|
East Team Alphabetical order by Last Name
|
|
|
|
Name
|
Pos.
|
Hgt.
|
Wgt.
|
B/T
|
High School (HomeTown)
|
|
Luke Bailey
|
C/3B
|
6-0
|
195
|
R/R
|
Troup High School (LaGrange, GA)
|
|
Pre Aflac Report by Perfect Game: Luke Bailey showed he is an extremely athletic catcher with MLB arm strength and cat like quickness. He showed pop times in the 1.7s and his best tools are his hitting ability and big time power potential. Bailey is also a sub 7 second 60 runner. He plays for the Georgia Roadrunners in the summer. Bailey has verbally committed to attend Auburn.
Post Aflac Report by Perfect Game: Bailey showed his defensive talent and outstanding hitting ability all week at the practices at Dedeaux Field. He did go 0-4 in the game, but looked very good defensively. There are scouts that rank Luke Bailey’s hitting potential with any high school player in America. We have seen him a lot and he has special talent. Bailey has verbally committed to Auburn and he has early round draft potential.
Most recent national rank on www.pgcrosschecker.com #12
|
|
Ethan Carter
|
RHP
|
6-5
|
205
|
R/R
|
Menchville High School (Newport News, VA)
|
|
Pre Aflac Report by Perfect Game: Ethan Carter is extremely projectable with a tall lean body and long limbs. Presently he tops out in the 90-91 range with good life, but there is much more coming soon. Carter also possesses a quality breaking ball that he commands well and can really mix things up on the mound. Carter plays for the Virginia Hurricanes in the summer and has verbally committed to attend the U of South Carolina.
Post Aflac Report by Perfect Game: Others threw harder at the Aflac Game, but no one was more effective. Carter topped out at 90 mph but he showed three quality pitches while striking out two in a perfect inning of work. Carter projects to add velocity. He has verbally committed to South Carolina, but could become an early draft pick by adding a little velocity over the next 9 months.
Most recent national rank on www.pgcrosschecker.com #81
|
|
Scooter Gennett
|
INF
|
5-10
|
170
|
L/R
|
Sarasota High School (Sarasota, FL)
|
|
Pre Aflac Report by Perfect Game: Scooter Gennett is not the biggest athlete but he has true 5 tool ability. He runs a 6.6 – 6.7, 60 yard dash, throws 91 mph across the infield, and shows professional middle infield actions. He creates big time bat speed and shows serious pull power potential from the left side. Gennett has verbally committed to Florida State.
Post Aflac Report by Perfect Game: Gennett looked very impressive all week during the practices at Dedeaux Field. He showed defensive skills in the middle of the infield and he looked very good during BP sessions. We saw that he has the ability to go the other way as well as pull the ball with outstanding power. He went 0 for 3 in the game with a walk, but he showed discipline and looked very good at the plate. Actually, as replays revealed, he was rung up once on a ball that was not close to a strike. Gennett has verbally committed to Florida State and will create some early draft interest.
Most recent national rank on www.pgcrosschecker.com #20
|
|
Mychal Givens
|
INF/RHP
|
6-2
|
185
|
S/R
|
Plant High School (Tampa, FL)
|
|
Pre Aflac Report by Perfect Game: Mychal Givens is a multi-talented SS/RHP with serious tools. He has a lightning fast arm and has reached as high as 97mph with excellent sinking life this summer. He also shows a nice slider and change, all from a low arm angle. He's also a top prospect as a shortstop and can be a human highlight film at times. Givens plays for the All American Prospects in the summer. Finalist for Jackie Robinson Award.
Post Aflac Report by Perfect Game: Given’s was the recipient of high school baseballs most prestigious award at the Aflac Banquet, The Jackie Robinson Award. He pitched briefly, coming in to record two outs on two pitches, one clocked at 96 mph, the next one at 98 mph. He showed outstanding ability at shortstop where he started the game. Givens went 0 for 2 in the Aflac Game at Dodger Stadium. He was hit by a pitch in the 1st, stole a base, flied out in the 3rd, and grounded out to 3B in the 6th. Given’s arguably has the best arm in the 2009 class. He has not verbally committed yet and he could certainly become an early pick in next year’s draft.
Most recent national rank on www.pgcrosschecker.com #4
|
|
Brian Goodwin
|
OF
|
6-0
|
170
|
L/R
|
Rocky Mount High School (Rocky Mount, FL)
|
|
Pre Aflac Report by Perfect Game: Brian Goodwin is a very athletic outfielder who has 5 tool potential. He runs a 6.5 60 yard dash and shows a strong throwing arm. At the plate he creates good bat speed, uises the whole field and has some power potential. He plays for the North Carolina Dirtbags in the summer and has verbally committed to the U of North Carolina.
Post Aflac Report by Perfect Game: Goodwin was named the MVP of the 2008 Aflac All American Game at Dodger Stadium in LA. He showed his all around ability and tools all week during practice. He went 2 for 4 in the game, he lined a double to CF in the 2nd, grounded out to short in the 5th, flew out to LF in the 7th, And drove in two runs including the game winner with a single in the 9th. He also stole a couple bases. Goodwin Has verbally committed to North Carolina and will be followed closely as a possible early draft pick.
