Profiles of the Top 22 Pitchers for the 2012 MLB Draft (Bonus) : Mitch Brown

With the Twins having a severe need for pitching in the organization as well as six picks among the top 100, it is certain that more than one of those picks (and probably the second overall pick) will be used to draft a pitcher. To this respect, I am presenting profiles of the top 22 pitching prospects for the 2012 MLB draft.

I have been presenting these alphabetically, and at the end I will rank them.  I will be doing about one a day and I will finish before the June 4th draft day. You can find all the profiles (in reverse alphabetical order) as they are presented here.  I will start with RJ Alvarez and end with Kyle Zimmer.  Each profile with contain a bit of background information and statistics, a mini scouting report and videos and photos. Because Mitch Brown is local, and the Twins have been linked with him, and there is a good possibility that they might select him in the supplementary or second round, I am presenting his profile, in addition to the other 22.

Profile 23: Mitch Brown

Profile/Stats:

Mitchell Brown is a senior at Century High School in Rochester, MN. He committed to play for the University of San Diego. He is listed at 6'2" and 210 lbs. He was born on April 13, 1994 . He throws right-handed. Mitch is also playing the infield, but will be drafted as a pitcher. His father is a former Korean power lifter. You can find a web page with a lot of information on Mitch here. In 2012 he is 7-1 with 0.91 ERA and 103 strikeouts in 58 innings. Here is a recent 'CCO story and a video by Mark Rosen on Mitch Brown. He was recently named Minnesota Gatorade player of the year and this is a great story on him, by Tyler Mason.

Mini Scouting Report:

Mitch Brown throws an above average Fastball that sits in the low nineties and reportedly jumps to 95. He has excellent command and control of that pitch. He also throws a plus cut fastball in the low 90s that has good movement and deception. His breaking ball and changeup are works in progress. His delivery is nice and easy and his mechanics are good. Very coachable. Good strikeout to ball ratio at the high school level, but his breaking ball and change up need to improve to make the leap and they will improve with professional coaching.

Videos/Photos:

Here is an 11 minute video of Mitch Brown pitching:







Here is a scouting video from last summer:







Here is a video of Mitch Brown pitching this season:







His Perfect Game profile page has links to 5 additional videos, and his homepage links to 7 additional videos.

Profiles of the Top 22 Pitchers for the 2012 MLB Draft: Kyle Zimmer

With the Twins having a severe need for pitching in the organization as well as six picks among the top 100, it is certain that more than one of those picks (and probably the second overall pick) will be used to draft a pitcher. To this respect, I am presenting profiles of the top 22 pitching prospects for the 2012 MLB draft.

I will be presenting these alphabetically, and at the end I will rank them.  I will be doing about one a day and I will finish before the June 4th draft day. You can find all the profiles (in reverse alphabetical order) as they are presented here. I will start with RJ Alvarez and end with Kyle Zimmer.  Each profile with contain a bit of background information and statistics, a mini scouting report and videos and photos.

This profile completes the top 22 profiles.  However, due to recent developments with the Twins, I will present have a bonus profile  of another pitcher (number 23) this weekend.

Profile 22: Kyle Zimmer

Profile/Stats:

Kyle Zimmer is a Junior at the University of San Francisco. He throws right handed. He was born on . He grew up in La Jolla, CA and went to La Jolla High Schoool. He is listed at 6'4" and 220 lbs. He was not previously drafted. He pitched 5 games (all in relief) in his freshman year and was turned into a starter his sophomore year. He was also a position player (mainly third baseman) and has been making the transition to pitcher. This season he started 12 games (83.1 IP) walked 15 and struck out 96. His record is 5-3 with a 2.59 ERA and 1.01 WHIP. Was a honor roll student and Cum Laude Society member in High School.

Mini Scouting Report:

Kyle Zimmer has three pitches: a fastball, a slider and a change up. His fastball averages 92-94 and gets up to 96-98. It is a plus pitch with good movement and life. His curve ball is a plus 12-6 curve ball that he throws at high 70s with excellent movement. His changeup is a low 80s pitch and is an average pitch with not much movement. This pitch needs work at the next level. Very good consistent delivery with the ball jumping off his hand. Excellent control of both his fastball and curveball, can improve the command of both pitches. In addition to the main 3 pitches he has been experimenting with a slider that he still has to master.

Videos/Photos:





Here is part 1 (5:37 minutes) of a scouting video taken this March:







And here is the continuation (6:26 minutes) of the same video







Here is an almost 9 minute vido of Zimmer pitching this April:







Here is a video blog of Kyle Zimmer during his time at Cape Cod League

Profiles of the Top 22 Pitchers for the 2012 MLB Draft: Walker Weickel

With the Twins having a severe need for pitching in the organization as well as six picks among the top 100, it is certain that more than one of those picks (and probably the second overall pick) will be used to draft a pitcher. To this respect, I am presenting profiles of the top 22 pitching prospects for the 2012 MLB draft.

I will be presenting these alphabetically, and at the end I will rank them.  I will be doing about one a day and I will finish before the June 4th draft day. You can find all the profiles (in reverse alphabetical order) as they are presented here. I will start with RJ Alvarez and end with Kyle Zimmer.  Each profile with contain a bit of background information and statistics, a mini scouting report and videos and photos.

Profile 21: Walker Weickel

Profile/Stats:

Walker Weickel is a senior at Olympia High School in Orlando, FL. He committed to play for Miami University. He is listed at 6'6" and 200 lbs. He was born on November 14, 1993 . He throws righthanded. This season he went 10-0 with a 1.47 ERA and 72 strikeouts in 55 innings.


Mini Scouting Report:

Weikel has 3 pitches: a Fastball, a curve and a change. His fastball is an above average pitch that averages in the low 90s and jumps up to 94. His 12-6 curve is above average and potential plus pitch. Throws it at low 70s. His low 80s changeup is an average pitch that needs work. He has a long frame and a 3/4 to over the top tall delivery that is inconsistent at times and affects his command and control. A lot of potential and a big frame, but will be a work in progress for a team for a while.

Videos/Photos:

Here is a video of Walker Weickel pitching at the All-American Classic in 2011:







Here is a slow motion video of Weickel's delivery:







His Perfect Game profile page has links to 5 additional videos.

Profiles of the Top 22 Pitchers for the 2012 MLB Draft: Michael Wacha

With the Twins having a severe need for pitching in the organization as well as six picks among the top 100, it is certain that more than one of those picks (and probably the second overall pick) will be used to draft a pitcher. To this respect, I am presenting profiles of the top 22 pitching prospects for the 2012 MLB draft.

I will be presenting these alphabetically, and at the end I will rank them.  I will be doing about one a day and I will finish before the June 4th draft day. You can find all the profiles (in reverse alphabetical order) as they are presented here. I will start with RJ Alvarez and end with Kyle Zimmer.  Each profile with contain a bit of background information and statistics, a mini scouting report and videos and photos.

Profile 20: Michael Wacha

Profile/Stats:

Michael Joseph Wacha is a Junior at Texas A&M University. He throws right handed. He was born on July 1st, 1991 in Iowa City, IA. He grew up in Texarkana, TX and went to Pleasant Grove High School. He is listed at 6'6" and 200 lbs. He was not previously drafted. He has been a starter for 3 season. This season he is 8-0 in 14 Games Started (99 innings) allowing 16 Bases on Balls and accumulating 99 strike outs. He pitched 2 complete game shutouts, has a 2.09 ERA and 0.99 WHIP. Was a member of the National Honor Society in High School.

Mini Scouting Report:

Michael Wacha has three pitches: a fastball, a slider and a change up. Regarded by some the most polished pitcher in the draft and a typical Twins'-type selection because he's close to being ready and throwing strikes. His fastball is a two-seamer with good movement sitting at 90-92 and up to 93-94. His changeup is a plus pitch with good deception and late movement. Good command and control of both his sinker and change. His slider is a work in progress that has shown some promise, but he has not been using it much. Tall and lanky with lots of arms and legs and deception in his delivery. Good mechanics and good angle to the plate.


Videos/Photos:


Here is a 10 minute video of Wacha pitching for Team USA summer of 2011:







Here is a recent video of Wacha pitching with Texas A&M:







Here is a long interview after his 2-hit shutout earlier this season, talking about his pitching repertoire:

Profiles of the Top 22 Pitchers for the 2012 MLB Draft: Hunter Virant

With the Twins having a severe need for pitching in the organization as well as six picks among the top 100, it is certain that more than one of those picks (and probably the second overall pick) will be used to draft a pitcher. To this respect, I am presenting profiles of the top 22 pitching prospects for the 2012 MLB draft.

I will be presenting these alphabetically, and at the end I will rank them.  I will be doing about one a day and I will finish before the June 4th draft day. You can find all the profiles (in reverse alphabetical order) as they are presented here. I will start with RJ Alvarez and end with Kyle Zimmer.  Each profile with contain a bit of background information and statistics, a mini scouting report and videos and photos.

Profile 19: Hunter Virant

Profile/Stats:

Hunter Virant is a senior at Camarillo High School in Camarillo, CA, and has committed to play for the same college, UCLA, as other pitching prospects, Max Fried and Lucas Giolito. He is listed at 6'3" and 175 lbs. He was born on January 24, 1994. He throws left-handed. Virant is athletic and also plays as a Center Fielder. He threw a no-hitter in April over Oxnard.

Mini Scouting Report:

Virant has a fastball, a curve and a changeup. His fastball is an above average pitch with good movement. It averages 92-93 and occasionally gets to 95-96. His curve is a plus pitch with a good bite, thrown at the upper 70s. His changeup at low 80s is an average pitch. Very polished and athletic player. Good mechanics and smooth Delivery. Size might be an issue but he will bulk up.

