiLBY Awards started today and the Savannah Sand Gnats, the Class A Affiliate of the New York Mets, are up for awards in three categories.

Gnats right-handed pitcher Paul Sewald was nominated for Relief Pitcher of the Year. Sewald was a crucial piece for the 2013 Championship Sand Gnats earning a 1.77 ERA across 56 innings. Sewald manned the setup role most of the season, leading Savannah relievers with a 0.98 WHIP while walking just seven batters. The Las Vegas native had an even stronger finish with a 0.77 ERA throughout August and September.

The 2013 Sand Gnats are also up for Team of the Year. This year's team was able to deliver the first South Atlantic League Title to the city of Savannah in 17 years. The Gnats guaranteed a spot in the play offs by  winning the first half back on June 14^th behind the strong hitting of catcher Kevin Plawecki and first baseman Jayce Boyd. In the second half, the Gnats were led by dominant starting pitchers, right-hander Gabriel Ynoa and left-hander Steven Matz. The Gnats swept the Augusta GreenJackets in two games and then defeated the Hagerstown Suns in four games to earn the South Atlantic League championship on September 13th. The Sand Gnats did not allow a run at home during the 2013 Playoffs.

In July, fans voted for their favorite mascot during the Mascot Mania competition. Gnate the Gnat, was voted as the best mascot in the South Atlantic League, and then won third runner up for best mascot in all of minor league baseball. Gnate the Gnat's 1940s inspired campaign video has been nominated for MiLBY Best Mascot Clip.

Fans can cast their vote for the MiLBY Awards by visiting MiLB.com. The award winners will not be selected by MiLB.com, but by the online fan vote. This year there are five video categories and eight standard categories including “Moment of the Year,” “Blooper of the Year,” and “Promo of the Year.”

Draft 14 - An Early Look At - C - Kyle Schwarber - Indiana

 C  -   Kyle Schwarber

 

6-9-13  -  10.Kyle Schwarber, C/1B (Indiana): One of the best wOBA’s (#13) in all of Division I at .479. The sophomore already has a strong approach and power stroke (17 HRs). Not entirely sure he sticks at catcher, though. http://www.minorleaguerundown.com/2013/06/09/2014-mlb-draft-top-30-prospects/

 

I haven't scouted Kyle Schwarber yet, but the people that have can't stop raving about his bat. The squatty lefty hitter catches now but won't stick there and is a right field or first base fit long-term but the above average bat and power stand out, while his sophomore year numbers aren't bad either: .381/.469/.670, 33 BB, 25 K, 13 HR LINK

 

6-10-13 -  Kyle Schwarber, C, Indiana - Kyle Scwarber is one of the top power bats in the country.  He has plus power with lift in his swing and should be able to hit home runs anywhere.  He also shows a good approach at the plate.  Schwarber is likely headed to first base, but his bat will play anywhere. http://bigleaguefutures.net/1/2013/06/10/2014-mlb-draft-early-college-names-to-know/

 

6-13-13  -  18. Cleveland Indians — Kyle Schwarber, C, Indiana - While he may not have enough to stick behind the plate, the 6’-0”, 230 pound left-handed hitter does have a strong arm and makes for a big target. His footwork needs work, however, and most think he will eventually end up at first base. That shouldn’t hurt his stock that much because the kid can flat out destroy a baseball. Over 57 games, he is hitting .374 with 10 doubles, 18 home runs and has drawn 39 walks to just 30 strikeouts for a .462 OBP/.676 SLG. He should be a leading candidate to lead the nation in home runs next season and, with that kind of power and patience from the left side, may be too hard to pass up in the first round. He was also named to the 2013 Collegiate Team USA. http://beforeitsnews.com/sports/2013/06/2014-mlb-mock-draft-1-0-no-time-like-the-present-2513748.html?currentSplittedPage=2

 

6-28-13 - Kyle Schwarber, 1B/C, Indiana University: One of the nation's very best hitters in 2013, Schwarber was the star of a strong Indiana club that made a deep run in the postseason. A former high school linebacker who has deceptive athleticism despite his stocky build, Schwarber has played catcher and first base for the Hoosiers but is more likely to play the latter position in the pros. Either way, it is his bat that will be his mealticket. Schwarber raked to the tune of a .376/.468/.674 slash line for IU in 2013 and added 18 home runs while walking more than he struck out. He has a great power hitter's build and has a swing that maximizes his pop. He shows power to all fields and can be an all-star quality middle of the order hitter at the next level. –Spencer http://www.crawfishboxes.com/2013/6/28/4450674/the-way-too-early-2014-tcb-astros-draft-board

 

7-17-13 –  Kyle Schwarber, C, Indiana - This is a bat that will profile anywhere.  The LH hitting Schwarber can flat out mash and he did that in both games, going 5 for 10 with 3 of those hits being doubles, including one deep the opposite way into the left-centerfield gap.  He has a thick, stocky build at 6'0, 235 lbs. so as you can imagine, it's not a body that profiles anywhere well defensively.  They're trying him at catcher but it was a struggle there for him in terms of mobility, release, and throwing accuracy.  If you can get him to stick at catcher, you've got yourself quite an asset but that didn't look likely from what I was able to see.  As I said, however, that bat will play anywhere so 1B becomes a legit option. http://www.chicagonow.com/cubs-den/2013/07/looking-ahead-to-the-2014-and-2015-mlb-draft-notes-from-the-collegiate-national-team-games/

 

7-26-13 - Eleven months ago, Kyle Schwarber (Indiana) left Red Wilson Field as a champion, belting two home runs, including the game-winner, in Game 3 of the championship series to lift Wareham past Yarmouth-Dennis. Thursday night, after playing all summer with Team USA, he returned to Red Wilson Field in his first game back and picked up right where he left off. Schwarber went 4-for-4 with the game-tying home run in the ninth inning, as the game ended in a 2-2 tie after 10 innings http://www.capecodonline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20130726/SPORTS/307260321/-1/rss43

 

8-14-13 – Through The Fence – Top 50 Prospects – 23. Kyle Schwarber, C, Indiana - Maybe the best power bat in college, the 6’-0”, 230-pound left-hander also has a great approach at the plate and should hit for a high average at the next level. His ability to remain behind the plate is still up for debate, but he wants to stay there and has been working hard on his defense. Over 61 games as a sophomore, he hit .366/.456/.647 with 10 doubles, 18 home runs and drew 42 walks to just 37 strikeouts. He then hit .308/.396/.436 over 21 games for The Collegiate National Team with 11 walks. We all saw the premium put on college bats in this year’s draft, and Schwarber should benefit from that next year. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-top-50-prospects/36463#mwWwsFxSUZy7YC5V.99

Mets Attendance Down 19%

http://www.forbes.com/sites/maurybrown/2013/10/03/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-of-mlbs-2013-attendance/

 

 

 

 

Draft 14 - Jacob Gatewood, Mike Papi, Keaton McKinney, Tyler Kolek, Dillon Peters

8-15-13 - Under Armour All-Star Game – Jacob Gatewood, SS:  Gatewood is one of the top hitters in this draft and a top 5 pick candidate.  He has great size at 6'5", 190 with tremendous bat speed and the ability to hit for average and big-time power.  His claim to fame right now is winning the HR derby for the high school players at the All-Star Game this past season.  He's not extremely quick and is not expected to stay at SS but his bat will play at 3B or a corner OF spot. http://www.chicagonow.com/cubs-den/2013/08/2014-mlb-draft-ua-game-roster-and-preview-plus-more-tickets-and-meet-up-information/

8-14-13 – Through The Fence – Top 50 Prospects – 47. Mike Papi, OF, Virginia - The 6’-3”, 200-pound left-hander wasn’t even a starter until the 11th game of the season. From that point on, he was one of the best hitters in college and led the nation in OBP. Over 55 games, he hit .381/.517/.619 with 15 doubles, seven home runs and drew an impressive 45 walks to just 25 strikeouts. A very good athlete, he should be able to stick at a corner outfield position. He has a tough act to follow as a junior. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-top-50-prospects/36463#mwWwsFxSUZy7YC5V.99

