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Vanderbilt Takes Home the 2014 College World Series

Vanderbilt Takes Home the 2014 College World Series

            After getting smoked by Virginia’s offense on Tuesday, June 24, 2014, The Vanderbilt Commodores came back to win the College World Series on Wednesday night, two games to one. This is Vanderbilt’s first College World Series win in school history, despite a notable number of baseball alumni including Sonny Gray, David Price, and Mark Prior. In the deciding game three, Vanderbilt starter Carson Fulmer came up big against the dominating Virginia offense, striking out five and giving up only one earned run in 5.1 innings pitched. While that may not sound impressive, doing so against a lineup featuring Mike Papi, Derek Fisher, Joe McCarthy, and John La Prise is really something to be impressed by. Pitcher Hayden Stone, also of Vanderbilt, pitched very well, striking out four Virginia batters in 1.2 innings pitched. Adam Ravenelle kept Virginia scoreless as he closed out the final two innings, allowing no earned runs.

This pitching performance by Vanderbilt has been the constant for the team all, season, being lead, ironically, by their inconsistent ace Tyler Beede. Beede pitched game two for the Commodores, giving up six earned runs in 6.2 innings pitched, striking out only four. The real pitching star of this College World Series also pitched that night, but for the Virginia Cavaliers. Brandon Waddell pitched a complete game in game two, striking out five and only allowing one earned run. This night was lead by hit after hit for the Virginia offense, producing thirteen hits total, including three by Kenny Towns and three by Joe McCarthy. Vanderbilt’s real MVP of the series, outfielder John Norwood, had two hits Tuesday, driving in one run, and scoring the other run himself. Outside of Norwood, it was all Virginia on Tuesday. Tuesday produced no home runs for either team.

Game one was an offensive nailbiter, as Vanderbilt edged Virginia nine to eight. Virginia’s ace, Nathan Kirby was roughed up by Vanderbilt’s offense, walking five and giving up five earned runs in only 2.1 innings pitched.  Vanderbilt starter Walker Buehler also disappointed in the first game of the College World Series, giving up five earned runs in three innings pitched. Vanderbilt batters only had six hits total on the day, but seven walks put enough runners on base to win the game. Only Tyler Campbell had more than one hit, two on the day. Virginia’s biggest threat on offense, Mike Papi went hitless for the day, also failing to draw a walk, despite messy pitching. Second baseman Daniel Pinero and shortstop Branden Cogswell both performed well, having three hits each, with Cogswell drawing one walk. Despite an offensive battle, game one featured no home runs either.

The hit that changed everything and sealed Vanderbilt’s fate as victors in the 2014 College World Series came in game three from John Norwood in the top of the eighth inning, as he homered off of Virginia reliever Nick Howard, giving Vanderbilt the go-ahead run, which would be the last run produced in game three. Norwood made up two of Vanderbilt’s three runs on the day, reaching second on an error, then scoring on a single by Vince Conde. Perhaps the box score does not indicate it as well, but game three will go down as an all-time classic in the books of college baseball, giving us nine innings of tension, followed by a feeling of celebration unless you were a Virginia Cavaliers fan, player, or coach.

Dansby Swanson, second baseman for the Vanderbilt Commodores, was named the College World Series Most Outstanding Player. Swanson had three hits and two walks against the Virginia Cavaliers. 

Big MLB Draft Signing News!

-Milwaukee Brewers second-rounder Monte Harrison signed a $1.8 Million deal today, an overslot deal.

-Milwaukee Brewers second-rounder Jacob Gatewood signed a $1.83 Million deal today, a nearly $500k overslot.

-Houston Astros 1.1 pick, Brady Aiken, signed for a record $6.5 Million.

-New York Mets have signed fifth rounder Josh Prevost to a six figure bonus.

-Chicago Cubs signed third round pick Mark Zagunis to $615,000, approximately $100k less than the slot.

Final Draft News & Notes

Final Draft News & Notes

-Nothing new in regards to what the Astros are doing at publishing time, which furthers my belief that they go bat instead of arm there. Still believe in Gordon, but there are four possibilities; him, Aiken, Rodon, Jackson. Kolek is not in the mix.

-Marlins are getting either Alex Jackson or Carlos Rodon, leaning Jackson.

-White Sox either end up with Carlos Rodon or Brady Aiken. Jackson has to go 1.1. or 1.2.

-I think the Conforto, Schwarber, Pentecost stuff is all fluff, they want a premium arm. They would kill for Rodon or Aiken, and Rodon might be there. They will likely pass on Kolek even if he’s available, which is almost a certainty.

-Mariners go arm, so either Newcomb, Holmes, Nola, or Freeland. I’ve heard the most chatter about Newcomb at that spot, but Nola is a close second there. Freeland should go there, but probably won’t.

-Phillies are taking a high school arm, so ignore any/all Nola predictions. After turning in a player to the NCAA, agents and college players won’t want anything to do with the Phillies and this is on Ruben Amaro Jr. They could take Nola or Freeland, but then they would return back to school. Expect Newcomb, or more likely, Holmes.

-Rockies are probably going with best available pitcher. I think Nola will last this long, but Freeland is a distinct possibility here.

-For picks 9 & 11, I have three possible guys; Touki Toussaint, Trea Turner, and Jeff Hoffman. I changed it to Turner at 9 and Toussaint at 11, but I’m having second thoughts, as Hoffman’s stock is heating up.

-Mets go best player available, which I have as Freeland for the time being. Forrest Wall at 1.10 seems insane to me, and he’s a major reach there, so I call it a smokescreen. Even if they somehow picked Wall, I would be in complete disbelief.

-Brewers taking Finnegan is highly likely. Think they are taking an arm and Fedde and Medeiros are also possibilities here.

-Padres are taking the best bat, and I think Pentecost is the perfect fit here. Conforto is a sleeper pick though. Stunned if they took an arm at 1.13.

-Zimmer and Beede are possibilities for the San Francisco Giants, but with many saying Hoffman would be the best arm in the draft pre-injury, and their history of drafting quality pitching, I think they go Hoffman. Could be a big steal.

-If the Padres somehow pass on Pentecost he will go to the Angels, but I don’t think he’ll be available. Going back on mock draft 2.0, I think the Angels will grab Tyler Beede. Conforto still has a very good shot of going here.

-I think Conforto will slip here and the Diamondbacks will grab him. Other possibility is Monte Harrison, a very toolsy upside guy. Arm is not going here.

-My pick for the Royals at 1.17, Bradley Zimmer, could fall past the Royals as they may skip on him. Foster Griffen and Kodi Medeiros are also possibilities here. I really just have no clue on this pick, but my gut says they stick with Brad Zimmer.

-The Washington Nationals are going to pick Gatewood if he’s here at 1.18, and he likely will be.

-The Reds are going arm here. Almost assuredly either Reid-Foley or Fedde here. It’s really a tossup as of now.

-Rays are going power bat, with either Schwarber, Gillaspie, or Reed going at this spot. Schwarber stands tall as the best of the three and there have been links, so I think the Rays are highly likely to take Kyle Schwarber.

-Indians are going with one of Fedde, Monte Harrison, or Gillaspie. I had Gillaspie in my mock draft 2.0, but now I think they go with Fedde at this spot and pray for AJ Reed to fall at 1.29.

-Derek Fisher, Derek Hill, Nick Howard, Kodi Medeiros, Luis Ortiz; all names linked to the Dodgers. They don’t know what they are going to do and neither do I at this point.

-Unless someone grabs Nick Burdi before 1.23, the Detroit Tigers will absolutely without a doubt select Burdi. My one stone cold lock of the draft.

-Still think Monte Harrison makes his way to the Pirates, and they want him. Also talk of Zimmer here if the Royals don’t take him. I’ve seen pretty reputable mocks have Grant Holmes for the Pirates, but I think there is 0% chance he is available here.

-The A’s do what others don’t, and that’s grabbing an injured pitcher. Before injury Fedde would’ve gone much higher (not Jeff Hoffman high, but still ten spots or so higher). Michael Chavis, Alex Blandino, and Ti’quan Forbes are also in play at this spot, but I think they go Fedde.

-AJ Reed, Alex Blandino, Derek Hill, and Derek Fisher are in play. I had Hill in my mock, but I don’t think the Red Sox know what they’re doing as of now and I’m not quite sure either.

-If Luis Ortiz falls to the Cardinals at 1.27, they’ll take him. Kodi Medeiros and Foster Griffin are also in play at this spot.

-AJ Reed has emerged as the frontrunner for the Royals pick at 1.28. Derek Hill is also in discussions at this spot. Still think there’s a decent chance they grab Michael Gettys instead.

-The Reds want AJ Reed bad at this spot, but I’m not sure he’s there. If he’s here they grab him, if not they look at Michael Kopech or Luke Weaver. Saw Sean Reid-Foley linked to this spot and laughed out loud.

-Spencer Adams, Forrest Wall, and Ti’quan Forbes are all in play here at 1.30. This is another one where I’m not sure, but I’ll divert from my mock draft 2.0 and say Forrest Wall goes here.

-Indians leaning towards bat at 1.31. They hope AJ Reed falls, but I doubt he makes it here. Michael Chavis and Spencer Adams are the two guys in contention here. Obviously Chavis if the Rangers pick Adams at 1.30.

-The Braves are praying for Michael Chavis right now at 1.32. Ti’quan Forbes it the other choice they are looking at. The selection really just depends on who is left.

