2014 MLB Draft: An Early Look

[ace3113]

Alex Verdugo

Position: OF/LHP

Height: 6-1

Weight: 200

Bats/Throws: L-L

Birthdate: May 15, 1996

High School: Sahuaro

City, State: Tucson, Ariz.

Travel Team: Prospects National Team

Commitment: Arizona State

Projected Draft Round: 1

 

The thought first struck me over two decades ago, why wouldn’t a professional team take a player with legitimate two-way talent as a hitter and lefthanded pitcher and develop him on both sides of the ball? Players like Mark Kotsay, John Olerud and Todd Helton were entering pro ball as position players after extremely successful college careers on the mound and there was never any thought to letting them continue to pitch in a reduced role.It seemed like a waste of a potential asset.Over the last two decades most Major League pitching staffs have become even more and more specialized than they were in early 1990s.

 

The term LOOGY was coined by long-time analyst John Sickels and stands for “Lefty One Out Guy” with Jesse Orosco being the ultimate example of the breed. It doesn’t hurt the popularity of the LOOGY role that the St. Louis Cardinals often had a 13-man pitching staff last year with a pair of LOOGYs in young fireballer Reid Siegrist and older soft tosser Randy Choate. Success breeds imitation.It should be noted that wondering why a team doesn’t dual develop a righthanded thrower doesn’t enter into the equation. I wouldn’t expect Nicholas Gordon or Michael Gettys, to cite two very talented righthanded throwing two-way prospects in the 2014 class, to be developed on both sides of the ball. There just isn’t the perceived need for specialty righthanded relievers at the Major League level as there is for southpaws.Not every lefthanded throwing dual position prospect is an ideal candidate. For instance, 2013 Red Sox first round pick Trey Ball would not have been a candidate, in my opinion, as he was neither physically mature nor polished enough on the mound to fully develop as a pitcher without extensive innings that wouldn’t be available if he was a full-time center fielder.Which brings us to Arizona high school two-way standout Alex Verdugo.Verdugo would appear to be the perfect candidate for a dual development program.

 

Three and half months before the draft scouts are likely split 50/50 as to what his better professional position would be, center/right field or strong arm southpaw pitcher. According to scouts, Verdugo himself has said he would prefer to play every day, not an uncommon nor difficult to understand thought for a young player.The Tucson native has been extremely consistent performing in both roles at Sahuaro High School and does so regularly during the summer and fall as well. In fact, few high school players play as much baseball throughout the year as Verdugo, who didn’t take the usual down time that many elite level high school prospects take in the fall and winter before their all-important senior years. He’s kept both hitting and pitching at a high level pretty much year round.

 

Verdugo was a starting pitcher from the first week of his freshman year and has thrown 65, 61 and 66 innings the last three springs. He went 10-2, 1.29 in those 66 innings as a junior, walking 29 batters and striking out 130. He’s shown the same consistency and usage as a hitter, starting immediately as a freshman and posting three straight springs with a .450 plus batting average and over 30 RBI. He hit .484-7-40 with nine doubles, seven triples, 24 stolen bases and 25 walks with only three strikeouts as a junior.On the mound, Verdugo has three quality pitches and would normally project as a starter. His fastball works in the 89-92 mph range and will occasionally touch higher with good consistent movement. Scouts likely predict an uptick in velocity should he be used only as a pitcher. Verdugo’s best pitch is a 78 mph curveball that has both power velocity and a sharp bite with big 1-to-7 depth. It’s a strikeout pitch against even elite level hitters, as Perfect Game All-American Braxton Davidson found out in Jupiter last October.

 

Verdugo also has shown a comfort level in throwing a changeup that will get both cutting and fading action at times to righthanded hittersVerdugo’s athleticism and aggressive approach to the game really come out as a position player, though. He has some of the best bat speed in the 2014 class and makes very loud contact to all fields. As a solid average runner who busts it hard out of the box and hits to the gaps, Verdugo is going to accumulate a well above average number of doubles and triples in addition to using his strength occasionally lift the ball out of the park. Not surprisingly he shows an easy plus arm from the outfield and has a chance to stay in center field due to his speed and athleticism, although he needs to improve his concentration and jumps on fly balls at times. His defensive tools would be a big plus in right field.

 

If one were to ever consider developing a two-way player, the criteria would have to include the following:

 

• Left handed.

• Physically mature with a history of performing both roles simultaneously at a high level.

• Has the bat and tools to play at a non-premium defensive position for substitution purposes.

• A present LOOGY qualified breaking ball to use against lefthanded hitters.Verdugo has all those qualities.It’s never going to happen.

 

Team executives will worry about a pitching injury derailing hitting development time and the potential for sharing development time stunting both areas. They’ll worry about the Major League manager having no idea how to use such a player since the dual role hasn’t existed before in modern professional baseball. Umpires and MLB purists wouldn’t like the site of a team’s right fielder tossing a ball with the bullpen catcher between hitters.But it is fun to think about.

 

-PG

[Angrioter]

MLB (Jim Callis) top-100

 

1 Brady Aiken, LHP, Cathedral Catholic HS (Calif.)

2 Carlos Rodon, LHP, NC State

3 Tyler Kolek, RHP, Shepherd HS (Texas)

4 Jeff Hoffman, RHP, East Carolina

5 Alex Jackson, C, Rancho Bernardo HS (Calif.)

6 Aaron Nola, RHP, LSU

7 Nick Gordon, SS, Olympia HS (Fla.)

8 Tyler Beede, RHP, Vanderbilt

9 Kyle Freeland, LHP, Evansville

10 Bradley Zimmer, OF, San Francisco

11 Brandon Finnegan, LHP, TCU

12 Grant Holmes, RHP, Conway HS (SC)

13 Trea Turner, 3B, NC State

14 Sean Newcomb, LHP, Hartford

15 Kyle Schwarber, C, Indiana

16 Touki Toussaint, RHP, Coral Springs Christian Academy (Fla.)

17 Erick Fedde, RHP, UNLV

18 Sean Reid-Foley, RHP, Sandalwood HS (Fla.)

19 Mike Conforto, OF, Oregon State

20 Michael Chavis, SS, Sprayberry Senior HS (Ga.)

 

http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/prospects/watch/y2014/#list=draft

[ace3113]

MLB (Jim Callis) top-100

 

