Phillies 2016 MLB Draft Predictions
By Matt Veasey
JASON GROOME, LEFT-HANDED PITCHER, BARNEGAT HS (NEW JERSEY)
Our Mike Campanella is high on the player who some feel has the highest ceiling in this year’s draft, and who has been compared in some ways to Dodgers’ ace Clayton Kershaw.
Groome is a local kid, from Barnegat High School at the Jersey shore. A high school lefty pitcher from the area who grew up a Phillies fan – sounds familiar (Jesse Biddle?)
Mike believes this is the pick, however, despite some signability concerns and rumors that he may opt to go the JUCO route.
"“If management believes that Groome or Pint has the highest upside among their options, then it wouldn’t be surprising to see them select either pitcher. The Phillies are looking for an ace, a true number one starting pitcher to anchor an already young, promising staff. After reading numerous scouting reports by some of the industry’s foremost experts, I believe that pitcher is Jason Groome. Often compared to Kershaw, Groome is a big left-handed pitcher with a devastating 12-6 curve and dominant fastball. The standout curveball, which Groome commands so effectively, was given a 65-70 grade (on the 20-80 scale) by ESPN’s Keith Law.“"
Mike expanded on the choice of Groome in a piece here at TBOH just two weeks ago:
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