5/29/09

2009 Draft Update - Top LHP & OF

LHP:


1. Tyler Matzek - Capistrano Valley HS (California) senior… 6-3, 185… L/L… 18 years old… threw no-hiiter March 20… fastball in 89-92 range… has hit 94… fastball drops to 86-89 in the stretch… mid-70s curve… nice slider averages 82… and change… throws ¾ arm angle… most consider him the top lefty in the draft… 2009: threw no-hitter March 20… From Lincoln Hamilton’s Top 30 draftees… #3 (top LHP on list) - Clean mechanics, good control, deep pitch repitroire, projection and polish…so everything age: 18.5… 5/21: Jonathan Mayo’s Top 10 picks for the draft: - 39 (#2 LHP on list) - 9. Detroit Tigers: Tyler Matzek, LHP, Capistrano Valley HS, Mission Viejo, Calif. - The Tigers are liable to do anything and will take whoever they feel is the best player available, period. That often means they are linked with whatever wild cards there are in a Draft. This time, that could mean Tate, it could mean Scheppers, or it could mean Turner. Instead, for this first week, we'll go with the prep lefty from SoCal in Matzek, who's dazzled at times with his great stuff but has been a little enigmatic with consistently bringing it to the table… 5/23 from BA: While on the topic of high school lefties, the only one who's rated ahead of Purke, talent-wise, is Tyler Matzek out in Southern California. He's been at or near the top of Draft lists from the get-go and he's certainly showed top-of-the-Draft ability on the mound… May 25th ProjectProspect’s mock draft: 6) San Fransisco Giants - Tyler Matzek, LHP Capistrano Valley High School (CA) You can arrange the top five or six high school pitchers in just about any order you want this year. I view Matzek as the best. His combination of terrific mechanics, advanced control, and multiple breaking balls give him the highest floor of any prep hurler in this draft. The Giants have had great success in recent years developing pitchers, and despite their anemic offensive, you can never have enough pitching. Ideally the Giants would prefer to bolster their offense, but there doesn't look to be good offensive value at this point in the draft. Should Donavan Tate still be on the board, he's a real possibility. Rich Poythress is an outside possibility but would be a bit of a stretch at number six. 5/26 from ScoutingBook: The kind of big, strong lefthanders that scouts fall in love with, the six-foot-six Matzek not only brings overpowering heat from the left side but flusters hitters with three different offspeed pitches to boot. A king-sized ace in the making, Matzek could be the anchor of many Major League teams in the near future. If he lands with an organization with good pitching development, watch out: he'll be dazzling big leaguers sooner rather than later… 5-28 John Sickles: Tyler Matzek: California HS: STRENGTHS: 90-94 MPH fastball, plus curveball, changeup shows potential, good control, excellent mechanics, athletic and projectable. WEAKNESSES: High school pitcher risk; velocity and command not always consistent, price tag to buy away from Oregon might be high.

2. Chad James - Bishop Verot HS, Fort Myers, Fla. Strong, pro body indicates his 88-90 mph fastball has room to grow… moving up the charts… now mid-90s… From Lincoln Hamilton’s Top 30 draftees… #19 (#5 LHP on list) - Clean mechanics, good arm strength, FB hits 95, big time curve, usable slider and change… age: 18.3… May 25th ProjectProspect’s mock draft: 17) Arizona Diamondbacks - Chad James, LHP Yukon HS (OK)The last time Arizona took a four-pitch prep lefty from Oklahoma, his name was Brett Anderson. James has drawn several comps to Anderson, but a part of that is just geography. With a fastball he runs up to 95 mph, a plus (or better) curveball, solid change and slider, good mechanics and control, James has just about everything you want out of a young pitcher… 5-28 John Sickles: Chad James, Oklahoma HS: STRENGTHS: Big and strong at 6-4, 204; 90-93 MPH fastball, nasty curveball, excellent athleticism. WEAKNESSES: High school pitcher risk; mechanics need polish, may be expensive to buy away from Oklahoma State.


3. Mike Minor - (down from #2) - Vanderbilt junior… 6-4, 210… has allowed only five extra-base hits in 32 innings through March 2009… previously drafted in 2006 (13th round) by Tampa Bay… 200: 103.0 IP, 8.8 K/9, 2.4 BB/9… has pitched in low 90s, topping out at 94… change-up, curve, and slider… numbers through 4-7-09: 2-3, 3.55, 43K, 12BB, 46.0 IP… pressing. Velocity down… has allowed only 7 exra-baed hits in 46 innings thru 4-7… From John Sickles: Was getting attention pre-season as a top lefty in the draft, but has likely fallen behind Brouthers. Minor is 4-4, 3.93 with a 79/24 K/BB in 73 innings, 74 hits allowed, very good numbers within the Vanderbilt context, though not exceptional. Listed at 6-4, 195, he has an 88-92 MPH fastball, a curve, slider, and changeup, and seems like a safe pick that could be the second choice for a lot of teams in the second half of the round…. From Lincoln Hamilton’s Top 30 draftees… #17 (#4 LHP on list) -polished lefty with good mechanics, command, low-90's FB with terrific changeup … age: 21.4… 5/21: Jonathan Mayo’s Top 10 picks for the draft: - 3. (top LHP on list) - San Diego Padres: Mike Minor, LHP, Vanderbilt - Traditionally, the Padres have been fairly college-heavy, at least early in Drafts, and the thinking here is they'll go that route again. The pick for now is the Vandy southpaw with a very good track record, but a guy like Crow could fit as well. If the M's don't take Ackley, the Padres very well could. That being said, there is some talk going on in the organization about going in a different direction. Specifically, that's toolsy outfielder Donavan Tate, who has tremendous athletic talent and a commitment to play football and baseball at North Carolina… May 25th ProjectProspect’s mock draft: 10) Washington Nationals - Mike Minor, LHP Vanderbilt The Nationals will likely look to cut some sort of deal with the 10 pick. Some may overblow the need to go below-slot with this pick. The Nationals offered Mark Teixeira more money than the Yankees did last winter and saved cash in the draft last year by not signing Crow. GM Mike Rizzo recently told BA's Jim Callis, "We do see this draft as one where the guy we take with the No. 10 pick might be No. 25 on someone else’s board," Rizzo said. "But if we take, say, Chad Jenkins or [California outfielder] Brett Jackson or whoever, it’s because we think he’s the 10th-best guy in the draft." If you think Chad Jenkins or Brett Jackson is the 10th-best prospect, you should have your head examined. Mike Minor could be affordable and represents much better value than someone like Jackson or Jenkins.