Videos/Photos:



Here is a video of Virant pitching at the All America Classic in 2011







Here is a scouting video from this February:

Profiles of the Top 22 Pitchers for the 2012 MLB Draft: Marcus Stromen

With the Twins having a severe need for pitching in the organization as well as six picks among the top 100, it is certain that more than one of those picks (and probably the second overall pick) will be used to draft a pitcher. To this respect, I am presenting profiles of the top 22 pitching prospects for the 2012 MLB draft.

I will be presenting these alphabetically, and at the end I will rank them.  I will be doing about one a day and I will finish before the June 4th draft day. You can find all the profiles (in reverse alphabetical order) as they are presented here. I will start with RJ Alvarez and end with Kyle Zimmer.  Each profile with contain a bit of background information and statistics, a mini scouting report and videos and photos.

Profile 18: Marcus Stromen

Profile/Stats:

Marcus Stromen is a Junior at Duke University. He throws right handed. He was born on May 1st, 1991. He is from Medford, NY and went to the Patchogue-Medford High School. He is listed at 5'9" and 180 lbs. In his previous 2 seasons he was a swing man, and even served as the closer for Team USA in 2011 converting all 4 save opportunities, but this season he has been exclusively a starter. In 14 games started (98 innings) he is 6-5 with a 2.39 ERA, walking 26 and striking out 136, allowing a .231 opponents batting average. Also plays at the outfield and second base between starts but he has no future in the pros as a position player (.252/.324/.362 career slash line in 336 Plate Appearances) He was drafted in the 18th round of the 2009 draft by the Washington Nationals but did not sign.

Mini Scouting Report:

Marcus Stromen has three pitches: a fastball, a slider and a change up and occasionally throws a cutter. The fastball is a plus pitch, It sits in the mid 90s with bursts up to 96-97 and has excellent command and control of it. His slider is better than an average pitch sitting at the mid 80s. His changeup and cutter are works in progress. Given his statute and the fact that right now he has only 2 pitches, he is projected by some teams as a dominating reliever instead of a mid-rotation starter. There are a lot of comparisons with Tom (Flash) Gordon.

Videos/Photos:

Here is an 8:30 scouting video of Stroman while with Team USA in 2011:







Here is a 15 minute video of Stromen's start vs Boston College earlier this month (May 2012) :






Here is an interview with Stromen from his Cape Cod League days:

Profiles of the Top 22 Pitchers for the 2012 MLB Draft: Chris Stratton

With the Twins having a severe need for pitching in the organization as well as six picks among the top 100, it is certain that more than one of those picks (and probably the second overall pick) will be used to draft a pitcher.  To this respect, I am presenting profiles of the top 22 pitching prospects for the 2012 MLB draft.

I will be presenting these alphabetically, and at the end I will rank them.  I will be doing about one a day and I will finish before the June 4th draft day. You can find all the profiles (in reverse alphabetical order) as they are presented here. I will start with RJ Alvarez and end with Kyle Zimmer.  Each profile with contain a bit of background information and statistics, a mini scouting report and videos and photos.


Profile 17: Chris Stratton

Profile/Stats:

Christopher Lee Stratton is a Junior at Mississippi State University. He went to Tupelo High School in Tupelo, MS. He was born on August 8th, 1990. He is listed at 6'3" and 198 lbs. He throws right-handed. He was not previously drafted. Stratton has been a starter all 3 season in his NCAA career starting 14 games each the past 2 seasons. This season he started 9 and came from the pen in 4 (a practice common for high level prospects.) He pitched 89.1 innings, allowing 19 bases on balls and striking out 107. He has pitched a complete game shutout, his ERA is 2.22 and his WHIP 0.960.

Mini Scouting Report:

Stratton's fastball is his greatest weapon. It sits at 94-95 and bursts up to 96-97. He has great command and control, even though his fastball at the highest speeds occasionally flattens out. He has a hard slider that sits at 84-85 mph, which is an average pitch, and an above average 12-6 curve at high 70s, which is his out pitch. His mechanics and arm action are not consistent but will benefit by professional coaching. Here is a piece on Chris Stratton by ESPN.

Videos/Photos:



Here is a video of Stratton pitching in a High School game:







Here is a recent interview after a game:







Here is a video of a game between Georgia and Mississippi State with Stratton pitching for MSU:

Miss State Outlasts Tennessee at Home

Profiles of the Top 22 Pitchers for the 2012 MLB Draft: Matt Smoral

With the Twins having a severe need for pitching in the organization as well as six picks among the top 100, it is certain that more than one of those picks (and probably the second overall pick) will be used to draft a pitcher. To this respect, I am presenting profiles of the top 22 pitching prospects for the 2012 MLB draft.

I will be presenting these alphabetically, and at the end I will rank them.  I will be doing about one a day and I will finish before the June 4th draft day. You can find all the profiles (in reverse alphabetical order) as they are presented here. I will start with RJ Alvarez and end with Kyle Zimmer.  Each profile with contain a bit of background information and statistics, a mini scouting report and videos and photos.

Profile 16: Matt Smoral

Profile/Stats:

Matt Smoral is a senior at Solon High School in Solon, OH. He throws left handed and is listed at 6'8" and 225 lbs. He was born on Last season he went 4-1 with a 1.82 ERA and 45 strikeouts in 32.2 innings pitched. This season 3 games in, he had a metatarsal fraction on his landing foot. He had surgery and is out for the season. The recovery is said to be 12 weeks. Here is a good article about his injury and recovery. He is committed to attend the University of North Carolina.

Mini Scouting Report:

Matt Smoral is throwing a fastball and a slider and is developing a change up. His fastball sits at 91-92 and touches 94-95. His slider is a hard slider and is a plus pitch with plus plus potential. His changeup is a work in process. His delivery is nice and easy and almost side arm. A lot of similarities with White Sox' pitcher Chris Sale, but Smoral is taller. Good command of his fastball. Very injury prone, maybe because of his size. His latest foot injury is his 3rd injury in 3 years, but nothing major.

Videos/Photos:



Here is a video of Matt Smoral pitching (7.5 minutes) in a game:







Here is a four minute scouting video:







Here is a Baseball America video of Smoral pitching and an interview:











His Perfect Game Profile Page has 5 additional videos of Matt Smoral.

Profiles of the Top 22 Pitchers for the 2012 MLB Draft: Lucas Sims

With the Twins having a severe need for pitching in the organization as well as six picks among the top 100, it is certain that more than one of those picks (and probably the second overall pick) will be used to draft a pitcher. To this respect, I am presenting profiles of the top 22 pitching prospects for the 2012 MLB draft.

I will be presenting these alphabetically, and at the end I will rank them.  I will be doing about one a day and I will finish before the June 4th draft day. You can find all the profiles (in reverse alphabetical order) as they are presented here. I will start with RJ Alvarez and end with Kyle Zimmer.  Each profile with contain a bit of background information and statistics, a mini scouting report and videos and photos.

Profile 15: Lucas Sims

Profile/Stats:

Lucas Sims is a senior at Brookwood High School in Lawrenceville, GA. He throws right handed and is listed at 6'2" and 185 lbs. He was born on May 10, 1994. Sims is also playing at shortstop but will be drafted as a pitcher. He is committed to attend Clemson University.

Mini Scouting Report:

Lucas Sims is throwing a fastball, a curveball and a change up. His Fastball is averaging 92-94 mph and has been thrown up to 96-97 mph. His stamina needs work because his velocity seems to drop late in the game. His fastball is an above average pitch with some life. His curveball is an above average pitch at 76-78 mph with a late break. His changeup is fairly polished. It sits between 85-87 and has good fade. He has a smooth delivery, even though there have been some concerns with his mechanics, especially his elbow being positioned high.

Videos/Photos:



Here is a video of Lucas Sims Pitching:







Here is a video of Sims hitting and pitching from his perfect games showcase:







Here is a video interview:







And here is Sims pitching in a recent High School game (April 2012) :











His Perfect Game Profile Page has 5 additional videos of Lucas Sims.

Profiles of the Top 22 Pitchers for the 2012 MLB Draft: Clate Schmidt

With the Twins having a severe need for pitching in the organization as well as six picks among the top 100, it is certain that more than one of those picks (and probably the second overall pick) will be used to draft a pitcher. To this respect, I am presenting profiles of the top 22 pitching prospects for the 2012 MLB draft.

I will be presenting these alphabetically, and at the end I will rank them.  I will be doing about one a day and I will finish before the June 4th draft day. You can find all the profiles (in reverse alphabetical order) as they are presented here. I will start with RJ Alvarez and end with Kyle Zimmer.  Each profile with contain a bit of background information and statistics, a mini scouting report and videos and photos.

Profile 14: Clate Schmidt

Profile/Stats:

Clate Schmidt is a senior at Allatoona High School in Acworth, GA. He throws right handed and is listed at 6'2" and 175 lbs. He was born on December 10, 1993. Schmidt is also playing at shortstop very well and enjoys it (and hitting .406/.500/.688 this season), but will be drafted as a pitcher. This season he pitched for 29 innings, allowing 9 hits and striking out 33. His ERA was 1.69 and held opponents to a .222 Bating Average. He is committed to attend Clemson University.

Mini Scouting Report:

Clate Schmidt is throwing a fastball, a curveball and a change up. His Fastball is averaging 92-94 mph and has been thrown up to 96 mph. It is an above average pitch with good motion. His curveball is a plus pitch and is a sharp breaking low 80s curveball. His changeup is a work in progress. He has a 3/4 arm slot and has a fast arm, but his delivery is a maximum effort delivery and his mechanics need to be simplified.

Videos/Photos:



Here is a video of Clate Schmidt hitting and Pitching:







His Perfect Game Profile Page has 4 additional videos of Clate Schmidt.

Profiles of the Top 22 Pitchers for the 2012 MLB Draft: Lance McCullers

With the Twins having a severe need for pitching in the organization as well as six picks among the top 100, it is certain that more than one of those picks (and probably the second overall pick) will be used to draft a pitcher. To this respect, I am presenting profiles of the top 22 pitching prospects for the 2012 MLB draft.

