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| Born: 12/15/1995 (Age: 19) | |
| Bats: Right | Throws: Right |
| Height: 6' 5" | Weight: 260 |
| Mechanics |
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Build: Thick throughout frame, especially midsection/quads—legs; broad shoulders with wide hips; power bottom; body will be high maintenance going forward; could use some conditioning. Mechanics: Three-quarters arm slot; good tempo but can rush; drop-and-drive type; arm stab in back and back elbow can get high; front-side glove gets high and big; has slight inverted W; starts from first-base side of mound but foot landing is on third-base side; crossfire delivery; cuts hips off when rotating; gets over front knee when releasing; can land stiff on front when throwing off-speed; high-effort delivery, but can repeat well presently; huge innings-eater type body, do not have questions about durability.
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| Evaluator | CJ Wittmann |
| Report Date | 04/14/2015 |
| Affiliate | Greensboro Grasshoppers (Low-A, Marlins) |
| Dates Seen | 4/12/2015 |
| OFP/Risk | 60/High |
| Realistic | 55; Setup/Closer |
| MLB ETA | 2019 |
| Video | Yes |
| Pitch Type | Present Grade | Future Grade | Sitting Velocity | Peak Velocity | Report |
| FB | 60 | 70 | 93-96 | 97 | Presently plus velocity; command is well below average, has trouble controlling the zone; small arm-side life; two-seam 91-92; create low amount of swings and misses; presently plays down but could play to 70 grade with improved command and possible velocity jump in bullpen. |
| CH | 40 | 50 | 82-85 | 86 | Arm-side sinking action; slowed arm speed in lower velocity band; consistent arm speed in higher velocity band with more sinking action; created more swings and misses in higher velocity band; presently below average but could play to average with improved command and higher spike in velocity from fastball—comfortable arm speed/separation from fastball velocity. |
| SL | 30 | 50 | 77-80 | 81 | Presently caught in between breaking balls; sweeping type break; flashed some bite; presently throws slider in curveball velocity band; slows arm speed and pronates wrist out in front; presently does not throw for a strike; at times loses grip and spins one but doesn't break; in higher velocity band did show ability to spin it; presently well below average but with improved command and velocity spike could show sharper shape and bite. |
| Overall |
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Tyler Kolek is a big, Texas right-handed pitcher who had a body of an innings-eater horse and arsenal of a mid-rotation starter. His complete arsenal flashed at least average, and he currently throws his fastball in plus to double-plus velocity band. Kolek has a bit of an arm stab and can cut himself off in his delivery, but he repeats relatively well despite having a high-effort delivery. Kolek would need to make the necessary adjustments to improve his command and let his full arsenal play to its full potential for him to remain a starter, but signs point to him being a reliever. Round Drafted: 2014 1st round, 2nd overall Why: Big Texas Prep RHP; showed ability to spin a breaking ball and ability to replicate arm speed on sinking action changeup; trust their developmental staff to tweak his delivery and improve command to keep him a starter—bullpen velocity spike, improved command could allow Kolek to become a closer. Ceiling: Role 60; No. 3 Starting Pitcher. |
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| Born: 01/17/1993 (Age: 22) | |
| Bats: Right | Throws: Right |
| Height: 6' 2" | Weight: 165 |
| Mechanics |
| Build: 6-foot-2 accurate; skinny hips/shoulders; does not have necessary frame to add essential weight to be a starting pitcher; needs to add some weight in lower half.
Mechanics: short arm action; extreme arm speed; three-quarters arm slot; repeats delivery with good tempo well; elbow can get offline in back; lands on third-base side of mound on stiff front leg; hips and shoulders rotate in unison; minimal leg drive, velocity based on arm speed/little bit of strength; 1.5-6 from stretch to home. |
| Pitch Type | Present Grade | Future Grade | Sitting Velocity | Peak Velocity | Report |
| FB | 60 | 70 | 94-97 | 98 | Premium velocity; darting action; hard arm-side life; can sink it; controlled the zone but had trouble commanding; with move to bullpen, velocity could sit 1-2 MPH higher; premium arm speed; true swing-and-miss offering; improved command could let it play 70 grade. |
| CB | 45 | 50 | 75-78 | 79 | Replicates arm speed well; 11-5 shape; good bite and downward action; when on top, flashed depth; generated swing and misses often; flashed major-league average; improved command and ability to throw for a strike could let it play average; with bullpen move, will be primary secondary offering. |
| CH | 30 | 30 | 87-88 | 89 | Firm, straight; worked as flat two-seam fastball; only threw three in whole outing; only ~5 MPH separation from sitting velocity; last pitch of arsenal; do not see room for improvement. |
| SL | 30 | 40 | 82-84 | 85 | Presently well below average; short, tight breaker; minimal tilt; could see improvement with improved command and velocity spike. |
| Overall |
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Jose Adames showed off premium arm speed and a premium fastball. It is a true bat-missing pitch and when he stays on top, his curveball flashes average. Adames was used in a starter's role, but ultimately I think his future is in the bullpen where he can let it rip for an inning with his 70/50 grade Fastball/Curveball combination. NOTE: Adames did throw a well below-average slider and changeup. With bullpen move, neither will be used often. Ceiling: Role 50; 7th/8th inning reliever
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| Born: 10/25/1995 (Age: 19) | |
| Bats: Right | Throws: Left |
| Height: 6' 3" | Weight: 230 |
| Mechanics |
| Build: thick throughout frame and lower half; more than average size through mid-section; sturdy but potential to add bad weight; body will be high maintenance going forward; could use more conditioning.
Mechanics: max effort delivery; three-quarters arm slot; starts on first-base side of mound, lands further on first-base side; crossfire delivery; cuts off hips at foot strike; presently effects command to arm side and glove side; arm stab with a wrist wrap in he back; will fall off to third-base side post release; gets some extension towards home; minimal deception in delivery; heavy spine tilt at foot strike; command presently below average, future average. |
| Evaluator | CJ Wittmann |
| Report Date | 04/14/2015 |
| Affiliate | Delmarva Shorebirds (Low-A, Orioles) |
| Dates Seen | 4/11/2015 |
| OFP/Risk | 45/High |
| Realistic | 40; Middle Relief/Long Relief |
| MLB ETA | 2019 |
| Video | Yes |
| Pitch Type | Present Grade | Future Grade | Sitting Velocity | Peak Velocity | Report |
| FB | 40 | 50 | 87-90 | 93 | Started in 90-92 range, settled in at 87-90; small arm-side run; could throw strikes in the zone but trouble commanding to either side due to mechanics; from long relief, could see velocity band stay in 90-92 range and with improved command, could play average. |
| CH | 40 | 50 | 76-78 | 79 | Replicates arm speed well; small arm-side fade; generated some swings and misses; presently below average due to the fact he did not show ability to throw for a strike to all quadrants; plays well off of fastball; comfortable velocity separation; improved command and fastball velocity spike, could play average. |
| CB | 30 | 40 | 72-74 | 75 | Soft, slow breaking; showed 11-5 shape with minimal depth; could not throw for strike presently; did not miss many bats near zone; with command improvement and possible velocity spike, could show harder/sharper break and depth; still grades to be below average in future. |
| Overall |
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Brian Gonzalez has a max-effort delivery from a sturdy but thick frame. His body projects to be high maintenance going forward. Gonzalez's stuff did not impress that much once his fastball velocity dipped into the high 80s and his curveball was a slow, soft breaking ball. The separation in between his fastball and changeup helps him to get out Low-A hitters, but going forward he will need to command both pitches better. Overall, Gonzalez had all the markings of a LOOGY. Round Drafted: 2014 3rd round, 90th overall Ceiling: Role 45: Swing man/Long relief |
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| Born: 06/08/1995 (Age: 19) | |
| Bats: Left | Throws: Left |
| Height: 6' 1" | Weight: 185 |
| Primary Position: CF | |
| Secondary Position: LF | |
| Physical/Health |
| Projectable body; room for muscle and growth into top half; long arms. |
| Evaluator | Tucker Blair |
| Report Date | 04/12/2015 |
| Dates Seen | 4/9/15 – 4/12/15 |
| Affiliate | Greensboro Grasshoppers (Low-A, Marlins) |
| MLB ETA | Risk Factor | OFP | Realistic Role | Video |
| 2019 | High | 40 | 30; Org Player | Yes |
| Makeup |
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N/A |
| Tool | Future Grade | Report |
| Hit | 50 | Above-average bat speed; mild leverage; shows signs of barrel control; keeps hands quiet through zone; can have hands too high at times and provides an extra step on the initiation of his swing path; mild load from a slightly wide stance; generates mild hip torque; currently pull-happy but during BP displayed an idea of how to spray the ball around the diamond; signs of pitch recognition; passive approach and needs to attack earlier in the count; let too many hittable pitches by; hit tool needs refinement, but there is inherent ability. |
| Power | 40 | Average raw power; mild leverage; pull-oriented power at the moment; if swing can become more consistent and he grows mildly more into his frame, could envision 6-10 HR as a possibility; currently showing minimal signs of in-game power. |
| Baserunning/Speed | 45 | 4.26 and 4.31 home to first; lacks a second gear; average agility. |
| Glove | 40 | Efficient route running; reads and first step are strong; lacks the agility and speed to cover sufficient ground; could play CF in a pinch but I would hesitate from starting him there full time. |
| Arm | 40 | Arm lacks current physical strength; do not envision much improvement here; long extension on arm and lacks carry. |
| Overall |
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Soltis has projection left with the bat, displaying positive early signs in development. The defensive value is limited, as he fits better in LF, which ultimately limits his ceiling to a reserve or fourth outfielder. This is a nice find in the fifth round due to the bat projection, albeit the risk is still high and he needs to show refinement in the swing before moving on to higher levels. |
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| Born: 02/20/1997 (Age: 18) | |
| Bats: Right | Throws: Right |
| Height: 6' 3" | Weight: 220 |
| Primary Position: 3B | |
| Secondary Position: 1B | |
| Physical/Health |
| Taller than listed height; closer to 6-foot-6; broad shoulders and sturdy body; room for projection and muscle; could become a physical force. |
| Evaluator | Tucker Blair |
