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Draft  | Prospect Scouting Reports | 6/14/2010

Scouting Reports: Fourth Round (116-145)

DRAFT 2010
 
SCOUTING REPORTS
Fourth Round (116-145)
 
 
116. WASHINGTON NATIONALS
A.J. COLE, rhp, Oviedo (Fla.) HS
SCOUTING PROFILE (3/1):As one of the most established arms in his draft class, Cole was always a step ahead of the competition in his age group growing up, and routinely played with players a year or two older. Now long and loose at 6-foot-5 and 190 pounds, he’s built along the lines of Detroit Tigers righthanders Justin Verlander and Rick Porcello. He’s also not that far from having that type of stuff. Cole has a long, fluid arm action and is very quick coming through to the point of release. He repeats his delivery very well for his age and has never shown any problems with his command, although he will tend to pitch flat, and up, like many young prospects his age. Cole went 6-1, 1.45 with 70 strikeouts in 48 innings as a high-school junior. When he’s used as a starter, Cole’s fastball sits consistently in the 92-94 mph range, and gets heavy sinking and running action when down in the zone. On those rare occasions when Cole has pitched out of the bullpen, notably in tense situations at World Wood Bat Association events, he has thrown consistently at 95-96 mph and even touched 98. Cole’s upper-70s curve is a hard, sharp breaking ball with good consistent depth and two-plane shape. He hasn’t developed a good feel for his changeup yet, but hasn’t had much of a need for it. With Cole’s young body and fluid, fast arm action, scouts aren’t hesitant to project more velocity in the future.—DAVID RAWNSLEY
UPDATE (5/15): Cole finished the 2010 season strongly, and scouts saw his velocity creep up steadily during the spring, always a good sign. They also had to have noted that the big righthander walked only nine hitters all spring, as well, a shockingly low number for a high-school pitcher throwing in the mid-90s.—DR
 
117. PITTSBURGH PIRATES
NICK KINGHAM, rhp, Sierra Vista HS, Las Vegas, Nev.
SCOUTING PROFILE (3/1):Kingham didn’t pitch high-school baseball in 2009 because of Nevada transfer rules, but made up for his inactivity during the summer and fall. The former Calvary Christian High righthander played for a Las Vegas travel team, and participated in numerous national showcase events and tournaments, including Perfect Game’s National Showcase at the Metrodome in Minneapolis in June, the Area Code Games in Long Beach, Calif., in August and PG’s World Wood Bat Association fall championship in Jupiter, Fla., in October. Kingham is extremely projectable at 6-foot-5 and 210 pounds, and could easily add another 25 pounds to his frame to become a durable starter with a legit power arm. He already has a smooth, very repeatable delivery and a clean, high three-quarters arm action. His fastball was generally in the 88-91 mph range a year ago, but as the type of pitcher who should easily gain velocity as he gets stronger, his fastball was predictably touching 94 this spring. Kingham has excellent feel for and command of both a mid-70s curve and an upper-70s changeup. The change is definitely a potential plus pitch and Kingham shows lots of confidence in it, while his curve flashes plus potential. His smooth delivery enables him to throw strikes with all three pitches. Kingham signed with Oregon, but that decision is looking less certain by the day as Kingham continues to edge closer to the top 2-3 rounds.—DAVID RAWNSLEY
UPDATE (5/15): With most of the scouting attention in Nevada focused this spring on the College of Southern Nevada and projected No. 1 draft pick Bryce Harper, the state high-school ranks were relegated to secondary status. It’s a toss-up whether Kingham or Bonanza High slugging third baseman Kris Bryant, who slugged 22 homers in 33 games, will be the first prep player drafted in the state, but either could go as early as the sandwich round. Kingham had a solid season, maintaining his superior stuff until the end, even as his 28-8 Sierra Vista High team was beaten four times by defending national champion Bishop Gorman High.—ALLAN SIMPSON
 
118. BALTIMORE ORIOLES
TRENT MUMMEY, of, Auburn
SCOUTING PROFILE: At 5-foot-10 and 175 pounds, Mummey doesn’t have the physical profile of a typical early-round draft pick. But his hustling, scrappy approach enables him to get the most out of all his tools, and he’s gradually won over scouts after going undrafted out of an Alabama high school despite hitting .453-9-45 with 37 steals as a senior. Mummey locked in as Auburn’s leadoff hitter and center fielder from the start of his freshman year. He hit .305 in 2008 and .289 in 2009, while leading the team in stolen bases both seasons, with 18 as a freshman, 17 as a sophomore. Where Mummey showed vast improvement from one year to the next was in his power production. He hit four homers as a rookie, and jumped his total to 15 a year later. Though his batting average last summer in the Cape Cod League tailed off to .250 after a hot start, he still topped Harwich in homers (3) and stolen bases (22), and was second on the team in RBIs (14), even in his leadoff role. This spring, he missed the first 28 games of the season with a spider-web fracture of the tibia just above the ankle, but was hitting .351-11-33 in his first 23 games back in the Auburn lineup. Despite his smallish frame, Mummey has very quick hands and can put a charge in a ball. He is aggressive in his approach at the plate and may need to become a little more selective as he advances, particularly since his timing was off late in the Cape season last summer, leading to a prolonged slump. His aggressive style is evident in all phases of his game, most notably on the bases and in center field. His 4.1-second time down the line is reflective of his above-average speed and acceleration, but he has a tendency to run the bases a little recklessly at times. Mummey’s aggressive, all-out style also has made him injury-prone. In addition to his injury this spring, he missed the last week of the Cape Cod League season when he made a spectacular catch in center field, only to injure his wrist when he rolled over on it. Amazingly, he homered his next time up, and didn’t realize he had damaged his wrist until he swung and missed in a subsequent at-bat. He also broke his wrist the previous fall at Auburn. Mummey is one of the most-accomplished defensive center fielders in the college game and was acknowledged for his superior play with a Rawlings Gold Glove award as a sophomore. He remained in center field last summer for Harwich, even after Louisiana State’s Leon Landry, one of the foremost defenders in the college game, joined the team part way through the summer season. Mummey’s speed and arm strength were deemed to be the superior of the two, and scouts will be wise not to overlook his tools—and intangibles.
--ALLAN SIMPSON
UPDATE (5/15): Though scouts weren’t convinced that Mummey was 100 percent healthy after his return from injury, he continued to swing the bat at a hot pace into the SEC tournament. In 31 games, he was hitting .371-15-47—and his home-run-to-at-bat ratio was better than Hunter Morris and Brian Fletcher, the acknowledged sluggers in the Auburn batting order.—AS
 
119. KANSAS CITY ROYALS
KEVIN CHAPMAN, lhp, Florida
SCOUTING PROFILE (3/1): The 6-foot-4, 215-pound Chapman has always teased scouts with his impressive raw stuff, especially for a lefthander, and this may be the year that he finally capitalizes on his natural ability. Installed as Florida’s closer at the start of the 2010 season, Chapman has been dominant in that role with a 1-0, 1.33 record and five saves in his first 13 appearances. In 20 innings, he walked five, struck out 20 and limited opposing hitters to a .197 average. He has dominated with a 90-93 mph fastball and a nasty breaking ball. With deception in his delivery, he’s been especially tough on lefthanders. Most of all, Chapman’s shown no lingering effects from a sore elbow and the resulting Tommy John surgery that he underwent in March of 2008, which caused him to sit out that season. He subsequently had bone chips removed from his left elbow that fall, and pitched sparingly in 2009, working just 11 innings. Chapman, not surprisingly, was passed over in last year’s draft, marking the second time in his career that he’s experienced disappointment in the draft. As a high-school junior at Westminster Academy in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., where he was a teammate of current Florida outfielder Matt den Dekker, Chapman went 8-2, 0.89 with 140 strikeouts in 93 innings. He showed every indication of being a top prospect for the 2006 draft, but altered his delivery in the fall leading up to his senior year, and had bouts with a tender arm, causing him to lose several miles off his 93 mph fastball. It caused him to tumble to the 42nd round of that year’s draft. Chapman had marginal success as a freshman at Florida, going 2-1, 4.23 in 19 appearances, before his career nearly derailed a year later. Fully healthy this year for the first time, Chapman could surge into the top 2-3 rounds in June.—ALLAN SIMPSON
UPDATE (5/15): Chapman has continued his early-season success with a dominant run as Florida’s closer. His record stands at 3-0, 1.26 with 37 strikeouts in 36 innings through mid-May, and the most-pleasing number has been the six walks he has allowed. He has managed to save eight games, and hitters are hitting just .185 against him. His stuff has continued to impress scouts, and he has maintained strong draft stock as a power lefthanded reliever.—ANDY SEILER
 
