I’m a little bit at a loss as I try to decide my next move with the site. 2010 draft recaps, 2011 early previews, college team profiles…I’m not really sure what I want to do. In the meantime, here’s something quick on one of the eight remaining teams in the 2010 College World Series. Ideally I’d do one of these for every team. We’ll see. Also, comments and emails will be answered over the next few days.

2011 MLB Draft Players to Know – Florida State

SO LHP Sean Gilmartin (4.73 FIP; 9.12 K/9; 2.68 BB/9; 100.2 IP)

SO 2B Sherman Johnson (.335/.449/.513; 44/36 BB/K; 7/10 SB; 224 AB)

SO RHP Hunter Scantling* (5.00 FIP; 7.98 K/9; 2.66 BB/9; 44 IP)

SO OF James Ramsey (.291/.443/.539; 48/41 BB/K; 10/11 SB; 206 AB)

JR RHP Daniel Bennett* (3.56 FIP; 10.06 K/9; 3.18 BB/9; 34 IP)

SO LHP Brian Busch* (4.36 FIP; 8.74 K/9; 3.99 BB/9; 70 IP)

JR 3B Stuart Tapley (.281/.419/.454; 40/57 BB/K; 7/9 SB; 185 AB)

JR RHP Tyler Everett* (3.46 FIP; 7.92 K/9; 4.47 BB/9; 44.1 IP)

JR C Rafael Lopez (.290/.405/.427; 20/29 BB/K; 0/0 SB; 131 AB)

JR C Parker Brunelle (.222/.297/.395; 8/13 BB/K; 0/1 SB; 81 AB)

JR RHP Andrew Durden* (3.84 FIP; 7.71 K/9; 4.82 BB/9; 9.1 IP)

JR LHP Tye Buckley* (5.27 FIP; 5.40 K/9; 8.78 BB/9; 13.1 IP)

JR LHP Robby Scott* (2.19 FIP; 10.80 K/9; 7.20 BB/9; 5 IP)

JR OF Robby Stahl (.000/.250/.000; 2/3 BB/K; 0/0 SB; 5 AB)

JR OF Jack Posey: Fall 2009 Tommy John surgery

Gilmartin throws an upper-80s fastball with the potential for three average or better secondary pitches (low-70s curve, mid-70s changeup, slider) in time. Johnson, a former walk-on, is one of my favorite college position player sleeper prospects heading into 2011. He’s taken to the patented ultra-patient Florida State approach like he’s been doing it all his life while still showing off tremendous bat control and an advanced feel for what opposing pitchers want to do against him. He’s also got the defensive tools to be well above-average at both second base and third base, though he could ultimately work best as a smooth fielding shortstop. If nothing else, his defensive talent at multiple infield spots makes a utility future seem like a decent floor projection. I won’t lie and claim to have a comprehensive knowledge of all 2011 college middle infield prospects at this point, but I’d be hard pressed to come up with as well-rounded a player as Johnson. The rising junior has enough of every tool to succeed at the next level. Scantling is huge (6-8, 270 pounds) and athletic, but his stuff still doesn’t quite match his imposing frame. That could change in a hurry, but for now he’s still sitting in the same upper-80s with iffy breaking stuff that he was at back in high school. It’ll be interesting to see if he’ll get more consistent innings as a starter or if Florida State opts to keep him coming out of the bullpen in 2011. Ramsey is generally seen as one of the better 2011 college outfield prospects, but at this point in his development he’s little more than an above-average bat to me. His arm is currently average at best and his range in the outfield is below-average. In addition, he’s a decent runner who picks his spots on the bases well. College players limited to leftfield need to be able to hit a ton to make it in pro ball.

Bennett has been counted on in many big spots as the Seminoles primary non-closer relief pitcher. His deceptive sidearm delivery, above-average fastball, and impressive junior year peripherals make him one to watch. The former Tallahassee Community College standout should get first crack at reclaiming the closer’s job he lost to Mike McGee this season in 2011. Busch won’t wow you with his stuff, but he does have a decent curveball and good command. Tapley is a favorite among coaches, scouts, and fans for his superior work ethic, hustle, and on-field demeanor, so it’s easy to believe he could be in store for a quick return trip back up teams’ draft boards with a big senior season. He’s not a third baseman long-term, but a utility future could be in the cards if he can show any kind of aptitude at second. If that doesn’t work, he could be a four-corners bench bat type. Tapley was one of the last few cuts from my 2010 list of top 30 college third basemen, for what it’s worth.

Everett has done a good job over the years for the Seminoles, but has done it more with pitchability than stuff. Lopez is a really good defender with a strong throwing arm, but little projection with the bat makes his best case scenario that of a backup catcher. It seems there were plenty of 2010 surprise senior breakout players among college catchers, so maybe there is hope for Lopez after all. Brunelle, a top high school prospect way back when, has disappointed since enrolling at Florida State. He’s still an outstanding athlete with a line drive swing, so there may still be some hope he’s another late blooming catching prospect. Unfortunately, the lack of power and an average at best throwing arm represent two major strikes against him. I liked Durden more as a position player out of high school, but he’s shown enough on the mound in limited action to be worth a look as a potential mid-round senior sign relief project. Buckley has received some positive buzz as an effective LOOGY out of the pen, but his numbers leave much to be desired. Scott, Stahl, and Posey all received little to no playing time in 2010. Posey’s excuse, Tommy John surgery in late 2009, is understandable.