3/30/10

3-30 DRAFT: - Dan Grovatt, Matt Harvey, Chance Ruffin, Mike Foltynewicz... and Blake Kelso

Dan Grovatt:

3-24 from: link  - Stock Watch: Ten on the Rise (2010 Draft Class) - Dan Grovatt, OF, Univ. of Virginia (#202 on PnR Preseason Top 300): Grovatt lacks the ceiling and athleticism of fellow Wahoo outfielder Jarrett Parker, but a disciplined approach at the plate has produced an impressive stat line through a month of play (.395/.642/.977, 4 HR, 4 2B, 2 3B, 12 BB, 13 SO, 104 PA), turning plenty of heads along the way. In addition to flashing some pop, he's working walks and consistently hitting in good counts -- both indicators that his success could very well continue throughout the spring. He lacks the projection to force his way into 1st round consideration, but could build enough momentum to climb into the 3rd or even 2nd round, similar to former Arizona St. center fielder, and current Cleveland Indians Minor Leaguer, Jason Kipnis in 2009.

Matt Harvey:

3-24 from: link  - Stock Watch: Ten on the Rise (2010 Draft Class) - Matt Harvey, RHP, Univ. of North Carolina (#56 on PnR Preseason Top 300): After strong reports came out of fall practice in Chapel Hill, PnR was comfortable placing Harvey comfortably in the second round for our preseason rankings -- his pure stuff is special and easily worthy of 1st round consideration if he's performing at his best. Consistency has been the issue throughout Harvey's time at UNC, but if the first month of the 2010 is any indication of things to come he may have finally shaken that monkey off of his back. Harvey has posted a fine line of 5 GS, 32 IP, 20 H, 7 ER, 14 BB and 37 SO while showing potential front-end stuff, including a low- to mid-90s fastball, a potential plus breaking ball and a change-up he has been throwing with increasing success. Harvey can continue to win over supporters the more consistency he shows, and could be a 1st round -- maybe early 1st round -- selection come June.

Chance Ruffin:

3-24 from: http://pnrscouting.com/articles_stockwatch_2010class_10onthrerise_03232010.html  - Stock Watch: Ten on the Rise (2010 Draft Class) - Chance Ruffin, RHP, Univ. of Texas (Not Ranked on PnR Preseason Top 300): Ruffin was left off of the PnR Preseason Top 300, in large part due to some questions as to why he was being shifted to the pen and how he would handle the transition. Over 13 G and 22 IP, the Texas closer has made those questions appear (to be kind) overly conservative, carving-up the competition to the tune of 28 SO, 5 BB, 9 H and just 1 ER. A lively low-90s fastball, two average or better breaking balls and a solid change-up have combined to keep hitters off balance, and have made Ruffin one of the top relief arms in the nation. He can still get into some trouble up in the zone, and was hit hard a couple of times up there at the Houston College Classic, but it's tough to argue with these results. Further, his presence on the mound has oozed confidence and poise, fitting perfectly into a late-inning role. Barring some sort of collapse over the next couple of months, Ruffin should be one of the first relief arms off the board, and could end-up as high as a supp-1st round selection for a team with an extra pick or two.

Mike Foltynewicz:

3-24 from: pnrscouting  - Stock Watch: Ten on the Rise (2010 Draft Class) - Mike Foltynewicz, RHP, Minooka Community HS (Ill.) (#173 on PnR Preseason Top 300): Folty was one of the more impressive arms I saw down in Jupiter last October, showing low-90s velocity on his fastball with some arm-side life and a pair of impressive secondary offerings. His mid-70s curve is a potential power breaking ball with tight hard bite when he's snapping it well, and his change-up turns nicely and comes with both depth and fade. He also throws a slightly faster, small and tight breaking ball that could be a slider or a cutter, though his curve was much more prevalent. Reports this spring have his velocity creeping up to the 94/95 mph range and a little more consistent shape in his breaking ball -- should this trend continue the 6'5/200 lbs Texas commit could easily move into Top 100 consideration, with his ultimate slotting dependent on the strength of his commitment to the Longhorns.

Blake Kelso:

3-24 from: link   - Stock Watch: Ten on the Rise (2010 Draft Class) - Blake Kelso, SS, Univ. of Houston (#199 on PnR Preseason Top 300): Kelso has shown a good understanding of the strikezone and solid contact skills through a month of play, with a slash line of .354/.422/.506 while walking around once every ten plate appearances and posting a BB/SO rate on the nice side of "1". Defensively, Kelso's range and arm probably profile best at second base as a pro, but he plays a solid short at the collegiate level with most of his mistakes coming when his range is tested. There's very little raw power in the bat, but Kelso has the skillset to develop into a solid contact bat with gap-to-gap pop and plenty of speed to rack-up the extra bases. With the understanding he isn't long for the six-spot, Kelso's bat will likely be the determining factor as to how high he can climb on draft boards. Day 1 isn't out of the question if he can keep up this pace, though he may need to start showing just a little more juice in the bat.

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