Sean O’Sullivan

O'Sullivan has been one of the elite players for his age since Baseball America recognized him as the nation's best 12-year-old in 2000. Unfortunately, he picked the wrong year to have a slump. Projected at the start of the year to be the first high school pitcher drafted, O'Sullivan instead has taken a step back. Before regaining velocity down the stretch, he was one of this year's biggest mysteries. His velocity had not only fallen off significantly early in the season, but he also delivered his pitches with more effort, without the free and easy arm action he had shown in the past. Where his fastball had been a steady 93 mph, it was more commonly in the 86-88 range this year, while occasionally touching 90. His hammer curve, an effective pitch in the past, also hasn't been as crisp. He was a big disappointment to a throng of more than 50 scouts who came to see him in April at the National Classic, the nation's premier high school tournament. Many left after an inning or two. O'Sullivan's problems prompted myriad explanations, from his use of sometimes-controversial Tom House as a pitching instructor, to bulking up too much in his upper body, particularly in his shoulders. He could also be pressing, but didn't outwardly show it to scouts. The 6-foot-2, 215-pound O'Sullivan has always been a physically mature player for his age, and scouts were wondering if he might have peaked. But he was back up over 90 in mid-May and some of the apprehension had subsided. O'Sullivan is also a talented hitter and actually enjoys hitting more than pitching. He led California high schools in home runs in 2004, with 16, and was San Diego's high school player of the year--ahead of Matt Bush, the No. 1 pick overall in the draft. He has not swung the bat as well this spring, either. Because he has not performed particularly well, has limited projection and had high expectations coming into the year and may be unwilling to sign for lower-round money, teams weren't sure where to place O'Sullivan on their draft boards. He likely will still be drafted in the first couple of rounds because of his track record of success. If not, there's a chance he could slide right out of the early rounds--and possibly out of the draft altogether--and end up at San Diego State, where he would play both ways.