9-1-13 – Petco Game - Keaton McKinney (RHP) (R/R) 6’5″ 220; Grad: 2014  Ankeny, IA Tall, XL frame with durable pitchers build. Avg. athlete that repeats his delivery w/quick arm from HTQ slot. Ball comes out of hand well and showed ability to manipulate both sides of plate. FB91-93 and uses 2-seamer 88-90 with sink. Advanced CH880-82 that remains his best secondary offering. Plus feel to repeat fading action with swing and miss potential. Uses SL78-80 as third pitch and has a tendency to wrap and action will get slurvey. Intriguing, fresh arm w/feel for strikes who could continue to boost his stock if the SL develops this spring. Shows the ingredients for 3-pitch mix w/the FB and CH being plus offerings. http://bigleaguefutures.net/1/2013/09/01/aflac-game-wrap-up-better-late-than-never/

9-4-13 – Mack’s Mock Draft v1.0 – 11 – Mets – (compensation pick for failure in signing 2013 10th overall pick, P Phil Bickford) –  RHP Tyler Kolek – Shepard (TX) HS – Kolek is the third of the four top high school righties in this draft.  The 6-6 flamethrower turned on the scouts early when their radar guns hit 100. Also has a + low-80s slider, and a low 70s . He also set the record at the Perfect Game All-American Classic with a 99-mph fastball. An absolutely great combination of size and speed that is impossible to pass up on.

9-10-13 – Top Arms in 2013 Cape Cod League - Dillon Peters  (Texas – Jr. ) 5-10/190, Harwich Mariners 22 IP, 21 K, 1.22 ERA: FB 89-92 SL 76-77 -  Most of the other members of my All-Cape pitching staff are well above six feet tall. Peters doesn’t possess the same type of height, but he makes up for that based on his heart and competitive drive. He would be successful on his intensity alone. When you add that to a plus FB and a swing and miss slider, you have the makings of a pitcher that can get outs in any situation. http://bullpenbanter.com/2013-all-cape-team-pitchers/

Hot Stove – 3 Oct 13 –

Jocketty on Dusty Baker: 'He's signed for another year'… Gammons: Source says Rangers' Yu Darvish appeared to be hampered by sciatica, which can cause lower back pain… Steven Matz named #20 prospect in SAL according to Baseball America… re: Mike Napoli... has averaged 476 PA and 3.8 WAR over last three seasons… has averaged 4.8 WAR per 600 PA* over last three seasons... recorded a 3.9 WAR in 578 PA in 2013… is entering his age-32 season… made $5.0M in 2013 (plus incentives) from deal signed in offseason. The Milwaukee Brewers waive 3B/1B Mat Gamel (26-yrs. old, 69-AB, .246), and 1B-3B Taylor Green (25-yrs. old, 103-AB, .184)… Don Mattingly has no interest in becoming Yankees manager… Scott Downs, traded from Angels to Braves for first playoff spot in 13-year career, did not make NLDS roster… Dan Uggla left off Braves postseason roster. He hit .179 on season, 2nd lowest BA in a season by a 2nd baseman all-time… Marlon Byrd - "I'll always appreciate what the Mets did for me.  "They were the one club willing to give me an opportunity after everything that happened last season. They were also good enough to put me in a position with the Pirates where I have a chance to win a World Series ring, which is really the last thing I'm looking to accomplish at this stage of my career."

Mack Ade – Morning Report – 10-3-13 – Noah Syndergaard, Red Sox, EYJ, ARB List

 



11. Noah Syndergaard, RHP, New York Mets - Affiliate Team: Double-A Binghamton Mets  Age: 20  Ht/Wt: 6-6/240  Bats/Throws: L/R  Drafted: 1st Round (38th overall), 2010  Mets Minor Leagues - Syndergaard, following a solid 2012 season with Low Class A Lansing where he posted an 8-5 record with a 122/31 strikeout to walk ratio in 103.2 innings, has been ranked amongst the top pitching prospects in the minor leagues. A tall, sturdy frame allows Syndergaard to throw downhill with a plus mid-90s fastball that has decent movement. Syndergaard has showcased one of the better fastballs in the minors this season, an elite pitch that should propel him to the Mets’ big league rotation in the coming future. He maintains mid-90s velocity on his heater and is able to reach back for more if needed. Syndergaard delivers from an angle that gives the ball strong sink and deception, inducing groundballs and preventing batters from squaring up on the ball. His pitching arsenal not only includes a powerful heater, but also off-speed offerings such as a changeup and curveball that he throws hard and effectively. Syndergaard’s sound mechanics, pitch offerings, and ability to throw strikes will allow him to become a frontend starter for the Mets within the next couple seasons. http://baseballnewssource.com/prospects/bns-top-50-mlb-prospects-end-of-season-report-and-analysis/26685/22/

Mack - We're going to have to wait for this one.

This one is going nowhere. He projects better than Wheeler who projected better than Harvey.

Sadly, Sandy Alderson now has to put a plan together that doesn't include Harvey... ever. There is always the Mark Pryor possibility and you have to be ready for this.

I guarantee you will see a veteran arm (Santana, Dice-K, Arroyo, etc.) signed for 2014.

 

Because what doomed the Red Sox last season was less a lack of talent than clubhouse dysfunction, Cherington and his staff made a point to value character in their free-agent acquisitions. That was a strategy they knew from the start they would pursue. Whether those character players would agree to join a team with as much chaos in his recent history -- well, they were less certain about that. It wasn't until Cherington picked up the phone to talk to targets Jonny Gomes and David Ross -- the first two free agents signed last winter, and now two of the veteran leaders of the playoff-bound Red Sox -- that his mind was put at ease. http://www.providencejournal.com/sports/red-sox/content/20131001-how-jonny-gomes-and-david-ross-set-the-tone-for-the-red-sox-last-offseason.ece

Mack - Gary  and I were on the phone two days ago discussing how it would be in the best interest for the Mets to follow what Boston did to rebuild their team. Now, a couple of days later, no one would believe us we thought of that before the stories were written...  lol

I look for 3-5 'building blocks of intermediate free agents in the 1-2 year range to turn this team around and make it immediatel competitive in 2014.

 

Eric Young Jr. has deficiencies in the outfield, namely a weak throwing arm and a hard time going back on the ball, but he’s also made a number of game-saving and inning-saving diving catches. The problem is, compared with Matt Den Dekker and the astounding Juan Lagares, Young’s fielding deficiencies seem particularly glaring. There are ample reasons to believe that Young, despite his weak batting average, could have a future atop the Mets lineup, especially if they acquire a power bat. A low batting average and a weak throwing arm in left field are hard to justify, even in a player who provides, hustle, electricity and a great example for younger players. Furthermore, having him in left field prohibits the acquisition of a power-hitting outfielder. Fortunately, Young is also a second baseman by trade. Moving Young to second base would have two primary effects: 1. It would free the Mets to use Wilmer Flores and/or Daniel Murphy, both promising hitters who are average defensive second basemen, as trade bait. Flores or Murphy, packaged with a pitching prospect or a draft pick, might be able to land the kind of power hitter the Mets really need. Ideally, they could acquire shortstop Troy Tulowitzki from the Colorado Rockies, in exchange for a couple of young players and maybe the work-in-progress shortstop Ruben Tejada. And if they were to acquire a big hitter like Carlos Gonzalez without giving up Tejada, then the lineup would be strengthened enough to be worth giving Tejada a chance to right the ship. Then the Mets could move Lagares behind Young to provide a 1-2 speed combination at the top of the order. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/eric-young-jr-second-base-mets/38337#P6lcbAFyRurY9rfW.99  

A very interesting option if you can move both Murphy and Flores. You go from ann under-producting, poor defensive right fielder to a good production decent leadoff man... but you now have no starting outfieders except the two-headed defensive monster in center. Fill this is with tow new guys plus a Tulo deal at short and we might have something here.

