By Joe Zedalis, Rich Greco and Matt Stypulkowski | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
Chris Knight | The Patriot-News
And the pick is ...
The Major League Baseball Draft will be held Monday, June 12, in Secaucus. While New Jersey is not expected to produce a first-round draft choice this year, there is the potential for several N.J. players to be selected during the course of the 40-round selection process. NJ.com, using opinions from multiple scouts and talent evaluators, examined players with the best chance of being chosen. The list does not represent every player who could be chosen.
Tyler Dearden, Rancocas Valley, Pitcher-Outfield-First base
David Gard | For NJ Advance Media
VITALS
• 6-2, 185
• Penn State recruit
• Perfect Game Honorable Mention All-American
• Athletic. Can pitch, play first base, outfield
• A four-year starter • .372 career average
• Long, lean with potential to fill out
STATS
• 22-for-58 (.379)
• Runs: 25
• RBI: 23
• 2B: 7
• 3B: 3
• HR: 2
• WALKS: 22
WHAT SCOUTS SAID IN APRIL
"He has a great body, a strong arm and looks good in the batter's box," an NL scout said. "He had a good summer. He will get looked at, it's a matter of how he performs when the scouts are in town."
APRIL PROJECTION: Late rounds.
WHAT SCOUTS SAID IN MAY
"I think most scouts were hoping he would show some power. He isn't there yet," one major league scout said. "He's big, strong and will fill out. Maybe someone will take a chance in the late rounds."
MAY PROJECTION: Late rounds
David Gard | For NJ Advance Media
WHAT SCOUTS ARE SAYING IN JUNE
"He got a lot of attention during the winter," a National League scout said. "He's a lefty bat with some pop. He's going to put on some pounds as he matures. There may be a team that takes a shot late."
MLB DRAFT PROJECTION: Late rounds if at all.
RELATED: Baseball Top 20, June 9: State tournament shakeup yields another new No. 1
John Stankiewicz, Cherry Hill West, Pitcher
David Gard | For NJ Advance Media
VITALS
• Fordham recruit
• 6-5, 220
• Fordham University recruit
• Outstanding command
STATS
• Record: 7-1
• Saves: 2
• Innings: 52
• Hits: 37
• Strikeouts: 69
• Walks: 13
• ERA: 1.60
WHAT SCOUTS SAID IN APRIL
• "He doesn't walk anybody," a National League scout said. "He throws strikes. He changes speeds. Works both sides of the play. Reports are his fastball climbed to 84-86 over the winter. If he can get to 88 when it warms up, he might get some looks."
APRIL PROJECTION: Late rounds
WHAT SCOUTS SAID IN MAY
"We said hitting his numbers on the radar gun would be big and as of yet he hasn't hit them," a National League scout said. "So far he has been at 84-87 and he will need to make a major jump in the next couple weeks to get drafted. It may be he is just better suited for college right now."
MAY PROJECTION: Late rounds.
WHAT SCOUTS ARE SAYING IN JUNE
"He's been at 87-88 all season, he had a couple of nice wins and if he goes it will be very late in the draft," a National League scout said. "He has a nice scholarship to Fordham and I think the believe out there is he isn't especially singable. He's going to add some weight and when he does, he might picked up two or three mph. He's a diamond the rough, who could be more draftable three years from now."
MLB DRAFT PROJECTION: Late rounds if at all.
Jamil Vanheyningen, Seton Hall Prep, Pitcher
Scott Faytok | For NJ Advance Media
VITALS
• 6-6, 225 pounds
• Campbell University recruit
• Has a projectable body that scouts love
• Throws at a 3/4 arm slot
• Features decent change-up
• Curveball is under construction
STATS
• Pitches: 457
• Innings: 34.2
• Earned runs: 5
• Strikeouts: 35
• Walks: 5
WHAT SCOUTS SAID IN APRIL
"There's no question he has a great body and a great arm," a National League scout said. "He has hit 94 (mph) on the gun. He needs to develop a more repeatable delivery and needs to throw more strikes."