I will be presenting these alphabetically, and at the end I will rank them.  I will be doing about one a day and I will finish before the June 4th draft day. You can find all the profiles (in reverse alphabetical order) as they are presented here. I will start with RJ Alvarez and end with Kyle Zimmer.  Each profile with contain a bit of background information and statistics, a mini scouting report and videos and photos.

Profile 13: Lance McCullers

Profile/Stats:

Lance McCullers Jr. is a senior at Jesuit High School in Tampla, FL. He throws right handed and is listed at 6'3" and 200. He is the son of former MLB relief pitcher Lance McCullers who has a 28-31 record with 3.25 ERA, 252 bases on balls and 442 strike outs in 526.1 innings pitched in seven MLB seasons with the Padres, Yankees, Tigers and Rangers from 1985 to 1992. Lance McCullers Jr is also a shortstop but will be drafted as a pitcher. This season he pitched 77.1 innings, allowed 30 bases on balls and had 140 strikeouts. His ERA is 0.18 and his opponents hit .106 off him. Here is an interview of McCullers with Scout.com, and here is an older article from his hometown newspaper. He is committed to attend the University of Florida.

Mini Scouting Report:

McCullers is throwing a four seam and a two seam fastball, a slow and hard breaking ball and is working on a changeup. His Fastball is a plus pitch. It averages 94-95 and sporadically hits up to 97-98 mph and has decent movement. It projects as a plus plus pitch. His slow curve is a weak pitch and will probably be scrapped for his slider that can be a plus pitch. It sits at 85-86 mph and has a hard sharp two-plane break. His changeup is a work in progress. His delivery is inconsistent with varying arm slot and needs work. Because of that, his command and control are lacking. It will be corrected in professional baseball with a pro coach.

Videos/Photos:



Here is a scouting Video of McCullers:







Here is a slow motion video of his delivery from stretch position:







Here is a video interview







His Perfect Game Profile Page has 5 additional videos of Lance McCullers.

Profiles of the Top 22 Pitchers for the 2012 MLB Draft: Pat Light

With the Twins having a severe need for pitching in the organization as well as six picks among the top 100, it is certain that more than one of those picks (and probably the second overall pick) will be used to draft a pitcher. To this respect, I am presenting profiles of the top 22 pitching prospects for the 2012 MLB draft.

I will be presenting these alphabetically, and at the end I will rank them.  I will be doing about one a day and I will finish before the June 4th draft day. You can find all the profiles (in reverse alphabetical order) as they are presented here.  I will start with RJ Alvarez and end with Kyle Zimmer.  Each profile with contain a bit of background information and statistics, a mini scouting report and videos and photos.

Profile 12: Pat Light

Profile/Stats:

Pat Light is a Junior at Monmouth University. He was born on March 29, 1991 and he is from Colts Neck, NJ. He went to Christian Brothers Academy for High School. He is listed at 6'6" and 210 lbs and throws right handed. Last summer in the Cape Code League, he pitched 12 games (4 starts) and was 0-5 with a 3.77 ERA, 10 bases on balls and 24 strikeouts in 31 games pitched. This season he started in 14 games, pitched 101.1 innings, had 16 bases on balls and 102 strikeouts. His era was 2.40 and allowed a .225 opponents' batting average. He was drafted in the 28th round of the 2009 draft by the Minnesota Twins, so keep an eye for him, as far as the Twins are concerned, on the supplemental round, if he lasts that long.

Mini Scouting Report:

Pat Light's pitching repertoire features three above average pitches: a low to mid 90's fastball four seam, slider and a changeup. His fastball is above average occasionally hits mid 90s, there has been a report that he touched 99 mph. His slider is truly plus and is his out pitch with a tight horizontal break down and away to righties. His changeup is a slit-change that sits in the upper 70s. Good command of the fastball, especially low in the strike zone, he will need to learn to command his secondary pitches better. He throws from an under 3/4 arm slot, almost side arm.

Videos/Photos:


Here is a Scouting video of Pat Light from the Cape Cod league summer of 2011:







Here is a 15 minute video of a College game this April:







Here is a baseball video and interview by Baseball America this February:







Here is an interview after a Cape Cod League game last summer:

Profiles of the Top 22 Pitchers for the 2012 MLB Draft: Brian Johnson

With the Twins having a severe need for pitching in the organization as well as six picks among the top 100, it is certain that more than one of those picks (and probably the second overall pick) will be used to draft a pitcher. To this respect, I am presenting profiles of the top 22 pitching prospects for the 2012 MLB draft.

I will be presenting these alphabetically, and at the end I will rank them.  I will be doing about one a day and I will finish before the June 4th draft day. You can find all the profiles (in reverse alphabetical order) as they are presented here.  I will start with RJ Alvarez and end with Kyle Zimmer.  Each profile with contain a bit of background information and statistics, a mini scouting report and videos and photos.

