| 2006 Amateur Draft Summary | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total # of Players Eligible: | 45 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| The 2006 Amateur draft is an above average draft as far as depth goes. Although strongly skewed towards pitchers, the draft holds enough talent to ensure every team grabs one or two players that can contribute over the long haul. Balancing out the depth of the draft is development of several of the key targets. Most of the more highly touted players are either high school graduates or udnerclassmen. In either case, it could be a long haul before any can make a significant impact in the majors. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Fielders - The 2006 crop of fielders would most aptly be described as below average as a whole, but do have a few headlining stars. The most notable being centerfielder Gregory Golson. But, like most of the big names, Goldson is a recent graduate of Connally High School, so he will need some maturation. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Pitchers - The 2006 crop of pitchers is probably the deepest in 20 years. The makeup of the pool is strong and diverse as it features depth at both starting workhorses and bullpen help of all types. It has a pair of dynamic duos, as a pair of Rice starters and Fresno State relievers lead what could be a record breaking pitching class into the major leagues. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Player Level | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Description | General idea of what to expect from a player. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Ratings | What impact a label will have on ratings and expected ratings. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Example | An example of a player who fits this category. Note that the example will be when | ||||||||||||||||||||
| as a player being drafted, not how they turned out. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Description | Impact player who will raise the bar and carry a team. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Ratings | If he's a bust, he turns out to be only a good player. Closest thing to a sure thing | ||||||||||||||||||||
| there is. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Example | Mark Prior and Alex Rodriguez are the only two since Griffey Jr. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Blue Chip | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Description | All-Star potential. The type of player that will at least be a starter or can develop all | ||||||||||||||||||||
| the way into a someone to build a franchise around. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Ratings | Pretty much always turn out be good players, just may not be .330 hitters or 30/30 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| guys. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Example | Joe Mauer, JD Drew, BJ Upton | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Red Chip | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Description | A Red Chip is the same as a Blue Chip except that they either aren't as fully | ||||||||||||||||||||
| developed or have that one or two major questions still to answer. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Ratings | This is where most of the "busts" come from. A player with a high ceiling on talent | ||||||||||||||||||||
| that can never get past being able to hit a breaking ball or control problems. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Example | Nomar Garciaparra, Bobby Brownlie, Todd Helton | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Starter | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Description | Someone who projects as a starter, but maybe not with the All-Star potential as a | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Blue or Red chip might have. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Ratings | Usually has one or two exemplary ratings to account for the high scouting report. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Example | Bobby Crosby, Jeff D'Amico | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Average | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Description | Basically hit or miss. Drafting an average player is basically drafting rounds 8-20 in | ||||||||||||||||||||
| real life for MLB teams. Players with some potential but a whole lot of performance | |||||||||||||||||||||
| questions. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Ratings | Really no impact. They could be Roger Clemens or could be a career minor leaguer. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Example | Randy Choate, Joe Girardi, Ron Belliard | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Development | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Description | A nice way of saying the rest. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Ratings | No impact, although there might be a sleeper or two in the bunch somewhere. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Example | Too numerous | ||||||||||||||||||||
