2012 MLB DRAFT

[JaysFanToronto]

I've compiled some scouting reports/stats/video on some of the top players per position eligible for the upcomming draft. Thought I'd share it with you nice Cincinnati fans, since you've always been very congenial during my visits to the forum. Cheers.

http://www.minorleagueball.com/2012/4/19/2961097/mlb-2012-draft-college-shortstops

MLB 2012 Draft - College - Shortstops

1) Nolan Fontana SS, 5’11 190, L/R, Florida, NCAA

36gp 131ab .328/.443/.550 7hr 22rbi 6(2b) 1(3b) 26bb 10so 8sb 0cs

3e 99a .980fld%

Fontana is one of the top defensive shortstops in college. He was named to the SEC All-Defensive Team in both his freshman and sophomore years. He has great hands and a good arm at short. He also shows solid range for the position. Fontana might now wow you with his tremendous physical gifts in the field, but he makes just about every play imaginable. He has a good eye at the plate, and serves as a catalyst at the top of the Gators lineup, consistently getting on base. Fontana is an excellent situational hitter with pretty good pop in his bat. He is really moving up draft boards with the way he’s hit this spring. Already plays the game like a big leaguer, and does all the little things.

2) Deven Marrero SS, 6`1 180, R/R, Arizona, NCAA

34gp 131ab .290/.347/.427 3hr 18rbi 3(2b) 3(3b) 11bb 12so 8sb 1cs

10e 104a .938fld%

Marrero is an excellent defender who will definitely stick at shortstop professionally. He shows good instincts in the field, and has soft hands and a plus arm. Though Marrero lacks top level bat speed, he does make solid contact with a smooth line drive swing. Marrero isn’t particularly fast, but he does have good instincts on the base paths. While he doesn’t profile to hit for much power at the next level, Marrero has the chance to be a good every-day shortstop, with an above average hit tool. Has started slow this spring, making a lot of weak contact, however his track record of performance at Arizona, should keep him from falling too far down most draft boards.

3) Stephen Bruno, SS, 5’10 165, R/R, Virginia, NCAA

35gp 140ab .343/.402/.486 2hr 31rbi 10(2b) 2(3b) 11bb 14so 6sb 0cs

6e 63a .933fld%

Bruno is a slick-fielding college shortstop who should be able to stick at the position thanks to his plus range, and Speedy Gonzalez quick hands. He has surprising pop for a player his size, and could probably hit 10-15 homeruns at the next level. Bruno is a polished hitter, who makes consistent contact at the plate. He doesn’t strike out a lot, and takes his fair share of walks. Those attributes, along with his speed make him an ideal top-of-the-order-hitter. Bruno is a hard worker with excellent makeup. He missed significant time last year due to a serious hamstring injury. Playing third for Virginia right now, but short is his longterm home.

4) Chris Taylor, 6’0 170, R/R, Virginia, NCAA

36gp 142ab .296/.394/.500 4hr 32rbi 9(2b) 4(3b) 21bb 24so 7sb 1cs

11e 89a .928fld%

A potential five-tool shortstop, Taylor has a potent bat, and provides solid defence up the middle. He moves well defensively at short with plus range and good hands. He has a strong arm that rates as solid-average, to slightly above at times. As the leadoff hitter for a talented Virginia squad, Taylor has a solid approach at the plate, and squares up the ball consistently. Offensively he offers an intriguing power/speed combination, with the speed to steal the occasional base, and the potential for at least average power. A versatile athlete, Taylor has played short, second, third and outfield respectively for the Cavaliers. He became the full-time starter at short in 2011, when incumbent Stephen Bruno went down with a hamstring injury. He may profile better at second base as a pro, and some scouts have compared him to Giants 2011 first-rounder Joe Panik.

5) Kenny Diekroeger, 2B/SS, 6’2 200, R/R, Stanford, NCAA

31gp 124ab .315/.367/.468 2hr 23rbi 13(2b) 9bb 23so 2sb 2cs

4e 96a .975fld%

A big, athletic middle infielder, Diekroeger is full of offensive potential with the quick hands and the bat speed to hit for solid power and average. He has a contact oriented approach that isn’t conducive to taking a lot of pitches or drawing walks, but he’s done a good job of cutting down his strikeouts from year to year. Defensively, reviews have been mixed even though most agree that he is as athletic as they come. He has average speed and range to go along with good arm strength, but after playing primarily shortstop for Stanford as a sophomore, Diekroeger has been pushed to second base this spring, and that may be where he profiles best long term.

6) Matt Reynolds, SS/3B, 6’1 200, R/R, Arkansas, NCAA

34gp 116ab .336/.466/.534 4hr 26rbi 11(2b) 28bb 15so 10sb 1cs

7e 73a .931fld%

Matt Reynolds is a solid, versatile player. After a sophomore campaign in which he batted just .233, he impressed at the Cape hitting .322, and has carried that over this spring. Reynolds is patient and selective at the plate. He has good bat speed and is an effective base runner. Reynolds’ swing becomes a bit long at times, but changes made to his load by Team USA coaches over the summer have toned down his approach, and have lead to much better results overall. Reynolds is a standout defensively. While he’s is starting at third for Arkansas as a junior, but can handle any spot on the infield, including shortstop, with his strong arm, and solid athleticism. He’s finally healthy this spring, and is moving quickly up draft boards.

7) Steve Nyisztor, SS, 6’3 190, R/R, Louisburg, JUCO

42gp 149ab .362/442/.436 4hr 32rbi 9(2B) 17bb 19sb 4cs

22e 107a .883fld%

Nyisztor burst onto the scene with Rutgers in 2010 posting a triple slash line of .410/.450/563 to go with 4 homeruns, 17 doubles, 11 stolen bases, and an impressive 11 walks to 0 strikeouts. He transferred to Louisburg, after his sophomore season, when he was declared academically ineligible to play for the Aggies. Nyisztor is a long and lean athlete with a solid all-around package. He is a very good runner registering a 6.55 time in the 60, and his bat projects large, showing the ability to hit for both power and average. Nyisztor hits from a slightly open stance with a no stride approach. He has slight lift in his swing and makes consistent contact at the plate. Defensively, he has excellent actions and body control, with plus arm strength (87mph), and solid range. His defensive stats this spring with Louisburg are not encouraging as far as his ability to stick at shortstop long term. He certainly has the tools to do so, but a switch to second or third base, or even the outfield, shouldn`t hurt his stock too much.

8) Tyler Smith, SS, 6’0 191, R/R, Oregon State, NCAA

33gp 113ab .425/.507/.531 1hr 27rbi 7(2b) 1(3b) 20bb 15so 9sb 1cs

9e 84a .934fld%

Tyler Smith has been a breakout star for Oregon this year, coming out of nowhere to lead the team in hitting. He’s defensively versatile up the middle, well above-average at both shortstop and second base. Smith has good arm strength and above-average speed which he uses well both in the field, and on the base paths. A top of the order type of hitter, Smith has excellent plate discipline and does an excellent job of getting on base. Smith has a nice line drive swing, but his doesn`t figure to hit for much if any power going forward. Hit just .230/.389/.265 in 113 park/schedule adjusted at-bats in 2011. At the very least he’s a big league utility man.

9) Reed Gragnani, SS/OF, 6’0 175, S/R, Virginia, NCAA

19gp 67ab .358/.419/.388 0hr 9rbi 2(2b) 2bb 9so 0sb 1cs

3e 7a .917fld%

Push to the outfield thanks to the pressence of Bruno and Taylor (numbers 3 & 4) on a loaded Virginia infield, Gragnani is a talented player in his own right with above average tools across the board. He has above average speed, running 6.55 in the 60, and an accurate arm that registers 81 mph across the infield. Gragnani’s is a superb athlete, who could virtually play anywhere on the diamond if he needed to. As a shortstop, he has shown that he has soft hands and good actions, to go along with the aforementioned arm and range. He is no slouch with the bat either. He switch-hits and creates good bat speed. He is short to the ball and hits hard line drives to all fields. He is comfortable and balanced in the box and shows excellent hitting ability. Has received comparisons to Orioles All-Star second baseman Brian Roberts in the past.

10) Kyle Farmer, SS, 6’0 195, R/R, Georgia, NCAA

36gp 153ab .294/.329/.451 3hr 24rbi 15(2b) 6bb 16so 3sb 0cs

5e 103a .970fld%

Farmer is a very competitive player, who provides excellent defense up the middle of the diamond. He has nice range and a strong arm that registers 87 mph across the infield. At the plate Farmer is an above average hitter. He has a solid swing and good bat speed. He hits cleanup for the Bulldogs and has very good power for a middle infielder. Could stand to take a few more walks, which would improve his on-base numbers. Farmer has been a consistent performer throughout his college career, with an excellent track record both at the plate and on the field.

11) Pat Blair, SS, 5’10 180, R.R, Wake Forest, NCAA

37gp 155ab .323/.422/.445 2hr 22rbi 13(2b) 27bb 21so 13sb 2cs

9e 101a .943fld%

A good defender in both the infield and outfield, Blair is a very underrated prospect among the shortstops in this class. A hardworking player, Blair plays above his raw tools which are already solid across the board. Always a solid-average hitter, he has made big strides overall with the bat this spring, by cutting down his strikeout rate from a career 18.5 per cent to 11.4 while improving his BA by 58 points from his career average. Blair’s power is mostly gap power, but he will hit an abundance of doubles, and can even turn on a pitch every now and then. Wake Forest’s leadoff hitter, Blair does a good job getting on base, and isn’t afraid to take a walk. Once on, he has the speed and instincts to steal bases at a high percentage. Plays for an excellent program against very good competition. The Maryland product modeled his game after Cal Ripken growing up and like number 8 plays the game right way. Will only be 20 at the draft.

12) Darnell Sweeney, SS/2B, 6’1 160, S/R, Central Florida, NCAA

37gp 143ab .280/.402/.385 1hr 21rbi 4(2b) 4(3b) 30bb 16so 13sb 6cs

15e 102a .910fld%

Sweeney is a long lean athlete who projects to be a top of the order hitter at the next level. He has a patient approach, and does an excellent job getting on base. Sweeney hits from an open stance from both sides of the plate and uses his hands well in his swing. He flashes some gap power from the left side, but struggles with left-handed breaking balls when hitting right-handed. Sweeney is a good base runner. He has an easy stride posting 60 times of 6.86 in the past. Defensively, Sweeney has good lateral range, and solid footwork. His arm strength has improved, and he now throws 87 mph across the infield. Despite possessing the necessary athleticism tools to stick at short, Sweeney’s defensive stats at UCF have been spotty. He may profile best at second base, but a team hoping to keep him at short, will likely be counting on his excellent makeup and work ethic in getting him to iron out the holes in his defensive game.

13) Mike Miller, SS, 5’8 170, R/R, Cal-Poly, NCAA

31gp 130ab .362/.426/.523 1hr 21rbi 10(2b) 4(3b) 14bb 13so 3sb 1cs

4e 71a .969fld%

Another underrated shortstop prospect, Miller has started to open up some eyes with his play this spring. On the heels of an MVP and Gold Glove winning performance in the ABL (where he hit .359, committing only 4 errors), the Mustangs’ starting shortstop hasn’t slowed down since returning to campus. Hitting primarily out of the leadoff spot, the fourth-year senior is a smart hitter with sneaky pop in his bat. Miller has excellent plate discipline and will not strikeout often. He has also shown himself to be a good hitter in pressure situations. Some adjustments made by coaches to his approach last season have enabled him to take his game to another level. They introduced a leg kick, which has helped him generate more torque in his swing while keeping the bat head in the zone longer. In the field, Miller is steady defensively. He makes all the plays, with soft hands, quick feet, and an accurate arm. Praised often for his leadership and makeup, Miller is a tough player who competes on the field. He has had to overcome adversity in his young career, nearly being forced to give up baseball due to a stress fracture in his back. Miller went through a lot mentally and physically just to get back on the field, speaking to his character.

14) Jared Reaves, SS, 5’10 185, R/R, Alabama, NCAA

36gp 143ab .322/.355/.441 3hr 20rbi 6(2b) 1(3b) 6bb 19so 3sb 2cs

12e 113a .929fld%

Good player on both sides of the ball. Reaves is a scrappy shortstop with a great feel for the game. The former Southern Union CC, transfer plays the game under control. He’s steady defensively and makes all the plays with good instincts and a strong arm. Reaves posted a .983 fielding percentage for the Crimson Tide in 2011 committing only 9 errors on 244 chances, while starting all 63 games at short. Offensively, Reaves has a very good bat and above average power for a shortstop. He led Alabama in doubles and RBIs with 22 and 47, respectively last year. While finishing second in six other offensive categories, including average (.340), slugging percentage (.498), on-base percentage (.406), runs (51), hits (82) and walks (24).

15) Austin Nola, SS, 5’10 170, R/R, Louisiana, NCAA

36gp 119ab .303/.435/.403 1hr 22rbi 9(2b) 24bb 17so 2sb 0cs

4e 75a .968fld%

Senior shortstop Austin Nola has built a reputation as a very good defensive player with smooth actions, soft hands, and an excellent arm. Considered mostly an all glove player, he has handled the bat surprisingly well this spring, raising his draft stock some. Nola displays an aggressive approach at the plate, while at the same time keeping his strikeouts in check, and taking a fair number of walks. He`s a line drive hitter with only gap power. Nola has a straight up stance in the batter`s box with no stride. He has quick hands and looks to keep his hands inside the ball. While it`s very unlikely Nola will be an impact player at the next level, his defence good enough, that if he can be at least an average hitter, he will have value.

16) Mikey Reynolds, SS, 5’9 170, S/R, Texas A&M, NCAA

37gp 136ab .329/.444/.445 1hr 19rbi 10(2b) 2(3b) 23bb 17so 15sb 2cs

10e 109a .944fld%

An athletic shortstop with very good speed, Reynolds is a switch-hitter with a good idea at the plate. He provides a spark at the top of the Aggies lineup combining the ability to get on base with the speed and instincts to steal them. While power will never be a big part of his game, he does have some pop, though it`s mostly to the gaps. He`s a scrappy player who really battles in every at-bat, and is difficult to strikeout. Reynolds complements his dynamic offensive game with slick defense and an accurate arm. From a defensive standpoint he shows good actions up the middle. A bit of a Dustin Pedroia type, he plays with a great deal of energy and passion, but like the Boston All-Star, who started at the keystone in college, Reynolds might have to move across the bag to second at the next level.

17) Chase Jensen, SS, 6’2 175, R/R, Houston, NCAA

33gp 129ab .302/.350/.395 1hr 27rbi 5(2b) 2(3b) 9bb 16so 2sb 0cs

10e 107a .946fld%

Houston’s best player is Chase Jensen, a tall and rangy shortstop, with a pro type body. Jensen is a good defensive player with a slick glove and a strong arm. He covers a tremendous amount of ground with excellent range and speed for a player his size. He can not only get to balls that some people can’t but he has the arm strength to throw the runner out. Jensen has been forced to play second base this spring while working his way back from an arm injury but his long term home will be at the keystone. While he can win games on the strength of his defense, Jensen is no slouch with the bat, hitting in the middle of the order for the Cougars. While not your prototypical cleanup man, Jensen is a very good hitter, who seems to hit even better with runners on base. He has mostly gap power right now, but if he fills out his still lanky frame, he could have even more. An aggressive hitter, the Arlington, Texas native is doing a better job taking walks and cutting down the strikeouts in his second year with Houston, but could still improve on these areas further. A rising prospect Jensen could stand to be a little more consistent, but he has the ability to look like a star at times both at the plate and in the field. A quiet leader, Jensen is said to have a very good makeup and work ethic.

18) Stephen Perez, SS, 5’11 184, S.R, Miami, NCAA

29gp 96ab .250/.360/.479 3hr 20rbi 5(2b) 4(3b) 15bb 27so 5sb 3cs

15e 93a .917fld%

The first thing you notice about Perez is his defence. He is an absolute wiz at short capable of turning in highlight reel plays every single game. Though his 60 times (7.12-7.3) might not seem impressive, his range is above average on account of his quick feet, and good instincts. He is silky smooth on the diamond, with lightning quick hands, and plus arm strength, clocked at 89 mph across the infield. Perez has some hotdog in his game, and will try to make the flashy play at times leading to errors. At the plate he has solid tools, but his bat has not advanced very in his three years at Florida. The switch-hitter has a smooth stroke from both sides, and a patient approach, but strikeouts continue to be a problem. In two seasons with the Hurricanes, he has a batting average of just .258 with 122 strikeouts. Small and not overly projectable, he has shown a little more pop this spring, but that isn’t a big part of his game. The bat, especially from the right side, continues to be a work-in-progress, but he will get drafted for his defensive ability alone.

19) Anthony Gomez, 6’0 180, R/R, Vanderbilt

33gp 132ab .356/.416/.386 0hr 30rbi 4(2b) 11bb 8so 3sb 2cs

10e 72a .925fld%

Gomez is a solid middle infielder who makes all the plays he should, but won’t wow you with the flashy play. He only has average foot speed (6.83 in the 60), but moves well enough with nice fluid actions up the middle. His plus arm strength (89 mph), and quick hands, help compensate somewhat for what he lacks in overall range, but he may have to move across the bag to second at the next level. Offensively, Gomez has a compact swing and line drive approach. He won’t hit for much if any power, but he makes up for it by making a crazy amount of contact. Conversely, he doesn’t take very many walks, which would be nice since he hits leadoff for the Commodores. Solid college player, with average tool-set. Hit well in the Cape, .292 with 2 hr in 89abs.

20) Sam Lind, SS, 5’11 190, L/R, Cumberland, NAIA

43gp 146ab .349/.446/.623 8hr 38rbi 10(2b) 3(3b) 22bb 25so 6sb 1cs

5e 88a .971fld%

Lind has bounced from Missouri to Central Arizona to Vanderbilt and now to Cumberland. Lind has a strong glove and a stronger arm. He put up really impressive numbers as a junior college freshman. Above average hit tool, and pretty good pop for a middle infielder. Some holes in swing, will strikeout a bit. Needs to take more walks.

21) Alex Mejia, SS, 6’1 200, R/R, Arizona, NCAA

35gp 142ab .373/.385/.500 3hr 28rbi 7(2b) 1(3b) 4bb 13so 3sb 4cs

12e 116a .934fld%

Mejia is big and physical for a shortstop but he has easy smooth actions and a cannon arm. Defensively he is very good, with soft hands and excellent instincts which he got from his father Carlo, a former All-American infielder at Pepperdine. Mejia’s first step and range are both considered above average, and he has the athleticism to make acrobatic plays on the infield, though he struggles making the routine plays at times. For all his defensive skill however, it has been his work with the stick this spring that has really made the biggest impact. Projected to bat eighth in the lineup before the spring, the talented infielder has since moved all the way up to third in the batting order thanks to his sudden offensive breakout. Mejia had always been a solid hitter, with very good bat speed (his career average prior to 2012 was .327), but now he is hitting for much more power and production tying for the team lead in homeruns with 3 while slugging nearly 100 points higher than his previous career high. A natural ball-player, a wrist injury earlier in the year forced him to bat left handed (something he had never done before) and he held his own. Mejia is a confident, aggressive player, and a vocal leader among his teammates.

