MLB Draft 2016: Rays recap, rounds 21-40

If you didn't catch it, read Part 1 of this recap here, where I went over the prospects from Rounds 1-20.

As stated in the previous article, a full write-up of every player the Rays drafted would be cumbersome and hard to digest, as well as enough information for all the players may not be out there.

At this point in the draft, a lot of the guys drafted are nothing more than a flier with an outside chance at contributing at the major league level. More likely than not, the draftees at this stage will mostly be minor league depth players.

21. RHP John McMillon-Jasper (TX) HS

The Texas Tech commit is listed on the draft results page as a pitcher, but he also played catcher in high school. McMillon’s fastball hit the mid-90s at a scrimmage early in the high school season. This heater also translates to a "cannon of an arm" according to Texas Tech Coach Tim Tadlock.

22. RHP Freddy Villarreal-Brownsville (TX) Veterans Memorial HS

Villarreal dominated high school ball this season, pitching a perfect game and four no-hitters while striking out over 16 batters per nine innings. While originally saying he would sign with the team, Villarreal has reversed course and told the University of Houston he is going to play for them.

23. OF Isaac Bernard-Mount Hood CC

I could try to restate what this video shows you of Bernard, but I’d rather just show you than tell you.

24. RHP Joe Serrapica-Fordham

Serrapica had an up-and-down couple of years in the bullpen at Fordham before his senior year, where he transitioned to the starting rotation, making fourteen starts. The Manalapan, NJ native improved across the board, striking out 92, walking 28, and allowing 76 hits in 84 innings. Serrapica signed with the team June 15 and is currently in the New York-Penn League with the Hudson Valley Renegades.

25. RHP Matthew Vogel-South Carolina

Perhaps the most interesting aspect about Vogel is his brother, who inspired Matthew to get a Superman tattoo on his chest after his brother was in a car accident. Vogel has a fastball that peaks in the mid-to-high 90s as well as an above-average curve. His control is a nightmare though, posting a 15.43 BB/9 this season and a BB/9 above nine his entire collegiate career.

26. LHP Justin Glover-Buford (GA) HS

The University of Georgia commit has a fastball that can touch 92, and he varies the velocity on it. His breaking ball can look loopy at times, but he has solid command of it. It appears that he will retain his commitment to UGA since his Twitter account still has his commitment pinned as well as his bio.

27. 2B Robbie Tenerowicz-California

Tenerowicz was previously drafted by the Nationals in the 39th round of the 2013 draft, but the Moraga, California native opted to fulfill his commitment to Cal. Tenerowicz is a strong defender at second base but has the arm to play short need be. According to scout.com, Tenerowicz is eager to go pro and has said "I think I look good in their colors, too. It'll make my eyes pop."

28. C Jean Ramirez-Illinois State

Ramirez is old for a college prospect at 23 years old, which is to be expected from a player who redshirted one of his seasons. The son of Red Sox scout Carlos Ramirez started 52 games for the Redbirds while making only one defensive error. While playing in the Northwoods League in 2015, Ramirez earned the Rawlings "Big Stick" Award with a .307/.392/.474 line.

29. 2B Trek Stemp-Washington State

Stemp took a year off from baseball in 2015 yet returned in grand fashion this season with a .355 batting average. The former Cougar is considered a strong defender, but his lack of almost any power hurt his stock greatly. Stemp’s season ended after a, well, unfortunate injury where he was hit hard in a very sensitive spot for men. Regardless of injury, Stemp confirmed he will sign with the Rays June 13.

30. UTIL Kea’Von "K.V." Edwards-Putnam City (OK) HS

Edwards’ strength is his versatility, with the ability to play both infield and outfield. He possesses plus raw speed and power, but it will take time for him to tap into that. The Midwest product stands to fill out his 6-foot-1, 170-pound frame. He is committed to Coastal Carolina.

31. C Joey Roach-Georgia State

If Roach showed anything in college, it’s that he’s quite committed, earning both national honors on the field (semi-finalist for the Johnny Bench award for the top catcher in the country) as well as becoming an Academic All-American. Reports seem to indicate he is a solid hitter as well as a positive defender. Roach is nothing flashy, but could be a solid contributor in the minors.

32. SS Deion Tansel-Toledo

As the MAC Defensive Player of the Year, Tansel showed he could be a good defender who can make insane catches like this:

Tansel’s small 5-foot-8, 155-pound frame produces little power (.081 ISO this season), but he can make plenty of contact as well as steal bases. The Rocket provides something interesting to dream on should he head to one of the short-season leagues.

33. RHP Hayden Wesneski-Cypress-Fairbanks (TX) HS

As a two-sport athlete for Cypress-Fairbanks High, playing both football and baseball, one would think Wesneski might struggle since he doesn’t spend his full time on one sport. However, Wesneski used his fastball that touches the 90s to post a 0.85 ERA as a senior. He is committed to Sam Houston State.

34. 1B Bobby Melley-Connecticut

Melley has always been a hit machine, posting a career .316 batting average at UConn. However, he flashed some power this season with a .213 ISO and 11 home runs. Melley will have to hit at the next level if he wants to succeed, but his analytical approach at the plate could help him succeed.

35. LHP Alex Estrella-New Mexico

Estrella, a teammate of Rays minor league shortstop Jake Hager in high school, led his team with a 2.69 ERA. He made seven saves in 26 appearances out of the bullpen for the Lobos. The lefty has a good changeup with strong command of it, as well as a fastball that can touch the low-90s, but a small build for a pitcher 5-foot-11 and 170 pounds.

36. RHP Anthony Parente-Fullerton CC

Not much exists on Parente besides what the Rays press release gave us:

Went 5-2 with a 4.73 ERA (66.2-IP, 35-ER) in 14 apps (13 starts) in 2016, his lone season with Fordham

The season prior, he played in the same conference with Cypress and made 6 apps (3 starts)

With a rather unimpressive ERA in community college, Parente has to possess something the Rays felt is worth taking a flier on.

37. RHP Ryan Zeferjahn-Seaman (KS) HS

Zeferjahn, who Baseball America ranked as the No. 149 prospect in this year’s draft, made it clear that he was going to stick with his commitment to the University of Kansas. This late in the draft, the Rays figured they might as well take a shot, but it’s clear he is beyond the reach of the team.

38. RHP Brian McAfee-Duke

Baseball America ranked McAfee No. 355 overall, who is nothing flashy but has plenty of control, walking just 37 batters in 282 collegiate innings. His fastball has some sink but sits in the high-80s, only touching the 90s on occasion. His curve and change could both look decent in time.

39. OF Joshua Martinez-Caguas (PR) Military Academy

Martinez has good actions in the outfield with a solid arm. He has little power at the plate considering his 6-foot-1, 160-pound build and flat swing. He’s all projection, but his unlikely to sign this late in the draft. A college commitment could not be found.

40. 1B Andrew Daschbach-Sacred Heart (CA) Prep

Daschbach shows legitimate raw power, and it sounds like he hits a home run even if he’s fouling a ball off. However, I notice a slight hitch in his swing that hampers his bat speed. In the field, Daschbach is most likely destined for first base. Considering he’s a high schooler drafted in the 40th round, he will most likely continue on to Stanford to try and build his draft stock.