6/4/13

Draft 13 – Daniel Ayers, Reese McGuire, Ryan Boldt, Ryan Healy, Drew Ward




Daniel Ayers, LHP, Columbus HS (IN) - The 6’-3”, 205-pound southpaw has been dealing this season. On May 7, he tossed seven shutout innings, striking out a season-high 16 batters to two walks. Over six starts, he has a 0.73 ERA, 0.87 WHIP and 72 K/18 BB over 37 innings, allowing just 14 hits. His fastball sits in the 89-91 mph range with movement and both his curveball and slider are decent offerings, both sitting in the mid-70s. He has great mound presence and feel for pitching, and his size suggests there is still more in the tank. Committed to Western Michigan  LINK


Reese McGuire, C, Kentwood HS (WA) - The 6’-1” left-handed hitter has not struck out in his last 70 plate appearances. Over 25 games this season, he is hitting .419/.546/.770 and has drawn 21 walks to just two strikeouts. He has 11 doubles, three triples, three home runs and has added nine stolen bases. For all of the talk about his plus defensive abilities, including an arm that is becoming legendary, the kid can stroke it at the plate and has shown a great approach at the plate. Mix that with a high character and he should hear his name called in the first 15 picks in the 2013 MLB draft. LINK


Ryan Boldt, OF, Nebraska 40% - Boldt got hurt this spring and will play minimally, if at all, prior to the draft. That means a team will have to go out on a limb to take him in a signable area. That means he may end up at Nebraska. LINK


Ryon Healy, Oregon - There was a time not too long ago when Ryon Healy was a No. 1 prospect. That is, relative to all other prospects in the California Collegiate League back in 2010. Of all the youngsters he observed, John Manuel of Baseball America had Healy pegged as the best. He was even good enough at the time to invite comparisons to Scott Rolen and Evan Longoria. Those comps don't apply now. Healy was a third baseman, but has gone on to primarily play first base at Oregon. The folks at Baseball America (subscription) think there's at least a chance Healy could be given a shot to play third at the pros, but it sounds like first base is going to be his permanent home. LINK


Drew Ward, Leedey (Leedey, Okla.) - Re-classified as a senior, Ward was previously regarded as the top player in the Class of 2014. Playing against mostly small school competition, Leedey has dominated, batting .556 with 40 RBI, 55 runs scored, seven doubles, three triples and nine home runs. He also drew 56 walks during his senior season as few teams decided to pitch to Ward. A shortstop in high school, Ward has a strong enough arm to play third, but he could end up at first base, according to some reports. LINK

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