2016 State Draft Report: Rhode Island

CROP RATING
	Solid, not spectacular
Rating compares this year’s group to what a state typically produces, not to other states

Rocco Baldelli was the last player directly drafted and signed out of Rhode Island to become a Major League regular. Now, Rocco’s youngest brother Dante is on the scene, and he’s similar in many respects, with wiry strength and surprising feel for the game.

The top prospect from Rhode Island this year is Matt Albanese, a star player for Bryant. The Bulldogs have developed an exceptional reputation, and have become a consistent power in the Northeast Conference, entering each season with the expectation to not only win the conference, but to compete in the postseason, thanks largely to the coaching staff’s ability to recruit and develop professional level talent. In addition to Albanese, Bryant also has pure hitter Robby Rinn, catcher Buck McCarthy and outfielder Cole Fabio ranked among the top prospects in the state. Next year, Bryant ace James Karinchak has a chance to be one of the highest draft picks to come out of the state in quite some time.

Of note, Florida outfielder Buddy Reed emerged from a Rhode Island boarding school in 2013, and should be taken on the first day of this year’s draft.

NATIONAL TOP 500 PROSPECTS

BA 500 Scouting Reports

1. Matt Albanese, of, Bryant (National Rank: 431)

 

OTHER PROSPECTS OF NOTE

2016 Draft Map

2. Dante Baldelli, of, Bishop Hendricken HS, Warwick, R.I.
3. Robby Rinn, 1b, Bryant
4. Buck McCarthy, c, Bryant
5. Mason Feole, lhp, The Prout School, South Kingstown, R.I.
6. Cole Fabio, of, Bryant
7. Christian Taugner, rhp, Brown

 

ADDITIONAL SCOUTING REPORTS

Dante Baldelli, of, Bishop Hendricken HS, Warwick, R.I. – The younger brother of current Rays coach and long-time Major Leaguer Rocco Baldelli, Dante is similar to his brother in some respects. While the younger Baldelli doesn’t quite have his brother’s explosiveness, he is a wiry athlete with surprising strength and room to fill in his lanky 6-foot-3 frame. Baldelli’s athleticism gives him a chance to develop into a very good player at the next level. He is committed to Boston College.