Update

Sorry for the lack of updates, I have been on vacation in Florida and busy with work. This week there will be and updated Mock Draft, new rankings for HS and college, and two player interviews!

2010 DRAFT- TOP 50 PITCHERS 1-25

Only four months away from the draft! This is how the top 25 pitchers look as of now. It will be interesting to see how this list changes throughout those four months. Be sure to keep checking the blog out for more updates.

Questions or comments? mlbsully@yahoo.com

1. Jameson Taillon- RHP, Woodlands (TX)

2. Anthony Ranaudo-RHP, LSU

3. Karsten Whitson-RHP, Chipley HS

4. AJ Cole- RHP, Oviedo HS

5. Drew Pomeranz-LHP, Ole Miss

6. Chris Sale- LHP, FGCU

7. DeAndre Smelter-RHP, Tattnall Academy

8. Stetson Allie-RHP, St. Edward Prep

9. Dylan Covey-RHP Maranatha HS

10. Deck McGuire-RHP, Ga. Tech

11. Jesse Hahn-RHP, VT

12. Brandon Workman-RHP, Texas

13. James Paxton-LHP, Kentucky

14. Kevin Gausman-RHP, Grandview HS

15. Kevin Jacob-RHP,Ga.Tech

16. Alex Wimmers-RHP,Ohio State

17. Brett Eibner-RHP,Arkansas

18. Kyle Blair-RHP, San Diego

19. Justin Grimm-RHP, Georgia

20. Kevin Ziomek-LHP, Amherst HS

21. Chad Bettis-RHP, Texas Tech

22. Kaleb Cowart-RHP, Cook HS

23. AJ Vanegas-RHP, Redwood Christian HS

24. Matt Harvey-RHP,UNC

25. Cameron Bedrosian-RHP, East Coweta HS

2010 DRAFT: TOP 50 PITCHERS 26-50

Take a look at the back end of the top 50 pitchers for the 2010 draft. Pitchers 1-25 will be going up on saturday. Email me and let me know what you think of the lists.

mlbsully@yahoo.com

26. Sam Dyson-RHP, South Carolina

27. Bryan Morgado-LHP,Tennessee

28. Taijuan Walker-RHP, Yucaipa HS

29. Sammy Solis-LHP, San Diego

30. Peter Tago-RHP, Dana Hills HS

31. Addison Reed-RHP, San Diego State

32. Drew Cisco- RHP, Wando HS

33. Nick Tepesch-RHP, Missouri

34. Robert Aviles-RHP, Suffern HS

35. Seth Blair-RHP, Arizona State

36. Josh Osich- LHP, Oregon State

37. Aaron Sanchez-RHP, Barstow HS

38. Jordan Shipers-LHP, South Harrison HS

39. Daniel Tillman- RHP,Florida Southern

40. Chris Hernandez-RHP,Miami

41. Brian Dupra-RHP,Notre Dame

42. Kevin Rhoderick-RHP, Oregon State

43. Jesse Biddle-LHP, Germantown Friends School

44. Austin Wood-RHP, St. Petersburg

45. Josh Spence- LHP,Arizona State

46. Justin Nicolino-LHP, University HS

47. Rob Rasmussen-LHP, UCLA

48. Robbie Ray-LHP, Brentwood HS

49. Tyler Wilson-RHP, Virginia

50. Adam Plutko-RHP, Glendora HS

Requests

For the most part, I have been doing interviews of the top players in the 2010 draft, as well as some mock drafts and rankings. Email me and tell me what you guys want to see more of.

mlbsully@yahoo.com

Week Preview- Top 25 Pitchers in the 2010 draft and interview with Kellen Sweeney

MLB DRAFT: TOP 15 OUTFIELDERS

A quick look at the top 15 outfielders for the 2010 draft.

