Written by Greg Fertel | 27 May 2009

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The draft is a couple of weeks away but speculation and mock drafts are starting to throw names around and it's about time we took a look at some. These first 3 would have to fall quite a bit to reach the Yankees but for various reasons, mainly money, they may still be on the board at 29. As the Yankees will most likely take the best that falls to them these guys remain possibilities however unlikely it is that they'll fall this far.  We'll add some more prospects later who have a better chance to be there late, and eventually we'll have a full mock draft and top to bottom Yankee coverage as we get closer to June 9.

 

Rex Brothers- Lipscomb University- LHP

The hard throwing left hander has outstanding stuff, a 4 seam fastball touching 97 and a nasty slider around 83-86 with good sharp movement and life. He lacks a set third pitch and has command issues but has been able to throw the slider more consistently for called strikes.  He has a deceptive delivery and with his improved command has really shot up many draft boards this spring. He's also been able to sustain his velocity late into starts which is an important factor when teams try to determine a pitcher's role. The fact that he's a left hander also doesn't hurt and many teams figure to be watching him closely.

The Knock- He's what you can call "dumpy" and the phrase commonly thrown around with him is "pear shaped". Guys with weight issues are always suspect for scouts. He also really only has 2 pitches, his change up is average to below average. The fact that he has 2 dominant pitches has led to a lot of bullpen speculation with Brothers. He also played against poor college talent and that also counts as a minor knock against him.

Ultimately this will be a question of availability- some see him getting nabbed around #15-25, but late risers can evoke concerns  and drop quite a bit. Things would have to go really well for him to be available at 29, but crazier things have happened.

 

  Donovan Tate-Georgia HS-OF

This talented right handed high school outfielder has the makings of a top flight outfielder. Athletic and toolsy are the words you'll often hear attached to Tate. He's probably the most athletic player in the draft to this point as he is being recruited to play football as well as baseball and many say he could have a pro career in either sport. He's got good plus speed and great pop in the bat with potential for above average power in the future. His defense is solid mostly due to his range, but many scouts say he has cannon of an arm and as a pitcher in the past reportedly hit 95 on the gun.  

The Knock- His hitting ability is raw. He chases pitches a lot and though he has shown a good approach at the plate in the past he can be inconsistent. He has all the ability and is the complete package, but teams will wonder how long it will take to refine that bat. Additionally, with his letter of intent signed to play football at UNC and his reportedly huge demands in terms of money, some teams may be shying away for a safer choice.

Again, availability is the biggest question. He's been pegged to go as high as #3 or fall as low as #30. It's really all over the place. The team that isn't scared away by the money issue or the concerns about his hitting ability may take a gamble, but gamble it is- he may just choose to go to college and play football and baseball instead.  Ultimately, I remain highly dubious of him remaining on the board for the Yankees but it will be very interesting to see where he goes.

 

Matt Purke-Texas HS-LHP

Purke is a high school lefty from Texas with 3 pitches and a projectable frame. He throws his fastball with good command and movement around 91-93 and has touched 95. His breaking pitch is a curve/slider that he can throw for strikes. He also has a change up but like many high school prospects, rarely uses it. It's supposedly very good however and that's unusual for a prep school kid. He's 6'3" and only weighs about 180 so he has plenty of room to bulk up which leads many to believe his velocity will only increase as he gets older. He has tons of upside.

The Knock- His frame. The fact that he's a little skinny makes some worry about his durability. He also has enormous bonus demands and will command a hefty fee from any team that goes after him. His motion has a ¾ arm slot but he uses a lot of arm; his motion doesn't utilize all of his lower body which is fixable problem but troubling none the less.

Purke is another kid who shows up all over the place on draft boards. He could be a top 10 pick but the money concern will probably chase him lower than that. Keith Law's latest mock draft has him as the Yankees pick, and while he's a wizard with draft content,  I remain highly skeptical he'll be around that late. His arm and upside are just too good and I would be surprised if somebody doesn't throw a wad of cash at him around 15-25.

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