 

A.J. Burnett certainly doesn’t look like an old-school baseball player. The Pirates right-hander’s arm are covered with tattoos, and when he takes the mound before the first inning of his starts at PNC Park, music from punk rocker Marilyn Manson blares over the sound system.         

The 36-year-old was also famous for wearing nipple rings when he broke into the major leagues with the Marlins.

Once you get past his appearance and drill down to the core – in those times when Burnett will provide a little window into his world – you find out he really is an old-fashioned player http://www.timesonline.com/sports/pirates/pirates-burnett-is-a-throw-back/article_47ec111c-c526-57e1-a7e0-0f29292be9da.html

 

Clayton Kershaw and Zack Greinke didn't know one another until this year and — even with their pedigrees — can't recall if they had ever spoken.

Their personalities, after all, are as different as the states from which they hail, the suburban Texas kid who exudes diplomacy and exercises restraint, and the Florida guy speaking without filter, no matter who it might offend. http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mlb/dodgers/2013/10/02/clayton-kershaw-zack-greinke-dodgers-greatest-1-2-punch/2912923/

 

Alderson has three men penciled into his 2014 rotation: Zack Wheeler (7-5, 3.42), Jon Niese (8-8, 3.71) and Dillon Gee (12-11, 3.62). If Harvey opts for surgery – the bet here is he eventually will – then the Mets will need to fill two spots. "We’ve got some guys coming off injury, like [Jenrry] Mejia, who pitched great for us in a limited sample," Alderson said. "But given the injury situation, I’m not sure how we count on him going forward without seeing more in spring training and what have you." But if you believe Alderson, the Mets will not be going after the biggest fish in the free agent pond. On Monday, he basically discounted a pursuit of a guy like Japanese pitcher Masahiro Tanaka. "I think we’re going to look for somebody that can pitch innings for us and fill those spots if we need to fill them while waiting for some of the other guys," Alderson said. Those other guys: Noah Syndergaard, Rafael Montero and Jacob deGrom. They are the three latest studs to emerge from the club’s pitching-rich farm system. It is unlikely any of those young men will start the season at Citi, but the Mets are hopeful at least one of the three could join the major league team by midseason. - http://www.northjersey.com/sports/226256281_Mets_are_OK_with_their_pitching_Mets_OK_with_their_pitching.html#sthash.Z4gUuPkV.dpuf

Mets arbitration list:

Player	Service Time	2013 Salary	Projected 2014 Salary
Daniel Murphy	4.1	$2.9 million	$5.8 million
Ike Davis	3.1	$3.1 million	$3.5 million
Dillon Gee	3.0	$527,000	$3.4 million
Bobby Parnell	4.1	$1.7 million	$3.2 million
Eric Young Jr.	3.1	$490,000	$1.9 million
Lucas Duda	2.1	$520,000	$1.8 million
Scott Atchison	4.1	$700,000	$1.3 million
Ruben Tejada	2.1	$514,000	$1.0 million
Omar Quintanilla	4.1	$500,000	$900.000
Justin Turner	3.0	$504,000	$800,000
Mike Baxter	2.1	$500,000	$500,000

 

Draft 14 - A Quick Look At - SS - Jacob Gatewood - Clovis (Calif.) High

Jacob Gatewood

Jacob Gatewood, SS, Clovis (Calif.) High - Perkin likens Gatewood (6-foot-5, 190 pounds) to a young Troy Tulowitzki and calls him a "once-in-a-decade talent," noting his fastball reaches 92 mph on the mound, his "ballet-like fielding skills" and his prodigious power. http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/mlb/news/20130610/draft-prospects-carlos-rodon/#ixzz2WWk0FqzU

