I’m probably going to anger a few coaches who are preparing for this weekend, disappoint a few parents who believe their child is the next Gordon Beckham, and bewilder a few players. In discussing the 2010 MLB Draft which isn’t until early June when teams are in NCAA postseason play, I’m obviously taking attention away from the on the field activities.
The players are student-athletes with priority first to their education and second to their respective baseball programs, but for a few players they have a chance to receive a substantial financial gain come June, and afterall isn’t college to prepare you for life and the work field?
As I resume my last few DI Top 20, with the help and resources from PnR Scouting, PG Crosschecker, Baseball America, and a few regional scouts here’s a glance at the college all-stars most likely to further their career professionally.
Unfortunately 2010 isn’t a strong season for Ohio collegiate players. Where Kent State had seven players drafted in 2009, if all goes well in 2010 the most any program can expect to advance is five. Still there is talent North to South and East to West amongst Ohio’s 13 DI schools.
The best way to break down prospects is in three categories, 90-60-30. The numbers represent the likely percentage of a player having his name called in June.
90%
Soph. RHP Burny Mitchum, Dayton
Jr. CF Gauntlett Eldemire, Ohio
Jr. RF Ben Klafcynski, Kent State
Jr. RHP Brett Weibley, Kent State
Jr. C Dan Burkhart, Ohio State
Jr. RHP Alex Wimmers, Ohio State
The list is short and sweet. While there are numerous other players that will be drafted that I am personally confident on in the 60% group, the five above standout above their peers with the fewest questions and are top 10 round picks. Barring a serious injury the quintet will have their names called by one of 30 MLB teams.
Mitchum will face the most difficult situation as he will still have two years of eligibility left after sustaining a left knee injury in 2009 that shelved his season, the extra year of eligibility might lower Mitchum’s stock a bit.
The All-American Wimmers (pictured) is the premier name on the list with a mid-late first round projection and #8 overall college prospect by Baseball America. Eldemire is the top position player and joins Wimmers as a projected first five round selection.
No player has more potential than Klafczynski, while Burkhart is a safe pick at a premium position.
60%
Soph. RHP Chris Bassitt, Akron
Jr. RHP Brennan Smith, Bowling Green
Sr. 3B Derek Spencer, Bowling Green
Soph. RHP Cameron Hobson, Dayton
Jr. 3B Jimmy Roesinger, Dayton
Jr. RHP Robert Sabo, Kent State
Sr. OF/2B Jared Humphreys, Kent State
Jr. OF Adam Eaton, Miami
Sr. RHP Bryce Butt, Ohio
Jr. 1B/OF Robert Maddox, Ohio
Sr. OF Zach Hurley, Ohio State
Jr. RHP Drew Rucinski, Ohio State
Sr. OF Michael Stephens, Ohio State
Jr. SS Jared Hoying, Toledo
Jr. 1B Ben Thomas, Xavier
Sr. OF Casey McGrew, Wright State
Jr. RHP Max Friedman, Wright State
Sr. RHP/OF Eric Marzec, Youngstown State
The group is headlined by Spencer, Sabo, and Hurley. The trio are returning draftees, Sabo a 38th round selection as a sophomore with Spencer and Hurley two 45th round draft picks as juniors in 2009. Each player fits in this group by having solid tools but question marks on whether their tools are advanced enough to become an asset to an organization. In being 60-40 a solid season will enhance their chance, but the potential isn’t there to merit selection if the production is not seen. Names like Hoying (pictured) and Rucinski who were summer league standouts have overcome spring hiccups to receive attention. I feel confident on nearly everyone above with Smith, Sabo, and Thomas are the three who have the greatest chance of emerging in the top 10 rounds.
