The Draft Report heads to Carolina and checks out Daniel Tuttle

The Draft Report from MLB.com has come to the Tar Heel state and evaluated several players from the college and high school ranks including Daniel Tuttle from near-by Randleman High School. Here’s what they are saying about what they have seen.

The Draft Report would like to borrow from James Taylor this week, if it may. TDR is going to Carolina — figuratively speaking, anyway.
Not exclusively, mind you, but a major stop in this week’s edition is the Tar Heel state. North Carolina has some serious talent in it this year, both in the high school and college ranks, and it was high time we spoke to scouts who have seen some of this talent.

The scouts have been flocking there, first with a big-time high school tournament (Impact Invitational) and then to see some of the Tar Heels themselves at the University of North Carolina. We’ve got just one of those college guys in there this week, but rest assured UNC will be well-represented in the weeks to come.

Impact Invitational

Brian Goodwin, OF
Rocky Mount HS, Rocky Mount NC
The outfielder had his tools on display at the tournament that opened the North Carolina high school season in a nice marquee matchup against fellow Draft prospect Wil Myers.

Richard Shaffer, 3B
Providence Senior HS, Charlotte, NC
Whether he plays third or first, the bat will carry Shaffer up Draft boards. He showed some of those offensive skills in front of a ton of scouts at the Impact Invitational.

Other North Carolina prospects

Daniel Tuttle, RHP
Randleman HS, Randleman NC
The right-hander has good arm strength and two above-average, if not plus, pitches. His command has been sporadic, and it wasn’t great in this particular outing.

Alex White, RHP
University of North Carolina
In a start against Clemson earlier this month, White went six innings, but didn’t figure in the decision after yielding four runs on seven hits. He walked just one and struck out six. He’s gone 4-0, but has a 4.45 ERA over five starts. In 30 1/3 innings he’s given up 32 hits and 11 walks while striking out 36.

*****More on Daniel Tuttle*****
Player Name: Daniel Tuttle
Position: Starting Pitcher
School: Randleman HS (N.C.)
School Type: High School
Academic Class: Senior
Birthdate: 08/21/90
Height: 6’2″
Weight: 185 lbs.
Bats: Right
Throws: Right
Report Date(s): 03/06/09
Game(s): West Davidson HS

Focus Area Comments
Fastball: Tuttle threw his fastball anywhere between 88 and 94 mph and sat comfortably at 90-91 mph.

Fastball movement: Tuttle has plus sink on his fastball.

Slider: He’s got a plus slider.

Changeup: His changeup is just OK, a work in progress.

Control: His command was bad in the summer, good again early, then bad again.

Poise: He’s got decent mound presence.

Physical Description: Tuttle isn’t all that big, kind of medium sized and isn’t overly physical. He uses a low three-quarters delivery.

Medical Update: Healthy.

Strengths: Arm strength and good pure stuff, with two above-average to plus pitches and a third that has a chance.

Weaknesses: Command, largely because of delivery problems. He doesn’t always keep his direction to the plate.

Summary: There’s a lot to like about Tuttle, the North Carolina prep star. He’s got a great arm with good pure stuff, highlighted by a plus slider and a fastball he can run up to 94 mph. He’s also got the makings of a changeup. What he doesn’t always have is consistent command, affected by a somewhat unorthodox delivery where he doesn’t always repeat his mechanics. Still, there’s plenty to work with for any team that decides to take him on Draft Day.