| C | Montana | Tony | FA | AS | CH | PH | SP | vsL | GF | PL | HM | SC | CL | ||||||||
| 3/17/1987 | ACT | 27 | 42 | 39 | 77 | 18 | 35 | 65 | 70 | 70 | |||||||||||
| Washington High School, Brooklyn NY | |||||||||||||||||||||
| R / R | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Starter | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Scouting | Tony Montana is an offensive threat behind the plate. Although a below average catcher defensively, he has superior strength and belted 22 homeruns his senior season at Washington High. Montana has a distinct uppercut and body twist to his swing, forcing an inordinate amount of fly balls. He is also referred to as a clutch hitter, as 21 of his 22 homeruns came with men on base. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Report | |||||||||||||||||||||
| C | Pohlman | Daniel | FA | AS | CH | PH | SP | vsL | GF | PL | HM | SC | CL | ||||||||
| 1/1/1982 | ACT | 68 | 59 | 60 | 40 | 44 | |||||||||||||||
| Northwestern University | |||||||||||||||||||||
| R / R | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Average | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Scouting | Daniel Pohlman is a 5th year senior out of Northwestern University. His grasp of the what a pitcher needs from their catcher is excellent. Pohlman consistenly presents an extra-wide, open target and has quick feet. Offensively, Daniel has excellent bat speed through the strike zone, but still needs to work on overall upper body motion and development. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Report | |||||||||||||||||||||
| C | DeLaney | James | FA | AS | CH | PH | SP | vsL | GF | PL | HM | SC | CL | ||||||||
| 7/24/1983 | ACT | 41 | 55 | 52 | 43 | 37 | |||||||||||||||
| Clemson University | |||||||||||||||||||||
| R / R | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Developmental | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Scouting | James Delaney is an example of a natural athlete playing the catcher position. A former 3B, Delaney switched to the catcher position his junior season so the team could get all the best bats in the line-up at the same time. His defensive skills still need a lot of work, and hasn't been a consistent weight-room visitor. DeLaney has presented a good hand-eye coordination and excelled at sacrifice bunting, making him an ideal #2 man at Clemson. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Report | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 1B | Mesconia | Larry | FA | AS | CH | PH | SP | vsL | GF | PL | HM | SC | CL | ||||||||
| 3/16/1982 | ACT | 35 | 52 | 57 | 38 | 33 | 35 | ||||||||||||||
| USC | |||||||||||||||||||||
| R / R | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Average | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Scouting | Larry Mesconia is a tall, fluid First Baseman. Offensively, he uses a more open stance and horizontal bat position in an effort to make better contact, which also translated into a decrease in power. Still has not fully adjusted to using his lanky 6'5" frame to his defensive advantage. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Report | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 1B | Thompson | William | FA | AS | CH | PH | SP | vsL | GF | PL | HM | SC | CL | ||||||||
| 11/20/1982 | ACT | 67 | 44 | 47 | 56 | 38 | |||||||||||||||
| Santa Clara | |||||||||||||||||||||
| L/L | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Average | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Scouting | William Thompson was a four year starter at Santa Clara. Tremendously popular with his team mates and coaches, became a natural leader in the clubhouse. Defensively very smooth, though his range could use some work. Offensively there are some small mechanical problems that have caused periods of slumps. But when he's on, he's capable of a serious hot streak. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Report | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 1B | Growe | Peter | FA | AS | CH | PH | SP | vsL | GF | PL | HM | SC | CL | ||||||||
| 8/4/1980 | ACT | 45 | 61 | 45 | 65 | 25 | |||||||||||||||
| Wisconsin | |||||||||||||||||||||
| L/L | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Developmental | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Scouting | Peter Growe is probably one of the more mature candidates at 1B, as his parents didn't move to the United States until he was 9, causing some educational administrative issues. Offensively, he uses more of a Gary Sheffield "chopping" motion which has caused his strikeout total to be a lot higher than it should be. Defensively, he's about average and could use some better coaching on the fundamentals. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Report | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 1B | Miller | Chad | FA | AS | CH | PH | SP | vsL | GF | PL | HM | SC | CL | ||||||||
| 5/17/1982 | ACT | 82 | 51 | 34 | 39 | 46 | |||||||||||||||
| Austin Peay | |||||||||||||||||||||