4. Matt Purke - Klein (Texas) HS… 6-3, 170, L/L… 89-92 mph fastball, tops off at 95… curve break at 78… slider in the 90 range… 2-7 74-77 changeup… 18 years old… needs some meat on his bones… In October 2008, Baseball America had Purke as the 5th overall pick in the draft… BA ranks him as the 3rd top high school prospect this year… considered by some as the 2nd top arm in the draft… March ’09: fastball now topping at 97. Slender frame… throws from a low ¾ delivery… high character kid… ***possible signing problems***… From Lincoln Hamilton’s Top 30 draftees… #8 (#2 LHP on list) - Matt Purke - Top Texas hurler, 6'3" hit 94 mph w/ sink in showcases, plus SL and solid change… age: 18.8 … 5/23: BA: Texas high school lefty Matthew Purke appears to be falling. Long considered to be one of the better high school arms in the class based on ability, his name has not been mentioned as much in the top third of the first round as rumors spread about a high bonus demand. But that might not be the only reason Purke's stock is slipping. The young southpaw last pitched in a game on May 1. He last worked out, throwing a bullpen, on May 7… 18) Florida Marlins - Matt Purke, LHP Klien HS (TX) The only thing that would prevent this pick from happening is money. Purke has been rumored to want top 10 cash and Florida, generally, doesn't go over slot. However, I can just about guarantee you that this pick will be a high school player, most likely a pitcher. Purke has the big frame, strong arm, and upside the Marlins love… . 5-28 John Sickles: Matt Purke, Texas HS: STRENGTHS: 90-95 MPH fastball, good slider, good control, still physically projectable and could throw harder as he matures. WEAKNESSES: Strong interest in college ball at TCU raises his price tag; mechanics are not as smooth as Matzek's, general high school pitcher risk.

5. Tyler Skaggs - (down from 4th) - Santa Monica (Calif.) HS… 6-5, 190… many project as high as Matzek… high 80s fastball… 12-6 curve in the 60s… projectable frame… coachable… good mound poise… From Lincoln Hamilton’s Top 30 draftees… #28 (#6 LHP on list) -Tall and skinny lefty with big slow curve, good mechanics, fastball works in low-90's – age: 17.8… May 25th ProjectProspect’s mock draft: 22) Minnesota Twins - Tyler Skaggs, LHP Santa Monica HS (CA) The Twins are as likely as any team to pick a prodigious high school talent and Skaggs, a polished lefty with good command and a plus curveball, fits their mold well. A speedy outfielder is certainly a possibility, Ben Revere and Aaron Hicks are both speedsters and the Twins last two first round picks, but Skaggs would represent much better value with the 22nd pick. Jiovanni Mier, a high school shortstop, is a real possibility with this pick. Mier is the shortstop most likely to be a plus defender in this draft and has a pretty solid bat…. 5-28 John Sickles: Tyler Skaggs, California HS: STRENGTHS: More physically projectable than Matzek or Purke, throws 88-92 right now but that should increase; excellent curveball, very athletic. WEAKNESSES: General high school pitcher risk; Cal State Fullerton commitment, needs a changeup, what if his velocity doesn't increase? Skaggs has the least current velocity but also the most physical projection.



6. James Paxton - (down from 5th) - Kentucky… dominated SEC… 37.9% K 4.8% BB… born in Canada… 6-4, 210… 97 mph fastball, slurve, changeup… 4-0, 3.30, 47K/6BB/30.0 IP through March 2009… Through 3-25-09, Paxton is 4-0, 3.30 with 47 strikeouts and six walks in 30 innings. On March 20, he out-dueled Vanderbilt lefthander Mike Minor, striking out 10 in 6.2 innings… roughed up lately, but still touching 97 mph… From John Sickles: Paxton has an unattractive 5.40 ERA, but this is around average for his context, and his other numbers are sharp: 97/17 K/BB in 65 innings, 68 hits allowed, giving him K/IP, K/BB, and H/IP marks that are all very strong for the context in which he's pitching. His biggest weakness is a high home run rate, with 10 dingers given up. Paxton is 6-4, 215 and has been clocked as high as 95 MPH. He's from Canada and is a bit raw compared to some other college pitchers, but has a very high ceiling. He could go anywhere in the first or second round… for season: 5-2, 5.30, 109K, 20BB, 73.0IP… From Lincoln Hamilton’s Top 30 draftees… #11 (#3 LHP on list) - 6-foot-4 lefty with plus, plus velocity , dominating SEC (34.0% K 5.9% BB), long arm action… age: 20.5… May 25th ProjectProspect’s mock draft: 11) Colorado Rockies - James Paxton, LHP University of Kentucky The Rockies have gone surprisingly college-heavy in recent years, not taking a high school player last year until the 14th round. Even post-humidor, Coors Field is a tough place to pitch and the Rockies need pitchers who can get outs on their own. Paxton keeps the ball out of play, by striking everyone out. He could go much higher, but shouldn't last past Colorado with this pick.. 5-28 John Sickles: James Paxton, Kentucky: STRENGTHS: 92-96 MPH fastball, sharp curveball, good control, high strikeout rates in college ball, big and strong, from Canada so he has a fresher arm than most college guys. WEAKNESSES: Why does he have an ERA over 5.00? Vulnerable to home runs this year; needs a better changeup; Canadian background also means he needs more polish. Paxton is something of an enigma, but University of Kentucky pitchers actually have a pretty good track record, and despite the high ERA his K/BB and K/IP ratios are outstanding.


7. Aaron Miller – Baylor - 5-28 from MLBBonusBaby: - 48. Los Angeles (AL) – Aaron Miller, LHP, Baylor – I’ve decided to never again refer to Miller as a hitter, only thinking of him as a lefty collegiate pitcher. He’s risen up draft boards this Spring, and with Brooks Raley’s late season collapse, Miller might have secured the top spot for collegiate two-way players. Previously: #67… Aaron Miller, Baylor: STRENGTHS: 90-94 MPH fastball, good slider, strong and athletic, two-way player with limited mileage on his arm compared to most college pitchers, getting late buzz as possible first rounder. WEAKNESSES: Limited mileage also means he lacks the polish of most college pitchers; needs better changeup, control needs work.



8. Rex Brothers –- Lipscomp – 6-1, 205… – been skyrocking up mock drafts… fastball 93-94 range, touching 96… slider at 86-88… 15 scouting directors in stands for April 3rd game vs. Kennesaw State/prospect Kyle Heckathorn… 12Ks… thru 4/23: 4-4, 2.37, 94K, 29BB, 65.0 IP… 4/30: 4-5, 3.01, only 51 hits in 68.2 IP, 101Ks, 35 BB… From John Sickles: Brouthers is moving rapidly up draft lists. He has 3.01 ERA with a 101/35 K/BB in 69 innings this spring, 51 hits allowed, demonstrating an exceptional K/P ratio. He's dominating with excellent stuff, hitting 94-96 MPH with the heater and using a nasty slider. His changeup needs work and his command is still sloppy, but his ceiling is very impressive and he could be the first college lefty drafted…. 5/17: Second only to Strasburg with 120 strikeouts this year… May 25th ProjectProspect’s mock draft: 29) New York Yankees - Rex Brothers, LHP Lipscomb - With recent draft picks like Joba Chamberlin, Andrew Brackman and Gerrit Cole, I feel safe in predicting that the Yankees will go for a pitcher with an electric arm early in the draft. Brothers has a mid-90's fastball and a slider that is already a plus pitch, making him an excellent target for the Yankees. A poorly developed third pitch and below-average command mean there is a reasonable chance Brothers ends up as a reliever, but maybe then we could end all of this Joba to the pen nonsense… 5-28 John Sickles: Rex Brothers, Lipscomb: STRENGTHS: Has hit 97 MPH, works in the 90s consistently, has a nasty slider, huge strikeout rate, control has improved. WEAKNESSES: Mechanics need refinement, leading to durability questions. Command can wobble. Will need better changeup to start in the pros.

