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2017 Atlantic 10 All-Draft Team (Hitters)
C – Deon Stafford
1B – Bobby Campbell
2B – Daniel Brumbaugh
SS – Cole Peterson
3B – Carter Hanford
OF – Cam Johnson, Logan Farrar, Jordan Powell
If I were to rank the position player prospects in the Atlantic 10 this year, the list would probably look something like this: 1) Deon Stafford, 2) Deon Stafford, and 3) Deon Stafford. There’s really nobody close to Stafford’s level of talent and production in the conference. I’ve seen a good bit of Stafford over the years, something that can either be good if you trust my firsthand takes or bad if you think I’m either a) full of it (very possible, FWIW), or b) biased towards a local prospect I’ve watched grow into a potential top one hundred pick.
My #notascout observations on him are fairly straightforward: fantastic athlete, average or better speed (timed him above-average to first on a single last weekend), above-average to plus arm strength (though I haven’t gotten a clean in-game pop from him yet this season to update this), at least above-average raw power, average or better hit tool, patient yet aggressive approach, great build/physical strength, clear leadership skills and passion for the game (as noted by my wife, who’s far more into that type of thing, on multiple occasions), and an overall plus package of defensive tools (mobility, hands, release, fearlessness).
For as much as I made about the gap between Stafford and the rest of the conference, it’s only fair to point out there are a bunch of quality catching prospects in the Atlantic 10 beyond Stafford. Feedback (that I ignored) on James Morisano before the season was that he was a prospect on the same level as Stafford. He’s not, but that doesn’t make him chopped liver. Or maybe he is because chopped liver can be delicious if mushed up in a nice chicken liver pâté. Either way, Morisano is a good athlete who should have no problem sticking behind the dish in the long run while showing off above-average power at it. The bat might be a little light to play regularly, but there’s a chance he’s a high-level backup for a long time.
Martin Figueroa‘s down senior season doesn’t change the fact he brings a long track record of hitting for both average and power. He might be more of a utility type at the next level — he has experience at third and in the outfield corners — but anybody who can at least fake it behind the plate and hit like him deserves a shot in pro ball.
All I know about Bobby Campbell is that he has power, he can play third base in a pinch, and he controlz the strike zone (58 BB/63 K career to date) like nobody’s business. The typo in that sentence was entirely accidental, but I’m leaving it in to underscore how impressed I am by Campbell’s approach. Plus, it highlights how edgy and cool and up with the latest trends (trendz?) I am. Between Campbell, Darian Carpenter, and Brian Fortier, the A-10 has a chance to put three quality senior-sign power hitting first base prospects in pro ball this year. Not too shabby.
Cole Peterson is a fun mix of patience, pop, and speed at shortstop. An edge in speed is what gave him the starting spot on this team over Vinny Capra, a good looking young bat (“pesky [hitter] with real sock” is how he was described to me) in his own right. Carter Hanford is a solid defender at the hot corner with power to all fields. Isaiah Pasteur, sitting out the season after transferring in to George Washington from Indiana, could get drafted even with the year off. He’s yet to show much at the plate, but there aren’t many young third basemen out there that can match his blend of athleticism, speed, and arm strength.
We knew Cam Johnson could run and hit a bit coming into the season, but his power bump has been a pleasant development. Logan Farrar has a quality approach and some defensive versatility (all three outfield spots plus second base). Jordan Powell might have to wait another year like Farrar did, but he fits the speed/CF range mold that can sometimes get some late round love.
Also receiving consideration…
C – Martin Figueroa, Brandon Chapman, James Morisano, Mark Donadio
1B – Darian Carpenter, Brian Fortier
2B – Michael Smith, Jared Baldinelli, Chris Hess, Robbie Metz
SS – Alex King, Vinny Capra, Alec Acosta
3B – Matt O’Neil, Isaiah Pasteur
OF – Aaron Case, Cal Jadacki, Tyler Nelin, DJ Lee, Mike Corin, Joey Bartosic, Ryan MacCarrick, Parker Sniatynski, David Vaccaro, Will Robertson, Nick Reeser, Trent Leimkuehler
2016 MLB Draft Follow Lists – Atlantic 10
I tend to have a positive outlook when it comes to evaluating amateur players. I’ve gotten some feedback — some friendly, some not — about being too positive at times, but focusing on what players do well is more fun than the alternative. I try not to get too carried away with the positivity, but it can be difficult balancing my enthusiasm of promoting players from mid-major programs and non-traditional baseball powers with realistic pro forecasts that speak to the absurd rate of “failure” of even the best of prospects. I guess I can see their point: listing 58 players of interest on the Southland Conference list when only 19 got drafted last year might be a bit of overkill. Anyway, this is just my nice way of easing into an admission that I’m not in love with the Atlantic 10 this year from a draft perspective. In fact, there isn’t really one draft-eligible player in the Atlantic 10 that jumps out to me as a sure-fire top-ten round prospect. I could be wrong — it’s happened once before, probably — and the possibility that somebody could emerge between now and June is very real, but I don’t see any way around this being a down draft year for the conference. But — and here’s that damn positivity again — there are still some fun players with pro futures to discuss!
Logan Farrar is a well-rounded offensive player who does everything well but nothing spectacularly at the plate. If teams buy his long-term outlook as an infielder (based on what I know so far, I’m not sold), then his stock will rise. Chris Hess is a no-doubter infielder, so it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the similarly talented offensive player ahead of Farrar on some boards by June. I’ve long been enamored by Braxton Martinez, a strong hitter with some defensive questions to answer this spring. I know some who think he can play third, others who want to try him behind the plate, and others still who believe he’s a first baseman (where I believe he’ll be playing this season) in the long run. The first two options are obviously preferable, but I like him as a senior-sign at any spot.
The pitching side of things doesn’t inspire much confidence either. Greg Weissert can throw three pitches for strikes – 88-93 FB, 78-79 CU, mid-70s CB – and has missed bats at the kind of clip (10.45 K/9) to warrant his spot at the top. Zach Girrens does it with a little more heat (up to 94) and an average or better slider. Joey Ravert is one of college ball’s best two-way players, but his future is likely on the mound thanks to his 90-94 FB and power slider. He’s the kind of athlete who could take off in pro ball once he’s able to focus entirely on one side of ball. After the first few names, there’s lots of projection based more on talent than history: Nick Vichio (about 20 IP total to his name), Joseph Serrapica (7.71 ERA last year), and Jorge Jimenez (10.1 IP last year) all have a lot to prove in 2016, but with the talent to move quick.
