2007 Top 25 Recruiting Classes
San Diego lands impact talent
Below are the nation's top 25 recruiting classes. Four-year transfers are not taken into consideration. The Rank column indicates players who ranked among Baseball America's Top 200 prospects for the 2007 draft. Draft references are for 2007 unless otherwise noted.
1. San Diego
Recruiting coordinator: Eric Valenzuela
Total number of recruits: 14 (13 freshmen, 1 juco transfer)
With three recruits who ranked among the top 100 prospects for the 2007 draft, no class can match San Diego's for high-impact talent. Blair, Sanchez and Thomson have already proven ready to face elite college competition, as Thomson ranked as the No. 2 prospect in the Alaska League this summer, while Sanchez and Blair were the top two prospects in the Northwoods League. Blair is one of the most polished freshman pitchers in the nation, with a quality four-pitch mix that includes an 88-92 mph fastball that touches 93-94, a hard knockout slider, a quality changeup and a 12-to-6 curveball. Thomson also has a good feel for pitching with a heavy, sinking 88-92 mph fastball and an excellent slider. Sanchez has solid tools across the board and projects to hit for plus power--he figures to be a staple at third base and in the heart of USD's lineup for three years. Kaupang, a former basketball player, has massive raw power and a surprisingly compact swing. Stonecipher is recovered from the back problem that limited him a bit in high school, and he brings a solid all-around tools package and an aggressive approach at the plate and in the field. Ousman is another three-pitch mix guy in the mold of USD senior Matt Couch, while Solis has lots of projection to along with a present 88-91 mph fastball and a variation of a knuckle curveball.
2. Louisiana State
Recruiting coordinator: Terry Rooney
Total number of recruits: 19 (12 freshmen, 7 juco transfers)
The nation's deepest class managed to retain eight of the nine players it had drafted in 2007, including five who ranked among the nation's top 200 draft prospects. The uber-athletic, strong Jones plays safety for LSU's football team and looks like Ronnie Lott in a baseball uniform, according to Rooney. Martin is a fastball-slider pitcher who already reaches 93 mph and has oodles of projection, as does Ranaudo, who currently works in the 89-91 mph range as part of a polished three-pitch mix, including a good downer curveball. Brown's 90-94 mph fastball and power curve should make him an immediate fixture near the front of LSU's rotation, if not at the back of the bullpen. Clark has the most power in the class and evokes former Kentucky All-American Ryan Strieby, and Lemahieu has good power to the gaps but projects for much more than that. Escobar is a gap machine who could find himself in the middle of LSU's lineup immediately, and Helenihi is a slick defender who could slide right into the Tigers' middle infield. Rooney and LSU coach Paul Mainieri needed to make a splash with their first recruiting class in Baton Rouge, and they landed a group chock full of impact talent.
3. Oregon State
Recruiting coordinator: Marty Lees
Total number of recruits:Total number of recruits: 14 (12 freshmen, 2 juco transfers)
The Beavers have always been strong up the middle during their remarkable three-year run, and the electric Nash (a legitimate 80 runner on the 20-80 scouting scale) will team with ultra-smooth Joey Wong to form one of the nation's most exciting double-play combinations. The other constant in Corvallis lately has been stellar pitching, and this class ensures that will continue. Peavey has a 92-93 mph fastball and a plus slider that could ticket him for Oregon State's Sunday starter role as a freshman, unless Robles beats him to it. Robles has a projectable power arm from the left side that already touches 95 mph at times to go with a decent breaking ball, but he needs to work on his changeup and do a better job controlling the running game. Osich manages to fly under the radar in this class despite an explosive downhill fastball that touches 92 and a power curve at times. Rhoderick joined the Beavers after de-committing to Georgia when Joshua Fields returned for his senior year, and he's the front-runner to close as a freshman thanks to a 90-93 mph fastball and power slider. Hayes, the nephew of former big leaguer Von Hayes, and Hagen add some needed power.
4. North Carolina
Recruiting coordinator: Chad Holbrook
Total number of recruits: 12 (12 freshmen)
Perhaps the best collection of freshman pitching in the nation, UNC's class is highlighted by Harvey, the country's top-ranked recruit who might have been a top-10 pick if not for his association with Scott Boras and a modest spring. Harvey's above-average, heavy fastball sits in the 91-94 mph range and reaches the mid-90s, and his hard-breaking overhand curveball is another plus offering. He'll immediately team with Alex White and Adam Warren to give the Tar Heels one of the nation's premier weekend rotations. The short, stocky Striz, meanwhile, could replace closer Andrew Carignan thanks to a lively 91-94 fastball and a slider that's a little more advanced than Carignan's was at the same age. Oh, and Striz has literally wrestled alligators growing up in Florida, which seems to bode well for his ability to handle pressure situations. Johnson is another undersized bulldog whose long arms and big hands evoke Pedro Martinez; he also has a quick arm that unleashes 90-92 mph fastballs and excellent low-80s sliders. Davis, who was limited by a knee injury as a high school junior, was the big surprise in fall ball, running his fastball into the 94-95 range to go along with a promising slider. Blanton is a hitting machine who could see plenty of time as UNC's DH in the spring, while Holt adds some offensive pop and some funk off the mound.
5. Auburn
Recruiting coordinator: Butch Thompson
Total number of recruits: 13 (13 freshmen)
Auburn landed the highest-drafted player to attend school in Morris, but Patterson could be an even bigger catch. A broken hamate bone torpedoed Patterson's draft stock, but he might be the premier incoming power hitting in the nation, and his value would only increase further if Auburn's tentative notion to try him at catcher succeeds. Morris is a mature, patient hitter with pop who also figures to step into an immediate role, perhaps more likely in left field than at third base. Fletcher, the son of former big leaguer Scott Fletcher, has an explosive body that evokes Marcus Giles, and he has slightly above-average speed and solid defensive skills to go along with his lightning-quick bat speed. The switch-hitting Gilmer was a high school shortstop who will move to catcher thanks to a strong arm and compact frame. Hendrix, the son of former Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Brad Hendrix, is the sleeper of the group, a sidearmer with tons of sink who touches 92 mph. Luckie is a competitive lefty with feel for pitching but underwhelming stuff, and Jacobs is a fastball-slider guy who could see some bullpen innings. The strength of the class, though, is the offensive firepower, which compares favorably with any class in the nation.
6. Notre Dame
Recruiting coordinator: Scott Lawler
Total number of recruits: 13 (13 freshmen)
Notre Dame's collection of shiny new freshman arms rivals North Carolina's and Oregon State's, as Dupra, Danieli and Sharpley look like the Irish's weekend rotation of the future. Dupra, the top prep prospect in New York this spring, has a loose, easy arm action and has no trouble pumping 93-94 mph fastballs, and he flashes a plus breaking ball and promising changeup. Danieli was overshadowed by teammate Rick Porcello at Seton Hall Prep, but he has plenty of projection and a fastball already in the 88-93 mph range to go along with an excellent breaking ball and the ability to throw three pitches for strikes. Dupra and Danieli could be first-rounders in three years, and Sharpley could be as well if he fills out his lanky frame and adds velocity to his 88-91 mph fastball. The brother of Notre Dame quarterback/first baseman Evan Sharpley also throws a promising but inconsistent hard slider. Tate is a wide receiver/defensive back for the Irish football team and could be a Kenny Lofton type player on the baseball diamond. Casey adds some lefthanded power at first base, and the hard-nosed Sherry is a tough out who looks like Notre Dame's shrtstop of the future. McConnell and Scioscia (the son of Angels manager Mike Scioscia) shore up the Irish's catching situation.
7. UCLA
Recruiting coordinator: Brian Green
Total number of recruits: 12 (10 freshmen, 2 juco transfers)
A year after reeling in the core of its weekend rotation with Gavin Brooks and Charles Brewer, UCLA might have landed an even better group of arms, headlined by Rasmussen, who garners comparisons to former Bruins lefty Jim Parque for his small stature, pair of plus offspeed pitches and moxie. Rasmussen's mid-70s, 12-to-6 hammer curveball was one of the best pitches in California's high school class, helping make his 86-90 mph fastball much more effective. Klein was a high school quarterback and lacks polish on the diamond, but he boasts a well-above-average changeup, solid curveball, 88-91 mph fastball and a projectable frame. With a fastball that has touched 93 and a terrific curveball, Goedell could end up as the top pitcher in this class, but Tommy John surgery in April will keep him on the shelf for most of the 2008 season. The sleeper in the class is Grace, a big, strong lefthander in the Andy Pettite mold, who has a clean arm action, an 87-89 mph fastball and a good curve. Gallego, the son of former big leaguer Mike Gallego, evokes former Cal State Fullerton second baseman Brandon Turner, and Lodge, the son of "Blind Date" host Roger Lodge, is a wiry-strong athlete. Krill has impressive raw power and a true right-field profile.
8. Cal State Fullerton
Recruiting coordinator: Sergio Brown
Total number of recruits: 16 (7 freshmen, 9 juco transfers)
Former Titans recruiting coordinator Jason Gill's final class before leaving for Oregon is highlighted by a pair of high-impact athletes in Brown and Colon. Like Oregon State's Garrett Nash, Brown is a truly electric player with well-above-average speed, but he has more raw strength and defensive versatility than Nash. Brown will likely get a shot on the Titans' infield, but he might be best suited for center field. Colon is an instinctive player who plays above his solid-but-unspectacular tools. He's a gap-to-gap hitter with quick hands who has some offensive upside if he can get his body into better shape, and he's a very sure-handed defensive shortstop with adequate arm strength and range. Renken could develop into Fullerton's future Friday starter as he fills out his thin frame and hones his curveball; he already runs his fastball into the low 90s and shows a decent split-finger. The undersized Komatsu has speed and surprising strength and should step in for departed Clark Hardman in center field. The projectable Rash was a three-sport star in high school who could blossom now that he's focusing on baseball, but his breaking stuff needs work. Tripp, the brother of former Titan Brandon Tripp, is a former football player with strength and the ability to play center field, and Shima is a switch-hitting infielder with above-average speed.
9. Texas
Recruiting coordinator: Tommy Harmon
Total number of recruits: 14 (12 freshmen, 2 juco transfers)
Depth is the strength of the Longhorns' class, and while it doesn't quite have LSU's immediate impact potential, this group has no shortage of high-upside talents. The projectable Workman can run his fastball up to 95 mph to go with a plus downer curveball, but his mechanics may need an overhaul for him to become more consistent. Keyes has above-average raw power and arm strength but needs to improve his impatient approach and sloppy body. Belt was a blue-chip prospect as a lefthander coming out of high school, but his velocity dipped from the low 90s to the mid-80s as a freshman at San Jacinto, and after a big offensive summer in the Texas Collegiate League, his future might be as a power-hitting corner bat. San Jac converted Clyde from first base to the mound this year, and he showed a 93 mph fastball and flashed a plus slider. Rupp has power but a grooved swing and raw catch-and-throw skills. The athletic Emsley-Pai has a high profile because he was a teammate of 2006 first-round pick Travis Snider in high school, but a back injury limited him as a senior; if healthy, he's a potential above-average defensive catcher with bat speed. Hitting is in Buckner's blood--his father Bill had 2,715 big league hits--and he could develop into an offensive second baseman. Green has a good feel for pitching, a solid 88-91 mph fastball and quality curve.
10. Arkansas
Recruiting coordinator: Todd Butler
Total number of recruits: 17 (11 freshmen, 6 juco transfers)
Arkansas brought in a characteristically deep class with impact players from both the prep and junior college RK.s. Eibner is one of the nation's top incoming two-way players, with a 90-94 mph fastball, promising curveball and a power bat. Wilkins also adds power with a short, compact stroke, while Kuhn and Noble provide excellent athleticism. Eibner is not the only power arm in the class, as Bolsinger works in the 90-92 range with a plus slider at times, Poynter can run his fastball into the 93-95 range (though he needs to improve his command, particularly with his slider), and Dixon's 88-92 mph fastball has plenty of run and sink. Mahler, the son of former big leaguer Mickey Mahler, works in the 88-90 range and boasts the best curveball in the class, a 12-to-6 hammer. Like Mahler, Korbal has plenty of projection--and a good 88-91 mph sinker--but pitched little last spring due to shoulder discomfort; after a summer of physical therapy he has been cleared to pitch. Cisterna has excellent catch-and-throw skills but his bat lags behind. Leavitt is the sleeper of the class, a 2002 high school graduate who has spent time on a Mormon mission. Leavitt is a lefthanded line-drive hitter with plus speed who could be an offensive igniter for the Razorbacks.
11. Missouri
Recruiting coordinator: Tony Vitello
Total number of recruits: 16 (14 freshmen, 2 juco transfers)
For the second straight year, Missouri landed a stellar class highlighted by a future first-round arm. Last year, Kyle Gibson was the projectable power arm, and this year it's Tepesch, whose 90-95 mph fastball, hard breaking ball and nascent changeup should only get better under the tutelage of Missouri's coaches, who have begun to churn out elite arms in recent years. Fick's fierce competitiveness, composure and command of a three-pitch mix could ticket him for the back of Missouri's bullpen, though his 86-88 mph fastball is fringy. The Tigers really cleaned up with Missouri prep arms, landing Buehler (who commands an 89-92 mph fastball and a quality hard breaking ball), Clark (a raw, live arm who has touched 94 mph) and Dawson (who has terrific projection but an inconsistent delivery). The scrappy Meyr is an above-average runner who could play second base or center immediately, while the switch-hitting Holt could lead off and play left field. Gray and Schmidt both have the ability to hit the ball out of the park and could be factors at the corners for the Tigers.
12. Vanderbilt
Recruiting coordinator: Erik Bakich
Total number of recruits: 12 (12 freshmen)
The Commodores return nearly all of their position players, so this class will be the foundation for the 2009 and '10 teams. Casali has outstanding catch-and-throw skills, including a plus arm, and slightly above-average power. He could push senior catcher Shea Robin for playing time and will certainly emerge as a mainstay by his sophomore year. Reid and Westlake are both likely to contribute immediately, Reid because of his 88-92 mph and knockout low-80s, hard-breaking curveball, which could make him a good fit for the closer role. Westlake figures to hit his way into the lineup as a freshman thanks to his smooth gap-to-gap stroke from the left side. He was a top-10 rounds talent whose Vandy commitment scared off scouts. Bierman is a polished lefty in the mold of staff leader Mike Minor, with a mid-to-upper-80s fastball and solid slurvy breaking ball, while the raw but talented St. Luce is very projectable. Hill also has a good pitcher's frame and could be a future weekend starter thanks to his four-pitch mix and 88-92 mph fastball. Manning, a physical specimen with middle-of-the-order potential, and Ortiz, a slick-fielding Panamanian shortstop with a plus arm, are intriguing down-the-road talents.
13. Pepperdine
Recruiting coordinator: Sean Kenny
Total number of recruits: 17 (14 freshmen, 3 juco transfers)
Pepperdine had plenty of holes to fill after losing seven veterans to the draft in June, and accordingly this is one of the largest classes in school history. Alexander burst onto draft radar screens this spring, running his fastball up to 93 mph from the left side and showing feel for a pair of still-inconsistent secondary offerings. He could emerge as Pepperdine’s ace by 2009. Cook is an extremely projectable righty who already touches 92 mph at times, though like Alexander he works more in the 87-90 mph range now. Newman, the No. 2 prospect in the Clark Griffith League this summer, is an exceptional athlete whose sinking, boring fastball sits in the 88-91 mph range and touches 93, to go along with a sharp slurve and promising split-finger. He could be an immediate weekend starter. Hess is another power arm who touched 94 mph with his fastball before tearing his anterior cruciate ligament playing football a year ago (he was an offensive lineman), but he’s healthy now and just needs some polish. Inman, the brother of Stanford righty Jeff Inman, works in the 88-90 mph range and flashes a plus curveball. This class also has athletic position players in Mendonca, a well-above-average runner who has a chance to be Pepperdine’s shortstop and leadoff man; Jacoby, the son of former big leaguer Brook Jacoby who could wind up as a third baseman like his dad once he fills out; and Harris, a switch-hitter with power from both sides of the plate and above-average speed.
14. Mississippi
Recruiting coordinator: Rob Reinstetle
Total number of recruits: 17 (11 freshmen, 6 juco transfers)
Ole Miss brought in a very solid under-the-radar class, but in three years there likely won’t be anything under-the-radar about Pomeranz, an uber-projectable southpaw who has run his fastball up to 93-94 to go with a devastating 80 mph spike curveball. The brother of Cardinals 2003 second-round pick Stuart Pomeranz nearly signed with the Rangers--and the club even announced his signing shortly after midnight on Aug. 16 before retracting the statement. Reinstetle thinks Pomeranz could end up as another David Price by the time he’s drafted again. Hubbard and Guerrero provide the Rebels with much-needed power right away--Guerrero can hit balls out to all fields, while Hubbard has big lefthanded pull power. Guerrero’s above-average arm and fringe-average speed could make him a solid corner outfielder, but Hubbard is an aggressive defender who might force his way into the center field job, keeping super sophomore Jordan Henry in a corner. Henson has excellent receiving skills and a strong arm, though a funky arm action. Offensively, he’s a doubles machine. The smooth Ferguson is likely Mississippi’s shortstop of the future, while the physical Williams is Cody Overbeck’s heir apparent at third base. Tracy is the sleeper of the group, a projectable three-pitch lefty who could become a force if he fills out his frame and adds velocity to his mid-80s fastball.
15. Clemson
Recruiting coordinator: Tom Riginos
Total number of recruits: 10 (8 freshmen, 2 juco transfers)
Former recruiting coordinator Kevin O’Sullivan left the cupboard well-stocked before leaving to take Florida’s head job. Impact bats headline this group, led by Schaus and Epps, who could man Clemson’s corner outfield spots as freshmen. Epps has more of a live body and lightning-quick hands that should translate to power down the road, but right now his outstanding feel for the strike zone could make him a solid leadoff hitter. Schaus has a little Wade Boggs in him, according to Riginos, with a repeatable swing that consistently produces line drives to the opposite field and the gaps. The versatile Hinson is in Clemson’s mix at every infield position except for shortstop, and he’s a solid gap-to-gap hitter from the left side with occasional power. Rothlin’s loose, quick arm can yield fastballs up to 93 mph, though his velocity is inconsistent, and his three-pitch mix could allow him to compete for a Sunday starter role as a freshman. Delk and Gullickson, the son of former big leaguer Bill Gullickson, both offer solid three-pitch repertoires, and while Delk has a little more present velocity, Gullickson's velocity is starting to jump close to 90, and his feel for pitching is outstanding. Sanders could replace Marquez Smith at third base.
16. Arizona State
Recruiting coordinator: Josh Holliday
Total number of recruits: 15 (10 freshmen, 5 juco transfers)
Turtle Thomas' first and only class at Arizona State before leaving for Florida International's head job was ravaged by the draft, expectedly losing premium signees like Josh Vitters, Justin Jackson, Michael Burgess, Danny Rams and Austin Romine. Even so, the Sun Devils landed some quality arms, led by Blair, who has touched 95 mph but works in the 89-92 range with sinking action. Fuller works in the same range and has touched 94, and his sharp downer curveball and decent changeup give him a chance to crack ASU's weekend rotation as a freshman. Dorado's power fastball-slider repertoire will make him a fixture near the back of the Sun Devils bullpen, and Sauer's 88-92 mph sinking fastball and good changeup could do the same. Preach is thin but projectable and has good feel for pitching, and Brule is a raw thrower who can reach 93. Newman is a gamer with solid tools who reminds Holiday of former Georgia Tech star Danny Payne. Four-year transfers Jason Kipnis and Jason Franzblau augment this class but do not help Arizona State in these rankings.
17. Virginia
Recruiting coordinator: Kevin McMullan
Total number of recruits: 15 (14 freshmen, 1 juco transfer)
Virginia landed a strong, balanced class with some intriguing arms and some position players who could make immediate impacts. Gosselin committed to the Cavaliers early in the recruiting process and told scouts to stay away his senior year because he intended to head to Charlottesville. Gosselin is a talented middle infielder who can run, steal bases and handle the bat in any situation--a perfect fit for the pitching-and-defense-oriented Cavaliers. He could develop into an offensive force as he adds strength to his frame. Wilson has the best arm of the group, working in the 88-93 mph range and showing feel for a four-pitch mix. Cowan could add velocity to his 87-90 fastball as he fills out, and his curveball is already a very good pitch. Tierney's velocity dipped into the 86-88 range this spring, perhaps due to shoulder tendonitis that sidelined him for a time, but he has shown average velocity in the past to go along with a plus curveball and feel for a change. Morey surprised UVa. in fall ball, showing an 88-93 mph fastball and excellent downer curve. Parker played well in the Cal Ripken League this summer and could be Virginia's center fielder of the future, while Coleman evokes former Cavalier Brandon Marsh. Barr adds above-average outfield speed that is so important at spacious Davenport Field.
18. Texas A&M
Recruiting coordinator: Jeremy Talbot
Total number of recruits: 13 (6 freshmen, 7 juco transfers)
The Aggies were hit harder by the draft than any school; not only did they lose first-round pick Kevin Ahrens and second-rounder Eric Eiland, as expected, but they also lost fifth-rounder Will Middlebrooks right at the Aug. 15 signing deadline for a $925,000 bonus, and 23rd-rounder Drake Britton for a $700,000 bonus. Still, A&M landed a blue-chip power arm in Loux, who turned down roughly $700,000 in August and could be a premium pick in three years. Loux pitched in the 87-91 mph range with run this spring, but the Aggies say he can reach the 93-95 range, to go along with an outstanding hard changeup and a decent hard slider. Raley, the brother of Yankees minor leaguer Russell Raley, evokes former Aggie and current San Diego Padre Casey Fossum, with an 87-91 mph fastball, a good changeup and a low-80s slider; he's also an above-average runner who figures to get some time in the A&M outfield as a freshman. Duran also has good bloodlines--his brother is Rangers prospect German Duran--and is a plus runner with sure hands, a strong arm at shortstop and some pop in his bat. Fleece is a physical corner outfielder with power who also works in the 88-92 range off the mound. Daab has excellent command but fringy velocity right now, and the physical, competitive Middleton has a three-pitch mix highlighted by an 89-93 mph fastball.
19. Rice
Recruiting coordinator: David Pierce/Mike Taylor
Total number of recruits: 12 (10 freshmen, 2 juco transfers)
The Owls brought in a small class, but one that filled their needs--particularly up the middle, where shortstop Brian Friday and center fielder Tyler Henley left for pro ball. Hague is a thicker version of former Owls shortstop and current Reds farmhand Paul Janish, with good power to the gaps, smooth actions at shortstop, average speed and arm strength. Hague is probably the top incoming shortstop in the nation, and Mozingo looks like another immediate contributor at a premium position. Mozingo is a polished lefthanded hitter who can spray the ball to all fields, and he's an aggressive, instinctive center fielder with solid-average speed. Paylor and Natale are both more raw than Mozingo, but both bring speed to Rice's outfield mix--Paylor runs a 6.4-second 60-yard dash, Natale a 6.5. Evers has touched 92-93 mph, but he needs to clean up his delivery to pitch with that kind of velocity more consistently. Hamilton is the big sleeper in this class, a raw lefthander with a build that evokes former Rice All-American Jeff Niemann. An offensive lineman for Jesuit's football team in high school, Hamilton could take off now that's he's focusing on baseball--he already runs his fastball up to 90 mph and shows a feel for a curveball and changeup.
20. Miami
Recruiting coordinator: Gino DiMare
Total number of recruits: 8 (5 freshmen, 3 juco transfers)
The Hurricanes brought in a small class of impact players, but it got even smaller when Swatcheno had Tommy John surgery that will sideline him for all of 2008. When healthy, Swatcheno used his deceptive max-effort delivery, live fastball and good hard breaking ball to lead Flannagan High to back-to-back state titles as a sophomore and junior. Grandal is the centerpiece of this class, the best incoming catcher in the nation and the highest-ranked position player to forego the draft in favor of school. Miami coach Jim Morris said Grandal could be the best catcher he's coached since Jason Varitek at Georgia Tech. Grandal is a sterling defender who can receive, block balls in the dirt, and shut down the running game with his plus arm. He's a switch-hitter who can make contact from both sides but is better from the left side. Hernandez is a lefthander with superior command and feel for pitching, in the mold of Miami ace sophomore Eric Erickson. Hernandez works in the 85-88 mph range with his fastball, but his slider and changeup are his bread and butter. Terdoslovich, a high school teammate of Miami sophomore Mark Soblewski, is a switch-hitter with gap power who should get some time at third base and the outfield. Nazario needs to hone his command, but he can run his fastball up to 93-94 mph and has a good changeup.
21. Tennessee
Recruiting coordinator: Bradley LeCroy
Total number of recruits: 10 (5 freshmen, 5 juco transfers)
Former recruiting coordinator Mike Bell's final class before the Volunteers replaced their coaching staff is highlighted by the ultra-athletic Davis, the top draft prospect in the state of Alabama this spring. The barrel-chested Davis is built like Kirby Puckett, and his game resembles Puckett's too; he's a high-energy player with speed and a live bat. Liles brings more athleticism--he runs a 6.5-second 60-yard dash and has some looseness in his swing and feel for the strike zone. Rosas has shown advanced feel for pitching at times in his junior college career and was a ninth-round pick (Nationals) as a freshman in '06, though his 87-90 mph fastball won't blow anyone away. Hochevar is the younger brother of former Tennessee All-American and No. 1 overall pick Luke Hochevar. Dylan is not as tall as his brother and lacks present velocity, sitting in the mid-80s, but the former three-sport star is more athletic than his brother and repeats his delivery well. Forsythe also has good bloodlines--his brother Logan is a star at Arkansas who had a breakout summer for Team USA.
22. Georgia Tech
Recruiting coordinator: Bryan Prince
Total number of recruits: 11 (11 freshmen)
Former recruiting coordinator Josh Holliday put together a solid class before leaving for Arizona State, highlighted by Dietrich, the Astros' top pick in June as a third-rounder. Dietrich will be a power-hitting third baseman right away for the Yellow Jackets, and his 91-94 mph fastball and feel for a breaking ball could make him Tech's closer as well. Cumpton could push for a spot in Georgia Tech's crowded weekend rotation thanks to a four-pitch mix highlighted by a good fastball that tops out at 92 and a good 12-to-6 curveball. Leonida will be Tech's catcher of the future, a physical player who should hit for power. McGuire, Jacob and Wood are all projectable pitchers who could become impact arms for the Jackets if they can firm up their frames. Brewster also needs to add strength but can run his fastball up to 92 mph from a low three-quarters slot. The lefthanded-hitting Burnette has good speed and instincts in the outfield.
