Analyzing Amateur Baseball Talent as it pertains to the MLB Draft
College Notes 5-31-10
The NCAA tournament brackets have been announced with Regional play beginning this coming Friday.
Here are just a few last short updates wrapping up the various conference tournaments from over the weekend. The talent profiled below may not have an impact on this year’s draft, but certainly will be talked about at great length a year from now.
Virginia vs. Miami
Usually this time of year I break down the players and not the teams, but both of these teams, regardless of what happens to them this year in postseason play, should continue to be loaded next year.
Virginia ace Danny Hultzen, who was named the ACC pitcher of the year, will enter next spring as a potential top 10 overall pick. I’ve profiled him before, and while he is known more for his command, polish and overall repertoire, he still can dial his fastball up to 94 on a regular basis. He throws his entire four-pitch mix for strikes, and could probably get away tossing his fastball and changeup exclusively if he had to. He was one of the toughest pitchers in all of college baseball to hit this past year.
Steven Proscia is Virginia’s third baseman, and again as noted in previous notes columns, is a run-producing machine. He really knows how to handle the bat, and I envision him adding more power to his game next spring. He’s a big, strong bodied young man that really knows how to put a charge into a ball.
I look forward to covering freshmen infielders Stephen Bruno and Reed Gragnani this summer in the Northwoods League, talented recruits entering their first year for the Cavaliers that flourished in part-time roles with the Cavaliers.
Miami is highlighted by catcher Yasmani Grandal, who entered the spring as a potential first-round draft pick and now has put himself in the conversation for the top five to 10 overall selections. He was recently named the ACC player of the year thanks to some impressive offensive numbers. He was 0-for-4 in this game with three strikeouts, as while Hultzen as noted above is one of the college game’s best, Grandal has always been known as a better hitter from the left side.
Harold Martinez blasted his 19th home run of the game, as he and Stephen Perez will continue to form one of the most talented left-sides of the infields in the nation. Nathan Melendres also has the tools to succeed at the next level, although all three need to drastically cut down on the Ks (153 between the three of them entering Regional play).
John Stilson
Similar to Hultzen, Stilson has been one of the stingiest pitchers in the nation. He’s currently second in the nation in earned runs against him (seven) and is third in batting average against (.172). He gets it done with a good fastball and an even better slider, easily the best one I have seen all season. He has a short armed delivery and lands almost completely upright, meaning his future lies in short relief. That’s not a knock, since he’s already really good in that role, and possesses arguably the best “trick” pitch in the nation. He’ll enter next year as potential first-round pick and one of the top college closers available.
Rice vs. Southern Miss
While Rice and Southern Miss may not be anywhere near as loaded as Miami and Virginia, Conference USA will boast two infielders that could factor into the very top of next year’s draft.
Rice third baseman Anthony Rendon and Southern Miss shortstop B.A. Vollmuth are two different players. Rendon is as smooth and natural as they come, a modest athlete that is quite simply a great natural hitter. He has a short strike and is short to the ball, but the ball explodes off of his bat. He has exceptional hand-eye coordination, and should continue to hit for both average and power at the next level. He also makes the hot corner look easy, and is a premium defender that could handle second base, and could even manage shortstop in a pinch.
Vollmuth is more of an athlete, with very good size that I have previously compared to Troy Tulowitzki. He gets great extension on balls and shows a patient eye at the plate. His power numbers continue to get better, although his swing remains long, and he also is prone to errors at the shortstop position. He may have to slide over to third, but has the bat to thrive there as well. He hit the ball well with wood on the Cape last summer, and should enter this summer as one of the more intriguing players eligible for next year’s draft.
Dandy Dozen
SP |
Cameron Bedrosian | Son of Steve with big-league curve |
SP |
Ryne Stanek | Projectable RHP on the rise with big FB |
SP |
Seth Blair | Sinker/slider RHP with improve velocity |
SP |
Zach Cates | Former catcher showing big-time arm |
SP |
Jesse Biddle | Big lefty throwing more in the 90s |
CL |
Kevin Munson | Power closer with big FB, SL |
CL |
Chance Ruffin | Son of Bruce has thrived in closer role |
C |
Kellin Deglan | Good D' tools with improving lefty bat |
IF |
Kellen Sweeney | Athletic IF with sweet lefty swing |
SS |
Mason Williams | Speedy, toolsy former CF on the rise |
OF |
Drew Smyly | Power prospect also strong armed QB |
OF |
Ryan LaMarre | Five-tool CF prospect from Big Ten |
Notes Archives
© 2009 ebertdesign.com