[JaysFanToronto]

http://www.minorleagueball.com/2012/4/12/2943935/mlb-2012-draft-college-catchers

MLB 2012 Draft - College - Catchers

1) Michael Zunino, C, 6`2 215, R/R, Florida, NCAA

(2012) 32(gp) 119(ab) .353/.407/.714 10(hr) 38(rbi) 13(2b) 14(bb) 24(so) 5(sb) 0(cs)

2(pb) 6(csb) 21(sba)

Zunino has the potential to be a very good everyday big league backstop. He has a solid, disciplined approach at the plate, a quick bat and solid pull power. He is likely to have a high strikeout rate at the next level, but his willingness to take a walk should help offset that somewhat. Zunino truly shines defensively. He moves well and does a good job of blocking balls in the dirt. Zunino’s arm is strong and accurate. He has good hands, and he's a natural leader who can run a pitching staff. VIDEO

2) Peter O`Brien, C, 6’5 225, R/R, Miami, NCAA

(2012) 32(gp) 115(ab) .357/.454/.696 10(hr) 36(rbi) 9(2b) 20(bb) 21(so) 1(sb) 2(cs)

5(pb) 8(csb) 15(sba)

Big physical backstop with a power bat and arm strength. A bit of swing and miss to his game, but he’s shown, at least this season, that he should be able to make enough contact to tap into his plus power. Defensively, O’Brien’s arm is average and, at times, during infield practice, it plays up, but not as much during games. His footwork needs to improve as well. In addition to his tools, his work ethic and leadership are considered a plus. Bilingual, speaks both English and Spanish fluently. VIDEO

3) Tom Murphy, C, 6’1 210, R/R, Buffalo, NCAA

(2012) 27(gp) 105(ab) .324/.432/.610 6(hr) 33(rbi) 10(2b) 1(3b) 21(bb) 27(so) 4(sb) 1(cs)

2(pb) 9(csb) 9(sba)

An athletic backstop, Murphy has nice speed for a catcher, running a 6.75 in the 60. He is a generally good receiver, and does a good job blocking balls behind the plate, but his defence could be more consistent overall. Murphy possesses a solid-average arm that routinely registers 1.9-second pop times to second base, though his throwing could use some refinement as the ball sails on him at times. At the plate he has a relatively short swing, and excellent raw power that could make him a 20-25 homerun threat at the next level. He does have some holes in his swing that will lead to quite a few strikeouts, but he does have a solid eye at the plate, and will take his fair share of walks. Scouts and managers alike rave about Murphy's work ethic.. VIDEO

4) Kevin Plawecki, C, 5’11 165, R/R, Purdue, NCAA

(2012) 29(gp) 110(ab) .373/.470/.618 3(hr) 26(rbi) 14(2b) 2(3b) 15(bb) 5(so)

3(pb) 6(csb) 12(sba)

Good combination of catch and throws skills and pure hitting ability. At the plate Plawecki has a short easy swing, and stay inside the ball well. Though his plate discipline is just average overall, he makes up for it by making an incredible amount of contact (he struck out just 21 times in his first two seasons at Purdue). Plawecki’s swing leads to a nice amount of line drives, but most of those line drives are singles rather than extra-base hits. He will hit for a relatively high average, but is unlikely to hit for very much power at the next level. Behind the plate, Plawecki is a standout defender having committed no errors, while displaying a plus throwing arm which he’s used to gun down 6 of 12 baserunners so far this season. Plawecki is a scrappy player whose hustle makes his solid tools play better. VIDEO

5) Josh Elander, C, 6’0 215, TCU, NCAA

(2012) 29(gp) 103(ab) .301/.410/.447 3(hr) 16(rbi) 4(2b) 1(3b) 16(bb) 18(so) 6(sb) 3(cs)

6(pb) 11(csb) 23(sba)

Elander is an athletic catcher with good offensive potential. Elander has shown good bat speed with an ability to spray line drives all over the field, but he has been primarily a singles hitter thus far in his career. Scouts have seen the power potential in Elander, but maybe his swing is too short for him to display it in games. He does have pretty good plate discipline, but he also strikes out too much, especially for a player who’s a singles hitter at this point. His defence is a work in progress, but he has a solid-average arm and moves fairly well behind the plate. He has very good instincts and is an intense competitor. Elander moves very well for his size and this should allow him to be very versatile in the field, if catching does not pan out. VIDEO

6) Dane Phillips, C/OF, 6’1 195, L/R, Arkansas, NCAA

(*2011*) 60(gp) 245(ab) .339/.391/.518 4(hr) 32(rbi) 16(2b) 8(3b) 20(bb) 52(so) 2(sb) 0(cs)

Phillips is one of the top pure hitters in college baseball. He has an easy left-handed swing with good bat speed, and the ability to spray the ball to all fields. There is some pop in his bat, and it’s not hard to envision him possibly hitting 15 homeruns a year as a pro. Phillips tested his metal in the wood bat Cape Cod League in 2011, and he garnered all-star honours while hitting .349 with 4 homeruns in only 124 at bats. The only question, for Phillips is what position he’ll ultimately play. During his sophomore season he played just 4 games behind the plate while starting 47 at DH. The reports on his defence from the Cape were encouraging, and if the NCAA will grant his transfer to Arkansas, he will get even more opportunity to show if he can remain at catcher. Regardless, it will be Phillips bat, that gets him drafted in June. VIDEO

7) Aaron Jones, C/OF, 6’1 195, R/R, Oregon, NCAA

(2012) 30(gp) 117(ab) .316/.390/.556 5(hr) 28(rbi) 9(2b) 2(3b) 15(bb) 24(so) 4(sb) 4(cs)

2(pb) 5(csb) 6(sba)

Draft eligible sophomore with a colorful personality. Jones is a solid hitter with very good power potential. He strikes out quite a bit (not uncommon for a power hitter), and probably won’t hit for a high average at the higher pro levels but overall his approach at the plate is solid, and he shows the willingness to take a walk. Defensively, Jones is very athletic with surprising speed for the catching position, which is understandable since he can also play the outfield. Behind the plate, he has good pure arm strength, but he needs to refine his transfer and release. His power bat and athleticism are his current calling cards, as his defense isn’t quite where it should be yet. VIDEO

8) Luke Maile, C/1B, 6’3 220, R/R, Kentucky, NCAA

(2012) 34(gp) 125(ab) .336/.448/.624 9(hr) 36(rbi) 9(2b) 19(bb) 14(so) 7(sb) 1(cs)

3pb 4(csb) 6(sba)

Big strong catcher with power to spare, Maile’s hit tool has come a long way in his three years with the Wild Cats. In the past he had a tendency to strikeout a lot, but he`s worked hard to shorten his swing, and improve his pitch recognition (he already has more walks (19) in 2012 than he did in all of 2011 (18), while projecting for 34 fewer strikeouts). Defensively, Maile still needs work. He has a strong arm, but his footwork and release could be improved, as could his blocking and receiving skills. He has all the tools to stay behind the plate but lacks extensive experience at the position. He’s played a lot of first base this spring while splitting time with Senior backstop Michael Williams. His above average speed and athleticism might enable to handle an outfield corner, where his above average power should profile. VIDEO

9) Brandon Miller, OF/C, 6'1 195, R/R, Samford, NCAA

(2012) 32(gp) 134(ab) .284/.357/.619 12(hr) 39(rbi) 9(2b) 15(bb) 28(so) 0(sb) 2(cs)

0(pb) 0(csb) 1(sba)

Very underrated among the catchers in this draft class, Miller has all the raw tools to be a standout prospect in his own right, with more consistency and polish. He’s very athletic (running a 6.96 in the 60), and shifts well behind the plate to block balls. He also has excellent raw arm strength, registering pop times of 1.93 on throws to second base. Offensively Miller is a confident hitter, with an aggressive approach. He strikes out a fair amount, and can be a bit of a streaky hitter, but he has impressive power, that already plays in games. At times Miller can be inconsistent, at the plate and behind it. He has a strong arm, but his accuracy wavers. He has nice defensive tools, but inconsistent footwork. Good bat speed, but an inconsistent setup. Good coaching might be able to iron out these flaws and unlock Miller’s full potential. VIDEO

10) Joe Hudson, C, 6’1 205, R/R, Notre Dame, NCAA

(2012) 30(gp) 102(ab) .382/.492/.598 4(hr) 25(rbi) 8(2b) 1(3b) 14(bb) 18(so) 3(sb) 0(cs)

5(pb) 9(csb) 16(sba)

Hudson is a very good defensive catcher with excellent catch and throw skills; showing good quickness behind the plate, and the arm strength to shut down an opposing team’s running game. Where Hudson has seen made the greatest strides has been at the plate. A career .245 hitter with 1 homerun and 20rbis heading into 2012, Hudson has already surpassed both his career homerun and RBI totals, and is doing a better job making contact, nearly doubling his career average at .400. Undrafted out of high school, Hudson has come a long way in turning himself into a good all-around catcher. At the very least, his defensive acumen will allow him to become a solid organizational catcher. VIDEO

11) Ronnie Freeman, C, 6’1 190, R/R, Kennesaw, NCAA

(2012) 34(gp) 131(ab) .321/.409/.435 3(hr) 37(rbi) 6(2b) 17(bb) 23(so)

1(pb) 9(csb) 25(sba)

Offensive catcher with an intriguing bat. Freeman has a nice line drive swing and is very good at making contact. He doesn’t strike out a lot, but his plate discipline needs work, as most of his walks come from opposing teams pitching around him. Other things that concern scouts about Freeman are his lack of extra-base hits, the weaker conference he plays in (the Big South), and the fact that his numbers are inflated by a high BABIP (.414). Freeman has some offensive tools, but one can’t be sure how good he is because of a lack of quality competition. Defensively, he has a good arm and moves pretty well behind the plate, but he’s still quite raw. His arm is inaccurate at times and he needs work blocking balls the dirt. He had 7 passed balls over 57 games in 2011, and caught only 36 per cent of base-stealers. Just like his offense, Freeman has some tools, but you can’t be sure he’ll ever be able to make the most of them.

12) Jonathan Walsh, C/OF, 6’3 211, S/R Texas, NCAA

(2012) 28(gp) 108(ab) .352/.398/.509 2(hr) 21(rbi) 7(2b) 2(3b) 8(bb) 16(so) 6(sb) 0(cs)

A big time sleeper; Walsh is strong and very athletic. For a guy his size, he runs an incredible 6.58. There is some question of whether he’s just too athletic to keep behind the plate, but his raw tools (arm strength, athleticism, and quickness) should be playable there, with some refinements. Walsh has seen limited playing time behind the plate in 2012, with sophomore backstop Jacob Felts getting the majority of the starts. Should a position switch become necessary, right field would be his most likely destination where his plus arm, plus power, and speed, should be a major asset. Often compared to Nationals’ outfielder Jayson Werth (another catcher turned outfielder), Walsh is a switch hitter with an advanced bat and an MLB approach already. He has good bat speed from both sides of the plate and makes hard line drive contact. He stays inside the ball and can drive the ball to all fields. VIDEO

13) Tyler Heineman, C, 5’11 205, S/R, UCLA, NCAA

(2012) 29(gp) 97(ab) .412/.516/.515 1(hr) 18(rbi) 5(2b) 1(3b) 15(bb) 7(so) 2(sb) 1(cs)

2(pb) 10(csb) 16(sba)

With the graduation of Steve Rodriguez to pro-ball, Heineman was finally given the reigns to the starting catcher position for the Bruins and has made the most of it. Not known as a flashy player, Heineman has built a reputation on his lights out defense. He has an excellent build for the position and moves very well behind the plate blocking balls. Heineman is a sound receiver and works well with pitchers. He also has a cannon for an arm, registering 1.85 pop times to second base during games. Offensively, Heineman is a contact hitter with an up-the-middle/opposite-field approach. His plate discipline is considered excellent, and he works deep counts, showing an ability to take walks and get on base. Power doesn’t figure to be a prominent part of his game going forward. Heineman is a breakout 2012 star based largely on an incredibly well-rounded skill set. His defense is big league quality as is, and his approach at the plate is top notch. VIDEO

14) Jacob Stallings, C, 6’5 222, R/R, North Carolina, NCAA

(2012) 32(gp) 123(ab) .317/.425/.404 2(hr) 23(rbi) 14(2b) 20(bb) 27(so) 2(sb) 0(cs)

3(pb) 12(csb) 16(sba)

On paper Stallings has everything you’d want in a young catching prospect: athleticism, above-average defensive upside, and potential with the bat. Stallings is considered a plus defender behind the plate, with a plus-plus arm and leadership characteristics that should be enough to take him to the big leagues as a backup catcher. The development of his bat will determine whether he could be something more, and so far this season, things are looking good on that front. Stallings has excellent raw power, and shows a willingness to take a walk. A Senior sign after not signing with reds as a 42-nd rounder last year, he almost certain to be taken much higher this year, particularly if the bat continues to improve. VIDEO

15) Chase Anselment, C, 6’1 200, L/R, Washington, NCAA

(2012) 21(gp) 55(ab) .345/.426/.491 2(hr) 9(rbi) 2(2b) 9(bb) 9(so) 0(sb) 1(cs)

2(pb) 1(csb) 9(sba)

Anselment has been on scouts’ radars since high school, when he was considered one of the top catching prospects in the nation. He started off his first year with the Huskies with a bang hitting .347 with 6 homeruns as a Freshman. He struggled some in 2011, with the introduction of the BBCOR bats, but looks to be back on track again this year. At his best, Anselment is a solid defensive catcher. He has great work ethic and is a leader behind the plate. While he has very good raw arm strength, he has not always done a great job throwing out runners during his college career. Offensively, he has big time raw power, and a very good hit tool. He generates excellent bat speed and can drive the ball to all fields. Anselment has very good pitch recognition and doesn’t strike out very much. VIDEO

16) Wade Wass, C , 6’0 205, R/R, Meridian, JUCO

(2012) 31(ip) 100(ab) .450/.586/.790 15(hr) 11(2b) 2(3b) 29(bb) 7(sb) 2(cs)

Very strong, solidly built athlete. Offensive minded catcher with serious bat speed and power potential. Keeps swing short, stays inside well for power guy, has some lift in swing, top spins the ball hard. Raw arm strength, young catching skills, hard worker on defense. Named best defensive catcher in the Northwoods League in 2011 thanks to a .994 fielding percentage while committing only 2 errors. Has all the tools to remain behind the plate long term, but it’s his high level bat that will be his ticket to the big leagues. Considered one of the top hitters in the nation. VIDEO

17) Jeremy Schaffer, C, 6’1 205, R/R, Tulane, NCAA

(2012) 31(gp) 116(ab) .336/.448/.552 6(hr) 26(rbi) 7(2b) 22(bb) 21(so) 3(sb) 0(cs)

0(pb)15(csb) 21(sba)

Schaffer is a strong offensive minded catcher with a solid bat, and a very good approach at the plate. He should be able to hit for above average power going forward, and he has good plate discipline. While Schaffer does have underrated athleticism and a solid average arm (throwing 84 from the mound) with a 1.9 average pop time to second base, he’ll pretty much have to make it on the strength of his bat, as he’s considered a fringy defender at this point, and as a 22-year-old Senior that doesn’t leave much time to work out the flaws.

18) Stefan Sabol, C/3B/OF, 6’2 205, R/R, Orange Coast, JUCO

(2012) 13(gp) 43(ab) .302/.455/.395 1(hr) 9(rbi) 1(2b) 12(bb) 10(so) 1(sb) 0(cs)

Very strong and athletic with 6.59 speed to go with good raw arm strength. Can play both outfield and catcher at a high level. At the plate he uses the whole field, and has big power potential. Also displays excellent plate discipline. Solid catch and throw skills defensively, with a 1.87 pop time. Throws are on a line and accurate, and he works hard behind plate, where he’s a plus blocker, and receiver. He’ll only be 20 at draft, which is good, because he is still very raw in all respects. Solid tools, results not there yet. Performance in the Cape Cod league showed promise as Sabol hit .299 in 77 at bats. Highly athletic talent with excellent bat speed; capable of playing any position, but 6.5 speed may be wasted behind plate. VIDEO

19) Bo Altobelli, C/INF, 6’0 180, R/R, Texas Tech, NCAA

(2012) 33(gp) 128(ab) .328/.392/.398 1(hr) 18(rbi) 6(2b) 11(bb) 13(so) 5(sb) 0(cs)

5(pb) 7(csb) 12(sba)

Altobelli is a solid defensive catcher with good catch and throw skills. His arm strength is above average and his throws have plenty of carry. He possesses above average athleticism and speed for the position, but is just too good behind the plate to move. At the plate he shows excellent patience and makes consistent contact, rarely striking out. He is short to the ball with good bat speed and barrel awareness, but probably won’t hit for a lot of power going forward. VIDEO

20) Phil Pohl, C, 6’0 195, R/R, Clemson, NCAA

(2012) 33(gp) 126(ab) .294/.372/.444 5(hr) 42(rbi) 4(2b) 10(bb) 19(so) 1(sb) 1(cs)

1(pb) 1(csb) 5(sba)

Pohl's defensive tools are solid but not plus but he plays above his tools. He has quick feet and is a solid receiver behind the plate with good blocking skills. Pohl has a quick release and an accurate arm registering pop times in the 1.87 range. Much like his defense, Pohl offense play above his raw tools and consistently hits the ball hard. Pohl has solid bat speed with good hands. His aggressive swing can get long at times, but he has the ability to get the bat head to the ball and squares it up. Pohl's strength is a plus for him at the plate and he's able to muscle the ball when his timing is off. An overachiever who plays a premium defensive position, he plays with a high energy hard-nosed approach to the game.

[JaysFanToronto]

http://www.minorleagueball.com/2012/4/3/2923755/mlb-2012-draft-high-school-catchers


MLB 2012 Draft - High School - Catchers


1) Stryker Trahan, C, 6’1 215, L/R, LA, HS

Trahan is known for his left-handed power and overall hitting ability. He has a short stroke with excellent bat speed. His plate discipline is excellent and he makes solid consistent contact. One of the things that stand out about Stryker is the amount of athleticism he brings to the position. He has good speed, running 60′s from 6.54 to 6.67. On defence, Trahan has the tools to be an excellent catcher. He moves well behind the plate and has a strong arm with recorded pop times from 1.85 to 2.01. Should he need to move off catcher in the future, right field would be his most likely landing spot. VIDEO

2) Wyatt Mathisen, C/MIF, 6’2 215, R/R, TX, HS

One of the best catching prospects in the 2012 class. A polished hitter with good bat speed Mathisen’s swing displays plus power potential. At the plate he has good patience and makes consistent hard contact. Despite spending most of his time at other positions, Mathisen shows good skills behind the plate. He has a strong and accurate arm, with a recorded pop time of 1.94. Does everything easily and athletically. High ceiling talent.

3) Clint Coulter, C, 6’3 215, R/R, WA, HS

Big strong catcher with big time bat. Excellent bat is ahead of his defensive skills at present. His power plays now and projects as a plus tool and he should be able to hit for enough average to be an everday catcher. Defensively he has a plus arm that will play as above average (most catchers arms go backwards a bit over a season and as they go through their careers, which is why starting with a plus arm is so important). VIDEO

4) David Houser, C, 6’1 210, S/R, SC, HS

Outstanding defensive and offensive catcher. Solid athletic build, there’s not a lot of projection, but excellent present strength. Good raw arm strength (90 mph from mound) quick transfer, 1.86 best pop time in workouts. Has a slight hitch in his release that has caused him to throw wildly in games, and he can stand to soften up hands. Offensively, Houser is a switch hitter with good power. He shows bat speed and good strength in his swing from both sides of the plate, but is a little shorter to the ball from the left side. Good hitting tools overall, but needs to work on pitch recognition and waiting on the breaking ball. VIDEO

5) Christopher Chinea, C, 6’0 205, R/R, FL, HS

Chinea is a very good defensive catcher, receives well, easily handled mid 90's velocity, excellent hands, strong arm, very good game throws. Right handed hitter, some swing length but gets barrel to inside half velocity, looking to pull and lift, good hitting rhythm, ball comes off the barrel hard, will reach on the outside occasionally. VIDEO

6) Jason Goldstein, C, 6’0 190, R/R, IL, HS

A steady player, Goldstein has good present skills both at and behind the plate. Goldstein also has a solid approach, to go with quick hands and good bat speed, producing a line drive swing with some power. He looks good behind the plate, getting rid of the ball quickly with accurate throws. His average pop times range from 1.80 to 1.88.VIDEO

7) CJ Saylor, C, 5’10 180, R/R, CA, HS

Top level defensive catcher with advanced catch-and-throw tools. Hardnosed player, plays for keeps. Very quick and compact defensive actions, very clean exchange, good footwork, plus arm strength, consistent throw mechanics, 1.77 best pop. Don't underestimate the bat, he can really hit and has power. Right handed hitter, very short and compact swing, likes the ball down in the zone, line drive machine, squares it up and the ball jumps, handles velocity well, high average hitter. VIDEO

8) Daniel Garner, C, 6’1 195, R/R, AL, HS

Garner moves well behind the plate and has soft hands. He has good arm strength, but the accuracy on his throws needs some work. His recorded pop is 1.85. Garner has good bat speed and is able to drive the ball to all fields. His power should be a strength at the next level. His recorded 60 time is 7.48. Daniel Garner has good all around tools.

9) Matt Fultz, C, 6’1 215, MO, HS

Big physical backstop shows a lot of talent both behind the plate and with the bat. Possesses good raw power and can put a charge into the ball. He can pull the ball with serious authority, but is also making strides towards becoming a more complete hitter showing the ability to drive the ball to all fields more often. Fultz’s defensive skills are highly polished, showing the ability to move well laterally and block balls, while also showing good receiving skills. VIDEO

10) Bryan de la Rosa, C, 5’9 180, R/R, Toa Alta, PR

Outstanding catch/throw tools, good receiver with energy and quickness. Excellent arm strength, quick controlled release, very accurate throws from low set. Right handed hitter with aggressive approach but keeps swing simple and short. Sound hitting fundamentals, confident hitter, ball jumps well. A 7.12 runner who is aggressive on the bases.

11) Brennan Morgan, C, 6’4 216, R/R, GA, HS

Big strong physical build, Morgan has very good swing mechanics and developing bat speed. He demonstrates athletic actions behind the plate, he receives the ball well with soft hands, has solid raw arm strength, but can stand to improve footwork. Offensively he keeps his hands short and quick to the ball, and has good bat speed. Good runner for size, 7.18, and runs the bases aggressively. Solid all around prospect.

12) Nelson Rodriguez, C/1B, 6’3 230, R/R, HS

Rodriguez has great raw power and can hit the ball out to all fields. He has good bat speed and shows strong pitch recognition. Rodriguez moves well behind the plate. He has soft hands and a strong arm. Rodriguez has a recorded pop time of 1.90. There is some concern that if he gets much bigger, Rodriguez could be forced to move to first base. Rodriguez has enough potential with the bat, but his draft stock hinges on whether teams believe his future is behind the plate or down the line at first. VIDEO

13) RJ Ybarra, C, 5’11 210, R/R, CA, HS

Big-time offensive tools, plus bat speed, very good strength in swing, ball really jumps off the bat, big raw power potential, the type of hitter who can miss the barrel and still muscle balls into the outfield, highest-level offensive tools. Cannon behind the plate, very quick release, good feet, balanced, polished receiver in all regards.

14) Tomas Nido, C/1B, 6’1 200, R/R, PR

Defensively, Nido possesses good catch and throw skills. He moves well and has soft hands. Nido’s arm is above average and he has a quick release, with excellent pop times. He throws 92mph from mound. All out effort swing with very good bat speed, looking to pull and lift the ball. Handles the barrel surprisingly well for the effort. Can hit the ball a long way when squared. May have to tone down swing at the upper levels but it works for him now. Lots of big tools. VIDEO

15) Blake Hickman, C 6’5 210, R/R, IL, HS

Big strong catcher in the mould of a Sandy Alomar Jr. or a Salvador Perez. Hickman can do a lot of things on a baseball field and is a definite pro prospect. At the plate he has mostly a square stance and loads up slightly before he swings. There’s some length to his swing, but he can generate very good bat-speed and raw power. Both project to plus as he fills out. Hickman doesn’t have the pitch recognition of the good warm weather hitters just yet, but repetitions will catch him up. Defensively, his big frame makes him slow with his hands to block balls. While he has plus (60) arm-strength and very quick feet (despite his size), Hickman’s long release keeps his workout pops around 2.0 seconds. Hickman runs close to average, running 7.09. For that and his plus arm, right field is a viable alternative. VIDEO

16) Phildrick Llewellyn, C, 6’1 205, S/R, FL, HS

Llewellyn has somehow flown under the radar somewhat despite being a versatile catcher with quick twitch athleticism, 6.85 speed, and consistent sub 1.90 pop times. A legit switch hitter with bat speed from both sides of the plate. Attacks the ball with a short quick swing. Intriguing combination of skills and tools. Gamer type, plays the game with hustle, smarts, and awareness.