23. Tulane
Recruiting coordinator: Mark Kingston
Total number of recruits: 13 (8 freshmen, 5 juco transfers)
The Green Wave brought in the nation's best group of four-year transfers--shortstop Josh Prince from Texas, righthander Josh Zeid from Vanderbilt and lefty Matt Petiton from North Carolina--but those players don't help Tulane in these rankings. Even so, this class is a good one, with a nice mix of power arms and power bats. The ultra-competitive Broach could wind up as Tulane's Sunday starter next spring thanks to an 89-92 mph fastball and an above-average power curveball. Segedin figures to start at third base, but he spent the summer working on his pitching and can run his fastball up to 92-93 mph with a plus slider at times. Griffin doesn't have that kind of arm strength, but he could be the favorite to take over Tulane's closer job thanks to his sinking, running 85-87 mph fastball from a submarine angle. Pepitone, a converted first baseman, is relatively new to pitching but already works in the 88-92 range. Honeck showed big power in the Clark Griffith League this summer and is the latest masher to assume Tulane's first base job, following in the footsteps of Mark Hamilton and Michael Aubrey. Allain is an excellent athlete with speed who evokes Rocco Baldelli.
24. Georgia
Recruiting coordinator: Jason Eller
Total number of recruits: 13 (9 freshmen, 4 juco transfers)
Georgia's class is bolstered by a quality transfer from Texas, Michael Demperio, but he does not help their ranking. Grimm will be a key member of Georgia's weekend rotation down the line, though he'll probably spend his freshman year as a midweek starter and weekend reliever. His sinking, 90-93 mph fastball and projectable frame made him the No. 4 prospect in the Cal Ripken Sr. Collegiate League this summer. Allen was a star quarterback in high school whose strength and leverage give him plus raw power, and he could start in left field right away. Sparks figures to be Georgia's catcher of the future thanks to good catch-and-throw skills and a solid bat. Harvil won 11 games to lead Young Harris to its first-ever JUCO World Series appearance last year, and he figures to play a role similar to Grimm's in 2008. The scrappy Fuller has a chance to start in center field and lead off for the Bulldogs thanks to his ability to get on base and run.
25. UC Riverside
Recruiting coordinator: Nathan Choate
Total number of recruits: 15 (13 freshmen, 2 juco transfers)
Riverside's class flew under the radar a year ago, when it produced freshman All-American Joe Kelly and Big West Freshman of the Year Joey Gonzalez. Andrew Checketts' final class before leaving for Oregon is a bit of a stealth class as well, but it might be an even better one than last year's. The polished Orozco has a live arm and can run his fastball up to 92 mph to go along with a good 79-80 mph slider and feel for a changeup. Emmons hasn't shown consistent velocity yet, but he has a good arm, a physical frame, a power slider and an advanced feel for pitching. The Major League Scouting Bureau slapped an impressive grade on Salsbury, who pitches off a lively fastball that touches 92 and has a good 80 mph curveball. He could add velocity as he fills out his wiry frame and cleans up his funky arm action. Hambright is a physical, mature catcher with an above-average arm and exceptional receiving skills behind the plate. He also has good bat speed and could hit for power as he cleans up his offensive approach.
A region-by-region glance at the top classes that didn't quite crack our top 25:
1. Florida
The Gators landed a trio of quality arms highlighted by unsigned third-round pick Tommy Toledo (No. 151 in the top 200), a projectable righthander with a sinking 90-93 mph fastball. Righties Justin Poovey (a former Clemson recruit who followed coach Kevin O'Sullivan to Gainesville) and Travis Lawler can each touch the 90-92 range, and the compact Josh Adams has the inside track on Florida's starting second base job as a freshman.
2. South Florida
South Florida's large class (17 freshmen and six juco transfers, plus five four-year transfers) is highlighted by a pair of impact two-way players in lefthander/first baseman Stephen Hunt and lefty/outfielder Junior Carlin, both of whom can reach the low 90s off the mound and offer good downer curveballs. Hunt also figures to start at first base, and righthander Derrick Stultz could slide right into South Florida's weekend rotation thanks to a 91-93 mph fastball and good curve. Kevin Quackenbush and Michael Anzivino also have quality arms, while Brian Hobbs and Trey Manz add some pop.
3. Florida State
The Seminoles landed a pair of highly drafted players in fifth-round lefthander John Gast and sixth-round outfielder Taiwan Easterling, but each comes with significant question marks. Gast is a strike-throwing machine with a nasty curveball when healthy, but he had Tommy John surgery in May and will miss most or all of the 2008 season. Easterling is a great athlete but is also a football player, so the Seminoles won't count on him too much. Righty Mike McGee will make an impact thanks to his outstanding command of an 88-92 mph fastball and a pair of secondary pitches that both project as potential plus offerings.
4. South Carolina
Lefthanders Steven Neff and Will Casey could form the core of USC's weekend rotation in future seasons--each works in the high 80s and touches the low 90s with his fastball. Outfielder Jose Rodriguez is a classic South Carolina masher, and Whit Merrifield brings a new dimension with excellent speed and basestealing instincts.
5. Stetson
Stetson's class lacks flashy big names but is not short on solid college baseball players. Lefthander Travis Stortz pitches in the low 90s and has a good curveball and could factor into the Hatters' weekend rotation immediately. Fellow lefty Brad Tressler doesn't have quite as much velocity but has a plus slider, and Robert Crews is a shortstop with some pop.
1. Louisiana-Lafayette
With a plus arm, good receiving skills and plus power potential, Thad Griffen (152) is one of the nation's top catching recruits. Jordan Porrier will make an immediate impact in the middle infield, while loose righthander Dayton Marze will do the same for the pitching staff. Undersized righty Matt Broussard can reach 93 and has a good curveball, making him Louisiana-Lafayette's likely closer.
2. Texas Christian
The Horned Frogs brought in a deep class highlighted by power arms at the top. Six-foot-8 righthander Greg Holle was one of the best pitching prospects in the state of New York this spring, with a fastball that reaches 93-94 mph. Junior college transfer Andrew Casher also has good size (6-5) and a plus fastball to go along with a promising breaking ball.
3. Mississippi State
Lefthander Forrest Moore (163) out of Louisiana highlights a class heavy on Mississippi talent. Moore evokes fellow Louisiana native Wade Leblanc, though he throws harder and his changeup is not as good. First baseman Tyler Moore and catcher Cody Freeman lead a solid in-state contingent.
4. Texas Tech
Righthander Chad Bettis (124) evokes Jake Peavy for his lively 91-94 mph fastball, hard curveball and clean mechanics, and he could be Texas Tech's ace of the future. Robbie Kilcrease is an undersized lefty with advanced feel for pitching who should contribute immediately. The lefthanded-hitting Tanner Rindels brings a nice power-speed mix.
5. Houston
Tyler Hammack has a big arm and good feel for pitching, but shoulder woes have slowed him the last couple of years; he's a potential high-reward two-way player for the Cougars. Jared Ray is in a similar position--he has shown an 88-92 mph fastball and good curveball, but a shoulder impingement sidelined him this spring. Ty Stuckey has less upside but plenty of polish and the ability to help on the mound and at first base.
1. Kentucky
Knee surgery kept Dan Killian from being a top-two-rounds draftee in the spring, but if healthy he could challenge Yasmani Grandal and Thad Weber for the mantle of the nation's best incoming catcher. His strong arm, athletic catcher's build and bloodlines (his brother Billy was a third-round pick of the Padres) made him one of the top prospects in the state of Michigan. Logan Darnell and Mike Kaczmarek don't have overwhelming stuff, but both are competitors with pitchability who could factor into UK's weekend rotation. Chris McClendon is a hitting machine.
2. Evansville
The Purple Aces were loaded with seniors a year ago, and they brought in a large class (14 freshmen, seven juco transfers) to fill some holes. Nate Smith and Sean Loggins both have power and high ceilings, and Tom Heithoff and Derek Melton bring some more pop. Smith and Greg Wallace also bring some speed to Evansville.
3. Central Michigan
The Chippewas landed several raw, high-ceiling talents who have time to develop because of the team's depth of returning players. Righthander Trevor Borsak reaches 93 mph with good sink from a low three-quarters angle, and two-way player Matt Faiman is an above-average runner who can reach 92 from the left side. Outfielders Andrew Thomas, Sam Russell and Scott Phillion add terrific athleticism, speed and some power.
4. Michigan State
Slick-fielding shortstop Jonathan Roof could step right into the Spartans' starting shortstop job as a freshman, and Tyler Newsome has a chance to be an impact two-way player immediately. Ohio righthander A.J. Achter is an intriguing sleeper, with a projectable 6-foot-5 build and enough current stuff to compete for Michigan State's closer job.
5. Iowa
Iowa's class is highlighted by unsigned ninth-round pick Zach Kenyon, a loose-armed 6-foot-6 righthander in the Aaron Heilman mold whose high-80s fastball has very good sink. Righthander Tony Manville is ready to compete for a job in the weekend rotation, while Phil Keppler and Kurtis Muller bring athleticism to the Hawkeyes' outfield.
1. Long Beach State
The Dirtbags focused on improving their pitching depth with the impending compacted schedule, and they did just that. Righthander Jacob Thompson, who bypassed his senior year of high school to enter Long Beach State early, is a high-ceiling arm with time to develop behind LBSU's veterans. Junior college transfer David Born gives the Dirtbags a lefthander with power stuff coming out of the bullpen, and undersized righty David Brown is very tough on righthanders from a low three-quarters angle. Devin Lohman is the heir apparent to LBSU shortstop Danny Espinosa.
2. California
Unsigned 10th-round pick B.J. Guinn is the centerpiece of this class. Guinn is an athletic, switch-hitting shortstop with above-average speed and very good defensive skills. Lefty Todd Fitzgerald missed last year after having elbow surgery, but he should be healthy by the spring and could take off thanks to an 87-90 mph fastball, good change and improving curveball. Daniel Wolford could close for the Golden Bears, with a fastball that reaches 93 mph.
3. Stanford
Losing two-way stud Jack McGeary right before the signing deadline was a big blow, but Stanford still landed a solid class. Righthander Drew Storen (180), the No. 2 prospect in Indiana this spring, has a lively 87-91 mph fastball, a true slider and good deception, and he will make an impact for the Cardinal as a freshman. Jake Schlatter is a good defensive middle infielder with a solid bat, and Texas first baseman Jonathan Kaskow is an excellent defensive first baseman who could hit as a freshman.
4. Arizona
The Wildcats are loaded with veterans and didn't need to bring in a large class, but they landed a few intriguing power threats nonetheless, led by outfielder Bobby Coyle, a lefthanded hitter with speed and power potential. Matt Presley, the top prospect in Colorado this spring, could become an impact corner bat with power, and Dillon Baird follows C.J. Ziegler as a junior college transfer who will provide instant power.
5. Washington
Losing Julian Sampson right before the signing deadline hurt Washington's class, but the Huskies still brought in a few potential impact players. Juco transfer Paul Dickey could close for them thanks to his solid command, and the competitive Geoff Brown makes up for his small stature with a max-effort delivery that produces an 86-89 mph fastball and average breaking ball. The lean, wiry Troy Scott has some offensive potential but needs to add strength, and the undersized David Bentrott can run and defend.
1. Boston College
Boston College did a nice job scooping up most of the top high school players in Massachusetts, led by third baseman Maguire Wiswall, who has a mature approach and quick bat speed that allows him to square balls up consistently. With a low-90s fastball, Wiswall could develop into a two-way player with some coaching. Projectable righthander Kevin Moran has touched 91 mph and has the makings of a hard slider; Garret Smith is a sound defensive shortstop with good size and strength in his swing; Marc Perdios has speed in center field; and Luke Prohovic is a first baseman with some raw power.
2. Manhattan
The centerpiece of the Jaspers' class is lefthander Dan Forman, who commands three pitches including a fastball that has reached 93 mph. Jose Behar is a solid defensive catcher with a plus arm who will succeed another talented catch-and-throw guy in Nick Derba; Behar also has some power to the gaps. First baseman Austin Sheffield has good size and hits for average and some power.
3. Maine
Maine's class is pitching-heavy with several Canadian prospects, led by Ontario righthander Kyle Benoit, who can run his fastball up to 96 mph at times. Fellow Ontario natives Carson Pillar and Matthew Jebb also have good arms. Lefty Jonathan Balentina, a Curacao native, works in the 89-92 range.
4. Lehigh
Brendan McGaheran has good speed, a strong arm and occasional pop and should start immediately in Lehigh's middle infield. Logan Marshall also adds speed and some lefthanded pop, while Kevin Mihalik and Jim McConlogue are both polished, though neither has overwhelming velocity.
5. Vermont
Cornell transfer Justin Milo will help the Catamounts in hockey and baseball, but as a four-year transfer he doesn't help their recruiting class ranking. Still, Matt Duffy is an impact two-way player who works in the 87-89 mph range off the mound and hits for power. Mark Micowski is an above-average runner who makes consistent contact and good baserunning instincts, and Tom Kelly could be another good two-way player with a fastball that reaches 88, a plus breaking ball and a line-drive bat.
San Diego lands impact talent
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PrintBelow are the nation's top 25 recruiting classes. Four-year transfers are not taken into consideration. The Rank column indicates players who ranked among Baseball America's Top 200 prospects for the 2007 draft. Draft references are for 2007 unless otherwise noted.
