THE WORLD'S LARGEST AND MOST COMPREHENSIVE SCOUTING ORGANIZATION
| 2,577 MLB PLAYERS | 16,376 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
2,577 MLB PLAYERS | 16,376 MLB DRAFT SELECTIONS
Sign in Create Account
Sign in Create Account
Draft  | Follow List | 5/20/2010

FLORIDA

2010 FOLLOW LIST
 
COMPILED by DAVID RAWNSLEY / ANDY SEILER / ALLAN SIMPSON
 
STATE OVERVIEW
Florida has been the nation’s second-best talent-producing state almost since the evolution of the draft in 1965, and even by its own lofty standard, this has been an outstanding spring for the Sunshine State—both in terms of potential premium draft picks and depth across the board.
 
One veteran Florida area scout remarked, as the schedule was winding down in mid-May: “I don’t think I’ve ever not seen everyone on my (follow) list before, but that’s what happened this spring. There were just too many good players to see without missing out on a couple of them.”
 
A best-case scenario for the June 7-9 draft could see as many as eight Floridians picked in the first round, including potentially the top college pitcher (Florida Gulf Coast LHP Chris Sale), the first high-school position player (Miami’s Brito Private High SS Manny Machado) and the first college catcher (Miami’s Yasmani Grandal). All are pegged to go in the top 6-7 picks.
 
Furthermore, PG Crosschecker has identified 61 players (20 college, 13 junior college, 28 high school) on the attached state follow list that are legitimate candidates to go in the top 10 rounds.
 
The top three college teams in Florida, both in terms of on-field success and producing talent for professional baseball, have historically been Florida, Florida State and Miami. And that continues to be the case as all three traditional powers are ranked among the top 20 nationally in the latest PG Crosschecker Top 50 college rankings. Each of the three should also positively impact the draft, particularly with Miami’s Grandal expected to go quickly.
 
But a significant change in the college landscape in Florida in the past few years has been the improvement in talent coming from some of the state’s mid-level four-year schools.
 
Florida Gulf Coast is in its first official year of eligibility at the Division I level, and yet in Sale could produce the state’s first college draft. Lynn, the defending D-II national champion, and long-time D-II power Florida Southern, are expected to have a player taken in the top three rounds, and in Florida Southern’s case could produce as many as four draft picks in the top 10 rounds.
 
The ascension of the young Florida Gulf Coast program (34-18, No. 34 in PG Top 50) into national prominence has obviously been helped by Sale’s dominant pitching (9-0, 2.00, 90 IP/128 SO), so its success was not entirely unanticipated. But a resurgent Florida Atlantic team (31-19, No. 49) has also given the state a boost nationally.
 
Two additional programs that have been somewhat dormant in recent years, Central Florida (31-21) and Florida International (30-20), are also in the midst of significant upswings under new head coaches Turtle Thomas (FIU) and Terry Rooney (UCF), both former Louisiana State assistants, and it’s just a matter of time before those schools make an impact on the national rankings.
 
The most talent-filled junior-college ranks in the country are in Florida, and two players in particular should be selected in the top two rounds (Chipola OF Levon Washington, and hard-throwing St. Petersburg RHP Austin Wood).
 
Manatee JC (or more accurately, the newly re-named State College of Florida) won the state junior-college title behind sophomore lefthander Alex Burgos (13-1, 1.42), a 5-foot-11 southpaw with exceptional polish and pitchability, plus a fastball that will bump 91 mph. After Washington and Wood, he heads the list of 8-10 JC players from the state that could be tabbed in the first 10 rounds.
 
Washington was an unsigned first-round pick (30th overall) of the Tampa Bay Rays in 2009, and missed much of the early season with minor injuries. If teams judge him to be more signable this time, he could become a rare two-time first-rounder. There are few, if any, prospects in the country who have his type of game-changing speed combined with projectable hitting ability.
 
As strong as the college and junior-college ranks are, the talent and depth at the high-school level has been even more impressive.
 
In addition to Machado, fellow Miami-area third baseman Nick Castellanos (Bishop McCarthy High) has also seen his draft stock rise through the spring due to his power projection, and could join Machado among the first 15 picks. A third Florida prep infielder, Lakeland High’s Yordy Cabrera, could also earn a spot in the first round.
 
But the high-end prep talent hardly stops with position players as two top Florida righthanded pitchers, A.J. Cole (Oviedo High) and Karsten Whitson (Chipley High), are also targeted to go by the middle of the first round, different as their pitching styles are.
 
