Updates on Potential First Round Draft Picks

[Stotle]

I'll post some updates for the potential top BAL picks throughout their college and HS seasons for those who don't generally follow:

Brian Matusz picked up a loss in the Tereros season opener (http://usdtoreros.cstv.com/sports/m-basebl/recaps/022308aaa.html). 6 runs on 8 hits in 4 2/3 IP.

Pedro Alvarez has only played in one of Vandy's first 3 games -- the first of the season. The 'Dores took down the defending national champs 8-1 (http://vucommodores.cstv.com/sports/m-basebl/recaps/022208aaa.html). Alvarez went 0-2 with 2 BB and a run scored.

In South Carolina's first three games, Justin Smoak began what should be a very entertaining season. In the Cocks 22-5 (http://gamecocksonline.cstv.com/sports/m-basebl/recaps/022308aaa.html) win over E. Carolina, Smoak went 3-5 with 1 2B, 1 HR, 3 runs and 3 RBI. Smoak went 1-4 with a walk in the follow-up, a 13-4 (http://gamecocksonline.cstv.com/sports/m-basebl/recaps/022308aab.html) E. Carolina victory. In today's series finale, Smoak helped SC to a 7-6 (http://gamecocksonline.cstv.com/sports/m-basebl/recaps/022408aaa.html) victory, belting his second home run of the series and season, going 1-3 on the day with 2 runs, 2 RBI and 3 BB.

While falling short of topping Smoak's weekend, Aaron Crow turned in a fine first performance -- a great sign after his breakthrough summer. Crow got the nod in the Mizzou opener, earning the win as the Tigers topped UCONN 7-1 (http://mutigers.cstv.com/sports/m-basebl/recaps/022208aaa.html). Crow struck out 7 in 5 IP, allowing one run on six hits. Four of Crow's seven strikeouts came consecutively -- three to close the 1st and one to open up the second inning.

I'll update on a weekly basis -- let me know if there are other players you'd like to know about.

[Greg Pappas]

I'll post some updates for the potential top BAL picks throughout their college and HS seasons for those who don't generally follow:

Brian Matusz picked up a loss in the Tereros season opener (http://usdtoreros.cstv.com/sports/m-basebl/recaps/022308aaa.html). 6 runs on 8 hits in 4 2/3 IP.

Pedro Alvarez has only played in one of Vandy's first 3 games -- the first of the season. The 'Dores took down the defending national champs 8-1 (http://vucommodores.cstv.com/sports/m-basebl/recaps/022208aaa.html). Alvarez went 0-2 with 2 BB and a run scored.

In South Carolina's first three games, Justin Smoak began what should be a very entertaining season. In the Cocks 22-5 (http://gamecocksonline.cstv.com/sports/m-basebl/recaps/022308aaa.html) win over E. Carolina, Smoak went 3-5 with 1 2B, 1 HR, 3 runs and 3 RBI. Smoak went 1-4 with a walk in the follow-up, a 13-4 (http://gamecocksonline.cstv.com/sports/m-basebl/recaps/022308aab.html) E. Carolina victory. In today's series finale, Smoak helped SC to a 7-6 (http://gamecocksonline.cstv.com/sports/m-basebl/recaps/022408aaa.html) victory, belting his second home run of the series and season, going 1-3 on the day with 2 runs, 2 RBI and 3 BB.

While falling short of topping Smoak's weekend, Aaron Crow turned in a fine first performance -- a great sign after his breakthrough summer. Crow got the nod in the Mizzou opener, earning the win as the Tigers topped UCONN 7-1 (http://mutigers.cstv.com/sports/m-basebl/recaps/022208aaa.html). Crow struck out 7 in 5 IP, allowing one run on six hits. Four of Crow's seven strikeouts came consecutively -- three to close the 1st and one to open up the second inning.

I'll update on a weekly basis -- let me know if there are other players you'd like to know about.

Between you and Weblink, we're good to go. :) Thx

[DennisTheOsFan]

Thanks to all who contribute to the prospect updates. I look forward to reading the updates daily.

Smoak is off to a hot start. .417, 1 2B, 2 HR, 5 RBI, 5 runs, 4 BB in 3 games.

What's the best site to keep track of prospect's stats?

[SHAWN555]

Alvarez only got two at bats this weekend because suffered an arm injury.

