Top 200 Prospects of the Northwoods League:
4. Matt Kent, lhp, Rochester (RS) Jr., Texas A&M)
With excellent control and several off speed pitches to set up his fastball, Kent dominated throughout
the summer. He made 11 starts for the Honkers, his third stint with Rochester, but first as a starter. Kent throws three pitches for strikes and racked up 69 Ks in 77.2 innings, earning co-top pitcher honors. He served as a bullpen option for the Aggies the past two years after redshirting, but a move to the rotation awaits. He posted a 2.08 ERA and went deep into games, making six starts of seven innings or more. Managers ranked the southpaw as one of the top pitchers in terms of control, as evidenced by his nearly 7-to-1 K/BB ratio. He has three off speed pitches, including a plus curve, which set up his fastball, which isnt overpowering as hes not a big guy. He stands at just 6ft 175 pounds. However, his slender, athletic build allow Kent to have a fluid delivery and get good extension, which makes him very projectable on the mound. Kent has good feel of the strike zone and holds runners well, with some managers discussing his pickoff move as one of the best in the league.
19. Ryne Birk, 2b, La Crosse (So., Texas A&M)
Birk was arguably the best defensive second basemen in the league - he didnt commit an error in 47 games. The rising sophomore at Texas A&M also hit the ball well, ranking sixth in the league with a .340 batting average. He hit .306 in his first collegiate action with the Aggies in the spring, and only continued his success. Hes an everyday guy, one manager said. He loves to play and put the barrel on the bat more than anyone. Birk also showcased speed, swiping 11 bases, and patience as he drew 36 walks to 34 strikeouts.
58. Mark Ecker, rhp, La Crosse (S0., Texas A&M)
Despite joining at mid season, Ecker still made an impression with the coaches throughout the league. He has an electric arm with big upside, one manager said of the Aggie righty who only threw 16 innings throughout the summer. He has a low 90s fastball and showed flashes of a swing and miss slider. Ecker struck out four in just five innings of work as a freshman with Texas A & M, but then was lights out as a Logger. He made one start, and struck out 21 in 16 innings. He has a simple delivery, and a slow overall pace but he stays on line and has a quick, loose and strong arm.