BaseballAmerica.com: Draft: Michael Main, rhp, Rangers

Michael Main, rhp, Rangers

June 7, 2007

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B-T: R-R
Ht: 6-1. Wt.: 171.
Birthdate: 12/14/1988.
School: Deland (Fla.) HS
Class: Sr.

THROUGH THE YEARS IN BASEBALL AMERICA

2007

• Main struggled somewhat with his command at the Florida Athletic Coaches Association All-Star Baseball Classic

. Alan Matthews had another report on Maine's performance at our draft blog.
• In a draft chat

, John Manuel said he thinks teams are leaning toward using Main as a pitcher rather than as an outfielder.
• Main ranks second among prospects from Florida

.
• In the draft blog, Alan Matthews wrote about how scouts are still divided on whether Maine's potential is higher as a hitter or as a pitcher.
• In the midseason update, Main ranked No. 25 on our Top 30 Prospects

board, and No. 12 in our High School Top 50.
• Main was a preseason first-team All-America

, and ranked ninth on our High School Top 100 Prospects list

.
• In our early draft preview rating the best tools in the prep class

, Main graded out as having among the best fastball, athleticism and running speed.

2006

• Main placed sixth on our list of the World Wood Bat Class of 2007 Top 20 Draft Prospects

. Main reached 96 MPH with his fastball, but Alan Matthews said it still was not the best scouts have seen the right-hander perform

.
• In our sneak peak at the 2007 draft

, Main ranked No. 14 on our draft board.
• Main ranked second on our list of the East Coast Professiona Showcase Top 20 Prospects. Alan Matthews wrote that Main displayed the showcase's best velocity, but that he still needs to improve his delivery.
• Main had excellent velocity but lacked command as he allowed four runs in the first inning of the Aflac All-American Classic.
• Main topped our board of the Perfect Game National Showcase Top 10 Prospects.
• In a 6-A semifinal, Main struck out 13 batters in 6 1/3 innings, but allowed five runs in the loss

2005

• Main made our 16-year-old all-star team as a center fielder

.
• Alan Matthews identified Main as a potential top prospect for the 2007 draft.

2004

• Main was the country's top 15-year-old prospect

(one year after Justin Upton held the same title) and already projected as the Class of 2007's top draft prospect.

2003

• Main earned an honorable mention as one of the top 14-year-olds in the country

SCOUTING REPORT

Baseball America's top 15-year-old in the nation in 2004, Main looked like a can't-miss prospect even before he could drive. Tendinitis in his rotator cuff cost him most of his junior season, but he recovered to lead DeLand High to the state final four and did so again this year. He has a lightning-quick arm that generates 97 mph heat, but more importantly he has learned how to pitch this spring. Even Main's jaw-dropping velocity wasn't enough to get outs when he got knocked around in a start at the Aflac Classic and other high-profile events last summer. This year, he has kept his fastball down in the zone, where it has lots of late movement. Main shows solid-average command presently, as well as the ability to spot this two-plane breaking ball where he wants it. His changeup has above-average run and sink. Main's slight build and lively repertoire make him comparable to Tim Hudson, but some teams see him as a safer pick as an outfielder. He's a 70 runner with good bat speed, and has even shown an ability to make contact from both sides of the plate. He's more likely to be drafted in the first round as a pitcher, however.

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