9. Andrew Oliver - Oklahoma State… 6-3, 212… L/L… 28.9%K; however. 6.67 ERA through March 2009 this season… a native of Vermilion, Ohio… sophomore season: 7-2 in 15 games… 2.20, 96K/98.1 IP… 2008: earned 1st team All-Big 12… 2nd team All-American by Rivals,com… 2-20 ERA… pitched for Team USA… In October 2008, Baseball America had him as the 11th overall pick in the draft… as of 4/6/09: has allowed 13 doubles and five home runs, resulting in a 5.91 ERA… not afraid ti come inside to right handed hitters… fastball touches 95… velocity maintained in late innings… must work on secondary pitches… 7 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 10 K on 4.25… From John Sickles: Rated as the top college lefty by some sources pre-season, due to his combination of above average stuff with sharp command, Oliver has had a disappointing spring, going 5-4, 4.96 with a 75/28 K/BB in 62 innings, 62 hits allowed. His K/IP and H/IP marks are actually not bad, but he's lacked consistency. His stock is down, but as long as there are no health concerns, someone could still take a shot on him late in the first round. Some theorize that Oliver has been knocked a bit off-kilter emotionally by the circumstances regarding the NCAA lawsuit, and will perform better once in pro ball… end of season: 5-6, 4.83, 14 starts, 90K, 78.1 IP… from Sickles 5/25: 23. Chicago (AL) - Andy Oliver, LHP, Oklahoma State - Oliver's still a college lefty with upside, and that's all it takes for the White Sox to pick someone. He might need more time to get through the minors than your typical college pick. Previously: #17… 5-28 John Sickles: Andy Oliver, Oklahoma State: STRENGTHS: 90-95 MPH fastball, good slider, has flashed a changeup, good control, excellent sophomore season last year, strong and durable. WEAKNESSES: Lost his plus curveball this year; needs to refine changeup and slider, weaker-than-expected performance this spring, Scott Boras client.

10. Brooks Raley - (down from #8) Texas A&M… 6-3, 185, L/L, sophomore… 2008: 2nd team freshman All-American selection… 7-2, 4.76 in 18 games… moving up the charts… as of 4/23: Over 62 1/3 IP, he's allowed only 40 hits (.189 opponents' batting average) and 16 walks while striking out 65. Also an outfielder, he's leading the team with a .354 average and 21 steals… 8 IP, 4 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 10 K on 4/25… From John Sickles: Raley is having a statistically dominant season, going 7-1, 1.96 with an 84/19 K/BB in 78 innings, 51 hits allowed. He's also playing great as an outfielder, hitting .318/.443/.459 with 33 walks and 21 steals in 157 at-bats, demonstrating athleticism though scouts prefer him on the mound. His fastball is average at 87-89 MPH, but his curveball, slider, and changeup are all solid, and his control is very good. His athleticism and command should help him stay healthy. His lack of a plus fastball, as well as his sophomore status and resultant leverage, make it very unclear where he will fall on draft day… 5/6: 1.96 RRA in 78 IP… 5/6: Baseball Draft Report has him as 3rd LHP drafted… 5/27 BA Draft Tracker “3-down”: Another player that's struggled at the wrong time is Aggies two-way talent Brooks Raley. In his May 22 start in the Big 12 tournament against Oklahoma, Raley lasted just one inning, giving up seven runs before getting the hook. He works mainly with an 87-90 mph sinker, a slider and a changeup, and he also has a four-seam fastball that peaks at 93 mph and a curveball. Scouts respect his ability to compete and to command all of his offering, but he doesn't have a true out pitch, which will leave him with little margin for error in pro ball. Though Raley has a clean delivery, they also wonder how well he'll hold up at a wiry 6-foot-3 and 185 pounds. A sophomore-eligible, he's spooking clubs by not giving them any inkling as to his asking price or agent, so he could last much longer in the draft than his talent would dictate.





11. Chris Rusin - Kentucky… senior… 6-2, 190… L/L… 2009 Wallace Preseason Watch List… 2008 First-Team All-SEC (coaches)… drafted in the 23rd round of the 2008 draft by the Athletics… very little support in2008, but still turned a 6-3, 3.33 ERA…. Good fastball and excellent command of breaking ball


12. Tyler Lyons – Oklahoma State… 6-2, 207… S/L… 2nd team all-Big 12… 12 wins in 2008… 7-1, 2.99 in conference… on Team USA… excellent curve… fastball command

13. Justin Marks – - Louisville… junior… 6-3/195… L/L… 2009 Brooks Wallace Watch List… 2009 Preseason BIG EAST Pitcher of the Year… 2007 PING! Baseball All-American… 2007 BIG EAST Pitcher of the Week (4/30)… 2007 Rivals National Freshman of the Week (4/30)… 2008: named first team All-BIG EAST and second team All-America by PING...invited to compete at the 2008 USA Baseball National Team camp… Posted a 9-2 record with a 2.37 ERA in 91.0 innings, limiting opponents to a .220 average… 5/18: named Big East pitcher of the week: 27 career wins, 282 Ks, 2.82

14. David Holmberg - Port Charlotte HS… 6-4, 215… #31 in the state of Florida according to Prospectswire.com… #51 on Baseball America's list of Top 100 High School Prospects… led the state last season with 114 strikeouts and was 6-1 with a 0.70 ERA… over the last four games of the season, struck out 58 in 29 innings with a personal-best of 16 against Southeast… 5/15 from Sickles mock: 48. Los Angeles (AL) - David Holmberg, LHP, Port Charlotte HS (FL) - When looking for a prep pitcher with good upside, look no farther than Florida. Holmberg's had a solid senior season, neither helping nor hurting his draft stock. Previously: #56.

15. Matt Bashore – (new) - 5/27: BA Draft Tracker “3-Up”: Matt Bashore, lhp, Indiana - Bashore piqued the interest of scouts when he hit 94 mph last spring, but then he came down with a tender arm and pitched out of the bullpen in the Cape Cod League during the summer. He started slowly this spring but had turned in five quality starts in his last six outings heading into the last week of the regular season. He's attractive because he's a lefty with size (6-foot-3, 200 pounds), velocity (his fastball sits at 90-91 mph and has peaked at 95 this year), a pair of solid breaking pitches and an effective splitter/changeup. Bashore has an easy delivery and has improved his control this year. He gives Indiana a third player with a chance to get popped in the first two rounds, joining righthander Eric Arnett and catcher Josh Phegley.

16. Robbie Erlin – (new) – Scotts Valley HS (Calif) – 5/28 from BA: Multiple scouts have said the same thing about Erlin: "If he were two inches taller, you'd be talking about him as a first rounder." One scout regretted that it had to come down to that. "That sucks that what we do for a living is look at kids and cookie cut them like that." Erlin is a 5-foot-11, 170-pound lefthander from the Santa Cruz area. Despite the small frame, he still has some life to his fastball, pitching at 89-92 mph. He commands the pitch to both sides of the plate and also has a well-above-average curveball—a hammer he can throw for strikes in any count. He can get underneath his changeup a little bit, but it too has a chance to be above-average. Erlin is regarded as a great kid and is committed to Cal Poly.



17. Beau Wright - Los Alamitos HS; Los Alamitos, CA. 6′2, 205… 89-92 fastball… big curve… fastball in the low 90s… big breaking ball… does not have third pitch developed…

18. Ian Krol – Nequea Valley HS (Ill.)… 6-1, 180… high 80s sinker… good curve… suspended for season so off he goes..

19. Daniel Bibona – UC Irvine…5-11, 165… mid-80s fastball… flawless control… compared to Tom Glavine… thru 5/6: 2.13 ERA…



20. Garrett Hughes - La Costa Canyon H.S,… 6-7, 235… Names to Underarmour all-American team… 2008 high school season: 6-1, 77K66.0 IP, no hitter…

21. Neal Davis - Virginia… 6-6, 210… L/L… junior… relief pitcher… 2008: 1.58… averaged 9.7 Ks per 9IP… ALL-ACC team…


22. Steven Rodriquez - Gulliver Prep (FL)… 6-2, 210… named to underarmour All-American team… “Paco”… #7 LHP in the state of Florida according to Prospectswire.com... member of the 2007 U-16 USA National Team …

23. Kraig Sitton - Oregon State… 6-5, 190, L/L, draft eligible sophomore… was 1-3, 4.41 this summer for Spokane/WCCBL… 2008: 22 G, 2-0, 3.91, 23 Ks

24. Matt Way - Washington State… 6-2, 182, L/L, senior… 2008: 18 appearances, 5 starts… 4.01 ERA…

25. Nick Kirk - Northern Iowa… 6-1/200… B/T… senior… 2008: 10 G, 9 starts… 3.84, 4-7… threw no-hitter on March 28 vs. Evansville

26. Matt Packer – Virginia… 6-0, 200… R/L… junior… led the NCAA with the lowest ERA, 1.14… 25 appearances, with 4 starts… opposing teams only hit .202


27. Dallas Keuchel - Arkansas… 6-3, 200, Junior, L/L… named allstar this summer in Cape Cod League… 2008: 4-3, 4.58, 74.2 IP, 61 K

28. Nick Hernandez - Tennessee… junior… 6-4/200… L/L… 2008: 14 G, 13 starts… 82.2 IP, K:BB 7.0…



29. Miers Quigley - Alabama… was drafted in the 36th round of the 2008 draft by the Twins… 2008: 5-4, 5.58 ERA in 16 games (12 starts). 3-year college record: 10-15, 5.03.

30. Robbie Erlin – Scotts Valley HS (CA)… 5-11, 160… R/L… tossed no-hitter week 5/4… FB touches 91… solid curve 70-73… good command… reminds one of Billy Wagner… one of best deliveries for a high schooler… projected out of the pen

31. Travis Smink - Virginia Military… 2008: 6-1, 1.88, 1.059 WHIP, 1.4 BB/9, 7/1 K/9, in 62.1 IP… all-league first team pick

32. Patrick Schuster – Mitchell H.S. (FL) – threw 3rd consecutive no-hitter on April 12… 8-0, 0.66 through 4/15… committed to Florida. This is getting a little ridiculous.. he threw his 4th consecutive no-hitter on 4/20…

33. Joe Serafin - Vermont… named to the 2009 Brooks Wallace Player of the Year Award Preseason Watch List ... picked up a save in a 4-3 win over Team USA in June of 2007 striking out five and walking one in three innings ...

34. Jordan John - Calallen HS… 6-3, 195, R/L… signed with Oklahoma… 85-87 fastball… 76 change-up…

35. Jeff Dennis - Binghamton… 6-6, 215, senior… 2008: 4-5, 3.97 in 14 starts… 62K/81.2IP… .203 OBA…

36. Chris Dwyer – Clemson… From MiLB 5/18: The draft-eligible freshman has some intriguing stuff, but it hasn't always led to good results in his first college season. Against Maryland, he went five innings, allowing four runs (three earned) on six hits and a walk while striking out six. For the year, he's 4-4 with a 5.03 ERA. Over 68 innings, he's given up 60 hits and 27 walks while striking out 71

37. Brendan Lafferty - UCLA… 6-5, 215, R/L… played the summer for Mankato in the Northwoods League… went 4-1, 3.93… 2008: 33 relief appearances… 4-3, 3-74, 56K/67.1 IP.

38. Riley Boening - Texas… 6-3, 210… redshirted sophomore in 2008: academic all-Big12… 13 games, 10 starts, 3-1, 6.34

39. Wes Musick - Houston…. 6-0, 190, L/L, junior…

40. Tyler Kehrer - Eastern Illinois - through 3/09: 2-1, 4.99, 37K/31.0 IP… fastball in 90-93 range… slider and change-up…

41. Sam Selman - St. Andrew’s Episcopal HS (TX)… 6-3, 160… R/L… FB: 88-89, hit 92… breaker: 70… signed with Vanderbilt…

42. Austin Woods – Texas, senior… 6-2, 190, L/L… academic All-Big 12… 2008: 27 G, 14 starts, 7-3, 4.43, 42K, 85.1 IP

43. Seth Maness – East Carolina – 5/18: 9-0, 3.99, 76K, 88.0 IP for season, named C-USA pitcher of the week…

44. Josh Spence – Arizona State – junior… as of 4/6/09: 6-0, 1.17, 72-16 K/BB in 54 IP… velocity not as high as scouts like… fastball maxes out at 86… Tom Glavine type… through 4/23: 8-0, 1.56, 89K, 69 IP… was drafted in 25th round of the 2008 draft by Arizona… thru 5/6: 2.23 in 75.1IP… 5/11: out for the rest of the season with a tendon strain in his pitching arm.

45. Ian Thomas – VCU – named CAA pitcher of the month 4/20:

46. Brian Johnson – Cocoa Beach HS (FL)…6-4, 220 L/L

47. Brian Morgado – Tennessee – 6-3, 205, L/L

48. Paul Applebee – UC Riverside

49. Mike Belfore – Boston College…

50. Kent Emmanuel – Woodstock HS…

51. Jordan Cooper – Farragut HS…

52. Buddy Baumann – Missouri State…

53. Donnie Joseph – Houston…

54. Lance Hoge – Kansas State…

55. John Pokomy – Kent State…





OF:


