The 2015 MLB Draft is taking place in Secaucus, New York this week and will be completed Wednesday. For Colorado high school players Ryan Burr, Nicholas Shumpert, Greg Pickett, Bret Helton and Cole Anderson, their dream was realized, getting drafted on Day 2 of the MLB Draft.
21-year-old Burr is a right-handed pitcher who played three years of college baseball at Arizona State, after graduating from Highlands Ranch High School in 2012. He was the 136th pick in the fifth round by the Arizona Diamondbacks. MLB.com scouting report on Burr…
“Burr was a well-known prospect from the Colorado high school ranks in 2012, but he was not to be swayed from his commitment to Arizona State. Three years later, he’s emerging as one of the better college closers in the nation. Burr has held the job since his freshman year and he holds the school career record for saves. He’s built that track record of success with a fastball he now throws up to 97 mph consistently. His breaking ball, a bit of a curve-slider hybrid, will show plus at times. He is big, strong and aggressive on the mound, missing plenty of bats. He also walks too many, with his future command – as well as the lack of movement on his fastball- perhaps keeping him from closing at the next level. He is Even if Burr doesn’t get the ball in the ninth inning as a pro, he has the chance to ride his power arsenal quickly to the big leagues as a future setup type reliever.”
Shumpert is an 18-year-old shortstop that graduated from Highlands Ranch High School. He was the 220th pick in the seventh round by the Detriot Tigers. MLB.com scouting report on Shumpert…
“The son of former big leaguer Terry Shumpert, this Colorado high school middle infielder had scouts heading to the Rockies to check out his tools. There are many things to like about Shumpert, who is committed to the University of Kentucky should he go that route. He has some bat speed and some strength from the right side of the plate. He has some speed and likes to make things happen on the basepaths. He’s agile and should be able to defend up the middle. Most feel, however, that it won’t be at shortstop, with a shift to second base a likelihood in the future. There is also some concern about the swing and miss in the offensive part of the game. Even with those concerns, Shumpert’s raw tools and Major League lineage are sure to draw more than a fair share of interested teams when the Draft rolls around.”
Pickett is an 18-year-old outfielder that graduated from Legend High School. He was the 234th pick in the eighth round by the Philadelphia Phillies. MLB.com scouting report on Pickett…
“Pickett began his senior season at Legend High School batting .420 with seven doubles, six homers and 22 RBI. He continued to build off his junior campaign, when he batted .387 with five home runs, two doubles and a triple while driving in 19 runs, which earned him selection to the 2014 Perfect Game Underclass 1st Team. Pickett is committed to Mississippi State University.”
Helton is a 21-year-old right-handed pitcher who played three years of college baseball at the University of Utah, after graduating from Cheyenne Mountain High School in 2012. He was the 277th pick in the ninth round by the Pittsburgh Pirates. MLB.com scouting report on Helton….
“Helton went just 2-8 with a 5.72 ERA in 18 games this season at the University of Utah. The 6-foot-3, 212-pound right-hander totaled 48 strikeouts and 32 walks in 61 1/3 innings in his junior season. Helton pitched in 17 games as a sophomore, finishing 2-4 with a 4.99 ERA in 57 2/3 innings. He played in 12 games as a freshman, including four appearances on the mound.”
Anderson is an 18-year-old centerfielder who graduated from Rocky Mountain High School. He was the 287th pick in the tenth round by the Colorado Rockies. According to maxpreps, in his senior season, Anderson batted .405 with 6 doubles, 7 homers and 25RBI.