Zack Jones

Jones was a 24th-round pick out of high school in San Jose by the Royals in 2009, but chose to stay close to home instead of signing. He has pitched primarily out of the bullpen for the Spartans, though he has made eight starts this season, and scouts view him as a reliever because he has two pitches: a fastball that sits in the 94-96 mph range and tops out at 98 and a potentially above-average slider. He mixes in a curveball when he starts, but it's a soft, loopy pitch that probably won't work in pro ball. At 6-foot-1 and 180 pounds, Jones is more physical than Braves fourth-round pick J.R. Graham was last year coming out of Santa Clara, but Graham had a better feel for throwing strikes. Both pitchers lack plane on their fastballs at times, letting the pitch get flat. That's why Jones has never posted an ERA under 3.50, even with his electric arm. Jones came to San Jose State as a two-way player and is a good athlete, but his delivery is a little rough, which limits his ability to throw strikes.