120. CLEVELAND INDIANS
KYLE BLAIR, rhp, San Diego
SCOUTING PROFILE (3/1): San Diego’s dynamic sophomore trio of Blair, lefthander Sammy Solis and third baseman Victor Sanchez was supposed to lead the Toreros into unchartered waters in 2009, but all were felled by injuries and the team’s hopes of a first-ever College World Series appearance were not only dashed, but squashed altogether as USD failed to even earn a regional bid. Blair was the healthiest of the three, but even he made just eight starts and went 3-2, 3.13, though struck out 62 in 55 innings. As a freshman, he won eight games and fanned 99. Blair was shut down for an extended stretch midway through his sophomore season with biceps tendinitis in his pitching arm. There was debate whether he was healthy enough to pitch during the summer, but he ended up returning to the Cape Cod League and making eight starts for Brewster. He went a solid 3-1, 1.42 with 51 strikeouts in 44 innings, though walked a league-high 30 batters, stemming mostly from command issues with his fastball. His velocity was a steady 89-92 mph, but he often resorted to toning down his fastball a bit to throw strikes more consistently, with little success. Blair constantly worked out of trouble, but his game seemed to click when he was paired with catcher Daniel Butler, a defensive specialist who was signed as a non-drafted free agent late in the Cape season. If Blair struggled with his fastball, his 76-78 mph power slider was a revelation and might have been the best breaking ball in the Cape league. It had a late, tight break and was so unhittable at times that Blair topped the league in lowest opponent batting average (.171), and was second in strikeouts. He tended to fall in love with the pitch, though, and often resorted to working backwards, utilizing his slider in fastball counts. His changeup was an acceptable third pitch. Blair has always had high expectations since spurning a fifth-round offer from the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2007 out of a California high school. With his superior stuff and excellent feel for pitching, Blair has all the credentials to become a first-round pick in 2010. But he performed below expectations through his first seven starts, going just 2-3, 4.54 with 17 walks and 47 strikeouts in 36 innings. The same issues that plagued him last summer continued to be at the root of his troubles. Scouts still like his durable frame, downhill angle on his pitches, short arm action and the deception he creates in his delivery. He just needs to better establish his fastball.—ALLAN SIMPSON
UPDATE (5/15): Blair picked up his pace considerably over the course of the 2010 season, and was 7-3, 2.87 in 12 starts through mid-May, with 28 walks and 97 strikeouts in 75 innings. Opponents were batting just .215 against him. Though his slider and curve have been excellent secondary pitches, Blair’s bugaboo remains his inability to command his fastball. It has cost him any shot of being drafted in the first round, and possibly top two or even three. Recognizing that Blair will need to throw his fastball on a steady basis to remain a starter at the professional level, scouts have begun viewing him more as a possible reliever.—AS
 
121. ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS
KEVIN MUNSON, rhp, James Madison
SCOUTING PROFILE (3/1): For a player who was mostly a catcher in high school and was expected to play the position in college, Munson has made huge strides as a pitching prospect—or more specifically as a closer—in two-plus years at James Madison. In 45 appearances (all in relief) covering 79 innings in his first two years, he was 5-3 with 13 saves and 101 strikeouts. He tied a school record with nine saves as a sophomore, and was on pace to break that mark as a junior. He had five saves through his first 16 appearances, and was 3-0, 1.17 with 33 strikeouts in 23 innings. Though Munson saved only three games in 16 regular-season appearances last summer in the Cape Cod League, he was league champion Bourne’s primary closer. On the summer, he went 0-1, 1.80 with 24 strikeouts in 15 innings, though walked 13. With a fastball that reaches 96-97 mph and an 80-83 mph slider that is a quality out-pitch, Munson has the stuff to be a dominant closer and can be nearly unhittable when his command is precise. He also has the intense, no-fear makeup desired in a pitcher with a game on the line. Munson needs to locate his fastball on both sides of the plate a little more consistently, and possibly develop a pitch—a two-seamer or maybe a changeup—to better combat lefthanded hitters. At a compact 6-foot-2 and 200 pounds, Munson throws with some effort and must work to simplify his delivery, but one of the best fastballs in the college game generally obscures those faults.—ALLAN SIMPSON
UPDATE (5/15): Munson has been pretty much the same guy this spring that he’s been throughout his career at JMU. Limited role, but a lot of success. Two big pitches, fastball consistently 93-94, touching 95. Through mid-May, he was 7-1, 1.35 with eight saves; in 47 innings, he struck out 63 and limited opponents to a .174 average, though walked 21. As a closer in a mid-level conference, he’s been tough for cross-checkers to scout, but several saw him in a game against North Carolina and walked away believing he was no worse than a sandwich-round talent. If anything, Munson just needed to tighten his delivery a bit.—AS
 
122. NEW YORK METS
CORY VAUGHN, of, San Diego State
SCOUTING PROFILE (3/1):Vaughn is the son of ex-big league outfielder Greg Vaughn, and it’s evident that he has all of his father’s genes as his athleticism, and combination of speed and power, are among the more impressive in this year’s draft class. But it’s equally evident that Vaughn is still very raw in his development. He lacks polish in every phase of his game, especially in plate discipline and approach. Despite his raw power, he rarely has produced power numbers at the plate as he has unusually poor swing mechanics. He has a distinct two-piece swing, and his approach may eventually have to be totally revamped at some point. Vaughn has, however, made minor strides in curbing his high strikeout total through his career at San Diego State. He fanned 63 times in 169 at-bats as a freshman, while hitting .243-6-28, and then succumbed a league-high 82 more times that summer in the Northwoods League, though was selected that league’s No. 2 overall prospect as his power-speed combo was very much on display all summer. He had 24 extra-base hits with wood, and swiped 26 bags. Even with access to his dad, who hit 355 homers in a 15-year big-league career, and eight-time batting champion Tony Gwynn, his coach at San Diego State, Vaughn has struggled to manage the strike zone efficiently and grasp most of the basic concepts of hitting, largely negating his big raw power. Through games of early May, Vaughn was hitting .344 and led the Aztecs in homers, but had only seven; he also led his team with 47 strikeouts. He also doesn’t use his speed effectively on the bases, neutralizing another plus tool. Vaughn’s No. 1 asset may be his arm, and he loves to show it off, but his outfield skills overall are just average. It’s possible a team will take an early-round chance on Vaughn’s upside in this year’s draft, and hope it can unleash his tools in a more productive way, but it’s more likely that he won’t be taken in the top 5-6 rounds, and could even end up returning to San Diego State for his senior year to add polish to his game.—ALLAN SIMPSON
UPDATE (5/15): Vaughn actually picked up his game in the waning weeks of the 2010 season. Even as his team (sans Stephen Strasburg) went 27-28, Vaughn finished his junior year at .378-9-55 with 15 stolen bases in 16 attempts. He led the Aztecs in homers and RBIs, tied for the lead in steals and was second in batting. He also curbed his strikeout total to 55 in 55 games. Vaughn still remains very raw in most phases of his game, though it seemed to be increasingly likely that a team might take a chance on his tools/upside, and snare him with an early-round pick.—AS
 
123. HOUSTON ASTROS
BOBBY DORAN, rhp, Texas Tech
SCOUTING PROFILE (3/1): At 6-foot-6 and 240 pounds, with a fastball in the mid-90s, Doran has the basic ingredients to dominate at the college level. But he never did in two years at Seward County (Kan.) CC and most of his junior year at Texas Tech quite like he did the night of May 1, when he beat Missouri 5-4 in a Big 12 Conference game. Doran worked 8-1/3 innings in that outing, walking one and striking out 16 with a fastball that sat at 93-94 mph. Scouts who had the preconceived notion that Missouri’s own big righthander Nick Tepesch was the better prospect of the two left singing Doran’s praises more effusively, even as the breakthrough performance improved his record on the season to a modest 4-2, 4.70 with 18 walks and 73 strikeouts in 69 innings. Prior to that game, Doran had shown only flashes of his overpowering ability—both as a sophomore at Seward County, when he was selected in the 36th round of the 2009 draft by Pittsburgh, and later during the summer for Liberal in the Jayhawk League, where he was selected that league’s No. 1 prospect. As the head coach at Seward County and pitching coach at Liberal (under ex-big league manager Mike Hargrove), Galen McSpadden got a close-up look at Doran’s progress in 2009, from the spring through the summer. He watched him work at 88 -91 mph, touching 92, as a starter at Seward County, which resulted in a 10-3, 3.41 record with 81 strikeouts in 92 innings, and led to his being drafted by the Pirates. He then oversaw Doran’s transition to primarily a relief role for the Bee Jays, a change that was dictated mostly because of his heavy workload in the spring. In shorter bursts, Doran’s velocity jumped up to 93-94, and there wasn’t a pitcher in the Jayhawk League who threw harder. As a freshman at Seward County, Doran was clocked at only 86-87, and his steady progression, along with the power in his huge frame and his relatively smooth, easy delivery, suggested he might eventually top out at 95 or 96. Doran has the obvious look of a big leaguer, but has some maturing to do overall as a pitcher, especially in learning to throw quality strikes more consistently, and developing and refining his secondary stuff. His uneven 2-4, 4.01 record with 12 walks and 35 strikeouts in 25 innings last summer for Liberal pointed to his inconsistency. In addition to his fastball, Doran has a slider and changeup that are quality second and third pitches; collectively, they have helped solidify his role this spring as a starter at Texas Tech and enhanced his draft value.—ALLAN SIMPSON
UPDATE (5/15): Doran was outstanding over his last three starts of the 2010 season, starting with his 16-strikeout game against Missouri. He posted desired 3:1 ground-ball/fly-ball ratios, while pitching deep into pitch counts in his two other Big 12 outings. Overall, he was 5-3, 4.61 with only 19 walks in 82 innings heading into the conference tournament.—DAVID RAWNSLEY
 
