For most high school pitchers, the time table to get to the major leagues is at least 2-3 years, potentially longer depending on their level of maturity. As Jason Churchill from espn.com found out while talking to a scout recently "If you get the right kind of high school arm, they can get there in two, two and a half years," said one scout, a former big league pitcher and prep draftee himself. "But it sets stuff aside, really. He has to be able to throw strikes consistently, and there are a lot of mental makeup questions that have to be answered.
For last year's class, a few former high school names are standing out as possibilities to make impacts on their respective clubs sooner than anticipated. Tyler Matzek who fell to the Rockies at #11 because of signability concerns was considered by some to be the second best pitcher (behind Stephen Strasburg) available in the draft. Although he has yet to make his professional debut, most see him rising through the Colorado system quickly.
Two other names on that list are Shelby Miller of St. Louis and Matt Hobgood of Baltimore. Both threw well last year and have been sent to Single A clubs to being 2010.
Who could make such an impact in 2010? Here are three names to consider.
Jameson Taillon, The Woodlands HS, RHP: Taillon is very special," said an AL club's area scout. "I'm told by our guys that Taillon has the best stuff bar none and the most upside.
AJ Cole, Ovideo HS, RHP: One of the top pitchers in the 2010 class. He sits comfortably in the low 90s and has touched as high as 96 mph.
Karsten Whitson, Chjpley HS, RHP: He's big, strong and durable and he's got plenty of projection, meaning he might throw harder than his already mid-90s fastball. Add in a plus breaking ball and good changeup and he's got a very intriguing three-pitch mix.
To read the complete article, visit espn.com.
