Top 12 RHP in 2014 MLB Draft - Updated 5-19-14

                     

 1.   Tyler Kolek

                          (same)

8-25-13 - It’s Tyler Kolek’s size that makes him standout, but the stuff is just as big. He features a heavy fastball that he can work down in the zone with through a big leg kick. The fastball sat in the mid-90s  while topping out at 96 MPH during the Area Code Games. However, the fastball touched 99 MPH at the Perfect Game All American Classic. While the big velocity receives all the publicity, Kolek also possesses an advanced curveball with depth that can feature nasty two-plane break at times. The curveball comes in anywhere from 77 to 80 MPH, but the vertical break can be inconsistent. The control profile is iffy, but that can be expected from a 17-year-old with special offerings, as he’s still learning how to harness his pitches and get them over for the strikes. Kolek could become the first prep pitcher to be taken off of the board due to his combination of size and power stuff. He’ll also be the first person from Shepherd, Texas to be drafted. http://rontrarianreport.com/2013/08/24/scouting-tyler-kolek-mlb-draft/

9-4-13 – Mack’s Mock Draft v1.0 – 11 – Mets – (compensation pick for failure in signing 2013 10th overall pick, P Phil Bickford) –  RHP Tyler Kolek – Shepard (TX) HS – Kolek is the third of the four top high school righties in this draft.  The 6-6 flamethrower turned on the scouts early when their radar guns hit 100. Also has a + low-80s slider, and a low 70s . He also set the record at the Perfect Game All-American Classic with a 99-mph fastball. An absolutely great combination of size and speed that is impossible to pass up on.

2.  Tyler Beede

               (same)

Top 5 MLB Draft Prospects - #4. Tyler Beede, RHP (Vanderbilt):  possesses a quick fastball and a resilient breaking ball, but needs to develop his walk rate. Has clean mechanics and even now has the size for pro ball. At 6’-4” and 215 pounds, the right-hander has the bulk, along with the substance, to be an ace at the next level. He contains a common three-pitch mix with a mid-90s plus fastball with pronounced movement, a plus power curveball and a illusive change-up that freezes hitters. Adversaries hit just .187 against him as a sophomore as his capability to miss bats is astounding. The one knock on him is that he also has a propensity to miss the strike zone. His stuff and make-up are top notch, however, and if he can gain his control as a junior, he could contest Rodon for the top pick. Posted a 2.32 ERA, 1.26 with 103 K/63 BB over 101 innings for the Commodores.  http://bigleaguefutures.net/1/2013/08/30/top-5-mlb-draft-prospects/   

9-4-13 – Mack’s Mock Draft v1.0 – 3 – White Sox – RHSP Tyler Beede – Vanderbilt – Miami’s reluctance to go give out big bucks is the XXXX gain with the  Beede pick. The runner-up for the Golden Spike Award as a sophomore is easily the top college righty in the draft. The classic 6-4 power pitcher has, according to TTF, “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.” He has had some problems pounding the zone but a pro pitching coach can straighten that out. Beede has  big time talent that projects as someone that can easily start the season at the A+ or AA level.  

3.  Aaron Nola

                         (up from #4)

  11-19-13 - Aaron Nola (RHP) - College: LSU - In short, Nola’s numbers for LSU in 2013 were absolutely ridiculous. In 17 starts, he had 126 innings pitched–good for a little over seven and one/third innings per start. His control was impeccable walking just 18 batters while striking out 122, giving him an impressive strikeout-to-walk ratio of 6.78. At 6’1″, 183 pounds, Nola doesn’t have that towering pitcher build that scouts rave about, but as you can see by the numbers, he doesn’t really need it. He makes up for it by employing a somewhat deceptive three-quarters motion to provide exception movement on three above-average pitches. His go-to is his sinker which touches 94 MPH with both downward and tailing movement. He also has a plus changeup that mimics the movement of his fastball. Finally, he has an above-average 11-5 breaking ball which is resembles a slurve more than just a curveball or slider. Baseball America has him 10th in their latest 2014 draft rankings, so he, like Turner, will likely be unavailable by the time the Cardinals pick. However, if interested here is a video of him pitching in the Cape Cod League in 2012. His deceptive whipping motion is on full display in the video. In my opinion, he has the best chance of any pitching prospect to make a Michael Wacha-like rise through a team’s farm system. Let’s hope he doesn’t end up in the National League Central. http://stlcupofjoe.com/2013/11/19/2014-mlb-draft-five-prospects-to-keep-an-eye-on-part-2/

