Reds Draft: Day 2 Wrap

Day 2 of the MLB Draft is in the books and here’s a look at the newest Reds.

Third Round (#104): Mark Armstrong, RHP, Clarence HS (NY)
Armstrong has committed to Pitt, but this may provoke a change in plans. The 6-3, 205 pound senior was named the Gatorade New York Baseball Player of the Year. Noted for his exceptionally high character as he often volunteers at youth sports camps, Armstrong also features a fastball that rides in the low 90’s. The pitch that also wows scouts is a curve that breaks hard and downward.

Fourth Round (#135): Ben Lively, RHP, Central Florida
In his three years at UCF, Lively compiled a record of 21-8 with an ERA of 3.06 and WHIP of 1.295. Each season, Lively showed continued improvement in his SO/BB ratio as well. It is well worth noting that in a couple of his 2013 appearances, Lively was on the winning end of games against Chris Anderson of Jacksonville (#18 to the Dodgers) and Aaron Blair of Marshall (#36 to the Diamondbacks).

His 2012 foray in the Cape Cod League wasn’t successful (0-2, 4.15, 1.253), but he did have the opportunity to square off against Reds first round selection Phillip Ervin.

Fifth Round (#165): Cory Thompson, SS, Mauldin HS (SC)
Another two-way player. The South Carolina commit is listed as a shortstop, but he can also pitch. As a shortstop, he possesses good hands and a good arm. Thompson owns good speed and has the ability to make solid, consistent contact while at the plate.

As a pitcher, he is viewed as being on the small side (5-11, 180), but can regularly hit the low 90’s with his fastball. Extremely athletic.

Sixth Round (#195): Zack Weiss, RHP, UCLA
After starting 22 games in his first two season at UCLA, Weiss was moved to the bullpen for the 2013 season. He made 40 appearances (only Bruins closer David Berg made more – 45) and posted a 2-1 record to go along with an ERA of 2.37 and WHIP of 1.184. He doesn’t strike out a lot of batters (6.39 SO/9), but he’s not one to walk a lot either (2.84 BB/9).

Weiss and UCLA is currently facing Cal State Fullerton and soon-to-be teammate Michael Lorenzen in the Super Regional. UCLA won last night’s 10-inning tilt, 5-3.

Weiss will be reunited with former Bruin teammates Beau Amaral and Jeff Gelalich within the Reds system.

Seventh Round (#225): Tyler Mahle, RHP, Westminster HS (CA)
Mahle’s fastball sits in the high 80’s, but he has touched 91. If that’s a concern, maybe this will soothe that. He is 6-2, 175 and many believe he will find extra velocity as he grows and matures. In 49.2 innings, he whiffed 56 batters while walking only a dozen.

His brother, Greg, plays at UC Santa Barbara where Tyler has committed to play his college baseball.

Eighth Round (#255): Scott Brattvet, RHP, Cal State – Bakersfield
In 15 starts, Brattvet was 9-1 with a 2.55 ERA. He pitched 98.1 innings and struck out 70 and walked 42. He tossed a pair of complete games with one being a shutout. Owns a low 90’s fastball and low 80’s slider on which to build, but 10 wild pitches and the walk rate are of concern.

Ninth Round (#285): Chad Jones, LHP, LSU
Jones may be more familiar to those that follow the NFL in that he was a 3rd round pick of the New York Giants in the 2010 NFL Draft. Last May, the Giants released him despite an attempt to return to football. Jones nearly lost his left leg in a car accident and despite taking nearly four years away from the game, the Reds did sent a rep to watch a workout.

The two-sport star at LSU still has the tools and being a lefty pitcher is always enticing. In addition, he was an outfielder at LSU as well.

Tenth Round (#315): Daniel Wright, RHP, Arkansas State
Wright was named 2013 Sun Belt Conference pitcher of the Yer after posting a 6-5 record with a 3.18 ERA with three complete games which were also his last three starts of the season. Talk about building up to something. He also picked up a save.

With the eight selections the Reds made on the draft’s second day, they selected six righty pitchers, a lefty arm…that can also play the outfield, and a shortstop…that can also be a right-handed pitcher.