Kendall Rogers of Rivals.com reports that Pedro injured his arm during pregame warmups and that he is being held out for precautionary reasons. The injury is not considered serious.

[WebLink21]

I didn't see the Crow outing, but so far Justin Smoak has been really impressive to me. He has a lot of power and can hit well from both sides of the plates. I know it is one weekend, but i have now moved him up my draft board ahead of Hosmer and Matusz and just behind Beckham.

[cwebb24]

Alvarez injury is coming off as more serious than first thought.

Wasn't able to grip or lightly toss a ball at all.

Supposed to see a hand/wrist specialist today down in Nashville.

Won't play this upcoming weekend by all indications.

[Battleship]

Alvarez injury is coming off as more serious than first thought.

Wasn't able to grip or lightly toss a ball at all.

Supposed to see a hand/wrist specialist today down in Nashville.

Won't play this upcoming weekend by all indications.

Wow. Thanks for the info. I hope it's not bad. It would be interesting to see where he fell if he missed the season.

[Stotle]

February 25, 2008

Intro to Eric Hosmer and Tim Beckham:

Some have expressed an interest in Eric Hosmer and Tim Beckham. Here's something to get you caught up -- I'll post more as the HS season gets underway.

Eric Hosmer (6-4 210 L-L) is a 1b for American Heritage High School in Plantation, Florida. The Patriots are coming off of 23-6 season in which Eric Hosmer put up a line of .380-9-20. Hosmer is considered by most to be the top HS power prospect, and likely 1st round pick (depending on the outcome of his senior year and signability concerns). His power grades out as a 60, as does his hitting. He has committed to the Arizona State Sun Devils.

Tim Beckham (6-2 190 R-R) is a SS for Griffin High School in Griffin, Georgia. Beckham is the top HS position prospect in this year's draft and arguably the top overall HS prospect. By the time the draft comes around, he could be the top rating prospect in the draft (depending on how Alvarez's season goes at Vandy). Beckham is a unique talent in that he is a HS shortstop that actually projects to stay at SS through his pro career. He is a five-tool prospect (with power still developing) that currently grades as a 60 in hitting, arm strength and running and a 70 in fielding. At the Team 1 Showcase, he was an incredible 4.0 sec to 1st. He has built his offensive game around his speed thus far in his career, focusing on linedrives, getting on base and putting his speed to work. It's highly doubtful he'll be around when BAL picks 4th unless KAN and PIT decide to focus on pitching and opt for Matusz/Crow.

[Stotle]

February 25, 2008

Eric Hosmer -- First three games:

Eric Hosmer rang in the 2008 season with a 2-4 performance, including his first homerun, as American Heritage topped Pine Crest (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) 16-6. Hosmer knocked in 2, scored 2, and attempted, and stole, one base.

The second game of the season, against Chaminade-Madonna, saw Hosmer continue his raking, going 2-2 with a solo homerun -- his second in as many games. He drove in 2 (including a sac fly), scored 2 and allowed one run in 1 IP as the Patriots improved to 2-0 with a 10-6 victory.

The Patriots locked up with Douglas (Parkland, FL) in their third game, improving to 3-0 with an 8-2 victory. Hosmer had his consecutive games with a homerun streak snapped at 2, going 1-1 with 3 BB, a run scored and another stolen base in his only attempt.

Eric will look to build on his impressive line (.714-2-4) tomorrow, as American Heritage hosts Coral Springs Charter (Coral Springs, FL).

[WebLink21]

February 25, 2008

Eric Hosmer -- First three games:

Eric Hosmer rang in the 2008 season with a 2-4 performance, including his first homerun, as American Heritage topped Pine Crest (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) 16-6. Hosmer knocked in 2, scored 2, and attempted, and stole, one base.

The second game of the season, against Chaminade-Madonna, saw Hosmer continue his raking, going 2-2 with a solo homerun -- his second in as many games. He drove in 2 (including a sac fly), scored 2 and allowed one run in 1 IP as the Patriots improved to 2-0 with a 10-6 victory.

The Patriots locked up with Douglas (Parkland, FL) in their third game, improving to 3-0 with an 8-2 victory. Hosmer had his consecutive games with a homerun streak snapped at 2, going 1-1 with 3 BB, a run scored and another stolen base in his only attempt.

Eric will look to build on his impressive line (.714-2-4) tomorrow, as American Heritage hosts Coral Springs Charter (Coral Springs, FL).

Thanks a lot for the update. I tried to find info on both players games and stats, but couldn’t. Do you have a link that I could follow? Thanks again.

[WebLink21]

February 25, 2008

Eric Hosmer -- First three games:

Eric Hosmer rang in the 2008 season with a 2-4 performance, including his first homerun, as American Heritage topped Pine Crest (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) 16-6. Hosmer knocked in 2, scored 2, and attempted, and stole, one base.

The second game of the season, against Chaminade-Madonna, saw Hosmer continue his raking, going 2-2 with a solo homerun -- his second in as many games. He drove in 2 (including a sac fly), scored 2 and allowed one run in 1 IP as the Patriots improved to 2-0 with a 10-6 victory.

The Patriots locked up with Douglas (Parkland, FL) in their third game, improving to 3-0 with an 8-2 victory. Hosmer had his consecutive games with a homerun streak snapped at 2, going 1-1 with 3 BB, a run scored and another stolen base in his only attempt.

Eric will look to build on his impressive line (.714-2-4) tomorrow, as American Heritage hosts Coral Springs Charter (Coral Springs, FL).

Pretty impressive weekend I would say. Looks like there will be a battle to see which first baseman gets taken first - Smoak or Hosmer. Should be fun to watch.

[WebLink21]

Alvarez injury is coming off as more serious than first thought.

Wasn't able to grip or lightly toss a ball at all.

Supposed to see a hand/wrist specialist today down in Nashville.

Won't play this upcoming weekend by all indications.

Wow! This could really be interesting if he missed some/alot of the season. Does he slip? I don't know.

[Stotle]

Wow! This could really be interesting if he missed some/alot of the season. Does he slip? I don't know.

I was thinking the same thing. I would actually prefer he's off the table, either way. If he slips, that means the wrist injury was severe enough for TAM not to want to take a chance. BAL would be obligated to take him at 4, and wrist injuries can be career altering. Here's hoping he's gone and BAL can grab Beckham or Smoak/Matusz/Crow.

[Stotle]

Pretty impressive weekend I would say. Looks like there will be a battle to see which first baseman gets taken first - Smoak or Hosmer. Should be fun to watch.

I think it has to be Smoak. I'm curious to see whether Hosmer or Yonder Alonso (the U) goes first. I think each will be in the 8-15 range.

[Stotle]

Thanks a lot for the update. I tried to find info on both players games and stats, but couldn’t. Do you have a link that I could follow? Thanks again.

http://www.maxpreps.com/FanPages/Team.mxp/AreaID-7bcaf5fa-f8bd-4fe8-a970-f05012cd05b2/SchoolID-d74071bd-dfc9-418d-8fb5-a24bffcaa5fa/Boys_Varsity_Baseball_Spring_07-08/Florida

This should be good for your game stats. You have to piece together showcases from various sources.

Hope this helps.

[Stotle]

http://www.maxpreps.com/FanPages/Team.mxp/AreaID-7bcaf5fa-f8bd-4fe8-a970-f05012cd05b2/SchoolID-d74071bd-dfc9-418d-8fb5-a24bffcaa5fa/Boys_Varsity_Baseball_Spring_07-08/Florida

This should be good for your game stats. You have to piece together showcases from various sources.

Hope this helps.

February 25:

Tim Beckham and the Griffin High Bears will open their season this week with two games. The Bears are on the road this Wednesday against Stockbridge (Georgia) and at home on Friday against Whitewater (Fayetteville, Georgia). Recaps to come in the next update.

http://www.maxpreps.com/FanPages/Team.mxp/AreaID-a6673070-5906-41b6-b4a7-86ff35c1bdf1/SchoolID-3a957a39-cabe-4a81-9562-c72d988313e5/Boys_Varsity_Baseball_Spring_07-08/Georgia

[Greg Pappas]

February 25, 2008

Eric Hosmer -- First three games:

Eric Hosmer rang in the 2008 season with a 2-4 performance, including his first homerun, as American Heritage topped Pine Crest (Ft. Lauderdale, FL) 16-6. Hosmer knocked in 2, scored 2, and attempted, and stole, one base.

The second game of the season, against Chaminade-Madonna, saw Hosmer continue his raking, going 2-2 with a solo homerun -- his second in as many games. He drove in 2 (including a sac fly), scored 2 and allowed one run in 1 IP as the Patriots improved to 2-0 with a 10-6 victory.

