| 2007 Amateur Draft Summary | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Total # of Players Eligible: | 42 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| 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 | Murman | Thurman | FA | AS | CH | PH | SP | vsL | GB | PL | HM | SC | CL | ||||||||
| 12/25/1988 | ACT | 75 | 47 | 37 | 78 | 15 | 38 | 71 | |||||||||||||
| Washington High | |||||||||||||||||||||
| L / L | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Red Chip | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Scouting | Thurman Murman is a huge Pheonix Coyote hockey fan, which is good as he looks more like a goalie behind the plate and Happy Gilmore at it. The stockiest of the three catchers (which is saying something), Thurman blocks balls very well in the dirt but has a suspect arm. At the plate Thurman belts the homerun on a consistent basis. Which is a good thing, as with his speed is probably the only way he gets around the bases. His junior year in HS, an amazing 78% of his RS came off of home runs either from him or his teammates. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Report | |||||||||||||||||||||
| C | Powell | Landon | FA | AS | CH | PH | SP | vsL | GB | PL | HM | SC | CL | ||||||||
| 3/19/1984 | ACT | 68 | 65 | 51 | 63 | 22 | 45 | ||||||||||||||
| South Carolina | |||||||||||||||||||||
| S / R | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Average | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Scouting | Landon Powell is probably the most complete of all the catchers. He has wide shoulders, a bulky lower half, and a strong, mature frame. A switch-hitter at the plate, Landon generates more power from the left as he tends to have more of an open stance right-handed. Although he is 6, 3" and 235 pounds, Powell has the feet and agility to handle the position. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Report | |||||||||||||||||||||
| C | Poterson | Jon | FA | AS | CH | PH | SP | vsL | GB | PL | HM | SC | CL | ||||||||
| 2/10/1987 | ACT | 47 | 51 | 37 | 71 | 20 | |||||||||||||||
| Chandler HS | |||||||||||||||||||||
| S / R | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Developmental | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Scouting | Jon Poterson has a large, well proprtioned frame at 6' 1" 215 pounds. His approach at the plate is solid with a an even stance and a wide base. Poterson has no stride to his stroke, and tends to reach with his legs to get to balls sometimes. He has plus ML power potential. As a receiver, he is an average presense at best. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Report | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 1B | Lind | Adam | FA | AS | CH | PH | SP | vsL | GB | PL | HM | SC | CL | ||||||||
| 7/17/1985 | ACT | 55 | 37 | 64 | 40 | 52 | 50 | ||||||||||||||
| South Alabama | |||||||||||||||||||||
| L / L | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Starter | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Scouting | Adam Lind is a baseball player and looks the part. A tall, well built athlete with broad shoulders; scouts are drawing immediate comparisons to a young Todd Helton. Even though Adam is a collegiate recruit, most feel he has a lot more room to grow. At the plate, Lind consistently gets the bat head through the zone and makes good contact. Defensively, he has an above average glove with average range. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Report | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 1B | Jones | Daryl | FA | AS | CH | PH | SP | vsL | GB | PL | HM | SC | CL | ||||||||
| 9/1/1988 | ACT | 62 | 75 | 31 | 50 | 41 | |||||||||||||||
| Westchester HS | |||||||||||||||||||||
| R / R | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Average | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Scouting | Daryl Jones is a tall, powerful firstbaseman. With long, muscular arms, a solid lower half, and an upright stance, Daryl genereates a lot of bat speed through the zone. The only downside is a tendency to create a lot of loft with his slight uppercut. He has a good shot at becoming a productive home run hitter. In the field, Daryl has a solid glove and an excellent arm. He is more than capable of playing above average at either of the corner outfield positions. Any team drafting Jones should expect a long development time in the minors. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Report | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 1B | Nicolas | Cesar | FA | AS | CH | PH | SP | vsL | GB | PL | HM | SC | CL | ||||||||
| 4/17/1984 | ACT | 81 | 44 | 51 | 38 | 26 | |||||||||||||||
| Vanderbilt | |||||||||||||||||||||
