Future 50: Gerrit Cole is No. 1
The UCLA pitcher overtakes Anthony Rendon for the top spot in the rankings
By Keith Law
One month into the Division I season, there has been a lot of movement right up to the top of the rankings, based not just on performance but on new looks at players -- some better, some worse. Conference play in college began last weekend, while cold-weather high schools all start next week, so by the next update we should have everyone playing and the best college players facing good competition on a regular basis.
As always, this is a ranking, not a prediction of where players will be drafted. It's way, way too early to make any sort of prediction, as teams aren't close to narrowing their preference lists at this point.
Gerrit Cole
RHP
6-4
220
Analysis: Cole came out of the chute with a vastly improved changeup but took a week or two to build up to his normal velocity. At this point, he's seen as the top player in the draft, not just by me but by the majority of scouts and executives with whom I've spoken. That may change, but if Cole keeps throwing as he has been the last few outings he'll make it very hard for any team to pass on him. Previous Ranking: 3
Anthony Rendon
3B
6-0
190
Analysis: Still bothered by a sore shoulder and still struggling with timing at the plate. Previous Ranking: 1
Bubba Starling
CF/P
6-5
195
Analysis: Edgerton Gardner High School's season starts on Monday. Previous Ranking: 4
Danny Hultzen
LHP
6-3
200
Analysis: I don't believe Hultzen will be the fourth-best player in this draft when we get to June, but right now he's performing and showing a grade-better fastball, while others expected to go in this range have stumbled. Previous Ranking: 19
Sonny Gray
RHP
5-11
180
Analysis: Had one off week in front of a lot of scouts but has been topping out at 96-97 his last few times out. Previous Ranking: 5
<OFFER><!-- begin inline 1 -->
Dylan Bundy
RHP
6-1
205
Analysis: One scout, who saw Bundy (Owasso/Owasso Okla.) recently, called him "sick" (as in "good," not "infected"). He has added a cutter that he uses like a changeup, giving him a legitimate chance for four pitches. But can his small-ish frame handle the heavy workload he endures? Previous Ranking: 13
Taylor Guerrieri
RHP
6-3
180
Analysis: The biggest riser so far in this year's draft, consistently in the mid-90s with a potential out-pitch breaking ball for Spring Valley H.S. (Columbia, S.C.). Previous Ranking: 48
Francisco Lindor
SS
5-11
170
Analysis: Lindor (Montverde Academy/ Montverde, Fla.) is the best shortstop in the draft, could go as high as No. 2 and might be the biggest lock after Cole to go in the top 10. Previous Ranking: 8
Blake Swihart
C
6-1
175
Analysis: Swihart (Cleveland/Rio Rancho, N.M.) is playing multiple positions this spring, but most teams still see him as a catcher who, by the way, is a switch-hitter with power and athleticism. Previous Ranking: 10
Jed Bradley
LHP
6-4
224
Analysis: Has come out firing bullets, starting to silence questions about his performance last spring. If he keeps this up all season, he could easily end up in the top 5. Previous Ranking: 12
Taylor Jungmann
RHP
6-6
220
Analysis: He's been almost untouchable so far, but the concerns are the finish to his delivery and his once-again heavy workload (34.2 innings across four starts; averaging 8 2/3 innings per start). Previous Ranking: 11
Matt Purke
LHP
6-4
180
Analysis: He'll either go well before this or well after it; I'm splitting the difference. He's come back slowly from a blister on his throwing hand that caused him to miss a week but will show flashes of three above-average pitches. Previous Ranking: 7
Archie Bradley
RHP
6-3
215
Analysis: Bradley (Broken Arrow/Broken Arrow, Okla.) came out of the chute a little slow -- not bad but not the dominant guy we saw last summer. The physicality and history of big stuff (mid-90s with a plus curveball) will keep him in the middle of the round, even if he doesn't tick up, but I could see him returning to form in the state playoffs in May and causing a big scramble among teams drafting in the 5-15 range. Previous Ranking: 9
Matt Barnes
RHP
6-4
203
Analysis: Has been inconsistent week-to-week -- sometimes up to 97 mph on the fastball with a hammer curveball, sometimes a grade below on both pitches with fringy command -- and he keeps throwing a slider that makes scouts reach for the sani-bag. Previous Ranking: 6
Andrew Susac
C
6-1
205
Analysis: Already had power and could catch and throw, but a cleaned-up swing gives him a better chance to hit for average. Previous Ranking: 18
Mikie Mahtook
OF
6-1
192
Analysis: A legit center fielder who can run, throw and hit for some power. I wouldn't be shocked to see him go in the top-10 picks. Previous Ranking: 38
Daniel Norris
LHP
6-2
180
Analysis: Norris (Science Hill/Johnson City, Tenn.) sat 91-92 in his first outing, touching 95, with two above-average secondary pitches. Previous Ranking: 21
Dillon Howard
RHP
6-2
200
Analysis: Howard (Searcy/Searcy, Ark.) has one start under his belt but was only 87-92 mph. Hard to move him too much on just one outing, but it wasn't quite what scouts expected. Previous Ranking: 14
Anthony Meo
RHP
6-2
185
Analysis: Very impressive when I saw him, hitting 96 mph frequently with great arm speed. He threw well across his body in high school, and whoever cleaned him up deserves a lot of credit for creating a first-round arm. Previous Ranking: 35
Jackie Bradley Jr.
CF
5-10
175
Analysis: I'm hearing doubts about his ability to stay in center, which would be fatal to his first-round hopes, as he doesn't have power and is a below-average runner. That said, I've seen him play center extremely well and would project him to stay there without hesitation. Previous Ranking: 15
Josh Bell
OF
6-3
190
Analysis: Switch-hitter Bell (Dallas Jesuit/ Dallas) is all bat. He'll end up in left field, but you can dream on the hit and power tools still making him a star over there. Previous Ranking: 22
Levi Michael
SS
5-10
180
Analysis: The best college shortstop in a fairly weak field, Michael can play the position adequately, but his bat and makeup are the selling points. Previous Ranking: 26
Alex Meyer
RHP
6-9
220
Analysis: Still waiting for him to make a move one way or another. Top-five overall pick stuff, but the command and results aren't there from one start to the next, although I will say the reports are generally better than they were last spring. Previous Ranking: 23
Nick Delmonico
C/3B
6-2
185
Analysis: One of the best pure bats in the high school class, Delmonico (Farragut/Knoxville, Tenn.) will have to work to prove he can remain behind the plate, with some questions arising on his arm strength. But he can hit and could easily make it to the big leagues, even if he has to move to left or first base. Previous Ranking: 16
George Springer
OF
6-3
220
Analysis: I can't see this tools set falling out of the first round, but the swinging and missing had better stop soon, unless he wants to be known as the rich man's Zach Cone. Previous Ranking: 2
Tyler Anderson
LHP
6-4
215
Analysis: Missing a lot of bats with a little more velocity than last summer. Previous Ranking: 37
Trevor Bauer
RHP
6-2
185
Analysis: Has a reputation for plus stuff but didn't have that when I saw him the week after he threw 129 pitches at Nebraska, which worries me that high workloads are starting to catch up with him. It's worth mentioning that since my article on Bauer I've heard from multiple sources that the missive telling teams not to take Bauer if they intend to change his routine came from someone who didn't have the authority or permission to do so. Previous Ranking: 25
Jose Fernandez
RHP
6-4
215
Analysis: Up to 98 mph with improved secondary stuff. Fernandez (Alonso/Tampa, Fla.) defected from Cuba in 2007 and is on the old side for a high school player, as he will turn 19 shortly after the draft. Previous Ranking: 39
Joe Ross
RHP
6-2
170
Analysis: Ross (Bishop O'Dowd/Oakland, Calif.) is up to 94 with a delivery that scouts love, unlike his brother Tyson's. Showed very well in front of a huge crowd of scouts when his school faced Tyler Goeddel's. Previous Ranking: 41
Tyler Beede
RHP
6-4
200
Analysis: First outing for Lawrence Academy (Groton, Mass.) will likely be next week. Previous Ranking: 27
Austin Hedges
C
6-1
185
Analysis: Hedges (Junipero Serra/San Mateo, Calif.) is the best catch-and-throw prep catcher in the country, with some questions on his bat and a lot of rumors about his unsignability. Previous Ranking: 28
Robert Stephenson
RHP
6-2
185
Analysis: Stephenson (Alhambra/Alhambra, Calif.) has a good frame and two average or better pitches with some violence in the delivery. Previous Ranking: 42
Javier Baez
SS
6-1
205
Analysis: I know of at least one national guy who rates Baez (Arlington Country Day School/Jacksonville, Fla.) over Lindor because of Baez' greater ability to impact the game with his bat. Previous Ranking: NR
Travis Harrison
3B
6-2
215
Analysis: Perhaps SoCal's best pure bat among preps, Harrison (Tustin/Aliso Viejo, Calif.) can hit and should hit for power, but he's somewhat slow-twitch and could be ticketed for first base. Previous Ranking: 30
Alex Dickerson
LF
6-3
225
Analysis: Dickerson can hit and shows big, raw power in BP but will be limited defensively to left field or first base. His bat right now looks good enough to profile at either spot. Previous Ranking: 29
Henry Owens
LHP
6-5
180
Analysis: Owens (Edison/Huntington Beach, Calif.) has a solid, average fastball, above-average changeup, good feel, great deception and a good body but not the cleanest arm action. Previous Ranking: 24
Michael Kelly
RHP
6-3
185
Analysis: Kelly (West Boca Raton/Boca Raton, Fla.) is a University of Florida commit with a tall, projectable frame, up to 93 mph comfortably now but with more in there. Needs to make better use of his height to stay on top of the ball. Previous Ranking: 32
Andrew Chafin
LHP
6-2
210
Analysis: Chafin missed last year after Tommy John surgery but is lighting it up as a redshirt sophomore, running it up to 94 mph regularly, although he's working shorter outings as he comes back from the operation. Previous Ranking: NR
Jason Esposito
3B
6-2
205
Analysis: Slider-speed bat and busy lower half trumps the potential power and above-average defense at third. Previous Ranking: 20
Brian Goodwin
CF
6-1
170
Analysis: The industry ran the other way on Goodwin early in the year, but he's played better of late. An upcoming series against Indian River will attract a huge crowd of scouts and give him a chance to reestablish himself as a first-round talent. Main criticism of late has been of his defense in center. Previous Ranking: 17
Tyler Goeddel
OF
6-4
175
Analysis: Younger brother of Mets farmhand Erik and son of biotech pioneer David Goeddel, Tyler's (Saint Francis/Mountain View, Calif.) main drawback now is lack of strength, with a frame he should grow into over the next few years. Previous Ranking: 45
Shawon Dunston Jr.