30%
Soph. 1B Tyler Wynn, Cleveland State
Sr. 2B Logan Meisler, Bowling Green
Sr. 2B Zach Jacob, Dayton
Sr. OF Aaron Dunsmore, Dayton
Sr. SS Cole Tyrell, Dayton
Sr. OF Anthony Gallas, Kent State
Jr. RHP Kyle Hallock, Kent State
Sr. 2B Cory Kovanda, Ohio State
Sr. 3B Quentin Cate, Wright State
Sr. SS RJ Gundolff, Wright State
Sr. OF John McCambridge, Xavier
The list mainly composed of good players on good teams or players who have starred in competitive summer leagues. Limited to one or two tools, example Meisler (pictured) with plate discipline and a all-field line-drive stroke, or McCambridge with speed and solid defense, the group doesn’t have a lot of potential left to grow as players. On teams with truer blue-chips, if the above shine at the right time, that might be all that is needed for a team to snag them. One last strong season for the seniors can elevate their stock.
Now that you know the names to be on the watch for, next Wednesday in part II of the series scouting reports of the top prospects will come as we continue our series.
Every Wednesday during the DI baseball season Buckeye State Baseball will go outside the field with a story or series relating to our programs and players. Features will range from the plight of Northern baseball, how programs schedule, the recruiting process, and many more.
Filed under: Division I
HI,
Doing a great job getting our buckeye names out there.
One question.
2009 STATS FROM WEBSITES
Eldemire v. Humphreys
.313 BA .339
.682 SLG .513
.443 OB .429
56 RBI 61
34 BB 24
13 HBP 12
43 K’S 33
11 Stol Bases 23
115 Putouts 118
1 assists 15
1 error 0
Pretty even stats…………
Why so much disparity vs these two fine young men?
There is one HUGE stat/number you’re omitting when referring to projection/scouting.
D.O.B
Humphreys 8/3/86
Eldemire 2/28/89
For “pretty even stats” Edlemire is keeping pace 2.5 years younger.
The draft and baseball at the next level “isn’t a what have you done for me” process, it is a “what can you do for me”. That is why year in and year out players are drafted with little proven collegiate success or none at all (Jake Locker the UDub QB was drafted last year) as long as they have the tools and project well.
There is a world of difference for a player who will be 22 at the end of his first professional season, than one who is 24. Assuming both are drafted and sign of course.
A professional club wants a player toe be ML-ready with a little time before they reach their physical and developmental peak. Humphreys is much much more closer to his peak being 2.5 years older.
If they were the same age it would be closer, but still there is also the fact that Humphreys does not have a plus tool like Eldemire with power. Humphreys has above average speed, but as does Eldemire.
Lastly Edlemire at 6’3, 195 still has room to fill out in his frame. Humphreys at 6’0, 180 is seen as fully matered physically.
Anyhow thats just a breif summation of a few things. Hope that helps, it can be a bit difficult grasping everything that goes into all of this from a scouting POV.
Who did Ohio play prior to League games. That makes a big difference to some as far as batting averages and big hits.
Humphreys has been batting lead off this season.
Not 2 or 3 like all of these kids did in high school.
Big difference in pitches that you will see also.
He hit 5-8 hole last year with all the big guns Kent had.
Humphreys junior season did show more “POP” But like I said he is now lead off and Ben Klafcznski is batting 2nd – big change in getting on base and trying for home runs. Also lowers stolen bases with a big lefty at the plate and you are on first. (gives the lefty a hole to hit) Hump also lost a season due to injury- but actually made his 60 time better.
Eldemire is a good player, I am not saying that. They both played for SO Copperheads 2 seasons ago. I watched them play. Hump played cf and I think Eldemire went home injured-so I didn’t get to see very many games with him. Then Hump went to Shortstop when Keen was injured….again changing his batting and fielding.
More to look at than stats, I guess what I am saying.
I see your point, but have you seen either player in person? They are both very nice athletes.
Good luck to all college players.
Thank you for your column and insight.
Yes I’ve seen them play.
First I have no dog in this fight.
Second I did not and do not base anything off stats. You mentioned their stats and numbers. What I replied to is that in the world of prospects the biggest stats is DOB. Again Humphreys is nearing his ceiling both as a player and physically. At 2 1/2 years young Eldemire will have 2 years of minor league baseball when he is Jared’s age.
Again I don’t pick sides or have preference.
I wish them both the best, but Eldemire is by far the more coveted of the two and will be drafted in the top 3 rounds, and really of any player in Ohio outside of Wimmers. Humphreys is the 5th or 6th best prospect on his team.