Harold Mozingo

Mozingo made scouts scramble to Essex High in Tappahannock, Va., three years ago, when word of his 19-strikeout game spread. They didn't want to miss a player with a loose arm, low-90s fastball and solid breaking ball that reminded some of Justin Verlander, another Virginia prep product who scouts regretted letting get to college. The Mets tapped Mozingo in the 15th round that year, but he did get away to Virginia Commonwealth, and he's primed to improve that status by about 10 rounds. Mozingo loose, easy, over-the-top arm stroke helps him work near 90 mph and top out at 93 with his fastball. He likes to attack hitters, and will pitch up in the zone--something that can lead to trouble against quicker bats. Mozingo's curveball is a plus pitch about 60 percent of the time, though he still hooks it at times. His changeup has improved during his three years of college, and his slider is a below-average pitch. There's hope the lanky righthander can fill out and increase his velocity, after his command and ERA showed notable improvement this year. He missed three starts after a comebacker broke a bone near his right thumb in mid-April, but he returned by holding Northeastern to three hits over five innings. Mozingo loves the game and almost always carries the "Louisville Slugger Complete Book of Pitching" with him.