The Patriots locked up with Douglas (Parkland, FL) in their third game, improving to 3-0 with an 8-2 victory. Hosmer had his consecutive games with a homerun streak snapped at 2, going 1-1 with 3 BB, a run scored and another stolen base in his only attempt.

Eric will look to build on his impressive line (.714-2-4) tomorrow, as American Heritage hosts Coral Springs Charter (Coral Springs, FL).

Great info sir. Thanks.

[WebLink21]

February 25:

Tim Beckham and the Griffin High Bears will open their season this week with two games. The Bears are on the road this Wednesday against Stockbridge (Georgia) and at home on Friday against Whitewater (Fayetteville, Georgia). Recaps to come in the next update.

http://www.maxpreps.com/FanPages/Team.mxp/AreaID-a6673070-5906-41b6-b4a7-86ff35c1bdf1/SchoolID-3a957a39-cabe-4a81-9562-c72d988313e5/Boys_Varsity_Baseball_Spring_07-08/Georgia

Thanks alot for the links. I couldn't find them anywhere.

[cwebb24]

Alvarez is out for a min 6 weeks. Broken bone in his hand.

[Crazysilver03]

Alvarez is out for a min 6 weeks. Broken bone in his hand.

Wow. That is rough. So he is out until basically 2nd week of April, if not later.

[napbow]

Great. This means there is a better chance that he slips to us at #4!

[TJ Wrangler]

Any chance Alvarez decides not to enter the draft in order to reestablish himself next year? Not sure it would make sense financially, but then again, would these 6 weeks make enough of a difference to change Alvarez's plans?

[Stotle]

Any chance Alvarez decides not to enter the draft in order to reestablish himself next year? Not sure it would make sense financially, but then again, would these 6 weeks make enough of a difference to change Alvarez's plans?

No. He can wait and see where he goes and demand whatever money he wants. The injury likely won't change his demands.

[WebLink21]

Wow, this is pretty big news. I think that he will still enter the draft because he will still get drafted in the top 5. I also don't think it will cost him any money. People and Scouts already know what they are getting. It could however change where he falls in the top 5. I think there is a much better chance he slips now. I don't think we would pass on him. Should be interesting.

[TJ Wrangler]

No. He can wait and see where he goes and demand whatever money he wants. The injury likely won't change his demands.

Well on the flip side, after missing 6 weeks, what if his power is zapped and he struggles to hit for average after the 6 weeks off? Does his draft stock fall? Does he enter next year in order to reestablish himself? If the difference of a million or two between being a high 1st rounder and a mid/low first rounder (pending a team drafts him and doesn't give in to his demands) is enough to sway him, then maybe it could happen, and we'll see him next year. Not likely to happen, but its always something to think about.

[TJ Wrangler]

Wow, this is pretty big news. I think that he will still enter the draft because he will still get drafted in the top 5. I also don't think it will cost him any money. People and Scouts already know what they are getting. It could however change where he falls in the top 5. I think there is a much better chance he slips now. I don't think we would pass on him. Should be interesting.

Agreed, it would be nice for him to fall to us, and this may increase that chance.

[Stotle]

Well on the flip side, after missing 6 weeks, what if his power is zapped and he struggles to hit for average after the 6 weeks off? Does his draft stock fall? Does he enter next year in order to reestablish himself? If the difference of a million or two between being a high 1st rounder and a mid/low first rounder (pending a team drafts him and doesn't give in to his demands) is enough to sway him, then maybe it could happen, and we'll see him next year. Not likely to happen, but its always something to think about.

Could be. I think you'll find a team willing to meet his demands, but, sure, teams could shy away if it lingers.

[Greg Pappas]

I just wanted to let everyone know that my new draft-site is up and running... MLB-Draft.com. I hope you enjoy... you should recognize much of what I've done, as I share from that site to this one.

Again, thanks all.

[higgybaby]

Nice site, looking forward to following your evals.


I just wanted to let everyone know that my new draft-site is up and running... MLB-Draft.com. I hope you enjoy... you should recognize much of what I've done, as I share from that site to this one.

Again, thanks all.

[bluehens45]

unreal greg. wonderful site.

[WebLink21]

I just wanted to let everyone know that my new draft-site is up and running... MLB-Draft.com. I hope you enjoy... you should recognize much of what I've done, as I share from that site to this one.