124. SAN DIEGO PADRES
CHRIS BISSON, 2b-ss, Kentucky
SCOUTING PROFILE (3/1): Under Gary Henderson, who moved from recruiting coordinator to head coach, Kentucky has tapped into some unconventional recruiting areas with impressive results. Canada has been a popular target for the Wildcats, and on the heels of lefthander James Paxton evolving from an undrafted high-school player from British Columbia to a supplemental first-round pick in 2009 after three years at Kentucky, Bisson is another Canadian who could make the same rags-to-riches leap. An Ontario native who was primarily a softball player growing up, Bisson has improved by leaps and bounds since enrolling in college. He played sparingly as a freshman, hitting just .157-0-4 with three stolen bases, mainly as an injury replacement. But after a productive 2008 summer in the New York Collegiate League (.301-3-18, 17 SB), he was a vastly-improved player as a sophomore for the Wildcats, playing all over the infield, hitting .360-2-52 with 13 steals, and topping the team in batting, runs (49) and RBIs. Another productive summer, at Cotuit of the Cape Cod League, has only elevated Bisson’s game to another level, and he entered the 2010 college season as one of the nation’s elite college middle infielders. His natural athleticism and innate ability to apply what he is taught made him one of the Cape League’s most-improved players from start to finish last summer, even as he hit an unspectacular .269-0-15, committed a league-high 16 errors and divided his time between second (9 games), third (17) and short (19). But he stole a league-high 36 bases and was a catalyst atop the Cotuit lineup. Moreover, he displayed some of the best athletic actions among infielders in the entire league, despite his high error total. If nothing else, Bisson helped to better define the kind of player he is. He excelled on charge plays at third and had the arm strength of a major-league shortstop, but his quick release and other subtle infield actions made him a natural fit at second. Similarly, he flashed the kind of raw power to warrant hitting lower in the order, but his slashing, line-drive/ground-ball, high-energy approach, along with his superior speed and advanced base-stealing technique made him an ideal fit at the top of a lineup. Bisson was coached at Cotuit by Mike Roberts, and Roberts was quick to compare Bisson’s game to that of his own son, Brian, an all-star second baseman with the Baltimore Orioles and possibly the best base runner in the big leagues. While he has become entrenched as a second baseman and leadoff hitter this spring at Kentucky, Bisson still needs to refine all parts of his game to maximize his role. He often made the spectacular play at Cotuit, but botched the routine one. In particular, he needs to stop rushing everything, especially on defense, slow the game down and let it come to him easier. That should come with experience. Through Kentucky’s first 33 games this spring, Bisson hit .339-2-18 and stole 15 bases in 19 attempts.—ALLAN SIMPSON
UPDATE (5/15): Bisson has done nothing to hurt (or help) his draft status this spring. He remains a solid second- or third-rounder. Entering Kentucky’s final SEC series of the season, Bisson was hitting a steady, if unspectacular .332-5-34 with a 27-29 walk-to-strikeout ratio, and had 29 stolen bases in 36 attempts. He also had committed 13 errors at second base, acceptable for a player transitioning to a new defensive home. Most of all, scouts were impressed with Bisson’s speed and hitting ability from the left side, and became convinced he’ll settle in nicely as a prototypical leadoff or a 2-hole hitter at the pro level.—AS
 
125. OAKLAND ATHLETICS
CHAD LEWIS, 3b, Marina HS, Huntington Beach, Calif.
SCOUTING PROFILE: Lewis fits the definition of a prototypical third baseman. He has a strong, projectable frame and ideal size for the position (6-3, 205), significant bat speed and raw power potential from the left side, and sound actions for the hot corner with a strong, accurate arm. Lewis just needs to shore up all parts of his game, which should come with experience. He tends to lack concentration in the field, and needs better pitch recognition at the plate. Lack of speed is his biggest drawback, but it’s really a non-factor as a corner infielder. Lewis hit .395-4-24 as a high-school senior and will attend San Diego State if the draft doesn’t intercede.—ALLAN SIMPSON
 
126. TORONTO BLUE JAYS
SAM DYSON, rhp, South Carolina
SCOUTING PROFILE (3/1): Highly-recruited out of a Florida high school in 2006 and possessor of one of the best pure arms in the nation, Dyson was expected to emerge as a premium draft a year ago—especially when his fastball topped at 99 mph in several outings. But he slipped to the 10th round amidst concerns of a sore arm primarily, and signability issues secondarily. Dyson never came close to signing with the Oakland A’s once his first-round hopes were dashed, and actually underwent surgery to remove bone spurs in his right elbow just days before the 2009 signing deadline. It was just the latest in a line of injury setbacks for the 6-foot-2, 195-pound Dyson, who tore the labrum in his right shoulder in December 2006 and was forced to red-shirt as a freshman at South Carolina, suffered a torn labrum in his left shoulder three months later, and underwent an ulnar nerve transposition in August 2007. He was brought back slowly in 2008 as a red-shirt freshman, and yet led South Carolina in wins while going 8-0, 4.08, though working only 51 innings. Despite rather pedestrian numbers in 2009 as a draft-eligible sophomore, Dyson (9-4, 5.21) firmly entrenched himself as a first-round prospect or possibly a sandwich-round pick, at worst. His superior athletic ability was readily apparent on the mound, and he threw his fastball routinely in the 93-96 mph range with life to both sides of the plate. Considering his past health issues, Dyson’s arm still worked free and easy, enabling him to reach 99 in several outings. Dyson’s primary off-speed pitch was a low-80s slider that projected to be at least an average pitch. His changeup remained a work in progress. More than anything, he needed to be more consistent with his command as he allowed 18 home runs and issued 37 walks in 102 innings, though struck out 94. But Dyson’s latest injury caused teams to shy away from him at the last minute in last year’s draft. Considering he was scouted like a second- or third round pick out of high school, Dyson has accomplished much less in three college seasons than expected, and scouts have taken a more wait-and-see approach towards him this spring, especially as he has not produced the same high velocity as in the past. He was also just 2-1, 4.79 with 39 strikeouts, but just six walks, in his initial 37 innings. It remains up in the air whether he profiles more as a starter or reliever at the next level.—ALLAN SIMPSON/JEFF SIMPSON
UPDATE (5/15): While many of the top college arms have sputtered down the stretch, Dyson was throwing as well as anyone lately, and had not allowed an earned run in three of his past five starts (through mid-May), though his overall was just 5-4, 3.79 in 76 innings. He was outstanding in his start against Arkansas on May 15, throwing a complete-game shutout with just six hits and two walks, while striking out eight. While his stuff and performance have been better this spring, the consensus among scouts is that he might have been better off, from a financial standpoint, to have turned pro after last year. His long track record of health issues is concerning, even for a pitcher that has some of the best stuff in the country.—JS
 
127. CINCINNATI REDS
BRODIE GREENE, ss/of, Texas A&M
SCOUTING PROFILE: Greene’s versatility may have saved Texas A&M’s 43-win season—and significantly enhanced his draft value, in the process. When incumbent Aggies shortstop Adam Smith struggled in the field to start the 2010 season, Greene was brought in from center field to stabilize the position. Not only did he handle himself admirably in the field, but he blossomed at the plate, leading Texas A&M in every meaningful offensive category—batting (.395), runs (74), home runs (14), RBIs (55) and stolen bases (23 of 28). Throughout his college career, Greene has played pretty much wherever he’s been asked. As a freshman for Texas A&M, Greene played more games in right field than any position; as a sophomore, he was primarily a left fielder; a year ago, he saw most of his action at second base. When he turned down a 37th-round offer from the Philadelphia Phillies in the 2009 draft, and elected to return for his senior year, he was installed in center field. But that plan soon changed, when he was needed to fill in at yet another position. Ideally, Greene probably is best suited for second base at the pro level, as his range and arm strength are a little short to play shortstop on an everyday basis. Greene hit the biggest home run of Texas A&M’s 2010 season when he went deep in the 10th inning of his team’s win over Baylor that clinched the Big 12 Conference championship, but his offensive approach is geared more towards contact, hitting line drives and driving balls to the gaps. His 6.5-second speed in the 60 would also add to his value as an offensive second baseman. Greene has made significant strides in his offensive game throughout his career after hitting just .312-0-8 in 95 at-bats as a freshman, and .290-4-27 as a sophomore. After improving to .344-11-35 as a junior, Greene was expected to be drafted in the top 10 rounds a year ago, but fell to the 37th round when he showed little interest in signing. In additional to his versatility and array of offensive and defensive tools, Greene scores high marks for his makeup. He plays the game with reckless abandon, and impressed scouts when he missed just a handful of games a year ago when he was hit in the face with a fastball, and had several root canals to save several teeth. He subsequently donned a helmet with a face guard, and continued to use the full-protection helmet as a senior.—ALLAN SIMPSON
 
128. CHICAGO WHITE SOX
MATT GRIMES, rhp, Mill Creek HS, Lawrenceville, Ga.
SCOUTING PROFILE: Though somewhat lost in the shuffle among the wealth of high-school talent in Georgia this spring, the 6-foot-6, 190-pound Grimes nonetheless stood out with his projectable frame, a fastball at 91-93 mph and a plus curve. He came to the attention of scouts last summer, when he pitched a complete game in the championship game of the Sun Belt Junior Classic in Oklahoma for champion Georgia. Grimes continued to enhance his reputation by pitching even better this spring, going 9-1, 1.33 with 101 strikeouts in 69 innings. He added velocity to his fastball, and mixed if effectively with his curve. He’s a Georgia Tech recruit.—ALLAN SIMPSON
 
129. MILWAUKEE BREWERS
HUNTER MORRIS, 1b, Auburn
SCOUTING PROFILE (3/1): Raw power is the tool that immediately catches the eye of scouts, and no one in the Cape Cod League last summer had more from the left side than the ultra-strong, powerfully-built Morris. Even though he missed the first 11 games of the season while attending summer school, his eight homers were second in the league. He routinely put on a massive display in BP and punished fastballs on the inner half of the plate in game situations, though his pull-oriented approach and big uppercut swing left him especially vulnerable to breaking balls and pitches on the outer half. He hit just .239 and fanned 32 times in 109 at-bats. But Morris also understands his swing very well and is capable of making adjustments, as necessary. An unsigned second-round pick of the Boston Red Sox in 2007 out of an Alabama high school, Morris was an immediate hit at the college level. He was selected the Southeastern Conference freshman of the year for hitting .351-11-49, and his performance earned him a place that summer with USA Baseball’s college national team. His performance at Auburn leveled off as a sophomore, and he hit just .282-12-33. But he rebounded through the first half of the 2010 season to hit .393-8-33. Though Morris is just an average defender, even by first-base standards, he can make the routine play around the bag. He is athletic and agile enough that consideration was even given to his playing on an outfield corner for Auburn in 2010. He also has the arm strength to possibly take a turn on the mound in the Auburn bullpen. But it all comes down to power, and Morris has it in plentiful supply. He can hit ‘em as far and high as any player in the college game, and that will make him an attractive commodity in the 2010 draft.—ALLAN SIMPSON
UPDATE (5/15): For a player with all the hype that goes with being an unsigned second-round draft pick, Morris’ first two years at Auburn were considered somewhat of a disappointment. But he has been all that he was cracked out to be this spring and led Auburn’s best team in years in all three triple-crown categories (.398-20-66) as the Tigers entered the final weekend of the regular season. It was evident that Morris had tightened up his big frame, and his bat speed has been more impressive. His swing is looser and easier, though lefthanders still continue to tie him up on occasion. With Morris, the team that drafts him will be buying a bat, but it will be a much-easier sell based on his 2010 performance.—AS
 
130. CHICAGO CUBS
HUNTER ACKERMAN, lhp, Louisburg (N.C.) JC
SCOUTING PROFILE: An unheralded prep lefthander from Virginia, Ackerman wasn’t on the radar of area scouts at the start of the 2010 season. He did little in the fall to tip off scouts that he might be a prospect to pay attention to as his fastball was a modest 87-89 mph; he struggled to throw strikes and got hit around repeatedly. But the light suddenly went on for the 6-foot, 180-pound lefthander, and he soon began throwing three quality pitches for strikes. The velocity on his fastball jumped to 90-92 mph, and he complemented it with a dominating curve and change. His curve, his best pitch, was extremely effective when thrown down and in on righthanded hitters. As he began throwing complete games or going deep in almost every start, his stock jumped, especially in the last month of the season. In 58 innings, he went 8-1, 1.40 with 92 strikeouts.—ALLAN SIMPSON
 
131. TAMPA BAY RAYS
AUSTIN WOOD, rhp, St. Petersburg (Fla.) JC
SCOUTING PROFILE (3/1): The 6-foot-4, 220-pound Wood is a transfer from Florida State, where he had a difficult time throwing strikes as a freshman, and consequently worked in just 23 innings. He went 0-0, 6.35, walking 25 and striking out 13. Wood’s lack of regular action prompted him to transfer his sophomore year to St. Pete JC, where the velocity on his fastball quickly spiked to 97 mph during fall practice. Suddenly, Wood’s stock for the 2010 draft skyrocketed. Though he went just 1-4, 5.52 to start this season for the Titans, he continued to nudge his way closer to the first round as he flashed superior velocity. His fastball has been anywhere from 91 to 97 this spring, with good arm-side run, but he has also tightened up his slider and his changeup is an average major-league pitch. Though he continues to have issues throwing consistent strikes, he is generally around the plate with his impressive raw stuff. Success has pretty much followed Wood throughout his career. A 36th-round draft pick of the Houston Astros in 2008 out of Niceville (Fla.) High, he went 6-2, 1.35 with 83 K’s in 52 innings for Niceville High as a junior, teaming with current Alabama junior righthander Jimmy Nelson on one of the nation’s top high school teams. Wood then spent the summer pitching for Cincinnati’s Midland Redskins, the 2007 Connie Mack World Series champions. He followed up that success by pitching two scoreless innings in the deciding game for the victorious Atlanta Braves Scout Team at the 2007 World Wood Bat Association fall championship in Jupiter, Fla. As a senior, he teamed with lefthander Brett DeVall to give Niceville High one of the best 1-2 pitching punches in the country, though the team lost 11 games that year. DeVall was a supplemental first-round draft pick of the Atlanta Braves in 2008, while Wood slipped precipitously from pre-draft expectations mainly because of control and delivery issues, paving his way to attend college.—ALLAN SIMPSON
UPDATE (5/15): Wood continued to pump mid-90s fastballs and showcase his impressive stuff through the balance of the 2010 season, but he was removed from the St. Pete rotation because he would tend to lose the command of his off-speed stuff in the third or fourth inning of starts, and struggled to get hitters out as they sat on his fastball. He finished the season at 3-4, 4.81 with 21 walks and 42 strikeouts in 43 innings.—AS
 
