Top Prospect - Aaron Crow (Updated March 15)

Aaron Crow, RHP, Missouri
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Opened eyes hitting 98 MPH in the Cap Cod League as he was named the player of the year. ERA at the Cape - 0.67

He has gotten off to a quick start in 2008, striking out 10 v. Californi, striking out 7 in 5 innings v. UCONN, and easily dismantling Indiana State giving up 2 hits over 7 innings while striking out 9.

March 14, Crow dominated Toledo, throwing a complete game shutout, striking out 15 while allowing 7 hits and no BBs.

Stuff wise - he has a devastating FB/Slider combo. His FB is mid 90s with good life and his slider gets up to 87 and can be unhittable. He also shows a promising changeup. While it is not a plus pitch like the other two, he can show it, and it could develop in a third plus pitch. There is no worry that he will only be a "two pitch" pitcher.

• Crow has a tremendous push off - and his shoulders are very parrellel to the ground as he begins his release. Left arm is pointed directly at target.

• He tends to slump his shoulders and upper body during his push off, which could lead to unbalance and some inconsistency.

• His motion has substantial effort to it

Comparison:
Well, there are plenty of mid 90's RHP out there with good sliders. I dare say a toned down Mark Prior? His FB isn't quit as explosive as Priors, and his slider dosen't have quit the same shape and sharp break.

I think he makes sense for the Royals at #3. They have plenty of depth at 3B and 1B - so Smoak and Alvarez do not make a lot of sense. Unless Skipworth and Hicks really play well, I do not see them taking a hitter because I think the Rays will take Beckham. If the Royals do not grab him, I think the Orioles will jump all over him.

Jim Callis mentioned in a chat that he thinks Crow will be the first player to the mjaors from this draft - and think the Rays could pop him #1.

Jonathan (GA): RE: Orioles #1 Is that because Crow will be gone? I would put a friendly wager that Crow will be the first pitcher taken - I like his 2 plus pitches more than Matuszs two best pitches. And Crow is more dominating

Jim Callis: (2:56 PM ET ) Yes. Right now, my best guess is that Crow would go No. 1 to the Rays.


video
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HT8DdNI1_UI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XIKuFfPqIxI
http://www.minorleaguebaseball.com/milb/events/draft_report/y2008/index.jsp?mc=crow