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College  | Story | 3/24/2010

Crack of the Bat: Sleepers Making Early Impact

Patrick Ebert
Prior to every college baseball season I compile a list of draft-eligible players who I think will exceed expectations and have big years, leading to a better draft position come June. While I always expect to hit and miss on roughly an equal number of picks, most of the players I selected this year are off to very good starts.

There has always been plenty to like about 6-foot-6, 235-pound Alabama right-hander Jimmy Nelson. He pitches consistently in the upper-80s to low-90s, with good sink on his fastball, and his best pitch is a wipeout slider that should keep him employed and involved in baseball for years to come.

He hasn’t always controlled those pitches that well, with 49 walks in 79 innings and a 5.45 ERA during his first two years for the Crimson Tide. That inconsistency has caused him to bounce between the starting rotation and the bullpen a little bit, although he has pitched most of his college career prior to this year in relief. Nelson even opened the 2009 season as the team’s closer before losing that job after blowing a handful of saves early in the season.

The walks have still been high in the two summers in between (46 in 108 innings), but overall he has been much more effective (2.67 ERA). During the summer of 2008 he led the Texas Collegiate League in strikeouts (66 in 49 innings) and repeated that feat last summer with 75 Ks in 59 innings in the Florida Collegiate League.

As I noted in my preseason impact sleeper story, missing bats has never been an issue for Nelson, but his overall effectiveness has, due to the lack of consistency and control.

Everything seems to have come together for Nelson this season, who is currently 4-0 with a 1.26 ERA for the 16-2 Alabama program, a program usually known for its bats more so than its arms. In five starts spanning 28.2 innings, he has significantly cut down on the walks (eight) while maintaining the impressive strikeout ratio (31 Ks). He recently shut down Vanderbilt as ’Bama took two-of-three from the Commodores, and has another tough test ahead of him this weekend against a dangerous Arkansas lineup.
If both rotations hold, on Saturday he may be facing another one of my preseason sleepers who also is off to a very good start: Drew Smyly.

Smyly has a much more projectable and loose build than the towering Nelson, listed at 6-foot-3 and 190 pounds. His arm action is just as loose and easy, and he commands a nice, three-pitch repertoire very well, highlighted by a low-90s sinking fastball.

His standing as a “sleeper” had more to do with the fact that he’s a draft-eligible sophomore and didn’t seem to garner the type of attention that his potential may normally warrant. That may have changed quickly this spring, as Smyly is off to a 2-0 start with a 1.73 ERA. He recently pitched six strong innings against LSU, although he did not factor into the decision as LSU got to Arkansas’ bullpen after Smyly departed.

Both Smyly and Nelson are bolstering what was already believed to be a draft strong in college pitching, and if their success continues, don’t be surprised to see either one receive consideration for the first or sandwich rounds.

My third starter on my preseason list included Northwestern’s Eric Jokisch, a left-handed pitcher who has gotten off to a rough start this year. After lasting only two innings in the season opener against George Mason, he was shut down for a few weeks due to injury. Upon returning, he made a couple of appearances out of the Wildcats’ bullpen before assuming his usual weekend rotation spot, although he still hasn’t found his feel for pitching (0-4, 5.74 ERA). He has more than a week to straighten the ship before Big Ten conference play begins, starting with conference favorite Ohio State.

Bobby Doran also has had some ups and downs this season for Texas Tech, although he has been pitching as one of the Red Raiders’ starters despite the fact he made my preseason team as a closer. His size and stuff may still be better suited for short relief at the next level, and the same is also said for Doran’s rotation mate, Chad Bettis.
Claiming the preseason utility spot was Virginia Commonweath’s Joe Van Meter, who fortunately for his own good has seen more time on the mound this year. His stuff makes him incredibly hard to hit, sporting a 1.86 ERA and a .152 opponent’s batting average over six relief appearances. He also continues to serve as the team’s everyday third baseman, although I still contend his future is on the mound.

Matching both Nelson and Smyly in regards to effectiveness so far this year in the batter’s box are Tulane’s Rob Segedin and Clemson’s Jeff Schaus.

It hasn’t been a secret that Segedin can hit, and is one of the more natural, gifted pure hitters eligible for this year’s draft. He hit .304 on the Cape last summer and wouldn’t be considered a sleeper had he not missed most of his sophomore year due to a lower back injury.

He is back, and then some, this year, currently leading the nation in doubles with 17, four more than anyone else, while serving as the Green Wave’s cleanup hitter. Overall he is hitting .439/.510/.780, and also is starting to swat more balls over the fence with three bombs so far this year, and he has walked (10 times) more than he has struck out (six) over the first 21 games.

While he may not profile to stick at third base defensively, Segedin’s approach and knack for making consistent, hard contact reminds me a lot of Ryan Zimmerman at a similar stage in his career a few short years ago at Virginia.

Schaus also receives high marks for his sweet swing and ability to command the strike zone. He’s off to a .342/.433/.671 start with six doubles, six home runs, 10 walks and seven strikeouts over his first 19 games.

He is a left-handed hitter, and like Segedin, Schaus always will be known for his bat far more than his glove. He currently is playing left field, although he played right a year ago, and has formed one of the more lethal one-two punches in the nation with fellow corner outfielder Kyle Parker. Parker is also Clemson’s starting quarterback, and while he is the more dynamic athlete and all-around performer, Schaus has been the more reliable run producer, batting third for the 17-2 Tigers.

Louisville’s Stewart Ijames is part of a lethal lineup for the 17-2 Cardinals in which he is batting sixth despite hitting .343/.446/.507. There is a lot more power than his current slugging percentage and two home runs may suggest, although he is doing a much better job staying within himself at the plate this year. Once he becomes more accustomed to that approach, watch for his power numbers to rise.

Michael Fuda of Rice would have to play centerfield of this trio, although he is currently playing left and batting second for Rice. He, too, is off to a hot start, hitting .376 and getting on base 46 percent of the time. A dynamic athlete whose speed made him an exciting receiver and return threat on the gridiron, that speed has yet to make a difference on the base paths. He’s currently leading the nation in strikeouts with 30 in just 85 at-bats, so he would be doing himself a huge favor by putting the ball into play more often, allowing for more opportunities to showcase his wheels.

Tommy Medica may not be catching anymore these days, playing predominantly in right field for Santa Clara, but he continues to rake. He is hitting .408/.481/.620 through his first 16 games, showing good power and his usual polished and patient approach. He doesn’t project to hit for much power at the next level, so if his catching days are behind him, he may have to maximize his versatility to make up for his lack of pop.

Delaware’s Ryan Cuneo may not have the ideal power you look for from a first baseman, but he offers a bat made for making consistent, hard contact and a steady glove. He does have three home runs, while hitting .338 and batting third in the Blue Hens’ lineup.

Two-way talent Kolbrin Vitek was already starting to gain steam heading into the regular season and continues to hit the ball extremely well for Ball State. He’s hitting .392/.451/.658 to open the year, and also is pitching important innings as one of the team’s weekend starters. Most see him settling in at third base at the next level, and he has been discussed as a potential sandwich pick who has solid second- to third-round value.

The steady and versatile Tyler Cannon closes out this list, and may very well hit ninth in this projected lineup while serving as the infield rock defensively. He is among a very productive Virginia lineup that has helped propel to the Cavaliers to a 17-3 start and a number-one ranking according to several national publications, currently sitting at number two on PG Crosschecker’s poll. The switch hitter is off to a .368/.446/.507 start with nine doubles and three triples.