Most recent national rank on www.pgcrosschecker.com #15
|
|
Michael Heller
|
RHP/INF
|
6-2
|
180
|
R/R
|
Sarasota Mooney High School (Bradenton, FL)
|
|
Pre Aflac Report by Perfect Game: Michael Heller was 92-94 and showed an excellent curveball and changeup in Minneapolis at the Metrodome earlier this year. He's also a very good athletic infielder who runs a 6.7 in the 60 and shows excellent hitting ability with some power potential. Heller plays for the Akadema Florida Raiders in the summer.
Post Aflac Report by Perfect Game: Heller showed his all around ability and magical arm all week in LA. He pinch hit, played 3B and went 0 for 2 in the Aflac Game, grounding out and popping out. He also pitched a perfect 6th inning, topping out at 95 mph. He’s a possible 2-way guy in college, but could become an early draft pick on the mound. He has verbally committed to the U of Florida.
Most recent national rank on www.pgcrosschecker.com #32
|
|
Chris Jenkins
|
RHP
|
6-7
|
235
|
R/R
|
Westfield High School (Westfield, NJ)
|
|
Pre Aflac Report by Perfect Game: Chris Jenkins is a big tall power pitcher. He has thrown as high as the mid 90s and shows a potential power breaking ball. His mechanics are a bit raw but his potential is unlimited. When he creates a downward plane on his pitches, he is tough for hitters to deal with. Jenkins plays for the Tri-State Arsenal out of New Jersey in the summer.
Post Aflac Report by Perfect Game: Jenkins looked very good at Dodger Stadium. After walking the lead off hitter in the 3rd inning, he got a ground ball out and over powered the next two hitters, striking out both. His velocity was up to 94 mph and he showed some good command of all his pitches and poise on the mound. Jenkin’s has verbally committed to Stanford and it’s hard to tell just how good he might become. Stanford = Early Round or go to school, in most cases.
Most recent national rank on www.pgcrosschecker.com #34
|
|
Ian Krol
|
LHP
|
6-1
|
170
|
L/L
|
Neuqua Valley High School (Naperville, IL)
|
|
Pre Aflac Report by Perfect Game: Ian Krol is a pure finesse type lefty, but still throws his very lively fastball in the high 80s to low 90s and he can spot it where he wants. He throws an excellent curveball and change up, as well, both with very good command and he competes. Krol plays for the McHenry County Hurricanes out of Illinois in the summer.
Post Aflac Report by Perfect Game: Perhaps the highlight of the week was watching Krol during the practice sessions at USC. On one long drive to right center field he ran into the wall at full speed catching the ball. Something about pitchers who do things like that. Some might say… Not smart… I say… Hope he’s pitching for us. He pitched a scoreless 7th inning with a strike out. Krol showed three quality pitches and his velocity reached 92 mph in Dodger Stadium. He has yet to commit, but every top college in the country wants him. Arguably the top pitching prospect in the entire Midwest he should get plenty of early draft consideration.
Most recent national rank on www.pgcrosschecker.com #39
|
|
Braxton Lane
|
OF
|
5-11
|
170
|
S/R
|
Sandy Creek High School (Tyrone, GA)
|
|
Pre Aflac Report by Perfect Game: Braxton Lane is another outstanding athlete and he runs a blazing 6.3 in the 60. He can go get the ball in the outfield and is a prototypical contact type lead off hitter in professional baseball. He is a strong athlete who can drive the gaps and run like a deer. He plays for the Atlanta Blue Jays in the summer.
Post Aflac Report by Perfect Game: Lane showed off his outstanding speed and athletic ability all week. The question scouts have involve his bat. He went 0 for 2 in Dodger Stadium, but hit one hard flying out to left field in the 2nd inning. He struck out in the 5th. Lane is strong and athletic and if the bat comes he will be a prime candidate to draw early round draft interest. We’ve seen him hit top level pitching in the past. As of now, he hasn’t decided on a college, but he is a football/baseball star.
Most recent national rank on www.pgcrosschecker.com #65
|
|
Austin Maddox
|
C/RHP
|
6-3
|
220
|
R/R
|
Eagle's View Academy (Jacksonville, FL)
|
|
Pre Aflac Report by Perfect Game: Austin Maddox is a big powerful athlete with one of the best arms in the nation. He has shown pop times in the 1.7s with 90 mph velocity to secondbase. He has upper deck power potential. He can also throw up to mid 90s from the mound. Maddox plays for Team Mizuno in the summer and has verbally committed to the U of Florida. He is also a member of the USA Junior National team. Finalist for the Jackie Robinson Award.
Post Aflac Report by Perfect Game: Maddox showed his ability and especially his arm from behind the plate. We have seen him look better with the bat, but he displayed his power during the workouts at USC. He went 0 for 2 in Dodger Stadium. He came in to face one hitter in the 8th and retired the side in order in the 9th with two strikeouts. He ended up getting the win and his velocity was up to 96 mph. Maddox has verbally committed to the U of Florida and could get early draft interest as both a catcher or as a pitcher.
Most recent national rank on www.pgcrosschecker.com #6
|
|
Keyvius Sampson
|
RHP/OF
|
6-1
|
185
|
R/R
|
Forest High School (Ocala, FL)
|
|
Pre Aflac Report by Perfect Game: Keyvius Sampson is a very athletic pitcher who also plays centerfield and is a plus runner. He has been clocked in the mid 90s and it looks very effortless. He also flashes a good breaking ball and shows very good command. Sampson could easily be projected as an upper 90s guy in the future. He plays for the West Florida Young Guns in the summer.
Post Aflac Report by Perfect Game: Keyvius showed his athletic ability all week and had two plate appearances in Dodger Stadium. In the big 9th inning he walked. Sampson threw the 2nd inning and looked outstanding, striking out two with a good sharp breaking ball and 94 mph fastball. He also pitched in the scrimmage two days earlier at USC and on this day he was flashing a potential plus change up. Sampson hasn’t committed yet, but he could easily become an early draft pick next year. There’s not many better arms, college or high school.
Most recent national rank on www.pgcrosschecker.com #10
|
|
Richie Shaffer
|
INF/RHP
|
6-3
|
190
|
R/R
|
Providence High School (Charlotte, NC)
|
|
Pre Aflac Report by Perfect Game: Richie Shaffer has a very good baseball frame and some big league tools. He shows a strong arm, nice fielding actions and serious power potential at the plate. He's also capable of throwing low 90s from the mound with very good secondary stuff. He can run and projects large as an athlete. Shaffer plays for the South Charlotte Panthers in the summer and has verbally committed to Clemson.
Post Aflac Report by Perfect Game: Shaffer really opened some eyes all week long in LA. He showed his easy power and athletic ability over and over. He was one of the finalists in the Home Run Contest. He made the defensive gem of the game in Dodger Stadium when playing shortstop he ran out to left center field and made a diving catch with his back to the infield. He didn’t pitch in the game but there is no questioning his throwing ability. He went 0 for 2 and walked twice, scoring the game winning run in the 9th inning rally. Shaffer verballed early to Clemson, but he is very interesting in many ways and could easily receive some early draft interest.
Most recent national rank on www.pgcrosschecker.com #27
|
|
Drew Steckenrider
|
OF/RHP
|
6-4
|
200
|
S/R
|
Greater Atlanta Christian HS (Lawrenceville, GA)
|
|
Pre Aflac Report by Perfect Game: Pre Aflac Report by Perfect Game: Drew Steckenrider is a multi-talented outfielder with all the tools including a power bat from both sides of the plate. Every BP we have seen him, he has hit balls out both right and left handed. He runs well, has a cannon for an arm and he has a ready made Major League body. He profiles as a Major League right fielder. Steckenrider plays for East Cobb in the summer.
Post Aflac Report by Perfect Game: Unfortunately a sore arm kept Steckenrider from showing off one of his best tools, in his arm, while in LA. It’s always fun to set around scouts who see him for the first time, especially during BP. He really looks the part and he continued a streak where we’ve seen him take BP at least a dozen times and each time he hits at least one out from both sides of the plate. This includes two Major League Parks now. He went 0 for 2 in the game at Dodger stadium. We only hope that all those scouts who liked what they saw, get the chance to see him again when he’s 100% healthy. Steckenrider has yet to commit and our guess is he will create big draft interest next spring.
Most recent national rank on www.pgcrosschecker.com #16
|
|
Donovan Tate
|
OF
|
6-3
|
200
|
R/R
|
Cartersville High School (Cartersville, GA)
|
|
Pre Aflac Report by Perfect Game: Donavan Tate is perhaps the one player that stands out the most in this class. A definite 5 tool guy with a plus arm (95 mph) from the outfield and he runs a 6.3 60. He has excellent hitting ability and huge power potential. He even has the body and the look of a big league player and has thrown in the 90s from the mound. He’s also a top football recruit. Tate plays for East Cobb in the summer. Finalist for the Jackie Robinson Award.
Post Aflac Report by Perfect Game: Tate is arguably the #1 tools guy in the 2009 class. An outstanding athlete who scouts glued in on in LA. He didn’t disappoint, showing his all around ability all week long. Most important he played hard. In the 9th inning he beat out an infield hit to start the East winning rally. Earlier he flew out deep on the warning track in left field. Tate also showed his defensive ability when he ran down a fly ball deep in right center field earlier in the game. With Donovan it’s all good, he passes the looks test and the tools test with very high grades. If he keeps hitting he is a likely very high pick in the 2009 draft. Baseball needs to have this kid wrapped up before football gets him.
Most recent national rank on www.pgcrosschecker.com #2
|
|
Jason Thompson
|
INF/OF
|
6-0
|
185
|
S/R
|
Germantown High School (Germantown, TN)
|
|
Pre Aflac Report by Perfect Game: Jason Thompson is an excellent infielder with soft hands and an outstanding arm. He runs well and as a switch hitter shows good hitting ability with power potential. He is well built but still looks very young in the face. Thompson plays with the Dulins Dodgers in the summer and has verbally committed to Louisville.
Post Aflac Report by Perfect Game: Thompson was unable to play in the Aflac Game at Dodger Stadium due to Tennessee State High School rules. He did workout during the week and got the opportunity to shine. He does everything well on a baseball field. He hit the ball all week long, looked good on defense, and pretty much acted like a professional rather than feeling sorry for himself. This kid has something special about him. Thompson has verbally committed to Louisville and he could easily draw a lot of draft interest for next year.
Most recent national rank on www.pgcrosschecker.com #42
|
|
Daniel Tuttle
|
RHP/INF
|
6-2
|
185
|
R/R
|
Randleman High School (Randleman, NC)
|
|
Pre Aflac Report by Perfect Game: Daniel Tuttle has been up to 93 mph this year and he throws three quality pitches including a very good slider with a deceptive delivery. He has a quick arm and it works very smoothly. He projects to throw with even more velocity in the future. Tuttle plays with the Georgia Roadrunners in the summer and has verbally committed to NC State.
