Team Doherty Mock Draft Recap - Part 1

KYLE HARRISON - DE LA SALLE - UCLA

With the third pick in the Mock Draft scenario, I was gifted a frontline starter from the baseball gods; Blaine and Jack Ahem... with massive upside, that had slipped right into my hands.  Without hesitation I made Harrison my first round pick. The PBR California State Pitcher of the Year after a season that saw him go 10-0 and lead De La Salle to a 29-1 season, including 28 wins in a row from the point they were 1-1 after two games. He took the ball in the CIF-NCS D1 quarterfinals and then again in the championship game, punching out 10 hitters both times. What seems to be apparent each time we see him pitch/compete is that he is mature and he is focused. Harrison seems to genuinely enjoy playing baseball, whether pitching in a section final, or hitting and playing 1st base, or throwing a pen for a bunch of MLB area scouts/crosscheckers. He's one of the top 2020 pitchers in the nation, not just California, and when the 2020 draft rolls around he will be in the 1st round mix.

MAX RAJCIC - ORANGE LUTHERAN - UCLA

If there were one game to win in a winner take all situation, the UCLA Commit in my opinion would get the ball. Rajcic was selected 12th overall, 4th round in the Mock scenario. With a three year proven track record at the highest levels of high school and international competition, Rajcic has truly been the cornerstone of powerhouse Orange Lutheran high school. The back-to-back-to-back (thats three-time) NHSI National Champion works 90-93 as a starter with the ability to tic it up into the mid 90’s when he needs it. Shows a refreshing outward energy and enthusiasm when on the mound. Has the stuff to be a front-line starter immediately if he chooses to go to college. Check out this never seen before footage of Rajcic at the USA Trials, at Fullerton Junior College in August 2019,  one day before the U18 USA National Team left for the World Cup in South Korea where they captured Gold Medal.

JOSH SWALES - GRACE BRETHREN - ARIZONA 

Stood out at the Area Code tryouts where he flashed an easy, loose arm and a three-pitch mix. Swales made the Brewers Area Code Team, but  wasn't able to participate due to an injury.  In the fall the fastball was showing more consistent sinking action while his backdoor slurve to left-handed hitters is brutally tough to hit. There had been a lot of heat in on Swales early in the fall, and has risen fast in MLB Draft discussions. He had been up to 96 this spring and tinkering with a new delivery and some new grips on the ball.

PAUL SKENES - EL TORO - AIR FORCE

The six-foot-five, 225lbs senior was showing evaluators he’s more than capable on the mound to raise his overall stock. There is no question Skenes has thunder in his bat which projects at the pro level. Defensive tools play up as well for a big, long-framed catcher. This is his first year pitching at the high school level, and my first viewing the fastball sat 90-92. Exhibits intent with clean, short, quick arm action. Demonstrates athleticism in his delivery and the ability to throw strikes consistently. It will be exciting to follow his overall progress and development behind the plate and on the mound. 

KEVIN PARADA - LOYOLA - GEORGIA TECH

Jason Veritek, Matt Wieters, Joey Bart, next up…..Kevin Parada. Selected in the third round of the PBR California Mock scenario. A very strong defender with a plus arm tool; it’s Parada’s talent at the plate that has him firmly placed within the Top 10 in the State of California. The Ramblin' Wreck commit can legitimately run as well. He's been consistently hitting for average for some time now, and possesses legitimate over the fence power potential. If Parada doesn't get popped within the first five rounds of the 2020 MLB Amateur Draft this year and decides to elect to go to college, mark my words he will be the next catching star to come out of Georgia Tech. 

DIEGO BAQUEIRO - NOTRE DAME - LMU

Six-foot-two, 185-pounds, tall, lean frame with proportional strength throughout the body. Baquiero is physical, athletic, and a projectable third baseman that will certainly gain more strength adn muscle mass. Current arm strength is above average and shows life and accuracy across the diamond. Hands are soft and backhand is pure. Exchanges are quick and clean. Shows present bat speed with a direct path to the ball. Generates good backspin on the ball with excellent extention. He's quick through the hitting zone and keeps his barrel on path on plane the entire time. Power really projects from a current gap-to-gap approach. Present line drive hitter.