APRIL PROJECTION: Late rounds.
WHAT SCOUTS SAID IN MAY
"The Seton Hall coaches have a done a great job improving his mechanics and command," said one major league scout. "But when he is so focused on command, he has lost velocity. He needs to pitch more and that's what he will do at Campbell University. I think college is his best option."
MAY PROJECTION: Undrafted
YouTube
WHAT SCOUTS ARE SAYING IN JUNE
"He didn't throw very many innings this spring," a National League scout said. "He has had trouble throwing strikes. He's not completely off the board, but there don't appear to be many takers as this point. For him, college may be the best choice."
MLB DRAFT PROJECTION: Very late if at all.
Tyler Burnham, East Brunswick, Pitcher
Scott Faytok | For NJ Advance
VITALS
• 6-2, 190
• Last season's Greater Middlesex Conference Player of the Year
• Helped East Brunswick end an 11-year streak without a title when the Bears won the GMC crown
• Had the game-winning hit in the GMC Tournament title game
• Repeatable delivery
STATS
• Pitches: 839
• Innings: 51
• Hits: 49
• Earned runs: 14
• Strikeouts: 51
• Walks 22
WHAT SCOUTS SAID IN APRIL
• "The biggest thing is that he is very signable," a National League scout said. "He's a big strong kid. He can play first base and the outfield, so he is athletic. But he can really elevate his draft status if he can hit 91-92 mph when the weather warms. Right now, he is sitting 86-88."
APRIL PROJECTION: 14th to 20th Round
WHAT SCOUTS SAID IN MAY
• "The velocity just isn't there," said a major league scout. "The thought was he'd be throwing 90-92 and he's been at 85-87 (mph). He has not dominated at all. He is left-handed. He remains signable, but unless he finds they velocity he could end up undrafted."
MAY PROJECTION: 30th round or later
Scott Faytok | For NJ Advance Media
WHAT SCOUTS ARE SAYING IN JUNE
"He's a big lefty, but he was only at 81-83 (mph) most of the spring. He did touch 89 late so there is potential. He never got on a roll like he did last spring. He just didn't dominate."
MLB DRAFT PROJECTION: Very late rounds if at all.
RELATED: Previews, picks for all 6 state finals
Mike Carter, Bloomfield/Rutgers, Outfield-First base
Ben Soloman | Rutgers Athletics
VITALS
5-10, 190
STATS
• 65-187, .348
• 65 hits
• 12 Doubles
• 1 Triple
• 4 HR
• 31 RBI
• OBP .412
• Slugging .487
• Fielding .985
WHAT SCOUTS SAID IN MAY
• "He's playing first base but we see him as more of an outfielder. He's a good athlete who can run," a National League scout said.
May projection: Late rounds.
YouTube
WHAT SCOUTS ARE SAYING IN JUNE
• “He can run, he’s show versatility, he had a good season,” another National League scout said.
• “I’m not sure he will get drafted,” an American League scout said. “He might be better waiting until after the draft and see what happens.”
MLB DRAFT SELECTION
: Very late rounds if at all.
Shayne Fontana, North Hunterdon/C.C. Morris, Outfied
Andrew Prezioso | Express-Times
VITALS
6-2, 200
STATS
• 47 for 127, .295
• 6 Doubles
• 2 Triples
• 7 HR
• 42 RBI
• OBP: .400
• Slugging .515
• 28 strikeouts, 22 walks
WHAT SCOUTS SAID IN MAY
• "He has great speed," a National League scout said. "Defensively, he could play professional ball right now. He needs to continue work on his hitting."
MAY PROJECTION: Late rounds
County College of Morris Athletics
WHAT SCOUTS SAY IN JUNE
• "He's 6-foot-2, he's a left-handed, line-drive hitter and he has a tremendous arm," another National League scout said.
MLB DRAFT PROJECTION: Late rounds.