132. SEATTLE MARINERS
JAMES PAXTON, lhp, Grand Prairie (American Association)
SCOUTING PROFILE (3/1):A sandwich-round selection of the Toronto Blue Jays in the 2009 draft, Paxton surprisingly passed up a seven-figure offer and a chance to sign with his home country’s only big-league team. He returned to Kentucky for his senior year when negotiations ended in a stalemate, but almost immediately was embroiled in controversy with the NCAA, stemming from his alleged use of an agent to negotiate his 2009 contract. Paxton refused to comply with new regulations requiring college prospects to divulge their prior dealings with agents, and Kentucky decided initially to not let him pitch in 2010 because of concerns about his eligibility. He unsuccessfully sued to get his standing as an active player restored, but chose to leave school when his suit was turned down, just as the 2010 season was embarking. Paxton subsequently elected to sign with Grand Prairie of the independent American Association, and will begin pitching with that team when it begins its schedule in mid-May. In that regard, he will follow in the footsteps of pitchers Luke Hochevar, Max Scherzer and Aaron Crow, all former first-rounders who didn’t sign after their junior seasons and elected to jump to the American Association rather than pitch as seniors in college. The 6-foot-4, 220-pound Paxton, a product of Ladner, B.C., went from a relative unknown at the outset of the 2009 season to becoming one of the nation’s premier power lefthanders in last year’s draft. His lively fastball was routinely in the 92-97 mph range last spring at Kentucky, and he complemented it with a solid breaking ball. Despite a 5-3, 5.86 record in 78 innings as a Wildcats junior, Paxton's dominance was reflected in his 115-20 strikeout-to-walk ratio. His performance was a marked improvement from his first two seasons at Kentucky. Prior to his junior year, he was viewed as a third- to sixth-round talent. But it was apparent almost immediately that Paxton had elevated his game to another level and was the college player who created the most buzz among scouts as the 2009 season opened. His fastball not only had significantly better velocity, but good sinking action from a tough, low-three-quarters angle. He also painted it efficiently to both sides of the plate. A revamped grip on his breaking ball, a cross between a slider and curve, gave him a second quality pitch. Paxton’s arm action was long, loose and clean, and he exerted limited effort in his delivery. He was also in better shape than he had ever been in before, and consequently had greater control of his body on the mound. Paxton’s intelligence, aptitude and work ethic are all outstanding, and scouts say it was just a matter of time before everything came together for him. Though Paxton showed scouts all spring that he had the ability to become a first-round pick last June, it came in sporadic bursts. His status as an elite pitching prospect was so sudden, and in many ways so new to him that he had his moments when things appeared to move too quickly for him. He was brilliant in some outings, but hit hard in others and his improved stock in the draft curiously came at a time when his ERA more than doubled from a 2.92 mark as a sophomore. In the end, he slipped to the sandwich round, where the Blue Jays were only more than willing to scoop up a Canadian. Regrettably, Paxton was just one of eight Canadians the Jays drafted that didn’t end up signing.—ALLAN SIMPSON
UPDATE (5/15): Paxton’s status for the 2010 draft is more up in the air than almost any player under consideration in the early rounds. Having signed with the independent Grand Prairie Air Hogs, managed by former big-leaguer and first-round draft pick Pete Incaviglia, Paxton didn’t make his 2010 debut until May 14, when he worked the first three innings of a game that ended in a 6-6 tie after 12 innings because of a league curfew. He gave up three runs and six hits, while walking one and striking out four. Paxton also worked in two exhibition games leading up to the season opener, and generally received mixed reviews for his early work. He was obviously rusty from several months of inactivity and appeared to tire easily, and the velocity on his fastball was mostly in the high 80s, low 90s. Paxton was scheduled to make five starts for Grand Prairie before the June 7 draft, and it’s unclear how he’ll stack up, though he’ll certainly be heavily in demand if his fastball approaches its previous, mid-90s level.—AS
 
133. DETROIT TIGERS
COLE GREEN, rhp, Texas
SCOUTING PROFILE (3/1): There has been a tendency for the stockily-built Green to get lost in the shuffle on pitching-rich staffs at Texas and Wareham of the Cape Cod League, especially with a high-profile righthander like Brandon Workman on both squads. But Green outpitched Workman at both stops in 2009, and has done so again early in the 2010 season. Green’s raw stuff, command and intense, competitive approach are comparable to Workman’s. The obvious difference between the two is that the 6-foot, 210-pound Green isn’t flashy and doesn’t have the live, projectable body type that the 6-foot-5, 220-pound Workman possesses. Still, Green has an advanced feel for his craft and three solid-average pitches in his arsenal. He can command his 90-93 mph fastball to both sides of the plate, and his breaking ball is a dominant pitch. He does have a tendency, though, with his maximum-effort delivery of working just five or six strong innings per start, then quickly losing his stuff—a durability issue not uncommon in pitchers with shorter, thicker frames. It didn’t impact his sophomore year at Texas, where he made 20 starts and went 5-3, 3.34 with 34 and 85 strikeouts in 110 innings. His late start at Wareham, stemming from Texas’ runner-up finish in the College World Series, combined with his heavy spring workload, curtailed his mound time in the Cape Cod League, though he went an acceptable 1-1, 3.12 with eight walks and 33 strikeouts in his four starts, spanning 26 innings. This spring at Texas, Green elevated his performance to another level as he was 8-0, 2.09 through his first eight starts, and struck out 45 in 60 innings while allowing 16 walks and limiting opponents to a .183 average. No matter how well he pitches this spring, however, his lack of physical upside will be a limiting factor in where he is drafted.—ALLAN SIMPSON
UPDATE (5/15): Green has simply been the hottest pitcher in college baseball over the second half of the 2010 season, running up a string of 41 innings without allowing an earned run at one point, including back-to-back, complete-game shutouts. He doesn’t have a strikeout pitch (59 K’s in 89 IP), but has thrown complete games with 101 and 103 pitch counts during that time span, a testament to his impeccable command and solid three-pitch mix.—DAVID RAWNSLEY
 
134. ATLANTA BRAVES
DAVE FILAK, rhp, SUNY Oneonta
SCOUTING PROFILE (3/1): With the NCAA Division II and III ranks now able to get an early jump on teams at the D-I level from a scheduling factor, Filak was a prime beneficiary this spring. He dazzled an assembled mass of scouts in Florida in February when he came out throwing 96 mph in his first start, and augmented his fastball with a hammer spike curve. Through his first five starts for Division III SUNY Oneonta, the 6-foot-5, 220-pound Filak went 4-0, 2.77, and showed his true dominance by striking out 51 in 26 innings, while walking 10. He may have overdone it a bit, though, as the big righthander was pulled from a start up north when his fastball dipped to the mid-80s, and he was soon sidelined for a few starts by some soreness in his forearm. But by then, he had created the biggest buzz among college players this spring at the D-III level, though his chances of going in the top 2-3 rounds in June was put on hold. Filak tipped off Northeast-based scouts that he might be a player to pay close attention to when he had some of the most-dominating stuff last summer in the New York Collegiate League, but struggled with consistency. He went 4-2, 4.63 and walked 31 in 42 innings, but also struck out 67, second in the league. He was at his best in early July when he threw a seven-inning no-hitter against Glens Falls with 13 punch-outs. His fastball was consistently 90-92 mph, touching 93, although the pitch was pretty straight. His downer curve was a solid second pitch at the time, but only when he threw it in the strike zone. It has since been upgraded considerably. Filak, who was primarily a catcher in high school, has always had a big, loose body and made big strides in college in refining his long, Iron Mike-like, straight-over-the-top arm action and release point. Hitters obviously have trouble picking up Filak’s deceptive delivery as he struck out 146 in 93 innings in his first two seasons at SUNY Oneonta. He topped D-III pitchers in most strikeouts (14.86) and fewest hits (5.07) per nine innings in 2009, and might repeat that feat if he can restore his arm to full health.—ALLAN SIMPSON
UPDATE (5/15): Filak rebounded nicely from his mid-season speed bump. His fastball returned to its previous velocity, and cross-checkers who previously hadn’t gotten a chance to inspect his dynamic curve (a spike-curve for some, a knuckle-curve for others) began comparing it to the best breaking balls in the country. Alas, with Filak pitching the most-important game of his 2010 season on May 19, in the opener of NCAA D-III region play, he laid a bit of an egg in losing his first game of the year, 9-5 to New York’s Farmingdale State. Filak gave up eight runs, though only three were earned as he was undone by five errors, including one of his own. The debacle reduced his record on the season to 8-1, 2.00 in 10 starts. In 67 innings, he walked 19, struck out 104 and limited opponents to a .171 average.—AS
 
135. MINNESOTA TWINS
EDDIE ROSARIO, of, Rafael Lopez Landron HS, Guayama, P.R.
SCOUTING PROFILE: Rosario is being touted by scouts as the best pure hitter in Puerto Rico this year, and has been compared to a young Bob Abreu in his approach and swing type. He has a loose, wiry strong build and very quick wrists that generate good bat speed from the left side. Different reports on Rosario say that he’s a pull-oriented hitter with very projectable pull power, while other scouts compliment his ability to keep his hands back on pitches, especially from lefthanders, and drive balls hard to the middle of the field and up the left-center field alley. When scouts point to different aspects of a young hitter’s package as strengths, that’s usually a good sign for a prospect. Rosario is a patient hitter who has an advanced ability to wait for his pitch and recognize what he can hit. The rest of Rosario’s tool package plays well, too. He has enough speed and arm strength that you can project him to play all three outfield positions at the next level, depending on a team’s needs.—DAVID RAWNSLEY
 
136. TEXAS RANGERS
DREW ROBINSON, of, Silverado HS, Las Vegas, Nev.
SCOUTING PROFILE: A fast riser on draft boards this spring, Robinson hit .500-9-42 as a senior for Silverado High. He has a smooth, easy swing from the left side with mostly line-drive, gap power, and should add home-run power as he fills out his tall, lanky frame. He has a good aptitude to hit, for both power and average. Robinson was slowed by a sore back early this spring and has knee surgery in the past on his medical file, which impacts his speed, though he is still considered a slightly above-average runner. Primarily a shortstop in high school, Robinson projects as a right fielder at the next level. He has committed to both Nebraska and the College of Southern Nevada. His brother Chad, a righthander, signed as a draft-and-follow out of CSN in 2007; he was drafted a year earlier by the Milwaukee Brewers in the 12th round.—ALLAN SIMPSON
 
