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August 4, 2016

Eyewitness Accounts

August 4, 2016

by BP Prospect Staff

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Erick Fedde
Peter Lambert
Tommy Bergjans
Josh Sborz
Aristides Aquino
Mitch Walding
Shedric Long
Edwin Rios
Grant Holmes

Erick Fedde


	Born: 02/25/1993 (Age: 23)
	Bats: Right	Throws: Right
	Height: 6' 4"	Weight: 180

Body: Athletic, lean frame. Average width. Above-average athleticism; quick-footed; gets off mound well.

Delivery: Big side-step into semi-windup. Slight hip-turn at top of delivery. Long strider w/ high and closed front side. Moderate effort at finish; still gets through delivery on-line enough for starter look.

Arm Action: Off-line in the back; wrapped arm behind hip. Inverted-W appearance at foot-strike before release. Very fast, whippy arm with some recoil through high-three-quarters slot.

Evaluator	Adam McInturff
Report Date	05/28/2016
Affiliate	Potomac Nationals (High A, Nationals)
Dates Seen	April, May 2016
OFP/Risk	60/High
Realistic	55 -- Regular Mid-Rotation Starter
MLB ETA	2018
Video	Yes

Pitch Type	Present Grade	Future Grade	Sitting Velocity	Peak Velocity	Report
Fastball	60	65	93-94	97	Plus arm-strength; sits mid-90s w/ regular rear-backs for 96, T97 on best bolt. Heavy, above-average life inside to RHB. Velocity and life to be swing/miss FB at ML level. Best command to armside; improved ability to move FB across plate in May viewing.
Slider	50	55	82-83	85	Crisp SL w/ swing-and-miss upside. Keeps the same tunnel as his FB well w/ very late, long tilt. Best ones have two-plane shape; occasionally can be more of a lateral breaker across the zone.
Splitter	45	50	87-88	90	Getting more action and depth on best splitters as 2016 goes on. Threw a handful in the 87-88 range w/ good sell out in front and flashes of swing/miss dive and finish. Still developing the pitch; at least avg splitter w/ the arm speed to perhaps be a tick better.
Control	45	50			Athletic enough to consistently land FB and SL for strikes though a delivery w/ some wrap. Got FB down and to arm-side very well in most recent viewing and SL to the other side of the plate. Splitter mostly a two-strike chase pitch right now.

Athletic right-hander w/ plus velocity and flashes of two solid secondary pitches. Trust in third pitch (splitter) and overall control/command improving as season goes on. Velocity could play at 95-98 w/ life from bullpen role, but think he can continue to develop as a starter. First full pro season after TJ surgery; see 2018 debut if Washington keeps him on starter's development path.

Peter Lambert


	Born: 04/18/1997 (Age: 19)
	Bats: Right	Throws: Right
	Height: 6' 2"	Weight: 185

Body: Short right-hander, looks smaller than listed; sloped, narrow features, young, immature frame, average body type. Physical projection remaining, should remain slight

Delivery: Semi-wind, slower-paced, coordinated and controlled throughout; average height to leg lift, hand pump at the top, repeats, excellent balance and extension through finish; strike-throwing starter's mechanics

Arm Action: Compact, in-line circle, free and easy, clean arm-stroke, over-the-top slot

Evaluator	Adam McInturff
Report Date	05/30/2016
Affiliate	Asheville Tourists (Low A, Rockies)
Dates Seen	May 30, 2016
OFP/Risk	50/Moderate
Realistic	45 - No. 5 Starter/Middle Reliever
MLB ETA	2020
Video	Yes

