Top 10 OF in 2014 MLB Draft

              

1. Michael Gettys – Gainesville (GA) HS

9-4-13 – Mack’s Mock Draft v1.0 – 13 – OF Michael Gettys – Gainsville (GA) HS – Gettys could easily be drafted as a starting pitcher, but it’s his bat that’s going to get him to the major someday. Stood out at the 2013 18u WWBA National Championship. Showed some serious power at the Under Armour All-American Game home run derby at Wrigley Field that caused his summer stock to rise so rapidly. Throwing speed from outfield: 100

2-5-14 - Michael Gettys, OF, Gainesville HS (GA) - Maybe my favorite prep player in the 2014 MLB draft, Gettys, like Zimmer, shows every tool except present power. Although, I did see him launch one deep into the bleachers in center field at Wrigley Field, so it is definitely there. His arm was clocked at 100 mph from the outfield, and he can run a 6.4/60, showing plus speed that does show up on the base paths. He swiped 38 bases over 32 games as a junior last season and has the instincts to be a threat at the next level. I also saw him make a throw to third from center field that was right on the money without a hop. The 6’-2”, 200 pound right-hander still has some work to do at the plate, but with a full year concentrating more on hitting than pitching, I fully expect him to answer his critics. A ton of upside and a high character kid. Committed to Georgia. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-dark-horse-candidates-chicago-cubs-first-pick/41075#UeYBipV5rOuYd7xE.99    

 2.   Derek Fisher – Virginia

        (up from #4)

9-4-13 – Mack’s Mock Draft v1.0 – 8 – Phillies – OF  Derek Fisher – Virginia – Excellent gap hitter with above average bat speed. Had a horrible 2013 offensively in school but still projects out as a top draft pick. Projects as one of the top college bats in the draft.

2-5-14 - Derek Fisher, OF, Virginia - A very good athlete, and maybe the best overall college bat in the 2014 MLB draft, Fisher is a 6’-3”, 200 pound right-hander who should hit for more power this year. He made great strides last year in his approach at the plate dropping his strikeouts from 61 to 38 over roughly the same number of games. Over 53 games as a sophomore, he hit .306 with 12 doubles, seven home runs, eight stolen bases and a .420 OBP/.505 SLG. He hit .333 in the Cape Cod League and drew 25 walks to just 19 strikeouts, again showing his improvement in his approach. Along with his good speed, he also has a strong arm but there are questions about his throwing mechanics and he may be forced to left field. Many are expecting a big year, and if he does breakthrough with the power numbers, he could be in the mix at pick four. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-dark-horse-candidates-chicago-cubs-first-pick/41075#UeYBipV5rOuYd7xE.99

      3.  Braxton Davidson – T C Roberson (NC) HS

                (up from 7th)

1-3-14 – TTF Baseball - 14. San Francisco Giants — Braxton Davidson, 1B/OF, TC Roberson HS (NC) - While he may end up at first base — putting extra pressure on his bat to produce — his power from the left side and approach at the plate are very enticing to scouts. At 6’-3” and 215 pounds, he is already a man but still has room for projection. His excellent bat speed allows him to wait on pitches and not get cheated. Over 31 games as a junior, he hit .403 with seven doubles, eight home runs, and drew 30 walks for a .600 OBP/.831 SLG. Committed to North Carolina. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-2/40753#ppGUqI6CbWFvzsPf.99

4.  Michael Conforto – Oregon State

                    (up from #5)

9-4-13 – Mack’s Mock Draft v1.0 – 12 – OF - Michael Conforto – Oregon State – This is a 6-1 bulldog type hitter. Michael Choice-like projected power.  I expect he will end this upcoming season as one of the top power hitters in college.

1-20-14 – PG Preseason College All-Americans – Outfield - Michael Conforto, Oregon State - 2013 Stats: .328 AVG, 14 2B, 1 3B, 11 HR, 47 RBI, 41 BB, 47 SO, 6 SB There are only a couple of hitters in college baseball that would be more feared than Conforto. Conforto is a pure hitter and has advanced skills in other areas, too. Conforto has an elite arm in left field, and offensively, he led the Beavers last season with big-time power despite hitting in a home ballpark that typically isn’t conducive to amazing power numbers. Conforto has a stocky/compact frame and is expected to have a productive spring as the nation’s No. 17 overall prospect. http://www.perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=9294

5. Alex Verdugo  -  Sahuro (AZ) HS

             2.  Brad Zimmer – San Francisco

2-5-14 - Bradley Zimmer, OF, San Francisco - The 6’-5”, 210 pound left-hander oozes potential and shows every tool except power right now. With his size, however, most think he can hit around 20-25 home runs a year down the line. He has a plus arm, much like his older brother, and Royals top prospect Kyle Zimmer, and mixed with his speed and instincts, should remain a legit center fielder. Over 58 games as a sophomore, he hit .320/.437/.512 with 12 doubles, seven home runs and 19 stolen bases. He also shows a great approach at the plate as he drew 29 walks to 31 strikeouts and was hit by a pitch a whopping 16 times, proving he’ll do whatever it takes to get on base. He showed off his wheels for the Collegiate National Team, swiping 11 of 12 bases over 21 games while also hitting an even .300. He hit .270 over 22 games with Cotuit of the Cape Cod League with eight extra-base hits and six stolen bases. He drew just three walks to 22 strikeouts but this was after a long season of baseball and fatigue may have been setting in. He’s a big, athletic left-hander who can play a premium position and there is still upside left. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-dark-horse-candidates-chicago-cubs-first-pick/41075#UeYBipV5rOuYd7xE.99    

            3.  Marcus Wilson – Serra (CA) HS

2-10-14 - Serra’s Marcus Wilson, an Arizona State commit, was the unofficial MVP of the game (there aren’t any official stats). Wilson had two doubles in three trips to the plate and added a stolen base. “Today you saw what Marcus is all about, and what he can be,” a National League scout said. “As he fills out and gains more strength, one of those balls gets out of here.” Of the players who attended, Wilson (No. 24) was the highest-ranked on Baseball America’s most recent Top 100 high schoolers  http://www.baseballamerica.com/draft/marcus-wilson-shines-at-southern-california-invitational/

      

   

            

            8.  Derek Hill – Elk Grove (CA) HS

1-3-14 – TTF Baseball - 41. Houston Astros — Derek Hill, OF, Elk Grove HS (CA) - One of the better defensive outfielders in the 2014 MLB draft, the 6’-2” right-hander has been timed at 6.44 in the 60 and his arm has been clocked at 93 mph from the outfield. His instincts, route running and speed allow him to make highlight plays in center and he should stick at the premium position. At the plate, he shows good bat speed and developing power. Committed to Oregon. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-2/40753#ppGUqI6CbWFvzsPf.99

               9.   Monte Harrison – Lee’s Summit West (MO) HS

7-24-13  -  Monte Harrison, of, Lee’s Summit West (Mo.)/Marucci Elite - The muscular 6-foot-3, 200-pound Harrison is a physical specimen and one of the best athletes in the class. The three-sport standout—who had scholarship offers from Arkansas, Oregon and Ohio State—recently committed to Nebraska as one of the top wide receiver recruits in the country. He has a plus arm that is one of the best in the class. Harrison produces plus run times with a powerful running style, which could make him a strong defender. He shows balance and bat speed in batting practice and should improve his feel to hit with more game reps. His natural strength portends future power. http://www.baseballamerica.com/draft/tyler-koleks-heavy-fastball-among-tournament-of-stars-standouts/