HOF Scout's 5 Best Pitching Prospects

SI Staff | Mar 25, 2009

HOF Scout's 5 Best Pitching Prospects

Dwight Gooden <i>(drafted fifth by Mets in '82)</i>

Ronald C. Modra/SI

Al Goldis, 66, started scouting amateur players for the Orioles in 1978, and in his career he worked with the Angels, White Sox, Brewers, Cubs, Reds and Mets. He was the director of scouting and player development for the White Sox from 1986 through '90 and was the architect of the team's '90 draft, which is regarded as one of the best ever. In February 2009, he was voted into the Pro Baseball Scouts Hall of Fame. Here are the five best pitchers Goldis ever scouted.<br><br>Gooden had a really loose arm and incredible athletic ability--just tremendous upside. He could throw hard, but he had a hell of a curveball too.

Cole Hamels &lt;i&gt;(drafted 17th by Phillies in '02)&lt;/i&gt;

Chuck Solomon/SI

Of all the high school pitchers I've seen, Hamels had the most poise. He knew how to pitch. He had a great changeup. He had everything.

Brien Taylor &lt;i&gt;(drafted first by Yankees in '91)&lt;/i&gt;

Greg Foster/SI, AP

The best arm I've seen on a high school pitcher. Taylor probably had a more live arm than Gooden's.

Mark Prior &lt;i&gt;(drafted second by Cubs in '01)&lt;/i&gt;

Al Tielemans/SI

Prior was so polished in every way. He had all plus sutff--delivery, velocity, location, breaking pitches.

Mike Mussina &lt;i&gt;(drafted 20th by Orioles in '90)&lt;/i&gt;

John Iacono/SI

Mussina threw a knuckle-curve that was unhittable. He had intelligence, confidence. If something bad happened, he had the brains to adjust.