Lee Lapinski, Calvert Hall, Md./Rider, Catcher
Rider University Athletics
VITALS
6-3, 200
STATISTICS
• 36 for 126, .286
• 9 Doubles
• 0 Triples
• 4 HR
• 22 RBI
• OBP .386
• Slugging .452
• Fielding .968
WHAT SCOUTS SAID IN MAY
"He's 23 years old and that hurts him a little, but he is a strong defensive catcher and could interest a team," a National League scout said.
MLB DRAFT PROJECTION: Late rounds.
YouTube
WHAT SCOUTS ARE SAYING IN JUNE
• "He's got a good arm," another National League scout said. "He has good receiving skills, so he has a chance. If you can catch and throw, the belief is they can teach you to hit at the next level."
MLB DRAFT PROJECTION: Late rounds
Shane McCarthy, Rumson-Fair Haven/Seton Hall, Pitcher
Martin Griff | Times of Trenton
VITALS
6-2, 190
STATS
• Records: 3-7
• Hits: 76
• Earned runs: 34
• Strikeouts: 46
• Walks: 21
• ERA: 5.13
WHAT SCOUTS SAID IN MAY
• "Had a great summer in the Cape Cod League," a National League scout said.
MAY PROJECTION: Late rounds
YouTube
WHAT SCOUTS ARE SAYING IN JUNE "He was very good early in the season, but not as effective later," another National League scout said. "He's only a junior, so I'm not sure very many teams are going to offer him a lot of money to sign."
MLB DRAFT PROJECTION: Late rounds if at all
Andrew DiPiazza, Central Regional/Mercer C.C., P
David Gard | For NJ Advance Media
VITALS
6-7, 220
Selected in the 39th round of the 2016 MLPB draft with the 1,175th pick by the San Francisco Giants.
STATS
• Record: 8-2
• Complete games: 2
• Innings: 70.2
• Hits: 77
• Earned runs: 27
• Walks: 32
• Strikeouts: 84
• ERA: 3.44
WHAT SCOUTS SAID IN MAY
• "His velocity peaked at 88-91," a National Leag
ue scout said. A lot of guys liked him in high school, but his elbow issues are a concern. He throws strikes." MAY PROJECTION: Late rounds
YouTube
WHAT SCOUTS ARE SAYING IN JUNE
• "He older and the doesn't help. He has great size. He throws strikes. He will get drafted and he will sign this time."
MLB DRAFT PROJECTION: Late rounds.
Danny Serreino, Jackson Liberty/Rowan, P
Rowan University Athletics
VITALS
6-0, 200
STATS
• Record: 2-0
• Innings: 25
• Hits: 11
• Runs: 10
• Earned runs: 10
• Strikeouts: 33
• Walks: 15
• ERA: 3.60
WHAT SCOUTS SAID IN MAY
• "He touched 90 when he was at Brookdale," a National League scout said. "He has the right body type and might be a guy a team considers taking a chance on late."
MAY PROJECTION: Late rounds
YouTube
WHAT SCOUTS ARE SAYING IN JUNE
• "He throws a heavy ball," another National League scout said. "He has gas in the low 90s."
MLB DRAFT PROJECTION: Late rounds
Anthony Peroni, Steinert/Mercer C.C., Catcher
Martin Griff | The Times of Trenton
VITALS
6-0, 175
STATS
• 75-for-187 (.401)
• Runs: 53
• 2B: 24
• 3B: 0
• HR: 15
• RBI: 57
• Walks: 24
• Strikeouts: 26
MAY DRAFT PROJECTION: Undrafted
Martin Griff | The Times of Trenton
WHAT THE SCOUTS ARE SAYING IN JUNE
• “He was in double figures in homer for the second year in a row and you just can’t ignore power numbers like that,” a National League scout said. “He’s a decent defensive catcher, but he is a flat out beast when it comes to hitting. He jacks everything.”
MLB DRAFT PROJECTION: Late rounds.
Nick Snyder, Cherokee/Mercer C.C., Pitcher
David Gard | For NJ Advance Media
VITALS
6-7, 220
STATS
• Record: 6-2
• Complete games: 0
• Innings: 58.2
• Hits: 34
• Earned runs: 24
• Walks: 57
• Strikeouts 94
• ERA: 3.68
MAY DRAFT PROJECTION: Undrafted.
David Gard | For NJ Advance Media
WHAT SCOUTS ARE SAYING IN JUNE
"He throws 90 and he is very singable," a National League scout said. "He's very big. He throws hard. He has a funky delivery. He has a ton of upside once his mechanics get corrected. Once they are, he could go very far at the next level."
MLB DRAFT PROJECTION: Late rounds.
Brad Dobzanski, Delsea, Pitcher
Joe Warner | For NJ Advance Media
VITALS
• 6-3, 195
• University of Kentucky recruit
• Younger brother of Brian Dobzanski now in the St. Louis Cardinals minor league system
• Third-team Perfect Game selection
• Increased his draft stock by adding a breaking ball late in the fall
• Also a standout on Delsea's South Jersey, Group 3 championship wrestling team
• One of the state's hardest throwers
• Named the Gatorade New Jersey Player of the Year
STATS
• Record: 4-0
• Innings: 31
• Hits: 18
• Earned runs: 6
• Strikeouts: 43
• Walks: 6
• ERA: 1.35
• WHIP: .775
WHAT SCOUTS SAID IN APRIL
• "Some of his coaches and scouts think he is better than his brothers," the National League scout said. "He touched 94 mph in the fall and found a breaking ball. He has tremendous arm action." • "He's different than his brother," the American League scout said. "His brother was just a country-strong kid. Brad is looser, but has the same tremendous bloodlines. Really came on late last summer and made people take notice."
APRIL PROJECTION: 6th-12th round
WHAT SCOUTS SAID IN MAY • "He's been dominant, just not real dominant," said a major league scout. "He's numbers are still there. He's in the draftable range of 90-92 (mph). He's got a great body and most scouts feel like he has a lot more in the tank. He has the scholarship to Kentucky and there is some thought they could find players as good, who would come at a cheaper price."
MAY PROJECTION: Rounds 15-20
YouTube
WHAT SCOUTS ARE SAYING IN JUNE
"Where he gets picked may not be a true barometer of how good teams this he really is," said one National League scout. "A kid going to the University of Kentucky on a scholarship probably should be taken in the first seven rounds. I think teams are trying to figure out how singable he really is. There will be teams who pass on him in the teens because they don't think he'll sign. He had a good year. He didn't add velocity."
MLB DRAFT PROJECTION: 15th to 20th round.
Brennan Price, Middlesex/Felician, Pitcher
William Perlman | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
VITALS
• 6-9, 275
• Was selected in the 29th round, with the 861st selection of the 2016 MLB Draft by the Milwaukee Brewers.
STATS
• Record: 8-3
• Innings: 48.1
• Hits: 24
• Runs: 14
• Earned runs: 9
• Walks: 20
• Strikeouts: 28
• ERA: 2.13
HITTING
• 49/159, .322
• 8 Doubles
• 0 Triples
• 6 HR
• 46 RBI
• OBP .401
• Slugging .634
WHAT SCOUTS SAID IN MAY
• "He was drafted last year and then there were issues that led to the contract being broken. He has a fastball in the low 90s. He is a power hitter. His size is attractive. He has a great combination of size and velocity."
MAY PROJECTION: Rounds 13-19
YouTube
WHAT SCOUTS ARE SAYING IN JUNE
"He hit 96 on the gun," another National League scout said. "He's huge. He throws hard. He's a senior. A team really has nothing to lose by taking a chance on him."
MLB DRAFT PROJECTION: 15th-20th Round.
