TTF - Mock

1. Houston Astros — Carlos Rodon, LHP, North Carolina State

Rodon hasn’t been as dominant as many expected in the early going. Having said that, he still has a 2.40 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 30 K/7 BB over 30 innings. No one is worried, and he should start getting into a groove very soon. He owns one of the best amateur sliders anyone has ever seen, he adds a mid-90s fastball with movement, a change-up with nice fade, an above-average curveball and he’ll also mix in a cutter.

2. Miami Marlins — Jeff Hoffman, RHP, East Carolina

The 6’-4”, 200 pound right-hander has had an up and down season so far. After striking out 14 to one walk over eight innings on February 28, he only lasted 3.1 innings against Marshall on March 8, walking six batters. He did strikeout seven, however, so the stuff was there even if the command wasn’t. Still, he has four quality pitches, a clean delivery and there is still projection left as he fills out his frame. I’m keeping him here for now based on his stuff, but if the command continues to be an issue, he could get leapfrogged by others.

3. Chicago White Sox — Tyler Beede, RHP, Vanderbilt

As a sophomore, Beede had a 5.6 BB/9 ratio over 101 innings. That was the only knock on him as he features a four-pitch mix headlined by a plus, mid-90s fastball and a plus curveball. The 6’-4”, right-hander worked on his release point and the results have been amazing. After striking out nine to no walks over seven innings against Winthrop on Friday, he now has 33 K/5 BB over 25 innings, good for a 1.8 BB/9 ratio. He has only allowed 11 hits on the season and has arguably the best swing-and-miss stuff in the 2014 MLB draft.

4. Chicago Cubs — Trea Turner, SS, North Carolina State

With the Cubs badly in need of an ace in their organization, I would be a bit heartbroken if Rodon, Beede and Hoffman were already off the board at this point. And while I really like Tyler Kolek, prep arms are so risky and I think the Cubs have to hit here. Turner, one of my favorites in the 2014 MLB draft, makes sense and gives the organization something they are lacking — blazing speed at the top of the order. He may never hit more than 10 home runs in a year, but he can get on base in a variety of ways at a high clip, is a great base stealer with plus/plus speed and plays very good defense at a premium position.

5. Minnesota Twins — Tyler Kolek, RHP, Sheppard HS (TX)

In his debut this season, the 6’-6”, 240 pound right-hander was touching 97 mph with his fastball and maintained 90′s throughout. Over six innings, he had 11 strikeouts and walked one batter. He shows a good feel for a slider but still needs to refine his secondary stuff. Timed at 4.8 in the 40, he also shows very good athleticism for his size. Not much projection left, but you don’t need it when you can hit 100 mph. Committed to TCU.

6. Seattle Mariners — Alex Jackson, C/OF, Rancho Bernardo HS (CA)

Tremendous raw power, a canon arm and excellent bat speed give Jackson the edge as far as prep bats go. While he has the defensive abilities to remain behind the plate, some have said that he wants to make a move to the outfield. At 6’-2” and 200 pounds, the right-hander still has projection and the Mariners are always looking for hitting. Committed to Oregon.

7. Philadelphia Phillies — Jacob Gatewood, SS, Clovis HS (CA)

Scouts and draft experts seem to be all over the place when ranking Gatewood. One thing they can all agree on, however, is his potential. At 6’-5”, the right-hander has enormous raw power and uses little effort in launching balls out of the yard, as he did when he launched one approximately 500-feet in a game last week. Despite his size, some think he can stick at shortstop — which says a lot about his athleticism. His strong arm and footwork would play well at third base, as well. He won just about every home run derby he entered last summer and I was in awe when I saw him at Wrigley Field at the Under Armour All American Game. Committed to USC.

8. Colorado Rockies — Michael Gettys, OF, Gainesville HS (GA)

Like Gatewood, people are all over the place with Gettys. At 6’-2” and 200 pounds, the right-hander has silly tools, including a plus arm, plus speed and a quick bat. He gets mixed reviews for his hit tool but has been smacking the ball around this year so far. Over his first three games, he has gone 7-for-10 with a double, home run and has added five stolen bases. His talent can’t be denied and some think he just needs to relax a bit and let the game come to him. One of my favorites in the 2014 MLB draft and I think he’ll convince his critics by year’s end.

9. Toronto Blue Jays — Aaron Nola, RHP, LSU

Nola has been masterful all season for the Tigers. In his last start against Purdue on March 7, he tossed eight shutout innings, allowing four hits while striking out 12 to no walks. Over four starts, he hasn’t allowed a run in 27 innings. He has 36 K/2 BB and has allowed just 13 hits. In fact, going back to last season, Nola now has a streak of 53 innings without allowing an earned run. A control artist extraordinaire, The 6’-1” right-hander features a plus, low-90s fastball with nasty sink to it. He offsets his fastball with a deceptive change-up that freezes hitters. On March 14, he is set to match-up against Tyler Beede and Vanderbilt in what should be a great game.

10. New York Mets — Sean Reid-Foley, RHP, Sandalwood HS (FL)

The 6’-4” right-hander is soaring up draft boards. Reports are that he cleaned up his mechanics and he has been blowing away hitters this year. Over 16 innings, he has 37 K/1 BB and has allowed just two hits. His fastball touches 94 mph with late life and he features a filthy, upper-70s curveball that may be the best in his class. His slider has also shown plus potential and his change-up is still developing, giving four pitches. With his loose frame and easy delivery, he has a ton of upside. Committed to Florida State.

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