137. FLORIDA MARLINS
ANDREW TOLES, of, Sandy Creek HS, Fayetteville, Ga.
SCOUTING PROFILE: Alvin Toles was a star linebacker at Tennessee, and later spent four years in the NFL (1985-88). His son Andrew inherited much of his athletic ability, notably his 6.4-second speed, but little of his size as he stands in at just 5-foot-9 and 180 pounds, and has limited physical upside. Toles is tightly-wound, but his game is less about power and more about speed, defense and making things happen at the plate. He has a patient approach to hitting in a leadoff role, makes consistent contact and utilizes his speed effectively. He is an excellent center fielder, and gets both good jumps on and takes excellent routes to balls. His arm is strong and accurate. Like his father, Toles has committed to Tennessee.—ALLAN SIMPSON
 
138. SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS
SETH ROSIN, rhp, Minnesota
SCOUTING PROFILE (3/1): Since being drafted by his home-state Minnesota Twins in the 28th round in 2007, the 6-foot-6, 245-pound Rosin has tantalized scouts with his huge frame and a fastball that normally sits at 92-94 mph, and touches 95. But Rosin has never dominated hitters consistently at any point in his college career, outside of last summer in the Cape Cod League, when he went 2-1, 1.87 in seven starts for Hyannis, and walked 10 while striking out 38 in 34 innings. He excelled with his ability to locate his heavy, running fastball on the hands of hitters. He also kept hitters off balance with an above-average changeup, though his curve graded out as just an average breaking ball. Rosin has surprisingly good command of his three-pitch mix, and consistently locates his stuff down in the zone.—ALLAN SIMPSON
UPDATE (5/15): With his 9-4, 4.72 record, along with 12 walks and 95 strikeouts in 103 innings, Rosin garnered more than his share of support from area scouts this spring. He was particularly dominating as Minnesota upset heavily-favored Cal State Fullerton in the first round of NCAA regional play. But his support among scouts was hardly universal. Those that like Rosin see his extra-large, workhorse-type frame, his plus arm strength and ability to command a 92-95 mph fastball. Those that don’t like him as much say it’s not possible for a college pitcher to throw a fastball straighter than Rosin does, and that his lack of deception and a workable breaking ball make him hittable on the college level, and very hittable on the professional level. Mention the 5th-7th round to a number of area scouts, and a couple will go, “that sounds about right”. Others say that he is a major stretch to go that high.–DAVID RAWNSLEY
 
139. ST. LOUIS CARDINALS
CODY STANLEY, c, UNC Wilmington
SCOUTING PROFILE (3/1): A lefthanded hitter with average major-league power, along with surprising speed and athleticism for his position, Stanley is one of the more offensive-oriented catchers in the 2010 college draft class. He hit a solid .332-12-56 as a sophomore at UNC Wilmington, and followed up with a .324-8-29 season through early May as a junior for the Seahawks. Stanley also produced consecutive strong seasons with the bat at the summer-league level. He had the best offensive production of any catcher in the New England Collegiate League in 2008, hitting .352-5-24, and followed up with a solid .299-1-11 campaign in the Cape Cod League last summer. He produces good bat speed with his quick hands, and makes hard, consistent contact with a balanced approach and level swing through the zone. His raw power was not always in evidence in Cape Cod League games, but he showcased it in batting practice. His superior speed plays well on the bases and has enabled him to play center field, on occasion. Though he lacks the instincts to play there on more than just a fill-in basis, he is able to outrun some of his mistakes in judging fly balls. His versatility came in particularly handy last summer for Cotuit as the Kettleers had three top-notch catchers on their roster, though Stanley still ended up catching more games (27) than either Florida Southern’s Zach Maggard (15) or Texas’ Cameron Rupp (10). Stanley’s receiving skills and arm strength are considered adequate, but an extremely quick release enables him to post pop times in the 1.8-1.9 range and throw out his share of base runners. Not only is the 5-foot-11, 200-pound Stanley unusually athletic for a catcher, but he’s got the tough-minded makeup desired in a catcher and is not afraid to block the plate with his stocky build.—ALLAN SIMPSON
UPDATE (5/15): Stanley finished the 2010 season with a .323-11-40 batting line (lower numbers across the board than in 2009), and left scouts wondering why he wasn’t more productive with his low-maintenance swing, either for average or power. There was little change in the rest of his game from a year ago.—AS
 
140. COLORADO ROCKIES
RUSSELL WILSON, ss/of, North Carolina State
SCOUTING PROFILE (5/15/07): Wilson was a prolific high-school quarterback, rushing for 1,134 yards and 18 touchdowns, and passing for 3,004 yards and 34 more touchdowns as a senior at Collegiate High in Richmond, Va. He has committed to play football at North Carolina State. He has also expressed a legitimate desire to play baseball, so his signability could be one of the trickier issues in this year’s draft. At this point in his development, Wilson is more of an athlete than a baseball player, but he has a good aptitude for the game despite his lack of experience. He also has a good combination of quickness and strength. He has the strength to drive balls to all fields, and also has understandable arm strength to throw a fastball up to 92 mph off a mound. He can run the 60 in 6.5 seconds, but is not considered a burner by baseball or football standards. Wilson played shortstop at the high-school level, but is not projected to play the position at the next level as he lacks true shortstop actions. He could end up at second base, or possibly in center field. His development as a baseball player, however, will all hinge on his commitment to football. He could be a big sleeper if he elects to pursue baseball full time—but the price tag may be steep to buy him away from football.—ALLAN SIMPSON
UPDATE (5/15/10): Three years later, Wilson’s baseball profile hasn’t changed much. He continues to be very raw in every phase of his game as he simply hasn’t dedicated very much of his time at N.C. State to playing baseball. As a two-year starting quarterback for a major Division I school, Wilson’s focus has been primarily on football. Even as he skipped football practice this spring to concentrate only on baseball, in anticipation of being drafted, he did little to advance his game as he played sparingly. He was also used in a variety of roles, preventing him from specializing in one. He saw action for the Wolfpack at shortstop, third base, left field and center field, and also as a closer. In 98 at-bats, he hit .306-3-12 and stole nine bases in 10 attempts. As a pitcher, he made 10 appearances (one start), and went 0-1, 5.84 with a save. In 12 innings, he walked eight and struck out eight. In addition to significant athletic ability, he flashed raw power and speed, along with a fastball that topped in the low-90s. Wilson has designs on playing second base at the pro level, but a majority of scouts believe he is probably better suited for the outfield. As the all-Atlantic Coast Conference quarterback as a freshman in 2008, and ACC leader in touchdown passes as a sophomore (not to mention his NCAA record 379 pass attempts, without throwing an interception), Wilson has intense pressure to resume his college football career in the fall, no matter what happens in the draft. He has numerous options to consider, but the most logical sees him playing professional baseball this summer and playing college football in the fall, with any decision on his future postponed until at lease 2011.—AS
 
141. PHILADELPHIA PHILLIES
BRYAN MORGADO, lhp, Tennessee
SCOUTING PROFILE (3/1): Unlike most of the early-round picks in the 2009 draft who didn’t sign initially, Morgado chose not to sit out of competition last summer before attempting to strike a deal. He joined Bourne of the Cape Cod League and had a productive season, going 2-1, 3.06 while striking out 47 and allowing just 17 hits in 32 innings. He worked primarily as a starter, and played a pivotal role in leading the Braves to their first Cape Cod League title. Unfortunately, it didn’t pay off in the end for Morgado, a sophomore-eligible lefthander drafted in the third round by the Chicago White Sox. While most of the holdouts selected both ahead and behind him signed significant over-slot bonuses, Morgado was reduced to accepting a take-it-or-leave-it slot offer at the deadline from the White Sox—ostensibly because that club was forced to tighten its belt after coughing up nearly $120 million in big-league salaries to take on the contracts of established players Jake Peavy and Alexis Rios for the stretch run. Morgado passed on the Sox offer, electing instead to return to Tennessee for his junior year. He hoped his decision would pay off in the 2010 draft, particularly if he pitched close to the same level in the spring as he did for Bourne. So far, the results have been indifferent. Through his first seven starts for Tennessee, he was 2-3, 5.06 with 23 walks and 49 strikeouts in 43 innings. He has been plagued again by the same inconsistent command and delivery issues that have characterized his career at Tennessee. On the Cape, Morgado flashed possibly the most electric arm in the league. His fastball ranged from 90-94 mph, and he was nearly untouchable when he commanded it to both sides of the plate, and effectively mixed in a tight 78-80 mph slider and 78-81 mph changeup. In 2009 at Tennessee, Morgado performed below expectations, producing just a 4-2, 6.36 record. In 52 innings, he walked 36 and struck out 75—numbers that point to both his dominant stuff and lack of control. Though he was slated to be the Friday starter for the Volunteers a year ago, Morgado started only five times as he had a tendency to run out of gas by the time he reached the fifth inning and/or 100 pitches, and was sent to the bullpen. The move was deemed to be in the best interests of the team, but in the end it may have been best for his career as he probably projects as a reliever anyway. Even as a starter at Bourne, he rarely went 100 pitches deep. Though Morgado has an explosive arm, his max-effort delivery and inconsistent release may make him better suited for a short role, and his fastball has topped at 97 mph when used as a closer. Morgado’s failure to strike a deal with the White Sox last summer wasn’t his first disappointment with the draft. He might have been one of the first 100 players taken in 2006, but he did not pitch as well that spring at a Miami high school as he had the previous fall and summer, and the Boston Red Sox ended up taking a flier on him in the 34th round once his signability became an overriding issue. His career unraveled further that fall, shortly after enrolling at Tennessee, when a sore elbow led to Tommy John surgery, causing him to miss his freshman season. Healthy again in 2008 as a red-shirt freshman, Morgado responded with a 5-5, 4.59 record, along with 104 strikeouts in 80 innings, becoming just the second freshman in UT history to scale the century mark in strikeouts. Morgado is physically strong at 6-foot-3 and 205 pounds, and yet has plenty of projection left in his loose, athletic frame. The key will be his ability to repeat his delivery more consistently and refine his command.—ALLAN SIMPSON
UPDATE (5/15): Morgado’s hope of improving on his 2009 draft position, by returning to school, appears to have backfired on him as he went 2-7, 7.90, while making 13 starts in 15 appearances. He still had electric stuff with a fastball that was often up to 95 mph, but simply never figured out how to win as a starter. He constantly worried about his pitch count in the role, rather than juist pitch. It became readily apparent that Morgado is a better fit in the bullpen, where he could just concentrate on throwing his fastball and hard slider in short bursts.—AS
 