The thoughts and opinions listed here do not necessarily reflect those of Perfect Game USA. Patrick Ebert is affiliated with both Perfect Game USA and 5 Tool Talk, and can be contacted via email at pebert@5tooltalk.com
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College | Story | 7/10/2026

Cape Cod Notebook No. 1
Perfect Game Staff
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Cape Cod League Scouting Notebook  Maverick Rizy | Ole Miss | RHP | Brewster Whitecaps  The towering 6-foot-9, 250-pound right-hander continues to stand out with one of the more unique looks on the Cape, pairing a massive frame with a low three-quarter slot that creates difficult angles for hitters. While his fastball velocity was down from its typical mid-90s range during this look, working mostly 90-92 mph, it still generated plenty of swing-and-miss. He paired the heater with an 81-83 mph gyro slider featuring tight bullet-spin action and mixed in an 85-mph changeup with quality separation. Rizy battled his command early in the outing I saw, before settling in to strike out five over three innings, showing the ability to adjust as the game progressed. Through 12.2 Cape League innings, he has recorded 18 strikeouts, and his combination of size, deception, and projectability...
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Tournaments | Story | 7/12/2026

14u BCS Scout Notes

Perfect Game Staff
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Austin Way (2030, Yulee, FL) was 2-3 in game four, driving in a run and scoring once himself. Picked it well defensively at shortstop but really showed out in the box today. Works the barrel path to the middle of the field and whips the barrel through the zone. The RHH creates lift in the turn, and the ball jumps off the bat hot.  Sutton Walling (2029, Ponte Vedra, FL) is an athletic 5’11/160lb infielder who gets it done on both sides of the ball. Dominated at the plate right behind his teammate Way in the batting order going 3-3 with two doubles. He does a really good job with the barrel accuracy and works through contact with heavy hands. Lots of project-ability in the profile and is having a sneaky great week at the plate. Banks Kennedy (2030, Arcadia, FL) received it well behind the dish and was the leading force in this one driving in three rbis. He ended up going 2-3...
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Draft | Story | 7/12/2026

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Tyler Henninger
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2026 MLB Draft: Best Available for Day Two  A total of 135 players heard their name called on Saturday. As always, signability, bonus pool strategy, and organizational preferences play a major role in how the board unfolds. With that being said, we saw a majority of the top half off the board get selected, but there are a number of players ranked inside our Top 150 that remain available. From high-upside prep talent to polished college performers, these are the top names still available according to our Final Top 500 Draft Board.  Top Prep Bats Available (with Top-500 Board Rankings) 38. Archer Horn, SS/RHP, St. Ignatius College Prep (CA) 58. Blake Bowen, OF, JSerra Catholic (CA) 64. James Tronstein, SS/OF, Harvard-Westlake (CA) 66. Noah Wilson, OF, McCallie School (TN) 71. Cole Koeninger, SS/RHP, Keller (TX) 77. Sean Dunlap, C, Crown Point (IN) 82. Alex Weingartner, OF//RHP,...
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Tournaments | Story | 7/11/2026

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Kinley Kitchens
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Another week, another big tournament makes its way to Hoover.  This week, 104 of the nation’s top 17U teams will make their way to Hoover for the 2026 Perfect Game 17U National Elite Championship.  Featuring nationally ranked teams, Division I commits, and many of the country’s top 2027 players, the tournament promises another week of elite competition as teams battle for one of the biggest championships of the summer.  With many players already committed to some of the nation’s top college programs, every game in Hoover this week offers a glimpse into the future of college baseball.  Now entering its eighth year, the National Elite Championship continues to bring in the nation’s best. Past champions include Team Elite Scout Team, Canes National, USA Prime National, Scorpions/Giants Scout Team, 5 Star Performance National, Knights Knation Scout...
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Draft | Story | 7/12/2026

2026 MLB Draft: Day One Recap

Tyler Henninger
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Storylines Heavy College Run Early We came into the day knowing that there were a lot of talented college players at the top of the board, more specifically college bats. That came to light very early in the day, as we saw just two prep players selected within the first ten picks. The college preference lasted throughout most of the entire first round. Nearly 75% of the first 40 selections were college players. It is clear teams want players at the top of the draft that can quickly get through the system and help the big league club as soon as possible. Underslot Strategy Throughout this cycle, we knew that once you get past the first handful of picks the difference in value you were getting for let say pick ten was not that difference compared to pick 30. Because there was a large collection of players that are relatively close in value, teams were looking to get creative. We saw this...
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Draft | Mock Draft | 7/11/2026

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Vincent Cervino
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It's draft day and that means it's time for our final Mock Draft with the 2026 group. 1. Chicago White Sox | Roch Cholowsky, SS, UCLA It’s between Roch and Grady Emerson at this pick, though there have been heavy rumors of a very late deal potentially with another top 5 pick. This boils down to negotiations and we think that they will get there.  2. Tampa Bay Rays | Grady Emerson, SS, Fort Worth Christian (Tex.) If Grady isn’t the first pick then he is almost certain to be the second pick. The Rays like to get creative but Emerson is a well worth prospect in his own right.  3.  Minnesota Twins | Vahn Lackey, C, Georgia Tech This is likely the floor for Roch Cholowsky, though the Twins might prefer Lackey to Roch outright. They are thought to be in on the top college players with Emerson a distant third.  4. San Francisco Giants | Jackson Flora, RHP, UC...
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Tournaments | Story | 7/10/2026

Ohio Valley Regional Scout Notes

Perfect Game Staff
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‘28 INF Christian Ramirez (OH) WALKS IT OFF for @CincyDBulls2028 to win the chip! Has shown impressive tools throughout the weekend and in this AB showed the ability to adjust to the offspeed and win the game. #OVElite pic.twitter.com/J3MXJXFnbM — Perfect Game Ohio Valley (@PG_OhioValley) July 5, 2026 Christian Ramirez (2028, Mason, Ohio) helped his team win the championship batting out of the two-hole. Though he didn’t win tournament MVP, Ramirez was my favorite player to watch take a plate appearance. He has an advanced feel for the zone and sees the ball out of the pitcher’s hand quicker than most. Ramirez led the tournament with eight walks, batting .375 with a .583 on-base percentage. Much more than just the approach, the swing is efficient with little wasted movement, creates quality separation, and puts him in an excellent position at contact. With such an...
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Tournaments | Story | 7/10/2026

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Perfect Game Staff
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Tournaments | Story | 7/10/2026

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Perfect Game Staff
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Tre Hallberg (‘27, AZ) hammers this out to deep LCF for a 2-run 💣. Continues to stand out at the plate. Power will only continue to develop #WWBAWest @PG_Uncommitted https://t.co/NlWlDygpwg pic.twitter.com/RHrgYXLmwm — Perfect Game Four Corners (@PG_FourCorners) July 10, 2026 Tre Hallberg (2027, Mesa, Ariz.) was nearly impossible to get out over the first two days of action, going 7-for-9 with a triple and a home run. A balanced right-handed swing stays compact to contact. There is quick hand speed through the zone with feel for the barrel. Hallberg has a strong feel to hit to go with power that continues to develop. The upside is apparent.  William Garcia Falmer (2027, El Dorado Hills, Calif.) collected a pair of mulit-hit games over the course of day one and two, going 5-for-7 with two doubles, a homer, and seven runs driven in. Garcia Falmer features a physical build...
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Tournaments | Story | 7/10/2026

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Perfect Game Staff
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Windy City Invite & Open Scout Notes: Part 1 Braedon Paczocha (2028, Palmyra, Wis.), a 5-foot-11, 180-pound frame catcher for GRB STiKS 16U Black, displayed a quick bat with the ability to do damage. Showed a good feel for the barrel throughout the weekend, hitting .538 (7-for-13) with 3 doubles, 8 RBI, 2 stolen bases, and a 1.376 OPS. Also received well behind the plate with quick, efficient transfers and displayed good instincts.    ’28 1B Brock Hamilton (IL) displays some present strength, driving this ball deep into the LCF gap to leg out a triple. Creates loud contact off the bat and does damage here. #WCInvite @WhitesoxAce pic.twitter.com/6EK81gG9Wi — Perfect Game Illinois (@PG_Illinois) July 5, 2026 Brock Hamilton (2028, Flossmoor, Ill.), one of the top first basemen in Illinois, brings a physical 6-foot-5, 240-pound frame with plenty of present strength...
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