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By Douglas Benton
Like in many All-Star games, pitching dominated the action all day at Dodger Stadium until the East squad used small ball in the ninth inning to score four runs en route to their 4-2 win. The game’s MVP was East outfielder Brian Goodwin, who delivered the game’s winning hit in the top of the ninth. Read on to see 10 other players who stood out in Saturday’s action.
Wheeler pitched one inning as the starter for the East and was impressive throughout. His fastball sits in the 92-94 mph range, and he has a sharp slider, which is his out pitch, in the low 80s. He compares well to Chicago Cubs’ right-handed pitcher Ryan Dempster.
The two-way player struggled on the mound with four runs given up in the ninth inning and a showed a lack of maturity but also demonstrated a good approach at the plate. His athleticism also makes him an intriguing prospect who has the chance to move up the draft charts this season.
8. Donovan Tate OF 6-foot-3, 205 OF Cartersville, Georgia
This was the best athlete on the field all day and is one of a handful of players who could be ranked No. 1 when we release our high school rankings. In Saturday’s game, he displayed good range in the outfield and the ability to hit from power at the top of the line-up. A likely two-hitter, Tate compares well to Los Angeles Dodgers’ outfielder Matt Kemp.
Maddox moved ahead of Tate due to his work on the mound at the end of the game to get the win. He had good velocity and control, but I see his future at catcher. He has a plus arm behind the plate and showed good power potential at the plate.
6. Matthew Purke LHP 6-foot-3, 170 Spring, Texas
Timing is everything in life. If Purke had come in before Tyler Matzek, he could have topped this list. Either way, Purke was outstanding as he demonstrated an easy and fluid delivery with excellent command. He throws in the low 90s and just knows how to pitch with a good fastball/curveball combo.
Givens is a special talent who could be a first round pick at either pitcher or shortstop. He only had two pitches of work today, but he had flashes of potential. He reminds me of Florida Marlins’ shortstop Hanley Ramirez in that he has the speed to set the table but also gives power from that spot without sacrificing fielding range.
Sampson relieved Wheeler for the East squad and was very impressive with a fastball that had good pop and a big breaking curveball combination. He was able to generate power from a smaller frame but isn’t a maximum effort prospect. He was one of the real surprises today.
3. Jacob Turner 6-foot-4, 205 RHP St. Charles, Missouri
Turner was the only pitcher who went two full innings and struck out five batters in the process. He has a plus fastball which can ride up into the mid 90s and also throws a curveball and change-up, but he needs to work on developing those secondary pitches.
2. Matt Davidson 6-foot-3, 205 3B Yucaipa, California
Davidson played the most complete game today out of the position players as he was good in the field and had a really mature approach at the plate. He looks like a good No. 5 hitter down the road with the ability to be an above average to good defensive third baseman. During the game, Ozzie Smith compared him to New York Mets’ third baseman David Wright, and I tend to agree.
1. Tyler Matzek 6-foot-3, 185 LHP Mission Viejo, California
Mastery just begins to describe Matzek’s one inning of work. He struck out two and gave up a weak pop out to third baseman as he showed a plus fastball with a good curveball. His overall knowledge of pitching at this age is something that has to be attractive to pro clubs.
Who impressed you at the Aflac All-American game? Email your top players to Douglas.Benton@gmail.com
