Trying to predict who will be drafted and at one spot in the draft can be a very difficult thing to do especially this early in the spring—but here goes Baseball Northwest’s 2009 early spring version– using our unique inside information, our scouting reports and our evaluations. This does not reflect an opinion of any certain organization. Baseball Northwest does consult with scouts and college coaches to provide the best information for you that you cannot find anywhere else. But the final evaluation is ours and only ours.
Many factors determine where a player will be drafted—(1) one certain major league team’s long term evaluation of a player based on their own scouting philosophy. Many people make the mistake of thinking that all teams think the same about a player. (2) the “signability” of a player—which means simply—will the player sign for the bonus the team is willing to spend on that specific player. It only takes one team to like a player enough to get hhim signed. This has a huge effect on where a player will end up in the draft (what round). (3) a player’s performance and development as the spring goes on.
Only players playing in the Northwest are covered here. Here is a quick early look—Baseball Northwest will do a more in depth analysis—just prior to the June 9th and 10th draft. It will also include Northwest native players playing outside the Northwest in college. Rely on Baseball Northwest to provide Northwest baseball information found nowhere else. Reproduction of this is prohibited without consent of Baseball Northwest.
ROUNDS 1-2
As of now, no Northwest players are projected in the first two rounds.
ROUNDS 3-5
The five most obvious players who could end up here are and what we would guess in this order at this point in the spring.
Brian Pearl, RHP, Univ. of Washington
Recently moved to the starting rotation will likely up his draft status a lot. He shows plus fastball—up to 94 at times but has very good feel for secondary stuff—slider and changeup. Scouts like his “athletic” delivery. He is a converted infielder. So there is not a long track record of success or durability which can be a concern to take a player high in the draft. But he has the best chance of this group to pitch his way higher than this. Not drafted in high school.
Jorge Reyes, RHP, Oregon State
The 2007 College World Series MVP had a disappointing year last year but looks to have his mechanics smoothed out this year and scouts like his plus fastball (90-94) with movement, solid breaking ball, with good feel for his secondary pitches. He is athletic and aggressive with an easy delivery. He is the one guy that could pitch his way into the first two rounds with an outstanding spring. Not drafted in high school.
Drew Gagnier, RHP, Univ. of Oregon
We have like what they have seen in the early going as the Ducks closer. He shows a consistent plus velocity fastball—up to 94—with plus life and a cutter that compliments his fastball well. His high angle and plane to the plate is good and provides good deception to the hitter. His strong frame with more to come gives him some projection even for a college player. His draft status is very unique that he is a draft eligible sophomore but will still be 19 years old at draft time. He will still have two year playing eligibility left at Oregon after this season. He sat out last year after starting at Fresno State in 2007. More and more successful college closers are going higher and higher in the draft. Not drafted in high school.
Kyrell Hudson, OF, Evergreen HS in Vancouver, Wa.
Baseball Northwest No. 1 ranked high school prospect going into the spring will need to show development in his offensive approach to find himself at this part of the draft. Teams really like his run and throw “tools” and he has chance to stay in centerfield at the professional level. He will draw the most initial attention of the high school players. Signed to play football and baseball at OSU.
Ryan Ortiz, C, Oregon State
Successful college catchers tend be “over drafted” especially at this point in the draft because of the perceived lack of catching prospects overall in professional baseball. Ortiz has proven he can hit—although off to a somewhat slow start this spring—and make consensus is that he can likely catch and throw everyday eventually at the major league level although will likely be average at best. He has trouble pulling the ball with power—which causes some concern from scouts. Not drafted in high school.
Erik Stavert, RHP, Univ. of Oregon
Has a “heavy” sinking fastball with 89-93 velocity and breaking ball has improved as season progressed. Drafted out of Chabot JC in the 42nd round by the Diamondbacks.
ROUNDS 6-10
This is where it can get tough for high school players especially to sign for the “round value.” Even some college players will not sign here and decide to finish school for their senior year. But most teams will take players here, knowing that likely they will get them signed.
James Robbins, LHP/1B, Shorecrest HS
Likely will sign as a LHP but has bat potential also. Live fastball that can reach 90 but scouts like his power CB potential and workable change up.
May Way, LHP, Washington State
Has pitched very well in the early going—successful senior left-handed pitchers always move up the draft board. Fastball can be near 90 at times but change up is the money pitch. May very well pitch him self higher than this during the conference season. He was drafted in the 26th round by the Giants a year ago. Not drafted in high school.
Collin Monagle, RHP, South Kitsap HS
Is coming off some arm problems last spring and summer—will need to prove health. Showed size and stuff last summer. Signed at Univ. of Washington.
