| 142. |
Miguel Pena |
LHP |
Sr. |
L-L |
6-2 |
165 |
Cypress Creek |
La Joya, Texas |
San Jacinto JC |
10/24/1990 |
| SCOUTING PROFILE: Pena will have appeal to teams in the draft as a projectable, three-pitch lefthander with a quick arm—but his greatest appeal may be that he should be one of the more signable high-school pitchers available. His college options are pretty much limited to the junior-college ranks, and that could elevate him in the draft higher than where his talent may warrant. Pena’s fastball was primarily in the 86-88 mph range this spring and displayed good life, and a slurvy-shaped breaking ball and changeup were acceptable secondary pitches. The best clearly lies ahead for Pena. He has a lease, easy delivery in a thin, athletic frame, and should add velocity as he matures physically.--ALLAN SIMPSON |
| |
| 143. |
Tyler Blandford |
RHP |
Jr. |
R-R |
6-2 |
215 |
Oklahoma State |
Owensboro, Ky. |
Orioles '06 (34) |
1/25/1988 |
| SCOUTING PROFILE (3/1): Blandford entered the 2009 season in the considerable shadow cast by his more-acclaimed Oklahoma State teammates, junior lefthanders Andrew Oliver and Tyler Lyons. While the two southpaws went a combined 19-4 a year ago and finished 1-2 on the Cowboys staff in wins and strikeouts, Blandford struggled to post a 4-6, 6.23 record with 31 walks and 51 strikeouts in 66 innings as the team's No. 3 starter. Even in summer ball, Oliver and Lyons upstaged Blandford by a wide margin as they were prominent members of USA Baseball's unbeaten college-national team, while Blandford went an uninspiring 0-2, 7.31 for Bourne in the Cape Cod League. But Blandford had the most electric arm on the Bourne staff with a fastball that would reach 97 mph, and a power slider when it was working. Though he improved his walk-to-strikeout ratio in the Cape to 7-to-27 in 16 innings, he struggled with his command as he frequently worked from behind in the count. He eventually left for home early with what was described as a tired arm. Scouts say Blandford has better raw stuff than either Oliver or Lyons, but his issue has been his ability to control it-let alone command it. His multi-piece delivery that includes a long, extended, sling-like arm action can most generously be described as high maintenance, and inconsistency with his release point has contributed to his command/control issues. Blandford has power stuff, whether it's in or out of the strike zone. His fastball velocity consistently matches or exceeds Oliver's as it is steadily in the 92-94 mph range, and he can bump to 97 when he wants to. He also throws an 80-mph curveball that has a sweeping, slurve-type break that many scouts think can be tightened up into a true slider. By contrast, Oliver rarely throws a breaking ball. Blandford also throws an occasional changeup but it isn't an effective pitch now. His delivery and two power pitches lead plenty of scouts to believe that Blandford will become a power reliever/closer in pro ball.--ALLAN SIMPSON / DAVID RAWNSLEY |
| |
| 144. |
Jason Hagerty |
C/1B |
Jr. |
B-R |
6-3 |
220 |
Miami |
St. Louis, Mo. |
Never drafted |
9/13/1987 |
| SCOUTING PROFILE: Hagerty teased scouts in his first two years at Miami with high-end tools and inconsistent performance. A rare recruit from the Missouri high-school ranks, Hagerty was expected to eventually step in as the Hurricanes starting catcher when he arrived at Miami but scuffled as a freshman, hitting only .195. He lost the job the following year to hot-shot freshman Yasmani Grandal. Hagerty showed signs of coming on in a utility role, though, hitting .289-8-38, and finally earned regular work this season, primarily replacing former All-American and '08 first-rounder Yonder Alonso at first base while spelling Grandal behind the plate. He hit .316-11-51, topping the Hurricanes in RBIs as they entered the Atlantic Coast Conference tournament. Hagerty has power and bat speed from both sides of the plate, and a solid-average arm behind it. He profiles as a catcher in pro ball. He is a fairly athletic receiver with good hands and a chance to become at least solid-average defensively at the major-league level. Scouts believe Hagerty is a late-bloomer and will develop quickly when he gets a chance to get behind the plate every day and hit with a wood bat.--ANUP SINHA |
| |
| 145. |
Nathan Baker |
LHP |
Jr. |
L-L |
6-3 |
205 |
Mississippi |
Cordova, Tenn. |
Never drafted |
12/27/1987 |
| SCOUTING PROFILE: While some of the higher-profile arms on the Ole Miss staff-junior righthander Aaron Barrett (subpar performance), senior righthander Scott Bittle (injury), junior righthander Chris Corrigan (dismissed from team) and sophomore lefthander Drew Pomeranz (inconsistent performance)-went missing in action at times this spring, Baker proved to be a stabilizing factor for the Rebels. He filled a variety of roles (fourth starter and all relief assignments ranging from middle to set-up to closer), and enhanced his prospect value in the process. In 18 appearances (6 starts), he went 4-1, 3.60 with 15 walks and 61 strikeouts in 60 innings. That was a marked improvement from 2008, when he went 3-6, 4.89 with 19 walks and 41 strikeouts in 53 innings, mainly as a mid-week starter, and just 1-2, 5.18 in eight appearances during the summer in the Cape Cod League, when he was plagued first by a bad hamstring and then by strep throat. He started pitching more effectively towards the end of the summer season, and he carried over that performance to the spring. His stuff (mainly a 90-93 mph fastball that peaked at 94, and an 80-mph slider) was considerably better, but more than anything he learned to pitch inside more effectively and his breaking ball produced a better downer action to neutralize lefthanded hitters.--ALLAN SIMPSON |
| |
| 146. |
Ashur Tolliver |
LHP |
Jr. |
L-L |
6-0 |
170 |
Oklahoma City |
Sherwood, Ark. |
Never drafted |
1/24/19-88 |
| SCOUTING PROFILE (3/1): Tolliver had a woeful sophomore season at Arkansas-Little Rock, going 2-5, 7.94 in mostly a starting role, yet gave scouts plenty of food for thought during the summer in the Cape Cod League, prior to transferring to NAIA power Oklahoma City for his junior season. As the primary set-up man for Hyannis, Tolliver may have been the most effective lefthanded reliever in the league. In 15 appearances, he went 3-0, 2.17 with 27 strikeouts in 29 innings. Belying his small, slight stature, Tolliver has an extremely quick arm and is capable of producing three big-league quality pitches: a fastball that ranges from 91-94 mph, a hard, tight slider from 84-86 and a tailing 78-80 mph changeup that had hitters from both sides, especially lefthanders, out front and off balance. He has a good feel for pitching generally, and is consistently around the plate with all his pitches. He comes from a low three-quarters angle, and his mechanics may need a little tinkering as his quick arm action stems in part from a fast-paced delivery, which causes him to work with a lot of effort. That apparent flaw didn't appear to hinder his progress last summer while working in short bursts, but it may be a factor in his holding up physically as a starter, both over the course of a game and in the long haul. Tolliver doesn't exude a lot of self-confidence in his approach to pitching, or always trust his stuff, and he'll often tend to steer away quickly from one of the pitches in his repertoire if it isn't working effectively.--ALLAN SIMPSON |
