15th Round - Derick Velazquez: RHP, Merced Col, (CA)

A two-way player in junior college, Velazquez has seriously raised his profile as a pitching prospect with his first season at Merced. Athletic and projectable, he has the makings of a good three-pitch mix, with his fastball, curve and changeup. With room to add strength, he has the chance to add velocity as he matures, and he already commands his pitches fairly well. His combination of now stuff and projectability should have many teams interested in the Draft's early stages.

#74 overall for Baseball America.

http://www.ncsasports.org/college-recruiting-videos-highlights/derick-velazquez

Vid. of Velazquez pitching. I like this pick a lot. With some added weight this kid has a chance to be special.

This article mentions that it was thought he could go as high as somewhere in the first 5 rounds.

http://www.mercedsunstar.com/2012/06/02/2368619/calm-in-draft-storm-merced-colleges.html

http://www.cccbca.com/sports/bsb/2011-12/centralvalley/players/derickvelazquez013p

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A two-way player in junior college, Velazquez has seriously raised his profile as a pitching prospect with his first season at Merced. Athletic and projectable, he has the makings of a good three-pitch mix, with his fastball, curve and changeup. With room to add strength, he has the chance to add velocity as he matures, and he already commands his pitches fairly well. His combination of now stuff and projectability should have many teams interested in the Draft's early stages.

Thank you weams for keeping us updated on the Orioles picks.

Thank you weams for keeping us updated on the Orioles picks.

My pleasure. I learn a ton doing this stuff each year. So much good information out there from the real scouts.

Reminds me of Daniel Cabrera.

Reminds me of Daniel Cabrera.

In what way?

In what way?

His entire delivery, especially his leg kick and stride - both from the wind up and the set.

He also reminds me of Cabrera in his stature, although he is 4 inches shorter, he looks bigger to me.

I wonder how he lasted until the 15th round. I get lasting past 10 with the new rules, but expected us to make our overslot pick sooner. BA may have him over rated?

What are we looking at with regard to signability? Assuming that he would receive an above slot offer, would that be counted towards the O's allotted amount for their top 10 picks?

What are we looking at with regard to signability? Assuming that he would receive an above slot offer, would that be counted towards the O's allotted amount for their top 10 picks?

Anything above 100K counts against that.

Hopefully they can get Gausman and Kline for below slot and use that money on Velazquez.

I absolutely love this pick. His leg kick reminds me a little of Kevin Brown. I can't find a lot of information on him. I love the value this late. I did see one list that said he was a late riser and should go in rounds 2-5. I try to find it. I talked to a friend last night who's father is a west coast scout for the Padres and he told me his father said we got a steal. He said he is rail thin but has #2-3 starter upside.

What are we looking at with regard to signability? Assuming that he would receive an above slot offer, would that be counted towards the O's allotted amount for their top 10 picks?