Tony Bryant, RHP, Kennewick HS
Projectable velocity, size and feel for pitching make him interesting. He can keep the ball down and has shown 89-91 type velocity last summer. Pitched Kennewick to the state championship last year. Signed at OSU
Greg Peavy, RHP, Oregon State
Another draft-eligible sophomore. Seems to beginning to make the transition from young hard thrower in high school to more complete pitcher—with better command and knowledge to how to use his stuff. Drafted in the 24th round by the Yankees in high school.
Tyson Van Winkle, C, Gonzaga
The converted high school infielder has progressed well at catcher. Shows athletism behind the plate scouts are looking for and has really stepped up with the bat. Would have to think at least one team would think he could be an everyday catcher in the major leagues and take him here. He was drafted last year in the 17th round by the Astros as a draft eligible sophomore.
Joey Wong, SS, Oregon State
The junior has adjusted his offensive approach early this spring and it has drawn the attention of scouts. He is using more of the field, making better contact, going deeper into counts and has done a good job in the leadoff spot for the Beavers. Plus defensive instincts, actions, and hands make him an interesting draft. Speed is only average at best may hurt his draft status for a middle infielder. Drafted by Astros in high school in the 46th round.
Tym Pearson, OF, Thurston HS in Springfield, Or.
His “tools” and athletism really jump out at you. Is very underdeveloped in baseball—had not played for 3 years up to last year. Has made huge strides as a player last year. A power and speed package. Has signed to play quarterback at Portland State. BBNW’s top ranked state of Oregon prospect. Could be the real “sleeper” of the northwest draft.
Jordan Poyer, OF, Astoria HS in Astoria, Or.
Another very athletic “tool” player with upside who is somewhat underdeveloped. Has signed to play football and baseball at OSU.
Jacob Lamb, INF, Bishop Blanchet HS
Some upside offensively with a strong lefthanded swing. Good arm strength. Likely have to move off the middle infield at the next level. Some scouts wonder if he can catch. Signed at Univ. of Washington.
Kraig Sitton, LHP, Oregon State
Another red-shirt draft eligible sophomore. Gets better and better all the time. Scouts like his size and looseness. Velocity is creeping up to over 90 at times. Cutter and curve ball are tough on lefthanded hitters. Maybe a starter in pro ball. Not drafted out of high school.
Matt Boyd, LHP/1B, Eastside Catholic HS
couts like his “pitchablility.” Shows good feel for pitching. Some consider a prospect with the bat also. Northwest top senior two-way player. Signed at Oregon State.
Chad Arnold, RHP, Washington State
Show two “plus” pitches at times. Has not turned that into production yet. Has had some injury problems at WSU. Drafted by the Mariners in high school.
Jacob Partridge, LHP/OF, Rogers HS
Projectable lethanded athletic pitcher. Showed signs of near 90 mph fastball last summer with good spin to his CB. Signed at Gonzaga.
Darrell Ceciliani, OF, Columbia Basin CC
The left handed and left handed throwing outfielder has burst on the scene as a freshman with upside with the bat. Scouts lack some history with him. He played at Madras HS (Or.) last season. Was not drafted.
Cody Fassold, RHP, Lower Columbia CC
Good size and arm strength has drawn interest. Turning ability into production this year. Sophomore. Not drafted in high school.
Travis Cook, RHP, Cedarcrest HS
Has shown good jump in velocity with loose, and projectable delivery.
Kyle Conley, OF, Univ. of Washington
Red shirt junior showing continued developing power. Is leading the Pac-10 in homeruns. Drafted in the 14th round last year by the Dodgers. Not drafted in high school.
ROUNDS 11-20
Braden Tullis, RHP, Skagit Valley CC
The freshman from Timberline HS in Idaho has shown good arm strength with size.
Jason Braun, RHP, Corban College
Long, loose, and projectable. Good athtlete. Not drafted in high school.
Jake Shadle, RHP, Green River CC
Increasing arm strength with long, loose body. Is finding the strike zone better. Sophomore.
Alex Burg, C/1B, Washington State
Good overall ability. Senior. Not drafted in high school. Recent injury may be a problem.
Jorden Merry, RHP, Univ. of Washington
Had a great year last year as the Huskies Friday night starter. Has not pitched well this season. Drafted by the White Sox in the 14th round last year. Senior. Not drafted in high school.
Brad Keitzman, LHP, Western Oregon
Transfer from OSU. Another successful college LHP that deserves a chance. Not drafted out of high school. Junior.
