7-Word Scouting Report:   Stocky Right-Hander, Simple Delivery, Three Potential “5s”

I spent this past weekend in Woodbridge scouting the Potomac Nationals as they hosted the Salem Red Sox in their last home series of the season. One of the many pleasant surprises of the weekend was the performance Saturday evening by RHP Tyler Mapes, who pitched 7 innings of 1 run baseball to help Potomac defeat Salem 6-2.

Selected in the 30th round of the 2014 draft out of Tulane University, Tyler Mapes overwhelmed the opposition, allowing only 1 run on 6 hits and 3 walks against 3 strikeouts. Mapes forced 8 groundouts against 3 fly outs and 5 of the 6 hits allowed were infield singles. He faced only 27 batters to achieve 21 outs, masterfully working through Salem’s lineup.

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Saturday Mapes flashed a 3-pitch repertoire featuring a 88-91mph fastball (touching 93 twice) with some intriguing sinking movement and control within the strike zone. In addition he showed a 75-79mph slider/slurve possessing sweeping, 10-to-4 movement away from right-handed hitters. Finally he threw an 82-84mph changeup showing quality arm speed and arm-side tumbling action – interestingly Mapes threw the changeup to righties as often as to lefties, perhaps indicating his confidence in the pitch.  He needs additional experience and refinement, but Mapes has the potential for three fringe-average to average offerings.

One must begin by crediting the Washington Nationals’ scouting and development staff for finding a player with such a impressive frame, delivery and potential for 3 average pitches on Day 3 of the MLB Draft.  Mapes reminds me of another Nationals pitcher Craig Stammen, another later round selection who pounds the strike zone, repeats his delivery and forces hitters to hit ground balls due to the sink on his fastball. In fact, I would put Mapes ceiling as Stammen, a valuable middle reliever capable of throwing 80+ innings per season and inducing a healthy amount of ground ball outs.

Due to his draft pedigree Mapes will need to succeed at each level to continue his ascent through the minor leagues.  He still faces long odds, but I would not bet against him carving out a career in the major leagues.  Tyler Mapes is definitely a sleeper name in the farm system and someone to remember going forward.