Joe Gatto

Gatto is arguably the most talented New Jersey prep righthander since Rick Porcello (first round) in 2007 and Jason Knapp (second round) in 2008 and possesses all the requisite physical traits to become a successful starter. The 6-foot-3, 204-pound Gatto has an ideal pitcher's body with present strength (especially in his lower half), athleticism and long extremities. Gatto's fastball has sat 89-93 mph this spring, touching 95 with the ball jumping out of his hand from good extension out front. He pitches off his fastball with plus life, getting downhill plane, arm-side run and sink on his groundball-inducing, bat-breaking heater. He shows enough feel for spin and shape to project a slightly above-average curveball. Scouts would like to see him command his curveball better and land it in the zone more frequently. His changeup showed flashes of being an above-average pitch on the showcase circuit and continues to show potential, although it has played below that this spring. Gatto as an easy, deliberate delivery with the raw materials necessary to throw strikes, but his control has not been consistent this spring. Gatto is old for the class and will be 19 a week after the draft, which would make him a draft-eligible sophomore in two years if he ends up at North Carolina.