Davis Schneider, Eastern, Third base
Joe Warner | For NJ Advance Media
VITALS
• 5-10, 190
• Rutgers University recruit
• Played on the 2016 WWBA Champion Dirtbags
• Perfect Game Honorable Mention All-American
• Short, quick stroke • A nimble, strong-armed defender
• Good approach at the plate
• One of the state's best long-ball hitters
• NJ.com Third-Team All-State selection in 2016
STATS
• 40-for-90 (.441)
• 27 runs
• 40 RBI
• 2B: 16
• 3B: 16
• HR: 5
• Walks: 14
• Strikeouts: 8
• Slugging: .856
• On-base: .500
• OPS: 1.356
WHAT SCOUTS SAID IN APRIL
• "He's a top-five player in the state, but he's not getting a ton of attention," said a National League scout. "He's going to have to hit home runs when the scouts do show up. Big League teams know who he is. He was the Perfect Game MVP just like Jason Martorano (former Christian Brothers star now at North Carolina)."
• APRIL PROJECTION: Late rounds
WHAT SCOUTS SAID IN MAY
• "There just aren't a lot of guys (scouts) looking at him. He has excellent skills. He will go late if he goes at all and then a team might not be able to buy him out of his Rutgers scholarship."
• MAY PROJECTION: Late rounds if at all.
YouTube
WHAT SCOUTS ARE SAYING IN JUNE
"There are several teams 'very interested,' one National League scout said. "Apparently he has expressed interest in signing and that helps. When Eastern went out to California he impressed some scouts and they followed him when they came back east. He had excellent power numbers late in the season against some of the best competition in the state. He's another kid who really doesn't have a projection, but that won't matter to teams that like his bat."
MLB DRAFT PROJECTION: 12th to 20th round.
Tommy Sheehan, Manasquan, Pitcher
Andrew Mills | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
VITALS
• 6-3, 185
• University of Notre Dame recruit
• Perfect Game Honorable Mention All-American
STATS
• Pitchs: 902
• Innings: 53
• Earned runs: 11
• Walks 26
• Strikeouts: 85
WHAT SCOUTS SAID IN APRIL
• "The kid has all the tools and makes all the pitches," said a National League scout. "He has a great body, throws hard, throws strikes and has an excellent curve and change-up. He will be difficult to sign, though, because of the scholarship to Notre Dame."
APRIL PROJECTION: Late rounds.
WHAT SCOUTS SAID IN MAY
"Signability remains the issue," said a major league scout. "He's been pitching well. He's hit 91-92 (mph). If he didn't have the Notre Dame scholarship, he could go in the seventh or eight round. For now, the asking price seems a little high for a kid who throws 87 one day and 91 another."
MAY PROJECTION: Late rounds.
YouTube
WHAT SCOUTS ARE SAYING IN JUNE
"He has made enormous progress," a National League scout said. "Another kid who could get drafted lower than he deserves to because of the scholarship to Notre Dame. He has had a lot of swings and misses, he's gotten more consistent. The word is he wants a ton of money to sign."
MLB DRAFT PROJECTION: 12th to 20th Round.
Joe Poduslenko, Malvern Prep (Pa.)/Seton Hall, Third base
Seton Hall University Athletics
VITALS
6-0, 185
STATS
• 42-for-176 (.239)
• Runs: 39
• 2B: 10
• 3B: 1
• HR: 7
• RBI: 33
• Slugging: .426
• On-base: .392
WHAT SCOUTS SAID IN MAY
"He's 23 years old and that hurts him a little, but he is a strong defensive catcher and could interest a team," a National League scout said.
MAY PROJECTION: Late rounds
WHAT SCOUTS ARE SAYING IN JUNE
• "He's an outstanding fielder with some pop," another National League scout said.
MLB DRAFT PROJECTION: 10th to 20th Round
Tyler Poulin, Randolph/C.C. Morris, Pitcher
William Perlman | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
VITALS
6-5, 220
STATS
• Record: 7-1
• Innings: 52.1
• Hits: 42
• Runs: 17
• Earned runs: 13
• Strikeouts: 69
• Walks: 17
• Complete games: 5
• ERA 2.24
WHAT SCOUTS SAID IN MAY
• "Throws in the low 90s with good control," a National League scout said.
MAY PROJECTION: Rounds 7-10
YouTube
WHAT SCOUTS ARE SAYING IN JUNE
• "He's tall with room to bulk up a little," a National League scout said. "He has excellent arm strength. He has show an ability to go deep into games. He will need a few mechanical adjustments at the next level."
MLB DRAFT PROJECTION: 10th-15th Round
Buddy Kennedy, Millville, Third base
Joe Warner | For NJ Advance Media
STATS • 33-for-67 (.493) • Runs: 25 • RBI: 24 • 2B: 9 • 3B: 3 • HR: 6 • Slugging: .985 • On-base: .550 • Strikeouts: 6
VITALS
• 6-0, 190
• University of North Carolina recruit
• Perfect Game 3rd-team All-American
• Soft hands, good arm
• Short, explosive swing
• Ball jumps off his bat
• Excellent hitting approach
• Powerful hands, natural strength
STATS
• 33-for-67 (.493)
• Runs: 25
• RBI: 24
• 2B: 9
• 3B: 3
• HR: 6
• Slugging: .985
• On-base: .550
• Strikeouts: 6
WHAT SCOUTS SAID IN APRIL
• "I think he projects more of a second baseman," a National League scout said. "Second baseman don't usually get drafted, but this kid will. Look, it helps that he comes from the same school as Mike Trout. He has close ties with Mike Trout and that will help."
• "He had a great summer on the travel circuit," an American League scout said. "At the East Coast showcase, he performed well in front of 400 scouts and kids throwing 90. He's a good athlete. He's strong."
APRIL PROJECTION: 10th to 15th round
WHAT SCOUTS SAID IN MAY "He was born to be a baseball player," one major league scout said. "He's a tremendous player who will fit in anywhere because he loves to play the game."
MAY PROJECTION: 10th to 15 round.
Joe Warner | For NJ Advance Media
WHAT SCOUTS ARE SAYING IN JUNE
"There only question is what position he plays defensively at the next level," one National League scout said. "He has a great baseball IQ. Some scouts see him at second base, some in the outfield and a couple think he could even be a catcher if he is willing to put the work in to become a good catcher. He throws 88-90 (mph) off the mound, so he has the arm strength. He is big and strong and he can hit. He is also extremely singable, which adds to his draft value."
MLB DRAFT PROJECTION: 8th to 15th round
Nick Egnatuk, Immaculata, Infield
John Munson | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
VITALS
• 6-2, 185 pounds
• University of Pittsburgh recruit
• Gap-to-gap hitter with power
• Soft hands
• Accurate throwing arm
• Knows the strike zone
• Perfect Game 2nd Team selection
WHAT SCOUTS SAID IN APRIL
• "The kid has it," a National League scout said. "He was hurt early last spring and still had a decent season. His father was a good player. He the most signable kid in the state." • "He had a great summer and put himself on the map," an American League scout said. "He went to an MLB Showcase and showed he's a guy worth watching. He is short to the ball wth power, he has a great body and is athletic."
APRIL PROJECTION: 10th-15th round
WHAT SCOUTS SAID IN MAY
"He is more athletic and has better speed than I thought," said a National League scout. "It's obvious he has worked on getting faster. He has great tools as a hitter, he appears to be singable. The only question is what position does he play at the professional level -- third, first, the outfield?"
MAY PROJECTION: 8th-15th round.
John Munson | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
WHAT SCOUTS ARE SAYING IN JUNE
• "This kid has done a great job of improving himself and that hard work, and the fact he is apparently very singable, almost assure him of being taken at some point," an American League scout said.