| |
| 147. |
Brandon Belt |
1B/LHP |
Jr. |
L-L |
6-5 |
205 |
Texas |
Lufkin, Texas |
Braves '07 (11) |
4/20/1988 |
| SCOUTING PROFILE (3/1): Summer-league championship teams seem to have a way of finding Belt. A year after earning series MVP honors for leading Coppell to the 2007 Texas Collegiate League title, Belt played a vital role in leading Harwich to its first Cape Cod League championship in 23 years. He came on strong at the end to top the Mariners in homers (5) and RBIs (25) during the regular season, while batting .248. He also topped Texas in RBIs during the spring, with 65, while batting .319. Belt has good extension in his swing and quickness in his hands to generate significant bat speed, and he can drive balls to both gaps, and even foul pole to foul pole, consistently. He also has excellent barrel awareness and a solid two-strike approach. But even as he led the Longhorns in RBIs as a sophomore, he homered only six times as he has a somewhat unorthodox stance at the plate, with a lot of movement in his body when he swings, that can result in his cutting off his stroke early, limiting his power output. He still has plenty of room to fill out his long, lanky frame to add strength, but his immediate challenge will be to revamp his follow through to add more pull power, and his prospects for the 2009 draft may depend on it. The versatile Belt spent most of his summer at Harwich in right field, but had been mostly a first baseman and pitcher of significant consequence to that point in his career. Twice an unsigned 11th-round draft pick, he was selected by the Boston Red Sox in 2006 out of Texas' Lufkin High for his prowess as a pitcher; a year later, he was taken in the same round by the Atlanta Braves as a first baseman after hitting .421-9-57 out of San Jacinto JC, though he also went 7-2, 2.82 in a secondary role as a pitcher. He transferred to Texas as a sophomore. Belt was the top-ranked high-school pitching prospect in Texas as a junior when he threw in the low-90s, but his velocity fell off as a senior and never has returned consistently to its previous level. He had setbacks along the way that were attributed to elbow and biceps tendonitis. His prowess as a pitching prospect is now essentially in neutral after he worked just 18 innings (1-0, 4.08, 2 SV), all in relief, last spring at Texas, and pitched in just two games for Harwich during the summer after arriving on the Cape with a tender arm that caused him to be shut down initially. But Belt continued to throw bullpen sessions for the Mariners and was rewarded with a late-season start, where he amazingly struck out the side in the first inning on his way to pitching to the minimum 15 hitters in a five-inning stint. He worked with a fastball, curve and changeup, and allowed one hit, but promptly picked that player off first base. His changeup is considered his best current pitch, and he'll need to re-establish the velocity in his fastball to be considered a factor as a pitcher in the future. At this point in his development, his upside is clearly as a hitter. He is also a superior defender at first with exceptionally soft hands. Though he has the arm strength for right field and surprisingly covers a lot ground in the outfield with below-average speed, he lacks the smooth actions to play there on an everyday basis.--ALLAN SIMPSON |
| |
| 148. |
Thomas Berryhill |
RHP/OF |
Jr. |
R-R |
5-9 |
180 |
Newberry (S.C.) |
Aynor, S.C. |
Never drafted |
12/9/1987 |
| SCOUTING PROFILE: Few scouts in the Carolinas were aware of Berryhill, the pitcher, at the start of the 2009 season as he enrolled at South Carolina's little Newberry College primarily as a position player and didn't win a game in his first two years at the school while working just 30 innings. He went 0-5, 10.62 as a freshman and 0-0, 4.35 as a sophomore, though earned four saves a year ago. But most of his playing time came at shortstop initially before he moved to the outfield this year. Scouts quickly became aware of who he was this spring when he started lighting up radar guns with a mid-90s fastball. While he lacks the ideal size that scouts desire, Berryhill might be pound-for-pound the hardest thrower in the country. He made a couple of spot starts in 2009, but was used mostly in a closer role for Newberry and went 3-1, 2.20 with seven saves. In 41 innings, he walked 11, struck out 42 and limited opponents to a .187 average. Berryhill's fastball sat in the 90-95 mph range, and topped at 97. His lack of height makes getting a downhill plane on his pitches difficult, and his fastball can flatten out. His primary secondary pitch is an average slider in the low 80s. Berryhill also hit .320-1-13 and stole 10 bases, and not surprisingly is a good all-around athlete. His arm works fairly well, but there is a good amount of effort in his delivery. His overall feel for pitching is somewhat limited as he hasn't logged a lot of innings, but scouts envision him as a quality set-up man. He was sidelined at the end of the 2009 season with an arm-related issue, but is still likely go in the 4-6 round range.--JEFF SIMPSON |
| |
| 149. |
Daniel Tuttle |
RHP |
Sr. |
R-R |
6-2 |
185 |
Randleman |
Randleman, N.C. |
North Carolina State |
8/21/1990 |
| SCOUTING PROFILE (3/1): Tuttle is a loose-armed righthander who shares many physical similarities with Jake Odorizzi, the Milwaukee Brewers supplemental first-round pick in the 2008 draft. Like Odorizzi, Tuttle has an extended three-quarters to mid-three-quarters release point, and a whippy-like arm action that puts plenty of spin and late sinking action on a fastball that frequently reaches 92-93 mph. Tuttle also throws both a low-80s slider that has a big, sweeping 10-to-4 type of break, and a softer curveball with a similar shape. The slider is his better breaking pitch and has plenty of potential if Tuttle can consistently stay on top of the pitch. A changeup is a fourth pitch in his arsenal, but it isn't a factor yet, mainly because Tuttle has been used as a closer in high school. As a junior in that role, he went. 1-0, 0.17 with eight saves, along with eight walks and 48 strikeouts in 21 innings. He is a quality athlete who plays shortstop when he isn't pitching, and should take a step forward when he's able to concentrate just on pitching at the next level. Tuttle isn't a polished product yet. He has some effort in his release that leads to command problems against better hitters, but he's loose and projectable with top-level present stuff.--DAVID RAWNSLEY |
| |
| 150. |
Austin Wood |
LHP |
Sr. |
L-L |
6-2 |
200 |
Texas |
Kingwood, Texas |
Never drafted |
11/2/1986 |
| SCOUTING PROFILE: Wood may have done more to improve his stock for the 2009 draft on the basis of one timely, and very extraordinary pitching appearance in an NCAA regional game against Boston College than anything he did in a combined120-plus pitching appearances for Texas. In what turned out to be the longest game in tournament history, a 25-inning affair eventually won by Texas 3-2, Wood pitched the game of his life-though he neither started nor finished the historic contest. He came on relief late in regulation time, with the outcome hanging in the balance, and proceeded to throw 12 consecutive hitless before finally surrendering his first hit with one out in his 13th inning of work. He finally left the game after retiring the side in that frame-after 169 pitches. Prior to that memorable outing, Wood was viewed more as a solid senior sign-probably not before the 10th-12th round, at the earliest. Wood wasn't even drafted as a junior after going 7-3, 4.43 with just 42 strikeouts in 85 innings, working as both a starter and relief. He was a closer only for Texas as a freshman, saving seven games, and was restored to that role this season, more to lend some end-of-game stability to a very young, but exceptionally-talented Texas starting staff. He responded with his best season for the Longhorns, going 5-1, 2.19 with 15 saves in 37 appearances. In 78 innings, he walked 15 and struck out 67. In contrast to some of the young fireballers on the Texas staff, Wood often pitched in the mid- to high-80s from a low three-quarters to sidearm release point, although he occasionally muscled up and touched 90. He complemented his fastball with an outstanding changeup, and his pinpoint control was also a key factor in his success. Wood has a big, sweeping slider as a third pitch, but his lack of a quality breaking ball may limit his draft value and projection. With his fringe-average stuff and yet uncanny ability to thow strikes consistently, he projects as a situational lefthanded reliever.--ALLAN SIMPSON / DAVID RAWNSLEY |
| |
| 151. |
Joseph Sanders |
3B/2B |
Jr. |
R-R |
6-1 |
205 |
Auburn |
Millbrook, Ariz. |
Never drafted |
4/24/1988 |
| SCOUTING PROFILE (3/1): Sanders played a critical role last summer in leading Harwich to its first Cape Cod League title in 21 years, slamming a pivotal three-run homer in the opening game of a semi-final series against Orleans, then leading off the bottom of the ninth with a triple and scoring the tying run in the deciding game of the final series against Cotuit. His role during the regular season was no less significant as he earned league all-star honors as a utility player by hitting .273-4-17, while dividing his time between four positions. Sanders has the hands and arm strength to play any infield position except shortstop, but spent more time at third base than any position on the Cape, and is expected to settle in at that position as a junior at Auburn. With the hot corner more of a traditional power position, Sanders will be expected to increase his home-run output and his ability to deliver the long ball more consistently will play a key role in his chances of going in the early rounds of the 2009 draft. Sanders showed consistent gap power while posting batting averages of .333 and .348 in his first two years at Auburn. He had a team-high 19 doubles in 2008, while contributing six home runs. While Sanders has excellent makeup and is a classic grinder in his approach to the game, he also has plenty of athletic ability. He was initially recruited to Auburn to play football, but when the coaches wanted him to play defensive back instead of quarterback, Sanders switched his allegiance to baseball. He could be rewarded handsomely for that decision in June.--ALLAN SIMPSON |
| UPDATE (5/15): Sanders was well on his way to a breakout junior season when everything came crashing down. He was hit in the face by a high, riding fastball from a young, inexperienced pitcher in a mid-week game in April and soon underwent surgery for a broken jaw. The injury was expected to keep him out for the balance of the 2009 season, throwing his draft status into a quandary, but the gritty Sanders returned by the final weekend of the season and played an instrumental role in Auburn taking two of three games against arch-rival Alabama. Though he struggled initially and was used only as a DH, he homered and doubled off the wall in his final two at-bats of the season. Most impressively, he showed little indication of being gun-shy. Jenkins was among the national leaders in homers, with 18, at the time of his injury and had pretty much solidified himself as a third- to fourth-round pick by showing power at a rate never seen in the past. He finished the season by hitting .320-19-55 in 44 games, but the injury couldn't have come at a worse time as scouts were still ascertaining whether Sanders was capable of playing third base on an everyday basis, or was better suited for second, where his bat would be even more of a premium. Scouts were left to ponder that issue, but it was apparent that Sanders' athleticism, versatility, competitive spark and approach to hitting had won them over.--AS |
| |
| 152. |
Louis Coleman |
RHP |
Sr. |
B-R |
6-3 |
185 |
Louisiana State |
Schlater, Miss. |
Nationals '08 (14) |
4/4/1986 |
| SCOUTING PROFILE (3/1): Coleman passed on an opportunity to sign last June as a 14th-round pick with the Washington Nationals, in part for a chance to be the regular closer for LSU, the nation's No. 1-ranked team entering 2009. No fewer than five pitchers earned at least two saves for the Tigers in 2008, and Coleman began this season in the closer role. But he was soon moved into the rotation behind top 2010 prospect Anthony Ranaudo when freshman righthander Matty Ott proved he was up to handling an end-of-game role. Coleman has pitched in a variety of roles throughout his career at LSU. He emerged as the team's Friday-night starter in Southeastern Conference play as a freshman in 2006, but went to the bullpen as a sophomore when a new LSU coaching staff lowered his arm angle to sidearm from a standard three-quarters slot to try to correct delivery flaws and add movement to his pitches. He struggled in the adjustment, going 2-3, 5.59 with four saves. Eligible for that year's draft as a sophomore, Coleman was passed over. He insisted on returning to his more comfortable release point in 2008 as a result of the rejection, and did so with very positive results working in several roles, but mainly in middle relief. In 23 appearances, he went 8-1, 1.95 with 10 walks and 62 strikeouts in 55 innings. Coleman has a low-90s fastball and frisbee-like slider, and is especially tough on hitters from his low three-quarters release point. He has excellent command of both pitches.--ALLAN SIMPSON |