1- Levon Washington- Chipola JC
2- Josh Sale- Bishop Blanchet HS(WA)
3- Bryce Brentz- Middle Tenn. St
4- Austin Wilson- Harvard-Westlake HS(CA)
5- Jarret Parker- UVA
6- Chevez Clarke- Marietta HS(GA)
7- Brian Ragira-Martin HS(TX)
8- Tyler Holt-FSU
9- Ty Linton- Charlotte Christian School(NC)
10- Michael Choice-Tx-Arlington
11- Michael Lorenzen- Union HS(CA)
12- Reggie Golden- Wetumpka HS(AL)
13- Leon Landry-LSU
14- Drew Vettleson- Central Kitsap HS(WA)
15- Ryan Bolden- Central HS(MS)

Top Prospect Interview: Ty Linton

Interview with top prospect Ty Linton. Linton is highly ranked in both baseball and football. He is committed to The University of North Carolina to play both sports.

Jeff Sullivan :Congrats on signing with North Carolina. What made you choose this school, and what other schools were in the running?

Ty Linton :the atmosphere Carolina brings and the people around it and also the pride people have calling themselves tar heels. UVA,WVU,DUKE,VANDY,WFU.

You are one of the top two sport athletes in the country at this time. Which sport do you prefer, and what do you see yourself playing at the next level?

I see myself playing both and hopefully i have the opportunity at either one

What is the transition like after playing summer ball against the top players in the country, and then playing high school ball in the spring?

well of course the talent in summer ball is at a higher level and theres some outstanding player especially at some of the events i have attended and it has given me a chance to play in front of a lot of the right people.. school my focus is to really finish what i started by ending the year off with a bang and bringing and winning a another state title for my team and surrounding community.

Being highly ranked in both sports, how does this have an effect on your day to day life?

It doesn't both sports are humbling games especially baseball i just try to use that in my day to day life be humble and comfortable with who u are

Last question, what is your favorite team, and do you have a favorite player?

no specific team...player grady seizemore b/c i think i resemble him as a player

Sneak Peak: 2011 Draft

I know this is a 2010 draft blog, but I am just going to give a sneak peak at my top ten for the 2011 high school class.

1. Travis Harrison- 3B, Tustin High School

2. Daniel Norris- LHP, Science Hill High School

3. Christian Lopes- SS, Valencia High School

4. Dylan Bundy- RHP, Owasso High School

5. Archie Bradley- RHP, Muskogee High School

6. Daniel Camarena- LHP, Cathedral Catholic High School

7. Michael Kelly- RHP, West Boca High School

8. Hudson Boyd- RHP, South Fort Myers High School

9. Nick Delmonico- INF, Farragut High School

10. Dillon Howard- RHP, Searcy High School

Top Prospect Interview: Jared Lakind

Interview with top 2010 draft prospect Jared Lakind. Lakind was an AFLAC All-American this summer.



Jeff Sullivan: Congrats on signing with Arkansas. What made you choose this school, and what other schools were in the running?




Jared Lakind: I chose Arkansas because of multiple reasons. One of course was the baseball program and the competition that Arkansas plays against (SEC). Another reason was the way the coaches treated me while I was there, couldn't have been better. Last but not least was the environment of Fayetteville, everyone was nice and helpful, as if they were part of your family. Some of the other schools I had to decide from were Rice, Texas A&M, and Tulane.

You are one of the top two way players in the country at this time. Which position do you prefer, and what do you see yourself playing at the next level?

This summer was the most fun I have had playing baseball with traveling, level of competition, and interaction with those other high level players. I love to play so I would perfer any position on the field but being left-handed the positions are limited. I've been told that I am able to play the corner positions (1B, rightfield, or leftfield) so I guess where ever the team needs me to play i'm egar to play.

On the hill, what pitches do you throw, and where do they sit?

Well I don't see the mound too much but when I do I throw fastball (4 seam and 2 seam), curveball, change-up. My fastball is getting more consistant around 86- 88 and on those days feeling great I have touched 90- 91. My curveball is 77-79 with late break and change-up is around 81-83


What is the transition like after playing summer ball against the top players in the country, and then playing high school ball in the spring?

The transition from playing that quality of baseball is not much, you still have to do the basics it just might be at a slower pace and living in Houston everyone is good.

Last question, what is your favorite team, and do you have a favorite player?

My favorite team with out a doubt is the New York Yankees because most of my family live in New Jersey so I've grown up watching the pinstripes and disliking those guys with red socks in Boston. My favorite player is a tie between Pete Rose and Mickey Mantle, so I would say Pete Mantle or Mickey Rose is my favorite player. Thankyou for allowing me to do this interview.


Jared Lakind


Cypress Woods HS


Class of 2010

NEW SITE

Hey Everyone, I will still be updating this blog regularly, but be sure to check out my new site! Jheremy Brown and I have teamed to make one of the best draft sites out there. Rankings, player profiles, mock drafts, and much more.

www.jjscouting.com

Jheremy's other site- www.2011mlbdraft.blogspot.com

2010 TOP 25 HIGH SCHOOL PROSPECTS

Here is a look at the updated rankings for the 2010 top 25 high school prospects.

1/7/10








1- Jameson Taillon- RHP, Woodlands

Taillon is the clear number one high school prospect heading into the spring. He was brilliant all summer, including a dominating performance at the AFLAC All-American Game. Taillon sits mid 90's and flashes an excellent curve ball. Definite top 10 pick in June. Commitment- Rice


2- Karsten Whitson- RHP, Chipley HS

With a very strong summer, Whitson pulled away to become the number two player behind Taillon. Whitson has a perfect pitcher's frame, and a smooth, clean delivery. He sits mid 90's and possesses a sharp slider that could develop into a solid out pitch. He looked great all week in San Diego at AFLAC. He struck out Harper and got game MVP Tony Wolters to ground into a double play. Commitment- Florida

3- AJ Cole- RHP, Oviedo HS

Cole has been near the top of the class for quite some time. He stands in at 6'5, 185 with room to fill out his frame. His fastball sits low-mid 90's and his breaking ball is one of the top pitches in the country. Look for Cole to have a big spring and potentially add velocity to his fastball. Commitment- Miami


4- DeAndre Smelter- RHP, Tattnall HS


Smelter has come on strong as of late, putting himself in conversation with the top tier pitching prospects of the country. He made easy work of his one inning at AFLAC, striking out the side, including phenoms Bryce Harper and Austin Wilson. Smelter is a true athlete who is also a great football player. When pitching becomes his only focus, he could get even better. Commitment- Georgia Tech


5-Josh Sale- OF, Bishop Blanchet HS


The best high school hitter in the country. Sale has a very aggressive approach at the plate, and combines that with very quick bat speed. He is a corner outfielder down the line, but his bat should be able to play at any position. Sale should have no problem with his high school senior year in Washington. Sale should have a huge senior season, and find himself in near the top of the draft. Commitment- Gonzaga


6-Stetson Allie- RHP, St. Edward Prep


Not only does Allie have the best arm in this class, but he has the best high school arm in recent memory. Allie has already flashed his fastball up to 99 mph. He also throws a very hard slider that has the velocity of other pitchers fastballs. Allie is also a power hitting third baseman, but the mound is where he will be given his first shot. Commitment- North Carolina


7-Dylan Covey- RHP, Maranatha HS


Covey has put himself into the top of the first round with a great summer. He looked very sharp in San Diego and his breaking ball might rank as the number one off-speed pitch in the nation. Covey has a solid build at 6'2, 200 pounds and is a workhorse on the mound. He should find himself in the first round. Commitment- San Diego


8-Austin Wilson- OF, Harvard-Westlake

A physically imposing player, Wilson does everything well. He has high power potential and a strong arm from the outfield. He is a top of the line athlete and has all the tools to be a great major leaguer. Wilson will battle Sale all year long as the best high school outfielder in the nation. Commitment- Stanford

9- Manny Machad0- SS,Brito Private

Machado might have been the player who benefited most from summer ball. He is a big shortstop at 6'2, 180 pounds. He has put himself into first round talks, and should be the first high school infielder taken in the draft. Commitment- Florida International

10-Nick Castellanos- 3B, Archbishop McCarthy HS

Castellanos also had a big summer. He went 4-4 with 4 doubles at the Under Armour All-America Game, and continued his success with Team USA. His defense improved at 3B, and at 6'3, 190, he should be able to stay there long term. Castellanos and Machado will be battling all year to be the first prep infielder taken. Commitment- Miami


11- Yordy Cabrera- SS, Lakeland HS

A big, strong kid at 6'2, 200 pounds. Cabrera put on one of the best power displays I have ever seen in San Diego, destroying balls well over the practice field at the AFLAC All-America Game. He might have the most natural power in the class, and will be viewed as a high pick coming into the year. Commitment- Miami


12-Kevin Gausman- RHP, Grandview HS

Gausman is a bit overlooked when it comes to top of the line pitchers for this years draft. He pitches in Colorado, where the talent in high school baseball is nowhere near that of the other top pitchers. Gausman still has room to fill out at 6'4, 180, and it will be interesting to see how his senior year effects him in the draft. Commitment- LSU


13-Justin O'Conner- SS/C- Cowan HS

O'Conner has the potential to play anywhere on the field. He has a lightning arm, and a quick release at shortstop. This summer, O'Conner took up catching, and it will be interesting to see where he ends up in the draft. He is also a top of line pitching prospect, but his defense and power bat should stick. Commitment- Arkansas


14- Kevin Ziomek- LHP, Amherst HS

In a year short of lefties, Ziomek has found himself sitting atop the list. He has a four pitch repetoire. His fastball sits 87-90, and his slider has the potential to be a special as well. Ziomek will have no problem with his competition in Massachusetts, and should find himself as the first prep left hander taken in the draft. Commitment- Vanderbilt



15- AJ Vanegas- RHP, Redwood Christian HS

Vanegas displayed his great arm in San Diego at the AFLAC Game. He sat 90-91, and his breaking ball is a plus pitch. Stanford commits are always hard to get a read on as far as their draft status, so that will be a factor. If signable, Vanegas should end up at the back of the first round or supplemental pick. Commitment- Stanford


16-Kaleb Cowart- 3B/RHP- Cook HS

One of the best arms in the nation. Cowart's arm across the diamond is one of the best I've ever seen from a high schooler. Cowart is intriguing at third base, and as a pitcher. His power arm will give him a chance on the mound, and at this point, I am leaning more towards Cowart's arm on the hill. Commitment- Florida State


17-Cameron Bedrosian- RHP, East Coweta HS

The son of former Cy Yound award winner Steve Bedrosian. Bedrosian's curve ball is one of the best secondary pitches in the nation, and he got both Bryce Harper and Kris Bryant to strike out on it during the AFLAC All-American Game. He has a real feel for pitching, and will be a high pick in June. Commitment- LSU


18-Garin Cecchini- SS, Barbe HS

Cecchini has put himself into the mix with the top prep infielders. His swing generates a lot of power from the left side, and he repeats it very well. He will stay at short in high school, but will out grow the position and should settle nicely at third base. Commitment- LSU


19- Stefan Sabol- C, Aliso Niguel HS

Sabol is a gamer. He is a pure athlete who can play the outfield as well. He might not be able to stick at catcher, but his athleticism should be able to play at a corner outfield spot. His swing generates hard contact and line drives. Sabol's senior year will see what position he is taken at. Commitment- Oregon


20-Chevez Clarke- OF, Marietta HS

Clarke might be the best defensive outfielder on the list. He covers a lot of ground, and has the best chance to stick at CF down the road. A great athlete who tracks balls well in the outfield, Clarke also has a good arm from center. Clarke is also a switch hitter who is very capable from both sides. Commitment- Georgia Tech


21-Taijuan Walker- RHP, Yucaipa HS

Walker has come on late with his power fastball and curve ball. At 6'5, 190, Walker has not yet physically matured, and he should be able to add more zip to his fastball once he does. Look for Walker to move up on the list with a good spring. Uncommitted

22- Tony Wolters- SS, Rancho Bueno Vista HS

Wolters was the AFLAC All-American Game MVP. He is a true ball player who is fantastic defensively. At 5'10, 165, Wolters profiles as the perfect second baseman. He has a smooth swing from the left side that generates hard contact. Commitment- San Diego


23- Marcus Littlewood- SS,Pineview HS

Littlewood and Wolters would make the best middle infield in the nation next year at San Diego should both make it to campus. Littlewood is a smooth infielder and makes plays. He is also a switch hitter with consistent contact. Look for a big spring from him in the state of Utah. Commitment- San Diego


24-Kris Bryant- 3B, Bonanza HS

Three San Diego committs in a row. Bryant has massive power, but has yet to translate that to the games. A big kid at 6'5, 205, Bryant might need a little seasoning to be able to hit the ball with consistent power. Bryant and Cabrera will be the top two prep power hitters come June. Commitment- San Diego


25-Brian Ragira- OF, Martin HS

Ragira has been near the top of this class for quite some time. A true outfielder who plays excellent defense, Ragira also has a great outfield arm. His arm could also play on the mound, but he will be given his shot as a position player first. Commitment- Stanford

Top Prospect Q and A: Chevez Clarke

Interview with Top Prospect Chevez Clarke. Clarke is a highly ranked outfielder that attends Marietta High School in Georgia. He currently checks in at 13 in the nation by Baseball America.

Jeff Sullivan: Hey Chevez, thanks a lot for taking the time. First off, congrats on signing with Georgia Tech. What made you choose GT, and what other schools were in the running?

Chevez Clarke :I chose GT because I felt like I still wanted my parents to come watch me play for another 3 years and also even if baseball doesn't work out, I have an excellent plan B I can look forward to. I had Georgia, LSU, Florida State, North Carolina, and Miami in the running.

You are ranked 13 by Baseball America, and 17 by PG. Do you look at these rankings, and how do they have an effect on your day to day life?

I don't really read my own press or look at rankings. I hardly know anything about that. It really doesn't have an effect on my everyday life because I just take it one day at a time and get ready for June.

Between now and the Draft in June, what is one thing you trying to improve on?

I am really working on my bunting. I have taken several days out of the month and did nothing but bunt.

Last question, what is your favorite team, and who is your favorite player?

My favorite team is the Philadelphia Phillies and my favorite player is Jimmy Rollins

Top Prospect Q and A: Adam Plutko

An interview with Top Prospect Adam Plutko. Plutko is a 6'3, 180 pound RHP from Glendora High School in California. He is ranked in the top 60 in the country, both by Baseball America and Perfect Game.

Jeff Sullivan: First off, congrats on signing with UCLA. Being from California, was this the school you were looking at all along, and what other schools were a factor?

Adam Plutko: No actually i wasnt looking there at all but Coach Savage really drew me in with his pitching style. I was talking to USC Oregon Fullerton UCI... all the local schools

What pitches are in your repetoire? Where do they usually sit?

I throw 4 seam fastball 2 seam fastball curveball change and slider... slider is kinda a new pitch. I usually sit at around 91-92 and topped out at 94.

You are ranked in the Top 60 prospects in the nation, both by Baseball America and Perfect Game. Describe how that feels, and how it has an effect on your day to day life.

To be honest i had no clue until u just told me about it. i dont look at all of the blogs and rankings i just go about my business and keep working hard because thats whats gonna make the difference not Baseball America rankings.

Describe how the Area Code Games went for you this year, and how is it playing against the top players in the country.

Area Code games went really well! i think i threw 3 innings had 6 K's and just threw the ball really well. I changed speeds well and my change was really on. I threw the ball really well for my second time in the Area Code games.

If there was one thing you would like to improve on between now and the MLB Draft in June, what would that be?

I would like to improve on my fitness level and lower half. That is gonna be the the difference when i go deep into ball games this year.

Last question, what is your favorite team, and what players do you follow?

I am a huge red sox fan!! I love Josh Beckett! any time he throws i sit down and watch what he does. I am also a fan of Jared Weaver and how deceptive he is with his different pitches.

Blue Jays Add First Round Pick

On Friday, the Boston Red Sox signed former Blue Jay Marco Scutaro to a two-year contract. With this signing, the Blue Jays will receive the Red Sox first round pick, as Scutaro was a Type-A free agent. The pick will come near the end of the first round, as pick 29. Although this is a loss for the Sox, they did just get the 20th pick a few days ago, for the departure of Billy Wagner to the Braves.

Harper Officially Eligible for 2010 MLB Draft

Bryce Harper is now officially a part of the 2010 draft class. Harper had to pass his GED in order to become eligible for the draft. On Thursday, news broke that Harper passed the test for high school equivalency, therefore making him official, as part of the draft. As it stands now, Harper is still the front runner to be the #1 overall selection.

