Mack Ade - Top 10 2014 Draft Prospects

 

 It's far too early to mock.

      But, here's my current top 10 draft dudes:

      1. LHP Carlos Rodon – North Carolina State – Might have been the first pick in 2013 if he was eligible. Went 9-2 in 2013 with a 3.19 ERA, 1.04-WHIP, 170-K, in 118.1-IP. He has a five-pitch arsenal that includes a mid-90s heater, a power slider, a lethal cutter, an above-average curveball and a change-up with nice fade. Some say he’s too short at 6-2. I’d pick him first in a heart beat.

2. RHP Touki Touissant – Coral Sprngs (FL) HS – Currently the top Prep pitcher in the draft.His fastball right now hits 97 with late sink, but it’s his devastating curve that’s his go-to pitch. Add in a deceptive delivery and he’s tough to take. Only downside currently in his game is he won’t let me interview him without talking to his Mommy first J

3. RHP Tyler Beede – Vanderbilt – Beede is easily one of the top right hand pitcher in the draft. Like Rodon, he would have easily been a top five pick this year, if eligible. He is a Golden Sprike finalist after going 14-1 record, 2.32 ERA and .187 batting average against. He features a classic three-pitch mix in a mid-90s plus fastball with great movement, a plus power curveball and a deceptive change-up that freezes hitters.

4. RHP Michael Cederoth – San Diego State – Cederoth is pretty intimidating. He’s 6-6 and touches 100 regularly. Also throws a mid-80’s slider and changeup. He does have to work on his control (2013: 4.25 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 109 K/48 BB over 95.1 innings), but he has the potential


5. C Alex Jackson – Rancho Bernardo (CA) HS – This is serious raw power from the right side. He also has a very accurate arm. Threw 98 from the outfield this week at the PG Nationals. Over 35 games as a junior, he hit .343 with 14 home runs and drew 29 walks for a .479 OBP/.806 SLG.

6.  SS Trae Turner – North Carolina State – Turner is a late bloomer in high school that is projected as the top shortstop in the 2014 draft. A speedster on base, he led the nation last year in stolen bases. Over 51 injury shortened games this season, he hit .377 with 12 doubles, seven home runs, 27 stolen bases and drew 35 walks to 30 strikeouts for a .464 OBP/.578 SLG. He’ll go fast.

 

7.  SS Nicholas Gordon – Olympia (FL) HS - His strong arm, range and instincts will make him one of the better defensive shortstops in the 2014 MLB draft. Over 30 games as a junior, he hit .505 with 15 doubles, six triples, and stole 12 bases.

8.  OF – Derek Fisher – Virginia – Currently projects as the top outfielder in the draft. 2013 stats .293/.405/.483, 7-HR, 48-RBI.

9.  RHP Aaron Nola – LSU-Eunice – Nola is an excellent ‘control’ pitcher, known for his low-90s fastball which has ‘nasty sink’ attached to it. His 2013 season has been magical: 16-ST, 12-0, 1.68. Scouts project him into the pen due to his 6-2 height, but I see him as another Dillon Gee-like success. He has above average speed and power with some aptitude for making adjustments

10.  OF Kel Johnson – Georgia Home School – Johnson may be the first pure home schooled player that will be drafted in the first round (this is why playing summer ‘showcases’ and leagues are so important). Plays for the East Cobb Braves, one of the premiere youth baseball operations in the country. Serious power and bat speed.