Padres Select South Carolina Upstate RHP Matt Branham in 27th Round of 2010 MLB Draft

The Padres’ 27th selection in the 2010 draft is University of South Carolina Upstate (that school name always cracks me up) righthander Matt Branham.

Branham is a 22-year-old righty who is an imposing presence on the mound at 6’5″ 225.

Branham’s frame and delivery evoke Justin Masterson, and his fastball is comfortably at 90-91 mph with good run and sink. He complements the heater with a nice curveball in the upper 70’s that is probably the best righty curveball in the Padres draft thus far.

Branham does need to work on his changeup to avoid a future in relief.

Still, Branham follows Cory Hahn as yet another guy with talent much higher than this draft slot. He posted a 4.20 ERA as a senior with 86 K and just 23 BB in 83 1/3 IP.