Friday, January 30, 2015

DrB's 2015 Giants Top 50 Prospects: #37 Sam Coonrod

Sam Coonrod, RHP.  DOB:  9/22/1992.  6'2", 180 lbs.

2014 College:  2-6, 2.86, 84.2 IP, 4.98 BB/9, 8.15 K/9.
2014 Rookie AZL:  1-0, 3.86, 27.2 IP, 1.93 BB/9, 8.04 K/9.

The Giants drafted Sam Coonrod out of Southern Illinois in the 5'th round last summer.  His reputation was a hard thrower, 93-97 MPH but with shaky command.  He also throws a slider and changeup.  He used the slider more.  He was seen as a possible future closer/setup man with a chance to start if he harnessed his command and developed his secondary stuff.  As you can see, his walk rate improved dramatically in Arizona in his pro debut.  Did the Giants pitcher whisperer's find something to tweak, or is that all sample size/level of competition?  I found a BA report of Coonrod pitching at 94 MPH in fall instructional league.  I'll say we most likely see him as a starter for Augusta in 2015.  He's an interesting arm to watch develop.

8 comments:

  1. Hey Doc, how close are you to Azusa? Not too far, if I recall, right? Josh Staumont is the ace for Azusa Pacific. Another guy with 95-100 velocity but errant control. He pitched up here in Chico last year (when I was still in MT), but it doesn't look like they come up here this year. I'd really like to get a look at him... he seems to fit the mold of a Giants 2-5 round draft pick. I believe he's just outside Kiley's top 50 right now.

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    1. I'm about a 40-60 minute drive depending on traffic. Is Azusa Pacific a DII or DIII school?

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    2. They converted from NAIA to D2 a couple years ago.

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  2. Probably missed a recent post/comment, but haven't seen much chatter about the release of Scutaro Is he officially done with the team or is he expected to be resigned? When he was designated I just thought they'd keep him and hope for the best.

    Alan

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    1. Huh. I missed it. But I've been busy the past couple of days.

      Anyway, doesn't surprise me. I thought he was likely going to injury-out of baseball last year.

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  3. Sounds like a nice prospect and hope he starts for now, even if he is a reliever eventually.

    But is he a hard thrower? 93-97 MPH. 97 - maybe if his fastball sits there. But if it sits around 93-94, isn't that about average?

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    1. There were 20 full time SP's who averaged 93 MPH or better on their FB's last year, so no, I would not say that 93-94 is average.

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