Jeremy Hellickson

Iowa never has had a high school player drafted in the first round. Hellickson had a chance to change that, but it looks like he's destined to go in the second round. He has shown well despite unseasonably cold weather this spring, and he's by far the best prospect in Iowa, which may not have another player drafted in the top 10 rounds. If Hellickson were a couple of inches taller, he'd have a better chance of becoming a first-rounder, but he hasn't let his size hold him back from starring on a bigger stage. He consistently shows well at showcase events and was the ace of the U.S. national team that won the World Youth Championship in Taiwan in 2003. Hellickson works from 87-93 mph with his fastball, shows an average to plus curveball and has nice feel for a changeup. He has good life to his pitches and is mechanically sound. His biggest key is to stay on top of his curveball so it won't flatten out. Hellickson missed his junior season with a fractured growth plate in his right shoulder, but has come back strong and his medical history isn't an issue with teams.