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2007 Top 200 Draft Prospects - (Baseball America)


Bogus Smith

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2007 Top 200 Draft Prospects

May 22, 2007

This is Baseball America's comprehensive review of the top prospects for this year's draft, based on discussions with high school and college coaches and professional scouts and executives. Our list is based on the overall professional potential of the players, not necessarily on where we expect them to get drafted. Capsules were written by Jim Callis, Aaron Fitt, John Manuel and Alan Matthews.

166. Jeremy Hefner, rhp

School: Oral Roberts. Class:

B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-5. Wt.: 200. Birthdate: 3/11/86. 

Scouting Report: Scouts were aware of Hefner in 2006, but he got lost in the shuffle at Seminole State (Okla.) Junior College. The pitching staff also included Drew Miller (who got $300,000 as a draft-and-follow from the Padres), Duke Welker (a likely third-round pick this June) and hard throwers John Maschino and Ryan Lindgren. Hefner went undrafted after the Mets had drafted him in the 46th round in 2004 and the 48th round in 2005. He made a jump forward this spring under the tutelage of Oral Roberts coach Rob Walton. Welker's fastball velocity has risen from 87-89 mph a year ago to 89-94, and his command of the pitch has improved as well. Walton has taught him an effective two-plane slider, and Hefner also uses a curveball and changeup. He also has size (6-foot-5, 200 pounds), athleticism and good arm action in his favor. Hefner moved from the bullpen to the rotation in March, and his stock has climbed as well. He should go in the first five rounds, perhaps higher if he performs well against tougher competition in the NCAA playoffs.

W  L  ERA  G  SV  IP  H  BB  SO

8    1  2.67  8    0    71  51  22  92

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....and some others of local interest....

39. Pete Kozma, ss

School: Owasso (Okla.) HS. Class: Sr.

B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-1. Wt.: 180. Birthdate: 4/11/88. 

Scouting Report: There may not be a true middle infielder drafted in the first round this year, but Kozma is as good a candidate as any. He impressed scouting directors when his team made a swing through Florida in late March, and he had a three-homer game in an Oklahoma 6-A playoff contest. Kozma has no true standout tool, but he also has no glaring weakness. He grades out as average to slightly above-average in every tool except power, and he does have pop. His instincts help him play above his physical ability at bat, on the bases and in the field. He has good plate coverage and uses the entire field, projecting as a future No. 2 hitter in a big league lineup. Coming into the spring, some scouts questioned whether he'd be a long-term shortstop, but he has no doubters now. A Wichita State recruit, Kozma draws raves for his consistency and energy as well.

AVG  AB    R  H  2B  3B  HR  RBI  SB

.519  104 49  54  20    6    7    48    13

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  • 2 weeks later...

....another ORU recruit to be watching on Draft Day!!

167. Leroy Hunt, rhp

School: Sacramento CC. Class: So.

B-T: R-R. Ht.: 6-6. Wt.: 220. Birthdate: 11/28/87. 

Scouting Report: The Reds drafted Hunt in 2005 as an outfielder out of high school and followed him to Sacramento City College. He had enormous raw power as a hitter but never seemed to get comfortable at the plate against good velocity, so Sac City moved him to the mound to take advantage of his arm strength. While he remains raw, Hunt has one of the best fastballs in the state. It has heavy sink and boring armside run, and Hunt throws it in the 90-94 mph range, touching 95 at times. His secondary stuff (slider, changeup) is almost nonexistent, but that didn't stop him from a 40-inning scoreless streak this spring, including a pair of outings against better-regarded Matt Thompson of Santa Rosa (Calif.) Junior College. Hunt needs to develop either his slider or changeup to have a second pitch, a concern because he hasn't shown much aptitude so far. He's committed to Oral Roberts, but should be an easy sign. With his intimidating size (6-foot-6, 220 pounds) and fastball, he profiles as a power reliever.

W  L  ERA  G  SV  IP  H  BB  SO

7  3  1.87 15  1  72 50  22  76

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While he remains raw, Hunt has one of the best fastballs in the state. It has heavy sink and boring armside run, and Hunt throws it in the 90-94 mph range, touching 95 at times. His secondary stuff (slider, changeup) is almost nonexistent....

Sounds like a good candidate for some training/tutelage under Rob Walton.

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With this guy's build and speed and Rob's training, Rob should have him a first- or second- rounder in two years.

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