09 Draft anyone?
9:30 PM
Dexter-Sports Inbox
Even though we are nearly eight months away from the June amateur draft, it never hurts to take a look at some of the top prospects, who will be flying off the draft board. This year’s class could be a year that includes a lot of top tier pitching (only time will tell). Sitting atop the draft class is already a stud pitcher, whose performance has separated him from the rest of the 2009 draft class. Let’s take a look at five top pitchers and five top hitters that could be the first ten picks in the 2009 draft.
Pitchers:
1). Stephen Strasburg- RHP, San Diego State:
Scouting the Sports Top 100 Prospect # 32
After becoming the ace of the 2008 Olympic team, and being the only collegiate player on the squad, Strasburg opened eyes to many scouts across the league. As a freshman at San Diego State, Strasburg took on the closer’s role, shutting down 7 games, and maintaining a solid 2.43 ERA, while holding opponents to a .141 average in his 25 appearances. The 6’4” 220 lb junior then made the transition to starter as a sophomore. In April of last season, Strasburg threw a 23 strikeout gem against conference rival Utah (See video here). Undrafted out of high school, Strasburg is surely set to be a top five pick in 2009. The only thing possibly stopping him from going first is his agent, Scott Boras, who will demand an eight figure contract.
As the only collegiate Olympian, Strasburg shined. In his debut at the international level, the prized righty went 7 no hit innings, and struck out 11 against the Netherlands. Against the Chinese national team, Strasburg struck out 10 of the 12 batters he faced. His battery mate this summer, catcher Lou Marson, compares him to Mark Prior. His manager Davey Johnson, is often reminded of Doc Gooden.
The Scouting Report:
Strasburg has the best command of the whole draft class. His fastball can touch 100 miles an hour, but sits in the mid-90s. His slider is devastating, and his changeup could develop into Pedro Martinez-type quality. Everything about Strasburg’s mechanics and size screams power pitcher. And the Nationals would be fools not to select him with the first pick of the draft.
2) Aaron Crow- RHP, Fort Worth Cats:
Scouting The Sports Top 100 Prospect #83
After being picked number nine in the 2008 draft, and fighting contract disputes with the Nationals and GM Jim Bowden, Crow decided to sign on with the independent Fort Worth Cats. Crow was the big twelve player of the year in 2008, and is often compared to David Cone. Crow was on the fast track to the majors when drafted by the Nationals. Now, he might need a bit more fine tuners. Crow isn’t the first top pitcher to go the independent route. Diamondbacks prospect Max Scherzer and Royals starter Luke Hochevar both went the independent route, before being drafted.
The Scouting Report:
Crow heavily depends on his fastball to get hitters out. Ranked one of the best in the 2008 draft, Crow features a sinking fastball that floats anywhere between 92-96 MPH. His slider can also be devastating with a late break that is hard to pick up for lefties and righties alike. One issue that surrounds Crow is his jerky delivery and stature. Some scouts believe he will end up a closer because of his small frame (6'3" 195 LBs). Either way Crow has proven himself to every organization. Crow was undrafted out of high school.
3.) Kyle Gibson- RHP, Missouri Tigers:
Scouting The Sports Top 100 Prospect # 97
After basking in the shadows of Aaron Crow in 2008, Kyle Gibson will be the Tigers’ number one option to start the 2009 Season. Gibson was considered the sixth best incoming freshman by Baseball America. to start the 2007 season. At 6’4” Gibson has the “projectability” to be a major league starter. One issue that surrounds Gibson is his weight. Scouts would like to see him add some meat to his 195 pound frame. Will Caroll of Baseball America stated in a local Missouri newspaper, that he believes many scouts are looking too deep into the weight issue, and forgetting about the raw talent in front of them. Gibson went 9-4 with a 3.84 ERA in 19 games last season with the Tigers. Gibson also struck out nearly 100 batters in his 87 innings of work. Gibson could be taken by the Nationals with the compensation pick they received by not reaching an agreement with former teammate Aaron Crow.
The Scouting Report:
Gibson’s fastball sits between 85-90 MPH, but will top out at 92. His short delivery though, fools hitters into thinking his fastball is faster than it is. Unlike most pitchers in this draft, Gibson has developed two top-notch secondary pitches. His 76-81 MPH slider has a lot of bite, yet Gibson can control it fairly well. It has the potential to be his out pitch as a major leaguer. Like many youngsters, Gibson is afraid to throw his changeup often. It is something that will need addressed after he is drafted. It will take a lot a work as well. Gibson’s changeup seems to stay straight and not break against lefties. He will need this pitch to make it to the Major Leagues in my opinion (check out his delivery here.)
