2020 MLB Draft

Pretty good write-up from Prospects Live from the Cape Code League 2019 for a couple of signings if you’re interested.

John Beller, LHP USC (Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox) – A shorter left-hander with a fastball, two breaking balls and a changeup. He works predominantly with the fastball and curveball, mixing in the slider or changeup as necessary. The slider is a harder version of his curveball with some tail. The changeup was used more during my first look versus Chatham opposite Zarion Sharpe in the fog-out game. He threw the slider almost equal to his curveball early in the Bourne matchup, but settled in later with mostly fastball-curveball.

His fastball velocity leaves much to desired as he reaches just 88 mph max but mostly sits 85-87. He spots the pitch well and can get some good plane to pair nicely with his curveball. His curveball sits in the mid-high 70s, touching 80 at times, shows true 12-6 shape as he uses it effectively on the inside part of the plate in same-side matchups.

Mechanically Beller has a high leg kick that MacKenzie Gore might have a copyright case against (kidding!). Despite the unusual delivery, Beller repeats well and outside of a near stop in his leg kick where he straightens his leg, it’s a very fluid motion. It’s strange but it works for him, and he’s athletic enough to pull it off. The question is with a smaller frame and a leveraged delivery can he add the necessary velocity on his fastball to cut it in the professional ranks? His off speed and breaking stuff is legit, he located his fastball well now, but at 90-92 Beller could be a prospect. A good pitchability lefty with an out pitch and a feel for the zone. It will be a tough profile to translate to the next level, but Beller knows how to pitch. – Ralph Lifshitz

Mac Lardner, LHP Gonzaga (Bourne Braves) – The lefty from Gonzaga went five innings against a strong Y-D lineup, allowing two unearned runs on a misplayed ball in the outfield. He sat 85-87 on the fastball touching 88 a handful of times. He mixed in a changeup at 77-78 and a CB in the low 70s, with the changeup being the better of the two. His changeup showed nice run and fade moving like a two seamer and was a swing and miss pitch when located to right-handed batters. His curveball was more loopy and more of a change of pace pitch, but not quite a get-me-over. He located his fastball well in the lower level of the zone, and drove a fair amount of groundball contact. The lower velocity on his fastball is below average, and surprising for a guy his size. There’s some mechanical stuff too, including a head knock in his motion as he falls off to the third base side. His big frame and relatively simple mechanics leave some hope that he can channel his strength and size into some additional fastball velocity. Not the most exciting player, but he works fast, throws strikes, and changes speeds. – Ralph Lifshitz

Rumors are 10, but the owners hold all the cards…

I wonder if Winn could be tried as a reliever? Maybe after he gets experience at shortstop in AAA? That power arm is interesting. My guess would be no, as you don’t want to screw up his progress as a shortstop/hitter. But the possibility of him closing games, with Sosa or Edman playing shortstop is intriguing.

Hence has moved into BAs top 100. He has gotten noticed for a high swing and miss percentage. That coupled with a mid 90s fastball, solid command, and potentially 3 plus pitches. The only thing is he has not pitched beyond 4 innings, but IMO that will be a matter of time. He hopefully will also be challenged at Peoria before the end of the year.

It seems only Prater has had poor results, as Jones has quietly put up good numbers for Peoria. That makes 4 top 100 players in one 5 round draft. It will be interesting to see their finished products.

Watched Bedell pitch in Peoria. He appears to have recovered from surgery quite well. 7 Ks out of the 8 outs he produced. Lively fastball that he blew by several hitters. Nice slider and change up that compliment his fastball. He is one to watch to watch, and could move quickly. Yet another 2020 draftee that could move up prospect list.

What a draft this could be. It’s early, but Walker and Burleson are already in the majors, Winn is on the doorstep to MLB, if he stays healthy, Hence could be the games top pitching prospect. Bedell has a chance if he can regain his collegiate form, and stay healthy. It would an interesting article to compare these 5 rounds to other drafts.

Walkers improvement has made this draft very special. Burleson has had a great year so far. And we may have a Tink Hence sighting this year.