IOWA

2007 FOLLOW LIST  

OVERVIEW:Iowa has another top high school prospect for the 2007 class in third baseman Jon Gilmore, an Aflac All-American. It marks the fifth time since 2002 that Iowa has had such a high school prospect, an enviable record when compared to neighboring states such as Wisconsin, Nebraska or Minnesota .

That trend should continue in 2008, too, as 6-foot-6 righthander B.J. Hermsen has top-round tools, and there are a large group of talented prospects just below that level.

 

After Gilmore, however, the 2007 Iowa draft class is pretty sparse at both the college and junior college level—particularly among pitchers. It’s entirely possible that no pitcher from the state of Iowa will be drafted for signing purposes. According to scouts, only two draft-eligible pitchers in the state frequently touch 90-91 mph and they attended non-Division I schools. Even Iowa Western CC, which participated in the Junior College World Series, featured a powerful offense and a staff of mid-80s pitchers.

 

STRENGTH: Jon Gilmore.

WEAKNESS: Pitching of any type.

OVERALL RATING (1-to-5 scale): 3.

 

Best Out-of-State Prospect, Iowa Connection: Andy Masten, rhp, Creighton U. (Attended junior college at Iowa Western CC).

Top 2008 Prospect: B.J. Hermsen, rhp, West Delaware HS, Masonville.

 

Highest Pick, Draft History: Mike King, lhp, Morningside College (1980, Athletics/1^st round, 4^th pick).

Highest Pick, 2006 Draft: Zach Jevne, rhp, U. of Northern Iowa (Diamondbacks/1^st round; 34^th pick).

 

Best College Team: Iowa .
Best Junior College Team: Iowa Western CC.
Best High School Team: Xavier HS, Cedar Rapids .

 

TOP 15 PROSPECTS / By David Rawnsley

 

GROUPS (College, Junior College, High School)

      1   High-round draft (Rounds 1-3)

      2   Mid-round draft (Rounds 4-10)

      3   Late-round draft (Rounds 11-25)

      4   Chance draft / Player to follow

 

*Draft-and-follow; eligible to sign before 2007 draft

 

GROUP ONE

Rank  Player                                  Pos.       Yr     B-T      HT     WT     School                              Hometown                 Drafted/(Commit) B’date

     1.   Jon Gilmore                           3B      Sr.     R-R     6-3     190     Iowa City HS                    Iowa City                     (Wichita State ) 8-23-88

SCOUTING REPORT: Gilmore was a standout on the summer circuit last year, earning Aflac All-American honors based on his performance at the Perfect Game National Showcase. He also excelled at the Area Code Games. Things were tougher this spring, as Gilmore struggled with a strained hamstring. He also had trouble getting games at all because of one of the wettest springs in Iowa history. Scouts may have the same time categorizing him, just as they did Jeff Clement and Ryan Sweeney, the top two Iowa high school position prospects of the last decade. Gilmore is a top-level overall athlete and only his running speed keeps him from being a true five-tool prospect. He has excellent bat speed and extension in his swing, and the ball jumps off his bat with authority to all fields. While Gilmore plays shortstop now, he is likely to be a third baseman the moment he puts on a uniform at the professional level. His plus arm strength and mobility will make him a defensive standout. Gilmore’s raw talent makes him a candidate to become the highest Iowa high schooler ever drafted, the previous high being righthander Zach Hammes, the 51^st overall pick in 2002.