Draft Preview: High School Pitchers, Part 1

[Ozzie Ball]

Moving onto the pitchers with the high school pitching preview, part 1. Some very interesting names here from the fast risers like Mike Foltynewicz to the hugely projectable A.J. Cole.

 

Stetson Allie, RHP, St. Edwards HS (OH)

Stetson Allie wows scouts with a plus fastball that sits mid 90's and has touched 99 mph. Allie doesn't have much of a change up right now due to the fact that he hasn't needed one, but he does have a good mid 80's slider. His control and command are very erratic and he will need a lot of refinement. To go with great ability on the mound, Allie also has plus raw power, but something pretty drastic would have to happen between now and the draft for him to drafted as a position player. Allie is committed to North Carolina so he may be a tough sign. Projected draft position: Late 1st - Early 2nd Round.

 

Robbie Aviles, RHP, Suffern HS (NY)

 

John Barbato, RHP, Felix Varela HS (FL)

 

Cameron Bedrosian, RHP, East Coweta HS (GA)

 

Jesse Biddle, LHP, Germantown Friends HS (PA)

 

Cody Buckel, RHP, Royal HS (CA)

 

Drew Cisco, RHP, Wando HS (SC)

 

A.J. Cole, RHP, Oviedo HS (FL)

 

Dylan Covey, RHP, Maranatha HS (CA)

 

Mike Foltynewicz, RHP, Minooka HS (IL)

 

Scott Frazier, RHP, Upland HS (CA)

 

Kevin Gausman, RHP, Grandview HS (CO)

An aggressive competitor, Gausman attacks hitters with a good sinking fastball that sits low 90's and can touch the mid 90's. He combines this with sharp curve which he throws at 72 mph and it projects to be a plus pitch or better for him. He also throws a change up but it is significantly behind the fastball/curve, it does however project to be an average future pitch. Gausman has good arm speed and has a very polished delivery. Projected draft position: Mid 1st Round.

Continued...

 

I've mentioned before, somewhere, that Mike Foltynewicz (or "Folty") is one of my favorite prospects in this years draft, would love to get a high upside arm like him in the 2nd round.

[Quin]

If the Sox can avoid signability issues with Biddle, I'd love to add a lefty starter with front rotation potential in maybe the 4th round.

[DirtySox]

If the Sox can avoid signability issues with Biddle, I'd love to add a lefty starter with front rotation potential in maybe the 4th round.

 

Love Biddle too, though he is rather unrefined. He was getting first round consideration earlier this year I believe.

 

I really hope that organization takes more risks with picks and in turn opens up their wallet a bit more. Draft spending has been pitiful, and the system needs more talent and depth in too many areas. A mere million more spent could pay huge dividends.

[Quin]

Love Biddle too, though he is rather unrefined. He was getting first round consideration earlier this year I believe.

 

I really hope that organization takes more risks with picks and in turn opens up their wallet a bit more. Draft spending has been pitiful, and the system needs more talent and depth in too many areas. A mere million more spent could pay huge dividends.

 

Yes, I'm tired of taking the safe affordable route.

 

I want a high-risk high-reward farm system.