2009 Draft Info

[Mario-Rijo]

Did this last year where we can have all available info for prospects in one place. If you want to look at the previous year clink the link below.

2008 Reds Draft Info

I know some things have already been covered but they are a bit spread out and so I wanna combine everything I can find as far as scouting reports, statistics, mechanical breakdowns...you get the picture anything useful. I'll make the 1st couple of picks a post to themselves as they should have plenty of info out there. Please feel free to add! But give me some time and I should have about the 1st 10-12 picks with some good info.

Scouting Videos of several Reds prospects here:
http://mlb.mlb.com/media/video.jsp?t...ent_id=4737083

Video available of all draftees except Fleury, Serrano, Garton, Crabbe, Walzcak, Fowler of the top 18 picks and only 1 video ava. of players thereafter 25th rounder Mike Monster.

[Mario-Rijo]

1st Round #8 Overall Mike Leake RHP ASU



MLB.com

Biographical Data
Player Name: Mike Leake
Position: Starting Pitcher
School: Arizona State University
School Type: College
Academic Class: Junior
Birthdate: 11/12/87
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 180 lbs.
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Report Date: 02/26/09
Game: Missouri


Focus Area Comments
Fastball: Leake threw his fastball from 88-94 mph. It sat comfortably around 91 mph.

Fastball movement: There was above-average sink and plenty of side-to-side movement, with some run to it. He changes arm angles for different looks.

Slider: It's a hard, downward slider, thrown 79-82 mph.

Curve: An average offering ... not an out pitch. He can throw it for strikes in the 73-76 mph range.

Changeup: Close to a plus pitch and he'll throw it at any point in the count.

Control: He has plus, plus command, perhaps a 70 on the scouting scale.

Poise: It's a plus, plus attribute. He has the presence to pitch in the big leagues right now. He's more of a lead-by-example guy -- soft-spoken, but confident.

Physical Description: Leake is an undersized righty, but is athletic and strong, kind of like a Tim Hudson type.

Medical Update: Healthy.

Strengths: Four pitches that are all usable and the ability to command all of them extremelly well. He's extremely durable, having thrown as many innings as just about anyone in the class over the past few seasons.

Weaknesses: There's a little hip turn in his delivery, but it doesn't affect him. There will be those who'll be concerned about his size.

Summary: As a six-foot righty, people may want to overlook Leake as a big-time pitching prospect, but they might be missing the boat. He can throw four pitches for strikes and his poise is off the charts. He may not be that big, but he's athletic, strong and durable with an extremely efficient delivery. He's done nothing but perform with the Sun Devils and whoever looks past his size could have themselves a steal.

Keith Law:

Mike Leake
RHP | Arizona State
Weight: 180 lbs.
Height: 6-0

Summary: Leake is a typical command right-hander, featuring a four-pitch mix (watch scouting video) without a single knockout pitch but with good life on his two-seamer and a solid-average curve. He'll pitch at 88-92 mph, with a hard, late tailing action that makes it more effective than a typical fastball with fringe-average to average velocity. His curve has a short, two-plane break and appears to pop out of his hand, with a break that accelerates as it comes toward the hitter. He throws a hard changeup around 82 mph with a slight tailing action and showed a slider around 79-80 mph with decent tilt. He commands all four pitches and throws strikes, and works very quickly. He's a good athlete who plays some outfield for ASU and fields his position well as a pitcher. Leake's delivery is compact with just a little head movement at the end as he releases the ball. His arm is quick and its path behind his body isn't long, partly due to the fact he separates his hands early as he moves them down from their peak point in his windup. His performance has put him solidly into the middle of the first round, and he should be relatively quick to the majors as a more or less finished product right now.

Player Grades
PRESENT FUTURE LOW (MPH) HIGH (MPH)
Fastball 50 50 88 92
Curveball 50 50 75 77
Changeup 50 50 80 82
Slider 45 50 79 80
FB Movement 50 60
Command 50 55
Control 55 60
Feel for Pitching 55 60

BA:

Scouting Report: Few pitchers were as consistently good this season as Arizona State righthander Mike Leake. That shouldn't come as a surprise—he's been carving up the Pac-10 for three years. A seventh-round draft pick by the Athletics out of Fallbrook (Calif.) High in 2006, Leake instead headed for Tempe and has pitched his way into first-round consideration. Listed at 6 feet, 180 pounds, what he lacks in pure physicality, he makes up for in athleticism and results. In addition to baseball, Leake played soccer, football and basketball in high school and could be a position player at Arizona State if he wasn't so valuable on the mound. Leake pounds the strike zone with a fastball that sits 88-92 mph. He can dial it up to 94, but prefers to work at lower speeds to get more movement. Throwing from a lower three-quarters arm slot, he gets a lot of armside run and sink on his fastball that results in a lot of groundballs. He also throws a changeup, slider and cutter that grade out as above-average offerings. Leake is a smart pitcher with a bulldog mentality on the mound.

PG Cross Checker:

Mike Leake RHP Jr. R-R 6-0 190 Arizona State Fallbrook, Calif. Athletics '06 (7th Rd) 11/12/1987

SCOUTING PROFILE (3/1): Leake is one of the most uniquely talented and versatile players in the college ranks. While he's capable of playing almost every position on the field at a high level, his greatest value as a college player has been on the mound. He has worked 248 innings in his first two seasons at Arizona State-primarily by pounding the strike zone with a heavy, dominating 89-92 mph sinker, a hard slider and an outstanding changeup. His fastball can occasionally reach 94 mph when his arm is fresh and he's not burdened by his heavy workload. He can throw any pitch for strikes in any count, and has the best command on the ASU staff. Leake's competitive juices are also among the best in the college game. As Arizona State's primary Friday starter in 2008, he went 11-3, 3.49 with 101 strikeouts in 121 innings-topping the Sun Devils in all three triple-crown categories. He also saw time at shortstop and in the outfield when not pitching, and hit a solid .340-2-11. His versatility came in handy as a member of Team USA's college national team during the summer as he saw plenty of action both ways, hitting .236-1-8 in 55 at-bats while going 3-0, 0.64 with 24 strikeouts in 28 innings. He was also shuttled seamlessly between a starting and relief role, showing his versatility knows no limits on the mound, either, though it was apparent by the end of the summer that Leake was gassed from his multiple-use exploits. In particular, his fastball velocity dropped from spring to summer. Leake's upside for the purposes of professional baseball is on the mound, and he should have little trouble transitioning to the next level as he has no discernible weaknesses-outside of possibly his size and durability.-ALLAN SIMPSON

UPDATE (5/15): Good as Leake was as a pitcher in his first two years at Arizona State, he's been vastly better this season. In fact, there's been little to distinguish Leake from San Diego State wunderkind Stephen Strasburg from a performance standpoint-with the notable difference being the massive and historically-significant strikeout total that Strasburg assembled. Through his first 16 appearances, Leake was 15-1, 1.23 with 20 walks, 143 strikeouts and a .169 opponent batting average in 125 innings. Strasburg's final totals for the year: 13-1, 1.32 with 19 walks, 195 K's and a .172 OBA in 109 innings. Make no mistake, the 6-foot Leake is not in a league with the 6-foot-5 Strasburg in the eyes of scouts, but he still earns high praise for his ability to throw four pitches for strikes, feel for pitching and competitive spark-in other words, his flat-out ability to pitch. His fastball will never reach triple-digits as Strasburg's has consistently, but Leake gets excellent sinking action on his pitch at 89-92 mph, can reach 94 when he needs it and neutralizes lefthanded hitters with the cutting action he can create. His 76-81 mph curve that has depth and late snap is also an out-pitch, and his change routinely gets hitters off balance, resulting in a lot of weak swings. Though Leake has created little of the national intrigue in his career that Strasburg did this season, he is every bit as far along in his development and could even challenge his former Team USA teammate to be the first pitcher in the Class of 2009 to reach the big leagues.-AS

Baseball's Mike Leake Named Academic All-American of the Year
Junior righty is third Sun Devil to win award

May 25, 2009


TEMPE, Ariz. - Arizona State University junior pitcher Mike Leake has been named the Academic All-American of the Year, ESPN The Magazine and CoSIDA announced today. This is the third time in school history a Sun Devil has been named the Academic All-American of the Year for baseball. Casey Myers earned the distinction in both 2000 and 2001.

Leake (Fallbrook, Calif.) has a 3.42 grade point average as a Management major and earlier this month was named ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District VIII for the second straight year. He is the 12th Academic All-American in program history and the seventh under head coach Pat Murphy. Petey Paramore was a Second Team ESPN The Magazine Academic All-American in 2008.

"This is another great example of how truly special this young man is," said head coach Pat Murphy. "Not only is he a dominant pitcher and a team leader, but he leads by example in the classroom as well. We have been extremely lucky to have him in our program over the past three years."

Leake, the team co-captain, is 14-1 so far this season, throwing six complete games and two shutouts. He sports a 1.24 ERA and has struck out 128 batters while walking only 18. The 14 wins and 128 strikeouts both lead the Pac-10 and are career highs. He has been named a Finalist for the National Pitcher of the Year Award and was the 2008 Pac-10 Pitcher of the Year. Leake was the only student-athlete from the Pac-10 to earn Academic All-American honors.

Leake and the Sun Devils will host the Tempe Regional beginning Friday at Winkles Field-Packard Stadium at Brock Ballpark. ASU will take on Kent State following the Oral Roberts vs. Cal Poly match-up.

[Mario-Rijo]

1st Round Supp. #43 Overall Brad Boxberger RHP USC

MLB.com

Biographical Data
Player Name: Brad Boxberger
Position: Starting Pitcher
School: University of Southern California
School Type: College
Academic Class: Junior
Birthdate: 5/27/88
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 200 lbs.
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Report Date(s): 3/13/09
Game(s): Winthrop


Focus Area Comments
Fastball: Boxberger threw his fastball up to 95 mph and maintained the velocity deep into his start.

Fastball movement: Had good movement throughout the start.

Slider: Threw a good hard slider.

Curve: Can also throw a good curve ball.

Changeup: Changeup grades out as average.

Control: His command is in and out, one week good, one week not as consistent. Overall, it's improved.

Poise: Has good mound presence.

Physical Description: Boxberger isn't anything flashy. He has a solid pitcher's body.

Medical Update: Healthy.

Strengths: He can throw several pitches for strikes and knows how to pitch. He seems to be improving from past performances.

Weaknesses: Command and stamina. The question is is if he can maintain his velocity -- some had seen him as a reliever in the past as a result -- though he's been doing it so far this season.

Summary: Boxberger definitely improved his Draft status with his first several starts. While many had seen him as a reliever in the future, he's emerged as a legitimate starting prospect with his performance. The key has been his ability to maintain his velocity deep into his starts, something he hadn't done in the past. And while his command is still a little inconsistent, it's better than it has been. Combine that with a full repertoire of pitches and if Boxberger keeps it up, he'll seriously enter the first-round conversation.

Law:

Summary: Boxberger, USC's Friday night starter, was one of the best relievers on the Cape last summer and might be better suited for that role in pro ball. As a starter, Boxberger is 91-93 mph with some glove-side run, using a sharp downer curveball (78-80) as his primary out pitch. He will flash a slider and changeup, with the slider a potentially future-average pitch at 84-85 with a little bite. As a reliever, his fastball plays up a little and he can touch 96 while sitting more 92-94. His arm action is long in back and he's something of a pie-thrower, separating his hands low, fully extending his arm behind him after he's started his stride, and showing the ball to the hitter very early in his delivery. His command and control are both below average, and the combination of iffy fastball command and lack of life on the pitch is a concern. He could go as high as the sandwich to a team that likes him as a future starter, but he's more likely to succeed as a two-pitch reliever.