142. LOS ANGELES DODGERS
J.B. BALDWIN, of/rhp, Pinecrest HS, Southern Pines, N.C.
SCOUTING PROFILE: James Baldwin III will warrant early-round attention in this year’s draft, perhaps only because of his last name. His father, a fourth-round draft pick of the Chicago White Sox out of North Carolina’s Pinecrest High in 1990, spent 11 years in the big leagues, and was the winning pitcher in the 2000 major league All-Star Game. The younger Baldwin was also a pitcher in high school, but earned substantially more attention this spring as an outfielder. His bat may still be at least two years away, even as he batted .416-7-24 as a senior, with 16 stolen bases. Baldwin showed easy power in batting practice and workouts, but his big, long swing was routinely exploited in game conditions. The 6-foot-3, 180-pound Elon recruit is extremely raw in his development as he divided his time in high school between baseball, football and basketball. He was an exceptional prospect as a wide receiver, and his decision to play basketball as a senior may have stunted his interest in baseball—initially, at least. But his raw power was difficult for scouts to ignore, and they were enamored with his athleticism, along with his speed and arm strength.—ALLAN SIMPSON
 
143. BOSTON RED SOX
GARIN CECCHINI, 3b, Barbe HS, Lake Charles, La.
SCOUTING PROFILE (3/1):A centerpiece player in one of the nation’s most successful high-school baseball programs over the last 10-15 years, Cecchini was on pace to become a top 2-3 round draft choice this spring before tearing his ACL going back into first base on a routine pickoff throw in a mid-March game. Despite undergoing season-ending surgery, Cecchini still could be a significant draft as most big-league teams have seen him play extensively through the years, especially during the summer and fall. The 6-foot-2, 200-pound Cecchini is a very good all-around athlete, but his best tools are his smooth lefthanded swing and promising power potential. His parents, Glenn and Raissa, are the baseball coaches at Barbe High, and Cecchini’s swing is a by-product of having two coaches as parents and unlimited amounts of batting practice. As a junior, he hit .402-6-33 and stole 53 bases in 55 attempts. Understandably, Cecchini is one of the more advanced players in this year’s prep class. He plays shortstop at the high-school level, but projects to move to third base immediately at the next level, though could also end up at second base or in the outfield. He was a 6.8 to 7.0-second runner in the 60 before his knee surgery, so his move to third base was anticipated as speed wasn’t a primary part of his game. His base-stealing exploits are a factor of his superior technique and instincts. Cecchini’s arm strength is solid big-league average if not a tick above, and he’s thrown in the upper-80s off the mound. Cecchini signed with Louisiana State, and he would quickly move near the top of the 2013 draft list if he does attend school because of his knee injury.—DAVID RAWNSLEY
UPDATE (5/15): Cecchini has been cleared to begin limited baseball activities in July, which would give a drafting team ample opportunity to see him move around a baseball field before the Aug. 16 signing deadline. That will probably be a minor factor, especially compared to Cecchini’s signability, as speed was not a major factor in the lefthanded hitter’s game, and he was looking at a highly-probable move to third base from shortstop immediately in pro ball, anyway.—DR
 
144. LOS ANGELES ANGELS
MAX RUSSELL, lhp, Florida Southern
SCOUTING PROFILE (3/1): Though he went 29-1 in his career at Amity (Conn.) High, and earned all-state honors as a junior and senior while pitching his school to back-to-back LL state titles, Russell largely flew under the radar until his sophomore year at Florida Southern. That’s when the big lefthander went 10-2, 3.71 and struck out a staff-high 114 in 104 innings for the Division-II power. With a fastball that was a steady 89-91 mph and peaked at 93, he quickly moved alongside Mocs teammate and closer Daniel Tillman as prime-time talents for the 2010 draft. Both pitchers were expected to solidify their lofty status last summer at Cotuit in the Cape Cod League, but Russell was shut down after two brief appearances by biceps tendonitis, possibly stemming from his heavy workload in the spring. Tillman, meanwhile, thrived in his summer on the Cape and held an edge on Russell from a draft standpoint as the 2010 season opened. Through his first 11 starts this spring as the ace on a 35-5 team, Russell was on pace to duplicate his 2009 success. He was 9-0, 3.82 with 28 walks and 88 strikeouts in 68 innings. His best pitch has been a hard, hammer curve at 80 mph, which when combined with his fastball and average changeup gives him a solid three-pitch mix. He has a solid delivery, but his highly-competitive makeup sets him apart. Russell has a couple of gaps on his resume as, in addition to last summer, he also missed much of his freshman season at Florida Southern due to a broken hand, and went just 3-0, 6.55 in 22 innings. He made huge strides in catching up by going 3-0, 1.71 in 26 innings that summer for the Maryland Orioles as one of the top prospects in the Cal Ripken Sr. League, the first tangible tipoff that Russell might be a prospect to keep an eye on in this year’s draft.—ALLAN SIMPSON
UPDATE (5/15): Russell didn’t pitch well down the stretch of the 2010 season, finishing the year at 11-2, 4.15. In 95 innings (spread over 15 starts), he walked 31 and struck out a team-high 109.—AS
 
145. NEW YORK YANKEES
MASON WILLIAMS, ss/of, West Orange HS, Winter Garden, Fla.
SCOUTING PROFILE: The slender 6-foot-1, 155-pound Williams was well-known to area scouts who frequent central Florida, but was considered more of a college-type playerprior to this spring—particularly since he had a scholarship to South Carolina in hand. The perception of Williams changed over the past few months, however, and it would surprise few scouts if the fleet, lefthanded hitter was picked among the top 50-75 players in the draft. The reason for the change is simple; Williams has been a center fielder most of his career, but began working out this spring at shortstop, a position he had rarely played in the past. His actions and instincts at shortstop have stunned scouts. Williams was clocked in 6.44 seconds in the 60 at Perfect Game’s National Showcase last June, and his obvious speed and quickness have played at a high level. He has always shown a solid average to plus arm from center field and thrown in the upper-80s from the mound, so his arm is also an asset. Offensively, Williams is a high-production hitter with some gap power from a slashing lefthanded swing. The instincts he shows in the field on defense are also evident in his base-running ability. Williams’ father, Derwin, played three years in the NFL as a wide receiver with the New England Patriots, and has spent the last 15 years as a college-football official.—DAVID RAWNSLEY
 
 
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Draft | Story | 6/4/2026

Pence Makes the Jump to 2027
Perfect Game Staff
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    667 Progress Way | Sanford, FL 32771 | 319-298-2923 www.perfectgame.org | facebook.com/perfectgameusa | @PerfectGameUSA     FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   PERFECT GAME STANDOUT STRIKER PENCE RECLASSIFIES TO CLASS OF 2027, ACCELERATING PATH TO MLB DRAFT   Corona, California (Thursday, June 4, 2026) - Perfect Game, the world’s largest youth baseball and softball platform and scouting service, today announced that Perfect Game prospect Striker Pence, one of the most watched young prospects in amateur baseball, has officially reclassified from the Class of 2028 to the Class of 2027, making the 17-year-old eligible for the 2027 Major League Baseball Draft. Pence is currently the #2 ranked player on Perfect Game’s national rankings and the top-ranked right-handed pitcher. Pence, a 6-foot-6, 215-pound right-handed pitcher and left-handed hitting first...
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Tournaments | Story | 6/7/2026

From Traction to Festival; Bond is Strong

Kinley Kitchens
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For many players, earning an invitation to the Perfect Game Select is a dream. For Cooper Mason and Tucker Richardson, it became reality.  Now teammates on Traction Canes 14U National, the two Alabama natives have established themselves among the top players in the 2030 class. Richardson enters the summer ranked No. 10 overall nationally and No. 3 among shortstops, while Mason enters ranked at No. 44 overall and No. 13 among shortstops. Both earned invitations to the 2025 PG Select Festival, one of the most prestigious events in amateur baseball.  But beyond the rankings and talent, their story is built on friendship.  When asked what it meant to earn a Select Festival invitation last year, both players reflected on years of work leading up to the moment.  It felt good. I always wanted to make Select Fest,” Richardson said. “It just felt really good in...
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Tournaments | Story | 6/6/2026

13/14u PG Elite Scout Notes: Days 1-2

Perfect Game Staff
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2031 King James (Cincinnati, Ohio) got the start on the bump for Team Elite against, coincidentally enough, his hometown Cincinnati Angels and delivered a 5 inning, run rule shortened complete game effort. Not overly physical at just 5-foot-8, 140 pounds, James came out showing quickness to his arm as he opened up in the 75-77 mph while working around the zone, mixing a bigger curveball with depth to help keep hitters off balance. Ultimately he struck out 6 on the game and walked just one while scattering four hits and even helped his own cause, picking up a double on the offensive side of things.  While he went 0-1 at the dish with a pair of walks, it's still worth talking about the performance from catcher Michael Wedgeworth (Flomaton, Ala.) as his catch-and-throw skills from behind the dish were on full display throughout the game, delivering a couple of strikes down to second...
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Tournaments | Story | 6/6/2026

Beast of the East Scout Notes: Day 2

Perfect Game Staff
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Beast of the East Scout Notes: Day 1 Another good swing later in the day from ‘28 Derek Vazquez, this one lifted down the LF line for a 2B. So much to like about the profile & projects in every aspect. #BeastOfTheEast @PG_Coastal @PG_Uncommitted https://t.co/EDA8xhgK9G pic.twitter.com/kZDw8tPC5O — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) June 5, 2026 Derek Vazquez (2028, Charlotte, N.C.) has put together a big showing through two games for the SBA Bolts National 2028. The 6-foot-2, 183-pound shortstop/outfielder has showed defensive versatility throughout the event and does so with ease. He has all the actions at shortstop but also showed good range, tracking a flyball down the left field line on Friday. In the box, he’s uber-projectable in every phase and is already doing a great job of controlling the zone. The power should continue to trend up in the coming years and...
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Tournaments | Story | 6/3/2026

Beast of the East Heads to Georgia

Will Dembo
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Marietta, Georgia will welcome some of the nation’s top teams this weekend as the Perfect Game Beast of the East Invitational takes place June 4-8. The invite only 15-17u tournament will showcase a plethora of nationally ranked teams and top talent looking to make a statement early into the summer and take home the championship in what promises to be a highly competitive weekend of baseball. The 15u division will shine a spotlight on several of the top ranked programs in the country as 9 out of the 32 total squads competing are T100. 11 states will be represented in the age bracket, proving how prestigious this event has become. Headlining the field are Wow Factor National who comes in at No. 8 in the national rankings, as well as Canes National who enters the weekend trailing just one spot behind Wow Factor. Canes National has an absolutely loaded roster with 9 players who rank in...
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Tournaments | Story | 6/5/2026

"Houston, We Nave a Problem"

Kinley Kitchens
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Some moments set the tone for an entire game. For Jackson Nave, it happened in his very first trip to the plate. The Sevierville, Tennessee native stepped into the batter’s box looking for a pitch he could drive. A few moments later, the ball was flying over the fence, giving FTB Phillies 13U an early boost and igniting what would become a dominant offensive performance. “I was feeling good,” Nave said. “I was just trying to find a pitch I could hammer. I kept my eye on it, took it down the middle and that felt good.” That swing was only the beginning. Nave finished the game with a home run, four runs scored, and four RBI as FTB Phillies 13U rolled to a 27-4 victory on the opening day of the 2026 PG 13U National Elite Championship. For Nave, getting the offense started early is an important part of helping his team succeed. “I think it is really...
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Tournaments | Story | 6/5/2026

Reed Continues to Prove He Belongs

Kinley Kitchens
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For many young players, competing alongside some of the top talent in the country can be intimidating. For Chris Reed, it is simply another opportunity to prove he belongs. The Conyers, Georgia native has established himself as one of the premier players in the 2030 class, currently ranking No. 24 nationally and No. 7 among shortstops according to Perfect Game. Reed’s game has consistently stood out against elite competition thanks to his athleticism, instincts, and all-around skill set. That ability was on full display during the 2025 Perfect Game 13U National Showcase, where Reed earned his invitation to the PG Select Festival, one of the most prestigious events available to players his age. “It showed that I can play with the best of the best, and that I belong,” Reed said of the experience. The event provided more than just exposure. It also reinforced an important...
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Tournaments | Story | 6/5/2026

Beast of the East Scout Notes: Day 1

Perfect Game Staff
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‘29 SS Chase Hallett (NJ) drops the bat head on this one & lifts it out to the PS for a solo HR. Free and easy LH swing w/ present strength & more to dream on. #BeastOfTheEast @PGMidAtlantic pic.twitter.com/Ym9LFg05tx — Perfect Game Scout (@PG_Scouting) June 4, 2026 Chase Hallett (2029, Pennington, N.J.) came up with a loud swing on Thursday morning, dropping the barrel on one and lifting it out to the pull-side. It’s an intriguing profile overall with the young left-handed hitting middle infielder and the power projects in a big way. The swing is short and simple, he finds the barrel at a high clip, and is a sure handed defender up the middle. This has all the makings of a high-end prospect in a few years and is certainly a name of note in the ‘29 class. Canon Day (2028, Germantown, Tenn.) put together a great day on the offensive side of things,...
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Tournaments | Story | 6/5/2026

Arizona Desert Classic Gets Underway

Emily Hicks
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After another busy week of baseball, attention now turns to the 2026 PG 14u Arizona Desert Classic tournament as teams prepare for a weekend of competition on the Perfect Game circuit. ATB 13U enters the event looking to continue building on its season so far. The team comes into the weekend with a record of 5-4 and has shown strengths in their offense and defense. As the schedule gets tougher, this tournament presents another opportunity to test themselves against quality opponents. The field features teams from across Arizona, setting up several intriguing matchups throughout pool play. Key games against AZ Premier Prospects and Maverix could provide an early look at where the team stands heading into bracket play. A few players to keep an eye on this weekend include Reece Neely and Gavyn Jupp from Maverix and Jakob Couto from USA Scout Team AZ 14u. Whether it's producing at the plate,...
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Tournaments | Story | 6/4/2026

California Kickoff Scout Notes

Joey Cohen
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Jayce Dejong (‘27, CA) finished 6-for-14 on the weekend which included a big HR in the championship game. Intriguing @PG_Uncommitted player to monitor this summer. #CAKickoff https://t.co/UbuSQxNalf pic.twitter.com/kjVcyiG8km — Perfect Game California (@California_PG) June 1, 2026 Jayce Dejong (2027, Yorba Linda, Calif). Really strong weekend at the plate, going 6-for-14 with multiple line-drive barrels, including a no-doubt pull-side HR. Medium, lean, athletic frame with room to add. Hits from a wider base from the left side, starts early and consistently gets to launch on time. Loose barrel turn with adjustability and length through the middle, showing the ability to create lift and impact out front. Coming off a strong junior season at Crean Lutheran and should be a priority uncommitted follow this summer. Evan Stroner (2027, Huntington Beach, Calif). Impressive...
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Showcase | Story | 6/4/2026

Soph. & Junior National Arrive in Georgia

Hannah Jo Groves
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This weekend will kick off the 2026 PG Junior National Showcase with the Sophomore National Showcase following close behind. Both in Marietta, Georgia, these showcases will feature lots of top-50 talent along with the ever-present potential for lesser-known players to turn heads.  For the Junior National Showcase, starting on June 6, 7 of the top 10-ranked players will attend - No. 2 Colin Anderson, No. 3 Cullen Scott, No. 4 Carter Shouse, No. 6 Aiden Kearney, No. 8 Keelan Zumwalt, No. 8 Landon Bonner and No. 9 Theo Swafford.  Anderson won’t have to travel far to attend, coming from Acworth, Georgia. At last year’s Sophomore National Showcase, he impressed scouts with his calm approach and explosive bat speed. Scott, a right-handed pitcher and third baseman from Melissa, Texas, has shown his arm strength getting up in the 90-mph zone....
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