[Scouting Report]Jarred Holloway

302

Jarred Holloway

LHP

Fr.

R-L

6-3

218

St. Petersburg

Russellville, Ark.

Nationals ’06 (49)

8/28/1988

SCOUTING REPORT:
Holloway had little or no success in his first collegiate season—either at Mississippi State, where he didn’t pitch at all as a freshman, or during the summer with the Alaska Goldpanners, where he worked just 15 innings and walked 22 while posting a 12.89 ERA. Though he is generally around the plate with his pitches, throwing consistent strikes is obviously an issue with the hard-throwing lefthander, whose heavy fastball has been clocked from 89-92 mph. The pitch shows excellent tilt and can be an effective weapon against lefthanded hitters. He also shows flashes of a plus slider and can be dominant at times with that pitch, too.

Holloway在他大學的第一個球季幾乎沒有什麼表現機會，不管是在密西西比州大或是在夏季聯盟．　他在夏季聯盟留下了15局22保送EAR12.89的慘澹成績．　雖然對手很難打到他的球但是他自己更沒辦法投進好球帶，他的速球非常重而且大約落在89-92mph．　出手角度相當刁鑽而且對左打相當有制宰力．　他有plus的滑球，如果他有辦法控好他的話．

Knowing he had little chance to pitch regularly at Mississippi State unless he threw strikes, Holloway opted to transfer to St. Petersburg JC, where he worked primarily in relief this spring but got a better fair chance to work through his control issues, though with mixed results. He had trouble repeating his delivery. He continues to intrigue scouts because he is lefthanded and has the making of two average big league pitches.

當他自覺到如果他沒辦法控好球他可能就沒辦法在密西西比州大得到穩定出賽的機會，所以他選擇轉學到聖彼得堡社區大學．　他在球隊中雖然大多數以後援的身分上場，不管是先發或後援給了他機會去加強他的控球．　他沒辦法穩定的重複他的投球動作．　不過他仍然持續得到球探的關注因為他是個強力左投而且已經有兩種大聯盟水準的平均球路．

—ALLAN SIMPSON

[Scouting Report] Luis Cruz

272

Luis Cruz

LHP

HS

L-L

5-9

170

Acad. Santa Monica

Carolina, P.R.

9/10/1990

SCOUTING REPORT:
If Cruz was 6-foot-3, scouts would be talking about him as a potential top 3 round selection. He has the best pure arm strength on the Island and has been consistently 91-92 mph this spring with plus late sinking life on his fastball. His arm is fast and fluid, and he doesn’t throw with much effort. Cruz also throws a curveball in the low 70s, which flashes good spin, and a pretty decent changeup. He’s a very young high school senior who won’t turn 18 until September, so although he doesn’t project to get much taller, he has plenty of time to get stronger. He often goes by his middle name, Leroy.

如果Cruz的體格有6-3，球探們可能會把他歸到前三輪的選秀．　他可能是波多黎各的新秀中擁有最棒手臂的一位．　他今年春天可以穩定的投出91-92mph非常有下沉尾勁的速球．　他揮臂非常快速流暢，而不是使用蠻力丟球．　他有low-70下旋快速的曲球和不錯的變速球．　他非常年輕，到今年九月才會滿18歲．　儘管他應該不會在長高多少了，不過他還很年輕相信會變的更強壯．

--DAVID RAWNSLEY

他雖然是高中生，但來自波多黎各棒的球學校，所以簽下他並不困難，看他的球探報告，可能就是Wesly Wright型的球員．

[Scouting Report] Jon Gaston

212

Jon Gaston

OF

Jr.

L-R

6-0

206

Arizona

Boise, Idaho

Giants ’05 (20)

10/13/1986

SCOUTING REPORT (3/1):
Gaston, an Idaho high school product, could be a significant draft selection in June but may be almost an afterthought on his own team as Arizona has a deep, talented roster. He has all the tools scouts look for in a corner outfielder with speed, arm strength and the ability to hit with wood from the left side—both for power and average. As a sophomore, he hit .319-6-33. He’s played regularly in right field for the Wildcats the last two years but wouldn’t feel out of place in center. The knock on Gaston is his size. He’s listed at 6-feet, but may actually be closer to 5-11. He overcomes his lack of size with a strong, powerful frame. He showed a lot of power with wood in the fall, though his power didn’t evolve last summer in the Cape Cod League before he was sent home for disciplinary reasons. Scouts say if Gaston can produce big power and stolen base numbers this spring, he could be a third-to fifth-rounder; otherwise, he probably falls in the sixth- to 10th-round range.

Gaston是愛德華高中的畢業生，他可能是在選秀會上受到注目的一個新秀，雖然他在亞利桑那那群充滿天份的隊友中並不是非常亮眼．　他滿足所有球探隊左右外野手的要求條件，速度，臂力，和木棒的左打能力(不論是power或是維持高打擊率)．　大二他留下了.319　6HR　33RBI的成績．　他過去兩年都擔任隊上的右外野手，不過偶而客串一下中外野．　他最大的劣勢在他的身高，資料上是寫6呎不過事實上可能只有5呎11吋．　不過他強壯的體格克服了他身高的劣勢．　雖然在夏天CCL的時候在他因為紀律問題被送回家之前沒留下好成績，但他在秋天的時候展現出驚人的木棒打擊力量．　球探表示如果他今年春天可以展現出他的power和盜壘能力，有機會在第三到五輪被選上，否則他會掉到5-10輪．

—ALLAN SIMPSON

UPDATE (5/15):
Gaston did little to improve his draft position this season until a late-season surge at the plate lifted his average to .307 (through mid-May). He also had 11 homers and 12 stolen bases, but his 42 strikeouts and general inability to make frequent contact remain an obstacle in his overall development as a hitter. Gaston is not as graceful or athletic as Arizona center fielder T.J. Steele, but he runs and throws average, and his lefthanded bat has the potential to be an effective weapon.—AS

Gaston在今年球季的表現並沒有幫助到他提升他選秀的順位，直到球季後半才開始拉尾盤，把打擊率提升回.307．　他還有11HR和12SB，但是他也領了42K，他最大的問題在於沒辦法穩定的打到球，這會是他發展成一個大聯盟球員最大的障礙．　Gaston不像他的隊友Steele一樣展現出優秀的運動員天賦，他大概有平均左右的速度和臂力，而他的左打能力可能發展成為一個有利的武器．

[Scouting Report] Brad Dydalewicz

242.

Brad Dydalewicz

LHP

HS

L-L

6-1

177

Lake Travis

Austin, Texas

3-24-90

SCOUTING REPORT (3/1):

Dydalewicz pitched in his first Perfect Game event at the 2005 South Underclass Showcase after his freshman year at Lake Travis High and his performance was so impressive that a veteran Big 12 coach remarked then, “He could come pitch for me right now, I don’t need to wait three more years to know that.” The 6-foot-1, 177-pound southpaw has touched 93 mph with his fastball but pitches more frequently in the upper 80s from a highly-deceptive, low three-quarters release point that gives his fastball some of the best life in the 2008 class. He also throws a big, slurvy mid-70s breaking ball from the same low, funky arm angle. He has a circle change with sink that he uses sparingly. Scouts acknowledge his stuff but say he is effectively wild. At this point, he is more thrower than pitcher as he has mechanical issues to work through. Dydalewicz is a top-level football player as a defensive back/punter and missed most of his 2007 junior baseball season, pitching only eight innings, after undergoing knee surgery in December 2006.

Dydalewicz在05年South Underclass Showcase投出他第一場完全比賽，當時他只是個高一．　當時在場的big 12大學教練們表示：不用再等他三年，他現在就可以加入我們上場投球了！　6呎1吋177磅的左投用低四分之三相當有詐欺性的投球動作投出可以投出high 80速球，最快到93mph．　他搭配非常噁心從怪異角度出手的70mhp曲滑球．　他還有一顆不常用的圈指變速球也非常有下沉效果．　球探們對他的stuff很清楚但是他是個非常沒效率的投手，因為他非常不穩定，目前的他只是丟球而非投球，他的投球機制還有很多修正的空間．　他也是個頂級的美式足球員，擔任防守線衛和棄踢員的工作．　07年高三的球季他只出場投了八局的比賽，因為他06年12月進行了膝蓋手術．

—DAVID RAWNSLEY

UPDATE (3/1):

Dydalewicz had an outstanding spring, pitching Lake Travis High (30-8) into the state semifinals. He went 13-0, 0.83 with 132 K’s, and struck out 25 hitters in 11 innings in two playoff games.—DR

Dydalewicz今年春天有個非棒的球季，他所代表了Travis高中30勝8敗打進全州前四強．　他在季賽留下13勝0敗　0.83ERA　132K的成績，在季後賽出賽了兩場11局三振了25名打者．

[Scouting Report] JB Shuck

182

J.B. Shuck

LHP/OF

Jr.

L-L

5-11

185

Ohio State

Galion, Ohio

Never drafted

6/18/1987

SCOUTING REPORT:

The jury remains out on whether Shuck is a pitcher or position player. He did little to settle the debate this spring as he hit .356, second on the Buckeyes, and led the team with 22 stolen bases while playing a stellar center field. He missed several games early in the season when he dislocated his right middle finger in the opening series of the year, and struggled to grip the bat properly upon his return. As one of four starting Ohio State pitchers, he went 5-3, 4.29 with 34 walks and 76 strikeouts in 65 innings.

球探對於Shuck擔任投手比較好還是打者仍然沒有定論．　今年春天他的表現仍然沒有找到答案，他擔任中外野手並且留下全隊第二的.356打擊率外加全隊最多的22次盜壘，但是他在開幕戰弄傷的他的手指使他錯過了不少場比賽．　在他傷癒歸隊後他仍沒辦法握好他的球棒(懷疑可能是沒辦法控好他的球　its ball not bat)．　他是四名輪值先發之一，留下五勝三敗4.29ERA的成績，在65局的投球中34BB　76SO．

Coming off last summer, when he had just three hits in 35 at-bats in the Cape Cod League as a part-time outfielder but went 3-2, 3.30 with 38 strikeouts in 44 innings on the mound, with a fastball in the 88-90 mph range, the prevailing sentiment then was that Shuck would be drafted this year as a pitcher. His fastball touched 92 on occasion this spring, but scouts pursued him more aggressively as a position player. Though he has limited power and his overall hitting skills have a way to go, his speed and center-field tools—both his range and arm—are above-average. Scouts say he runs better than Nick Swisher, Ohio State’s last center fielder of note, and has a better arm, but that he lacks Swisher’s power and game savvy. .

他去年夏天在CCL擔任客串外野手留下3/35的慘澹成績，但是投球表現則相當不錯，3勝2敗3.30ERA，44局投球投出38次三振，速球大約在88-90mph，那時一般認為他今年應該會以投手的身分被選上．　今年春天的時候他的速球偶而可以達到92mph，但是球探卻開始密切觀察他成為外野手的條件．　他雖然缺乏power而且打擊技巧仍然很不成熟，但是他擔任中外野手的條件－不論是防守範圍或是臂力都相當出色．　球探表示他跑的比他學長Nick Swisher還快也有更好的臂力，但是他的power和對球賽的判讀比較差．

—ALLAN SIMPSON

[Scouting Report] David Duncan

152

David Duncan

LHP

Jr.

L-L

6-8

201

Georgia Tech

New Richmond, Ohio

Nationals ’07 (23)

6/1/1986

SCOUTING REPORT (3/1):
Duncan was a draft-eligible sophomore last spring and made his intentions known before the draft that he would not sign unless he was an early-round pick or given early-round money. Teams seriously considered him in the first two or three rounds, but in the end they deemed he was unsignable and he slid all the way to the 23rd round.

Duncan 在去年大二的春天就可以參加選秀，但是他除非在前幾輪被選選上或是拿到大把＄不然他不會選擇簽約，曾有球隊把他列入前幾輪的考量，但是最終還是把他歸類到難以簽約的球員，導致他在23輪才被選上．

He has returned as a junior, with his leverage pretty much intact. Duncan’s slow start to the 2007 season almost consigned him to the “wait-until-next-year” category. But changes to his pitching approach and type of pitches in April brought out a new Duncan, and he quickly re-established himself as an elite prospect.

他回到學校繼續唸大三，不過今年球季開季表現不佳，差點被歸類成"明年再來"的球員．　不過他改變了他的投球姿勢和球種，四月出現了一個全新的Duncan，並且讓他又回到頂級潛力的行列．

Duncan’s size at 6-foot-8 is a plus, and he repeats his delivery well and has never had real command issues. He’s not a power pitcher though, pitching in the 88-90 mph range and touching 92, but scouts will always look at a pitcher with Duncan’s build and project his velocity a bit. He struck out 86 in 104 innings while going 7-4, 3.72 in 2007 for Georgia Tech.

Duncan6呎8吋的身材是個很大的加分，他可以穩定的重複他的投球而且從來沒有控球不佳的困擾．　他不是個強力投手，球速大約88-90，最高到92．　不過大部分的球探都認為他以他的體型球速應該還有稍微成長的空間．　他在GT 07年球季的104局中三振86次，7-4，3.72 ERA．

The two big changes in Duncan were becoming more aggressive, especially early in the count, and challenging hitters; and adding a slider and split-finger while de-emphasizing his curveball and straight change. Duncan’s split-finger, which he threw in high school but had been abandoned at Georgia Tech, quickly became his most effective pitch and the 81-83 mph slider is a better pitch that his curveball, which he’ll still throw on occasion. When he’s on, Duncan is a four-pitch southpaw with good command and average velocity. Duncan elected not to pitch last summer after initially agreeing to make a return engagement to the Cape Cod League.

Duncan有兩個最大的改變，一個是更加積極的去挑戰打者尤其當他取得球數領先的時候，另一個是增加滑球和SFF的比重並且減少使用他的曲球還有不會跑的變速球．　SFF是Duncan高中最主要的武器，但是他到大學之後就很少使用，但是他找回感覺後就成為他最有效率的球種，而81-83mph的滑球比起他偶而丟一下的曲球犀利不少．　Duncan在投手丘上是一個有四種控球良好球路的左投，搭配平均左右的球速．　去年原本打算參加Cape Cod聯盟的但是最後選擇休息．

—ALLAN SIMPSON

UPDATE (5/15): Duncan finally developed the consistency this spring that eluded him in the past, and put together a steady 7-3, 3.71 season for the Yellow Jackets with a staff-leading 85 innings. He walked 27 and struck out 70. Scouts said that Duncan was 89-91 mph just about every time out and threw all four of his pitches for strikes. He could be a pitcher that moves up an organization’s pitching ladder quickly after he signs.—DR

Duncan終於在這個春天克服他穩定性的問題，今年球季穩定的投了85局投出70次三振和27次保送，3.71ERA．　球探表示Duncan每次出賽幾乎都可以穩定的投出89-91的球速，而且四種球路都可以控成好球．　他在簽約後有機會在系統中快速爬升．

[Scouting Report] TJ Steele

122

T.J. Steele

OF

Jr.

R-R

6-3

215

Arizona

Tucson, Ariz.

