<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Tyler Kolek is a high school senior from Shepherd who pitches as fast as 102 mph: <a href="http://t.co/aAHpHWtE3S">http://t.co/aAHpHWtE3S</a></p>— Texas Monthly (@TexasMonthly) <a href="https://twitter.com/TexasMonthly/statuses/450663282462826496">March 31, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> Perfect Game's Kendall Rogers, who normally covers college baseball for them, couldn't pass up an opportunity to check out Kolek this past weekend. He lives in Spring, I think. <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Kolek? Very good. FB was up to 99, SL is big-time. RT <a href="https://twitter.com/kcmgallo905">@kcmgallo905</a>: <a href="https://twitter.com/KendallRogersPG">@KendallRogersPG</a> how did he pitc</p>— Kendall Rogers (@KendallRogersPG) <a href="https://twitter.com/KendallRogersPG/statuses/450107819467870208">March 30, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <iframe src="//instagram.com/p/mJKZI6SkMG/embed/" width="612" height="710" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" allowtransparency="true"></iframe> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Elite RHP Tyler Kolek 96-98 in the first inning, smashing the inside corner. Also threw a couple of CBs at 81-83. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23mlbdraft&src=hash">#mlbdraft</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/PerfectGameUSA">@PerfectGameUSA</a></p>— Kendall Rogers (@KendallRogersPG) <a href="https://twitter.com/KendallRogersPG/statuses/450048280752164864">March 29, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>RHP Tyler Kolek filthy in the second. Strikes out the side on 97 FB, as a pair of 81 mph sliders. SL wasn't fair with that FB. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23mlbdraft&src=hash">#mlbdraft</a></p>— Kendall Rogers (@KendallRogersPG) <a href="https://twitter.com/KendallRogersPG/statuses/450053200414908416">March 29, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Pretty impressed w/ Tyler Kolek's ability to hold velocity. Touched 99 in the fourth inning, sitting 96-98 still. As advertised. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23mlbdraft&src=hash">#mlbdraft</a></p>— Kendall Rogers (@KendallRogersPG) <a href="https://twitter.com/KendallRogersPG/statuses/450064093118861312">March 30, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Tyler Kolek finishes w/ 98 FB. Showed a nasty 81 mph slider in fifth. Five innings complete game, 13 Ks. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23mlbdraft&src=hash">#mlbdraft</a> <a href="http://t.co/O5nO0jSGws">pic.twitter.com/O5nO0jSGws</a></p>— Kendall Rogers (@KendallRogersPG) <a href="https://twitter.com/KendallRogersPG/statuses/450068640990105600">March 30, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Not only is there a 2-3 year development time needed to prep a college arm for the MLB, there is less than a 50% chance for those second and third round college arms to actually making it to the MLB.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>Tyler Kolek up to 62 K/1 BB over 27.1 innings. Has allowed three hits. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23MLBDraft&src=hash">#MLBDraft</a></p>— Dan Kirby (@DanMKirby) <a href="https://twitter.com/DanMKirby/statuses/450668619551084544">March 31, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Kolek is definitely very intruiging, making a case for himself. Especially if Rodon wants too much $ like Appel in 2012. The one BB is the main thing for me, shows he's a pitcher and not just a hard thrower. I'm still all about Rodon though, would rather have a proven college ace who will move quickly through the system
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>A scout I respect tremendously tells me NC State's Carlos Rodon is no longer viewed by the Astros as a slam dunk choice for the 1st pick.</p>— Jose de Jesus Ortiz (@OrtizKicks) <a href="https://twitter.com/OrtizKicks/statuses/451725535530340352">April 3, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>I'd be shocked if the Astros take RHP Tyler Kolek, but the big country kid from outside of Houston will be seen by a huge Astros group soon.</p>— Jose de Jesus Ortiz (@OrtizKicks) <a href="https://twitter.com/OrtizKicks/statuses/451726181239238656">April 3, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script> <blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p>The Astros have done plenty of homework on Kolek, and the kid checks lots of boxes off the field as well.</p>— Jose de Jesus Ortiz (@OrtizKicks) <a href="https://twitter.com/OrtizKicks/statuses/451727098894229504">April 3, 2014</a></blockquote> <script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
Passed on Kohl Stewart last year, who was similarly the top ranked prep arm, and from Houston, though I believe Kolek is more highly regarded. Amazing for one city to do that two years running.
One thing Rodon has going for him is that Hoffman hasn't really helped himself so far this season either. Beede has, but had fallen back so far, that I don't think he is a legit candidate. Seems like it would be Rodon/Kolek/Alex Jackson up for the top pick to me, and in that order.
Rodon about to take the loss again today. NC State down 6-1 in the late innings. Rodon has given up 11 hits through 7 and 2/3rds
i was all in on rodon, but his decreased speeds are especially concerning. very frustrating not only to have 3 straight #1s, but not to have a clear, consensus #1 pick any year. was really hoping rodon was that guy, but it doesnt look like it right now.
I could care less about consensus #1's as it still is all about how they perform once they actually play ball. So far, Correa looks to be every bit the #1 guy this team needs. Appel will need more time to evaluate, but considering he was in the running to be the #1 guy the year before and got better... he really was more of a stand-out prospect than being given credit for. Its still largely a crap-shoot. The Rays had 3 #1 picks, and only one of them (Price) turned out to be the "guy". The ratio of "franchise-player" to #1 picks in MLB is still very low... over the last 20 years, I'd consider only Mauer and A-Rod to be that sort of player, with Harper still too young to make a determination on.
But.. But... Tyler Kolek is dominating Texas 3A HS... I don't even know anymore. Disappointing to see Rodon's FB velocity sit at 90-93.. NCST has pitched him into the ground the past two seasons. Perhaps it's finally taking a toll? Htown is seriously cursed.