Mountain Collegiate League Top 5 Prospects

By Aaron Fitt
August 29, 2006

Editor's Note: Because the first-year Mountain Collegiate League has just four teams, BA stopped its top prospect list for the league at five.

1. Jareck West, of, Laramie (Delta, Mo., State)

An excellent athlete built like Kirby Puckett, West hit .409/.476/.591 with seven home runs and 51 RBIs in 176 at-bats for the MCBL champion Laramie Colts. His best tool is his plus speed that allows him to cover plenty of ground in center field, and he has a slightly above average arm. At the plate, West generates good bat speed thanks to his quick hands, but he remains raw with a long swing.

2. Travis Mortimore, lhp, Laramie (Wayne, Neb., State College)

Mortimore worked his way from the bullpen to the No. 1 starter role for Wayne State this spring, finishing 9-2, 2.07 to win pitcher of the year honors in his conference. Mortimore has good life on his 86-89 mph fastball that touches 91, and his 6-foot-5, 235-pound frame suggests he could add velocity. He remains rather raw but has a feel for a slider and changeup.

3. Stephen Vogt, c/1b, Fort Collins (Azusa, Calif., Pacific)

A two-time NAIA all-American, Vogt was the best pure hitter in the MCBL, lining balls from gap to gap with a smooth lefthanded swing. He is an adequate defender behind the plate, but his future is probably at first base.

4. Chuck Huggins, lhp, Fort Collins (Trinity, Texas)

Huggins needs to work on his command (he struck out 54 but walked 40 in 54 innings for Trinity this spring), but he has a sturdy frame with good actions. He works with an 86-88 mph fastball and a promising changeup.

5. Ross Bennett, 1b, Greeley (Wisconsin-Platteville)

After carrying UWP's offense with a .385/.471/.720 performance this spring, Bennett slugged .515 in 68 at-bats to power Greeley's offense. Bennett generates good raw power with a solid 6-foot-1, 215-pound frame and quick hands.