6-9-13  -  13.Jacob Gatewood, SS/OF/P (California HS): Another strong all-around bat from the high school class. Not sure he avoids a shift to 3rd base considering his size (6’5″, 190 lbs.). http://www.minorleaguerundown.com/2013/06/09/2014-mlb-draft-top-30-prospects/

6-13-13 - Jacob Gatewood, Clovis (Calif.), Right-Handed Pitcher - At 6-foot-4 and 190 pounds, Gatewood has the right frame to be either a pitcher of position player at the next level. He showed his hitting skills at the Area Code Games last summer, but he has also posted a 5-1 record this year with a 2.02 ERA for Clovis. Batted .320 this year, but has plenty of projection as a power hitter. http://www.maxpreps.com/news/article.aspx?articleid=7c0ad513-b5e1-4ac1-b57e-8dedcc72c783&page=4

6-13-13  -  9. Los Angeles Angels — Jacob Gatewood, OF, Clovis HS (CA) - At 6’-4” and 200 pounds, the right-hander generates a ton of power due to his excellent bat speed and he also has a canon arm that has been clocked in the low/mid-90s. He plays shortstop now, but with his size, a move to the hot corner seems likely and his arm and bat would more than play well there. Not fast, he is a very good athlete and there is still a good amount of projection left. Committed to USC. http://beforeitsnews.com/sports/2013/06/2014-mlb-mock-draft-1-0-no-time-like-the-present-2513748.html?currentSplittedPage=2

6-30-13 - Jheremy Brown ‏@JBrownPG   - If you make a mistake to 2014 SS Jacob Gatewood (Clovis, CA), he will make you pay. 1st AB here was prime example, HR to LCF.

6-28-13 - Jacob Gatewood, SS, Clovis HS (Fresno, CA): - People love prep shortstops, and Jacob Gatewood is one to dream on. At 6'5", 190 lbs., with plenty of room to fill in, he may outgrow shortstop, but he'll get every chance to stick there, as he's an outstanding athlete who could provide double-digit home runs from the position. Plus arm strength; quick, soft hands... you're sold on him before you see him bat. And then he bats, and it's a thing of beauty. Balanced at the plate, he generates terrific bat speed with loose, quick hands. He squares the ball up and drives it. He and Alex Jackson will be this year's Frazier/Meadows - expect comparisons right up until draft day. http://www.crawfishboxes.com/2013/6/28/4450674/the-way-too-early-2014-tcb-astros-draft-board

7-2-13  -  2014 Top 100 High School Prospects - 5. Jacob Gatewood SS, Clovis (CA) HS - Huge power potential. Has all the tools. Has the potential to end the year as the #1 HS player in the country. http://www.ninebaseball.org/Wordpress/jeff-sullivans-top-100-2014-prospects/

7-24-13  -  2. Jacob Gatewood, ss/3b/of, Clovis (Calif.) High/SGV Arsenal - The 6-foot-5, 190-pound Gatewood has a lanky, projectable physique with a high waist and long limbs. He uses a toe tap, pronounced weight transfer and quick hands to generate some of the best raw power in the class. Gatewood put on a show in batting practice, hitting balls off the batter’s eye in center field and into the trees well beyond left field. He has an aggressive, pull-oriented approach. Gatewood has a strong arm and has displayed low-90s velocity on the mound . A shortstop currently, Gatewood’s size will likely push him off the position, as will his average-to-tick above speed. The Southern California signee has a strong chance to become a first-round pick like his father, Henry, the 11th selection in the January 1982 draft. 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 - 1. Jacob Gatewood, SS, Clovis HS (CA) - 6'3/175, R/R, Draft Day Age: 18.70, USC commit, Full Report & Video - Quick Take: Lanky, projectable shortstop likely moves to third base professionally but would be above average there defensively and has easy plus raw power for a complete package that, with some offensive adjustments, could rival 2012 #1 overall pick SS Carlos Correa (Astros). http://sbb.scout.com/2/1310090.html

