25th Overall: Padres Select RHP Joe Ross

The San Diego Padres selected Joe Ross with the 25th pick in the 2011 MLB First-Year Player Draft. The 18 year-old, right-handed pitcher attended Bishop O’Dowd High School in Oakland, California last year. Ross stands 6’2″ tall and weighs 180 pounds. He was not featured as a first round pick by Wally Fish in the S2S Mock Draft.

THE NUMBERS:

Ross posted a 6-4 record with a 0.83 ERA and 95 strikeouts in 67 2/3 innings his senior year.

THE MECHANICS:

Ross has a smooth 3/4 delivery that he repeats almost effortlessly. His mechanics are well polished and non-violent. He is noted to have solid command and control for his age.

THE REPERTOIRE:

Ross features what’s described as a plus fastball the sits regularly in the low 90s. Ross has the ability to turn it up to 96mph on occasion. Baseball America scouts believe there’s even more velocity in his future due to his frame. He comments his power fastball with a solid slurvy high 70s slider. Ross also occasionally features a low 80s change-up. The majority of scouts believe that Ross will have no problem developing and featuring three above average pitches down the road.

WHAT THEY SAY:

SB NATION–John Sickels

"Ross might have gone higher in the draft, but there are concerns about both his signability – he’s committed to UCLA – and his health (he has a history of elbow soreness), but some say the latter concern has been overblown. As a pitcher, he’s not particularly similar to his brother, and there’s some thought that he might ultimately be best-suited to bullpen duties if durability becomes an issue. Ross has excellent overall athleticism and also draws praise for his makeup, work ethic, and level of intelligence."

ESPN–Keith Law

"(Ross is) less projectable than his brother but has better command and mechanics, which could mean a quicker developmental run through the minor leagues."

FUTURE:

Like most prep stars, signability is a major factor on draft day. Ross was rumored to be seeking a $3 million signing bonus to turn down UCLA and sign with the Padres. Late Monday evening the gamble paid off for the Padres though as they inked Ross for $2.75 million. His ceiling screams ACE and his floor should still be a quality starter. Selecting Ross that late in the first round and actually signing him is a HUDGE steal for the Padres. Ross will likely flourish in pitcher friendly PETCO Park in the future too.

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