Keith Law, an ESPN senior writer released his first 2015 mock draft. Law had the Minnesota Twins taking a pitcher by the name of Kolby Allard.
Allard, the California native is arguably the best prep pitcher in the draft. The southpaw is only 17 years old and will turn 18 in August. The lefty has committed to UCLA.
According to Law:
"“Even though Allard isn’t one of the bigger pitchers in the class, Allard still has a plus fastball, sitting 91-93 mph in most starts and touching 96 in some summer events…The curve is his best off-speed pitch, and it wouldn’t shock me if this became a plus-plus pitch in time. The spin is tight, and it’s hard, downward break makes it a pitch that can cause swings-and-misses from both left and right-handers alike.”"
Allard was named MVP of the Perfect Game All-American Classic. He needed just 12 pitches to strike out the side.
I think Allard’s future is coming out of the bullpen. He has electric stuff and could be a force coming out of the pen. That’s not saying he couldn’t be an effective starter, but I think he’d have a longer and better career coming out of the pen. Then again, Allard is only 17. The future is bright for this kid.
From the few highlights I watched of Allard, his curveball reminds me a lot of Barry Zito‘s. High praise I know, but this kid is ONLY 17. If the Twins can snatch this kid up with the sixth pick it would be a great pick. He’d join an already impressive stash of young arms the Twins have collected.
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