Again, thanks all.

Great site Greg! I am really looking forward to keeping up with it through this process.

[Greg Pappas]

Great site Greg! I am really looking forward to keeping up with it through this process.

Thanks... :)

I sent you a PM... you get it?

[WebLink21]

Thanks... :)

I sent you a PM... you get it?

No Greg, I just checked and there wasn't one in there. Please send it again if you don't mind. Again, I love the site. I was just on it for about an hour. haha. I am a web developer so if you ever need any advice/help with the site, let me know.

[Battleship]

Greg: I like the site too. As a Nat's fan, I hope you're wrong on your mock:) I'm praying Hosmer or Smoak gets to #9. Great work though. I'm looking forward to more. Another name I'm seeing a lot is Brett Hunter of Pepperdine. He supposedly hit 100 in practice.

Web: Any word on Hicks so far? Has his season started?

[WebLink21]

Greg: I like the site too. As a Nat's fan, I hope you're wrong on your mock:) I'm praying Hosmer or Smoak gets to #9. Great work though. I'm looking forward to more. Another name I'm seeing a lot is Brett Hunter of Pepperdine. He supposedly hit 100 in practice.

Web: Any word on Hicks so far? Has his season started?

Hey Battleship. I have a little more trouble getting the high school kids stats, but I will def look into for you if that is a player you really are interested in following. I wouldn't look for Smoak or Hosmer to fall to #9 though ;) , but I know how you feel. I am prying too that Alvarez falls, but don't think he will.

[Battleship]

Hey Battleship. I have a little more trouble getting the high school kids stats, but I will def look into for you if that is a player you really are interested in following. I wouldn't look for Smoak or Hosmer to fall to #9 though ;) , but I know how you feel. I am prying too that Alvarez falls, but don't think he will.

I think Hosmer could because of his bonus demands. If one or the other gets past the Giants I think it's a strong possibility because of the bonus requirements. One writer I talked to actually thinks both could be there at #9 because of Boras.

[ChaosLex]

Honestly, this draft is so deep, I could care less who's selected at #1-#3. We'll get Alvarez, Beckham, Smoak, or the best available pitcher with the #4 pick. I can live with that. :cool:

[Stotle]

From the last week of action:

Pedro Alvarez will miss at least 6-weeks with a fracture in his wrist.

Brian Matusz rebounded in his second start, topping Fresno State behind an impressive line of 7 IP, 2 ER, 6 H, 3 BB, 11 K. Matusz looked more like his "old self" and should continue to improve as the season progresses. He is still currently the top college pitcher available, though Crow (Missouri) and Thompson (UVA) are not far behind, and Murphy (UCLA) and Guillmet (Arizona) currently leading the third tier.

Also in action in the USD tourney was Aaron Crow, who was both unhittable and incredibly hittable in the same outing, posting a line of 5 IP, 3 ER, 8 H, 2 BB, 10 K in Friday's win over Cal. Like Matusz, Crow should improve his consistency as the season progresses. He's shown enough, along with Matusz, to stay atop the list of college pitchers thus far, and still an viable option for BAL at #4.

Justin Smoak went 5-13 in three games this week (one against UNC-Ashville and two against in-state rival, Clemson). After back-to-back 1-4 performances, Smoak went 3-5 against the Tigers, including his 3rd HR of the season. Today's game against Gardner Webb was cancelled due to weather. Smoak's season line sits at an impressive .400/.531/.840, 3 HR, 8 RBI, 8 R, 2 2b.

While he still sits comfortably outside of the top 5 overall, Eric Hosmer continues to plug away, leading American Heritage to a perfect week against Coral Springs Charter, Key West and North Broward Prep (Coconut Creek, FL) 1-0, 6-3 and 11-4, respectively. Hosmer was 0-1 against Coral Springs with a BB. He picked up the save against Key West, striking out the only two batters he faced en route to squashing a 7th inning rally. At the plate, Hosmer was 1-2 with a BB and 2 R. In the final game of the week, Hosmer went 1-1 with 2 BB, 3b, 1 RBI and 2 R. Through six games, Hosmer continues to impress, posting a line of .636/.762/1.364 (yes, that's slugging, not OPS), 2 HR, 5 RBI, 9 R, 1 3B, 8 BB.

Tim Beckham updates to follow later.

[WebLink21]

From the last week of action:

Pedro Alvarez will miss at least 6-weeks with a fracture in his wrist.

Brian Matusz rebounded in his second start, topping Fresno State behind an impressive line of 7 IP, 2 ER, 6 H, 3 BB, 11 K. Matusz looked more like his "old self" and should continue to improve as the season progresses. He is still currently the top college pitcher available, though Crow (Missouri) and Thompson (UVA) are not far behind, and Murphy (UCLA) and Guillmet (Arizona) currently leading the third tier.

Also in action in the USD tourney was Aaron Crow, who was both unhittable and incredibly hittable in the same outing, posting a line of 5 IP, 3 ER, 8 H, 2 BB, 10 K in Friday's win over Cal. Like Matusz, Crow should improve his consistency as the season progresses. He's shown enough, along with Matusz, to stay atop the list of college pitchers thus far, and still an viable option for BAL at #4.

Justin Smoak went 5-13 in three games this week (one against UNC-Ashville and two against in-state rival, Clemson). After back-to-back 1-4 performances, Smoak went 3-5 against the Tigers, including his 3rd HR of the season. Today's game against Gardner Webb was cancelled due to weather. Smoak's season line sits at an impressive .400/.531/.840, 3 HR, 8 RBI, 8 R, 2 2b.

While he still sits comfortably outside of the top 5 overall, Eric Hosmer continues to plug away, leading American Heritage to a perfect week against Coral Springs Charter, Key West and North Broward Prep (Coconut Creek, FL) 1-0, 6-3 and 11-4, respectively. Hosmer was 0-1 against Coral Springs with a BB. He picked up the save against Key West, striking out the only two batters he faced en route to squashing a 7th inning rally. At the plate, Hosmer was 1-2 with a BB and 2 R. In the final game of the week, Hosmer went 1-1 with 2 BB, 3b, 1 RBI and 2 R. Through six games, Hosmer continues to impress, posting a line of .636/.762/1.364 (yes, that's slugging, not OPS), 2 HR, 5 RBI, 9 R, 1 3B, 8 BB.

Tim Beckham updates to follow later.

Thanks for the updates

[Mashed Potatoes]

From the last week of action:

Pedro Alvarez will miss at least 6-weeks with a fracture in his wrist.

Brian Matusz rebounded in his second start, topping Fresno State behind an impressive line of 7 IP, 2 ER, 6 H, 3 BB, 11 K. Matusz looked more like his "old self" and should continue to improve as the season progresses. He is still currently the top college pitcher available, though Crow (Missouri) and Thompson (UVA) are not far behind, and Murphy (UCLA) and Guillmet (Arizona) currently leading the third tier.

Also in action in the USD tourney was Aaron Crow, who was both unhittable and incredibly hittable in the same outing, posting a line of 5 IP, 3 ER, 8 H, 2 BB, 10 K in Friday's win over Cal. Like Matusz, Crow should improve his consistency as the season progresses. He's shown enough, along with Matusz, to stay atop the list of college pitchers thus far, and still an viable option for BAL at #4.

Justin Smoak went 5-13 in three games this week (one against UNC-Ashville and two against in-state rival, Clemson). After back-to-back 1-4 performances, Smoak went 3-5 against the Tigers, including his 3rd HR of the season. Today's game against Gardner Webb was cancelled due to weather. Smoak's season line sits at an impressive .400/.531/.840, 3 HR, 8 RBI, 8 R, 2 2b.

While he still sits comfortably outside of the top 5 overall, Eric Hosmer continues to plug away, leading American Heritage to a perfect week against Coral Springs Charter, Key West and North Broward Prep (Coconut Creek, FL) 1-0, 6-3 and 11-4, respectively. Hosmer was 0-1 against Coral Springs with a BB. He picked up the save against Key West, striking out the only two batters he faced en route to squashing a 7th inning rally. At the plate, Hosmer was 1-2 with a BB and 2 R. In the final game of the week, Hosmer went 1-1 with 2 BB, 3b, 1 RBI and 2 R. Through six games, Hosmer continues to impress, posting a line of .636/.762/1.364 (yes, that's slugging, not OPS), 2 HR, 5 RBI, 9 R, 1 3B, 8 BB.

Tim Beckham updates to follow later.

Pony up that cashmoney and extend your visit past 500 posts Stotle. We love you long time.

[cwebb24]

A video of Smoak going yard against Clemson.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dSawGSqkTp8

Him and Angle played together in the Cape in 06 and I remember Matt telling me how unreal his balance and power was back then, just as a freshman. Have been following him and it'd be cool if those two were back playing with each other.

Their Cotuit team also had Kyle Russell, Kelen Kulbacki, and Smoals USC teammate Havens on it. Unreal talent.

[DennisTheOsFan]

Even though Beckham and Hosmer would be terrific consolation prizes, I'd feel slightly disappointed if we can't nab Smoak or Alvarez.

[Battleship]

Thanks for the updates. I really appreciate the HS stuff especially.

I know most of you want a hitter, but today's MASN broadcast only made me think it will be Matusz(if he's there) that much more. Both Buck Martinez and Andy McPhail talked about how pitching will be the key in competing with the RS and NYY. I just can't see them passing on a lefty with that kind of stuff.

The Smoak/Weiters connection is definitely interesting.

[napbow]

Thanks for the updates. I really appreciate the HS stuff especially.

I know most of you want a hitter, but today's MASN broadcast only made me think it will be Matusz(if he's there) that much more. Both Buck Martinez and Andy McPhail talked about how pitching will be the key in competing with the RS and NYY. I just can't see them passing on a lefty with that kind of stuff.

The Smoak/Weiters connection is definitely interesting.

Just draft the best available player. If that is a pitcher, than so be it. I think it would be very hard to pass up Alvarez, Smoak or Beckham and one of them will drop to us.

Of course if Crow drops it will be hard to pass up on him as well.

[Stotle]

College baseball's top starting pitcher, Brian Matusz, took the mound against Cal Poly this weekend in a star-studded USD tournament (which also featured fellow top-fiver Aaron Crow and Fresno State RHP Tanner Scheppers. Matusz may not have been as sharp as Scheppers, but the Torero came away with the win backed by Matusz's 11 SO in 7 IP. He allowed jus two runs (both in the first) on 6 hits and 3 walks. He didn't spot his fastball well, relying instead on his secondary pitches (high-70s curve, high-70s change and low-80s slider) to baffle the Bulldog hitters. Matusz still figures to be the best all-around pitcher in the draft, even if he isn't the first off the board.

Aaron Crow started slowly against Cal, eventually settling in to record 10 SO in 5 IP. He was touched for 3 runs on 8 hits and 2 walks. Baseball America scout Dave Perkin reports Crow sat comfortably between 93-96 with his fastball and should good command over his 82-84 mph power curve. Crow still sits in the top five of most draft boards. While not the best overall college pitcher, his stuff is intriguing.

South Carolina dropped their first game of the week, 11-2, against Charlotte. Justin Smoak was a quiet 1-4 with 4 left on base. The 'Cocks rebounded to sweep win-less Duquesne 15-4, 10-2 and 10-2. In the opening game, Smoak knocked in 3 on a double and a sac-fly, going 1-2 with 1 R and 2 BB. Smoak was 2-4 in the second game, with 2 singles and a run scored. He concluded the series with an o-fer, going 0-3 with 2 BB and a run scored. In the first game of this week, yesterday's 2-1 extra-inning win over Presbyterian, Smoak was 2-4 with a single and his 5th double of the season. He also left 3 on base. His season line is .381/.526/.714, 3 HR, 11 RBI, 11 R, 5 2b, 11 BB. He sits comfortably in the top-5 of most draft boards.

Board flavor of the month Eric Hosmer started his weekend with a 1-5 performance against LaGrange (Georgia) -- the one hit being a three-run homer as American Heritage won comfortably, 13-4, to remain undefeated. The Patriots took on Cullman (Alabama) the following day, Hosmer did not get the start. He was hit by a pitch and stole a base in his only plate appearance -- AM rolled to a 10-0 win. In the weekends final game, the Patriots finally stumbled, dropping a 4-6 game to Stephens County (Georgia). Hosmer was 2-4 with his 4th HR of the season (a solo shot). He also threw two innings of relief, allowing 2 runs on 2 hits (one a HR) and striking out 5 of the 8 batters he faced. His current season line sits at .476/.625/1.143, 4 HR, 1 3b, 9RBI, 12 R. I think he's still below the elite of this draft class, but could continue to slowly move up the board as the season progresses.