Player Grades
PRESENT FUTURE LOW (MPH) HIGH (MPH)
Fastball 55 -- 91 94
Curveball 50 55 78 80
Slider 45 50 84 85
Changeup 45 45 -- --
Splitter 40 45 -- --
FB Movement 45 45
Command 35 45
Control 35 45
Feel for Pitching -- --

PG Cross Checker:

Brad Boxberger RHP Jr. R-R 6-2 195 Southern California Tustin, Calif. Royals '06 (20th Rd) 5/27/1988

SCOUTING PROFILE (3/1): Boxberger returned to the Cape Cod League with a new team and in a new role in 2008, and his new lease on life led to a dramatic improvement as he progressed from the league's No. 32 prospect (as a starter at Orleans) to No. 8 (as a closer at Chatham). While he went 1-0, 1.24 and limited Cape hitters to a .155 average a year earlier, Boxberger wasn't overpowering with a fastball in the 88-91 mph range. That all changed last summer as he was able to blow out his fastball in short bursts, and regularly reached 93-95 mph with late life and command. He effectively became a bullpen pitcher with starter stuff as he was able to complement his sizzling fastball with a hard, biting, 84-86 mph slider, a 74-76 mph curve and a legit change. Though he was not enthralled initially with closing, Boxberger began taking to the role as he got hitters out consistently, and he soon relished closing out games. His makeup seemed appropriate for the role, too, as he handled pressure situations with an expressionless demeanor. The upshot was a 1-2, 2.89 record with nine saves in 19 appearances (he had two blown saves that were attributed to his catcher not being able to handle his overpowering stuff). In 19 innings, he struck out 28 and walked eight while limiting hitters to a .170 average. That performance was in sharp contrast to his sophomore season at USC, where he went 2-4, 6.12 with three saves and allowed 80 base runners (54 hits, 26 walks) in 50 innings, while striking out 52. Boxberger began the 2008 season in the Trojans rotation, but was shut down twice with a balky elbow and finished the season in a less-demanding bullpen role. USC coaches allowed him to return to the Cape, but with strict instructions that he not be overworked. His role as a closer satisfied that request, and it may also have boosted his draft stock into the first round of next year's draft as a dozen scouting directors witnessed him at his dominant-best in a one-inning role at the Cape Cod League all-star game. Should he be selected in the first round, it would give Boxberger, a 20th-round pick of the Kansas City Royals out of high school, and his father Rod the rare distinction of being father-son first-rounders out of the same college. Rod Boxberger (12-1, 2.00) was selected the outstanding player at the 1978 College World Series for champion USC and went on to become the first-round draft pick that year of the Houston Astros, though never pitched in the big leagues.-ALLAN SIMPSON

UPDATE (5/15): Boxberger returned to his customary role as USC's Friday starter this spring, and though he won just five games in 13 starts while posting a 5-3, 2.97 record, he generally pitched well enough to give himself a shot to go late in the first round-though clearly not as high as his father went 31 years earlier, when he was the 11th pick. Brad showed a quick, live arm with an easy, fluid delivery and produced a fastball that ranged from 91-94 mph. His slider, curve and change well all solid, dependable secondary pitches. Boxberger demonstrated good pitchability and a sound, competitive mound presence, though he had a tendency to run out of gas late in games and his command would falter. That was reflective of the 47 walks he surrendered in a staff-high 88 innings, but his 95 strikeouts and a .203 opponent batting average were accurate barometers of his dominance.-AS

Brewerfan.net:

Name: Brad Boxberger
Height/Weight: 6-2 / 195
Date of Birth: 5/27/88
School: USC
Brewerfan.net Rank: 29


Brad Boxberger looked like a completely different pitcher when I saw him used predominantly in relief last summer on the Cape than he did when he started the spring as one of USC's weekend starters. To open the year, his stuff looked very hittable, and it was, as it led to an ERA in excess of 6.00 for his sophomore season. He was moved to the bullpen mid-year, and served as the closer to finish the season. He continued that role into the summer, and was very successful in doing so, earning a spot on the league's all-star game roster. Boxberger showed the stuff that made him so successful as a freshman at USC, and also on the Cape, when he was named a freshman All-American. At his best, although in shorter outings, Boxberger was pitching in the 93-94 range, with pretty good, late movement on his fastball. He also throws a slider with some cut-fastball type action on it, as well as a curveball. His range of pitches makes everyone not want to give up on his future as a starter, and he reportedly will re-claim a weekend role (probably Friday) with USC next spring, but again, his stuff lately has played so much better in shorter stints. He recorded nine saves on the Cape, and when batters are making contact, they're usually hitting weak ground balls to the infielders playing behind Boxberger. He has a good, strong frame and a low waist with strong lower body strength. They is still room in his upper body to add strength, although he may not need it given his present-day stuff. If he does start for the Trojans to open the year, how he starts the season could make a huge impact on his overall draft status, as he has the size, stuff and pitching savvy to go among the top 10-15 picks.

[Mario-Rijo]

2nd Round #57 Overall Billy Hamilton SS/CF Taylorsville (Miss.) HS

MLB.com

Biographical Data
Player Name: Billy Hamilton
Position: Shortstop
School: Taylorsville (Miss.)
School Type: High School
Academic Class: Senior
Birthdate: 9/9/90
Height: 6'0"
Weight: 150 lbs.
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Report Date(s): 4/13/09
Game(s): Sumrall HS

Focus Area Comments
Hitting ability: Hamilton has bat speed and strength, but has a very crude approach. There are holes in his swing that will need to be closed as he has trouble with pitches away and off-speed stuff.

Power: It's raw, maybe future average. For a shortstop, it's pretty good. He doesn't show much power now because of the mechanical flaws in his swing.

Running speed: He's above average, a real easy runner who makes it look effortless.

Base running: Hard to judge, but moves up bases when he gets the chance. He'll likely have to learn to read pitches to become a basestealing threat in the future.

Arm strength: It's above average, though he doesn't show it much.

Fielding: There are some who feel he's destined for the outfield, others who think he might be able to stay at short, even though he doesn't always seem natural there.

Range: His athleticism makes it pretty good. He's a better fielder on the move.

Physical Description: Hamilton is a very athletic middle infielder; a three-sport standout who resembles a young Tony Fernandez.

Medical Update: Healthy.

Strengths: Athleticism off the charts. All the potential tools are there, if a bit raw.

Weaknesses: Crude offensive approach makes some worry about his ability to hit at the next level. Hasn't been exposed to too much top-flight opposition.

Summary: Hamilton is the quintessential high-risk, high-reward athlete at this level who is sure to interest many in June. A three-sport star in Mississippi, he's got all sorts of tools, though his hitting approach is a bit crude and he's got some holes in his swing. But the bat speed, strength and running speed would make any scout at least intrigued, especially if you think he can stay at shortstop. Someone will take a chance on that -- and that they can sign him away from his football commitment to Mississippi State on Draft day.

PG Crosschecker:

Billy Hamilton SS Sr. B-R 6-0 150 Taylorsville Taylorsville, Miss. Miss. State (FB Miss. St. Commit) 9/9/1990

SCOUTING PROFILE (3/1): Hamilton hasn't played much baseball in front of scouts, but is unquestionably one of the best athletes in the 2009 high-school draft class. Not only has he excelled in baseball, hitting .561 as a junior at Taylorsville High, but he's considered to have NBA-caliber skills as a basketball point guard, and the talent to play in the NFL as either a wide receiver or defensive back. He's been selected all-state in the three sports on multiple occasions. Though he signed with Mississippi State for football, Hamilton has been clear all along that baseball is his favorite sport, and he would play that sport, along with football in college-though it has become increasingly unlikely as he moves steadily up draft boards that he'll even go to college. Hamilton has been timed at 4.4 seconds in the 40 at football camps, and caught 49 passes for 18 touchdowns as a senior for Taylorsville High. Though basketball is regarded as only his third sport, he averaged 35 ppg this winter and popped in 55 points in his best game. In what was probably the last competitive basketball game he'll play, a quarter-final loss in the state 2-A tournament, Hamilton had 39 points, dished out nine assists and had six rebounds. The exceptional speed and quickness that are so readily apparent on the football field and basketball court are also his best assets in baseball. He has game-changing speed on both sides of the ball. He can play both center field and shortstop at a high level, although his instincts and tools in the outfield make that his most likely future position. Hamilton also throws 90-plus off the mound when pitching, so arm strength is another above-average tool. His hitting is understandably behind the rest of his baseball package, but he shows flashes of ability as a switch-hitter and profiles as a leadoff hitter. Power is not part of his package, and it may never be unless he adds strength to his lean, slight frame.-DAVID RAWNSLEY

UPDATE (5/15): Hamilton's raw talent is unmistakable and he was the most talked-about player at last summer's East Coast Professional Baseball Showcase in Lakeland, Fla., his coming-out party. While scouts continued to marvel over his talent this spring and saw him as an electrifying player with game-changing potential, Hamilton also showed he is a long way off from being a refined player. He generally played under his tools while hitting .467-7-38 with 13 stolen bases, but showed flashes of them all, except power. He needs most work with his hitting mechanics, though has the bat speed, hand actions and swing plane to project that he'll hit in the future, and his power should evolve as he fills out his broad-shouldered, thin-waisted and highly-athletic frame. His speed (6.40 seconds in the 60) is his most advanced tool. Not only does he have an explosive first step, but he has excellent base-running instincts. He often appears out of his element at shortstop, but scouts won't rule him out playing there and say he could adapt overnight to being a competent center fielder. No matter where he plays, he gets to everything hit in his direction, has quick-twitch actions and an above-average arm, capable of reaching 90-92 off the mound. Of all the players in this year's draft, Hamilton is the prime example of the high-risk, high-reward talent who could just as easily be a big-league all-star as flame out in the lower minors.-ALLAN SIMPSON

Taylorsville’s Hamilton drafted by Reds
By David Brandt • david.brandt@clarionledger.com • June 9, 2009

Hamilton, the 57th overall selection, was an All-State selection in three sports and starred in the infield for the Tarters. He has signed to play football at Mississippi State.

“The Reds were a little bit of a surprise, but I’m really excited,” Hamilton said. “I can’t wait to get my career started and show what I can do.”

Hamilton (6-foot, 165 pounds) was a first-team All-State selection by The Clarion-Ledger. Arguably Mississippi’s best three-sport athlete over the past 20 years, Hamilton was also an All-State receiver in football and All-State guard in basketball.

In baseball this season, Hamilton hit .448 with 13 doubles, four homers, 28 RBIs and 26 stolen bases.

[Mario-Rijo]

3rd Round #88 Overall Don Joseph LHP University of Houston

PG Crosschecker:

Donnie Joseph LHP Jr. L-L 6-3 185 Houston Buda, Texas Never drafted 11/1/1987

SCOUTING PROFILE (3/1): Used primarily as a mid-week starter and long reliever in his first two seasons at Houston, Joseph produced just a 3-2, 6.06 record in 43 appearances, along with 50 walks and 63 strikeouts in 112 innings. Though his fastball was typically in the 89-91 mph range, he had a suspect arm action and a poor breaking ball, and a history of command issues because of it. Understandably, Joseph wasn't on the radar from a draft perspective as he returned to Houston for his junior year. But he underwent a transformation in the fall as he junked his curveball in favor of a slider and refined his delivery. The improvement in his stuff and command was dramatic, and he was quickly installed in a role as the Cougars closer to open the 2009 season. Initially, there was optimism that a new-and-improved Joseph might emerge as a sleeper pick in the first 10-12 rounds of this year's draft, but those hopes may prove overly conservative as Joseph was dominant in the early going. Not only did he show better raw arm strength with a fastball that peaked at 93 mph and showed good arm-side run, but his big, sharp slider, clocked at 82-85 mph, became a dominant second pitch. He went aggressively after hitters in his new closer's role. Joseph has a lean, wiry frame and his athleticism on the mound is readily apparent as he was a significant three-sport athlete in high school, earning 10 letters altogether in three sports.-ALLAN SIMPSON

