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Taylor Walls, SS, Florida State University
Seen in 2 games at SS from 3/14-3/15. From both sides; hits from an even stance with good rhythm and a slight crouch, hands close to chest. Average bat speed from both sides; more contact oriented and lacks juice from the right side. From the left side has more line-drive approach and can lift balls. Extremely patient; waits pitchers out; leadoff mentality; will take walks; takes in all counts; will take until he gets a strike most of the time; is vulnerable to better arms. Lacks raw power from the right side; all power from the left; more doubles power; should play to full utility given hitting ability. Average runner; 4.20 (LH) 4.32 (RH). Average arm strength; can be a little short for plays deeper in the hole; but is accurate enough. Good hands; struggled with plays to his right; but makes plays around him with good feet and hands. Average to below-average tools across the board; see as a utility defender.
Brody Rodning, LHP, Minnesota State University (D2)
Seen in a 5 IP start on 3/3. Pitches from a full windup with a compact arm action; gets extended and deep after hand break; lots of depth; three-quarters slot. Has crossfire; not an easy or simple delivery; had struggles repeating delivery in outing. Fastball 90-91, T92; quality arm-side tail; crossfire adds deception; has a history of throwing strikes; just didn't have quality control in this outing. Curve 74-77 T79; long, large break; not sharp but has quality depth and action; somewhat slurvy; better vs LHH for strikes and finish. Change 80-81; not comfortable with offering; could be a change of pace pitch in future; but lacked feel at this stage; very raw. 1.27-1.33 in slide step; 1.92 with leg kick. Interesting D2 arm; has pedigree and quality FB/CB combination; see as a lefty bullpen option.
Ethan Richards, RHP, Plant HS (Tampa, FL)
Seen in a 4 IP start on 3/7. Athletic body; has good physical projection remaining. Pitches from a full windup; compact arm-action with a clean, full arm circle; above-average arm speed; high-three-quarters slot. Maintains direction to the plate; creates downhill plane with higher slot and height. Fastball 90-91, T92; velo dropped to 86-87 in fourth; need to monitor workload and arm strength as season progresses; heavy, natural sink; hard to square; movement can be difficult for him to control. Curve 77-79; lacked depth but had consistent 12/6 shape; good action; was able to locate for strikes; not so much as chase but should learn. One change at 79; HS kid changeup; will learn in pro ball. 1.22-1.30 to plate; athletic; fields position; very intriguing pitcher; older player come draft day; has potential as a starter.
Nick Belzer, RHP, Minnesota State University (D2)
Seen in a 3 IP relief appearance on 2/28. Pitches from a full windup; tight, compact arm action with a full arm circle; slight hesitation after he breaks his hands; above average arm speed; high-three-quarters slot. FB 92-94, T95; firm; lacked natural movement but jumped on hitters; preferred to finish with FB up in zone; good control; got loose with command. Curve 80-82; 11/5 shape; somewhat slurvy but has quality action with depth and bite; future average offering. Looked to be closer to 6-foot than 6-foot-2. Tommy John surgery in spring 2014 while at Des Moines Area Community College; hence the redshirt. Interesting smaller school reliever; could gain momentum later in the year if velocity holds; see as a right-handed bullpen option with potential for setup relief.
Conor Grady, RHP, Tampa Catholic HS (Tampa, FL)
Seen in a 5 IP start on 2/28; have also seen at East Coast Pro showcase. Large frame with an athletic body; has remaining projection. Pitches from a full windup; average arm speed; three-quarters slot; clean arm action; no hitch; lacks deception due to length, batters see ball early. Fastball 88-90; have seen up to 92 at ECP; lacks movement; velo down to 85-87 in third inning; can project command due to athleticism and arm action. Curve 75-77; 11/5 shape; loopy offering; not sharp and lacks depth; struggled with feel in both looks. Cutter 80-81; beginnings of SL; lacks feel and like curve is loopy. Changeup 76-80; has feel for offering but lacks arm speed and has early break; it is a HS changeup. 1.25-1.30. Had trouble with throws to 1B on pickoff; bounced two a couple feet in front of 1B for E1's. Florida State commit; good athleticism; arm action; and body.
That Florida State team is going to be really fun to watch, especially since Mendoza apparently had his cast removed at some point while you were watching Walls.
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1 comment has been left for this article. 
That Florida State team is going to be really fun to watch, especially since Mendoza apparently had his cast removed at some point while you were watching Walls.
Thanks!