2014 Draft Pick Discussion, Rounds 21-40

[1992casey]

Please use this thread to share your thoughts, links, stories, pictures and anything else on the Brewers' picks on draft day from rounds 21 through 40. Please do not start separate threads to discuss the individual picks.

 

Please use the in-draft thread to talk about the picks, similar to a game thread.

[colbyjack]

I ranked Donnie Hissa as the 49th best prospect in the Northwoods League last summer:

 

http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=8987

 

Huge guy, stuff can bump 92-93 range at times, but very inconsistent.

[miggs721]

Patrick Weigel, great pick there in my opinion.

[colbyjack]

Patrick Weigel, big-time arm for the 22nd round. Has a very difficult time commanding his stuff, but throws very, very hard. Here's his report:

 

126. Patrick Weigel, rhp, Oxnard (Calif.) CC (SO)

R-R, 6-6/210, Camarillo, Calif.

Previously Drafted: Never – College Commitment: Houston

 

Weigel caught the eye of area scouts last summer in the California Collegiate League on the strength of a dominating showing in a new late-game role—in contrast to a less-than-stellar performance as a freshman starter at Pacific. With re-worked mechanics, his velocity saw a sudden spike to 96-97 mph and he made solid strides with command and the development of his secondary stuff. Buoyed by that success, the 6-foot-6 righthander elected to transfer to nearby Oxnard Junior College, and he has continued to enhance his resume for this year’s draft by flashing an overpowering fastball that recently peaked at 100 mph. Weigel is far from a polished product, though, as he still struggles with an inconsistent delivery, and walked 58 in 57 innings this spring, though allowed just 30 hits and struck out 81. He was utilized mostly as a starter, primarily to give him additional innings to work through his delivery issues, and added a slider to his four-pitch mix that ranged from 83-87 mph.

 

Kolton Mahoney, 23rd round pick, report:

 

468. Kolton Mahoney, rhp, Brigham Young University (R/S SO)

R-R, 6-0/195, West Point, Utah

Previously Drafted: Never

 

Mahoney made a strong impression in a closing role for BYU as a freshman, often reaching 94 mph while posting a 3-2, 2.42 record with four saves. That was back in 2011, after which Mahoney disappeared from the baseball landscape for two years while on a Mormon mission. But he showed few signs of rust this spring, when he resumed his career as a starter for the Cougars, and his fastball was routinely at 90-94 mph. He complemented it with a solid-average slider and began developing a change as a third pitch, though it remains a work in progress. As a fourth-year sophomore, Maloney’s 2014 season was understandably marked by inconsistency, though he posted a 6-6, 3.97 record with 29 walks and a team-high 69 strikeouts in 88 innings. His best outing of the season came March 5 when he no-hit Nicholls State on 102 pitches, while striking out 11.

[colbyjack]

25th round LHP CD Pelham from our 2013 MLB Draft preview content (South Carolina state preview) - ranked as our 96th best JUCO prospect this year:

 

PROSPECT ON THE RISE: C.D. Pelham, lhp, Lancaster HS. As a previously-unknown, 6-foot-4 lefthander who almost overnight came out throwing his fastball in the low-90s (with reports of the pitch touching 95), Pelham caused quite a stir among scouts in the Carolinas midway through the 2013 high-school season. It’s unclear what kind of an impact Pelham’s sudden emergence will have on the draft because he is so raw in his overall development as a potential pitching prospect, but he became a must-see arm for cross-checkers in the weeks leading up to the draft.

 

7. C.D. PELHAM, lhp, Lancaster HS

Primarily a lightly-regarded first baseman/outfielder who had never routinely pitched before at the high-school level, Pelham was a virtual unknown as a prospect for the 2013 draft until he took the mound in an early-season game and immediately came out throwing 88-89 mph. A game or two later, his fastball ramped up to 91-92, with reports of it reaching the mid-90s. Even in the low-90s, that represented a 9-10 mph spike from anything that Pelham had previously achieved, and he reached that velocity with no finish on his delivery, or with proper pitching mechanics. With his being an athletic, 6-foot-4, 210-pound left-hander to boot, Pelham’s name spread like wildfire in the scouting community, and scouts began appearing in droves at his next few games. Though Pelham remains extremely raw with an unrefined arm action, little feel for a breaking ball and velocity that often dips after an inning or two on the mound, he is still seen as highly projectable and has a fair chance of working his way into the early to middle rounds of this year’s draft.