8-3-13 - Jacob Gatewood   Primary Position:  SS   Secondary Position(s):  OF   Height/Weight:  6’4/190  Bats/Throws:  R/R  Home Town:  Clovis, CA  School:  Clovis  Travel Team(s):  San Diego Show  Class of:  2014  Committed To:  Southern California  - 2012 Tournament of Stars Notes from Don Olsen: - Good lateral agility, plus arm strength with carry and accuracy.  Shows fast twitch ability, but lateral range may force a transition to 3B or RF.  Elite bat speed, gets a ton of backspin on the ball.  He shows extremely loud pop and the ball jumps off the bat in a hurry. Jacob has power to all fields; sound pull power and can turn on very good velocity.  Bat path is ideal and compact rotational swing that should hit for contact and power, both could be plus with his approach.  He has a nice first step burst and not a baseclogger, long gated and should sit around average speed as he matures. http://bigleaguefutures.net/1/2013/08/03/2014-mlb-draft-profile-jacob-gatewood/

8-5-14 - Kendall Rogers ‏@KendallRogersPG  - #USC commit, top #MLBDraft prospect RT @DavidRawnsleyPG:  Jacob Gatewood hits balls in BP that the shaggers in OF just turn around and watch.

8-8-13 - Todd Gold ‏@TGold_PG  - While he's had timing issues at the plate 2014 SS Jacob Gatewood (Clovis, CA) has crazy pop, just slapped ball off back foot 91 mph off bat. Also, his in-game defensive actions and athleticism have been a pleasant surprise. Guys Jacob Gatewood's size rarely move that well.

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/

 

8-14-13 – Through The Fence – Top 50 Prospects – 4. Jacob Gatewood, SS, Clovis HS (CA) - Gatewood is quickly becoming the most drooled over prep prospect in the 2014 MLB draft. At 6’-5” and 190 pounds, the right-hander shows big-time power potential and excellent bat speed. He won the Junior Home Run Derby at Citi Field, slugging 13 home runs — three of them reaching the third deck. He also has a canon arm and has been clocked in the low/mid 90s. A shortstop now, his size and power could move him to third where all of his tools would play well. He could go first overall with his upside. Committed to USC. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-top-50-prospects/36463#mwWwsFxSUZy7YC5V.99

 

8-13-13 - The Perfect Game All-American Classic in San Diego - Clovis High School’s Jacob Gatewood - Gatewood’s bat speed is impressive — as is the power that he generates with said bat speed — but I saw a tendency for the swing to get “wild”, and it would have been nice to see him hit something with authority the other way. I also had some defensive questions; as he showed soft hands, but the ball has a tendency to tail on him and there’s some footwork issues as well. http://mlbdraftinsider.com/2013/08/thoughts-on-perfect-game-all-american-classic/?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter

 

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/

 

9-1-13 - Jim Callis – 6. Jacob Gatewood, ss, Clovis (Calif.) HS - Put on a show during Home Run Derby at Citi Field, may wind up at third base down the road.

 

8-15-13 - Under Armour All-Star Game – Jacob Gatewood, SS:  Gatewood is one of the top hitters in this draft and a top 5 pick candidate.  He has great size at 6'5", 190 with tremendous bat speed and the ability to hit for average and big-time power.  His claim to fame right now is winning the HR derby for the high school players at the All-Star Game this past season.  He's not extremely quick and is not expected to stay at SS but his bat will play at 3B or a corner OF spot. 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 – 15 –  SS Jacob Gatewood – Clovis (CA) HS – This is a big guy (6-5) for a shortstop and also generates Tulo comparisons.  He generated a ton of power through excellent bat speed, plus has excellent speed, soft hands, and plays a great defensive game. This is definitely the year of some great shortstops

 

9-11-13 - Sully’s 2014 Top 100 MLB HS Draft Prospects - 9.Jacob Gatewood – SS, Clovis (CA) HS http://www.ninebaseball.org/Wordpress/sullys-2014-top-100-mlb-hs-draft-prospects/