| Report Date | 04/12/2015 |
| Dates Seen | 4/9/15 – 4/12/15 |
| Affiliate | Delmarva Shorebirds (Low-A, Orioles) |
| MLB ETA | Risk Factor | OFP | Realistic Role | Video |
| 2018 | High | 60 | 50; Major-League Regular | Yes |
| Makeup |
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Enjoys the game; was the most excited player on the field for opening night; displays a swag. |
| Tool | Future Grade | Report |
| Hit | 50 | Average bat speed; slight hitch, but hands are quick through the zone once he settles; swing can become violent, but he displays barrel control; uses extreme hip torque; moderate load, but inconsistent currently; shows a patient approach for his age; ability to recognize spin is evident; able to hold barrel back on average and/or better SL. |
| Power | 60 | Double-plus raw power; swing has leverage and he uses extreme hip torque to generate power; drives the ball with force when able to extend hands and maximizes the use of his bottom half. |
| Baserunning/Speed | 20 | 4.55+ times; takes a bit to kick into second gear; growth into frame likely hinders any speed or agility he currently owns. |
| Glove | 30 | Choppy feet at third; struggles to set himself for plays; lacks the agility to move laterally; looks uncomfortable at times; hands are stiff; defense can improve slightly, but likely moves off third base due to growth into his frame and lack of athleticism; could be an average first basemen around the base, but will lack range. |
| Arm | 70 | Zips throws from third with ease; physical strength, but also has solid arm speed; arm would play anywhere on the diamond. |
| Overall |
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The Dominican is being tested early with an aggressive assignment to Delmarva in his age-18 season, but he looks more than capable of handling the jump. Reyes displayed an impressive performance all weekend against Greensboro, displaying his enormous raw power and barrel control. All the signs of a productive power bat are evident with Reyes, although the projectable growth and defensive deficiencies likely move him to a first-base profile. Regardless, I believe Reyes will be able to hit enough for the profile to work. The risk is high because he has not seen much time in a full-season league. |
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| Born: 11/02/1996 (Age: 18) | |
| Bats: Left | Throws: Left |
| Height: 6' 0" | Weight: 190 |
| Primary Position: RF | |
| Secondary Position: | |
| Physical/Health |
| Small and sturdy frame; muscled and sturdy core; frame is mostly maxed. |
| Evaluator | Tucker Blair |
| Report Date | 04/12/2015 |
| Dates Seen | 4/9/15 – 4/12/15 |
| Affiliate | Greensboro Grasshoppers (Low-A, Marlins) |
| MLB ETA | Risk Factor | OFP | Realistic Role | Video |
| 2018 | High | 55 | 50; Major-League Regular | Yes |
| Makeup |
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Having fun; wants to be there; sometimes turns into unwarranted aggressiveness out in the field from trying a little too hard. |
| Tool | Future Grade | Report |
| Hit | 55 | Simple swing; above-average bat speed; quick hands; demonstrates barrel control and ability to spray ball to all fields during batting practice; mild leverage in swing; minimal movement with top half; slightly wide stance; uses a small toe tap on load; shows signs of ability to recognize spin; able to keep body balanced and stay back on secondary offerings; pulls off some and steps in the bucket; mostly happened on pitches right down the middle that he was trying to crush; still marinating the tools together but the early signs are positive |
| Power | 50 | Above-average raw power; physical strength + above-average bat speed + mild leverage + barrel control equals all the ingredients needed for him to maximize some of the raw power; power demonstrated this weekend was mostly pull. |
| Baserunning/Speed | 30 | 4.50 home to first; slow getting out of the box; speed plays up more in the outfield and on the bases; lacks burst. |
| Glove | 50 | Aggressive; needs to tone it down some; routes were acceptable and he displayed good range once he was able to get up to speed; displayed a good pivot and throw on the line; footwork needs refinement to become more consistent. |
| Arm | 50 | Above-average arm strength but mostly a loose cannon at this stage of development; throws were wild throughout the weekend, throwing a few right into the ground; accuracy concerns hinder overall value. |
| Overall |
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Soto is a Dominican who signed in 2013 for $300,000. The early signs are positive, with him showing an advanced feel for the barrel in his early time with Greensboro. Soto fit right in, and didn't look overmatched at any point during the series. Soto likely has a maxed frame unless there is a growth spurt. Soto is a better athlete than the speed indicates, and shouldn't be an issue in the corner OF. The risk is high solely on his age and affiliate, but I envision a quick mover due to the advanced skills of the bat. |
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