Profile 11: Brian Johnson

Profile/Stats:

Brian Johnson is a Junior at University of Florida. He was born December 7, 1990 in Lakeland, Florida and went to Cocoa Beach High School. He is Left hand pitcher and first baseman. He is listed at 6'4" and 225 lbs. This season he starter 14 games, pitched 72 innings allowed 15 bases on balls and 59 strikeouts. He has a 3.88 ERA and his opponents batting average is .256. He has been hitting .313/.351/.469. He is Mike Zunino's teammate. He was drafted in the 27th round of the 2009 draft by the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Mini Scouting Report:

Brian Johnson's pitching repertoire features a low 90's fastball, changeup, and curveball. His fastball averages 90-92 but occasionally jumps to 94. His four seamer has good movement. Overall it is an above average pitch. His curveball is a sharp breaking curveball and has the potential to be a plus pitch once he commands it better. His change up is a work in progress. His delivery and mechanics are very consistent.


Videos/Photos:

Here is a video of him pitching in High School:







Here is a 9.5 minute video of him pitching with team USA in 2010 vs Taiwan:







Here is a video of him discussing his hitting and pitching:

Profiles of the Top 22 Pitchers for the 2012 MLB Draft: Andrew Heaney

With the Twins having a severe need for pitching in the organization as well as six picks among the top 100, it is certain that more than one of those picks (and probably the second overall pick) will be used to draft a pitcher. To this respect, I am presenting profiles of the top 22 pitching prospects for the 2012 MLB draft.

I will be presenting these alphabetically, and at the end I will rank them.  I will be doing about one a day and I will finish before the June 4th draft day. You can find all the profiles (in reverse alphabetical order) as they are presented here.I will start with RJ Alvarez and end with Kyle Zimmer.  Each profile with contain a bit of background information and statistics, a mini scouting report and videos and photos.

Profile 10: Andrew Heaney

Profile/Stats:

Andrew Heaney is a Junior at Oklahoma State University. He throws left handed. He was born on June 5thof 1991. He is from Oklahoma City, OK and went to Putnam City High School. He is listed at 6'2" and 174 lbs. This season he started in 13 games and he is 8-1 with 1.59 ERA, 19 BB and 120 Ks in 102 IP. He also has 5 complete games. Has been a 3 -year starter but he relieved in a few games in his freshman and sophomore season. He was drafted by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in the 24th round of the 2009 season but did not sign.

Mini Scouting Report:

Andrew Heaney's fastball is a plus pitch averaging 90-91 mph and touching 93 mph. It has a good cut and sink to right hand hitters. He is one of the few pitchers to throw a screwball (high 70s up to 80) and is his best secondary offering. He has a slurve and a change up, both which are average and there is room for improvement, esp. on his change up. He has an easy delivery and a 3/4 arm slot. He is a fast worker on the mound. Has been compared to a young Jamie Moyer.

Videos/Photos:

Here is a close to 8 minute video of a Cape Cod League appearance in 2011:







Here is a scouting video from Cape Cod League:







Here is a video with Oklahoma State:







Here is a post-game interview:

Profiles of the Top 22 Pitchers for the 2012 MLB Draft: Lucas Giolito

With the Twins having a severe need for pitching in the organization as well as six picks among the top 100, it is certain that more than one of those picks (and probably the second overall pick) will be used to draft a pitcher. To this respect, I am presenting profiles of the top 22 pitching prospects for the 2012 MLB draft.

I will be presenting these alphabetically, and at the end I will rank them.  I will be doing about one a day and I will finish before the June 4th draft day. You can find all the profiles (in reverse alphabetical order) as they are presented here.  I will start with RJ Alvarez and end with Kyle Zimmer.  Each profile with contain a bit of background information and statistics, a mini scouting report and videos and photos.

Profile 9: Lucas Giolito

Profile/Stats:

Lucas Giolito is a senior at Harvard-Westlake High School in Encino, CA, like another top High School pitching prospect, Max Fried. Both Fried and Giolito have committed to play for the same College, UCLA. He is listed at 6'6" and 220 lbs. He was born on July 14, 1994. He throws right handed. He was shut down for most of 2012 with a strained UCL.


Mini Scouting Report:

His fastball is a plus plus pitch. It sits at 94-95 and occasionally jumps to 99-100 mph. It has good downward movement and he has very good control of it; however the command (especially on the lower part of the zone is developing). His curve ball is above average and potentially can be a plus pitch at 81-82 mph. He is working on his change up which is a work in progress. His delivery is somewhat slow and deliberate. Would need work to improve his time from wind up to the plate.

Videos/Photos:

Here is a video of Giolito pitching in a game as a Junior:

 

Here is a scouting video from last February (2012) :



Here is his no-hitter and a brief interview afterwards a year ago



Here is a close to eight minute scouting video from last year



His Perfect Game profile page has several Videos of Giolito from 2010 and 2011.

Profiles of the Top 22 Pitchers for the 2012 MLB Draft: Kevin Gausman

With the Twins having a severe need for pitching in the organization as well as six picks among the top 100, it is certain that more than one of those picks (and probably the second overall pick) will be used to draft a pitcher. To this respect, I am presenting profiles of the top 22 pitching prospects for the 2012 MLB draft.

