When I was writing the Casing the States series, my plan was to be writing the profiles for those players in the MLB Draft Notebook at the same time. However, from an organizational standpoint, it has become apparent that writing in alphabetical order is much, much easier. It's easier to keep everything in line and editing will be easier.
As such, I've decided to table the Casing the States series in favor of giving you grade updates with small comments on each player as I go. I write reports in batches of 10, and the first 10 have gone out to be edited. The pace will obviously quicken, and any updates between now and June 7 will be added in any profiles, but you'd be surprised at how a profile stays the same over the next month. The only thing that really changes is the signability and potential draft position.
Anyway, follow the jump to see grades and short comments on the first 10 players from the Draft Notebook.
Here are the first ten in alphabetical order with their Seiler Rating.Ruddy Acosta, RHP, Mount Miguel HS (CA), 4C1: Initially one of the top pitchers in the entire class a couple years ago. Has gone through mechanical re-work, and while he has good upside and projectability, he's quite risky. No commitment and should be signable.
Jason Adam, RHP, Blue Valley Northwest HS (KS), 1C3: Solidly-built prospect has body similar to 2009 first-rounder Matt Hobgood. Has seen velocity jump this spring, and has command of three average or better pitches, including plus fastball, above-average curve, and average changeup.
Josh Adams, 2B, Florida, 4D4: Solid college player has had rough junior year. Profiles as utility player anyway due to lack of tools, and he'll need to improve contact rate to project as a regular second baseman. Could be a super utility player that plays the outfield in addition to second and third base.
Zak Adams, LHP, Flower Mound HS (TX), 4C1: Projectable lefty with very good upside, but a solid Tulane commit. Small velocity bump this spring to sit 88-90, touching 92, and complements it with above-average curveball. Plus makeup and potential mid-rotation starter, but expected to go to school.
Scott Alexander, LHP, Sonoma State, 2C2: Former Pepperdine pitcher, transferred to Sonoma after losing his starting spot due to injuries last summer. Good natural stuff, minus command and command potential. Above-average fastball (90-92, touches 94), solid-average curveball, average changeup.
Cody Allen, RHP, St. Petersburg JC (FL), 3C1: Former Central Florida prospect, missed 2009 due to injury, transferred into St. Petersburg as 21 year old sophomore. Maxed out physically, but flashes good stuff with low-90s fastball, average curveball and changeup. Might profile best as setup reliever.
Stetson Allie, RHP/3B, St. Edward HS (OH), 1A1: Biggest pure arm in the draft, sits mid-90s, touches upper-90s without max effort. Command potential is limited to below-average and is currently minus, and some project him solely as reliever. North Carolina commitment could become pricey.
Zach Alvord, SS/RHP, South Forsyth HS (GA), 2C2: Solid offensive middle infielder that is likely to shift to second base at the next level. Good pop and approach, but defense holds him back. Above-average arm, though, and might stick at shortstop in college at Auburn if he's not signable.
Jeff Ames, RHP, Lower Columbia JC (WA), 2C1: Junior college freshman that was originally an Oregon State commit, but headed to Lower Columbia to be able to start right away. Was once a solid high school prospect, but battled shoulder injuries and is fully healthy for the first time in nearly 3 years. Above-average fastball, above-average slider, average changeup, fights with command.
Dixon Anderson, RHP, California, 2C1: Hasn't lived up to the expectations this year, but he's slowly recovering from a bad start. Features excellent stuff and pro body, and is a four pitch pitcher with a potential plus fastball in time. Struggling mightily with command and will need a good amount of time in the minors. Draft-eligible sophomore whose signability might be an issue.
Next 10 will be Mike Antonio, Eric Arce, Taylor Ard, Michael Arencibia, Chad Arnold, Tyler Austin, Robbie Aviles, John Barbato, Blake Barnes, and Aaron Barrett.
The great thing about these writeups is that they're searchable, so use the search function on the blog to find if a prospect has been discussed on here.
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