Draft Analysis: Rounds 11-15

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Draft Analysis: Rounds 11-15

 

Round 11: Mike Phelps, Central Missouri State University, RHP

Scouting Report: Phelps was part of a stacked Division-II team. The team went 57-9, and six players from the team were drafted; Phelps was the fifth. Because the team was so stacked, Phelps had to spend the majority of the year in the bullpen, starting just 5 of his 15 games. He missed the beginning of the year after he fractured his skull. The draft eligible sophomore performed well after returning. In 43.7 innings, Phelps went 4 and 1 with a 1.65 ERA and a solid 59/18 K/BB ratio. It is important to remember that he was facing Division-II competition, but Phelps also has enticing size and stuff. He’s 6’4” 195, and his fastball works in the low-90’s. His sharp slider and change are also strong pitches. He could be a difficult sign.

Analysis: There is nothing that Phelps does exceptionally well; his size, stuff and command are not blow-away, but they are all solid. Pitchers like that sometimes slip through the cracks. If the Cubs sign Phelps, this is a great pick. It’s the 11th round and Phelps has legitimate potential. He’s got decent stuff right now and a projectable body. To sign him, they’ll have to pay above slot, but it may be worth it.

 

 

 

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