2011 College World Series: Your Thorough Prospect Guide

By John Sickels

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Jun 17, 2011 - FLORIDA GATORS

Nick Maronde, LHP: Drafted in the third round by the Los Angeles Angels. Relief ace can hit mid-90s, could be a starter with additional polish to secondary pitches. 2.03 ERA with 28/6 K/BB in 40 IP, 26 hits.

Anthony DeSclafini, RHP: Drafted in the sixth round by the Toronto Blue Jays. Can also hit the mid-90s and has a good slider, though stats don't reflect his talent. 4.36 ERA with 38/6 K/BB in 43 IP, 48 hits.

Alex Panteliodis, LHP: Drafted in the ninth round by the New York Mets. Former starter moved to relief role, throws strikes with average stuff. 3.95 ERA, 44/9 K/BB in 57 IP, 59 hits.

Tommy Toledo, RHP: Drafted in the 11^th round by the Milwaukee Brewers. Tommy John survivor hits mid-90s, used in relief role on Gators staff. 3.41 ERA, 31/10 K/BB in 37 IP, 35 hits.

Josh Adams, 2B: Drafted in the 13^th round by the Florida Marlins: Average tools but scrappy approach. Hit .329/.366/.457 this year, with .982 fielding percentage.

Preston Tucker, 1B: Drafted in the 16^th round by the Colorado Rockies: Strong power hitter with good plate discipline. OF in college but will play 1B as a pro. Hit .314/.390/.553 with 14 homers.

ALSO DRAFTED: Ben McMahan, C (Brewers, 23^rd round); Matt Campbell, RHP (Phillies 24^th round), Greg Larson, RHP (Angels, 29^th round), Bryson Smith, OF (Reds, 34^th round), Tyler Thompson, OF (Nationals, 46^th round).

TOP PROSPECTS FOR THE FUTURE: Nolan Fontana, SS (2012); Brian Johnson, LHP-1B (2012); Austin Maddox, 3B (2012); Hudson Randall, RHP (2012); Karsten Whitson, RHP (2013); Mike Zunino, C (2012).

*****

CALIFORNIA GOLDEN BEARS

Erik Johnson, RHP: Drafted by White Sox in second round. Big right-hander works at 90-95, good slider, erratic curve and change. 2.91 ERA, 100/54 K/BB in 102 IP,  just 66 hits.

Marcus Semien, SS: Drafted by White Sox in sixth round. Solid defender, but scouts wonder if he'll hit enough with wooden bats to be a regular. .277/.369/.423.

Dixon Anderson, RHP: Drafted by Nationals in ninth round. Erratic track record with variable velocity but intimidating 6-6 size. 3.90 ERA, 41/22 K/BB in 67 IP, 66  hits.

Chadd Krist, C: Drafted by White Sox in 13^th round. Excellent defensive catcher but may be confined to reserve role at higher levels without a stronger bat. .304/.387/.451.

Kevin Miller, RHP: Drafted by Astros in 18^th round. Strike-thrower with average velocity but good secondary pitches. 2.59 ERA, 86/13 K/BB in 80 IP, 71 hits.

Matt Flemer, RHP: Drafted by Royals in 19^th round. Fastball/slider pitcher with sharp command, effective college closer. 2.08 ERA, 36/8 K/BB in 35 IP, 28 hits.

ALSO DRAFTED: Austin Booker, 2B (33^rd round, Athletics)

TOP PROSPECTS FOR THE FUTURE: Justin Jones, LHP (2012), Tony Renda, INF (2012).

*****

NORTH CAROLINA TAR HEELS

Levi Michael, SS: Drafted by the Twins in the first round. Steady defender, with strong plate discipline, gap power, and dangerous on the bases. Hit .300/.446/.452 with 15 steals in 16 attempts.

Greg Holt, RHP: Drafted by the Nationals in the eighth round. Average fastball at 88-91, good breaking ball, 3.65 ERA with 64/31 K/BB in 57 innings.

ALSO DRAFTED: Jesse Wierzbicki, 1B (24^th round, Astros); Patrick Johnson, RHP (25^th round, Rockies, ace of staff with 13-1, 2.27 ERA); Jacob Stallings, C (42^nd round, Reds)

TOP PROSPECTS FOR THE FUTURE:  Kent Emanuel, LHP (2013); Colin Moran, 3B (2013); Michael Morin, RHP (2012); Chris Munnelly, RHP (2012); Andrew Smith, RHP (2013)

*****

SOUTH CAROLINA GAMECOCKS

Jackie Bradley Jr., OF: Drafted by the Red Sox in the supplemental first round despite missing much of season with a wrist injury, but has just been cleared for action. Expected to play in Omaha in a reserve role. Hit .259/.361/.468.

