James Norwood

Norwood has followed an atypical road to the draft, hailing from New York City's All Hallows High in the Bronx and then attending Saint Louis, which never has produced a first-round pick. Last year was the first time since 1982 that a Billikens player went in the first 10 rounds, and Norwood has a chance to be the school's first second-rounder since 1976. He also could be its first big league alum in the draft era thanks to a strong body at 6-foot-2, 200 pounds, and a plus fastball. A reliever as a freshman, Norwood saw an elbow strain end his sophomore year in March and he didn't pitch in summer ball. However, he touched 97 last fall and has continued to do so this spring, usually sitting 93-95 mph with his fastball when he's at his best. He sinks the pitch and gets some arm-side run as well. Previously considered an arm-strength future reliever, Norwood has shown better pitchability this season, throwing solid fastball strikes and mixing in a curveball, cutter-type slider and changeup. Some scouts like his changeup while others prefer his curveball as his better secondary pitch. Norwood needs innings and experience most to help determine if he can be a future No. 3 or No. 4 starter or if he has to move to a bullpen.