After reviewing a trio of collegiate arms, young prep pitchers who may fall in the draft due to signability concerns, and three right-handers, the focus shifts back to a pair of prep pitchers and one college bat who could find themselves with the Los Angeles Dodgers after the 2016 Major League Baseball Draft.
Kevin Gowdy, Santa Barbara High School (California)
Position: RHP
Ht/Wt: 6’4/170
B/T: Right/Right
DOB: 11/16/1997
As always, there’s plenty of talent in Southern California to select from for the draft. However, most of it came from the high school crop, with Gowdy leading the way as the region’s best pitcher.
Gowdy has prototypical size with a lot of projection. His delivery is sound and his arm is pretty loose, leading evaluators to project added velocity as he fills out.
His fastball has been somewhat inconsistent this spring, ranging from the high 80s to the mid 90s. At his best, he’s sat in the 91-93 mph range with solid life on the pitch.
His breaking ball, a hard, three-quarters breaker that sits around 80 mph may be his best pitch. Gowdy also has a changeup that he uses on occasion.
Inconsistency has caused his draft stock to slip this spring and he could fall all the way out of the first round if he asks for too much money. Gowdy is good enough to be a day-one selection and would fit in nicely with the Dodgers at No. 32 or No. 36.
CONTINUE READING: Left-handed pitcher out of Texas
Kyle Muller, Jesuit College Prep (Texas)
Position: LHP
Ht/Wt: 6’5/230
B/T: Right/Left
DOB: 10/7/1997
Like Joey Wentz, Muller has made a name for himself as a power-hitting prospect as well as a pitcher. However, after improving his velocity this spring, he’ll begin his pro career on the mound.
Muller already has a major-league body. That doesn’t leave a ton of room for projection, but his fastball may have a little juice left as he gets stronger. He was throwing in the mid 80s last summer and has been more consistently in the low 90s this spring.
He has a big breaking curveball as well as a changeup but both of the pitches need more refinement. He has some natural deception in his delivery as he rocks back before releasing the ball. He throws strikes but is dinged for being too “methodical.”
A late riser, Muller looks like a surefire first rounder. He’s been directly linked to the club with their picks at #20 and #32. And hey, the last time the Dodgers took a big lefty from the Dallas area, that turned out CK—er, OK.
CONTINUE READING: Virginia catcher Matt Thaiss
Matt Thaiss, Virginia
Position(s): C, 1B
Ht/Wt: 5’11/197
B/T: Left/Right
DOB: 5/6/1995
Thaiss has been one of the best hitters in college baseball this year, batting .382/.476/.587 in 58 games with 36 walks compared to just 15 strikeouts. He is very much the definition of a college performer.
While scouts question his ability to stay behind the plate, few question his bat. Thaiss shows a quick, line-drive stroke to go along with an exceptional eye. However, unless he turns into Joey Votto, he’s going to have to stay behind the plate.
Thaiss’ receiving skills and arm strength are fringy, though reports say he’s improved defensively this year. He also doesn’t have a ton of power in games.
If a team believes Thaiss can catch, there’s no reason for him to fall out of the top 20. If he ultimately winds up at first base, that really impacts his profile given the lack of power. He’s a safe pick, as he should move quickly and play in the Major Leagues.
But the ultimate ceiling is considerably lower than other prospects if he moves to first and the power never comes around. He’s been connected to the Dodgers in the first round and he could reach Double-A Tulsa or Triple-A Oklahoma City next season.