San Diego Swing: Team Shannon Mock Draft Recap - Part 1

JARED JONES - LA MIRADA - TEXAS 

Taken with the second overall pick in the virtual mock draft, the power right-handed pitcher has been on the radar for quite some time thanks to a consistent mid-90’s fastball and rare athleticism on the mound. Jones was clocked at 97 mph at the 2019 ProCase, tops in the state. Jones shows swagger and confidence on the field translating both on the mound and at the plate. His ability to run, throw and hit from the outfield gives him a legitimate opportunity to play both ways at Texas but his future is on the mound. Athleticism and arm strength from Jones compares to that of Cincinnati Reds dual-threat Michael Lorenzen. 

HUNTER BARNHART - ST. JOSEPH - ARIZONA STATE 

Drafted in the fifth round with the fourteenth overall pick, Barnhart has seen his stock steadily rise thanks to a plus-breaking ball and a fastball with rapidly progressing speed readings, reportedly as high as 96 mph. The former dual-threat quarterback shows size, strength and athleticism in his 6-foot-3 200 lb frame with room for more. Barnhart has long term projection as a starter with improved command and development of a change-up but he could be even more effective out of the bullpen with his fastball velocity playing up and his impressive plus-breaking ball. Passes the eye test with his athleticism, pure stuff and limited use making him one of the more desirable pro pitching prospects in the 2020 class. 

KYLE CARR - SAN MARCOS - SAN DIEGO 

Carr was the first San Diego area player selected with the twentieth overall selection in the seventh round. Late bloomer on the mound as he was initially recruited as an outfielder by division 1 schools and will be given a chance to play both ways at San Diego. Carr’s pitching prowess really came on during the 2019 summer circuit thanks to an easy low 90’s fastball from a twitchy frame. Carr is not as polished as other pitchers in his class but that rawness gives him some of the best projection in the state. Athletic toolsy two-way left handers are rare, helping raise his stock and making him one of the most desirable left-handed players in the country. When it is all said and done, Carr has the potential to be a first round draft pick in the 2023 MLB Draft. 

CHRISTIAN RODRIGUEZ - ORANGE LUTHERAN - FULLERTON

Rodriguez slipped to the eighth round where he was selected twenty-third overall. One of the more polished pitchers in the 2020 class, the 6-foot-6 right-hander was also the tallest pitcher selected. Rodriguez shows advanced feel on the mound with repeatable mechanics, plus-balance and command of his pitches. Rodriguez has reportedly shown recent velocity gains, touching 95 mph and spinning a curveball with a total spin rate of 2889, well above the 2019 Major League Average of 2609. Rodriguez's mental feel for the game is evident in his ‘in between the ears’ knowledge of pitching. The tall lanky right-hander possesses an impressive overall body of work and shows similarities to Aaron Sanchez.

JORDAN THOMPSON - HELIX - LSU

Thompson was the thirty-second overall selection, taken in the eleventh round and placed in the utility spot thanks to his toolsy skill set that allows him to play both ways. Thompson possesses an elite arm that he shows off on the mound with a low 90s fastball and at short-stop where he can make any throw. The LSU commit has speed to his game as he runs a sub 7.0 sixty-yard dash and shows quick feet and fluid lateral movement. Offensively there is pop in his bat from his twitchy frame and has the bat speed and strength to progress quickly at the next level. Thompson is the type of prospect one would call “athlete” and let the rest play itself out in the SEC where he will be attending Louisiana State.