Draft 15 – Alex Bregman, Daz Cameron, Kyle Molnar, David Hearne, Kyle Funkhouser

7-17-13 –  Alex Bregman, 2B, LSU: Bregman is a polished hitter who saw time at 2B and played the position well.  He's a good athlete who runs pretty well but it's all about the bat with Bregman.  He has a nice approach at the plate.  He's quick and short to the ball, showing  good bat speed.  Bregman squared the ball up consistently in both games and looks like he should have average power despite his smallish size (5'11", 185 lbs). http://www.chicagonow.com/cubs-den/2013/07/looking-ahead-to-the-2014-and-2015-mlb-draft-notes-from-the-collegiate-national-team-games/

 

9-3-13 - Daz Cameron has people excited for the 2015 Draft already. I’m probably his biggest fan already and that’s really for 2 reasons. Georgia talent seems to have a soft spot in my heart and the kid can flat out rake. The question is will it be enough to be considered the best over names like Clint Frazier and Austin Meadows or 1 year earlier Byron Buxton who’s pretty much the consensus #1 prospect in baseball. http://bigleaguefutures.net/1/2013/09/02/daz-cameron-will-he-be-the-best-out-of-georgia/

 

Todd Gold ‏@TGold_PG  - 2015 RHP/OF Kyle Molnar (Aliso Viejo, CA) topped at 92 & added promising SL

 

9-9-13 – Top 10 Far West League Prospects - 2. David Hearne, rhp, Redding (So., Notre Dame) - Hearne made nine starts and 21 appearances for the Irish in the spring, going 1-2, 4.70 with 36 strikeouts and 14 walks in 44 innings as a true freshman. He’s a 6-foot-4, 195-pounder who stood out for his advanced feel of the strike zone, posting a 33-5 strikeout-walk ratio in 29 innings. Hearne’s fastball ranges from 89-93 mph with decent life, and he pairs it with a hard 76-78 mph curveball. He wasn’t a big name coming out of Providence Catholic (Ill.) High, but he has turned into a very good prospect with first-day draft potential in 2015, according to one scout. http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/far-west-league-top-10-prospects/

9-10-13 – Top Arms in 2013 Cape Cod League - Kyle Funkhouser 6-3/205, Chatham Anglers 13 IP, 21 K, 4.15 ERA: FB 91-95 CB 79-81 SL 82-83 CH 86-87 -  He has “wow” stuff, and the 1.6 K/9 should speak for itself. Kyle can attack hitters anyway he wants. With his four pitch mix, I am shocked that he wasn’t in a starting rotation this summer. Louisville should give him a chance to work into games, and see how he develops. I think he is strong enough and has the raw stuff to succeed as a starter. http://bullpenbanter.com/2013-all-cape-team-pitchers/

Hot Stove – 2 Oct 13 –

Cincinnati’s Mat Latos has bone spur in right elbow… Sandy Alderson seems genuinely interested in talking to Johan Santana about coming back to pitch for the Mets in 2014… imagine a 2-year deal and a 2015 rotation of Santana, Harvey, Wheeler, Syndergaard, and Niese… Master Tefatsion of MLB.com says Nelson Cruz understands the Rangers' position and he understands what he did wrong, but he would like to return next year… a qualified offer to Cruz would be around $13.3mil… the Minnesota Twins have signed manager Ron Gardenhire to a two-year contract, according an ESPN.com… a day after the season was over, David Wright was back in the weight room at Citi Monday night… Three BKCyclones named to BA's NYPL Top 20 prospects list: Gavin Cecchini (11), pitchers SS Robert Gsellman (16) & Miller Diaz (20)… Royals extend manager Ned Yost for two more years… Blake Forsythe wins The 2013 Minor League Baseball Rawlings Gold Glove Award!... Brewers could move Ryan Braun to right field… Yankees have started negotiations with Joe Girardi… Josh Johnson Has Elbow Surgery; Expected To Be Ready For Spring Training… Josh Johnson underwent successful arthroscopic surgery to remove loose bodies and bone spur in his right elbow… Jeurys Familia to pitch in the Arizona Fall League… Cuban Catcher Yenier Bello Cleared To Sign By MLB…