1 Brady Aiken, LHP, Cathedral Catholic HS (Calif.)

2 Carlos Rodon, LHP, NC State

3 Tyler Kolek, RHP, Shepherd HS (Texas)

4 Jeff Hoffman, RHP, East Carolina

5 Alex Jackson, C, Rancho Bernardo HS (Calif.)

6 Aaron Nola, RHP, LSU

7 Nick Gordon, SS, Olympia HS (Fla.)

8 Tyler Beede, RHP, Vanderbilt

9 Kyle Freeland, LHP, Evansville

10 Bradley Zimmer, OF, San Francisco

11 Brandon Finnegan, LHP, TCU

12 Grant Holmes, RHP, Conway HS (SC)

13 Trea Turner, 3B, NC State

14 Sean Newcomb, LHP, Hartford

15 Kyle Schwarber, C, Indiana

16 Touki Toussaint, RHP, Coral Springs Christian Academy (Fla.)

17 Erick Fedde, RHP, UNLV

18 Sean Reid-Foley, RHP, Sandalwood HS (Fla.)

19 Mike Conforto, OF, Oregon State

20 Michael Chavis, SS, Sprayberry Senior HS (Ga.)

21 Jacob Gatewood SS, Clovis HS (Calif.)

22 Monte Harrison OF, Lee's Summit West HS (Mo.)

23 Derek Fisher, OF, Virginia

24 Casey Gillaspie, 1B, Wichita State

25 Max Pentecost, C, Kennesaw State

26 Kodi Medeiros, LHP, Waiakea HS (Hawaii)

27 Luke Weaver, RHP, Florida State

28 Spencer Adams, RHP, White County

29 Nick Burdi, RHP, Louisville

30 Marcus Wilson, OF, Junipero Serra HS (Calif.)

31 Braxton Davidson, OF, T.C. Roberson HS (N.C.)

32 Michael Gettys, OF, Gainesville HS (Ga.)

33 Luis Ortiz, RHP, Sanger HS (Calif.)

34 Taylor Sparks, 3B, UC Irvine

35 Jake Bukauskas, RHP, Stone Bridge HS (Va.)

36 Justus Sheffield, LHP, Tullahoma HS (Tenn.)

37 Foster Griffin, LHP, First Academy HS (Fla.)

38 Jakson Reetz, C, Norris HS (Neb.)

39 Matt Imhof, LHP, Cal Poly

40 Chris Oliver, RHP, Arkansas

41 Jacob Lindgren, LHP, Mississippi State

42 Mike PapI, OF/1B, Virginia

43 Garrett Fulenchek, RHP, Howe HS (Texas)

44 Zech Lemond, RHP, Rice

45 Michael Kopech, RHP, Mt. Pleasant HS (Texas)

46 Milton Ramos, SS, Florida Christian HS (Fla.)

47 Cameron Varga, RHP, Cincinnati Christian Academy (Ohio)

48 A.J. Reed, 1B/LHP, Kentucky

49 Sam Travis, 1B, Indiana

50 Chase Vallot, C, St. Thomas More HS (La.)

51 Ti'quan Forbes, SS, Columbia HS (Miss.)

52 Michael Cederoth, RHP, San Diego State

53 Forrest Wall, 2B/OF, Orangewood Christian HS (Fla.)

54 Alex Verdugo, LHP/1B, Sahuaro HS (Ariz.)

55 Matthew Railey, OF, North Florida Christian HS (Fla.)

56 Keith Weisenberg, RHP, Osceola HS (Fla.)

57 Scott Blewett, RHP, Baker HS (N.Y)

58 Mac Marshall, LHP, Parkview HS (Ga.)

59 Joe Gatto, RHP, St. Augustine Prep HS (N.J.)

60 Bobby Bradley, 1B, Harrison Central HS (Miss.)

61 Cody Reed, LHP, Ardmore HS (Ala.)

62 Spencer Turnbull, RHP, Alabama

63 Jake Stinnett, RHP, Maryland

64 Derek Hill, OF, Elk Grove HS (Calif.)

65 Bryce Montes de Oca, RHP, Lawrence HS (Kan.)

66 Dylan Davis, OF/RHP, Oregon State

67 J.D. Davis, 1B/RHP, Cal State Fullerton

68 Dylan Cease, RHP, Milton HS (Ga.)

69 Aramis Garcia, C, Florida International

70 Cole Tucker, SS, Mountain Pointe HS (Ariz.)

71 Gareth Morgan, OF, North Toronto Collegiate Institute (Ont.)

72 Chris Ellis, RHP, Mississippi

73 Jordan Foley, RHP, Central Michigan

74 Brett Graves, RHP, Missouri

75 Nick Howard, RHP, Virginia

76 Greg Allen, OF, San Diego State

77 Matt Chapman, 3B/RHP, Cal State Fullerton

78 Alex Blandino, 3B, Stanford

79 Trey Supak, RHP, La Grange HS (Texas)

80 Josh Morgan, SS, Orange Lutheran HS (Calif.)

81 Keaton McKinney, RHP, Ankeny HS (Iowa)

82 Jeren Kendall, OF, Holman HS (Wis.)

83 Dillon Peters, LHP, Texas

84 Andrew Suarez, LHP, Miami

85 Daniel Mengden, RHP, Texas A&M

86 Jordan Brink, RHP, Fresno State

87 Daniel Gossett, RHP, Clemson

88 Grayson Greiner, C, South Carolina

89 Cobi Johnson, RHP, J.W. Mitchell HS (Fla.)

90 J.J. Schwarz, C, Palm Beach Gardens HS (Fla.)

91 Evan Skoug, C, Libertyville HS (Ill.)

92 Carson Sands, LHP, North Florida Christian HS (Fla.)

93 Jake Cosart, RHP, Seminole State (Fla.) CC

94 Joey Pankake, 3B, South Carolina

95 Eric Skoglund, LHP, Central Florida

96 Austin Gomber, LHP, Florida Atlantic

97 Jack Flaherty, RHP, Harvard-Westlake HS (Calif.)

98 Wyatt Strahan, RHP, Southern California

99 Sam Coonrod, RHP, Southern Illinois

100 Kel Johnson, OF, Home schooled (Ga.)

[ace3113]

9 Kyle Freeland, LHP, Evansville

11 Brandon Finnegan, LHP, TCU

 

I know it's a ranking and not a mock draft but if our first two picks somehow end up being this exactly I would be so happy I might just cry. lol

[ace3113]

High school righty Spencer Adams really intrigues me in the second round. Kind of reminds me of Aaron Sanchez. A guy who goes just outside the top 30 who's tall and uber-projectable, throws the ball like he's playing catch. The slider looks like it can be a plus pitch as well. I imagine he'll be throwing in the upper 90s once he fills out a bit.

[ace3113]

http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/three-strikes-week-11-4/

Strike Three: Golden Spikes Spotlight on Bradley Zimmer

 

PORTLAND, Ore.—Bradley Zimmer might have been college baseball’s best hitter in the first half of the season. Then, as his San Francisco team struggled, Zimmer started trying to do too much, as Dons coach Nino Giarratano put it. He went hitless last weekend against Pepperdine, and he went hitless in his first seven at-bats this weekend at Portland. Then, in the ninth inning of Game One of Saturday’s doubleheader, Zimmer suddenly took over, and delivered a loud reminder of why he will be a first-round pick this June.

 

Golden Spikes 2014With the score tied 1-1 and the bases empty in the top of the ninth, the junior center fielder took a pair of curveballs out of the zone, then pulled a fastball through the left side for a single. The next batter lined a hard single to left—but rather than advance 90 feet like almost any other player would have, the lanky, long-striding Zimmer turned on the afterburners and went first-to-third, sliding in just ahead of the throw. He then scored the go-ahead run on a sacrifice fly.

 

“He can change the game in a matter of seconds just like he did in the ninth inning,” Giarratano said. “A base hit to left field, and he runs in that guy’s face. You just don’t see that from anybody. He just accelerated, and he has a little extra gear when he got close to third base and the play was going to be close. He’s got this gear where he can go to a high gear, then a little extra whenever he needs to get to a ball or a base. It’s fun to see. It’s jaw-dropping every time I’ll see him do it.

 

“As soon as I saw him take the second stride from first to second base, I was like, ‘Oh, here we go again.’ And boom, he’s safe.”

 

Of course, USF couldn’t hold the 2-1 lead in the bottom of the ninth—it’s been that kind of year for the Dons. But Zimmer did his part to prevent the Pilots from scoring the winning run. With men at second and third, a single up the middle scored the tying run, and the trail runner attempted to score from second. Zimmer fired a one-hopper to the plate, and the baserunner apparently slid around the catcher’s tag to give Portland the victory.

 

Bradley Zimmer (Photo by Larry Goren).

Bradley Zimmer (Photo by Larry Goren).

 

“I think his arm is very good,” Giarratano said. “I think he’s a little banged up with the season going on. He got stuck behind that ball a little bit today and made a really good throw. If he gets through that ball, he throws that guy out by a lot. I thought it was a pretty close play either way. But I think that arm plays very well. I think he plays well enough to be able to play right field with that arm, and obviously he can stay in center field.”

 

No college player in this draft class can match Zimmer’s overall combination of tools. He can run, and he likes to steal bases (he has already matched last season’s stolen base total of 19). As he has added strength to his wiry 6-foot-5 frame, his power has begun to emerge. After going homerless as a gangly freshman, Zimmer hit seven homers last year and has seven more this spring. If he continues to fill out and add strength, he could profile as a prototype right fielder, or a five-tool center fielder. He can hit for average: He is still batting .374/.458/.598 despite cooling down recently. He has developed steadily as a hitter from his freshman year (.243) to his sophomore year (.320), to last summer with Team USA to this spring.

 

“He’s come a long way from where he was as a freshman, with the long limbs and moving fast, to slowing down and getting on time, and handling different pitches,” Giarratano said. “Even this year, he’s not getting an opportunity, really, to see a whole lot of pitches. I think they’re just wildly trying to throw the ball down and away. If he had the patience at times that we saw (2013 Golden Spikes Award winner Kris) Bryant had last year, when he got one pitch—it’s not that he’s not patient, but it’s just different for him. He’s trying to do a little bit too much with this team. When the team was successful, you could tell he wasn’t trying to do too much.”

 

Zimmer has drawn 21 walks and struck out 30 times, and he has had to get accustomed to seeing a steady diet of breaking balls. In the second game of Saturday’s doubleheader, Zimmer stayed back and singled up the middle on a curveball in the third inning, then took advantage when he saw another fastball in the sixth, turning on it for another hard single. The Dons went on to win that game convincingly, and Zimmer finished the series with positive momentum.

 

“I’ve been up and down,” Zimmer said. “I think it’s one of those things where I kind of hit a rough patch, wasn’t seeing the ball well. I think I’ve obviously been pitched a little differently this year than in past years, I’ve been pitched backwards. I’ve definitely adjusted to that, done a good job of staying back on that pitch and driving it.”

 

Giarratano said Zimmer has also shown power to the opposite field, hitting home runs over the net in left field at USF. He’s still just tapping into his raw power potential, and there’s no doubt that his best days are ahead of him.

 

His days this spring have been pretty darn good, too. He has been one of the country’s best all-around players, a sure-fire All-American who has handled the pressure of the draft very well. Zimmer said watching older brother Kyle go through the draft process at USF two years ago helped prepare him for the experience. Kyle, a righthander, wound up being drafted fifth overall by the Royals and now rates as the system’s top prospect.

