Rick Porcello, rhp, Tigers

June 7, 2007
E-mail Print

2007 MLB Draft B-T: R-R.
Ht: 6-5. Wt.: 188.
Birthdate: 12/27/1988.
School: Seton Hall Prep, West Orange, N.J.
Class: Sr.

THROUGH THE YEARS IN BASEBALL AMERICA
2007
• If Porcello does not sign, he could join fellow prep prospect Harvey at North Carolina. Premium
• In our Midseason High School Top 50 Premium, Porcello was the No. 3 prospect.
• Porcello threw a perfect game, throwing 60 strikes in 77 pitches.
• In February, Porcello was the No. 2 prospect on our list of the Top 100 high school prospects Premium.
• Porcello made the high school preseason All-America team. Premium
2006
• At the World Wood Bat Association showcase in November Premium, Porcello was ranked as the showcase's top prospect.
• Porcello had "easily the best arm" at World Wood Bat Association showcase. Premium
• Porcello impressed scouts at the Area Code games.
• At the East Coast Professional Showcase, Porcello was the No. 3 prospect in attendance Premium.

SCOUTING REPORT
The top pitcher in the long awaited, much anticipated high school Class of 2007, Porcello was tabbed as a can't-miss prospect by the time he was a 15-year-old on the showcase circuit. His maternal grandfather, Sam Dente, played shortstop in the majors, appearing in the 1954 World Series with the Indians. Porcello has shown steady improvement during his prep career, and was pitching at his best heading down the stretch, tossing a seven-inning perfect game for the nation's No. 1 high school team in May. He's long, lean, athletic and projectable with a clean delivery. His fastball sits at 93-95, touching 98. He holds his velocity deep into outings. He throws a tight curveball at 74-76 and a harder, sharp-breaking slider at 80-82. He shows feel for his changeup. He can spot his fastball to both sides of the plate, and mixes his pitches effectively. He tends to finish his delivery across his body, and if he improved his extension, his stuff could have better life, which would make him profile as a true top-of-the-rotation pitcher. He still is likely to be the first high school pitcher selected.

indicates Premium Content | Copyright © 1999-2013 Baseball America Inc. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. All rights reserved. | Site Map | FAQs | Careers | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Return/Refund Policy.

Baseball America, 4319 South Alston Avenue, Suite 103, Durham, NC 27713. | Follow us on: