Round 2, Pick 53: Joe Perez, 3B, Archbishop McCarthy HS, Fort Lauderdale, Florida - needs Tommy John surgery, will get it this month - Miami commit - also pitched, reached 96 with his fastball; projected 5th-6th round pick as a hitter
Full write up From MLB.com -- While he might profile as a fifth- or sixth-round talent as a hitter, most teams were interested in his electric right arm, though the need for Tommy John surgery clouded his Draft stock considerably. Perez had been shut down for a while with a tired arm/soreness following his outing at the National High School Invitational in March, but he was cleared by a doctor and returned to action, with the issue seemingly coming from just overuse on the mound and the infield, and not elbow related. When he's 100 percent he has one of the most explosive fastballs, especially in the high school ranks. He'll throw the fastball in the 92-97 mph range, with good sink when he keeps it down in the zone. It's easy to think there could be even more in the tank when he isn't expending energy at the hot corner. His 85-88 mph slider can be inconsistent, but it flashes plus. He has a below-average changeup, but doesn't really need it. There is effort in his delivery and he does have trouble repeating it, leaving many to feel he is a future reliever. His elbow injury certainly adds weight to that assessment. That profile, of a high school bullpen guy, is a tough one to put on Draft boards, even if Perez does have closer potential. That, along with his commitment to Miami and perhaps a desire to keep hitting, could impact when he hears his named called.
Hunter Greene picked #2 by the Reds. The Red's Rookie league team is where I live...Billings, MT. Should be interesting to see what all the hype is about!
Guys I could see Houston being interested in: Tristan Beck Looks like Perez was announced as a 3B. Between TJ surgery and Perez's desire to keep hitting, I think Houston plans to put him at 3rd. Pick doesn't make much sense to me unless its a way underslot bonus situation.
Sounds like 3 power righties that are all 50/50 to end up as starters vs. relievers. Interesting way to maximize the likelihood they make it to the majors. Trying to create more Devenskis?
MLB.com seem to project both the 2nd round guys as relievers. Is this high to be aiming for relievers with upside? I honestly don't know.
A&M is in the College World Series. Here's Martin's numbers as of this moment: 23 appearances (12 starts), 7-3, 3.35 ERA, 86 IP, 84 H (5 HR allowed), 36 R (32 ER), 37 BB, 94 K, 1.40 WHIP, .253 opponent average
Perez is going out as a position player. Martin has the build to start. He's been a starter for a good chunk of this year. And I doubt they see Bukauskas as a reliever. They had an early 1st grade on him.
