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Writer's pictureSteve Potter

2020 Draft Possibilities

A couple weeks back I detailed a few fellas the Phillies might select ... here are a few others that may be available and there are at the least some rumblings in their regard and Phillies interest.

1st Round - I think the initial thought process was to target a hitter and if one is available that likely will be the selection but it seems more likely now that the best available options at pick 15 will be pitchers - here are the three fellas I believe have sparked interest from the scouting crew.


Garrett Mitchell - OF - UCLA - 21 years old - LH hittter, RH thrower - 6’3’ 204

His speed is excellent : Rickey Henderson-like 6.35 60-yard dash and a Billy Hamilton-like 3.95 out of the box. Was diagnosed with Diabetes in the third grade ... some see that as a concern. Is good friends with the Phillies Sam Fuld who is also a diabetic ... good connection to have as Fuld is well regarded. Mitchell is considered to be a five tool player, if he’s available at pick # 15 then the Phillies would be hard pressed to pass on him.


Nick Bistro - RHP - Central Bucks East HS - Doylestown, PA - 17 years old - 6’4” 225

A local Philly product ... a lot of rumblings that he’s the Phillies guy if no hitters are available and even may be regardless. He turns 18 mid June ... is graduating a year early from HS with a commitment to U of Virginia. Has power arm with ability already to post 96-97 ( sits 92-95 ) but also reportedly has plus breaking ball and a developing change ... can throw them all for strikes and is projected to have plus command ... personally I now think he’s the guy if available at pick # 15.



Garrett Crotchet - LHP - University of Tennessee - 20 years old - 6’6” 218

A true power arm - posts 96-100 with the FB consistently and has excellent movement - plus changeup and effective slider. Has had some injury concerns including a sore shoulder this fall ... sometimes command is an issue - stuff is overpowering - Phillies have a recent history selecting U of T power arms ( Andrew Schultz & Zach Warren ) ... a lot of folks like him as the selection if he’s available at pick # 15.

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2nd Round - the Phillies forfeited their pick when signing free agent Zach Wheeler this off season

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3rd Round :

Chase Wallace - RHP - University of Tennessee - 21 years old - 6’2” 195

He delivers from a lower arm slot than prototype U of T pitchers and is reliant on a sinker ball ... sits 89-92 with FB ... pitched well in 2019 Cape Cod League - has a slider and change up as secondaries ... multi inning reliever type - those guys are valuable in today’s game


Nick Yorke - SS - Archbishop Mitty HS - San Jose, CA - 18 years old - RH hitter - 6’0’ 195

Considered the best pure HS hitter in the state of California by many, he’s committed to U of Arizona and might be a tough sign at this time ... solid all around hitter who projects as a second baseman with plus offensive skills - would only be drafted if it was assured he would sign


Ricky Tiedemann - LHP - Lakewood HS - Lakewood, CA - 17 years old - 6’3” 200

Is committed to U of San Diego - FB has hit 93 but the feeling is once he fills out physically that it will tick up to mid 90’s consistently ... right now sits 88-91 ... has a plus changeup and average slider - projection would be the reason to select him - very athletic, a lefty and has pedigree - his bother Tai pitches for the Rangers in the big leagues


Kalai Rosario - OF - Waiakea HS - Hilo, Hawaii - 18 years old - RH hitter - 6’1” 200

Committed to California Baptist U - he’s a big time power bat - has posted exit velocities of 100 off the bat and hit a 440 foot HR in Area Code games HR derby ... also shows very good ability to adjust as a hitter, can take the ball the other way ... good athlete but arm strength projects him as a LF position player.


Beck Way - RHP - Northwest Florida JC - 20 years old - 6’4” 200

Committed to LSU - he’s shown ability to pop 96-97 with the FB but generally sits 92-94 ... has an excellent change up and placement command with both FB and Changeup ... needs to develop slider more ... strikeout arm - name to watch in either 3rd or 4th round

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4th Round :


Niko Kavadas - 1B - Notre Dame University - 21 years old - LH hitter, RH throw - 6’1” 235

He’s a power hitter - 24 homers in his 114 game college career - impresses with bat speed and is considered plus plus power hitter - he’s a 1B/DH type - he has a strong arm and has a HS history as a catcher so perhaps that’s also a possibility - is from Granger, Indiana


Jimmy Glowenke -SS - Dallas Baptist University - 21 years old - RH hitter - 5’10” 175

He’s another in the long line of DBU hitters who projects to be a plus bat as a pro. Glowenke likely is a second baseman as a professional with a plus bat that is expected to produce double digit home runs and a consistent average ... is coming off TJ surgery so likely not ready for the field yet ... Phillies have a history selecting DBU hitters - Darick Hall, Austin Listi and Herbert Iser in recent drafts


D’Andre Smith - SS - San Dimas HS - Diamond Bar , CA - RH hitter - 19 yrs old - 5’8” 180

Committed to USC - he’s compact with big power - comparisons to Ray Durham ... versatile player who projects as a Josh Harrison type player - plays with big heart ... a guy that’s exciting to watch play according to scouts who’ve seen him - may be a tough signing ... athletic skills are stand out


Mario Zabala - OF - International Baseball Acdmy - Ceiba, PR - 18 yrs old - RH - 6’2” 195

Very raw but has excellent tools - power bat, plus arm and speed ... scouting report says he’s a very aggressive player ... frame and skills are there ... would be a kid that coaches have to refine and develop but word is he’s eager and a very willing listener ...

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5th Round :


Thomas Farr - RHP - University of South Carolina - 21 years old - 6’0” 195

Pitched previously at Northwest Florida JC - has a solid 3 pitch mix - FB sits 92-94 but flashes upwards to 97 ... has a plus breaking ball that’s a strikeout weapon - big spin rate and an average change up - projects as a multi inning reliever ... a valuable commodity


Jesse Franklin - OF - University of Michigan - 21 yrs old - LH hitter & thrower - 6’1” 215

Considered a high probability major leaguer in scouting report due to high baseball instincts and an outstanding work ethic ... he’s an excellent defender who gets great reads ... has above average power and is a hitter who puts his bat on the ball ... low strikeout ratio - sounds like a guy you want as part of an organization and as a teammate


Marquis Grissom Jr - RHP - Counterpane HS, Fayetteville, GA - 18 yrs old - 6’2” 180

Committed to Georgia Tech - is the son of former big league outfielder Marquis Grissom ... has an excellent spit finger pitch that reportedly tumbles off the table - FB sits 88-92 at present but projects higher as he physically matures ... 12 to 6 curve ball as well ... very athletic who fields position well

Steven Ondina - SS - Int. Baseball Acdmy - Ceiba, PR - 18 yrs old - RH -5’8” 186

Committed to Florida International - he’s an outstanding fielder with plus plus arm ... good instincts, reads and quickness ... line drive type hitter who’s shown quick hand speed


Jake Leftwich - RHP - University of Florida - 21 years old - 6’4” 220

He’s a power pitcher with FB sitting in 95-96 range - has a solid change up and average slider ... stuff is considered “pure” ... thought is with coaching movement could increase and perhaps even velocity


Just a few names to watch for is all ... Happy Day, Happy Baseball ⚾️




Original FB Post - 5/27/2020




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