Prospect Report: Nottinghamshire Outlaws

Q. Your #1 Pick in the 2012 AMMY draft was Lou "The Frenchie" Latulippe, a Starting Pitcher.  

 

Lou Latulipee

Describe his skill set and what you anticipate he can do for your team.

Any concerns at all?

 

ANS:  Our initial draft strategy was focus to on strong relievers for our starting pitchers.  It was anticipated that we could pick up some talented starters in the first year player draft.  We felt there were two top drawer starters available in the draft and since we were picking second  it was clear we would get one of them.  Latulippe was the younger of the two, so as with any young pitcher, you are concerned arm strength and arm durability.  So our plan is to bring him along slowly.  Lou brings a strong assortment of pitches, he is equally talented in throwing any of his four pitches.  He is very smart and really knows how to pitch, which is a bit unique for an 18 yr. old.  He is dedicated and a hard worker.  We believe he can anchor our rotation.

 

Q.  25 year old William McKensie was the 541st pick in the 2011 draft yet he is now your 2nd highest rank prospect and the 23rd overall.

Tell us what you see in this player who didn't have much of a season in 2012 but is hot at the ABL level right now.

 

 

ANS:  McKensie was one of our sleeper picks in the initial draft, but Montgomery beat us to the punch in round 23.  When he became available in the rule V draft, we had to pull the trigger.  Our scouts have William as a strong contact hitter with power to all fields.  When he was drafted by Montgomery, he was placed in AAA Birmingham, so he did get experience at a good level.  However, Birmingham park is huge and death to most hitters.  We felt that in a park a little more hitter friendly, he would do well,  We had the roster space to leave him at the major league squad all season.  He has adjusted well so far and again will be used in situations which will help his confidence.

 

Q.  What one prospect that you own do you see as a sleeper, flying under the radar?

ANS:  CF Pedro Cuellar has superb power potential if we can get him to be more consistent with his swing.  He is an excellent outfielder defensively and when he connects the ball just jumps off his bat.  He's only 17 and adjusting to being away from home as we found him in Puerto Rico.  Even though he is only 17 we have put him in AA Blackpool because our hitting coach there, Carlos Tavarez has a track record of working with young hitters and he is also from Puerto Rico, so we felt it would help settle the lad.

 

More Stuff from William:  Another power prospect is 19 yr 1B Carl Mitchell.  Carl is 6'3' 250 lbs. and can clear any fence in any field.  Again consistent contact is a concern.  The fact that his OBS+ was 126 last year at Penzance was a positive sign for our coaching staff.  Carl was signed as an 18 yr. old undrafted free agent.

The ABL thanks the Nottinghamshire GM for his time.  Good luck in 2013 William!