The Mets went with South Carolina-Upstate senior starter David Roseboom in the 17th round. Roseboom has a good slider but a fringy fastball and change, making him a potential left-handed specialist at the next level.
The Mets took South Carolina-Upstate left-hander named David Roseboom in the 17th round, and they’re hoping that they found a potential cog for their bullpen.
Roseboom was previously drafted by the Red Sox back in 2010 when he was an Albany prep pitcher and a projectable lefty, but he chose to attend South Carolina-Upstate instead where his pitching coach was Drew Saberhagen, son of former Met Bret Saberhagen. Despite being a four-year mainstay in Upstate’s rotation and adding a couple miles-per-hour to his fastball, Roseboom did not have a tremendous college career. After a solid freshman year, Roseboom never really improved and ultimately was just too hittable in the Atlantic Sun, something that doesn’t bode well for his pro prospects. His career ERA was 4.67, and he managed to strike out just 209 hitters in 320 career innings.
Roseboom brings fringe average velocity at 87-90 and brushing 91. His fastball has a little bit of sink to it thanks to a lower arm angle, but he’s the rare pitcher whose best pitch isn’t his fastball. He has a very nice slider, that should be able to consistently get lefties out. He’ll also show a fringy changeup.
Although he was a four-year starter at Upstate and has a durable-looking frame, I’m not sure Roseboom has it in him to be a pro starter. I see him as a reliever, specifically a lefty specialist who can use his best pitch--the slider--to its best effect. A college senior, Roseboom has already agreed to terms with the Mets.