Alex White- RHP, North Carolina Tar Heels:
Scouting The Sports Top 100 Prospect: Not Rated
Though his commitment to UNC for the 2007-2009 seasons was quite clear, the Los Angeles Dodgers drafted the young pitcher in the 14th Round of the 2006 draft. The North Carolina player of the year in 2006, White led D.H. Conley High School to back to back championships in 2005 and 2006 and instantly made an impact as a freshman at UNC. White was also named to the Second-Team Freshman All-American team after making 18 starts and compiling 83 strikeouts in 98 innings pitched. Coming into his sophomore season, it was obvious that White needed to work on his control. He walked nearly 5 batters per nine innings pitched. As the Saturday starter in 2008, White was beyond impressive. His 13 wins, including three in the College World Series, were a big part of the Tar Heels 2008 Run. White struck out 10 batters per nine innings pitched, and compiled 2.83 ERA. White was named the 2008 ACC pitcher of the year at the young age of 19. The Tar heels will look for even more success in their 2009 campaign.
The Scouting Report:
What stands out the most about White is his movement, which is considered by some to be the best in the draft. His fastball tops out around 97 MPH and he consistently throws it in the mid 90’s. His secondary slider has the makings to be his best pitch, if he can learn to control it completely. At 6’3” his height will allow him to develop into a number one type power pitcher in the future. One thing that White needs to work on his consistency and control in the strike zone. White walked nearly four batters per every nine innings pitched in 2008. His stuff and delivery reminds me a little bit of a young A.J. Burnett (Check out this video from his 2006 High School tourney run).
Tyler Matzek- LHP, Capistrano Valley High School(CA):
Scouting The Sports Top Prospects: Not Rated
Matzek burst onto the scene in a preseason match-up last season that put him up against current UCLA freshman and Yankee draftee Gerrit Cole. With scouts scouring over what was thought to be the best prep arm in ’08, Matzek struck out five of the six batters he faced. He was later invited to the Perfect Game National showcase, where he was named the top prospect in the event by Baseball America. Though he has been a late bloomer, Matzek is the top prep arm available in the ’09 draft as of now. He has been compared to 2008 Royals sandwich pick Mike Montgomery because of his presence on the mound, and his ability to control hitters. Matzek could go as high as 5th to the Baltimore Orioles in June.
The Scouting Report:
Though his fastball doesn’t burn by hitters (88-91), Matzek has learned at a young age how to control it and use location as a weapon. What scouts love is his hammer curve that sits in the mid 70’s and has potential to be more than a plus pitch. Also what sticks out as a youngster is his changeup. Though not perfect, Matzek has shown that already that it could be part of his arsenal in the future. Matzek also compliments his changeup with a pretty nasty slider. Baseball America’s Matt Blood notes that Matzek has Major league starter stuff. At 6’3” tall, it is clear that he has the frame to be dominating. One scout, according to saberscouting.com was even brave enough to say that with the development of his curve, Matzek could be a Clayton Kershaw type talent someday.
Hitters:
Grant Green- SS, University of Southern California:
Scouting The Sports Top 100 Prospects # 62
As a standout infielder in 2006 out of California, Grant Green was projected to be a 3rd round pick in the 2006 draft. Choosing USC over a professional career, teams laid off the shortstop until the 13th round, where the Padres rolled the dice. Green was a member of the 2005 junior national U.S. team, and started as a freshman at USC. In high school, he put up video game numbers, hitting .453 with 14 stolen bases in his senior year. As a freshman, Green hit .313 and started every game for the Trojans. He was also named the co-freshman of the year. As a sophomore, Green turned it up another notch, hitting .390 on the season, and being named third team All-American in 2008, becoming the first Trojan named to an All-America squad since current Mariner Jeff Clement and Yankee Ian Kennedy in 2005. Green could end up with Clement in Seattle on draft day. Though Green is a Scott Boras client, I wouldn’t expect him to fall much further than #2 to the Mariners. Green has been compared to Troy Tulowitzski and Evan Longoria.
