3/16/13

TTF - Mock


1. Houston Astros — Mark Appel, RHP, Stanford
Over his last three starts, Appel has stamped himself as the best pitcher in the draft … for now. After striking out a career-high 15 batters against UNLV on Friday, the 6’-5”, right-hander now has 40 K/3 BB over his last 25 innings, allowing just two runs on 10 hits. He has toyed with his opponents and has been able to locate all of his pitches with ease. The Astros seem like a lock for the first-overall pick again next year, and getting Appel and North Carolina State stud Carlos Rodon in consecutive years would be quite a coup.
2. Chicago Cubs — Sean Manaea, LHP, Indiana State
In my opinion, Manaea is the best pitcher in the draft. The 6’-5” left-hander has two plus pitches in a mid-90s fastball and a low-80s slider with filthy movement. Over three starts this year, he is 1-1 with 24 K/7 BB over 16 innings, allowing just three runs on eight hits. His size, stuff and composure are everything you want in an ace.
3. Colorado Rockies — Clint Frazier, OF, Loganville HS (GA)
Four home runs in his first four games of the season.  That’s what Frazier has done so far for Loganville. The 6’-1”, 190-pound right-hander continues to show that he is a very special player with that “it” factor. He has plus speed, a plus arm and the best bat speed in the draft. A future outfield of Frazier andDavid Dahlcould be something special. Even if he doesn’t stick at center field, his bat and arm would play extremely well in right.
4. Minnesota Twins — Austin Meadows, OF, Grayson HS (GA)
The 6’-4”, 200-pound right-hander is a true five-tool player with a very high ceiling. His size, plus speed, arm and power ability have drawn comparisons toJosh Hamilton, but those aren’t fair expectations for a 17-year-old. His March 12 game against Clint Frazier and Loganville should draw scouts from at least a dozen teams.
5. Cleveland Indians — Kris Bryant, 3B/OF, San Diego
The best college bat in the draft, the 6’-5” right-hander has been an absolute monster as of late. Over his last nine games, he is hitting .500 (16-for-32) with three doubles, eight home runs, 15 RBI and has drawn 11 walks. For the season, he is hitting .396 with a .549 OBP and .943 SLG. He has been splitting time between third base and right field and seems like more of a corner outfielder at the next level than a third baseman. The bat is what teams are salivating after.

11. New York Mets — J.P. Crawford, SS, Lakewood HS, (CA)
Maybe the best overall shortstop in the draft, Crawford is a 6’-2”, 185-pound right-hander with good range, soft hands and a strong arm. He has above-average bat speed and can spray the ball to all fields. Not a burner, he has the ability to be a threat on the base paths with great instincts. Clocked at 6.77 in the 60. Over his 99 career high school games, he has hit .408 with 28 doubles, 12 triples, one home run, 68 RBI and has struck out just 25 times. He also has gone 56-for-61 in stolen base attempts.

Read more athttp://throughthefencebaseball.com/2013-mlb-mock-draft-7-0/29970/#zMmiua3P3JK7mHRl.99


for the entire list... 

6 comments:

Unknown said...

I'm all for drafting best player available but if they have another comparable player on the board, I would go in that direction instead of shortstop.

Mack Ade said...

I just started an updated series of prospects, by position, on positions blocked by long term talent.

Example... catcher and third base.

The catcher posts up tomorrow... and there is nothing wrong to draft another one... IF it truly is the best person available. These guys become instantly trade bait.

Unknown said...

This appears at the current time to be a deep deep catching draft. I would rather see the team not take one at 11 unless the talent is too great to pass up but in any other round, if one of the highly regarded prep catchers falls, then I am all for drafting another one. The same can be said for SS. I'd rather not take one at 11 unless the talent is too great but have no problem with other picks.

Mack Ade said...

either Reese McGuire or Jonathan Denny could be available at 11... both will be major league startng catchers someday

a light SS draft

Unknown said...

Exactly. Both of those guys are pretty well regarded. I am fine with them at 11 but I feel like drafting one of the SS this year is like redrafting Cecchini. While I did not love the pick, I hope he develops into an everyday SS but another guy with his skill set, along with Rosario, Evans, and Tejada would appear redundant.

Drafting and developing a catcher could lead to an excess at the position with Plawecki and Nido, in addition to d'arnaud. Teams always need catching and having a plethora of catchers could really fill holes elsewhere. One thing I do worry about is the degree of difficulty that comes with drafting prep catchers.

Mack Ade said...

this is a big time HS catcher draft... the top 4 projected catchers in draft are all kids... McGuire, Denny, Jeremy Martinez, and Nick Ciuffo