2016 MLB Draft Profile: Scott Moss, LHP, Florida

Information

Height: 6-5

Weight: 215

B/T: L/L

Classification: Rs. Sophomore

Summary

The idea of drafting a college player with a grand total of 22 1/3 innings sounds pretty poor off the bat. There's gotta be good reason for it, and there is. Scott Moss tore his UCL a week before his freshman season and due to the length of the recovery, he didn't pitch his second year either. So, he redshirted his freshman year and didn't pitch at all in his Rs. Freshman year.

He was used mostly as a reliever but did have a few spot starts. Because of his well known potential, he was still considered a top 10 round draftee by scouts. But, a stellar performance the SEC semifinals propelled is stock some more. He pitched six shoutout innings against one the better teams in college in LSU.

He carries a fastball that consistently hit up to 93 MPH and even hit 95 MPH on occasion. The money maker for him is a slider that he generates a lot of whiffs with. He had a 12.49 SO/9 this season and had a 13.09 SO/9 in the Northwoods League last summer. So, he's proved he can miss bats. He struggled with command some due to the simple fact he hasn't pitched a whole lot. A 6.97 BB/9 in the Northwoods League illustrates that like none other. Given it was his first live batter since his senior year of high school. He did show a lot better this season with a 3.27 BB/9.

His mechanics aren't bad either. He dips with the back leg before driving to the plate which affects his balance through the delivery. It also seems to affect his timing as well. This is probably where is control issues arise.

Floor

Short track record. Issues with control/command. Injury history. All add up to a minor leaguer who doesn't sniff the majors.

Ceiling

This is where things get tricky. A lefty with plus stuff and misses bats the way he does is able to perform at a high level. He has the upside of a #3 starter, but is something that will take a lot of polishing to do.

Projected Draft Round

That's a wide range. There's a chance he goes in the back end of the first three rounds but his signability will ultimately dictate where. He has the upside and the chance for a team to grab a bargain without using an early draft pick.

Will he sign?

Good question. He has two years of eligibility left and with two of the weekend starters likely to leave via the draft, Florida has a spot for him to join the rotation. He could be drafted next year and have more leverage than most his age. But, the older he gets, the less teams will be willing to negotiate with him. Teams like pitcher when they're young.The right money will surely get him, but what is that number?

Bibliography