1. San Diego
Recruiting coordinator: Eric Valenzuela
Total number of recruits: 14 (13 freshmen, 1 juco transfer)
| KEY RECRUITS | |||||
| RK. | NAME, POS | Ht. | Wt. | DRAFTED | PREVIOUS SCHOOL |
| 50 | Kyle Blair, rhp | 6-3 | 210 | Dodgers (5) | Los Gatos (Calif.) HS |
| 83 | Matt Thomson, rhp | 6-3 | 200 | Blue Jays (21) | Santa Rosa (Calif.) JC |
| 93 | Victor Sanchez, 3b | 6-2 | 180 | Cubs (25) | Gahr HS, Norwalk, Calif. |
| Sammy Solis, lhp | 6-5 | 210 | Diamondbacks (18) | Agua Fria HS, Lithfield Park, Ariz. | |
| Sequoyah Stonecipher, of | 6-2 | 180 | Mission Bay HS, San Diego | ||
| Stephan Kaupang, 1b | 6-5 | 210 | La Mirada (Calif.) HS | ||
| Nick Ousman, rhp | 6-0 | 185 | Campolondo HS, Moraga, Calif. | ||
With three recruits who ranked among the top 100 prospects for the 2007 draft, no class can match San Diego's for high-impact talent. Blair, Sanchez and Thomson have already proven ready to face elite college competition, as Thomson ranked as the No. 2 prospect in the Alaska League this summer, while Sanchez and Blair were the top two prospects in the Northwoods League. Blair is one of the most polished freshman pitchers in the nation, with a quality four-pitch mix that includes an 88-92 mph fastball that touches 93-94, a hard knockout slider, a quality changeup and a 12-to-6 curveball. Thomson also has a good feel for pitching with a heavy, sinking 88-92 mph fastball and an excellent slider. Sanchez has solid tools across the board and projects to hit for plus power--he figures to be a staple at third base and in the heart of USD's lineup for three years. Kaupang, a former basketball player, has massive raw power and a surprisingly compact swing. Stonecipher is recovered from the back problem that limited him a bit in high school, and he brings a solid all-around tools package and an aggressive approach at the plate and in the field. Ousman is another three-pitch mix guy in the mold of USD senior Matt Couch, while Solis has lots of projection to along with a present 88-91 mph fastball and a variation of a knuckle curveball.
2. Louisiana State
Recruiting coordinator: Terry Rooney
Total number of recruits: 19 (12 freshmen, 7 juco transfers)
| KEY RECRUITS | |||||
| RK. | NAME, POS | Ht. | Wt. | DRAFTED | PREVIOUS SCHOOL |
| 92 | Chad Jones, of | 6-3 | 222 | Astros (13) | Southern Lab HS, Baton Rouge, La. |
| 102 | Taylor Martin, rhp | 6-4 | 220 | St. Michael HS, Baton Rouge, La. | |
| 143 | Anthony Ranaudo, rhp | 6-7 | 225 | Rangers (11) | St. Rose HS, Ocean Township, N.J. |
| 190 | D.J. Lemahieu, 3b | 6-4 | 190 | Tigers (41) | Brother Rice HS, Bloomfield Hills, Mich. |
| 193 | Matt Clark, 3b/1b | 6-5 | 230 | Pirates (28) | Riverside (Calif.) CC |
| Rene Escobar, if/of | 5-11 | 190 | Braves (30) | Riverside (Calif.) CC | |
| Leon Landry, of | 5-11 | 195 | Reds (36) | Baker (La.) HS | |
| Jordan Brown, rhp | 6-0 | 205 | Reds (45) | Meridian (Miss.) CC | |
| Ryan Verdugo, lhp | 6-1 | 200 | Giants (47) | Skagit Valley (Wash.) CC | |
| Matt Gaudet, if | 6-2 | 220 | Devil Rays ’05 (40) | Delgado (La.) CC | |
| Derek Helenihi, ss | 6-0 | 170 | Ohlone (Calif.) CC | ||
| Austin Ross, rhp | 6-2 | 185 | Captain Shreve HS, Shreveport, La. | ||
The nation's deepest class managed to retain eight of the nine players it had drafted in 2007, including five who ranked among the nation's top 200 draft prospects. The uber-athletic, strong Jones plays safety for LSU's football team and looks like Ronnie Lott in a baseball uniform, according to Rooney. Martin is a fastball-slider pitcher who already reaches 93 mph and has oodles of projection, as does Ranaudo, who currently works in the 89-91 mph range as part of a polished three-pitch mix, including a good downer curveball. Brown's 90-94 mph fastball and power curve should make him an immediate fixture near the front of LSU's rotation, if not at the back of the bullpen. Clark has the most power in the class and evokes former Kentucky All-American Ryan Strieby, and Lemahieu has good power to the gaps but projects for much more than that. Escobar is a gap machine who could find himself in the middle of LSU's lineup immediately, and Helenihi is a slick defender who could slide right into the Tigers' middle infield. Rooney and LSU coach Paul Mainieri needed to make a splash with their first recruiting class in Baton Rouge, and they landed a group chock full of impact talent.
3. Oregon State
Recruiting coordinator: Marty Lees
Total number of recruits:Total number of recruits: 14 (12 freshmen, 2 juco transfers)
| KEY RECRUITS | |||||
| RK. | NAME, POS | Ht. | Wt. | DRAFTED | PREVIOUS SCHOOL |
| 111 | Greg Peavey, rhp | 6-2 | 185 | Yankees (24) | Hudson Bay HS, Vancouver, Wash. |
| 112 | Tanner Robles, lhp | 6-4 | 200 | Angels (14) | Cottonwood HS, Murray, Utah |
| 125 | Kevin Rhoderick, rhp | 6-0 | 190 | Tigers (18) | Horizon HS, Scottsdale, Ariz. |
| Garrett Nash, 2b/ss | 5-10 | 170 | Rangers (4) | Jordan HS, Draper, Utah | |
| Josh Osich, lhp | 6-3 | 195 | Bishop Kelly HS, Boise, Idaho | ||
| Brandon Hayes, 1b | 6-3 | 190 | Rangers (49) | Sheldon HS, Eugene, Ore. | |
| Stephen Hagen, 3b | 6-1 | 200 | Athletics (50) | Peninsula HS, Gig Harbor, Wash. | |
The Beavers have always been strong up the middle during their remarkable three-year run, and the electric Nash (a legitimate 80 runner on the 20-80 scouting scale) will team with ultra-smooth Joey Wong to form one of the nation's most exciting double-play combinations. The other constant in Corvallis lately has been stellar pitching, and this class ensures that will continue. Peavey has a 92-93 mph fastball and a plus slider that could ticket him for Oregon State's Sunday starter role as a freshman, unless Robles beats him to it. Robles has a projectable power arm from the left side that already touches 95 mph at times to go with a decent breaking ball, but he needs to work on his changeup and do a better job controlling the running game. Osich manages to fly under the radar in this class despite an explosive downhill fastball that touches 92 and a power curve at times. Rhoderick joined the Beavers after de-committing to Georgia when Joshua Fields returned for his senior year, and he's the front-runner to close as a freshman thanks to a 90-93 mph fastball and power slider. Hayes, the nephew of former big leaguer Von Hayes, and Hagen add some needed power.
4. North Carolina
Recruiting coordinator: Chad Holbrook
Total number of recruits: 12 (12 freshmen)
| KEY RECRUITS | |||||
| RK. | NAME, POS | Ht. | Wt. | DRAFTED | PREVIOUS SCHOOL |
| 11 | Matt Harvey, rhp | 6-3 | 185 | Angels (3) | Fitch (Conn.) HS |
| 173 | Patrick Johnson, rhp | 5-10 | 185 | St. Stephens HS, Conover, N.C. | |
| Nate Striz, rhp | 6-0 | 210 | Twins (5) | Santa Fe Catholic HS, Lakeland, Fla. | |
| Garrett Davis, rhp | 6-4 | 195 | C.B. Aycock HS, Fremont, N.C. | ||
| Ryan Leach, rhp/if | 5-10 | 175 | East Rutherford HS, Forest City, N.C. | ||
| Ben Bunting, of | 5-9 | 170 | Randleman (N.C.) HS | ||
| Zeke Blanton, of/dh | 6-2 | 185 | East Rutherford HS, Forest City, N.C. | ||
| Greg Holt, 3b/rhp | 6-2 | 205 | St. Stephens HS, Conover, N.C. | ||
Perhaps the best collection of freshman pitching in the nation, UNC's class is highlighted by Harvey, the country's top-ranked recruit who might have been a top-10 pick if not for his association with Scott Boras and a modest spring. Harvey's above-average, heavy fastball sits in the 91-94 mph range and reaches the mid-90s, and his hard-breaking overhand curveball is another plus offering. He'll immediately team with Alex White and Adam Warren to give the Tar Heels one of the nation's premier weekend rotations. The short, stocky Striz, meanwhile, could replace closer Andrew Carignan thanks to a lively 91-94 fastball and a slider that's a little more advanced than Carignan's was at the same age. Oh, and Striz has literally wrestled alligators growing up in Florida, which seems to bode well for his ability to handle pressure situations. Johnson is another undersized bulldog whose long arms and big hands evoke Pedro Martinez; he also has a quick arm that unleashes 90-92 mph fastballs and excellent low-80s sliders. Davis, who was limited by a knee injury as a high school junior, was the big surprise in fall ball, running his fastball into the 94-95 range to go along with a promising slider. Blanton is a hitting machine who could see plenty of time as UNC's DH in the spring, while Holt adds some offensive pop and some funk off the mound.
5. Auburn
Recruiting coordinator: Butch Thompson
Total number of recruits: 13 (13 freshmen)
| KEY RECRUITS | |||||
| RK. | NAME, POS | Ht. | Wt. | DRAFTED | PREVIOUS SCHOOL |
| 67 | Kevin Patterson, 1b/of | 6-5 | 225 | White Sox (24) | Oak Mountain HS, Birmingham |
| 132 | Hunter Morris, 3b/1b | 6-3 | 215 | Red Sox (2) | Grissom HS, Huntsville, Ala. |
| Brian Fletcher, 3b | 6-0 | 185 | Astros (39) | Starr's Mill HS, Fayetteville, Ga. | |
| Wes Gilmer, c | 6-0 | 200 | Pinson Valley HS, Pinson, Ala. | ||
| Bradley Hendrix, rhp | 6-3 | 205 | Oak Mountain HS, Birmingham | ||
| Cory Luckie, lhp | 6-0 | 185 | Prattville (Ala.) HS | ||
| Jon Luke Jacobs, rhp | 6-0 | 175 | Jackson HS, Gainestown, Ala. | ||
Auburn landed the highest-drafted player to attend school in Morris, but Patterson could be an even bigger catch. A broken hamate bone torpedoed Patterson's draft stock, but he might be the premier incoming power hitting in the nation, and his value would only increase further if Auburn's tentative notion to try him at catcher succeeds. Morris is a mature, patient hitter with pop who also figures to step into an immediate role, perhaps more likely in left field than at third base. Fletcher, the son of former big leaguer Scott Fletcher, has an explosive body that evokes Marcus Giles, and he has slightly above-average speed and solid defensive skills to go along with his lightning-quick bat speed. The switch-hitting Gilmer was a high school shortstop who will move to catcher thanks to a strong arm and compact frame. Hendrix, the son of former Dallas Cowboys defensive tackle Brad Hendrix, is the sleeper of the group, a sidearmer with tons of sink who touches 92 mph. Luckie is a competitive lefty with feel for pitching but underwhelming stuff, and Jacobs is a fastball-slider guy who could see some bullpen innings. The strength of the class, though, is the offensive firepower, which compares favorably with any class in the nation.
6. Notre Dame
Recruiting coordinator: Scott Lawler
Total number of recruits: 13 (13 freshmen)
| KEY RECRUITS | |||||
| RK. | NAME, POS | Ht. | Wt. | DRAFTED | PREVIOUS SCHOOL |
| 116 | Brian Dupra, rhp | 6-3 | 195 | Rangers (36) | Greece Athena HS, Rochester, N.Y. |
| 157 | Evan Danieli, rhp | 6-8 | 225 | Twins (33) | Seton Hall Prep, West Orange, N.J. |
| Ryan Sharpley, rhp | 6-4 | 185 | White Sox (35) | Marshall (Mich.) HS | |
| Golden Tate, of | 6-1 | 180 | Diamondbacks (42) | Pope John Paul II HS, Hendersonville, Tenn. | |
| David Casey, 1b/lhp | 6-4 | 225 | Whitefish Bay (Wis.) HS | ||
| Cameron McConnell, c | 6-2 | 190 | Deerfield (Ill.) HS. | ||
| Greg Sherry, ss | 5-11 | 180 | Delbarton HS, Mesham, N.J. | ||
| Matt Scioscia, c | 6-3 | 195 | Angels (41) | Encino Crespi HS, Westlake Village, Calif. | |
| Ty Adams, 1b/lf | 6-7 | 230 | Brebuef Jesuit HS, Indianapolis | ||
Notre Dame's collection of shiny new freshman arms rivals North Carolina's and Oregon State's, as Dupra, Danieli and Sharpley look like the Irish's weekend rotation of the future. Dupra, the top prep prospect in New York this spring, has a loose, easy arm action and has no trouble pumping 93-94 mph fastballs, and he flashes a plus breaking ball and promising changeup. Danieli was overshadowed by teammate Rick Porcello at Seton Hall Prep, but he has plenty of projection and a fastball already in the 88-93 mph range to go along with an excellent breaking ball and the ability to throw three pitches for strikes. Dupra and Danieli could be first-rounders in three years, and Sharpley could be as well if he fills out his lanky frame and adds velocity to his 88-91 mph fastball. The brother of Notre Dame quarterback/first baseman Evan Sharpley also throws a promising but inconsistent hard slider. Tate is a wide receiver/defensive back for the Irish football team and could be a Kenny Lofton type player on the baseball diamond. Casey adds some lefthanded power at first base, and the hard-nosed Sherry is a tough out who looks like Notre Dame's shrtstop of the future. McConnell and Scioscia (the son of Angels manager Mike Scioscia) shore up the Irish's catching situation.
