2011 MLB Draft Grades: Joe Ross Picked by Padres, Will He Be as Good as Brother?

Joe Ross, RHP, Bishop O'Dowd HS, Oakland

Joe Ross, the younger brother of Oakland A?s pitcher Tyson Ross, has emerged as one of the top pitching talents in California.

The Bishop O?Dowd prep star features a smooth and easy delivery while consistently reaching speeds of 91-94 mph with his fastball. The pitch lacks movement at this point of his development, but he spots it well and compliments it with a slider that has plus-pitch potential, and a changeup that requires further development. He has good command of all his pitches though.

Ross has committed to playing next season for UCLA if he chooses to postpone his professional career. He stated to ESPN back in January that he preferred the education and further development at this point, indicating he intends to attend UCLA in the fall.

But there's a lot of talent there, and if he signs with the Padres, he could be valuable a few years down the line.

Draft grade: A-

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