GagneCY03

Matusz follows up his season debut with an impressive outing vs No 4 Texas: 5.2 IP, 5 Hits, 1 ER, 4 BB, 8 K's. I really wish the Angels had signed him; would love to have him in my dynasty league...

Interesting to see Jackson available for the Dodgers. Probably wouldnt matter though, since I doubt Logan White would want to deal with another Boras client.

I REALLY hope the Dodgers sign Akins as a DFE. Also, CJ, do you have any info on #120 Taylor Lewis or #154 Justin Coats?

Mauer is 6'4. I've seen Wieters listed at both 6'4 and 6'6. Either way, he's a big backstop.

Awesome. Always appreciate your contributions, CJ.

Pretty impressive crop of closers in this year's class. Do you project any of them switching to starting in the pros? I remember seeing Cole St Clair starting a game for Rice last year during the CWS and he looked pretty good.

Is Derrick Turnbow still the Brewers' closer?

Vanderbilt better be in there, with David Price getting lots of love! http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/wink.gif Looking forward to another article, dude.

Always a pleasure to read your responses, CJ. Glad to hear that you believe in Peavey, as he's a guy who I'd like Logan White et al to give him consideration come draft time.

Ramirez is a good prospect, but he's been passed by guys like Harvey and Porcello. He's in that next tier. The other two I havent heard of, so I cant comment on them.

Oh no, it's Washie! Also, CJ, you have any idea why Matt Harvey didnt pitch in the WWBA? He's not on PGCC's list of the best velocities from the tournament.

Fair enough. I'm still a Harvey fan but I also like Porcello. Main seems to have been caught by the hype that got Jordan Walden last year (Both touched 99 and done little else to help their draft stock). What do you think of Greg Peavey? He doesnt have the size or raw velocity of Harvey and Porcello but his fastball has good life and his slider is nasty.

What do you like better about Porcello's fastball? The movement?

BaseballAmerica.com came out with a new Top 100 list for HS'ers (Which I wont divulge, dont worry CJ) and I wanted to comment on some of the recruiting classes. Pitching: Two schools signed three top arms each and they'd have dream rotations if all the kids fullfilled their committments, which of course would never happen. UNC would be headlined by Matt Harvey, my favorite pitcher in this class, if he forewent the draft to better his education. The hard-throwing righty from Connecticut is still ranked among the top of the high school ranks and could be the first one taken in next June's draft. His fastball velocity (mid 90s) is only surpassed by the ease with which he throws it. He flashes a big curve and a fading circle-change, though both offerings need to be refined. Nevertheless, he'd have no problems missing aluminum bats solely with his fastball. Behind him, though not far behind, is Rick Porcello out of New Jersey. It's interesting to see two Northeast kids who are rated so highly. Anyway, he's another big righty with a good fastball. Like Harvey, Porcello has a curve and a change that need improvement, but the duo would give opposing lineups nightmares. And just to shake things up, UNC also signed Southpaw Madison Bumgarner. Another big-bodied kid from the East coast, Bumgarner lives in North Carolina so the trip would be considerably shorter for him. While his fastball isnt at the same level as Harvey's or Porcello's, it's more than the average lefty and can touch the mid 90s occassionally. He also has a ways to go with his secondary offerings. This rotation would be historic, but will never come to fruition, given the trio's ability to all garner first round bonuses. The other college that nabbed three strong pitchers is Oregon State. Parlaying their CWS championship into a strong recruiting class has worked to perfection, starting with a committment from RHP Greg Peavey. The Northwest native also plays 3B, but with a fastball that can reach the mid 90s and a nasty slider in the mid 80s, his future is on the mound. And though his size isnt as impressive as the Tar Heels' trio, he makes for it in his competitive nature and experience. The next pitcher in OSU's "dream" rotation is Tanner Robles. The lefty from Utah draws comparisons to 2005 first rounder Mark Pawelek, for his home state, handedness, unusual delivery and ability to reach the mid 90s. He doesnt have much of an arsenal yet, but given the proper time and instruction, he could be a good one. And last, but certainly not least, there's Tim Alderson. The 6'7 righty is an imposing presence on the mound, but doesnt have the overpowering stuff you'd expect from a guy his size. Instead, he relies on the command of his low 90s fastball rather than the pure velocity. He had the most impressive showing at the AFLAC All American game in August, retiring the side on less than 10 pitches. Two rotations that will never be, but sometimes it's fun to pretend.

I wouldnt have brought it up, but a scout who was in attendence mentioned it.

While I often use statistically driven evaluation for major leaguers, I rely almost solely on scouting reports and actually seeing amateurs and minor leaguers. They're still learning and have more room to grow than established pros. I'm pretty sure Player #2 is Justin Jackson, who did have a subpar showing at the WWBA tourney. What the poster failed to mention was how exhausted he was after having played for most of the summer. Scouting is all about putting things in context. It's nice to see a guy do well in game, but why is he doing well? Is he sitting on fastballs? Is he cheating on breaking balls? It's much more productive to find a player's strengths and weaknesses than to just post his stats.

I'd love to know how Elias actually evaluates the players, seeing as how Gagne has barely pitched over the past 2 years and he's a Type A free agent.

UNC's rotation would be amazing if Porcello, Harvey and Bumgarner all fulfilled their committments. It'll be interesting to see which guys are serious.

I have a PGCC sub and I was shocked to see how low a few kids were ranked. I'm sure by the end of the spring, they'll be rated higher.

Thanks for posting that, Mr CJ. Does my talking about the draft in November qualify me as a draft nut? http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif

Michael Main struggled in his first WWBA outing, allowing 2 ER on 3 Hits and 3 Walks in 2 IP while striking out 5. Vitters plays tonight against Main's Southeast Select team.

If the Royals took Wieters, could you imagine their lineup in a few years? Gordon, Butler and Wieters... Burgess seems like a logical choice for the Brewers. Would they take another flamethrowing pitcher like Main or Harvey? Arencibia makes a lot of sense as well.

Good luck, Blazer25. Also, having looked at the WWBA page, it seems that ABD Bulldogs and Southeast Select are in the same division. It seems that Josh Vitters will face Michael Main in a repeat of their AFLAC Game matchup. Should be very interesting.

Vitters looks stiff on the infield and doesnt run well, so that's where the athleticism comment comes from. I love how you mentioned his first inning at bat against Main. I thought that was probably the best at bat in the game. The way he adjusted at the last second to a 2-2 curveball, just flicking his wrists enough to foul the ball off really impressed me. He launched some tape measure foul balls as well before he doubled off the wall. I'd love to see him there at #22, but I doubt he falls out of the Top 20. Also, ESPN is reporting that the player's union and the league are close to reaching a new labor agreement and it looks like no major changes will take place. Here's a link: sports.espn.go.com/mlb/ne...id=2632636

Thanks for the reply, CJ. I was looking at two not-too-athletic 3B coming out of HS with polished bats, but it does seem like Butler should hit for more power. Still, I see Vitters in the 25-30 HR range if all goes well. He has a great ability to adjust and turn on good fastballs. Plus I love how simple his swing is. As for Wieters, if he stays behind the plate, he's Jason Varitek. If he moves to first, he's Mark Teixeira. http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif