5/8/13

Mock - Prospect Pipeline





1Houston AstrosJonathan Gray Jonathan Gray
Pick Analysis: After landing a slew of top-flight prep players in the early rounds of the 2012 draft, the Astros will have their choice of the top pitching prospects on the board this June. While Appel likely represents the "safe" pick at 1-1, Gray's elite fastball and plus secondaries give him enormous upside that will be difficult to pass over. Furthermore, because Appel is a Scott Boras client and the Astros will presumably budget their spending as they did last year, signing Gray could allot enough money to sign all of their Day 1 and 2 picks. -Rosenbaum
2Chicago CubsMark AppelMark Appel 
Pick Analysis: Honestly, this is the scenario that I think the Cubs want to happen. As great as Gray has been this year, and as likely as it is that Appelwon't cut them any kind of discount, this front office knows that the Stanfordrighty is the best prospect in this class. An athletic 6'5" frame with pure power stuff, including a plus fastball-slider combination and improving changeup, as well as an easy, repeatable delivery and outstanding results this year, Appelwill move quickly and put last year's debacle with Pittsburgh behind him. -Wells
3Colorado RockiesSean ManaeaBraden Shipley 
Pick Analysis: After a dominant performance in the Cape Cod League last summer, the high-ceiling left-hander hasn't quite lived up to expectations this spring and has a missed a few starts with a nagging hip injury. However,Manaea's potential is undeniable, and he would immediately rank as the top pitching prospects in a Rockies' system devoid of impact arms. - Rosenbaum
4Minnesota TwinsKris BryantSean Manaea 
Pick Analysis: Manaea is the one pick in the top five that I really struggled to place. On the one hand, a left-hander who has hit 97 with the fastball and plus slider in the not-too-distant past is a lock to go very high. However, thanks to a delivery with some effort and results that have been underwhelming this season, his stock has dropped considerably. I still say bet on the tall, hard-throwing left-hander to go high. - Wells
5Cleveland IndiansBraden ShipleyColin Moran 
Pick Analysis: Besides Gray, no pitcher has ascended draft boards as quickly asShipley this spring. With an athletic and projectable frame, three above-average-to-plus-plus offerings (fastball/slider/changeup) and plenty of room to develop, the Nevada right-hander would give the Tribe another high-ceiling college arm to follow Trevor Bauer (ideally) in their future starting rotation. -Rosenbaum
6Miami MarlinsAustin MeadowsClint Frazier 
Pick Analysis: The Marlins usually go after ceiling and projection in the first round, which is why Rosenbaum's selection of Austin Meadows makes perfect sense. Yet in a league that is starved for power hitters, Frazier brings the lumber right away. He does need to adjust his style to wait on off-speed pitches. But his bat speed is easily the best in the class. Even though he will be a corner outfielder in pro ball, there is enough offensive upside for him to profile just fine in right field. - Wells
7Boston Red SoxColin Moran Kris Bryant
Pick Analysis: Although Moran possesses arguably the most advanced hit tool and plate discipline in the 2013 draft class, there is some concern as to whether he can remain at third base long term. Regardless, the left-handed hitter will be selected for his offensive prowess and presumed proximity to the major leagues. - Rosenbaum
8Kansas City RoyalsTrey Ball Austin Meadows
Pick Analysis: For the second time in three years, the Royals will luck out in getting the best high school player available. The jury is still out on Bubba Starling, but I have little concern that the front office is going to change its philosophy based on that. Meadows has more upside than his fellow Georgia high school outfielder Clint Frazier. He has more physical projection and better all-around tools, with plus raw power, speed and defense in center field. - Wells
9Pittsburgh Pirates*Kohl StewartKohl Stewart 
Pick Analysis: After failing to sign Mark Appel with the eighth pick last June, the Pirates have a great opportunity to land a pair of impact prospects in the first half of the first round. Representing the top high school arm in the class, Stewart also comes with serious signability concerns given his perceived strong commitment to Texas A&M as a two-sport player (quarterback). Therefore, if the Pirates are interested in the right-hander, which they absolutely should be, they will have to take him with their top pick so as to offer him a flattering signing bonus. - Rosenbaum
10Toronto Blue JaysClint Frazier Trey Ball
Pick Analysis: One thing that we know about Toronto GM Alex Anthopoulos is he will take the best athlete available. It has helped revitalize the Blue Jays' system, giving them the pieces they needed to make those deals with Miami and New York in the offseason. Ball is a two-way prospect with better present skills on the mound. At 6'6" and hitting the mid 90s with his fastball already, he could turn into a horse at the top of the rotation. If he becomes a position player, he could grow into plus power with speed and a plus throwing arm in a corner outfield spot. - Wells
11New York MetsAustin Wilson Ryne Stanek
Pick Analysis: It's no secret that the Mets' greatest deficiency, both throughout their farm system and at the major league level, is a lack of impact outfielders. Enter Austin Wilson, who has regained first-round status after missing half the college season with an elbow injury. At 6'5", 245 pounds, he's loaded with tools and represents one of the few college position players with considerable room to develop. Landing Wilson with their first pick would be a huge get for the Mets. - Rosenbaum




http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1630015-2013-mlb-mock-draft-latest-1st-round-projections-one-month-from-draft-day

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