2015 Official Draft Pick Selection/Signing Thread

[1992casey]

This thread will be used to post all draft picks in order of their selection, as well as page-by-page details of the picks, which we will slowly but surely add to in the coming days.

 

A moderator will update the picks and player profiles. If you have comments/links about a player, please post them in the appropriate discussion thread.

 

Bold indicates the player has signed.

 

1 (15). Trent Clark, OF, Richland HS, TX

CB Rd. A (40). Nathan Kirby, LHP, University of Virginia, VA

2 (55). Cody Ponce, RHP, Cal Poly Pomona, CA

3 (90). Nash Walters, RHP, Lindale HS, TX

4 (121). Demi Orimoloye, OF, Orleans, ON

5 (151). Blake Allemand, SS Texas A&M, TX

6 (181). Eric Hanhold, RHP, Florida (FL)

7 (211). George Iskenderian, 3B, Miami (FL)

8 (241). Nate Griep, RHP, Kansas State (KS)

9 (271). Karsen Lindell, RHP, West Linn HS (OR)

10 (301). Jake Drossner, LHP, Maryland (MD)

11 (331). José Cuas, SS, Maryland (MD)

12 (361). Drake Owenby, LHP, Tennessee (TN)

13 (391). Max McDowell, C, Connecticut (CT)

14 (421). Tyrone Perry, 1B, Lakeland Senior HS (FL)

15 (451). Zach Taylor, C, Scottsdale CC (AZ)

16 (481). Conor Harber, RHP, Oregon (OR)

17 (511). Michael Petersen, RHP, Riverside CC (CA)

18 (541). Gentry Fortuno, RHP, Charles Flanagan HS (FL)

19 (571). Steven Karkenny, 1B, The Master's College (CA)

20 (601). David Lucroy, RHP, East Carolina (NC)

21 (631). Jon Olczak, RHP, North Carolina State (NC)

22 (661). Willie Schwanke, RHP, Wichita State (KS)

23 (691). Donnie Walton, SS, Oklahoma State (OK)

24 (721). Christian Trent, LHP, Ole Miss (MS)

25 (751). Justin Hooper, LHP, De La Salle HS (CA) WILL NOT SIGN

26 (781). Jon India, SS, American Heritage School (FL) WILL NOT SIGN

27 (811). Jon Perrin, RHP, Oklahoma State (OK)

28 (841). Mitch Ghelfi, C, UWM (WI)

29 (871). Donny Everett, RHP, Clarksville HS (TN) WILL NOT SIGN

30 (901). Charlie Donovan, SS, Westmont HS (IL) WILL NOT SIGN

31 (931). Colton Cross, RHP, Shorter U (GA)

32 (961). Sean Chandler, RHP, Papillion-La Vista HS (NE) WILL NOT SIGN

33 (991). Connor Baits RHP, U. of California - Santa Barbara (CA)

34 (1021). Tristan Beck, RHP, Corona Senior HS (CA) WILL NOT SIGN

35 (1051). Quintin Torres-Costa, LHP, University of Hawaii (HI)

36 (1081). Jordan Desguin, RHP, Florida Gulf Coast U (FL)

37 (1111). Brandon Gonzalez, CF, Cypress College (CA)

38 (1141). Scott Grist, RHP, Texas State (TX)

39 (1171). Nolan Kingham, RHP, Desert Oasis HS (NV) WILL NOT SIGN

40 (1201). Charles Galiano, C, Fordham (NY)

[1992casey]

ROUND 1: Trent Clark, OF

6'0", 205, L/L, Richland HS (North Richland Hills, TX)

DOB: 11/01/1996

 

(Associated Press)

 

(Perfect Game)

 

SCOUTING REPORT:

 

Perfect Game

 

Trenton Clark Perfect Game Profile (Insider content provided by Patrick Ebert of PerfectGame.org)

 

Trenton Clark – OF

 

Height/Weight: 6-0/200

Bats/Throws: L/L

High School: Richland

Hometown: Fort Worth, Texas

Travel Team: D-BAT

Commitment: Texas Tech

Projected Draft Round: 1

 

The sample size is growing larger and larger for Trenton Clark. The north Texas outfielder can flat out hit. And not only is he incredibly consistent about squaring up the baseball, the lefthanded hitter appears to have a complete offensive package of tools and skills.