1. Dustin Ackey - UNC junior… 6-1, 184… L/R… pure hitter with developing power… .477 wOBA high average, and walk hitter with speed. Through 4-1-09: .421 with eight homers and 23 RBIs in 28 games... .729 Slug% .530 OBP… TJS over the summer… excellent base-runner… now limited to playing 1B instead of outfield… probably the best hitting in the country… as freshman: .402/.448/.591… led nation with 119 hits… as sophomore: .417/.503/.597… was hitting .415/.586/.707 in Cape Cod League before quitting for TJS… has superstar potential… 2009: as of 4/7: matched career high with 10 HR… also: .411/.520/.734… has enough athleticism to play the outfield, perhaps even center field… through 4/23: 395/.505/.716… many consider the best overall hitter in the country. Thru 4/25: .310 IsoP… thru 5/7: .395, 15 HRs, 47 RBIs… from BP: 5/12: It wasn't a good week for the Tar Heels, as one of the top teams in the country dropped two of three to sub-.500 North Carolina State. Scouts got what they wanted, however, as Ackley spent the entire series in center field after playing the majority of the year at first base due to some arm troubles. The difference in the draft between a guy who can hit and play center field and the same guy playing first base and possibly a little bit of center is massive, and now that Ackley is proving he can handle center field, his draft stock is sitting firmly in the first five picks. As for the hitting, we know he can do that; after two hits on Friday, a triple and two walks on Saturday, and a double and a home run on Sunday, his batting line is a very healthy .401/.510/.746. 5/12: played center field for 18 straight innings, effectively answering the questions about his ability to make the necessary throws and thus pushing his draft value… named ACC player of the year, as first baseman… From Lincoln Hamilton’s Top 30 draftees… #2 (top outfielder on list) - CF - Draft's best hitter, .405/.511/.744 with 44 BB and 27 K, ++ runner should cover ground in CF – age: 21.2… 5/21: Jonathan Mayo’s Top 10 picks for the draft: - #2 (1st outfielder on list) - Seattle Mariners: Dustin Ackley, 1B/OF, North Carolina - This is where it gets murkier. After Strasburg, it's still very much up in the air. If the Mariners want to go with a pitcher, it's looking like Crow and perhaps Kyle Gibson are still in the mix. It's no secret that when he was the Brewers' scouting director, Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik loved the bats, and Ackley's the best one in this class. The question mark around him is his position, as most would like him to play the outfield, but he hasn't been out there very much for scouts to evaluate. Considering Zdureincik took Matt LaPorta and turned him into an outfielder, it might not matter… May 25th ProjectProspect’s mock draft: 2) Seattle Mariners - Dustin Ackley, CF University of North Carolina The drop-off between the first and second pick is generally precipitous, and in this year the case is no different. Even at this late point in the evaluation process, there are half a dozen prospects still in serious contention for the No. 2 overall pick. New Seattle GM Jack Zduriencik made his name as a player evaluation guru, overseeing the Brewers surge in home-grown talent. The Brewers favored hitters during Mr. Z's tenure...enter Dustin Ackley the 2009 draft's best hitter. While his power may never be much better than average, Ackley is a 70 hitter and 70 runner on the 20-80 scouting scale with tremendous patience at the plate. He's one of the safest players in a draft brimming with uncertainty. I'd be mildly shocked if Seattle passed on Ackley, although I hear they plan on turning him into a LOOGY reliever. … from mopupduty.com: Since early May Dustin Ackley has been getting playing time in CF and has made all of the necessary throws from the position, answering questions about the health of his arm. Ackley entered play Saturday hitting .410/.517/.757 with 35 extra-base hits and a 44:25 BB:K ratio. After a strong offensive season that’s ending on a strong note this month and some clear evidence that his throwing arm is indeed healthy enough to play the outfield as a pro, he could become the clear choice for Seattle at No. 2 overall, where his plate skills, speed and outfield range would play very well in left or center field. One scout had this to say about Ackley even before his arm had been tested in CF: “He’s just a guaranteed value. Strasburg comes with a lot more risk than this guy does.”… 5/26 from ScoutingBook: A scout's wet dream, Dustin Ackley is one of the best college hitters of the 2009 class. After destroying ACC pitching as a freshman, he shouldn't last long on the draft board. While he might end up in right field, he looks competent as a first baseman for now. His defense won't make much difference, though, as it's his combination of plus contact and plus power that teams are drooling over.

2. Donavan Tate - Cartersville HS, Georgia… 5-tool talent – may not sign due to commitment to UNC… 6-3, 200… 5-tools… runs 6.34 in 60-yard dash… 80 speed, 70+ arm, 60+ defense…in October 2008, Baseball America projected him as the seventh overall pick in the draft… committed to UNC. Football star as well… ***possible draft signing problems*** - From Lincoln Hamilton’s Top 30 draftees… #4 (#2 outfielder on list) - CF - Tremendous athlete with fantastic five tool potential, UNC commit could be pricey – age: 18.6… May 25th ProjectProspect’s mock draft: 3) San Diego Padres - Donavan Tate, CF Cartersville HS (GA) The rebuilding process in San Diego is just getting underway and a key part of the process is addressing an organizational void in high-ceiling talent. The most athletic high schooler in the country, Tate will be expensive to buy away from his commitment to play baseball and football at UNC. While some people within the Padres organization still prefer college players such as Grant Green, Kyle Gibson or even Aaron Crow, I think Tate wins out. His biggest flaw is that he's still raw, and as a result, his pitch recognition skills are a little underdeveloped. The Padres teach patience as well as it can be taught.

3. Jason Kipnis - (up from 4th) - ASU junior… 6-0, 180… L/R… 18.9% BB .380 IsoP… 4th round pick '08… thru 4-1-09: .469, 9 HR, 39 RBI, .561 OBP, .919 slug%, 11-13 SB… polished.. limited power… strong for his size… through 4-7: .429/.536/.829… through 4-19: .383/.491/.780, 14 HR, 14SB… leads team in walks. Through 4/23: .403/.506/.763… 11 HRs, 15 SB, 29 BB, 16K/139AB… thru 5/6: .376/12HRs/58RBIs… From Lincoln Hamilton’s Top 30 draftees… #23 (#3 outfielder on list) - CF - Productive speedster with patience (17.7% BB) and power (.349 IsoP) 4th round pick '08 age: 22.1… 5-29 ProjectProspect’s analysis of top 20 hitters in draft: Jason Kipnis of Arizona Stat is generally thought of as a guy with average tools, who might not quite have the range to play center and might not quite have the power for a corner outfield spot. While he may not have a plus tool, his on-base ability is elite. You can't really find a hole in anything Kipnis has done in college. A fourth round pick of the Padres last year, Kipnis is a likely second round selection this June. I'll take my chances on a guy with 2nd-3rd round tools and first round production.

4. Mike Trout – Millville HS (NJ) – from BA 5/8: - Every Draft class has a share of exciting toolsy high school outfielders and this one is no exception. Trout has been rising up Draft boards as the weather in the Northeast has improved and he showed his skill set recently in a game against Ocean City High School… From Lincoln Hamilton’s Top 30 draftees… #24 (#4 outfielder on list) - CF This spring's NE pop-up guy, very toolsy and competitive, solid hitter w/ pop, + range in CF age: 17.7… 5/21: Jonathan Mayo’s Top 10 picks for the draft: - # 6. (2nd outfielder on list) - San Francisco Giants: Michael Trout, OF, Millville Senior HS, N.J.- And now we have our first high schooler going off the board. This is a little bit of a leap, but there's no doubt Trout has been a late riser on Draft boards. Word is the Giants have been in heavy to see the toolsy outfielder and they are an organization willing to take whoever they want, regardless of perception. In that regard, they could also have interest in Tate. They could have an interest in Wheeler if they wanted to go with the young power arm instead… 5/23: Coming up quickly on the "toolsy" list is a high school outfielder from New Jersey, Michael Trout. Often compared to Aaron Rowand, Trout's stock has been rising steadily as the weather in the Northeast improved. He's got speed and should hit for power, especially once he starts to figure things out at the plate more. He's learning to switch-hit and he's got a terrific arm from the outfield. Trout's season is over now, but he'll continue to work out for teams as the Draft looms closer. There has been plenty of teams in to see him, including some general managers. His name worked its way into first-round talk a little while ago. Now it's creeping up higher with at least one team in the top 10 particularly interested. It's not out of the question that Trout will get drafted before Tate, with signability being a big reason why. May 25th ProjectProspect’s mock draft: 16) Arizona Diamondbacks - Mike Trout, CF Millville High School (NJ) Trout is one of the fastest risers in this draft, and could go inside the top 10. Possessing a good power/speed combination, Trout has the potential to hit 25-30 homers while playing a plus center field. He's a little raw, players in the Northeast don't get the experience some others do, but everyone I've talked to raves about his coachability, competitiveness, and character. Arizona has back-to-back picks, if he's still on the board I don't think Trout gets by them.

