2015 MLB Draft Day 3: Gems Dodgers May Have Found In Later Rounds

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Garrett Zech, OF (Naples HS, FL)

Just one of two prep outfielders drafted by the Dodgers this year (the other being second- rounder Mitch Hansen), Zech offers a different package and is far less likely to sign. The righty-hitting, lefty-throwing Florida native has excellent speed, turning in a 6.39 time in the 60 yard dash last summer, allowing him to comfortably patrol center field and wreak havoc on the basepaths.

At the plate, he’s still a little raw, but is big enough to project for some power down the road. Upon being drafted, Garrett sent out a tweet making it hard to believe that he’ll forego his commitment to the University of South Florida to play both baseball and football.

With steep financial obligations to three other prep draftees, it’s hard to imagine the Dodgers would be able to find the money to sway him.

Nolan Long, RHP (Wagner College, NY)

Nolan Long certainly lives up to his name. The 6’10 right-handed pitcher also spent time playing basketball this past season. He’s been up to 95 in the past but sits more comfortably at 88-90 with a solid breaking ball. He’s comparable to Chris Young (the pitcher), as a very tall, two-sport star who played college ball in the northeast.

Others of Note

17th rounder Jason Goldstein: He called his own games for Illinois and the junior backstop caught sixth overall pick Tyler Jay this season and ended up batting .286 with 15 doubles and eight home runs in 2015. Additionally, he threw out nearly 30 percent of attempted base stealers.

University of Miami catcher Garrett Kennedy: He deserves recognition for improving dramatically from his junior to senior campaign. This spring, left-handed hitting catcher batted .329 with seven home runs and more walks (36) than strikeouts (27). The Hurricanes take on Florida in the College World Series starting Saturday.

The Dodgers took a pair of Tommy John survivors in the late rounds in prep righty Jason Bilous and Casey Mulholland. Bilouis was selected in the 29th round despite not pitching this spring while recovering. Mulholland, a 37th-rounder, underwent the procedure during his senior season of high school, then ended up at the University of South Florida for the past two years.