1. Carlos Rodon, LHP, NC State
The prize of the draft, the 6’-3” southpaw continued to demonstrate his silly array of abilities against the rest of the world after posting a 2.99 ERA, 1.05 WHIP with 184 K/45 BB over 132.1 innings for the Wolfpack this year. Pitching for The Collegiate National Team, he went 3-0 with 21 K/4 BB over 17 shutout innings, allowing just five hits. 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. He commands all of them well and is comfortable throwing any of them in any situation. There may not be much projection left but what more do you want?
2. Trea Turner, SS, NC State
The 2013 MLB draft lacked depth up the middle. Turner, a 6’-1” right-hander, is a fantastic defender with outstanding range and a strong arm. His elite speed, advanced approach at the plate and ability to drive the ball to all fields make him one of the more exciting players in college and, once he gets on base, don’t blink. Over 56 games as a sophomore, he hit .368/.455/.553 with 30 stolen bases and drew 38 walks to just 30 strikeouts. He also hit seven home runs, showing developing power. As a freshman, he led the nation in stolen bases with 57 and was only thrown out four times.
3. Tyler Beede, RHP, Vanderbilt
At 6’-4” and 215 pounds, the right-hander has the size, along with the stuff, to be an ace at the next level. He features a classic three-pitch mix with a mid-90s plus fastball with great movement, a plus power curveball and a deceptive change-up that freezes hitters. Opponents hit just .187 against him as a sophomore as his ability to miss bats is something to see. The one knock on him is that he also has a tendency to miss the strike zone. His stuff and make-up are top notch, however, and if he can harness his control as a junior, he could challenge Rodon for the top pick. Posted a 2.32 ERA, 1.26 with 103 K/63 BB over 101 innings for the Commodores.
4. Jacob Gatewood, SS, Clovis HS (CA)
Gatewood is quickly becoming the most drooled over prep prospect in the 2014 MLB draft. At 6’-5” and 190 pounds, the right-hander shows big-time power potential and excellent bat speed. He won the Junior Home Run Derby at Citi Field, slugging 13 home runs — three of them reaching the third deck. He also has a canon arm and has been clocked in the low/mid 90s. A shortstop now, his size and power could move him to third where all of his tools would play well. He could go first overall with his upside. Committed to USC.
5. Jeff Hoffman, RHP, East Carolina
The 6’-4”, 200-pound right-hander was dominate at the Cape Cod League this year. Over 24.1 innings, he had 33 K/5 BB and allowed 20 hits for Hyannis. His fastball can touch 98 mph, and both his curveball and change-up are solid offerings and getting better. Over 15 starts as a sophomore, he had a 3.20 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 84 K/39 BB over 109.2 innings. His 7.3 innings-per-start show the kind of stamina he has, and he maintains velocity deep in games. We all saw Jonathan Gray rocket up draft boards this past year, and Hoffman could enjoy the same ride.
The rest.... http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-top-50-prospects/36463#mwWwsFxSUZy7YC5V.99
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