9-4-13 – Mack’s Mock Draft v1.0 – 31 – RHP Aaron Nola – LSU – Nola is considered the top control pitcher in the 2014 draft. As a sophomore, he went 12-1 over 17 starts with a 1.57 ERA, 0.80 WHIP and 122 K/18 BB over 126 innings. Low 90s fastball with nasty sink. Lack of height (6-2) could send him to the pen.

4.            Grant Holmes

                    (down from #3)

11-6-13 – Todd Gold – WWBA World Championship – Grant Holmes (2014 RHP, EvoShield Canes) - It doesn't come as a big surprise that Holmes registered the tournament's highest velocity, touching 97 mph with his fastball in the opening game for the champion EvoShield Canes. His velocity has frequently sat in the mid-90s in showcase settings, and low- to mid-90s in a starting role. Just as importantly, in Jupiter he showed the ability to command that heat well. While his command in the semifinal start against the loaded Mets Scout Team doesn't look impressive in the box score with three walks and 59-percent strikes, he was making a noticeable effort to hit the corners of the strike zone. After pounding the zone in the opener, Holmes stayed out of the middle of the plate effectively in the semifinals and his command was good for the majority of that critical game while sitting 91-95 on fairly short rest. That command is key for his draft stock, as his thick stocky build doesn't neatly fit the mold of a classic starting pitching prospect. But in Jupiter he proved that he can command his fastball well and incorporate his hammer curveball effectively over multiple innings while knowing how and when to work in the changeup. That combination puts him in position to become a top 50 pick. His effort in the semifinals gave his team a chance to win against one of the best lineups in the tournament, and he was rewarded with a championship ring. http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=9157

9-4-13 – Mack’s Mock Draft v1.0 – 14 – RHP Grant Holmes – Conway (SC) HS – The last of the ‘big 4’ high school right handers. Holmes  sits 93-95 and has an above average chamge-up. He’s only 6-1 which could lead him in the direction of the pen someday.           

5.  Touki Toussaint

          (same)             

8-21-13 – Area Code Games - 8. Touki Toussaint, rhp, Coral Springs Christian (Fla.)/ Atlanta Blue Jays - Toussaint burst onto the scene as a 16-year-old last summer at Tournament of Stars before an otherworldly performance at the WWBA in Jupiter in October, when he struck out 18 in six innings and showed a mid-90s fastball and plus curveball. Toussaint, who was a soccer player until he started playing baseball four years ago and lived in Haiti for six years, offers rare athleticism for a pitcher and has one of the highest upsides of any high school pitcher. At 6-foot-1, 198-pounds, Toussaint has a wiry, athletic build with long limbs. He has loose, whip-like action from a three-quarter slot and gets extension out front. His fastball sat 90-94 mph and touched 95 with natural cut in Long Beach. Toussaint threw some above-average curveballs with depth but the low-to-mid 70s pitch was inconsistent. He is working a high-80s cutter/slider and low-80s changeup into his repertoire. With three walks in as many innings, Toussaint’s command was not sharp. His lower half has been leaking in his delivery this summer and he has a late hand break. But Toussiant,  once committed to Miami but currently uncommitted, has the athleticism necessary to improve his control. He will form one of the top batteries in the country with Benito Santiago, a lefthanded-hitting catcher who is one of the top catchers in the country, the son of the former big league by the same name. http://www.baseballamerica.com/draft/area-code-games-top-10-prospects/  

9-4-13 – Mack’s Mock Draft v1.0 – 2 – Miami – RHSP Touki Toussaint – Coral Springs (FL) High School – The obvious ‘best player available’ here would have been RHP Tyler Beede out of Vanderbilt, but the Marlins do not want to get into a gigantic bonus negotiation with the college junior. They choose instead  a local high school senior they are banking on will sign for slot. It’s still a very good pick for a kid who is ranked in every top ten mock in the country. Very raw, but throws in the high 90s.

6.  Sean Reid-Foley

          (up from #7)

1-3-14 – TTF Baseball - 23. Los Angeles Dodgers — Sean Reid-Foley, RHP, Sandalwood HS (FL) - The 6’-3”, 210 pound right-hander flashes a plus fastball that touches 94 mph with late life, thanks to his easy delivery and strong build. He also features a filthy, upper-70s curveball that may be one of the best in his class, as well as a slider that looked like a future plus pitch at The Tournament of Stars in North Carolina. He has put his name on the map over the last couple of months and has huge upside due to his size, easy delivery and stuff. Committed to Florida State. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-2/40753#ppGUqI6CbWFvzsPf.99

7.  Erick Fedde

                     (down from #6)

2-19 – TTF - 10 college players on the rise - Erick Fedde, RHP, UNLV (37)  The 6’-4”, 190 pound right-hander was brilliant in his first start of the season. On Friday against Central Michigan, he went 7.1 scoreless innings, allowing just one hit. He added 11 strikeouts to no walks as he baffled opponents all game with his stuff. His best pitch is his mid-80s power slider that shows plus potential. He adds a 90-93 mph fastball and a solid change-up to his arsenal. He has great mound presence and was a member of Collegiate Team USA. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-10-college-players-rise/41224#Brkvtc4VfkP16udZ.99

8.  Luis Ortiz

                                  (up from #9)

9-4-13 – Mack’s Mock Draft v1.0 – 21 –  RHP Luis Ortiz – Sanger (CA) HS – Ortiz burst on the scene in July when he traveled across the country and wowed scouts at the USA Baseball’s National Team Identification Series in Cary, N.C. with his 91-93 mph fastball and 80-82 mph slider. Hit 91-93, at the Tournament of Stars in August along with an 83-84 slider. Good height (6-3) and reportedly lost 35 pounds over the past year.

Keep an eye on this one.

 1-3-14 – TTF Baseball - 25. Pittsburgh Pirates — Luis Ortiz, RHP, Sanger HS (CA) - The 6’-3”, 220 pound right-hander will be almost 19 on draft day, making him one of the older players in his class. Because of this, his upside isn’t as high as others on this list. That said, his stuff is really good and his fastball sits in the 92-95 mph range. He adds a developing plus slider that sits in the mid-80s and his offspeed stuff is still in the developmental stages. He has great mound presence and feel for his pitches, and he also is a good athlete. Committed to Fresno State.  http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-2/40753#ppGUqI6CbWFvzsPf.99          

9.  Scott Blewett  -  Baker (NY) HS

                 (new)

                       PG  -  Scott Blewett is a 2014 RHP with a 6-6 210 lb. frame from Baldwinsville, NY who attends Charles W Baker HS. Tall slender athletic build, very projectable physically. Simple leg raise delivery, compact arm action, has some backside collapse moving forward and loses angle to the plate, high 3/4's arm slot, arm works well out front. Fastball topped out at 91 mph, mostly straight, maintained velocity well. Showed two quality off-speed pitches, change up is a nice pitch with proper arm speed and good life low in the zone, throws change up with confidence. Curveball has hard tight spin in the mid-70's with 11/5 downer depth. Big key to development is staying taller on his backside to create fastball angle. High ceiling potential talent with size, projection, arm strength and the ability to throw secondary pitches. Good student, verbal commitment to St. John's.   http://www.perfectgame.org/players/playerprofile.aspx?ID=351977 

        10.  Spencer Adams   -   White County (GA) HS
                           (new)

              PG  -  10-25-13  - PG Showcase – Righthander Spencer Adams (Cleveland, Ga.), pitching for Team Elite, worked two innings in his start, showing the same feel for four pitches that made him an interest of scouts all summer. The 6-foot-5, 190-pounder sat between 89-91, peaking at 93 once, while also using a cutter-like slider at 85-87, curveball at 76-77 with two-plane action, and lesser-used changeup at 84. http://www.baseballamerica.com/draft/toussaint-wows-evaluators-at-jupiter/

11  Jeff Hoffman

        (down from #8)

Jeff Hoffman is a 6’4″, 185 pound right-handed starter from Latham, NY. He plays collegiatly for the East Carolina Pirates and for the Hyannis Harbor Hawks in the Cape Cod League. I have seen him pitch three times this season, the first of which was at beautiful Clark-LeClair Stadium in Greenville, NC when the ECU Pirates opposed the University of Central Florida Golden Knights. On 5/16/2013, Jeff threw 8 innings, surrendered 6 hits, walked 6, struck out 5, and allowed 2 runs. The next two outings were on 7/4/2013 and 7/17/2013 during some Cape Cod League Baseball action at McKeon Park in Barnstable, MA. On July 4th, Hoffman went 6 innings, allowed 2 earned runs, 5 hits, 1 walk, and struck-out 8. On July 17th, he was even more impressive. That day, his final line was 7.2 IP, 0 ER, 3 H, 1BB, and 11 K. http://bullpenbanter.com/jeff-hoffman-the-ace-of-the-cape/ e-up that is more of an out pitch. His command can be shaky at times as he is still learning how to be a pitcher instead of just running his overpowering fastball. Over 15 starts this year, he had a 4.25 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 109 K/48 BB over 95.1 innings. If he works on his command the way Jonathan Gray did this year, as well as refine his off-speed stuff, he could challenge Beede and Rodon for the top pick. http://beforeitsnews.com/sports/2013/06/2014-mlb-mock-draft-1-0-no-time-like-the-present-2513748.html?currentSplittedPage=2   

9-4-13 – Mack’s Mock Draft v1.0 – 9 – Twins – RHP   Jeff Hoffman – East Carolina – 6-4 control finesse pitcher (7.06 K/9 IP) who simply gets the job done working the corners with his 92-95, 97 fastball and two + off-speed pitches. 84 K/39 BB over 109.2 innings last season.  Had a big summer in the Cape Cod League and a lot of scouts are predicting a Jonathan Gray-like rise in the rankings for him once the season starts. I already have him there.

12.  Luke Weaver                   

 (down from #10)

6-27-14  -  Player:  Luke Weaver   Position:  RHP   School:  Florida State   Date of Birth:  8/21/1993   Height/Weight:  6’2/170   Bats/Throws:  R/R   2014 Class:  College Junior   Previously Drafted:  2011, 19th rd, BlueJays  Scouting Report:  He throws from a ¾ to low ¾ arm slot and gives off a Bret Saberhagen type vibe.  The slot shows a bit of wrap, but decent three piece delivery.  Fastball was 91-94 (95).  Offering shows natural good hand side action on the 2S, some even off the 4S grip.  He works it around and shows solid command of the offering, attacks the lower half of the strike zone.  Luke’s change up has a solid amount of deception, shows depth and fades at times, looks to sit above average.  Slider has bite, can sweep at times, nice horizontal action glove side when throwing away at the RHH, will attack LHH inside with it.  http://bigleaguefutures.net/1/2013/06/26/2014-mlb-draft-profile-luke-weaver

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9-4-13 – Mack’s Mock Draft v1.0 – 18 –  RHP Luke Weaver – Florida State - Excellent control pitcher with a 2.90 FIP, only walking 17 in 92-IP. Over 15 starts, he has a 2.29 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 119 K/19 BB over 98.1 innings. Fastball sits in the mid-90s. Scouts say there is still room for projection.