-Heavy talk on Alex Verdugo on the Braves spot here at 1.33 and I think he’ll be available, so that’s the pick. Kopech, Fisher, and Braxton Davidson are also in discussions for the spot.

-Most drafts have Luis Ortiz here at 1.34 for the Cardinals, but Ortiz will not fall this far. Kopech, Davidson, and Gettys (if he’s somehow still around) are in play at this pick.

Isn’t the draft a wonderfully crazy time?

2014 MLB Mock Draft 2.0

First Round 2014 MLB Mock Draft (6/4/14)

1. Astros - SS Nick Gordon (Olympia High School)
2. Marlins - C Alex Jackson (Rancho Bernardo High School)
3. White Sox - LHP Brady Aiken (Cathedral Catholic High School)
4. Cubs - LHP Carlos Rodon (NC State)
5. Twins - RHP Tyler Kolek (Shepherd High School)
6. Mariners - LHP Sean Newcomb (Hartford)
7. Phillies - RHP Grant Holmes (Conway High School)
8. Rockies - RHP Aaron Nola (LSU)
9. Blue Jays - SS Trea Turner (NC State)
10. Mets - LHP Kyle Freeland (Evansville)
11. Blue Jays - RHP Touki Toussaint (Coral Springs Christian Academy)
12. Brewers - LHP Brandon Finnegan (TCU)
13. Padres - C Max Pentecost (Kennesaw State)
14. Giants - RHP Jeff Hoffman (East Carolina)
15. Angels - OF Michael Conforto (Oregon State)
16. Diamondbacks - RHP Tyler Beede (Vanderbilt)
17. Royals - OF Bradley Zimmer (San Francisco)
18. Nationals - SS Jacob Gatewood (Clovis High School)
19. Reds - RHP Sean Reid-Foley (Sandalwood High School)
20. Rays - C Kyle Schwarber (Indiana)
21. Indians - 1B Casey Gillaspie (Witchita State)
22. Dodgers - LHP Kodi Medeiros (Waiskea High School)
23. Tigers - RHP Nick Burdi (Louisville)
24. Pirates - OF Monte Harrison (Lee's Summit West High School)
25. Athletics - RHP Erick Fedde (UNLV)
26. Red Sox - OF Derek Hill (Elk Grove High School)
27. Cardinals - RHP Luis Ortiz (Sanger High School)
28. Royals - OF Michael Gettys (Gainesville High School)
29. Reds - 1B AJ Reed (Kentucky)
30. Rangers - SS Ti'quan Forbes (Columbia High School)
31. Indians -3B Michael Chavis (Sprayberry High School)
32. Braves - LHP Foster Griffin (First Academy)
33. Red Sox - LHP/RF Alex Verdugo (Sahuaro High School)
34. Cardinals - 1B Braxton Davidson (T.C. Roberson High School)

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Notes:

-Still going with Gordon at 1.1 at this time even though tons still have Aiken there. Really don't think Gordon is a smokescreen.

-Marlins front office is seemingly going to win out and get Alex Jackson, the best bat in the draft.

-Still think Twins and Kolek are made for each other. People at the top still seemed to be scared off by Kolek.

-The Phillies aren't going to take a college arm or else Nola will be coming back to LSU next year.

-Blue Jays are heating up on Trea Turner.

-Freeland has gone up and down on mock drafts, but has been linked to the Mets numerous times. Think people view Nola as a better arm, which I disagree with.

-Had to choose between Toussaint and Hoffman at 11. Tough choice, but think they go with the higher ranked Toussaint at this point.

-Nationals could go Fedde at 18, but if Gatewood is there, they take him instead.

-Nick Burdi is the only lock in this draft, going to the Tigers at 23.

-Offchance Ortiz goes ahead of 27, but the Cards really want him.

-Indians seem to be going in on Chavis if he's still there

-Verdugo leaps onto the board, as he could go higher, but the Red Sox are the most likely destination at 33.
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Comments/Questions for me can be sent on Twitter to @Beisbolsblog
Database of several mocks at http://dcprosportsreport.com/MLBMocks.htm

Final Four 2014 MLB Draft Prospects

I wanted to finish just about everyone left projected to go in the first round of the 2014 MLB draft, namely Nick Burdi, AJ Reed, Luis Ortiz, and Michael Gettys. All four are very fascinating prospects who will likely be taken in the latter half of the draft on Thursday.
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RHP Nick Burdi (Louisville)