 

The evidence line reads as follows. Clark hit .458-10-34 as a high school junior. He then dominated the Tournament of Stars as a previously unheralded prospect, then hit .565 with three home runs and 10 walks for the USA National 18u team. This spring he's off to a .550-1-5 start in five games, with 11 walks against two strikeouts.

 

Clark's patience and vision at the plate immediately stand out when you watch him play over a multi-day period. He's not afraid to work counts, is loathe to swing at anything he can't square up and treats a walk with the enthusiasm most hitters treat a line drive in the gap. It would be a big surprise if he wasn't a high on-base performer at the next level.

 

Clark's speed is also impactful. He regularly runs in the 4.0 to 4.1 range from the left side and boosts his average with a steady flow of infield hits. He's also already shown that he's practiced in the art of bunting and will bunt for a base hit if given the opportunity.

 

Although he has obviously shown home run power, that is one area of his offensive package that most scouts will likely only grade out as big league average. Part of that reason relates to swing plane and his swing approach, which is more line drive/gap oriented. The other is that Clark has a very unusual split hand grip on the bat that is hard to even describe, let alone quantify as being able to produce consistent lift against high level pitching.

 

The last part of Clark's overall package, his defensive ability, is also solid. His speed obviously plays well in the outfield and he has a solid average throwing arm, if not a tick above average. He'll likely be able to play all three outfield positions as needed over the next decade unless he slows down significantly.

 

Add that all up and you have a player who increasingly looks like a solid first rounder come June.

 

MLB.COM

 

(Rank: 12)

 

Scouting grades: Hit: 60 | Power: 50 | Run: 55 | Arm: 45 | Field: 55 | Overall: 55

 

Clark reinforced his reputation as one of the best prep hitters available with his performance at the 18-and-under Pan American Championship in Mexico in September. He led Team USA to a gold medal by topping the team in nearly every offensive category, hitting .565 with three homers, 20 RBIs and five steals in eight games.

 

Clark has an unusual left-handed swing with a golf-style grip, but he makes repeated hard contact with his short stroke and above-average bat speed. Factor in his considerable strength and he should have at least average power. He also adds value on the bases with his solid speed and keen instincts.

 

While he's not a true burner, Clark has a chance to stay in center field as a pro. Left field would be his likely fallback position and the Texas Tech commit should have enough bat to profile there if needed.

 

Sports Illustrated

 

Clark is a dynamic athlete who combines both strength and speed and has an advanced feel for the game. He hits lefthanded with a very unusual grip and hand position on the bat, but that didn't keep him from hitting well over .500 both this spring and last summer and fall for the USA National 18U team. Clark has also shown an outstanding understanding of the strike zone and is a polished and skillful bunter, profiling him as a potential high-level leadoff hitter with above-average power for that role in a lineup.

 

Baseball America

 

Clark’s batting grip is a little unorthodox. He eschews batting gloves and he holds his thumbs on the bat like he’s gripping a golf club. It has always worked for him and few who have seen him doubt his ability to hit. One evaluator called him the best high school bat to come out of Texas in the past five years. He’s battled blisters and ankle problems but has still managed to impress this spring, thanks to excellent bat speed and a long track record of performing both on the showcase circuit and internationally. Clark has 70 speed on the 20-to-80 scouting scale at his best, and unlike most of the rest of top of the prep outfield class, Clark should remain in center field for the long-term. He gets good jumps to go with his excellent speed and he has plenty of arm for center. He’s already pretty well filled out physically. He projects as an above-average hitter with future average power. He has an excellent batting eye that allows him to draw walks. He could profile as a top-of-the-order table setter who can get on base and steal, but he has enough pop to end up in the middle of the lineup. Clark has impressed for years with his feel for the game, his leadership qualities and his knack for performing on the biggest stages. He’s committed to Texas Tech.

 

LINKS:

 

VIDEO: Trenton Clark, MLB.com

AUDIO via the Mike Heller Show (Chuck Wells, the high school coach of Brewers first round pick Trent Clark; go to the 25:20 minute mark; mp3 format)

[1992casey]

[abbr=Competitive Balance Round A]CB Rd. A[/abbr]: Nathan Kirby LHP

6'2", 200, L/L, University of Virginia (Charlottesville, VA)

DOB: 11/23/1993

 

(Perfect Game)

 

(WVIR-TV)

 

SCOUTING REPORT:

 

Perfect Game

 

Nathan Kirby Perfect Game Profile (Insider content provided by Patrick Ebert of PerfectGame.org)

 

Height/Weight: 6-2/185

Bats/Throws: L/L

Birthdate: Nov. 23, 1993

College: Virginia

Hometown: Midlothian, Va.

Projected Draft Round: 1

 

The key word when it comes to Nathan Kirby is polish. A pitcher with a pedigree of winning at the University of Virginia, Kirby is a pitcher that will be ready to make a rapid ascension to the big leagues when he arrives in professional baseball. Scouts know exactly what Kirby is going to give them start to start, and not surprisingly he’s been his consistently dominant self through his first six starts in 2015. Kirby has a 1.16 ERA and has struck out a whopping 54 batters through his first 38 2/3 innings of work.

 

The 6-foot-2 lefthander has looked very much the part of top of the first round draft choice this spring, starting with the lively 91-94 mph fastball that first put him on the map. Beyond raw velocity, there is deception in Kirby’s delivery, as well was as late running action on the fastball. The fastball is only the beginning of the story for Kirby, however. Kirby’s changeup is a pitch that has taken a major step forward this spring. We’ve seen Kirby dominate with his breaking ball in the past, but his changeup has been nearly its equal in 2015. In fact, he has been so effective with it that he’s reminded many scouts of a past Virginia ace, Danny Hultzen.

 

Through the early part of many outings, Kirby has shown a heavy diet of changeups, but by the middle innings of games, Kirby’s advanced, deep arsenal gets fully unveiled. While Kirby has a slower curveball he’ll throw now and then at 78-80 mph, what he relies upon heavily is his sharp, above average 81-86 mph slider. It’s a slider with outstanding vertical depth, and when he’s on top consistently it’s a true swing and miss offering. And, his 84-86 mph changeup, as well as his command of it, has been exceptional throughout the spring.

 

In terms of track record and pure stuff, it’s hard to top Kirby if you are stacking him up against other college arms. His stuff will allow him to miss bats at the next level, and the only thing to keep an eye on will be just how repeatable his mechanics will be. There are some moving parts to his arm action, and at times he commands his secondary pitches better than his fastball. He’ll need to prove willing to be more aggressive with his fastball as a professional as well. It’s easy to nitpick a pitcher of this caliber, however, and despite these small issues, Kirby is an extremely safe bet to be a middle of the rotation big league starter.

 

MLB.COM

 

(Rank: 26)

 

Scouting grades: Fastball: 60 | Slider: 60 | Changeup: 55 | Control: 50 | Overall: 50

 

Kirby pitched out of Virginia's bullpen in 2013, then served as the Cavaliers' No. 1 starter in 2014 when the team finished second in the College World Series and featured a first-round pick (Nick Howard) and two supplemental first-rounders (Derek Fisher, Mike Papi). Entering the 2015 season as the top college lefty in the Draft class, Kirby's drop in velocity and command issues did concern some and then a lat strain shelved him in April, somewhat clouding his Draft status.

 

A Virginia high school product who removed himself from the 2012 Draft, Kirby has been up to 94 mph in the past, but was sitting around 89-91 mph this spring, with some saying the dip was because he was throwing too many sliders, a plus pitch. The fastball can play up because of its life and angle and his ability to work it to both sides of the plate and he backs it up with that slider and a solid changeup.

 

Kirby usually fills the strike zone, but was nibbling too much leading to an uptick in his walk rate. Even with that and the injury, his track record, arm strength and stuff should still get him drafted in the first round.

 

Sports Illustrated

 

Kirby got off to a fast start this spring and was a potential top-10 pick until he began experiencing side issues that affected his command and raw stuff and eventually shut him down after 10 starts (5–2, 2.28 ERA, 75 strikeouts in 59 innings). Healthy, Kirby throws in the 91–94 mph range from a deceptive delivery to go with a plus slider and solid changeup. There has been speculation that he is almost ready to pitch as Virginia moves into NCAA Super Regionals, but he did not take part in Regionals play.

 

LINKS:

 

VIDEO: Nathan Kirby, MLB.com

Outlook for Kirby in Omaha Looks Promising

Virginia's Nathan Kirby puts draft behind him, ready to pitch in the College World Series (Article includes two videos)

Junkball Blues: Nathan Kirby vs. Florida

VIDEO: Nathan Kirby strikes out the side in the 8th!! (final game, College World Series)

VIDEO: THE FINAL OUT: Virginia wins 2015 College World Series

CWS 2015: A Triumphant End For Kirby

Nathan Kirby experiences storybook ending to UVa career

Kirby expected to sign with Brewers

[1992casey]

ROUND 2: Cody Ponce, RHP

6'6", 240, R/R, Cal Poly Pomona (Pomona, CA)

DOB: 04/25/1994

 

(Baseball America)

 

SCOUTING REPORT:

 

Perfect Game

 

Cody Ponce Perfect Game Profile (Insider content provided by Patrick Ebert of PerfectGame.org)

 

Height/Weight: 6-5/235

Bats/Throws: R/R

Birthdate: April 25, 1994

College: Cal Poly Pomona (Division II)

Hometown: Upland, Calif.

Projected Draft Round: 1-1S

 

Even in the most sophisticated of times in the world of scouting, elite talent like Cody Ponce can still emerge from unexpected places. You wouldn’t expect a 6-foot-5 righty with a mid-90s fastball and above average secondary pitches to come from a Division II program, but Cal Poly-Pomona has produced just that in Ponce.

 

Ponce was slowed earlier this spring by some nagging but not serious injuries, but has since showed a quick return to form. And, in top form, in many ways, Ponce can stack up with almost any pitcher in the draft. It’s a cliche to say that consistency will be the key, but it truly is when it comes to this big righthander. On his best days, he has top of the rotation stuff, but he needs to show scouts that the same stuff will show up day in and day out.

 

The Cape Cod League experience was enormous for Ponce, as the scouting world got to get a lengthy look at his on the fly development. But, the league’s All-Star game served as a cherry on top of his breakout summer. He showed flashes of absolute brilliance throughout his summer, but in this game he put all the pieces together to form a pitching prospect that caused some scouts to pull out the name Roger Clemens. Ponce attacked hitters with a 93-96 mph fastball in his All-Star outing, and showed the wipeout, plus slider he had used only sparingly at times throughout the summer. For much of the summer, it really did depend when you saw Ponce when it came to what your evaluation was. He didn’t always show that plus 85-89 mph slider that he broke out in that All-Star game, and his 79-82 mph curveball flashed big plus 11-5 depth in some games, but didn’t show up quite as sharp in others. His solid-average changeup was a constant for him at 81-83 with late fading action, however.

 

What variations in stuff Ponce shows this spring will ultimately determine where he fits in the draft. He will have to improve his command and find ways to bring the entirety of that four pitch arsenal with him to the mound everyday. But, his size, easy righty arm and potential for three plus offerings make him a potential frontline starter if things break right. At worst, he has the attack mode mentality, the demeanor, and clearly the electric stuff to pitch at the end of games. Ponce has to be viewed a little differently than the typical college pitcher, and there is still a world of potential to be tapped into.

 

MLB.COM

 

(Rank: 32)

 

Scouting grades: Fastball: 60 | Cutter: 55 | Curveball: 45 | Changeup: 50 | Control: 50 | Overall: 50

 

Cal Poly Pomona has produced eight big leaguers, but never a first-round pick. After a strong showing in the Cape Cod League last summer, it looked like Ponce might change that, though there are some question marks. There's still a very good chance he'll surpass Mark Wiley (second round, 1970) as the highest-drafted player in the program's history.

 

Ponce stands out primarily for his size and fastball. The 6-foot-5, 235-pounder sits at 91-94 mph and touches 96, though his heater gets hit more than it should because it tends to straighten out. Ponce's secondary pitches are still a work in progress. His improving cutter is his No. 2 option, he's not afraid to throw his firm changeup and he also has a curveball that often devolves into a slurve. He does a nice job of using his height to drive his pitches down in the strike zone.

 

Ponce missed some time in 2015 with biceps tendinitis and will need to prove he's healthy, along with an ability to maintain his stuff deep into starts, as the Draft approaches.

 

LINKS:

 

VIDEO: Cody Ponce, MLB.com

[1992casey]

ROUND 3: Nash Walters, RHP

6'5", 210, B/T, Lindale HS (Lindale, TX)

DOB: 05/18/1997

 

(daily-times.com)

 

SCOUTING REPORT:

 

Fox Sports

 

At 6-foot-5, 210 pounds, Walters definitely has a projectable frame. The physical tools seem to be there for Walters, but he's thought of as a work in progress with a high ceiling. Walters did not allow an earned run and struck out 48 over 31 innings during his junior season at Lindale H.S. He is committed to Texas A&M University.

 

LINKS:

 

VIDEO: Nash Walters, MLB.com

Crew drafts Texas prep arm to begin Day 2

[1992casey]

ROUND 4: Demi Orimoloye, OF

6'4", 225, R/R, St Matthew HS (Orleans, Ontario)

DOB: 01/06/1997

 

(Sports Illustrated)

 

SCOUTING REPORT:

 

Perfect Game

 

Demi Orimoloye Perfect Game Profile (Insider content provided by Patrick Ebert of PerfectGame.org)

 

Height/Weight: 6-4/225

Bats/Throws: R/R

Birthdate: Jan. 6, 1997

High School: St. Matthew

Hometown: Orleans, Ont. (Canada)

Travel Team: Team Canada

Commitment: Oregon

Projected Draft Round: 1

 

There is no player in the 2015 class that has improved more over the last two years than Canadian outfielder Demi Orimoloye.

 

Orimoloye's athleticism has always been obvious. He's a chiseled and natural 6-foot-4, 225-pounds and exudes strength. He also ran a 6.57 60-yard dash as a sophomore and has a solid average outfield throwing arm. But dating back to his appearances at the 2013 PG Junior National Showcase and the 2013 PG Underclass All-American Games, it was very difficult to project that Orimoloye would ever be able to hit.

 

These are notes from the Perfect Game database from that summer that are consistent with the entire body of his evaluations at that time:

 

BP:Upright/narrow stance, unsure trigger, late start, VERY raw, big loop in back, huge hand drop load, zero balance, big uppercut, can imagine him crushing the ball if he ever learned to hit, but has a LONG way to go. Game: completely overmatched, had absolutely no chance in game ABs.

 

Fast forward a year to last summer and it was like watching a different player, admittedly still a very large, fast and strong player, in the batter's box. There was balance and timing, there was a much shorter and level path to the ball, there was an explosion of hands and wrists at contact. And there was consistently a huge explosion of barrel and ball at contact. Orimoloye made some of the hardest contact of the summer and made it consistently.

 

Reports coming in the spring indicated that Orimoloye has continued to hit the same way off college and even professional pitching as part of Team Canada's March tour through Florida.

 

This would be looking well into the future but should Orimoloye eventually reach the big leagues, he would become the first native born Nigerian Major Leaguer. He immigrated to Canada with his family as a three-year old.

 

MLB.COM

 

One of the best all-around athletes to come out of Canada in years, Orimoloye could become the first first-round pick out of Ontario since Scott Thorman in 2000 -- if he has a strong spring. Born in Nigeria, he moved to Canada when he was 10 months old. Orimoloye is built like a linebacker at 6-foot-4 and 225 pounds, and all of his physical tools (raw power, speed, arm strength) grade out as plus. With his strength, bat speed and leverage, he can hit the ball farther than most high school players. Relatively new to baseball, Orimoloye lacks polish at times at the plate, on the bases and in the field. But he has shown significant improvement in the last year and has prototypical right-field tools. He'll attend Oregon if he doesn't turn pro.

 

LINKS:

 

VIDEO: Demi Orimoloye, MLB.com

Canadian prospect Demi Orimoloye bidding to make baseball history

Demi Orimoloye Unfazed By What Could Have Been

Realizing plus potential (Perfect Game)

Orléans baseball star drafted by Milwaukee Brewers

[1992casey]

ROUND 5: Blake Allemand, SS

5'10", 170, S/R, Texas A&M (College Station, TX)

DOB: 0701/1992

 

(mysanantonio.com)

 

SCOUTING REPORT:

 

Perfect Game

 

Blake Allemand Perfect Game Profile (Insider content provided by Patrick Ebert of PerfectGame.org)

 

255. Blake Allemand, inf, Texas A&M (SR)

B-R, 5-10/155, San Antonio, Texas

Previously Drafted: Never Drafted

 

Part of the reason for the Aggies success throughout this spring and into the postseason is the play of their senior shortstop Blake Allemand. Impacting the game from both sides of the ball, Allemand served as A&M’s fulltime shortstop this spring after playing a little bit of everywhere in 2014. Showing solid barrel skills from both sides of the plate, Allemand shows no problem handling premium stuff while showing the athleticism to play any of the infield positions at a high level.

 

LINKS:

 

Texas A&M Blake Allemand Biography

Area Athlete Report: Blake Allemand, Texas A&M baseball (mySA)

VIDEO: 5th round IF Blake Allemand in the Texas A&M studios for a post-draft interview

[1992casey]

ROUND 6: Eric Hanhold, RHP

6'5", 205, R/R, Florida (Gainesville, FL)

DOB: 11/01/1993

 

(Florida Times Union)

 

SCOUTING REPORT:

 

Perfect Game

 

Eric Hanhold Perfect Game Profile (Insider content provided by Patrick Ebert of PerfectGame.org)

 

352. Eric Hanhold, rhp, Florida (JR)

R-R, 6-5/205, Palm Harbor, Fla.

Previously Drafted: Phillies ’12 (40)

 

The very last pick in the 2012 draft, Hanhold is actually one of two players on the Florida Gators roster to be selected with the final pick of their respective drafts, with sophomore Shaun Anderson the other in 2013. With the type of stuff Hanhold possesses on the mound and the numbers he’s put up this spring, it’s safe to say he’ll be going much higher this June. Sitting in the 92-94 mph range out of the bullpen and bumping 95, Hanhold works from a high arm slot, pounding the ball downhill with late and heavy life. With his fastball running to his arm side, Hanhold features a slider that moves in the opposite direction, showing late 10-to-4 tilt.

 

LINKS:

[1992casey]

ROUND 7: George Iskenderian, 3B

6'1", 190, R/R, University of Miami (Coral Gables, FL)

DOB: 02/28/1994

 

(collegebaseballcentral.com)

 

SCOUTING REPORT:

 

Perfect Game

 

George Iskenderian Perfect Game Profile (Insider content provided by Patrick Ebert of PerfectGame.org)

 

161. George Iskenderian, inf, Miami (JR)

R-R, 6-2/190, Englewood Cliffs, N.J.

Previously Drafted: Cardinals ’14 (34)

 

Talk about picking up a junior college transfer who makes an immediate impact to an already potent lineup. That’s exactly what Iskenderian has done in 2015 as he joined a Miami Hurricane offense that was already viewed as one of the deepest in the college game. Prepping at Northeast powerhouse Don Bosco in New Jersey, Iskenderian took his talents to the University of South Carolina where he played sparingly as a freshman before transferring to Indian River CC in 2014. Putting together a .373 offensive season while playing shortstop, Iskenderian was selected in the 34th round by the Cardinals before joining the Hurricanes in 2015. With the left side of the infield already established in shortstop Brandon Lopez and third baseman David Thompson, the New Jersey native has slid over to second base where his athleticism has allowed for an easy transition. Showing the ability to play wherever needed defensively, it’s the bat that will serve as Iskenderian’s carrying tool at the next level. Showing a simple approach and set up at the plate, the broad and strongly built righthanded hitter shows a strong feel for the barrel of the bat. He might not hit for a ton of power but his overall hit tool is undeniable as he made the transition to ACC pitching look easy, leading the team with a .379 average and an on-base percentage of .471. On top of the bat, Iskenderian was 23-for-25 on stolen base attempts during the spring and wasn’t caught until the final couple of weekends of the regular season.

 

LINKS:

 

George Iskenderian Biography - U. of Miami

Miami Baseball: George Iskenderian Move To Cleanup Spot Paying Off

George Iskenderian Biography - U. of South Carolina

Former Don Bosco star George Iskenderian has a decision

[1992casey]

ROUND 8: Nate Griep, RHP

6'2", 190, R/R, Kansas State (Manhattan, KS)

DOB: 10/11/1993

 

(kstatesports.com)

 

SCOUTING REPORT:

 

Perfect Game

 

Nate Griep Perfect Game Profile (Insider content provided by Patrick Ebert of PerfectGame.org)

 

387. Nate Griep, rhp, Kansas State (RS-SO)

R-R, 6-2/190, Omaha, Neb.

Previously Drafted: Never Drafted

 

Missing his true freshman season while recovering from an injury, Griep debuted last spring for the Wildcats and took his game to the next level in 2015. Working mostly in the upper-80s last spring with the ability to touch a tick higher, Griep opened this year touching 95 mph while living in the 91-94 mph range with the same late and heavy running life. Nearly cutting his ERA in half from a season ago, Griep works with a compact arm action on the mound and does a nice job working down in the zone. He predominately mixes in a sharp 12-to-6 curveball that shows solid depth in the 79-81 mph range when he stays on top.

 

LINKS:

 

Nate Griep Biography - kstatesports.com

AUDIO: 2015 BrewerNation Post Draft Recap Extravaganza Podcast (Griep interview at 45:44)

[1992casey]

ROUND 9: Karsen Lindell, RHP

6'3", weight, R/R, West Linn HS (West Linn, OR)

DOB: 06/02/1996

 

(oregonlive.com)

 

SCOUTING REPORT:

 

Perfect Game

 

Karsen Lindell Perfect Game Profile (Insider content provided by Patrick Ebert of PerfectGame.org)

 

190. Karsen Lindell, rhp, West Linn HS

R-R, 6-2/200, West Linn, Ore.

College Commitment: Washington

 

Lindell is a broad shouldered and athletic righty who came out of the gates quickly this spring initially making himself the top prospect in the Northwest before Washington's Parker McFadden came on strong. Lindell throws in the low-90s with his fastball from a fluid delivery and high release point that creates lots of downhill angle. He has a full four-pitch mix with his curveball and changeup being his go-to pitches, although his mid-80s slider is also a promising weapon to develop more in the future. Lindell is the type of prospect who has the youthful look and the arm looseness to confidently project to keep improving over the next few years.

 

LINKS:

 

AUDIO: 2015 BrewerNation Post Draft Recap Extravaganza Podcast (Lindell interview at 55:53)

[1992casey]

ROUND 10: Jake Drossner, LHP

6'3", 210, R/L, Maryland (College Park, MD)

DOB: 05/16/1994

 

(diamondbackonline.com)

 

SCOUTING REPORT:

 

----

 

LINKS:

 

Perfect Game National College Notes: 21 April 2015

Jake Drossner Biography - University of Maryland

Alex Robinson, José Cuas among 8 Maryland baseball players drafted (Jake Drossner also quoted)

Drossner 'ready to get started'

[1992casey]

ROUND 11: José Cuas, SS

6'3", 195, R/R, Maryland (College Park, MD)

DOB: 06/28/1994

 

(diamondbackonline.com)

 

SCOUTING REPORT:

 

Perfect Game

 

José Cuas Perfect Game Profile (Insider content provided by Patrick Ebert of PerfectGame.org)

 

410. Jose Cuas, 3b, Maryland (JR)

R-R, 6-2/190, Brooklyn, N.Y.

Previously Drafted: Blue Jays ’12 (40)

 

Physically, Cuas is how you would draw up a player; long, loose, and full of athleticism. Cuas may end up being selected a good bit higher than this ranking due to his overall package on both sides of the ball. A well above average defender at third base who makes the hard play look routine with plenty of arm strength, Cuas is able to put on a show in batting practice with plus raw power to all fields. He’ll have to become more consistent with the barrel in game action, and if he does, he has the overall package to make you say “wow.”

 

LINKS:

 

José Cuas Biography - University of Maryland

Maryland baseball's Jose Cuas and Kevin Martir used the sport as their way out of East New York

Alex Robinson, José Cuas among 8 Maryland baseball players drafted

[1992casey]

ROUND 12: Drake Owenby, LHP

6'2", 205, L/L, Tennessee (Knoxville, TN)

DOB: 01/07/1994

 

(Green Photography - greenphotographyblog.wordpress.com)

 

SCOUTING REPORT:

 

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LINKS:

 

Drake Owenby Biography, University of Tennessee

[1992casey]

ROUND 13: Max McDowell, C

6'", 208, R/R, Connecticut (Storrs, CT)

DOB: 01/12/1994

 

(Twitter: @Maxy_do_well)

 

SCOUTING REPORT:

 

Perfect Game

 

Max McDowell Perfect Game Profile (Insider content provided by Patrick Ebert of PerfectGame.org)

 

454. Max McDowell, c, Connecticut (JR)

R-R, 6-1/208, North Huntingdon, Pa.

Previously Drafted: Never Drafted

 

A solid athlete with loose and flexible actions behind the plate, McDowell put together a nice overall year on both sides of the ball while showing off his strong catch-and-throw skills. At the plate McDowell is a righthanded hitter who is capable of putting together quality at-bats and get on base thanks in part to his quality two-strike approach (24 walks, 20 hit-by-pitch, 27 strikeouts). With a short and quick swing and a feel for the barrel, McDowell ended up tied for second on the team with seven home runs while driving in 45 runs.

 

LINKS:

 

Max McDowell Biography - University of Connecticut

[1992casey]

ROUND 14: Tyrone Perry, 1B

6'2", 240, L/R, Lakeland Senior HS (Lakeland, FL)

DOB: 10/24/1995

 

(Perfect Game)

 

(Perfect Game, Patrick Ebert)

 

SCOUTING REPORT:

 

Perfect Game

 

Tyrone Perry Perfect Game Profile (Insider content provided by Patrick Ebert of PerfectGame.org)

 

279. Tyrone Perry, 1b, Lakeland Senior HS,

L-L, 6-1/270, Avon Park, Fla.

College Commitment: Florida State

 

Perry has some of the biggest raw power in the draft class. He often receives some Dan Vogelbach comparisons, as he’s a very large, burly hitting first baseman that hits from the left side. He’s been able to translate his raw power into game action, but at times he can get too pull happy which leads to some swing-and-miss tendencies. Still, he has very good hands and performs best when he stays within himself and utilizes the entire field. He’s a decent athlete for his size and he has a strong throwing arm. The Florida State commit has been scouted a fair amount, and while he isn’t expected to be selected nearly as early Vogelbach did back in 2011 (second round), it will be interesting to see where he’ll land this summer.

 

LINKS:

 

Senior baseball player Tyrone Perry commits to Florida State University

Five Players With Polk Ties Selected on 3rd Day of Draft

[1992casey]

ROUND 15: Zach Taylor, C

6'1", 220, R/R, Scottsdale Community College (Scottsdale, AZ)

DOB: 10/29/1995

 

(Perfect Game)

 

SCOUTING REPORT:

 

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LINKS:

 

Zach Taylor - 7th Annual Power Showcase Home Run Derby

[1992casey]

ROUND 16: Conor Harber, RHP

6'2", 205, R/R, Oregon (Eugene, Oregon)

DOB: 12/18/1993

 

(The Oregonian)

 

SCOUTING REPORT:

 

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LINKS:

 

Conor Harber Biography - University of Oregon

Conor Harber drafted by Milwaukee Brewers in 16th round

Harber makes the jump from college to MLB

[1992casey]

ROUND 17: Michael Petersen, RHP,

6'7", 195, R/R, Riverside City College (Riverside, CA)

DOB: 05/16/1994

 

(northwoods.bbstats.pointstreak.com)

 

SCOUTING REPORT:

 

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LINKS:

 

Bombers' Petersen weighing pro option

[1992casey]

ROUND 18: Gentry Fortuno, RHP

6'1", 235, R/R, Charles Flanagan HS (Pembroke Pines, FL)

DOB: 09/11/1997

 

(power-showcase.com)

 

SCOUTING REPORT:

 

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LINKS:

 

Gentry Fortuno - 8th Annual Power Showcase Home Run Derby

Gentry Fortuno: baseball Class 8A-7A-6A Player of the Year (2014)

TWEET: Out with the Falcons , into the Brewers - stoked and highly honored

[1992casey]

ROUND 19: Steven Karkenny, 1B

6'2", 210, R/R, The Master's College (Santa Clarita, CA)

DOB: 03/30/1993

 

(scvnews.com)

 

SCOUTING REPORT:

 

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LINKS:

 

Masters Steve Karkenny Drafted by the Brewers

[1992casey]

ROUND 20: David Lucroy, RHP

6'1", 210, R/R, East Carolina University (Greenville, NC)

DOB: 09/03/1992

 

(Perfect Game)

 

SCOUTING REPORT:

 

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LINKS:

 

David Lucroy Biography - East Carolina University

[1992casey]

ROUND 21: Jon Olczak, RHP

6'0", 180, R/R, North Carolina State (Raleigh, NC)

DOB: 11/14/1993

 

(gopack.com)

 

SCOUTING REPORT:

 

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LINKS:

 

Jon Olczak Biography - North Carolina State University

[1992casey]

ROUND 22: Willie Schwanke, RHP

6'1", 190, L/R, Wichita State (Wichita, KS)

DOB: 04/07/1994

 

(kansas.com)

 

(Wichita State Athletics)

 

SCOUTING REPORT:

 

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LINKS:

 

Willie Schwanke Biography - Wichita State University

Hilliard will sign with Rockies; Schwanke leaning toward coming back

Against expectations, former Wakeland pitcher drafted by Brewers

Wichita State baseball’s 2016 rotation unsettled as draft deadline approaches

Wichita State pitcher Willie Schwanke turns down Brewers

[1992casey]

ROUND 23: Donnie Walton, SS

5'10", 175, S/R, Oklahoma State (Stillwater, OK)

DOB: 05/25/1994

 

(ocolly.com)

 

SCOUTING REPORT:

 

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LINKS: