TTF - Mock 2013 MLB draft 9.0

1. Houston Astros — Jonathan Gray, RHP, Oklahoma

The 6’-4” right-hander, whose fastball can reach triple-digits, also features a plus slider and solid change-up. He has been the best pitcher in college this season, showing the stuff and stamina to be an ace at the next level. Over his last eight starts, he has a 0.58 ERA, 0.61 WHIP and 79 K/8 BB over 62 innings.

2. Chicago Cubs — Mark Appel, RHP, Stanford

The 6’-5” right-hander hasn’t been as dominant of late as he had been earlier in the season, but he still can get by on his pure stuff alone. Over his last nine starts, he has a 1.35 ERA, 0.83 WHIP and 90 K/12 BB over 73.2 innings. He features a mid-90s fastball, and both his slider and change-up are plus pitches.

3. Colorado Rockies — Kris Bryant, 3B, San Diego

The 6’-5” right-hander leads the nation in home runs (21) and walks (50), showing a great power/patience combo that would be something to watch in Coors. Over his last eight games, he has hit seven home runs and has drawn 11 walks. He is the best college bat in the 2013 MLB draft and, with his athleticism, has a good shot at remaining at third base.

4. Minnesota Twins — Clint Frazier, OF, Loganville HS (GA)

Maybe the most exciting player to watch in the 2013 MLB draft, the 6’-1” right-hander is built like a linebacker and plays the game as aggressive as Ray Lewis played football. He has the best bat speed in the 2013 MLB draft and some of the best power. Over 26 games, he has 14 home runs and 17 stolen bases.

5. Cleveland Indians — Sean Manaea, LHP, Indiana State

The 6’-5” left-hander hasn’t been as dominant as many expected after abusing hitters at the Cape Cod League over the summer, striking out 87 to seven walks over 52.2 innings. Still, a 1.57 ERA and 1.03 WHIP over nine starts is pretty dominant. He has also added 72 K/20 BB over 57.1 innings for a 11.3 K/9 ratio. He has one of the best sliders in the 2013 MLB draft and can dial his fastball up to 96 mph. A recent hip injury could cause him to slip if it turns out serious, but we’ll hold off on that for now.

6. Miami Marlins — Kohl Stewart, RHP, St. Pius X HS (TX)

The 6’-3” right-hander is back to flashing his mid-90s fastball and mid-80s, plus slider that made him the top prep pitcher in the country before an arm injury prolonged his start to the season. He also adds a solid change-up and curveball, giving him four quality pitches. He could have the most upside of any pitcher in the 2013 MLB draft.

7. Boston Red Sox — Austin Meadows, OF, Grayson HS (GA)

The 6’-3” left-hander has the talent to go first overall in the 2013 MLB draft, including plus speed, excellent bat speed and power to all fields from the left side. This is a very difficult draft to figure out, but I can’t see him dropping any farther than here. Over 24 games, he is hitting .557 with 12 doubles, four home runs, 18 stolen bases and a .662 OBP/.984 SLG. All four of his home runs have gone to center field.

8. Kansas City Royals — Ryne Stanek, RHP, Arkansas

The 6’-4” right-hander has been dealing over his last five games, thrusting himself right back in talks for the top 5-10 picks in the 2013 MLB draft. The stuff has been there all season, he just had issues commanding his stuff and he also had to deal with having his start days messed around with. Over his last six starts, he has a 0.67 ERA, 0.92 WHIP and 35 K/11 BB over 40.1 innings. His mid-90s fastball and plus slider shouldn’t last past the Royals.

9. Pittsburgh Pirates* — Jon Denney, C, Yukon HS (OK)

The best hitting catcher in the 2013 MLB draft, the 6’-2” right-hander also has the defensive tools to stick behind the plate at the next level. He has tremendous power to all fields and a good approach at the plate, showing the ability to wait for a pitch to crush. Over 32 games, he is hitting .548 with 11 doubles, five triples, 11 home runs, 51 RBI and has drawn 36 walks for a .694 OBP/1.191 SLG.

10. Toronto Blue Jays — J.P. Crawford, SS, Lakewood HS (CA)

The strong-armed, slick-fielding shortstop projects to a high-average hitter with above-average speed at the next level. Over his last seven games, he is 14-for-23 (.609) with three doubles, three walks and six stolen bases. He has a great approach at the plate and is one of the few true shortstops in the 2013 MLB draft.

11. New York Mets — Reese McGuire, C, Kentwood HS (WA)

A polished player who is a two-time gold medal winner for U18 Team USA, McGuire is a left-handed hitting catcher with great instincts behind the plate. His strong arm and footwork will allow him to remain at his current position. Over 19 games, he is hitting .450 with nine doubles, four triples, two home runs and has stolen nine bases. He has also drawn 15 walks to just two strikeouts, showing an advanced approach at the plate. A terrific athlete with a high baseball IQ.

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