Matt Price, RHP: Drafted by the Diamondbacks in the sixth round. Closer with low-to-mid-90s heat, good slider, performs well under pressure. 2.16 ERA, 18 saves, 67/15 K/BB in 50 IP, 36 hits.

Scott Wingo, SS: Drafted by the Dodgers in the 11^th round. Good strike zone judgment, solid with the glove, hit .338/.466/.432 this year with 43 walks.

ALSO DRAFTED: Pete Mooney, INF (21^st round, Blue Jays); John Taylor, RHP (22^nd round, Mariners); Adam Matthews, OF (23^rd round, Orioles); Bryan Harper, LHP (30^th round, Nationals, brother of Bryce Harper); Michael Roth, LHP (31^st round, Indians, ace of the staff but doesn't throw hard, 13-3, 1.02 ERA); Steve Neff, LHP (41^st round, Giants); Jon Webb, LHP (48^th round, Reds); Adrian Morales, 3B (49^th round, Royals).

TOP PROSPECTS FOR THE FUTURE: Colby Holmes, RHP (2012); Forrest Koumas, RHP (2013); Evan Marzilli, OF (2012); Christian Walker, 1B (2012);

*****

TEXAS LONGHORNS

Taylor Jungmann, RHP: Drafted by the Brewers in the first round, 11^th overall. Ace of the staff, 91-95 MPH fastball, effective slider, excellent command. 13-2, 1.38 ERA, 123/32 K/BB in 137 IP, 78 hits.

Sam Stafford, LHP: Drafted by the Yankees in the second round. Big arm strength from left side, hits mid-90s but has command troubles and erratic breaking ball. 1.72 ERA, 88/41 K/BB in 78 IP, 53 hits.

Brandon Loy, SS: Drafted by the Tigers in the fifth round. Skilled defender, scrappy college infield type, exceeded expectations with bat this year. Hit .344/.422/.466 with 19 steals.

Cole Green, RHP: Drafted by the Reds in the ninth round. 88-92 sinker, strong changeup, decent slider, throws strikes, knows how to pitch. 3.03 ERA, 103/19 K/BB in 104 IP, 84 hits.

OTHERS DRAFTED: Andrew McKirahan, LHP (21^st round, Cubs); Tant Shepherd, 1B (24^th round, Mets); Austin Dicharry, RHP (41^st round, Phillies); Stayton Thomas, RHP (43^rd round, Rays); Kevin Lusson, C (45^th round, Rays).

TOP PROSPECTS FOR THE FUTURE: Kirby Bellow, LHP (2013); Corey Knebel, RHP (2013); Hoby Milner, LHP (2012); Mark Payton, OF (2013); Christian Summers, SS (2013);  Josh Urban, RHP (2012); Jonathan Walsh, C (2012); Erich Weiss, INF (2013).

*****

TEXAS A&M AGGIES

John Stilson, RHP: Drafted in the third round by the Blue Jays. Would have been a first round pick due to excellent stuff but is injured, out with labrum injury, won't pitch in Omaha. 1.68 ERA, 92/29 K/BB in 91 IP, 75 hits.

Ross Stripling, RHP: Drafted by the Rockies in the ninth round. Took over as staff ace after Stilson got hurt, average fastball but mixes in excellent curve and solid change. 14-2, 2.29 ERA, 107/17 K/BB in 118 IP, 84 hits.

Nick Fleece, RHP: Drafted in the 13^th round by the Reds. Low-to-mid-90s sinker, workable slider, deceptive delivery. 1.44 ERA, 30/9 K/BB in 44 IP, 42 hits.

OTHERS DRAFTED: Todd Simko, LHP (21^st round, Nationals); Adam Smith, RHP-3B (25^th round, Yankees); Brandon Parrent, LHP (30^th round, White Sox); Kenny Jackson, SS-3B (31^st round, Marlins); Kevin Gonzalez, C (36^th round, Astros); Steve Martin, RHP (37^th round, Astros).

TOP PROSPECTS FOR THE FUTURE: Krey Bratsen, OF (2012); Tyler Naquin, OF (2012); Michael Wacha, RHP (2012, 2.12 ERA with 118/28 K/BB in 123 IP); Brandon Wood, OF (2012).

