Had time before my scouting trip begins this week, so decided to write up reports on as many high school players as possible for the upcoming draft.
Players would have had the chance to have video from 4 different events:
July 1 and 2 vs. Team USA Collegiate team
August 9 Area Code Games
August 13 Under Armour Game Showcase
August 14 Perfect Game Showcase
(Players played in either 8/13 or 8/14 game)
I needed at least one appearance with velocity (only games w/ velo's were the 8/13 and 8/14 games) for pitchers and 3 games of video for hitters to write them. This is why you see reports on 22 pitchers and only 12 hitters.
These are the best of the best high school players.
While the concept is still the same (draft all guys rated 35 or higher), it isn't that simple with high schoolers. To draft a high schooler, I need to see that my evaluation of his talent level matches his asking price, especially with the revised draft rules. An example of this is Carson Kelly, a 3B from Oregon. He has above average tools, but I have concerns about makeup, so I called him organizational depth. If I saw he was hustling during the spring season, he would likely be bumped to a 55. However, as of right now, I assume his asking price would be as a 55 while I value him as a 35. So, I would not draft him.
Give summaries for all players regardless of grade. Draft board is listed with all positions. Please note that I do have video on pretty much every high school player with any type of hype. If you are curious what I think of a guy I don't list (guys like Matt Smoral, Taylore Cherry, Byron Buxton,etc.) I can give a very basic report based off what I have.
Without further ado, here are my 2012 high school rankings:
1) RHS Lucas Giolito (Harvard-Westlake HS, CA) - 70
High school starter w/ 2 plus pitches.
Power. Solid avg FB. Works 89-92. Lightning quick arm will produce consistent 93's and 94's as pitches more. Easy velo. Gd downhill plane w/ run and sink. Explodes on hitters. Still developing feel. Delivery suggests no issues w/ throwing strikes. Overthrowing affects command. Flashes ability to work both corners.
Near plus-plus SL. Tight 3/4 tilt w/ late break. Buckles RHH knees. True out pitch. Shows ability to get in strike zone. Throws occasional back-up. Flashes bury ability. Gd feel.
Plus CB. Big 12-6 downer. Knee buckling late breaker. Makes hitters look silly. Shows feel for getting in strike zone. Still learning how to bury.
DNS CH.
OTT from SWU. Clean delivery w/ very little effort.
Tall, powerful build w/ strong base. Prototypical pitcher build. Close to mature.
Stud high school starter w/ 3 future plus pitches. Command isn't there yet, but will come with time. Top of the rotation, true # 1 starter.
2) 3B Joey Gallo (Bishop Gorman HS, NV) - 65
High school corner w/ near plus-plus power. Big, athletic build w/ solid base. Present strength. Doesn't look 220. Projectable. SL Open, Str Up. Back ear hand location w/ hands even w/ emblem on helmet. Shift of weight, load and stride.
SL Uppercut w/ plus bat speed. Easy to repeat swing. Pull oriented approach. As learns to keep weight back, will use all fields. Near plus-plus power. Squared balls go a long way. CF to pull now, will expand to all fields when weight stays back. Swings for power early and often, causing avg issues. Ok approach. Aggressive for FB in zone. Sees spin well, can turn on velo. Understands his zone. Will draw walks and strikeout at next level.
Below avg runner and athlete. Choppy baserunner will get slower as ages and fills out frame. Near baseclogger.
Corner infielder w/ legitimate power. Fits profile for middle of order hitter. .260-.360-.530 w/ 30 HR power. Special hitter w/ potential 70 upside.
3) OF Nick Williams (Galveston Ball HS, TX) - 65
High school OF w/ plus bat. Close to mature mdm, athletic build w/ solid base. Good major league body. SL Open, Str Up. Back shoulder hand location w/ active hands and occasional bat tap. Shift of weight, stride and load.
SL Uppercut w/ above avg bat speed. Gd avg approach. CF to Pull. Flashes all fields. Gd balance and ability to keep hands back. Knack to barrel balls. Hits a lot of line drives. Below avg power will be above avg. CF to Pull. Still learning to drive ball in games. Gd approach. Sees a lot of pitches. Recognizes spin and able to fight off breaking balls. Handles velo. Will draw gd amount of walks and limit strikeouts.
Plus runner and athlete. Gets down line in a hurry.
Special high school bat w/ ability to hit for avg and power. Shows advanced recog skills and uncanny balance for hitter. All tools look for in premium pick. Upside of multiple All-Stars.
4) SS Gavin Cecchini (Barbe HS, LA) - 60
High school SS w/ plus hit tool. Projectable mdm, slender build w/ ok base. Needs to put muscle on frame. Very SL Open, Str Up. Back shoulder hand location w/ some hand mvmt pre pitch. Shift of weight, long toe tap and load. For toe tap, gets on toe when pitcher is about to release then strides again when pitch is out of hand.
SL Uppercut w/ above avg bat speed. Swing is quick, to the ball. Ok avg approach. Pull oriented, flashes ability to go gap to gap. Knack for barreling ball. Below avg power will be above avg. CF to Pull. Special power if able to remain middle infielder. Ok approach. Struggles to recognize spin, needs to work on staying back. Shows ability to pull velo.
Above avg runner and athlete.
High upside middle infielder w/ plus bat. Potential special player as middle infielder. Will strike out a bit in pro ball. Solid .290-.350-.450 hitter.
5) LHS Max Fried (Harvard-Westlake HS, CA) - 60
High school lefty w/ 3 future above avg pitches.
Balanced. Fringy FB. Works 86-89. Up to 92, 93. As adds muscle, will work in 91-93 range. Hides ball well w/ quality deception, allowing velo to play up. Run and sink. Jumps on hitters. Around the zone. Struggles to command in zone. Will overthrow. Concerns w/ cmmd due to head violence.
Plus CB. Tight mdm downer. Late breaker. Knee buckler. Still learning how to get in strike zone consistently. Struggles to finish. Guides at times. True out pitch.
Below avg CH will be above avg. Still getting feel for it. Flashes gd armspeed w/ fade and sink. Potential swing and miss offering.
H 3/4 from SWU. Delivery will take work in quieting down. Is very quiet until break, then tempo changes and has difficulty keeping everything on time. Head violence is a concern.
Mdm, sturdy build w/ slender base. Projectable. 6'3", 215. Will take time to put weight on.
Stud. Great stuff, iron out delivery. Upside of # 2 starter w/ 3 above avg pitches and some command.
6) RHS Ryan Burr (Highlands Ranch HS, CO) - 60
High schooler w/ potential for 3 above avg pitches.
Balanced. Solid avg FB. Works 88-92, up to 93. As gets stronger and logs innings, will work 93-94. Gd late life, explodes on hitters. Straightens out at times. Shows a little run at others. Around the zone. Can throw for strikes, comes at you. Tendency to elevate, miss middle.
Below avg CB will be above avg. Short 12-6 downer. Throws an early breaking CB to get ahead, out pitch is tight w/ gd depth. Gets around it. Around the zone. Shows ability to get in strike zone or bury.
Fringy CH will be above avg. Gd armspeed w/ fade and sink. Liked to have seen thrown more. One thrown was in RHH batters box and elevated.
H 3/4 from SWU. Some concerns with head violence.
Big, strong protypical pitcher body. Solid base w/ round butt. Projectable. 6'4", 230. Potential bulldog.
High schooler with 3 above avg pitches, questions on ultimate command ceiling due to head violence. High upside player with potential to front rotation.
7) LHS Hunter Virant (Camarillo HS, CA) - 60
Projectable high school lefty w/ 2 future plus pitches.
Power. Solid avg FB. Works 88-91. Lightning quick arm w/ projectable body. Envision working 93-94 3 years down line. Run and sink when down. Gd deception from lower slot. Changes slot to match situation. Overthrew in this outing. Shows ability to really pitch. Not afraid to pitch inside.
Potential plus SL. Tight 3/4 tilt. Late breaker. True swing and miss pitch. Lefties struggles to recognize. Buries well, still learning to throw for consistent strikes.
Solid avg CH. Ok armspeed w/ fade and sink. Shows feel, needs reps to improve. Inconsistent command. Keeps down. Gets around pitch at times, eliminating life.
Fringy CB. Tight mdm downer. Inconsistent break. Got around pitch on nearly all thrown, limiting break. Flashes avg. Still learning to get in zone and finish pitch.
H 3/4 to L 3/4 from SWU. Will change slot to match situation. Throws every pitch from every slot. Cliff Lee like delivery needs to have tempo slowed to maximize stuff.
Mdm, athletic build w/ slender base. Projectable. 6'3", 215.
High school lefty w/ gd pitchability and 2 future plus pitches. High upside lefty. Was still recovering from sickness in outing. Upside of front of the rotation lefty.
8) RHS Duane Underwood (Pope HS, GA) - 60
Athletic high school righty w/ future plus FB.
Power. Above avg FB velo. Works 89-94. A number of 94's. As firms frame and focuses on pitching, will work in 93-94 range. Run and sink. Inconsistent. Flashes late run when located down on armside corner.
Avg CH. Gd armspeed w/ fade and sink. Inconsistent life now, shows feel for developing into solid avg pitch. Locates. Uses R on R, keeps ball down. Used as out pitch. Gd feel, trusts pitch.
Solid avg CB. 12-6 mdm downer. Early breaker. Spins well. Still learning to get in strike zone. Keeps ball down.
H 3/4 from FWU. Some inconsistencies w/ tempo are easily addressed. Repeats.
Mdm, athletic build w/ solid base. Close to mature. 6'2", 220.
High school righty has repeatable delivery w/ ability to spin a breaking ball and feel for CH. Big time arm hit 94 multiple times. Upside of # 2 starter.
9) OF Ty Moore (Mater Dei HS, CA) - 60
High school hitter w/ special line drive bat. Close to mature small, athletic build w/ solid base. SL Open, Crouched. Back shoulder hand location. Shift of weight, longer load and toe tap. In load, makes a circle to get bat in cocked position.
SL Uppercut w/ above avg bat speed. Pull oriented approach. As learns to stay on ball, will develop ability to drive ball to all fields. Knack to put barrel on ball. Hits a lot of line drives and hard grounders. Fringy power will be solid avg. As firms up frame, will hit 15-20 homers. Gd approach. Controls zone well. Understands his zone. Handles velo and recognizes spin.
Below avg runner out of box, average runner once underway. Avg athlete.
Intriguing high school hitter with near plus-plus hit tool. Top of the order approach. Potential 2 hole hitter. Upside of All-Star OF.
10) RHS Lucas Sims (Brookwood HS, GA) - 55
High school righty w/ future plus FB.
Power. Solid avg FB will be plus. Works 90-91, up to 94. Loses tick or two from stretch. As builds frame, velo will pick up and maintain. Run and sink. Flattens out at times. Lacks deception. Flashes strike throwing ability. Still learning how to work both corners and throw quality strikes. Tendency to miss gloveside.
Avg SL will be above avg. Late breaking 3/4 tilt w/ avg depth. Comes from same slot as FB. Needs to tighten a bit to get pro hitters out. Keeps ball down. Throws for strikes, out of danger zones.
Fringy CH will be above avg. Looks like FB out of hand. Gd armspeed w/ fade and sink. Doesn't always have life. Around the zone. Still developing feel to get in zone consistently.
3/4 from SWU. Clean mechanically.
Mdm, athletic build w/ slender base. Close to mature.
Potential for 3 above avg to plus pitches w/ command. Will take some time. Some questions on ability to be a starter from current slot. Will fit in bullpen as FB-SL reliever. Upside of # 3 starter.
11) RHS Ryan McNeil (Nipomo HS, CA) - 55
High school righty w/ 3 potential above avg pitches.
Balanced. Solid avg FB, works 89-91, up to 93. Will work 91-93 as firms up frame. Run and sink. Shows feel for commanding in zone. Keeps ball down. Rarely misses in danger zone. Likes to pitch inside.
Above avg CH. Gd armspeed w/ fade and sink. Ball doesn't have a lot of mvmt, velo difference makes it tough to hit. Looks like FB out of hand. Bugs-Bunny like. Keeps ball down, misses out of danger zones. Gd feel. Locates in strike zone.
Potential above avg SL. Below avg slurve w/ gd depth. Flashes gd 3/4 tilt w/ avg depth. Occasional tight breaker. Around the zone. Flashes quality strikes. Potential out pitch.
H 3/4 from FWU. Clean mechanically, stuff will take step forward as incorporates lower half more.
Big, sturdy build w/ solid base. Gd pitcher build. Close to mature.
High schooler w/ current FB velo, feel for CH and breaking ball shows flashes. Controls pitches in easy delivery. Upside of solid middle of the rotation starter.
12) 2B Alex Bregman (Albuquerque Academy, NM) - 55
High school middle infielder w/ near plus-plus hit tool. Projectable small, athletic build w/ solid base and round butt. Gd body for a high schooler. Str On, very SL Crouch. Back shoulder hand location. Stride and load.
SL Uppercut w/ above avg bat speed. Short and quick in easy to repeat swing. Gd avg approach. Hits a lot of line drives, works up the middle. Below avg power. Will develop a little pull power, never be a big power hitter. Solid gap to gap doubles hitter. Quality approach. Some swing and miss in game right now, but shows ability to recognize breaking balls and handle velo. Knack for making contact and will develop into a hitter who fouls off a lot of touch pitches.
Above avg runner and solid avg athlete. As adds muscle to frame, will become solid avg runner. Understands how to use his speed, shows ability to drag.
Intriguing high school middle infielder whose value will drastically increase if able to handle SS. Shows avg speed to go with near plus-plus hit tool. Will draw his share of walks and limit strikeouts. Solid .300 hitter w/ .370 OBP and .400 SLG. Upside of All-Star SS.
13) SS C.J. Hinojosa (Klein Collins HS, TX) - 55
High school SS w/ future avg bat. Close to mature small, athletic build w/ solid base. Open, SL Crouch. Back shoulder hand location w/ bat wiggle. Shift of weight, load and toe tap.
Above avg bat speed in SL Uppercut swing. Needs to consistently repeat swing. Head mvmt is concern. Ok avg approach. LD oriented pull approach. Knack to put barrel on ball. Below avg power will be avg. CF to Pull. Squared balls go long way despite small frame. Ok approach. Struggles to recognize spin. Handles velo well. Bit of a free swinger.
Fringy runner and solid avg athlete. Solid avg runner once underway.
High schooler has tools to be above average starting infielder. Has more power then typical middle infielder. Some concern w/ ability to recognize, more AB's should improve. Upside of All-Star.
14) RHS Nick Travieso (Archbishop McCarthy HS, FL) - 55
High school righty w/ 3 potential above avg pitches.
Power. Above avg FB velo. Works 91-94. As frame firms up, will work 93-94. Run and sink at times, flattens out at others. Lacks deception. Comes at you, preferring to pound both lefties and righties on the inner half. Lot of confidence in pitch.
Potential above avg SL. Inconsistent mvmt. Flashes as tight 3/4 tilt w/ avg depth. Potential swing and miss pitch. Throws spinners on occasion. Still learning to get in strike zone consistently. Shows ability to bury. Getting feel.
Potential above avg CH. Throws w/ gd armspeed. Flashes above avg w/ fade and sink. Straight change at other times. Threw 2, one for a strike w/ no action and another that was buried with gd action. Still getting feel for the pitch.
H 3/4 from SWU. Clean mechanically.
Big, athletic build w/ solid base. Close to mature. 6'3", 220.
Power high school pitcher w/ 3 future above avg pitches and clean delivery. Command will come w/ reps. Upside of # 2 starter.
15) 3B Rio Ruiz (Bishop Amat HS, CA) - 55
High school hitter w/ solid approach. Close to mature mdm, athletic build w/ solid base. Open, SL Crouch. Back ear hand location w/ hands in front of body. Shift of weight, load and stride.
SL Uppercut w/ above avg bat speed. Pull oriented approach. Flashes all fields. Lot of line drives when right. Solid avg power. Will be above avg as continues to mature into body. CF to Pull. Ball jumps off barrel. Good approach. Selectively aggressive, looking for FB middle in. Occasionally expands for FB's early in count. Sees spin well. Handles velo.
Below avg runner and athlete. Will get slower as ages.
High school 3B w/ gd bat profile. Projects as .270-.350-.450 hitter. Solid 5-hole hitter. Some struggles L on L is a concern, likely just needs more at bats. Upside of All-Star 3B.
16) OF Jesse Winker (Olympisa HS, FL) - 55
High school OF w/ tools of above avg hitter. Projectable mdm, athletic build w/ solid base. Str On, SL Crouch. Back ear hand location w/ bit of a bat wiggle. Shift of weight, mini leg kick and load.
SL Uppercut w/ above avg bat speed. Pull oriented approach. Needs to learn to stay on ball and use all fields. Easy to repeat swing, hits a lot of line drives when right. Avg power will be above avg. CF to Pull. Swings for it early in count. Ok approach. Needs reps against quality pitching, especially L on L. Overwhelmed by pro caliber lefties. Controls zone well against righties. As learns to stay on ball, will improve.
Solid avg runner and athlete. Fringy runner as firms up frame.
High school lefty profiles as solid 5 hole hitter. Ability to hit for avg and power. Will be able to handle lefties when stays on ball. Upside of All-Star OF.
17) RHS Ty Hensley (Santa Fe HS, OK) - 55
Prototypical high school pitcher w/ plus CB.
Power. Solid avg FB. Works 88-90, T 93. As adds muscle to frame, work 92-94. Run and sink. Lacks deception, hitters get a good look. Struggles to command. Fights to keep ball down. Pitches up in the zone.
Plus CB. Power 12-6 downer. Tight w/ late break. Swing and miss offering. Struggles to command, doesn't get in strike zone. Still learning how to get big breaker in strike zone.
DNS 3rd pitch.
OTT from SWU. Staying over rubber will correct a lot of problems.
Big, strong kid w/ solid base. Classic pitcher body, close to mature. 6'5", 235.
Potential bulldog. Will need to develop a 3rd pitch, likely a CH, to have a chance to start. Will fit in bullpen as potential closer. Upside of # 2 starter.
18) C Nelson Rodriguez (George Washington HS, NY) - 50
High school hitter w/ future plus power. Mature big, strong kid w/ powerful thighs. SL Open, Str Up. Back ear hand location. Shift of weight, slight hand load and stride.
SL Uppercut w/ above avg bat speed. Pull oriented approach. Hits a lot of roll over grounders. Needs to stay back and work on using all fields. Big power bat. When ball is squared, goes long way. CF to Pull. Swings for it early in count. Advanced recog skills for high school bat. Sees spin well. Handles velo. Will draw a lot of walks.Below avg runner and athlete. Borderline base clogger.
Plus arm strength. Possesses gd feet for size, should be able to control running game. Raw as a receiver, needs a lot of work.
High school catcher with power bat, advanced batting eye. Should be able to stay at catcher thanks to tools, but will never be better then solid avg. 1B is fallback position. Upside of All Star C.
19) LHS Cole Irvin (Servite HS, CA) - 50
High school lefty w/ 3 potential avg pitches.
Finesse. Below avg FB. Works 85-87, touches 89. As adds muscle, will work 89-91. Run and sink. Gd late life, groundball pitch. Around the zone, keeps ball down. Likes to work both corners. Gd feel.
Potential plus CB. Tight mdm downer w/ late break. Uses as out pitch. Able to bury or throw as tease pitch at will. Still learning how to get in strike zone.
Solid avg CH. Gd armspeed w/ fade and sink. Slows down arm on occasion. Gd feel. Throws in 3-2 counts. Keeps ball down. Shows ability to throw quality strikes.
Below avg SL. Early breaking 3/4 tilt w/ ok depth. One thrown was elevated and away. Would take away from him to allow him to refine CB.
H 3/4 from SWU. Clean mechanically.
Tall, slender build w/ ok base. Lacks muscle. Projectable. 6'4", 205.
Lefty will take some time to develop. Needs to continue to add a lot of strength to body. Solid avg FB w/ plus CB and avg CH. Avg to above avg command of repetoire. Upside of # 4 starter.
20) RHS Clate Schmidt (Allatoona HS, GA) - 50
High school righty w/ plus SL.
Power. Plus FB velo, works 92-94. Doesn't sustain in outing, will need to get stronger to maintain. Run and sink. Ride at times. Some late life. Around the zone. Feel for throwing strikes. Still learning to command strike zone.
Potential plus SL. Tight 3/4 tilt w/ avg depth. Late breaker. Wipeout. True out pitch. Comes around it at times, flattening out. Still learning to throw for consistent strikes, shows flashes. Buries at will.
DNS 3rd pitch.
3/4 from SWU. Fairly clean mechanically.
Mdm, athletic build w/ slender base. Projectable.
Righty with 2 plus pitches. Some command questions, small mechanics changes should erase them. Needs to develop pitch to get LHH out, see ball well from low slot. Projects as solid middle of the rotation starter if develops 3rd pitch. Without it, solid set-up man w/ plus FB and CB.
21) LHR Austin Fairchild (St. Thomas HS, TX) - 50
High schooler w/ 2 above avg pitches.
Balanced. Solid avg velo. Works 88-92. As adds more muscle to frame, will work consistently 91-92. Run and sink. Around the zone. Keeps ball down. Works both corners.
Above avg CB. Mdm downer. Tight w/ late break. Out pitch. Shows ability to bury or throw for strikes. Gd feel for pitch.
DNS 3rd pitch.
3/4 from SWU. High effort throw.
Mdm, athletic build w/ slender base. Projectable. Weight is to more increase ability to hold up in season as opposed to increasing stuff. Concerns on maintaining starter workload.
High schooler w/ avg command of 2 above avg pitches. Solid lefty reliever in pen.
22) RHS Curt Britt (Scotland HS, NC) - 50
High schooler w/ potential for 2 above avg offerings.
Balanced. Solid avg FB. Works 89-91. Will work 90-92 as adds muscle. Run and sink w/ late life. Mvmt will be more consistent if arm is on time. Around the zone. Shows ability to work both sides. Likes to pitch in. Tendency to miss middle and elevated.
Fringy CH will be above avg. Gd armspeed w/ fade and sink. Gd feel for pitch, rarely misses where damage can be done. Uses as out pitch.
Lacks a breaking ball. Currently uses a CB, slurve w/ little action. Lacks feel, struggles to locate. Arm slot is better suited for a SL. Potential for solid avg SL as CB is tightened.
3/4 from SWU. Clean mechanically once gets arm to be on time.
Mdm, athletic build w/ solid base and round butt. Projectable. Potential bulldog build, 6'2", 230.
High schooler has easy to repeat delivery w/ 2 future above avg offerings w/ command. Breaking ball will determine ultimate ceiling, needs to tighten into SL or develop a cutter. Upside of solid back of the rotation starter.
23) LHS Kyle Twomey (El Dorado HS, CA) - 50
Projectable high school lefty w/ 3 future avg pitches.
Finesse. Below avg FB velo. Works 84-86. As firms up frame, will have solid avg FB. Work 89-91. Sink at times. Deception helps play up. Still learning to command. Gets shy from contact, tries to be too fine. Flashes for quality strikes.
Potential above avg CB. Tight 12-6 big downer. Depth is inconsistent. Still trying to harness in the strike zone. Has better command then showed in this outing by way he threw it. Around the plate, just missing.
Fringy CH. Ok armspeed w/ fade and sink. Inconsistent life. Relies on velo difference (20 mph) to get outs. Slows arm down, pro hitters will pick up. Gd feel for pitch. Keeps on outer half from righties.
H 3/4 from SWU. Can use legs more to generate velo.
Mdm, athletic build w/ slender base. Projectable. 6'3", 215.
High school lefty w/ 3 avg or better pitches and varying command. Projection is key, as will take time to develop. Upside of back of the rotation starter.
24) RHS Teddy Stankiewicz (Fort Worth Christian HS, TX) - 45
High school righty w/ 2 avg or better future pitches.
Power. Solid avg FB velo. Works 89-92. Gd arm speed suggests more velo to come, work 91-93. Cut. Some run at times. Sink when down. Overthrew at event, causing FB to be up and out of zone. Didn't show a lot of feel for pitch, delivery suggests will be consistent strike thrower w/ time.
Below avg SL will be avg. Late breaking 3/4 tilt. Short. Inconsistent. Cutter at times, thrown with cutter velo. Mvmt is enough to miss barrel, not cause swings and misses. Around the zone, keeps ball down. Some feel.
DNS 3rd pitch.H 3/4 from SWU. Pretty clean mechanically.
Big, athletic build w/ slender base. Prototypical pitcher build. Some concerns w/ ability to keep on weight.
Texas righty w/ gd fastball. Needs to develop breaking pitch. Gd body suggests struggles to keep on weight. Upside of # 3 starter.
25) 1B Vahn Bozoian (Ayala HS, CA) - 45
High school corner w/ above avg power. Projectable tall, slender build w/ round butt. Finished product of 6'5", 230. SL Open, Str Up. Back shoulder hand location with bat head over back shoulder. Shift of weight, stride and load.
Above avg bat speed in SL uppercut. Long swing, bat speed doesn't always show up in games. Below avg approach. Pull oriented, struggles to control body and swing to hit ball oppo. Tendency to roll over or hit routine fly ball oppo. Gd power upside. Swings for it early in count. Works all fields. Above avg HR pop as frame fills out and learns how to use swing. Below avg recog will be avg. Shows ability to handle velo well. Struggles to identify above avg breaking pitches, will improve with reps.
Well below avg runner and athlete. Base clogger will only get worse as ages. Choppy runner doesn't fit in OF. 1B in pro ball.
High schooler has gd power ceiling. Bat will have to carry him due to poor athleticism. Has all the tools to be solid middle of the order bat. Upside of above avg starting 1B.
26) RHR Tyler Gonzales (James Madison HS, TX) - 45
High school starter w/ 2 potential avg pitches.
Balanced. Avg FB. Works 89-92. Don't see more velo coming. Run and sink w/ gd late life. Potential groundball pitch. Controls ok. Struggles to command in zone. Flashes ability to work down in the zone and on both corners.
Potential avg SL. Early breaking 3/4 tilt. Flashes late break. Throws a number of spinners. Doesn't know what pitch is going to do out of hand. Throws for strikes. Shows feel for commanding. Go to pitch when needs a strike.
Below avg CH. Gd armspeed w/ little action. Needs work. Able to get in zone, but catches a lot of plate. Developmental.
H 3/4 from SWU. Some head violence.
Mdm, athletic build w/ slender base. Projectable. Projection allows stuff to last deep into season as opposed to development. 6'2", 195.
High schooler has potential. Works with avg FB and SL that he can command. Would need to develop CH, lacks body type to be anything more then back of the rotation. Better fit in pen as low leverage reliever.
27) RHS Hayden Hurst (Bolles HS, FL) - 45
High school starter w/ potential plus SL.
Balanced. Fringy FB. Works 88-90. As finishes adding muscle, work 90-92. Run and sink. Cut at times. Late life at times. Hitters see ball for long time. Controls FB. Keeps ball down. Likes to pitch in. Still learning to change eye levels.
Inconsistent SL flashes plus. Tight 3/4 w/ late break at times. Slurve w/ early break at others. Guides into zone at times. Ok control. Flashes ability to throw quality strikes. Struggles to finish causes pitch to be elevated and hang.
DNS 3rd pitch.
H 3/4 from FWU. High effort throw.
Tall, sturdy build w/ solid base. Prototypical pitcher build. Close to mature. 6'5", 245.
Strongly built HS pitcher has body type to be eventual back of the rotation starter. Not a ton of growth left. Potential plus SL w/ solid avg FB plays well in pen. Upside of # 4 starter.
28) 2B Corey Seager (Northwest Cabarrus HS, NC) - 45
High school middle infielder w/ above avg speed. Close to mature mdm, athletic build w/ solid base. SL Open, Str Up. Back shoulder hand location w/ slight bat wiggle. Shift of weight, load and short stride.
SL Uppercut w/ above avg bat speed. CF to pull approach. Knack to barrel ball, hits a lot of line drives. Ball jumps off bat. Fringy future power. Solid 15 HR guy. CF to pull. Gap to gap hitter, lot of doubles and triples. Below avg approach. Handles velo. Swing and miss recog issues. Appears to recognize spin, but unable to stop self from swinging. Struggles badly L on L right now.
Above avg runner and solid avg athlete.
Good bloodlines, with brother Corey debuting with Athletics last year. Gd bat w/ solid upside if able to recognize off-speed pitches. Concerned about confidence getting shot in pro ball. Upside of solid avg starter.
29) RHR Trey Killian (Mountain Home HS, AR) - 40
High school righty w/ 3 potential solid avg pitches.
Balanced. Avg FB. Works 88-90, up to 91. Ok arm speed means no more velo coming. Cut at times, ball is pretty true. Lacks deception vs. LHH. Around the zone, keeps ball down. Shows feel.
Fringy SL will be avg. 3/4 tilt. Avg depth w/ ok spin. Around the zone, flashes ability to work down and away from RHH. Struggles to finish at times, elevates. Throws number of spinners. Better at upper 70's then low 70's.
Fringy CH will be avg. Gd armspeed w/ fade and sink. Not a lot of life, just enough to miss barrel. Uses R on R, keeps ball down. Shows feel.
L 3/4 from FWU. Some adjustments needed mechanically to maximize tools.
Big, athletic build w/ slender base. Projectable. More to maintain during season then addition of new stuff. 6'4", 205.
Low slot righty will struggle to get RHH out. Long term fit is in bullpen. Lacks the out pitch typically seen with relievers. Upside of low leverage middle reliever.
30) RHR Yency Almonte (Columbus HS, FL) - 40
High school starter with long limbs and potential above avg FB.
Balanced. Fringy FB. Works 87-89. Loses a tick of velo from stretch. Straightens out on him, flashes solid avg run and sink. Delivery suggests avg command will be coming. Flashes ability to locate to both sides of plate. Tendency to work in middle of plate.
Fringy CB. Short 12-6 downer. Flashes gd shape w/ gd, tight spin. Struggles finishing. Flashes ability to throw for strikes or bury for strikeouts, lacks consistency.
Below avg CH. Slows arm down w/ little mvmt. Only one thrown was elevated and out of zone. Developmental pitch.
OTT from SWU. Mechanical tweaks needed to get most out of stuff. Some injury concerns with inverted W.
Tall, slender build w/ round butt. Built like a basketball player. Projectable w/ ability to be 6'4", 215 pounds.
High school starter has projectable body w/ present FB. Needs to go to college to mature into body and refine stuff. Upside of back end starter.
31) 3B Carson Kelly (Westview HS, OR) - 35
High school corner w/ gd tools. Close to mature mdm, athletic build w/ solid base. Gd present strength. Open, SL Crouch. Back ear hand location w/ hands in front of body. Shift of weight, long load and very mini leg kick. In load, brings hands down back to shoulder then back.
Above avg bat speed in SL Uppercut swing. Long swing that gets around the ball. Bad avg approach. Pull oriented. Hits a lot of fly balls. Avg power will be above avg. All Fields. Swings for it early in count. Struggles to recognize pitches. Needs to work on getting foot down on time. Some struggles handling velo on hands.
Below avg runner and fringy athlete. Doesn't hustle out groundballs, calling into question work ethic.
High school corner has tools, question drive to improve. Potential middle of the order bat at 3B.
32) RHS Kayden Porter (Spanish Fork HS, UT) - 35
High school starter w/ bulldog build.
Balanced. Solid avg FB. Works 88-91. Needs to tweak delivery and incorporate legs to improve velo. Run and sink. Not a lot of life. Around the zone. Hasn't shown ability to come inside consistently.
Below avg CH. Firm w/ little action. Gd armspeed gets less advanced hitters to roll over. Pro hitters will spit on it or hit it a long way. Around the zone, trusts himself to get in zone. Not always quality.
Below avg CB. Mdm 12-6 downer. Slows arm down, resulting in occasional floaters. Will get hammered in pro ball. Breaks early. Still learning to get in strike zone consistently. Tendency to back-up or elevate.
H 3/4 from SWU. Needs to incorporate legs.
Big, strong kid w/ solid base. Close to mature bulldog build.
High school starter has some tools, but needs more development. Concern would get hammered in pro ball out of high school. Like to see him go to college to refine command and improve off-speed stuff. Upside of # 5 starter.
33) LHR Matt Crownover (Ringgold HS, GA) - 35
High school lefty w/ solid avg FB velo.
Balanced. Avg FB. Works 90-91 out of windup. Loses velo out of stretch due to no backside load. Works 86-88. Run and sink. Around the zone, flashes ability to pound. Misses are elevated.
Fringy CB will be avg. Mdm downer w/ gd spin. Slurvy at times. Not an out pitch to LHH. Around the zone, not always quality. Tendency to miss up, not finish pitch.
Below avg CH will be avg. Ok armspeed w/ fade and sink. Gets gd action, but slowing down arm tips it, allowing advanced hitters to recognize. Around the zone. Shows ability to throw for quality strikes. Will pull on occasion to RHH.
H 3/4 from SWU. High effort delivery w/ a lot of moving parts. Head violence calls into question cmmd ceiling.
Small, slender build w/ ok base. Close to mature. Body type causes questions on ability to hold up as starter.
High schooler w/ gd velo from left side. Delivery is scary. Shows control now, question ability to consistently locate within strike zone. Solid org depth w/ chance to be solid avg middle reliever.
34) LHR Aaron Smith (Governor Livingston HS, NJ) - 30
High school lefty w/ above avg CH.
Finesse. Well below avg FB velo. One thrown was 80. Not much velo coming. Run and sink. Below avg mvmt w/ minimal deception. One FB thrown was down and out of the zone. Operates with zero margin for error.
Above avg CH. Gd armspeed w/ fade and sink. Appears to almost stop halfway to plate. Bugs Bunny. Not an out pitch, more weak contact pitch. Around the zone. Keeps ball down, throws a lot of strikes. Uses like FB.
Above avg CB. 12-6 mdm downer w/ tight spin. Generates swings and misses. Around the zone. Still learning how to get in strike zone.
OTT from SWU. Long arm action in back prompts injury concerns.
Small, athletic build w/ slender base. Close to mature. Concerns on starter workload.
High school lefty works slow, slower, slowest. Not quite ready for pro ball, be interested to see how stuff plays at higher level. Concerns on injury enhance these questions. Upside of emergency depth.
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