2014 MLB draft prospects rankings: Nos. 30-26

30. Foster Griffin, The First Academy Orlando (FL), LHP, 6’ 5”, 210 lbs.

The first thing you notice with Griffin is his stature.

There are varying reports about the top end of his fastball. Perfect Game has a top speed of 92, while Nathan Rode of Prep Baseball Report states that Griffin has hit 94. Regardless of what that speed is, he will more than likely add a couple of mph to the pitch. It will develop into an above average pitch for him.

But Griffin offers two more pitches that project to be above average: his curveball and his changeup. The curve . The change. If Griffin can add a slider to this mix, he’s surely a mid-rotation guy and possibly even a #2.

And as you look at his overall build, you guessed it. Adding a little (and I do mean a little) bulk can enhance his pitches.

The entire wind is easy on the eyes, that’s for sure. No excessive movement and nothing that would scream that his mechanics are running afoul. With his stride in combination with his frame, Griffin can certainly take advantage making his pitches appear faster than they actually are. Again, adding a couple mph to his speeds is possible and could further confound opponents.

Doesn’t hurt that Griffin can pound the strike zone. He’s not afraid to do so.

Griffin has committed to Ole Miss.

29. Luis Ortiz, Sanger HS (CA), RHP, 6’ 3”, 220 lbs.

We like comparisons. We want to know who and potentially what a prospect might deliver once he reaches the show. With Ortiz, that comp is Yovani Gallardo. This was who Don Olsen of Big League Futures was reminded of when he saw Ortiz at the Tournament of Stars.

I can see a little Gallardo here.

In this appearance, the fastball topped out at 94, but it has been reported that Ortiz has hit 97 (according to Big League Futures). And did you notice the slider? About 82 with nice depth. Ortiz is pretty consistent with his slider velocity. His changeup isn’t shabby either (low to mid 80’s) and is no worse than an average offering.

The one pitch that does need some attention is the curve. Oritz throws it at roughly the same velocity as his slider and change, but he only recently started to offer the pitch.

Some time back, comments had been made regarding the amount of weight Ortiz was carrying. At one time, he was at 245 pounds. He made a commitment to take off the weight, and in the process, became more like a MLB pitcher. If he can keep the weight off and not have issues with his weight fluctuating, there’s no reason we can see him in a #3 spot in a starting rotation.

And I feel I’m being a little conservative with my #3 assessment even though some feel there’s not much more projection there.

Ortiz has committed to Fresno State

28. Spencer Adams, White County HS (GA), RHP, 6’ 5”, 190 lbs.

Once again we come across a pitcher owning a lean frame that could afford to add a few pounds and some muscle. That shouldn’t be an issue with Adams. The prime advantage I see with being 6’ 5” is throwing downhill should certainly present difficulties for opposing hitters.

The fastball rests around the high 80’s to low 90’s with 92 currently being the top end. This pitch does project to being an above average offering due to the ¾ arm slot Adams has. The overall release gives the pitch some movement.

The slider,(or is it a curve?) can also become a good pitch. We’re looking at mid 80’s with some cutter tendencies.

With his frame, you can see that his stride toward the plate can be a bit intimidating. Imagine if Adams can add a couple mph to his pitches.

Adams is a natural athlete (he also played shortstop for White County) and is a three-sport star at his high school. Now that he can settle on baseball, he can devote 100% of his effort there. And that should bring about a quicker development.

See?

Adams has committed to Georgia.

27. Jacob “J.B.” Bukauskas, Stone Bridge HS (VA), RHP, 5’ 11”, 180 lbs.

Does it even make sense to include Bukauskas in this? I mean, he has already contacted all of the teams to tell them of his intent to honor his commitment to North Carolina. In other words, don’t draft him because he’s not going pro yet. You see, being a Tar Heel has always been a childhood dream of his.

But could a team be willing to roll the dice and select him later in the draft? You never know what could happen when those professional reps get involved.

Bukauskas certainly has first round talent with a plus fastball (he’s hit triple digits) and a slider that also has plus written all over it. Wouldn’t be unheard of a team taking this route.

Unis even have a UNC feel.

And who knows, Bukauskas could change his mind, but I wouldn’t hold my breath. The fact he contacted all of the teams tells me he’s serious about heading to Chapel Hill.

And there’s that whole childhood dream working here, too.

26. Casey Gillaspie, Wichita State, 1B, 6’ 4”, 230 lbs.

Despite the gene pool, Gillaspie was not drafted out of high school. Casey’s brother, Conor, was selected 37th overall by the San Francisco Giants in the 2008 draft. Casey figures to top that benchmark. Honestly, he should.

Gillaspie is a switch-hitter with raw power from both sides of the plate. One scout informed the folks at MLB Pipeline that Gillaspie could potentially be as good as Lance Berkman or Mark Teixeira. That’s some high praise. That could also mount a little pressure.

Now, take a look at these numbers…

2014 season (overall): 59 G, .389/.520/.682,15 HR, 50 RBI, 58 BB, 28 SO
2014 season (conference): 21 G, .478/.617/.940, 8 HR, 23 RBI, 26 BB, 10 SO

The Shockers are members of the Missouri Valley Conference, so some might say that the level of competition might not be as it is with the SEC or ACC. Don’t forget that Evansville and Dallas Baptist are members of the MVC.

I know you’re curious as to how Gillaspie performed outside the MVC.

28 G, .347/.463/.563, 7 HR, 27 RBI, 32 BB, 18 SO

There is only one “negative” concerning Gillaspie. He is positionally slotted as a first baseman. He’s not deemed quick enough to play a corner outfield. He doesn’t have a strong enough arm to play out there either. He does own a pair of decently soft hands, so this defense shouldn’t necessarily hurt a team.

If you’re looking for a college bat that needs very little work, Gillaspie is your guy.