Scouting Report (via MLB Bonus Baby and Baseball America):
- plus fastball, sitting in the mid 90′s, touching 96
- plus slider, above-average curveball
- needs to improve command
- should sign for slot
Schrader went to Texas-San Antonio as a two-way player and had middling success as a starting pitcher in 2009, going 2-1, 3.97 with 43 strikeouts in 45 innings. After transferring to San Jacinto for 2010, he has found his true calling as a reliever. He helped the Gators reach the Junior College World Series, saving 11 games and ranking third nationally with 15.9 strikeouts per nine innings through regional play. Schrader has two legitimate plus pitches, a 91-95 mph fastball and a mid-80s slider. His low-80s curveball can be devastating at times as well. Scouts worry about his size (6 feet, 190 pounds), arm action and maximum-effort delivery, but his power stuff still should land him in the top six or seven rounds. If he doesn’t turn pro, he’ll attend Oklahoma.
Schrader has been a fast riser on boards this spring, and like Ruffin, he has really seen his stock rise since a move to the bullpen this year. Schrader started his career at UT San Antonio, where he worked mainly as a starter with mostly positive results. However, his stuff was fringy, and most scouts thought he’d be an organizational arm when eligible for the 2011 draft. Instead, Schrader transferred out of UTSA to San Jac last fall, and he’s moved into the bullpen as the closer for the top junior college team in the country. Since that move, his stuff and draft stock have risen quickly, and he’s a darkhorse for a first day selection. He now consistently works in the 92-94 mph range with a plus slider and average curveball, and he could even stand to drop the curve in favor of a plus two-pitch mix in the late innings. What’s working against Schrader is a smaller body that leaks projectability, and he struggles to get downhill plane on his fastball as a result of his smaller stature. He’s not small enough that he would be classified as a diminutive righty, but it is what holds him back in terms of pro prospects. Schrader has signed with Oklahoma, and that might be a small factor in his signability, but most scouts expect he’ll be one of the earliest junior college relievers taken in June. Projected Draft Range: 3rd-7th Round
Vitals & School:
- San Jacinto College N.
- DOB: 4/28/1990
- RHP
- 6′ 0″
- 200 lbs.
- Throws: R
- Bats: R
More info:
Played for one of the top JuCo teams in the country.
Video:
Overall Thoughts:
Schrader looks like another reliever, but he’s coming out of high school rather than college like Dan Klein and Dixon Anderson. With two plus pitches, I think the Orioles have to try Schrader as a starter first and see what happens. If/when he shows he can’t be a starter, move him to the pen.