6'4", 215lbs with a fastball that touches 100 (some reports have him hitting as high as 103). Sounds like a guy who should be going in the teens of the first round, if not higher, but Louisville's Burdi, but he has been used as a bullpen arm and will likely remain there due to only having two pitches and having an unsual delivery. Throws at a 3/4 arm slot. Fastball sits at 96-98. Slider sits at 89-91. Minor mechnical issue with his front stride, as he steps a bit to the left. Command issues at times, but nowhere near as bad as someone like Touki Toussaint. Ridiculous 15.87K/9 this past season at Louisville. Likely to be a top closer in the league someday. Draft Position:23-34

1B/P A.J. Reed (Kentucky)

The 6'4", 235lb SEC Player of the Year is projected to be the second best 1B in this draft, third if Schwarber switches over to 1B (which is likely). Really limited as either a 1B or DH. Reed has plus raw power already and could have elite (70) power in the majors. He'll hit average at very best in the majors. Needs more work on developing plate patience. While he will probably be a full-time position player in the majors, there's a chance he could be a bullpen guy or used in late inning situations. Reed has a low-mid 90s fastball and a changeup, which isn't enough to be starter material. It's always fun to see position players pitch in games and he might do well in those situations! Draft Position:21-34

RHP Luis Ortiz (Sanger High School)

Despite being a prep arm, Ortiz is physically mature, standing 6'3", 220lbs. Weight might be an issue in the future with him. Fastball tops out at 97, sitting at 92-95. Plus slider sits at 82-85 that just has a great sink to it. Changeup sits a bit slower than the slider. He is another 3/4 arm slot guy. Great command, near the top of all the prep arms this year. Ortiz is oldest of all the prep arms this year at 19. He projects to end up as a 3/4 starter in the majors. Relatively safe pick. Draft Position:23-34

OF Michael Gettys (Gainsville High School)

Almost a five tool player, as his hit tool is a bit suspect. 6'2", 200lb Gettys is the definition of potential. Plus plus arm, suggesting he can easily play RF. Plus plus speed, running the 60 in 6.4, allowing him to have the range to play CF. In addition to the speed, Michael has shown the ability to run the bases intelligently. Has great bat speed and all things point to him potentially developing above average power in the league. Needs major work on plate patience, which is a red flag. Tends to swing at everything. Pitched in high school, throwing a 91-93 fastball, but he's a position player in the majors. Big risk here, but potential all-star. Draft Position:19-33

The Greatest Pitch of All-Time

2014 MLB Mock Draft 1.0: The Big Shakeup

First Round 2014 MLB Mock Draft (5/31/14)

1. Astros - SS Nick Gordon (Olympia High School)
2. Marlins - LHP Carlos Rodon (NC State)
3. White Sox - LHP Brady Aiken (Cathedral Catholic High School)
4. Cubs - C Alex Jackson (Rancho Bernardo High School)
5. Twins - RHP Tyler Kolek (Shepherd High School)
6. Mariners - LHP Sean Newcomb (Hartford)
7. Phillies - RHP Grant Holmes (Conway High School)
8. Rockies - RHP Aaron Nola (LSU)
9. Blue Jays - RHP Touki Toussaint (Coral Springs Christian Academy)
10. Mets - SS Trea Turner (NC State)
11. Blue Jays - RHP Jeff Hoffman (East Carolina)
12. Brewers - LHP Brandon Finnegan (TCU)
13. Padres - C Max Pentecost (Kennesaw State)
14. Giants - RHP Sean Reid-Foley (Sandalwood High School)
15. Angels - OF Michael Conforto (Oregon State)
16. Diamondbacks - RHP Tyler Beede (Vanderbilt)
17. Royals - RHP Erick Fedde (UNLV)
18. Nationals - SS Jacob Gatewood (Clovis High School)
19. Reds - 3B Michael Chavis (Sprayberry High School)
20. Rays - C Kyle Schwarber (Indiana)
21. Indians - 1B Casey Gillaspie (Witchita State)
22. Dodgers - LHP Kodi Medeiros (Waiskea High School)
23. Tigers - OF Bradley Zimmer (San Francisco)
24. Pirates - OF Monte Harrison (Lee's Summit West High School)
25. Athletics - OF Derek Hill (Elk Grove High School)
26. Red Sox - OF Derek Fisher (Virginia)
27. Cardinals - RHP Luis Ortiz (Sanger High School)
28. Royals - OF Michael Gettys (Gainesville High School)
29. Reds - 1B AJ Reed (Kentucky)
30. Rangers - LHP Foster Griffin (First Academy)
31. Indians - SS Ti'quan Forbes (Columbia High School)
32. Braves - RHP Nick Burdi (Louisville)
33. Red Sox - OF Marcus Wilson (Junipero Serra High School)
34. Cardinals - 1B Braxton Davidson (T.C. Roberson High School)

A few notes:

- Where there's smoke, there's fire, as the Astros seem to be going in a different direction from Aiken and Rodon. They've been linked to Kolek, but the Gordon rumors have started much more recently and I'm willing to buy them for now. This shakes the top up.

- Marlins have been linked to Jackson and the front office would die for Aiken, but owner Jeff Loria wants Cuban-born Rodon and he's shown the ability to flex his muscle.

- White Sox have been in and out on Kolek and Aiken falling to them would be a godsend.

- Kolek and the Twins were made for each other. Front office would be devistated if he was taken in the top four.

- The Phillies really screwed themselves after the NCAA turn-in scandal, so agents won't want to deal with Ruben Amaro Jr. They're going prep arm, just a question of Holmes or Toussaint, but Holmes is the better player, so for now I have them taking Holmes.

- Blue Jays GM Alex Anthopoulos has a past of trying to underslot guys in the first round and I wouldn't be surprised if it continued here with Jeff Hoffman, who really doesn't have many options after having Tommy John surgery. Jerk move, but likely either 9 or at 11. The other pick is almost assuredly a prep arm, likely Toussaint.

- Padres would be thrilled to get Pentecost and there's a real chance he slips if Gordon goes first overall and shakes everything up.

- The Royals want a pitcher and if the teams above them make a run at most of the top arms in the draft, they'll likely take the risk on the injured, but talented, Erick Fedde.

- While the Nationals would love a shot at Hoffman or Fedde, trying to replicate the success of Lucas Giolito, they go best player available with Jacob Gatewood.

- The Rays want a bat and so do the Indians, so Schwarber will almost certainly go to one of the two, likely the Rays for the time being.

- There have been whispers about the Dodgers on Medeiros. He's not their first choice, but give the shakeup above pick 22, he would be a good fit.

- Most people have Burdi at 23, but I think the Tigers go best player available and stick with the developed Bradley Zimmer.

- Everyone seems to agree that Luis Ortiz is the Cardinals' guy this year, although they could take the unlikely risk of waiting for him at 34.

- If AJ Reed falls to 29, there's no doubt in my mind that the Rays take him. They seem heavy on him or Gillaspie if he slips.

- Indians and Braves go best player available with Burdi and Wilson

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News is so fluid between certain players being linked to certain teams, so keep that in mind. Maybe the Nick Gordon rumors are nothing, which monumentally alters my mock draft, but switching back and forth between Aiken and Rodon, while talking to Kolek and now Gordon leave open that strong possibility. Might do an updated draft if more news shakes out, so come back and see. Plan on seeing writeups on late-first rounders that I have yet to write up. Feel free to ask questions/comments here or on my Twitter (@Beisbolsblog).

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

2014 MLB Draft Update - Atendees Not Previously Discussed

Seven attendees were announced for the 2014 MLB Draft today; Michael Chavis, Jacob Gatewood, Nick Gordon, Monte Harrison, Derek Hill, Grant Holmes, and Kodi Medeiros. While I've previously discussed Gatewood, Gordon, and Holmes, I've yet to discuss the other four.

OF Monte Harrison (Lee's Summit West High School)

Another guy who could be a potential steal, depending upon where he is drafted is Monte Harrison. Can play 3B and pitch in addition to playing the OF. Good frame for a prep bat at 6'2", 200lbs. Monster arm that could play in RF. Has slightly above average home run power, but possible plus power down the road with maturation. Top five in the draft in terms of speed, as he is described to have 60 speed. Five-tool player. Has committed to being at the 2014 draft, but is also a high level high school football player, so it's not a sure thing he'll sign this year. Draft Position:18-34

3B Michael Chavis (Sprayberry High School)

Five tool prep bat. Put up a 1.861 OPS his senior season at Sprayberry, which while low level, backs up scouts analysis on him. Top five hitter in this draft, if not higher, due to his contact and bat speed. Power projects to translate at a major league level. Plus speed, akin to Turner and Harrison. Quick bat. Minor mechanical swing issues that could probably be corrected (hands that don't move, swings a bit late). Very likely to stick at 3B or 2B, which is a plus. Apparently willing to catch, but it's not going to happen. Commit to Clemson. Draft Position:16-30

OF Derek Hill (Elk Grove High School)

Plus plus speed. Many scouts say he's faster than Trea Turner even before the ankle injury. Easy plus arm from the OF. Should be a very good to great defensive CF. Hit tool is still developing. Little power presently and unlikely to improve. For a first rounder, I would shy away from taking someone with a questionable hit tool, but more than one team is interested in him in the late first. I generally don't like player comparisons, but really, it's Billy Hamilton with Derek Hill. Draft Position:21-Early Second Round

LHP Kodi Medeiros (Waiskea High School)

Fastball that touches 96, but sits on average at about 90-93. Estimates of his height place him at either 6'0" and 6'1". Has a plus slider that gets great movement and potential plus changeup. Presents major command issues at times, especially when throwing secondary pitches. Slight mechanical issue of still winding the ball back after taking his front stride. Sidearm guy who throws from a three quarters arm slot. During his senior season at Waiskea, Medeiros had a K/BB ratio of 81/15, showing the ability to get guys out when on. Had a muscle strain in his arm his junior year, so some injury concerns on him already. Any team that takes him is doing so as nothing more than a project at this time. Draft Position:27-Early-to-Mid Second Round

MLB First Year Draft 2014 Preview

MLB First Year Draft 2014 Preview

I really wish Drake included someone from the MLB draft into his song Draft Day, but anyway, it's almost here! This year's draft is considered to be deeper than last years, even considering the injuries to Hoffman, Fedde, and other top talent. The top talent are largely pitchers this year. The draft begins June 5 and lasts until June 7. I really don't know what else to say before I post player pictures/breakdowns, so I'll just list draft order.

1. Astros
2. Marlins
3. White Sox
4. Cubs
5. Twins
6. Mariners
7. Phillies
8. Rockies
9. Blue Jays
10. Mets
11. Blue Jays (Compensation pick for failing to sign Phil Bickford last year)
12. Brewers
13. Padres
14. Giants
15. Angels
16. Diamondbacks
17. Royals
18. Nationals
19. Reds
20. Rays
21. Indians
22. Dodgers
23. Tigers
24. Pirates
25. Athletics
26. Red Sox
27. Cardinals
28. Royals
29. Reds
30. Rangers
31. Indians
32. Braves
33. Red Sox
34. Cardinals

The Potiential Top Picks:

LHP Brady Aiken (Cathedral Catholic High School)

Generally considered the best prospect in this draft, Brady Aiken is a lefty prep arm standing a massive 6'4" and a listed weight of 205lbs. Jumped up to the top of the pack when his velocity increased his senior year, with his fastball topping out at 97 and being clocked in at around 91-93 regularly. Easy plus curveball, which apparently is his best pitch, but isn't quite the dominator you want from a major league ace yet. Throws a slider and changeup, both with plus potential, but not there yet. Great command. Pitch counts have been kept low throughout high school, separating him from the rest of the top tier pitchers in the draft. If there's one arm that's lower risk, high reward in this draft, it's Aiken. Draft Position:1-3

LHP Carlos Rodon (NC State)

Poor Carlos Rodon. NC State is a school you do not want to attend if you value your pitching arm. A little year ago 6'3", 234lb Rodon was viewed as the best pitching draft prospect since Strasburg and since then he's been on a roller coaster of a ride. Mid-late last season for NC State, Rodon showed some concerns when he went through a rough period where his velocity dropped a bit. Most people didn't seem too concerned at the time, but this year everyone noticed it as a major concern. NC State is full of assholes who will pitch you until your arm falls off. In consecutive starts this season, look at his pitch count: 115, 116, 121, 125, 132. He's had some back problems in the past, which also concerns some teams. As a freshman at NC State he hit 97 regularly, but during the first half of this past season his fastball was 89-92. Things looked up as he apparently fixed some of his pitching woes, getting back up into the 93-95 range late into the season. He really did look like the Rodon of old. Some people are willing to say he's fixed after the revival late in the season, but I'm still cautious. Plus plus slider, the best pitch of the entire draft. High risk (how destroyed is his arm after that usage? And the back injury?) and high reward (potential ace). Draft Position:1-4

RHP Tyler Kolek (Shepherd High School)

Freefallin! Kolek is one of the more interesting guys in this entire draft as his positives are also his negatives. Kolek is a mammoth at 6'5", 245lbs at 18 years old. Is that a good thing? Nobody knows! I've heard that it's bad and I've heard that it's good. I probably wouldn't be concerned about size with Kolek, but rather his arm. The hardest throwing pitcher in the draft is this prep arm, regularly hitting 100 in a few starts this past season. This is also a negative as top teams seem to be talking themselves out of Kolek because they see him as an arm injury waiting to happen. Fastball is described as "groundball inducing," as it sinks a bit. Slider and curveball round Kolek out, with the slider sitting in the 83-85 range. I can't find his entire senior season statline, but he had a great K/BB ratio. He could turn out great, I just don't know what the hell to make of him. Draft Position:2-5

C/OF Alex Jackson (Rancho Bernardo High School)

Polished right handed power bat from a prep bat. Jackson is a little big for his age at 6'2", 215lbs, which might end up as a bad thing. Jackson's question marks lie in what position will he play. He wants to stick at catcher, but could advance quicker in the OF and might be too big to catch one day. It's less of a problem than some would figure as his arm has been described as either plus or plus plus. He has that bat speed that make some people drool over him. 70 raw power bat, which projects to be ~30 dingers a year from scouts. Clear as day he's the best bat, even by just watching videos. Draft Position:2-7

SS Nick Gordon (Olympia High School)

Do you ever find yourself asking "What if Dee Gordon had a brother who was a little bit better than Dee?" If so, then this is your man. For whatever reason he's being talked about as a potential top five pick, but I just don't see it. Good bat speed from a left handed batter, but he doesn't generate power. I've read a few reports that he'll develop power for some mysterious reason. His defense at SS has been described anywhere from average at best to great. His arm is really good though! It's so good he can also pitch, throwing a 92-94 fastball and some breaking stuff, but he's better as a position prospect. He's got plus speed, which he'll desperately need if he doesn't magically develop power in his bat. I wish I knew of another average to slightly above average SS who was supposed to magically develop power...Draft Position:3-10

C Max Pentecost (Kennesaw State)

Kiley McDaniel hype project Max Pentecost has been a fast riser on the draft board, going from late teens/early twenties to a top ten pick or better. At 6'2" ,191lbs, Pentecost is arguably the best catcher in this draft, in part due to being able to actually play the position in the majors. Has great plate patience and makes good contact. Played well in the Cape League a year ago with an OPS of .898 and six dingers (146 PAs). Finished the college season like a madman, hitting .529/.577/.722. It's questionable whether he'll develop league average power. Average runner with good speed. Fun fact: he has already had TJS! Draft Position:4-10

LHP Kyle Freeland (Evansville)

One of the more underrated players in the draft, Freeland has had an absolutely phenomenal college season in 2014, sporting a 1.90 ERA in 99.2IP and a K/BB ratio of 128/13. Had a few 15k games this year, which is impressive. Fastball tops out at 95, which he hits on occasion even late into games. Easy plus slider (85-86) that a ton of batters bite on and swing and miss. He stands at 6'4", weighing in at 190lbs. Has a good changeup and above average curveball that he rarely uses. Scouts complain about his delivery, calling it Chris Sale-esque, but it's not quite as bad. I remember seeing someone complain that he spins too much towards 3B after his delivery, but he's corrected it because I didn't really notice it later in the season. He hasn't been worked to death unlike other college arms like Rodon. Possibly the most major league ready arm, with one scout saying that he could come out of the bullpen this year. Whatever team gets him is going to be very, very happy. Draft Position:5-12

RHP Aaron Nola (LSU)

Like Max Pentecost, Nola has been rising up the board late after a late season surge and the death of Jeff Hoffman's arm. At 6'2" and 170lbs, Nola is probably the second most refined arm in this year's draft. He possesses the second best curve in the draft (behind the wild Touki Toussaint), which sits at around 77-80 and has resulted in a quite a few swing and misses for Nola this year. Fastball tops out at 95 and sits in the mid-low 90s (93-94). Was throwing 93-94 in the eighth last week. Potential plus changup at 82-85. Like Freeland, possesses great command. Has shown the ability to recover from rocky starts. Very minor mechanical concerns. Pitch count issue is nowhere near as bad as Rodon's. He'll be up in the majors fairly quick. Draft Position:3-9

The First Rounders:

RHP Jeff Hoffman (East Carolina)

Jeff Hoffman was a consensus top five pick. He then blew out his arm and had Tommy John surgery. He's 6'4", 180lbs and had a fastball that topped out at 98, sitting regularly in the mid 90s. Plus Curveball at 78-81 and potential plus slider. High K rate in the Cape League last summer. He's probably going to end up going in the mid-late first round (ala Giolito), so I'm not going to write anymore about him. Draft Position:10-32

SS Trea Turner (NC State)

Much like his teammate Rodon, Trea Turner's stock has fallen since a little over a year ago as he suffered a high ankle sprain and he no longer has the same speed he once showed. The numbers would indicate his speed is back (high success rate of stolen bases), but more than one scout has commented on his slight tick down in speed, so show some caution. I don't mean to make him sound like he's Miguel Cabrera speedwise, but he probably isn't Billy Hamilton 2.0 anymore. Had an OPS of .947 this year, which is pretty good as a SS, but he might have to slide over to 3B down the road. Doesn't really have power, but he'll magically fill out since he's listed at 170lbs and hit dingers, right?! Draft Position:5-24

LHP Sean Newcomb (Hartford)

I actually haven't seen Sean Newcomb pitch a game, just clips like high school guys, so stick with me. Like Kolek, Newcomb is a big dude at 6'5", 240lbs. Fastball that touches 97 rarely and sits 92-94. Plus changeup at 83-85. Has a curveball and slider, but they are below-average to average. I think he has the best ERA in Division I baseball at 1.25, but don't quote me on that. In 93.1 IP this year he gave up zero home runs. The negative on Newcomb is his command can be poor at times, which is something you don't want to hear about a college arm. I saw someone suggest that the Hartford weather might play a part in his weak command, but that's a big risk to take for someone projected going high. [b]Draft Position:5-16[/b]

OF Michael Conforto (Oregon State)

Arguably the second best bat in the draft, Michael Conforto has really heated up in draft talks, going from late first to a potential top ten pick. Has developed plate patience at Oregon State, ranking very high in the nation in walks. While known for having a power bat, Conforto regressed, only hitting five dingers during his junior season. His previous two years had double digit dinger seasons, so maybe this year was a fluke? Average defensively in LF, with average to slightly above average arm strength. Below average speed. Draft Position:4(underslot);6-18

RHP Touki Toussaint (Coral Springs Christian Academy)

Baseball's Joel Embiid is Touki Toussaint in the sense that he has been playing baseball for a few years and displays tremendous potential. Fastball tops out at 98 and sits at 92-94.He has without a doubt the best curveball in the draft, which is in the high 70s/80. It's really a potential plus plus pitch. He also has a slider and a cutter as secondary pitches. There's a ton of concern in regards to Touki command and delivery. His command has improved slightly from his junior to senior year, but there's still major cocern there. He can be quite wild at times (Ankiel-esque in some videos I've seen), which really scares me off I were to draft in the top ten. Woodman663 does a better job detailing the problematic delivery here than I care to. I know I've mentioned high risk/high reward a few times already, but this is the true high risk/high reward candidate in the 2014 MLB draft and I'm not a fan. Draft Position:7-19

OF Bradley Zimmer (San Francisco)

Don't know much about him, so bear with me. Needs work on plate patience. Should be able to stick in CF because of his arm and speed, which is pretty good for a guy his size (6'5", 205lbs, but I've seen different height/weight measurements all over the place so who knows). Honestly, everything about Zimmer seems average to slighly above average. He doesn't stand out big in any category. He put up an OPS of 1.034 his junior year at San Francisco, hitting seven dingers. I'm kind of mystified why he gets mid-first round talk after looking everything over. Draft Position:10-24

RHP Grant Holmes (Conway High School)

Holmes projects to be big league ready quicker than other prep arms like Toussaint. Fastball tops out at 97, but sits in the low-mid 90s. Plus curveball that could end up plus plus, but currently sits 82-84. Changeup rates to about average to above average. Red flag on the fastball as it tends flatten at times, which would of course lead to him getting smashed in the majors if changes aren't made. Besides some mechanical changes, Holmes doesn't really project to get much better, but that's fine because he's a pretty good pitcher already. Draft Position:7-19

RHP Tyler Beede (Vanderbilt)

Here's another guy who has fallen faster than you can snap your fingers. You may as well use a magic eight ball to predict Beede's starts these days. During his tenure at Vanderbilt he walked 4.65 batters per nine. In 2013 he walked 5.6 per nine innings. That improved to 4.08 walks per nine, still not a good number. Plus fastball that sits in the low-mid 90s. Also possesses a potential plus curveball and plus changeup. With erratic command issues, Beede still strikes out a little over one batter an inning. Should a team trust Beede enough to use a high draft pick on him? Nope. Could he potentially develop into a quality 2/3 starter? Yes, but it will take time and effort to work on his command. Draft Position:18- Early Second Round

RHP Sean Reid-Foley (Sandlewood High School)

Reid-Foley's fastball topped out at 95, but sat consistantly at 92-94 throughout the past season. He also possesses a potential plus slider and a decent curveball. Could be a real steal for someone in the mid-late first round, but has a strong commit to Florida State and this is the type of guy the Blue Jays would be all over, so don't be surprised if he goes to college, although I'm not sure how much more he can develop there. Draft Position:9-31

SS Jacob Gatewood (Clovis High School)

Another SS that won't play SS (He's 6'5"). I hate to say he's nothing more than a power bat, but that's his main appeal to teams. Projects to hit 30+ dingers at the major league level. Good arm, but defense at SS is sub-par. Projects to have below average speed. Has sort of a strange early step when batting that will probably need to be fixed. He's certainly an interesting project, just not someone to take early in the draft. Draft Position:7-25

1B Casey Gillaspie (Wichita State)

I saw two games of his in person and wasn't really impressed, but it was just two games as opposed to a season's worth of data. Most scouts say he'll be fine at 1B, but boy did he have one rough game at 1B defensively. His bat is the only thing that keeps him going. Put up an OPS of 1.203, which is pretty impressive. Fifteen dingers for the year. His power should translate to north of 30 dingers a year. Displays great plate patience. He's also a switch hitter, which probably helps his stock a bit. Draft Position:20-33

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Draft positions are just rough estimates as mock drafts are too fluid and inaccurate, so it's safer just to make a range of teams that would be interested. Might do more writeups in the coming week, so stay tuned~!