EVENT DATE: 7/25/2005

LOCATION: Pace University

We saw around 80 players on the day, with a near capacity number in the morning BATS session. There was talent all over the field, though it seemed to be deepest on the mound where six pitchers touched at least 86 mph.

This was one of the tougher Top 5 Prospects to select, there were nearly 10 players considered. It goes without saying that there are some deserving players that did not make this list. Once the Top 5 were selected, the ranking was nearly as tough. Three different players were considered for the number one slot. In the end we took a position player over a pitcher, and then a left hander over a right hander – as it often works out in ranking or selecting prospects.
 
Top 5 Prospects

The Top 5 Prospects were selected by Andy Ferguson (Director of Scouting) and Mark Daniels (Scout) based on their performance at the event. The ranking is based on their status as college prospects, and is relative to the entire group of players we saw on the day – we now consider underclassmen in our selection process.

IMPORTANT – We list players at the position(s) where we feel they are prospects. This may result in a player being listed at a position they did not play for us, or having a position they did play for us go unlisted. As usual, all references to “average” are based on high school standards.

1. Brian Monack, OF/LHP, 2006 – Branford, CT (Branford HS), 6-0, 170, L/L. His left handed bat has great value, both hitting and power are above average. In an impressive round of batting practice he showed the combination of bat speed, power (drove some ball out to right center) and the ability to go the other way. He also ran well (7.00 60 yard dash) and showed a strong average arm from the outfield. He moved well to the ball and spun the ball well from an over top slot. His frame has some length to it, and he has not filled out yet. He topped at 83 mph on the mound, and showed strong average breaking stuff (curve and slider). His arm had some whip out front, could see some more in his fastball. Possible 2-way guy.

2. Alex Meyer, LHP, 2006 – Pompton Plains, NJ (Don Bosco Prep), 6-1, 165, L/L. Pitching from the low side of a three quarter slot, Meyer was between 83 and 86 mph with his fastball. It had late, jumping tail action at times and was on somewhat of a down angle. His breaking ball was big (65-67 mph) and broke on two planes. Was mostly down, but also featured some sweep to the break from his slot. When his wrist was loose he threw an above average change-up with occasional plus sink. His delivery was highlighted with rhythm, and the ball was alive from his hand. He looks to be no fun to stand in against, his low slot and lively stuff don’t allow for a very good look at the ball.

3. Jadd Schmeltzer, RHP, 2007 – Tappan, NY (Bergan Catholic), 6-4, 240, R/R. Schmeltzer looks like a linebacker on the mound, only with a loose and quick arm stroke and a very good delivery. His fastball was 87-91 mph from the windup, and 89 mph from the stretch. It was easy and had occasional life to his arm side on a solid downhill plane. His breaking ball was strong average, held a 10/4 shape from his high three quarter arm slot. It needed more arm speed and velocity (69-71 mph) for a sharper break. Arm speed was present on his change-up (75-79 mph), he had good feel for it and turned a few over pretty well. I would call him more durable than explosive right now, velocity looked to come easy to him and his delivery was simple and repeatable. 

4. Sean Giblin, RHP, 2007 – Pearl River, NY (Pearl River HS), 6-3, 200, R/R. We saw Giblin top out at 81 mph last August at a Rookie event. On that report “plus, great whip action” was written in the “Arm Speed” section. It looks like the arm speed we saw then translated into a significant velocity jump – his fastballs were 85-87 mph this year. His delivery is big, with an overhead move of the hands and a big shoulder turn and lean over his heels. He showed body control and the ability to stay behind his arm, even with all of that movement. Control suffered some, but the life on the ball did not seem to suffer. His breaking ball was a big 11 to 5 with tight spin and depth that flashed above average. He also mixed in a strong average change-up. There are still some mechanical things to work on, but the arm strength is exciting – as is the big jump he already made.

5. Greg Gilroy, C, 2006 – Nesconset, NY (Smithtown HS), 5-9, 180, R/R. Gilroy has good strength already on a compact frame, along with a lot of life in his body. He featured a well above average arm (86 mph) from behind the plate, his throws traveled into the bag better than they left his hand – on line carry. His release times were between 1.96 and 2.03, with basically nothing but arm strength behind them – footwork, exchange and balance all have a lot of room to improve. Athletic ability showed again to block, he moved with ease and quickness to the ball. At the plate he showed some home run power, drove some balls out to left field and hit a lot of backspin line drives. His short stroke produced hard contact, and he kept his legs underneath him very well. Is a little raw, but is certainly able both with glove and the bat.

Top Prospects ARCHIVE

See below for more information about the B.A.T.S. Program, and the Rookie Program. Also, be sure to click on the link for our complete 2005 schedule.

B.A.T.S VIDEO SCOUTING SESSIONS
– includes edited video and scouting report on personal web page
– also an opportunity to tryout for National Tournament Teams
– call 800-641-4487 to register

PUMA NATIONAL TOURNAMENT TEAM TRYOUTS
– an opportunity to tryout for National Tournament Teams
– does not include video, scouting report, or personal webpage
– call 800-621-5452 to register

Baseball Factory 2005 Schedule