7. UCLA
Recruiting coordinator: Brian Green
Total number of recruits: 12 (10 freshmen, 2 juco transfers)
| KEY RECRUITS | |||||
| RK. | NAME, POS | Ht. | Wt. | DRAFTED | PREVIOUS SCHOOL |
| 126 | Rob Rasmussen, lhp | 5-11 | 170 | Dodgers (27) | Poly HS, Pasadena, Calif. |
| Daniel Klein, rhp | 6-3 | 190 | Orioles (24) | Servite (Calif.) HS | |
| Brett Krill, of | 6-4 | 205 | Braves (46) | Aliso Niguel HS, Aliso Viejo, Calif. | |
| Eric Goedell, rhp | 6-3 | 180 | Bellarmine Prep, San Jose, Calif. | ||
| Matt Grace, lhp | 6-4 | 205 | Pacos Verdes (Calif.) HS | ||
| Niko Gallego, if | 5-10 | 160 | Rockies (37) | Esperanza HS, Anaheim | |
| Brandon Lodge, if | 6-2 | 170 | Angels (46) | Tesoro HS, Las Flores, Calif. | |
| Mitchell Beacom, lhp | 6-8 | 215 | University City HS, San Diego | ||
| Tim Schlatter, rhp | 6-1 | 190 | Sacramento (Calif.) CC | ||
| Chris Giovinazzo, c | 6-1 | 190 | Laguna Hills (Calif.) HS | ||
A year after reeling in the core of its weekend rotation with Gavin Brooks and Charles Brewer, UCLA might have landed an even better group of arms, headlined by Rasmussen, who garners comparisons to former Bruins lefty Jim Parque for his small stature, pair of plus offspeed pitches and moxie. Rasmussen's mid-70s, 12-to-6 hammer curveball was one of the best pitches in California's high school class, helping make his 86-90 mph fastball much more effective. Klein was a high school quarterback and lacks polish on the diamond, but he boasts a well-above-average changeup, solid curveball, 88-91 mph fastball and a projectable frame. With a fastball that has touched 93 and a terrific curveball, Goedell could end up as the top pitcher in this class, but Tommy John surgery in April will keep him on the shelf for most of the 2008 season. The sleeper in the class is Grace, a big, strong lefthander in the Andy Pettite mold, who has a clean arm action, an 87-89 mph fastball and a good curve. Gallego, the son of former big leaguer Mike Gallego, evokes former Cal State Fullerton second baseman Brandon Turner, and Lodge, the son of "Blind Date" host Roger Lodge, is a wiry-strong athlete. Krill has impressive raw power and a true right-field profile.
8. Cal State Fullerton
Recruiting coordinator: Sergio Brown
Total number of recruits: 16 (7 freshmen, 9 juco transfers)
| KEY RECRUITS | |||||
| RK. | NAME, POS | Ht. | Wt. | DRAFTED | PREVIOUS SCHOOL |
| 77 | Gary Brown, of/if | 6-0 | 170 | Athletics (12) | Diamond Bar (Calif.) HS |
| 122 | Christian Colon, ss/2b | 6-0 | 180 | Padres (10) | Canyon HS, Corona, Calif. |
| Daniel Renken, rhp | 6-4 | 195 | Rockies (35) | Orange Lutheran HS, Cypress, Calif. | |
| Eric Komatsu, of | 5-10 | 185 | Yankees (38) | Oxnard (Calif.) JC | |
| Kevin Rath, lhp | 6-5 | 230 | Athletics (38) | Silverado HS, Las Vegas | |
| Jason Dovel, lhp | 6-1 | 180 | La Mirada HS, Buena Park, Calif. | ||
| Shevis Shima, if | 6-1 | 200 | Saddleback (Calif.) JC | ||
| Jordan Tripp, of | 6-4 | 210 | Los Alamitos HS, La Palma, Calif. | ||
| Greg Gelber, lhp | 6-4 | 190 | Ventura (Calif.) JC | ||
Former Titans recruiting coordinator Jason Gill's final class before leaving for Oregon is highlighted by a pair of high-impact athletes in Brown and Colon. Like Oregon State's Garrett Nash, Brown is a truly electric player with well-above-average speed, but he has more raw strength and defensive versatility than Nash. Brown will likely get a shot on the Titans' infield, but he might be best suited for center field. Colon is an instinctive player who plays above his solid-but-unspectacular tools. He's a gap-to-gap hitter with quick hands who has some offensive upside if he can get his body into better shape, and he's a very sure-handed defensive shortstop with adequate arm strength and range. Renken could develop into Fullerton's future Friday starter as he fills out his thin frame and hones his curveball; he already runs his fastball into the low 90s and shows a decent split-finger. The undersized Komatsu has speed and surprising strength and should step in for departed Clark Hardman in center field. The projectable Rash was a three-sport star in high school who could blossom now that he's focusing on baseball, but his breaking stuff needs work. Tripp, the brother of former Titan Brandon Tripp, is a former football player with strength and the ability to play center field, and Shima is a switch-hitting infielder with above-average speed.
9. Texas
Recruiting coordinator: Tommy Harmon
Total number of recruits: 14 (12 freshmen, 2 juco transfers)
| KEY RECRUITS | |||||
| RK. | NAME, POS | Ht. | Wt. | DRAFTED | PREVIOUS SCHOOL |
| 195 | Brandon Workman, rhp | 6-5 | 220 | Phillies (3) | Bowie (Texas) HS |
| Kevin Keyes, of | 6-4 | 225 | Rangers (26) | Connally HS, Austin, Texas | |
| Brandon Belt, lhp/of | 6-5 | 205 | Braves (11) | San Jacinto (Texas) JC | |
| Runey Davis, of | 5-11 | 180 | Pirates (11) | Georgetown (Texas) HS | |
| Garrett Clyde, rhp/if | 6-4 | 205 | Cubs (43) | San Jacinto (Texas) JC | |
| Cameron Rupp, c | 6-2 | 235 | Pirates (43) | Prestonwood Christian Academy, Plano, Texas | |
| Kawika Emsley-Pai, c | 6-1 | 180 | Jackson HS, Mill Creek, Wash. | ||
| Bobby Buckner, 2b/ss | 6-0 | 175 | Boise (Idaho) HS | ||
| Cole Green, rhp | 6-0 | 210 | Coppell (Texas) HS | ||
| Stayton Thomas, rhp | 5-11 | 175 | Corsicana (Texas) HS | ||
| Tant Shepherd, 3b/of | 5-11 | 210 | Flower Mound (Texas) HS | ||
Depth is the strength of the Longhorns' class, and while it doesn't quite have LSU's immediate impact potential, this group has no shortage of high-upside talents. The projectable Workman can run his fastball up to 95 mph to go with a plus downer curveball, but his mechanics may need an overhaul for him to become more consistent. Keyes has above-average raw power and arm strength but needs to improve his impatient approach and sloppy body. Belt was a blue-chip prospect as a lefthander coming out of high school, but his velocity dipped from the low 90s to the mid-80s as a freshman at San Jacinto, and after a big offensive summer in the Texas Collegiate League, his future might be as a power-hitting corner bat. San Jac converted Clyde from first base to the mound this year, and he showed a 93 mph fastball and flashed a plus slider. Rupp has power but a grooved swing and raw catch-and-throw skills. The athletic Emsley-Pai has a high profile because he was a teammate of 2006 first-round pick Travis Snider in high school, but a back injury limited him as a senior; if healthy, he's a potential above-average defensive catcher with bat speed. Hitting is in Buckner's blood--his father Bill had 2,715 big league hits--and he could develop into an offensive second baseman. Green has a good feel for pitching, a solid 88-91 mph fastball and quality curve.
10. Arkansas
Recruiting coordinator: Todd Butler
Total number of recruits: 17 (11 freshmen, 6 juco transfers)
| KEY RECRUITS | |||||
| RK. | NAME, POS | Ht. | Wt. | DRAFTED | PREVIOUS SCHOOL |
| Brett Eibner, rhp/of | 6-4 | 200 | Astros (4) | The Woodlands (Texas) HS | |
| Andy Wilkins, 1b/3b | 6-2 | 220 | Rangers (25) | Broken Arrow HS, Tulsa | |
| Scott Lyons, ss/2b | 6-0 | 190 | Red Sox (36) | Mount San Antonio (Calif.) JC | |
| Mike Bolsinger, rhp | 6-3 | 200 | Indians '06 (34) | Grayson County (Texas) CC | |
| Ryan Cisterna, c | 6-1 | 200 | Nationals (46) | Chandler-Gilbert (Ariz.) CC | |
| James Mahler, rhp | 6-6 | 225 | Phillies (42) | Jordan HS, Sandy, Utah | |
| Bryan Dixon, rhp | 6-1 | 230 | West Mesquite HS, Garland, Texas | ||
| Collin Kuhn, if/of | 5-11 | 185 | Beaver Dam (Wis.) HS | ||
| Greg Noble, of | 5-11 | 195 | Benton (Ark.) HS | ||
| Gary Poynter, rhp | 6-3 | 225 | Rangers '06 (39) | Weatherford (Texas) JC | |
| Kendall Korbal, rhp | 6-6 | 195 | Langham Creek HS, Houston | ||
| Chase Leavitt, 2b/of | 5-11 | 185 | CC of Southern Nevada | ||
Arkansas brought in a characteristically deep class with impact players from both the prep and junior college RK.s. Eibner is one of the nation's top incoming two-way players, with a 90-94 mph fastball, promising curveball and a power bat. Wilkins also adds power with a short, compact stroke, while Kuhn and Noble provide excellent athleticism. Eibner is not the only power arm in the class, as Bolsinger works in the 90-92 range with a plus slider at times, Poynter can run his fastball into the 93-95 range (though he needs to improve his command, particularly with his slider), and Dixon's 88-92 mph fastball has plenty of run and sink. Mahler, the son of former big leaguer Mickey Mahler, works in the 88-90 range and boasts the best curveball in the class, a 12-to-6 hammer. Like Mahler, Korbal has plenty of projection--and a good 88-91 mph sinker--but pitched little last spring due to shoulder discomfort; after a summer of physical therapy he has been cleared to pitch. Cisterna has excellent catch-and-throw skills but his bat lags behind. Leavitt is the sleeper of the class, a 2002 high school graduate who has spent time on a Mormon mission. Leavitt is a lefthanded line-drive hitter with plus speed who could be an offensive igniter for the Razorbacks.
11. Missouri
Recruiting coordinator: Tony Vitello
Total number of recruits: 16 (14 freshmen, 2 juco transfers)
| KEY RECRUITS | |||||
| RK. | NAME, POS | Ht. | Wt. | DRAFTED | PREVIOUS SCHOOL |
| 62 | Nick Tepesch, rhp | 6-4 | 210 | Red Sox (28) | Blue Springs (Mo.) HS |
| Kelly Fick, lhp | 6-2 | 191 | Helias HS, Linn, Mo. | ||
| Brad Buehler, rhp | 6-0 | 185 | Devil Rays (43) | St. Pius X HS, Festus, Mo. | |
| Tyler Clark, rhp | 6-2 | 193 | Cubs (46) | Springfield (Mo.) Catholic HS | |
| Ryan Dawson, rhp | 6-2 | 192 | Warrensburg (Mo.) HS | ||
| Rex Meyr, cf/2b | 5-11 | 184 | Jackson (Mo.) HS | ||
| Steve Gray, 1b/3b | 6-1 | 193 | Scottsdale (Ariz.) CC | ||
| Austin Holt, of | 5-9 | 166 | Barton County (Kan.) CC | ||
| Jonah Schmidt, 3b/1b | 6-4 | 215 | Chaminade HS, St. Louis | ||
For the second straight year, Missouri landed a stellar class highlighted by a future first-round arm. Last year, Kyle Gibson was the projectable power arm, and this year it's Tepesch, whose 90-95 mph fastball, hard breaking ball and nascent changeup should only get better under the tutelage of Missouri's coaches, who have begun to churn out elite arms in recent years. Fick's fierce competitiveness, composure and command of a three-pitch mix could ticket him for the back of Missouri's bullpen, though his 86-88 mph fastball is fringy. The Tigers really cleaned up with Missouri prep arms, landing Buehler (who commands an 89-92 mph fastball and a quality hard breaking ball), Clark (a raw, live arm who has touched 94 mph) and Dawson (who has terrific projection but an inconsistent delivery). The scrappy Meyr is an above-average runner who could play second base or center immediately, while the switch-hitting Holt could lead off and play left field. Gray and Schmidt both have the ability to hit the ball out of the park and could be factors at the corners for the Tigers.
12. Vanderbilt
Recruiting coordinator: Erik Bakich
Total number of recruits: 12 (12 freshmen)
| KEY RECRUITS | |||||
| RK. | NAME, POS | Ht. | Wt. | DRAFTED | PREVIOUS SCHOOL |
| Curt Casali, c | 6-3 | 215 | New Canaan (Conn.) HS | ||
| Chase Reid, rhp | 6-3 | 205 | Brewers (42) | Carroll HS, Southlake, Texas | |
| Aaron Westlake, 1b/3b | 6-3 | 220 | Shasta HS, Redding, Calif. | ||
| Sean Bierman, lhp | 6-0 | 190 | Reds (42) | Kinnelon (N.J.) HS | |
| Joey Manning, of | 6-5 | 235 | Phillies (47) | Bartow, Fla. | |
| Taylor Hill, rhp | 6-3 | 215 | Mt. Juliet (Tenn.) HS | ||
| Kellen St. Luce, lhp | 6-3 | 215 | Marlins (37) | All Saints Cathedral HS, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands | |
| Gabe Ortiz, ss | 6-3 | 175 | Notre Dame Academy, Middleburg, Va. | ||
The Commodores return nearly all of their position players, so this class will be the foundation for the 2009 and '10 teams. Casali has outstanding catch-and-throw skills, including a plus arm, and slightly above-average power. He could push senior catcher Shea Robin for playing time and will certainly emerge as a mainstay by his sophomore year. Reid and Westlake are both likely to contribute immediately, Reid because of his 88-92 mph and knockout low-80s, hard-breaking curveball, which could make him a good fit for the closer role. Westlake figures to hit his way into the lineup as a freshman thanks to his smooth gap-to-gap stroke from the left side. He was a top-10 rounds talent whose Vandy commitment scared off scouts. Bierman is a polished lefty in the mold of staff leader Mike Minor, with a mid-to-upper-80s fastball and solid slurvy breaking ball, while the raw but talented St. Luce is very projectable. Hill also has a good pitcher's frame and could be a future weekend starter thanks to his four-pitch mix and 88-92 mph fastball. Manning, a physical specimen with middle-of-the-order potential, and Ortiz, a slick-fielding Panamanian shortstop with a plus arm, are intriguing down-the-road talents.
13. Pepperdine
Recruiting coordinator: Sean Kenny
Total number of recruits: 17 (14 freshmen, 3 juco transfers)
| KEY RECRUITS | |||||
| RK. | NAME, POS | Ht. | Wt. | DRAFTED | PREVIOUS SCHOOL |
| 127 | Scott Alexander, lhp | 6-2 | 190 | Reds (37) | Cardinal Newman HS, Santa Rosa, Calif. |
| Cole Cook, rhp | 6-6 | 200 | Mariners (36) | Palisades Charter HS, Pacific Palisades, Calif. | |
| Torrey Jacoby, if | 6-3 | 155 | Diamondbacks (40) | Notre Dame HS, Scottsdale, Ariz. | |
| Nate Newman, rhp | 6-5 | 210 | Grayson (Texas) County CC | ||
| Tyler Hess, rhp | 6-5 | 245 | De La Salle HS, Concord, Calif. | ||
| David Harris, of | 6-0 | 185 | Santa Barbara (Calif.) CC | ||
| Bryce Mendonca, if | 5-10 | 160 | Chabot (Calif.) JC | ||
| Matt Bywater, lhp | 6-2 | 180 | Thousand Oaks (Calif.) HS | ||
| Jason Butler, lhp | 6-0 | 205 | Desert Mountain HS, Fountain Hills, Ariz. | ||
| Kevin Inman, rhp | 6-1 | 180 | Garces HS, Bakersfield, Calif. | ||
Pepperdine had plenty of holes to fill after losing seven veterans to the draft in June, and accordingly this is one of the largest classes in school history. Alexander burst onto draft radar screens this spring, running his fastball up to 93 mph from the left side and showing feel for a pair of still-inconsistent secondary offerings. He could emerge as Pepperdine’s ace by 2009. Cook is an extremely projectable righty who already touches 92 mph at times, though like Alexander he works more in the 87-90 mph range now. Newman, the No. 2 prospect in the Clark Griffith League this summer, is an exceptional athlete whose sinking, boring fastball sits in the 88-91 mph range and touches 93, to go along with a sharp slurve and promising split-finger. He could be an immediate weekend starter. Hess is another power arm who touched 94 mph with his fastball before tearing his anterior cruciate ligament playing football a year ago (he was an offensive lineman), but he’s healthy now and just needs some polish. Inman, the brother of Stanford righty Jeff Inman, works in the 88-90 mph range and flashes a plus curveball. This class also has athletic position players in Mendonca, a well-above-average runner who has a chance to be Pepperdine’s shortstop and leadoff man; Jacoby, the son of former big leaguer Brook Jacoby who could wind up as a third baseman like his dad once he fills out; and Harris, a switch-hitter with power from both sides of the plate and above-average speed.
14. Mississippi
Recruiting coordinator: Rob Reinstetle
Total number of recruits: 17 (11 freshmen, 6 juco transfers)
| KEY RECRUITS | |||||
| RK. | NAME, POS | Ht. | Wt. | DRAFTED | PREVIOUS SCHOOL |
| Drew Pomeranz, lhp | 6-6 | 225 | Rangers (12) | Collierville (Tenn.) HS | |
| Michael Hubbard, of | 6-0 | 180 | Diamondbacks '06 (38) | Meridian (Miss.) CC | |
| Michael Guerrero, of | 6-0 | 185 | Marlins '06 (49) | Arkansas-Fort Smith JC | |
| Kyle Henson, c | 6-1 | 185 | Dodgers '05 (17) | San Jacinto (Texas) JC | |
| Tim Ferguson, ss | 6-2 | 185 | Beaumont (Texas) Westbrook HS | ||
| Matt Tracy, lhp | 6-4 | 195 | Christian Brothers HS, St. Louis | ||
| Logan Williams, 3b | 6-1 | 195 | Southside Bee Branch HS, Damascus, Ark. | ||
| David Goforth, rhp | 6-0 | 185 | Neshoba Central HS, Philadelphia, Miss. | ||
Ole Miss brought in a very solid under-the-radar class, but in three years there likely won’t be anything under-the-radar about Pomeranz, an uber-projectable southpaw who has run his fastball up to 93-94 to go with a devastating 80 mph spike curveball. The brother of Cardinals 2003 second-round pick Stuart Pomeranz nearly signed with the Rangers--and the club even announced his signing shortly after midnight on Aug. 16 before retracting the statement. Reinstetle thinks Pomeranz could end up as another David Price by the time he’s drafted again. Hubbard and Guerrero provide the Rebels with much-needed power right away--Guerrero can hit balls out to all fields, while Hubbard has big lefthanded pull power. Guerrero’s above-average arm and fringe-average speed could make him a solid corner outfielder, but Hubbard is an aggressive defender who might force his way into the center field job, keeping super sophomore Jordan Henry in a corner. Henson has excellent receiving skills and a strong arm, though a funky arm action. Offensively, he’s a doubles machine. The smooth Ferguson is likely Mississippi’s shortstop of the future, while the physical Williams is Cody Overbeck’s heir apparent at third base. Tracy is the sleeper of the group, a projectable three-pitch lefty who could become a force if he fills out his frame and adds velocity to his mid-80s fastball.
15. Clemson
Recruiting coordinator: Tom Riginos
Total number of recruits: 10 (8 freshmen, 2 juco transfers)
| KEY RECRUITS | |||||
| RK. | NAME, POS | Ht. | Wt. | DRAFTED | PREVIOUS SCHOOL |
| Jeff Schaus, of | 6-2 | 190 | Rangers (35) | Barron Collier HS, Naples, Fla. | |
| Chris Epps, of | 6-1 | 180 | White Sox (28) | Dunwoody (Ga.) HS | |
| Trent Rothlin, rhp | 6-2 | 185 | Mariners (35) | Foard HS, Newton, N.C. | |
| John Hinson, if | 6-1 | 185 | Phillies (40) | Reynolds HS, Asheville, N.C. | |
| Trey Delk, rhp | 5-11 | 196 | Spartanburg (S.C.) Methodist JC | ||
| Craig Gullickson, lhp | 6-1 | 216 | Cardinal Newman HS, Palm Beach Gardens, Fla. | ||
| Casey Harman, lhp | 6-3 | 185 | South Burlington (Vt.) HS | ||
| Patrick Deese, rhp | 6-2 | 190 | Spartanburg (S.C.) HS | ||
| Matt Sanders, if | 6-0 | 185 | Young Harris (Ga.) JC | ||
Former recruiting coordinator Kevin O’Sullivan left the cupboard well-stocked before leaving to take Florida’s head job. Impact bats headline this group, led by Schaus and Epps, who could man Clemson’s corner outfield spots as freshmen. Epps has more of a live body and lightning-quick hands that should translate to power down the road, but right now his outstanding feel for the strike zone could make him a solid leadoff hitter. Schaus has a little Wade Boggs in him, according to Riginos, with a repeatable swing that consistently produces line drives to the opposite field and the gaps. The versatile Hinson is in Clemson’s mix at every infield position except for shortstop, and he’s a solid gap-to-gap hitter from the left side with occasional power. Rothlin’s loose, quick arm can yield fastballs up to 93 mph, though his velocity is inconsistent, and his three-pitch mix could allow him to compete for a Sunday starter role as a freshman. Delk and Gullickson, the son of former big leaguer Bill Gullickson, both offer solid three-pitch repertoires, and while Delk has a little more present velocity, Gullickson's velocity is starting to jump close to 90, and his feel for pitching is outstanding. Sanders could replace Marquez Smith at third base.
16. Arizona State
Recruiting coordinator: Josh Holliday
Total number of recruits: 15 (10 freshmen, 5 juco transfers)
| KEY RECRUITS | |||||
| RK. | NAME, POS | Ht. | Wt. | DRAFTED | PREVIOUS SCHOOL |
| 188 | Seth Blair, rhp | 6-1 | 190 | Athletics (47) | Rock Falls (Ill.) HS |
| Devin Fuller, rhp | 6-2 | 215 | Dodgers (14) | Gilbert HS, Chandler, Ariz. | |
| Matt Newman, of | 5-10 | 185 | Diamondbacks (49) | Brophy Prep, Phoenix | |
| Reyes Dorado, rhp | 6-2 | 205 | Pirates (46) | Riverside (Calif.) CC | |
| R.J. Preach, rhp | 6-2 | 185 | Devil Rays (33) | Brophy Prep, Phoenix | |
| Kyle Brule, rhp | 6-1 | 180 | Tigers (21) | Marcos de Niza HS, Tempe, Ariz. | |
| Stephen Sauer, rhp | 6-2 | 180 | Devil Rays (31) | Western Nevada CC | |
Turtle Thomas' first and only class at Arizona State before leaving for Florida International's head job was ravaged by the draft, expectedly losing premium signees like Josh Vitters, Justin Jackson, Michael Burgess, Danny Rams and Austin Romine. Even so, the Sun Devils landed some quality arms, led by Blair, who has touched 95 mph but works in the 89-92 range with sinking action. Fuller works in the same range and has touched 94, and his sharp downer curveball and decent changeup give him a chance to crack ASU's weekend rotation as a freshman. Dorado's power fastball-slider repertoire will make him a fixture near the back of the Sun Devils bullpen, and Sauer's 88-92 mph sinking fastball and good changeup could do the same. Preach is thin but projectable and has good feel for pitching, and Brule is a raw thrower who can reach 93. Newman is a gamer with solid tools who reminds Holiday of former Georgia Tech star Danny Payne. Four-year transfers Jason Kipnis and Jason Franzblau augment this class but do not help Arizona State in these rankings.
17. Virginia
Recruiting coordinator: Kevin McMullan
Total number of recruits: 15 (14 freshmen, 1 juco transfer)
| KEY RECRUITS | |||||
| RK. | NAME, POS | Ht. | Wt. | DRAFTED | PREVIOUS SCHOOL |
| Phil Gosselin, if | 6-1 | 175 | Malvern Prep, West Chester, Pa. | ||
| Tyler Wilson, rhp | 6-1 | 180 | Midlothian (Va.) HS | ||
| Jake Cowan, rhp | 6-3 | 170 | Red Sox (14) | Roswell (Ga.) HS | |
| Sean Tierney, lhp | 6-4 | 180 | Red Sox (35) | Clover Hill HS, Midlothian, Va. | |
| Jarrett Parker, of | 6-3 | 190 | Colonial Forge HS, Stafford, Va. | ||
| Robert Morey, rhp | 6-1 | 180 | Devil Rays (29) | Cape Henry HS, Virginia Beach, Va. | |
| Kevin Arico, rhp | 6-4 | 200 | Twins (45) | Hunterdon Central HS, Flemington, N.J. | |
| Franco Valdes, c | 5-10 | 205 | Broward (Fla.) CC | ||
| David Coleman, of | 5-11 | 180 | Trinity Episcopal HS, Richmond | ||
| John Barr, of | 6-2 | 180 | Germantown Academy, Ivyland, Pa. | ||
Virginia landed a strong, balanced class with some intriguing arms and some position players who could make immediate impacts. Gosselin committed to the Cavaliers early in the recruiting process and told scouts to stay away his senior year because he intended to head to Charlottesville. Gosselin is a talented middle infielder who can run, steal bases and handle the bat in any situation--a perfect fit for the pitching-and-defense-oriented Cavaliers. He could develop into an offensive force as he adds strength to his frame. Wilson has the best arm of the group, working in the 88-93 mph range and showing feel for a four-pitch mix. Cowan could add velocity to his 87-90 fastball as he fills out, and his curveball is already a very good pitch. Tierney's velocity dipped into the 86-88 range this spring, perhaps due to shoulder tendonitis that sidelined him for a time, but he has shown average velocity in the past to go along with a plus curveball and feel for a change. Morey surprised UVa. in fall ball, showing an 88-93 mph fastball and excellent downer curve. Parker played well in the Cal Ripken League this summer and could be Virginia's center fielder of the future, while Coleman evokes former Cavalier Brandon Marsh. Barr adds above-average outfield speed that is so important at spacious Davenport Field.
18. Texas A&M
Recruiting coordinator: Jeremy Talbot
Total number of recruits: 13 (6 freshmen, 7 juco transfers)
| KEY RECRUITS | |||||
| RK. | NAME, POS | Ht. | Wt. | DRAFTED | PREVIOUS SCHOOL |
| Barrett Loux, rhp | 6-5 | 210 | Tigers (23) | Stratford HS, Houston | |
| Brooks Raley, lhp/of | 6-1 | 170 | Uvalde (Texas) HS | ||
| Jose Duran, ss | 5-11 | 190 | North Central Texas CC | ||
| Nick Fleece, if/of/rhp | 6-2 | 205 | Boswell HS, Fort Worth, Texas | ||
| Aaron Daab, lhp | 6-2 | 220 | Katy (Texas) HS | ||
| Carson Middleton, rhp | 6-3 | 200 | McClennan (Texas) JC | ||
The Aggies were hit harder by the draft than any school; not only did they lose first-round pick Kevin Ahrens and second-rounder Eric Eiland, as expected, but they also lost fifth-rounder Will Middlebrooks right at the Aug. 15 signing deadline for a $925,000 bonus, and 23rd-rounder Drake Britton for a $700,000 bonus. Still, A&M landed a blue-chip power arm in Loux, who turned down roughly $700,000 in August and could be a premium pick in three years. Loux pitched in the 87-91 mph range with run this spring, but the Aggies say he can reach the 93-95 range, to go along with an outstanding hard changeup and a decent hard slider. Raley, the brother of Yankees minor leaguer Russell Raley, evokes former Aggie and current San Diego Padre Casey Fossum, with an 87-91 mph fastball, a good changeup and a low-80s slider; he's also an above-average runner who figures to get some time in the A&M outfield as a freshman. Duran also has good bloodlines--his brother is Rangers prospect German Duran--and is a plus runner with sure hands, a strong arm at shortstop and some pop in his bat. Fleece is a physical corner outfielder with power who also works in the 88-92 range off the mound. Daab has excellent command but fringy velocity right now, and the physical, competitive Middleton has a three-pitch mix highlighted by an 89-93 mph fastball.
19. Rice
Recruiting coordinator: David Pierce/Mike Taylor
Total number of recruits: 12 (10 freshmen, 2 juco transfers)
| KEY RECRUITS | |||||
| RK. | NAME, POS | Ht. | Wt. | DRAFTED | PREVIOUS SCHOOL |
| 154 | Rick Hague, ss | 6-2 | 185 | Brewers (37) | Klein Collins HS, Spring, Texas |
| Chad Mozingo, of | 5-11 | 180 | Klein (Texas) HS | ||
| Matt Evers, lhp | 6-3 | 205 | Devil Rays (48) | Stratford (Texas) HS | |
| Joseph Paylor, of | 5-10 | 155 | Phillies (38) | Hillcrest HS, Dallas | |
| Nick Natale, of | 6-1 | 175 | Seton Hall Prep, West Orange, N.J. | ||
| Andrew Hamilton, lhp | 6-8 | 280 | Jesuit HS, Metairie, La. | ||
The Owls brought in a small class, but one that filled their needs--particularly up the middle, where shortstop Brian Friday and center fielder Tyler Henley left for pro ball. Hague is a thicker version of former Owls shortstop and current Reds farmhand Paul Janish, with good power to the gaps, smooth actions at shortstop, average speed and arm strength. Hague is probably the top incoming shortstop in the nation, and Mozingo looks like another immediate contributor at a premium position. Mozingo is a polished lefthanded hitter who can spray the ball to all fields, and he's an aggressive, instinctive center fielder with solid-average speed. Paylor and Natale are both more raw than Mozingo, but both bring speed to Rice's outfield mix--Paylor runs a 6.4-second 60-yard dash, Natale a 6.5. Evers has touched 92-93 mph, but he needs to clean up his delivery to pitch with that kind of velocity more consistently. Hamilton is the big sleeper in this class, a raw lefthander with a build that evokes former Rice All-American Jeff Niemann. An offensive lineman for Jesuit's football team in high school, Hamilton could take off now that's he's focusing on baseball--he already runs his fastball up to 90 mph and shows a feel for a curveball and changeup.
20. Miami
Recruiting coordinator: Gino DiMare
Total number of recruits: 8 (5 freshmen, 3 juco transfers)
| KEY RECRUITS | |||||
| RK. | NAME, POS | Ht. | Wt. | DRAFTED | PREVIOUS SCHOOL |
| 42 | Yasmani Grandal, c | 6-2 | 205 | Red Sox (27) | Miami Springs (Fla.) HS |
| Chris Hernandez, lhp | Tigers (14) | Monsignior Pace HS, Opa Locka, Fla. | |||
| D.J. Swatcheno, lhp | Flannagan HS, Pembroke Pines, Fla. | ||||
| Iden Nazario, lhp | Nationals (41) | South Ridge HS, Miami | |||
| Adam Severino, of | White Sox '06 (38) | Broward (Fla.) Miami | |||
| Joey Terdoslovich, 3b/of | Devil Rays (35) | Sarasota (Fla.) HS | |||
The Hurricanes brought in a small class of impact players, but it got even smaller when Swatcheno had Tommy John surgery that will sideline him for all of 2008. When healthy, Swatcheno used his deceptive max-effort delivery, live fastball and good hard breaking ball to lead Flannagan High to back-to-back state titles as a sophomore and junior. Grandal is the centerpiece of this class, the best incoming catcher in the nation and the highest-ranked position player to forego the draft in favor of school. Miami coach Jim Morris said Grandal could be the best catcher he's coached since Jason Varitek at Georgia Tech. Grandal is a sterling defender who can receive, block balls in the dirt, and shut down the running game with his plus arm. He's a switch-hitter who can make contact from both sides but is better from the left side. Hernandez is a lefthander with superior command and feel for pitching, in the mold of Miami ace sophomore Eric Erickson. Hernandez works in the 85-88 mph range with his fastball, but his slider and changeup are his bread and butter. Terdoslovich, a high school teammate of Miami sophomore Mark Soblewski, is a switch-hitter with gap power who should get some time at third base and the outfield. Nazario needs to hone his command, but he can run his fastball up to 93-94 mph and has a good changeup.
21. Tennessee
Recruiting coordinator: Bradley LeCroy
Total number of recruits: 10 (5 freshmen, 5 juco transfers)
| KEY RECRUITS | |||||
| RK. | NAME, POS | Ht. | Wt. | DRAFTED | PREVIOUS SCHOOL |
| 54 | Kentrail Davis, of | 5-9 | 195 | Rockies (14) | Theodore (Ala.) HS |
| Josh Liles, of | 6-2 | 190 | Mariners (40) | Jackson (Tenn.) HS | |
| Joey Rosas, lhp | 6-0 | 175 | Rangers (43) | Yavapai (Ariz.) JC | |
| Blake Forsythe, c/1b | 6-2 | 190 | Christian Brothers HS, Memphis | ||
| Matt Hamaker, c | 5-11 | 185 | Jackson (Tenn.) State CC | ||
| Dylan Hochevar, rhp | 6-4 | 195 | Wray (Colo.) HS | ||
Former recruiting coordinator Mike Bell's final class before the Volunteers replaced their coaching staff is highlighted by the ultra-athletic Davis, the top draft prospect in the state of Alabama this spring. The barrel-chested Davis is built like Kirby Puckett, and his game resembles Puckett's too; he's a high-energy player with speed and a live bat. Liles brings more athleticism--he runs a 6.5-second 60-yard dash and has some looseness in his swing and feel for the strike zone. Rosas has shown advanced feel for pitching at times in his junior college career and was a ninth-round pick (Nationals) as a freshman in '06, though his 87-90 mph fastball won't blow anyone away. Hochevar is the younger brother of former Tennessee All-American and No. 1 overall pick Luke Hochevar. Dylan is not as tall as his brother and lacks present velocity, sitting in the mid-80s, but the former three-sport star is more athletic than his brother and repeats his delivery well. Forsythe also has good bloodlines--his brother Logan is a star at Arkansas who had a breakout summer for Team USA.
22. Georgia Tech
Recruiting coordinator: Bryan Prince
Total number of recruits: 11 (11 freshmen)
| KEY RECRUITS | |||||
| RK. | NAME, POS | Ht. | Wt. | DRAFTED | PREVIOUS SCHOOL |
| Derek Dietrich, 3b/rhp | 6-1 | 196 | Astros (3) | St. Ignatius HS, Cleveland | |
| Brandon Cumpton, rhp | 6-2 | 196 | Greenbrier HS, Evans, Ga. | ||
| Cole Leonida, c/1b | 6-3 | 213 | Grandview HS, Aurora, Colo. | ||
| Kevin Jacob, rhp | 6-6 | 210 | Parkville HS, Baltimore | ||
| Deck McGuire, rhp | 6-6 | 239 | Deep Run HS, Richmond | ||
| Zach Brewster, lhp | 6-0 | 170 | North Hall HS, Murrayville, Ga. | ||
| Chase Burnette, of | 6-2 | 194 | Buford (Ga.) HS | ||
| Taylor Wood, lhp | 6-7 | 204 | Greater Atlanta Christian | ||
Former recruiting coordinator Josh Holliday put together a solid class before leaving for Arizona State, highlighted by Dietrich, the Astros' top pick in June as a third-rounder. Dietrich will be a power-hitting third baseman right away for the Yellow Jackets, and his 91-94 mph fastball and feel for a breaking ball could make him Tech's closer as well. Cumpton could push for a spot in Georgia Tech's crowded weekend rotation thanks to a four-pitch mix highlighted by a good fastball that tops out at 92 and a good 12-to-6 curveball. Leonida will be Tech's catcher of the future, a physical player who should hit for power. McGuire, Jacob and Wood are all projectable pitchers who could become impact arms for the Jackets if they can firm up their frames. Brewster also needs to add strength but can run his fastball up to 92 mph from a low three-quarters slot. The lefthanded-hitting Burnette has good speed and instincts in the outfield.
23. Tulane
Recruiting coordinator: Mark Kingston
Total number of recruits: 13 (8 freshmen, 5 juco transfers)
| KEY RECRUITS | |||||
| RK. | NAME, POS | Ht. | Wt. | DRAFTED | PREVIOUS SCHOOL |
| Robert Broach, rhp | 6-1 | 195 | Pirates (45) | Archbishop Rummel HS, Metairie, La. | |
| Drew Allain, of | 6-2 | 195 | Delgado (La.) CC | ||
| Sam Honeck, 1b | 6-3 | 215 | Yankees '06 (50) | Grayson (Texas) County CC | |
| Robert Segedin, 3b/rhp | 6-3 | 212 | Old Tappan (N.J.) HS | ||
| Mason Griffin, rhp | 6-1 | 210 | Grayson (Texas) County CC | ||
| Andrew Rogers, of | 6-4 | 210 | Navarro (Texas) JC | ||
| Nick Pepitone, rhp | 6-6 | 205 | Katy (Texas) HS | ||
The Green Wave brought in the nation's best group of four-year transfers--shortstop Josh Prince from Texas, righthander Josh Zeid from Vanderbilt and lefty Matt Petiton from North Carolina--but those players don't help Tulane in these rankings. Even so, this class is a good one, with a nice mix of power arms and power bats. The ultra-competitive Broach could wind up as Tulane's Sunday starter next spring thanks to an 89-92 mph fastball and an above-average power curveball. Segedin figures to start at third base, but he spent the summer working on his pitching and can run his fastball up to 92-93 mph with a plus slider at times. Griffin doesn't have that kind of arm strength, but he could be the favorite to take over Tulane's closer job thanks to his sinking, running 85-87 mph fastball from a submarine angle. Pepitone, a converted first baseman, is relatively new to pitching but already works in the 88-92 range. Honeck showed big power in the Clark Griffith League this summer and is the latest masher to assume Tulane's first base job, following in the footsteps of Mark Hamilton and Michael Aubrey. Allain is an excellent athlete with speed who evokes Rocco Baldelli.
