James is one of the very best high school hurlers available this year; he should get popped somewhere around No. 20. The 6-4, 205-pounder has made great strides with his stuff over the last year and he now sits at 90-92 (and touches 95) with his fastball. Rare for a prepster, he has a pair of offspeed pitches with above-average potential in his effective changeup and improving curveball. The only downside? He's somewhat of a project and needs time to refine his mechanics, command, and those offspeed pitches.
Ryan Berry, rhp, Rice
Berry has been the unquestioned ace for the Owls for three years now. Despite arm woes this year (not surprising for a Rice pitcher), his stuff (and draft stock) has taken a step forward. Berry, a prolific strike-thrower and competitor, now maintains 89-92 mph velo with his fastball. He goes to his nasty knucklecurve for strikeouts, and he also has a workable slider and changepiece. A team that likes his ability to fill up the strike zone with several average to above-average pitches and is convinced his injuries are a thing of the past could select him in the 2nd round or so.
Zach Von Rosenberg, rhp, Zachary HS (LA)
Von Rosenberg is a big (6-5) righty like fellow Louisiana State recruit Brody Colvin, but Von Rosenberg is a much more finished product. He has a track record of success, and controls all of his pitches (88-91 mph fastball, curveball, changeup) well. He should go within the first couple of rounds, and pass up LSU like Colvin. Assuming his stuff slightly improves (he has a projectable body and a nice delivery, so it should), Von Rosenberg could develop into a middle-of-the-rotation starter.
Ryan Berry
*Photo courtesy of www.saberscouting.com
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