Saved this one for last due to the fact I think it is the hardest list. In determining the list, I considered their likely future role with a club and their current reported “stuff”
1) Aaron Crow, RHP, Missouri
While stats do not say it all – his are almost laughable at this point: 2.05 ERA, 3 CG, 71K in 57 Innings. Not to mention a stretch of over 40 scoreless innings. He is not exactly pitching in the Sun Belt conference either. Check out the Video Page for youtube video. Also, Saberscouting.com did a very nice breakdown of his mechanics.
2) Brian Matusz, LHP, San Diego
Reports are that he throws up to 75% off speed stuff and his velo has been down to 88-91. This could spell a tumble in the draft I feel. While he is polished and a LHP, I would not be suprised to see an up and comer like Tanner Scheppers pass him.
3) Tanner Scheppes, RHP, Fresno State
Interesting story. Did not pitch in high school untill the end of the year tournament because his team ran out of pitchers. He was in the high 80s and lasted 6 innings. Orioles actually drafted him in the 29th round as a result.
Full story here: http://www.baseballamerica.com/today/college/season-preview/2008/265642.html
His 1 – 2 punch of FB and slider from a projectable frame and good throwing motion will be very enticing to some teams, maybe the Reds.
4) Shooter Hunt, RHP, Tulane
Pitched well in the Cape this past summer, and has followed that up with pitching well this season. Youtube video:
SaberScouting.com had a very informative article on him as well.
5) Josh Fields, RHP, Georgia
This is where the list gets tough. Everyone’s darling from Eastern Kentucky, Christian Freidrich does not seem as good as advertised. His FB command is very average, if not a tick below, and one scout has said his famed curveball is not where Zitos and Rich Hill’s are. Not to mention he only throw 88, 89 to begin with.
Fields is making the Braves wish they had given him the money he wanted last year, because now he is making himself worth it. With Brett Hunter being injured, a team looking for a polished college reliever who can help them quickly will look to Fields.