The Scouting Report:
At 6’3”, Green is an intimidator at the plate. He sprays the ball all over the field, and with quick hands, has shown that even triples aren’t hard to come by (14 in ’07 and 15 in ’08). As a fielder, there is no doubt that scouts believe he can remain at shortstop throughout his professional career. The only issue is his fielding, which seems to be a bit rushed at times. Grant had 17 errors with the Trojans. Another positive to Green’s approach at the plate is his timeliness and concentration. Grant slugged a game tying homer in the Cape Cod All-Star game, while streakers sprinting around center field. That being said, Grant can handle a wood bat with ease and has shown success. His Cape Cod manager, John Schiffner believes that Grant is a five tool player and is was the Cape Cod League. Schiffner managed Evan Longoria and often compares the two. It might be a wiser investment for the Nationals to go with this much more polished hitter than anyone else, with the first pick of the draft.
Donovan Tate- OF, Cartersville HS (GA):
Scouting The Sports Top Prospect #64
Beyond being a great baseball player, Tate is one of the best athletes in the nation hands down. A top 100 recruit in football, Scout.com has ranked him as the 17th best safety in the nation, and schools such as Michigan have recruited him to play quarterback. The son of former NFL running back Lars Tate, Donovan has yet to make a decision on what sport to take up. This leads many to believe that Tate will most likely go to college, where he can continue playing both sports. Either way, Jim Callis of Baseball America believes that Tate is a top ten pick in the draft. And it is simply because of his potential.
The Scouting Report:
Five-tool is the definition of Donovan Tate. The youngster has blazing speed (check out a highlight video on rivals.com) shows tremendous power, and has an absolute cannon in center. He has been gunned in at 95 MPH from the outfield to home. That is something that has scouts smiling in their sleep. But with all of this upside does come some downside. Though he is a marveled talent, Tate isn’t fully developed as of yet. Like many youngsters his at plate presence needs to improve, but with more experience will come the consistency. One of the worries is that Tate will develop into more of a Michael Bourn type player, rather than a B.J. Upton type. One thing is certain though. This Georgia product sure does have the products to be a special player.
Dustin Ackley- OF/1B, North Carolina:
Scouting The Sports Top 100 Prospects #82
Freshman of the year in 2007, Ackley put up monster numbers for his home state Tar heels, hitting .402 with 74 RBIs. As a sophomore, he only increased his average to .417 and had one more double in 18 less at bats. There is no doubt that Ackley is the best pure hitter in the draft. As a freshman, Ackley drove a ball to deep right field and out of the ballpark, after breaking his metal bat. And as a sophomore, his offense was a huge part of the success in Chapel Hill. What I like best about Mr. Ackley is his down to business mentality at the ballpark. He busts his butt to grind out every hit and has been willing to play multiple positions on the field.
The Scouting Report:
Though he might not be a prototypical power type first baseman, Ackley is more the mold of a modern day player at that position. What he doesn’t have for power, he makes up with consistency and speed. At 6’1” he projects to be more of a left fielder. Ackley approaches the plate with an open stance, and his probably the fastest hands in NCAA baseball. He can be compared to Yonder Alonso and Justin Smoak, because of his ability to spray the ball all over the field, though he ultimately projects to be more of a number two hitter. Defensively, Ackley has a below average arm, which could limit him to first. Dustin’s speed is somewhat forgotten about. He swiped 19 games in 2008. Ultimately I believe that is why he will be moved to left field after being drafted.
Kentrail Davis- OF Tennessee Volunteers:
Scouting The Sports Top 100 Prospect #92
Yet another Scott Boras client, Kentrail Davis doesn’t fit your prototypical draft prospect. At 5’9” tall and weighing in at 195 pounds, Davis was considered a first round pick in 2007, but fell to the fourteenth round, when the Rockies selected him 432nd overall. Davis will begin his sophomore campaign this season with Tennessee after putting up a .330 average with 13 dingers and 44 RBIs in a Freshman All-American campaign in 2008. Davis is one of the strongest players in NCAA, and credits to working construction with his father in High School. He is eligible for the draft as a sophomore, because he will turn 21 before draft day. Tennessee coach Todd Raleigh considers Davis one of the most talented freshman he has ever coached. He also credits his work ethic and commitment as a big reason for his success.
The Scouting Report:
Kentrail is a five-tool player that has shown progression in all facets of his game since signing on to Tennessee last season. His defense in center field has improved immensely, and he has become less dependent on his speed. At 5’9” with a bunch of muscle, Davis is often compared to Kirby Puckett, because of their similar stature and line drive swing. If there is any hint that Kentrail will leave early from the Volunteer program, some team will take a chance on him in the early first round. Davis won the team triple crown award in offensive statistics as a freshman last year.
