Joseph D'Amico
Info Plays
Larry Cook began betting sports in the early 80's and took his fair share of bumps and bruises before he learned what it takes to win consistently as a sports bettor.
Mark Franco
Mark Franco helped start Vegas Insider in 1997 and worked under some of the most well respected handicappers in the Nation.
Rob Vinciletti
Rob Vinciletti is the Founder of Golden Contender sports,he is a sports wagering broker, known and respected nationwide for his no nonsense approach and work ethic.
Ben Burns
Ben Burns burst onto the sports betting scene in the 1990s, first making his selections available to the public in 1998.
Players to watch in MLB Draft by The Sports Network
1) ANTHONY RENDON, 3B, RICE
Rendon is the top-rated player in this draft, but recently there have been some concerns surrounding his shoulder…Last year’s College Player of the Year, Rendon strained his throwing shoulder in the second week of the season and played sparingly in the field after that…Adding to the intrigue is the fact that Rendon’s camp has yet to release his medical information to teams…The shoulder did not seem to hinder him at the plate, where he hit a team-best .327, while also leading Rice in home runs (6), doubles (20), stolen bases (12) and runs scored (57 in 60 games played)…The Golden Spikes National Semifinalist also drew an NCAA-leading 78 walks, including 22 of which have been intentional free passes…In fact, there have been two occasions this season where Rendon was intentionally walked with first base already occupied…When healthy, Rendon is a terrific third baseman with above-average range and arm strength…Scouts have compared him to Evan Longoria and Ryan Zimmerman…In addition to the shoulder, ankle injuries have kept him off the field in each of the last two summers…Even if Bucs pass him up at No.1, he will not last more than three picks.
2) GERRIT COLE, RHP, UCLA
Cole was the No. 1 pick of the New York Yankees in the 2008 draft, but chose instead to go to UCLA, where this spring he showed the best stuff of any pitcher in this draft…Cole struggled with his command at times early in the season, but still ended the year 6-7 with a 3.28 ERA…He also notched 108 strikeouts and just 23 walks (two intentional) in 107.0 innings this season for the Pac-10 champion UCLA…He ranks second on UCLA’s all-time strikeouts list (365) and fifth in career innings pitched (315.0)…Of all the pitchers in this draft, Cole could be the closest to contributing at the major league level, both from a physical and mental standpoint…Most scouts think that Cole will be a front of the line starter, but others think he could be on a fast track to the majors as a closer, thanks to a fastball that consistently sits in the 96-98 mph range…His slider comes in at 88-90 mph and his changeup is about the same from a velocity standpoint…If there is a knock on the Bruins’ righty it is that there is no variation in velocity.
3) DANNY HULTZEN, LHP, VIRGINIA
Became the Friday starter for the Cavaliers almost immediately upon stepping on campus in Charlottesville…Was a Freshman All-American as a two- way player in 2009, and was a second teamer in 2010 after going 10-1 with a 2.83…Did nothing to hurt his value this season, as he posted a 9-3 mark to go along with a 1.49 ERA with 131 strikeouts against just 15 walks in 90 innings for one of the top-ranked teams in the country…Fastball has become the most effective pitch for the lefty…After working mostly at 88-91 mph his first two college years, Hultzen now sits around 93 and touches 96…His changeup is his best secondary pitch…Slider could use some improvement, but in time could become an above-average pitch…Above average poise and instincts…Just about major league ready…A terrific athlete, Hultzen has also seen time at 1B and at DH for the Cavs…Was drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the 10th round in 2008
4) BUBBA STARLING, OF, GARDNER EDGERTON HS (KS)
Ranked the top High School player by Baseball America, Starling is also a highly-rated quarterback and is committed to Nebraska, where he will be allowed to play both sports…Considered a five-tool athletic prospect, he is an excellent defender in the outfield and can hit for both average and power…Has great speed for his size and his work ethic has drawn praise…Hit .481 this season with four homers, 11 runs batted in and seven steals after batting .339 with three homers in 62 at-bats with the Team USA 18U National Team last summer…Has also shown some pitching ability with a low 90s fastball and decent curveball, but is likely to begin a baseball career as a center fielder, drawing comparisons to Drew Stubbs…Could be a top-five pick.
