Stephen Kahn

[cressj]

Former brewer draftee Stephen Kahn was just listed in an article at BA as the 9th best college prospect for the 2005 amateur draft.

[Bonderman38]

First, I want to say that I think you guys had a great draft. I love the high-ceiling HS pitchers and Milwaukee took quite a few. Gallardo was the one whom I really wanted in the 2nd round and Wahpepah was a guy that I wished Detroit was able to sign as a DF.

 

Now, I just looked up some of the stats of the collegiate players in BA's top 10 for the 2005 draft class and it looks to me that the 2004 college class might be a notch or two better than the 2005 college class.

 

Pelfrey has had a good season and would rank right up there with the top collegiate 2004 arms. Stephen Head has had a nice season with the bat but his numbers aren't overwhelming and he probably is about as good a prospect as Jeff Larish was at this time last year. Clement, Greene, McCormick, and Romanczuk all had a disappointing year. Both Kahn and Bogusevic had a mediocre season, though Bogusevic did hit well with the bat. Mayberry and Lowrie both actually had a good season.

 

I've tried to find other college names for 2005 and there aren't many. Micah Owings, who wasn't rated very highly with the 04' pitching draft class, might actually be the second best 05' arm behind Pelfrey.

 

If the 2005 draft is going to be better than the 2004 draft "by default", as BA says, then it will be because of the 05' High School class, as next year's college class looks well below average at this time.

[colbyjack]

If Neighborgall ever learns to pitch he could be the best player available next year. That's a huge if, since he really struggled this year.

 

Luke Hochevar from Tennessee is the 2nd best college arm available for next year, and possibly the best. He has a great fastball and a great curveball, good size, and a nice delivery. I had the pleasure of watching him pitch a couple of weeks ago and he looked really good.

 

Stephen Head of Mississippi really made a name for himself this spring. He was already considered one of the top prospects for the '05 draft, but this spring cemented that. He might be the best college hitter since Texeira.

 

And if Jeff Larish doesn't sign with the Dodgers & opts to return to ASU, he could jump right back up with a strong spring.

 

Justin Upton highlights all of the draftees from the prep class. He will be the one can't-miss positional prospect that this year's draft class lacked.

[batman]

Micah Owings was pitching today on ESPN against Georgia. Not very impressive, although he did flash signs of stellar-ness.

 

Is he a better prospect as a pitcher or a hitter? He looks like he can rake.

 

~Bill

[colbyjack]

Most scouts like Owings better as a pitcher because his swing is rather long. He has incredible power potential, and before the spring started I asked around a few different places about his potential as a power-hitting 3B. While he is very athletic, his athleticism is probably better suited to a corner OF spot or even 1B. He may not hit for that high of an average, and is extremely aggressive at the plate (I think he struck out something like 74 times last year, not good), but again, his power potential may be worth the experience.

 

On the mound he has a very good sinker/slider combo, but I think scouts have doubts about him as a starter at the big league level. He still may be a very effective closer. I think he could really benefit from returning for his junior year, as he still has a lot to work on.

[batman]

Cool, thanks Patrick. His command was off today and his delivery was a bit sporadic. At the plate, his swing reminds me of a right-handed Brooks Kieschnick... he takes quite a mighty cut. This was the first time I've seen him, and I can certainly see why folks like his athleticism. He's just a good baseball player... he might not be "good enough" at any one skill, but he's an awfully nice college ballplayer.

 

~Bill