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The recent reviews of the early results from the 2015 MLB Draft have proven quite popular. Here are the fourth round pitchers. The brief summary from draft day is in italics.
FOURTH ROUND
106) Diamondbacks: Breckin Williams, RHP, University of Missouri: College closer, can hit 93-94 and has a good cutter. RESULT: 2.92 ERA in 12 innings in the Northwest League, 12/4 K/BB, 11 hits. Pitched well, looks like he can advance quite quickly in relief role.
107) Rockies: David Hill, RHP, University of San Diego: Throws three pitches for strikes, eats innings. RESULT: 3.09 ERA in 23 innings in the Northwest League, 23/9 K/BB, 20 hits. Nothing here to dispute pre-draft view of a polished inning-eater. I like him on his own terms, but he's a flyball pitcher in the Rockies system.
108) Rangers: Jake Lemoine, RHP, University of Houston: Potential first rounder until slowed by shoulder issues, looks like a solid starter when healthy. RESULT: Signed with the Rangers but did not pitch in pro ball.
112) White Sox: Zack Erwin, LHP, Clemson University: 88-92 fastball, good size at 6-5, 190, polished. RESULT: 1.34 ERA in 40 innings between Pioneer and South Atlantic Leagues, 30/7 K/BB, 32 hits. Solid debut with sharp command standing out, not unexpected.
116) Marlins: Cody Poteet, RHP, UCLA; College veteran should move quickly in bullpen. RESULT: Pitched 12.2 innings in New York-Penn League, 2.13 ERA with 12/2 K/BB. Performed very well, showed anticipated command of impressive breaking stuff but went on disabled list in late July.
118) Rays: Brandon Koch, RHP, Dallas Baptist: Another hard-throwing reliever who can move quickly. RESULT: 32 innings in New York-Penn League with excellent results, 3.06 ERA but a 47/5 K/BB. He'll move fast if he maintains that type of control.
120) Braves: Josh Graham, RHP, University of Oregon. RESULT: Converted catcher can hit mid-90s and blew away Appy League, 21/3 K/BB in 17 innings with solid 2.63 ERA. Yet another college relief arm providing system depth, which seems a theme in this round.
125) Mariners: Dylan Thompson, RHP, South Carolina HS: 88-92, secondary pitches need polish but could be a four-pitch guy eventually. RESULT: 27 innings in rookie ball with a good return: 2.36 ERA, 25/8 K/BB, 18 hits. Projectable and I think his secondary pitches proved stronger than expected. Keep an eye on this guy.
126) Giants: Mac Marshall, LHP, Chipola JC: Part of Astros draft disaster last year, nagging injuries this spring but still has mid-rotation upside. RESULT: 21 innings between rookie ball and Northwest League, 5.23 ERA with 29/15 K/BB, 23 hits. Good change-up, fastball velocity and curve quality come and go, needs sharper command but seems like a good fit for the Giants as a moldable arm.
127) Pirates: Jacob Taylor, RHP, Pearl River CC: Secondary and command need work, but high upside. RESULT: Pitched two innings in rookie ball, walked three, went on DL, Tommy John surgery. Hit mid-90s before getting hurt, obviously things are on hold now pending recovery.
129) Royals: Garrett Davila, LHP, North Carolina HS: Projectable southpaw, athletic with clean delivery. RESULT: Signed but didn't pitch, pre-draft reports praise breaking ball and solid-average fastball.
134) Nationals: Mariano Rivera JR, RHP, Iona: Strong senior season moved him from novelty to real prospect. RESULT: 33 innings in New York-Penn League, showed good control with 26/3 K/BB but gave up 51 hits, 5.45 ERA. Improved in August after a rough July so remains interesting.
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