Heath Hembree

Hembree has one of the draft's freshest power arms, having pitched fewer than 30 innings in three years. He also didn't pitch during his senior season in high school, due to a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his knee that he injured during prep football. Hembree made only one appearance at South Carolina, recording one out, then went to Spartanburg Methodist JC and transferred to College of Charleston, getting irregular work as the Cougars' closer. Scouts weren't happy with how he was used, though it's hard to argue with Charleston's 40-win season and regional berth. Hembree displayed mid- to upper 90s velocity, regularly hitting 98 mph and sitting in the 94-96 mph range. He has a long, lean pitcher's body at 6-foot-4, 195 pounds with wide shoulders, as well as a clean arm action. His secondary pitch is a slider that flashes mid-80s power potential. Much of Hembree's game is raw. His fastball tends to straighten out at higher velocity, and he has proved hittable due to spotty command. He doesn't have a pitch to combat lefthanded hitters, though some think his power repertoire and big hands make him an excellent future candidate for a split-finger fastball. Hembree's modest numbers and inexperience may slot him behind college closers such as Texas Tech's Chad Bettis or Florida's Kevin Chapman, but his pure arm and velocity are as good as the college ranks have to offer this season.