By Robert Masusock

With the NLCS and ALCS both underway it is a depressing time to watch baseball in Philadelphia. As we sit at home watching re-runs of Phillies Classics on CSN at 3 in the morning, the dreaded Mets’ are on a playoff run that is starting to make me nervous. Fear not, as consolation for such a dreaded season the Phillies hold the number one selection in the 2016 MLB Draft. This has got to have Sam Hinkie fuming out the ears with jealousy after two straight years of failed tanking attempts to obtain that pick. It may be early but here are some names to look out for as the next potential Phillies star.

ROBERT TYLER (RHP)

University of Georgia

Tyler was previously drafted by the Baltimore Orioles in the 28th round in the 2013 draft but decided to try his hand at college ball, most likely to get more money after his junior season. The gamble has paid off as Tyler sits atop many early draft rankings. Tyler is a big right handed pitcher who throws in the mid-to-high 90’s. A power fastball as you would expect from a 6’4” 226 pound pitcher. He also possesses an above average curveball and an average change up with overall good command. Tyler comes with some risk after missing most of the 2015 season with a forearm injury believed to be caused by his delivery, which is a bit awkward looking. The ceiling for Tyler seems to be high and could rest on his willingness to change his delivery without losing too much off his bread and butter fastball.

The Phillies selecting Tyler wouldn’t be an awful pick by any means and given the Mets recent pitching based success it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the Phillies attempt to copy that method. With said depth already in place it wouldn’t be out of the question to see the Phillies take a position player with a powerful bat.

Blake Rutherford (OF)

Chaminade Prep HS (CA)

With the outfield already appearing to be crowded with young talent, taking Rutherford would be a surprise. On the other hand offense has been the core of most successful Phillies teams in the past and may be the only way to combat the Mets’ stocked rotation. As a high-schooler Rutherford is already 6’3” weighing in at 190 pounds and with time on a professional work out regimen he could easily reach 220 pounds giving him tremendous power potential. Through his junior season he has only hit 4 home runs but all came this past season showing he is developing his hitting. To go along with his bat he also possesses great speed with 22 steals in 63 games, 9 coming this past season.

Coming out of high school Rutherford may take a bit of time to develop and from the way Andy MacPhail and Phillies’ ownership have talked it sounds like they’re looking to turn the ship around as quick as possible. This could make them lean towards a college prospect but the potential may be too difficult to pass up.

AJ Puk (LHP)

University of Florida

Puk is one of two college 6’7” monsters available in this year’s draft. Puk has pure ace potential with his Randy Johnson esque imposing size and hard fastball that sits in the mid to high 90s (he hit 99 against the Razorbacks in the SEC TOURNAMENT). He compliments that with a sharp mid 80s slider and was able to be one of the NCAA’s most dominant pitchers. He struck out 104 batters in 78 innings, making him the first Gators’ pitcher to reach 100 strikeouts since 2007. To make things better he actually has some pop at the plate which could prove invaluable for an NL club like the Phillies.

With only 120 innings pitched in the past two years the workload is small and could mean less wear on his arm. This alone could make Puk appealing with the rash of Tommy John Surgeries throughout all levels of baseball. Puk is a prime candidate to be in red pinstripes in the future.

Alec Hansen (RHP)

Oklahoma

The other college 6’7” monster would be Hansen. He is very similar to Puk in that he is a power pitcher who’s bread and butter is his fastball. Also like Puk he sits in the mid to high 90s and hit 99 at points this past season. Puk however, has exhibited a better strikeout ability and had a bit more success  but both showed improvement from the previous year and the upcoming season will determine who the better pick will be.

Along with that fast ball Hansen displays a solid slider and a change up that has the potential to be a really good out pitch. Hansen vs. Puk for top pick will be a top story all season.

Jason Groome (LHP)

IMG  Academy (FL)

Groome is a New Jersey native who moved to Florida in order to attend the IMG Academy, one of the nation’s top sports academy. Baseball seems to be his prime focus in life, even after his playing days he wants to be a coach. This level of dedication is reminiscent of one Roy Halladay and the relentless way he pursued (and achieved) greatness.

Groome isn’t only impressive between the ears but physically as well. Only entering his senior season he is already an astonishing 6’6” and is listed at 180 pounds. According to a baseballessential.com article however, he claims to have put on weight and reached 220 pounds which also helped him add to his velocity. He is now capable of reaching 97 MPH but typically sits in the mid 90s with his fastball, mind you he just turned 17 in August. His complimentary pitch is a curveball that has deadly potential as an outpitch. He is a high school player like Rutherford but the Phillies could opt to go after a higher ceiling rather than a player who will be MLB ready sooner, although it seems unlikely.

These are just a few names to keep an ear for as the 2016 MLB Draft approaches and our friends in new York enjoy October baseball. Winter and dark times are coming so keep your mind in the warm sunny glow of next summer. And don’t forget to stick with Chuckles Sports for the best and earliest 2016 MLB Draft coverage.

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