5. Jared Mitchell - (up from 6th) - LSU sophomore… 6-0, 192, L/L… 5-tools… .316 IsoP, 29.3% BB, however, only K 18.3%, ++ speed… was drafted in the 13th round of the 2006 draft by the Twins… 2008: .297 (52-175), 10 doubles, 6 HRs, 29 RBIs, 44 R, 16 SB… thru 4/25: .310/.470/.595, 33 BB, but struck out 26.5% of at bats… may return to school to play football… 5/28 from MiLB: The two-sport standout has tools that are intriguing, but do they turn into results? In the SEC tournament, he went 3-for-20 with five runs scored, an RBI and a stolen base over six games. For the season, the outfielder has hit .326 with a .560 slugging percentage and .472 on-base percentage, thanks to 47 walks. He's stolen 30 bases and also has 47 strikeouts in 56 total games… 5-29 ProjectProspect’s analysis of top 20 hitters in draft: LSU's Jared Mitchell might be the most likely to outperform his poor projection, as the former football player has only recently fully devoted his full athletic attention to baseball. There is reason to believe Mitchell could keep improving more than the average college hitter; if he comes close to reaching his upside, he would be a special player.

6. Tim Wheeler - (up from 7th) - Sacramento State junior… 6-4, 205… .718 SLG and 7 stolen bases through March 2009… plus speed and above average presence on the bases… limited power… through April 25: .383/.491/.780, 12 HRs and 14 stolen bases in 16 attempts… 5/16: Showing power/speed combo with .786 SLG and 15 stolen bases.. 5-29 ProjectProspect’s analysis of top 20 hitters in draft: I'm surprised by how well Sacramento State's Tim Wheeler scored in this system. His .385/.494/.765 line gets a nice park boost and when coupled with terrific contact ability makes for the second best 2009 score. Wheeler projects as a good defender in center, well above-average runner but with somewhat questionable power. Wheeler has a few mechanical questions in his swing, he turns his hips too early and has an unusual toe-tap that throws off is balance, so there is reason to question his recent power spike. His isolated power went from .114 in 2008 to .410 this year, expect some power regression. His marginal walk rate is offset somewhat by his positional value. Tim Wheeler has shown terrific growth this spring.



6. Kentrail Davis - strong & athletic… production down in '09… in October 2008, Davis was ranked as the projected 15th overall pick in the draft… 2009: as of April: stats way down in 2009 from last year… very well built… gap-to-gap power… great command of strike zone… threat to steal… below average throwing arm. As of 4/23: .297/.428/.525… strikeout rate high… a rival coach who saw him recently said Davis looked to be pressing…




7. A.J. Pollack - (up from 9th) - Notre Dame… junior… 6-1, 200, R/R… great approach to plate… gap-to-gap line-drive hitter… above-average runner… a little flat footed… strength is hitting ability… also, has above average speed. Considered one of the top hitters in the draft… as of 4/23: 352/441/.528 with 15 steals in 19 attempts, 21 walks, 15 strikeouts in 142 at-bats… From Lincoln Hamilton’s Top 30 draftees… #29 (#5 outfielder on list) - CF - Good athlete and a plus runner, showed solid power (.239 IsoP) great contact (8.0% K) age: 21.4… 5-29 ProjectProspect’s analysis of top 20 hitters in draft: AJ Pollock rates as nearly identical to Wheeler, with a little better contact rate but a little less power. Both Tim Wheeler and Pollock are possible first round picks, with good speed and solid all around tools.


8. Jake Marisnick - Poly HS… 6-4, 200… toolsy… plus power and speed… turning 18… 2007: .495, 5 HR, 22 RBIs… verbally committed to Oregon… runs 6.7 60-yard dash; has 35.8-inch vertical leap… pure athlete…



9. Brett Nommensen - Eastern Illinois senior… 5-10, 190… as of 4-2-09, Nommensen leads the nation in OBP with .643… also: .518/.643/1.024, 10 HRs, 21 RBI, 5 SB in 24 G… 2008: .402… led the team in batting average, hits, multi-hit games, runs scored, doubles, slugging percentage, walks, on-base-percentage, stolen bases and outfield assists… 4-6-9: named Ohio Valley POW… hit .739 for the week… 2nd pow this year… as of 4/8: 17th rank nationally with 11 HRs… as of 4-7-09: .516/.642/1.022… April 21: out with a wrist injury

10. Angelo Songco –– Loyola Marymount – consistent power… won home run derby in Cape Cod League… through April: .373/.500/.715, 12 HRs… 5/18: Facing the University of San Diego earlier this month, Songco did what he's been doing all season: hit. He went 6-for-9 with a homer, double and three RBIs over a three-game series. For the year, Loyola Marymount's cleanup hitter has batted .367 with a .691 SLG, thanks to 16 doubles and 15 homers. He's driven in 63 runs in 57 games and has drawn 40 walks while striking out 49 times… from BA 5/20: Undrafted out of high school, Songco has been one of the hottest college hitters in California this spring. Hot bats translate to draft helium, and Songco may have hit his way into the first two rounds. He utilizes one of the most distinctive stances in college baseball, starting deep in the box, standing tall with his bat held high. He lifts his front right leg straight up and then drops it straight down before lashing at the ball with a quick bat. His power was evident with wood bats last summer, when he hit eight homers to rank second in the Cape Cod League. An aggressive hitter, Songco is vulnerable to offspeed pitches and has difficulty covering the outside corner. Early in the count, he looks for a pitch middle-in that he can hammer. He has average speed and is an average defensive outfielder. While he has played right field for Loyola Marymount, his arm probably dictates a move to left in pro ball. But he'll be drafted for thunder in his bat, possibly as early as the supplemental first round…

11. Brett Jackson – California… junior, 6-2, 210… L/L… 2008: .307 4 home runs and 40 RBI… 53 stolen bases last season… through April 2009: Second in Pac-10 with 13 doubles… dubbed monster athlete with speed, power and CF skills… through 4/18: .331/.401/.586… team leading 44Ks in 157 Abs… as of 4/23: .331/.401/.586… needs to develop plate discipline… from BA: In a series against Oregon, Cal's leadoff hitter and center fielder went 4-for-16 with a triple, a double and an RBI. For the season, he's hit .326 with a .416 OBP, .568 SLG and 11 stolen bases in 14 attempts in 46 games… 5-28 from MLBBonusBaby: - position in overall draft: 43. Cincinnati -Brett Jackson, OF, California – Maybe I got too much out of Jackson’s huge strikeout numbers this Spring, as teams are still on him as a huge-upside college outfielder. The Reds normally go for these type of guys, and Jackson’s similar in a few ways to Drew Stubbs. Previously: #59….


