ESPN draft guru Keith Law traveled to Stony Brook, N.Y to watch Hartford left-hander Sean Newcomb make his final regular season start last Friday. This is of particular interest to Mets fans because it has been rumored that the Mets have been in on Newcomb big time, and more than one media outlet has had the Mets selecting the 6’4″, 240 pound southpaw with the 10th overall pick– including Keith himself.

Law estimates that about 30 scouts were in attendance as Newcomb took the mound, and that based on what he saw the 21-year old has more than solidified himself as a top 15 selection. Keith also broke down Newcomb’s stuff:

Newcomb’s fastball sat 92-94 mph over his seven-inning outing, touching 96, and he threw plenty of strikes — more control than command, but still better than what he’d shown scouts earlier in the spring.

His curveball was 76-80 mph with good two-plane break and enough depth to be effective against right-handed batters as a third pitch, although his changeup, which he didn’t use until the fourth inning, is the better pitch for that purpose. It’s 84-86 mph with good deception and a little late tailing action…

As for his delivery and mechanics, Law wrote that although not flawless, it would behoove the Mets to leave his delivery alone because “he expends so little effort to generate that velocity”. He also expects that the only thing holding back his command is lack of reps and nothing mechanically would prevent him from spotting his pitches.

Lastly, Law stated that “he wouldn’t hesitate to take him in the top half of the first round” and speculated that his market may start as early as the Mariners at number six overall.

(Photo Credit: University of Hartford)