17) Collin Yelich, C, 6’3 185, L/R, CA, HS

Solid athletic build with strength. Moves well behind the plate and has strong arm with carry. Yelich is a left-handed hitter with a compact stroke and good barrel awareness. Balanced, confident approach at plate. Stays back and lets the ball travel. Easy bat speed with pull pop. Goes to opposite field well. Line drive swing plane with good extension. Brother of Marlins 2010 1st round draft pick, Christian Yelich. VIDEO

18) Austin Barr, C, 6’2 215, R/R, WA, HS

Big kid with a good frame for a catcher and good athleticism for the position. Barr takes a solid approach to the plate. He has a compact swing and handles the bat well. He also shows very good raw power. Barr looks good behind the plate. He works well with pitchers and has advanced receiving skills. He has a quick release. His pop times at the 2010 Team One Futures Showcase were from 1.97-2.08. Barr plans to attend Stanford and is said to be a strong commit.

19) Jovan Hernandez, C, 5’10 200, R/R, TX, HS

Strong compact build, with loose athletic actions, pro catching tools. Quick behind the plate, soft hands, strong arm with accurate throws, 1.83 best pop time. Right handed hitter, shows gap to gap power, might need better plane through the zone, has present bat speed. Runs well for a catcher at 6.94.

20) Wilfredo Rodriguez, C, 5’10 200, R/R, Carolina, PR

Rodriguez's strength, power potential and right handed bat speed stand out. Plus bat speed, but aggressive all or nothing approach at the plate, needs refinement. Flashes power to all fields. Good raw arm strength. Rodriguez is deceptively athletic for a catcher and has run 6.86 in the 60.

21) Stephen Sauter, C, 6’2 190, S/R, CA, HS

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

[JaysFanToronto]

http://www.minorleagueball.com/2012/3/26/2903428/mlb-2012-draft-college-right-handed-starters

MLB 2012 Draft - College - Right Handed Starters

1) Mark Appel, RHP, 6’5 200, Stanford, NCAA

(2012) 3-1(w-l) 2(cg) 2.92(era) 40(ip) 23(h) 12(bb) 47(so) 2(hr)

Appel has the complete package of size, stuff and ability to throw strikes. A power pitcher with a big frame, he has good arm-speed and an easy delivery. Appel’s fastball is generally 93-95 and has been as high as 98. His top secondary pitch is a swing and miss slider. He also throws a change with good movement and a cutter. VIDEO

2) Kevin Gausman, RHP, 6’4 185, LSU, NCAA

(2012) 4-1(w-l) 1.54(era) 41(ip) 30(h) 11(bb) 50(so) 1(hr)

Gausman possesses tremendous arm speed and velocity. He throws a mid-90′s fastball that he can crank up to 99. His fastball runs in on righties. Guasman has solid command and great mound presence. He’s developed his breaking ball and refined his changeup a great deal since leaving high school. VIDEO

3) Kyle Zimmer, RHP, 6’3 210, San Francisco, NCAA

(2012) 2-1(w-l) 2(cg) 1.62(era) 39(ip) 25(h) 6(bb) 45(so) 1(hr)

Zimmer is a power pitcher with a fastball that sits comfortably at 92-94 and touches 97. His curveball can be a hammer in the low 80s with sharp tilt. Has made progress with the changeup over the summer, but it still has a ways to go. VIDEO

4) Michael Wacha, RHP, 6’6 190, Texas A&M, NCAA

(2012) 4-0(w-l) 1(cg) 2.25(era) 40(ip) 26(h) 8(bb) 47(so) 0(hr)

A big right-hander with the look of a future workhorse. Wacha has solid mechanics and an easy delivery. Control and a willingness to pound the strike zone are two of his strengths. Wacha’s fastball sits between 91 and 95, though it doesn’t have much movement. His changeup is a true plus pitch, sitting between 82-85 with good movement and deception. He does not often use his breaking ball and it needs to be refined. He still has room to get stronger and should be able to improve at the next level. VIDEO

5) Pierce Johnson, RHP, 6’3 175, Missouri State, NCAA

(2012) 2-3(w-l) 2(cg) 1.94(era) 46.1(ip) 38(h) 16(bb) 66(so)

Slender frame. Has seen a recent velocity jump, that has his fastball sitting 92-95. Four pitch mix including a sharp breaking curve that is used as an outpitch. Excellent strikeout numbers. Solid changeup as well. Rays 15th-rounder in 2009, has really put up excellent numbers for Missouri so far in 2012, and has seen his stock rise as a result.

6) Marcus Stroman, RHP, 5’9 195, Duke, NCAA

(2012) 3-2(w-l) 2.83(era) 41.3(ip) 33(h) 14(bb) 60(so) 4(hr)

Because of his size and electric arm, he often gets Tom Gordon comparisions all the time. His fastball comes in from 94-95, touching 98. Stroman’s curve is also an above average pitch and can be plus at times. An inconsistent changeup is Stroman’s third offering. VIDEO

7) Chris Stratton, RHP, 6’2 194, Mississippi State, NCAA

(2012) 5-0(w-l) 2.21(era) 36.2(ip) 22(h) 12(bb) 53(so) 2(hr)

High baseball IQ. Fastball up to 92-95mph. Slow curveball a swing and miss offering. Ability to locate both pitches a major asset. Numbers have drastically improved in 2012. VIDEO

8) Chris Beck, RHP, 6’3 220, Georgia Southern, NCAA

(2012) 2-2(w-l) 1(cg) 3.67(era) 41.2(ip) 43(h) 10(bb) 45(so) 5(hr)

Beck has the chance to have three pitches that can be Major League average or better. He can run his fastball up to 94 mph, sitting comfortably at 92-93 mph, and he maintains his velocity well. When he stays on top of his slider, it's a sharp breaking ball with late bite. His changeup is above-average with sink and a lot of deception. He can throw all three pitches for strikes and has a very good feel for pitching. VIDEO

9) Brady Rodgers, RHP, 6'0 170, Arizona, NCAA

(2012) 3-0(w-l) 1(cg) 1.38(era) 39(ip) 28(h) 5(bb) 33(so) 0(hr)

Average height with some projection left. Low effort delivery. Fastball 88-92mph with good arm side run with downward plane when low in the zone. 12-6 curve ball with big break and good shape; swing and miss pitch. Three solid secondary pitches in his curveball, slider and changeup. He's a good athlete and competitor with the upside of a No. 3 starter. VIDEO

10) Patrick Light, RHP, 6’5 185, Monmouth, NEC

(2012) 4-1(w-l) 2(cg) 2.93(era) 43(ip) 35(h) 8(bb) 38(so) 1(hr)

Imposing presence. His four-seam fastball sits in the 90-94 mph range, touching 97, and he also throws a hard sinker around 90 mph, with a slider and changeup that remain raw. His command wavered in the Cape and his slider frequently was too flat. VIDEO

11) Dylan Baker, RHP, 6’3, 215, Western Nevada, JUCO

(2012) 7-0(w-l) 2(cg) 0.25(era) 35.1(ip) 14(h) 20(bb) 48(so) 0(hr)

Baker fastball tops out at 96 mph, and he complements it with two dominant breaking balls—an 86-mph slider with explosive lateral movement and a hard, downer curve at 83. The improvement that Baker has shown in his brief time at Western Nevada has been dramatic as he enrolled at the school last fall with a fastball that ranged only from 87 to 90. With his added arm strength, his breaking ball has even gone from being a plus pitch to a plus-plus pitch. VIDEO

12) Alec Asher, RHP, 6’4 230, Polk State, JUCO

(2012) 7-1 0.74era 60.2ip 33h 13bb 74so

Big strong body, strong lower half. Electric arm. Fastball consistently touches 96-97, mostly sits 92-94. Slider a good pitch with big sweeping break, good feel for change up, late dive on change. Three good pitches with pitchability.

13) Daniel Langfield, RHP, 6’1 215, Memphis, NCAA

(2012) 4-2(w-l) 1(cg) 2.40(era) 41.1(ip) 25(h) 20(bb) 48(so) 1(hr)

Not real physical but he has a quick arm capable of running his fastball up to 95 mph. Usually sits 91-93 with good arm side run. He flashes a quality overhand curveball at 75mph, as well as a fringy slider and changeup with good arm speed at 81mph. Mixes pitches well, and shows good composure. VIDEO

14) Branden Kline, RHP, 6’3 185, Virginia, NCAA

(2012) 4-2(w-l) 1(cg) 3.10(era) 40.2(ip) 37(h) 14(bb) 35(so) 1(hr)

With a projectable Brandon Morrow-like frame, Kline has a very live arm with clean action that delivers fastballs regularly in the low-90s, and there might be more velocity in the future. He throws a hard curve and is willing to throw it at all times. He commands both pitches. Has made the transition from closer into starter for Virginia in 2012.

15) Adrian Sampson, RHP, 6’3 200, Bellevue, JUCO

(2012) 5-4(w-l) 1.08(era) 25(ip) 14(h) 7(bb) 39(so) 1(hr)

Fastball sits at 90-93, and touches 95 with arm side run.. While his fastball velocity is generally slightly above average, by pro standards, the qualities that set Sampson apart are his off-speed stuff, pitchability and projectable frame. He has an excellent curveball and complements it nicely with a changeup. Pounds strikezone. Only 20 on draft. Has had both elbow and knee surgeries. VIDEO

16) Kevin Brady RHP 6'3 195, Clemson, NCAA

(2012) 1-2(w-l) 2.94(era) 33.2(ip) 30(h) 15(bb) 37(so) 3(hr)

His fastball sits in the low 90's, and he tops out at 95 with life. Learned a cutter this year. He also throws a curve that at times is 12-to-6 action and was a solid-average pitch. Shows good velocity coming out of the bullpen. Solid numbers. Possible high level reliever. Only 21 at draft.

17) Stephen Johnson, RHP, 6’4 205, St. Edwards, NCAA

(*2011*) 7-5(w-l) 3.56(era) 78.1(ip) 65(so)

Wiry and raw, Johnson has a loose electric arm that easily produces 94-96 mph heat in relief. A more consistent delivery would also lead to more consistent command, as Johnson remains more of a thrower than a polished pitcher at this stage of his development. Just started throwing a breaking ball, and shows some aptitude for a sharp slurve in the 77-79 range. He dabbles with a changeup, but he tends to throw it too hard. VIDEO

18) Kurt Heyer, RHP, 6’2 185, Arizona, NCAA

4-1(w-l) 1(cg) 2.09(era) 43(ip) 41(h) 7(bb) 40(so) 1(hr)

Heyer’s fastball works in the low 90’s with both arm-side run and sink. His slider has decent tilt and projects as a 60 pitch in the pros. His changeup is behind, but it still has a chance at a solid-average grading come June. Heyer’s command and ability to keep the ball on the ground are terrific. His body projects well and there are no obvious red flags in his delivery. VIDEO

19) DJ Baxendale, RHP, 6’2 175, Arkansas, NCAA

(2012) 5-1(w-l) 4.15(era) 30.1(ip) 32(h) 9(bb) 23(so) 3(hr)

Baxendale is similar to Brady Rodgers in terms of size (6-foot-2, 190 pounds), stuff (88-92 mph fastball with late life down in the zone, solid changeup) and strike-throwing ability. His curveball and slider are just so-so breaking pitches, but he made nice strides with a mid-80s cutter during the summer. Can really pitch.

20) Martin Agosta, RHP, 6’1 185, St. Mary's, NCAA

(2012) 4-0(w-l) 1(cg) 1.60(era) 45(ip) 30(h) 10(bb) 38(so)

Agosto has a quick arm with improving arm strength, having pumped his fastball as high as 95 mph. His slider also flashes being an above-average pitch at times sitting in the low 80s and touching 85.

21) Kyle Hansen, RHP, 6’8 200, St. Johns, NCAA

(2012) 1-4(w-l) 3.52(era) 28.1(ip) 28(h) 9(bb) 35(so)

Brother of 2005 first rounder Craig Hansen. Tall, thin right-hander, shows flashes of dominance. Hansen throws his fastball from 89-92 and could add velocity as he fills out. His fastball has good sink. He throws a slider, at 79-80, that shows plus potential. Hansen also throws a change, at 81-82, and an occasional cutter. Sometimes has trouble with his command. VIDEO

22) Buck Farmer, RHP, 6'4 220, Georgia Tech, NCAA

(2012) 4-2(w-l) 5.20(era) 36.1(ip) 44(h) 14(bb) 47(so) 6(hr)

Power arm. Projects large. He works in the 90-92 range and tops out at 94 with his fastball. Can really pitch and compete, quality four-pitch mix. Shows advanced feel for his changeup. Farmer also mixes in two distinct breaking balls in his slider and curveball. Great college numbers. Projects as a workhorse starter in pro ball. VIDEO

23) Nick Petree, RHP, 6’0 185, Missouri State, NCAA

(2012) 5-1 1cg 1.23era 44ip 32h 13bb 42so

A draft eligible sophomore Petree throws a two-seam fastball that generally sits at 87-90 mph, but he locates it well and gets plenty of movement. He complements his fastball with three other solid offerings: a cutter, slider and changeup. A fearless competitor on the mound Petree can pitch to both sides of the plate with his fastball and has tremendous confidence in all of his pitches.

24) Josh Conway RHP 6’1 165, Coastal Carolina, NCAA

2-1 1cg 1.09era 33ip 21h 11bb 26so

He attacks the strike zone with an 88-93 mph fastball with average life, and his 84-86 slider rates as a solid-average to plus pitch. He also mixes in a solid-average 83-84 changeup with sink and fade. He has a starter's repertoire and command--the only question is whether he will have a starter's durability. Solid numbers and control.

25) Calvin Drummond, RHP, 6’3 200, San Diego, NCAA

(2012) 5-1(w-l) 3.00(era) 39(ip) 40(h) 12(bb) 36(so) 1(hr)

Big body and frame. Needs more consistent mechanics. Found success after shelving his slider in favour of a cut fastball, which is flat out nasty. His repertoire now includes a fastball that sits at 91 to 93 mph (has been 93 to 94 in the past), a curveball, a changeup, and the cutter. Off speed pitches are both plus. Has always had better stuff than results.VIDEO

26) Ross Stripling, RHP, 6’3 190, Texas A & M, NCAA

4-0 2cg 2.56era 45.2 37h 8bb 47so 3hr

Interesting senior sign. Nice numbers. Good athlete. Fastball at 90-94, with good downhill plane. Uses a plus curve as his out pitch. Solid changeup, throws strikes.

27) Luke Shearrow, RHP, 6’4 190, John. A Logan, JUCO

(2012) 1-2(w-l) 1.69(era) 32(ip) 27(h) 17(bb) 38(so)

He has a swagger about him and real mound presence. 92 mph two seam fastball with excellent movement, a nice changeup and a sick slider. Due to injury he was red-shirted his Sophomore year while recovering from Tommy John Surgery over the summer and is only now back to 100 per cent.

28) Jim Stokes, RHP, 6’6 175, Elon, NCAA

(2012) 1-2(w-l) 3.51(era) 25.2(ip) 22(h) 16(bb) 22(so) 1(hr)

Big projectable frame. Low-effort delivery and good arm speed produce low 90s fastball, with possibly more velocity in there. Fastball has some arm side run. Stokes also flashes a plus 11-5 curveball at 75mph with tight rotation, and a changeup with sink at 76mph.

29) Jeff Gibbs, RHP, 6’4 215, Maine, NCAA

(*2011*) 7-5(w-l) 3.69(era) 68.1(ip) 53(h) 43(bb) 61(so) 2(hr)

Canadian starter with power arm. Former Blue Jays draft pick. Most fastballs 92-92, but touches 97. Plus slider, and developing changeup .Possible reliever. Has been compared to Ryan Madsen. VIDEO

30) Hudson Randall, RHP, 6’3 185, Florida, NCAA

6gs 3-0 3.41 37ip 36h 2bb 34so

Randall is one of the top pitchers in college baseball. The question with Randall is how much his lack of elite velocity will affect his success at the next level. Randall has great command. He changes speeds and moves the ball around well. His velocity in generally between 87-90, but there are reports as high as 92. His change is a plus pitch, while both his curve and slider are quality offerings.Randall is tall and thin, giving some hope of added velocity still to come. If his fastball were to climb a few notches, he would be a truley elite pro prospect. VIDEO

31) Mike Palazzone, RHP 6'3 190, Georgia, NCAA

0-2 3.41era 29ip 30h 7bb 24so 1hr

Projectable, but with an unusual delivery. Fastball sits 90-94mph; though it is fairly straight. Plus-plus 12-6 curve ball, potential above average change, solid numbers, above average control, not as many strikeouts as one would expect. VIDEO

32) Dylan Floro, RHP, 6'1 175, Cal State Fullerton, NCAA

(2012) 3-2(w-l) 2.51(era) 43(ip) 41(h) 4(bb) 23(so)

Floro combines a quality three pitch mix with sound arm action and an advanced feel for pitching. His fastball reaches into the low 90s, touching 93, and his delivery has some deception to it. Loose arm, possibly more in the tank. Shows solid curve and slider, and plus change. Only 20-years-old on draft day. VIDEO

33) Brendan Close, RHP, 6’4 200, Moravian Greyhounds, NCAA

(2012) 4-1(w-l) 3(cg) 1.80(era) 29(ip) 30(h) 1(1bb) 27(so) 0(hr)

Close has little projection left in his body, but an interesting repertoire, consisting of a fastball, curveball, cutter and changeup. He works primarily with a fastball in the 87-89 range, touching 92. It has some run to his arm side. His secondary pitches are a little underdeveloped. The curveball has a nice, sweeping, two plane shape to it, but it’s a little soft and loopy. The cutter moves plenty but looks more like a slider. It has its moments but isn’t very crisp much of the time. He doesn’t use the changeup very much. Close’s control is a true 60 on the scouting scale, (5 walks in 80 innings the previous season), but his command doesn’t grade out the same.

34) John Magliozzi, RHP 5’10 175, Florida, NCAA

3-0 4.05era 13.1ip 17h 3bb 10so

Small, hard throwing righty. Clean arm action. 92-94mph. High-level pitchability, spots fastball, competes, + changeup, 11-5 curve has depth but inconsistent. One scout likens him to Tim Hudson. Only 20 years-old at draft. VIDEO

35) Colby Holmes, RHP, 5’11 200, South Carolina, NCAA

(2012) 3-0(w-l) 2.67(era) 27(ip) 24(h) 9(bb) 27(so) 4(hr)

A short right hander with 3 pitches. Holmes throws a low 90′s fastball (90-92) a slider with good movement and a changeup. Holmes has a high 3/4 arm slot and hides the ball well. He has been prone to giving up home runs since arriving at South Carolina.

36) Corey Black, RHP, 5’11 170, San Diego State, NCAA

(*2011*) 4-5(w-l) 1(cg) 3.56(era) 73.1(ip) 67(h) 42(bb) 78(so)

Despite his smallish frame, Black is expected to be a high-round prospect in the 2012 MLB draft. Black is consistently 93-95 mph with his fastball. He also throws a changeup in the 81-83 mph range, though, that pitch in particular could use some work. The ball comes out of his hand clean and he pitches to both sides of the plate.

37) TJ Oakes, RHP, 6’5 215, Minnesota, NCAA

(2012) 4-1(w-l) 1.56(era) 40.1(ip) 33(h) 8(bb) 27(so) 1(hr)

Big frame, solid all around stuff. Throws a 91-94 mph hard sinker and has superior pitchability. The problem with Oakes is that while his slider is a workable second offering, he lacks the swing-and-miss pitch needed to make hitters uncomfortable. Oakes’ velocity steadily improved over the course of the spring and by late in the season was up to 91-94 mph with heavy movement.

38) Ryan Thompson, RHP, 6’3 190, Franklin Pierce, NCAA

(*2011*) 11-1(w-l) 4(cg) 1.23(era) 95(ip) 63(h) 13(bb) 114(so) 1(hr)

Thompson was born in Canada, but grew up in the Bahamas. His fastball — which sits consistently at 88 to 92 mph — and slider are already both major league average pitches. Thompson's demonstrates excellent control and the ability to throw strikes. Thompson still has room to fill out and already has a reputation as being a guy that holds his velocity deep into games. VIDEO

39) Chris Johnson RHP, 6’4 190, Portland, NCAA

(2012) 1-1(w-l) 3.42(era) 26.1(ip) 27(h) 8(bb) 19(so) 2(hr)

Tall projectable right hander. Fast arm. Attacks hitters, challenges with fastball 90-92, good feel for 11-5 curveball - spins tight with late break, throws it for strikes, Change shows hard sink, good feel for two off speed pitches, works fast and fills up the zone. High pitchability. Weak contact against him.

40) Drew Verhagen, RHP, 6’6 230, Navarro, JUCO

(2012) 3-2(w-l) 3.41(era) 29(ip) 24(ip) 15(bb) 15(so)

Athletic with tools and size. Plus mid 90s fastball with plus life, good curveball, and a nice changeup. Had shoulder issues as a high-school senior and pitched sparingly as a freshman at Oklahoma last spring, but has been clocked in the mid-90s again recently.