[colbyjack]

I'm a big fan of the Brewers' 26th round pick Cre Finfrock. Big-time arm strength. May profile best in the 'pen long-term, but not something you have to figure out now. At this point in the draft it's probably a moot point, but still an intriguing player. Here's his report:

 

162. Cre Finfrock, rhp, Martin County HS

B/R, 6-1/170, Jensen Beach, Fla.

College Commitment: Central Florida

 

Finfrock has some of the nastiest raw stuff in the 2014 high school class, including a 92-94 mph fastball that will touch 96 mph on occasion and a hard biting 80 slider that can get curveball sweeping depth at times. He has a number of obstacles to overcome, though, that will likely keep him out of the top rounds. He has a slender young middle infielder’s build to start with, plus a high energy delivery that normally paints a prospect into a future relief role. Despite that, Finfrock has been very successful when used as a starter and has never shown any real command issues. Should he make it to UCF he will be type of pitcher who has an impact as a freshman.

[colbyjack]

27th round Wake Forest catcher is likely another organizational catcher, although he could return to Wake for his senior year. Here's his PG profile:

 

http://www.perfectgame.org/Players/Playerprofile.aspx?ID=258879

 

And report from the 2011 World Showcase:

 

Matt Martin is a 2011 C/IF with a 6-0 190 lb. frame from Bradenton, FL who attends The Pendleton School. Solid athletic build, good present strength, live bodied actions. Good catching tools, loose flexible actions, quick feet, long and loose arm action, solid arm strength with on line carry, 1.90 best pop time, tends to stand up to throw. Right handed hitter, busy hand drop load, lots of movement, back side collapse, aggressive swing with good bat speed, mostly hard opposite field contact, hitting tools to improve with adjustments. Excellent student.

[colbyjack]

28th rounder Turner Larkins is another guy who we'll watch be drafted much, much higher in 3 years. Here's his report:

 

125. Turner Larkins, rhp, James Martin HS

R-R, 6-3/215, Arlington, Texas

Commitment: Texas A&M

 

Larkins hasn’t taken the step forward in his raw stuff this spring that scouts were hoping for but he still consistently showed a solid three-pitch mix that could land him in the top 3-4 rounds. Larkins throws from a sound delivery with a long, loose low effort arm action and a high three-quarters release point that gives him big downhill angle to the plate. His fastball works in the 89-91 mph area, touching 92 mph on occasion, with good running life. His best pitch is a mid-70s curveball that has hard spin and big downer depth when he has his release point consistent, plus a developing low-80s changeup.

[SRB]

Did the Padres just draft Johnny Manziel...?

[colbyjack]

Report on 29th rounder Aaron Garza:

 

494. Aaron Garza, rhp, University of Houston

R-R, 6-4/180, Galveston, Texas

Previously Drafted: Blue Jays ’11 (10)

 

Garza was drafted in the 10th round by the Blue Jays as a very projectable high school righthander in 2011 and has matured tremendously as a pitcher while at Houston. He’s served as the Cougars Friday night starter ahead of potential 2015 first rounder Jake Lemoine, and has put together an outstanding 7-4, 2.16 record in 91 innings, including allowing only seven walks. While Garza’s easy delivery and excellent command stand out, his raw stuff has remained pretty static since his high school days. He pitches around 88 mph with good life and can reach back for a 90 when he needs it. Garza has pinpoint control of a solid curveball as well.

[colbyjack]

30th rounder Taylor Stark was the 11th best prospect in the Perfect Game Collegiate Baseball League during the summer of 2011. Could be a nice find that late in the draft as an undersized pitcher with good stuff that profiles best in short relief.