| L/L | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Developmental | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Scouting | Chad Miller is a defensive first baseman, with excellent range. He is not the largest of first baseman at a height of only 5' 8", and could really use some extended time in the weight room. Chad is also a dead red fastball hitter, and is questionable whether or not he'll be able to hit a big league breaking ball. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Report | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 2B | Matthew | Paul | FA | AS | CH | PH | SP | vsL | GF | PL | HM | SC | CL | ||||||||
| 9/3/1982 | ACT | 33 | 57 | 42 | 34 | 88 | |||||||||||||||
| Southern U | |||||||||||||||||||||
| R/R | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Average | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Scouting | Paul Matthew is a good 2B with a lot of flash and go. The speedster averaged over 20 stolen bases a season at Southern, as well as an impressive .400 OBP. In the field, he made the spectacular play if not always the ordinary one. Scouts aren't sure exactly where his potential is as Matthew tends to be extremely streaky. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Report | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 2B | Long | Greg | FA | AS | CH | PH | SP | vsL | GF | PL | HM | SC | CL | ||||||||
| 7/17/1980 | ACT | 27 | 13 | 52 | 20 | 44 | |||||||||||||||
| Oregon State | |||||||||||||||||||||
| R/R | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Average | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Scouting | Greg Long was a highly touted prospect as a freshman at Oregon State, where he batted .417. There is still a lot of question about his recovery from a total reconstruction of his right shoulder due to an offseason skiing accident his sophomore year. A natural athlete, Greg might be a long-term project. Before he was injured, he was a subpar defensive player and a young Tony Gwynn at the plate. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Report | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 2B | Schindewolf | Donald | FA | AS | CH | PH | SP | vsL | GF | PL | HM | SC | CL | ||||||||
| 10/1/1981 | ACT | 58 | 39 | 47 | 25 | 53 | |||||||||||||||
| Texas A&M | |||||||||||||||||||||
| L/R | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Developmental | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Scouting | Donald Schindewolf is a baseball player. He has good baseball instincts, plays hard, and genuinely likes to play the game every time out. Offensively, he is at a disadvantage with his small frame and lean build. Combine that with a very flat bat and you get a line drive hitter all the way. In the field, Donald has soft hands and will make the routine play, but not much else. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Report | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 3B | Jacobo | Edwin | FA | AS | CH | PH | SP | vsL | GF | PL | HM | SC | CL | ||||||||
| 6/15/1985 | ACT | 40 | 88 | 50 | 37 | 37 | 55 | ||||||||||||||
| Braddock High | |||||||||||||||||||||
| R/R | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Average | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Scouting | Edwin Jacobo is very much like having Bernie Williams at third base. At the plate, Edwin uses a perfectly balanced, upright stance. He has a quick bat through the strike zone with gap and some occassional pull power. In the field, Jacoby is a solid defender with a rocket arm. Was a pitcher with the team until late in his junior season. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Report | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 3B | Rosen | Barry | FA | AS | CH | PH | SP | vsL | GF | PL | HM | SC | CL | ||||||||
| 11/27/1980 | ACT | 22 | 61 | 28 | 72 | 19 | 68 | ||||||||||||||
| Arizona State | |||||||||||||||||||||
| R/R | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Developmental | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Scouting | "Dead Red" Rosen is that guy that makes a career off of fastballs. Barry has been a little disappointing in his development because of his stubbornness in changing his plate approach. Scouts aren't sure whether or not some big league direction will ever change that. Defensively, he's a liability wherever you put him. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Report | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 3B | Sosa | Alejandro | FA | AS | CH | PH | SP | vsL | GF | PL | HM | SC | CL | ||||||||
| 4/2/1990 | ACT | 51 | 36 | 22 | 16 | 50 | 64 | ||||||||||||||
| Dominican Republic | |||||||||||||||||||||
| R/R | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Developmental | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Scouting | Alejandro Sosa is a young Dominican who has entered the draft. Scouts aren't real sure about his abilities yet, as he is so young at age 16. In any case, he is as raw as they come. This is the prime example of a big star or bust candidate. The only consistent scouting information is that Alejandro is a natural athlete with a slap swing. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Report | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 3B | Turner | Bobby | FA | AS | CH | PH | SP | vsL | GF | PL | HM | SC | CL | ||||||||
| 3/30/1982 | ACT | 62 | 57 | 51 | 40 | 42 | |||||||||||||||
| Georgia Tech | |||||||||||||||||||||
| L/L | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Developmental | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Scouting | Bobby Turner is a solid third baseman out of the great state of Georgia, and a very popular player. Scouts aren't real high on his ability to ever make it to the majors as an every day starter, but might be a good bench player. Offensively, he has a good eye and average power. Defensively is sound, and goes to his right extremely well. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Report | |||||||||||||||||||||
| SS | Greene | Patrick | FA | AS | CH | PH | SP | vsL | GF | PL | HM | SC | CL | ||||||||
| 1/29/1986 | ACT | 39 | 49 | 28 | 46 | 71 | |||||||||||||||
| Lowery High | |||||||||||||||||||||
| R/R | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Starter | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Scouting | Patrick Greene is a solid high school prospect who thinks he is better than he acutally is. There's no doubt that there is a level of talent here, but would serve himself better if he would take the college route and develop instead of insisting on heading to the minors at this point in time. Great speed, good pop with the bat and quick hands are already earmarks of Patrick at the plate. His defensive is suspect, but expected to improve under some good tutalage. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Report | |||||||||||||||||||||
| SS | Kelly | Dustin | FA | AS | CH | PH | SP | vsL | GF | PL | HM | SC | CL | ||||||||
| 5/23/1983 | ACT | 41 | 60 | 61 | 40 | 72 | 33 | ||||||||||||||
| Cuesta College | |||||||||||||||||||||
| R/R | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Average | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Scouting | Dustin Kelly is a small school work in progress. A natural athlete, Kelly fits into a Derek Jeter mold easily. He's got good speed, a smooth stroke, and is patient at the plate. In the field, Dustin is above average with the potential of getting a lot better. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Report | |||||||||||||||||||||
| LF | Dalton | Eric | FA | AS | CH | PH | SP | vsL | GF | PL | HM | SC | CL | ||||||||
| 12/20/1981 | ACT | 15 | 60 | 34 | 80 | 16 | 60 | 60 | |||||||||||||
| California | |||||||||||||||||||||
| L/L | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Average | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Scouting | Eric Dalton is the enigma to scouts. He hit four home runs in college that measured 500 feet or more, one a golf shot off a curve he was completely fooled on. Other times, it's almost like he changes his swing and tops the ball a lot, breaking Cal's single season GDP record, with 14 being started by the opposing pitcher! With a very stocky frame, Dalton is a liability in the field. The Bears tried him at first, but with poor flexibilty, couldn't get to any balls that were thrown low. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Report | |||||||||||||||||||||
| LF | Hammond | Tom | FA | AS | CH | PH | SP | vsL | GF | PL | HM | SC | CL | ||||||||
| 8/17/1980 | ACT | 53 | 58 | 47 | 64 | 41 | 60 | ||||||||||||||
| Clemson | |||||||||||||||||||||
| R/R | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Developmental | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Scouting | A 5th year senior out of Clemson, Tom Hammond is a natural club house leader. At the plate Tom shows solid power, but tends to struggle with the offspeed stuff. Scouts tend to be believe he tries to pul lthe ball too often. With only average skills in the field, Tom has a reputation of having a solid technique and never missing his cut-off man. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Report | |||||||||||||||||||||
| LF | Kemp | Joseph | FA | AS | CH | PH | SP | vsL | GF | PL | HM | SC | CL | ||||||||
| 2/22/1982 | ACT | 67 | 49 | 61 | 22 | 74 | 50 | ||||||||||||||
| Indiana | |||||||||||||||||||||
| L/L | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Developmental | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Scouting | Joseph Kemp was Indiana's lead-off hitter for three years. Very adept at bunting with a nice eye, Kemp managed a carrer OBP of over .400. Scouts question how well his abilities will transfer to the big leagues, but no one can argue with his college success. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Report | |||||||||||||||||||||
| CF | Golson | Gregory | FA | AS | CH | PH | SP | vsL | GF | PL | HM | SC | CL | ||||||||
| 9/17/1985 | ACT | 39 | 74 | 31 | 48 | 71 | |||||||||||||||
| Connally High | |||||||||||||||||||||
| R/R | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Blue Chip | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Scouting | Gregory Goulson is raw, raw, raw. A 5-tool player with a sweet, powerful stroke and speed to burn, he is definitely a work in progress. Watching him bat is like watching Rickey Henderson bat like Jeff Bagwell, a tightly wound explosion. Greg has speed but still needs to work on his stealing insticts. In the field, he currently is a below average defender with a right fielder's arm. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Report | |||||||||||||||||||||
