FutureSox.com profiles two promising prepsters, Matt Heindenreich (RHP) and Justin Jones (LHP) from the 2009 White Sox draft class.

Matt Heidenreich, RHP, Temescal Canyon High School, California

Matt Heidenreich was selected in the 4th round of the 2009 draft with the 133rd overall selection, information on him has been very difficult to find and this made the pick seem like a significant overdraft at the time, and it probably is still a significant overdraft, but with more information and scouting reports becoming available I am warming to the pick.

Heidenreich is still very raw but has made big strides over the last year increasing his fastball velocity from the mid-80’s to the low 90’s with him even touching 95mph this spring. His curve and change are both raw, as are his delivery and mechanics. He can definitely be described as a work in progress but at 6’6″ and 200 pounds there is a lot of projectability in him.

Heidenreich got a DUI conviction back in February and is committed to UC Riverside with Riverside head coach Doug Smith describing him as “a big, strong guy with a very high ceiling”.

Justin Jones, LHP, Oakdale High School, California

Justin Jones was selected in the 7th round with pick #223 overall, he has very good raw stuff and on ability alone probably deserved to be selected higher than the 7th round but there are some concerns with his delivery. Jones currently throws a high 80’s fastball which he can dial up to 92mph if needed, to go along with the fastball Jones throws a nasty curve which I have seen described as “easily the best breaking ball in Northern California for either high school or college pitchers” in multiple publications. His low 80’s changeup also flashes the potential to be a solid pitch for him in the future. But back to Jones’ delivery, he has a very high effort, herky-jerky delivery which has led to some scouts questioning whether he’ll have good command, right now it isn’t a problem for him but it may be down the line.

Jones was flat out dominant the last two years posting a 22-1 record with a 0.41 ERA and 242 strikeouts to 37 walks in 136 innings pitched. He is committed to the University of California and has been quoted as saying “If the right numbers (draft position and signing bonus) are there, I’m going professional. I don’t have a rough estimate right now as to what those numbers might be. I’m kind of working on that.”

Jones is a lanky kid with a lot of projectability; he measures in at 6’3″, 175 pounds and has real potential.

As always, if you have any questions, comments or feedback please feel free to let me know via the comment box below.