Draft 13 – Phillip Ervin, Dustin Driver, Kohl Stewart, J.B. Woodman, Clint Frazier

I like Phillip Ervin a lot. Is it crazy to suggest that he’s a little teeny tiny bit like the college version of everybody’s favorite high school hitter, Clint Frazier? Both are praised for, in order, their 1) electric bat speed, 2) well-rounded overall skill sets, 3) above-average arm strength (pre-injury for Frazier), 4) picture perfect pro-ready swings, 5) above-average speed on the base paths, and 6) advanced pitch recognition skills. The main concern for both is that they are maxed-out physically. Additionally, both can hack it in center (Ervin more than Frazier), but profile best defensively in right field (again, assuming Frazier’s bum arm bounces back in time). This is all far too simplistic a comparison and I’m clearly not taking into account the crucially important differences in their hair, but you can kind of see how the two share some things if you keep an open mind, right? link

Dustin Driver, RHP, Wenatchee HS (WA) - One of the better power arms among prep players in the 2013 MLB draft, the 6’-2”, 200-pound right-hander may still be available when the Cubs pick at 41. If he is available, he has frontline stuff headlined by a low/mid-90s fastball that maintains velocity deep into games with good sink. He also adds an above-average change-up and a developing curveball. His delivery is clean and easy and he is very aggressive on the mound, attacking hitters inside and out. Committed to UCLA. link

If 1-3 are Appel, Gray, Manaea, what do the Twins do? Can't take Bryant since he'd be sent to high A where Sano is playing third. I'm not sure they'd want to take another OF but I don't know if the 4th best pitcher is a better option. - Jim Callis: Don’t think Manaea goes No. 3 right now. But if that did happen, I might take Kohl Stewart at No. 4.

J.B. Woodman, OF, Edgewater HS (FL) - A two-sport star, the 6’-2” left-hander’s future may be brighter on the diamond as he has shown an advanced bat with pop this season. Over 26 games, he is hitting .571 with nine doubles, three home runs, 29 RBI and has stolen 19 bases. He has also drawn 18 walks to just six strikeouts for a .660 OBP/.831 SLG. With his strong arm — he has been clocked at 91 mph from the outfield — along with his speed (6.6/60), he should be able to remain at centerfield. He projects as a leadoff-type hitter. Committed to Ole Miss. link

Why Clint Frazier should be the top pick: "He is a dangerous hitter every time he walks into the box. He has that potential, that swing, that strength, that loft, that aggressive approach to change the game with one swing of the bat. He can hit balls out of Yellowstone Park. It's advanced high school power. Between the two, he's the closest of being a sure pick to hit you 30 home runs. With his arm, he could stay in center field, but I'd like him in right field. Runners won't take the extra base on him." - link