| |
| 153. |
Steve Parker |
3B |
Jr. |
L-R |
6-2 |
195 |
Brigham Young |
American Fork, Utah |
Never drafted |
9/3/1987 |
| SCOUTING PROFILE: With a short, quick, compact stroke and the ability to drive balls to all fields, Parker has one of the sweetest swings around and is the favorite to be the first player drafted in Utah on the basis of his one exemplary tool. His hands and wrist action, in particular, stand out with scouts. The ball jumps off his bat and he has good loft power to the pull-side, but his pure hitting skills trump his power potential. He has put up solid, if unspectacular numbers over the last two years, hitting .340-10-42 as a sophomore and .361-9-34 as a junior. His infield actions are adequate and he’s done a much better job this year of cutting his errors and making all the routine plays, but his arm strength is fringy-average by third-base standards, so a move to second base (or even left field or first base) could be in the works at the next level. He may profile better there anyway with the bat if his power doesn’t evolve.--ALLAN SIMPSON |
| |
| 154. |
Nick McBride |
RHP/OF |
Sr. |
R-R |
6-4 |
170 |
Ragsdale |
Lewisville, N.C. |
East Carolina |
5/31/1991 |
| SCOUTING PROFILE: McBride was a well-known name for several years on the travel-team scene, but it wasn't until an April 8 showdown against Randleman High's Daniel Tuttle, generally-regarded as North Carolina's top prep pitching prospect, that his name quickly began circulating as a potential early-round pick. With some 30 scouts on hand, McBride stole the show from Tuttle, pitching a six-inning perfect game, striking out 14 in an easy 12-0 win. He had pinpoint control that night of a fastball that sat in the 89-91 mph range, and topped at 93-consistent the velocity he displayed over the balance of the spring in compiling a 9-0, 0.78 record with 74 strikeouts in 45 innings, and just 27 base runners (13 H, 14 BB). McBride is a good athlete in his tall, lean 6-foot-4, 180-pound build. He has a loose, easy arm action and it's conceivable that he might throw in the mid-90s down the road. His curveball is an 11-to-5 bender with decent spin, but it lacks ideal speed as he typically throws it in the 73-76 mph range. His changeup is more of a show-me pitch at this point and is not really a factor in his repertoire. Even with his current rise up draft boards, McBride is still seen by most scouts as a project and might be better off spending time in college.--JEFF SIMPSON |
| |
| 155. |
Austin Adams |
RHP/SS |
Sr. |
R-R |
5-11 |
185 |
Faulkner (Ala.) |
Millbrook, Ala. |
Brewers '08 (27) |
8/19/1986 |
| SCOUTING PROFILE: Scouts were split on Adams in 2008, when he was drafted in the 27th round by the Milwaukee Brewers after hitting .398-11-49 as Faulkner's regular shortstop and posting 12 saves as the team's closer. Despite more apparent success as a position player and his smaller build, Adams attracted plenty of attention as a pitcher because of his significant arm strength and a fastball that occasionally peaked at 96-97 mph. Feeling he had more to prove in college as a pitcher, Adams rejected Milwaukee's offer and returned to Faulkner, an NAIA school, for his senior year and was moved into a starting role this season. While it gave him a greater chance to develeop his pitching skills, he went only 5-2, 5.83. He continued to have more success in his dual role at shortstop (.398-14-51), but it became apparent this spring that scouts were showing greater interest in him as a pitcher-despite his lack of success. It seemed the harder Adams threw his fastball, the more he got hit-an indication the pitch lacked movement. He also worked in a slurve-like breaking ball more frequently in his expanded role, and was able to develop his changeup as a third pitch. For the most part, though, Adams remained an enigma to scouts, most of whom were very mindful of his uneven performace this spring, along with his senior status, NAIA background, two-position dilemma and his early departure from the Cape Cod League last summer-not to mention his motivation for rejecting an offer from the Brewers in last year's draft. A majority of Alabama scouts dismissed Adams as little more than a senior sign, a pitcher with an above-average fastball and a sweeping curve who profiled as a middle reliever in pro ball. Others continued to like him more as an infielder/hitter, a player with surprising power for his size. But there were just enough scouts who remained intrigued with his exceptional arm strength that the disntinct possibility remained that he could become a surprise early-round selection.--ALLAN SIMPSON |
| |
| 156. |
Ryan Wheeler |
1B/3B |
Jr. |
L-R |
6-4 |
220 |
Loyola Marymount |
Torrance, Calif. |
Never drafted |
7/10/1988 |
| SCOUTING PROFILE (3/1): The Wheelers, Tim at Orleans and Ryan at Brewster (no relation), were both unheralded position players from California prior to playing in the Cape Cod League last summer, with similar skill sets. The big difference between the two is Tim runs much better than Ryan, whose best tool is his raw power. At 6-foot-4 and 220 pounds, he has good size and overall strength, and can launch balls. He showed power to all fields as a sophomore at Loyola Marymount, drilling a team-high 20 doubles and six home runs, while batting .345 with 45 RBIs. His power on the Cape was more to the pull side, as all five homers he slammed for Brewster were to right field. Overall, he hit .285 and had 18 RBIs. Wheeler is essentially a one-dimensional hitter with an unusually long swing, and aims for the fences almost every time up. In the process, he is often fooled by off-speed pitches, and struck out 40 times on the summer in 158 at-bats. He's especially vulnerable when he drops his hands on his load, looking for more power. But when he does connect, he can hit balls a long way. The remainder of Wheeler's tools are just fair. He's a serviceable defensive first baseman with decent hands and arm strength, and is pretty much limited to first base-though he can play third in a pinch. Unlike Tim Wheeler, who led the Cape Cod League in stolen bases, Ryan is a below-average runner.--ALLAN SIMPSON |
| |
| 157. |
J.T. Wise |
C/3B |
Sr. |
R-R |
6-1 |
205 |
Oklahoma |
Apopka, Fla. |
Athletics '07 (45) |
6/2/1986 |
| SCOUTING PROFILE: A .278-7-49 hitter in his first go-around at Oklahoma, Wise had a breakout senior season for the Sooners and emerged this spring as one of the top college catchers in the country-a surprising development considering Wise didn't catch at all in his first two collegiate seasons at LSU, where he played mostly at third and second base. Wise hit .359-17-62 this spring and led the Sooners in all the triple-crown categories. But he actually earned more praise for his defensive ability than his offensive potential. With a powerful arm (he's been clocked up to 92-93 mph off the mound), and a quick exchange and release, Wise gunned down 26 of 54 would-be base runners. Though he hadn't caught since his days at Apopka (Fla.) High, where his father Sonny was one of the winningest high-school coaches in the state, Wise adapted to his role the last two years at Oklahoma almost seamlessly. He even caught every game a year ago. The athletic ability that enables him to play almost any position on the field was evident behind the plate. He has excellent hands, though his flexibility was compromised marginally by his bigger frame. With two obvious strengths, his bat and his arm, Wise should be one of the top seniors signs this year-somewhat remarkable considering he went undrafted in 2008.--DAVID RAWNSLEY |
| |
| 158. |
Chase Austin |
2B |
Jr. |
R-R |
6-2 |
180 |
Elon |
Charlotte, N.C. |
Never drafted |
12/4/1987 |
| SCOUTING PROFILE: Elon led the NCAA Division-I ranks with 138 home runs this spring, and Austin was the team’s premier power threat. He unloaded a club-best 23 homers, while finishing first with 82 RBIs, tied for first with 19 stolen bases in 20 attempts and second in batting at .377. Austin also was second on the Phoenix in hitting a year ago, at .359, but he homered only nine times and the significant increase in his power numbers were attributed to the strength gains he made between seasons. He also squared up balls more consistently this spring, yet scouts aren’t convinced his power will play nearly as well with wood. His speed and athleticism are solid tools in the the middle infield, though his actions are bettered-suited for second base. Austin is versatile enough that he saw extensive time at second, third and short in his career at Elon, but more at second base this season.--ALLAN SIMPSON |
| |
| 159. |
Ryan Jackson |
SS |
Jr. |
R-R |
6-3 |
180 |
Miami (Fla.) |
Miami Springs, Fla. |
Never drafted |
5/10/1988 |
| SCOUTING PROFILE (3/1): Jackson was a major contributing factor in 2008 on a Miami team that stormed into the College World Series with a No. 1 national ranking, only to fall short of a fifth national title. While he hit a solid .354-4-50, Jackson's value to the Hurricanes came mainly on defense. He was the glue to the Miami infield at shortstop, and is regarded as a potential Gold Glover down the road. Yet this year, with the departure of seven regulars, including five drafted in the first four rounds in 2008, Jackson will be expected to carry a much greater share of the load offensively, in addition to his responsibilities defensively. He became more of a force at the plate as a sophomore after hitting just .236 with no homers as a freshman, and now generates average bat speed with modest raw power. Scouts envision him as a possible .270 hitter with 15-20-homer power down the road, if he gets stronger and all goes according to form. Though he regressed and hit just .232 with one homer last summer with Team USA's college national team, he is now capable of making solid, consistent contact with gap power. But defense is his calling card. He has quick hands, smooth actions and a true shortstop arm, and makes all plays look easy. He also makes more than his share of spectacular plays. At 6-foot-3 and 180 pounds, Jackson has a rangy build along the lines of big-leaguer Chipper Jones, with similar athleticism at the same stage of development. His instincts and makeup are also significant assets. If there is a shortcoming in Jackson's game, it's his speed-and it could be the swing factor in whether he's picked in the first round in June. He is a below-average runner to first base, but his feet are nimble enough for him to play shortstop in the big leagues, and he has excellent range in all directions-to his backhand side, up the middle and coming in on balls. He's exceptionally quick in the field and excels at getting jumps on balls because he reads them so well off the bat. All the tools are in place for him to remain at shortstop in the long term, yet some scouts remain unconvinced he'll stay at the position. Jackson played 22 games in the middle infield for Team USA, committing five errors in 101 chances, but his role diminished down the stretch as he saw more time at second base, and even on the bench. Jackson is not a sure thing as his speed, offensive upside and durability are three issues for scouts to ponder. He currently lacks strength in his thin frame, and may end up being just a singles and doubles hitter in the eyes of some scouts.--ALLAN SIMPSON |
| |
| 160. |
Ryan Schimpf |
2B |
Jr. |
L-R |
5-8 |
175 |
Louisiana State |
Covington, La. |
Never drafted |
4/11/1988 |
| SCOUTING PROFILE (3/1): Schimpf played in less than half the Valley League games during the regular season last summer after arriving late from his college team's appearance in the College World Series, but he made up for lost time in the playoffs. On his way to being selected the playoff MVP as Luray swept to the title by winning three straight games in the championship series, Schimpf went 7-for-13 with four homers and eight RBIs He slammed two homers in the deciding tilt alone. In a combined 97 at-bats in regular-season and post-season play, Schimpf hit .392-11-27. That came on the heels of a sophomore season at LSU where he hit .320-12-54. He was red-hot in post-season play then, too, hitting .452 with eight extra-base hits in nine games as LSU rode a hot streak on its way to Omaha. Not only did Schimpf hit home runs at a much faster clip in the summer than the spring, but he struck out less than half as often (9 times in 91 at-bats in the summer, 51 in 250 at-bats in the spring). Schimpf was almost flawless in the field, as well, committing just three errors all spring and two more in the summer. He is solid on both sides of the ball with good opposite-field power and a knack for delivering the big hit. He has the quick wrists to drive balls and sound pitch recognition. He also has sure hands in the field and good range for a middle infielder, and appears to be the prototypical second baseman. The biggest knock on Schimpf is his size, which could be an issue in pro ball. His only real way of overcoming that is by getting much stronger.--ALLAN SIMPSON |