Maybe meaningful storyline to follow: the Royals drafted five of the A-10’s twelve drafted players last year. At first I assumed it was just a coincidence or maybe just a case of having a trusted (and convincing) area scout frequenting conference games, but then it hit me: it’s the George Mason connection. Dayton Moore, JJ Picollo, Lonnie Goldberg, and area scout Ken Munoz all played ball at George Mason. If any team is going to have the best connections to the program and conference, it’s the team with three major decision-makers and a respected scout all with ties to the university. When Brandon Gum gets drafted Kansas City this year, remember you heard it here first.
Hitters
- Virginia Commonwealth JR OF/2B Logan Farrar
- Rhode Island rSO 2B/3B Chris Hess
- Fordham JR 2B/SS Matthew Kozuch
- Rhode Island JR C/3B Martin Taveras
- Saint Louis SR 3B/C Braxton Martinez
- Saint Louis SR OF Michael Bozarth
- Virginia Commonwealth JR 2B/SS Matt Davis
- Davidson SR OF Lee Miller
- Richmond rSR OF Michael Morman
- George Mason SR 3B Kent Blackstone
- Rhode Island SR OF Ryan Olmo
- George Washington JR OF Joey Bartosic
- Davidson SR 2B/SS Sam Foy
- George Mason SR 2B/SS Brandon Gum
- St. Bonaventure SR 3B/RHP Thad Johnson
- Dayton rJR OF Glenn Jones
- Richmond SR OF/SS Tyler Beckwith
- George Washington JR OF Andrew Selby
- Virginia Commonwealth JR 1B/3B Darian Carpenter
- George Washington JR 3B/1B Bobby Campbell
- St. Joseph’s SR OF John Brue
- Fordham SR 2B Joseph Runco
- Richmond SR OF Jansen Fraser
- St. Bonaventure JR OF Taishi Terashima
- St. Joseph’s JR SS Taylor Boyd
- Virginia Commonwealth SR OF Jimmy Kerrigan
- Saint Louis SR 3B/SS Josh Bunselmeyer
- Virginia Commonwealth SR OF Cody Acker
- Virginia Commonwealth SR OF James Bunn
Pitchers
- Fordham JR RHP Greg Weissert
- Saint Louis JR RHP Zach Girrens
- La Salle SR RHP/1B Joey Ravert
- Saint Louis SR LHP Josh Moore
- Saint Louis JR RHP Nick Vichio
- Fordham SR RHP Joseph Serrapica
- La Salle JR LHP Jorge Jimenez
- La Salle rJR LHP Luke Reilly
- George Mason rJR RHP Tyler Tobin
- Davidson JR RHP Westin Whitmire
- Saint Louis SR RHP Matt Eckelman
- Fordham SR RHP Jimmy Murphy
- Rhode Island SR RHP Brad Applin
- Rhode Island SR LHP Steve Moyers
- St. Joseph’s rSR RHP Tim Ponto
Davidson
SR RHP Durin O’Linger (2016)
JR RHP Cody White (2016)
rSR RHP Clark Beeker (2016)
JR RHP Westin Whitmire (2016)
SR OF/RHP Andrew Pope (2016)
SR 2B/SS Sam Foy (2016)
SR OF Lee Miller (2016)
JR OF Will Robertson (2016)
JR C Tyler Agard (2016)
SO RHP Josh Smutzer (2017)
SO RHP Connor Gordon (2017)
SO SS/3B Alec Acosta (2017)
SO OF Cam Johnson (2017)
FR RHP Casey Sutherland (2018)
FR 3B/OF Adrian Mayans (2018)
High Priority Follows: Durin O’Linger, Clark Beeker, Westin Whitmire, Sam Foy, Lee Miller
Dayton
SR RHP Zach Beaver (2016)
SR RHP Charlie Dant (2016)
SR RHP Sam Brunner (2016)
rJR RHP Nick Weybright (2016)
SR OF/1B Aaron Huesman (2016)
rJR OF Mitch Coughlin (2016)
rJR OF Glenn Jones (2016)
JR SS/2B Maverick Prine (2016)
JR C Matt Poland (2016)
High Priority Follows: Sam Brunner, Glenn Jones, Maverick Prine
Fordham
JR RHP Greg Weissert (2016)
SR RHP Jimmy Murphy (2016)
SR RHP Joseph Serrapica (2016)
SR RHP Cody Johnson (2016)
JR RHP Kirk Haynes (2016):
JR RHP Donald May (2016)
JR LHP Shane McDonald (2016)
JR RHP/SS Luke Stampfl (2016)
SR 2B Joseph Runco (2016)
SR OF Ryan McNally (2016)
SR 3B Ian Edmiston (2016)
JR OF/C Mark Donadio (2016)
JR 2B/SS Matthew Kozuch (2016)
JR OF Ryan Mahoney (2016)
SR SS Joseph DeVito (2016)
SO RHP Ben Greenberg (2017)
SO RHP David Manasek (2017)
High Priority Follows: Greg Weissert, Jimmy Murphy, Joseph Serrapica, Joseph Runco, Matthew Kozuch
George Washington
SR RHP Bobby LeWarne (2016)
SR RHP Randy Dalrymple (2016)
JR RHP Eddie Muhl (2016)
JR OF Joey Bartosic (2016)
JR 3B/1B Bobby Campbell (2016)
JR OF Andrew Selby (2016)
JR 3B/2B Eli Kashi (2016)
JR SS Kevin Mahala (2016)
SR C Matthieu Robért (2016)
JR OF Colin Gibbons-Fly (2016)
SO RHP Brady Renner (2017)
SO RHP Tyler Swiggart (2017)
SO LHP Kevin Hodgson (2017)
SO 2B/RHP Robbie Metz (2017)
SO C Brandon Chapman (2017)
High Priority Follows: Bobby LeWarne, Randy Dalrymple, Eddie Muhl, Joey Bartosic, Bobby Campbell, Andrew Selby
George Mason
rJR RHP Tyler Tobin (2016)
SR LHP Evan Porcella (2016)
SR RHP Mark Maksimow (2016)
JR RHP Tyler Zombro (2016)
SR 2B/SS Brandon Gum (2016)
SR 3B Kent Blackstone (2016)
SO LHP Joe Williams (2017)
rFR RHP Bryce Nightengale (2017)
SO 2B Michael Smith (2017)
SO OF Brady Acker (2017)
SO OF/C Tyler Nelin (2017)
SO 1B/3B Trevor Kelly (2017)
FR LHP Bran Marconi (2018)
FR 1B/3B Greg Popatak (2018)
High Priority Follows: Tyler Tobin, Tyler Zombro, Brandon Gum, Kent Blackstone
