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Crunch time for draft-eligible collegians

Draft Report brings 25 new reports before the draft on June 7
May 16, 2007

The Draft Report decided it was time to go back to campus for another degree this week.

In this week's edition, we hit the colleges. Hard. It's crunch time people and there's no time to waste. Just like scouting directors are scrambling across the country in the last few weeks to see as many players as possible, the Draft Report is going to try to bring as many new names to the forefront between now and June 7 (without the thousands of miles on the road or air).

We hope you've got some time on your hands, because we've got a whopping 25 new reports for you in this Report. We've got pitchers, catchers, outfielders and infielders, all from universities and junior colleges from across the land. A total of 21 institutions of baseball higher learning are represented. So lets not waste any more time and get to those reports:

Andrew Carignan, RHP, University of North Carolina: The Tar Heels closer has one pitch, a pretty good fastball, but he's made it work for him. Complete Report.

Chris Carpenter, RHP, Kent State: Injury issues -- including Tommy John surgery back in July 2005 -- have held Carpenter back, but he's got plus velocity on the fastball and a killer slider to go along with it. Complete Report.

Collin DeLome, OF, Lamar University: DeLome is a speedy outfielder who is improving quickly in his new position, center field. Complete Report.

Alan Farina, RHP, Clemson: He pitches middle relief for the Tigers, but there are those who think he has the stuff to start. Complete Report.

Cory Gearrin, RHP, Mercer University: The side-arming closer shut down Miami to open the season and has stayed on the map since. Complete Report.

Brandon Hicks, SS, Texas A&M: Another good defensive college shortstop, Hicks also runs well. The only question is how much he'll hit at the next level. Complete Report.

Tommy Hunter, RHP, University of Alabama: The strong draft-eligible sophomore has a good fastball and two other offerings that have projection. Complete Report.

Will Kline, RHP, University of Mississippi: Kline is inconsistent with his three-pitch mix, but he does put them all together at times, creating a very interesting arm. Complete Report.

David Kopp, RHP, Clemson: While Daniel Moskos gets most of the buzz on campus, Kopp and his three-pitch mix will not be overlooked. Complete Report.

Kellen Kulbacki, OF, James Madison: In a year with a dearth of college bats, Kulbacki's hitting and raw power will certainly be intriguing. Complete Report.

Jon Lucroy, C, University of Louisiana - Lafayette: College backstops are always in high demand, and Lucroy's all-around package probably won't last too long. Complete Report.

Dan Merklinger, LHP, Seton Hall: Merklinger has not pitched as well as hoped in his junior season after a strong Cape showing, but he's still a college lefty. Complete Report.

Sean Morgan, RHP, Tulane: A funky delivery messes up his command, but he does have above-average stuff and could be a good fastball-slider reliever if need be. Complete Report.

Eric Niesen, LHP, Wake Forest: Niesen has improved with a move to the bullpen. His main strength is his above-average fastball velocity from the left side. Complete Report.

Danny Payne, OF, Georgia Tech: Payne is a hard-nosed "baseball player" who knows how to get on base and plays above his tools. Complete Report.

Luke Putkonen, RHP, University of North Carolina: If you like arm strength, Putkonen might be your guy. He can get it up there in a hurry and command it, but his secondary offerings lag behind. Complete Report.

Evan Reed, RHP, Cal Poly: The Cal Poly closer can crank up the fastball into the mid-90s and has a decent slider to go along with it. Complete Report.

Brian Rike, OF, Louisiana Tech: A walk-on, Rike has worked his way into draft conversations with some serious pop at the plate. Complete Report.

Kyle Russell, OF, University of Texas: The draft-eligible sophomore has obliterated the Longhorns' single-season home run record. Complete Report.

Brad Suttle, 3B, University of Texas: The eligible sophomore can swing the bat a little but the rest of the skill set is behind his ability to hit for average. Complete Report.

Matt Thompson, RHP, Santa Rosa JC: Armed with a good fastball, the rest of Thompson is a projection. But it's a good one because of his natural athletic ability. Complete Report.

Jess Todd, RHP, University of Arkansas: With a strong, controlled fastball and an average slider, Todd may make for a good setup man someday. Complete Report.

Tony Watson, LHP, University of Nebraska: Watson is a pitchability lefty with a good changeup who has gotten a lot of work in college. Complete Report.

Duke Welker, RHP, University of Arkansas: The tall righty pitches behind projected first-round pick Nick Schimdt and maybe even Jess Todd, but he's done OK with his fastball and slider combination. Complete Report.

Jordan Zimmermann, RHP, University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point: While his secondary pitches need work and are mere projections as average offerings now, his fastball is a plus and will certainly draw scouts. Complete Report.

Jonathan Mayo is a reporter for MLB.com.