Illinois '06 draft rumors:

[UK1679666180]

Joe Benson the OF/C out of Joliet Catholic, who I mentioned last Spring, rec'd a 500K offer from the Astros. Rumors have him running a 6.4 60. He's 6'3" 220LBs of muscle, great arm and instincts in the OF. Can't handle a good off-speed pitch yet.

 

There might be 4 Illinois HS players taken, 3 for sure.

 

Benson (I would've given him 300K), Kapteyn (RHP 90-93 FB, plus slider, clone of Bob Howry) from what I've seen Boston has shown the most interest, Cubs have shown moderate interest. Connor Powers 1B out of Benet, I wouldn't draft him, too strong of a commit to Miss. St., strong athletic, not a good defender, struggles with breaking pitches. Cedric Redmond out of Joliet, tops out at 94, that's all he throws, dirt poor family non-commit, likely be had for cheap (I was told not to bother).

 

The treats are in '07, one down by STL (Cards will likely draft him in the 1st 3) and a kid I absolutely love out at Sandberg (who hit 80 when he was 13yo), wants to hit 95 next year and sit in the low 90s.

[CaliforniaRaisin]

Around what round will Kapteyn get selected?

 

In 2007, I want Robert Stock. He was throwing at 90 mph at age 15 - has your boy from Sandberg beat. :)

[UK1679666180]

I have Wade going in rounds 3-6. I like him more than Michael Broadway who was selected in the 4th last year, he's not as high as Bowden though.

 

Sandberg's coach has only given Chmielewski 4 starts this year and hasn't pitched him in conference b/c of his lack of a breaking pitch. Oddly, he has the makings of a plus pitch, if he had more experience. He has learned how to pitch.