UPDATE (5/15): As a starter in his first two seasons at Houston, Joseph generally worked in the 87-90 mph range. Shifted to the bullpen full-time this spring, Joseph saw his velocity jump to 90-94 mph with good lefthander's running life. More importantly, his slider became his go-to pitch. He became a dominant closer on a losing Houston team, finishing the season with a 3-1, 2.16 record, 11 saves and 75 K's in just 50 innings. Joseph is somewhat of a max-effort thrower and will never have pinpoint control, but he won't need to be precise with his location with two above-average pitches out of the bullpen. Joseph has been mentioned as high as the second round in some scouting discussions, although that would seem very high for a reliever without true closer stuff.-DAVID RAWNSLEY

School Bio:

SOPHOMORE (2008)
Made his season debut out of the bullpen during the season opener against Pacific... Struck out five batters at San Diego State during the series finale... Threw three perfect innings of relief with a strikeout against Sam Houston State... Tossed two shutout innings against UTSA... Collected the win at UTSA after throwing two shutout innings. C-USA Championship: Picked up the win against No. 28 East Carolina in the opener... Allowed only one run off a hit and a walk with two strikeouts in two innings against the Pirates... Scattered two unearned runs off three hits and a walk with three strikeouts in 3.2 innings in starting the first Saturday game against UAB. NCAA College Station Regional: Limited UIC to one unearned run off a hit and two walks with two strikeouts in 2.2 innings of relief.

FRESHMAN (2007)
Competed regularly as the Cougars' midweek starter... Made 18 appearances with 10 starts during his first collegiate season... Made his collegiate debut out of the bullpen against Stephen F. Austin during the season opener... Earned his first career start against Texas A&M during the second day of the Houston College Classic... Allowed only one unearned run off five hits with two strikeouts in five innings against the Aggies... Threw 1.1 innings of shutout relief with three strikeouts at Texas-San Antonio... Allowed only one unearned run off five hits with four strikeouts in 4.1 innings against Lamar but did not collect a decision after leaving the game after being struck by a line drive... Scattered three hits over four shutout innings at Stephen F. Austin... Earned his first collegiate win after holding Texas-San Antonio to two runs off four hits with a pair of strikeouts in six innings at Victoria... Collected the save at C-USA rival Memphis during the series finale, holding the Tigers to only one run off two hits with a strikeout during the final three innings.

HAYS HIGH SCHOOL
Competed in football, basketball and baseball for all four years... Was a four-year varsity letterwinner in baseball and three-year letterwinner in basketball and football... Played for head coach Doug Ragsdale in baseball... Member of National Honor Society and Chamber Choir. Senior (2006): Scored 30 points in a basketball game against District 16-5A rival Austin Anderson... Finished the football season with 26 catches for 586 yards and eight touchdowns... Ended his career as school's second all-time leading receiver... Helped lead team to state playoffs. Junior (2005): Pitched to an 8-1 record with a 1.40 ERA on the way to All-District 16-5A First-Team honors... Played for the Austin Slam during the summer... Also was an All-District Honorable mention in football as a wide receiver and helped lead team to the state playoffs. Sophomore (2004): Was the runner-up for district newcomer of the year and was an All-District Honorable Mention.

PERSONAL
Full name is Don Atley Joseph... Born on Nov. 1, 1987, in San Marcos, Texas... Son of Dr. Dennis and Gaylynn Joseph... Father is a 1974 graduate of UH... Brother Bo played football at Texas Lutheran... Majoring in industrial distribution.

Joseph's Career Bests
Innings: 6.0, vs. Texas-San Antonio (April 24, 2007)
Strikeouts: 5, at San Diego State (March 30, 2008)
Consecutive Scoreless Innings: 8.2 (April 4-17, 2007)
Long Start: 6.0, vs. Texas-San Antonio (April 24, 2007)
Short Start: 2.0, at UTSA (May 13, 2008); vs. Tulane (April 13, 2008)
Long Relief: 5.0, vs. Southern Miss (May 19, 2007)
Short Relief: 1.0, vs. Stephen F. Austin (Feb. 6, 2007); vs. Texas-San Antonio (Feb. 27, 2007)

[Mario-Rijo]

I have more to come but really need to wait a few days to get PG cross checker's scouting reports on anymore of the top 10 round picks. Since I can't edit later I'd prefer to wait to put their profiles up. I do have some later round picks info that I'll go ahead and post in one spot here.

Deven Marrero
SS | American Heritage HS, Plantation, Fla.
Weight: 180 lbs.
Height: 6-1

Selected by: Reds
Round: 17
PK(OVR): 8(509)

Summary: Marrero earned scouts' notice last year because of two teammates: first-rounder Eric Hosmer and fifth-rounder Adrian Nieto. He's one of the few true shortstops in this draft class, but there are questions about his bat and signability. Marrero has good actions and quick feet at shortstop with an above-average arm; his footwork could use some improvement, and his feel for the position is only fair. At the plate, he's strong for his size but gets all his weight on his front foot and opens it with his swing, so he has issues with contact and can pull off the ball. He's committed to Arizona State and considered a tough sign. American Heritage isn't done pumping out top draft prospects, by the way, with sophomores 3B Brandon Sedell and RHP Jimmy Nesselt both looking like potential first-rounders for 2011.

Player Grades
PRESENT FUTURE
Hitting 35 45
Power 45 50
Plate Discipline 45 45
Running Speed 45 45
Fielding Range 50 60
Arm Strength 60 60
Feel for Game 45 50

Brian Pearl
RHP | Washington
Weight: 190 lbs.
Height: 6-1

Selected by: Reds
Round: 9
PK(OVR): 8(269)

Summary: Pearl is one of the bigger wild cards in this draft as a converted third baseman with just 11 career innings before 2009. He worked a full season in relief for U-Dub, and his fastball sat mostly around 90-92 mph, but as you might expect from a guy new to the mound, he would hit 94 one outing and then top out at 88 the next time out. He was better this past summer in the Northwoods League, where he hit 95 in the All-Star Game and struck out 32 men in 21 innings against just six walks. He doesn't have a consistent second pitch, with a mid-70s curve that can have some depth and a low-80s slider that at its best has a very hard, late break. His arm is quick, but he drifts off the rubber too quickly and may cost himself some velocity in the process. I've pegged him as a second-round talent, but the industry consensus has him a round or two later than that.

Player Grades
PRESENT FUTURE LOW (MPH) HIGH (MPH)
Fastball 50 55 90 94
Slider 45 55 80 82
Curveball 40 45 73 78
Changeup ?? ??
FB Movement 45 45
Command 40 50
Control 40 50
Feel for Pitching 35 45

Biographical Data
Player Name: Stephen Perez
Position: Shortstop
School: Gulliver Prep (Fla.)
School Type: High School
Academic Class: Senior
Birthdate: 12/16/90
Height: 5'11"
Weight: 170 lbs.
Bats: Switch
Throws: Right
Report Date: 02/20/09
Game(s): Bishop Verot

#539 Round #18


Focus Area Comments
Hitting ability: Perez has a balanced, short and quick stroke. Though the right is his natural side, he's actually better from the left side.
Power: He has some ability to hit with power to the pull side from both sides of the plate.
Running speed: He has below-average speed.
Base running: His speed plays better at game time because of plus instincts on the bases.
Arm strength: He has a solid-average to plus throwing arm.
Fielding: He can make the play in the hole and up the middle. His hands are soft and sure.
Range: He makes up for lack of foot speed with instincts and positioning.
Physical Description: Perez has a small frame, a lean muscular middle infielder kind of like a Cesar Izturis type.
Medical Update: Healthy.
Strengths: A great feel for the game, off the charts makeup. Makes the most of his abilities on both sides of the ball.
Weaknesses: His lack of speed.
Summary: Perez is a baseball rat with a great feel for the game. His plus instincts help him maximize his skills, which include some definite hitting ability from both sides of the plate, a solid glove and arm from shortstop. He doesn't have the kind of speed you'd normally like to see from a middle infielder, but he makes up for that with those instincts. Whoever drafts him could be getting a high schooler with a better understanding of how to play the game than most prepsters.

[camisadelgolf]

Thank you for the posts, Mario-Rijo. Great job.

[princeton]

sorry if I'm not supposed to reply within this thread, but thanks for compiling these.

isn't Joseph's bio uncannily similar to Ryan Wagner's? one and only one very good year as a Univ of Houston closer, due to a greatly improved slider?

[Mario-Rijo]

Originally Posted by camisadelgolf

Thank you for the posts, Mario-Rijo. Great job.

Originally Posted by princeton

sorry if I'm not supposed to reply within this thread, but thanks for compiling these.

isn't Joseph's bio uncannily similar to Ryan Wagner's? one and only one very good year as a Univ of Houston closer, due to a greatly improved slider?

No problem guys, I like having a singular thread with everything I can find that's gonna tell us something. Yeah princeton it's ok to respond/reply. Wagner yeah he does have that eery aura about him.

[NorrisHopper30]

Billy Hamilton sounds like a project, but could be a huge reward. I like the pick now.

[BuckeyeRedleg]

Mario, you da man.

Awesome!

[fearofpopvol1]

Thanks for posting this! Good stuff right here.

[Mario-Rijo]

4th Round #119 Overall Mark Fleury C UNC



PG Crosschecker:

Mark Fleury C Jr. L-R 6-1 200 North Carolina Roswell, Ga. Never drafted 5/4/1988

SCOUTING PROFILE (3/1): Fleury went to the Cape Cod League last summer as a backup catcher, and came off the bench to deliver two of the biggest hits of the 2008 Cape season. As a reserve for the Eastern Division team in the league's all-star game, Fleury drilled a game-winning, two-run homer in the bottom of the eighth inning to lift the East to an 8-6 win over the West. He outdid himself in the final game of the season when he came on as a pinch-hitter in the bottom of the ninth with Harwich trailing Cotuit 1-0 in Game Two of the league's championship series. With the bases loaded and none out, Fleury took two 95-mph fastballs for strikes from Cotuit's fireballing closer Drew Storen before drilling the next offering to the base of the wall in right-center field to drive in the tying and winning runs as Harwich rallied to win the league title, its first in 23 years. Fleury spent the early part of the summer as a backup to Santa Clara's Tommy Medica, who hit .352-0-16 vs. Fleury's .238-2-14. The righthanded-hitting Medica, who caught for Team USA's college-national squad a year earlier, earned most of the playing time initially, but Fleury was doing more of the catching by the end of the season. Generally, Medica caught whenever an opposing lefthander was working and, appropriately, he was behind the plate in the final game of the season against Cotuit lefty Nick Hernandez, the league's top winner. But Fleury got his chance to play when the Kettleers made a move to Storen in the ninth, and he made the most of it. Fleury also served as an understudy during the 2008 college season at North Carolina to Tar Heels regular catcher Tim Federowicz, who went on to become a seventh-round pick in the draft in June. Though he started only 16 games behind the plate, Fleury served as UNC's DH in 23 more contests and played in 61 games in all, hitting .275-3-25. A year earlier, he got just seven at-bats. Fleury has a short, direct stroke to the ball from the left side and generates above-average raw power. But he's vulnerable to good breaking stuff, and especially vulnerable against lefthanders as most of his at-bats in 2008 came against righthanded pitching. His arm strength is his best asset behind the plate, though his solidly-built frame is ideally suited to the physical demands of catching on a regular basis. Though Fleury got plenty of attention for his two big hits on the summer, and generally improved his value for the 2009 draft for his overall body of work, he'll need to convince scouts in the spring that his receiving and blocking skills are at a level that warrant his becoming a full-time catcher at the next level, and his ability to hit lefthanders isn't an obstacle to playing against all kinds of pitching. With the catching job for the Tar Heels finally all his, he'll get every opportunity to prove his worth.-ALLAN SIMPSON

UPDATE (5/15): A regular behind the plate for the first time in his career this spring, Fleury responded by hitting .315-12-59 as the Tar Heels advanced to the College World Series for the fourth straight year, and third in Fleury's time with the team. He also handled a pitching staff that was in the process of leading the nation in strikeouts for the second year in a row. While Fleury's offensive production was significant and he was a solid middle-of-the-order threat for the Tar Heels, it came at a cost as Fleury struck out a club-leading 63 times, a red flag. His arm strength proved to be a solid asset as the team's regular catcher, but his receiving skills were called into question when he struggled, at times, in handling the superior stuff on the UNC pitching staff. Even though his inconsistency was evident, his raw tools at a premium position should insure him going in the first five rounds.-JEFF SIMPSON

Three Tar Heels Taken On Day Two Of MLB Draft
Fleury, Warren grabbed in fourth round.

June 10, 2009

CHAPEL HILL, N.C. - North Carolina juniors Mark Fleury, Adam Warren and Brian Moran were selected Wednesday in the 2009 Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft, bringing the total number Tar Heels picked to six over the first two days of the three-day event. Fleury went to the Cincinnati Reds in the fourth round (119th overall), Warren was chosen in the fourth round by the New York Yankees (135th overall) and Moran was the third Tar Heel grabbed by the Seattle Mariners in the seventh round (203rd overall).

Fleury has enjoyed a breakout season as Carolina's everyday catcher this season, batting .315 with career-bests of 12 home runs, 19 doubles and 59 RBI. A semifinalist for the Johnny Bench Award for the nation's top collegiate backstop, he is second on the team with 34 extra-base hits and has posted 16 multi-RBI games this year. Fleury is a career .299 hitter in 134 games.

[Mario-Rijo]

5th Round #149 Overall Daniel Tuttle RHP Randleman (NC) HS



MLB.com

Biographical Data
Player Name: Daniel Tuttle
Position: Starting Pitcher
School: Randleman HS (N.C.)
School Type: High School
Academic Class: Senior
Birthdate: 08/21/90
Height: 6'2"
Weight: 185 lbs.
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Report Date(s): 03/06/09
Game(s): West Davidson HS


Focus Area Comments
Fastball: Tuttle threw his fastball anywhere between 88 and 94 mph and sat comfortably at 90-91 mph.

Fastball movement: Tuttle has plus sink on his fastball.

Slider: He has a plus slider.

Changeup: His changeup is just OK ... a work in progress.

Control: His command was bad in the summer, good again early, then bad again.

Poise: Has decent mound presence.

Physical Description: Tuttle isn't all that big, kind of medium sized and isn't overly physical. He uses a low three-quarters delivery.

Medical Update: Healthy.

Strengths: Arm strength and good pure stuff, with two above-average to plus pitches and a third that has a chance.

Weaknesses: Command, largely because of delivery problems. He doesn't always keep his direction to the plate.

Summary: There's a lot to like about Tuttle, the North Carolina prep star. He has a great arm with good pure stuff, highlighted by a plus slider and a fastball he can run up to 94 mph. He also has the makings of a changeup. What he doesn't always have is consistent command, affected by a somewhat unorthodox delivery that he has trouble repeating. Still, there's plenty to work with for any team that decides to take him on Draft Day.

PG Crosschecker:

Daniel Tuttle RHP Sr. R-R 6-2 185 Randleman Randleman, N.C. North Carolina State 8/21/1990

SCOUTING PROFILE (3/1): Tuttle is a loose-armed righthander who shares many physical similarities with Jake Odorizzi, the Milwaukee Brewers supplemental first-round pick in the 2008 draft. Like Odorizzi, Tuttle has an extended three-quarters to mid-three-quarters release point, and a whippy-like arm action that puts plenty of spin and late sinking action on a fastball that frequently reaches 92-93 mph. Tuttle also throws both a low-80s slider that has a big, sweeping 10-to-4 type of break, and a softer curveball with a similar shape. The slider is his better breaking pitch and has plenty of potential if Tuttle can consistently stay on top of the pitch. A changeup is a fourth pitch in his arsenal, but it isn’t a factor yet, mainly because Tuttle has been used as a closer in high school. As a junior in that role, he went. 1-0, 0.17 with eight saves, along with eight walks and 48 strikeouts in 21 innings. He is a quality athlete who plays shortstop when he isn’t pitching, and should take a step forward when he’s able to concentrate just on pitching at the next level. Tuttle isn’t a polished product yet. He has some effort in his release that leads to command problems against better hitters, but he’s loose and projectable with top-level present stuff.—DAVID RAWNSLEY

UPDATE (5/15): From a raw stuff standpoint, Tuttle ranks near the top of his class as he has three potential average- to above-average pitches. His fastball sat in the 90-93 mph range this spring, topping out at 96. His slider also showed potential plus life at times and he had the makings of a solid split-finger. Stuff aside, Tuttle did not impress scouts this spring with his approach while ringing up a 3-2, 1.10 record with 10 walks and 74 strikeouts in 37 innings, mostly as a starter. He showed a very elementary level of pitching skill, with little or no aptitude how to maximize his stuff. He was very raw, even helter-skelter in establishing a consistent arm slot, repeating his delivery, making adjustments and in his body language. Still, he has the kind of electric, whip-like arm that is difficult to find, and it’s likely that a team will find him too tempting to pass over much beyond the fifth round.—JEFF SIMPSON

Aflac All American Player Bio:

Daniel Tuttle
Height: 6' 2" Weight: 185 lbs.
Position: Right-hand Pitcher
Bats: R Throws: R
Team: East
Hometown: Randleman, NC
High School: Randleman Senior High School

Off the field with Daniel...
Daniel Tuttle spends almost all of his time playing baseball, but when he does have some spare time, he spends it hunting, running or playing video games. He's also found time to volunteer with his local Challenger League softball games and helped out with the City of Randleman's Parks & Recreation Department. At Randleman High, his team has a pre-game ritual to meet at Roscoe's cafe for breakfast. His favorite MLB player is Michael Barrett because Barrett is involved with Daniel's WWBA Georgia Roadrunner's team.