| UPDATE (5/15): Schimpf is a favorite of scouts because of his outstanding approach to the game, and his ability to play virtually any position on the field with skill and maturity. He played mostly in the outfield as a freshman at LSU, before spending all of 2008 and the first half of 2009 at second base, but went back to spotting up in the outfield while even playing a little on the infield corners when the Tigers shifted D.J. LeMahieu from shortstop to second base. Schimpf still profiles best at second as he makes all the routine plays there and committed just three errors this season before being moved off the position, but he struggled turning the double play. In the end, his best fit is probably as a utility player as he can adequately play all three infield positions but shortstop, and in the outfield. His bat will enable him to play anywhere. He has surprising power and bat speed for a player his size, and he was the most dependable offensive player for LSU this spring, hitting .324-17-56 with 36 walks and 17 stolen bases.--DAVID RAWNSLEY / AS |
| |
| 161. |
Brandon Wikoff |
SS/2B |
Jr. |
L-R |
5-8 |
175 |
Illinois |
Peoria, Ill. |
Never drafted |
4/5/1988 |
| SCOUTING PROFILE (3/1): A steady college shortstop with solid makeup and leadership skills, Wikoff has continued to grow on scouts over a two-plus year career at Illinois to a point where he might be an early-round pick in the 2009 draft. Though he is not physically-imposing in his slight 5-foot-8 frame, Wikoff has a strong, athletic build. He has surprising pop at the plate from the left side, and hit .369-1-61 as a sophomore at Illinois, batting in the No. 3 hole. He continued to be an offensive force during the summer playing for Madison in the Northwoods League, batting .310, scoring 47 runs (third in the league) and stealing 15 bases in 17 attempts. Wikoff has a precision stroke at the plate, with quickness through the ball. And while he doesn't have the strength to take balls out of the park on anything more than an occasional basis, he makes consistent hard contact and routinely drives balls to the gaps. Defensively, he has a sure glove and natural middle-infield actions. His arm strength is considered marginal by pro standards, but he more than makes up for it with his accuracy and by playing angles more expeditiously on ground balls. His speed is also considered just average, but he offsets it with his superior instincts-both on the bases and in the field. Wikoff's overall tools may not warrant his being an early-round pick, but his grit, instincts and determination will likely prompt a team to take a stab at him in that area.--ALLAN SIMPSON |
| |
| 162. |
Tobias Streich |
C |
So. |
R-R |
6-0 |
210 |
West Virginia |
Ridgway, Pa. |
Athletics '07 (26) |
4/5/1988 |
| SCOUTING PROFILE (3/1): Despite a .198 average with two homers and 16 RBIs, along with an undesirable 3-27 walk-to-strikeout ratio, Streich was selected the Alaska League's all-star catcher last summer. That's partly an indictment of the lack of frontline catching in Alaska last summer, but more reflective of Streich's skills behind the plate. He is solid in all phases of catching, but what really set him apart was his arm. From strength, to accuracy, to a quick exchange, it was major league-quality in every regard. His receiving, blocking and framing skills, along with his instincts for the position, also were strengths. Streich, however, was often overmatched at the plate and that is the area of his game that will need to be addressed most succinctly over the next year or two. As a freshman last spring in a West Virginia lineup that batted a resounding .342 overall, Streich hit a pedestrian .260-4-39. He has the strength and bat speed to hit, but his overall approach to hitting needs revamping as he swings-and-misses at an unacceptable rate. As a draft-eligible sophomore in 2009, there may be even more of a sense of urgency for Streich, a 26th-round pick of the Oakland A's in 2007, to develop his offensive skills.--ALLAN SIMPSON |
| |
| 163. |
Kyle Bellamy |
RHP |
Jr. |
R-R |
6-5 |
228 |
Miami |
Davie, Fla. |
Never drafted |
10/25/1988 |
| SCOUTING PROFILE (3/1): Bellamy served in a valuable set-up role on a star-studded Miami team in 2008, and has been entrusted with the closer's job this season with the departure of Carlos Gutierrez, who rose from well back in the pack to become a first-round pick of the Minnesota Twins. The 6-foot-5, 228-pound Bellamy is far more established than Gutierrez was a year ago, but his prospects of also going in the first round are considered slim as scouts have been lukewarm to his very effective but unconventional sidearm delivery. He doesn't have an overpowering fastball and relies more on his changeup and pinpoint command to keep hitters off-balance. His fastball runs consistently into the high 80's and low 90's, with plenty of movement. Bellamy pitched sparingly as a freshman for the Hurricanes, striking out 15 in nine innings while posting an 8.68 ERA, only to work in a national-high 43 games a year ago, including 12 of Miami's 13 post-season games. In 63 innings, he walked 13 and struck out 75 while limiting hitters to a .186 average. Though most of his work came in the seventh and eighth innings, he still saved three games and should ease seamlessly into a true closer's role this season. He has never started a game at Miami. Bellamy was selected to play for USA Baseball's college national team last summer, but was cut from the squad in tryouts. He elected not to play in a conventional summer league.--ALLAN SIMPSON |
| |
| 164. |
Damien Magnifico |
RHP |
Sr. |
R-R |
6-1 |
190 |
North Mesquite |
Mesquite, Texas |
Howard JC |
5/23/1990 |
| SCOUTING PROFILE: Along with having one of the coolest names in the 2009 draft, Magnifico has one of the best fastballs in the state of Texas, with his heater topping out in the 94-95 mph area this spring. Magnifico has a very loose, quick arm out front, and creates his velocity with a minimum of effort. He also commands his fastball unusually well. Magnficio is primarily a one-weapon pitcher at the moment as a hand wrap in back affects his ability to repeat his release point with his curveball, and he tends to slow down his arm speed to get the pitch over the plate. Magnifico has gone 3-4, 1.70 with 63 strikeouts in 45 innings this spring.--DAVID RAWNSLEY |
| |
| 165. |
Caleb Cotham |
RHP |
So. |
R-R |
6-3 |
210 |
Vanderbilt |
Mt. Juliet, Tenn. |
Never drafted |
11/6/1987 |
| SCOUTING PROFILE: Pitching has been a staple in the success that Vanderbilt has enjoyed in recent years, but it was in a little shorter supply than normal this spring-despite the presence of an obvious first-round arm in the junior class (lefthander Mikie Minor) and freshman class (righthander Sonny Gray). The shortfall came in the sophomore class, despite the fact that most of the pitchers (Cotham, Russell Brewer, Mark Lamm, Richie Goodenow, Chase Reid) were eligible for this year's draft, and thus a year older than most sophomores. Cotham was the most successful of that group with a 7-5, 4.10 record, along with 27 walks and 84 strikeouts in 79 innings. He finished among the staff leaders in wins and strikeouts for the second year in a row, and may have made more of an impact overall had he not torn a meniscus in his right knee late in the season that limited him to a couple of bullpen outings. He was expected to have minor surgery immediately following the 2009 season, which would keep him sidelined for 3-4 weeks. Cotham relies primarily on a fastball in the 90-92 mph range with arm-side run and sink that topped at 94, and an 80-83 mph hard slider that would reach 86 on occasion. He also had a curve and changeup as his third and fourth pitches, but they were generally inconsistent. Scouts were taking a cautious approach to Cotham's signability, especially with his sophomore-eligible status. The consensus seemed to be that Cotham is a forth- to sixth round talent, but may not be signable unless taken by the second round or paid a bonus consistent with that round. He pitched in just three innings (and earned a red-shirt) as a freshman because he wasn't quite ready then to pitch at the college level, and scouts believe he may need another year in college to be ready for the pro level, but there's also a belief that he could develop into a potential first-round talent with another year in school-if he takes the next step.--ALLAN SIMPSON |
| |
| 166. |
D'Vontrey Richardson |
OF |
So. |
R-R |
6-2 |
200 |
Florida State (FB) |
Albany, Ga. |
Nationals '06 (35) |
7/30/1988 |
| SCOUTING PROFILE (3/1): Richardson presents one of the draft's most interesting dilemmas. He's a tremendously-gifted outfielder with tools across the board, but has been only a part-time player for most of his two years at Florida State. Richardson attends FSU on a football scholarship and despite his considerable effort to win the starting job last fall, he was relegated to the No. 2 quarterback job. He threw only 44 passes, but was the team's fourth leading rusher with 288 yards. He also set a school record for the longest run by a quarterback with a 55-yard TD scamper against Tennessee-Chattanooga. His lack of playing time for a third straight season only appeared to rekindle his interest in baseball after he sat out the 2008 baseball season-though he was also academically ineligible to play a year ago. Scouts are enamored by his toolbox, and the sculpted 6-foot-1, 200-pound Richardson definitely looks the part wearing a baseball uniform. Though his approach to hitting is a bit rusty, he has a compact stroke that produces hard line drives to all parts of the yard. The ball jumps off his bat and Richardson has shown he can catch up to most fastballs, though he is prone to swinging and missing a lot. In particular, a no-stride approach hurts him against good off-speed pitches. It's possible that he'll be more effective with wood because his stance and load will change considerably in a pro setting. Defensively, he is still working on his routes, but should become an accomplished outfielder in time as he is a plus runner (a 65 on the standard 20-80 scouting scale) with an average (50) arm. Richardson attended Lee County High in south Georgia along with former Seminoles standout and 2008 first-round draft pick Buster Posey, who helped recruit Richardson to FSU. He was a 35th-round pick of the Washington Nationals in 2006, taken that late because of his desire to combine a football and baseball career at the college level. Richardson began his freshman year for the Seminoles baseball team in a backup role, but would go on to start 32 games, hitting .351 and slugging .481 in 131 at-bats. After missing his true sophomore year, Richardson returned to the diamond in 2009 with expectations of being used mostly as a platoon player. Richardson has all-star upside, both with the bat and glove, and made a statement that baseball has moved to the forefront by announcing that he would skip spring football practice. What remains to be seen is if a team will take him early, despite his crudeness and lack of playing time..--ANUP SINHA / ALLAN SIMPSON |
| |
| 167. |
Matt Way |
LHP |
Sr. |
L-L |
6-1 |
180 |
Washington State |
Sitka, Alaska |
Giants '08 (36) |
1/25/1987 |
| SCOUTING PROFILE (3/1): Way was drafted in a late round in 2008 by the San Francisco Giants, but turned down a chance to sign and the decision could pay off as he shapes up as one of the better seniors signs in this year's draft. After going 4-4, 4.01 with 68 strikeouts in 74 innings as a junior, working mainly in a long-relief/spot-starter role, Way was slotted in as the No. 1 starter in the Washington State rotation to start the 2009 season. He pitched impressively in the role in the early going. It's all part of a natural progression for Way, an Alaska high-school product who has added 25 pounds to his frame and several mph to his fastball in his four years in the Cougars program. His fastball is now a consistent 88-90 mph, topping at 92, and he gets good sinking action on the pitch when he keeps it low in the zone. It's generally effective more because of his ability to locate it than the movement he generates. But Way's best pitch and his out-pitch is still his darting circle changeup, which he can confidently throw in any count. His third pitch is an 80-82 mph slider that has gradually evolved from a curveball. He is quick to the plate and has a long, loose arm action and creates deception with his somewhat funky three-quarters/cross-body delivery. Way spent last summer in the Cape Cod League but didn't distinguish himself as a starter initially, which led to his being demoted to the bullpen. But he made significant strides in the fall in improving his command, and his ability to throw strikes in the early going this season was a difference-maker.--ALLAN SIMPSON |
| |
| 168. |
Seth Schwindenhammer |
OF |
Sr. |
L-R |
6-2 |
210 |
Limestone |
Bartonville, Ill. |
Illinois |
7/1/1991 |