I will be presenting these alphabetically, and at the end I will rank them.  I will be doing about one a day and I will finish before the June 4th draft day. You can find all the profiles (in reverse alphabetical order) as they are presented here.I will start with RJ Alvarez and end with Kyle Zimmer.  Each profile with contain a bit of background information and statistics, a mini scouting report and videos and photos.

Profile 8: Kevin Gausman

Profile/Stats:

Kevin John Gausman is a draft-eligible sophomore at Louisiana State University. He throws right handed. He was born on January 6th, 1991. He is from Centennial, CO and went to Grandview High School. He is listed at 6'4" and 185 lbs. In his senior season in High School he went 9-2 with a 3.12 ERA and 14 walks and 88 strike outs. In his College Freshman season he went 5-4 in 14 GS (89.2 IP) allowing 23 walks and 85 strike outs with a 3.51 ERA. He made 2 starts for the US Collegiate National team in 2011, pitching for 8.2 innings, allowing 2 runs with 3 walks and 9 strikeouts. In the current season, Gausman is 8-1 in 13 GS. He pitched 91.2 innings, allowing 81 hits and 34 runs, 21 bases on balls and 112 strikeouts, for a 2.95 ERA and a .235 opponent's batting average. He also had 11 wild pitches. Here is an interview of Kevin Gausman by Jeremy Nygaard of ManCenter.com. Gausmann was selected by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the sixth round of the 2010 draft.

Mini Scouting Report:

Gausman has four pitches: a fastball, a curve, a slider and a change up. The fastball is a plus pitch, sometimes a dominating pitch, and is surely his best pitch. It sits in the mid 90s with occasionally hitting 98-99 especially early in games. He has good control and command and he has been throwing it with various arm angles. His slider is better than his curve, with a tight hard break and it may become his primary breaking ball. His curve is a slow 12-6 curve that needs a bit of work. His changeup is a borderine plus pitch and it is his best secondary offering. He needs better consistency with his mechanics to be able to command his pitches a bit better.

Videos/Photos:

Here is a three minute video of Kevin Gausman pitching with LSU against Arkansas:







Here is a sixteen minute scouting video of Kevin Gausman:







Here is his profile as a High School student:







And here is a video about his routine and superstitions from this season, including an obsession with eating powder doughnuts in-between innings:

Profiles of the Top 22 Pitchers for the 2012 MLB Draft: Max Fried

With the Twins having a severe need for pitching in the organization as well as six picks among the top 100, it is certain that more than one of those picks (and probably the second overall pick) will be used to draft a pitcher. To this respect, I am presenting profiles of the top 22 pitching prospects for the 2012 MLB draft.

I will be presenting these alphabetically, and at the end I will rank them. I will be doing about one a day and I will finish before the June 4th draft day. You can find all the profiles (in reverse alphabetical order) as they are presented here.  I will start with RJ Alvarez and end with Kyle Zimmer.  Each profile with contain a bit of background information and statistics, a mini scouting report and videos and photos.

Profile 7: Max Fried

Profile/Stats:

Max Fried is a senior at Harvard-Westlake High School in Encino, CA, like another top High School pitching prospect, Lucas Giolito. Max Fried transferred there for from Montclair Prep for his senior season. It is interesting that both Fried and Giolito have committed to play for the same College, UCLA. He is listed at 6'4" and 175 lbs. He was born on January 18, 1994. He throws left handed. He is a 2012 Rollings first team All-American. In addition to pitching he has played in the OF and 1B where he compiled a .360/.455/.627 line as a Junior. As a Junior pitcher he pitched 69.2 innings, allowing 44 hits, walking 38 and striking out 100, for a 1.31 ERA.

Mini Scouting Report:

He has a plus fastball that sits at 89-90 and bursts into 92-93 with excellent movement and occasional sink. His best pitch is his plus plus curveball, which has a tight hammer-like break. His FB velocity is projected to increase as he fills up. He is throwing a changeup which is average at this point but projects to develop. His delivery mechanics are good, but he needs to maintain a consistent arm slot. He is releasing at 3/4. Has good control but needs to be able to command all his pitches better, especially low in the strike zone.

Videos/Photos:

Here is a five minute scouting video of Max Fried from a High School Game this January:







Here is an almost six minute video from his performance at the perfect game showcase last summer:







Here is a 3 minute Scouting video from this April







His Perfect Game profile page has links to 3 additional videos from his National Showcase performance in 2011

Profiles of the Top 22 Pitchers for the 2012 MLB Draft: Zach Eflin

With the Twins having a severe need for pitching in the organization as well as six picks among the top 100, it is certain that more than one of those picks (and probably the second overall pick) will be used to draft a pitcher. To this respect, I am presenting profiles of the top 22 pitching prospects for the 2012 MLB draft.

I will be presenting these alphabetically, and at the end I will rank them.  I will be doing about one a day and I will finish before the June 4th draft day. You can find all the profiles (in reverse alphabetical order) as they are presented here.  I will start with RJ Alvarez and end with Kyle Zimmer.  Each profile with contain a bit of background information and statistics, a mini scouting report and videos and photos.