 

11. TAYLOR STARK, rhp/of, Amsterdam Mohawks (Mississippi State/SO in 2012)

SCOUTING PROFILE: Stark showed one of the better 1-2 punches in the league with his low-90s fastball and filthy 82-83 mph slider, but worked in just six games in relief. In 12 innings, he walked six and struck out 14. His two-pitch arsenal will be best served in short relief given his smaller 5-foot-11 stature and somewhat awkward mechanics. Stark is a good overall athlete with two-way ability at the college level, though he hit just .194 in 36 at-bats for the Mohawks. He is similar to his Mississippi State/Mohawk teammate DeMarcus Henderson as was offered early-round money as a 42nd-round draft pick of the Nationals coming out of high school in 2010.

[colbyjack]

Holmen, Wis. native Jeren Kendall goes to the Red Sox in round 30. It will be fun to watch him play at Vanderbilt the next 3 years.

[colbyjack]

31st rounder Brock Hudgens named No. 3 prospect in Southern League in 2011, also listed w/ best velocity in tools category for league. Here's the report:

 

3. BROCK HUDGENS, rhp, Statesville Owls (Charlotte/SO in 2012)

SCOUTING PROFILE: Flashed the most electric arm in league with FB that touched 93-94 mph; also had hard SL, but secondary stuff needs work; made strides with his consistency on summer with 3-1, 3.04 record and 11 BB/32 SO in 27 IP, mostly as starter, had limited success in relief as FR at Charlotte (0-0, 7.90, 2 SV, 14 IP, 10 BB/17 SO).

[colbyjack]

PG player profile for 32nd rounder Eric White:

 

http://www.perfectgame.org/Players/Playerprofile.aspx?ID=341692

 

And his most recent report:

 

Eric White is a 2014 RHP/3B/1B with a 6-3 187 lb. frame from EL Dorado, AR who attends Parkers Chapel HS. Nice athletic build, some present strength, young face, very projectable. Leg tuck delivery, stays on line well, loose out front, 3/4's arm slot, sound delivery overall. Fastball topped out at 89 mph, works both 2-seam and 4-seam fastballs effectively, nice sink and arm side run on the 2-seamer. Flashed good depth to his curveball, throws curveball for strikes and knows how to mix, developing change up shows potential as well. Right handed hitter, good present bat speed, ball comes off the barrel well, calm set up but is aggressive and fast to the ball, has some lift in his swing. 7.15 runner, third base tools defensively, throws have good carry and accuracy. Quality two-way talent who has all the tools to keep improving. Follow carefully Good student.

 

33rd rounder Chad Reeves ranked No. 79 JUCO prospect going into this year's draft.

 

Nothing on the 34th rounder, Carlos Leal.

[colbyjack]

Nothing on 35th rounder David Carver.

 

36th rounder Hunter Tackett's pre-draft report:

 

493. Hunter Tackett, of, Anderson County HS

R-R, 6-3/195, Heiskell, Tenn.

College Commitment: Auburn

 

Tackett’s standout skill is clearly his bat speed, but he has others as well. He has a big league body type and room to continue to get stronger. He plays shortstop presently, but most scouts see him as a future corner outfielder. He projects to continue to add power, but his present speed, athleticism and line drive approach give him now-tools that could land him in the top 10 rounds.

[colbyjack]

Here's 37th rounder Eric Ramirez' PG profile. Most recent report on his profile is from Dec. 2012:

 

http://www.perfectgame.org/Players/Playerprofile.aspx?ID=335416

[colbyjack]

38th rounder Carl Chester played in the PG All-American Classic last August w/ Medeiros, Gatewood & Harrison. He's one of the fastest players eligible for this year's draft, running a 6.2 60-yard dash at last summer's National Showcase. Here's his report:

 

129. Carl Chester, of, Lake Brantley HS

R-R, 6-0/175, Longwood, Fla.

College Commitment: Miami

 

Chester is one of the fastest players in the 2014 class, with a 6.28 sixty to his credit and outstanding range in center field that is further improved by his jumps and routes. With solid average to fringy plus raw arm strength to go with his range, Chester has all the defensive skills and tools that one would look for in a high level center fielder. The scouting community’s concerns are with Chester’s offensive approach, which has led to inconsistent solid contact and doesn’t ideally fit his tool set. A righthanded hitter, Chester hits from a busy open stance and tends to stay on his backside with an uppercut swing plane that often puts the ball in the air, which negates his speed. He has strength in his swing and will drive the ball at times but scouts would like to see a more balanced line drive approach.

[Eye Black]

Colbyjack, is it safe to assume HS teammates Tate Blackman and Carl Chester are both going to be near impossible signings?

[colbyjack]

39th rounder John Gavin PG player profile (good player, always competes/performs at high level events):

 

http://www.perfectgame.org/Players/Playerprofile.aspx?ID=341405

 

Report from last summer's PG National:

 

John Gavin is a 2014 LHP with a 6-5 225 lb. frame from San Jose, CA who attends St Francis HS. Extra large build, some present strength with the potential to get stronger. Leg raise delivery, compact arm action, 3/4's arm slot, opens front side early and throws backside over. Upper 80's fastball, topped at 90 mph, heavy fastball with hard tailing action at times. Change up best secondary pitch, slows arm but gets very good fading life, potential to be a very good pitch with proper arm speed. Also slows arm on curveball, still developing feel for release point and spin. Has the arm strength to keep improving with adjustments and improved off speed. Verbal commitment to Cal State Fullerton.

 

Lots of lefties this year, although I'm sure that's not that big of a surprise to most.

[SRB]

Colbyjack, is it safe to assume HS teammates Tate Blackman and Carl Chester are both going to be near impossible signings?

 

I wonder if Gatewood/Harrison signing so fast means they'll end up having more money set aside from rounds 3-10 than they'll end up needing which they can throw at some of these high school players.

[colbyjack]

40th rounder Taylor Lane PG profile:

 

http://www.perfectgame.org/Players/Playerprofile.aspx?ID=349902

 

Report from PG National last summer:

 

Taylor Lane is a 2014 SS/3B with a 6-2 196 lb. frame from Chesapeake, VA who attends Great Bridge HS. Tall, athletic infielder with above average speed. Ran a 6.85 60 yard dash. Flashes arm strength and his hands and feet work well. Gets to the ball quickly, routes need a little improvement. High quality athlete that can make up ground quickly. Bats right-handed, gets good production out of his lower half and shows projectable offensive tools. Hands are fluid to the ball and keeps his swing short, good line drive hitter. Has an excellent idea in game action, has consistent good at-bats. High upside player. Verbal commitment to Florida.

 

The Brewers took quite a few high profile, high potential HS players on Day 3. It will be interesting to see if they are able to find a way to get any of them signed. Given the number of them, that's quite a few backup plans.

[colbyjack]

To be honest, I don't think any of these late HS picks are realistic signings. Turner Larkins, Taylor Lane, Chester, Blackman, etc. But you never know. Maybe one of them really wants $100,000 to play ball.

[igor67]

Hard to say who or how many of those guys in the later rounds sign, but if we have as much success with this crop of late rounders as the last couple of drafts we'd be in pretty good shape.

[Mass Haas]

Pre-Draft Interview VIDEO: We learn how to pronounce his first name - 26th round UCF commit RHP Cre Finfrock

[Mass Haas]

25th round LHP C.D. Pelham certainly interestingly intriguing --

 

From May 28th - JUCO World Series

 

Pelham uses fastballs — all fastballs — to help SMC advance

 

http://www.goupstate.com/apps/pbcsi.dll/bilde?Site=SJ&Date=20140528&Category=ARTICLES&ArtNo=140529689&Ref=AR&imageVersion=Main&MaxW=728&logo=/images/watermark.gif&logoxpos=0&logoypos=0

 

Photo by Gretel Daugherty/Grand Junction (Colo.) Sentinel