Mets Draft Target - LHP - Kent Emanuel

The 2013 draft does not offer up too many elite left-handed pitchers. 

The top college arm (Sean Manaea) went dead arm last week and the next three ptential first round picks (Trey Ball, Ian Clarkin, Robert Kaminsky) all are high school kids with 4-5 years of projection.

This would leave the Mets to either go down to a second rounder for their first pick, or go bat and hope one of the college guys are still around at #48.

A perfect example would be the University of North Carolina's Kent Emanuel. 


Emanuel stepped into North Carolina's pitching staff and took a key role as a freshman, going 9-1, 2.33 in 16 starts with an 89/23 K/BB in 104 innings, allowing 96 hits. He was even better as a sophomore in 2012, going 8-4, 1.96 with a 100/23 K/BB in 110 innings, allowing 91 hits. Both seasons were excellent statistically, and the scouting reports are coming around to match the numbers. Listed at 6-4, 190 coming out of high school, Emanuel has filled out and added strength without losing flexibility, now listed at 6-4, 225 heading into the spring of 2013. The improved strength has shown up on the field, with his fastball reportedly kicking up into the low-90s. His changeup is very good and compliments the fastball well. The biggest past complaint about Emanuel has been about his breaking ball, but that is now tighter and more effective than it was in high school.  http://www.minorleagueball.com/2013/2/14/3978084/2013-mlb-draft-kent-emanuel-lhp-university-of-north-carolina 

Player:  Kent Emanuel
Position:  LHP
School:  North Carolina
Date of Birth:  6/4/1992
Height/Weight:  6’4/225
Bats/Throws:  L/L
2013 Class:  College Junior
Previously Drafted:  2010, 19th Rd, Pirates

Scouting Report:

• High leg kick
• High 3/4 arm slot
• Upper 80′s fastball, touches 91
• Slow curve can be an above average pitch
• Change with good arm speed and movement
• Change shows plus potential
• Also throws a slider
• Above average command  -  http://bigleaguefutures.net/1/2013/02/28/2013-mlb-draft-profile-kent-emanuel/

Mack - I like Emanuel, but not at #11 or even #48. I would wait and see if I could steal him with my third pick. May not work, but worth a shot.