La Salle
rJR RHP Greg Krug (2016)
SR RHP Jordan Meyer (2016)
JR LHP Jorge Jimenez (2016)
rJR LHP Luke Reilly (2016)
SR RHP Billy Woswick (2016)
SR RHP Jared Mattera (2016)
SR RHP Tom Fazzini (2016)
JR RHP Andrew Craig (2016)
SR RHP/1B Joey Ravert (2016)
rJR 1B/RHP Michael Flax (2016)
rJR OF Ethan Springston (2016)
SR SS Collin McGowan (2016)
SO RHP Greg Paprocki (2017)
SO 2B/OF Yan Carlo Rivera (2017)
FR RHP CJ Pruitt (2018)
FR C Brett Simon (2018)
FR 2B Kevin McGowan (2018)
FR OF Drew Jarmuz (2018)
FR OF Brian Tagoe (2018)
High Priority Follows: Greg Krug, Jorge Jimenez, Luke Reilly, Joey Ravert
Massachusetts
SR RHP/C Brandon Walsh (2016)
SR LHP Evan Mackintosh (2016)
JR RHP Ryan Moloney (2016)
rSO RHP Ryan Venditti (2016)
SR RHP Ben Panunzio (2016)
SR 1B/C John Jennings (2016)
JR 1B/RHP Mike Geannelis (2016)
SO RHP Kevin Hassett (2017)
FR 3B/SS Cooper Mrowka (2018)
High Priority Follows: Brandon Walsh, Evan Mackintosh, Mike Geannelis
Rhode Island
SR LHP Steve Moyers (2016)
rJR RHP Ben Wessel (2016)
SR RHP Brad Applin (2016)
rJR RHP Blaise Whitman (2016)
rJR RHP Matt O’Neil (2016)
rSO RHP Tyler Barss (2016)
JR RHP Taso Stathopoulos (2016)
rSR C Derek Gardella (2016)
rJR OF Mike Corin (2016)
SR 1B Connor Foreman (2016)
SR OF Ryan Olmo (2016)
rSO 2B/3B Chris Hess (2016)
JR C/3B Martin Taveras (2016)
SO LHP Tyler Wilson (2017)
SO LHP Dom Grillo (2017)
SO OF Jordan Powell (2017)
High Priority Follows: Steve Moyers, Brad Applin, Taso Stathopoulos, Derek Gardella, Mike Corin, Connor Foreman, Ryan Olmo, Chris Hess, Martin Taveras
Richmond
SR RHP Dan Martinson (2016)
rSR RHP Jonathan de Marte (2016)
JR RHP Robbie Baker (2016)
SR 1B Doug Kraeger (2016)
SR OF/SS Tyler Beckwith (2016)
SR OF Jansen Fraser (2016)
SR C Aaron Newman (2016)
rSR OF Michael Morman (2016)
JR INF Kurtis Brown (2016)
SO RHP Brendan McGuigan (2017)
SO 2B/RHP Keenan Bartlett (2017)
SO C Kyle Adams (2017)
SO C Brandon Johnson (2017)
SO INF/OF Daniel Brumbaugh (2017)
FR LHP Jacob Lamb (2018)
FR RHP Layne Looney (2018)
High Priority Follows: Doug Kraeger, Tyler Beckwith, Jansen Fraser, Michael Morman
St. Bonaventure
SR RHP Connor Grey (2016)
SR RHP Drew Teller (2016)
SR 3B/RHP Thad Johnson (2016)
JR OF Taishi Terashima (2016)
SR 1B Tyler Walter (2016)
SR 1B Ted Dilts (2016)
JR 2B Jared Baldinelli (2016)
JR C Bradley Gresock (2016)
SR 1B Tyler Kirwan (2016)
SO RHP Brandon Schlimm (2017)
SO RHP Aaron Phillips (2017)
SO RHP Ben Contento (2017)
SO LHP Nate Grant (2017)
SO SS Cole Peterson (2017)
FR OF Sam Fuller (2018)
High Priority Follows: Thad Johnson, Taishi Terashima
St. Joseph’s
SR LHP Jack Stover (2016)
SR RHP Tim McCarthy (2016)
JR RHP Pat Vanderslice (2016)
SR LHP Joe Manion (2016)
JR RHP Steve Powles (2016)
JR RHP Ryan Kelly (2016)
rSR RHP Tim Ponto (2016)
rSR RHP Ryan Otero (2016)
SR 1B Charlie Coghlin (2016)
SR OF John Brue (2016)
JR SS Taylor Boyd (2016)
JR OF Cal Jadacki (2016)
SO RHP Dominic Cuoci (2017)
SO RHP Justin Aungst (2017)
SO C Deon Stafford (2017)
SO SS/2B Matt Maul (2017)
FR 1B Charlie Concannon (2018)
High Priority Follows: Pat Vanderslice, Tim Ponto, Charlie Coghlin, John Brue, Taylor Boyd
Saint Louis
SR LHP Josh Moore (2016)
SR RHP Matt Eckelman (2016)
JR RHP Nick Vichio (2016)
JR LHP Brett Shimanovsky (2016)
JR RHP Zach Girrens (2016)
SR 3B/C Braxton Martinez (2016)
rJR OF Trent Leimkuehler (2016)
SR OF Michael Bozarth (2016)
SR 3B/SS Josh Bunselmeyer (2016)
JR INF Danny Mannion (2016)
rSO INF Michael Cusenza (2016)
SO RHP Connor Lehmann (2017)
SO RHP Luke Sommerfeld (2017)
SO SS Alex King (2017)
SO C James Morisano (2017)
SO OF Parker Sniatynski (2017)
FR RHP Jackson Wark (2018)
FR RHP Miller Hogan (2018)
FR OF Curtis Whitten (2018)
FR 2B/SS Cole Dubet (2018)
High Priority Follows: Josh Moore, Matt Eckelman, Nick Vichio, Zach Girrens, Braxton Martinez, Michael Bozarth, Josh Bunselmeyer
Virginia Commonwealth
JR LHP Matt Jamer (2016)
JR RHP Luke Crabb (2016)
JR LHP Brooks Vial (2016)
JR RHP Matt Oxner (2016)
JR RHP Sam Donko (2016)
SR OF Cody Acker (2016)
JR OF/2B Logan Farrar (2016)
SR OF James Bunn (2016)
SR 2B Cooper Mickelson (2016)
SR OF Jimmy Kerrigan (2016)
SR C Walker Haymaker (2016)
JR 2B/SS Matt Davis (2016)
JR 1B/3B Darian Carpenter (2016)
SO RHP Garrett Pearson (2017)
SO RHP Sean Thompson (2017)
rFR C Brett Hileman (2017)
SO INF Daane Berezo (2017)
FR RHP Jack Alkire (2018)
FR RHP Ben Dum (2018)
FR SS Zac Ching (2018)
High Priority Follows: Cody Acker, Logan Farrar, James Bunn, Jimmy Kerrigan, Matt Davis, Darian Carpenter
2015 MLB Draft Prospects – Atlantic 10 Follow List
Davidson
SR RHP Clark Beeker (2015)
SR LHP Rob Bain (2015)
SR RHP Matt Saeta (2015)
SR RHP Nick Neitzel (2015)
JR RHP Durin O’Linger (2015)
SR 1B/RHP Ryan Lowe (2015)
