Draft Bits--College Arms

Traditionally, this is the route the Cards take. So, here are the most likely names you will hear at 13.

Brian Matusz-A tall (6'5), somewhat wiry Lefty from San Diego. Can get the fastball up to the mid 90s, but will mostly hang around the 88-91 mph area. He throws an adavanced change and 2 good breaking pitches (a go-to curve and a workable slider/cutter). Having 4 solid offerings at this point makes him the top pitcher in the class and being left handed doesn't hurt. He reminds me of Mark Mulder (the 2000-2002 version) and will almost certainly be gone by the Cards pick. His ceiling is not as high as some others, but he should at least be a #3 in the majors. There is also some fast track possibilities because of his advanced change.

Aaron Crow--I would say the chances of him being available are slim to slimmer. He is a 6'3 righty out of Mizzou. He can get it up there in the upper 90's (97!!) with some movement. He also has a future out pitch in a slider and a change-up that has potential to be a 3rd pitch to set up hitters. Like many hard throwers, his command seems raw. But, his stuff his absolutely Ace-like. I think he is the syrest arm in the draft outside of Brian Matusz. However, Crow's ceiling is much higher.

Tanner Schepers--A 6'4 RHP out of Fresno State, he mixes a low to mid 90's fastball that moves with a plus slider. He rarely throws a change, but the same can be said about Chris Carpenter. He has a very high ceiling, but there is also a big "miss factor" here. He is fairly new to the mound (was recruited as a SS) and may take a little more time in the minors than other collegiate pitchers. However, there is also a big "hit factor" here. He could be an Ace/#2 in the bigs in 3 years.

Shooter Hunt--A 6'3 Righty from Tulane with a great 1-2 fastball curveball combo. His walk rates are a little high, but he is a bulldog on the mound with great poise. He could be an Ace, but I am hesitant to use that terminology. He seems a little like Adam Ottavino.

Christian Friedrich--A 6'3 Lefty out of Eastern Kentucky, he mixes an average fastball (won't get harder than 92/93) with a plus plus curve and a cutter. A big caveat here is his lack of a change-up. He has it but it is far below average. That won't cut it for a 1st round lefty. He will be drafted higher than he should be because of his lefthandedness.


In a perfect world, we would get one of the 1st 2. However, they will probably both be gone. If that is the case, Scheppers seems to be the man.