Draft 13 – Stephen Wrenn, Chad Pinder, Kent Emmanuel, Kris Bryant, Derek Burkamper

Stephen Wrenn, OF, Walton HS (GA) - The 6’-2”, 190-pound right-hander has plus speed (6.4/60) and an advanced approach at the plate. He has a strong enough arm (85 mph) to hold down centerfield, and his speed and instincts will play well there. He may need to retool his swing a bit but has been destroying prep pitching this year to the tune of a .513/.649/.833 line. Over 27 games, he has 19 extra-base hits, 25 walks and has swiped 25 bases. A very toolsy player who is committed to Georgia. link

Evolution is the biggest thing that you look for in a player leading up to the draft. You want to look and see that someone is getting better month after month and year after year. Chad Pinder is that kind of player, going from afterthought as a freshman to one of the better college bats available in this year's draft. He hit .317/.368/.510 in 2011, improved to .325/.380/.538 in 2012 and now is at .365/.450/.511 through 34 games. link

Kent Emmanuel, North Carolina - Like the previous two pitchers, Emmanuel is an athletic pitcher with a big frame (6'4, 225 lbs).  He doesn't throw as hard as you would think, however, sitting at 87-89 and topping out at about 91.  He actually relies more on a deceptive delivery than pure power but his athleticism allows him to repeat it well, and so there is that potential for plus command.  Both of his breaking pitchers are average right now though his change-up is an above-average offering. link

Kris Bryant | 3B/OF, San Diego - It’s true that college pitchers tend to push toward the bigs a bit more quickly than hitters, but there are always exceptions.  Take Mike Zunino, for instance.  Drafted third overall last June, Zunino has climbed through the minors with haste, and will almost certainly surface in Seattle this summer.  Kris Bryant is the top college bat in the 2013 draft class, perhaps the best overall bat in the class, regardless of age.  Huge power is his best asset (28 HR through 191 AB in 2013), but the rest of his tools at the plate are quite good, too.  His career AVG at San Diego sits north of .350, he draws plenty of walks (.506 OBP), and he seldom strikes out.  Bryant’s advanced skillset could draw top 5 interest, and it’s extremely doubtful he’ll slip past pick 10.  He should be the quickest moving bat in this year’s crop. link

PROSPECT ON THE RISE: Derek Burkamper, rhp, Muscatine HS. Burkamper gave notice that he had taken a step up as a prospect at the PG Pitcher/Catcher Indoor Showcase in February, and has followed up on it with a very strong spring. There’s no reason with his age, build and delivery not to assume he has another level to improve to with additional strength and maturity. link