Lance McCullers, Son of a Gun

In 2012, one team will draft Lance McCullers Jr. in the first round of the draft. McCullers is the son of former reliever Lance Sr, who pitched 7 years in the majors most notably for the Padres and Yankees. While Lance Jr. won't find himself in pinstripes or camouflage next year, he will join the long list of fathers and sons in the majors, hopefully. Here's a scouting report on McCullers.



Lance Jr. has pretty much hit the ground running. As a sophomore, he was throwing 96 on the radar gun, not unlike the self proclaimed messiah of baseball, Bryce Harper. Like Bryce, he's a two-way star, as he plays infield too, but its widely believed that McCullers will wind up a pitcher, like his father. Since going to Tampa Jesuit, McCullers has left behind a trail of awards and top amateur team selections. He was the 2009 MaxPreps Freshman of the Year, was named to several Perfect Game USA all star teams, played in the 2011 Baseball Factory Under Armour All American game at Wrigley Field as the only non-senior, and was named a Louisville Slugger All American Honorable mention. He's committed to pitching for the University of Florida, but don't expect him to go unless Scott Boras takes him under his wing, which is highly likely.

McCullers' arsenal includes the aforementioned fastball, which as of now reaches high 90's velocity, a changeup that reaches the mid 80's, and a fast curveball that also reaches 80, all good pitches, However, sources have said that he has had struggles with command, which downgrades him a bit. Nonetheless, barring any injury, he's bound to go top 5 at the worst, top 3 at the best.

The burning question is obvious, will McCullers be the first high school pitcher taken 1st overall to make it to the big leagues? I believe it's a very slight possibility. The Astros are the presumptive frontrunners for the first overall pick though, and given that their minor league system is stacked with blue chip pitching prospects acquired from trades, McCullers may find himself dropped down to Minnesota at number 2. McCullers will make the major leagues, no doubt about it, but barring any really drastic decisions made by the Astros, who have yet to make a risky pick in the Ed Wade era, McCullers will find himself as a second option behind premier college talent Mark Appel.

In Conclusion, we can determine that McCullers is certainly a top level pitcher, but it's a long time before high school baseball starts, and to be honest, a lot can happen in a few months.

LOT Projection: Top 3 - Top 5 Pick, most likely Minnesota. Will reach majors by 2015-16, should develop into an ace if command is fixed. 10-12 year career, 2 all star selections. Capable of at least one 20 win season.

Here is video of McCullers in an interview with Perfect Game USA.

Rule V and how it worked out this year

Last December, 19 somewhat major league ready baseball players got their chance to prove themselves when they were plucked from their original team's farm system, in the hope of catching lightning in a bottle. For most, their dream was short-lived, as they were soon returned after they couldn't make it out of Spring Training, for others, their work in the spring paid off. Let's take a look at how they did, and rate them on the Dan Uggla-Meter.

Those who stayed or were acquired and are currently in the majors:

Joe Paterson, Diamondbacks: Joe, a former College World Series hero at Oregon State was rescued from San Francisco, where at best he was stuck in AAA. Nonetheless, after he was taken, Paterson became a middle reliever in a solid Diamondback bullpen. His 3.60 ERA despite his 0-2 record gives him a solid mark on the Uggla-Meter.

Uggla-Meter: 7

Nathan Adcock, Royals: Adcock, who came from the Pirates, was a bullpen guy, but also started 3 games. His record was 1-1 with a 4.55 ERA and he had 35 strikeouts. In short, Adcock was good this year in a young Royals bullpen.

Uggla-Meter: 6


Elvin Ramirez, Nationals: All that Elvin did after getting selected from the Mets was land on the 60 Day Disabled List. 'Nuff said.

Uggla-Meter: 1

Aneury Rodriguez, Astros: Rodriguez was viewed as the prize of the Rule V draft before even being selected from the Rays. Nonetheless, as a starter, he failed to live up to expectations and has since pitched out of the bullpen. He does have 62 strikeouts to his credit though.

Uggla-Meter: 4

Scott Diamond, Twins: Diamond was returned to the Braves after Spring training, but the Twins wanted him badly enough to snag him back in exchange for another prospect. He was called up in July, and has been brilliant ever since.

Uggla-Meter: 5

Michael Martinez, Phillies:  The most successful of the hitters selected, Martinez, who came from the Nationals, has earned the role of super-sub. Even though he isn't a great hitter, his defense is impressive. Martinez could possibly become the new Jayson Werth in Philly.

Uggla-Meter: 6

Lance Pendleton, Astros: Interestingly enough Lance was on 2 teams this year. He made his debut with his original team, the Yankees after Phil Hughes went down, then was later claimed by the Astros. Pendleton has gone 0-0 with an ERA over 6, and it is possible that 2011 could be his only season in the majors. Also interestingly enough, Pendleton is the only Rule V'er I have seen in person, as I was at a Nationals-Astros game on September 10th. I saw him warming up with the other relievers. I referred to him as "White-Shades" for his ridiculous looking white sunglasses.

Uggla-Meter: 2

Pedro Beato, Mets: Pedro was originally drafted by the Mets but never signed, then was drafted by the Orioles. He should have signed with the Mets. Beato has been an effective middle reliever, and a personal favorite of Terry Collins. Even though Pedro hasn't had his chance to close. Nonetheless, he has to be the best pick in the draft. with a 3.92 ERA and a 2-1 Win Record, as well as a scoreless streak to start his major league career.

Uggla-Meter: 8




Those who were returned, and made their major league debut with their original team:

George Kontos: Yankees: Kontos didn't even make it out of spring training with the Padres. Nonetheless he was a September Call-up, and has yet to impress.

Uggla-Meter: 2

Those who made it out of Spring Training, were returned, then reacquired, and are in the Minors:

Josh Rodriguez, Pirates: Josh was good enough to contend for a starting position in the infield, but was mysteriously offered back to Cleveland in June. However, he was reacquired by Pittsburgh and currently plays in AAA.

Uggla-Meter: 3

Those who didn't make it:

Jose Flores, Indians
Adrian Rosario, Brewers (Later traded to the Mets in the Francisco Rodriguez deal)
Masin Tobin, Rangers (Traded to Texas from the Cubs)
Pat Egan, Orioles
Brad Emaus, Rockies (Returned to the Blue Jays from the Mets, then later traded to the Rockies)
Robert Fish, Angels
Cesar Cabral, Red Sox
Brian Broderick, Cardinals
Daniel Turpen, Red Sox

And there you have it. Wait until December to see if there will be another Uggla in the wings.