Friday, May 30, 2014

Four More 2014 MLB Draft First Rounders

Another update of four more individuals who are expected to be first rounder June 5, 2014.

C Kyle Schwarber (Indiana)


Schwarber 6'0", 230lb, and an average defensive catcher at best, meaning he will likely transition elsewhere (maybe OF, 1B) in the minors/majors. Presents an easy plus raw power bat, which projects well in the future. Hit for above average his entire college career and can make good groundball contact, which suggests he may be able to hit for average in the majors. Steps out a bit too early in his batting stance, but that is minor and could be fixed relatively easy. Most people with Schwarber's build and a good hit/power tool aren't first rounders (think Daniel Vogelbach), but he has put up strong numbers all three years at Indiana and shows no real signs of stopping now, leading to his stock rising. Draft Position:8-24


RHP Erick Fedde (UNLV)


May 10, 2014 was a bad day for fans of baseball and specifically Erick Fedde as he was shut down needing Tommy John surgery. 6'4", 185lb Fedde was a lock as a top ten pick. Fastball touches 95 (I've seen one report of 96, but I'll stick to 95), while regularly sitting at 92-93. Fedde has a plus slider, which he throws often, that clocks in at about 83-85. His changeup is average at best. Side-arm pitcher concerns are here. All of this was prior to him being shutdown on May 10 with the UCL injury. He, like Hoffman, has only seen his stock drop modestly, if at all. I'm suspecting that scouts/GMs are starting to view TJS differently, which is probably the wrong attitude to now have, but that's a discussion for another article. Even before the injury, I wasn't sure if he was top ten talent, but afterwards, a team would have to be crazy to draft him in the top ten, but luckily for Fedde, there's a decent chance that happens. Draft Position:8-19



2B Forrest Wall (Orangewood Christian High School)


At 6'0", 180lbs, Forrest Wall has risen from the second round to the late first, largely due to his bat and speed. Said to have plus speed, running the 60 in 6.51, which apparently approved from his 2013 time of 6.72. Very good hit tool, especially for a prep bat. Could potentially develop power down the road, but that's a big if. Displays advanced patience from a prep bat. Project if taken in the late first/early second. Draft Position:20-Mid Second Round


SS Ti'quan Forbes (Columbia High School)


Despite being 6'4", most scouts have seem to indicate that they believe Ti'quan Forbes can stick at SS. Above average defensively with a plus arm. Another speedster who possesses plus speed already, despite being a prep bat. Projects to fill out, as he's only 175lbs, and possibly develop above league average power. Potential plus hit tool with some mechanical issues on his swing. His second biggest asset, behind his speed, is his incredible plate patience. His plate patience is beyond any other prep bat in this draft. Could turn into a great player at the major league level. Might have to overslot to get him. Draft Position:24-33


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