2016 State Draft Report: Missouri

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

 

Number of players drafted in 2015: 25.

There is not likely to be a first-round pick from Missouri this year, but overall it’s a solid year for the state, thanks a healthy mix of high school, junior college and college talent.

While Erik Miller is likely to be the first player picked from the state if his asking price isn’t too high, the emergence of Southeast Missouri’s Joey Lucchesi to go with Missouri shortstop Ryan Howard and the development of Jefferson (Mo.) CC righthander Anthony Herron means that a wide number of schools should have something to cheer.

NATIONAL TOP 500 PROSPECTS

BA 500 Scouting Reports

1. Erik Miller, lhp, De Smet Jesuit HS, St. Louis (National Rank: 144)
2. Ryan Howard, ss, Missouri (National Rank: 199)
3. Tyler Benninghoff, rhp, Rockhurst HS, Kansas City, Mo. (National Rank: 201)
4. Joey Lucchesi, lhp, Southeast Missouri (National Rank: 231)
5. Jake Ring, of, Missouri (National Rank: 371)
6. Reggie McClain, rhp, Missouri (National Rank: 474)
7. Anthony Herron, rhp, Jefferson (Mo.) CC (National Rank: 487)

 

OTHER PROSPECTS OF NOTE

2016 Draft Map

8. Jake Ring, of, Missouri
9. Cameron Misner, of, Poplar Bluff (Mo.) HS
10. Zach Lavy, 1b, Missouri
11. Jacob Matheny, c, Westminster Christian Academy, Chesterfield, Mo.
12. Spencer Johnson, of, Missouri State
13. Sam Perez, rhp, Missouri State
14. Doug Still, lhp, Jefferson (Mo.) CC
15. Austin Sweet, rhp, Missouri Baptist
16. Kyle Ulrich, 1b/rhp, Webster (Mo.) University

 

ADDITIONAL SCOUTING REPORTS

Jake Ring, of, Missouri – Ring is a center fielder with plus speed and a swing to find the gaps.

Cameron Misner, of, Poplar Bluff (Mo.) HS – A lefthanded-hitting outfielder with athleticism, Misner is a Missouri signee.

Zach Lavy, 1b, Missouri – Lavy is a big (6-foot-3, 230-pound) but nimble first baseman with just enough power potential to possibly intrigue scouts.

Jacob Matheny, c, Westminster Christian Academy, Chesterfield, Mo. – Son of Cardinals manager Mike Matheny, Jacob Matheny looks to be a late-bloomer. He’s shown significant improvement behind the plate to go with developing power.

Spencer Johnson, of, Missouri State – After hitting nine home runs in his first three seasons, Johnson cranked 20 home runs this year to make himself into a useful senior sign.

Sam Perez, rhp, Missouri State – Perez served as an old-fashioned fireman for the Bears, throwing 91 innings out of the bullpen. His durability could make him a low-cost senior sign, but teams may be frightened by the sheer amount of innings and the times he pitched deep in games on little rest.

Doug Still, lhp, Jefferson (Mo.) CC – A crafty lefty with three pitches, Still is a Missouri State signee if he doesn’t sign out of the draft.

Austin Sweet, rhp, Missouri Baptist – Sweet is a tall (6-foot-6) righthander who attacks hitters with a 90-92 mph fastball and a usable slider.

Kyle Ulrich, 1b/rhp, Webster (Mo.) University – Ulrich hit 17 home runs as a sophomore and 11 more this year. But he may end up just as intriguing to pro scouts as a pitcher. He’s touched 92-93 mph off the mound, although he’s yet to throw much in college.