State of the System: Kansas City Royals

Quick Look

It goes without saying that the Royals are one of the worst teams in baseball. This year they put together one of the worst offenses an MLB team can possibly assemble, and team brass has made some real head-scratchers (see: Betancourt, Yuniesky). KC is in the same boat as Pittsburgh and Washington: it will be several years or more until they can even think about contending. On the minor league side, the Royals' Top 10 is competitive, but they don't have a deep system, and most of their impact players are concentrated in the lower levels. In short, it just isn't pretty to be a Royals fan.

Top Prospects

Mike Montgomery, lhp

Age: 20 Level: High A-Double-A

Montgomery, the second pick in my hypothetical draft, has all the ingredients to become a frontline starting pitcher. His arsenal consists of a 90-92 mph fastball that touches 95, a devastating changeup, and an inconsistent, but improving, curveball. A projectable 6-5 lefty with a good delivery, Montgomery's pitches will improve even more once he fills out and gains experience. He's on track to reach Kansas City by his 22nd birthday.

Aaron Crow, rhp

Age: 23 Level: none-Double-A

Crow was in the mix to be the #1 overall pick in the weeks leading up to the 2008 draft, but he ultimately fell to #9 and couldn't come to terms with the Nationals. The former Missouri ace then pitched in indy ball in preparation for this year's draft, when the Royals took him 12th. Crow has a plus-plus fastball, featuring velocity (92-95 mph), excellent life, and command. He also snaps off a plus slider that gives batters fits, and has made progress with his changeup. Most of the questions with Crow center around his slight build and a wrap in the back of his arm swing that impedes his command and perhaps puts more stress on his arm. If he shakes off the rust and sharpens his change, Crow will zoom up the ladder.

Wil Myers, c

Age: 18 Level: Rookie-Low A

Myers makes it 3 straight years that the Royals have taken a touted prep batter early in the draft (after Mike Moustakas and Eric Hosmer). He made a stellar first impression, tearing up Rookie-ball to the tune of .369/.427/.679 in 22 games. Myers is an athletic, versatile player with an infectious enthusiasm for the game. He shows a good arm behind the plate and will try to make it as a catcher. Even if he doesn't, his quick hands, sharp stroke, and provocative power should carry him at another position. Next year, in his first full pro season, he'll try to overcome the Midwest League doldrums that plagued his predecessors.

Tim Melville, rhp

Age: 20 Level: Low A-Double-A

Melville showed promise, and also some rough edges, in Low A this year. The former high-profile prepster runs his fastball up to 95 mph, and works comfortably in the low-90s. He also has a close-to-plus 12-6 curveball and is refining his changeup. Melville's control needs work, but he shows a willingness to soak in instruction and adjust, so that shouldn't hamper him long-term. He also has a textbook pitcher's frame and a smooth delivery.

Danny Duffy, lhp

Age: 20 Level: High A-Triple-A

I liked Duffy coming out of high school, and he has been brilliant for 3 seasons. The California native doesn't have a true knockout pitch, but his mid-70s curveball induces strikeouts, and his 88-93 mph fastball is more than enough for a lefty. His changeup is a bit firm, but has become a decent third pitch. Some scouts are turned off by Duffy's mechanics (he throws across his body), but he has still consistently improved his strike-throwing ability, and hasn't had any injury setbacks. Duffy will move up to what should be a prospect-laden Double-A Northwest Arkansas team in 2010.

Eric Hosmer, 1B

Age: 20 Level: High A-Double-A

Hosmer went 3rd overall in last year's draft. The lefty bludgeoned amateur competition and was hailed as one of the top first base prospects in the minors. His first full pro season didn't quite go to plan, though. Playing in the hitter's graveyard that is the MWL, Hosmer slumped to a .734 OPS, which was propped up mostly by walks. The bulk of that struggling was done against southpaws (.138/.205/.200) and before Hosmer got LASIK eye surgery. And in an inexplicable move by the Kansas City front office, the then-19-year-old was promoted to High A just as he was getting acclimated to Low A. Hosmer probably deserves a mulligan for the 2009 season, but 2010 will be a crucial test to see if his amateur scouting reports (which projected a .300-35 HR hitter with a chance to play the outfield) hold up.

