Phillies 2015 Draft Rounds 16 to 20

The picks are flying off the board and the information is scarce.  The Phillies take a very interesting relief prospect and projectable left handed high school pitcher.

Round 16 – Brendon Hayden – 1B – Virginia Tech

The Phillies took Hayden 4 years ago as a RHP with a near unbreakable college commitment.  Hayden hasn’t pitched since 2013, but started to mash at first base for the Hokies.

Round 17 – Ken Koplove – RHP – Duke

Koplove played SS and closed for Duke.  His fastball is up to 92 with great movement.  There is a feeling that his ceiling could jump as an impact reliever if he pitches full time.  His brother Mike Koplove played for 7 years in the majors and was in Spring Training for the Phillies in 2009.

Here is what BA had to say about him (#383 Overall)

A two-way player for Duke, Koplove excites scouts with his upside on the mound. He throws a low three-quarters arm slot and has shown average velocity with exceptional movement, getting late sink and/or run on his fastball, even when he’s hitting 92. Koplove has the potential to develop a plus changeup; the pitch mimics his fastball movement and comes from the same arm action. His mechanics point directly to a bullpen role, and his arm action features a stabbing mechanism in the back and across-body finish. He can struggle to repeat his motion and tempo, but these issues should be corrected if and when he commits to pitching full time. Koplove also throws a slider, which shows outstanding depth, but the pitch breaks early out of his hand. Koplove is a good athlete with quick feet and he plays a decent shortstop, but his ceiling is significantly higher on the mound. If he figures things out, Koplove could develop into an elite reliever. He is the younger brother of former Major League reliever Mike Koplove.

Round 18 – Gregory Brodzinski – C – Barry University

Another senior catcher who grew up close to Philadelphia.  Solid catcher with good feel for managing pitchers, likely org filler.

Round 19 – Robert Tasin – RHP – Oklahoma

Tasin has been a big part of the University of Oklahoma this past season starting 11 games and reliever in 7 more.  He doesn’t miss a lot of bats, but pounds the zone with a low 90s fastball and a mid 80s slider.  Should be a reliever in pro ball.

Round 20 – Will Stewart – LHP – Hazel Green HS (AL)

Stewart is another projectable lefty with a fastball in the high 80s touching 91,  He won’t turn 18 until July so there is plenty of time for more weight and development.