Profile 6: Zach Eflin

Profile/Stats:

Zach Eflin is a senior at Hagerty High Scholl in Oviedo,FL. He is listed at 6'5" and 200 lbs. He was born on April 8, 1994 and he throws Right Handed. In his current season, Eflin is 5-2 with a 0.55 ERA and 57 strikeouts in 38 innings pitched. ESPN published great article on Zach, discussing how he used baseball to escape from a difficult home situation. Eflin nissed all the month of April with tricep tendonitis, but his MRI is clear and has returned to action earlier this month. He committed to play for the University of Central Florida.

Mini Scouting Report:

Efling has good control of his above average fastball that averages 91-93 mph with occasional 94-95 mph spikes and good movement. His changeup is a plus pitch, sits from 79-82 mph and has good fade an sink. He is working on spike curveball which is a major work in progress and will probably turn into a slider as he progresses. His stamina is somewhat questionable, since the velocity and effectiveness of his fastball has been decreasing in the later innings. His delivery is effortless and his frame is projectible.

Videos/Photos:

Here is a video of Zach Eflin pitching at the WWBA World Championship in Jupiter, FL.







His Perfect Game Profile Page has a link to his 2011 National Showcase video.

Profiles of the Top 22 Pitchers for the 2012 MLB Draft: Ryan Burr

With the Twins having a severe need for pitching in the organization as well as six picks among the top 100, it is certain that more than one of those picks (and probably the second overall pick) will be used to draft a pitcher. To this respect, I am presenting profiles of the top 22 pitching prospects for the 2012 MLB draft.

I will be presenting these alphabetically, and at the end I will rank them.  I will be doing about one a day and I will finish before the June 4th draft day. You can find all the profiles (in reverse alphabetical order) as they are presented here.I will start with RJ Alvarez and end with Kyle Zimmer.  Each profile with contain a bit of background information and statistics, a mini scouting report and videos and photos.

Profile 5: Ryan Burr

Profile/Stats:

Ryan Burr is a senior at Highlands Ranch High School in Highlands Ranch, CO. He is listed at 6'4" and 190 lbs. He was born on May 28th 1994. He throws right handed. He is a Perfect Game All-American. This season he started in 6 games, pitched 32 innings, had a 3.29 ERA, struck out 55 and walked 17 while holding opponents to a .195 average. He also hit 5 batters and threw 2 wild pitches. He committed to play for Arizona State University.

Mini Scouting Report:

He has a plus fastball that sits at 92-93 with good movement. He had good control and command of it and occasionally jumps at 94-95. He has a sharp curveball, which is average and a change up which is a developing pitch. His velocity is projected to increase as he fills up. His delivery mechanics are excellent and his delivery is effortless.

Videos/Photos:

Here is a six minute scouting video from a game last October:



here is a video from his perfect game showcase:



and here is a video of Burr pitching in a game at the High School Invitational late March of this year:



His Perfect Game Profile Page has links to a video from his 2011 showcase and of a game.

Profiles of the Top 22 Pitchers for the 2012 MLB Draft: Chris Beck

With the Twins having a severe need for pitching in the organization as well as six picks among the top 100, it is certain that more than one of those picks (and probably the second overall pick) will be used to draft a pitcher.  To this respect, I am presenting profiles of the top 22 pitching prospects for the 2012 MLB draft.

I will be presenting these alphabetically, and at the end I will rank them.  I will be doing about one a day and I will finish before the June 4th draft day. You can find all the profiles (in reverse alphabetical order) as they are presented here.I will start with RJ Alvarez and end with Kyle Zimmer.  Each profile with contain a bit of background information and statistics, a mini scouting report and videos and photos.


Profile 4: Chris Beck

Profile/Stats:

Chris Beck is a junior at Georgia Southern and a three-year player there. He is from Jefferson, GA and went to Jefferson High School. He is listed at 6'3" and 235 lbs. He was born of September 4, 1990. He throws Right handed. He was selected by the Cleveland Indians in the 35th round of the 2009 Draft. In his current season he started 12 games and relieved in one and is 4-6 (84.2 IP) with a 3.72 ERA, 22 BB and 97 strikeouts allowing a .274 opponent batting average. Last summer in the Cape Cod league he had a 1.62 ERA, 52 IP, striking out 41 and walking 13. His best collegiate season was in 2011 when he went 9-5 in 103 IP, walked 40 and struck out 109, allowing a .211 OBA.


Mini Scouting Report:

His fastball averages around 93-94 mph with occasional bursts at 95 has excellent control but needs work with his command. It is an above average pitch. He has a slurve that is a plus pitch and sits at mid 80s and can be his out pitch. His changeup is at the mid 80s and needs work to be consistent but has a nice late downward movement when thrown as intended and potentially can be a plus pitch. Has a nice natural delivery.

Videos/Photos:

Here is a video of Chris Beck from the Cape Cod league:



Here is an interview post-game: