Five Prep Pitchers The Atlanta Braves Could Select In The 2011 MLB Draft

by gondeee on Jun 3, 2011 9:26 AM EDT

Yesterday we took a look at the possible ways the Atlanta Braves could go in this year's MLB Draft (link), and today we'll take a look at one of those possibilities when we examine five high school pitchers the Braves could be targeting with their first round pick, number-28 overall.

Henry Owens, LHP, Edison HS, CA
A low-90s fastball is complemented by three other potential plus pitches. The entire package is promising, but there are reservations about his lack of a current plus pitch, though there is plenty of projection in his frame and arm.
Projected pick by: Baseball America

Joe Ross, RHP, Bishop O'Dowd HS, CA
His brother Tyson Ross has had some success this year in Oakland's starting rotation. Joe may have the better arm, pitching in the mid to low-90s with good secondary offerings in a changeup and a slurvy curveball. He's an athletic player, and has a much more refined pitching motion that his brother.
Projected pick by: Keith Law

Jose Fernandez, RHP, Alonso HS, FL
More advanced and older than most high school arms, this Cuban refugee sits in the mid to upper-90s, and commands a plus curve and slider. With three good offerings and one of the fastest prep arms in the draft he shouldn't be around when the Braves select, but if he is they should pounce.
Projected pick by: Jonathan Mayo

Dillon Howard, RHP, Searcy HS, AR
A good mid to low-90s fastball is complemented by two plus offerings in his curve and change. He's an all-around great baseball player on both sides of the ball, though his senior season was not as spectacular as some had hoped.
Projected pick by: John Sickels

Robert Stephenson, RHP, Alhambra HS, CA
His only refined pitch is a plus fastball in the mid-90s, though he has a promising curve and changeup. He's raw with his stuff, and offers a lot of physical projection in his body. That yet to be refined approach could push him to the Braves, where they would almost certainly take a high-upside arm like his.
Projected pick by: MLB Bonus Baby

Keeping in the tradition of "all lazy journalists think alike," our old pal seems to have posted almost this exact same story at SBNATL. In the words of my hair idol, "you're fired."

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Lazy Journalist UNITE! :-P

Funny how similar those articles are… but here’s my question… Is it a foregone conclusion that we are drafting pitching? I’m guessing that’s where the depth in this draft is but who do you see as a choice 1st round position prospect we might grab? Are there any out there worth making a 1st rounder?

I know we don’t draft to need and the Braves love their pitching but I was just curious. :-)

Don’t worry about older women until you turn 22. It’s called the Saltalamacchia.
by bwellnjonesco on May 19, 2011 4:13 PM PDT

by Klemson Krash on Jun 3, 2011 10:31 AM EDT reply actions

speaking of lazy journalism...

I think I’m starting a new branch called Lazy Blog Reader… I went down a few stories and answered my own questions.. :-)

You’d think as prospective President of TC, I’d have memorized all the wonderful contributions already… sheesh. :-)

Thanks for all the great draft news Gondeee… can’t wait to see what they do on my B-day…

Don’t worry about older women until you turn 22. It’s called the Saltalamacchia.
by bwellnjonesco on May 19, 2011 4:13 PM PDT

by Klemson Krash on Jun 3, 2011 10:59 AM EDT up reply actions

Everything I read keeps saying this is a very deep draft, but only for pitching, that the hitting is actually kind of thin. So unless a hitter the Braves really love gets to their spot in the first round, I think it’s a pretty safe bet they take a pitcher first.

I wrote a novel, it's about baseball, you should buy it:
http://www.amazon.com/Four-C-B-Wilkins/dp/1449578454/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1257720610&sr=1-1
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by cbwilk on Jun 3, 2011 11:10 AM EDT up reply actions

best position available

So if its the pitcher so be it, if its a position player then fine.

by Braves24 on Jun 3, 2011 11:27 AM EDT up reply actions

fail

Best player available

by Braves24 on Jun 3, 2011 11:27 AM EDT up reply actions

LOL

That’s hilarious.

"It's not about me, it's about the team." - Martin Prado
Twitter: @scottcoleman55

by Scott Coleman on Jun 3, 2011 1:34 PM EDT reply actions

The only player I've seen that we've consistently been "in on"

is a kid from a TX HS SS named Trevor Story. There are differing views on his bat, but most think he could stay @ SS. He may still be around for our 2nd round pick though…

I’ve seen some reports saying that we’re high on a handful of HS Ps (one of which being Henry Owens), but those aren’t as consistent…

by theatlfan on Jun 3, 2011 1:43 PM EDT reply actions

I think if there is a LHP with some great potential/projection, I think you have to with that. No more soft tossing lefties!

And it's now my sig
by Bronn on May 17, 2011 4:56 PM EDT

by Sparhawk on Jun 3, 2011 1:43 PM EDT reply actions

How believable are these fastballs?

Can every HS kid throw low-mid 90s, when it seems so few even in the bigs can consistently hit that mark?

Basically, is it me, or are fastball speeds for HS pitchers as fudged as 40 times for HS football prospects?

http://sportsandgrits.blogspot.com/

by Mr. Sanchez on Jun 3, 2011 1:54 PM EDT reply actions

Had it explained to me by a co-worker whose kid got drafted out of high school...

Major League scouts generally want to see your max 4-seam fastball speed…to see what kind of God-given velocity you have. They also look at your mechanics and your other pitches, obviously.

Once you get into pro ball, they teach you how to “pitch”…either slow your velocity a bit to maintain stamina for several innings…or use a 2-seam fastball and try to get late movement.

by TBuzz on Jun 3, 2011 2:03 PM EDT up reply actions

DeMacio said...

He was interested in LHP. I’ve heard a few rumors linking the Braves to Owens. If he lasts til 28, I’m starting to think he’s our guy. Of course, DeMacio also said the crop of position players is thin, and if you want someone you have to jump on the chance. Perhaps they’ll take a look at Trevor Story. If they go for a college lefty like Gilmartin or the kid from Oregon, I’ll be really dissapointed because neither seems to have much upside. I’m really pulling for a prep kid with upside, like Owens or Story.

by OrangeBravo on Jun 3, 2011 3:56 PM EDT via mobile reply actions