Right-hander Gavin Stone was selected by the Dodgers in the fifth and final round of the 2020 First-Year Player Draft. He was the penultimate selection in the draft at No.159 one pick before the 160th and final selection. He was rated the 303rd best-prospect in the draft by Baseball America.
He is third-highest Central Arkansas MLB draftee in school history, and highest since 1992. He is the 23rd Bear to be selected in the MLB Draft and is the first ever Bear to be drafted by the Dodgers’ organization.
Stone was born in Jonesboro, Arkansas and played his high school ball at Riverside High School in Lake City which is part of the greater Jonesboro Metropolitan area.
Following graduation from high school he headed off to the University of Central Arkansas for a three-year college career which he thought could be extended if he was not selected in the reduced 2020 draft. During the 2018 and 2019 seasons he pitched primarily in relief with 2019 being a signature season out of the pen in which he made 20 relief appearances sporting a 1.52 ERA along with a 1.12 WHIP and 58 strikeouts in 47.1 innings pitched. He walked 11.
He transitioned to a starting role for the 2020 college season having made only two starts in 2019, one of them a complete game. In the current pandemic shortened season he made four starts before the season came to an end but in those starts certainly raised his draft options.
The 6’0”/175 lb. right-hander was on track for a banner season posting a 3-1 record and a 1.30 ERA in 27.2 innings along with a 0.76 WHIP. He also struck out 31 and walked six, with teams hitting him at a lowly. 161 clip. (Note – his height and weight are listed differently on different sites so I went with the more common one).
Gavin Stone’s piece de resistance came on his final start of the season on March 6th in which he tossed a complete game no-hitter against Southern Louisiana. He was one walk short of perfection. Following the walk he retired the final 14 batters he faced, including getting his 13th strikeout in the final at bat of the game.
His recipe for success in that game was quite simple, a game in which he spoke quite modestly after the Bears’ third no-hitter in team history.
“So before the game I really had a feel for two-seam,” Gavin said. “And I knew that I was going to use it a lot. And so I just stayed two-seam in, slider away and they never adjusted, and it ended up working out for us.”
https://www.kait8.com/2020/06/11/riverside-alum-gavin-stone-selected-by-dodgers-mlb-draft/
Not surprisingly his performance earned him the week’s Southland Conference Pitcher of the Week award.
One has to suspect that Stone was on the Dodger radar prior to the no-hitter but that event perhaps sealed the deal. One also suspects that going forward relief will be his calling in due course, after testing out a starting role.
The 21-year-old Stone had a suspicion he could be drafted but also, because of five rounds, was on the cusp as was fourth round selection Carson Taylor. He was prepared to return to Central Arkansas if he did not hear his name called.
“There’s a couple of analytical things that have placed the top 250 to 400 draft prospects and I mean my name was up there. They did slim the draft down this year and if I was lucky enough to have my name called, then that’s something I would definitely do, but then if not, having that year of eligibility back would be huge.”
Perhaps, as many youngsters did, during the time after the shutdown of his season he stayed busy working out with his brother Kollin who is also a member of the Central Arkansas Bears and with a friend who is a catcher. He had done what he could do to stay in contact with teams/scouts by using the social media and posting videos of bullpen sessions.
During a post-draft interview on, “Drive with Brad Bobo”, Stone indicated the Dodgers had called him early in the fifth round with an offer he was willing to accept. Yet, if called, he would be the second from last selection.
The first phone call he received after his name was called was from his high school coach, Buster Campbell, to whom Stone gives much credit for his development and indicated he strives to be like his former coach every day.
As for his Central Arkansas head coach, to whom he also gives credit for his continued development, coach Gum was elated with Stone’s selection.
“It’s a really big day for our program, having a top five round draft pick,” said UCA head coach Allen Gum. “And as far as Gavin, man it’s been fun to watch him develop, seeing his dedication and his hard work.”
“Good things come to those who work hard,” Central Arkansas head coach Allen Gum said. “Gavin has put the time in and worked hard with Coach Harlan working on a process instead of results. He shows up each day ready to get better at his craft, and he’s the type of guy who always puts the team first.”
The Dodgers will be getting an all-around complete player in Stone, according to Gum, who feels the sky is the limit.
“The thing with Stone was he always put his team first. He just wanted to help his team win,’ he said. A really, really great teammate. Those are the things we’ll remember about him for a long time. If he makes it to the big leagues, or he doesn’t, I’m going to remember how good a teammate he was. He’s just a joy to be around, he’ll make you smile every day.”
“I tell you what, the Dodgers got a very mature, emotionally stable young man. There are just so many plusses with him. He’s just scratching the surface. I’m just proud I got to coach him.”
Scouting Reports:
https://www.mlb.com/video/2020-draft-gavin-stone-rhp?t=mlb-draft
Baseball America: “Stone doesn’t have a true plus pitch, but he has three average offerings including a 90-92 mph fastball. He locates his changeup and breaking ball well, with his above-average control proving to be his best asset.”
From Coach Allen Gum:
“It was fun to see how he just kept getting better and better. And I still think his best days are way out in front of him. I think he’s going to be in the big leagues quicker than a lot of people think. Because even from where he ended (the season) to where he’s at now, he just kept working out and getting better, throwing bullpens. I think his last bullpen he was sitting 95-97 (mph). And his two-seam (fastball) just got better and better.“
Welcome to Dodger Blue Gavin.
https://www.kait8.com/2020/03/10/riverside-alum-gavin-stone-named-southland-conference-pitcher-week/
Discussion (44)
Disagree, not disagreeable
Dodgers have signed one undrafted free agent. The other teams are jumping all over these guys. Taking chances for minimal cash. But AF obviously has some sort of plan.
Can someone give me a brief explanation as to what NFL and NBA players have agreed to, salary wise, and how it differs from what MLB players are asking for?
Baseball has been a major part of my life since I was 7. That was the first time I played some type of ball related to a bat. I think the game we were playing was Over the line. The game came natural to me. I never had trouble hitting the ball or catching it. A natural righty, I had broken my right arm when I was 6. Throwing from that side after that felt un natural so I threw and hit from the left. I tried switch hitting later, and could make decent contact, but had no power. I did not play organized ball until I was 11. But the game was in my soul. Dodgers moved west, and I was hooked. I could play all the other sports, but this game was what I loved. Music and baseball. They were my main stress relievers. I could not be mad or depressed when I was doing either of those 2 activities. Baseball was first. I did not discover my talent for music until I was in high school and joined the choir. That came natural too. I had no training in either. For all of these years I have looked forward to the beginning of April and baseball. When they started televising spring games, I looked forward to seeing the new kids in blue. This spring was no different and i was excited when a kid like Cody Thomas showed some real hitting skills. McKinstrey and Graterol were impressive too and I was hoping to see them on the big league scene this summer. Then the virus came. I do not blame the players or the owners for the work stoppage that resulted. I blame them for not thinking of the millions who fund their careers. Take the precautions needed to protect the players and the fans, but denying them the game they love because of your greed to make more millions and billions, well that sticks in my craw. Right now there is so much uncertainty in the world and here in the US, and it makes me mad and sad at the same time. But I have to think about the well being of family members, and friends more than I do those who have gotten very wealthy because they play a child’s game. Campy said it best. It could not be better, getting paid to play a kids game and loving every minute of it. Those are not his exact words, but it was something along those lines. Most of us here would love to have been able to do that. I know I would, it was my childhood dream to wear that uniform. Instead, I wore Army green. So excuse me if I have no sympathy for the players or the owners. My heart is with the common fan. Those who miss reading the Sporting News, and perusing the box scores in the morning paper to see how their favorite Dodger did.
As of last week I believed we would see baseball action again. Now I do not think that will happen. Millionaires and billionaires cannot agree on anything. Now Manfred could implement a season for as many games as he wishes, but, according to the rules, he needs 23 of the 30 owners to agree. Most say there are more than 8 owners who do not want the season to begin. As for me, I am done with all of them. They will never see another dollar out of my pocket, that is for sure. I love the game, not the players or the owners. Badger is right. we need a vaccine. And it definitely won’t happen this summer. Something else that won’t happen is that when they do get one, I won’t be taking it. Personal choice. I will find other pursuits to follow this summer. I have places I can go and things I can do. I absolutely refuse to live my life in fear of anything. Especially this disease. I am sick and tired of it all. As long as I am healthy and able to do things on my own, I am going to do so. About the only time I have contact with other people is when we play music together. We have even agreed that when we have our jam session on the 5th of July, we are going to limit the number of people on the porch so we do not get too crowded up there. Those of you in densely populated areas are affected a lot more by this virus than we are here. Businesses are reopening, people are still wearing masks, but going more places. I hope all of you stay well and healthy. Thanks Watford, I appreciate the comments.
Hey W. Good to see you again.
“ the Nation needs the National Pastime, at this time.“
The Nation needs a vaccine. And despite what some have suggested here, that ain’t happening this summer.
Disappointing to read Bobby’s post above.
Premier League Soccer starts again here tomorrow evening. All sides have come together to make this work as there were many reservations on all sides when the discussions began.
There have been concessions made for the greater good and although it will be very strange to watch a game with no crowd, it will be better than nothing.
Royal Ascot also started today – again behind closed doors – but the sport of Horse Racing needed it, so they made it happen.
Baseball I’m afraid is shooting itself in the foot. The Nation needs the National Pastime, at this time.
Glad to hear that everyone on here seems to be doing ok, and long may it continue.
Really enjoyed Michael’s posts from the last thread – and thanks for the guys for keeping the discussion going even without meaningful action.
Still the best site
AC, what did Kirk Gibson have to say on the Zoom Party?
Gotta go to Iowa if you want to see any baseball…….
https://www.espn.com/espn/story/_/id/29315340/iowa-high-schools-first-baseball-softball-return-amid-coronavirus
Tonight’s Dodger Zoom Party is on. It’s a special one, as it’s all guys from the 1988 team.
Again, Alana and Joe are running things, and the panel includes Fred Claire, Sax, Marshall, Hershiser, Shelby, Gibson, Scioscia, Hatcher, Stubbs, and Jay Howell.
I know Badger and I have been saying for a while that we have no faith players and owners to give us a 2020 season, and this article won’t change our minds one bit:
https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/29315408/mlb-commissioner-rob-manfred-now-less-confident-2020-season
Oh, I think I am going to love this young man and can not wait to see what he can do with the Dodger organization. What a great teamate, you could not ask for anyone better. Much good luck, Gavin and, welcome!
Seems like another quality young man in our organization. With an upside! Great write up!
We are beginning to see AF’s draft strategy play out here. Stone was rated #303 by Baseball America and we picked him at #159. This enabled the front office to sign him at a big discount to the slot value. Slot was $327k and he signed for $100k. Now Andrew can put the extra $227k of savings into signing one of the other draftees.
I’m guessing we sign Knack and Taylor at a figure below slot also and then use the accumulated savings to give Beeter and Vogel above slot. Miller might be willing to sign for the exact slot number, but in any case I think Friedman had mapped this all out before and during the draft. When you only have 6 choices you want to make sure you sign all of them.