OF
6-2
162
Analysis: Area Code Games' standout Dunston (Valley Christian/Cerritos, Calif.) has had a slow start this year, raising questions about his ability to stay in center field; in a corner, he's a lot less interesting. Previous Ranking: 36
Brandon Nimmo
OF
6-2
185
Analysis: Nimmo's high school (East/Cheyanne, Wyo.) doesn't have a baseball team, but he'll play and travel with a Legion team starting the first week of April. Previous Ranking: 43
Cory Spangenberg
SS
6-0
184
Analysis: The VMI transfer can hit but is still trying to prove he'll stay at third base in pro ball. Previous Ranking: 50
Charles Tilson
OF
6-0
175
Analysis: First game for New Trier (Winnetka, Ill.) is Monday. Previous Ranking: 46
James McCann
C
6-3
210
Analysis: Second-best college catcher in the class has a simple line-drive swing and makes a ton of contact. Previous Ranking: NR
Kevin Comer
RHP
6-4
215
Analysis: The third Vanderbilt commit on this list (after Beede and Dunston), Comer (Seneca/Vincetown, N.J.) has saw his velocity tick up as his body matured this spring. Comer, Beede and New Hampshire right-hander Jordan Cote (Winnisquam Regional) could give the Northeast three prep arms selected in the first two rounds. ESPN Rise just profiled Comer last week. Previous Ranking: NR
John Stilson
RHP
6-3
195
Analysis: Starter with three pitches but projects as a reliever because of an arm action that elicits reviews like "ow." Has touched 99 mph out of the pen in prior years. Previous Ranking: TTW
Kyle Winkler
RHP
5-11
201
Analysis: Another starter who projects as a reliever but has held 92-94 mph or better working deep into games this year. Previous Ranking: NR
Hudson Boyd
RHP
6-2
245
Analysis: Boyd (Bishop Verot/Fort Myers, Fla.) is big, strong and up to 95 mph with plus makeup and good feel already. Previous Ranking: NR
<!-- end inline 1 --><!-- begin inline 2 -->TEN TO WATCH
<TABLE><TBODY><TR class=last><TD>Rank</TD><TD>Player</TD><TD>Pos.</TD><TD>School</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>--</TD><TD>Kyle Crick</TD><TD>RHP</TD><TD>Sherman H.S. (Texas)</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>--</TD><TD>Derek Fisher</TD><TD>OF</TD><TD>Cedar Crest H.S. (Pa.) </TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>--</TD><TD>Julius Gaines</TD><TD>SS</TD><TD>Luella H.S. (Ga.)</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>--</TD><TD>Ricy Jacquez</TD><TD>RHP</TD><TD>Franklin H.S. (Texas)</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>--</TD><TD>Erik Johnson</TD><TD>RHP</TD><TD>California</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>--</TD><TD>Cody Kukuk</TD><TD>LHP/OF</TD><TD>Free State H.S. (Kan.)</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>--</TD><TD>Blake Snell</TD><TD>LHP</TD><TD>Shorewood (Wash.) H.S.</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>--</TD><TD>Trevor Story</TD><TD>SS</TD><TD>Irving (Texas) H.S.</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>--</TD><TD>Austin Wood</TD><TD>RHP</TD><TD>USC</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>--</TD><TD>Tony Zych</TD><TD>RHP</TD><TD>Louisville</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
The UCLA pitcher overtakes Anthony Rendon for the top spot in the rankings
By Keith Law
One month into the Division I season, there has been a lot of movement right up to the top of the rankings, based not just on performance but on new looks at players -- some better, some worse. Conference play in college began last weekend, while cold-weather high schools all start next week, so by the next update we should have everyone playing and the best college players facing good competition on a regular basis.
As always, this is a ranking, not a prediction of where players will be drafted. It's way, way too early to make any sort of prediction, as teams aren't close to narrowing their preference lists at this point.
