Jim Callis and the guys over at Baseball America have came out with their list of the top 500 prospects that are eligible for next week's baseball draft and we'll take a brief look at the prospects that fall within the general footprint of the Kansas City Royals coverage area.
72) Alec Rash, ADM High School (Adel, Iowa)
The 6'5" 195 lb right-handed pitcher is a University of Missouri commit that features a fastball that gets up as high as 95 mph, and a hard slider that is in the low 80's as well. He is still raw and must improve his command, but he figures to likely be a second round pick.
180) Mark Sappington, Rockhurst U
Standing 6'4" and 220 lbs, Sappington throws a low 90's fastball that can reach 96, and scouts think his arm strength will result in a move to the bullpen in pro ball. Scouts also rave about him being a student of the game.
194) Ty Blach, Creighton
Blach, who lead Division One with 18 wins this season, only throws 89-92 mph on his fastball, but the left-hander wins and is projected as an end of the rotation starter.
202) Bralin Jackson, Raytown South High School (Raytown, MO)
The first position player in the area list, Jackson is another Missouri commit that is still quite raw. The outfielder is a solid all-around player, but he still is a project at the plate.
268) Collin Willes, Blue Valley West High School (Overland Park, KS)
Willies is a 6'4" 180 lb right-handed pitcher that is committed to Vanderbilt, and figures to be a tough sign. His fastball velocity is current in the upper 80's and tops out at 90. He is a guy that could really improve his draft stock with a couple years in college.
324) Blake Brown, Missouri
The 6'1" 185 lb junior is second on the Tigers with 10 home runs and 39 RBI, but also leads the team in strikeouts (57).
328) Dalton Friend, Jefferson CC (MO)
Friend, a 6'3" 235 left-handed pitcher is committed to Texas Tech for next season. This season he had 13.3 strikeouts per nine innings, and does so with a fastball that sits in the low 90's. Arm troubles, combined with just two true pitches will likely make him a relief pitcher in the eyes of most teams.
333) Matt Strahm, Neosho County CC (KS)
The 6'3" 170 lb left-handed pitcher still has a lot of filling out to do, but his fastball was up to 92 mph this season. In addition, the Nebraska commit has a slurve and changeup in his arsenal.
345) Brett Wiley, Jefferson CC (MO)
Wiley, a 6'0" 180lb shortstop provides offense at his position, posting 24 doubles and 28 steals this season. Defensively, it appears he has the range to stick at shortstop. He is committed to Missouri State University.
395) Matt Fultz, Lee's Summit West High School (Lee's Summit, MO)
Catcher
423) Justin Chigbogu, Raytown South High School (Raytown, MO)
First Baseman
427) Tanner Poppe, Kansas
A big 6'5" 230 lb right-handed pitcher from Girard, Kansas, Poppe was 0-4 this season with a 6.21 ERA out of the bullpen for the Jayhawks. He struggled, allowing 49 hits in 37.2 innings.
446) Shae Simmons, Southeast Missouri State
The 5'11" right-hander from was the ace of the Redhawks staff, starting 15 games and finishing with a 7-4 record and 4.50 ERA. He struck out 89 in 82 innings while walking 52. He also lead the team with 12 wild pitches thrown.
451) Richard Stock, Nebraska
The junior catcher was a transfer from USC and finished the season second on the Huskers with 44 RBI. He lead the team with 19 doubles, finishing with a .353/.380/.531 line.
463) Tanner Kreitemeier, Iowa Western CC
The Castle Rock, Colorado native has signed with Oklahoma State University after his career as a Reiver is over. He's been a truw two-way player at Iowa Western, posting an 11-0 record on the mound with a 1.57 ERA and allowing just 42 hits in 63 innings. He's also struck out 78 while walking 17. He also sports a .430 batting average at the plate, with 20 doubles and 58 RBI.
485) Derek Tomscha, Iowa Western CC
Tomscha, from Sioux City, Iowa, is signed to play for Auburn University next season. Playing at third base, Tomscha is hitting .438 with 23 doubles and 64 RBI in 185 at-bats. He currently leads the team with 15 home runs.
Look for more continued Royals draft coverage throughout the upcoming week. In addition also make your way over to Royals Review for all Kansas City Royals related news and notes.