Post Aflac Report by Perfect Game: During Aflac week the practices can get a bit boring for pitchers. However, once the game starts that all changes in a big way. Tuttle gave up a couple hits and a run and things weren’t looking good in the 4th inning. Then he stepped it up several notches and dominated with two strike outs while flashing a plus breaking ball and a fastball that reached 94 mph with good life. It’s usually very easy for the top prospects, and it’s good to see how these guys react when the going gets tough. Daniel Tuttle passed the test with flying colors. He has verbally committed to North Carolina State and he has a chance to create early draft interest.
Most recent national rank on www.pgcrosschecker.com #29
|
|
LeVon Washington
|
OF/INF
|
5-10
|
170
|
L/R
|
Gainesville High School (Gainesville, FL)
|
|
Pre Aflac Report by Perfect Game: LeVon Washington has tools that grade out very high with his running speed in the 6.2s for the 60 and a strong throwing arm. He can play the middle infield, but profiles best as a center fielder at the next level. He's very much a lead off type hitter with outstanding instincts and speed. Washington plays for the Florida Hardballers in the summer and has verbally committed to the U of Florida.
Post Aflac Report by Perfect Game: Not much to report on Washington at the Aflac Game. He was there, but a broken bone in his hand kept him from playing. He did visit the Children’s Hospital and participated in all the activities showing great spirit and good attitude, he just couldn’t play. We have seen him a lot and wish everyone else would have had that same opportunity. Washington has verbally committed to the U of Florida and will be scouted very heavy for next years draft.
Most recent national rank on www.pgcrosschecker.com #25
|
|
Zack Wheeler
|
RHP
|
6-4
|
180
|
R/R
|
East Paulding High School (Dallas, GA)
|
|
Pre Aflac Report by Perfect Game: Zach Wheeler is one of the top pitching prospects in the country. He has been up to 94 mph on numerous occasions this year. His fastball has excellent life and he also has a very good breaking ball, both which he can fill the strike zone with. He still has room to add strength and that’s scary. Wheeler plays with the national power East Cobb program in the summer.
Post Aflac Report by Perfect Game: Wheeler gave up an unearned run in the first inning, but he looked very good. He struck out 2 with one of those Ks resulting in a third strike wild pitch/passed ball. That runner later scored. Wheeler’s fast ball was up to 95 mph at Dodger Stadium and his breaking ball was sharp. He proved that he is a potential early draft pick for next June. Wheeler hasn’t committed yet, but that’s just a formality. He might not end up in college anyway with the kind of ability he shows every time out.
Most recent national rank on www.pgcrosschecker.com #9
|
|
Michael Zunino
|
C/INF/OF
|
6-2
|
185
|
R/R
|
Mariner High School(Cape Coral, FL)
|
|
Pre Aflac Report by Perfect Game: Michael Zunino is a very athletic player whether behind the plate or in the field. He runs a 6.7 60 and has a plus quick arm. He is an outstanding hitter with big time power potential and good makeup. Zunino plays with the Akadema Raiders in the summer and has verbally committed to the U of Florida.
Post Aflac Report by Perfect Game: Zunino showed his skills all week in LA. He is a very athletic catcher with the ability to play many positions. We’ve seen him swing the bat better than what he showed in LA, but he still flashed some easy power in BP sessions. In the game at Dodger Stadium he beat out an infield hit to keep a 9th inning rally going and later scored the tying run. He also did a great job receiving in the game. Zunino is yet another who has verbally committed to the U of Florida, but his dad is a scout and Michael has professional baseball talent.
Most recent national rank on www.pgcrosschecker.com #46
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
West Team Alphabetical order by Last Name
|
|
|
|
Name
|
Pos.
|
Hgt.
|
Wgt.
|
|
High School (HomeTown)
|
|
Matt Davidson
|
INF
|
6-3
|
205
|
R/R
|
Yucaipa High School (Yucaipa, CA)
|
|
Pre Aflac Report by Perfect Game: Matt Davidson is a big strong third baseman with a good arm and nice hands. His best tools are his hitting ability and his outstanding power potential. He can hit a baseball a long ways, upper deck power potential. Davidson plays with the ABD Bulldogs in the summer and has verbally committed to Southern Cal.
Post Aflac Report by Perfect Game: No player helped themselves more in this year’s Aflac All American Game. All week long Davidson looked the part of a Major League third baseman. He made all the plays, displayed the arm strength and made things look easy. His bat drew the most attention. Arguably the top power hitting infielder in the country at this time. He won the first round of the Home Run Contest and hit balls deep out of Dodger Stadium to win the finals as well. Then in the game he made everything look smooth and easy at third. He hit a shot down the left field line driving in a run in the 4th inning. He was arguably the best performer during the 2008 Aflac week in LA. He has verbally committed to play at the same field we worked out at with Southern Cal. However, now Davidson’s name is going to be high on a lot of draft lists.