RHP
6-4
220
Analysis: Cole came out of the chute with a vastly improved changeup but took a week or two to build up to his normal velocity. At this point, he's seen as the top player in the draft, not just by me but by the majority of scouts and executives with whom I've spoken. That may change, but if Cole keeps throwing as he has been the last few outings he'll make it very hard for any team to pass on him. Previous Ranking: 3
3B
6-0
190
Analysis: Still bothered by a sore shoulder and still struggling with timing at the plate. Previous Ranking: 1
CF/P
6-5
195
Analysis: Edgerton Gardner High School's season starts on Monday. Previous Ranking: 4
LHP
6-3
200
Analysis: I don't believe Hultzen will be the fourth-best player in this draft when we get to June, but right now he's performing and showing a grade-better fastball, while others expected to go in this range have stumbled. Previous Ranking: 19
RHP
5-11
180
Analysis: Had one off week in front of a lot of scouts but has been topping out at 96-97 his last few times out. Previous Ranking: 5
<OFFER><!-- begin inline 1 -->
RHP
6-1
205
Analysis: One scout, who saw Bundy (Owasso/Owasso Okla.) recently, called him "sick" (as in "good," not "infected"). He has added a cutter that he uses like a changeup, giving him a legitimate chance for four pitches. But can his small-ish frame handle the heavy workload he endures? Previous Ranking: 13
RHP
6-3
180
Analysis: The biggest riser so far in this year's draft, consistently in the mid-90s with a potential out-pitch breaking ball for Spring Valley H.S. (Columbia, S.C.). Previous Ranking: 48
SS
5-11
170
Analysis: Lindor (Montverde Academy/ Montverde, Fla.) is the best shortstop in the draft, could go as high as No. 2 and might be the biggest lock after Cole to go in the top 10. Previous Ranking: 8
C
6-1
175
Analysis: Swihart (Cleveland/Rio Rancho, N.M.) is playing multiple positions this spring, but most teams still see him as a catcher who, by the way, is a switch-hitter with power and athleticism. Previous Ranking: 10
LHP
6-4
224
Analysis: Has come out firing bullets, starting to silence questions about his performance last spring. If he keeps this up all season, he could easily end up in the top 5. Previous Ranking: 12
RHP
6-6
220
Analysis: He's been almost untouchable so far, but the concerns are the finish to his delivery and his once-again heavy workload (34.2 innings across four starts; averaging 8 2/3 innings per start). Previous Ranking: 11
LHP
6-4
180
Analysis: He'll either go well before this or well after it; I'm splitting the difference. He's come back slowly from a blister on his throwing hand that caused him to miss a week but will show flashes of three above-average pitches. Previous Ranking: 7
RHP
6-3
215
Analysis: Bradley (Broken Arrow/Broken Arrow, Okla.) came out of the chute a little slow -- not bad but not the dominant guy we saw last summer. The physicality and history of big stuff (mid-90s with a plus curveball) will keep him in the middle of the round, even if he doesn't tick up, but I could see him returning to form in the state playoffs in May and causing a big scramble among teams drafting in the 5-15 range. Previous Ranking: 9
RHP
6-4
203
Analysis: Has been inconsistent week-to-week -- sometimes up to 97 mph on the fastball with a hammer curveball, sometimes a grade below on both pitches with fringy command -- and he keeps throwing a slider that makes scouts reach for the sani-bag. Previous Ranking: 6
C
6-1
205
Analysis: Already had power and could catch and throw, but a cleaned-up swing gives him a better chance to hit for average. Previous Ranking: 18
OF
6-1
192
Analysis: A legit center fielder who can run, throw and hit for some power. I wouldn't be shocked to see him go in the top-10 picks. Previous Ranking: 38
LHP
6-2
180
Analysis: Norris (Science Hill/Johnson City, Tenn.) sat 91-92 in his first outing, touching 95, with two above-average secondary pitches. Previous Ranking: 21
RHP
6-2
200
Analysis: Howard (Searcy/Searcy, Ark.) has one start under his belt but was only 87-92 mph. Hard to move him too much on just one outing, but it wasn't quite what scouts expected. Previous Ranking: 14
RHP
6-2
185
Analysis: Very impressive when I saw him, hitting 96 mph frequently with great arm speed. He threw well across his body in high school, and whoever cleaned him up deserves a lot of credit for creating a first-round arm. Previous Ranking: 35
CF
5-10
175
Analysis: I'm hearing doubts about his ability to stay in center, which would be fatal to his first-round hopes, as he doesn't have power and is a below-average runner. That said, I've seen him play center extremely well and would project him to stay there without hesitation. Previous Ranking: 15
OF
6-3
190
Analysis: Switch-hitter Bell (Dallas Jesuit/ Dallas) is all bat. He'll end up in left field, but you can dream on the hit and power tools still making him a star over there. Previous Ranking: 22
SS
5-10
180
Analysis: The best college shortstop in a fairly weak field, Michael can play the position adequately, but his bat and makeup are the selling points. Previous Ranking: 26
RHP
6-9
220
Analysis: Still waiting for him to make a move one way or another. Top-five overall pick stuff, but the command and results aren't there from one start to the next, although I will say the reports are generally better than they were last spring. Previous Ranking: 23
C/3B
6-2
185
Analysis: One of the best pure bats in the high school class, Delmonico (Farragut/Knoxville, Tenn.) will have to work to prove he can remain behind the plate, with some questions arising on his arm strength. But he can hit and could easily make it to the big leagues, even if he has to move to left or first base. Previous Ranking: 16
OF
6-3
220
Analysis: I can't see this tools set falling out of the first round, but the swinging and missing had better stop soon, unless he wants to be known as the rich man's Zach Cone. Previous Ranking: 2
LHP
6-4
215
Analysis: Missing a lot of bats with a little more velocity than last summer. Previous Ranking: 37
RHP
6-2
185
Analysis: Has a reputation for plus stuff but didn't have that when I saw him the week after he threw 129 pitches at Nebraska, which worries me that high workloads are starting to catch up with him. It's worth mentioning that since my article on Bauer I've heard from multiple sources that the missive telling teams not to take Bauer if they intend to change his routine came from someone who didn't have the authority or permission to do so. Previous Ranking: 25
RHP
6-4
215
Analysis: Up to 98 mph with improved secondary stuff. Fernandez (Alonso/Tampa, Fla.) defected from Cuba in 2007 and is on the old side for a high school player, as he will turn 19 shortly after the draft. Previous Ranking: 39
RHP
6-2
170
Analysis: Ross (Bishop O'Dowd/Oakland, Calif.) is up to 94 with a delivery that scouts love, unlike his brother Tyson's. Showed very well in front of a huge crowd of scouts when his school faced Tyler Goeddel's. Previous Ranking: 41
RHP
6-4
200
Analysis: First outing for Lawrence Academy (Groton, Mass.) will likely be next week. Previous Ranking: 27
C
6-1
185
Analysis: Hedges (Junipero Serra/San Mateo, Calif.) is the best catch-and-throw prep catcher in the country, with some questions on his bat and a lot of rumors about his unsignability. Previous Ranking: 28
RHP
6-2
185
Analysis: Stephenson (Alhambra/Alhambra, Calif.) has a good frame and two average or better pitches with some violence in the delivery. Previous Ranking: 42
SS
6-1
205
Analysis: I know of at least one national guy who rates Baez (Arlington Country Day School/Jacksonville, Fla.) over Lindor because of Baez' greater ability to impact the game with his bat. Previous Ranking: NR
3B
6-2
215
Analysis: Perhaps SoCal's best pure bat among preps, Harrison (Tustin/Aliso Viejo, Calif.) can hit and should hit for power, but he's somewhat slow-twitch and could be ticketed for first base. Previous Ranking: 30
LF
6-3
225
Analysis: Dickerson can hit and shows big, raw power in BP but will be limited defensively to left field or first base. His bat right now looks good enough to profile at either spot. Previous Ranking: 29
LHP
6-5
180
Analysis: Owens (Edison/Huntington Beach, Calif.) has a solid, average fastball, above-average changeup, good feel, great deception and a good body but not the cleanest arm action. Previous Ranking: 24
RHP
6-3
185
Analysis: Kelly (West Boca Raton/Boca Raton, Fla.) is a University of Florida commit with a tall, projectable frame, up to 93 mph comfortably now but with more in there. Needs to make better use of his height to stay on top of the ball. Previous Ranking: 32
LHP
6-2
210
Analysis: Chafin missed last year after Tommy John surgery but is lighting it up as a redshirt sophomore, running it up to 94 mph regularly, although he's working shorter outings as he comes back from the operation. Previous Ranking: NR
3B
6-2
205
Analysis: Slider-speed bat and busy lower half trumps the potential power and above-average defense at third. Previous Ranking: 20
CF
6-1
170
Analysis: The industry ran the other way on Goodwin early in the year, but he's played better of late. An upcoming series against Indian River will attract a huge crowd of scouts and give him a chance to reestablish himself as a first-round talent. Main criticism of late has been of his defense in center. Previous Ranking: 17
OF
6-4
175
Analysis: Younger brother of Mets farmhand Erik and son of biotech pioneer David Goeddel, Tyler's (Saint Francis/Mountain View, Calif.) main drawback now is lack of strength, with a frame he should grow into over the next few years. Previous Ranking: 45
OF
6-2
162
Analysis: Area Code Games' standout Dunston (Valley Christian/Cerritos, Calif.) has had a slow start this year, raising questions about his ability to stay in center field; in a corner, he's a lot less interesting. Previous Ranking: 36
OF
6-2
185
Analysis: Nimmo's high school (East/Cheyanne, Wyo.) doesn't have a baseball team, but he'll play and travel with a Legion team starting the first week of April. Previous Ranking: 43
SS
6-0
184
Analysis: The VMI transfer can hit but is still trying to prove he'll stay at third base in pro ball. Previous Ranking: 50
OF
6-0
175
Analysis: First game for New Trier (Winnetka, Ill.) is Monday. Previous Ranking: 46
C
6-3
210
Analysis: Second-best college catcher in the class has a simple line-drive swing and makes a ton of contact. Previous Ranking: NR
RHP
6-4
215
Analysis: The third Vanderbilt commit on this list (after Beede and Dunston), Comer (Seneca/Vincetown, N.J.) has saw his velocity tick up as his body matured this spring. Comer, Beede and New Hampshire right-hander Jordan Cote (Winnisquam Regional) could give the Northeast three prep arms selected in the first two rounds. ESPN Rise just profiled Comer last week. Previous Ranking: NR
RHP
6-3
195
Analysis: Starter with three pitches but projects as a reliever because of an arm action that elicits reviews like "ow." Has touched 99 mph out of the pen in prior years. Previous Ranking: TTW
RHP
5-11
201
Analysis: Another starter who projects as a reliever but has held 92-94 mph or better working deep into games this year. Previous Ranking: NR
RHP
6-2
245
Analysis: Boyd (Bishop Verot/Fort Myers, Fla.) is big, strong and up to 95 mph with plus makeup and good feel already. Previous Ranking: NR
<!-- end inline 1 --><!-- begin inline 2 -->TEN TO WATCH
<TABLE><TBODY><TR class=last><TD>Rank</TD><TD>Player</TD><TD>Pos.</TD><TD>School</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>--</TD><TD>Kyle Crick</TD><TD>RHP</TD><TD>Sherman H.S. (Texas)</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>--</TD><TD>Derek Fisher</TD><TD>OF</TD><TD>Cedar Crest H.S. (Pa.) </TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>--</TD><TD>Julius Gaines</TD><TD>SS</TD><TD>Luella H.S. (Ga.)</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>--</TD><TD>Ricy Jacquez</TD><TD>RHP</TD><TD>Franklin H.S. (Texas)</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>--</TD><TD>Erik Johnson</TD><TD>RHP</TD><TD>California</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>--</TD><TD>Cody Kukuk</TD><TD>LHP/OF</TD><TD>Free State H.S. (Kan.)</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>--</TD><TD>Blake Snell</TD><TD>LHP</TD><TD>Shorewood (Wash.) H.S.</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>--</TD><TD>Trevor Story</TD><TD>SS</TD><TD>Irving (Texas) H.S.</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>--</TD><TD>Austin Wood</TD><TD>RHP</TD><TD>USC</TD><TD></TD></TR><TR class=last><TD>--</TD><TD>Tony Zych</TD><TD>RHP</TD><TD>Louisville</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>