Astros ’05 (22)

9/21/1986

SCOUTING REPORT (3/1):
Steele, a 22nd-round draft pick of the Houston Astros in 2005, lacked the strength to hit out of high school but now has the size and strength in his impressive 6-foot-3 frame to hit for power. He could blossom into a 20-20 player in his junior year at Arizona after hitting .323-7-47 with 21 stolen bases as a sophomore. The ball carries well off his bat, but he need to demonstrate he can go to the opposite field better, especially with wood, to maximize his overall skills as a hitter. His talent carries over to defense, too, as he has the ability to chase down balls in center field. His arm is considered an average tool.

太空人在05年22輪選上他，當時他沒有足夠的力量在高中有突破性的表現，但是他長大了，現在6呎四吋的強壯體格讓他有辦法把球打的老遠．　他在大三的球季應該有辦法打出20-20的成績，他大二時留下了.323avg　7HR　47RBI和21次SB．　他跟球跟的很棒，但是他必須強化展現出他可以把球打到反方向的能力，尤其轉換到木棒打擊後這是很重要的打擊技巧．　他的天份也展現在防守上，有有辦法稱職的防守涵蓋住廣大的中外野，他的臂力則有平均左右的水準．

In a lot of ways, his game profiles like fellow Canyon del Oro High and Arizona alum Brian Anderson, a first-round pick of the White Sox in 2003. Both have the same arm and power potential at a similar stage of development but Steele gets better reads on balls and is a better runner. Steele’s 2007 summer season was curtailed as he turned his ankle three times at Bourne in the Cape Cod League and finally went home after hitting .311-0-4 in 45 at-bats. His early departure hardly gave scouts a chance to see the full scope of his tools and athletic ability, particularly his above-average speed. Steele could emerge in the top two rounds in June, but it will all depend on how he hits and his ability to curb his strikeouts. He fanned a team-high 58 times last spring.

他的各項數據很自然的讓人聯想他他高中和大學的學長Brian Anderson（03年白襪第一輪的新秀）．　他們有接近的臂力和差不多的power潛力但是Steele對於外野球的判讀還有跑壘上更勝一籌．　Steele在CCL夏季聯盟的出場因為他三度扭傷他的膝蓋而大大縮減，只留下45打數.311　4RBI的成績．　他過少的出場數讓球探無法觀察到他運動能力的全貌，尤其是他平均以上的速度．　Steele有可能攀升到第二輪，不過得觀察他是否有辦法控制他的三振數．　他去年領了全隊最多的58K．

—ALLAN SIMPSON

UPDATE (5/15):
Steele is a superior athlete with first-round tools, but still has a crudeness to his game after three college seasons. He simply is not polished enough yet to warrant being a first-round pick, and maybe even one of the first 100 players picked. But some scouts believe he could be a steal in the fourth round as he is a superior center fielder, has above-average arm strength, gets down the line in 3.9 seconds and can turn on a fastball. Consistent contact continues to be the elusive part of Steele’s game. He struck out 48 times this spring (through mid-May), and struggled especially to hit breaking stuff. He routinely chased pitches out of the strike zone. Overall, he hit .320-9-29 with 19 stolen bases in 21 attempts. Steele’s upside is significant and he could be an all-star talent if it all clicks.—AS

Steele是個有第一輪工具的運動員，但是在他三個大學的球季中表現仍不夠成熟．　簡單的說他的成熟度不夠讓他在第一輪被選上，甚至可能前一百順位都排不到．　但是球探一般認為如果他在第四輪被選上可能會是很棒的一偷，因為他是個優秀的中外野手，有平均以上的臂力，跑上一壘只需要3.9秒，而且相當擅長攻擊速球．　他最大的問題是穩定的打到球，到五月中他又領的48次三振，而且打不太到變化球．　他常常追打壞球．　到五月中他留下.320　9HR　29RBI和21次嘗試中19次盜壘成功．　他的天花板是很高的，他有全明星的潛力如果...所有的潛力都有發展出來的話．

[Scouting Report] Ross Seaton

109

Ross Seaton

RHP

HS

L-R

6-4

215

Second Baptist

Sugar Land, Texas

9/18/1989

SCOUTING REPORT (3/1):

Seaton has been one of the fastest-rising pitchers in the high school ranks this spring. His stock shot up with an early-season, five-inning perfect game in which he struck out 12, induced three ground balls back to the himself and was clocked at 96 mph. He is another in the long line of two-way prospects in the 2008 prep class and Tulane is looking forward to using him as both a righthanded pitcher and lefthanded-hitting outfielder—should he make it to school. Seaton’s best tools from a pro prospective are on the mound. He’s very loose and projectable, with a long, smooth arm action and very consistent stuff.

Seaton是這個春天竄升最快的高中投手.　他的評價從季初一場五局的完全比賽開始飛升，那場比賽12K加三個滾回投手丘的滾地出局，最快球速飆到96mph．　他在Tulane的招生名單上名列右投手和左打外野手．　不過他當投手的評價還是高於野手．　他的未來性相當可預期，因為他的高天份配上平穩且延展性極佳的揮臂動作．

His fastball sat at 88-89 mph last fall but he has been consistently in the 91-93 mph range this spring, and he complements the pitch with a nasty 79 mph slider that some scouts have called a curveball because of its depth. He also has a low-70s curveball and changeup that are quality pitches. Seaton is a polished pitcher in terms of his command and approach, and has added the strength and velocity to get scouts excited. He had 108 strikeouts in 73 innings as a junior to go with a 1.97 ERA and also hit seven home runs. He has big-time raw power, but swings and misses at a high rate. He can cover 60 yards in 6.75 seconds.

他去年秋天時速球大約落在88-89mph，不過到今年春天他已經可以穩定的投到91-93mph．　搭配他速球的是79mph非常噁心的滑球，甚至有球探都認為那是曲球．　Seaton的控球和投球方式都非常成熟，當他把球速提升一個層級後球探就不停的流口水．　高三73局的投球中送出103次三振，ERA1.73，另外他也轟了7發HR，他有很棒的power不過也有很高的揮空率．　他的60碼衝刺大約6.75秒．

—DAVID RAWNSLEY

UPDATE (5/15):

Seaton maintained his low-90s stuff under close scouting scrutiny all spring, and seems poised to go in the first round as one of the first high school pitchers taken—a scenario that would have been hard to imagine at the start of the year. He posted incredible numbers this year, going 9-0, 0.91 with 112 K’s and only six walks in 61 innings. He also hit .390-7-30 as an outfielder.—DR

Seaton low-90的速球今年一直很穩定的展現在球探面前，他甚至有可能是第一輪第一個被挑中的高中投手．　今年的球季他留下非常噁心的0.91ERA，在61局中送出112K只有6次保送．　擔任外野手也留下.390　7HR　30RBI的成績．

[Scouting Report] Jay Austin

56

Jay Austin

OF

HS

L-L

6-1

180

North Atlanta

Atlanta

8/10/1990

SCOUTING REPORT (3/1):

Austin could be a big surprise this spring as scouts bear down on his swing and evaluate his bat speed and offensive potential. There are no questions about his speed, athletic ability and arm strength. Austin could be the fastest player in the 2008 class; he ran the 60 in 6.20 at Perfect Game’s National Showcase in Cincinnati last June and is lightning-quick on the bases. Austin has also been scouted extensively as a pitcher and regularly throws 90 mph off the mound, although he has limited high-level pitching experience. Austin’s swing looks much better during games; he attacks the ball better, swings hard and has a history of hitting quality pitching. Scouts who bear down on his batting practice sessions might end up overanalyzing his offensive game.

在評估觀察他的揮棒速度和打擊的潛力後，Austin會是今年春天球探最大的驚喜．　他的速度是毫無疑問的，運動員的優秀身體素質和強壯的手臂．　Austin被歸類到08年選秀中速度最快的一群，他60碼跑6.2秒，壘間移動飛快．　Austin在投手丘上的表現也受前探的注目，雖然它缺乏在高競爭的比賽中投球的經驗，但他可以穩定的投出90mph的速球．　他的打擊在真的比賽中表現的比較好，他過去面隊優秀投手的打擊表現相當搶眼．　他的打擊練習可能不會吸引球探的目光，但是真的到比賽中沒有球探會不對他的攻擊能力印象深刻．

—DAVID RAWNSLEY

UPDATE (5/1): Austin was excellent this spring, hitting .515-15-43 with 26 stolen bases, and probably has surpassed Xavier Avery as the top high school outfielder in Georgia, although the late emergence of Zach Cone may present a challenge in that regard. Austin is projectable in addition to his obvious speed/arm strength tools, and as long as he’s swinging the bat aggressively scouts can see his bat speed. He did that this spring.—DR

Austin今年有個很棒的球季，.515　15HR　43RBI加上26次盜壘，他甚至已經超過Avery成為喬治亞州最棒的高中外野潛力新秀，Zach Cone最近的竄起和可能可以並列最棒的外野手．　Austin的速度和臂力已經成熟，如果他能更積極的揮棒攻擊，他可以展現出卓越的揮棒速度．　他這個春天表現很棒．

[Scouting Report] Jordan Lyles

38

Jordan Lyles

RHP

HS

R-R

6-4

205

Hartsville

Hartsville, S.C.

10/16/1990

SCOUTING REPORT:

Lyles’ prowess as a three-sport star in the South Carolina high school ranks has long been documented, but he never really earned his due as a top baseball prospect until this spring. Though he quit playing basketball over the winter a week into the season to concentrate his efforts on baseball, school protocol prevented him from joining the Hartsville High baseball team until the basketball season was complete.

Lyles是在南卡州的高中三棲運動明星，不過他直到今年才被注意到認定為頂級的棒球潛力．　雖然他直到開季的前一個星期才退出籃球隊專心投入棒球訓練，但是校隊的協議讓他直到籃球季完全結束後才得以加入棒球校隊．

Though he was late getting started, he made an immediate impression as a pitcher and quickly surged to the top of the South Carolina prep prospect list. A fastball that was in the 85-87 mph range as a junior had suddenly jumped to 88-90, touching 91. He threw all his pitches, including a curve and changeup, for strikes and scouts marveled at his smooth, easy delivery.

雖然他的起步較晚，但是他在投手丘上的表現立刻得到注意成為南卡州大招生的優先名單．　高三的球速大概是85-87，到高四那年球速大約88-90，最快到91．　他可以控制他所有的球種，包括變速球和曲球都能控近好球帶．　球探對他平順簡潔的投球姿勢印象非常深刻．

He still got hit around as he is not overpowering yet, but there is plenty of room in his lean, athletic frame to add considerable more velocity down the road. His coach, former Atlanta Braves first-round pick Jacob Shumate, was instrumental in his rapid development as a pitcher and was careful not to overuse him this spring.

因為他的球速還不是非常出色，所以常被打很慘，但是他成長的空間還非常大，他瘦長強壯的運動員體格，可與預見他有很大的球速成長空間．　他的教練Jacob Schumate曾是之前亞特蘭大第一輪的新秀，成功快速的培養他成為投手，而且很小心的不要操壞他．

Lyles was all-state in three sports, including football, though he didn’t play until his senior year. He still led state wide receivers in yardage and touchdowns. Lyles decided to cast his lot with baseball, however, and signed with South Carolina in the spring signing period. That decision could become academic, though, as interest from big league clubs has skyrocketed.

Lyles在三種運動中都是全州明星隊的成員，儘管他從高四才開始打美式足球，他仍然是全州接球員接球碼數和達陣的榜首．　他最後決定專心打棒球，在今年春天接受了南卡州大的獎學金，不過他已經受到球探大大注意，很可能會投入職業．

—ALLAN SIMPSON

他教練和勇士的關係，很可能是讓太空人這麼衝在38順位就選下他的主因．　一個令人充滿希望的球員，心態成熟的體能怪物是可遇不可求的，難怪Heck會喜歡他，雖然不一定會養好　XDDD

[Socuting Report]Jason Castro

10

Jason Castro

C

Jr.

L-R

6-3

215

Stanford

Castro Valley, Calif.

Red Sox ’05 (43)

6/18/1987

SCOUTING REPORT (3/1):

Castro was one of the big surprises in the Cape Cod League last summer. After hitting a meagre .167-1-14 in a disappointing, injury-plagued sophomore season at Stanford, he rebounded for Yarmouth-Dennis to hit .341, second in the league, along with four homers and 24 RBIs. He has a sound, stylish, balanced overall approach to hitting and makes solid contact. He showed good leverage in an easy swing and can turn on a pitch. He has lift in his swing and added strength will boost his power.

Castro是去年夏天Cape Cod聯盟最大的驚奇之一．　他大二因為受傷留下了令人失望的成績(.167 1HR 14RBI)，不過他夏天在Dennis隊觸底反彈了，留下了.341(聯盟第二)　4HR　24RBI的成績，他的打擊技巧非常優秀而且相當平衡，並且能確實咬中球．　他不費力的揮棒有相當好的槓桿效果可以把球打個老遠．　在強化力量之後他的power還有成長空間．

With top prospects Buster Posey (Florida State) and Sean Ochinko (Louisiana State) also available to catch for Y-D last summer, Castro worked in only eight games behind the plate. He also saw service at first base, in the outfield and at DH. He caught infrequently, in part because of a troublesome arm that prevented him from fulfilling his obligation as the starting catcher for the East in the all-star game. Castro is a fundamentally-sound catcher with good receiving skills, plenty of arm strength and a quick release. He is mobile behind the plate and also handles a pitching staff exceptionally well. His breakout summer has significantly impacted his draft stock and paved the way for a big season at Stanford this spring.

在Dennis隊中因為還有另外兩個捕手Posey和Ochinko，他只擔任捕手出賽八場比賽，大部分擔任一壘手，外野手和DH．　他常抓不到盜壘者，因為他手臂的傷，讓他在東部明星賽被一直跑沒盡到捕手的義務．　Castro有很好的捕手條件－優秀的接球技巧，強壯的手臂和快速的阻殺出手．　他再本壘板後方相當靈巧，並且引導投手的能力極為傑出．　他去年夏天突破性的進步，讓他在選秀會上身價大漲，並且也預言了Stanford這個球季的優秀表現．

—ALLAN SIMPSON

UPDATE (5/1):

Healthy again, Castro was a completely different hitter this year in college than a year ago. He hit for both average (.373) and power (11 home runs), showing a sound approach at the plate from the left side, good bat speed through the zone and plus raw power to all fields. Coupled with his improvement behind the plate, he became one of the two or three elite catchers in the college game. A projected third-rounder at the start of the 2008 season, he quickly surged into the first-round mix by midseason. Castro’s improvement on defense has been more subtle, but he frames and blocks well, and has average arm strength with proper throwing mechanics. He is an intelligent, take-charge receiver and a team leader.—AS

健康出賽了． Castro和去年已經是完全不同的打者了，不僅維持高打擊率也有絕佳的power(.373 11HR)，在左打區展現優秀的打擊技巧，快速的揮棒速度和絕佳的力量，可以把球打向球場任何方向．　加上他在捕手工作的進步使他成為大學捕手中最頂尖的前兩三名．　季初預測可能會落在第三輪，但是到季中他已經是第一輪的熱門人選．　他的防守技巧進步就比較不明顯，但是他有很好的體格和不錯的擋球技巧，搭配他平均水準的臂力和合宜的傳球機制．　此外他相當聰明，能鼓舞士氣是個球隊的領導者．

[draft] 2008 #109 (3rd comp) Ross Seaton

這個傳聞中太空人想用38順位選的本地高中投手，以Tulan大學的獎學金嚇退其他29個球團而且落到這一個順位，實力評估他是可能落在第一輪的球員．

Position:	Starting Pitcher
School:	Second Baptist HS (Tex.)
School Type:	High school
Academic Class:	Senior
Birthdate:	09/18/89
Height:	6'4"
Weight:	215 lbs.
Bats:	Left
Throws:	Right

Seaton和所有休士頓當地的小朋友一樣，從小就幻想著有天能夠穿上太空人球衣，也因為這個因素讓太空人在選秀中放膽的選擇他，而他Tulane的獎學金也幫助了太空人可以拖到這麼後面才選他．　當然他絕對不好簽，我想沒有1M是不用談的，1M是其他29隊都應該願意給他的價碼，太空人當然也該給他相對應的尊重．　無疑問他應該是除了Castro之外會拿到最多簽約金的今年太空人選秀球員．　以Seaton的天份來說，太空人也應該要捨得去花這個錢，他或許會是今年選秀中回報最高的球員，加上當地出身的球星身分，不賭真的是笨蛋了．

球探報告
球探影片

[draft] 2008 #38 (1st com) Jordan Lyles

Position:　RHP
School:　　Hartsville HS, Hartsville SC
Ht:　　　6-foot-4
Wt:　　　190 lbs
Forty:　　4.59 secs (跑挺快的) Pence才跑4.47...
Vertical:　31 inches　(可以灌籃 ~.~)

這個選擇宣布的時候，所有人的疑問相當一致－"這傢伙是誰？"

Lyles沒有排進BA的top 200當中，對！前兩百都排不到的傢伙落在第38順位．　這又是一個出人意料的選擇，我咋聽之下以為選了下個順位紅雀所選的Lynn，因為我印象中看過名字Ly開頭又這麼特殊的球員只有Lynn．　更令我吃驚的是他是高中球員，讓我在第一輪選到Castro滿腦子充滿的"幹!　又想省錢"的時候，選了一個要花相對大把鈔票的高中生，驚喜還沒結束因為接下來Wade又連續選了3個高中生，前三輪五個選秀選了四個高中生，這完全不是太空人．

Heck on Jordan Lyles：
He throws downhill. He has command of his fastball.　He's got the ability to change speed. He's a strike thrower.　He's well beyond his years in maturity and very smart.　He's got a very high ceiling and he does project to be in a major-league rotation.

Lyles是一個三棲的運動員，他打棒球，美式足球和籃球，他是南卡州的運動明星，他雖然沒有受到全國性的球探眼光，但是三棲運動員的運動能力是不用懷疑的，更何況他可以拿到兩種運動的大學獎學金．　他的球速目前大概只有low 90，但是他才18歲，重點是他有超齡的成熟度和控球，這在高中球員中並不常見．

球探影片

驚訝結束了嗎？　還沒！　太空人竟然在選到他的幾分鐘後就立即和他達成合約協議．
新聞連結

高中生球員是出名的要花時間和金錢去簽的，尤其是已經拿到大學獎學金的球員，談不攏大不了去唸大學．　但是Wade在這麼短的時間內就搞定一個，用的也算是合理的38順位行情(大約0.9M)搞定他，當然一般認為他不值這個順位，但是既然他落到這個順位用這個價也沒啥好吵的．　歡迎今年第一個加入太空人的小朋友．　

[draft] 2008 #10 (1st) Jason Castro

昨天進行了第一天的業餘球員選秀會，太空人在第一輪的第十順位選了Stanford U的捕手Jason Castro，這個選擇跌破了幾乎所有專家和球評的眼鏡，尤其是攻守俱佳的一壘手Justin Smoak仍然還沒被選走的狀況下，太空人選擇了一個一般評估天份應該落在在第一輪後半段的捕手．

Position:	Catcher
School:	Stanford University
School Type:	College
Academic Class:	Junior
Birthdate:	06/18/87
Height:	6'3"
Weight:	215 lbs.
Bats:	Left
Throws:	Right

球探報告
球探影片

Heck和Wade表示這不是一個為了選捕手而選的選秀，Castro在所有剩下的球員中在他們的評估就是"best" player available，至於這個"best"是哪方面的best就留待大家怎麼看了．　當第九順位Crow被選走時，一邊嘆息少了個投手但是也竊喜著Smoak還在名單上，但是沒想到太空人出了這一招讓所有人都幾乎嚇傻了，Sickelｅ更是直接問WTF??　

據休士頓的球迷指出Heck在當地的電視台專訪中提到Castro是"best business selection"，當人沒人問他這個business代表著什麼涵義，不過從太空人過去的紀錄和Wade先前的談話就不難猜測出答案．　1)　signability：這是個因素，Castro一定比Smoak便宜，但是從沒聽說過Smoak是個難簽要高額簽約金的球員，為何要省這麼一點錢才是令人疑惑的因素．　加上Wade在選秀之前就和Castro的經紀人見過面，這更加深了要省錢的因素．　2)　快速爬升的即戰力：大聯盟幾乎沒有真正的即戰力，但是成熟的大學球員可以快速在小聯盟中爬升，快的話Castro在明年的下半季就有機會登上大聯盟．　太空人在某種程度上即需要小聯盟的戰力．　3)　選秀哲學：　Wade在選秀之前說過一句話："選秀不只在選擇天份和球隊的未來，也是再建立未來交易的籌碼"．　這句話也就代表著明年或是後年，Castro和Towles可能會是他手中握著最大的籌碼，選了Castro並不代表球隊放棄Towles，Castro是個左打捕手，這在市場上的稀有性和價值非常的高，不用打出明星般的身手只要維持平均以上的水準就是好籌碼，而Towles目前正陷入慘澹的低潮，但是一般球評認為他的實力絕不只如此，他只要恢復水準，也絕對是一枚交易的好籌碼，至於賣誰？　等這個令人高興的煩惱出現的時候再說吧！　其實有左右打捕手platoon也好像不錯 ^Q^　4)　Heck的怪眼光：Heck的眼光過去和所謂的專家都有些出入，而這些歧異最後勝出有很多次都是Heck．　一個月之前Heck在接受論壇報專訪時就希望球迷忘記所謂BA BP還有所有球評意見，要相信他們到現場觀察過球探的專業，這個到最後看來很明顯就是個消毒的舉動，Heck不只爆了這個第一輪冷門，後面的選秀一樣出人意表．　四個因素我當然最希望主因是第四個而不要是愚蠢的一和二．

Berkman - NL Player of May

恭喜Berkman拿下國聯五月最佳球員．　.471 avg　.553 OBP　49H　85TB都是全大聯盟最高．

完整五月數據

G	PA	AB	R	H	2B	3B	HR	RBI	BB
28	123	104	31	49	11	1	9	22	18
IBB	SO	HBP	GDP	SB	CS	BA	OBP	SLG	OPS
6	18	1	1	6	1	.471	.553	.856	1.409

其他被提名球員有：
Dan Uggla　(.347, 12 HR, 26 RBI)
Ryan Braun　(.322, 11 HR, 22 RBI)
Adam Dunn　(.691 SLG, 10 HR, 25 RBI)
Chipper Jones　(.417, 4 HR, 14 RBI)
Ryan Ludwick　(.333, 9 HR, 26 RBI)
Albert Pujols　(.373, 9 HR, 17 RBI)
Alfonso Soriano　(.345, 10 HR, 29 RBI)

2008 draft talk part 3

上星期四五六所有的業餘球探回到了Houston總集合，為選秀會作最後的討論，綜合所有各區球探的意見，對所有的口袋名單作出排序．　儘管Wade和Heck再次從申了選秀的策略是best player available，但是這個available還是有但書的available，雖然沒有明說，但是言談還是透露出了大老闆還是不願意付over slot的簽約金出來．　好聽的說法是，當over slot去簽一個球員的時候就相對的削减了簽下其他球員的預算，其實我倒想看看老闆到底準備的多少預算？

星期日球探們邀請了一些我們有興趣的球員到MMP測試順便讓他們參觀看看，目前沒有流出我們到底邀請了哪些球員，不過我猜這應該是會保密的．

選秀會剩下不到一星期了，但是到底是想選誰似乎還是沒有比較清楚的暗示，口袋中的名單大概可能的會有三個大學投手投手Shooter Hunt，Christian Friedrich，Tanner Scheppers（受傷的問題可能以被排除）；野手部份有Yonder Alonso和應該選不到的Justin Smoak(1B)，Gordan Beckham(SS)，Tim Beckham(SS)．

最近的傳聞似乎Crow有可能會掉到太空人的順位，但是Signability第一考量下太空人會選擇他嗎？　如果真的選擇了他，說不定真的就像管理階層說的會排擠到其他的選秀，那會是好還是壞呢？　除了第一輪之外，傳說我們對當地高中的Ross Seaton有興趣，可能會動用38順位去選他．　但是除了他會不會掉到38順位的問題外，Seaton已經拿到Tulane的獎學金了，Signability又再次浮到檯面上．


再來順便回顧一下過去十年我們第一輪的慘況．
1998　Brad Lidge
1999　Ken Caminiti
2000　Robert Stiehl　　受傷退休　
2001　Chris Burke　　　　差不多養壞
2002　Derick Grigsby　心理因素無法投球退休
2003　Jeff Kent
2004　Andy Pettitte
2005　Brain Bogusevic　應該養不出來
2006　Max Sapp　　　　大概養不出來
2007　Carlos Lee

唯一成功養成的就只有Lidge了，而上面的五個失敗之作也讓大老闆丟了7M以上到水溝裡面，或許這是大老闆選秀保守的原因，不過這不應該是理由，因為FA市場丟到水溝裡的錢光今年一個Woody Williams就幹掉上面五個了，更不用談其他人．　希望大老闆好好想想，農場才是一切的根本．