41) Kurt Schluter, RHP, 6’3 185, Stetson, NCAA

(2012) 4-1(w-l) 4.68(era) 32.2(ip) 41(h) 14(bb) 27(so) 4(hr)

Fastball sits 90- 93, along with a power curve that is an out pitch for him. Control type pitcher. Solid command and pitchability. He is expected to make significant strides this season on the mound while concentrating on being a pitcher only. He was the team’s regular first baseman as a freshman. Nice numbers on the mound. Better from windup.

42) Mitch Mormann, RHP, 6’6 232, Wichita State, NCAA

(2012) 3-2(w-l) 3.12(era) 31.2(ip) 24(h) 18(bb) 12(so) 2(hr)

He already has a plus fastball, both in terms of velocity (93-96) and movement (great sink), and an 83-84 mph slider that works as a solid second pitch in the bullpen. If his changeup shows progress, he could start. Is still figuring out command and consistency. Senior sign.

43) Chirs Munnelly, RHP, 6’2 170, North Carolina, NCAA

(2012) 2-0(w-l) 3.49(era) 28.1(ip) 23(h) 13(bb) 14(so) 0(hr)

Tall, lanky build. Easy, fast arm. He projects very well and his fastball has good life 88-89, up to 91. Sharp curve with good spin, but inconsistent release point. His 77mph changeup is a big time out pitch for him. Fifth starter type.

44) Zack Godley, RHP, 6’3 245, Tennessee, NCAA

(2012) 4-1(w-l) 2.92(era) 37(ip) 30(h) 6(bb) 30(so) 2(hr)

Below average fastball high 80s to low 90s, but a very good curveball and changeup. His secondary stuff is outstanding. His changeup is 78-82, while his curveball is thrown in the 73-75 range. Both pitches have great movement and he does a good job of keeping hitters off balance.

45) Logan Taylor, RHP, 6’5 225, Eastern Oklahoma, JUCO

(2012) 3-0(w-l) 0.77(era) 35(ip) 10(h) 16(bb) 54(so)

Has been clocked up to 94, and combines his dominant fastball with a nasty 78-80 curve. Hard spin on curveball, buries many but sharp when in zone, flashes change up.

[JaysFanToronto]

http://www.minorleagueball.com/2012/3/27/2906166/mlb-2012-draft-high-school-right-handed-starters

MLB 2012 Draft - High School - Right Handed Starters

1) Lucas Giolito, RHP, 6’6 230lbs, CA, HS: Tall filled out pitcher with present strength. Throws real heavy fastball that sits 94-95, and touches 97 with exploding late life. Has a tight hammer curveball with a good deal of bite and shows flashes of plus potential. Throws a circle change that shows well at this stage of development. Potential Josh Johnson type. Injury might keep him from going first over all. VIDEO

2) Lance McCullers Jr., RHP, 6’1 205lbs, FL, HS: An athletic two-way player, McCullers’ fastball is a plus-plus pitch in the mid 90's with late, boring action, touching 99mph. He compliments that with a plus power curveball that could become plus-plus in time. Whether he ends up as a frontline starter or a dominant closer depends on the development of his change-up. Right now it’s an average offering but it has plus potential. His command is a little shaky now but it shouldn't be a problem moving forward. McCullers has good bloodlines as his father pitched seven seasons in the Majors.VIDEO

3) Walker Weickel, RHP, 6’6 205lbs, FL, HS: Big, projectable power pitcher. Easy arm action. Fastball 91-94, should sit consistently in mid 90s with strength gains. Mostly straight but outstanding plane, works fastball to both corners and stays low in the zone, very steady velocity, very difficult pitch to lift. Workable 12-6 curve that has depth but lacks crispness. Changeup needs some refinement, but there is foundation in the offering. VIDEO

4) Lucas Sims, RHP, 6’2 195lbs, GA, HS: Low to mid 90s righty can ramp it up to 97mph. Good athlete with a clean delivery. Curveball best pitch, commands it well with big shape, sharp biting action, and the same release point as fastball. Good straight change with sinking action. Lots of confidence in change and throws plenty of them but its’ his 3rd best pitch. Potential number two starter with plus mound presence and aggressiveness. VIDEO

5) Duane Underwood, RHP, 6’2 205, GA, HS: Big athletic pitcher with elite arm strength. Fastball already sits 93-95, even deep into starts, touching 98. Underwood has outstanding mound presence, and the potential for at least three average to above average pitches. His secondary offerings aren't as good at present, but when he throws them right, his curve can have a very good 12-to-6 break and his changeup can be very deceptive. Does display a bit of effort on the hill, leading some to see a power relief pitcher, but it will be the development of his other pitches which will determine that. VIDEO

6) Mitchell Traver, RHP, 6’7 220lbs, TX, HS: A big frame and solid build that with added strength should raise his game a notch. Very limited compact delivery with some minor wrinkles that will need to be ironed out as he matures, but sound foundation at the present moment. A real heavy fastball that sits 89-92 mph. The slider has some serious potential and at its best has tight lateral drop that could be tough to adjust for hitters. He has a decent change up that he will need to throw more often to increase its effectiveness, but shows a solid three pitch arsenal.

VIDEO

7) Cody Poteet, RHP, 6’1 180lbs, CA, HS: Athletic righty with three-pitch mix. His fastball sits in the low 90s, touching 96, while two-seamer that has some good sink and should be a ground-ball producer. Poteet’s curve is a potential plus offering, a tight downer breaking ball he can throw for strikes. His circle change should be an above-average offering as well. He throws it with a lot of deception and it dives late. He commands all his pitches well and keeps the ball down in the zone consistently. He has a chance to be a number 2 or 3 starter and will only be 17 at the draft.

VIDEO

8) Clate Schmidt, RHP, 6’2 180, GA, HS: Schmidt might not be the biggest guy in the world, but he makes up for it with plenty of arm strength and excellent athleticism, a la Mike Mussina. Has a bit of whip action in his delivery, but it does not seem max effort. He has a good feel for pitching at this stage and shows solid command. He displays an exploding fastball that mainly sits 93-94, but can touch 96 mph. Curveball has a great deal of bite and drop off ability. He doesn't have a changeup to speak of yet, but his aptitude gives many, confidence that a third pitch can be developed in time. VIDEO

9) Ty Hensley, RHP, 6’5 220lbs, OK, HS: Big strong power pitcher. Hides the ball well with good deception in delivery. A bit of stress on the front shoulder mechanically. Powerful, hard fastball mostly 93-94 mph, but has hit 95 mph. Fastball straight, but with good downhill angle. Hard and sharp curveball bite, big downer depth at times, not consistent with curveball release. VIDEO

10) Ty Buttery, RHP, 6’6 210lbs, NC, HS: Long limbed projectable build, plenty of room to add strength. Fastball to 90-93 mph (touches 94) with low effort release, velocity comes easy, fastball mostly straight now and will need to add movement. Curveball is big and hard with nice spin and sharp bite, potential plus pitch. Shows good feel for change up, nice arm speed and some late sink. Three solid present pitches and projects in all areas, has improved fastball velocity 5 mph in the last year.

11) Taylore Cherry, RHP, 6’9 260lbs, OH, HS: A giant of a pitcher, with surprisingly smooth mechanics. Low-effort delivery, throws under control. 4-seam fastball at 94 mph whenever he wants it. Sinks fastball at 91-92 with hard late heavy life. Outstanding arm speed and hard sink on changeup, a plus present pitch. Can pitch right now with fastball/changeup, life and location. Fair curveball spin, occasional flatter slider shape, more often big sweeping break. With his body type -- think Jon Rauch -- Cherry might have to work a little harder to stay in shape. Assuming he can do that, his combination of arm strength, durability and pitchability could add up to a frontline starting pitcher.

VIDEO

12) Carson Fullmer, RHP, 6’1 185, FL, HS: Strong armed righty. Throws low 90s fastball with life, touching 96. Delivery shows effort, but great stuff and command. Shows a very projectable slider. Tight and quick, with good bite, especially down in the zone. It's an out pitch for him at times. Fulmer does have a changeup which can be deceptive when he keeps it down, it has nice sink/fade. Pitches to spots and has an idea how to mix it up. Some scouts to see him as a future reliever, but that can be decided later, of course. VIDEO

13) Freddy Avis, RHP, 6-2, 180 lbs, CA, HS: Impressive arm strength sitting at 92-93 mph from a loose over the top arm action and low effort delivery, tops out at 94. Projectable. His curveball is among the better breaking pitches in the class. His changeup at 84 mph is inconsistent but a pretty quality pitch when on. He isn't being discussed much because his commitment to Stanford is considered extremely strong.VIDEO

14) Teddy Stankiewicz, RHP, 6’4 190lbs, TX, HS: Big righty who can reach low 90's with more to come. Projectable. Very consistent in his velocity and mechanics, generally sitting at 90 mph, touches 95, with a quick arm and good downhill angle. Fastball flashes plus sink and bore at times. Much improved slider puts him in the top class. Nice 80 mph change up. Very good pick off move for a righty, quick feet. Continued development of slider key to development.VIDEO

15) Ryan McNeil, RHP, 6’3 210lbs, CA, HS: Big well proportioned athletic build, good present strength. Quality overall stuff, 90-93 heavy fastball, with plus sink at times. Upper 70's curveball with big sweeping shape, sharp and tight at times but often inconsistent. Beginning to develop feel for change up. Has an idea how to pitch and throws consistent strikes, big league body, stuff and approach. VIDEO

16) Ryan Burr, RHP, 6’4 215lbs, CO, HS: Strong, athletic and projectable. Burr's fastball is steady 91-93 and he has the potential to have a bit more in the tank. Ball gets on hitters quickly, produces consistent late swings, has deception. Big deep curveball with sharp 11-5 bite, potential plus pitch, rare change up that still needs developing. He tends to throw strikes and can work his fastball to both sides of the plate. He gets high marks for his intensity and mound presence. Resembles Astros Brett Myers at same age. VIDEO

17) Zach Eflin, RHP, 6’5 200lbs, FLA, HS: Smooth RHP with 93 mph fastball. Tall angular build, projects to get stronger. Nice change up with arm speed, deception and late life, hand position curveball with short consistent break, tends to change release point on curveball. Throws strikes and has an idea how to pitch.VIDEO

18) Kevin McCanna, RHP, 6’1 185lbs, TX, HS: McCanna is relatively new to pitching, having primarily been a catcher until last year, but that doesn't show in his delivery or stuff. McCanna’s fastball sits 90-92, touching 94mph. He throws free and has command of 3 pitches, including an outstanding 84 mph change up and a hard spinning 75 mph curveball. Not only is he able to locate his fastball well, but his ability to mix his three-pitch arsenal, and throw them for strikes, allows him to carve up hitters.

19) R.I.P Stephen Gant - 4/4/12 - 19-years-old

RHP, 6’1 175, TN, HS: A Vanderbilt commit, Gant’s fastball usually sits 88-90, but has been reported as high as 93. He has a clean effortless arm action and maintains his velocity well. Mixes in a promising low 70s curveball as well.

20) Daniel Stalwart, RHP, 6’3 200, CA, HS: Missed most of the summer with a stress fracture in his lower back, but when he's healthy, he's a stud on the mound. He has an athletic build with wide shoulders and premium stuff, including a fastball in the 91-95 mph range and a 78-80 mph hammer curveball with tight rotation and late break. Strong commitment to Stanford. Stalwart won't turn 18 until February, 2013. VIDEO

21) Edwin Diaz, RHP, 6’3 175, Naguabo, PR: Very projectable RHP, smooth easy arm action. Dominant fastball, sits 91-93 mph, with a peak of 94, very good run down in the zone, could throw harder with added strength. Occasional problems getting fastball to the glove side. Good feel for change up, maintains arm speed well. Tight spin on curveball, proper shape and velocity, but needs refinement and consistency.VIDEO

22) Shane Watson RHP, 6’4 195lbs, CA, HS: Very projectable delivery/arm. Fastball 90-93mph from over the top release. Hard spinning power curve at 77mph. Some effort, but ball comes out easy. Great leverage, good projection, more velocity to come. VIDEO

23) Carson Kelly, RHP, 6’2 200lbs, OR, HS: Talented two way player. Also plays third base. While he has some power potential as a hitter, it's his arm that will get him drafted. Kelly uses a clean and easy delivery to throw fastballs in the 89-92 mph range. He also throws a curve, which is sharp and tight at times. He throws both pitches for strikes and is very even-keeled on the mound. VIDEO

24) Chase DeJong, RHP, 6’5 190lbs, CA, HS: Loose easy arm, fastball sits 88-90 with a peak of 91. Projects for more velocity in the future. DeJong throws from an over the top release point, and gets very good downhill angle. Possesses a plus curve and change right now, and can really pitch. Resembles Adam Wainright in his mechanics and arm action. Dominates hitters at the high school level. VIDEO

25) David Gonzales, RHP, 6’1 210, GA, HS: Medium frame, good present strength. Steady low 90's fastball, tops out at 92 mph, with late life; cuts at times, sinks/runs at others. Sharp spin on both curveball and slider, two separate pitches, both pitches bite with tilt. Slider is a potential plus pitch. Developing feel for a change up. Very impressive arm strength and ability to spin the ball.

26) Jose Orlando Berrios, RHP, 6’1 187, Bayamon, PR: Medium athletic build with room to get a bit stronger. Very quick arm. Power fastball, lots of 93's, consistent velocity, some running action down. Goes right after hitters with three quality pitches. Throws two breaking balls, a 79 mph slurve, that tends to flatten out, also throws a big breaking slow curve at 70 mph with downer shape. Flashes plus change action. Change has big arm side run at 79. Strike thrower with ability to change speeds and move the ball both ways.VIDEO

27) Jeremy Kivel, RHP, 6’2 200, TX, HS: Unheralded pitching prospect. Power pitcher with steady 93-94mph fastball up to 96 with more in the tank. Very good off-speed pitches; a power curveball with good bite and a solid changeup. Kivel's ability to throw his nasty hook for strikes makes him extremely difficult to hit.

28) Alec Rash, RHP, 6’5 190, IA, HS: Projectable pitcher with room to fill out. Fastball consistently around 90, topping out at 94 with arm side run. Good deception and arm speed on 80 mph curveball with hard slurvy break. Ability to consistently throw strikes with both pitches. The scary thing with Rash is that there is possibly more MPH in his arm

29) Kayden Porter, 6’5 235, TX, HS: Big Texan with great deal of projection. Steady low 90's fastball, mostly straight but works downhill, up to 95 already. Works backwards and throws mostly off speed stuff early. Good split finger change with tumble, occasionally has slider type break on split, soft curveball, flashes bite but tends to slow arm speed. Also plays outfield and first base. Intimidating size and strength. Some see him as a future reliever. VIDEO

30) Walker Buehler, RHP, 6’2 160lbs, KY, HS: Vanderbilt commit, throws a consistent Low 90's fastball, topping out at 92 with good movement and downhill plane. Slender build with lots of room for projection. Nasty upper 70's curveball, plus-plus sharpness and bite, big downer shape, excellent curveball command despite size and shape. Gets ahead with fastball, closes out with curveball and completely overmatches hitters. Strong comparison to former Pirates #1 draft pick, Bobby Bradley.

31) Connor Baits, RHP, 6’5 220, CA, HS: Projectable righty. Strong physical build with room to grow. Steady 89-91 mph fastball, maintains velocity from the stretch, fastball mostly straight, can reach 94mph at times. Change best secondary pitch, good arm speed and uses confidently. VIDEO

32) Cameron Tekker, RHP, 6’3 185, NC, HS: Nice pitcher's frame with good strength potential. Athletic. Some effort on release. Consistent 90-91 mph fastball, touches 93 with flat running action. Flashes three off-speed pitches. Throws both a curveball and changeup. Curveball shows good depth with hard spin and bite, softer slider spin with occasional depth, tends to slow a bit on change but it gets good life.


33) Jake Thompson, RHP, 6’4 235lbs, TX, HS: Big strong two-way prospect, very good present strength. Fastball 88-90 with good running action, up to 93 mph. Slurve type breaking ball has hard spin/sharp bite, will occasionally drop under curve for big sweeping slider effect, best pitch. Advanced change up for age, maintains arm speed, good fade. Good idea how to pitch, 3 legit pitches, goes after hitters. VIDEO

34) Nick Travieso, RHP, 6’3 210lbs, FL, HS: Built like a prototypical MLB starting pitcher, solid height and frame with the ability to pack on some pounds in the future. A real blank slate at this point; he is a guy tied to arm strength and fast arm action. Has a nice heavy fastball that will ride up to 95 mph and sits mainly in the 92-93 mph range. He impresses with a strong assortment of pitches. There is some effort in his delivery, but the Miami commit shows a good feel for pitching and a willingness to throw his changeup. With his bulldog mentality and willingness to live on the inner half of the plate, some think he might be a reliever down the road, but he has time. VIDEO

35) Karl Keglovits, RHP, 6’5 220LBS, PA, HS: Keglovits is a big, strong righty who throws a 4-seam fastball in the 91-92 range, to go with an 87-88 mph 2-seamer. He throws on a downhill plane and has showed feel for a 75 mph curveball that he uses to keep hitters off balance, as well as a changeup. VIDEO

36) Tyler Gonzales, RHP, 6’2 180, TX, HS: Gonzales is a very interesting two way prospect. Good athletic build, projectable. Throws a low 90s fastball 90-92, and with a very sharp slider, that is considered one of the better out pitches in the class. VIDEO

37) Trey Killian, RHP, 6’4 180, AR, HS: Fast and loose arm that projects. Killian's delivery is pretty rough in places but nothing that isn't correctable. His fastball sits 89-92mph and hitters don’t seem to see it very well. Very few pitchers at this level are able to throw both a curveball and a true slider that are distinct and different pitches with different shapes and velocity—Killian definitely can. He throws a 73-75 mph curveball that has depth and 2 plane shape and an 80-82 mph slider that sharply dives away from right handed hitters. Shows ability to turn over his change at 79 with late sink as well. VIDEO

38) Jamie Callahan, RHP, 6’2 190, SC, HS: Well proportioned athletic build. Steady low 90's fastball, tops out at 92 mph, fastball tends to be very straight at present. Big downer curveball with good bite at times, very nice change up with arm speed and consistent release point. Three solid pitches, throws K's to spots, needs to develop some fastball movement.VIDEO

39) Trevor Megill, RHP, 6’7 230lbs, CA, HS: Big body, dominant stuff. Megill has an excellent pitchers build, long limbs, ball gets on hitters fast, projects well, more velocity in there. Ultra smooth arm action, pitches at 91-93 mph, 79 breaking ball with tight slider like shape, good change up. Velocity spike after throwing just 85-87 last year. VIDEO

40) Zachary Quintana, RHP, 6’0 180lbs, NV, HS: Short right hander with very quick, smooth arm, consistent 92-93mph fastball. His breaking ball is a 79 mph slurve that could use some tightening up. Good feel for change, with nice sink. Three solid pitches. Manages to keep all three under control and put them where he wants them thanks to his advanced feel for each. VIDEO

41) Joseph Tony Blanford, RHP, 6’3 180lbs, AZ, HS: Tall, very projectable right-hander. Athletic, two-way player also plays outfield. Future seems to be on mound. One of the best power arms in the state of Arizona, Blanford displays easy velocity from a low effort delivery, pumping in fastballs in the low 90s with possibly more in the tank. Blanford also mixes in a 75mph, 10-4 curveball with a lot of potential which is very good when he's on. Consistently throws strikes and gets ahead in the count. VIDEO

42) Tucker Simpson, RHP, 6’7 220, AL, HS: Big strong RHP who can really pitch. Long limbed large frame, good strength with plenty of room for more. Easy low 90s fastball, up to 94, mostly straight, works middle out with fastball. Firmer velocity with strength gains. Shortens arm on curveball, throws lots of curveballs early in the count, rare change up. VIDEO

43) Erich Knab, RHP, 6’3 190, SC, HS: Can reach the low 90s (93-94), with more in the tank. He is a long projectable righty with a smooth arm action and a balanced delivery. He also throws a 78 mph curveball.

ERIC KNAB VIDEO

44) Robert Whalen, RHP, 6’2 200, FL, HS: Solid athletic build, good present strength. Fastball to 91 mph, cuts fastball very effectively at times, up to 93. Flashes hard curveball spin and bite, will drop release point on curve at times and get under it, nice feel for change up as well. Inconsistent mechanics but flashes some very nice pitches. One of the most underrated pitching prospects in the 2012 class.

45) Mitchell Aker, RHP , 6’2 180lbs, VA, HS: Lean athletic build, body projects to fill out well. Huge arm strength in the field, athletic. Long and loose arm action, very live arm, fastball up to 92, with good armside run and sink. Feel for 11-5 curveball, high upside on the mound. VIDEO

46) Michael Taylor, RHP, 6’6 190, VA, HS: Big projectable frame. Fastball sits 90-92 topping out at 94mph. Sound mechanics. He shows a smooth, easy delivery with good arm action and feel for a 74 mph curveball and 84 mph changeup. Taylor has solid control of both sides of the plate, and displays good mound presence.


47) Grayson Long, RHP, 6’6 205lbs, TX, HS: Tall angular build with lots of room to add strength. Easy balanced delivery, long smooth arm action. Fastball to 91-93mph, mostly straight but with good downhill plane. Potential plus change up, 80mph, good arm speed, some late sink. Tends to slow arm on soft spinning 77 mph slider, lacks power. Fastball, change up and command all project to potential plus, development of a workable breaking ball will be key.