Top Prospect Q and A: Josh Sale

Interview with Top Prospect Josh Sale. Sale is currently the number 5 ranked player in the nation, and the number 1 outfielder in the nation, according to Baseball America. Sale has all the tools to be a power hitting corner outfielder at the Major League level. Look for a big spring from him, as he will have no problem with the pitching he faces in Washington.

Jeff Sullivan:Thanks for taking the time Josh. Congrats on signing with Gonzaga. What made you choose Gonzaga over other top schools in the country?

Josh Sale: I chose Gonzaga over other schools because first, it felt very comfortable. Second, I wanted to play somewhere where my parents would be able to see me play, they haven't missed a game in my life. Third, Gonzaga's team was young and having success and still is. Also they offered me a starting spot right away as a freshman. Lastly, they also gave me a great offer, which a lot of other places did at the same time, but Gonzaga fit the criteria I was looking for.

You come into the year ranked as the #1 HS Outfielder in the draft, how does that have an effect on your day to day life?

Getting the news, and seeing my name listed as the #1 HS OF in the draft was fun and exciting. Although, when it come's to my everyday life/school or personal life, it doesn't effect me too much. Sure there are my friends/acquaintances that bring it up in conversation, but when they do I give them an honest answer and try to be humble. (Being cocky is not a good way to make/keep friends). But probably the biggest effect it's had in my day to day life is scouts calling, and trying to schedule in-house visits around all my school work and training.

What is the transition like after playing summer ball against top pitchers in the nation on the biggest stage, and then facing high school pitchers in Washington?

Let me tell you, everything I did last summer and even the summer before that, regarding showcase's and prospect showing's was the time of my life. But what does Washington have to offer? Does it compare at all? Simply, no. I love the big time pitching, it's faster, and the game is much more advanced, which is what I love. Washington's pitching in high school is...well, terrible. It's slow, people can't throw strikes...I just don't like it. But, that said, I have to deal with it. I have to make adjustments, that's what the game is about. So for now, I live with it, and do what I can.

Between now and the draft in June, what are you trying to improve on?

Like everyone, I have my own little things that need work. Personally I believe I need to improve my entire game. I'm working on infield skills, running for my outfield game, and I'm always trying to be more consistent with hitting to be able to drive the ball anywhere with authority. Also, I'm in the gym with my workout partner's working on getting stronger and quicker to help improve my all around game.

Last question, what is your favorite team, and who is your favorite player?

Haha. Some people might hate me for this but that's ok, I don't care. But, honestly, my favorite team is the NY Yankees. Why? Because of the legacy, the dynasty, and the history that has filled that team's rosters over the years. I find it amazing! I've changed my view of my favorite player over and over because there's a lot out there that I like. That said, I'll give someone who I think is a great player, but also a great person. The attitude on and off the field, coupled with his work ethic makes this guy a great model for the game. I won't say he's my favorite but definitely someone that I look up to, and that's Derek Jeter.

Red Sox Land 20th Overall Selection

The Atlanta Braves and former Red Sox reliever Billy Wagner have agreed to a contract. Wagner, 38, agreed to a one year, 7 million dollar contract. With the signing, the Braves lose their first round pick because Wagner is a Type A free agent. As of now, the Red Sox have the rights to the 20th overall selection, and will hold on to the pick unless Atlanta signs a higher ranked player than Wagner. The pick would then go to the team that lost the higher player. This seems unlikely, but players that could still pull away the 20th pick are John Lackey, Jason Bay, Jose Valverde, Matt Holliday, and Marco Scutaro.

The Red Sox also receive a supplemental pick for the signing, which occurs between the first and second rounds.

Top Prospect Q and A: DeAndre Smelter

Interview with Top Prospect DeAndre Smelter. Smelter is a RHP from Tattnall Square Academy in Macon, GA. Smelter is currently ranked 18th in the nation by Baseball America. I have been big on Smelter since watching him in San Diego during the AFLAC All-American Game week. Once baseball is the only sport he is focusing on, he could become even better. Look out for a big year!

Jeff Sullivan Question: First off, congrats on signing with Georgia Tech. What made you choose the school, and what other schools interested you?

DeAndre Smelter: Thanks! I really felt comfortable with the coaches and the program. I believe that they can get me better so that I can reach the next level. The two main schools on my list were Georgia and Georgia Tech.