| CF | Kolkhorst | Chris | FA | AS | CH | PH | SP | vsL | GF | PL | HM | SC | CL | ||||||||
| 3/7/1982 | ACT | 68 | 54 | 67 | 54 | 63 | 45 | ||||||||||||||
| Rice | |||||||||||||||||||||
| L/R | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Average | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Scouting | Christopher Kolkhorst is the third Rice player in this year's draft. Kolkhorst is a lean, muscular, physically mature hitter on a small frame. He has a good, solid hitting approach with a balanced stance and a slight crouch. His lack of power makes Chrsitopher more of a spray hitter than a gap one. In the field he's solid, if not spectacular. Kolkhorst's best feature is his Paul O'Neill type of thinking, a fierce competitor. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Report | |||||||||||||||||||||
| CF | Lewis | Teddy | FA | AS | CH | PH | SP | vsL | GF | PL | HM | SC | CL | ||||||||
| 3/19/1982 | ACT | 67 | 46 | 47 | 60 | 39 | |||||||||||||||
| USC | |||||||||||||||||||||
| R/R | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Developmental | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Scouting | Teddy Lewis is a tall, lean, athletically framed centerfielder. Teddy attacks the ball at the plate with fully extended arms and a slight uppercut. He has a very quick stroke through the zone, though he has a tendency to strike out too much. In the outfield, Teddy tracks the ball well with his limited speed and makes the routine plays. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Report | |||||||||||||||||||||
| RF | Marrero | Christian | FA | AS | CH | PH | SP | vsL | GF | PL | HM | SC | CL | ||||||||
| 7/30/1986 | ACT | 74 | 77 | 36 | 31 | 72 | |||||||||||||||
| Edward Pace High | |||||||||||||||||||||
| L/L | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Average | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Scouting | Christian Marrero is another High Schooler that could probably use the college experience to his advantage, but thinks the minor leagues will help him more. He's a gap to gap hitter that generates all his power through his hands. In the field, Christian is a very good right fielder with very good arm strength. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Report | |||||||||||||||||||||
| RF | Badger | Evan | FA | AS | CH | PH | SP | vsL | GF | PL | HM | SC | CL | ||||||||
| 8/29/1981 | ACT | 49 | 55 | 39 | 52 | 51 | |||||||||||||||
| Wisconsin | |||||||||||||||||||||
| R/R | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Developmental | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Scouting | Evan Badger is a fundamentally sound player and a four year starter out of the University if Wisconsin. Offensively, Evan shows promise with 30+ extra base hits every season for the Badgers. The problem has always been with the strikeouts and his lack of walks, collecting a 4.5-1 K/BB ratio. Defensively Evan is an average right fielder with a left fielder's arm. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Report | |||||||||||||||||||||
| RF | Thompson | Doug | FA | AS | CH | PH | SP | vsL | GF | PL | HM | SC | CL | ||||||||
| 4/4/1983 | ACT | 39 | 49 | 36 | 51 | 70 | 42 | ||||||||||||||
| Bayridge High | POT | ||||||||||||||||||||
| L/L | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Developmental | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Scouting | Doug Thompson is a high end prospect with low end character. Most of his young life has been spent in one type of trouble or another. There's no doubting his physical prowess, but scouts just aren't sure his head is in the game. Although the fact that he stayed with it and graduated high school, albeit two years after he should have, might be a sign to a rededication to his life. Offensively he has raw power and a Griffey-like swing. Defensively he can make the difficult play look easy. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Report | |||||||||||||||||||||
| RF | Wilstolle | Cy | FA | AS | CH | PH | SP | vsL | GF | PL | HM | SC | CL | ||||||||
| 10/13/1981 | ACT | 90 | 82 | 48 | 36 | 65 | |||||||||||||||
| Valdosta St | |||||||||||||||||||||
| L/L | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Developmental | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Scouting | Cy Wilstolle is a defensive specialist and might be able to make a team as a defensive specialist. He doesn't possess much power, his collegiate high was 7 home runs in a season, but he is patient at the plate. Defensively, Cy is noted for his Jim Edmonds like catches and a terriffic arm. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Report | |||||||||||||||||||||
| SP | Bailey | David | AS | EN | CO | HR | FB | SI | CB | P#4 | FA | vsL | GF | HM | SC | CL | |||||
| 5/3/1986 | ACT | 88 | 60 | 43 | 50 | 76 | 50 | 70 | n/a | 36 | |||||||||||
| La Grange High | |||||||||||||||||||||