Brett Casey, INF, Oregon State
Good offensive approach and can run. Needs to find an everyday position. Son of OSU head coach Pat Casey. Not drafted in high school. Red-shirt junior. Played basketball at OSU as freshman. Not drafted in high school.
Keith Campbell, RHP, Everett CC
Good arm strength—coming of Tommy John surgery. Not drafted in high school.
Sean Halton, OF, Lewis-Clark State
Power stroke. Big and strong. Senior. Not drafted in high school.
Chris Armstead, LHP, Kelso HS
Fast armed lefthander with good movement to a projectable fastball.
Zach Thornton, RHP, Univ. of Oregon
Late start to season from injury but solid stuff but could move up. Drafted in the 43rd round by the Giants last year out of Ventura CC (Ca.)
Andy Smith, OF, South Kitsap HS
Left/Left outfielder is a plus runner and shows potential offensively.
Bryce Wiedman, RHP, North Bend HS (Or.)
Baseball Northwest top Oregon pitcher on our top player list is drawing some interest because of his good size, arm action, and ability to throw strikes.
Kirk Wetmore, LHP, Bellevue CC
Sophomore has shown solid stuff with “pitchablility.”
ROUNDS 20 PLUS
Jake Locker, RHP/OF, Univ. of Washington
The University of Washington quarterback. Not playing baseball this spring but played last summer for the Bellingham in the West Coast Collegiate League. Drafted in high school by the Angles in the 40th round. Was Baseball Northwest 2rd ranked prospect at that time. Hard to think someone won’t draft him again
Rocky Gale, C, Univ. of Portland
Good catching and throw skills. Drafted by the Royals out of high school in the 49th round.
Mark Grbavac, RHP, Oregon State
Drafted in the 32 round last year by the Mets. Good breaking ball. Senior. Not drafted in high school.
Kyle Stalker, 1B, Willamette Univ.
Lefthanded power stroke and production deserves a chance. Senior. Not drafted in high school.
Jared Prince, OF, Washington State
Has put up good numbers in past. Senior. Not drafted out of high school.
Caleb Tommasini, OF, Univ. of Oregon
Scouts like his aggressiveness and ability to run. 23 year old senior.
Matt Fields, RHP, Gonzaga
Good numbers for his senior year and Friday night starter. Not drafted in high school.
Jeremy Johnson, RHP, Washington State
Has stuff and has performed well to date. Size, effort, and history of injury a concern. Not drafted in high school.
Paul Martin, OF, Lewis-Clark State
Athletic senior with decent numbers.
Tom Peale, RHP, Lewis-Clark State
Senior. Drafted previously.
Matt Stafefleld, LHP, Lewis-Clark State
Senior successful lefthander.
Bennett Whitmore, LHP, Univ. of Oregon
Another LHP that may find his way to the draft board as junior. Drafted in the 44th round a year ago out of Fresno CC (Ca.).
Ryan Woods, RHP, Lewis-Clark State.
Not drafted out of high school. Good enough stuff from good program. Senior
Zach Hull, LHP, Moscow HS
Athletic and strong body left-hander has drawn some attention.
Michael Guerrero, LHP, Lewis-Clark State
Senior successful lefthander. Not drafted out of high school.
Jason Erickson, RHP, Univ. of Washington
Another senior draft with draftable “stuff” Not drafted out of high school.
Nathan King, LHP, Lower Columbia CC
Has begun to get healthy after missing nearly two years with arm surgery. Had originally signed at OSU before being injured. Not drafted out of high school.
*33 of those who have played or are playing high school baseball in the Northwest are Baseball Northwest alumni.
SNEAK PEAK FOR 2010 NORTHWEST DRAFT (top 20)
Josh Osich, LHP, Oregon State
Kevin Rhoderick, RHP, Oregon State
Josh Sale, OF, Bishop Blanchet HS
Drew Vettleson, OF/RHP/LHP, Central Kitsap HS
Taylor Starr, RHP, Oregon State
Troy Scott, 1B, Univ. of Washington
Tyler Waldron, RHP, Oregon State
Tyler Knigge, RHP, Lewis and Clark State
Stefan Romero, 3B/1B, Oregon State
James Nygren, RHP, Oregon State
Shea Vucinch, INF, Washington State
Cam Booser, LHP, Fife HS
Cody Martin, RHP, Gonzaga
Trace Tam Sing, INF, Newport HS
Taylor Brennen, INF, Meadowdale HS
Scott Burris, LHP, Univ. of Portland
Michael Russo, INF, Eastlake HS
Luke Taylor, RHP, Woodinville
Scott Burris, LHP, Univ. of Portland
Mitch Karaker, C, Univ. of Oregon