Pitch Type	Present Grade	Future Grade	Sitting Velocity	Peak Velocity	Report
Fastball	45	50	89-91	93	Slot straightens it, below-average movement, mixes occasional two-seam with modest arm-side run to lefties, will need the movement at higher levels Command: Advanced, regular quality strikes to lower quadrants, feel to pitch beyond his years
Slider	45	50	80-83	83	Ingredients of a future average pitch, contact-oriented, short break, lateral glove-side tilt; lacks the strength for power depth right now, struggled to keep pitch at the bottom of zone in some sequences
Changeup	50	55	82-83	84	Flashes above-average; advanced sequencing, will pitch backwards to set up fastball; consistent arm speed, sells it, hard, late arm-side turnover action; confidence in pitch, relied on it throughout start, swing-and-miss pitch at present, may not hold against better hitters
Curveball	40	45	71-74	74	Second breaker, casts it soft, loopy with some hump, loose spin; fringy contact pitch, best as change-of-pace; occasionally slows arm on the pitch
Control	50	60			Polished fastball command, strike-thrower; consistently lands fastball and change, drops get-me-over curve in for strikes consistently, slider command comes and goes, average projection; projects to develop plus overall control

Undersized right-hander is dominating low-minors competition as a 19-year-old due to his advanced overall polish, quality changeup, and command. He lacks the frame or stuff to fit an upper-rotation profile safely, but he has competed very well as one of the youngest regular starters in the SAL. There are ample signs he'll be able to pitch and command the zone enough to get outs with borderline raw stuff across the board, leading to a higher floor than many prep arms with modest ceilings. He's still numerous years away from big-league contribution, but is an intriguing young pitching prospect, albeit one who projects to be more reliable than dynamic.

Tommy Bergjans


	Born: 12/01/1992 (Age: 23)
	Bats: Right	Throws: Right
	Height: 6' 1"	Weight: 190

Square shoulders, proportional build, slender frame with modest remaining projection; early, significant spine tilt, stays tall and closed; some deceleration at start of drive; deep arm action, generates some deception and late pickup; moderate stride, inverted foot strike, moderate crossfire, will cut off finish with mild recoil; 1.38-1.46 from stretch, deliberate worker

Evaluator	Wilson Karaman
Report Date	06/03/2016
Affiliate	Rancho Cucamonga Quakes (High A, Dodgers)
Dates Seen	6/1/16
OFP/Risk	45/High
Realistic	40/Up-and-down middle reliever
MLB ETA	2019
Video	Yes

Pitch Type	Present Grade	Future Grade	Sitting Velocity	Peak Velocity	Report
FB	45	50	89-91	91	Three-way action, will cut it to left-handers, run it in on righties, works north-south, elevates with two strikes, likes to attack the hands, plays up a tick with late pickup, swing-and-miss potential above the zone; below-average present command, over the plate too often, moderate movement, average velocity, thin margin for mistakes
CB	40	50	78-81	81	12-6 movement, moderate depth, generated some chases and swing-and-miss, can get under barrels and generate ground balls; plays off his fastball, works it into the zone early and behind to steal strikes, will roll it and hang it, can set an early trajectory and lack bite
CH	40	45	82-84	85	Moderate fade and tumble, will flatten out in the zone; sporadic usage, occasional right-on-right; inconsistent command at present, shows some feel, projection remaining

Bergjans was a D-III senior sign in the eighth round last summer for an under-slot $17,500 bonus, and has performed consistently well in a hundred professional innings to date. There are some durability concerns about the frame, and he can struggle to maintain balance into his drive on account of a significant spine tilt and some inconsistent lower-half timing. The raw stuff is average, working off a fastball that plays up a bit with perceived velocity and that he can manipulate with modest movement. The pitch lacks a ton of life, however, and hitters saw it better as the game wore on. Similarly neither secondary is a put-away pitch, though the curve flashes average potential amid some inconsistency in execution.

Bergjans shows decent pitchability and confidence in his stuff, and if he maxes out he could spend some time at the back of a big league rotation. The more likely profile is that of a swing man.

Josh Sborz


	Born: 12/17/1993 (Age: 22)
	Bats: Right	Throws: Right
	Height: 6' 3"	Weight: 225

Broad shoulders, athletic, moves well off the mound, strong legs, physically maxed; oriented to third base, noisy upper half, abrupt, quick movements; deep arm action, mild stab, closed front shoulder; clean drive, gets downhill consistently, clean finish, mild recoil; 1.32-1.43, below-average time to home, aggressive first move

Evaluator	Wilson Karaman
Report Date	06/26/2016
Affiliate	Rancho Cucamonga Quakes (High A, Dodgers)
Dates Seen	6/26/16
OFP/Risk	50/Moderate
Realistic	45/Setup Man
MLB ETA	2017
Video	Yes

Pitch Type	Present Grade	Future Grade	Sitting Velocity	Peak Velocity	Report
FB	55	60	91-94	95	Explosive pitch, solid plane, late life, works north-south, boring action, runs it in on righties, will cut it in same velo band, hard cut to stay off left-handed barrels; tough pitch to square, generated in-zone swing-and-miss in hitting counts; 40 present command, potential to play higher with an extra tick of velocity in short bursts
SL	50	55	84-85	87	Hard, vertical action, late bite with quality tilt when he snaps it off, inconsistent shape, will roll it; plays off fastball plane, tough pick-up, swing-and-miss pitch
CB	40	45	79-80	80	Third pitch, some hump, used it to steal a handful of strikes, some depth, round shape

Signed to a slightly below-slot deal as the 74th-overall pick in 2015, Sborz worked as a closer in college before converting back to starting full-time this spring. The fastball and slider both flash plus, with the former projected to play there, while the latter likely settles in a half-step behind. The curve showed some utility, but was used sparingly in this outing, and he threw a couple changeups that showed some tumble but limited feel or command.

The delivery lacks consistent rhythm and cadence, as he's quick through his early checkpoints and I'm not sure the fine command ever quite gets there. The control is solid, and he's athletic enough to project improvement with some confidence. His arsenal plays well against both lefties and righties for a couple trips through the order, but he didn't show much depth beyond his top two.

There's fast-track and high-leverage potential here with the stuff ticking up in the bullpen, though the athleticism and deception leave open a path to a fourth-starter profile if he can refine the command and polish up a third pitch.

Aristides Aquino


	Born: 04/22/1994 (Age: 22)
	Bats: Right	Throws: Right
	Height: 6' 4"	Weight: 190
	Primary Position: RF
	Secondary Position:

Large, slender body with physical projection remaining; long levers, could see adding another 10-15 pounds to current body

Evaluator	Steve Givarz
Report Date	06/17/2016
Dates Seen	4/22-4/23/16, 5/2-5/3/2016
Affiliate	Daytona Tortugas (High A, Reds)

MLB ETA	Risk Factor	OFP	Realistic Role	Video
2019	High	55	50/Regular Starter	No

Tool	Future Grade	Report
Hit	50	Hits from a tall even stance with above-average bat speed; hands start high but loads just below shoulder; leg kick; some length, can catch up to velo; lacks plate discipline, aggressive hitter; needs to improve contact skills; average hit tool at full utility
Power	55	Present is plus raw, could grow as he fills out frame; should play to above-average at full utility with bat speed and loft on hit balls
Baserunning/Speed	60	Plus runner; 4.19 to 1B, 3.69 on a jail-break; aggressive baserunner, runs better than size suggests
Glove	45	Below-average glove at present, struggles with reads, poor decision-making, will throw behind runners
Arm	60	Plus throwing arm, accurate, good carry and line

A raw player right now, Aquino has present baseball skills and should improve, but will be a slow burn. There is some volatility given his profile, long swing, and developing pitch recognition skills.

Mitch Walding


	Born: 09/10/1992 (Age: 23)
	Bats: Left	Throws: Right
	Height: 6' 3"	Weight: 190
	Primary Position: 3B
	Secondary Position:

Large, athletic frame, high waist, lacks remaining physical projection

Evaluator	Steve Givarz
Report Date	06/19/2016
Dates Seen	5/13-5/14/2016, 5/27-5/28/2016
Affiliate	Clearwater Threshers (High A, Phillies)

MLB ETA	Risk Factor	OFP	Realistic Role	Video
2019	High	40	30/Org Infielder	No

Tool	Future Grade	Report
Hit	30	Tall, even stance, leg kick for timing; hands get bunched up inside, back side prone to collapse; average bat speed, mild uphill plane, length into the zone; better approach this year than in the past, looks to attack early but isn't afraid to work counts and lay off, some command of the zone; vulnerable to changeups, struggles with inner-third coverage
Power	45	Above-average raw, extension and strength; some loft, hard contact; plays down due to hit tool, can play to fringe-average at higher levels
Baserunning/Speed	50	Average runner, 4.21 home-to-first, lacks base-stealing utility
Glove	45	Fringe-average glove at present, struggles with reads, inconsistent execution, will make a great play then bobble a room service hop; physical tools to get to average utility
Arm	60	Plus arm; throws have good line and some mustard

An over-slot sign fifth-rounder in 2011, Walding hadn't progressed as hoped, as he struggled at every level prior to this season. The over-the-fence power is playing much more than in the past, and the hit tool has improved. There is some hope for a potential platoon player down the road, but more than likely this is an organizational player.

Shedric Long


	Born: 08/22/1995 (Age: 20)
	Bats: Left	Throws: Right
	Height: 5' 8"	Weight: 180
	Primary Position: 2B
	Secondary Position: 3B

Short, athletic frame, strength in the lower half

Evaluator	Nathan Graham
Report Date	07/11/2016
Dates Seen	6/7-8/16
Affiliate	Dayton Dragons (Low A, Reds)

MLB ETA	Risk Factor	OFP	Realistic Role	Video
2019	Moderate	45	40/Bench Utility	Yes

Plus makeup, good energy and interactions with umpires and teammates, plays hard

Tool	Future Grade	Report
Hit	40	High leg kick, moderate load; noisy swing, front foot hitter, above-average bat speed; aggressive hitter, middle and pull approach
Power	40	Above-average bat speed, line drive power, raw
Baserunning/Speed	75	3.9 home-to-first; top-scale raw speed; improving stolen-base technique
Glove	45	Average range and mobility; former catcher, new to middle-infield, will benefit from time in field, fringe-average tools
Arm	50	Above-average arm strength; quick arm action with good carry

Long's game is raw across-the-board, but there is evident potential for development. Drafted as a catcher out of Jacksonville, Alabama, he is still learning how to play the infield. He projects as a fringe big-league infielder with valuable utility potential on account of his speed and some pop from the left side.

Edwin Rios


	Born: 04/21/1994 (Age: 22)
	Bats: Left	Throws: Right
	Height: 6' 3"	Weight: 220
	Primary Position: 1B
	Secondary Position: 3B

Hulking frame, broad shoulders, powerful chest and core, natural strength throughout, long levers; mild athleticism, deliberate, moves with rhythm, everything at a measured pace, some lumber, heavy feet

Evaluator	Wilson Karaman
Report Date	07/30/2016
Dates Seen	6/26, 6/30, 7/26/16
Affiliate	Rancho Cucamonga Quakes (High A, Dodgers)

MLB ETA	Risk Factor	OFP	Realistic Role	Video
2018	High	50	40/Up-and-down corner power	Yes

Low heartbeat, even-keeled player, rarely shows any emotion, shy disposition

Tool	Future Grade	Report
Hit	45	Lower-half starts early, toe tap into a leg lift; very long stride, hands stay back and steady, extreme separation and leverage; hitch at trigger, drops back elbow, loop and length into the zone; mild barrel control, feel for timing, demonstrated hand-eye; strength swing, average bat speed, massive extension, can pitch him on the hands; hyper-aggressive approach, ample swing-and-miss
Power	60	70 raw, top-shelf natural strength with swing path to drive balls with loft, produces majestic fly balls with carry; ability to let it get deep, power to all fields; bat speed is just average, hit tool limits utility some, but enough strength to muscle balls out to any fields
Baserunning/Speed	20	4.95 on a tight turn; slow-footed, lumbering strides off the heels, liability on the bases, poor reads on multiple balls in the dirt, clogger
Glove	45	Slow first-step at third, deliberate, solid body control, mobility to the ground, steady hands; smooth actions, though looks like he's playing in slow-motion; first-base profile, inconsistent on the short hop, lack of quickness the primary issue, solid fundamentals otherwise can play to fringe-average defensive utility
Arm	55	Above-average arm strength, throws have carry, hold plane, accurate from the line; careful and accurate feeding pitchers at first

