Scouting Reports - Dylan Covey (2010 Draft Class)

Scouted:

WWBA National Championship, October 23, 2009 (in attendance)
Aflac All-American Game, August 16, 2009 (film)
Assorted, Summer 2009 (film)

Frame:

Covey has the build to go with his power-pitcher arsenal. He's close to filled-out, but will add strength as he tightens his physique and continues to mature. He profiles as a workhorse with a sturdy, durable build. He shows solid body control and actions. Will need to maintain conditioning.

Motion:

At his best, Covey keeps an easy arm action with minimal head/shoulder tug. Other times, Covey throws with some effort, but is clean enough in his follow through to limit some of the strain on his arm. His biggest hurdle looks to be consistently commanding his pitches down the line, primarily because of the head/shoulder tug as he comes through and the fact that he can get a little stiff in his landing (particularly when he's reaching back for something extra). His motion reminds me a bit of last year's 1st-round draftee Jacob Turner, though admittedly with less effort through his release and a less violent follow-through. Like Turner, Covey also breaks his hands a little early, but does a very good job of keeping the ball behind his body to prevent the hitter from picking it up early. He does a good job of hitting the same arm slot with each of his offerings, and generally repeats his mechanics well. His velocity is generated through excellent arm speed, a strong body and some of the best hip/shoulder separation in the 2010 prep ranks.

Stuff:

Fastball - Covey's fastball ranks up there with the likes of Whitson, Cole and Taillon, sitting low-90s and getting up to the 94-95 mph range while showing good life to the arm side. He's comfortable throwing the pitch to both sides of the plate and gets good downward plane on the offering. In Jupiter he showed the ability to sustain his velocity and late life over multiple innings.

Curveball - Covey has one of the best curveballs in the draft, showing hard late bite and plus depth with true 12-6 action. I had him 83-86 mph with the pitch with some inconsistency in the shape, though all I've read indicates he's generally more consistent with the breaking ball. He gets tight spin and can throw for a strike or bury as a chase pitch. Will improve command as he continues to refine and improve upon hitting his release point consistently.

Change-up - Covey's change shows potential, but he tips the pitch some by decelerating his arm. Hits the same arm slot as his fastball and curve, giving it good deception if he can improve his arm speed. Good feel for a prep arm. I clocked him at 81-82 mph with the pitch.

Nick's Notes:

Covey has excellent current stuff, with a fastball and curveball that, while unrefined, could potentially get out Major League hitters now with more consistent command. Aside from size, he compares favorably to Matt Hobgood in that he boasts two above-average to plus pitches right now (fastball/curveball) with his breaking ball a power offering that rates as his best pitch. Also like Hobgood, there isn't much projection left for Covey, which may or may not limit how high he'll ultimately climb the draft boards next June (after all, Hobgood ended-up fifth off the board). Regardless of if he can overtake some of the other potential top 10 overall prep arms (Cole/Taillon/Whitson) he's a good bet to get 1st-round interest off the strength of his workhorse build and current arsenal.

Projected Position: Mid-rotation to Front-end Starter

Suggested Draft Slot: Mid- to Supplemental-1st Round

Updates:

11/5/2009 - Covey put together a strong outing in Jupiter, FL in front of dozens of scouts, throwing three scoreless innings while striking out five and allowing four base-runners (2 BB, 1 H, 1 SO).

8/18/2009 - Covey breezed through an inning of work at the Aflac All-American Game, snapping off several impressive curveballs and ranging low- to mid-90s with his fastball. 1 IP, 2 SO

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