Matt's Draft Journal

Garrett Richards Path from College to MLB Getting the nod as the starting pitcher for the LA Angels on Sunday was veteran Garrett Richards. The right hander has become the veteran ace of the rebuilt Angels squad that features the face of baseball in Jersey Boy Mike Trout, slowly fading into the shadows superstar Albert Pujols, and the newest sensation in the game of baseball through Japanese import pitcher/hitter Shohei Ohtani. Richards has had to endure quite a bit during his career to get to the point of being the established veteran starter of a reinvigorated, talent-infused Angels squad with true playoff aspirations. If those dreams and aspirations were to come true it will largely be up to Richards to steer them in the right direction every fifth day. He celebrated his birthday 30th birthday standing on the mound in front of a sold out crowd at Yankee Stadium in a matinee affair on the Sunday prior to Memorial Day. Despite being a first round pick of the Angels now nearly te...

Donte DiVincenzo, Guard (Villanova) Having put up solid numbers during the regular season, en route to winning Big East Sixth Man of the Year, DiVincenzo played as well as any starter during the NCAA Tournament. He entered the combine with as much momentum of any prospect in attendance, having earned the Final Four Most Outstanding Player after scoring 31 points off the bench in the National Championship against Michigan.  Still unsure of his draft status, the officially measured 6'3.5 off-guard entered his name into the NBA Draft not hiring an agent. Leaving the option open for him to return to school. His performance at the combine put whatever hesitancy about him remaining in the draft to rest, as he registered a 34.5 inch no step vert and a 42" max vertical leap, ranking at the top of both categories, respectively, of the near 70 players at the event.  DiVincenzo really opened eyes with his play in the scrimmages, as he confidently drilled two three's in ...

2018 MLB Draft Prospect Casey Mize (Photo Courtesy of Julie Bennett/Alabama Media Group) With the calendar now in the month of May, the MLB First-Year Player Draft is less than a month away. Thus far nearly all prospects that will be considered towards the top of the draft have had an opportunity to showcase their abilities and display why they deserve to be selected with one of the coveted picks. As many high school prospects have already or will soon complete their season, those at the college ranks are getting into the latter part of their schedule, with post-season play (conference tournament and College World Series) to follow. Pitching is always of high priority in the MLB Draft, with some years providing more depth than others. This year's class of pitchers presents a number of intriguing prospects at both the college and high school level, with both right handers and left handers ranking amongst the top hurlers. Whether it be a more polished and developed colleg...

Michigan Outfielder Jonathan Engelmann (Photo Courtesy of MGoBlue.Com) Following a tough loss to Rutgers the previous night, 15-9, Michigan, ranked 13th in the country, looked to bounce back and redeem itself with a victory. With the memory fresh of them allowing eight runs to score in the eighth inning in its defeat, the Wolverines knew they had to put runs on the board to secure a win the following day. Having that thought in mind, Michigan was extra-aggressive on the base paths directing it to a 9-4 win on Saturday, May 5 in Piscataway. Beginning with a bunt single by leadoff hitter Jordan Nwogu, he stole second and then attempted to advance another 90 feet, being caught stealing on a quick tag by third baseman Carmen Scalfani. That didn't deter the Wolverines from seeking to advance to the nearest base whenever the opportunity presented itself. As the team gathered six stolen bases on the afternoon, being caught just one other time. Michigan third baseman Blake N...