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5/1/10

DRAFT: - Manny Machado, Brian Ragira, Jared Ray, AJ Kirby-Jones... and Josh Slatts:

Manny Machado:

5-1 from: - http://projectprospect.com/article/2010/04/28/lincolns-2010-draft-board  - Manny Machado a shortstop from Brito High School in Florida makes his first appearance on the board, debuting at No. 5. I held off ranking Machado in the first iteration of my draft board since there were some rumblings about Machado not being a shortstop long-term. Those fears seem to have abated as Machado has dazzled scouts defensively all spring. Some felt he might be a third baseman since his speed is only a tick above average and his lower half is a little thicker than the average 6-foot-2, 180 pound prep shortstop. But Machado has shown soft hands and terrific instincts to go along with a throwing arm that’s as good as any position players in this draft. Offensively, Machado should hit very well for a shortstop, as he shows decent hitting ability and above-average power potential. Machado has as much helium as anyone in the draft process right now and could be the second position player off the board.

Brian Ragira:

5-1 from: http://www.minorleagueball.com/2010/4/30/1452824/interesting-high-school-hitters#storyjump  - Brian Ragira, OF, James Martin High School, Arlington, Texas - Like Austin Wilson (see below), Brian Ragira is a tools outfielder who is also very intelligent and committed to Stanford. He's not as filled out as Wilson, listed at 6-3, 180, but has the chance to produce excellent power with maturity. His speed is average but he has a strong throwing arm and would fit perfectly in right field. Scouts have had some issues getting a read on Ragira's signability; on talent alone he should go in the supplemental or second round, but his family are Kenyan immigrants and put a lot of value on college education. His makeup is regarded as excellent. He could be picked early in the supplemental round, or he could fall out of the top ten rounds completely depending on how scouts read his intentions.

Jared Ray:

4-30 from: - http://www.mlbbonusbaby.com/2010/4/30/1451211/casing-the-states-texas-part-four#storyjump  – RHP Ray was considered a possible top three rounds arm entering the season, as he was expected to anchor a solid Houston pitching rotation. However, a shoulder injury suffered last summer on the Cape ended up needing arthroscopic surgery late in 2009, and he's still recovering. Despite the free fall that has come with the shoulder injury, Ray still offers some intriguing upside if a team wants to take a flier on him, hoping to sign him for a discount and get him ready for 2011. When healthy, Ray offers a pair of potential plus pitches in a 91-94 mph fastball and an inconsistent slider, and he has a solid 6'3'' frame that bodes well for durability in the future. His changeup was less advanced than a typical college starter's before he went down, so that might be a factor in a move to the bullpen, but most teams consider him a starting prospect when healthy. He has #3 starter upside, and he might be an interesting summer follow if he gets healthy. Projected Draft Range: 7th Round - Undrafted

AJ Kirby-Jones:

4-29 from: - draft  - Sleepers For the 2010 MLB Draft - AJ Kirby-Jones, Tennessee Tech, 1B - Jones is absolutely destroying the ball this year to the tune of 372/.534/.854 with 47 walks and 18 home runs in just 40 games. Figures to easily break his own school record of 20 home runs in a season which he set last year.


Josh Slatts:

4-27 from: - http://thecollegebaseballblog.com/2010/04/26/wac-players-of-the-week-9/#more-25694  - Josh Slaats have been named the Verizon Western Athletic Conference Baseball Pitcher of the Week, for April 19-25. Slaats, a junior from San Ramon, Calif. (California HS), pitched a complete-game shutout at Louisiana Tech last week. Slaats struck out four while allowing just five hits and two walks in the seven-inning 10-0 victory that was called due to the WAC’s run rule. The win marks Slaats’ second complete-game shutout of the season. Slaats now holds a 4-2 record on the season with a 1.71 ERA, striking out 56 in 52.2 innings pitched.

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