Jesus Luzardo is a high-school prospect with a savvy, mature approach to pitching. (Credit: Miami Herald)
31. New York Mets- LHP Jesus Luzardo, Stoneman Douglas (Fl.) HS
Most high school left-handers who are taken this highly in the draft throw considerably harder than Luzardo, whose fastball consistently sits around 90 MPH, but that does nothing to diminish the potential that the young Florida native possesses. It is rare for a high school pitcher to be considered savvy on the mound, but that is how Luzardo is viewed. He shows a good understanding of how to attack hitters using his moderate fastball mixed with a curveball-changeup combination that keeps hitters off-balance. Luzardo has good command of all three pitches, and despite the limitations of his velocity, he is a very intriguing prospect.
32. Los Angeles Dodgers- RHP Reggie Lawson, Victor Valley (Ca.) HS
Lawson is a player who has shown a lot of progression in the latter stages of his high school career, and that progression may help him sneak into the first round of this year’s draft. With a low-to-mid 90’s fastball and developing curveball, Lawson has the makings of a solid repertoire, especially with his improved command. It will be interesting to monitor Lawson and see if the young right-hander can build on some of the things that have aided him in developing more consistency.
33. St. Louis Cardinals- RHP Austin Bergner, Windermere Prep (Fl.) HS
The first thing that jumps out about Bergner, a 6’4″ Florida product, is his unusual delivery that features a heightened “drop and drive” approach before the pitch is thrown. Once Bergner completes his unorthodox motion he features a fastball that sits in the low-90’s and an above-average curveball. Bergner also shows a good understanding of pitching, and seems to have a good feel for his two primary pitches. One question mark with Bergener, aside from the delivery, is his signability. He is committed to the University of North Carolina, and could require a hefty signing bonus before agreeing to sign. Regardless of his willingness to sign, the hard-throwing right-hander appears to have a bright future.
34. St. Louis Cardinals- C Chris Okey, Clemson University
Okey is the best all-around catching prospect in this year’s draft class, which may be enough to keep him in the first round. The thin crop of catchers makes Okey’s lack of a singular outstanding tool seem less worrisome for teams who desire an older, more polished prospect behind the dish. Okey is praised for his ability to call a game, and his above-average throwing skills heighten the sense that he could at least be a solid major league catcher in the future. Combine Okey’s defensive capabilities with 20 home run potential, and the Clemson product begins to look even more like a future starter at the major league level.
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