 

“Seeing him go through the process was obviously pretty exciting,” Bradley Zimmer said. “But I think it’s one of those things where I’ve prepared myself, and I just kind of go out and execute my role every day, and the rest will take care of itself.”

 

Kyle’s presence at USF was obviously a big reason Bradley left home in the San Diego area to become a Don, and playing alongside his brother as a freshman was a special experience.

 

“It was definitely a very, very exciting time,” Zimmer said. “Everyone wants to play with their sibling if they play the same sport as you, and I looked up to him my whole life. It was definitely very fun to play with him, and I hope I get to do it again in the near future.”

 

Not many schools have produced a pair of first-round brothers, and the Dons are about to do just that. Giarratano knows how fortunate he was to have the the Zimmer brothers for a combined six seasons. And both players made huge developmental strides under USF’s care.

 

“They’re both great kids,” Giarratano said. “They come from a wonderful family, but they’re completely opposites. Kyle was kind of gregarious and joined everybody in, and Kyle had this electric thing going with his personality. Bradley’s quiet. There’s times on the bus where he’ll get some music going with the guys and he’ll break out of that. But for the most part, he doesn’t say a whole lot unless he’s spoken to, and sometimes even when he’s spoken to he doesn’t say a whole lot. So there’s a real quiet strength about him that I think is going to be wonderful at the next level.

 

“He’s just a great player, you know? Emotionally, he’s calm and collected, and he just keeps playing. And when you talk about the tools, he’s got all those tools necessary.”

[ace3113]

The first 2014 Mock Draft from the guys at Perfect Game was just released today. Here are the picks and write-ups. (This is pay-walled content so MODs feel free to move to the sub-forum if there are complaints).

 

2014 PERFECT GAME MOCK DRAFT V. 1

 

1. HOUSTON ASTROS

 

JEFF HOFFMAN - RHP - East Carolina

 

This draft class is a unique one in that it’s a strong overall crop without an obvious top choice. Carlos Rodon has had moments of looking like that player, as has Hoffman. High school arms Brady Aiken and Tyler Kolek are viable options here, but Hoffman’s has had the most consistently electric arm in the class and still has the projection you’d want from a high school player. At his best, he has two plus-plus pitches including his 94-97 mph fastball, and a plus changeup. With his athleticism and 6-foot-4, projectable frame, it’s very difficult to pass him here. And, he has returned to his Cape Cod League form of late, making the decision a simpler one. This pick is of course contingent on Hoffman being fully healthy, but for now the elbow issue he's been shut down with appears to be precautionary. – FP

 

2. MIAMI MARLINS

 

CARLOS RODON - LHP - N.C. State

 

Rodon's plus slider highlights a quality arsenal that includes a fastball that reaches well into the mid-90s at times. With a power arm and a long track record of success at college level, Rodon gives the Marlins a potentially lethal 1-2 punch at the front of the rotation joining reigning NL ROY Jose Fernandez. – TG

 

3. CHICAGO WHITE SOX

 

BRADY AIKEN - LHP - Cathedral Catholic (Calif.) HS

 

With the two obvious college arms off the board, the focus shifts quickly to the two premier high school pitchers—Aiken and Texas fireballer Tyler Kolek. Kolek’s 100-plus arm is obviously tempting, but Aiken is the more polished pitcher of the two with command of three plus pitches and his own explosive fastball in the 95-96 mph range. Besides, Aiken is lefthanded and that’s the swing factor in this selection. – AS

 

4. CHICAGO CUBS

 

TYLER KOLEK - RHP - Shepherd (Texas) HS

 

A college arm would fit best into the Cubs rebuild plan, with Aaron Nola, Kyle Freeland, and Tyler Beede each getting consideration here. But Kolek's triple-digit fastball, a slider that flashes plus, and country-strong build offer front-end upside that's tough to pass on. There's risk in the current command profile, under-developed change, and inconsistent competition, but he may have more upside than any arm in the draft, and the Cubs will have plenty of opportunities to add more refined collegiate arms later on given the depth of the draft class. – NF

 

5. MINNESOTA TWINS

 

GRANT HOLMES - RHP - Conway (S.C.) HS

 

The Twins will be prepared to take Brady Aiken or Tyler Kolek should either of them make it this far, but if they don't Grant Holmes will become the third high school arm taken early off the board. As he continues to add velo to his already present polished repertoire, Holmes is a candidate to move quickly through the minor leagues. – PE

 

6. SEATTLE MARINERS

 

AARON NOLA - RHP - Louisiana State

 

After a promising start to the 2014 season, the Mariners have hit the skids and I'm afraid things will get pretty desperate with the current administration if the team doesn't turns things around quickly. The biggest quick-fix solution to come from this year's draft is undoubtedly college pitching, with LSU RHP Aaron Nola, TCU LHP Brandon Finnegan and Evansville LHP Kyle Freeland, and possibly even Louisville closer Nick Burdi, considered on the fastest track to the big leagues among those arms to choose from. UNLV RHP Erick Fedde might be a darkhorse fifth candidate. Nola's raw stuff may be the least of the five, but his ability to command it puts him in a class of his own, and it's conceivable he could legitimately help out the struggling M's by the end of this year. – AS

 

7. PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES

 

BRADLEY ZIMMER - OF - San Francisco

 

Zimmer has been an offensive machine this spring, and has simply done nothing but hit on big stages over the last year and a half. The rest of his tools work well, but you just cannot pass a bat this big league ready in this spot, particularly when you consider that many of the other college bats available have one question mark or another. Touki Toussaint also received heavy consideration for this spot, as did Nick Gordon. – FP

 

8. COLORADO ROCKIES

 

ERICK FEDDE - RHP - UNLV

 

The Rockies are believed to be targeting college pitching, never a bad idea for an organization that must develop their own pitchers to throw in the Coors Field environment. They would make an exception if by the slimmest chance Texas high school hurler Tyler Kolek lasted to the eighth slot, but are otherwise focusing on arms such as Fedde, Aaron Nola, Brandon Finnegan and Tyler Beede. Fedde is a fast tracker with an advanced fastball/slider combination and the ability to pound the strike zone. He'll be a welcome addition to the Rockies impressive pitching prospect core that already includes Eddie Butler and 2013 first-rounder Jonathan Gray. – DR

 

9. TORONTO BLUE JAYS

 

TOUKI TOUSSAINT - RHP - Coral Springs Christian Academy (Fla.)

 

There isn’t much not to like about Toussaint and the quality of offerings that leave his right hand. Consistently working in the low- to mid-90s this spring to go along with a plus-curveball, which has become his calling card. The Vanderbilt commit has also shown much improved command and has implemented a changeup, giving him three above average pitches. – JB

 

10. NEW YORK METS

 

MICHAEL CHAVIS - 3B - Spraybery (Ga.) HS

 

The Mets organization places as much emphasis on makeup as any. While the depth of this class presents a wide range of high quality options here, Chavis' combination of playable present power and equally impressive work ethic and leadership qualities make him a good fit for the Mets. – TG

 

11. TORONTO BLUE JAYS (FOR UNSIGNED 2013 PICK PHIL BICKFORD)

 

TREA TURNER - SS - N.C. State

 

In a draft that doesn’t feature many premier bats in the top of the draft the Blue Jays would be happy to add Turner’s speed/bat combo after an elite arm with their first pick. He is one of the best runners in this year’s class, if not the best, with 70 speed on the 20-80 scale, and shows plenty of range and arm strength to remain at shortstop at the next level. – JB

 

12. MILWAUKEE BREWERS

 

KYLE FREELAND - LHP - Evansville

 

Although the Brewers are somewhat surprised, and tempted, by some of the names falling to this spot, most notably Tyler Beede and Nick Gordon, they are going to stick by their draft board and take Kyle Freeland. The organization will continue to look to stockpile arms in the draft, and in particular like the idea of adding a lefthander with experience pitching in cold weather. – PE

 

13. SAN DIEGO PADRES

 

ALEX JACKSON - C/OF - Rancho Bernardo (Calif.) HS

 

The Padres have been holding their collective breath for 4-5 picks hoping that hometown boy Alex Jackson would fall to them at No. 13, and fortunately he has. This is a potentially explosive bat, whether Jackson ends up behind the plate or in the outfield. – AS

 

14. SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS

 

NICK GORDON - SS - Olympia (Fla.) HS

 

Gordon's bat-to-ball ability paired with a safe up-the-middle defensive profile make him a quality option in the middle of the first round and will provide the Giants a much needed high-end positional prospect in a pitcher-heavy system. – NF

 

15. LOS ANGELES ANGELS

 

KYLE SCHWARBER, C/1B, Indiana

 

The Angels won't be afraid to go with a bat-first type of player, and one could make a case that Schwarber is the best pure bat/power combination in the class. He's limited position-wise but he should reach the big leagues at a rapid pace. Max Pentecost was also a consideration here. – FP

 

16. ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS

 

BRANDON FINNEGAN - LHP - Texas Christian

 