| R / R | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Developmental | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Scouting | Nicolas Cesar was the 2007 Vanderbilt team captain and a 2nd team All-American. A tall, slender built athlete, his plate presense reminds you more of a John Olerud as opposed to a Jason Giambi. Nicolas has a long stroke with power to the gaps. Defense may be Cesar's strong suit, with a remarkable range at first base. As a 5th year senior, he graduated with a .997 career fielding percentage and a range factor of 10.18. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Report | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 2B | Mackey | TJ | FA | AS | CH | PH | SP | vsL | GB | PL | HM | SC | CL | ||||||||
| 7/26/1985 | ACT | 61 | 39 | 81 | 44 | 52 | 50 | 50 | |||||||||||||
| Ohio State | |||||||||||||||||||||
| R / R | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Red Chip | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Scouting | TJ Mackey is the reincarnation of Rod Carew. A contact hitter that will get you a lot of singles and a high OBP. A second baseman by fefault, Mackey is not blessed with speed, a great glove, or incredible power, but does have one of the best eyes for the strike zone scouts have seen over the past decade or two. TJ has great balance at the plate, allowing him to stroke the ball to any field. A 5-year senior for the Ohio State Buckeyes, Mackey is developed enough that he could start immediately. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Report | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 2B | Lawhorn | Trevor | FA | AS | CH | PH | SP | vsL | GB | PL | HM | SC | CL | ||||||||
| 12/18/1984 | ACT | 46 | 29 | 39 | 38 | 59 | |||||||||||||||
| East Carolina | |||||||||||||||||||||
| R / R | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Developmental | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Scouting | Trevor Lawhorn is a make or break prospect, having been a career 9-hole hitter until his senior year. Something clicked and he posted a .379 Batting Average with a .921 OPS, and was a doubles machine with 41. Scouts still aren't sure which is the real Lawhorn. Trevor approaches the plate with a free swinging style, but keeps his hands back well. Defensively, he's an average fielder with a weak arm. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Report | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Confidential | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Notes | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 2B | Sollmann | Steve | FA | AS | CH | PH | SP | vsL | GB | PL | HM | SC | CL | ||||||||
| 4/1/1985 | ACT | 51 | 58 | 44 | 34 | 67 | 58 | ||||||||||||||
| Notre Dame | |||||||||||||||||||||
| R / R | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Developmental | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Scouting | Steve Sollman is stocky second baseman that remind some of a young Chuck Knoblauch. He has an open, crouched look at the plate with an ability to make solid contact. He is a left center to right center hitter, with above average gap power. Steve is a sound defensive 2B, excelling at the double play. He is very agressive with good insticts when it comes to getting to a ball in the hole. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Report | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 3B | Rockwell | Chest | FA | AS | CH | PH | SP | vsL | GB | PL | HM | SC | CL | ||||||||
| 9/3/1983 | ACT | 57 | 80 | 50 | 78 | 45 | 44 | 40 | 62 | ||||||||||||
| LSU | |||||||||||||||||||||
| L / L | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Starter | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Scouting | Alex "Chest" Rockwell is a solid overall player. At the plate, Rockwell uses a crouch (ala Jeff Bagwell) in an effort to create more bat speed. His patience is questionable and may have problems hitting a big league breaking ball. In the field, Chest Rockwell is not the most graceful, but has great range and an absolute cannon for an arm. He got his nickname, Chest, for diving at a line-drive down the line and taking it off the chest. A natural club house leader, and another player really close to being able to contribute immediately. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Report | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 3B | McCann | Bradley | FA | AS | CH | PH | SP | vsL | GB | PL | HM | SC | CL | ||||||||
| 12/9/1984 | ACT | 48 | 51 | 53 | 50 | 42 | |||||||||||||||
| Clemson | |||||||||||||||||||||
| R / R | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Average | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Scouting | Bradley McCann's approach at the plate is fundamental. A short stride, open stance, and upright position keeps his body still and gets the bat quickly through the strike zone. More of a doubles hitter than an actual home run threat, McCann has shown some pop with the bat. Defensively, Bradley is a solid glove, but only has a career 7.89 range at third, a fairly poor rating. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Report | |||||||||||||||||||||
| 3B | Sandoval | Freddy | FA | AS | CH | PH | SP | vsL | GB | PL | HM | SC | CL | ||||||||