| SCOUTING PROFILE: Schwindenhammer may not be on a majority of teams' draft lists, but there are seven or eight teams that are serious about him, and cross-checked him extensively this spring. They saw a big, athletic lefthanded hitter with serious pop in his bat. Schwindenhammer's swing is well controlled for a player with his raw bat speed, and contact doesn't seem to be a problem. He also threw in the upper-80s off the mound this spring, and his raw arm strength should be playable at the corner-outfield positions. A couple of intriguing side stories color Schwindenhammer's prospect status. His father was a teammate of long-time big leaguer Jim Thome's at Limestone High, and not only have the two have remained friends through the years but Schwindenhammer has broken many of Thome's school hitting records. Also, if Schwindenhammer should eventually play in the major leagues, he would surpass Texas Rangers catcher Jared Saltalamacchia for having the longest last name (15 letters) in the big-league history.--DAVID RAWNSLEY |
| |
| 169. |
Jeff Malm |
1B |
Sr. |
L-L |
6-3 |
215 |
Bishop Gorman |
Las Vegas, Nev. |
Southern California |
10/31/1990 |
| SCOUTING PROFILE (3/1): The lefthanded-hitting Malm has been well-known in prospect circles since the beginning of his freshman year at Nevada's Bishop Gorman High. He led the Gaels to their third straight 4-A state championship a year ago, hitting .564-7-73 with 19 doubles and seven triples. He also saw extensive action on the mound, walking just nine and striking out 74 in 51 innings. Malm's 2008 accomplishments didn't stop there as he played a pivotal role as the Gaels re-grouped during the summer as the Southern Nevada Titans, won 71 of 78 games and stormed to the American Legion World Series title with Malm chosen as the tournament's MVP. He was also the leading hitter (.464-0-11) for silver-medal-winning Team USA at last summer's World Junior championship. Malm has an advanced knowledge of hitting and routinely squares up balls. He has excellent strength and a polished, level swing that enables him to drive balls hard to the gaps. He's an intimidating physical presence at the plate and already has the mature look of a big leaguer. While pitching is clearly a second option for Malm, he nonetheless has measurable prospect status on the mound, where he can touch 92 mph with his fastball. A Southern California-signee, he would be expected to play both ways in college. In terms of the combination of his tools and achievement, there may not be another high-school player in the draft with his credentials.--DAVID RAWNSLEY / ALLAN SIMPSON |
| UPDATE (5/15): As dominating a year as Malm had in 2008, both in spring and summer competition, he may have outdone himself as a senior. He hit a resounding .564-17-69 with 68 runs scored, 14 doubles and 16 stolen bases as Bishop Gorman rolled to a 40-4 record and its fourth straight Nevada 4-A title. He tied a national record for hits in a career, when he collected No. 277 in his final game. He also finished second in prep annals with 74 doubles and fourth with 255 RBIs. Malm's contributions extended well beyond the plate, though, as he went 11-1. 1.50 with 21 walks and 87 strikeouts in a staff-high 65 innings. He won game one of the state championship series against Cimarron Memorial High as a starter, then closed out the clincher. The upshot of his mammoth season was a significant spike in the attention he received from scouts. A consensus third- to fourth-rounder entering the 2009 season, he now is projected to be a sandwich pick-at worst. He not only established himself as one of a handful of the best high-school hitters in the draft, but his power upsurge was vital in his becoming a complete hitter. With more quickness and strength in his hands, he showed legit power consistently for the first time, though some scouts harbor reservations whether he can do it with wood. But few hitters his age can get the bat head through the zone first so consistently and have his advanced feel for hitting. Malm's big, somewhat soft 6-foot-3 frame and below-average speed will limit him to first base, but he has soft hands and is smooth around the bag.--AS |
| |
| 170. |
Wesley Darvill |
SS |
Sr. |
L-R |
6-3 |
175 |
Brookswood |
Langley, B.C. |
Bossier Parish JC |
9/10/1991 |
| SCOUTING PROFILE: Two lefthanded-hitting infielders from western Canada-Darvill and Adam Nelubowich from the Vauxhall Academy in Alberta-made greater strides this year than any position players in Canada. Darvill, especially, made a strong showing while playing with the Langley Blaze, one of Canada's elite travel teams, on its annual trip to spring-training camps in Arizona in March-and went off against a team of Chicago Cubs minor leaguers. He also excelled in a workout sponored by the Major League Scouting Bureau, and so impressed some clubs that they sent in cross-checkers specifically to see him again. He had nunerours workouts scheduled for clubs before the draft. Though both Darvill and Nelubowich have solid-average tools across the board, along with similar makeup and upside, neither has an above-average tool-though Darvill was timed in the 60 in 6.65 seconds on more than one occasion. There are concerns, though, that once he fills out his lanky 6-foot-3 frame that he may grow off shortstop, most likely ending up at third base. Darvill already has the bat speed to indicate power potential, but is just not strong enough yet to drive balls out of the park consistently.--ALLAN SIMPSON |
| |
| 171. |
Casey Haerther |
1B/OF |
Jr. |
R-R |
6-2 |
210 |
UCLA |
Chatsworth, Calif. |
Padres '06 (34) |
10/5/1987 |
| SCOUTING PROFILE (3/1): UCLA coach John Savage recruited Haerther's older brother Cody in 2002, when Savage was the coach at UC Irvine. Though the elder Haerther elected to pass up college and sign with the St. Louis Cardinals as a sixth-round pick in that year's draft, Savage put the wheels in motion to land Casey out of the same Chaminade High program four years later. Haerther, who passed up a 34th-round offer from the San Diego Padres to attend UCLA, got his feet wet by hitting .263 with one homer as a freshman, mostly in a DH role, but had a breakout season as a sophomore, leading the Bruins with 23 doubles, 12 homers, 52 RBIs and a .580 slugging average, while batting .324. As one of the best righthanded bats on the West Coast, Hearther could expand on those numbers in 2009 as he has an unusual combination of power and ability to hit for average. He is big, strong and powerful and just needs to make more consistent contact to be successful at the pro level like his older brother, a career .295 hitter who ascended to the Triple-A level in his sixth minor-league season in 2008. Teams will have to bet on the bat with Haerther as he is pretty much limited to first base defensively, though has been worked out extensively on the other infield corner. A big 2009 season should enable Haerther to shoot past his older brother's draft position as a sixth-rounder.--ALLAN SIMPSON |