*****

VANDERBILT COMMODORES

Sonny Gray, RHP: Drafted by Athletics in first round. Ace of a deep staff, 90-96 MPH fastball, excellent curve, improving changeup, excellent makeup. 12-3, 1.97 ERA, 119/41 K/BB in 114 IP, 77 hits.

Grayson Garvin, LHP: Drafted by Rays in supplemental first round. Low-90s fastball, very good changeup, breaking ball can be inconsistent, throws strikes. 13-1, 2.36, 92/24 K/BB in 107 IP, 93 hits.

Jason Esposito, 3B: Drafted by the Orioles in the second round. Outstanding defender at third base, has some pop with the bat, plate discipline is spotty. .357/.423/.560, 15 steals, 17/41 BB/K in 252 AB.

Jack Armstrong, RHP: Drafted by Astros in third round. Didn't pitch much due to injuries and staff depth, but a great athlete with live arm expected to thrive in pro ball. 2.65 ERA, 17/18 K/BB in 17 IP, six hits.

Aaron Westlake, 1B: Drafted by the Tigers in the third round. Very polished hitter with plate discipline and power, lineup anchor. .353/.474/.651, 17 homers, 47 walks.

Corey Williams, LHP: Drafted by the Twins in the third round. Performance erratic but throws 92-94 MPH and scouts love his tenacity. 5.23 ERA, 31/12 K/BB in 33 IP, 27 hits.

Taylor Hill, RHP: Drafted by the Nationals in the sixth round. Low-90s sinker, solid slider and changeup, throws strikes. 5-1, 2.84 ERA, 88/22 K/BB in 92 IP, 85 hits.

Mark Lamm, RHP: Drafted by the Braves in sixth round. Tommy John survivor, low-90s fastball, good slider and changeup. 2.03 ERA, 20/3 K/BB in 27 IP, 26 hits.

Curt Casali, C: Drafted by the Tigers in the 10^th round. Has trouble throwing but otherwise sound with the glove, bat is decent, draws walks.

Navery Moore, RHP: Drafted by the Braves in the 14^th round. Tommy John survivor, hits mid-90s, works in a slider, successful campaign as closer. 1.21 ERA, 25/12 K/BB in 30 IP, 18 hits.

OTHERS DRAFTED: Will Clinard, RHP (30^th round, Twins); Joe Loftus, OF (46^th round, Diamondbacks)

TOP PROSPECTS FOR THE FUTURE: Anthony Gomez, SS (2012); Conrad Gregor, OF (2013); Connor Harrell, OF (2012); Tony Kemp, OF (2013); T.J. Pecoraro, RHP (2013); Sam Selman, LHP (2012); Mike Yastrzemski, OF (2012); Kevin Ziomek, LHP (2013).

*****

VIRGINIA CAVALIERS

Danny Hultzen, LHP: Drafted by the Mariners in the first round, second overall. Low-to-mid-90s fastball, excellent changeup, good slider, superior command and mound presence make him an ace. 12-3, 1.49 ERA, 151/20 K/BB in 109 innings, 72 hits.

John Hicks, C: Drafted in the fourth round by the Mariners. Solid across the board, good power in his bat, makes contact, needs defensive polish. Hit .340/.381/.510, seven homers, just 18 strikeouts in 259 at-bats.

Will Roberts, RHP: Drafted in the fifth round by the Indians. Average fastball, solid slider and changeup, very sharp control, eats innings. 11-1, 1.58 ERA, 91/13 K/BB in 102 IP, 72 hits.

Steve Proscia, 3B: Drafted in the seventh round by the Mariners. Strong athlete, good arm strength, solid power, so-so plate discipline. Hit .335/.381/.508, eight homers, 11 steals.

Tyler Wilson, RHP: Drafted in the 10^th round by the Orioles. Average fastball, but solid breaking ball and changeup, throws strikes. 8-0, 2.29 ERA, 117/22 K/BB in 94 IP, 67 hits.

OTHERS DRAFTED: Kenny Swab, C (21^st round, Royals); Cody Winiarski, RHP (36^th round, White Sox); John Barr, OF (39^th round, Indians).

TOP PROSPECTS FOR THE FUTURE:  Kyle Crockett, LHP (2013); Reed Gragnani, OF (2012); Branden Kline, RHP (2012); Artie Lewicki, RHP (2013); Chris Taylor, SS (2012

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