| 8/16/1985 | ACT | 60 | 56 | 57 | 37 | 66 | 60 | ||||||||||||||
| San Diego | |||||||||||||||||||||
| S / R | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Developmental | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Scouting | With an evenly proportioned, athletic frame, Freddy Sandoval is a solid contact hitter. He is also equally effective from either side of the plate, spraying balls to every corner of the field. Freddy has an above average glove in the field, with a strong and sometimes inaccurate arm. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Report | |||||||||||||||||||||
| SS | Gaston | Jerod | FA | AS | CH | PH | SP | vsL | GB | PL | HM | SC | CL | ||||||||
| 4/15/1986 | ACT | 58 | 55 | 36 | 60 | 79 | 57 | ||||||||||||||
| Walters CC | |||||||||||||||||||||
| R / R | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Average | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Scouting | Jarod Gaston is rough prospect that has a large upside. A .462 average his last year at Wealters Community College made it an easy choice for him to turn pro and not join one of the several college schools that had offered scholarships. A Derek Jeter type player, Gaston is a natural athlete that could develop into a top of the line-up type hitter. At the plate, Gaston uses a lot of weight transfer in his swing, which may be the cause of the high K/BB ratio. In the field, Gaston uses his natural speed to get to balls deep in the hole. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Report | |||||||||||||||||||||
| SS | Hardy | John | FA | AS | CH | PH | SP | vsL | GB | PL | HM | SC | CL | ||||||||
| 9/28/1984 | ACT | 74 | 50 | 57 | 26 | 71 | 57 | ||||||||||||||
| Arizona | |||||||||||||||||||||
| R / R | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Developmental | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Scouting | John Hardy is a natural 2-hole guy. Great with a bat, John can lay down a bunt just about anywhere and makes solid contact, striking out only 23 times at Arizona his senior year. With a lean athletic frame, Hardy is a potential 20-20 player. He has a good approach at the plate with a short, compact stroke. In the field, John can go to his left or right with equal ease. He's got a solid glove, nothing really flashy. Hardy can play either middle infielder position. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Report | |||||||||||||||||||||
| LF | Morales | Kendry | FA | AS | CH | PH | SP | vsL | GB | PL | HM | SC | CL | ||||||||
| 7/26/1988 | ACT | 17 | 52 | 61 | 75 | 54 | |||||||||||||||
| Cuba | |||||||||||||||||||||
| R / S | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Red Chip | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Scouting | Twenty-year-old outfielder Kendry Morales may be the best position player developed in Cuba in 15-20 years. He is one of the youngest players ever to start for Industriales, Cuba's Yankees, and has been among league leaders in hitting and power numbers his three years in the major leagues. Kendry's biggest critics have been about his abysmal defensive skills. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Report | |||||||||||||||||||||
| LF | Royster | Ryan | FA | AS | CH | PH | SP | vsL | GB | PL | HM | SC | CL | ||||||||
| 7/25/1988 | ACT | 67 | 34 | 56 | 19 | 81 | |||||||||||||||
| Churchill HS | |||||||||||||||||||||
| R / R | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Developmental | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Scouting | Ryan Royster is an athletic Left Fielder, and can make the big play (ala Jim Edmonds) on defense. At the plate, Ryan needs to learn more discipline as he has a tendency to swing early in the count. But with his good speed and great bunting ability, he can still post a high OBP. In the field, Royster can cover a lot of ground with his speed, which makes up for having such a weak arm. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Report | |||||||||||||||||||||
| LF | Swackhamer | Leslie | FA | AS | CH | PH | SP | vsL | GB | PL | HM | SC | CL | ||||||||
| 1/21/1984 | ACT | 55 | 91 | 39 | 60 | 60 | |||||||||||||||
| Tulane | |||||||||||||||||||||
| L / L | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Developmental | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Scouting | Leslie Swackhammer was the Green Waves leadoff hitter and team captain. He's a prospect that can beat you several different ways, with his bat, his speed, or with his cannon arm. Offensively, Swackhammer has solid power and quiet swing, enabling him to hit the gaps quite often. Some scouts have said that his lack of weight shift has cost Leslie home run power and made him susceptible to the off speed stuff. Defensively, Leslie can get to most balls. But his biggest threat is his left arm, posting 11 senior year assists. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Report | |||||||||||||||||||||
