Prep Baseball Report

San Diego Swing: Team Shannon Mock Draft Recap - Part 2


Jack Shannon
San Diego Area Scout

 

     

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Encinitas, CA - Thursday May 7th the Prep Baseball Report - California staff conducted a three-team virtual mock draft consisting of California high school players from the class of 2020. Draft lottery determined draft positioning for the snake format with Team Clemmens picking first, followed by Team Shannon and Team Doherty. The virtual mock draft was conducted on Instagram Live with each team having sixty seconds to make their pick for a total of thirty-nine players selected over thirteen rounds. Similar to any draft in sports we saw predictable and unpredictable picks, risers and fallers, early round reaches and late round steals, making for an entertaining and enjoyable draft that had a high viewership rating. 

Team Shannon went into the draft looking to build a well-rounded team concentrated around athleticism, big league tools and down the line projection. Of the thirteen players selected, nine players participated in the 2019 Area Code games. Draft selection highlights include the pitcher with the fastest clocked fastball in the state, the tallest first baseman and right-handed pitcher, quickest catcher pop-time and three players that also starred as Quarterbacks on the football field. Part 1 of the Team Shannon draft recap takes a look at the four-man pitching rotation, catcher and utility player positions.

 

MILAN TOLENTINO - SANTA MARGARITA - UCLA

The number one ranked short-stop in the state of California and the first position player selected by Team Shannon in the second round with the fifth selection. Tolentino’s defensive actions are above-average across the board, helping project him to stick at short-stop at the college and pro levels. Polished footwork and flashy glovework standout along with a plus-arm that has been clocked as high as 91 mph on the mound. High-average offensive approach with projectable power thanks to quick hands and a smooth consistent lefty swing. Tolentino’s lower half coil, barrel control and all-fields approach project well at the pro level. Consistent sub 7.0 60 yard dash runner translates well on the basepath and gives him great flexibility throughout the line-up. Tolentino is your prototypical blue-chip California left-handed hitting highly talented short-stop with tools across the board that will help him excel at the next level. 

 


MICHAEL BROWN - VACAVILLE - WASHINGTON 

Arguably the biggest reach in the draft, Brown was selected with the eighth overall selection in the third round. The 6-foot-6 240 pound first baseman looks good getting off the bus and is an imposing figure on the field. Brown’s power and batting practice moon shots turn heads and garners attention for all those in attendance. Athletic enough with nimble feet for a big man allows him to pick and field and play adequate first base defense at this level and next. There is swing-and-miss and rawness to his swing that will have to be corrected at the next level to harness his full potential. Size and natural power can’t be taught with his power potential being some of the best in the country. 


 

ISAIAH GREENE - CORONA - MISSOURI 

Selected eleventh overall in the fourth round, the speedy Missouri commit has been trending upwards, with many indications pointing to him being selected in the 2020 MLB Draft. Greene’s plus-speed and impressive showing at the Area Code games are to thank for his elevated prospect status. Elite athleticism with the frame of a big leaguer oozes projection and heightens his ceiling. Below-average arm tool could delegate him to left field down the line, along with a tough start to the 2020 season have raised some concerns. The left-handed hitting outfielder’s contact ability and projectable power allow for solid down the line projection at the professional level. Greene is a comfortable pick as your top outfielder in a loaded 2020 class. 

 


PETEY HALPIN - MIRA COSTA - TEXAS

Selected seventeenth overall in the sixth round, the Texas commit can play and has the potential to outplay his ranking. Halpin generates his power tool with an aggressive approach at the plate hunting fastballs and shows his hit tool with ability to handle the barrel and use both sides of the field. Average arm with the potential for more coupled with above-average coverage skills give him the ability to play all three outfield positions. Speed is evident in his consistent sub 7.0 60 yard dash readings and ability to steal bases with a high success rate. Undersized in the eyes of many as a first round outfielder lowers his ceiling. Possesses the right ingredients to be a successful player at Texas and has a good base to become a successful professional player down the line. 

 


THOMAS SAGGESE - CARLSBAD - PEPPERDINE 

The prep shortstop was selected twenty-sixth overall in the ninth round thanks to his plus hit tool. Arguably the best hitter in the San Diego section over the last two years, Saggese can flat out rake and is quickly becoming a quick riser on draft boards. His natural ability and willingness to hit to the opposite field allow for his 400 plus batting average at the prep level and leave few holes in his swing to attack. Sneaky power to all-fields thanks to a twitchy frame make him a legitimate power threat. Possesses good baseball instincts shown in his base running and defensive actions. Lacks elite athleticism to play professional short-stop but possesses enough to be a successful second baseman at the college and pro level.  

 

 

JACOB GONZALEZ - GLENDORA - OLE MISS

With the twenty-ninth selection in the tenth round, the Ole Miss commit starred as a prep shortstop and looks primed to become a legitimate prospect at third base. One of three dual-threat quarterbacks on the Team Shannon roster, Gonzalez athleticism is clear and helps drive his toolsy skillset. Listed at 6-foot-2 185 pounds with broad shoulders and present strength helps raise the ceiling at his down the line projection. The left-handed hitter likes to go the other way with a relaxed and minimal effort swing but his excellent barrel control enables him to turn on inside pitches to the pull side. Defensively shows pocket presence footwork, fundamental glovework, range and arm strength. Gonzalez's good but not elite defense at shortstop along with his size make him an ideal candidate at third where he will be an above-average defensive third baseman and has a bat that can stick. 

 

 


CHAD BORN - ORANGE LUTHERAN - MIAMI 

Rounding out the outfield with the thirty-fifth overall selection in the twelfth round, the Miami commit plays with swagger and backs it up with quality baseball actions on the field. Solid frame along with his present athleticism project well down the line. Impact player that displays tools across the board but lacks any current plus-tools. Moves well on the field, reads the ball well and plays loose. Looks good in batting practice and most importantly translates the all-fields solid contact approach to the game. Showing signs of down the line power potential with current line drive ability. Transitioning to the U from the Southern California style of baseball will be a challenge but Born’s skill set could flourish and give him the potential to turn him into a top 100 player in the 2023 MLB Draft. 

 


 

UPCOMING EVENTS

Of course given the Covid-19 pandemic, future event dates/locations could change. If they do, we will alert all registered players and make adjustments to our calendar.
SHOWCASE STATE DATE LOCATION
Norcal Underclass Games (INVITE-ONLY) CA 06/06 Islanders Field - Lathrop
Northern California ProCase (INVITE ONLY) CA 06/13 Folsom Lake College or Islanders Field
SoCal Underclass Games (INVITE ONLY) CA 06/13 Hart Park
SoCal ProCase (INVITE ONLY) CA 06/14 Hart Park
California State Games CA 07/25 Southern California


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