High-school talent in Florida is generally so heavily scouted through the spring that it’s rare for someone to pop up late in the spring, but that may have happened this spring. Both shortstop/outfielder Mason Williams (West Orange High) and outfielder Kyle Waldrop (Riverdale High) went from basically off-the-radar players in January to potential top 2-3 round picks in June, based mainly on a position change (Williams), and a combination of good health and a re-focus on baseball over football (Waldrop).
 
IN A NUTSHELL
STRENGTH: Depth of talent, especially lefthanded pitchers, athletes.
WEAKNESS: College righthanders.
OVERALL RATING (1-to-5 scale): 5.
 
BEST COLLEGE TEAM: Florida.
BEST JUNIOR COLLEGE TEAM: State College of Florida/Manatee.
BEST HIGH SCHOOL TEAM: Tampa Jesuit.
 
PROSPECT ON THE RISE: Mason Williams, ss/of, West Orange HS. Switch to shortstop from center field has moved him from future college player (South Carolina) to current top-2 round pick.
PROSPECT ON THE DECLINE: Eric Arce, c/1b, Lakeland HS. Legal troubles this spring and lack of defensive position have combined to hamper draft status.
WILD CARD: LeVon Washington, of, Chipola JC. Tampa Bay’s 2009 unsigned first-round choice still has first-round talent, but not signing last year plus continued injuries make him an uncertain repeat pick at that level.
 
BEST OUT-OF-STATE PROSPECT, Florida Connection: Kyle Parker, of-1b, Clemson University (Attended high school in Jacksonville).
TOP 2011 PROSPECT: Francisco Lindor, ss, Montverde Academy, Clermont.
TOP 2012 PROSPECT: Addison Russell, ss, Pace HS.
 
HIGHEST DRAFT PICKS
Highest Pick, Draft History: Chipper Jones, ss, The Bolles School, Jacksonville (1990, Braves/1st round, 1st pick); Alex Rodriguez, ss, Westminster Christian HS, Miami (1993, Mariners/1st round, 1st pick); Paul Wilson, rhp, Florida State U. (1994, Mets/1st round, 1st pick); Pat Burrell, 1b, U. of Miami (Phillies, 1998/1st round, 1st pick).
Highest Pick, 2006 Draft: Chris Marrero, 3b, Monsignor Pace HS, Hialeah (Nationals/1st round, 15th pick).
Highest Pick, 2007 Draft: Matt LaPorta, 1b, U. of Florida (Brewers/1st round, 7th pick).
Highest Pick, 2008 Draft: Eric Hosmer, 1b, American Heritage HS, Plantation (Royals/1st round, 3rd pick).
Highest Pick, 2009 Draft: Bobby Borchering, 3b, Bishop Verot HS, Ft. Myers (Diamondbacks/1st round, 16th pick)
 
BEST TOOLS
Best Hitter: Yasmani Grandal, c, University of Miami.
Best Power: Nick Castellanos, 3b, Bishop McCarthy HS, Davie.
Best Speed: Mason Williams, ss-of, West Orange HS, Winter Garden.
Best Defender: Manny Machado, ss, Brito Private HS, Miami.
Best Velocity: A.J. Cole, rhp, Oviedo HS.
Best Breaking Stuff: Karsten Whitson, rhp, Chipley HS.
 
TOP PROSPECTS
Full scouting reports available on players ranked on national Top 250 list (click on National Top 300)
 
GROUP ONE(Projected ELITE-Round Draft / Rounds 1-3)
1. MANNY MACHADO, ss, Brito Private HS, Hialeah                                          National Top 250 (Rank 4)
Top middle-infield prospect in draft; superior hitter with plus hit and power tools, solid fielder, plus arm

This is PG 'DiamondKast' Level content.
You must be either an DiamondKast, Crosschecker Rankings & Scouting Reports, or Scout subscriber to read the rest.
Sign in Subscribe Now
Give us your feedback
Draft | Story | 7/20/2026

2026 MLB Draft: Roster Challenge
Tyler Henninger
Article Image
With the 2026 MLB Draft complete, our own draft team put together a fun exercise. Using a snake style draft format, we each had to build a roster using players selected in the 2026 MLB Draft. There was one catch. Each team could select only one player from each of the first 10 rounds, plus one player from Rounds 11-20. You did not have to go in order of each round, meaning you could jump between rounds and pick which players you thought had the most value. Each team installed a different strategy, balancing between star power, positional value, and depth. You tell us, which team do you think has the most talent? Team Albee C: Vahn Lackey, Georgia Tech (1st rd) 1B: Will Adams, Hoover HS (11th rd) MIF: Cole Prosek, Magnolia Heights HS (2nd rd) MIF: Eric Guevara, Auburn (7th rd) 3B: Robert Omidi, Fieldhouse Pirates (8th rd) OF: Kevin Roberts Jr, Jackson Prep HS (4th rd) OF: Alex...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 7/22/2026