24. Georgia
Recruiting coordinator: Jason Eller
Total number of recruits: 13 (9 freshmen, 4 juco transfers)
| KEY RECRUITS | |||||
| RK. | NAME, POS | Ht. | Wt. | DRAFTED | PREVIOUS SCHOOL |
| 178 | Justin Grimm, rhp | 6-4 | 170 | Red Sox (13) | Virginia HS, Bristol, Va. |
| Lyle Allen, of | 6-3 | 207 | Braves (22) | Cartersville (Ga.) HS | |
| Edmond Sparks, c/dh | 5-11 | 197 | Braves (23) | Lovejoy HS, Hampton, Ga. | |
| Will Harvil, rhp | 6-4 | 231 | Devil Rays (17) | Young Harris (Ga.) JC | |
| Stephen Brock, rhp | 6-4 | 233 | Angels '05 (14) | Chipola (Fla.) JC | |
| Adam Fuller, of | 5-9 | 165 | Andrew (Ga.) JC | ||
Georgia's class is bolstered by a quality transfer from Texas, Michael Demperio, but he does not help their ranking. Grimm will be a key member of Georgia's weekend rotation down the line, though he'll probably spend his freshman year as a midweek starter and weekend reliever. His sinking, 90-93 mph fastball and projectable frame made him the No. 4 prospect in the Cal Ripken Sr. Collegiate League this summer. Allen was a star quarterback in high school whose strength and leverage give him plus raw power, and he could start in left field right away. Sparks figures to be Georgia's catcher of the future thanks to good catch-and-throw skills and a solid bat. Harvil won 11 games to lead Young Harris to its first-ever JUCO World Series appearance last year, and he figures to play a role similar to Grimm's in 2008. The scrappy Fuller has a chance to start in center field and lead off for the Bulldogs thanks to his ability to get on base and run.
25. UC Riverside
Recruiting coordinator: Nathan Choate
Total number of recruits: 15 (13 freshmen, 2 juco transfers)
| KEY RECRUITS | |||||
| RK. | NAME, POS | Ht. | Wt. | DRAFTED | PREVIOUS SCHOOL |
| Eddie Orozco, rhp | 6-2 | 200 | White Sox (31) | Rubidoux HS, Riverside, Calif. | |
| Dusin Emmons, rhp | 6-1 | 205 | Pirates (44) | Crescenta Valley HS, La Crescenta, Calif. | |
| B.J. Salsbury, rhp | 6-2 | 170 | Rangers (37) | San Jacinto (Calif.) HS | |
| Matt Larkins, rhp | 6-1 | 215 | Temescal Canyon HS, Corona, Calif. | ||
| Kolby Moore, rhp | 6-4 | 195 | Centennial HS, Corona, Calif. | ||
| Brett Hambright, c | 6-1 | 200 | Phillies (34) | Temescal Canyon HS, Corona, Calif. | |
| Tony Nix, of | 5-11 | 175 | Poway HS, San Diego | ||
Riverside's class flew under the radar a year ago, when it produced freshman All-American Joe Kelly and Big West Freshman of the Year Joey Gonzalez. Andrew Checketts' final class before leaving for Oregon is a bit of a stealth class as well, but it might be an even better one than last year's. The polished Orozco has a live arm and can run his fastball up to 92 mph to go along with a good 79-80 mph slider and feel for a changeup. Emmons hasn't shown consistent velocity yet, but he has a good arm, a physical frame, a power slider and an advanced feel for pitching. The Major League Scouting Bureau slapped an impressive grade on Salsbury, who pitches off a lively fastball that touches 92 and has a good 80 mph curveball. He could add velocity as he fills out his wiry frame and cleans up his funky arm action. Hambright is a physical, mature catcher with an above-average arm and exceptional receiving skills behind the plate. He also has good bat speed and could hit for power as he cleans up his offensive approach.
BEST OF THE
REST
A region-by-region glance at the top classes that didn't quite crack our top 25:
SOUTHEAST
1. Florida
The Gators landed a trio of quality arms highlighted by unsigned third-round pick Tommy Toledo (No. 151 in the top 200), a projectable righthander with a sinking 90-93 mph fastball. Righties Justin Poovey (a former Clemson recruit who followed coach Kevin O'Sullivan to Gainesville) and Travis Lawler can each touch the 90-92 range, and the compact Josh Adams has the inside track on Florida's starting second base job as a freshman.
2. South Florida
South Florida's large class (17 freshmen and six juco transfers, plus five four-year transfers) is highlighted by a pair of impact two-way players in lefthander/first baseman Stephen Hunt and lefty/outfielder Junior Carlin, both of whom can reach the low 90s off the mound and offer good downer curveballs. Hunt also figures to start at first base, and righthander Derrick Stultz could slide right into South Florida's weekend rotation thanks to a 91-93 mph fastball and good curve. Kevin Quackenbush and Michael Anzivino also have quality arms, while Brian Hobbs and Trey Manz add some pop.
3. Florida State
The Seminoles landed a pair of highly drafted players in fifth-round lefthander John Gast and sixth-round outfielder Taiwan Easterling, but each comes with significant question marks. Gast is a strike-throwing machine with a nasty curveball when healthy, but he had Tommy John surgery in May and will miss most or all of the 2008 season. Easterling is a great athlete but is also a football player, so the Seminoles won't count on him too much. Righty Mike McGee will make an impact thanks to his outstanding command of an 88-92 mph fastball and a pair of secondary pitches that both project as potential plus offerings.
4. South Carolina
Lefthanders Steven Neff and Will Casey could form the core of USC's weekend rotation in future seasons--each works in the high 80s and touches the low 90s with his fastball. Outfielder Jose Rodriguez is a classic South Carolina masher, and Whit Merrifield brings a new dimension with excellent speed and basestealing instincts.
5. Stetson
Stetson's class lacks flashy big names but is not short on solid college baseball players. Lefthander Travis Stortz pitches in the low 90s and has a good curveball and could factor into the Hatters' weekend rotation immediately. Fellow lefty Brad Tressler doesn't have quite as much velocity but has a plus slider, and Robert Crews is a shortstop with some pop.
LOWER
MIDWEST
1. Louisiana-Lafayette
With a plus arm, good receiving skills and plus power potential, Thad Griffen (152) is one of the nation's top catching recruits. Jordan Porrier will make an immediate impact in the middle infield, while loose righthander Dayton Marze will do the same for the pitching staff. Undersized righty Matt Broussard can reach 93 and has a good curveball, making him Louisiana-Lafayette's likely closer.
2. Texas Christian
The Horned Frogs brought in a deep class highlighted by power arms at the top. Six-foot-8 righthander Greg Holle was one of the best pitching prospects in the state of New York this spring, with a fastball that reaches 93-94 mph. Junior college transfer Andrew Casher also has good size (6-5) and a plus fastball to go along with a promising breaking ball.
3. Mississippi State
Lefthander Forrest Moore (163) out of Louisiana highlights a class heavy on Mississippi talent. Moore evokes fellow Louisiana native Wade Leblanc, though he throws harder and his changeup is not as good. First baseman Tyler Moore and catcher Cody Freeman lead a solid in-state contingent.
4. Texas Tech
Righthander Chad Bettis (124) evokes Jake Peavy for his lively 91-94 mph fastball, hard curveball and clean mechanics, and he could be Texas Tech's ace of the future. Robbie Kilcrease is an undersized lefty with advanced feel for pitching who should contribute immediately. The lefthanded-hitting Tanner Rindels brings a nice power-speed mix.
5. Houston
Tyler Hammack has a big arm and good feel for pitching, but shoulder woes have slowed him the last couple of years; he's a potential high-reward two-way player for the Cougars. Jared Ray is in a similar position--he has shown an 88-92 mph fastball and good curveball, but a shoulder impingement sidelined him this spring. Ty Stuckey has less upside but plenty of polish and the ability to help on the mound and at first base.
UPPER
MIDWEST
1. Kentucky
Knee surgery kept Dan Killian from being a top-two-rounds draftee in the spring, but if healthy he could challenge Yasmani Grandal and Thad Weber for the mantle of the nation's best incoming catcher. His strong arm, athletic catcher's build and bloodlines (his brother Billy was a third-round pick of the Padres) made him one of the top prospects in the state of Michigan. Logan Darnell and Mike Kaczmarek don't have overwhelming stuff, but both are competitors with pitchability who could factor into UK's weekend rotation. Chris McClendon is a hitting machine.
2. Evansville
The Purple Aces were loaded with seniors a year ago, and they brought in a large class (14 freshmen, seven juco transfers) to fill some holes. Nate Smith and Sean Loggins both have power and high ceilings, and Tom Heithoff and Derek Melton bring some more pop. Smith and Greg Wallace also bring some speed to Evansville.
3. Central Michigan
The Chippewas landed several raw, high-ceiling talents who have time to develop because of the team's depth of returning players. Righthander Trevor Borsak reaches 93 mph with good sink from a low three-quarters angle, and two-way player Matt Faiman is an above-average runner who can reach 92 from the left side. Outfielders Andrew Thomas, Sam Russell and Scott Phillion add terrific athleticism, speed and some power.
4. Michigan State
Slick-fielding shortstop Jonathan Roof could step right into the Spartans' starting shortstop job as a freshman, and Tyler Newsome has a chance to be an impact two-way player immediately. Ohio righthander A.J. Achter is an intriguing sleeper, with a projectable 6-foot-5 build and enough current stuff to compete for Michigan State's closer job.
5. Iowa
Iowa's class is highlighted by unsigned ninth-round pick Zach Kenyon, a loose-armed 6-foot-6 righthander in the Aaron Heilman mold whose high-80s fastball has very good sink. Righthander Tony Manville is ready to compete for a job in the weekend rotation, while Phil Keppler and Kurtis Muller bring athleticism to the Hawkeyes' outfield.
WEST
1. Long Beach State
The Dirtbags focused on improving their pitching depth with the impending compacted schedule, and they did just that. Righthander Jacob Thompson, who bypassed his senior year of high school to enter Long Beach State early, is a high-ceiling arm with time to develop behind LBSU's veterans. Junior college transfer David Born gives the Dirtbags a lefthander with power stuff coming out of the bullpen, and undersized righty David Brown is very tough on righthanders from a low three-quarters angle. Devin Lohman is the heir apparent to LBSU shortstop Danny Espinosa.
2. California
Unsigned 10th-round pick B.J. Guinn is the centerpiece of this class. Guinn is an athletic, switch-hitting shortstop with above-average speed and very good defensive skills. Lefty Todd Fitzgerald missed last year after having elbow surgery, but he should be healthy by the spring and could take off thanks to an 87-90 mph fastball, good change and improving curveball. Daniel Wolford could close for the Golden Bears, with a fastball that reaches 93 mph.
3. Stanford
Losing two-way stud Jack McGeary right before the signing deadline was a big blow, but Stanford still landed a solid class. Righthander Drew Storen (180), the No. 2 prospect in Indiana this spring, has a lively 87-91 mph fastball, a true slider and good deception, and he will make an impact for the Cardinal as a freshman. Jake Schlatter is a good defensive middle infielder with a solid bat, and Texas first baseman Jonathan Kaskow is an excellent defensive first baseman who could hit as a freshman.
4. Arizona
The Wildcats are loaded with veterans and didn't need to bring in a large class, but they landed a few intriguing power threats nonetheless, led by outfielder Bobby Coyle, a lefthanded hitter with speed and power potential. Matt Presley, the top prospect in Colorado this spring, could become an impact corner bat with power, and Dillon Baird follows C.J. Ziegler as a junior college transfer who will provide instant power.
5. Washington
Losing Julian Sampson right before the signing deadline hurt Washington's class, but the Huskies still brought in a few potential impact players. Juco transfer Paul Dickey could close for them thanks to his solid command, and the competitive Geoff Brown makes up for his small stature with a max-effort delivery that produces an 86-89 mph fastball and average breaking ball. The lean, wiry Troy Scott has some offensive potential but needs to add strength, and the undersized David Bentrott can run and defend.
NORTHEAST
1. Boston College
Boston College did a nice job scooping up most of the top high school players in Massachusetts, led by third baseman Maguire Wiswall, who has a mature approach and quick bat speed that allows him to square balls up consistently. With a low-90s fastball, Wiswall could develop into a two-way player with some coaching. Projectable righthander Kevin Moran has touched 91 mph and has the makings of a hard slider; Garret Smith is a sound defensive shortstop with good size and strength in his swing; Marc Perdios has speed in center field; and Luke Prohovic is a first baseman with some raw power.
2. Manhattan
The centerpiece of the Jaspers' class is lefthander Dan Forman, who commands three pitches including a fastball that has reached 93 mph. Jose Behar is a solid defensive catcher with a plus arm who will succeed another talented catch-and-throw guy in Nick Derba; Behar also has some power to the gaps. First baseman Austin Sheffield has good size and hits for average and some power.
3. Maine
Maine's class is pitching-heavy with several Canadian prospects, led by Ontario righthander Kyle Benoit, who can run his fastball up to 96 mph at times. Fellow Ontario natives Carson Pillar and Matthew Jebb also have good arms. Lefty Jonathan Balentina, a Curacao native, works in the 89-92 range.
4. Lehigh
Brendan McGaheran has good speed, a strong arm and occasional pop and should start immediately in Lehigh's middle infield. Logan Marshall also adds speed and some lefthanded pop, while Kevin Mihalik and Jim McConlogue are both polished, though neither has overwhelming velocity.
5. Vermont
Cornell transfer Justin Milo will help the Catamounts in hockey and baseball, but as a four-year transfer he doesn't help their recruiting class ranking. Still, Matt Duffy is an impact two-way player who works in the 87-89 mph range off the mound and hits for power. Mark Micowski is an above-average runner who makes consistent contact and good baserunning instincts, and Tom Kelly could be another good two-way player with a fastball that reaches 88, a plus breaking ball and a line-drive bat.
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