| CF | Frazier | Jeffrey | FA | AS | CH | PH | SP | vsL | GB | PL | HM | SC | CL | ||||||||
| 8/10/1985 | ACT | 53 | 51 | 62 | 40 | 54 | 62 | ||||||||||||||
| Rutgers | |||||||||||||||||||||
| R / R | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Starter | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Scouting | Often described as being all arms and legs, Jeffrey Frazier has developed into an intense performer. With a long stride, fluid stroke, and great hand-eye coordination, Frazier has developed into a real threat at the plate. Defensively, he knows the game and has great work ethic. Jeffrey's biggest asset in the field is his ability to pretty much always take the best angle to the ball. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Report | |||||||||||||||||||||
| CF | Burns | Gregory | FA | AS | CH | PH | SP | vsL | GB | PL | HM | SC | CL | ||||||||
| 11/7/1989 | ACT | 62 | 45 | 39 | 50 | 86 | |||||||||||||||
| Walnut HS | |||||||||||||||||||||
| L / L | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Average | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Scouting | Gregory Burns is a lean, muscular centerfielder. He has a good, solid hitting approach with a short, compact swing. Burns keeps his top hand in position and has great bat extension. In the field, Gregory has the range to play shallow and still get back on most balls hit over his head. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Report | |||||||||||||||||||||
| CF | Parraz | Jordan | FA | AS | CH | PH | SP | vsL | GB | PL | HM | SC | CL | ||||||||
| 10/8/1987 | ACT | 40 | 52 | 21 | 80 | 38 | |||||||||||||||
| S. Nevada CC | |||||||||||||||||||||
| R / R | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Developmental | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Scouting | How Parraz got to a center fielder is a complete act of lunacy. A terrible fielder with an average arm, Parraz is probably better suited to being a left fielder or first baseman. The problem is that Parraz insists on playing center. How Jordan become such a good prospect is not such a mystery, as he has Mark McGwire like strength. Parraz has exceptional strength and an exceptionally poor eye. Scouts disagree when it comes to how much improvement he can make in that area. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Report | |||||||||||||||||||||
| RF | Dennis Jr. | Dennis | FA | AS | CH | PH | SP | vsL | GB | PL | HM | SC | CL | ||||||||
| 10/10/1987 | ACT | 76 | 43 | 77 | 54 | 68 | 55 | 54 | 52 | ||||||||||||
| Stanford | |||||||||||||||||||||
| R / R | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Blue Chip | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Scouting | The doubles machine of Stanford is leaving college early to follow in the footsteps of his illustrious father Dennis Dennis, and boy has he ever. Although not a great home run hitter, his 46 doubles last season for Cardinals set a new PAC-10 record. Dennis also has a phenominal eye at the plate. In the field, Dennis also folllows in his father's footsteps, great glove and no arm. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Report | |||||||||||||||||||||
| RF | Smith | Garry | FA | AS | CH | PH | SP | vsL | GB | PL | HM | SC | CL | ||||||||
| 9/30/1983 | ACT | 50 | 64 | 59 | 38 | 52 | |||||||||||||||
| Ole Miss | |||||||||||||||||||||
| L / L | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Average | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Scouting | Garry Smith is a 5th year senior at Ole Miss. With a large frame, broad shoulders, defined waist, and an overall athletic build he makes an imposing figure at the plate. Scouts expect him to hit for average with a power being a potential down the road. Defensively, Garry has an above average, accurate arm and plays smart. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Report | |||||||||||||||||||||
| RF | Zeringue | Jonathon | FA | AS | CH | PH | SP | vsL | GB | PL | HM | SC | CL | ||||||||
| 3/29/1984 | ACT | 64 | 71 | 45 | 59 | 40 | |||||||||||||||
| LSU | |||||||||||||||||||||
| R / R | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Developmental | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Scouting | A solidly built 6' 2", 220 pound right fielder, Zeringue was part of the College World Series runner up Tigers. With a fully developed upper half and a straight up stance, Zeringue has the potential to develop into an above average power hitter. Some scouts say he tends to keep his hands too close to the body to get the best extension. Jonathon makes good decisions both in the field and on the base paths. Though not blessed with speed, he did manage to steal 8 bases his senior year. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Report | |||||||||||||||||||||
| SP | Bush | Matt | AS | EN | CO | HR | FB | SI | CU | P#4 | FA | vsL | GB | HM | SC | CL | |||||
| 2/8/1989 | ACT | 76 | 65 | 81 | 40 | 74 | 62 | 46 | 64 | ||||||||||||
| Mission Bay HS | |||||||||||||||||||||
