College baseball is officially one week into the season and we’ve already seen its share of amazing feats in addition to some cold starts.
Matt Powers did a great intro to get everyone on the pulse for some of the top college names out there. Click on his name in case you missed out on his article.
Just below are links to various top MLB draft prospect lists. I’m not including lists that require a subscription (sorry, PerfectGame.)
Baseball America top 200 - MLB Pipeline top 50 - Fangraphs top 100 (includes 2019 & 2020)
As I mentioned the 2018 college season has gotten off to a fast start with some exceptional pitching and hitting performances. Pitching pretty much stole the show as there was a perfect game (Joe DeMers) a no hitter (Mitchell Senger) and other masterful starts. However, several top hitters are already racking up the extra base-hits.
Mitchell Senger of Stetson throws a no no against GW. 16 K’s today. Had a strong curveball all the way. #NCAABaseball pic.twitter.com/6QS0JUbNqJ
— Dan Mason (@LearnBaseball) February 25, 2018
In unfortunate news, Nick Madrigal, suffered a broken wrist and will be out 3-4 weeks. Steven Gingery is the first to go down with a torn UCL in his elbow.
Sources: Oregon State 2B Nick Madrigal has a broken wrist and will be out 3-4 weeks. Is seen in the industry as the top college hitter in the draft and still has a good chance to go in the top 5-10 picks in June.
— Kiley McDaniel (@kileymcd) February 25, 2018
I have created a spreadsheet to track college hitters and pitchers on separate tabs. I even added a 3rd tab where I’m adding pitchers pitch type and velocities if I see them posted on Twitter or elsewhere.
It will be impossible to track everyone, so I am just tracking the top players for now, and if I come across some unfamiliar names with some eye popping stats, they’ll be added to the bottom to keep an eye on. If those players keep proving themselves, I’ll add them to the list.
College player stock trending up
Sean Hjelle (Kentucky) - The 6’11” pitcher had a fantastic week including his latest start where he only allowed 1 hit over 7.2 innings including no walks and 13 Ks (0.66 ERA).
Shane McClanahan (South Florida) - He’s short and has already had TJS, and I admit I love taller pitchers. But I’m coming around. McClanahan is looking like the real deal. He has yet to allow an earned run and has a whopping 20 Ks in 12 innings.
Nick Madrigal (Oregon State) - He’s undersized like Altuve and Albies. And just like those 2 guys, all Madrigal does is hit. Sucks the guy broke his wrist and will be out a month, cause he’s hit .560 and showing off some power with 2 doubles and 2 HRs. He also hasn’t struck out yet in 25 ABs! He hasn’t walked much either, collecting just 1 through 6 games.
Joey Bart (Georgia Tech) - Not playing well in the Cape Cod League didn’t phase Bart from jumping to a fast start at Georgia Tech’s season. He’s proving to be the top catcher in the draft hitting .393 to go along with 3HRs. Does have some swing and miss in his game, but he hits the ball hard just about every time he makes contact. I’ve been reading his defense is good and he has a good arm throwing out 4 of 5 attempted base steals.
Alec Bohm (Wichita State) - The 6’5” 3B is one of the top early hitters along with Madrigal. The difference is that Bohm will take a walk. Hitting .529 w/ 5 XBH and 6 BBs - that’s good for a 1.593 OPS.
College player stock trending down
Jeremy Eierman (Missouri State) - The SS out of Missouri State hasn’t done much in 4 games hitting a paltry .118 with just 1 XBH (6K:1BB)
Brady Singer (Florida) - Got beat up by #24 ranked Miami. Reading on Twitter Miami was sitting on his fastball most of the night which topped out at 95. Stock trending down in the minimalist of manners at this moment. Even Kyle Wright started off slow before turning things around, but still fell to the Braves at 5.
Brady Singer out after five so-so innings for Florida. Touched 95 but Miami hitters made a lot of good contact on his fastball.
— keithlaw (@keithlaw) February 24, 2018
Zach Hess (LSU) - While he was roughed up his 1st game, he did pitch better in his 2nd start. 10.80 ERA with 12K and 8BB in 8.1 innings.
Zach Thompson (Kentucky) - A bit too hittable through both starts of the season and sitting at a 9.35 ERA (11K:6BB).
College players to keep an eye on
Griffin Roberts - A closer turned starter is off to a fantastic start to the season. 19K/4BB in 12.1 innings with a 2.92 ERA.
Nick Sandlin - 5’11” LHP - Yet another closer turned starter and he’s doing some amazing work so far. 23K/0BB in 14 innings.
Chase Murray - Another Georgia Tech player (OF) that’s putting up eye popping numbers.
If anyone has some insight into some of the players discussed above or would like to see a player added to the list, please let me know. I just had to add 2 freshman players to keep an eye on because they are absolutely crushing it right now. It’ll be more to follow into next season and maybe we revisit depending on where the Braves pick in 2019. One being Austin Martin of Vandy who’s hitting .611 through 6 games! Neither are listed on Fangraphs 2019 or 2020 draft in the link provided at the top.
I’ll likely start trimming off some players as things start to come into focus near draft time in June.