48) Nolan Gannon, RHP, 6’5 195, CA, HS: Very projectable right hander. Fastball regularly 87-89mph, and as high as 92, with more in the tank. Good downhill plane and arm side run on his fastball. Gannon throws his curve ball at 71-75, and it’s an absolute hammer. He also throws a deceptive change up with sink and arm side run at 81. He throws all 3 pitches for strikes and shows feel for them. Solid pitchability. VIDEO

49) Patrick Delano, RHP, 6-7, 250, MA, HS: 92-94mph fastball, devastating curveball at times. Vanderbilt commit. Delano is a big right hander from one of the top schools in Massachusetts. He has a strong, sturdy frame with good present velocity.

50) Marcus Brakeman, RHP, 6’1 180, FL, HS: Well proportioned athletic build, projects with some added strength. Steady 90-91 mph fastball with occasional run and sink, maintains arm speed well on change up with same good sinking life as fastball. Big sweeping curveball at 73 mph, good spin, doesn’t command curve well yet, will have to tighten it up at the next level. Three solid pitches.

51) Felipe Perez, RHP, 6’3 200lbs, CA, HS: Very projectable frame and a loose, fast arm that works really well out front. Smooth easy arm action. Fastball at 90-92 with a sharp curve at 76 mph. Should add more velocity as he gets stronger. VIDEO

52) Curt Britt, RHP, 6’2 210, NC, HS: Britt is a big strong RHP. Throws low 90's with good life, touching 92. Locates fastball well, fastball has life, clean easy arm action, throws downhill, good change up that he shows confidence in.

VIDEO

53) Jared Price, RHP, 6’2 190, PA, HS: Price sits in the low 90s with his fastball, touching 93, and also showcases a very good breaking pitch, a 75-78 mph curveball with hard downer spin. VIDEO

54) Hayden Hurst, RHP, 6’5 235, FL, HS: Big strong right-handed pitcher with lively 91-93 mph fastball. Throws a heavy fastball diet at this stage, but works it around and will pound down in the strike zone. Just recently returned from TJ surgery. VIDEO

55) Riley Farrell, RHP, 6’2 195, TX, HS: Slender upper half, strong lower half, good pitcher's build with some strength projection. Fastball 90-93 with very good life. Very nice change up he could throw more often, short twisty slider with inconsistent release point, flashes sharp biting action. Works fast and competes.

56) Alex Lavendaro, RHP, 6’3 175, FL, HS: Projectable righty. Steady 89-91 mph fastball, good downhill angle, more velocity to come with minor adjustments to back side. Clean loose arm action, 2 seam fastball has nice arm side run. Hard downer curveball, good spin when on top, tends to drop release point and get big softer sweep, nice fade and arm speed on change up. Throws strikes and has an idea.

57) Justin Alleman, RHP/3B, 6’3 195, MI, HS: Good athlete. Easy low 90s fastball, up to 92 with some projection. Maintains velocity well. Fastball mostly straight, with flat running action. Power curveball sharp at times, good spin and 2 plane downer shape, solid second pitch. Rare change up, should throw more, shows good arm speed and movement.

58) Jake Fossick, RHP, 6'1 170, FL, HS: Slender athletic build. Full Hideo Nomo style delivery, slow paced back turn pivot, stays balanced and repeats very well, bit cross body on landing, picks up plate late without negative effect. Steady 89-91 mph fastball, very deceptive, generates bad swings. Mid 70's curveball, flashes tight spin and bite, tends to get on side of curveball and overthrow. Has the arm, deception, pitchability and projection.

59) Zachary Jemiola, RHP, 6’3 200, CA, HS: Shows good stuff—an 89-91 mph fastball that tops out at 93 and a 76-77 mph curveball with good depth. Jemiola also throws a changeup and an occasional splitter.VIDEO

60) Gabriel Cramer, RHP, 6’2 190, CA, HS: Nice build with some present strength and projection. Cramer has a chance to have plus stuff. Upper 80's fastball, touches 92 mph, but mostly straight. True slider with good shape and tilt, sharp biting action at times, tends to slow on change up release. Throws strikes and has an idea how to pitch. His strikeout stats last year were ridiculous.

61) Tim Holmes, RHP, 6’2 200, FL, HS: A guy that was on the radar, but is now squarely on the map. He throws in the 88-90 mph range and will touch 91 mph on occasion late into an outing. Good fade on change, good shape on curve, has chance to be plus pitch. Shows the foundation for at least a three pitch arsenal. VIDEO

62) Kyle Funkhouser, RHP, 6’2 195, IL, HS: Fastball up to 92 mph, occasional cutting action glove side, 2-seamer with good run to left handed hitters at 88 mph, fastball gets on hitters quickly due to deception in arm action. Proper velocity and shape to curveball, consistent spin but not hard biting. Change up a quality pitch, good arm speed and some late life. VIDEO

63) Justin Garza, RHP, 5-11, 160 lbs, CA, HS: Middle infielders’ build but throws 89-92 mph from an easy, well paced delivery and gets very good life on his fastball down in the zone. Touches 94mph. Hard sink on fastball. Changeup velocity and feel are good. Offspeed pitches are raw; slurvy curveball with 2-plane break, slider with solid break. Compares physically to former major leaguer Zach Davies. VIDEO

64) Brent Wheatley, RHP, 6’4 215, CA, HS: Bigger frame, good pitchers build, projectable body, good present strength. Fastball tops out at 88 mph, mostly straight. Slider best secondary pitch, flashes good tilt and biting action, tends to lower elbow on rolling 12/6 curveball, still developing feel for change up. Around the zone with all pitches.

65) Jonathan Sandfort, RHP, 6’5 220, FL, HS: Outstanding pitcher's build, strong with room to get stronger. Fastball to 92 mph, maintains velocity well, occasional arm side run. Very nice feel for change up, good arm speed and shows confidence in the pitch, soft curveball spin at present, needs more power in breaking ball, throws strikes and has an idea. Very athletic for his size.

66) Jesus Colon, RHP, 6’1 175, NJ, HS: Colon has as much potential as any pitcher in the 2012 class. Athletic, with a loose arm action, he repeats his delivery well and has good present velocity, sitting steadily at 91-92mph with his fastball. Fastball has little movement but he does a good job of throwing from a downhill angle, though there is some effort at release. Both secondary pitches show quality: a very good change up with arm speed and proper velocity, and a downer curve with big shape and sharp bite. Has the pitches and arm strength, needs refinement. Very athletic kid that projects.

67) Yency Almonte, RHP, 6’4 190, FL, HS: Tall projectable right hander. Arm works loose and easy out front. Balanced delivery. Throws fastball consistently at 88-90, touching 92. Flashes above average breaking ball at 80 mph with 11-5 shape and occasional depth. Also mixes in changeup at 78, thrown with near fastball arm speed - giving him a usable three pitch mix. VIDEO

68) Paul Blackburn, RHP, 6’2 180, CA, HS: Smallish right-handed pitcher throws 89-90, touching 92. Nastiest right handed curveball in the draft at 75 mph.

69) Zachary Bird, RHP, 6’4 188, MS, HS: Bird has a projectable power pitcher's body but also throws a surprising variety of pitches. His fastball normally sits in the 86-88 range, but has been up to 91 mph in the past and projects more velocity. 85 mph cutter is a very effective pitch for him. Throws a very good downer curve for strikes. Also flashes a nice slider with good tilt and bite and solid changeup, but mostly in warm-ups. Around the plate with most of his pitches, but doesn’t spot them well yet. Could have the whole basket of pitches and a feel for using them. VIDEO

70) Ralph Garza, RHP, 6’2 195, TX, HS: Solid mature build, good present strength. Two-way prospect. Sound turn and throw delivery, uses lower half well. Increased velocity. Fastball sitting 90 mph and touching 92 mph into the late innings. Fastball has good arm side run, stays low in zone, sharp bite on curveball, nice deep shape, has an idea how to pitch and throws strikes.

71) Jackson McClelland, RHP, 6’5 235, CA, HS: Relatively new to pitching, but has shown rapid improvement. At his best he pounds the bottom half of the strike zone with a heavy fastball at 94, but generally sits in the 88-92 range. The ball comes out easy and there is not much effort in his delivery. Lacks present feel for his secondary pitches, and is inconsistent with his command, but time is on his side. Won’t turn 18 until a month after the draft. VIDEO

72) Michael Rucker, RHP 6’0 180, WA, HS: Small righty with 91 mph fastball and plus-plus command. Nasty slider is out pitch. VIDEO

73) Damien Carroll, RHP, 6’3 180, VA, HS: Big projectable righty. Lanky, and athletic build, big frame with long arms. Also a forward on King George basketball team. Fastball sits 91-92 consistently, up to 95. Also throws a slider. Pretty much jumping on the scouting scene.

74) Jason Carmichael, RHP, 6’3 170, FL, HS: Tall lean build, loose actions. Slow paced delivery. Fastball up to 91 mph, occasional big hard diving action at the plate. Big sweeping curveball with good spin and bite. Gets same type of hard movement on change up as fastball, good arm. Around the plate with all pitches. Lots of physical projection left.

75) James Marvel, RHP, 6’3 185lbs, CA, HS: Slender athletic build, projects well physically. Lots of pitchability. Consistently 89-91 with more to come. Fastball, mostly straight, flashes tight curveball spin, short and sharp downer shape, but tends to slow arm. Nice change up with occasional hard sink. Can throw curve and change for strikes. Three quality pitches with more consistency and better command.

76) Mike Vinson, RHP, 6’4 205, FL, HS: Long lean pitcher's build, with lots of room to add strength. Upper 80's fastball, tops out at 92 mph, and mostly straight. Mid-70's curveball with short slider type break, flashes bite and depth when thrown right. Some feel for a straight change up. Lacks deception, good strong arm to work with, will have to tighten up breaking ball. VIDEO

77) Ben Eckels, RHP, 6’0 180lbs, CA, HS: Is a clone of pitcher, Paul Blackburn. Medium framed build, fastball at 89-90 mph, touches 92. Nasty curveball with depth and sharpness and is throws for strikes.

78) Kieran Lovegrove, RHP, 6’4 180lbs, CA, HS: Tall slender righty, body projects very well on the mound. Simple and consistent mechanics, repeats well. Live arm, easy arm action, downhill plane. 88-91 mph fastball with consistent late bore and sink. Tight slider, and very good fading action on changeup. Chance for four above average pitches. Throws strikes down in the zone, has an idea, no real upper level swing/miss pitch but will get tons of ground balls and compete.VIDEO

79) Ryan Koziol, RHP, 6’3 165, IL, HS: Slender frame, extremely projectable. Lots of room for growth both in terms of weight and height. Fastball has some nice late life and movement that typically is in the 91-92 mph range. He shows command and feel of 12-6 curveball with some drop off the table ability, depth. Flashes some feel for the change up. Shows a cutter with some tailing action. Good feel for pitching and already will throw any pitch in any count with no fear.

80) Josh Sborz, RHP, 6’2 200, VA, HS: Josh Sborz—brother to former Tigers righthander Jay—is a big strong pitcher with a fast arm. Fastball sits 90-92 with more velocity to come. The pitch has good present life, and he commands it well, attacking the strikezone. Good spin on 11-5 curveball, in the mid 70’s with depth and bite. Nice arm speed on change as well. Works quickly, and has a good idea of how to pitch. High level prospect on the mound. VIDEO

81) Brady Bramlett, RHP, 6-4, 220 lbs, TN, HS: Intimidating size and strength. Throws from an over the top slot release. Gets great extension in delivery adding deception to pitches, and making the fastball appear at least 2 mph faster. Generally sits at 91mph with heater, tops out at 92. Heavy fastball, pounds the bottom of the zone, and will produce plenty of groundballs. Twisty curveball tends to hang, better suited for a slider at next level. VIDEO

82) Calvin Matthews, RHP, 6’4 200lbs, IA, HS: Athletic, projectable body with room to fill out. Plus arm speed. Fastball; high 80s up to 89, more velocity in future. Over the top release. Sharp downhill angle, drives ball to the bottom of the strike zone. Works quickly and mixed pitches well. Hides the ball well, not much effort. Changeup is very good pitch with sink and good arm action at 82. Curveball with 11-5 break is another good off-speed pitch. Big potential. Could be 92-94 mph guy by June. Will not turn 17 until after draft. VIDEO

83) Michael Sheppard, RHP, 6’1 170lbs, NJ, HS: Throws steady 89-90 fastball down in the strikezone with sink, touching 92. Good sharpness to 77mph curve.

84) Taylor Jones, RHP/3B, 6’7 188, WA, HS: Tall, projectable right hander. Lean and athletic, with long loose arm action. Mid 80s fastball presently with little effort, and projects for more velocity as he adds strength to his wiry frame. Good arm side run on 2-seamer with command. Mixes three pitch arsenal well, good pitchability, knows what he's doing on the mound.

85) Mitchell Brown, RHP, 6’2 205, MN, HS: Athletic frame with lots of strength. High level pitching prospect. Fastball sits high 80s, but he can ramp it up to 93. Curveball has sharp 10-4 break and changeup at 78 has good run.

86) Kenny Koplove, RHP, 6’1 155, PA, HS: Fastball sitting at 90-91mph with it topping out at 91mph and his slider topping out at 74mph. Koplove has an arm that works well, is a bulldog on the mound, and has a heavy fastball. VIDEO

87) Corey Kafka, RHP, 6’1 195, GA, HS: Big physical build, very strong look. Cross body multi-piece delivery, some effort but very deceptive. Fastball 88 mph, has been up to 92 mph with good running and sinking life at times. Curveball has hard spin, short sweeping break, changeup gets nice late sink, quality pitch he should throw more. Three quality pitches, still fine tuning command and ability to repeat deceptive delivery. VIDEO

88) Tejay Antone, RHP, 6’4 205, TX, HS: Fastball tops out at 91 mph, very good changeup, although he will have to continue to work on tightening up his breaking ball.

89) Jonathan Olczak, RHP, 6’1 180, NC, HS: Olczak is a strong, athletic righty who projects well and shows outstanding arm speed. He throws from a cross body type of delivery and is consistently in the 88-89 mph range with his fastball, up to 92, with very good late life at times. His 12-6 curveball at 71 has late break, and his 80 mph changeup flashes potential.

90) Nicholas Grant, RHP, 6’2 200, R/R, DE, HS: Big thick physical build, good present strength. Upper 80's fastball, touches 90 mph frequently, with good life. Nice change up with good arm speed and some sinking action. Short breaking curveball with good shape and spin. Inconsistent command due to delivery issues but has three present pitches and the ability to improve. Around the plate with all pitches.

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92) Matthew Ferreira, RHP, 6’2 195, FL, HS: Compact rotational delivery, gets turned and uses his lower half well. Hides the ball, busy front leg adds deception. Upper 80's fastball, tops out at 89 mph, mostly straight. Nice change up, big early running action, maintains arm speed well. Tends to lower elbow/release on curveball, some downer depth, needs to keep release point up. Around the plate with all pitches, fine tuning command. Improvement of breaking ball key.

93) Corbin Olmstead, RHP/3B, 6’3 200, R/R, FL, HS: Big, strong athlete. Two-way prospect with higher pro ceiling on the mound. Steady 89-91 mph fastball, fairly straight and often in the middle of the plate. Primary fastball pitcher, very good raw arm strength, fastball to 92 mph, mostly straight. Needs to develop off speed: a soft sweeping slider, and occasional big curveball. VIDEO

94) Seth McGarry, RHP, 6’1 175, FL, HS: Slender athletic build with room to get stronger. Fastball in the upper 80’s, touches 90 on occasion, should see a slight uptick in velocity going forward. 2-seam fastball shows very good sink in the mid 80s. Throws a tight slider at 80 mph with good tilt. Curve is best pitch presently; hammer with hard, late biting action, very good command of curveball, strikeout pitch. Still developing feel for his changeup but it has potential as well, with good movement and arm speed. Has an idea how to pitch and mix it up, can come with any pitch.

95) Jose Mesa Jr., RHP, 6’4 220, FL, HS: Big strong physical build, same build as his dad. Primary fastball pitcher, with good raw arm strength; fastball up to 91 mph, maintains velocity well. Slider best off speed pitch, good sharp bite at times with tilt, big soft curveball, rare change up. VIDEO

96) Matt Schultz, RHP, 6’2 205, IL, HS: Hard-throwing right-hander with a sturdy frame. Fastball easily reaches the upper 80s, up to 93 at times. An effective mix of off-speed pitches. He is an aggressive pitcher that will challenge hitters with the velocity and movement on his fastball. His slider is a nice compliment as his second pitch. Coming off TJ surgery in 2011. VIDEO

97) Andrew Potter, RHP, 6'2 195, CA, HS: Andrew is an aggressive strike thrower on the mound that attacks hitters with his fastball. That fastball has some late life and sits in the 88-91 mph range. He also throws a good, tight slider that has tilt and depth. Andrew also shows a lot of confidence (and plus feel) in his change that has some tail. Overall, he’s mechanically sound – loose, quick and clean with his arm – and competes on the mound with a quality three pitch mix. VIDEO

98) Brian Trieglaff, RHP, 6’1 190, TX, HS: Good raw arm strength. Fastball sits 88-91, touching 92 at times, with some tailing action. He works quickly on the mound, and creates a good downhill plane when he stays tall in his delivery, in spite of a relatively short frame. Tends to lower release on his low 70s curveball, but it shows good depth and flashes tight spin and downer break. VIDEO

99) Sean McLaughlin, OF/RHP, 5’11 185, L/R, GA, HS: Intriguing two-way prospect. Has thrown up to 96 mph off the mound, grades out higher there than in the field.

100) Jake Cosart, RHP, 6’2 160, TX, HS: Lean and slender build, projects well physically. Brother of Astros flame-throwing RHP Jarred. Jake is an incredible athlete, who has a simple delivery on the mound. He's built up his velocity from the mid 80s late in 2010 up to the low 90s. May have best OF arm of class 98 from OF at PG National. 11-5 curveball flashes good spin but will need more power.

101) Wales Toney, RHP, 6’3 195 SC, HS: Lean angular build, good physical projection. Loose fast arm action. Steady 89-91 mph fastball, good consistent arm side running life. Fastball has gone from 80 to 86 to 91 the past 2 years, still very projectable. Needs delivery work on off speed pitches. VIDEO

102) Jackson Stephens, RHP/3B, 6'3 185, R/R, AL, HS: Angular athletic build with some present strength. Side step delivery with busy hand action. Upper 80's fastball, tops out at 89 mph, mostly straight. Throws both a curveball and slider, occasional depth on both pitches, tends to guide/aim slider. Change up best off speed, good arm speed with occasional hard sinking action.

103) Trey Wingenter, RHP, 6’7 190, AL, HS: A converted catcher Wingenter is a long and lanky right hander with a loose arm and a fastball that sits at 87-88mph, touching 91. Lacks deception and he is slow to the plate from the stretch. His mid 70's curveball and change look very good at times. Big potential.

104) Dalton Brown, RHP, 6-4, 225 lbs, TX, HS: Brown is a strongly built right-hander who throws from a back turn delivery and is pretty severely cross body on his release. Throws 88-90 mph on his fastball with occasional cutting actions and throws a sharp 78 mph slider. VIDEO

105) Reilly Hovis, RHP, 6’2 190, NC, HS: Solid athletic build, room to get stronger. Upper 80's fastball, touches 91 mph. Gets over curveball well, sharp downer break and good depth, has nice fade to change up.

106) Malcolm Diaz, RHP, 6’2 190, San Juan, PR: Loose athletic body, has some strength with more to come. Very strong arm, steady 91-93 mph fastball, misses up arm side consistently with fastball, can't get ball to glove side. Fastball sinks well, occasional nasty cutting action. Projects lots of velocity, developing off speed will be key. Currently lacks feel for curveball, soft spin, get me over pitch for strikes.

107) Hunter Wood, RHP, 6`1 170, AR, HS: Medium build, loose wiry frame, with room to add strength. Excellent arm speed. Fastball up to 87-91 mph, occasional hard arm side running action. Needs to work on repeating arm slot, has projectability on the mound.

108) Brooks Kriske, RHP, 6'3 192, CA, HS: Very athletic right-hander whose body and velocity project well. Continues to develop as a pitcher and shows serious upside there. Delivery is still improving but already Kriske has made tremendous strides throughout the fall and winter and his velocity has steadily increased; up to 90 mph now on his fastball. Has good command of strikezone, for someone with so little experience on the mound. Slider flashes hard bite at times with potential to become a weapon as an out pitch. Very good hitting and outfield tools, but future is on mound. VIDEO

109) Troy Ruggerio, RHP, 6'5 205, AZ, HS: Troy is a tall, lean athlete on the mound with a great pitcher’s frame (6’5"/190) and long arms and legs. The ball comes out of his hand easy and his high 80s fastball has natural run to it along with some late life. He complements his FB with a curveball with good tilt and rotation and a sinking change. He works quickly, attacks hitters with his fastball and throws strikes. Overall, the body, stuff and make-up are an outstanding total package. VIDEO

110) Blake Burkett, RHP, 6’2 205, GA, HS: Blake is a strong and physical prospect. Touches 88 with a fastball that has great armside run. He does a good job of locating his pitches and shows the making of a plus 12-6 curveball.

111) Ray Castillo, RHP, 6'1 175, AL, HS: Young slender build with room to fill out. Full hands over head delivery with lots of moving parts. Quick loose arm, fastball up to 91 mph, mostly straight, needs to create more life, and tends to miss down glove side. Slow curveball with good depth, effective off speed pitch, can be thrown harder with tighter spin, tends to slow arm and aim change up. Repeats delivery well, good command, has idea how to pitch. Has the physical development and arm strength to keep improving, has gained 7 mph in velocity in the last year.

112) Kenneth Burkhead, RHP, 6’0 180, FL, HS: Slender young look, some present strength. Fastball to 91 mph, maintains velocity, and works down in zone well with consistent run/sink. Tends to lower release on curve and tips it, soft spin, shows good location/command of slider down and away from right handed hitters. Best command from the windup, some effort from stretch. Very good arm, needs to work on secondary pitches and consistent mechanics.

113) Willie Ethington, RHP/3B, 6’4 200, R/R, AZ, HS: Dual position player. A power hitting third baseman and advanced pitching prospect. Ethington sits at 90-91 with his heater and shows advanced secondary pitches. His changeup has good sink, while his curveball flashes true swing and miss potential.

114) Robert M. Garcia Quiroz, RHP, 6’3 180, Yabucoa, PR: Tall slender pitcher's build. Steady mid 80's fastball, has been up to 91 mph in the past. Pitch has nice run and sink when down, straightens when up. Challenges aggressively with fastball. Changeup best off speed pitch, good feel for location and movement, has confidence in it. Short slurve type breaking ball needs either more power or depth.

115) Nolan Long, RHP, 6’9 225, CT, HS: Big, strong pitcher's body with clean, downhill arm action. Fastball sits high 80s but can touch 92.

116) Jake Pintar, RHP, 6’7 200, CA, HS: Very tall and thin pitcher. He also shows a good line to the plate and good balance for his size. Throwing from a three-quarter arm slot, he pounds the strike zone with an 88-90 mph fastball. His curveball is a bit loopy in the 69-71 mph range and needs to be tightened up. He shows good athleticism for someone his size. VIDEO

117) Dillon Tate, RHP, 6'1 167, CA, HS: Late-bloomer who continues to improve. Thin projectable build, with a lot of room to add strength. Athletic. Fast arm, works well, with some effort on release. Fastball in the high 80's presently up to 92, with more velocity to come. Fastball has good life. Tends to miss up, toning down delivery a bit a bit will improve command. Likes to throw curveball and has confidence in it. Very nice 12-6 curveball with big deep shape and bite, potential plus pitch down the road. VIDEO

118) Tanner Kiest, RHP, 6'3 195, CA, HS: Slender projectable build. Nice smooth delivery. Minimal efoort on release. Fastball in the mid 80's touches 91, good life. Throws a tight 72 mph curveball. Needs to work on command. VIDEO

119) Matthew Hassenbeck, RHP, 6’6 240, MO, HS: Extra large build, very strong lower half. Slow paced delivery, throws downhill, bit cross body on release. Fastball up to 88 mph, will turn over 2-seamer at 84 mph on occasion, slows arm on change up and drops slot. Does not throw breaking ball at present, has arm action/release for a slider. Looks like he'll throw hard but needs to develop breaking ball and deception.

120) Blake McFadden, RHP, 6’2 200, MO, HS: Nice athletic build, room to get stronger. Drop and drive delivery, quick clean arm action, hides ball well, repeats mechanics. Primary fastball pitcher, attacks with fastball early in count, tops out at 88 mph, mostly straight but spots ball to both sides and works low in zone. Flashes hard curveball spin, big sweeping depth, could throw curveball more frequently, rare change up. Has the tools to keep improving.

VIDEO

121) Austin Sovay, RHP, 6’5 210, FL, HS: Tall projectable righty, throws 85-88, and touches 90. Shows a good curve at 73. Mechanically, things are pretty simple for such a big guy. However, he has one of those Tim Hudson-esque floating front feet (it strides towards the plate, then stops and starts heading toward the 1B line as his hips open up).

122) Stephen Brooks, RHP, 6’2 200, VA, HS: Strong well proportioned build. Low hand delivery, big separation and deep arm action, loose arm, gets extended out front and works downhill. Sits at 88 mph with good arm side run, will touch 90 mph at times. Hard curveball with good 11-5 depth, sharp bite at times, developing change up. Throws strikes with all pitches and works aggressively.

123) James Kaprielian, RHP, 6'2 185, CA, HS: Athletic two-way player. On the mound James flashes a high 80s fastball that is sneaky quick, a swing-and-miss slider that breaks sharp at late, an 11/5 curveball with good depth and a very effective change with slight cut. He shows advanced command of all four of these offerings. VIDEO

124) Andrew Sopko, RHP, 6’2 180lbs, MT, HS: Quick, easy arm action that projects very well. 87-88 mph fastball with more velocity to come. Shows very hard spin on a 74 mph curveball. VIDEO

125) Robbie Nesovic, RHP 6'4 190, CA, HS: Big projectable hander that has a heavy sinker and is a strike thrower. He has advanced athleticism for his size.

126) Hunter Melton, RHP, 6'2 225, TX, HS: Thick mature build. Two-way player who also plays first base. Big kid, strong as an ox, fastball from 88-91.

127) Michael Clouthier, RHP, 6’2 200lbs, ON, HS: Canadian has been up to 93 mph. Throws a heavy ball.

128) Dayton Dawe, RHP, 6’2 180, ON, HS: Another Canadian kid, Sits 86-88 with good run on his two-seamer, and can reach as high as 91, with more in the tank.

129) Tanner Spencer, RHP, 6’3 175, CAN, HS: Big projectable righty from Alberta. Upper 80s fastball with life, up to 90mph. Extremely competitive. Will get stronger, more velocity in tank. Only 16 at draft.

[JaysFanToronto]

http://www.minorleagueball.com/2012/3/30/2914684/mlb-2012-draft-college-left-handed-starters

MLB 2012 Draft - College - Left Handed Starters

1) Brian Johnson, LHP, 6’3 227, Florida, NCAA

(2012) 4-0(w-l) 3.13(era) 31.2(ip) 28(h) 7(bb) 28(so) 5(hr)

Johnson is one of the top lefthanders eligible for the 2012 MLB Draft. He has a 3/4 release and does a good job of repeating his delivery. He shows good command of all three pitches in his repertoire. Johnson’s fastball sits in the low 90′s, topping out at 94. His curve is above average and his change is also a quality pitch. VIDEO

2) Brett Moneyham, LHP, 6`5 215, Stanford, NCAA

(2012) 5-0(w-l) 2.12(era) 34(ip) 22(h) 16(bb) 46(so) 3(hr)

Power lefty with a fastball that sits 91-92, but can reach the mid 90s. He has scrapped his curveball to focus on his slider, which he tends to use as a chase pitch. His changeup has good sink, and he`s doing a better job throwing strikes with his fastball. Putting up excellent numbers this year. Opponents are hitting a paltry .165 (16-for-97) against him on the year and he has 12.3 K/9 ratio, among the best in the nation.VIDEO

3) Sam Stafford, LHP, 6'3 185, Texas, NCAA

(*2011*) 6-2(w-l) 1.77(era) 81.1(ip) 54(h) 42(bb) 91(so) 4(hr)

Projectable lefty with plus-plus pichability. Stafford’s fastball sits consistently in the 88-92 range, but he can ramp it up to 95 when he needs to. He has good shape to his curveball but doesn't always locate that pitch where he wants. Stafford can be unhittable at times, but if he can't improve his command he'll be ticketed for the bullpen as a pro. Nice college numbers. He’ll be 22 on draft day. Injury will cloud draft status.VIDEO

4) Andrew Heaney, LHP, 6`2 174, Oklahoma, NCAA

(2012) 5-1(w-l) 3(cg) 1.12(era) 48(ip) 30(h) 8(bb) 65(so) 1(hr)

Heaney has an easy arm action and he repeats his delivery consistently. He also has the chance to have three solid-average to above average pitches. His velocity sits 88-90, but he can ramp it up to 93 at times. His curve is an out pitch, with sharp depth and bite. His changeup is very deceptive and has late sink. He has advanced pitchability, throwing all three offerings for strikes and mixing them well. VIDEO

5) Alex Wood, LHP 6’4 216lbs, Georgia, NECBL

(2012) 3-1(w-l) 2.00(era) 36(ip) 33(h) 3(bb) 39(so) 1(hr)

Lefty with a power arm, Wood's fastball sits at 93-96, which coaches describe as "exploding" out of his hand. Wood has a quality breaking ball--a power curve, and his changeup flashes plus, though he loses command of it on occasion. Wood’s quirky arm action keeps hitters from picking the ball up until late, but his delivery has some effort. Solid numbers and only 21 at draft.

6) Jerad Grundy, LHP, 6’1 200, Kentucky, NCAA

(2012) 3-0(w-l) 2.88(era) 34.1(ip) 27(h) 11(bb) 28(so)

With an 88-92 mph fastball that touches 94 and a slider that generates swings and misses, he has the weapons to be a late-inning reliever in pro ball. His size (6 feet, 183 pounds) and maximum-effort delivery probably will prevent him from remaining a starter, though he does flash an average changeup. Grundy has committed to Kentucky for 2012.VIDEO

7) Sam Selman LHP 6`3 150, Vanderbilt, NCAA

(2012) 1-3(w-l) 7.83(era) 23(ip) 26(h) 18(bb) 23(so) 2(hr)

Lean projectable lefthander from Texas. Loose arm, room to fill out. Fastball a plus already in the low 90s with a peak as high as 95. The pitch has excellent late life. Selman also possesses a plus curve and a promising changeup. Nice stats in limited work. The two things about him that are most impressive, aside from his raw stuff, are the feel he has for his pitches and for movement.

8) Logan Ehlers, LHP, 6’1 180, Nebraska, JUCO

(2012) 5-0(w-l) 0.77(era) 35(ip) 25(h) 13(bb) 41(so)

Unsigned 2010 eighth-rounder had drama-filled season at Nebraska. Strong athletic build, solid lower half. Smooth delivery. Projectable. Fastball very steady 89-90, up to 92 this spring. Curve shows sharp 12/6 bite at times, and he commands it well. VIDEO

9) Hoby Milner, LHP, 6’3 165, Texas, NCAA

(2012) 5-3(w-l) 3.28(era) 35.2(ip) 31(h) 11(bb) 33(so) 2(hr)

The son of former big leaguer Brian Milner, Hoby is a pitchability lefthander. He thrives thanks to location and deception, working primarily with an 86-89 mph fastball that tops out at 92, and a solid changeup and a curveball that have their moments. He's resilient despite packing just 165 pounds on his 6-foot-3 frame, and his stuff could pick up if he adds some strength. VIDEO

10) Matt Strahm, LHP, 6’4 180, Nebraska, NCAA

(*2011*) 9-3(w-l) 3.63(era) 67(ip) 63(h) 20(bb) 77(so)

Sophomore lefthander went a modest 2-1, 2.00 for Neosho County (JC) last season but caught the attention of scouts with his big projectable frame, easy delivery and command of his 92-93 mph fastball, hard slider, and solid average change. Great k/bb ratio. Eats innings. Committed to Nebraska. VIDEO


11) Taylor Rogers, LHP, 6’3 175, Kentucky, NCAA

(2012) 4-1(w-l) 3.83(era) 35.1(ip) 33(h) 8(bb) 42(so) 3(hr)

Rogers sits in the upper-80s with his fastball with room for more as his body fills out. He already throws two good off-speed pitches for strikes – his changeup is consistently above-average and flashes plus, while his upper-70s curve is nasty when on. He displays excellent control, but will never be much of a strikeout pitcher. VIDEO

12) Michael Roth, LHP, 6’1 200, South Carolina, NCAA

(2012) 2-0(w-l) 1.28(era) 42.1(ip) 23(h) 10(h) 40(so) 0(hr)

Michael Roth perfectly fits the mould of a crafty lefty. Roth changes speeds well and shows good command. He throws his fastball in the high 80′s. His best secondary pitch is his changeup, which is particularly effective against righthanded hitters. He also uses a curve against righties and a slider against lefties. Roth was used as a situational reliever in college and that role may be his best chance to make it to the Majors. Also a high level bat for a pitcher. VIDEO

13) Josh Smith, LHP, 6’3 185, Wichita State, NCAA

(2012) 3-1(w-l) 2.97(era) 39.1(ip) 32(h) 14(bb) 42(so) 2(hr)

Although Smith lacks upper-level velocity and stuff, he has above-average command and keeps hitters off balance. He works in the upper 80s with his fastball, occasionally touching 90-91 mph, and also throws a two-seamer that has good run. He mixes in an excellent changeup and solid slider and can throw any pitch in any count for a strike. Despite not having premier stuff at present, his lanky, projectable build suggests he could add more velocity as he continues to fill out. Solid numbers in college.


14) Eric Perrault, LHP, 6’4 180, Keene, NCAA

(2012) 1-2(w-l) 3.46(era) 13(ip) 8(h) 4(bb) 13(so)

Another lanky projectable lefty, Perrault looks the part of a pro pitcher. Perrault sits at 88-92 with some arm-side run on his fastball while flashing a mid-70s curveball and low-80s changeup that he is able to locate at times. The only knock on Perrault, as with most young pitchers, is that he must refine his command if he wants to succeed at the next level.

15) Mason Mcvay, LHP, 6’8 210, Florida International, NCAA

1-2 2.87era 31.1 28h 19bb 36so 1hr

Redshirted his Junior year after returning from Tommy John surgery. Is being moved into the rotation, after spending most of last season in the pen. Had very good numbers as a reliever. Fastball velocity seems to have fully returned, was 89-91, now back up to 92-94, peaking at 95. Plus curveball with good spin. Mechanics need work; command has been an issue in the past. Excellent strikeout numbers. Needs to work on command and control. Potential to be a number 3 type of starter. Mustache creates deception and awesomeness.

16) Sean Hagan, LHP, 6’6 225, St. John’s, NCAA

(2012) 3-1(w-l) 2.68(era) 30.2(ip) 26(h) 9(bb) 26(so)

Pitches with easy arm action on the mound, repeats delivery, plus arm strength, fastball up to 93, most are 90-91 with some late arm side run, hard curveball lacks command from 3/4 slot, crosses and fights himself some in delivery. Fastball movement is a plus with that velocity. Mixes pitches well, stays around the zone. Solid numbers.

17) Joe Mantiply, LHP, 6’4 208, Virginia Tech, NCAA

(2012) 3-1(w-l) 2.97(era) 39.1(ip) 41(h) 7(bb) 24(so)

Well developed physical frame: athletic and muscular. Slow paced delivery. High 80s fastball 90 peak. Fastball has late arm side run and sink. Sharp 12-8 slider with late diagonal break. Not a power pitch but features quality late bite that works well against lefty batters, mostly as chase pitch. Change up has late dip; movement is not drastic but enough to work as change of speed pitch. Good command of all of his pitches; pitches off of his fastball and utilizes it heavily. Solid college numbers. Reminiscent of Vanderbilt’s Grayson Garvin from last draft.

18) Matt Dermody, LHP, 6’5 190, Iowa, NCAA

(2012) 0-3(w-l) 5.40(era) 28.1(ip) 31(h) 12(bb) 29(so) 2(hr)

Dermody has what baseball types call "electric stuff." Fastball sits 88-92 with a loose easy arm action. The tall lanky left-hander also throws a knee-buckling curve ball and possesses impeccable control over his explosive fastball.

19) Steve Ewing, 6’2 225, LHP, Miami, NCAA

(2012) 3-0(w-l) 2.23(era) 40.1(ip) 35(h) 11(bb) 37(so) 1(hr)

Must watch weight and fights across his body from a high 3/4 arm slot. Fastball up to 91, most are upper 80’s with life. Changes speeds off fastball and curveball well, command is key. Throws lots of pitches and nibbles but gets K on occasion, groundball guy mostly.

20) Nick Routt, LHP, 6’4 210, Mississippi State, NCAA

(2012) 1-3(w-l) 4.01(era) 24.2(ip) 34(h) 6(bb) 27(so) 2(hr)

Good height; solid frame; not much projection remaining. Relies heavily on fastball 90-91 (peak 93) with good movement, seems faster than it is. Movement generates ground ball contact; but can be hit when not located well. 12-8 breaking ball with tight sweeping action; tendency to lose shape when used as a chase pitch. Changeup with good action; some late fade and drop. Had to develop a three-fingered screwball grip after nerve injury, in order to throw change without pain. Command is vital to his success; shows ability to throw to both sides of plate. Mixes pitches well. Works very quickly.

21) Ty Blach, LHP, 6’1 200, Creighton, NCAA

(2012) 3-1(w-l) 2.01(era) 40.1(ip) 33(h) 10(bb) 29(so) 1(hr)

His fastball consistently registers in the low 90s with arm side run. Has command of his other two pitches (changeup and curveball) is considered above average at this point in his development. Needs more consistency with curveball and command to be effective and move up in draft status.


22) Tyler Joyner, LHP, 5’11 193, East Carolina, NCAA

(2012) 3-0(w-l) 3.09(era) 35(ip) 32(h) 7(bb) 25(so) 3(hr)

Former two-way player, his future belongs on mound. Good lefty, with excellent pitchability. Fastball sits 89-92, peaks of 93, with good deception. Ball jumps out of hand easy, excellent life. Big overhand curve projects to be at least an average MLB pitch. Has been much more effective with his control, leading him to better overall numbers after spending the past two years on the bench due to suspension. Tyler profiles as a potential fifth starter or long reliever at the next level. VIDEO

23) Justin Jones, LHP, 6’3 175, California, NCAA

(2012) 2-3(w-l) 4.22(era) 32(ip) 35(h) 12(bb) 18(so) 1(hr)

Long projectable lefty. Sits 88-90 with fastball. Long and loose arm action. Good curve and command. Solid numbers for Cal in 2011, but off to a slow start this year. VIDEO


24) Adam Westmoreland, LHP, 6’6 270, South Carolina, NCAA

(20120) 1-0(w-l) 2.70(era) 13.1(ip) 12(h) 3(bb) 10(so) 1(hr)

After a solid freshman campaign, Westmoreland tore his elbow ligament in his pitching arm just before the 2010 season began. He missed the entire season after having Tommy John surgery and was forced to redshirt. When on his game Westmoreland can be dominant throwing in the upper 80’s, touching 90, with an excellent change up and sweeping curveball. Putting up excellent numbers so far in 2012. VIDEO

25) Dalton Friend, LHP, 6’4 235, Jefferson, JUCO

(2012) 3-0(w-l) 3.31(era) 16.1(ip) 15(h) 5(bb)25(so)

Undrafted out of high school. College freshman has improved since attending Jefferson. Fastball has greatly improved from high school when he topped out at 90mph. Now sits in the 90-95 mph range with good movement. Very sound mechanics and control.

26) Matt Whitehouse, LHP, 6’1 170, UC Irvine, NCAA

(2012) 0-2(w-l) 4.15(era) 13(ip) 16(h) 3(bb) 17(so) 0(hr)

Whitehouse lacks great stuff, but he knows how to pitch. His fastball comes in at 85-89. His

27) Tim Cooney, LHP, 6`3 195, Wake Forrest, NCAA

(2012) 3-2(w-l) 4.17(era) 36.1(ip) 32(h) 21(bb) 41(so) 3(hr)

Solid stuff, fastball in the upper 80s, 91 peak, tight 1/7 curveball with depth, mixes in 74 mph changeup with sink and good armspeed. Pitches play up due to good command. Feel for pitching. Can throw all of his pitches for strikes. Clean, compact arm action. Nice numbers, very good control, allows too many hits, has problems with homeruns as you might expect from a soft tossing lefty starter. Track record of success in a good program. VIDEO

28) Brian Holmes, LHP, 6’4 210, Wake Forest, NCAA

5-0 1cg 1.87era 43.1ip 26h 23bb 44so 1hr

Good curveball, upper 80’s fastball with excellent sink. Made headlines earlier this spring with a no-hitter over George Washington University.

29) Tyler Alexander, LHP, 6’1 185lbs, Hillsbrough, CC

(2012) 2-1(w-l) 3.93(era) 36.2(ip) 31(h) 33(bb) 27(so)

Athletic southpaw with 89-91fastball. Solid changeup. Needs to improve command.

30) Tanner Perkins, LHP, 6’3 190, Western Kentucky

(2012) 1-0(w-l) 3.22(era) 22.1(ip) 21(h) 5(bb) 14(so) 2(hr)

Co-ace of Hilltoppers staff. Fastball only in 86-90 range, but is lefty with command, and plus changeup.

[JaysFanToronto]

http://www.minorleagueball.com/2012/3/30/2915074/mlb-2012-draft-high-school-left-handed-starters

MLB 2012 Draft - High School - Left Handed Starters

1) Max Fried, LHP, 6’4 170, CA, HS: Tall, skinny lefty with loads of projection. Fried is a fantastic athlete with command of three pitches. Fried's best pitch is his dynamic curveball. He throws it in the mid 70's with sharp break on it that drops off the table. Couple that with a potential plus fastball that Fried can already run up to 94 (with possibly more velocity in the tank) and he has the potential to be a top-of-the-rotation starter akin to a Clayton Kershaw. VIDEO

2) Matt Smoral, LHP, 6’8 225, OH, HS: Big left handed pitcher that will run it to 94 mph and easily stay in the low 90s late into innings. Smooth, clean delivery for someone his size, suggest there might be more velocity in the tank. Fastball displays some late life sinking action on two-seam fastball. Slider shows solid bite and when on it has a crisp spin. Change up needs refinement. Huge upside, potential top of the rotation starter if all goes right, a CC Sabathia type. VIDEO

3) Hunter Virant, LHP, 6’3 170, CA, HS: Tall and highly projectable left handed pitcher. His fastball sits in the 88-92 mph range, but also mixes in an 86-87 mph two-seamer with natural cutting action. Virant also has an array of secondary pitches, including a high-70s slider, a curveball in the low 70s and a 78-79 mph changeup. Virant shows good control of all four pitches. VIDEO

4) Nathan Kirby, LHP, 6’1180, VA, HS: Kirby is a smooth left hander with some effort, but is long and loose. There is still a lot of projection left on his thin frame. Kirby’s fastball has life and sits 88-90 mph, touching 92. Outstanding hard spin and bite on curveball, big break at times, slider velocity but knuckle-curve grip, can be nasty when everything is right. Flashes a potential slider and changeup. Good feel for pitching, but simply needs to tighten up on a consistent basis. VIDEO

5) Cole Irvin, LHP, 6’4 175lbs, CA, HS: Projectable Low 90's LHP with good pitchability. Smooth, balanced delivery. His arm worked free and easy out of the glove, and with little effort out front to generate FB velocity between 86 and 90. Consistent late fastball life, throws his fastball to spots with intent. Potential plus curveball with more power, tight spin with bite and good depth. Very advanced changeup, plus life at times, with big fading action. Has all the pitches now and the ability to throw them where he wants with life, just waiting for the strength to kick in. VIDEO

6) Zach Irwin, LHP, 6’4 215, MS, HS: Big, thick physical build, looks larger than listed. Rock back, turn and throw delivery, keeps it simple and lets his arm work, extended arm action, high 3/4's arm slot. Steady 89-90 mph fastball, mostly straight but with good downhill angle, lower 70's curveball, good spin and depth but could have more power, shows an idea how to pitch and throws strikes, has thrown an effective change up in the past.

7) Max Foody, LHP, 6’4 224, FL, HS: Athletic lefty with good present strength. Would be top outfield prospect if not a better pitcher. Three pitch mix. fastball touches 90 mph, up to 92. Cuts fastball into righties, and will also turn it over. Hammer curveball, big hard and tight, nasty when everything's right. Changeup shows promise. Outstanding athlete, very quick off the mound. VIDEO

8) Kyle Twomey, LHP, 6’3 180, CA, HS: Long and lean pitcher that should fill out, leading to an improved fastball, which already sits 87-90 and touches 91 at present. Smooth, low-effort delivery, fastball shows some arm side run. Twomey impresses with his ability to pitch, rather than throw, and his out pitch is a curveball that flashes plus potential. His straight three finger change shows nice late sink and should be a pitch in his arsenal down the road at an advanced stage. VIDEO

9) Austin Fairchild, LHP, 6’1 175lbs, TX, HS: Fairchild isn't built like the prototypical starting pitcher, but he reaches the low-90s with his fastball, and can ramp it up to 93, with lots of projection. He has good arm speed, but there is a lot of effort in his delivery, which could mean he's headed for the bullpen down the line. Good curveball spin, flashed plus hard break at times. Around the plate with both pitches, works quickly and challenges hitters. Needs to develop his changeup. VIDEO

10) Brett Lilek, LHP, 6’4 180, IL, HS: Projectable pitcher's build, tall and loose, plenty of room to add strength. Fastball sits 88-91, mostly straight. Throws it to spots and tries to work the outside corner. Varies breaking ball velocity and shape, needs to get better downward tilt on both pitches. Developing feel for change. Has a crafty lefty approach with potential power pitches, projects more velocity. VIDEO

11) James Matthew Crownover, LHP, 6’0 195, GA, HS: Sturdily built left hander with the highest level pitchability. Good delivery. Fastball sits in the low 90s, touches 95, good run and sink when down. Throws fastball precisely to spots with intent, better command arm side. Potential plus change up, very good arm speed, can throw at any count. Breaking ball usually low 70's curveball with fair spin and plus location. Very advanced idea how to pitch. Not much projection left. Arm injury clouds draft status. VIDEO

12) Ryan Borucki, LHP, 6’4 165, IL, HS: Very projectable lefty with loose arm and present upper 80's-low 90s fastball, that touches 92 on occasion, with late run. More velocity in there. Boruki really executes his pitches well. He effectively mixes his slippery curveball and good straight change to keep both right and lefthanded hitters off balance. Borucki's feel and release of the change-up is what makes the difference for him and it makes him a prospect, as a lefthander. Borucki’s shows the ability to throw all three of his pitches for strikes.VIDEO

13) Jake Drossner, LHP, 6’3 195, PA, HS: Prototypical pitcher's build, long lean and projectable, with lots of room to fill out. Fastball tops out at 91 mph presently, with more to come, occasional plus late life. Hard curveball spin with big downer shape, gets over curveball well, throws it for strikes. Good arm speed on change up. Three solid present pitches and has an excellent chance to throw harder in the future.

14) Chase Mullins, LHP, 6’9 260, KY, HS: Chase Mullins is very much a project. He’s a large-framed lefty who is just growing into his limbs and gaining control of his body. He might push 300 lbs by the time he’s mature. Mullins has a slow arm, and relies on his strength and leverage to produce velocity. Upper 80's fastball, touches 90 mph, and it's not hard to envision him throwing mid 90's one day. The pitc has occasional hard arm side sink and run, but it remains to be seen whether he can command it. Varies break and shape on mid 70's slider, good feel for location and spin but lacks present power, some feel for a change up. Only 17 on draft day.

15) Rex Hill, LHP, 6’3 175, TX, HS: Strong lefty pitcher with slender projectable frame. Loose armed delivery creates tailing action on fastball that sits mostly in the 87-89 mph range but touches 91, with much more in the tank. Early reports this spring say, he’s already sitting 90 now. Nasty low 70s curveball. Flashes a solid 75 mph changeup at times; it has good arm action but needs refinement. He could easily be sitting in the low-90s consistently over a big league schedule when he’s physically mature and have the pitchability and command to go with it.

16) Troy Conyers, LHP, 6’5 230, CA, HS: Troy Conyers is a big, well built lefthander with the look of a future workhorse. Conyers throws a high 80′s fastball consistently with sink and movement. The highest reported reading for Conyers is 92. He should be able to add some more velocity in the future. His change is a plus pitch and also throws a quality curveball. Conyers has a low 3/4 release and his delivery creates deception as he hides the ball well. Finesse pitcher in a power pitcher's frame. VIDEO

17) Rock Rucker, LHP, 6’5 225, GA, HS: A legit two way player in the outfield and on the mound. Big, lanky, projectable build, room to add strength. Good looseness to his arm action. Rucker has a bit of a hitch in his throwing hand but there isnt any extraordinary effort in his delivery. He throws his fastball in the 86-90 range, but has been as high as 93 in the past. Flashes plus breaking ball. Funky delivery. Shades of a young David Price. VIDEO

18) Jack Wynkoop, LHP, 6’6 190, VA, HS: Wynkoop lands at No. 6 mostly on projection. He's 6-foot-6 and 190 pounds and a solid athlete. He's pitched in the 84-87 mph range but touched 89 last summer and also offers a curveball, slider and changeup. He's a South Carolina signee, but could see his stock rise if the fastball becomes more firm and more consistently in the upper-80s to low-90s.

19) Ryne Combs, LHP, 6’0 160, KY, HS: Long thin build with room to fill. Still maturing physically, projects to add velocity. Shows a quick arm with clean arm action. Works downhill despite size, with low effort delivery. Good lefty move to first; holds runners well. Fastball mostly 87-88, touches 90. Shows steady improvement across the board. 12-6 curveball at 78 mph has good bite. Maintains arm speed on changeup well. Three quality pitches. VIDEO

20) Zak Wasilewski, LHP, 6’2 200, VA, HS: Wasilewski has a strong athletic build. Fast arm, ball come comes out of hand well. Low 90s fastball has plus life. Flashes a nice curveball with sharp break and a lot of potential.

21) Dylan Silva, LHP, 6'1 210, FL, HS: Upper 80's fastball, big arm side running action, touches 90 mph. Hard curveball with good bite and depth, hitters don't recognize curveball at all, poor swings if any against it, nice fade to change up with good arm speed. Nothing he throws is straight, and he changes speeds, hits spots with three pitches and generally makes life very hard on any hitter facing him. Highest level pitchability. VIDEO

22) Ty Culbreth, LHP, 6’0 180lbs, TX, HS: Culbreth throws an 87-89 mph fastball thus far and a sharp mid 70's breaking ball. Advanced three-pitch repertoire. Culbreth locates all three pitches (fastball, slider, changeup) effectively. VIDEO

23) Max Tishman, LHP, 6’2175, MA, HS: One of the most underrated arms in the 2012 class. He is lean and projectable and should add more velocity as his body fills out. He has as good a current repertoire, with a fastball that sits 86-89 touching 91, a changeup that he turns over well and a slider at 77-79 with sharpness. His left-handedness is just icing on the cake. With life on his fastball and feel for three pitches, Tishman figures to get a lot of outs whatever level he is pitching at.

24) Caleb Frare, LHP, 6’1 192lbs, MT, HS: Strong build for age with nice projection. Compact arm action, 3/4's slot, pitches mostly with fastball, touched 88-91 fastball, Very good idea how to pitch. VIDEO

25) Cory Geisler, LHP/OF, 6’0 185, TX, HS: Very effective left-handed pitcher. Quick arm, ball comes out clean. Fastball at 86-87 mph with good arm side running action. Has been in low 90s before. Curveball is an outstanding pitch, hard and sharp break with ideal depth, controls the pitch well. Good arm speed on change up with late life. A slight head jerk during delivery, but otherwise good mechanics. VIDEO

26) Mason Felt, LHP, 6’3 190, GA, HS: Nice pitcher's build with room to fill out and get stronger. Fastball up to 89 mph, maintains velocity well from the stretch. Throws a big sweeping curveball for strikes, solid pitch. Good feel for change up with some fade. Works quickly and throws strikes. Has good command, keeps the ball down and works ahead.

27) Jordan Minch, LHP, 6’3 170lbs, IN, HS: Slender athletic build. Arm works well. 89-91 with a nice feel for his changeup, needs to develop curveball. Good pitchability. VIDEO

28) Logan James, LHP, 6’0 165, CA, HS: Teamates with McCuller’s at Jesuit. An undersized lefty with a loose arm and a high 80's fastball, up to 91. Nice build with room to fill out. Body projects. James’ fastball was tends to be quite straight at times, while his 68 MPH curveball doesn't have a lot of bite. Strong commitement to Stanford.

29) Ryan Kellogg, LHP, 6’6 215lbs, ON, HS: Plenty of projection, more velocity to come. Fastball sits 84-86, topping out at 87 presently, from over the top slot. Curveball has rolling downward action at 69-70. Has room to use his large frame to drive and extend more down the slope. Kellogg is a member of the Canadian Junior National Team. VIDEO

30) William Coursen-Carr, LHP, 6’3 210, IN, HS: Slender projectable build. Smooth effortless delivery, works at a very quick pace. On the mound he flashes three solid pitches, including a fastball sits easily at 85-87 (peaking at 88), with possibly more in the tank, a plus curveball at 68-72, and a good changeup at 71-72. Flashes a cutter at times that is a potential out pitch at the next level. Strong work ethic, and a smart player on and off the field. VIDEO

31) Tyler Pike, LHP, 6’1 180, FL, HS: Easy delivery, steady 89-91 mph fastball, maintains stuff well, more 91s than 89s. Fastball is mostly straight but throws to spots with intent, will come inside. Has an advanced idea how to pitch and an edge to him on the mound. Curveball lacks ideal velocity but has tight spin and some sharpness, generates poor swings against. Some developing feel for change up at 79-80. Pike and Winter Haven beat McCullers in a game against Jesuit.

32) Colin Rodgers, LHP, 6’0 180, LA, HS: Deceptive left handed pitcher with a fastball that sits 89-91 with nice consistent sink and tailing action, will drop down to low 3/4's at times with similar velocity. Big sweeping slider, sharp biting action, very good depth at times. Good change. Works down in the zone. Works quickly and has an idea with the strike zone, makes it look easy against good hitters.

33) Alexander Robinson, LHP, 6’3 220, NY, HS: Athletic lefty with projectable body. Robinson throws from a 3/4 arm slot on the mound, with a high leg kick, that creates deception. Fastball sits 88-92, with good movement. Spots fastball well. Good command of slider at 77-80 and a 83 mph change with sink.

34) Anthony Seise, LHP, 6’3 185, FL, HS: Nice pitcher's build, long and lean with physical projection. Upper 80's fastball, touches 91 mph, mostly straight, will try to come inside with fastball. Flashes spin and bite on curveball but not consistent. Raw at present with control and off-speed. Big potential.

35) Austin Solecitto, LHP, 6’2 175, NJ, HS: Solecitto has a young, slender frame. He throws from a 3/4 arm slot, high leg kick, compact mechanics, good balance, stays tall and throws downhill, deceptive delivery, confident on mound, 1/7 curveball for strikes, knows how to pitch. Fastball up to 90 mph with plenty of projection left.

36) Steven Dressler, LHP, 6’1 175, ON, HS: Projectable lefty from Canada. Mechanically, he is loose, inline, and sound without issues that trigger command or injury concerns. Fastball mainly sat 87-88 mph, but can amp it up top 91. Curveball has lots of potential with good depth and plus shape. Flashes changeup at 75. With some solid instruction he could have three pitch potential. Struggles a bit with control but has very good raw stuff. He looks the part of a mid to back rotation starter.VIDEO

37) Andres Martinez, LHP, 6’0 190, FL, HS: Projectable frame. Quick easy arm, throws an 85-88 mph fastball. He changes speeds while attacking hitters and has a deceptive delivery. Tight, sharp curveball at 68-70.

38) Robert Alexander, 6’2 200, NY, HS: Changes speeds well, throws mid to upper 80's, most fastballs are 86 with late life middle out. Snapping curveball has downer action, while straight change appears solid. Needs to have command and control at all times, will not be a power arm, but more of a finesse guy like Mark Buerhle.

39) Justin Flores, LHP, 5’10 175, GA, HS: Fastball at 89 mph. Flashes a curveball at 75 and a changeup at 74.

40) Ryan Perez, BHP, 6’0 180, IL, HS: Mature build with some present strength. Unique ability to throw with both hands. Delivery looks the same from both sides. Stuff also very similar, his fastball tops out in the 91-92 mph range from the right side and in the 88-89 range when throwing left-handed. He can also throw a curveball, cut fastball and change-up with both arms, adding to his already impressive arsenal. Much better raw stuff than Yankee AA dual armed pitcher Pat Venditte and has an idea how to pitch. VIDEO

[JaysFanToronto]

http://www.minorleagueball.com/2012/4/3/2921862/mlb-2012-draft-college-relievers

MLB 2012 Draft - College - Relievers

Right-Handers:

1) Austin Maddox, C/RHP, 6'3 220, Florida, NCAA

(2012) 15(ap) 2-1(w-l) 8(sv) 2.08(era) 26(ip) 18(h) 7(bb) 31(so) 2(hr)

Big strong righty, athletic, two way player. His fastball sits at 92-96 mph and he throws three pitches for strikes including a power slider at 84 mph, and an 81mph changeup. His fastball has heavy sink as well. He’ll only be 21 at draft. VIDEO

2) Nolan Sanburn, RHP, 6’1 205, Arkansas, NCAA

(2012) 9(ap) 2-1(w-l) 0(sv) 3.24(era) 16.2(ip) 16(h) 8(bb) 19(so)

He can overpower hitters with a fastball that sits in the 91-94 mph range and gets as high as 98. Impressive fastball command. Impressive slider, projects as a plus pitch. Bulldog mentality and stuff would make him an excellent late inning reliever, but his repertoire could allow him to be used as a starter also. VIDEO

3) RJ Alvarez, RHP, 6’0 165, Florida Atlantic, NCAA

(2012) 14(ap) 3-0(w-l) 4(sv) 0.79(era) 22.2(ip) 13(h) 5(bb) 29(so) 1(hr)

Lightening fast arm. Alvarez has one of the best pure arms in college. He sits 92-94 with his fastball, reaching 96 often. He has worked exclusively in relief, but Alvarez flashes the secondary pitches to potentially be a successful starter at the next level. He mixes a sharp, downer curveball at 78-80, which flashes plus, as well as a quality changeup at 80-84. Alvarez has a lot of effort in his delivery and throws across his body. VIDEO

4) Jake Barrett, RHP, 6’3 220, Arizona State, NCAA

(2012) 13(ap) 1-2(w-l) 4(sv) 1.80(era) 15(ip) 10(h) 2(bb) 18(so) 1(hr)

Barrett has a big-league body, a plus-plus fastball (94-97 mph) in relief and an above average splitter. His fastball has late life. He has the stuff to be a starter but his size to go along with a maximum effort delivery and spotty command have many believing he's a reliever. Often gets body comps to big relievers like Heath Bell and Jonathan Broxton. VIDEO

5) Michael Morin, RHP, 6’4 207, North Carolina, NCAA

(2012) 17(ap) 4-1(w-l) 8(sv) 0.74(era) 24.1(ip) 16(h) 5(bb) 26(so) 0(hr)

Morin is one of the best college arms of the 2012 class. He already has a pro frame, and above average athleticism. He has an excellent fastball at 88-92, that he can run up to 95 on occasion. His two seamer has good sink to it, and he flashes an average curve, and a changeup, that is a true plus pitch. Outstanding numbers as the closer for UNC.

6) Kyle Hooper, RHP, 6’4 195, UC Irvine, NCAA

(2012) 3-1(w-l) 1.30(era) 27.2(ip) 17(h) 3(bb) 28(so) 1(hr)

A big righthander, Hooper has a prototypical pitcher’s frame. Works downhill with a low 90s fastball. Solid command of his secondary pitches, including a big curve that is 76 -80mph. He attacks hitters and shows good control of all his pitches.

7) Matt Koch, RHP 6’3 185, Louisville, NCAA

(2012) 10(ap) 0-1(w-l) 4(sv) 2.70(era) 13.1(ip) 16(h) 3(bb) 18(so) 0(hr)

Throws 91-95 mph, with a plus late-breaking slider at 81-83 and an aggressive approach. His changeup is still a work in progress, but his power fastball-slider combination should be plenty effective in a relief. Excellent command. VIDEO

8) Luke Bard, RHP, 6’2 183, Georgia Tech, NCAA

(2012) 11(ap) 1-0(w-l) 2(sv) 0.99(era) 27.1(ip) 20(h) 6(bb) 26(so) 0(hr)

One of the top closers in the ACC, Georgia Tech’s Luke Bard is a right handed pitcher with a good projectable frame and power stuff. Fastball sits consistently in the 92-93 range, with possibly more velocity in there. He controls his fastball well, and the pitch has solid movement. Has thrown a curveball and changeup in the past, but as a reliever relies mostly on his heater and a vicious slider, which is his best pitch. Brother of Red Sox pitcher Daniel. VIDEO

9) Ethan Carter, RHP, 6’5 200, South Carolina, NCAA

(2012) 5(ap) 1-0(w-l) 0(sv) 0.00(era) 10(ip) 3(h) 2(bb) 10(so) 0(hr)

Carter has impeccable control, and big league ready frame. His low 90s fastball comes out of his hand real easy and gets on hitters fast. He also has a sharp slider that is very good and he commands it well. He completes his three pitch mix with a true changeup with sink. The proverbial prodigal son, Carter was kicked off the team at South Carolina following his freshman year, but has returned in 2012.

10) Matt Price, RHP, 6’1 190, South Carolina, NCAA

(2012) 9(ap) 3-2(w-l) 1(sv) 3.12(era) 40.1(ip) 19(h) 19(bb) 49(so) 0(hr)

College closer with lots of high-level high-pressure experience. Price has established himself as one of the nation's best closers. Probably more of a middle reliever at the next level, but his tenacity, low 90’s fastball, swing-and-miss slider and solid changeup should make him a success in that role.


11) JT. Chargois, RHP, 6’1 175, Rice, NCAA

(2012) 14(ap) 4(sv) 2-1(w-l) 3.38(era) 16(ip) 11(h) 8(bb) 15(so) 1(hr)

Until this year the stuff had always been better than the numbers for Chargois. Though he has limited experience on the mound, his stuff is incredible. Chargois goes after hitters with a sinking fastball in the 92-96 range and a plus power curveball that ranged from 78-83. His delivery has some violence, and he profiles as a reliever all the way, but he has filthy, back-of-the-bullpen stuff. VIDEO

12) Eduardo Encinosa, RHP, 6'4 210, Miami, NCAA

(2012) 12(ap) 1-1(w-l) 7(sv) 3.75(era) 12(ip) 4(h) 7(bb) 19(so) 0(hr)

Encinosa has a big strong frame and good mechanics. He has a clean arm action, and projects for possibly more velocity down the road. His fastball reaches the low 90’s (89-93), and he compliments that with a sharp slider and a changeup that he shows a good feel for.

13) Drew Steckenrider, RHP, 6’5 213, Tennessee, NCAA

(2012) 11(ap) 0(sv) 2-2(w-l) 1.98(era) 27.1(ip) 19(h) 15(bb) 35(so) 0(hr)

Former 5-tool prospect and two-way player as a switch-hitting outfielder. Sits 89-90 with his fastball but has reportedly been as high as the mid 90s. Flashes an 85 slider at times, and a 79-82mph changeup. Defensively, doesn't move particularly well off the mound. Command could use a little improvement, but overall numbers in 2012 have been impressive. VIDEO

14) Brett Huber, RHP, 6’3 210, Mississippi, NCAA

(2012) 10(ap) 1-1(w-l) 6(sv) 2.70(era) 10(ip) 9(h) 1(bb) 12(so) 1(hr)

Low 90s fastball with hard arm side run/bore at times. Huber's curveball has always been his top pitch; it has a sharp downer break at 75-77 mph and can be a swing and miss pitch at times. His changeup also has some deception and fade at 77 mph. He has lots of confidence in his changeup and will throw it at any point in the count, although he will occasionally drop his release point. All three of Huber's pitches show good present quality. He missed his freshman season at Mississippi while recuperating from Tommy John surgery.

15) Trey Lang, RHP, 6’3 235, Gateway, CC

(2012) 28(ap) 1-1(w-l) 2(sv) 0.50(era) 18(ip) 7(h) 9(bb) 22(so)

Converted outfielder is still new to pitching but his loose arm pumps fastballs steadily at 91-94 mph, and he also has superior command of his breaking stuff. VIDEO

16) Nick Wittgren, RHP, 6’3 205, Purdue, NCAA

(2012) 10(ap) 0-0(w-l) 4(sv) 1.32(era) 13.2(ip) 11(h) 5(bb) 16(so) 0(hr)

Lively fastball in the 91-94 range, to go with a hammer curveball at 75, and a solid 78-81 changeup. VIDEO

17) Zack Helewski, RHP, 6’3 185, Chattahoochee Valley, CC

(2012) 8(ap) 2-2(w-l) 1(sv) 3.50(era) 36(ip) 29(h) 8(bb) 46(so)

Big frame, lots of projection. Big time fastball already, clocked up to 95 mph. Draft eligible sophomore.