JR OF/RHP Andrew Pope (2015)
SR OF Nathan Becker (2015)
SR OF Ty Middlebrooks (2015)
JR 2B/SS Sam Foy (2015)
SR 3B David Daniels (2015)
SR 2B Ben Arkin (2015)
JR OF Lee Miller (2015)
SO RHP Cody White (2016)
Dayton
SR 1B AJ Ryan (2015)
rSR OF Alex Harris (2015)
JR OF/1B Aaron Huesman (2015)
rSR 2B Sergio Plasencia (2015)
rSR RHP Noah Buettgen (2015)
JR RHP Charlie Dant (2015)
JR RHP Nick Weybright (2015)
Fordham
JR C Charles Galiano (2015)
JR 2B Joseph Runco (2015)
JR OF Ryan McNally (2015)
JR RHP Brett Kennedy (2015)
JR RHP Cody Johnson (2015)
JR RHP Jimmy Murphy (2015)
JR RHP Joseph Serrapica (2015)
SO OF/C Mark Donadio (2016)
SO RHP/SS Luke Stampfl (2016)
SO RHP Kirk Haynes (2016)
SO LHP Makay Redd (2016)
SO 1B Matthew Kozuch (2016)
George Washington
SR C/OF Xavier Parkmond (2015)
SR OF Ryan Xepoleas (2015)
JR RHP Bobby LeWarne (2015)
SO RHP Eddie Muhl (2016)
SO OF Joey Bartosic (2016)
SO 3B Bobby Campbell (2015)
George Mason
SR OF Luke Willis (2015)
JR 2B/SS Brandon Gum (2015)
SR C Ray Toto (2015)
SR RHP John Williams (2015)
rSO RHP Tyler Mocabee (2015)
JR RHP Mark Maksimow (2015)
rSR LHP Jake Kalish (2015)
rSR RHP Taylor Hunt (2015)
JR LHP Evan Porcella (2015)
SO RHP Tyler Zombro (2016)
La Salle
SR OF Justin Korenblatt (2015)
SR 3B Cameron Johnson (2015)
SR 2B Josh Savakinus (2015)
SR 1B/RHP Mark Williams (2015)
JR 1B/RHP Joey Ravert (2015)
SR OF/LHP Justin Korenblatt (2015)
rSR RHP Adam Cherry (2015)
JR RHP Tom Fazzini (2015)
rSO RHP Greg Krug (2015)
SO RHP Andrew Craig (2016)
Massachusetts
rSR OF Adam Picard (2015)
rSR OF Kyle Adie (2015)
JR 1B/C John Jennings (2015)
JR RHP/C Brandon Walsh (2015)
SR RHP Andrew Grant (2015)
SO RHP Ryan Moloney (2016)
SO 1B/RHP Mike Geannelis (2016)
Rhode Island
SR SS Tim Caputo (2015)
SR OF Nick DeRegis (2015)
rJR C Derek Gardella (2015)
rSO OF Mike Corin (2015)
SR OF Mike Sherburne (2015)
JR LHP Steve Moyers (2015)
JR RHP Lou Distasio (2015)
rSO RHP Ben Wessel (2015)
rSR RHP Brendan Doonan (2015)
JR RHP Brad Applin (2015)
SO RHP Taso Stathopoulos (2016)
SO C/3B Martin Taveras (2016)
rFR 3B/1B Chris Hess (2016)
Richmond
SR RHP Ryan Cook (2015)
rSR LHP Chris Bates (2015)
SR LHP Zak Sterling (2015)
rJR RHP Jonathan de Marte (2015)
SR RHP Ray Harron (2015)
SR RHP James Lively (2015)
JR RHP Peter Bayer (2015)
rSR LHP Dylan Stoops (2015)
SR LHP Zach Grossfeld (2015)
rSO 1B Matt Dacey (2015)
JR OF Tanner Stanley (2015)
JR 1B Doug Kraeger (2015)
JR OF Tyler Beckwith (2015)
JR OF Jansen Fraser (2015)
JR C Aaron Newman (2015)
St. Bonaventure
JR RHP Steven Klimek (2015)
JR RHP Connor Grey (2015)
JR RHP Drew Teller (2015)
JR SS/RHP Thad Johnson (2015)
SR OF Tyler Bell (2015)
SR C Dylan Dunn (2015)
rJR OF Bret Heath (2015)
SR OF Jonathan Diaz (2015)
SO 2B Jared Baldinelli (2016)
SO C Bradley Gresock (2016)
St. Joseph’s
SR RHP Tim Ponto (2015)
SR RHP James Harrity (2015)
JR LHP Jack Stover (2015)
SR RHP Lansing Veeder (2015)
SR OF Ryan Pater (2015)
SR 3B Stefan Kancylarz (2015)
SO RHP Tyler Pallante (2016)
SO RHP Steve Powles (2016)
SO RHP Ryan Kelly (2016)
Saint Louis
JR 3B Braxton Martinez (2015)
SR 1B Mike Vigliarolo (2015)
JR C Jake Henson (2015)
JR OF Michael Bozarth (2015)
SR OF Danny Murphy (2015)
SR C/OF Colton Frabasilio (2015)
rSR LHP Damian Rivera (2015)
SR RHP Nick Bates (2015)
rSR RHP Clay Smith (2015)
JR LHP Josh Moore (2015)
JR RHP Matt Eckelman (2015)
SO RHP Nick Vichio (2016)
SO LHP Brett Shimanovsky (2016)
SO RHP Robert Plohr (2016)
SO RHP Zach Girrens (2016)
SO INF Michael Cusenza (2016)
SO INF Danny Mannion (2016)
Virginia Commonwealth
SR SS Vimael Machin (2015)
JR OF James Bunn (2015)
JR OF Cody Acker (2015)
SR LHP Heath Dwyer (2015)
SR LHP Matt Lees (2015)
SR LHP JoJo Howie (2015)
SR RHP Daniel Concepcion (2015)
SR RHP Matt Blanchard (2015)
SR RHP Thomas Gill (2015)
SR RHP Tyler Buckley (2015)
SO OF Logan Farrar (2016)
SO 2B/SS Matt Davis (2016)
SO 1B/3B Darian Carpenter (2016)
SO LHP Matt Jamer (2016)
FR RHP Garrett Pearson (2017)
Atlantic 10 2015 MLB Draft All-Prospect Team
Fordham JR C Charles Galiano
Richmond rSO 1B Matt Dacey
George Mason JR 2B Brandon Gum
Virginia Commonwealth SR SS Vimael Machin
Saint Louis JR 3B Braxton Martinez
Richmond JR OF Tanner Stanley
Davidson JR OF Lee Miller
Richmond JR OF Jansen Fraser
Richmond rSR LHP Chris Bates
Richmond SR RHP Ryan Cook
George Mason rSR LHP Jake Kalish
La Salle rSR RHP Adam Cherry
Rhode Island Jr RHP Brad Applin
There’s always some talent to be found in the Atlantic 10 and the draft class of 2015 has a few names — Braxton Martinez! — that could surprise casual observers with how high they go this June. JR C Charles Galiano (Fordham) shows just enough with the bat to combine with his athleticism, arm strength, and defensive aptitude to give him a potential backup catcher future. There are also an unusual number of potential power bats in the conference; arguably none are better than rSO 1B Matt Dacey (Richmond). His relative inexperience gives hope that he’ll make strides in terms of approach, which would in turn help him further unlock his prodigious raw power. He mashed last year even as he showed signs of that aforementioned raw approach, so the sky is the limit for him as a hitter as he gains experience. A quartet of powerful senior sign first basemen gives the conference a boost of offense and a chance to make some noise in the mid- to late-rounds of the draft. SR 1B Mark Williams (La Salle) is a big man (6-6, 240) with power to match. SR 1B Ryan Lowe (Davidson) brings a little less power and a little more athleticism. SR 1B Mike Vigliarolo (Saint Louis) splits the difference between the two while SR 1B AJ Ryan (Dayton) could be a late bloomer.
The three middle infielders to make the list below all deserve a look in pro ball. What’s most interesting about the trio to me is how SR SS Vimael Machin (VCU) and SR SS Tim Caputo (Rhode Island) serve as instructional comps for JR 2B Brandon Gum (George Mason). I liked Machin and Caputo a fair amount last year as juniors, but fully understood why both wound up back at school this year and find themselves hoping to play their way into the draft as senior signs. What you see is what you get with both players; there’s no carrying tool (or even a clearly above-average one), but, outside of marginal at best power, no obvious weaknesses to their games either. You could do worse in your search for organizational depth, but the fact remains guys like that do not often get selected and signed as juniors. Likewise, Gum has the skill set to be draft-worthy, but I’d actually put him behind both Machin and Caputo at similar stages of development. All of this is a too long way of saying I think Gum has a good shot to be drafted, but not until 2016. For Machin and Caputo, the time is now…or never.
A smarter writer would have led this off with JR 3B Braxton Martinez (Saint Louis) and JR OF Tanner Stanley (Richmond), the unquestioned (in my mind) two best prospects in the league. Instead they find themselves buried here at the bottom of the hitters. Sometimes that’s just how life goes, I suppose. I can’t say enough nice things about Martinez. He’s an outstanding defender at the hot corner with plus hands and a strong arm. He’s also a really mature, powerful young hitter who knows how to use the whole field. Martinez is the kind of player that makes maintaining this site so much fun. He’s relatively unheralded and perhaps a little overlooked nationally, but when it comes time to rank the best third base prospects in the country he’ll get all the attention his talent deserves. Stanley feels even less well known at the national level, but that should change shortly. He’s one of college ball’s better “leadoff profile” position players, checking almost every box you want out of his type of player. Up-the-middle defensive profile? Above-average or better speed? Patient approach? Enough pop to keep opposing pitchers honest? Check, check, check, and check. Really nice prospect.
I think by now my excitement for the A-10’s position players is pretty well established. Martinez and maybe Stanley could grow into big league regulars. There are some interesting power bats at first and in the outfield. There are also some potentially useful utility infielders. All in all, it’s a lot to like. I’m not sure I can be quite as sunny about the pitching. The one-two punch out of Richmond (rSR LHP Chris Bates and SR RHP Ryan Cook) stand out as perhaps the only two pitchers set to be drafted in 2015. Bates is a lefty with size (6-5, 210), a fastball that touches the low-90s, a quality curve, and a strong (when healthy) collegiate track record. Cook is a righthander with a touch more fastball, a quality slider, and a strong collegiate track record. Turns out my subconscious plagiarized me from last year…
In a conference with a ton of relief prospects with big league upside, there’s certainly an argument to be made that JR RHP Ryan Cook is the best. He has the fastball (88-93), above-average SL (82-84), and flashes of dominance to rise up boards with a big spring. Minority, and possibly foolish, opinion: rJR LHP Chris Bates is as good a pro prospect as his more highly acclaimed teammate Cook. Bates sits at a lower velocity (upper-80s, mostly), but can crank it to a similar peak (92-93). His size (6-5, 200 pounds), breaking ball (quality), and performance (9.58 K/9 in 41.1 IP last season) add up to a draftable talent.
Whoever wrote that sure knew his stuff…
2015 MLB Draft Talent – Hitting
- Saint Louis JR 3B Braxton Martinez
- Richmond JR OF Tanner Stanley
- Davidson JR OF Lee Miller
- Richmond rSO 1B Matt Dacey
- Virginia Commonwealth SR SS Vimael Machin
- St. Joseph’s SR 3B Stefan Kancylarz
- Fordham JR C Charles Galiano
- Richmond JR OF Jansen Fraser
- La Salle SR 1B Mark Williams
- Davidson SR 1B Ryan Lowe
- Rhode Island SR SS Tim Caputo
- George Mason JR 2B/SS Brandon Gum
- George Mason SR OF Luke Willis
- La Salle SR OF Justin Korenblatt
- Saint Louis SR OF Danny Murphy
- George Washington SR OF Ryan Xepoleas
- Saint Louis SR 1B Mike Vigliarolo
- Dayton SR 1B AJ Ryan
- Saint Louis JR OF Michael Bozarth
- Rhode Island rJR C Derek Gardella
2015 MLB Draft Talent – Pitching
- Richmond rSR LHP Chris Bates
- Richmond SR RHP Ryan Cook
- George Mason rSR LHP Jake Kalish
- La Salle rSR RHP Adam Cherry
- Rhode Island JR RHP Brad Applin
- Saint Louis rSR LHP Damian Rivera
- Fordham JR RHP Brett Kennedy
- St. Bonaventure JR RHP Steven Klimek
2014 MLB Draft (And Beyond) – Atlantic 10 Follow List
I’m a day behind schedule on this one, but for good reason: had a chance to catch my first live baseball of the “spring” yesterday. I’ve got something in the works there, so I can’t reveal too much on the actual site, but I did get permission to be vague…so let’s say I was very lucky to see one of this draft’s best prospects go up against my pick for college baseball’s best lineup. What a MYSTERY…
One of the few questions I occasionally get asked is often the simple “I’m seeing ______ this weekend. Do they have anybody worth watching?” Here’s your answer for the Atlantic 10…
Dayton
SR OF Mark Podlas
SR 3B/SS Robby Sunderman
JR 1B AJ Ryan
SR OF/1B Ryan Berry
SR LHP Tommy Konrad
rJR RHP Noah Buettgen
SO RHP Charlie Dant (2015)
Fordham
SR RHP/OF Tim Swatek
SR 1B Brendan Maghini
SO C Charles Galiano (2015)
SO RHP Brett Kennedy (2015)
SO RHP Cody Johnson (2015)
SO RHP Jimmy Murphy (2015)
SO RHP Joseph Serrapica (2015)
George Washington
SR RHP Aaron Weisberg
SR RHP Luke Staub
SR RHP Craig LeJeune
SR LHP/OF Colin Milon
SR OF/RHP Owen Beightol
JR C/OF Xavier Parkmond
SO RHP Bobby LeWarne (2015)
George Mason
rSR RHP Anthony Montefusco
SR RHP Michael Bowie
JR RHP John Williams
SR LHP Jared Gaynor
SR LHP/OF Jake Kalish
SR 3B Blaise Fernandez
rSR OF Josh Leemhuis
SR 1B/OF Mick Foley
JR OF Luke Willis
SR C Tucker Tobin
SO 2B/SS Brandon Gum (2015)
SO RHP Tyler Mocabee (2015)
SO RHP Mark Maksimow (2015)
La Salle
rSR LHP Shawn O’Neill
SR LHP Dominic Sgroi
rJR RHP Mike McLeod
rJR RHP Shane Hollman
rJR RHP Adam Cherry
JR 1B/RHP Mark Williams
JR OF/LHP Justin Korenblatt
SO 1B/RHP Joey Ravert (2015)
Massachusetts
SR 2B Rob McLam
SR 1B Dylan Begin
SR 3B Nik Campero
rJR OF Adam Picard
JR RHP Andrew Grant
SR RHP DJ Jauss
Rhode Island
JR SS Tim Caputo
SR SS Joe Landi
SR C/1B Pat Quinn
rJR C Shane O’Connell
JR LHP Ty Sterner
SR LHP Nick Narodowy
SR RHP Tyler Bowditch
SR RHP Milan Mantle
SO LHP Steve Moyers (2015)
FR OF Daniel Hetzel (2016)
FR C/3B Martin Tavares (2016)
FR 3B/1B Chris Hess (2016)
Richmond
JR RHP Ryan Cook
rJR LHP Chris Bates
SR RHP Andrew Blum
JR LHP Zak Sterling
rSO RHP Jonathan de Marte
JR RHP Ray Harron
JR RHP James Lively
SR 3B/OF Nick Poulos
SR 2B Adam Forrer
SR SS Mike Small
rFR 1B Matt Dacey (2015)
SO OF Tanner Stanley (2015)
SO RHP Peter Bayer (2015)
St. Bonaventure
SR RHP/1B Joel Rosencrance
SR RHP Asa Johnson
SO RHP Steven Klimek (2015)
St. Joseph’s
SR RHP Daniel Thorpe
SR LHP Steven Schuler
JR RHP Tim Ponto
SR RHP Jordan Carter
JR RHP James Harrity
SR RHP/1B Mike Muha
JR C Brian O’Keee
JR OF Ryan Pater
JR 3B Stefan Kancylarz
SR OF Chris Hueth
rSR OF Collin Forgey
SO LHP Jack Stover (2015)
Saint Louis
JR RHP James Norwood
rJR LHP Damian Rivera
SR RHP Clay Smith
JR RHP Nick Bates
JR SS Alec Solé
JR 1B Mike Vigliarolo
SO 3B Braxton Martinez (2015)
SO C Jake Henson (2015)
SO LHP Josh Moore (2015)
SO OF Michael Bozarth (2015)
SO RHP Matt Eckelman (2015)
FR RHP Nick Vichio (2016)
Virginia Commonwealth
SR OF Bill Cullen
SR 3B Joey Cujas
SR C Chris Ayers
JR SS Vimael Machin
SR LHP Logan Kanuik
JR LHP Heath Dwyer
JR LHP Matt Lees
JR RHP Tyler Buckley
rSR RHP Seth Greene
2014 MLB Draft: Atlantic 10 Follow Lists
Hey, I’m back.
I’ve got 152 pages of college notes and 56 pages of HS notes (and counting) to somehow translate into coherent, readable content for the site. Also, not for nothing, but I saw about ten times more baseball this past summer than I ever have before. I’m still not a scout (nor will I pretend to be one on the internet), so don’t expect all that much to change with the information presented here. All blurbs and rankings will remain based on a combination of those firsthand observations (hey, even as a non-scout I am a baseball fan with eyes), tips received from friends who do this for a living, and, as always, whatever useful public information is made available by the hard-working folks at the industry leaders, Baseball America and Perfect Game (honesty time: 98% of all “independent” prospect sites on the internet, this one included, would shrivel up and die without the work done by the big boys).
As always, I have no plan for how I want to go forward with getting this info out. I’m starting with follow lists combined with a little bit of commentary on as many players/conferences as I can get to before the start of the college season. Players aren’t listed in any particularly order — other than grouping them as hitters vs pitchers — so don’t read anything into that, though I tried to highlight the best and the brightest in the comments. If I missed anybody that so obviously should have been there, please yell at me in the comments or via email.
I want to publish some updated master lists (big board, position rankings, etc.), but don’t want to do so prematurely (i.e. before I’m ready to add more than just a straight ranking). These lists are being wrapped up as you’re reading this (maybe not literally, I might be sleeping or at work or, and I know this sounds weird, doing something non-baseball related in my free time), so stay tuned for that. As always (note: I’m a bad writer who repeats himself a lot in these write-ups so I might as well prepare you for it now here in the intro), feel free to let me know if there’s anything you want to see on the site and I’ll be more than happy to make it happen.
As always (third time!), thanks for reading. Here’s the A-10!
Dayton
SR OF Mark Podlas
SR 3B/SS Robby Sunderman
JR 1B AJ Ryan
SR OF/1B Ryan Berry
SR LHP Tommy Konrad
rJR RHP Noah Buettgen
Many, myself included, had high hopes for Virginia transfer SR OF Mark Podlas last season. It’s hard to call his debut with Dayton anything but disappointing, but he’s still a good athlete with some juice in his bat. As the best pro prospect on a thin roster, there’s really no sense in giving up on him in what could be a bounceback senior sign season. Forced to pick a pitcher to watch, I’d probably go with rJR RHP Noah Buettgen.
Fordham
SR RHP/OF Tim Swatek
SR 1B Brendan Maghini
Fordham has a bunch of guys on the mound for 2015 worth tracking, but the player catching them, SO C Charles Galiano, is currently my highest priority follow of the group. As far as 2014 value goes, there’s not much to see. I do like SR RHP/OF Tim Swatek, but more as a two-way college guy than a legitimate pro prospect. Fordham would be smart to put him on the mound more, I think.
George Mason
rSR RHP Anthony Montefusco
SR RHP Michael Bowie
JR RHP John Williams
SR LHP Jared Gaynor
SR LHP/OF Jake Kalish
SR 3B Blaise Fernandez
rSR OF Josh Leemhuis
SR 1B/OF Mick Foley
SR C Tucker Tobin
rSR RHP Anthony Montefusco has a deep, varied repertoire of average-ish pitches that could play up in short bursts if converted to the bullpen as a pro. He quietly had an outstanding 2013 season after a really strong 2012 season, so there’s little to argue about with his results to date. SR LHP Jake Kalish qualifies as a deep sleeper.
Of the ten names on my George Mason follow list, all but two are seniors. I don’t venture much into the world of college ball in terms of won/loss records, but you’d have to think such a veteran-laden squad would pose problems for the rest of the league. From a draft perspective, older guys can potentially fit in as senior signs for teams up against the draft budget. SR 3B Blaise Fernandez is my favorite George Mason senior thanks to his power upside, strong arm, and quick reactions at the hot corner.
George Mason also has a fun familiar draft name for wrestling/pop culture fans: SR 1B/OF Mick Foley. I’ve got a hunch that his name alone won’t get him drafted after hitting .136/.255/.193 last season, but all it takes is one cage match fan to pull the trigger on draft day.
George Washington
SR RHP Aaron Weisberg
SR RHP Luke Staub
SR RHP Craig LeJeune
SR LHP/OF Colin Milon
SR OF/RHP Owen Beightol
JR C/OF Xavier Parkmond
SR RHP Aaron Weisberg is a massive man (6-7, 250) with pro-caliber stuff (88-93 FB, good CU, decent breaking ball). You’d like to see more flashes of dominance (his K/9 has settled in the 5 range the past two seasons), but the upside is enough to get him noticed.
La Salle
rSR LHP Shawn O’Neill
SR LHP Dominic Sgroi
rJR RHP Mike McLeod
rJR RHP Shane Hollman
rJR RHP Adam Cherry
JR 1B/RHP Mark Williams
JR OF/LHP Justin Korenblatt
Like Dayton OF Mark Podlas, rSR LHP Shawn O’Neill is another transfer who went from the state of Virginia (Richmond, in O‘Neill’s case) to an A-10 school (a lateral conference move, in O’Neill’s case). Also like Podlas, O’Neill’s first season with his new team was underwhelming. Lefthanders with his kind of stuff – 88-92 FB, pair of good offspeed pitches – typically get noticed in June, down junior season or not. A big season, as I expect, could get him in consideration for one of those 8-9-10 round senior sign spots.
Massachusetts
SR 2B Rob McLam
SR 1B Dylan Begin
SR 3B Nik Campero
rJR OF Adam Picard
JR RHP Andrew Grant
SR RHP DJ Jauss
SR 2B Rob McLam was the closest name to cracking the conference prospect list. Not much else going on here as far as I can tell. Just setting up UMass for one heck of a Cinderella run to Omaha, right?
Rhode Island
JR SS Tim Caputo
SR SS Joe Landi
SR C/1B Pat Quinn
rJR C Shane O’Connell
JR LHP Ty Sterner
SR LHP Nick Narodowy
SR RHP Tyler Bowditch
SR RHP Milan Mantle
It’ll be entertaining to track the upcoming seasons of JR SS Tim Caputo and VCU JR SS Vimael Machin. I think their tools will grade out as fairly similar and their first two seasons are fairly similar:
Machin
2012: .309/.364/.408 – 21 BB/29 K – 1/3 SB – 223 AB
2013: .287/.389/.419 – 22 BB/31 K – 2/3 SB – 167 AB
Caputo
2012: .328/.393/.364 – 16 BB/27 K – 13/15 SB – 195 AB
2013: .317/.395/.396 – 24 BB/29 K – 13/15 SB – 227 AB
SR SS Joe Landi should also get draft consideration with a solid senior season. Big things were expected of him last season, so he has some catching up to do after a down junior year. He has defensive versatility and a sound approach to hitting in his favor; working against him is his lack of power and the aforementioned disappointing 2013 season.
In addition to their pair of shortstop prospects, Rhode Island also has a pair of quality lefthanded pitching prospects. JR LHP Ty Sterner throws hard (94-95 peak), but control issues and a lack of a quality second pitch have hurt him. SR LHP Nick Narodowy doesn’t have quite the same fastball, but could still get some late round/tryout love this summer.
Richmond
JR RHP Ryan Cook
rJR LHP Chris Bates
SR RHP Andrew Blum
JR LHP Zak Sterling
rSO RHP Jonathan de Marte
JR RHP Ray Harron
JR RHP James Lively
SR 3B/OF Nick Poulos
SR 2B Adam Forrer
SR SS Mike Small
In a conference with a ton of relief prospects with big league upside, there’s certainly an argument to be made that JR RHP Ryan Cook is the best. He has the fastball (88-93), above-average SL (82-84), and flashes of dominance to rise up boards with a big spring. Minority, and possibly foolish, opinion: rJR LHP Chris Bates is as good a pro prospect as his more highly acclaimed teammate Cook. Bates sits at a lower velocity (upper-80s, mostly), but can crank it to a similar peak (92-93). His size (6-5, 200 pounds), breaking ball (quality), and performance (9.58 K/9 in 41.1 IP last season) add up to a draftable talent. A pair of “sleepers” if you’re into that kind of thing: rSO RHP Jonathan de Marte and SR 2B Adam Forrer.
SO OF Tanner Stanley (leadoff hitting CF prototype), rFR 1B Matt Dacey (Michigan transfer with serious power), and SO RHP Peter Bayer (promising frame/freshman season results) head up an exciting crop of underclassmen.
St. Bonaventure
SR RHP/1B Joel Rosencrance
SR RHP Asa Johnson
SR RHP/1B Joel Rosencrance is a really fun two-way player to watch. SO RHP Steven Klimek is a worthwhile underclassmen follow for 2015. That’s all I’ve got.
St. Joseph’s
SR RHP Daniel Thorpe
SR LHP Steven Schuler
JR RHP Tim Ponto
SR RHP Jordan Carter
JR RHP James Harrity
SR RHP/1B Mike Muha
JR C Brian O’Keee
JR OF Ryan Pater
JR 3B Stefan Kancylarz
SR OF Chris Hueth
rSR OF Collin Forgey
There are some interesting statistical follows I’ll be tracking this spring for St. Joe’s, but I’m pretty sure I’m most looking forward to seeing JR RHP Tim Ponto (6-8, 220) and SR LHP Steven Schuler (6-0, 150) standing together during the anthem.
Saint Louis
JR RHP James Norwood
rJR LHP Damian Rivera
SR RHP Clay Smith
JR RHP Nick Bates
JR SS Alec Solé
JR 1B Mike Vigliarolo
JR RHP James Norwood doesn’t get enough national love as a prospect, I think. Both his command and control need fine-tuning, but he could be a quick-moving professional reliever (FB up to 95-96, breaking ball with promise) in the right spot. rJR LHP Damian Rivera and SR RHP Clay Smith are both really good college arms (good CU and SL, respectively), but feel like longer shots to make it in pro ball due to a lack of fastball pop. JR SS Alex Solé (smart hitter, versatile defender, little to no power) and JR 1B Mike Vigliarolo (interesting power, underrated athlete, some contact issues) are probably in the same “good college guy, iffy pro prospect” boat, but each has at least the upcoming year to change some minds.
People I’ve talked to are excited about the underclassmen on the Saint Louis roster. SO 3B Braxton Martinez, SO C Jake Henson, SO OF Michael Bozarth, SO LHP Josh Moore, SO RHP Matt Eckelman, and FR RHP Nick Vichio all were mentioned as players to watch.
Virginia Commonwealth
SR OF Bill Cullen
SR 3B Joey Cujas
SR C Chris Ayers
JR SS Vimael Machin
SR LHP Logan Kanuik
JR LHP Heath Dwyer
JR LHP Matt Lees
JR RHP Tyler Buckley
rSR RHP Seth Greene
JR RHP Tyler Buckley has to find a way to bridge the gap between his raw stuff (low-90s FB, good SL) and pedestrian results. I won’t pretend to be experts on all things JR LHP Heath Dwyer and JR LHP Matt Lees, but I’ve heard some positive buzz about each pitcher.
A trio of potential senior signs highlight the VCU lineup. SR OF Bill Cullen gives you good range, sneaky pop, and a strong arm (and a whole lot of swing-and-miss) while SR C Chris Ayers is a capable backstop with a competent stick. The last of the trio, SR 3B Joey Cujas, is my favorite. I’ve heard good things about him from area guys and his collegiate production should get the attention of numbers-centric evaluators. Cujas’ park/schedule adjusted numbers in his career:
2011: .321/.373/.402 – 16 BB/18 K – 209 AB
2012: .413/.494/.570 – 27 BB/16 K – 223 AB
2013: .352/.423/.444 – 15 BB/13 K – 216 AB
I’m not nearly as familiar with Joey Cujas as I’d like to be, so consider his mention equal parts wanting to give him his due for three straight years of raking and me wanting to have a written reminder to dig deeper into his game this spring. To Cujas’ left will be JR SS Vimael Machin, arguably VCU’s most appealing prospect. There’s always a need for legitimate shortstops in pro ball and Machin fits the bill. My primary quibble with his profile to this point is how little his average to slightly above-average speed has shown up in game action (3/6 SB in career). Speed isn’t a must for any prospect, obviously, but it’s a decent proxy for athleticism and, at times, for defensive range up the middle. Again, just a minor concern at this point, but something to keep in mind.
The Baseball Draft Report 