| R/R | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Franchise | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Scouting | Nolan Ryan, Roger Clemens, and Kerry Wood are all great power pitchers from Texas that are about to have a 4th join them, David "Homer" Bailey. With a long frame and a loose, effortless arm, Homer is as natural looking a pitcher as one will find. With an already developed arm, scouts think that he should be able to consistently pitch at the 93-95 mph range, and get close to the 100 mph mark. His ball has a natural late movement and scouts rave about the return to "old-school" with an 11-5 curveball with a tight rotation that's second only to his fastball. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Report | |||||||||||||||||||||
| SP | Humber | Phillip | AS | EN | CO | HR | FB | SI | CB | CU | FA | vsL | GF | HM | SC | CL | |||||
| 12/21/1982 | ACT | 88 | 81 | 91 | 74 | 76 | 73 | 80 | 64 | 62 | 58 | ||||||||||
| Rice | |||||||||||||||||||||
| R/R | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Blue Chip | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Scouting | Phillip Humber is the first, and most polished of Rice's dynamic pitching duo. Large frame, broad shoulders, and a durable frame describe this power house of a pitcher. Works exclusively from the stretch, Phillip has a 3/4 arm delivery and excellent arm strength. Humber will consistently hit the low 90's with good sink on his fastball. His out pitch is his curve as it's a big 11-5 sweeper that he locates well. Definitely a season 1 ready-to-go candidate. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Report | |||||||||||||||||||||
| SP | Niemann | Jeff | AS | EN | CO | HR | FB | SL | CB | CU | FA | vsL | GF | HM | SC | CL | |||||
| 2/28/1983 | ACT | 90 | 81 | 49 | 68 | 88 | 80 | 67 | 59 | 47 | |||||||||||
| Rice | |||||||||||||||||||||
| R/R | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Blue Chip | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Scouting | The second half to Rice's dynamic duo is Jeff Niemann. Although not as polished, Niemann has a slightly higher ceiling than Humber. A Roger Clemens type powerful lower body and an extreme downhill pitching plane mark the future of this prized prospect. Jeff's fastball is his marquis pitch, but his other three are all major league caliber. Can completely dominate a game at times. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Report | |||||||||||||||||||||
| SP | Burnett | Sean | AS | EN | CO | HR | FB | CU | CB | P#4 | FA | vsL | GF | HM | SC | CL | |||||
| 9/17/1982 | ACT | 69 | 62 | 77 | 60 | 76 | 90 | 48 | 40 | ||||||||||||
| Wellington High | |||||||||||||||||||||
| L/L | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Red Chip | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Scouting | Sean Burnett may be the next Tom Glavine. He's very unimposing on the mound and relies on hitting the corners to get batters out. Not to mention that Burnett's out pitch is a major-league ready change-up. Inconsistency with Sean's velocity is probably the scouts major concern. Burnett plays for the real MLB Pittsburgh Pirates. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Report | |||||||||||||||||||||
| SP | Sowers | Jeremy | AS | EN | CO | HR | FB | SL | CU | P#4 | FA | vsL | GF | HM | SC | CL | |||||
| 5/17/1983 | ACT | 79 | 75 | 84 | 71 | 82 | 76 | 68 | 62 | ||||||||||||
| Vanderbilt | |||||||||||||||||||||
| L/L | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Red Chip | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Scouting | Jeremy Sowers is a young, developing frontline starter, very mature mentally for his age. With a high windup and a 3/4 arm delivery, Sowers can hide the ball well. His delivery has a little jerkiness that leads to a little inconsistency around the plate. Jeremy does not miss with his fastball, and projects a quiet confidence on the mound. Sowers will not give in to hitters believing that he can best anyone. Uses a fastball, slurve, and changeup. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Report | |||||||||||||||||||||
| SP | Hernandez | Gabriel | AS | EN | CO | HR | FB | CB | SL | CU | FA | vsL | GF | HM | SC | CL | |||||
| 5/21/1986 | ACT | 69 | 58 | 74 | 67 | 68 | 74 | 52 | 60 | 43 | 41 | ||||||||||
| Belen Jesuit Prep | |||||||||||||||||||||
| R/R | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Starter | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Scouting | Another long-term project, Gabriel Hernandez is a solid finesse pitcher. Hernandez uses his fastball to set up his curve, slider, and changeup which is his out pitch. Scouts love his fluid motion, which is deceptively smooth and should help in preventing injuries. The one glaring weakness was Gabriels ineffectiveness against lefties, who batted .382 against him his senior year. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Report | |||||||||||||||||||||
| SP | Ridener | Eric | AS | EN | CO | HR | FB | SI | CB | CU | FA | vsL | GF | HM | SC | CL | |||||
| 9/11/1985 | ACT | 86 | 80 | 37 | 14 | 81 | 68 | 51 | 46 | 19 | |||||||||||
| Taravella High | |||||||||||||||||||||
| R/R | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Starter | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Scouting | At 6'5" and 230 pounds, Eric Ridener is already as imposing on the mound as Randy Johnson. Eric's wind-up and subsequent pitch has been described by some as to pitching what Bagwell's swing is to hitting, an explosion. Until he develops more, Eric uses the classic power fastball and then other pitches just to break up the monotany. Scouts love his physique and strength, but think Ridener may have too many bad habits to develop fully. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Report | |||||||||||||||||||||
| SP | Newby | Kyle | AS | EN | CO | HR | FB | SI | SL | CU | FA | vsL | GF | HM | SC | CL | |||||
| 2/22/1985 | ACT | 80 | 67 | 73 | 56 | 72 | 60 | 78 | 63 | 44 | |||||||||||
| Mesa CC | |||||||||||||||||||||
| R/R | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Average | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Scouting | Kyle Newby is one of those rare prospects that fall through the cracks, completely unnoticed. Kyle was not offered a scholarship to a Div I schhol, so he decided to attend Mesa Community College to prove his stuff. It's paid off, as scouts now rave about his solid pitching repatoire of fasball, slider, change-up, and sinker. Although still obviously raw, Kyle shows above average arm strength and a natural ability of knowing what to throw when. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Report | |||||||||||||||||||||
| SP | Jackman | Jordan | AS | EN | CO | HR | FB | SI | SL | P#4 | FA | vsL | GF | HM | SC | CL | |||||
| 7/19/1981 | ACT | 68 | 76 | 80 | 44 | 68 | 64 | 71 | 50 | 58 | |||||||||||
| Iowa | |||||||||||||||||||||
| R/R | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Developmental | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Scouting | Jordan Jackman was the ace of a Hawkeye pitching staff, posting a 2.89 ERA his senior season. Although not naturally blessed with physical talents, Jordan makes up for it with great baseball knowledge. He throws strikes with pitches that all have downward motion. Scouts feel that Jackman's arm strength may be too little for the majors, but few can argue with a 64% ground ball ratio over his career. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Report | |||||||||||||||||||||
| SP | Smith | Danny | AS | EN | CO | HR | FB | KN | P#3 | P#4 | FA | vsL | GF | HM | SC | CL | |||||
| 1/6/1980 | ACT | 57 | 71 | 77 | 35 | 72 | 86 | 62 | |||||||||||||
| Washington St. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| R/R | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Developmental | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Scouting | For those owners that will try anything, there's Danny Smith. Danny is a knuckleballer out of Washington State who has had 2 elbow surgeries and taught himself the knuckler to continue playing. Danny's knuckler is pretty good, but his lack of arm strength and history of injury might be too much to overcome. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Report | |||||||||||||||||||||
| SP | Doolittle | Sean | AS | EN | CO | HR | FB | SI | CU | P#4 | FA | vsL | GF | HM | SC | CL | |||||
| 9/26/1986 | ACT | 75 | 58 | 33 | 59 | 70 | 68 | 66 | 86 | ||||||||||||
| Shawnee High | |||||||||||||||||||||
| L/L | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Developmental | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Scouting | Sean Doolittle might be one of those cases where a player gets overrated due to his being a lefty. A tall, thin pitcher, Sean has a peculiar arm motion that results in his hiding the ball well. He has a live fastball that has a lot of motion on it. Doolittle also is cat like off of the mound, and can field a bunt in just about any direction. His largest problem might be an erratic control problem that had Sean actually walking 86 while striking out 82 in 77 innings his senior season. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Report | |||||||||||||||||||||
| RP | Gatsby | Cliff | AS | EN | CO | HR | FB | SL | P#3 | P#4 | FA | vsL | GF | HM | SC | CL | |||||
| 9/14/1982 | ACT | 94 | 19 | 38 | 42 | 89 | 70 | 50 | 62 | ||||||||||||
| Fresno State | |||||||||||||||||||||
| R/R | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Blue Chip | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Scouting | Cliff is a fireballer that set the PAC-10's single season save mark this past season. Although not as mature as his set-up man, Drysden, he seems to have all the tools to be an elite closer. The big question is his erratic approach at times, he could wind up being the next Ankiel. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Report | |||||||||||||||||||||
| RP | Drysden | Don | AS | EN | CO | HR | FB | SI | CU | P#4 | FA | vsL | GF | HM | SC | CL | |||||
| 6/6/1981 | ACT | 74 | 34 | 86 | 54 | 82 | 82 | 64 | 86 | 70 | 60 | ||||||||||
| Fresno State | |||||||||||||||||||||
| R/R | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Red Chip | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Scouting | Don is a one half of the dynamic duo of relievers that led Fresno State to a World Series birth this season. Drysden didn't receive as much notoriety as his counter part, closer phenom Cliff Gatsby, but actually had better stats in the set-up role. Drysden isn't overpowering, but keeps inherited runners from scoring with a great sinking fastball and consistent control. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Report | |||||||||||||||||||||