15u WWBA Scout Notes: Day 5

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
15u WWBA Scout Notes: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 | Day 4 Noah Rumley (‘29 NC) has been up to 90 so far in this start w/ 8 Ks in 4 innings of work. Really jumps out of the hand at foot strike w/ some ride to it; has also mixed in a SL w/ horizontal action. #WWBA @PG_Coastal pic.twitter.com/OcU57a3Syl — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) July 21, 2026 Noah Rumley (2029, Summerfield, N.C.) got the ball for GBC Lopez 2029 15u in their final game of pool play and dominated, going up against a tough lineup in the East Cobb Astros. The 6-foot-2 left-handed pitcher ended up going five innings, allowing only one hit and one run, while striking out nine. It’s premium stuff at the 15u level as he worked easily in the upper-80s, topping at 90 mph in the first. The breaking ball showed two-plane shape in the upper-70s as well. There’s a ton of things to like already and even...
Read More
Tournaments | Championship | 7/22/2026

Champions Named at Southwest Select

Emily Hicks
Article Image
Another week of Perfect Game baseball concluded as champions were crowned in the 15U, 16U, and 18U divisions of the Southwest Select Championship. After several days of pool play and championship bracket action, three teams rose above the competition to capture tournament titles following a week of high-level baseball. Throughout the tournament, teams from across the Southwest and beyond competed in closely contested matchups, producing standout pitching performances, timely offense, and memorable defensive plays. As the bracket narrowed, each division featured championship-caliber baseball before the final trophies were awarded. 15U Championship The 15U division title was claimed by AZ Prodigy, who defeated Nomadic 14U Premier by a score of 2-1 in the championship game. After putting together a strong tournament run, AZ Prodigy continued its momentum in the title game with contributions...
Read More
All American Game | Story | 7/22/2026

PG All-American Classic Roster Reveal

Article Image
  667 Progress Way | Sanford, FL 32771 | 319-298-2923 www.perfectgame.org | facebook.com/perfectgameusa | @PerfectGameUSA     FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   PERFECT GAME ANNOUNCES TEAM ROSTERS FOR 2026 DICK'S ALL-AMERICAN CLASSIC AT CITIZENS BANK PARK   The rosters span 20 U.S. states, Puerto Rico and Canada, with California leading the way Jersey City's Finnian O'Loughlin gives the host region a player in the spotlight Field includes sons of Hall of Famer Frank Thomas & MLB All-Star Brad Hawpe   Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (Wednesday, July 22, 2026) - Perfect Game, the world’s largest youth baseball and softball platform and scouting service, today announced the Team East and Team West rosters for the 2026 DICK'S All-American Classic, set for Sunday, August 16 at Citizens Bank Park, home of the Philadelphia Phillies. The 60-player field represents the top...
Read More
Tournaments | Championship | 7/22/2026

Florida Burn Cruise to 17U BCS Crown

Alyssa Golden
Article Image
Ranked fifth nationally entering the tournament, Florida Burn 2027 Scout left no doubt who the best team was at the 17U BCS National Championship. Burn finished a perfect 9-0 tournament, earning an 11-1 semifinal victory before defeating No. 86-ranked Original Florida Pokers 2027 National, 9-1, Tuesday afternoon at JetBlue Park. Burn seized control early and never looked back in a game that ended after the fifth inning per Perfect Game’s mercy rule. Burn carried its explosive offense into the championship game as Braedon Mackay launched a two-run home run in the first inning, giving his team an early 2-0 lead. Mackay’s home run sparked a five-run opening inning, setting the tone for the rest of the afternoon. The Florida commit later earned tournament MVP honors after helping lead Burn to an unbeaten championship run. “I was just trying to get something started,”...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 7/22/2026

17u BCS Scout Notes: Days 2-3

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
17u BCS Scout Notes: Day 1 Kenniel Nieves Medero (2027 SS, PR)  Nieves Medero put together another quality offensive showing, continuing the consistent production he displayed throughout the tournament. The 8.5 PG grade shortstop features quick hands and does an excellent job creating separation with strong hip rotation, allowing him to generate easy bat speed through the zone. The swing remains balanced and efficient with present feel for the barrel. A polished offensive profile with tools that continue to translate in game action.  Oscar Cambero (2027 3B, FL)  Cambero turned in an impressive offensive performance, smoking a triple into the gap while showcasing both speed and gap-to-gap power. The right-handed hitter generates quality bat speed and consistently impacts the baseball with authority. Plays with a high motor on both sides of the ball and competes with energy...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 7/22/2026

Texas Region Scout Notes

Geoff Billock
Article Image
Jack Soete (2028, Houston, Texas) had a big weekend for HP 2028 Woods. Went 4-9 at the plate with two doubles and a home run. Strong approach at the top of the order as well, drawing five walks. Closed stance with an athletic, projectable frame. Gains ground on the stride and stays on plane with his swing. Bat-to-ball ability is present and power should continue to develop. Lot to like from the athletic, left-handed bat. Kai Anderson (2028, Missouri City, Texas) was an absolute force for 2028 South Texas Sliders 16U Pierce. Went 4-8 with two doubles, six runs batted in, and a no-doubt walk-off home run in the semifinal. Some physicality in the frame. Leverages the upper half decently as he shows some ability to elevate with more than enough juice. Some pretty serious flashes as a middle of the order bat at the next level. Valentin Ceballos (2028, New Braunfels, Texas) was extremely loud...
Read More
PG Select Baseball Festival | General | 7/21/2026

13u Select Festival Roster Reveal

Jheremy Brown
Article Image
With the completion of the 2026 13u National Showcase, an event that featured some of the best talent the age group has to offer, 42 players came out with the label of "Festivaler" as they received a phone call shortly after the event concluded. Moving back to the University of Tennessee after a two year stay at the University of Virginia, Ole Rocky Top will see a mixed bag of returners; three-timers, new faces and a couple who bridged the gap from the 11u game into the 13u iteration.  Of the 42 players, 9 players call Florida their home base which is the most of any state while Texas (8), California (7) and Georgia (5) are all close behind nearly three-quarters of the players selected. In total 17 different states are represented, from Hawaii to Arkansas, Washington to Maryland and everywhere in between.  Quick roster breakdown: Three-time Select Festival: 13 players ...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 7/21/2026

UBC Midwest X Atlantic Notes: Part 1

Blaine Peterson
Article Image
Jack Postma (2028, Barrington, IL) made an impression in Chicago this week. A 6-foot-5 right hander with a starter pitch mix. Topped out at 93 in his outing at UBC Midwest and pitched at 88-93 for 2 innings on the mound. Slider showed late horizontal bite at its best when finished out front. Change up is a usable third pitch with fading action and ability to miss bats. Clean overall operation in the delivery. Upside with added stability in the arm action. Chance to be one of the top prospects in Illinois and potentially the country with necessary adjustments moving forward.  Connor Basinski (2028, Columbia, IL) an athletic player with 2-way potential. Physicality stands out for a player in the 2028 class. Swung the bat impressively well in Chicago. Hits from a wide stance and stays balanced using strength and leverage to drive the baseball to all fields. Launched a long pull side...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 7/21/2026

15u WWBA Scout Notes: Day 4

Perfect Game Staff
Article Image
15u WWBA Scout Notes: Day 1 | Day 2 | Day 3 Mason Conner (2029, Palestine, Texas) was a force in the middle-of-the-order for Gold Culture. The right-handed hitter starts from a medium stance with in-line feet and a low handset with a low back elbow, utilizes a negative leg lift stride. Strides through and uncoils the lower half well and creates separation in the back shoulder. Solid hand speed with a flat bat plane and feel to leverage and lift. Impacts the ball well with feel to impact and drive. The shortstop showed the power upside belting a two-run homer over the fence in left field and added a two-RBI knock later in the game. Medium 6-foot, 175-pound frame that was consistently on the barrel and showed a good approach at the plate working two walks. Lennon Dunn (2029, Mansfield, Texas) competed and showed the upside on the mound for Stix 2029 Scout. The right-handed pitcher...
Read More
Tournaments | Story | 7/21/2026

16U BCS Rolls into Fort Myers

Alyssa Golden
Article Image
The 21st annual 16U BCS National Championship returns to Fort Myers, Florida from July 23-27, bringing together many of the nation’s top 2028 graduates. The tournament features 44 teams, including six nationally ranked clubs, competing for a national title across five days of high-level competition. Year after year, the event has served as a proving ground for elite talent. Defending champion Showtime Select National 16U returns after capturing last year’s championship, while a talented field from across the country will look to add its name to the event’s prestigious history. One of the premier prospects in the field, shortstop Gabriel Coupet enters as the highest-ranked player in attendance, checking in at No. 49 overall in the Class of 2028 and No. 8 player in Florida. The Boynton Beach, Fla., native has established himself as one of the country’s most talented...
Read More
Loading more articles...
About Perfect Game :: Contact us :: Terms of Use :: Privacy Policy :: Testimonials :: Job Opportunities
Copyright 1994-2026 by Perfect Game. All rights reserved. No portion of this information may be reprinted or reproduced without the written consent of Perfect Game.