Most recent national rank on www.pgcrosschecker.com #7
|
|
Matthew Graham
|
RHP
|
6-3
|
195
|
R/R
|
Oak Ridge High School (Spring, TX)
|
|
Pre Aflac Report by Perfect Game: Matt Graham was topping out near the mid 90s all of last summer. For some reason his velocity was down a bit earlier this year, but he has the potential to be a big strong power pitcher and a work horse on the mound. His velocity is starting to return, so it should be interesting to see where he’s at by the Aflac Game. Graham played with the Dirtbags out of North Carolina this summer.
Post Aflac Report by Perfect Game: Scouts often say, if you see it once it’s there. Graham has had his share of ups and downs over the last year, especially with the velocity on his fastball. The good news is that Graham had an easy inning thowing a perfect 8th for the West. His velocity was in the 90s up to 94. It looks like everything we saw last year might be returning. If so he is going to create a lot of draft interest.
Most recent national rank on www.pgcrosschecker.com #50
|
|
Scott Griggs
|
RHP
|
6-2
|
185
|
R/R
|
San Ramon Valley High School (Alamo, CA)
|
|
Pre Aflac Report by Perfect Game: Scott Griggs has three good pitches and outstanding command of all three. He throws in the low 90s with good life out of a modified drop and drive delivery with a high leg lift which adds some deception. Griggs plays for national power NorCal in the summer and has verbally committed to UCLA.
Post Aflac Report by Perfect Game: We have seen Scott Griggs dominate hitters before. He did walk a couple hitters in his inning of work, but he also showed scouts one of the nation’s best breaking balls and the best velocity we have ever seen from him at 95 mph. Guess he was a little pumped in Dodger Stadium. Pitchers who can turn it up a notch in these situations need to be recognized and that’s exactly what Griggs did. Some may have thought he was a great college prospect, but now with this performance they have to think pro prospect as well. Griggs verbally committed to UCLA, but let’s not forget the draft. There’s something special here!
Most recent national rank on www.pgcrosschecker.com #31
|
|
Slade Heathcott
|
OF/LHP
|
6-1
|
196
|
L/L
|
Texas High School (Texarkana, TX)
|
|
Pre Aflac Report by Perfect Game: Slade Heathcott is a strong athlete with excellent baseball tools. He throws from the left side in the 90s from the mound and has a sharp curveball. He was clocked at 94 mph on his throws from the outfield. He also runs a 6.7 60 yard dash and can hit and hit with power. The ball explodes off his wood bat. Heathcott plays with D-Bat out of Dallas in the summer.
Post Aflac Report by Perfect Game: All week long our eyes were glued on Heathcott. His talent is apperent and amazing at times. He simply does everything exceptionally well and he is very strong and athletic. He took the tough luck loss in this game after entering on the mound for the 9th inning. But there’s no way this kid is a loser. Two infield hits and an error did him in. He still looked outstanding topping out at 94 mph from the left side and flashing a couple plus breaking balls. He started the game in the outfield and drove in the games first run with a line shot single. Baseball has strange turns, Heathcott was penciled in as the games MVP before the 9th inning began. He ended up being perhaps the toughest and most disappointed player on the field at the end. Truth is, this kid is very, very talented and I’d be surprised if he doesn’t have a long and successful professional career ahead of him. LHP or OF, it could go either way. We haven’t heard of any college commitment yet, but pro scouts will be right on top of him until next June.
Most recent national rank on www.pgcrosschecker.com #21
|
|
Kyrell Hudson
|
OF
|
6-2
|
185
|
R/R
|
Evergreen High School (Vancouver, WA)
|
|
Pre Aflac Report by Perfect Game: Kyrell Hudson is a very athletic outfielder with serious raw tools. He runs a 6.5 60 and throws 93 mph from the outfield and shows good instincts. He has a smooth swing that allows plenty of projection with the bat. The exit speeds off the wood bat are a bit low right now showing limioted “now” power, but there’s an awful lot to work with here. Hudson has verbally committed to Oregon State.
Post Aflac Report by Perfect Game: Hudson showed his outstanding athletic ability all week long at USC. His arm and plus running speed are very obvious tools. The swing looks nice, but so far there’s no juice in his bat. No doubt about his potential, but the bat is his weakest tool at this point. Every once in awhile it shows up and he is impressive. He had an infield hit in the game at Dodger Stadium. If he shows scouts the hitting ability he could go very good in the draft. Hudson has verbally committed to Oregon State.
Most recent national rank on www.pgcrosschecker.com #89
|
|
Tyler Matzek
|
LHP
|
6-3
|
185
|
L/L
|
Capistrano Valley High School (Mission Viejo, CA)
|
|
Pre Aflac Report by Perfect Game: Tyler Matzek is one of the top pitching prospects available for the 2009 draft. He is a very athletic lefty and has an extremely fast arm, throws his fastball in the 91-94 mph range with good life and he throws four quality pitches all for strikes with excellent mechanics and poise. Along with Purke, he's one of the better high school lefties over the past five years. Matzek plays for Trombley Baseball in the summer. Finalist for the Jackie Robinson Award.
Post Aflac Report by Perfect Game: Matzek was as good a prospect as any one in the 2008 Aflac Game. The smooth lefty mowed down the side and just dominated with at least three excellent pitches, command, life and a low 90s fastball that reached 93 mph. Outside of a little more velocity, not sure what more he could have done to impress the many highest level scouts in attendance. The Aflac Game and Dodger Stadium was good to Tyler Matzek. Of course, we knew he was one of the top pitching prospects before hand. What we didn’t know was how good an athlete he is. In fact, Matzek ended up being one of the finalists in the Home Run contest and hot a couple out of Dodger Stadium. We haven’t heard of an early commitment yet, but everyone will want Matzek. So will 30 MLB ball clubs. Should be interesting!
Most recent national rank on www.pgcrosschecker.com #3
|
|
Jiovanni Mier
|
INF/RHP
|
6-2
|
170
|
R/R
|
Bonita High School (Pomona, CA)
|
|
Pre Aflac Report by Perfect Game: Jiovanni Mier is one of the top middle infield prospects in the West. He also pitches in the low 90s. He runs a 6.7 60, shows excellent hitting ability and has great actions, good feet, and soft hands. He also has a great feel for the game. He is a true baseball player! Mier plays with the ABD Bulldogs in the summer.
Post Aflac Report by Perfect Game: Mier performed well all week in the workouts and played an outstanding shortstop in the game at Dodger Stadium. He is an unassuming type athlete that just gets the job done and does things easily. He has plus arm strength, but it kind of goes unnoticed at times due to his ability to feel the game. As a hitter he doesn’t have a lot of present day power, but he can square up and hit the ball hard to all fields. He does project in a big way because of his baseball instincts and the obvious strength gains he will be seeing. Mier is one of those kids who if he goes the college route he could come out as a first round pick. He has verbally committed to Southern Cal. There could be a club or two that has noticed this kid has a great feel for the game and simply plays it better than most everyone else. Kind of reminds us of a JJ Hardy at the same age.
Most recent national rank on www.pgcrosschecker.com #37
|
|
Jacob Morris
|
OF
|
6-3
|
195
|
S/R
|
Coppell High School (Coppell, TX)
|
|
Pre Aflac Report by Perfect Game: Jacob Morris has serious 5 tool potential. An outstanding athlete who runs the 60 in the 6.3s, throws 91 from the outfield and shows big power potential at the plate. A switch hitter, he is especially good from the right side. He drives the ball with power and covers the entire K zone from the right side. The left side still needs to develop. Morris plays for the Dallas Tigers in the summer.
Post Aflac Report by Perfect Game: Morris is one of the most talented athletes in the country. He really has potential for all 5 tools, but right now the biggest question mark is his bat. That’s not the tool you want to be lacking at. There is no question about his ability to hit. He has become a switch hitter and he was a much better hitter right handed. In LA he started showing signs of coming around from the left side. He stroked some balls hard. Switch hitting is great, but you have to stand out from the left side because that’s where you will get the most at bats. Morris shows both power and hitting ability from the right side. Sometimes all those left handed at bats take away from the natural right handed repetitions and both suffer. This will be very interesting because there is no debate over the rest of his tools. If the switch hitting thing works he is a potential early draft pick and it does show potential as of late. If it doesn’t work out, he will either have to give up switch hitting or continue to progress in college. Either way Jacob Morris is a very interesting and extremely talented athlete.
Most recent national rank on www.pgcrosschecker.com #49
|
|
David Nick
|
INF
|
6-2
|
175
|
|
Cypress High School (Cypress, CA)
|
|
Pre Aflac Report by Perfect Game: David Nick is an outstanding all around player and one of the best pure hitters in the country. He runs a 6.55 60 and shows great baseball instincts. He plays shortstop, but profiles very well as a Major League second baseman. He compares favorably to former Aflac 1st round pick Nick Noonan. Nick plays for the ABD Bulldogs in the summer and has verbally committed to UCLA.
Post Aflac Report by Perfect Game: Nick is another prospect that can go overlooked if not paying close attention. He has some power and the potential there is extreme. He is a very polished hitter who squares the ball up as well as any high school player in the country. He is a very good defensive player and he’s a plus runner and a smart runner with great instincts. He compares to former Aflac All American Nick Noonan, a first round pick who was also from Southern California. Above all, David Nick is a pure baseball player and those kind are getting to the big leagues quickly these days. He didn’t have a great day at the Aflac Game, but he showed that ability when he flied out hard to left field on an inside 96 mph fastball. He also scored the games first run after reaching 1B on a strike 3 pitch that got past the catcher. Some consider Nick the best pure hitter in his class. He has verbally committed to UCLA. It will be interesting to see if scouts like him early in the draft now or after college.
Most recent national rank on www.pgcrosschecker.com #18
|
|
Brooks Pounders
|
RHP/INF
|
6-5
|
220
|
R/R
|
Temecula Valley High School (Temecula, CA)
|
|
Pre Aflac Report by Perfect Game: Brooks Pounders is a big country strong RHP who is also an outstanding power hitter and player. He was up to 94 with his fastball at the PG National at the Metrodome in June and showed three potential plus pitches. He is a corner guy who has a nice easy power swing that produces some big long balls. Pounders plays for the ABD Bulldogs in the summer and has verbally committed to Southern Cal.
Post Aflac Report by Perfect Game: Pounders was impressive all week in LA. He hit some rockets out of Dedeaux Field to straight away centerfield showing serious power with the wood. He’s a big guy who we like as a pitcher first, but that power is very interesting (Big Mac). He is agile enough to play 3B but his home if not on the mound will end up being 1B. He went 0 for 2, flying out very deep to centerfield and popping up to short. He is a big strong power guy who doesn’t miss the ball very often. He pitched the 3rd inning and retired the East in order showing a 94 mph fastball while commanding a very good curve ball. He’s very talented and has good bloodlines.
Most recent national rank on www.pgcrosschecker.com #22
|
|
Matthew Purke
|
LHP
|
6-3
|
170
|
L/L
|
Klein High School (Spring, TX)
|
|
Pre Aflac Report by Perfect Game: Matt Purke is ranked the #1 prospect in High School baseball. A lefty who has thrown up into mid 90s with command and life. His secondary pitches all work very well and he competes. He projects in a large way because of his body type, arm speed and ability to pitch. Along with Matzek among the very best high school lefties in years. Purke plays for the Houston Heat in the summer. Finalist for the Jackie Robinson Award.
Post Aflac Report by Perfect Game: After Purke’s performance at Dodger Stadium most scouts we taked to say he will be the first high school player picked next June. We would agree with that and that’s why we have him ranked #1 in the class. He dominated in the 5th inning with two ks and a ground ball out. His velocity was up to 95 mph and when he discovered the umpire had a generous outside zone, he pounded it. His other pitches were equally impressive and he left little doubt as to the #1 prospect in Dodger Stadium on this day. He shows a certain calm competitiveness and confidence that stands out. Purke hasn’t committed as far as we know, but I doubt it makes much difference. He has early first round written all over him. All he has to do is keep working, stay healthy and stay level headed.
Most recent national rank on www.pgcrosschecker.com #1
|
|
Jonathan Singleton
|
1B/OF
|
6-2
|
218
|
L/L
|
Millikan High School (Lakewood, CA)
|
|
Pre Aflac Report by Perfect Game: Jonathan Singleton is a big strong athlete with the best raw power in the high school class of 2009. He hit four balls into the upper deck at the Metrodome in June while winning the Rawlings homerun contest, but he also showed an excellent approach and outstanding overall hitting ability. He is light on his feet and a good first baseman. Singleton plays for the San Gabriel Valley Arsenal in the summer.
Post Aflac Report by Perfect Game: For some reason there was a report released in the Aflac Program (it didn’t come from us) that Singleton’s power is still raw as is his approach at the plate and his ability in the field. Singleton didn’t have a great Aflac Game, but he does have a good approach at the plate, his power is very real, and he’s a good defensive first baseman with light feet around the bag. He hit some monster shots out of Dedeaux Field during BP and as usual made the finals of the Home Run contest that was won by Davidson this time. The only raw aspect to Singleton is the fact he hasn’t got a long history of facing the top pitchers in the country. That has been changing fast and everyone will soon figure out that this guy has a chance to hit many major league home runs for many years. We haven’t heard of any college commitment yet, but this kid might impress people enough to become an early draft pick.
Most recent national rank on www.pgcrosschecker.com #47
|
|
Max Stassi
|
C/INF
|
5-10
|
187
|
R/R
|
Yuba City High School (Yuba City, CA)
|
|
Pre Aflac Report by Perfect Game: Max Stassi is one of the top catching prospects in the 2009 draft. He has amazing catching tools, popping a 1.76. He also ran a very good 6.8 in the 60. Best of all Stassi can hit and flashes power to all fields with an easy fluid swing. Stassi is another one with an amazing feel for the game. Stassi has verbally committed to UCLA.
Post Aflac Report by Perfect Game: Stassi stood out all week in practice at USC. He really does everything very well, even run. His power is surprising and he carries himself like a 10 year MLB veteran. He doubled at Dodger Stadium and scored the games first run. There’s something very special about this kid. He walks on the field and no one glues in on him. Then boom he’s in the middle of everything and you can’t take your eyes off of him. He’s an outstanding all around receiver with a quick strong arm who can hit and hit for power. Stassi early committed to UCLA. Being a catcher it might be best if he goes there and becomes a first rounder in three years. Then again he is very hard to ignore as a potential early pick next June.
Most recent national rank on www.pgcrosschecker.com #8
|
|
Andrew Susac
|
C
|
6-1
|
190
|
R/R
|
Jesuit High School (Roseville, CA)
|
|
Pre Aflac Report by Perfect Game: Andrew Susac may not be one of the most well known prospects in America, but he certainly is one of the very best defensive catchers. He has popped a 1.75 and shows excellent arm strength with accuracy and quickness. He even runs and hits well with power potential. Susac plays for the EDH Vipers in the summer and he has verbally committed to Oregon State.
Post Aflac Report by Perfect Game: Susac could easily become the biggest sleeper of this Aflac Class. We’ve seen him a lot and once again he looked good all week at USC practices. His catch and throw ability ranks up there with most any catcher we’ve seen in the past 10 years. He has a very strong, quick and accurate arm while releasing with cat like quickness. He might be the best receiver in a very unusually strong year for catchers. Susac can hit, too and showed it to an extent in LA. He has HR power. If he shows enough bat between now and the draft he might go early. If he doesn’t, it looks like Oregon State where he is verbally committed will be very strong behind the plate.
Most recent national rank on www.pgcrosschecker.com #35
|
|
Chad Thompson
|
RHP
|
6-8
|
215
|
R/R
|
El Toro High School (Trabuco Canyon, CA)
|
|
Chad Thompson is a very tall RHP with a smooth delivery and he has thrown his fastball up to 94 this year. Very coordinated for his size he throws a bit cross body with excellent life. He also shows a potential big league out pitch with his splitter. Thompson plays for the ABD Bulldogs in the summer.
Post Aflac Report by Perfect Game: Thompson is a bit difficult to figure out. Is he ready for pro ball? Should he go to college and develop farther? Those were the questions as Thompson had some inconsistencies with his velocity over the year. Well, he was 94 in the Metrodome in June and topped out at 93 in Dodger Stadium in August. Guess he just likes Major League Mounds! He threw a perfect inning for the West with a strike out. Most important he looked very good while doing it. There might be more polished pitchers in high school baseball, but this kid might end up being the prize of the class when it’s all said and done. He has sky is the limit possibilities. We haven’t heard if he has committed anywhere yet. He is sure to see a lot of radar guns over the next 9 months. There is upper 90s possibilities here. If that happens, he’s an early pick.
Most recent national rank on www.pgcrosschecker.com #26
|
|
Jacob Turner
|
RHP
|
6-4
|
205
|
R/R
|
Westminster Christian Academy (St. Charles, MO)
|
|
Pre Aflac Report by Perfect Game: Jacob Turner is the top RHP in high school baseball at this time, along with Zach Wheeler (GA). He throws up to mid 90s fastballs with exceptional life and good command. His off speed stuff is good and he throws very effortlessly. The sky is the limit with his frame and lightning fast arm. Turner plays for the Rawlings Prospects in the summer. Finalist for the Jackie Robinson Award.
Post Aflac Report by Perfect Game: Turner looks like your typical work horse MLB pitcher and he looked that way again at Dodger Stadium. He was 94 in June and 93 in August at Dodger Stadium. He was the starter for the West and the only pitcher to go 2 complete innings. After a somewhat bad start, hitting the first batter and walking the next, he settled down to strike out the side. Then he struck out the first two hitters in the 2nd inning. He struck out 5 and gave up one hit without giving up a run. Turner showed all his pitches and looked like he could have gone nine innings. This performance might have cemented his place as the top high school right hander in the country. It did as far as were concerned anyway. Turner has verbally committed to North Carolina, but he will also be the object of much early pick talk.
Most recent national rank on www.pgcrosschecker.com #5
|
|
Jonathan Walsh
|
C/OF
|
6-3
|
211
|
S/R
|
Coppell High School (Coppell, TX)
|
|
Pre Aflac Report by Perfect Game: Jonathan Walsh is an outstanding big strong athlete who can play several positions in addition to being a high draft caliber catcher. He runs an outstanding 6.5-6.6 60 and pops a 1.8 from behind the plate. He shows outstanding hitting ability with big power potential from both sides of the plate as well. Walsh plays for the Dallas Tigers in the summer.
Post Aflac Report by Perfect Game: Our biggest reservation about the extremely athletic Walsh is what position he is best suited for. He did a nice job and looked good behind the plate during Aflac workouts and he even caught some in the game. Walsh is a very interesting athlete who does everything well and we were more impressed than ever by his hitting ability. He is a hitter first, a power hitter second, just as it should be at kids his age. It was only a hard groundout in Dodger Stadium to the pull side, but Walsh did that against a 98 mph fastball. Think about that for a while. He turned hard on a first pitch 98 mph fastball. It wasn’t a lucky accident!
Most recent national rank on www.pgcrosschecker.com #23
|
|
Everett Williams
|
OF
|
5-10
|
165
|
L/R
|
McCallum High School (Austin, TX)
|
|
Pre Aflac Report by Perfect Game: Everett Williams doesn't look all that big until he swings the bat. He has a strong lower half and can really hit and with easy power from the left side. He also runs very well, has a strong arm and possesses the entire package. There’s not much he can’t do on a baseball field. Williams plays with the Austin Wings in the summer.
Post Aflac Report by Perfect Game: Williams might have been the most impressive prospect during the practice week at Southern Cal. He showed running speed, a plus arm from the outfield, outstanding quick bat from the left side with serious power. He hit some balls that left the park at warp speed. One thing that became apparent early on, Everett weighs more than 165 pounds. He is strong and very athletic. In the game at Dodger Stadium he flew out in the 1st, walked to lead off the 3rd, stole 2B, Kd on a great change up in the 5th, popped up to short in the 7th. Not a great game, but he looked good all the same. He is a kid you just expect to hit the ball hard every at bat and no surprise if you see a long one. It won’t be a surprise to see him go good in next year’s draft either.
Most recent national rank on www.pgcrosschecker.com #17
|
|
Beau Wright
|
LHP
|
6-2
|
205
|
L/L
|
Los Alamitos High School(Los Alamitos, CA)
|
|
Pre Aflac Report by Perfect Game: Beau Wright is a big strong lefty who can throw in the low 90s and carve hitters up with his secondary stuff. Good curveball, good changeup, very deceptive and excellent command of all three pitches. Wright plays with HB Nitro in the summer.
Post Aflac Report by Perfect Game: Wright was unable to pitch in Dodger Stadium. He was injured in a game the previous day. Not an arm injury, but enough that doctors told him to stay off the field for a couple weeks. The talented lefty was still present at every practice and activity including the game. It would have been good with Beau being from LA and all. Luckily we have seen him before and there is no doubt about his ability or his make up. We haven’t heard of any commitment yet, but he can pitch at any college in America and be a big winner. The next 9 months will determine his draft status which could get pretty interesting.
Most recent national rank on www.pgcrosschecker.com #45
|