| RP | Takatsu | Shingo | AS | EN | CO | HR | FB | SC | CB | P#4 | FA | vsL | GF | HM | SC | CL | |||||
| 11/25/1970 | ACT | 74 | 38 | 89 | 68 | 70 | 90 | 89 | 58 | 66 | 84 | ||||||||||
| Koshien U., Japan | |||||||||||||||||||||
| R/R | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Red Chip | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Scouting | Shingo Takatsu is the latest in a line of Japanese imports who look to translate their Far East success into American cash. His sling-arm, sidewinding delivery keeps hitters off balance, as does his "frisbee" pitch, a slow moving screwball-ish pitch that has hitters swinging twice. The question is always "can a closer without a dominating fastball succeed?" Scouts think it's worth the gamble to try. Shingo plays for the MLB's Chicago White Sox. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Report | |||||||||||||||||||||
| RP | Eureley | Craig | AS | EN | CO | HR | FB | CU | SI | P#4 | FA | vsL | GF | HM | SC | CL | |||||
| 3/31/1983 | ACT | 72 | 45 | 68 | 68 | 68 | 74 | 55 | 58 | 60 | |||||||||||
| W. Illinois U. | |||||||||||||||||||||
| L/L | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Starter | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Scouting | Craig Eureley is the best pitcher at a school not known for pitching. His 2.57 ERA, 29 save senior season may be a bit misleading, as he wasn't exactly facing the Miami's and USC's of the country. He has a decent arm and above average change up, but some scouts see him as no more than a middle reliever at the majors. He should fare pretty well in the minors, but needs to really improve his stuff to get a shot at the bigs. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Report | |||||||||||||||||||||
| RP | Lare | Trenton | AS | EN | CO | HR | FB | CB | P#3 | P#4 | FA | vsL | GF | HM | SC | CL | |||||
| 8/25/1984 | ACT | 70 | 40 | 45 | 88 | 74 | 80 | 48 | 70 | 59 | |||||||||||
| Coffeyville CC | |||||||||||||||||||||
| L/L | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Average | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Scouting | Trenton Lare is the dictionary definition of a "LOOGY". What's a Loogy? It's the Lefty One Out Guy. A lefty specialist as it were. If used correctly, Lare can be that guy who gets you out of those tough situations late in games when a lefty power guy is ready to put it to you. He doesn't throw hard yet, so some time in the weight room might be a good idea. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Report | |||||||||||||||||||||
| RP | Trink | Matthew | AS | EN | CO | HR | FB | SL | CB | P#4 | FA | vsL | GF | HM | SC | CL | |||||
| 8/19/1984 | ACT | 79 | 45 | 66 | 40 | 69 | 70 | 55 | 48 | ||||||||||||
| Yavapai JC | |||||||||||||||||||||
| R/R | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Average | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Scouting | Not many kids strive to be a big league middle reliever, but somehow scouts have found one. An underachiever? Maybe, but anyone who has posters of Ray King and Kent Mercker all over their walls has to be given credit for sticking to a goal. Good for a few innings, but no particular pitch is overpowering | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Report | |||||||||||||||||||||
| RP | DeLancey | James | AS | EN | CO | HR | FB | CU | CB | P#4 | FA | vsL | GF | HM | SC | CL | |||||
| 5/10/1989 | ACT | 64 | 19 | 55 | 48 | 59 | 50 | 66 | 39 | 40 | |||||||||||
| Sharpton High | |||||||||||||||||||||
| R/R | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Developmental | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Scouting | DeLancey's dad is a sports agent. That's all the reason you really need to understand why this kid is in the draft instead of going to college. His stuff is raw, his arm strength subpar, and his endurance questionable. The kid is 6'2" tall, but weighs only 158 lbs. With the right pitching coach and trainer, he could develop into a decent enough pitcher, but it will take time. Not projected for the majors any time soon. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Report | |||||||||||||||||||||
| RP | Werth | Ray | AS | EN | CO | HR | FB | CB | P#3 | P#4 | FA | vsL | GF | HM | SC | CL | |||||
| 4/13/1988 | ACT | 68 | 35 | 90 | 35 | 58 | 79 | 44 | |||||||||||||
| Roosevelt Jr. High | |||||||||||||||||||||
| R/R | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Developmental | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Scouting | Danny Smith is a high school drop out who shunned education for the semi-pro dart throwing tour. His specialty was long distance darts, a somewhat new game where the target is 50 feet away. His pinpoint accuracy has given some baseball scouts interest, but his baseball skills are below average. His dart throwing mechanics will likely translate into a good curveball, but Smith has a lot to learn about the game of baseball. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Report | |||||||||||||||||||||