Mike Moustakas, 3B

Age: 21 Level: High A-Double-A

Moustakas was a high school stud--and the #2 pick in the 2007 draft--but he has endured some struggles in pro ball. Moustakas is a big third baseman, but he has the potential to avoid a switch to first base or the outfield because of his decent hands and plus-plus arm. Offensively, he has a fundamentally sound swing and awe-inspiring raw power (he holds the California HS single-season and career home run records). Moustakas is undermined by a lack of plate discipline, though; his 32-90 BB-K ratio contributed to a disappointing .250/.297/.421 line this year. He has championship-caliber upside, but I think 2010 and Double-A will go a long way in telling if Moustakas is a big leaguer or a bust.

David Lough, of

Age: 23 Level: Double-A-MLB

Lough, the pride of Mercyhust (Pa.) College, is a gritty overachiever who has hit his way to onto the prospect radar. The former three-sport star hits for average from the left side, and is capable of 10-15 homers per year (although with 24 walks in 458 ABs, he needs a more patient approach). He put up a fantastic line of .325/.370/.496 between High A and Double-A in 2009. A good runner, Lough gets the job done in the outfield. I like Lough's all-around skills and track record, but some see him as a tweener. Then again, that's good enough to be an All-Star candidate if he doesn't change organizations.

Chris Dwyer, lhp
Age: 21 Level: Rookie-High A
The only draft-eligible freshman I've ever seen, Dwyer signed for $1.45 million out of Clemson in 2009. The 6-3, 210-pounder has the potential for two knockout pitches in his 90-94 mph fastball and hammer curveball. He has major work to do with his changeup and command, however. Dwyer will need some time to harness his stuff and become more consistent, but he has premium upside.

Jeff Bianchi, ss

Age: 23 Level: Double-A-MLB

The 2005 2nd-rounder's career took a nosedive in 2007, but he got back on track this year, going .308/.358/.435. Bianchi has a line-drive, all-fields approach at the dish. His quick hands make it successful, although his below-average power and lack of patience do their best to thwart him. He is steady up the middle, and his average speed and good instincts make him a threat to steal. Bianchi is not flashy, and he projects as a spare infielder on a championship team. In other words, he'll be the Royals' starting shortstop within 2 years.

Kila Ka'aihue, 1B

Age: 25 Level: MLB

The Royals unfathomably brought aboard Mike Jacobs before this season in spite of a glut of first basemen. Ka'aihue should have been given the chance to get some MLB ABs in, but he was relegated to a full season in Triple-A, where the Kila Monster did what he always does: draw 100 walks, flash plus power, and not much else. The huge Hawaiian could be Jack Cust with less strikeouts if he ever gets a chance.

Others: LHP John Lamb; RHPs Carlos Rosa, Louis Coleman, and Tyler Sample; C Salvador Perez

Impact Talent: B+

Farm System Depth: C-

2010 Breakout Prospect

Cole White, rhp

Age: 21 Level: Low A

The New Mexico product was taken in the 6th round of the draft this year. He has control problems to overcome (as evidenced by 20 BBs in 30 IP for the Royals this year), but his power stuff is undeniable. His fastball sits at 91-94 mph and touches 97 mph, and his breaking ball shows signs of being a plus pitch. His repertoire is rounded out with a nascent changeup that will be superfluous if he stays in the bullpen.

Hypothetical Draft 2009

I now present the second edition of my own (hypothetical) draft. In this exercise, similar to what Jim Callis does over at Baseball America, I randomly choose an MLB team and "shadow" their draft, showing who I would have taken in that spot. By doing this, I get to compare my talent-evaluating ability with that of MLB organizations. I can stack up the drafts and see if I have a better haul than most teams; and see how credible my draft "expertise" is. My picks from last year are available here.

Anyway, I got the Angels this year. Being one of the best teams in the majors last year, Los Angeles chose near the back of the first round (#24 was their first slot). They had several supplemental picks for losing free agents, however, so that definitely gave me a boost. By the way, this is who the Angels selected in real life.

Remember, my strategy is to grab players who fell because of signability. Taking advantage of teams that adhere to slot has major benefits for a team's draft. Teams can get top talents in later rounds if they are simply willing to fork over a couple extra million dollars in the draft, where talent is cheaper than in the majors. (Stephen Strasburg, for instance, would have gotten at least 3 times what he got in the draft if he was on the open market.) Heavily focusing on amateur talent and the draft pays off well in the long run (particularly when scouts are sagacious, teams invest wisely, and a few big expenditures pan out).

Here are my picks from the 2009 draft.

1. Mike Trout, of, Millville HS (New Jersey)

Trout (6-0, 200 lbs.) has a compact body that belies his plus speed. He has hitting and defensive ability, some power potential, and a grinder mentality that allows him to always get the best of his tools.

1. Tim Wheeler, of, Sacramento State

Wheeler has the size of a prototypical slugger (6-4, 205 lbs.), but he has never consistently hit for power. If he can learn to do that, he could develop into an All Star-caliber outfielder; the rest of his toolset is intriguing.

1s. Tyler Skaggs, lhp, Santa Monica HS (California)

Skaggs is a supremely projectable prep lefty with "now" secondary stuff (curveball and changeup). Once he fills out his lanky frame and puts a few ticks on his fastball, he could be a frontline starter.

1s. Marc Krauss, of, Ohio

Coming from a mid-major, Krauss hasn't gotten a lot of exposure. He starred offensively in the Cape Cod League and this spring for the Bobcats, and he could provide an above-average corner bat in the majors. He should move fairly quickly.

1s. Bryan Berglund, rhp, Royal HS (California)

Berglund, a projectable Swede whom the Marlins bought out of Loyola Marymount for $572,500, already has a solid three-pitch foundation. His fastball (90-92 mph at best) isn't a plus pitch at this stage but it figures to improve with experience, as do his slider and changeup, which have plus potential.

2. Wil Myers, c, Wesleyan Christian Academy (North Carolina)

Myers is a versatile basher. He should be able to catch as a pro, driving his value up even more. He had a promising pro debut after pocketing $2 million from the Royals, and I like him at least as much as KC's top two hitting prospects (Eric Hosmer and Mike Moustakas) at this juncture.

3. Max Stassi, c, Yuba City HS (California)

Stassi's fall to the 4th round was one of the biggest surprises in the draft this year. He'll be a capable catcher and an impact hitter. He has good bloodlines and makeup, and he's a steal for me and for the A's in real life.

4. Zach Von Rosenberg, rhp, Zachary HS (Louisiana)

Von Rosenberg is also a top talent who dropped because of signability. A $1.2 million bonus gets me a proven winner with control of an 88-91 mph fastball, curveball, and changeup.

5. Brooks Raley, lhp, Texas A&M

Raley, a slender draft-eligible sophomore drafted by the Cubs, is an outstanding athlete and competitor. He throws an 87-91 mph sinker, slider, curveball, and changeup. He had a 3.76 ERA for the Aggies this spring, and his ceiling is a #3-4 starter.

6. Josh Fellhauer, of, Cal State Fullerton

Fellhauer is a cheap five-tool player. He's undersized and may be a tweener, but he has plenty of average (or a tick above) tools and a good feel for the game.

7. Ryan Buch, rhp, Monmouth

Buch will need time to iron out his numerous flaws and inconsistencies. (He walked 21 in 19 innings in his pro debut.) If everything clicks, though, he'll be a top-flight reliever, with a low- to mid-90s fastball and a sharp curveball.

8. Ryan Berry, rhp, Rice

Getting Berry this late is a coup. He has some delivery and injury concerns (what a surprise for a Rice hurler), but he's a borderline 1st-round talent when healthy. Berry attacks the zone with a solid fastball that touches 93 mph, a knucklecurve, changeup, and slider.

9. Sam Dyson, rhp, South Carolina

Dyson has a mediocre track record, but his high-octane fastball-curve combo is worth taking a chance on in the 9th round. He returned to the Gamecocks in real life.

10. Nick Hernandez, lhp, Tennessee

Highly-regarded entering his junior season of college, Hernandez fell apart and dropped to the 12th round in real life. He made adjustments and performed well in his pro debut, though, and his feel for pitching and solid stuff could translate into a spot at the back of a major league rotation in a few years.

11. Nick Greenwood, lhp, Rhode Island

Greenwood has three average pitches, and his feel for pitching and control helps them all play up. He's not imposing, but he always gets results (1.63 ERA in 66 IP for the Padres this summer).

12. Dane Williams, rhp, Archbishop McCarthy HS (Florida)

Williams attended N.C. State, but I would have taken a flier on his dynamic stuff. He has touched 94-96 and flashed a power slider in short bursts.

13. Pierce Johnson, rhp, Faith Christian Academy (Colorado)

Johnson is at Missouri State, but his all-around game spurred me to sway him away from the Bears. He locates a low-90s fastball, mixes in a promising breaking ball and changeup, and has smooth mechanics.

14. Del Howell, lhp, Alabama

Howell has immense upside, although he's a bit volatile. His fastball hits 94 with life and his slider is a plus pitch in the low-80s. The quality of his stuff wavers, and he has many nuances of pitching to fine-tune.

15. Dylan Floro, rhp, Buhach Colony HS (California)

A 20th-round choice, Floro passed up the Rays for Cal State Fullerton. He'll be an elite college pitcher in short order, as he has a 90-92 mph fastball, above-average slider, and a changeup.

16. Richie Shaffer, 3B, Providence HS (North Carolina)

A hand injury allowed Shaffer to drop in the draft and make good on his commitment to Clemson. He's well worth his hefty price tag, though, as he has perfect third-base tools, particularly a strong arm and tantalizing raw power.

17. Alex Hassan, rhp, Duke

I'm interested in Hassan as a pitcher, but Boston drafted him as an outfielder. He didn't disappoint in his debut (.328 AVG while reaching Low A).

18. Sergio Burruel, c, Browne HS (Arizona)

Burruel, a Cubs draftee, has arm strength, good hands, and the ability to lead a pitching staff. A lefty-swinger, he shows some promise at the plate.

19. Drew Biery, ss, Giants

Biery is an older shortstop who had a good career at Kansas State. He could hit his way up the ladder.

20. Jon Reed, rhp, Memorial HS (Oklahoma)

Surpassed by Chad James as the Sooner State's top high school prospect this spring after Reed had some concerns with the health of his elbow, the 6-2, 200-pounder is nonetheless interesting. His fastball ranges from around 90 to a couple ticks higher, and his curve is advanced for a high schooler. Reed is now at Tennessee.

21. Michael Zunino, c, Mariner HS (Florida)

Part of Florida's superb recruiting class, Zunino is known for his power displays. He has improved his defense but is still below-average in that department.

22. Ethan Carter, rhp, Menchville HS (Virginia)

Carter is a projectable 6-5, 200-pounder hailing from one of the nation's better high school programs. The sky is basically the limit with Carter, who has a three-pitch mix including a fastball that could settle in the low-90s once he recovers from a stress fracture.

23. Shaeffer Hall, lhp, Kansas

Hall is not overpowering by any means, but he keeps his team in the game by pounding the zone with a four-pitch mix. He needs to tighten up his curveball, but he could be a #5 starter or bullpen lefty.

24. Tobin Mateychick, rhp, Enid HS (Oklahoma)

Mateychick will be a project for Wichita State, but he could pay off handsomely in three years. His projectable frame and quick arm bode well for his already-plus fastball. His changeup and slider will need time to develop.

25. Diego Seastrunk, c, Rice

Seastrunk has a patient approach, line-drive stroke, and opposite-field awareness. Defensively, the former third baseman needs more reps, but he offers soft hands and a good arm.

26. Mike Bolsinger, rhp, Arkansas

Bolsinger projects as a big league middle reliever, with a decent slider and an 88-90 mph sinker. He's touched higher in the past and had a very successful 2009 campaign.

27. Brandon Sizemore, 2B, College of Charleston

Below-average defensively and athletically, Sizemore needs to hit his way to the majors if he wants to make good on his best-case scenario of Dan Uggla. The stocky 22-year-old got off on the right foot in his pro debut, blasting 8 homers and going .292/.376/.528.

28. Matt Long, of, Santa Clara

Long will probably max out as a good college player but, hey, it's the 28th round. The 22-year-old has a solid package of tools.

29. A.J. Griffin, rhp, San Diego

Griffin's arsenal consists of a 86-91 mph fastball, slider, change, and curveball. The 6-5, 215-pounder has been primarily used as the Toreros' closer, but he could be a back-of-the-rotation or middle relief option as a pro. He pounds the zone consistently.

30. Chris Manno, lhp, Duke

Although he rarely bumps 90, Manno toys with opponents and receives unanimously glowing scouting reports. He has a projectable body and an occasionally plus changeup.

31. Scott Griggs, rhp, San Ramon Valley HS (California)

One of the top prepsters in the nation entering his senior year, Griggs slumped and ended up at UCLA. He has power stuff, though, with a 90-95 mph fastball and diving curveball.

32. Matt Moynihan, of, Cathedral Catholic HS (California)

Moynihan has athletic and offensive ability, and he projects as an impressive outfielder after 3 years at San Diego.

33. Tyler Lavigne, rhp, San Diego State

Not exactly the team ace in college, Lavigne still has a chance in the pros. His solid sinker-slider combo led him to a 3.05 ERA this spring.

34. Tanner Poppe, rhp, Girard HS (Kansas)

Poppe is a work in progress, but his textbook pitcher's body and a fastball that reaches 93 mph could make him a premium prospect after 3 years at Kansas.

35. Brandon May, inf, Alabama

May was a good college hitter and projects to have a decent bat in the professional ranks. The Cubs are trying his hand at catcher to increase his versatility and give him an easier route up the ladder. If the conversion takes, he'll be an interesting sleeper.

36. Colin Bates, rhp, North Carolina

A redshirt sophomore, Bates returned to UNC in real life. He has a low-90s sinker, decent breaking ball, and an aggressive mentality.

37. Keifer Nuncio, rhp, Katy HS (Texas)

Now at Texas, Nuncio has a bulldog approach on the mound. His three-pitch mix (headlined by a 88-91 mph fastball) isn't too shabby, either.

38. Dan Sarisky, rhp, Oglethorpe (Georgia)

A D-III product, Sarisky flashes closer stuff. His fastball teases 97, his slider has power in the mid-80s, and he has an occasional 12-6 curve. He's polishing his control.

39. Kyle Hansen, rhp, St. Dominic HS (New York)

The younger brother of big league reliever Craig Hansen, Kyle has a similarly intimidating frame and upside. After three years at St. John's he could be a premium draft prospect.

40. Jordan Poyer, of, Astoria HS (Oregon)

A supreme athlete who also plays football (at Oregon State now), Poyer would have been taken much higher if not for signability. He is rough around the edges, but he has five-tool potential.

41. Cohl Walla, of, Lake Travis HS (Texas)

Walla is a high-risk, high-reward pick. He has above-average speed, a plus arm, raw power and projectability. The only thing missing from Walla's toolset at present is a consistent bat.

42. Richard Stock, c, Agoura Hills HS (California)

Headed to USC like his brother, Cardinals '09 2nd-rounder Robert, Richard has similar skills. When healthy, he has ample power, a cannon arm, and a powerful 6-3, 185-pound frame.

43. Beau Amaral, of, Huntington Beach HS (California)

The son of a former major leaguer, Beau fits the table-setter profile nicely, although he lacks power. He's currently at UCLA.

44. Jason Novak, rhp, UCLA

Wild but strong-armed, the 21-year-old is a bullpen prospect worth taking a flier on.

45. Parker Bangs, rhp, South Carolina

Bangs is back at South Carolina (playing two ways), but his stuff merited a selection here. He hits 92 mph with his fastball, and his slider has potential.

46. Juan Avila, of, Narbonne HS (California)

A switch-hitter, Avila is an under-the-radar prospect with a variety of average-or-better tools.

47. Tommy Collier, rhp, San Jacinto JC

Collier has good stuff, beginning with a sharp slider and an occasional hammer curveball. He doesn't establish his fastball well enough, but it is formidable, sitting at 86-91 and nudging 94. He isn't particularly big for a pitcher (6-2, 195 lbs.).

48. Todd McInnis, rhp, Southern Miss

A redshirt sophomore, McInnis has a slight frame and fringy fastball, deterring teams from drafting him this year. He'll return to Southern Miss. I like him because of his exceptional array of breaking pitches and big-game experience. He should anchor the Golden Eagles' rotation in 2010 and be a decent draft pick.

49. Nolan Cain, rhp, LSU

A seldom-used member of LSU's national championship squad, Cain went undrafted. The Tigers signed him, though, and elevated him to Double-A. The 23-year-old has a durable body, is deceptive, and has solid stuff.

50. Buck Afenir, c, Kansas

Another undrafted free agent, Afenir latched on with the Yankees. The California native had an excellent career at KU, and he'll be an organizational soldier at the least.

In summation, I chose 24 high school players and 30 collegians. The approximate total cost of these players would obliterate the current record for a single draft (which is Washington's 2009 draft, which went well into 8 figures). My first 12 picks signed for about $10.3 million; and the rest, whose bonus demands were difficult to ascertain, would push the total to the $15 million range. As I always maintain, though, dollars are much better spent in the draft. We'll see if it's one of the most productive drafts of all time to match its price tag. It certainly looks like a sparkling class now, but it will take years to properly assess my crop.