18) Lee Ridenhour, RHP, 6’3 190lbs, Johnson County, CC

(2012) 23(ap) 4-1(w-l) 2.61(era) 38(ip) 44(h) 4(bb) 47(so)

Former Jayhawks’ fastball was up to 90 mph, touches 92, but pretty straight. His best pitch is a 78 mph slider that had a deep 2-plane break to it; has missed two seasons.

19) Michael Heller, RHP/LF, 6’2 185, Miami-Dade, JUCO

(2012) 12(ap) 1-0(w-l) 1(sv) 2.96(era) 27.1(ip) 22(h) 16(bb) 50(so)

Injuries have slowed this former high-profile Florida recruit; fastball touches 95 mph, sits 88-92 when at his best, with a plus curveball, also uses a 75mph straight change.

20) Shane Henderson, RHP, 6’8 260, Grayson, JUCO

(2012) 5(ap) 2-0(w-l) 0(sv) 2.78(era) 22.2(ip) 11(h) 10(bb) 29(so)

Unsigned 20th round draft pick of the Dodgers in 2010 from Texas. Excellent loose extra large build, resembles Jameson Taillon physically. Throws downhill, with a smooth delivery from an over the top arm slot. Fastball up to 90-94 mph with good tailing action. Upper 70's slurve type breaking ball, shows sharpness at times, some feel for change up, nice arm speed. Around the plate with all pitches, but needs to fine tune command. Repeats delivery well for someone his size.

21) Ben Ballantine, RHP, 6’8 230, Michigan, NCAA

(2012) 7(ap) 1-0(w-l) 2.88(era) 40.2(ip) 32(h) 16(bb) 31(so) 3(hr)

Good tilt in 6-7 frame, compact/repeatable delivery, loose arm, downhill plane. Fastball in the mid to upper 80’s, touching 90 mph with late life. 3-pitch mix with a slider and a mid-70s curve. Struggles to throw strikes at times.

22) Kyle Hayes, RHP, 6’2 195, Howard, JUCO

(2012) 8(ap) 1-0(w-l) 2.62(era) 10.1(ip) 8(h) 6(bb) 9(so)

Strong athletic build. Fastball sits 90-95mph with heavy sink and running action, plus consistent life, 74 mph curveball sharp bite with sweeping break, flashes a good change in warm ups. Quality arm with good pitches, fastball life is impressive. Hayes will only be 18 by draft day. VIDEO

23) Tony Bryant, RHP, 6’7 210, Oregon, NCAA

(2012) 12(ap) 3-1(w-l) 5(sv) 4.11(era) 15.1(ip) 13(h) 4(bb) 19(so) 1(hr)

At 6-foot-7, 210 pounds Bryant has overpowering stuff. However, he only has mastery of two pitches, the fastball and changeup. Injuries also slowed his development during his freshman season, so he appeared out of the bullpen sporadically, which is where he’ll be most effective at the next level. VIDEO

24) Anthony Bazzani, RHP, 6’4 200, Eastern Kentucky, NECBL

(2012) 13(ap) 0-0(w-l) 4(sv) 2.95(era) 18.1(ip) 17(h) 14(bb) 14(so) 0(hr)

Behemoth with good arm strength, low 90’s live sinker, peaks at 97-98 with the four-seamer. Hard 81-84 slider and throws strikes, a bit of a head jerk but it doesn’t hurt him.

25) Drew Verhagen, RHP, 6’6 230, Navarro, JUCO

(2012) 9(ap) 3-2(w-l) 2.94(era) 33.2(ip) 25(h) 17(bb) 18(so) 1(hr)

Athletic with tools and size. Plus mid 90s fastball with plus life, good curveball, and a nice changeup. Had shoulder issues as a high-school senior and pitched sparingly as a freshman at Oklahoma last spring, but has been clocked in the mid-90s again recently.

26) Zeb Sneed, RHP, 6’5 195, Northwest Nazarene, CC

(2012) 9(ap) 4-3(w-l) 3.58(era) 37.2(ip) 24(h) 31(bb) 42(so) 4(hr)

Raw, erratic power-armed righty with a fastball that has reached 97 mph, and a devastating split fingered fastball when on. Needs to consistently throw strikes.VIDEO

27) Scott Griggs, RHP, 6’3 180, UCLA, NCAA

(2012) 15(ap) 0-1(w-l) 6(sv) 1.72(era) 15.2(ip) 5(h) 18(bb) 25(so) 0(hr)

Griggs arm is fast and works well as he pitches in the low 90's up to 96. His fastball is heavy with good life and he commands it well. He shows very good feel for both his change which he maintains his fastball armspeed and his curveball which has a sharp break. Numbers haven’t been there in college. But stuff to be quality reliever at next level. VIDEO

28) Blake Hauser, RHP, 6’2 175, Virginia Commonwealth, NCAA

(2012) 14(ap) 0-1(w-l) 7(sv) 2.87(era) 15.2(ip) 5(h) 13(bb) 29(so)

Thin and projectable, Hauser has an electric arm. His fastball generally sits 89-92mph with life, and he can crank it up to 95 when he needs it. He also has a plus curve, which he locates well in the strike zone. He’s put up solid numbers so far in college. Stuff plays up in relief. VIDEO

29) Chad Martin, RHP, 6’7 240, Indiana, NCAA

(*2011*) 2-5(w-l) 2(sv) 3.41(era) 71.1(ip) 67(h) 19(bb) 34(so) 2(hr)

Big strong right hander with workhorse build. Most fastballs in the low 90’s but has been as high as 93-95. He flashes an above-average changeup and an impressive breaking ball to go along with his fastball.VIDEO

30) Matt Carasiti, RHP, 6'2 200, St John's, NCAA

(*2011*) 29(ap) 2-2(w-l) 8(sv) 2.47(era) 43.2(ip) 33(h) 28(bb) 39(so) 0(hr)

Closer with 93-96mph fastball, shows flashes of two off-speed pitches, slider and change that get by at this level but need work still. VIDEO

31) Matt Milroy, RHP, 6’3 190, Illinois, NCAA

(2012) 8(ap) 0-3(w-l) 5.89(era) 18.1(ip) 15(h) 18(bb) 19(so) 0(hr)

An athletic, well-proportioned right-hander with good command with a quick arm and easy delivery. Milroy has electric stuff, with a fastball up to 94-96, with his best velocity coming from the stretch. He compliments the fastball with an 85 mph true slider with late bite. It is a plus pitch, but needs consistency. A reliever right now, Milroy but has shown flashes of four quality pitches in the past (a curve with good spin and downer bite, and a changeup with good arm speed), to go along with the fastball and slider.

32) Jaime Schultz, RHP, 5’10 192, High Point, NCAA

(2012) 13(ap) 1-2(w-l) 5(sv) 1.29(era) 14(ip) 8(h) 14(bb) 19(so) 0(hr)

Mid 90s fastball, with lightening fast arm, pounds away at hitters, tight 11/5 hammer.

33) Nick Sawyer, RHP, 5’10 172, Howard, JUCO

(2012) 7(ap) 1-0(w-l) 0.97(era) 9.1(ip) 3(h) 9(bb) 17(so) 3(sv)

Former two way prospect, now focused on pitching. Athletic build, with a strong quick arm. Can ramp up fastball to 96-97 consistently. Hard CB at 76 mph, sharp downer bite, swing and miss pitch.

34) Brandon Kuter, RHP, 6’7 220, George Mason, ACBL

(2012) 6(ap) 2-0(w-l) 11.81(era) 10.2(ip) 15(h) 8(bb) 14(so) 1(hr)

Has the body type the scouts love to see. He was simply the most dominant reliever in the ACBL. He went 1-2, had a 0.40 era in 22.1 innings of work and he led the league with 10 saves. He also fanned 36 batters. Fastball peaks at 97, with a sharp slider.

35) Mac Williamson, RHP 6’4 214, Wake Forest, NCAA

(2012) N/A

Former five-tool prospect, who also pitches. Good body and projection. Long and loose. Fastball 90-94, with arm side run. Solid command. Feel for 11-5 curve. Has not pitched yet in college. Is also a quality 3rd baseman with power, but might be better on mound, though he’s untested. Only 20 on draft day.

36) Will Clinard, RHP, 6’4 215, Vanderbilt, NCAA

(2012) 13(ap) 2-1(w-l) 4.45(era) 28.1(ip) 26(h) 11(bb) 24(so) 3(hr)

Clinard's fastball is pretty straight in the 88-92 mph range but he shows good command of it. His curveball has good power in the upper 70's and a nice 12/6 downer break from a high release point. Clinard doesn't project much but everything he does right now is very good. Has put up dominant numbers out of the bullpen for the Commodores.

37) Mitch Patito, RHP, 6’0 195, UC Riverside, NCAA

(2012) 7(ap) 1-2(w-l) 4.42(era) 18.1(ip) 13(h) 18(bb) 24(so)

Medium athletic build with room to fill out. Quick arm with clean delivery. Topped out at 87mph in high school, but can now pump fastballs up to 95, usually sitting 92. Patito pitches aggressively in the zone and pitches with a confident demeanor. He will pitch inside and maintains good balance through his mechanics. Patito throws a change-up with good arm side run and sink on it. Future belongs in the bullpen.

38) Adam Cimber, RHP, 6’4 175, Washington, NCAA

(2012) 11(ap) 0-1(w-l) 0(sv) 4.30(era) 14.2(ip) 15(h) 4(bb) 11(so) 0(hr)

A sidearm pitcher who projects as a bullpen arm at the next level. Cimber has a high 80′s fastball that can touch 91. He has a developing slider that shows potential. He also throws a quality change. VIDEO

39) Nick Palewicz, RHP, 6’4 200, Washington, NCAA

(2012) 11(ap) 1-1(w-l) 1(sv) 5.54(era) 13(ip) 15(h) 2(bb) 10(so) 0(hr)

Mid 90s fastball. Horrible mechanics lead to inconsistent velocity and control problems. Max effort. Missed a lot of time after arm injury.

40) Eric Jaffe RHP 6'3 225, UCLA, NCAA:

(2012) 3(ap) 0(sv) 0-0(w-l) 0.00(era) 5(ip) 2(h) 4(bb) 3(so)

Fastball at 90-92, good breaking ball, decent change. Only 20 on draft. VIDEO

41) Damien Magnifico RHP 6'2 190, Oklahoma, NCAA

(2012) 12(ap) 2(sv) 5.06(era) 16(ip) 19(h) 11(bb) 12(so) 1(hr)

Hard throwing Texan throws his fastball from 95-98mph (reportedly touching 103), and a78 mph changeup that falls off the table, and a cutter that is average to below. VIDEO

42) Blake Forslund, RHP, 6’3 205, Liberty, NCAA

(2012) 10(ap) 1-1(w-l) 0(sv) 4.15(era) 17.1(ip) 13(h) 20(bb) 16(so) 0(hr)

Drafted by the Red Sox in the 17th round. 92-95mph fastball. Knee injury made for disappointing spring. Power stuff.

43) Ian Gardeck RHP 6’2 205, Alabama, NCAA

(2012) 1-2(w-l) 1(sv) 5.23(era) 10.1(ip) 9(h) 9(bb) 13(so) 1(hr)

Power arm, true arm strength. Consistently pitches at 94-96 mph as a reliever, touching 98mph. He'll show a mid-80s slider that's a wipeout pitch at times, but he struggles to harness it. With two pitches that grade at 70 on the 20-80 scouting scale at times but command that rates a 35, Gardeck's pro future also is in the bullpen. Only 20 on draft day. VIDEO

44) Cody Penny, RHP, 6’3 200, North Carolina, NCAA

(2012) 9(ap) 0-0(w-l) 6.23(era) 8.2(ip) 11(h) 3(bb) 7(so) 1(hr)

Penny has the present stuff of a dominant college reliever (mid-90s peak fastball and a wicked slider. Arm doesn’t have a lot of innings on it. Might be able to handle a move to the rotation, as his curve and change show potential.

45) Derrick Bleeker, RHP, 6’5 220, R/R, Arkansas, NCAA

(2012) 1(ap) 0-0(w-l) 0.00(era) 1(ip) 1(h) 0(bb) 3(so) 0(hr)

Fits the reliever mould in all your typical ways: he throws hard (mid-90s, 97 peak), flashes a plus slider at 87mph, and has intimidating size. Bleeker is also a talented hitter with massive raw power.

46) Chris Jenkins, RHP, 6'7 220, Stanford, NCAA

(*2010*) 0-2(w-l) 10.00(era)

Big imposing pitcher with a special arm. At his best Jenkins can crank his fastball up to 95, while sitting in the low 90’s. His power mid 80’s slider can be a very good pitch at times. Jenkin’s raw potential is off the charts, but he is a long way from unlocking it. His career has been beset so far by spotty command, and injuries, both of which owe in part to delivery which has been described as high effort. VIDEO

47) Tom Lemke, RHP, 6’8 231, Nebraska, NCAA

(2012) 7(ap) 6(gs) 3-2(w-l) 4.13(era) 32.2(h) 42(h) 7(bb) 13(so) 1(hr)

Drafted in the 10th round of the 2009 MLB Draft by the Texas Rangers, which was the highest an incoming Husker pitching prospect had been selected in the previous two decades. Throws in the low 90s and locates his fastball well, while also mixing in a good change-up. Shows a lot of composure on the mound and loves competition. VIDEO

48) Alberto Cardenas, RHP, 5’9 185, Florida International, NCAA

(2012) 13(ap) 0-1(w-l) 4.19(era) 19.1(ip) 15(h) 12(bb) 20(so) 4(hr)

Worked just 2 IP as red-shirt Freshman, but intriguing arm with moving fastball that sits 88-90, with a peak of 93. Very good breaking stuff; fearless competitor.

49) Daniel Palo, RHP, 6’4 210, Middle Tennessee State, NCAA

(2012) 6(ap) 2(sv) 5.91(era) 10.2(ip) 12(h) 7(bb) 7(so) 0(hr)

Good size, athletic build. Palo can reach 94 mph with his fastball, and throws a solid curveball, but has trouble giving up walks.

50) Travis Cook, RHP, 6’1 164, Washington State, NCAA

(2012) N/A

Long loose arm action on the mound 3/4 slot, heavy fastball mostly 89mph, with good armside run, tight 12-6 curveball, challenges hitters, around the plate.

51) Daniel Ponce de Leon, RHP, 6’4 182, Cypress, JUCO

(2012) N/A

Projectable frame. 90-93 mph fastball and good curveball.

52) Daniel Marrs, RHP, 6’3 215, Wake Forrest, NCAA

(2012) 3(ap) 0-0(w-l) 0(sv) 15.43(era) 2.1(ip) 3(h) 2(bb) 2(so) 1(hr)

Before injuring his labrum, Marrs was once a prospect on the same level as current Houston farmhand Jarred Cosart. His pre-injury power stuff included a 92-94 fastball, with a 97 peak, and a good splitter that worked as changeup. His present stuff (sinking upper-80s FB, rapidly improving cutter) is not quite as impressive. Whether or not he ever recaptures that pre-surgery stuff remains to be seen, but a team might take a chance.

Left-Handers:

1) Lex Rutledge, LHP, 6’1 185, Samford, NCAA

(2012) 12(ap) 0-2(w-l) 1(sv) 7.16(era) 16.1(ip) 13(h) 13(bb) 26(so) 0(hr)

Strong athletic build. Loose clean arm action, fastball has life to both sides of the plate, controls delivery well, tight break to 12-7 curveball, change-up is potential plus pitch. As a reliever last year, sat 92-93 and reaching the mid-90s at times, but his heater is dialled back to 89-92 as a starter. Struggled as starter, but dynamite reliever. VIDEO

2) Christian Jones, LHP, 6`3 195, Oregon, NCAA

(*2011*) 16(ap) 7-2(w-l) 3.24(era) 77.2(ip) 69(h) 34(bb) 73(so) 2(hr)

Strong armed lefty reliever. Fastball 90-94 with some sink and arm side run. Nibbles a bit too much. 10-5 breaking ball with good two plane break and nice shape. Shows ability to add and subtract velocity/add movement, to his breaking ball. Change-up has good action: drop and arm side fade. All pitches have ability to miss bats when thrown right. Will miss the season with arm injury. VIDEO

3) Onelkis Garcia, LHP, 6’3 225, CUBA

(2012) N/A

Garcia has solid for a lefty, with an 89-93 mph fastball that has touched 94, though it doesn't have great life and he struggles to command it because he has trouble repeating his delivery. Garcia's curveball flashes above-average occasionally when he's able to stay on top of it, but it's an inconsistent pitch.

4) Mason Meleotakis, LHP 6’2 170, Northwestern State, NCAA

(2012) 3(ap) 7(sv) 1-1(w-l) 3.28(era) 24.2(ip) 21(h) 6(bb) 27(so) 1(hr)

Projectable Texan only 20 on draft day. High 80s fastball. Solid numbers. Probable reliever.

5) Taylor Wall, LHP, 6’2 180, Rice, NCAA

(2012) 13(ap) 3-3(w-l) 3.94(era) 29.2(ip) 27(h) 12(bb) 25(so) 0(hr)

Texas lefty. He has a very fast arm, and he repeats his mechanics very well. Fastball about 87-90 on the gun with his 4-seamer, but he has an excellent changeup which in effect speeds up his fastball. He's got an average curve which he can mix in, but he doesn't feature it much from behind in the count. He likes to throw the change in hitter's counts. Projectable. Can really pitch.

6) RC Orlan, LHP, 5’11 190, UNC, NCAA

(2012) 16(ap) 4-0(w-l) 2.05(era) 26.1(ip) 21(h) 6(bb) 28(so) 1(hr)

His raw stuff doesn’t jump out at you. Fastball 88-91 (92 peak), above average mid 80s cutter. Always around the zone. A pair of useable breaking balls, including a downer curve that’s in the development stages. Not very tall, best suited for relief. The whole better than the sum of its parts.

7) Josh Turley, LHP, 6’0 190, Baylor, NCAA

(2012) 7(ap) 3-0(w-l) 2.43(era) 40.2(ip) 44(h) 11(bb) 36(so) 1(hr)

Turley’s fastball sits 85-87 mph, showing good late life. His delivery is a little short, but he hides the ball well, causing it to seem a tick faster. Turley also flashes a pretty solid curveball, sitting 76-78 with sharp break. He looks confident with, able to spot it to both sides of the plate. Currently a starter for the Bears, he profiles best as a left-handed middle relief pitcher at the professional level.

8) Deitrich Enns, LHP, 6’0 175, Central Michigan, NCAA

(2012) 7(ap) 1(sv) 1-1(w-l) 4.50(era) 14(ip) 13(h) 5(bb) 11(so) 3(hr)

Cross body delivery, hides ball well. Fastball at 83-85 mph, jumps on hitters. Cut fastball has slider potential. Features four pitches (fastball, changeup, curveball and cutter). Outstanding changeup. Ability to throw any pitch in any count. Competes well on the mound. VIDEO

9) CC Watson, LHP, 6’0 185, Mississippi State, NCAA

(2012) N/A

Good lefty velocity, fastball is consistently 89-91 mph range from an over the top arm slot and he spots it well. His curveball is a hard 78-80 mph slurve that he also spots well. His fastball has cutting action at times and he hides the ball well in his delivery. He completes his arsenal with a 69mph change. This lefty can pitch and has a great arm. Watson was a 29th round draft choice of the Texas Rangers.

10) Chris Kirsch, LHP, 6'4 200, Lackawanna, JUCO

(2012) 6(ap) 3-1(w-l) 2.77(era) 26(ip) 18(h) 18(bb) 39(so)

South Paw with a good fastball and has been drafted twice. Had a growth spurt, and may have more in the tank once warm weather comes around for him.

11) Trent Daniel, LHP, 6’2 195, Arkansas, NCAA

(2012) 7(ap) 0-0(w-l) 8.59(era) 7.1(ip) 10(h) 4(bb) 5(so) 0(hr)

Reliever can run his fastball up to 95mph, with a great slider.

12) Patrick Boling, LHP, 6’3 198, Georgia, NCAA

(*2011*) 18(ap) 1-2(w-l) 5.63(era) 24(ip) 31(h) 22(bb) 29(so) 1(hr)

TJ surgery slowed his progress as HS senior, but now fully recovered; throws heavy 93-mph fastball, has outstanding secondary stuff, but may have to wait his turn on team’s prospect-laden staff. Reliever. Too many walks and hits.

[bounty37h]

Thanks for posting that info, good stuff! I have seen some of these guys in ACC play, and saw a few at USA Baseball last year.

[JaysFanToronto]

Thanks for posting that info, good stuff! I have seen some of these guys in ACC play, and saw a few at USA Baseball last year.

No prob. Any idea who the Reds might be looking at with their picks at 15, 49, 57, and 78? Any positions of need within the organization or tendencies I should know about for my mock?

I liked Smoral for you guys at 15 before the injury. Home state kid, big potential, possible top of the rotation lefty.

[bounty37h]

No prob. Any idea who the Reds might be looking at with their picks at 15, 49, 57, and 78? Any positions of need within the organization or tendencies I should know about for my mock?

I liked Smoral for you guys at 15 before the injury. Home state kid, big potential, possible top of the rotation lefty.

I haven't had time to follow much on draft this year (first kid on way), but seems the Reds do more drafting the best player available than drafting to needs in the past.