2016 State Draft Report: Connecticut

CROP RATING
	Solid, not spectacular
Rating compares this year’s group to what a state typically produces, not to other states

In recent years, the state of Connecticut has churned out star players Matt Harvey and George Springer, and one top prospect in Sean Newcomb. Only ten players have been selected in the first round directly out of Connecticut. This year, UConn lefthander Anthony Kay could become the eleventh.

After Kay, there’s decent depth in the state this year, with a potential starting pitching prospect in Quinnipiac’s Thomas Jankins, and there are several prep talents with upside. Holden White, Matt Cleveland and Matt Gill have also shown flashes on the mound, and Chris Winkel was one of the most impressive offensive performers at last summer’s Area Code Games. It’s not the best group Connecticut has ever seen, but there’s depth and some impact potential.

NATIONAL TOP 500 PROSPECTS

BA 500 Scouting Reports

1. Anthony Kay, lhp, Connecticut (National Rank: 35)
2. Thomas Jankins, rhp, Quinnipiac (National Rank: 172)
3. Matt Cleveland, rhp, Windsor (Conn.) HS (National Rank: 256)
4. Chris Winkel, 1b, Amity Regional HS, Woodbridge, Conn. (National Rank: 342)
5. Holden White, lhp, Kingswood Oxford HS, West Hartford, Conn. (National Rank: 390)
6. Matt Gill, rhp, Avon (Conn.) Old Farms HS (National Rank: 398)

 

OTHER PROSPECTS OF NOTE

2016 Draft Map

7. Chasen Ford, rhp, Yale
8. Nicholas Mondak, lhp, Watertown (Conn.) HS
9. Pat Ruotolo, rhp, Connecticut
10. Jimmy Titus, ss/rhp, East Catholic HS, Manchester, Conn.
11. Sal Gozzo, ss, Mark T. Sheehan HS, Wallingford, Conn.
12. Paul Gozzo, c, Mark T. Sheehan HS, Wallingford, Conn.
13. David MacKinnon, 1b, Hartford
14. Bobby Melley, 1b, Connecticut
15. Zack Short, ss, Sacred Heart
16. Anthony Alicki, rhp, Bridgeport (Conn.)
17. Connor Fitzsimons, c, Central Connecticut State
18. Jake Salpietro, of, Fairfield
19. Dakota Edwards, rhp, Bridgeport (Conn.)
20. Jason Foley, rhp, Sacred Heart
21. Joe DeRoche-Duffin, 1b/dh, Connecticut
22. Cameron Kovachik, rhp, Masuk HS, Monroe, Conn.
23. Devin Over, rhp, Connecticut

 

ADDITIONAL SCOUTING REPORTS

Chasen Ford, rhp, Yale – The Colorado high school catcher may be one of the most talented prep players in the Four Corners area, but is also the least likely to sign due to his strong Stanford commitment. Handley has a strong, stocky frame with quick-twitch athleticism and great makeup and intelligence. He moves well behind the plate, receives the ball well and has good game-calling skills, flashing at least average arm strength with regular sub-2.0 pop times. At the plate, Handley has good bat speed and gets extension through the zone, resulting in loud contact. Handley has enough bat to handle a corner infield position in addition to his normal catcher role.