5) DYLAN BUNDY, RHP, OWASSO HS (OK)
Right-hander is considered one of the top high school arms in the draft and projects as a frontline starter…Possess three excellent pitches, including a fastball that could be the best in the draft as it averages 95 mph with movement, but has also hit 98 mph…Also throws a good curveball in the upper 70s and has an average slider, but changeup needs work…Bundy has a strong frame and good delivery that leads to great control of his pitches… Went 11-0 with a 0.20 ERA in 12 games, striking out 158 and walking five over 71 innings. Did not allow an earned run over his final 56 innings …Won Gatorade Oklahoma Baseball Player of the Year Award in three straight seasons…His brother Bobby was drafted in the eighth round by the Orioles in 2008…Committed to Texas.
6) TREVOR BAUER, RHP, UCLA
Has been on a path to the first round of the draft ever since graduating high school early to enroll at UCLA in the spring of 2009…Fastball tops out in the mid 90s and stays in the low 90s deep into games. Also has a plus curveball and solid changeup while also being able to mix in a slider and splitter…Idolizes San Francisco Giants ace Tim Lincecum and brings an intensity to his game with an unusual training regimen that does not include weights…Also studies pitching on a science level…Became the first UCLA pitcher to lead the nation in strikeouts when he fanned 165 in 2010… Went 12-2 with a 1.27 ERA in 15 starts with the Bruins in 2011, hurling eight straight complete games and nine overall. Struck out a nation-leading 189 over 127 2/3 innings and broke school records for career wins and strikeouts… Named Collegiate Baseball’s Player of the Year and is a semifinalist for the Golden Spikes Award for a second straight season…Some concerns include his workload and desire to train using his own regimen.
7) JED BRADLEY, LHP, GEORGIA TECH
Could be the second-best left-hander available behind Danny Hultzen… Has four solid pitches, including a low 90s fastball to go with a slider, curveball and changeup…Can control all four pitches and mixes them well, but is not overpowering and prefers to miss bats rather than pitch to contact…Has a tall and lanky frame, and is hard worker with durability…Went 6-3 with a 3.59 earned run average in 15 starts this year at Georgia Tech, striking out 102 over 90 1/3 innings…Named the No. 4 prospect in the 2010 Cape Cod Summer League by Baseball American and was a member of the 2008 Connie Mack World Series Champion East Cobb Yankees team…May be on the quick road to the majors after going undrafted out of high school as he really filled out his frame to 224 pounds during his days in college.
8) GEORGE SPRINGER, OF, CONNECTICUT
Springer played for the USA Collegiate Team and was a four-year varsity letter winner at Avon Old Farms High School…His father played in the Little League World Series back in 1976, so baseball has been in Springer’s blood…A very talented center fielder for the Huskies, Springer still needs work with his swing because pitchers in both the minors and pros would set him down with ease. Springer has the talent to hit to all fields and is speedy on the basepaths…With a Joey Cora-type build, Springer could use about 10 pounds of bulk to strengthen both is arm and power at the plate…Springer is a projected first-round selection in the upcoming draft and would be a great addition to any team taking a chance on him. The Minnesota Twins selected Springer in the 2008 MLB Draft but were unable to sign him. He was also a member of the Cape Cod Baseball League with the Wareham Gatemen.
9) ARCHIE BRADLEY, RHP, BROKEN ARROW HS (OK)
Bradley is an athletic prospect who not only shines on the baseball diamond, but also on the football field…One of the top prospects coming out of the state of Oklahoma, Bradley can dial his fastball up to as high as 100 mph. Hitting those type of numbers on the radar gun will make any scout drool, but his mechanics could use some work…Still has enough time to mature and grow as a high school prospect, and has a curveball similar to Brett Myers of the Houston Astros…Known as a vocal leader, managers will appreciate the intensity Bradley brings to the mound on game day…Bradley keeps his body in shape on a regular basis, but then again one must to thrive as a two-sport star. Bradley may even play quarterback at college if he goes that route.
10) TAYLOR GUERRIERI, RHP, SPRING VALLEY HS (SC)
Guerrieri’s stock is rising in the upcoming MLB Draft, and that could hinder his decision to attend college…The right-handed pitcher has ideal size as a starting pitcher and can mix it up with the best prospects as far as his array of pitches. Guerrieri can reached the mid to high 90s with his fastball, as well as a dropping curveball and cutter. Hasn’t used a changeup much but will surely tap into that when he reaches the next level…Still could use more power in his legs as most pitchers do and that will only solidify his already-stable delivery…Some scouts have doubts on his off the field decision making and already transferred high schools. Guerrieri is also a signee at South Carolina, but his aforementioned stock rise may alter that.
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