Sam Howard

A 48th-round pick out of a Georgia high school in 2011, Howard won't have to wait long to hear his name called in 2014. At 6-foot-3, 183 pounds, he continues to grow into his lean frame and his stuff has matured as well. He's had an inconsistent career and season, though he has lowered his ERA from 5.55 in 2013 to 2.39 through 13 starts in 2014. He also has thrown more strikes this spring despite a tough delivery that at times leaves his arm dragging behind his body. Howard most often pitches at 87-91 mph, but at times he'll bump 93-94 and sit 89-92. He has shown scouts both a slider and a curveball. Scouts prefer the slider, though neither pitch projects as above-average. He has some feel for a solid-average changeup, and when he's on he throws all four pitches for strikes.