4/23/10

DRAFT: - Scott Frazier, David Gutierrez, Nick Kingham, Manny Machado... and Matt Harvey

Scott Frazier:

4-17 from: - http://www.minorleagueball.com/2010/4/17/1426860/interesting-high-school-pitchers-a  - Scott Frazier, RHP, Upland HS (California) - A two-way player in the past, Frazier moved to the mound from the outfield this spring and saw his velocity peak up to 93-94 MPH. The 6-7, 215 pound Pepperdine signee needs to continue work with his secondary stuff and is rather raw, and signability could also be a factor given that he's an excellent student attracted to college. Would be a second round target if his monetary demands are reasonable, likely to a team willing and able to take risks on guys with upside but in need of some polish.

David Gutierrez:

4-19 from: http://thecollegebaseballblog.com/2010/04/19/acc-weekly-baseball-honors-2  - Miami’s David Gutierrez and NC State’s Jake Buchanan share the ACC Pitcher of the Week honor. Making just his second start of the season, Gutierrez tossed seven perfect innings in Miami’s 9-0 win over Florida Gulf Coast last Wednesday. Gutierrez (3-0) kept the first 21 FGCU batters off the bases through seven, inducing six ground-outs, seven strikeouts and eight fly-outs. Working on a pitch count, Gutierrez was then relieved to start the eighth after his pitch total had reached 84. Two relievers finished the game, as Miami posted its first one-hitter since facing Wake Forest on May 12, 2006. Gutierrez’s seven strikeouts in the game was one shy of his career-high. Since moving into the starter’s role, the senior right-hander has yet to allow a run in 11 innings of work.

Nick Kingham:

4-20 from: - link : - RHP, Sierra Vista HS, Las Vegas - The one big thing about Bryce Harper being a huge prospect that hasn't been discussed enough is how much he's brought attention on the scouting scene in the Las Vegas area. Even prep players have received more attention as a result. Kingham is one of those lucky players. Kingham entered the spring as a well-known entity, despite not playing baseball a year ago due to Nevada athletic rules that bar players transferring schools without moving from playing for a year. He hit national events hard over the summer, reestablishing value he had earlier in his career. A tall, projectable arm that has really firmed up his body in the last six months, Kingham has blossomed even more this spring, and more eyes than usual have been on him. He's started sitting comfortably in the 90-92 mph range with more to come, and there's one report of him hitting 95. He projects to easily possess a plus fastball with a free and easy delivery, and that's not the only thing to like about him. He throws an average curveball and an above-average changeup which some scouts have labeled as a potential plus pitch. That three-pitch mix has Kingham rising up boards fast, and he could land as high as early in the second round if things keep progressing, which would lead to him giving up his Oregon scholarship. Projected Draft Range: 2nd-4th Round

Manny Machado:

4-20 from: http://www.baseballrumormill.com/  - Manny Machado is going to get the Alex Rodriguez comparison - tall, athletic, right-handed-hitting Latino shortstop from a Miami-area high school - but A-Rod Lite is more apt, since he's not preternaturally gifted as a hitter as A-Rod was. Machado can hit with strong, quick wrists, good rotation, and excellent extension through his swing. He has a 70 (out of 80) arm and good hands at shortstop although there's some sentiment that he'll outgrow the position. He's going to fill out significantly over the next 10 years, but he has the tools to be a plus defender at shortstop

Matt Harvey:

4-20 from: - http://www.minorleagueball.com/2010/4/20/1433135/interesting-college-pitchers-for  - RHP, University of North Carolina - An unsigned third round pick in the 2007 draft, Harvey has been erratic in college, outstanding at times but hampered by command issues. At his best, the 6-4, 225 pounder features a mid-90s fastball, a nasty curve, and a solid changeup. However, problems with his mechanics were an issue last summer in the Cape Cod League, costing him velocity and control. He's been much better this spring, with a 2.59 ERA and a 60/26 K/BB in 59 innings, with 44 hits allowed, showing a more consistent delivery and better stuff (96-98), though his control still wobbles on occasion. Harvey is a definite wild card on draft day. Depending on his bonus demands and late May performance, he could go anywhere from 15 to 40.

No comments: