A closer look at some of the players who could be available during the third round.
Yesterday, Jesse provided you with a fairly in-depth look at the players who could be available when the Yankees make their first pick during the second round. Today is all about the third round. Unfortunately, Pre-Draft Prospect rankings that extend past the Top 100 are hard to come by. Over at Minor League Ball they have a list of the top 300 prospects, so all of the rankings in this post will be based on that.
Here's a closer look at some of the pitchers that could be available by the time the third round rolls around:
Keven Pimentel: RHP; 6'3", 215; Committed to Miami
Rank: 101
Scouting Report: A native New Yorker, Pimentel throws a low-90s fastball which tops out around 94. It's said to get in on batters with a sharp, downhill plane. According to scouts, Pimentel can get away with leaving some pitches in the middle of the plate because his stuff is so raw. He throws a slider has the potential to be a plus pitch due to its hard spin and late action.
Turner Larkins: RHP; 6'3", 210; Committed to Texas A&M
Rank: 102
Scouting Report: One scout described Larkins as having a workhorse frame. His delivery and release can stay high, so he could be a fly ball pitcher. Larkins fastball is in the 90-92 range, while his curveball is said to be sharp with 11 to 5 action. Both pitches have the potential to be above average.
Foster Griffin: LHP; 6'5", 190 lbs; Committed to Mississippi
Rank: 118
Scouting Report: This huge lefty has a solid three-pitch repertoire consisting of a fastball, curveball and change-up. The fastball sits in the low 90s, and thanks to his size, is delivered on a big downhill angle. Griffin can consistently strike batters out on his change-up, which has good fading action. He has a decent curveball and knows his depth and spots well. As he gains strength, Griffin should improve all around.
Cre Finfrock: RHP; 6'1", 170 lbs; Committed to Central Florida
Rank: 120
Scouting Report: Finfrock has good arm strength and speed, despite his smaller stature. He throws a low-90s fastball, which tops out around 94 mph, and is said to get in on the batters hands quickly. One scout described his curveball as having the potential to be above average, while another said it was more of a slurve type of breaking ball, which at times has hard spin and bite.
Here are some of the batters that could be available when the Yankees make their third round pick:
Jared Walker: OF, LHB; 6'3"; 200; Committed to Kennesaw State
Rank: 106
Scouting Report: Walker, considered by scouts to be a high ceiling prospect, has experience in both the outfield and the infield. In the outfield, he's said to have good arm strength, and on line throws with plus carry. He's fairly quick on his feet, and his arm strength plays well in the infield, although he's said to sometimes be "snatchy" with the glove. Walker has good bat speed, and what are considered to be very projectable hitting tools.
Scott Hurst: OF, LHB; 6'0"; 175 lbs; Committed to Cal State Fullerton
Rank: 109
Scouting Report: Described as being a fast runner with good defensive skills and an above-average arm, Hurst has the potential to stick in centerfield. He is considered to have the athletic ability to play the infield, as well, although he would have to improve his release and exchange. Scouts say he has a simple swing with pull power and the ability to reach the gaps.
Bobby Bradley: 3B, LHB; 6'2", 215 lbs; Committed to LSU
Rank: 116
Scouting Report: Bradley also plays first base, and although he has started learning to play catcher, scouts think he will stick at the corners. He's said to have below-average speed on the base paths. What he lacks in speed, he makes up for offensively. Said to possess a lot of raw power, he has the potential to hit above-average with above-average power.
Reese Cooley: OF, RHB; 6'2", 205 lbs; Committed to Chipola College
Rank: 127
Scouting Report: This speedy outfielder is described as getting good jumps on balls, as well as having what is considered impressive outfield arm strength. Cooley has the potential to be a power hitter, as he consistently produces hard line drives.
Kainoa "KJ" Harrison: C, RHB; 6'1", 190 lbs; Committed to Oregon State
Rank: 142
Scouting Report: Harrison, a native Hawaiian, is described as having quick feet defensively, and great arm strength and accuracy. He's said to possess adequate catch-and-throw skills, and has the potential to be an above-average hitter.
Due to the unpredictable nature of the draft, it's increasingly difficult to guess which players could remain on the board by the time the Yankees get to pick in the third round. These were just a small handful of the players who could be available, to give you a general idea of the kind of talent looming between #100-150.