Draft Signings Update

With the deadline to sign 2009 draft picks just 3 days away, signings are in full force. You can check on Baseball America's Draft Blog for a full recap, as well as to see which players sign over the last few days. Here are the most noteworthy so far:

• The Royals signed North Carolina prepster Wil Myers for $2 million, easily the highest bonus in the 3rd round this year. Myers plays a variety of postions (maybe even catcher), and has a power bat and good athleticism.
• Kansas City also forked over a 4th-round record $1.45 million for Clemson LHP Chris Dwyer. Dwyer, an unprecedented draft-eligible freshman, battles inconsistency, but also has a dominant fastball-curve combo. (Remember that I nabbed him in the 36th round last year?) Nice job by KC, as both of these players will greatly improve their system. $3.45 million isn't much in the big picture anyway.
• Chad Jenkins, the 20th overall pick, became the 14th 1st-rounder to sign when he agreed to a $1.359 million bonus with the Blue Jays. Jenkins, a hefty righthander from Kennesaw State, has a good knowledge of pitching along with a low-90s fastball, slider, and changeup.
• One of the most coveted high school pitchers remaining, South Carolina righty Madison Younginer, got a deal done with the Red Sox. Younginer, Boston's 7th-round pick, pocketed $975,000. The former Clemson recruit has a power repertoire, headlined by a fastball that touches 97 mph.
• Perhaps an even bigger coup for the BoSox came when they gave 3rd-rounder David Renfroe $1.4 million. The Mississippi prepster has excellent offensive potential and could be a bargain. He's also a stellar pitcher, but will play shortstop as a professional.
• The Diamondbacks inked 18th overall selection Bobby Borchering, a power-hitting prep third baseman who has drawn Chipper Jones comparisons, to an above-slot $1.8 million deal. Borchering had committed to Florida.
• Supplemental-rounder Tommy Joseph, a power-hitting catcher from Scottsdale's famed Horizon High, agreed to a $712,500 signing bonus with the Giants. That's a great value for San Fran, and just adds to the depth of their farm system.
• Matt Graham, a power righthanded pitcher from Oak Ridge High in Texas, also signed with the Giants. He got a $500,000 bonus.
• Baltimore signed their 8th-rounder, Rice RHP Ryan Berry, for $417,600. This is a major steal, as Berry was a first-round candidate until he dealt with shoulder woes this spring. He has a fastball that touches 93, a plus knucklecurve, and an occasional slider and change. The O's also doled out $200,000 to get LHP Ashur Tolliver, their 5th-rounder.
• The Pirates also payed up for several hurlers to solidify a pretty decent draft. Colton Cain (8th round), an unrefined lefty with power stuff, got $1.125 million. RHP Zach Von Rosenberg (6th round) received $1.2 million. He has a feel for pitching as well as above-average stuff. Projectable Arizona prep righty Trent Stevenson (7th round) got $350,000 ($200,00 above MLB's maximum slot recommendation for picks after the 5th round). Pittsburgh also signed Stanford's Jeffrey Inman (12th round) for $425,000. The 6-2 righthander consistently pitches below expectations, but he also has major upside. Kudos to the Pirates for recognizing how badly their organization needs young talent--and ponying up the money to get some.
• The Rays signed C Luke Bailey, a 4th-rounder and perhaps the top backstop in this year's deep high school crop, to a $750,000 bonus. Bailey is recovering from Tommy John surgery, but he has plus tools on offense and defense.
• The Diamondbacks brought 2nd-rounder Chris Owings, a high school shortstop from South Carolina, into the fold with a well-over-slot $950,000 bonus. More surprisingly, Arizona got prep LHP Patrick Schuster under contract ($450,000 signing bonus). Schuster, who threw 4 consecutive no-hitters against sub-par competition, has a sneaky 86-91 mph fastball and a slurve, but would've been better off following through on his commitment to Florida.
• Georgia's recruiting class took a blow when the Red Sox got 26th-rounder Miles Head under a pro contract. Head has good offensive potential and would've been an impact player for the Bulldogs.
• There are still 17 unsigned first-rounders, many of whom will go down to the wire. Baseball America's Draft Database has a complete list of signed and unsigned picks.