• “He didn’t have a great season because his team wasn’t that good,” a National League scout said. “When he matures and grows into his body, he has the makings of a major league hitter. He worked hard and his speed is now above average, which gives his additional options when it comes to finding a position. He wasn’t that great in games because teams pitched around him, but his batting practice sessions were impressive.”
MLB DRAFT PROJECTION: 6th to 10th round.
Harry Rutkowski, Woodbridge, Pitcher
Scott Faytok | For NJ Advance Media
VITALS
• 6-3, 225
• Rutgers University recruit
• A Perfect Game Honorable Mention All-American
• Throws hard
• Good off-speed stuff
• Finishes what he starts -- seven complete games in 2016
• Wants the ball in big spots
• Finalist for the NJ.com Player of the Year award
STATS
PITCHING
• Record:9-1
• Innings: 70
• Hits: 28 (only 5 for extra-bases, all doubles)
• Earned runs: 6
• Walks 19
• Strikeouts: 113
• Complete games: 9
• Shutouts: 5
• ERA: 0.59 HITTING
• 43-fo-86 (.500) • Runs: 35
• RBI: 39
• 2B: 7
• 3B: 2
• HR: 11
• Slugging: 1.011
• Strikeouts: 7
WHAT SCOUTS SAID IN APRIL
• "He has a magic number when it comes to the radar gun," a National League scout said. "He threw 88-89 last year. If he can sit at 90 by mid-April, there could be a spot for him in the draft. If he is sitting at 87-89, there may not be. He's a big strong kid. He's left-handed. Teams like that he's slimmed down since last season."
APRIL PROJECTION: Late rounds
WHAT SCOUTS SAID IN MAY • "What's not to like?" one major league scout said. "He's left-handed. He's hit 91 on the gun. He made a commitment to slimming down. The belief is he's very signable. What he does over the next three weeks will be huge for him."
MAY PROJECTION: Rounds 7-10
Saed Hindash | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com
WHAT SCOUTS ARE SAYING IN JUNE
"I didn't get to see him in person," an American League scout said. "But I do know there are some teams in on him hard." "A lot of guys didn't get to see him, but he hit 92 in his last start and showed great command of the breaking ball," a National League scout said. "How many big lefties are there out there who can throw 92 and strikes the way he does? Apparently he would be willing to sign for the right offer."
MLB DRAFT PROJECTION: Rounds 6-10.
Denny Brady, Buena/Mercer C.C., Pitcher
David Gard | For NJ Advance Media
VITALS
• 6-2, 210
• Old Dominion University recruit
• NJCAA Division 2 World Series Pitcher of The Tournament winner
STATS
• Record: 11-2
• Complete games: 3
• Innings: 84.1
• Hits: 61
• Earned runs: 9
• Walks: 10
• Strikeouts: 118
• ERA: 0.96
WHAT SCOUTS SAID IN MAY
• "He's consistently around 90 (mph) with a good curveball. Excellent strikeouts to walks."
MAY PROJECTION: Rounds 5-10
WHAT SCOUTS ARE SAYING IN JUNE
• "He will be the first player from New Jersey taken in the draft," an American League scout said. "If he went to the right four-year school, he would be the starter every Friday and would win eight or nine games."
• "He's gotten u to 95 (mph) with a nasty slider," another National League scout said. "For him, going JUCO was the right choice. He's had the opportunity to refine and showcase his stuff. He's two years older, bigger and strong it's made a huge difference."
MLB DRAFT PROJECTION: 4th to 8th round
MORE H.S. baseball on NJ.com
• Top 16 performances from the state semifinals
• Who are the 67 N.J. alums playing in the NCAA Tournament?
• Baseball: Results and links for all 12 state semifinals; finals set for Saturday
Joe Zedalis may be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @josephzedalis. Like NJ.com HS sports on Facebook.
Matt Stypulkoski may be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @M_Stypulkoski. Like NJ.com High School Sports on Facebook.
Richard Greco may be reached at [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @RichardGrecohs. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
Ad Choices