Daniel has overcome some tough challenges to get to where he is today. In August of 2002, two days after his 12th birthday, he was involved in a near fatal car crash. He sustained multiple internal injuries and had to be rushed to an emergency surgery; he spent five weeks thereafter as a patient at Brenner's Children's Hospital at Wake Forest University's Medial Center. Since then, he has recovered fully and is now one of the top pitchers in the nation.

Role models...
President George Bush, because he faces difficult challenges everyday and remains positive.

Hit PLAY on his MP3 player and you might hear...
Nickelback

Catch him before a game and you'll find him...
eating breakfast at Roscoe's Caf�.

He's kind of a big deal...

Baseball Achievements:
Threw no–hitter as a freshman
All-Conference (2007 and 2008)
All-County (2007)

Something you may not know about Daniel is...
his favorite TV show is Family Guy.

Freshman Stats 
 BA SB K's RBI Hits HR ERA   IP
.341 6 24  15  27   4  2.00  25 

Sophomore Stats 
.357 9 ??   22  25   5  1.66  24 

Junior Stats 
.373 10 21  20 28   5  .071   14

[dougdirt]

Paul Barton - #1169 overall - 39th Round

http://www.bclocalnews.com/vancouver.../45225357.html

Qualicum Beach’s Paul Barton has

the major leagues calling

Having a courier come to your door with a letter and a kit requesting your youngest son send in a urine sample isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Especially when your boy is a pitcher, and the letter is from Major League Baseball.

“Never saw it coming,” chuckled Chuck Barton, as blue collar as they come and a dedicated baseball dad with three boys.

All of his boys have come up through Oceanside Minor Baseball and have pitched for the Parksville Royals in the BCPBL.

As for his son Paul getting the call to pee — that package is prestigious in baseball circles as it’s reserved only for the top 200 prospects in North America, “It was pretty cool.

“He was away in Florida (with the Junior National team) and I told him that night when he called.”

“It was really exciting to hear I was top 200. I was shocked,” Paul recalled from the Royals’ dugout at Springwood Park on Wednesday as his teammates took to the field in the pouring rain and a small army of volunteers set to work tweaking the infield for this weekend’s BC’s Best Baseball Classic.

This is the second year the young chucker from Qualicum Beach has been recruited by the Jr. Nats for their series of high performance spring camps that prepare this country’s top players for international assignments, and the 10 days of training and games marked the first installment of a summer loaded with travel.

That package his dad signed off on is just the latest memorable moment of Paul Barton’s baseball journey.

“It was really good,” he said when pressed about his latest trip to Florida for extended grapefruit league action on the immaculate fields at Disney’s Wide World of Sports Complex in Orlando.

“We were on the field every day. Eight hours every day,” he said of the camp, which started each morning bright and early with a team breakfast and meetings followed by a four hour practice, a break, then a nine-inning game against professional farm teams.

The Canadians didn’t win a game against their older opponents, who ranged in age from 20-25ish, but the experience was invaluable.

Also making the trip to Florida and impressing on the hill for his second year was Royals’ teammate, southpaw Ethan Stewart from Campbell River. They were two of four players from the rock and nine from B.C. invited to the camp, comprised of about 30 players from across the country.

“I learned way more this time around,” Barton confirmed when asked about his second go-round.

At 6’3” 205 pounds, the hard throwing righty hit 92 mph on the radar gun in Florida during one game — his fastest pitch to date. Paul pitched six innings over the 10 days, giving up two runs and striking out five.

Ready to lead the Royals into battle in the Classic in front of family and friends this weekend, Paul isn’t home for long as he and a select squad of Jr. Nats leave for the Dominican Republic May 20 for more games against MLB teams. This is his first year named to that team.

The young Canucks have already qualified for the 2010 World Junior Baseball Championships in Thunder Bay, Ontario. On June 22 the team travels to USA Baseball’s national training complex in Cary, North Carolina.

“Then we fly to Toronto for more practices (at the SkyDome) and to watch the Jays/Rays game, and then after that we fly to Havana to play the Cubans.”

The Canadians return home July 10.

His strength as a pitcher aside, scouts and coaches are also looking for players that are easy to work with and that get along with their teammates.

“It’s great to make the top 200, but nothing changes,” he said with the maturity reserved only for the focused. “I just go in day in and day out and work as hard as I can and hopefully play to the best of my abilities ... I’m always striving to be the best.”

“Paul’s so good working with young kids, he’s excellent. He enjoys it. That’s part of his deal, and that’s part of what makes him special,” Royals’ head coach Dave Wallace said about his third and final Barton boy.

“Their athletic ability aside, it’s their enthusiasm for the game, their work ethic and commitment to improving. Paul and guys like him, they just love playing the game, and they’re willing to do whatever it takes,” said Wallace. “Every sports the same ... it’s a tough grind.”

Good to see his velocity as high as 92 MPH. Watching his video on MLB.com he didn't go into the high 80's, but he showed some promising offspeed stuff in it. Seems like he is much better than a 39th round selection, should be interesting to see if the Reds can get him signed.