Notes from the Field: Draft Notes, March 22

Taylor Walls, SS, Florida State University
Seen in 2 games at SS from 3/14-3/15. From both sides; hits from an even stance with good rhythm and a slight crouch, hands close to chest. Average bat speed from both sides; more contact oriented and lacks juice from the right side. From the left side has more line-drive approach and can lift balls. Extremely patient; waits pitchers out; leadoff mentality; will take walks; takes in all counts; will take until he gets a strike most of the time; is vulnerable to better arms. Lacks raw power from the right side; all power from the left; more doubles power; should play to full utility given hitting ability. Average runner; 4.20 (LH) 4.32 (RH). Average arm strength; can be a little short for plays deeper in the hole; but is accurate enough. Good hands; struggled with plays to his right; but makes plays around him with good feet and hands. Average to below-average tools across the board; see as a utility defender.

Brody Rodning, LHP, Minnesota State University (D2)
Seen in a 5 IP start on 3/3. Pitches from a full windup with a compact arm action; gets extended and deep after hand break; lots of depth; three-quarters slot. Has crossfire; not an easy or simple delivery; had struggles repeating delivery in outing. Fastball 90-91, T92; quality arm-side tail; crossfire adds deception; has a history of throwing strikes; just didn't have quality control in this outing. Curve 74-77 T79; long, large break; not sharp but has quality depth and action; somewhat slurvy; better vs LHH for strikes and finish. Change 80-81; not comfortable with offering; could be a change of pace pitch in future; but lacked feel at this stage; very raw. 1.27-1.33 in slide step; 1.92 with leg kick. Interesting D2 arm; has pedigree and quality FB/CB combination; see as a lefty bullpen option.

Ethan Richards, RHP, Plant HS (Tampa, FL)
Seen in a 4 IP start on 3/7. Athletic body; has good physical projection remaining. Pitches from a full windup; compact arm-action with a clean, full arm circle; above-average arm speed; high-three-quarters slot. Maintains direction to the plate; creates downhill plane with higher slot and height. Fastball 90-91, T92; velo dropped to 86-87 in fourth; need to monitor workload and arm strength as season progresses; heavy, natural sink; hard to square; movement can be difficult for him to control. Curve 77-79; lacked depth but had consistent 12/6 shape; good action; was able to locate for strikes; not so much as chase but should learn. One change at 79; HS kid changeup; will learn in pro ball. 1.22-1.30 to plate; athletic; fields position; very intriguing pitcher; older player come draft day; has potential as a starter.

Nick Belzer, RHP, Minnesota State University (D2)
Seen in a 3 IP relief appearance on 2/28. Pitches from a full windup; tight, compact arm action with a full arm circle; slight hesitation after he breaks his hands; above average arm speed; high-three-quarters slot. FB 92-94, T95; firm; lacked natural movement but jumped on hitters; preferred to finish with FB up in zone; good control; got loose with command. Curve 80-82; 11/5 shape; somewhat slurvy but has quality action with depth and bite; future average offering. Looked to be closer to 6-foot than 6-foot-2. Tommy John surgery in spring 2014 while at Des Moines Area Community College; hence the redshirt. Interesting smaller school reliever; could gain momentum later in the year if velocity holds; see as a right-handed bullpen option with potential for setup relief.

Conor Grady, RHP, Tampa Catholic HS (Tampa, FL)
Seen in a 5 IP start on 2/28; have also seen at East Coast Pro showcase. Large frame with an athletic body; has remaining projection. Pitches from a full windup; average arm speed; three-quarters slot; clean arm action; no hitch; lacks deception due to length, batters see ball early. Fastball 88-90; have seen up to 92 at ECP; lacks movement; velo down to 85-87 in third inning; can project command due to athleticism and arm action. Curve 75-77; 11/5 shape; loopy offering; not sharp and lacks depth; struggled with feel in both looks. Cutter 80-81; beginnings of SL; lacks feel and like curve is loopy. Changeup 76-80; has feel for offering but lacks arm speed and has early break; it is a HS changeup. 1.25-1.30. Had trouble with throws to 1B on pickoff; bounced two a couple feet in front of 1B for E1's. Florida State commit; good athleticism; arm action; and body.