You are one of the top ranked HS pitchers in the nation. Describe how that feels, and how it has an effect on your day to day life.

It feels great! I think it shows that my hard work from Day 1 is paying off. It hasn't had an effect on my everyday life at all. Everybody pretty much still treats me the same.

What pitches do you throw? Where do they usually sit?

I throw 4 seam fastball/ 93-96, 2 seam/ 90-92, Slider/ 83-86, Split 82-84

If there was one thing to improve on between now and the draft in June, what would that be?

I want to improve consistency with all my pitches. I want to be able to locate and throw all of them for strikes consistently.

Last question. Who is your favorite player and what is your favorite team?

I don't really have a favorite player or team, but being from Georgia, I like the Braves. I enjoy watching other teams play as well like the Red Sox, Yankees, and the Angles. As far as a player, I love the way Manny Ramirez plays. He has fun while he's playing like every other player should.

Bryce Harper

So, the big news this draft is phenom Bryce Harper. Harper IS a generational talent, that is for sure. He has received a lot of criticism for his decision to skip the end of his high school career at Las Vegas High School.

To me, Harper is making the right choice. Although history has said that the choice to forgo your high school years is a bad one, I trust in Harper's choice. Fellow catchers Landon Powell, and Robert Stock both made the choice to skip the end of their high school careers, but that was to enroll at a four year college. Both catchers did not fair well in their choice, but Harper's talent is far and away above Powell and Stock.

Harper is what a scout dreams about, plus-plus power from the left side, a cannon from behind the dish, a solid work ethic, and above average speed, for a catcher. Watching him in San Diego was a treat. Harper put balls well over the right field fence at the University of San Diego, where the AFLAC All-Americans practiced. Harper did not fair well in the game in San Diego, but the talent was still there.

Although the money would have still been there for Harper had he entered the 2011 MLB Draft, why not enter a year early, while increasing his leverage, and making him a year younger at the time of the draft. Those two factors, with the addition of Scott Boras will equal out to what should be the largest bonus ever for a high school player. Even if he is not the first player drafted, which he should be, Harper will not get far. Teams like Boston, New York, and many more will not let a talent like Harper slip by them. I see both sides of the arguement, but to me, Harper is making the choice he wants, and who are we to question that?

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving! Be sure to check out the blog within the next couple of days. I will be doing a player profile of Karsten Whitson, RHP, Chipley High School.

Top Prospect Q and A: Kevin Gausman

Interview with Top Prospect Kevin Gausman. Gausman is a 6'4, 180 pound RHP from Grandview High School in Colorado. He is currently ranked # 7 in the nation by Baseball America.

Q: First off, congrats on signing with LSU. What made you choose the school, and what other schools interested you?

Gausman: Well i really wanted a school that was rich with baseball tradition. I wanted a place that was different than anywhere else and if you've ever been to Baton Rouge its a lot different than colorado. I also really wanted a place where the coach's treat you like family and LSU's staff is exactly like that. I was considering Texas, ASU, Oregon State, Oregon, Arkansas, and Miami

You are one of the top ranked HS pitchers in the nation. Describe how that feels, and how it has an effect on your day to day life.

It's an awesome experience being seen like that. I think its kinda hard getting used to people mentioning your name in the mock drafts and all those rankings. Its definately had an effect on my life. I think its because i am from a state thats not known for baseball and i kinda have everything against me in that respect. Its been fun though and im looking forward to the future.

What pitches do you throw? Where do they usually sit?

I throw 4 pitches. My fastball usually sits from 93-94. My slider is around 82-84. My curveball is around 74-76. My change-up is from 81-83.

If there was one thing to improve on between now and the draft in June, what would that be?

I think the biggest thing is to become more consistent and just fine turn my stuff. Another thing is that i want to get into my legs more and maybe that'll just improve everything

Last question. Who is your favorite player and what is your favorite team?

My favorite player is Jon Papelbon. I idol myself after him in the fact that he can go from being relaxed and non-serious to being a bulldog on the mound. He just dominates hitters. My favorite team was the Phillies, but then they traded my boy Pat the Bat. So, now i'd say the Rockies.