With their 40th overall selection in the 2012 MLB Draft, the Phillies selected Shane Watson, right-handed pitcher from Lakewood HS in California.
The 6'4", 200 pound right-hander is committed to Southern California.
Watson features a fastball that touches 93 MPH, and a good breaking ball with plus potential. Baseball America (#30) and MLB.com (#34) ranked Watson more favorably than Keith Law (#50). River Ave. Blues has a nice scouting report over here. Key points include:
Listed at 6-foot-4 and 200 lbs., Watson’s bread and butter pitch is one of the best curveballs in the entire draft. It sits in the upper-70/low-80s with sharp break and he has the ability to throw it for strikes or bury it in the dirt for swings and misses. His fastball usually sits in the low-90s and he’s shown the ability to hold his velocity deep into games. He’s also flashed 96-97 in showcase events. Watson throws a changeup and a cutter but both need a lot of work. He has a clean delivery but must work on overall consistency, typical high school stuff. Watson’s athleticism and competitiveness are considered pluses as well.
Check out video of Watson courtesy MyMLBDraft.com.