12. Brian Goodwin - 6-1, 185 high schooler hitting .500 with 8 SB through March 2009… well known for his excellence defense… very good speed… considered to have an above average arm… some pop… most of his power goes to the gaps… 6.5 speed… fast out of the box… 5/15 mock from Sickles: 40. Los Angeles (AL) - Brian Goodwin, OF, Rocky Mount HS (NC) - I think the Angels end up with one of Brian Goodwin or Jake Marisnick, possibly both. Goodwin's a UNC recruit, so I don't know about his signability. Previously: #40.



13. Randal Grichuk – Lamar HS (TX)… 6-1, 195, R/R… strong right fielder… pop in bat… 60-timr 6.9, 4.4 down line… from BA 5/20: Randal Grichuk, Lamar Consolidated HS, Rosenberg, Texas, B-T: R-R… Grichuk first made a name for himself as a power hitter at the 2004 Little League World Series, leading the tournament with four homers, and hasn't stopped hitting home runs since. He hit three longballs as the United States won the gold medal at the 2007 World Youth Championship in Venezuela, and he regularly went deep at prestigious events on the showcase circuit last summer. At the International Power Showcase at Tampa's Tropicana Dome in January, he led all comers with 20 total homers, including a 475-foot blast with a metal bat. Grichuk is more than just a masher, however. He doesn't have the prettiest righthanded stroke, but his strong hands and bat speed should allow him to hit for a solid average once he adjusts his pull-oriented ed approach. A 6-foot, 195-pounder, Grichuk has decent athleticism and fits best defensively as a left fielder. He's a below-average runner with a fringe arm, but his work ethic and passion for the game should make him a solid defender. He has committed to Arizona but is considered signable if he goes in the first three rounds as expected.

14. Kent Matthes – Alabama… one of best hitting seniors… solid…
through 4-7: .394/.481/.982… through 4/23: .394/.481/.976, 20 HRs, 9-10 SB… thru 5/6: .368/23HRs/69RBIs… 5/23 from BA: A highly recruited player out of high school, Matthes struggled with soft stuff and overaggressiveness for most of his first three seasons at Alabama. He wasn't even drafted as a junior, which one area scout called "an indictment of our industry" as Matthes was tearing up the Southeastern Conference this spring. Matthes leads the nation with 27 home runs and has enough arm strength and athleticism to profile as an everyday right fielder. He should be one of the first seniors off the draft board…




15. Evert Williams – McCallum HS… a little undersized, but has explosive tools and some polish to his bat… 5/23 from Sickles: 37. Toronto – Everett Williams, OF, McCallum HS (TX) – I’ve been hearing very good things about Williams this Spring, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see him ten picks higher. However, in this scenario, Toronto gets to add another athletic prep player after getting Kenny Wilson a year ago. Previously: #35.

16. Kyrell Hudson –– Evergreen HS (Wash) – 6-2, 185, R/R… average power… plus, plus running speed… good fielder in center… runs 60 in 6.4… home to first in 4.3… excellent speed and defense, poor hitting… 5/17: BA “ As a definite project, scouts question whether he has the desire to make himself better and worry that he'd be overwhelmed by the grind of a minor league season.”



17. Jabari Blash - Miami-Dade (Fla.) JC… 5/17: “Looking for a raw, five-tool talent? Jabari Blash is your man.” … had 10 homers in his first 99 at-bats.. 70 arm… 6-foot-5, 210 pounds… missed the 2008 season as an academic casualty at Alcorn State…


18. Kyle Colligan - Texas A&M… senior, 6-2, 210… R/R… 2008: first-team All-Big 12 selection in the outfield ... 67 R, 14 HR, .542 slug%, .421 OBP… hit two homers and driving in eight week of 4/20…

19. Tyler Holt – Florida State… thru 5/6: .400/5HRs

20. Aaron Miller, OF Baylor University –From BA: The two-way player is getting more attention as an outfielder, and in a recent series against Missouri, he went 4-for-12 with a homer, a double and three RBIs. He also pitched eight innings of relief in an extra-inning victory. For the season, Miller has hit .350 with 11 homers and 43 RBIs in 46 games


21. LeVon Washington – (new) – Buckholz HS, Gainsville, Fla. - Draft Tracker Chart May 27 - One of the fastest players in the draft with possibly the best pure bat of any Florida high schooler


22. Matt den Dekker - Florida… High School All-American… 20-20 SB… 29W/24K… was named to the 2009 National Collegiate Baseball Writers Association (NCBWA) Pro-Line Athletic Preseason All-America Team .. 2008: .333, 55R, 48 RBI, 8 HR, 20-20 SB…

23. Reggie Williams - Brooks-Debartolo HS (FL)… toosy… through April 2009: .576 with 41 stolen bases over first 12 games.

24. Matthew Moynihan – - Cathedral Catholic HS; San Diego, CA. 6′2, 205, Bats L, Throws, R… ability to hit… 6.6 60-time and 4.1 down the line… above average throw.

25. Tyler Townsend – Florida International… thru 5/6: .431/18HR/63RBI…

26. Ronnie Mitchell - Carroll HS (TX)… 6-0, 180, L/L… plus bat speed… power to all fields… projects out as RFer…

27. Slade Heathcott - Texas HS senior… 6-1, 196… L/L… power to all fields… big arm, pitched at 96mph… ACL reconstruction surgery last November…


28. Chase Leavitt - Arkansas… junior, 5-11, 185… R/L… right fielder… named to Rivals.com Preseason All-SEC team ... Played summer ball with the Harwich Mariners in the Cape Cod League… 2008: .366… led team in average (.366), runs scored (60), hit by pitch (13), on-base percentage (.505) and sacrifice hits (6).

29. Jarrett Parker - Virginia… thru 5/6: .383/13HR…


30. Reymond Fuentes - Fernando Callego HS… a future leadoff hitter with good running ability.

31. Kyle Conley - Washington… junior… 6-4, 209, R/R… 2008: named to all-Pac10 team… drafted by the Dodgers in the 16th round… .746 slug%, 19 HRs… 57RBI… Named Pac-10 POW 4-14: hit 11-16, .688

32. Pat Irvine – Elon… thru 5/6: .397/15HR/48RBI…

33. Bryce Brentz – Middle Tenn. State – thru 5/6: .457/21HR/58RBI…


34. Kyle Jensen - St. Mary’s… Jensen was named to the 2009 Brooks Wallace pre-season watch list… 2008: .421, with 13 HRs… named an ABCA/Rawlings All-American, and a Rivals.com Second Team All-American.

35. Jacob Marisnick - Riverside Poly HS; Riverside, CA. 6′4, 200, Bats R, Throws R… 6-4, 200… strong… center fielder… excellent bat speed… pro-body… 6.8 60-time… 4.3 down the line… average throw from center… ability to drive the ball to all fields.

36. Mike McGee – Florida State… thru 5/6: .376/15HR/61RBI…

37. Luke Murton – Georgia Tech… thru 5/6: .394/15HR/48RBI…

38. Ryan Hamme – Campbell… thru 5/6: .454/42RBIs/.550 OBP…


39. Ruben Sierra, Jr. - San Juan Educational School… 6-2, 174… blazing 6.38 speed… big arm… 93 mph from outfield… good bat speed…

40. Drew Heid - Gonzaga… junior… 5-9, 170, L/R… 2007: played at Walla Walla C.C…. .362, 68 hits, 53 R, 4 HRs.

41. Jacob Morris – Coppell HS; Coppell, TX. 6′3, 195… switch-hitter… can play multiple positions… known for defensive skills… top speed… average arm…

42. Aaron Senne –- Missouri… junior… L/L… 6-2, 210… 200*: All-Big 12 conference 1st-team… .347, 67 RBI, 13 HRs…

43. Nate Lape - Marshall senior… 6-5, 215, R/R… 2008: .388… .610 slugging… drafted in 20th round of 2008 draft by the Rockies… earned baseballnews.com Louisville Slugger's National Player of the Week honors

44. Everett Williams – McCallum HS (TX)… senior… 5-10, 195, L/R… strike out rate too high… gap hitter… plus runner… arm strength below average…

45. Andrew Aplin - Suisun City CA)…. 6-0, 190… L/L… plays hard and swings above average… slow… 6.8 60-time and 4.35 down line… can really hit.

46. Luke Yoder - Cal Poly… 6-0, 205… R/R… playing left field on 2009… 2008: .350, 8 HR, 33 RBIs, primarily as DH… drafted in 33rd round by Twins in 2008.

47. Marc Krauss - Ohio… junior… 6-3, 225, L/R… ranked 27th prospect in league by BA… hit .333 in Cape Cod league this summer… 2008: .332 in 57 games. Also plays 3B and 1B. Through 4-6-09: .429, 13 HRs.

48. Ross Babineauz - Delaware State… through 4-6-9, leading Division ! in batting average: .535 in 86 Abs.



49. Nathan Hines - Middle Tennessee State… 5-10, 171… junior… 2008: 57 G, .344, 11 HRs, 50 RBIs… center fielder.I

50. Cohl Walla - Lake Travis HS… 6-2, 170… 2007/08: .378, 4 HRs, 27 RBIs…

51. Blake Dean - LSU… 6-0, 193, L/L… 2008 Baseball America First-Team All-American… named one of Baseball America's Top 300 High School Players of 2006. 2008: .353, 20 HRs, 73 RBIs

52. Todd Glaesmann - Midway HS… 6-4, 200… 6.83 in 60… 90 mph arm… excellent arm… 2008: .471, 11Hr, 53R, 61RBI… committed to Texas A&M.

53. Allen Bolden - Lipscomb… L/R, 5-11, 200… 2008: 64R, 38BB, 82H


54. Rob Lyerly - NC-Charlotte… junior… 6-1, 200… L/R… 2008: First Team All-Atlantic 10, Most Outstanding Player of 2008 Conference Tournament… led the Atlantic 10 in slugging (.705), doubles (26), RBI (76) and sacrifice flies (9).

55. Neil Medchill – Oklahoma State… junior… L/R… 6-4, 220… was drafted by the Mets in the 33rd round of the 2008 draft… .349, .628 slugging.

56. Jordan Henry - University of Mississippi… junior… 6-1, 170, L/R… fringe-average hitter… good instincts.. average arm… has skills defensively to play CF… projects as 4th OFer at best

57. Chris Lewis - Western Michigan… junior… S/R… 6-0, 190… named to ESPN Academic All-District team… 2008: 50 G .390, .488 OBP, 71 H, 49 RBI

58. Sonny Meade - The Citadel… senior… 6-5, 230, R/R… named to Southern Conference All-Tournament team… 2007: .379, 86 H


59. Mitch Haniger - Archbishop Mitty HS… 6-2, 185

60. Anthony Hutting – Tesoro HS (CA.) – 2009 season: .479, 21G, 8 doubles, 3 triples, 4 HR, 26 RBIs, 71 ABs

61. Myrio Richard - Prarie View A&M… The MVP of the 2008 SWAC Season… MVP of the Texas Collegiate League this summer… 2008: .370, 10HR, 51 RBIs

62. John Fellhauer - Cal State Fullerton… 2008: named to the ESPN The Magazine Academic All-District First Team… .390, .488 OBP, 71H, 49 RBIs, struck out only 8 times in 182 Abs…

63. William Henderson - RS Central HS (NC)… 5-11, 170, R/R… signed with UNC Greensboro… excellent pitcher but projected as an outfielder… 6.64 in 60… a pure athlete… excellent bat speed… average arm…

64. Ali Knowles - Christ School (NC)… 5-10, 170, S/R… as talented a pitcher as an outfielder… ran 7.12 in 60, down the line in 4.4… toolsy… average arm…

65. Trayce Thompson – Santa Margarita HS (CA.) – 2009: .339, 7 HRs, 18 RBIs in 22 games

66. Steve Detwiler - Fresco State University… junior… 6-1, 220…

67. Darrell Ceciliani - – Columbia Basin CC (Wash)… 6-1, 185 L/L… first 32 games at wood bat NWAACC play: .390, 2 HR, 26 RBIs, 4Ks, 82 AB

68. Eric Decker – Minnesota - 6-3, 215… thru April: .315/.363/.395

69. Dane Hamilton - New Mexico senior… 6-2, 195… plays infield also… through April6, 2009: .404, 15 doubles, 6 triples.

70. Drew Allain – Tulane senior… named POW in Conference USA on 4-13… batted .625 (10-16) that week.

71. Jeff Roland – Georgia Tech senior… named ACC player of the week on April 20: .500/.539/.792 week prior…

72. Scott Kreiger – George Mason – senior… named CAA baseball player of the week 4/20: .692for week…


73. Max Walla – Albuquerque Academy (NM) – 5-11, 195, L/L – through April 25: .551, 7 HRs, 7 doubles, 27 walks, 29 RBIs

74. Kyle Colligan – Texas A&M – senior… 4/27: named Big 12 Hitter of the Week: slugged .923 over 4 games…

75. Nate Shaver – New Mexico State… junior… 4/27: named WAC player of the week: batted .529 for week

76. Ryan Lockwood – Univ S. Florida – 5-10, 175, L/R

77. Todd Cunningham – Jacksonville State… 6-0, 200, R/R

78. Josh Leemhuis – St. John’s College Prep… 5-11, 185, R/R

79. A.J. Casario – Maryland – 6-2, 190, L/R

80. Isael Fuentes – Ladi HS P.R. – 6-2, 185, R/R

81. Matt Mansilla – College of Charleston – senior… 5/4: named Southern Conference player of the week:

82. Daniel Cooke – Gardner-Webb… senior… 5/11: named Big South player of the week: batted .462 for week… first known NCAA Div 1 player to have 200+ hits in baseball, and 200 tackles in football…

83. Chris Hermann – Miami – junior… 5/18: named ACC player of the week…

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