2011 NATIONAL LEAGUE WEST DRAFT SLEEPERS
Here is a look at some sleepers from the 2011 draft. Qualifications: I'm not writing about anyone drafted earlier than the sixth round. That's arbitrary but I'm trying to look for players who didn't get a lot of hype but who can surprise us. I'm also trying to avoid players who got massive above-slot bonuses; they aren't really sleepers.
ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS: John Pedrotty, LHP: Drafted in the 13th round out of Holy Cross, Pedrotty posted a 3.04 ERA with a 70/29 K/BB in 68 innings for Yakima in the Northwest League, allowing 61 hits. He has decent velocity in the upper-80s, low-90s, owns a good changeup, and is working to improve his mediocre breaking ball. His command isn't perfect either, but he's a lefty with good size (6-4, 220) and pretty mechanics. I think there is potential here.
COLORADO ROCKIES: Dan Winkler, RHP: Drafted in the 20th round out of Central Florida, Winkler used a 90 MPH sinker and a good slider to post a 3.92 ERA but a 65/19 K/BB in 57 innings in the Pioneer League, with a 1.66 GO/AO. The strikeout/grounder combination is interesting and the slider draws good reviews. He could be a fourth starter or reliever, and could advance fairly quickly if his command holds up.
LOS ANGELES DODGERS: O'Koyea Dickson, 1B: OK, I just have to write about O'Koyea, and he hit well enough in the Pioneer League for me to do so: .333/.402/.603 with 13 homers, 19 walks, and 44 strikeouts in 189 at-bats. A 12th round pick out of Sonoma State, he has excellent power in his 5-11, 215 frame, but will need to tighten up the strike zone against better competition. If he can do that, he has more than enough power to make noise in the minor leagues and perhaps in the majors as well. VIDEO:
SAN DIEGO PADRES: Colin Rea, RHP: Drafted in the 12th round from Indiana State, Rea posted a 2.21 ERA with a 43/21 K/BB and a 1.71 GO/AO in 53 innings in the Northwest League. He has a pitcher's body at 6-5, 225, is a good athlete, works at 88-92, sometimes higher, and mixes in a solid curveball and changeup with an easy delivery. If he can maintain his peak velocities more often, he could be a real surprise.
SAN FRANCISCO GIANTS: Derek Law, RHP. The Giants have several interesting players who could qualify, but one who stands out to me is Law, drafted in the ninth round from Miami-Dade CC South. He posted a 2.50 ERA with a 19/2 K/BB and a sharp 2.50 GO/AO in 18 innings in rookie ball, picking up four saves. He started in junior college but may relieve as a pro, due to ugly mechanics that scare scouts and coaches. He has good stuff though (90+ fastball, strong breaking ball), throws strikes, and could zip through the system quickly under the right conditions. Ugly mechanics aren't necessarily fatal if he repeats them well and has the muscle memory.
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