Written by Greg Fertel
|
03 June 2008
I'm going to list a few more guys I would like to see the Yankees pick up on draft day, which is coming up very soon. These aren't necessarily top 2 round players, but they are guys who for whatever reason (scouting reports, gut feeling, etc.) have caught my eye.
Jamie Mallard, 1b, Middleton HS (Florida)
He's not exactly the ideal physique at 6'1" 250, but this kid has some serious power and plate discipline. While he has a quirky righty swing (broken down very nicely with video by Kiley from Saberscouting
here), it has not prevented him from hitting towering home runs, and he has not had trouble making consistent contact. I'm not sure if I see him in the top 5 rounds because of his less than athletic physique, but I'd love to take a risk on a player with this combination of power, contact ability, and discipline.
Kyle Long, lhp/1b St. Anne's Belfield HS (Virginia)
Long has gotten a lot of recognition because of his athletic pedigree, as he is the son of NFL great Howie Long, and the brother of Chris Long, who was drafted #2 overall in the NFL draft. Despite his football pedigree and physique (6'8", 285 pounds), Kyle's first love is baseball, and he has committed to Florida State to play baseball only, despite being a top-tier football recruit as well. On both sides of the ball, Long is raw but has a huge ceiling. At the plate, he is a 1st baseman with huge raw power, surprising speed given his size, and but has some holes in his swing that will require some coaching. On the mound, his fastball has ranged from the high 80's to the mid 90's, depending on whether scouts caught him on a good day or not. He has the potential for a good curveball, but that is also somewhat raw. I like him better as a pitcher, but he would likely require significant time in the minors. He could be a tough sign, as his family doesn't need the money, but I would start considering him after round 3. He has said that he wants to play pro ball, so if the Yanks make him a good offer, they could get him signed, and bring another high-ceiling raw athlete into the system.
Scott Bittle, rhp, Mississippi
Bittle, drafted but unsigned by the Yankees last season in the 48th round, is a college closer who was dominant this season for Mississippi (118 strikeouts in 66 1/3 innings, only 32 hits allowed). He differs from the higher-ranked college closers in that he doesn't throw in the mid-90's. Instead, he relies on a devastating cutter in the high-80's that is virtually unhittable, though he also has a 90-91 mph fastball and a solid changeup. Although he's doesn't have the ceiling of other college relievers, I wouldn't mind seeing him picked in the 3rd-5th rounds, and I imagine he could contribute to the bullpen relatively quickly. Plus, how cool would it be to have him polish his cutter with the master himself.
Sonny Gray, rhp, Smyrna HS (Tennessee)
Gray is on this list here, despite being a first-round talent, because he is rumored to be a very tough sign. He is committed to Vanderbilt, and reportedly his parents sent letters to all the teams letting them know that he does not plan on signing. Gray has great stuff, which includes a low 90's fastball and a plus curveball, both of which commands well, and he would certainly be considered one of the top high school pitchers if he did not suffer from undersized righthander syndrome (he's 6'1", 180 pounds). His fractured ankle, which caused him to miss the end of the high school season also complicates his draft status, but I believe in his talent. Hopefully, the Yankees are aware of Gray's talent too, and maybe he is this year's 8th-round million dollar special.