There are a lot of upside high school talents available, but the Diamondbacks opt to tap into the collegiate ranks for a shorter developmental horizon. Finnegan offers a non-traditional profile, but the "now" stuff is electric and he could provide assistance at the major league level on an expedited schedule, be it in the rotation or out of the pen. – NF

 

17. KANSAS CITY ROYALS

 

TYLER BEEDE - RHP - Vanderbilt

 

For the second time in his career Beede hears his name called in the first round. There’s a very strong chance that Beede won’t last this long come June but the Royals would be happy to add Beede and his mid-90s fastball to their farm system. He has shown improved command this spring, cutting down his number of walks while still showing his plus secondary offerings. – JB

 

18. WASHINGTON NATIONALS

 

MAX PENTECOST - C - Kennesaw State

 

Pentecost firmly planted himself as a first round selection last summer in the Cape Cod League, showing advanced tools in all aspects of his game. He has above average speed with athleticism, and that athleticism plays well behind the plate. Of course his bat is what he's best known for, and he has showed no signs of slowing up this spring, leading the Owls in nearly every offensive category. – JB

 

19. CINCINNATI REDS

 

SEAN NEWCOMB - LHP - Hartford

 

Newcomb is a bit overlooked on the national stage, or as much as it is possible to overlook a 6-foot-5, 245-pound southpaw with plus overall stuff. That goes with pitching for the Hartford Hawks. But with lefthanded pitching a priority in the organization, and the supply of high level college southpaws set to run out before the Reds pick again at number 29, Newcomb is a sound choice. – DR

 

20. TAMPA BAY RAYS

 

CASEY GILLASPIE - 1B - Wichita State

 

The Rays always seem to struggle for offense and one of the reasons is the constant stream of Casey Kotchman, Carlos Pena and James Loney reclamation projects playing first base. The switch-hitting Gillaspie should advance through the Rays system quickly and become a mainstay in the middle of the lineup with Evan Longoria and Will Myers. – DR

 

21. CLEVELAND INDIANS

 

KODI MEDEIROS - LHP - Waiakea (Hawaii) HS

 

Long-time top prospect Adam Miller was the last prep arm the Indians took in the first round of the draft, but they've taken enough in the second round in recent years to prove that they're not allergic to them. Medeiros' talents are so great it would make any team look past any perceived drafting preferences, with one of the best three-pitch combinations available this year. – PE

 

22. LOS ANGELES DODGERS

 

MICHAEL CONFORTO - OF - Oregon State

 

In a class short on impact bats Conforto combines the best hit tool and power of any prospect in the class. His offensive ability more than makes up for his marginal defensive impact in left field and he's a good value for this draft position. – TG

 

23. DETROIT TIGERS

 

ALEX BLANDINO - SS/3B - Stanford

 

There is likely to be a run on college bats at some point in the middle to latter part of the first round, and Blandino has moved himself near the front of that group of hitters with a strong spring. Derek Fisher was also a consideration here with his recent return and strong performance. – FP

 

24. PITTSBURGH PIRATES

 

SEAN REID-FOLEY - RHP - Sandalwood (Fla.) HS

 

Reid-Foley profiles as a potential mid-rotation arm, relying primarily on a three-way fastball he can spot to the quadrants, sitting from the low- to mid-90s. His slider is a second plus offering, and the changeup has flashed potential with increased frequency over the last three months. – NF

 

25. OAKLAND ATHLETICS

 

MICHAEL GETTYS - OF - Gainesville (Ga.) HS

 

One of the highest ceilings in the draft, Gettys doesn't fit the profile of the recent early A's pick, but there is way too much upside to pass up at this spot. – TG

 

26. BOSTON RED SOX

 

NICK BURDI - RHP - Louisville

 

Though the Red Sox are among a number of clubs that philosophically don't believe in buying into a closer in the first round, this guy's big arm and powerful 6-3/220 frame are too tempting not to go somewhere in the first 30 picks. He has dominated college hitters with a triple-digit fastball and nasty slider, and could conceivably help a big-league team, possibly even a contender, almost immediately in a meaningful, back-end role. – AS

 

27. ST. LOUIS CARDINALS

 

MAC MARSHALL - LHP - Parkview (Ga.) HS

 

Marshall is a thee-pitch lefty who flashed a plus change and above-average two-look curve at the recent USA Baseball National High School Invitational and has reached as high as 94/95 mph with the fastball, sitting more regularly in the 88-91 mph range. His pitchability and athletic delivery are both assets helping him to a mid-rotation upside. – NF

 

28. KANSAS CITY ROYALS (ERVIN SANTANA)

 

MARCUS WILSON - OF - J. Serra (Calif.) HS

 

Wilson is an excellent athlete who has yet to reach his ceiling of what could be an all-star talent, showing interesting tools with the bat and the ability to run a 6.5 second 60-yard dash. The Arizona State commit has shown tremendous growth since his first Perfect Game event and could wind up being a steal as he continues to fill out his quick-twitch, 6-foot-2/170-pound frame. – JB

 

29. CINCINNATI REDS (SHIN-SOO CHOO)

 

SCOTT BLEWETT - RHP - Charles W. Baker (N.Y.) HS

 

This is the area of the draft where high school pitchers tend to come to the forefront, and the Reds know that very well from selecting Robert Stephenson, one of the top pitching prospects in baseball, with the 27th pick in 2012. Blewett is the classic Northeast hurler who is short on innings compared to his peers but long on talent with a huge ceiling. He could very well improve his draft stock between now and June 5 as the weather warms up in upstate New York. – DR

 

30. TEXAS RANGERS (NELSON CRUZ)

 

JACOB GATEWOOD - SS - Clovis (Calif.) HS

 

With their first pick of the draft the Rangers are looking for upside, and will target the best potential HS bat available. Among those under consideration are Jacob Gatewood, Monte Harrison, Braxton Davidson and Derek Hill. Our choice is Gatewood, who has obvious raw power potential in his strapping 6-foot-5 frame. Though he has struggled to square up high school pitching consistently, we’re convinced that in time, with professional instruction and repetitions, he’ll hit. He’s also athletic enough that he can play anywhere on the field, though he may be too big to stay at shortstop long term. – AS

 

31. CLEVELAND INDIANS (UBALDO JIMENEZ)

 

JACOB BUKAUSKAS - RHP - Stone Bridge (Va.) HS

 

Although the Indians loaded up with arms last year, they are thrilled to add two high profile arms with their first two picks in this year's draft in Kodi Medeiros and Jacob Bukauskas. They may have to strike a pre-draft deal with Medeiros, and/or save a little extra bonus money with their next few picks to be able to get Bukauskas in the fold here. – PE

 

32. ATLANTA BRAVES (BRIAN MCCANN)

 

CHRIS OLIVER - RHP - Arkansas

 

While the Braves have become increasingly college oriented in their drafts the past few years, few college pitchers combine the age yet the projection of the 6-foot-4, 180-pound Oliver. He attended a small Arkansas high school and pitched out of the Razorback's bullpen for two years before moving into the rotation and thriving this season. There has been the added bonus for Oliver that he has been Arkansas' Sunday starter, thus enabling him to be consistently seen more often by team's decision making scouts. – DR

 

33. BOSTON RED SOX (JACOBY ELLSBURY)

 

BRAXTON DAVIDSON - OF/1B - T.C. Roberson (N.C.) HS

 

The Red Sox are taking sweet-swinging OF Braxton Davidson with the No. 33 pick. The last time they took a lefthanded-hitting high school OF from North Carolina in the first round was in 1993, when they took Trot Nixon and he turned out pretty well. – AS

 

34. ST. LOUIS CARDINALS (CARLOS BELTRAN)

 

MICHAEL KOPECH - RHP - Mt. Pleasant (Texas) HS

 

Kopech can show inconsistencies from start to start, but when things are clicking he comes with two plus offerings in his fastball/breaker combo, and the makings of a third above-average pitch in his change piece. It's a projectable frame with an already highly physical build, making him a solid candidate for another step up in raw stuff as the body continues to mature. – NF

 

35. COLORADO ROCKIES (COMPETITIVE BALANCE PICK)

 

DEREK HILL - OF - Elk Grove (Calif.) HS

 

Hill represents the type of player that Dexter Fowler was in his role with the Rockies as a fleet-footed center fielder who could make a difference defensively in the vast expanses of the outfield at Coors Field while being productive in the leadoff spot. Hill's plus makeup and family's professional baseball background are factors that the Rockies organization also value. – DR

 

36. MIAMI MARLINS (UNSIGNED 2013 PICK MATT KROOK)

 

TI'QUAN FORBES - SS - Columbia (Miss.) HS

 

One of the youngest and toolsiest prospects in the 2014 high school class, the Marlins supplement their initial pick of college lefty Carlos Rodon with a high risk/high reward prospect. Forbes has a long loose projectable body, good present bat speed and already flashes present power with plenty of remaining offensive projection to go with plus speed that should allow him to stay up the middle. – TG

 

37. HOUSTON ASTROS (COMPETITIVE BALANCE PICK - FROM 2013 TRADE WITH ORIOLES)

 

JAKE STINNETT - RHP - Maryland

 

Houston could have a lot of options on the high school side with this pick, and any number of the large selection of high school arms would make sense. What could also make sense is a senior like Stinnett, who has seen his stock soar this spring, and logic would dictate he could be had at a reasonable price given his senior status. Ti’Quan Forbes would be an interesting option here had he been available. – FP

 

38. CLEVELAND INDIANS (COMPETITIVE BALANCE PICK)

 

DEREK FISHER - OF - Virginia

 

Although the draft still favors pitching at this point, the Indians wanted to add a position prospect after taking two high profile arms. With a system full of talent up the middle of the diamond, they're happy to land a big lefthanded corner bat in Derek Fisher with this pick. – PE

 

39. MIAMI MARLINS (COMPETITIVE BALANCE PICK)

 

SPENCER ADAMS - RHP - White County (Ga.) HS

 

The development trajectory and symptoms of future projection suggest that if Adams steps foot on campus at the University of Georgia he may become one of the top prospects in the entire draft next time he's eligible in 2017. With that in mind, the Marlins add another high risk/high reward type of pick in this spot as Adams joins Ti'Quan Forbes as upside gambles behind Carlos Rodon. – TG

 

40. KANSAS CITY ROYALS (COMPETITIVE BALANCE PICK)

 

FOSTER GRIFFIN - LHP - The First Academy (Fla.)

 

With some projection guys coming off the board in recent picks, the Royals are able to add the projectable 6-foot-5 lefthander. Griffin has shown steady progression with his velocity throughout his career, topping 94 mph this spring with his fastball and an improved, late biting mid-70s curveball. – JB

 

41. MILWAUKEE BREWERS (COMPETITIVE BALANCE PICK)

 

NICK HOWARD - RHP - Virginia

 

With three picks among the top 51 overall selections the Brewers may look to take advantage of a draft deep with pitching. They use the second of those selections to take Virginia closer Nick Howard, whose low mileage arm will allow him to spend the rest of the summer taking the mound every fifth day. – PE

[z3r0s]

How about we don't pass on Jackson and Beede lol.

 

Interesting choice for first selection. I thought it'd be a lock to be Rodon with a small chance of Aiken.

 

I do like both picks, but both Beede and Jackson are solid pieces too. The good thing about that is we should see 2 players I would be happy to draft at 9 and 11. I also like Pentecost.

[KingKat]

How about we don't pass on Jackson and Beede lol.

 

Interesting choice for first selection. I thought it'd be a lock to be Rodon with a small chance of Aiken.

 

I'll bet if they do draft Toussaint, he'll wind up going to Vanderbilt. Guys you can't sign are the new market inneficiency.

[ace3113]

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article/mlb/jonathan-mayos-pipeline-inbox-how-does-brady-aiken-stack-up-vs-elite-lefties?ymd=20140501&content_id=73960330&vkey=news_mlb

 

How does Brady Aiken compare with top left-handed pitching prospects like Henry Owens and Andrew Heaney?

-- Johnny, Atlanta

 

Aiken is the freshly minted No. 1 prospect on our Draft Top 100 list. The SoCal left-hander has probably done more than any other 2014 Draft prospect in terms of separating himself from others in the class. We had Aiken ranked at No. 9 overall in the fall as the top high school southpaw in the class, on the cusp of being a top 10 pick.

 

Now, Aiken is atop the board, ahead of N.C. State's Carlos Rodon as the best pitcher in the class, and ahead of Tyler Kolek in a comparison of prep arms. Some of that has to do with Aiken's increased velocity, to go along with the plus pitchability that he has always been known for. His maturity has enabled him to dominate all spring and make him look much more like a front-line starter in the future than he did even last fall.

 

Aiken is definitely ahead of where Owens was when he came out of the California high school ranks. Owens was thought of highly, but a lack of plus stuff, combined with what was thought to be a lack of projection, tempered enthusiasm a little. Heaney is a little different, seeing that he was a college draftee in 2012 out of Oklahoma State and was three years old than Aiken is now. But even though Heaney slid because of signability in high school, he was never in the same stratosphere as Aiken is now.

 

Heaney and Owens lead the Top 10 left-handed pitching prospects list currently. They've had success in pro ball and are both pitching in Double-A, so it might not be fair to compare them to Aiken, who won't turn 18 until August. But one thing we can do is look at their grades:

 

Aiken: Fastball: 65 | Curveball: 60 | Changeup: 60 | Control: 60 | Overall: 65

 

Heaney: Fastball: 60 | Slider: 65 | Changeup: 55 | Control: 60 | Overall: 60

 

Owens: Fastball: 60 | Curveball: 55 | Changeup: 60 | Control: 50 | Overall: 60

 

These are future grades and Aiken has to go out and do it, but he has a slightly better chance to be a frontline starter than the other very talented southpaws in this conversation.

 

Where do you see Gareth Morgan going in the 2014 First-Year Player Draft? Could he fall to the Twins in the third round?

-- Jed T., Baldwin, Wis.

 

Morgan, ranked No. 71 on the Draft Top 100, is one of the more interesting and difficult prospects to figure out. He's from Canada, so opportunities to see him are difficult. Morgan has traveled to warm-weather climates to be seen and has impressed at times, but there is concern about his ability to make enough contact to tap into his considerable raw power.

 

With a strong arm and that power potential, Morgan does potentially profile well in right field. That profile did lead to a follow-up question from Jed: Could Morgan be a future Giancarlo Stanton?

 

I understand wanting to make that comparison, but Stanton had a much better feel for hitting than Morgan has now. I talked to one national crosschecker who worried about Morgan's pitch recognition, and whether that's something that can vastly improve enough to allow Morgan to evolve into a Stanton-like impact player.

 

Whether Morgan lasts to the Twins in the third round remains to be seen. We've got him ranked right now at No. 71. While that's not a projection, it should be noted that the 71st pick is in Competitive Balance Round B, just ahead of the third round. There's a chance a team ahead of Minnesota will buy the bat.

[ace3113]

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article/mlb/pipeline-perspectives-carlos-rodon-worthy-being-of-top-pick-in-mlb-draft?ymd=20140501&content_id=73943172&vkey=news_mlb

 

The 2014 First-Year Player Draft is just over a month away and Draft boards for all 30 organizations are very much in flux. That's nothing new for this time of year, but it's especially true this time as expectations at the very top are much more uncertain than usual.

 

This will be the third straight year that the Astros will make the first selection and they've developed a reputation of keeping things close to the vest. That's made it difficult for everyone to get a handle on what's going to happen in the first round on June 5.

 

Heading into the spring, it seemed all but certain that North Carolina State left-hander Carlos Rodon would be the No. 1 pick. But that's no longer a slam dunk. In this week's Pipeline Perspectives, Jim Callis and I are debating not who we believe will go 1-1, but rather who we would take if given the top choice.

 

Jim is going with a pitcher who has performed as well as anyone this spring in SoCal high school lefty Brady Aiken. Some might lobby for hard-throwing Texas high school right-hander Tyler Kolek. Maybe I don't like change, but I'm sticking with the horse we all thought we'd ride in: Rodon.

 

Yes, it's true that Rodon hasn't been the dominant force this spring that most expected, or at least hoped, to see. There were reports of his velocity being down, his stuff being not as sharp, his command being a bit off and perhaps his effort not being all there.

 

When evaluating candidates for the top pick, there's going to be some understandable hyper-criticism. The signing-bonus value for the No. 1 pick this year is just over $7.9 million, so a team is going to want to be sure when it makes its decision. But is it possible that Rodon's early "issues" will be much ado about nothing?

 

It's extremely possible. After a ridiculous freshman year, Rodon didn't break out of the gates all that well in 2013, either, but then turned it on as the season went on. The same appears to be happening now. In his most recent start, against Georgia Tech last Friday, Rodon struck out 15, including 10 of the first 11 batters he faced. The week prior, he beat Boston College by allowing just one run over eight innings. He struck out 12 over 7 2/3 innings in a loss on April 11.

 

That's a pretty good run. If he keeps that up -- and here's saying he will -- I beleive there's a very good chance that any talk of him not being the No. 1 pick will go the way of the dinosaur. Even with the struggling, Rodon has a 2.03 ERA, a .226 batting average against and a 10.57 strikeouts-per-nine ratio. He struck out 10.6 per nine back as a freshman and his ERA is lower than it was in 2013.

 

I'm well aware that evaluating Draft talent goes well beyond the numbers. How a player's stuff grades out and his makeup both figure largely into the equation. A team never wants to get a first-round pick wrong, but it's absolutely essential to get the top pick right.

 

The scouting industry has more than just this spring to go on from Rodon, though. He has about as expansive a resume as any amateur. Scouts told me he might have been the No. 1 pick in 2012 after his freshman year had he been eligible. He dominated that season and ended his sophomore year as once again arguably the best pitcher in college baseball. For two summers in a row, he's been virtually unhittable for USA Baseball's Collegiate National Team.

 

What more can you want? There's a reason Rodon is regarded as the best college lefty since David Price. Stuff-wise, he offers two plus pitches (and his changeup will be plenty good enough to give him three), all coming from a big, strong, workhorse-type body.

 

Yes, Rodon is advised by Scott Boras, which often makes people, and teams, pause. But whatever your opinion of Boras, the players he's advised who have been taken at the very top of the Draft have typically signed. Right-hander Mark Appel, the Astros' pick last year, actually signed for less than pick value as a college senior.

 

There has been some concern about his high pitch counts of late. But I'm not overly worried. It certainly isn't the first time a college pitcher has been used in such a fashion and it doesn't come close to abuse in my book. All it means is that he won't pitch a ton during this first summer.

 

Then he can hit the ground running in 2015 and I can't imagine it taking him too long to be ready to get big league hitters out. If the choice were mine, I'd fit Rodon for an Astros jersey.

[ace3113]

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20140429&content_id=73734650&notebook_id=73734426&vkey=notebook_mlb&c_id=mlb

 

Finnegan on path back from injury

 

Pitching prospects in the 2014 First-Year Player Draft class have caught the injury bug this spring. One of the better high school arms, Dylan Cease (Milton, Ga.), has been out since March with an elbow injury he's hoping won't need surgery. East Carolina ace Jeff Hoffman, in the mix for the No. 1 overall pick, is shut down for at least two starts with arm soreness. Rice reliever-turned-starter Zech Lemond is on the shelf with elbow inflammation.

 

So when Texas Christian ace Brandon Finnegan left in the third inning of his Friday start against Cal State Northridge, there was a definite "Here we go again" buzz around the scouting industry.

 

It was initially called shoulder soreness or tightness, and that always makes everyone a little nervous. While Finnegan hasn't been cleared to return to the mound just yet, there are signs that this will be a temporary setback.

 

"He's better, for sure," TCU head coach Jim Schlossnagle said shortly after watching Finnegan long-toss from about 120 feet at about 75 percent on Monday. "He's passed every possible test there is in terms of his shoulder. There's no structural damage in any way. If anything, it's a little bursitis, so he's just on normal anti-inflammatories."

 

Finnegan has been outstanding in his junior season, going 7-2 with a 1.50 ERA in his 11 starts. Over 72 innings, he's allowed just 48 hits (.191 batting average against) and 18 walks while striking out 96. Finnegan has raised his Draft stock to the point where one scout thought it possible for the lefty to go somewhere in the top 10 picks of the first round on June 5.

 

To do that, Finnegan will have to show he's healthy and have no ill effects from this shoulder issue. The next step will be to throw his normal Wednesday bullpen session. If Finnegan clears that hurdle, as he did following his long toss on Monday, then there's a chance he could be allowed to take the mound on Friday against Kansas State.

 

"We're not there yet," Schlossnagle said. "But the fact he went out [on Monday] and did his normal, for the most part, routine and didn't have any issues, we're cautiously optimistic. He's a part of our future, and he has a very big future ahead of him."

 

Finnegan will either take the mound Friday or another day this weekend, or his turn in the rotation will be skipped to give him extra time. It seems very unlikely that he'd be used in a relief role against Kansas State, though that might be of some interest to scouts who think Finnegan will be a reliever at the next level, one who could draw some comparisons to Billy Wagner.

 

"He will not pitch this weekend unless he feels like he did against Texas two weeks ago," Schlossnagle said, referring to Finnegan's eight-inning shutout performance with 11 strikeouts. "He's either going to be cleared to start or not pitch. We're not going to try and win a game in one weekend with him in the bullpen if he doesn't feel great."

 

Not all college matchups live up to expectations

 

Draft Report: Daniel Mengden, College Pitcher

 

There are a limited amount of days left on an amateur scout's schedule before the 2014 First-Year Player Draft, so any way to see multiple players at once in a competitive setting is a bonus.

 

This, of course, goes beyond the top tier of Draft talent. Scouting directors might choose to head to the first couple of games of a weekend college series to get a look at more than one potential early-round prospect. That was the hope when some headed to Mississippi State to watch Texas A&M come to town. Because of some weather and some subpar performances, it didn't really work out that way.

 

There were two pitchers in particular generating greater interest in this series. One is Texas A&M starter Daniel Mengden, a former two-way player who is focusing on pitching for the first time. He took the mound on Friday, after the completion of a rain-suspended game from Thursday. The 6-foot-2 right-hander was, according to one scouting director, just so-so, going six innings and allowing two runs while walking only one. Mengden gave up nine hits and struck out just two.

 

"I've seen him better than that," said the scouting director, who thought Mengden would go in the top two rounds, maybe as high as the sandwich round. "I think it's more quantity than quality for him. He has average pitches all across the board. But his pitchability is what makes him a little bit higher.

 

"He was in the middle of the plate with everything. I know that's not him. But he doesn't have that one pitch that can get him out of trouble."

 

The other top arm of interest was Mississippi State lefty reliever Jacob Lindgren. Lindgren started in 2013, but he moved to the bullpen this year and could reach the big leagues quickly, potentially as a closer at the next level. Unfortunately, evaluating relievers can be a tricky business.

 

Lindgren actually "started" the resumption of the suspended game on Friday, but he got only one out and was removed after giving up a hit and two walks. He pitched again on Saturday and was dominant, striking out seven in 2 2/3 hitless innings. Unfortunately, much of the scouting "heat" that was in on Friday had already gone on to other matchups.

 

"Lindgren was the guy I really wanted to see, but I couldn't write him up," the scouting director said. "He's 90-94 mph, some guys see a plus curve, some see a plus slider. I didn't get a chance to see anything except a fastball that was out of the zone.

 

"I throw that out. Otherwise, why do have the other guys out there scouting? I know some will say, 'I didn't see it, we can't take him.' We've seen him five times, I just happened to catch him bad. I'm trying to give the kid the benefit of the doubt."

 

Gatto highlights weekend of Northeast coverage

 

Draft Report: Joe Gatto, HS Pitcher

 

For the first chunk of the amateur season, scouts hit the warm-weather areas where baseball is going full-tilt early. Often, players from the Northeast or other cold-weather climates will head south or west as well, playing in tournaments and giving scouts a chance to see them before the season at home gets going.

 

Seasons in places like upstate New York, Massachusetts and New Jersey are underway now, and with the calendar quickly turning toward the 2014 First-Year Player Draft in early June, scouts are migrating north to get looks at some players on their follow lists. Many performed well in showcases over the summer. Perhaps they've been seen in some of those warm-weather tournaments, but this might be the first time scouting directors and national crosscheckers have been in to see them on their home turf.

 

This past weekend was a busy one for such visits. Many started on Friday with a trip to the Syracuse area to see right-hander Scott Blewett. Saturday may have brought a trip to Hartford to see college lefty Sean Newcomb (six shutout innings) or perhaps to Massachusetts to see Austin DeCarr pitch (16 Ks in six innings).

 

It seems that wherever people went for Friday and Saturday, they all descended on New Jersey to see St. Augustine Prep right-hander Joe Gatto take the mound. The 6-foot-5 right-hander had a busy summer, making a name for himself at the East Coast Showcase, Area Code Games, Perfect Game All-American Classic and the Under Armour All-America Game. This spring, Gatto had pitched in Myrtle Beach, S.C., but this was only about his fourth outing of the spring. As a result, an estimated 80-plus scouts were on hand at the Millville Coaches vs. Cancer Weekend Tournament.

 

They didn't necessarily like what they saw. Yes, Gatto was 92-94 mph on the radar gun, touching 95 mph. And he showed some ability to spin a breaking ball. But the North Carolina commit had absolutely no command, walking six and throwing 83 pitches in three innings.

 

"He's not a finished product by any means, but he has a good arm and a good delivery," one scouting director said of Gatto, who could go as high as the second round come June. "I'm going to have to go back and see him again."

 

There will likely be several return visits to see Gatto and the others, especially the prep arms, in this part of the country. They get their year started later, with most not even being able to move outside until recently. So giving them a chance to hit full stride is necessary, even with the Draft clock ticking.

 

"The guys in the Northeast, the high school arms, they might be the best in the country," the scouting director said. "You have to give these guys time up here. It's hard to call on a guy right out of the gym at the start of the spring. But I also understand the window of opportunity. Every day is huge."

[ace3113]

http://espn.go.com/sportsnation/chat/_/id/50508/mlb-insider-keith-law

 

Scott (NC)

 

I don't follow the draft a lot, so excuse me if this is an ignorant question: Why don't more teams draft almost nothing but pitchers? It seems to me that they are the hardest to predict at the MLB level. If you have a surplus of good pitching, you would get more in a trade than any other position. Am I missing something or is this done more than I am aware?

 

Klaw

(1:02 PM)

 

If they're hardest to predict at the MLB level - which I believe is true - then imagine how much harder it is to predict their futures when they're college or high school pitchers? Drafting only pitchers, year-in and year-on, would leave you with a severe shortage of position player prospects - and it's far from guaranteed that you'll end up with a lot of pitching depth due to that volatility you cited and to high attrition rates.

 

Joe (Chicago)

 

What is the highest round you see Jake Stinnett getting drafted? Could he make it onto day 1?

 

Klaw

(1:06 PM)

 

Maybe in the second round on a well under slot deal. More likely 3rd-4th.

 

Bret (Toronto)

 

Where do you see Kyle Freeland fitting into the MLB Draft? I know he wasn't on your most recent rankings, but earlier on you had mentioned him as a first round candidate. I've read some really glowing reports about him recently in other sources, so trying to get a handle.

 

Klaw

(1:08 PM)

 

He came on over the last 4-5 weeks - one scout said he was a top 15 pick, then compared him to Chris Sale, which would say to me he should be the first overall pick, no? - although I know there are still concerns about him starting between the delivery and heavy use of the slider. Been up to 96 as a starter and holding low 90s through his outings.

 

Jerry (Joliet)

 

If Aiken, Kolek, and Rodon are off the board, who would you take at number 4?

 

Klaw

(1:11 PM)

 

Today, Erick Fedde and Nick Gordon would probably be my next two names. That's with Hoffman (and Finnegan) on the shelf, though.

 

Cris E (St Paul, MN)

 

Is Alex Jackson going to end up in the outfield or is there a chance he can stay at c/3b?

 

Klaw

(1:12 PM)

 

I believe he'll end up at 3b/rf. I think he could catch, but the team that drafts him will likely take the Myers/Harper route.

 

Bobby (Worcester MA)

 

Touki Toussaint or Lance McCullers in their draft year?

 

Klaw

(1:12 PM)

 

Touki. Still see McCullers as 50/50 to start. Touki's a starter.

 

John (Oakland)

 

Marcus Wilson a 1st rounder? And does he have superstar tools?

 

Klaw

(1:13 PM)

 

Late first rounder for me. Tools aren't quite at that level - if you want a prep player with "superstar" tools (lots of 6s and 7s), look at Derek Hill or even Michael Gettys.

Dave (Cuyahoga Falls, OH)

 

How do scouting directors feel about college and high school pitchers with high pitch counts like Rodon has had? Does it knock them down a bit because of the increased injury risk? Do some teams are about this while others ignore it?

 

Klaw

(1:18 PM)

 

Some teams care, some don't. Everyone notices it. I think every director realizes that if he takes Rodon and the kid blows out, the second-guessing will be enormous - you KNEW NC State abused him, why'd you take him there?

 

Mike (New York)

 

Went to see Scott Blewett pitch recently. Seems to have electric stuff. Would you project him as a 1st round pick at this point? And is there any chance he actually makes it to St. John's in your opinion?

 

Klaw

(1:23 PM)

 

First rounder, 15-30 range. Zero chance he gets to school.

 

Oren (Waterloo, ON)

 

What's up with Luis Ortiz? You're ranking/report on him a few weeks back got me very excited, but I've heard some injury rumblings and see him falling on other lists.

 

Klaw

(1:26 PM)

 

He got hurt (one of those "arm injury but not his elbow or shoulder all right?" injuries) right after I published that list, and hasn't been very good since coming back.

 

Michael (MA)

 

Which three college baseball programs would you definitely not send your son to?

 

Klaw

(1:48 PM)

 

Rice and TCU are the two clear ones. TCU is going to push Finnegan back out there this weekend if they can, regardless of whether that's the right thing for the kid long-term. (Kendall Rogers tweeted earlier that Finnegan has at least been pushed back from Friday to Sunday.)

 

Derek (Milwaukee)

 

You have to mention NC State too. They're abusing Rodon.

 

Klaw

(1:50 PM)

 

Yes, they are, but if the coaching staff there is let go after they miss the tournament this month, that would change my view of the program.

 

Cris E (St Paul, MN)

 

So say you're stealing seafood... how many picks until the first non-pitcher is chosen? The Phils at seven?

 

Klaw

(2:11 PM)

 

I've heard Nick Gordon attached to the Twins at 5 too. I think he's the first hitter taken, and he could go anywhere from 5 to 9. Alex Jackson is a wild card but could be in the mix for some teams in the top 10. Doesn't seem like a college bat goes up there, though. Brad Zimmer would be most likely but I think he goes 12-15.

[TheHurl]

Watching LSU vs. A&M on CBS College Sports right now. Nola has only thrown breaking stuff so far and it's f***ing nasty. Seriously I've seen like 3 fastballs through 5 hitters. This guy has legit number 1 starter off speed stuff...if the low 90's fastball is as deceptive as they say he's going to be a steal for someone outside the top 5. Wonder if he's signed permission for the Jays to draft?

 

Update. Nola just struck Taylor (his 4th through 7 batters) and Taylor swung so awkwardly on strike 3 that he had to get stretchered off the field.

[TheHurl]

Another personal draft note. I am in Vegas for draft day and Erick Fedde is having a draft party at one of the bars, I intend to be there.

[TheHurl]

And he's not even kidding!

 

 

Also,

 

Kendall Rogers @KendallRogersPG · 26m

#LSU RHP Aaron Nola nasty in the first inning. Sat 92-94, bumped 95, two K's, one on beautiful inside FB. 77-79 CB w/ great mvmt #mlbdraft

 

Kendall Rogers @KendallRogersPG · 12m

.@LSUbaseball RHP Aaron Nola with another K in the second. 77-79 CB is an outstanding pitch right now. Lots of depth/movement. ++ #mlbdraft

 

somewhat sad that I'm watching this as my primary (flipping to Jays and Raps). I'm housesitting and he's got a lot of channels that I don't get at home...nice to see a college game on a TV instead of a bad feed on my computer.

[Laika]

Hoffman needs TJS.

 

Take him anyway at #9? I f***ing would.

 

Most recent draft arms with huge upside that fell for "injury concerns" have f***ing killed it. Giolito and Manaea, preemptive concerns with Sale... probably more.

[z3r0s]

Intriguing for sure.

[Laika]

I don't really follow the draft in depth but seeing guys like Jackson, Beede, and Nicky Gordon mocking in the teens is very encouraging. Of course, the Blue Jays will probably draft a pair of high school righties and then let them walk over 500k.

[GD]

Jackson and Hoffman are my #1 choices at 9 for sure and then Gordon, Freeland, Holmes, Zimmer, etc at 11

[ace3113]

Hoffman needs TJS.

 

Take him anyway at #9? I f***ing would.

 

Most recent draft arms with huge upside that fell for "injury concerns" have f***ing killed it. Giolito and Manaea, preemptive concerns with Sale... probably more.

 

I'd wait till 11, but I'd take him. I don't see the Mets taking him at 10, and someone could still fall to 9 who we like. It's not often a potential number 1 just falls in your lap and you have the luxury of an extra pick.

[z3r0s]

I'd wait till 11, but I'd take him. I don't see the Mets taking him at 10, and someone could still fall to 9 who we like. It's not often a potential number 1 just falls in your lap and you have the luxury of an extra pick.

 

I was thinking about that too but I wasn't sure which spot is better to move down from if he doesn't sign and chooses to try again next year.

[Abomination]

I'd wait till 11, but I'd take him. I don't see the Mets taking him at 10, and someone could still fall to 9 who we like. It's not often a potential number 1 just falls in your lap and you have the luxury of an extra pick.

 

Yeah, I'd wait until 11 also, but taking him there would be a perfect situation. We might even get him to sign at a nice discount, freeing up money for elsewhere in the draft.

[ace3113]

I was thinking about that too but I wasn't sure which spot is better to move down from if he doesn't sign and chooses to try again next year.

 

That's a good point, I never thought about that. If we take him at 9 and he doesn't sign, we still have a protected pick next year. It's definitely an important consideration.

[ace3113]

 

[ace3113]

http://www.baseballamerica.com/college/bukauskas-tells-teams-hell-pass-on-draft/

 

Bukauskas Tells Teams He’ll Pass On Draft

 

North Carolina took a page out of Virginia’s playbook with a player from the Cavaliers’ back yard.

 

Stone Bridge High righthander Jacob Bukauskas (Ashburn, Va.) has emailed scouts in the area to ask them not to draft him, informing them he intends to fulfill his commitment to North Carolina.

 

Bukauskas’ letter, obtained by Baseball America, thanked scouts for investing time and effort to evaluate him, as well as trying to gauge what it would take to sign him away from North Carolina. He wrote, “When confronted recently with the timeline and logistics realities in front of me, I feel like it will be better for my overall personal development (socially, emotionally, etc.) to experience college.”

 

Bukauskas follows the example set in the past by Virginia pitchers such as Nathan Kirby and Connor Jones, current members of the top-ranked Cavaliers pitching staff who were potential high draft picks out of high school but asked teams not to select them. Kirby, in fact, went as far as to make sure that teams could not draft him by removing his name from the draft.

 

The 6-foot Bukauskas had re-classified as a member of the 2014 draft class last summer and was shaping up as one of the youngest players and hardest throwers of the 2014 prep class. Bukauskas owns one of the better fastballs in the class in terms of velocity, sitting in the 93-97 mph range and reaching as high as 98.

 

Bukauskas’ secondary stuff has proved less consistent than his velocity, with his changeup ahead of his low 80s slider on some days. But his slider has shown better in recent starts, flashing plus. Scouts who were buying on Bukauskas touted the consistent premium velocity to go with his youth (he’s 17) and improvement over the course of the past year, and saw him competing for a spot in the back half of the first round. Scout who were less sanguine on his stock still had him as a second-rounder and considered him a better fit as a reliever due in part to his stature and the effort in his delivery.

 

If Bukauskas lives up to his letter and attends North Carolina, he would not be draft-eligible again until 2017.

[GD]

Who are the early signability picks?

[ace3113]

Perfect Game chat from today.

 

http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=9831

 

Comment From Canadian Kid

Who are the top canadians for this years draft?

 

Todd Gold:

OF Garreth Morgan is the big name of the group and he'll be the first one off the board, likely in the first three rounds. Canadian born RHP Brock Dyxhoorn looks like the next one on most boards out of Central Arizona CC. Beyond those two RHP Zach Pop, C/1B Mitchell Robinson and CIF Robert Bykowski round out the players that we currently have projected for the top 10 rounds.

 

Comment From Travis

What are the odds the Cubs don't go SP at 1.4?

 

Todd Gold:

It's possible, but given how the talent lines up in this draft class and their organizational composition I'd expect them to take a pitcher.

 

Comment From Virginia

Where is Derek Fisher, from UVA, stock now after the hamate injury?

 

Frankie Piliere:

It's on the rebound. There's some power showing which is atypical after a hamate injury. With the lack of bats out there, he's on the rise again in my opinion.

 

Comment From Guest

Where do you see Isan Diaz getting drafted?

 

Jheremy Brown:

Isan has been performing well this spring and showing the power in his swing that his added muscle weight would suggest...His actions are still smooth and fluid in the left side of the infield during HS but may move to 2B at the next level where his power will be even more valuable from the left side..Rounds 3-5

 

Comment From Jay jay

How many looks do you get on Canadian players? Are they difficult to evaluate?

 

Jheremy Brown:

Todd and I were lucky enough to be in Arizona the same time that the Langley Blaze were traveling down there for a week and we were able to see almost a game a day out of those guys...The following week the Ontario Blue Jays were at the Showdown and allowed us another look. They aren't seen as much as the FLA or Cali kids, but they are have eyes laid on them for sure.

 

Todd Gold:

In this day and age they get more looks than it would seem given all of the opportunities to travel and compete against the top prospects from the US. For example I've personally seen Garreth Morgan in three games this spring after a couple of games in October and several viewings last summer. The evaluation is typically a little bit different than players from warm weather climates, but similar to a player from the northern United States.

 

Comment From Bret

Is Kyle Freeland's delivery a concern?

 

Frankie Piliere:

Not as much as it use to be. He repeats well - there is indeed some funk but it works in his favor. He's cleaned up since I first saw him early on the Cape. Not a huge deal for me.

 

Comment From Guest

Frankie I know you saw Newcomb recently. Where would you take him in the draft? Top 10 possible?

 

Frankie Piliere:

Newcomb is right on the fringe of the top ten for me. Judging by the scouting heat in there when I was there, I think he goes 10-15 and I think that's about right. He has a chance to explode as a pro. The Lester comps are pretty accurate.

 

Comment From Tim

Do you have a reasonable mlb comp for casey gillaspie? How do his hit and power grade out

 

Frankie Piliere:

I'm not sure on a comp for you - I don't like those unless they actually work so I won't force it. But he's a 55 bat with 60 power for me. He's a monster.

 

Comment From Bret

Who has the best changeup in the draft? Or maybe the best from a college pitcher and best from a prep pitcher?

 

Jheremy Brown:

Best CH belong to Nola regardless of HS/College and the top prep CH probably belongs to Keaton McKinney

 

Comment From James

Quickest hands in this years draft class?

 

Todd Gold:

Good one. I'll go with Brad Zimmer.

 

Frankie Piliere:

I'll second that

 

Comment From Loyalcrew

Who do you see the brewers taking or who will be Available at 12?

 

Todd Gold:

That's an interesting spot to pick at. That's right around the range where Jacob Gatewood becomes really tempting and there should be some arms there that would typically go in the top 5/10 in other classes still on the board. Several early pick scenarios will change what is on the board at 12 but either way they'll have a lot more talent available than you'd typically find at that spot in other classes.

 

Comment From Davey Boy

What is your grade on Touki Toissant's CB?

 

Frankie Piliere:

60-65

 

Comment From Jacked up

Your fav player not projected in the first round?

 

Todd Gold:

Tough one, especially since it's a gray area as to who qualifies. I'll go with Ti'quan Forbes.

 

Comment From Guest

Pos. Player with highest upside

 

Todd Gold:

Tough call between Michael Gettys and Jacob Gatewood. I'll go Gettys by a hair.

 

Comment From Guest

Even though Getty's power might not play?

 

Todd Gold:

When you're talking about upside then you're assuming that it will.

 

Comment From Garth Vader

For the Royals at 17 would you rather have Conforto, Schwaber, Gillaspie, or Fisher if you're leaning for the college bat? Think Montes De Oca would be an overdraft at their 57?

 

Frankie Piliere:

I'd take Schwarber. But that is simply a matter of personal preference. All those guys could fit in that spot. Schwarber has the best hit tool among them in my opinion. I don't think that's an overdraft on Montes de Oca but there are a lot of variables with him.

 

Comment From Oren

Any update on Luis Ortiz' injury? Can he work his way back to the top half of the first round mix (if he was ever there to start)?

 

Todd Gold:

I haven't heard a confirmed report that he was actually injured. He was shut down for a couple weeks and I'd heard speculation (though unconfirmed) of a dead arm period, either way whatever the issue was seems to be behind him as I'm told his stuff was very good in his start yesterday, Where he fits exactly is still a bit up in the air but the first round is still a real possibility.

 

Comment From Bret

Following the traditions of guys like Hunter Harvey in 2013 and Michael Wacha in 2012, who's the player we're most likely to look at a year from now and say "I don't know how he wasn't a top 10 pick!?"

 

Frankie Piliere:

I was just having this conversation about this player this week. I think it's Sean Newcomb. A year or so from now everyone is going to wonder how this guy was available outside the top ten picks.

 

Comment From Jaen Carlos

I wanna know what Puerto Rican baseball player are the scouts talking about if any

 

Todd Gold:

Alexis Pantojas is the top Puerto Rican prospect this year.

 

Comment From Trent

I only saw his Perfect Game National performance last summer, but Mac Marshall struck me as one of the most impressive pitchers in the high school class. Why is he not getting more popularity among evaluators?

 

Todd Gold:

He was excellent in Minnesota, much agreed. That was the best outing I've seen out of him, his velocity was typically a few mph lower in the other outings I've seen and it was the sharpest I've seen his curveball. He'd be getting talked about a lot more if there wasn't so much competition for national prospect media attention from other talented arms.

 

Todd Gold:

I should add that his changeup was even better at the Area Code Games than it was at the PG National.

 

Comment From MikeSIU

Any pro reports on SIU pitcher Sam Coonrod and where he might go come June draft?

 

Frankie Piliere:

I think 2nd-3rd round is about right for him. The fastball is well above average. 93-97 most outings but he just has to be more consistent with his secondaries. I've seen a plus breaking ball and I've also seen some games where he couldn't really locate it at all. Someone rolls the dice fairly early on him though.

 

Comment From Ben Anderson

What are some of the specific questions scouts have about Trea Turner? After his great weekend his numbers are in line with his career numbers but i know it's not always about the numbers.

 

Frankie Piliere:

The Turner questions for me center on his ability to hit the hard stuff inside. I've seen him get beat in there by higher level arms. I don't think it's a huge deal, however, because look at the rest of the profile. 70 wheels everyday shortstop who shows more than flashes of power.

[ace3113]

Seems like a perfect player to nab in the later rounds of the draft and try to convince him to sign overslot. Ala Tellez + Brentz last season.

 

Especially with the way our FO loves high school pitching

 

He probably would have been close to the top of my list for the second round prior to this announcement. You'd have to save up the equivalent of a mid to late 1st rounder to sign him in the later rounds, as that's where he was likely to go though. He still likely goes to school.

[GD]

Gareth Morgan in the early rounds pls