Sam Moll: Prospect Profile for Colorado Rockies' 3rd-Round Pick

Player: Sam Moll

Drafted by: Colorado Rockies (No. 77 overall)

Position: LHP

DOB: 1/3/1992 (Age: 21)

Height/Weight: 5'11"/187 lbs

Bats/Throws: L/L

School: Memphis

Previously Drafted: Never Drafted

 

Background

Moll is one of the most intriguing left-handed pitching prospects in this class. Pitching for the University of Memphis, he has really stepped up his game this season. His ERA has dropped from 3.48 as a sophomore to 2.77 this year, and his strikeout-to-walk ratio is better than 4-to-1. 

The only significant knock against Moll is his size, which doesn't necessarily lend itself to starting. He certainly has the stuff, with a knockout fastball-curveball combination, to remain in the rotation, but he doesn't generate much plane on the heater and can be homer prone at the next level. 

Full Scouting Report

Note: Numerical scores are on the conventional 80-point scouting scale, with the current score first and projected score second.

Body/Mechanics:

Height and weight combination is a huge detriment; has been a starter for the last two years at Memphis; delivery is a little arm-heavy, as he doesn't get much stride to the plate; very good arm speed allows him to generate velocity; could play well out of the bullpen. 

Fastball: 60/60

Flashes plus velocity (94-95) at times; could stick in that range, with maybe a little more, in short bursts; will sit above-average as a starter; does good job at keeping ball down, though will be tested against pro hitters; fastball should remain plus offering.

Curveball: 55/60

Very good curveball right now; shows solid feel for it and ability to throw it for strikes when needed; hard, late snap down in the zone; true swing-and-miss potential against advanced hitters; will be effective second pitch as starter or reliever. 

Slider: 40/50

Doesn't show strong feel for the pitch right now; more of a show-me offering; features good tilt and break when he throws it for strikes; will have to get more confident with it to remain as a starter; enough there to project it as average. 

Control: 45/55

Good ability to throw strikes currently; often around the zone, which helps him pile up strikeouts; has shown much better control of fastball and curveball this season; should have above-average control at peak. 

Command: 40/50

Some mechanical problems limit command; long arm action in the back causes him to lose release point; able to self-correct at times by being so quick on the follow-through; will have to be more consistent hitting his spots to start, but should be effective in relief. 

MLB Player Comparison: Tim Collins

 

Projection: Power reliever who will miss bats in high-leverage situations. 

 

MLB ETA: 2015

 

Chances of Signing: 75 percent

Considering how well Moll has performed this season, and the likelihood his stock will actually increase next year given his physical limitations, he is a strong candidate to sign with a team after the draft. 

Plus, Moll has the added bonus of being able to move quickly if a team decides to use him as a reliever. That obviously lowers his ultimate ceiling, but relief pitchers are always in demand.