| R / R | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Blue Chip | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Scouting | A good starter or a great short stop, that is the dilemma that faces the owner that drafts Matt. Immediately following the draft, the owner must tell the commissioner which way he will be using Matt Bush, and he is forever that position. A solid pitcher with good control or a nice defender with a keen eye at the plate. Just remeber that he's a youngster and will need plenty of time to grow. CH-57 / PH-41 / SP-59 | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Report | |||||||||||||||||||||
| SP | Verlander | Justin | AS | EN | CO | HR | FB | SL | CB | P #4 | FA | vsL | GB | HM | SC | CL | |||||
| 2/20/1985 | ACT | 82 | 77 | 86 | 45 | 86 | 82 | 70 | 38 | ||||||||||||
| Old Dominion | |||||||||||||||||||||
| R / R | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Blue Chip | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Scouting | At 6' 5" and a huge arm span, Justin's arm action creates great velocity with his pitches. With a lean wiry frame, Verlander works exclusively from the stretch. His pitches are more nasty than his delivery, as they have great movement and a strong tendancy to bite late in the zone. Ready to pitch now. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Report | |||||||||||||||||||||
| SP | Rogers | Mark | AS | EN | CO | HR | FB | SL | CU | P#4 | FA | vsL | GB | HM | SC | CL | |||||
| 1/30/1989 | ACT | 91 | 53 | 48 | 55 | 77 | 64 | 40 | 56 | ||||||||||||
| Mt. Arat HS | |||||||||||||||||||||
| R / R | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Red Chip | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Scouting | Mark Rogers is a mature high graduate with an explosive arm. A small, slender kid, scouts have indicated a need for a couple of years to develop more muscle to help with endurance or a need to convert Mark to a reliever. Rogers has a huge wind-up and a high 3/4 arm slot with a whip like release, generating a lot of power. He can already hit 91-92 on the radar. Has potential to be a #1 starter. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Report | |||||||||||||||||||||
| SP | Bray | William | AS | EN | CO | HR | SL | FB | CU | SI | FA | vsL | GB | HM | SC | CL | |||||
| 6/5/1983 | ACT | 70 | 84 | 91 | 77 | 90 | 75 | 65 | 58 | 68 | 56 | ||||||||||
| William & Mary | |||||||||||||||||||||
| L / L | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Starter | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Scouting | William Bray is a control pitcher with a slider that simply kills lefthanders. A large frame and broad shoulders mark the oldest member of the draft. Williams makes his living on the corners with his fastball and off speed stuff. His out pitch is a beautiful hard slider that he can consistently start directly at a lefty and hit the inside corner. Not uncommon to watch lefties bail and go down on strikes. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Report | |||||||||||||||||||||
| SP | Ellis | Jon | AS | EN | CO | HR | FB | CB | SL | CU | FA | vsL | GB | HM | SC | CL | |||||
| 10/3/1984 | ACT | 81 | 88 | 69 | 56 | 78 | 78 | 59 | 52 | 54 | |||||||||||
| The Citadel | |||||||||||||||||||||
| R / R | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Average | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Scouting | John Ellis is a strong throwing right hander, very much like a young John Smoltz. With his muscular, compact frame he looks like he can eat up innings by the truck load. On occasion Jon can be erratic with his control, but scouts say that may work in his advantage with his breaking stuff. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Report | |||||||||||||||||||||
| SP | Chamberlain | Bryce | AS | EN | CO | HR | CB | SL | FB | CU | FA | vsL | GB | HM | SC | CL | |||||
| 12/22/1985 | ACT | 74 | 65 | 76 | 50 | 71 | 66 | 65 | 60 | 39 | |||||||||||
| Washington St | |||||||||||||||||||||
| R / R | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Average | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Scouting | A tall, slender right-hander, Bryce is a stretch-throwing loose ball of arms on the mound. He throws his pitches with a quick arm and on a downholl plane. When he needs to be, Chamberlain can be a strikeout pitcher, but likes to change speeds and get a lot of groundball outs. Fielders love Bryce as he works very quickly. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Report | |||||||||||||||||||||
| SP | Bryant | Patrick | AS | EN | CO | HR | FB | CB | SC | SL | FA | vsL | GB | HM | SC | CL | |||||
| 10/26/1989 | ACT | 78 | 63 | 51 | 62 | 70 | 70 | 52 | 56 | 62 | |||||||||||
| Pensacola HS | |||||||||||||||||||||
| R / R | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Average | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Scouting | Patrick Bryant is a solid starter with no glaring weaknesses. A good, easy arm action and nice body extension of the hill allow Patrick nice command and good movement with his pitches. Uses a boring fastball, a 12-6 curve, a slider, and a developing screwball. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Report | |||||||||||||||||||||
| SP | Pursey | David | AS | EN | CO | HR | FB | SL | CU | P#4 | FA | vsL | GB | HM | SC | CL | |||||
| 4/22/1985 | ACT | 77 | 85 | 59 | 48 | 74 | 71 | 44 | 51 | ||||||||||||
| Oklahoma | |||||||||||||||||||||
| L / L | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Average | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Scouting | An impressive physical specimen, David Pursey has an extra thick frame and a very strong lower body. Above average velocity accompanies a live fastball, a slurve, and an occassional straight change to the plate. A consistent performer throughout his Sooner career, scouts worry about some mechanical issues and their stress on his arm. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Report | |||||||||||||||||||||
| SP | Wade | Corey | AS | EN | CO | HR | FB | SL | CU | P#4 | FA | vsL | GB | HM | SC | CL | |||||
| 5/28/1985 | ACT | 92 | 60 | 29 | 33 | 69 | 51 | 45 | 40 | ||||||||||||
| Kentucky Wesleyan | |||||||||||||||||||||
| R / R | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Developmental | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Scouting | Corey Wade probably wouldn't even be considered being drafted come draft day if it wasn't for his 90+ mph fastball. With a poor slider/changeup as his other pitches and often erratic control of the zone, he's a reach at best. Scouts attribute the control problems to an oft injured shoulder. Perhaps if it can be rehabbed properly and the mechanical issues worked out he could turn into a long or middle relief candidate. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Report | |||||||||||||||||||||
| SP | Walker | Mathew | AS | EN | CO | HR | CB | SL | FB | CU | FA | vsL | GB | HM | SC | CL | |||||
| 8/16/1989 | ACT | 74 | 63 | 42 | 28 | 64 | 61 | 60 | 44 | 32 | |||||||||||
| Central HS | |||||||||||||||||||||
| R / R | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Developmental | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Scouting | Mathew Walker is a strong, tall pitcher with solid mechanics for a high schooler. At 6'3" and a high 3/4 arm slot, Mathew can really bear down on opposing pitchers. Although his fastball is his bread and butter, his two best pitches are his 12-6 curve and a nice breaking slider. Scouts worry about his maturity level, as bad things tend to snowball for him on the mound. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Report | |||||||||||||||||||||
| SP | Hankins | Derek | AS | EN | CO | HR | CU | CB | FB | SL | FA | vsL | GB | HM | SC | CL | |||||
| 7/1/1985 | ACT | 68 | 73 | 57 | 67 | 77 | 61 | 58 | 40 | 62 | |||||||||||
| Memphis | |||||||||||||||||||||
| R / R | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Developmental | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Scouting | Derek Hankins is a tall lanky kid that sort of sling shots his pitches towards the plate. Scouts like him because his pitches like to dance a lot. Scouts don't like him as they don't always dance in the zone. An off speed pitcher, his change-up is his out pitch. If he is going to really be successful at the major league level, he needs to develop a better fastball. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Report | |||||||||||||||||||||
| SP | Perkins | Glen | AS | EN | CO | HR | FB | SL | CB | P#4 | FA | vsL | GB | HM | SC | CL | |||||
| 3/2/1984 | ACT | 68 | 72 | 60 | 48 | 70 | 69 | 60 | 52 | ||||||||||||
| Minnesota | POT | ||||||||||||||||||||
| L / L | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Developmental | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Scouting | Glen Perkins is a 5th year senior, 4 year captain for the Golden Gophers of Minnesota. A straight finess pitcher, he really doesn't have all the tools yet to pitch in the bigs. Scouts think that with his natural leadership, maturity, and hard work ethic that there is a chance he could work his way up the ladder and be a late bloomer. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Report | |||||||||||||||||||||
| RP | Townsand | Wade | AS | EN | CO | HR | CB | FB | SI | P#4 | FA | vsL | GB | HM | SC | CL | |||||
| 2/22/1985 | ACT | 74 | 39 | 81 | 52 | 86 | 77 | 50 | 66 | ||||||||||||
| Rice | |||||||||||||||||||||
| R / R | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Blue Chip | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Scouting | Wade Townsand is one calm presence on the mound. One of the famed hurlers from Rice, he projects better as a relief pitcher due to his lack of stamina and no windup delivery to the plate. Wade's best pitch is a major league ready curvball that has an absolutely wicked drop to it, and typically hits straight through the zone. His fastball and sinker both need some work, but he projects to be a short 2 to 3 year project at most. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Report | |||||||||||||||||||||
| RP | Landers | Brock | AS | EN | CO | HR | FB | CB | P#3 | P#4 | FA | vsL | GB | HM | SC | CL | |||||
| 7/4/1984 | ACT | 86 | 22 | 51 | 17 | 90 | 61 | 39 | 42 | 57 | |||||||||||
| Michigan | |||||||||||||||||||||
| R / R | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Red Chip | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Scouting | The "stud" of the closing community of college baseball this past season, Brock Landers is a force to be reckoned with. Scouts often say he reminds them of a Goose Gossage, he'll hit the glove, the batter, or the backstop, but he's definitely hitting something. With a herky-jerky delivery scouts are divided as to whether or not the hinders with all the mechanical problems or helps in hiding the ball. In either case he pitches come with as much movement as a presentation of the Riverdance. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Report | |||||||||||||||||||||
| RP | Hurley | Eric | AS | EN | CO | HR | FB | CU | SL | P#4 | FA | vsL | GB | HM | SC | CL | |||||
| 9/17/1988 | ACT | 56 | 11 | 70 | 52 | 58 | 51 | 47 | 61 | 51 | 52 | 52 | |||||||||
| Wolfson HS | |||||||||||||||||||||
| R / R | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Red Chip | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Scouting | Eric Hurley is a long term project with a high ceiling. Scouts have said that his mechanics are near perfect, and has three solid pitches to work worth. Not quite mature physically, Eric doesn't seem to be more than an inning or two pitcher. Projects as middle relief/set-up guy. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Report | |||||||||||||||||||||
| RP | Fox | Matthew | AS | EN | CO | HR | CB | FB | SI | P#4 | FA | vsL | GB | HM | SC | CL | |||||
| 12/4/1984 | ACT | 70 | 43 | 76 | 64 | 68 | 71 | 51 | 60 | ||||||||||||
| Central Florida | |||||||||||||||||||||
| R / R | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Starter | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Scouting | With a long frame and a loose 3/4 delivery to the plate Matthew Fox actually looks relaxed while pitching. Fox was a starter for his first three seasons in college, but really blossomed his final year with a shift to the bullpen. Scouts project him as middle relief/set-up guy with good stamina. His curveball is a little soft, but has a good chance of eventually being his out pitch. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Report | |||||||||||||||||||||
| RP | Gonzalez | Giovany | AS | EN | CO | HR | FB | CB | P#3 | P#4 | FA | vsL | GB | HM | SC | CL | |||||
| 9/19/1987 | ACT | 59 | 24 | 46 | 51 | 72 | 46 | 55 | 42 | 55 | |||||||||||
| Edward Pace HS | |||||||||||||||||||||
| L / L | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Starter | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Scouting | Giovany Gonzalez is a medium built, athletically framed left-hander with a smooth delivery. His biggest asset might be his fastball that has a natural action that tails away from righthanders. Gonzalez has a solid arm and above average command, but will need several of years in the minors to develop them to being major league ready. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Report | |||||||||||||||||||||
| RP | Carpenter | Christopher | AS | EN | CO | HR | FB | SI | SL | P#4 | FA | vsL | GB | HM | SC | CL | |||||
| 12/26/1987 | ACT | 47 | 28 | 61 | 64 | 62 | 62 | 54 | 45 | ||||||||||||
| Bryan HS | |||||||||||||||||||||
| R / R | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Average | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Scouting | Chris Carpenter is a rare commodity these days. A high schooler that works fast and throws a very high persentage of strikes (69.4 career). Chris uses a semi wind-up 3/4 delivery to throw his fastball, sinker, and slurve for good effect. Has some mechanical problems with his leg kick that scouts fear may limit his arm strength even more than it already is. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Report | |||||||||||||||||||||
| RP | Atkins | Mitchell | AS | EN | CO | HR | SL | FB | P#3 | P#4 | FA | vsL | GB | HM | SC | CL | |||||
| 10/1/1987 | ACT | 71 | 11 | 38 | 40 | 60 | 47 | 40 | |||||||||||||
| Northeast Guillford HS | POT | 90 | |||||||||||||||||||
| R / R | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Average | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Scouting | Mitchell Atkins is the only other true closer this draft other than Brock Landers. A pure power pitcher, he uses his wicked slider as his out pitch. Atkins has control problems from time to time and hangs his slider to lefties a little too often for some scouts. Atkins is a very agressive pitcher and his youth shows very readily on the mound. | ||||||||||||||||||||
| Report | |||||||||||||||||||||