Rios was taken in the sixth round in 2015 out of Florida International and signed to a mildly below-slot deal. He's a power-hitting first baseman with double-plus raw power and a swing chalk full of leverage and loft geared to take advantage of it. The power comes from brute strength over bat speed, however, and the extreme length of both his stride and barrel delivery leaves him vulnerable to swings and misses, as well as frequent sawed-off contact on the inner third. He's strong enough to turn the latter into base hits, though, and he shows some innate timing and hand-eye coordination. That gives him a puncher's chance to hit enough that his power carries the day and helps him evolve into a big-league regular. But it's a tough profile, as he won't add much with the glove, he'll actively subtract on the bases, and the overzealous present approach will need to tone down as he advances. Anything less than near-full power utility, and there probably isn't enough here to force everyday at-bats.

Grant Holmes


	Born: 03/22/1996 (Age: 20)
	Bats: Left	Throws: Right
	Height: 6' 1"	Weight: 215

Wide frame, broad shoulders with some slope, round middle, thick thighs; efficient motion, early rhythm off a shallow rock, fluid building momentum, holds his posture and balance better than in early-season looks; some deceleration at fulcrum still impacts timing and repeatability; stays modestly closed, deep arm action, outstanding arm speed, high-ish three-quarter slot, generates quality angle, plane to drive pitches down in the zone; drive wanders off-line, doesn't get all the way downhill consistently; foot strike still gets firm off the heel occasionally, but notable improvement; clean finish, athletic deceleration; 1.28-1.4 home, showed a slide step, varies timing and cadence well in the stretch; gets too quick, more balls elevated out of the stretch

Evaluator	Wilson Karaman
Report Date	08/03/2016
Affiliate	Rancho Cucamonga Quakes (High A, Dodgers)
Dates Seen	7/26/16
OFP/Risk	60/Moderate
Realistic	55: Low no. 3 starter
MLB ETA	2017
Video	Yes

Pitch Type	Present Grade	Future Grade	Sitting Velocity	Peak Velocity	Report
4-SEAM FB	55	60	92-95	96	Elite arm speed creates easy velocity, quality life, mild run, attacks the hands with it, plays upstairs; command leaks to arm side, struggles to finish across to glove side, has a margin for error in the zone; moved it around, additional tick of velocity from April looks
2-SEAM FB	45	50	89-91	92	Some weight to it, moderately magnified run, inconsistent movement; additional tailing action isn't enough to offset lower velo; limited, strategic deployment, works as a change-of-pace variant to induce ground balls
CB	55	60	79-85	85	Advanced ability to manipulate speed and shape, consistent vertical action, will toggle between 11-5 at lower end of velo band and 11-4 with tighter slider-like action at higher end; bite, quality depth with late snap, will use as chaser or front door it, ground ball pitch with moderate swing-and-miss
CH	45	50	84-86	87	Hard change with late dive, mild fade; arm speed consistency has improved, feel for pitch has progressed; commanded it down, confidence to double-up right-on-right; below-average velo separation, will get firm and run into two-seam, mild swing-and-miss potential

Holmes has made progress in addressing a couple trouble spots in his delivery since my first looks in April, most notably gaining more consistent timing into his drive and cleaning up a firm foot strike. The drive still lacks consistency, however, as he'll fail to get downhill and clear his front side. And heel landings still happen on the regular, albeit less frequently than they did. The overall command showed mild improvement from earlier in the year, though his cadence still comes and goes, and he'll fall out of his mechanics for stretches. The raw stuff has ticked up, though, and he's demonstrated the kind of growth and development you want to see this year. The pitches work well together, helping the sum of the package play up and offset a fringier fine-command profile. This is a quality starting pitching prospect with a relatively straight path to the middle of a big-league rotation.

Related Content: Erick Fedde, Josh Sborz, Shedric Long, Edwin Rios, Peter Lambert, Tommy Bergjans, Aristides Aquino, Mitch Walding

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