A hard-throwing lefty out of Northern California, prep pitcher Matt Krook could be considered one of the biggest risers in this year’s draft. Armed with legitimate size for an MLB starter and a fastball that reportedly touches 94 miles per hour, Krook provides a combination of physical tools and skills that’s often targeted by teams in the first round.
MLB Draft 2013 scouting report round-up: LHP Matt Krook
Like most well-regarded prep lefties, California native Matt Krook offers some serious upside in the future.
Mike Stobe
While his fastball is still clearly the best pitch in his arsenal -- MLB.com’s Jonathan Mayo notes his offspeed pitches lack consistency at this point -- there’s enough projection in his other offerings to believe he can handle a big league lineup multiple times through with some development.
At this point, Krook is like most prep lefties that enter the draft, a puzzle of potential that tends to reveal itself in fits and starts. Still, 18-year-old lefties that can pitch in the mid-90s don’t exactly grow on trees, making the California native a top prospect for this month’s draft.
Vital statistics
| Matt Krook | ||
|---|---|---|
| Pos | High School / College | Consensus Rank |
| LHP | St. Ignatius HS (Calif.) | 1st round (Giants) |
| B/T | Birthdate (age) | Height / Weight |
| L/L | 10/21/1994 (18) | 6'4" / 200 |
What they’re saying
- Jonathan Mayo, MLB.com: “There are a good number of high school lefties in the 2013 Draft class, and Krook was one who was rising up to catch up with some of the others who had been closer to the top of Draft boards.”
- Allan Simpson, Baseball Prospectus: “Created a lot of buzz by touching 95 in early season outing. Prototype body and quality curveball.”
- Scouts Inc., ESPN: “At 6-foot-4, 195 pounds, he’s got a lot of room to fill out and get his velocity consistently into the low to mid-90s. You also can’t teach a kid to have that spin on a curveball. For a team that likes high-upside high school arms, Krook’s the best lefty in the draft.”
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