The Cincinnati Reds drafted Florida Gators pitcher Scott Moss with the 108th overall pick in the fourth round on Friday afternoon.
Scott Moss was probably not on the watch-list of very many teams until a few short weeks ago. His huge six inning shutout start against LSU in the SEC Tournament semi-finals increased his draft stock significantly. Up to that point, he had been used very sparingly throughout the season for Florida, but with a 6-5 frame and a fastball that can get up to 95, scouts saw the raw tools that Moss possesses.
Moss had to undergo Tommy John Surgery his freshman year. His injury has kept him from being more of a factor in the Florida rotation during his time with the Gators.
PLAYER EVALUATION:
Moss’ stature alone, at 6’5, 220, makes him the perfect specimen to be shaped into an effective pitcher in the majors.
The left handed pitcher throws a 90-94 MPH fastball. The fastball is his most effective pitch when he is on, because he can locate it perfectly on the black of the plate. His best swing-and-miss pitch is his slider. Moss also throws a changeup that needs work, but if he can master that pitch, he will have three great pitches in his arsenal.
His deceptive motion makes it difficult for hitters, especially left handed hitters, to pick up the ball. Moss is a strikeout pitcher, averaging 12.13 strikeouts per nine innings. He forces a lot of ground balls off of opposing batters hands as well.
He has struggled with consistency and ability to throw strikes at times. There are games he seemingly throws nothing but strikes, and there are games he struggles to find the strike zone.
If he continues to stay healthy, he could be a very successful pitcher moving forward.
CAREER AT FLORIDA:
Moss came to Florida after being drafted by the Colorado Rockies in the 38th round of the 2013 MLB Draft.
His career got off to a rough start to say the least. After undergoing Tommy John Surgery, he was redshirted. With head coach Kevin O’Sullivan not wanting to rush him back from the injury, Moss saw no time on the mound for the Gators in his redshirt freshman year.
As a redshirt sophomore, Moss finally saw some time on the mound for Florida. He did a little bit of both starting and relieving this season. Moss has posted a 3-0 record so far and is only behind fellow draftee and Florida closer, Shaun Anderson, with a 1.59 ERA. Moss has only thrown 22.2 innings for the Gators.
CHANCES MOSS RETURNS:
Returning could give Moss a chance to play a bigger role for the Gators next season, possibly as the number two starter, and could increase his draft stock as well.
The possibility of injury is always a big point when a player decides if it is in his best interest to come out or stay another year. After already sustaining a serious injury, the possibility for another injury will likely be Moss’ biggest incentive to take whatever offer he is given this year.
Moss will have the toughest decision on staying or leaving of any Gator player. He would be a prominent fixture in Florida’s lineup in 2017. Given his physical ability he could vault himself into the first round with a good year. We’ll put the odds at 50-50 right now.