Draft 14 – Kyle Freeland, Matt Chapman, Daniel Mengden, J.J. Schwarz, Mike Papi

2-21-14 – Project Insider -  Kyle Freeland, LHP — Evansville - Like Newcomb, Kyle Freeland will not face a lot of strong lineups, but he got off to a decent start last weekend firing five solid innings at Lipscomb. http://prospectinsider.com/draft-prospect-watch-hoffman-vs-fisher

3-25-14 – MLB Draft Insider Mock –  23  Matt Chapman  3B           Cal-State Fullerton  -  Chapman’s bat has really let him down over the last few weeks, but there’s plus raw power in his right-handed bat and there’s also a non-zero chance that someone’s going to give him a chance to play shortstop. http://mlbdraftinsider.com/2014/03/the-board-2014-volume-ii/    

2-23-14 – Daniel Mengden - With a unique over-the-head arm movement prior to his delivery, it gives him some deception. He has a simple, repeatbale delivery and works fast. His fastball gets on hitters fast and has good arm side run and sink. He has a hard 12-6 breaking ball that is a plus offering. It could be an out pitch in pro ball. Excellent change flashes plus as well. Mid rotation arm with potential to be a #2 or impact bullpen arm. http://mlbdraftprospects.com/daniel-mengden/

2-11-14 – PG/Florida HS Dream Team – Best Hitter For Power: J.J. Schwarz, Sr. Palm Beach Gardens - Schwarz has shown the ability to impact a game on both sides of the ball, with his bat possibly being the loudest tool throughout the course of the game. He shows very good strength in his righthanded swing with major power and loud contact off the barrel. He is able to generate pull-side power and has also shown the ability to sting the ball to the opposite way. Even as a 2015, Brendan Rodgers garnered consideration for this category, showing easy power off of the highest level pitching. http://perfectgame.org/Articles/View.aspx?article=9372

1-3-14 – TTF Baseball - 55. Baltimore Orioles — Mike Papi, OF, Virginia - The 6’-3”, 200 pound left-hander wasn’t even a starter until the 11th game of the season. From that point on, he was one of the best hitters in college and led the nation in OBP. Over 55 games, he hit .381/.517/.619 with 15 doubles, seven home runs and drew an impressive 45 walks to just 25 strikeouts. A very good athlete, he should be able to stick at a corner outfield position. He has a tough act to follow as a junior. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2014-mlb-draft-2/40753#ppGUqI6CbWFvzsPf.99

Draft 14 – Carlos Rondon, Michael Kopech, Nicholas Gordon, Daniel Mengden, Nick Burdi

6-10-13 -  Carlos Rodon, LHP, North Carolina State - Rodon begins the summer as the favorite to go first overall in the 2014 draft.  When he is on, he is the most dominant pitcher in college baseball.  His fastball sits 92-95 and his slider is a plus plus pitch.  His curve, change, and cutter are also quality pitches. LINK

6-13-13  -  23. New York Yankees — Michael Kopech, RHP Mount Pleasant HS (TX) - Another one of those loose arm, projectable right-handers, the 6’-4” Kopech has an electric fastball that can touch 93 mph and he has some deception to his delivery. His mechanics need some refining and he needs to command his secondary stuff better, but the size and stuff is already there. LINK

5. Nicholas Gordon, SS/RHP, Olympia High in Orlando - Gordon (6-foot-2, 175) "may be the premier two-way talent in the 2014 draft," Perkin said, noting that he throws a low-90s fastball but is also a slick-fielding shortstop with speed and quickness. "Gordon's bat will determine his future in pro ball," Perkin said. "If he hits, Gordon stays at shortstop. If not, he moves to the hill." Choice A would make him like his older brother (Dodgers shortstop Dee Gordon), and Choice B would make him like his father (former big league reliever Tom Gordon). 

LINK

6-18-13  -  Daniel Mengden - from Don Olson on 6/18/2013 - Smaller compact frame with sloped shoulders, wide hips, development in lower rear, sits about 210 pounds, may have some projection left. Upright delivery, high release, does not get weight over well, 93-96 mph on 4S with just okay movement. He has some shape on the split change with a touch of hand side run to the solid dip in the offering. Daniel has a projectable slider with bite and tilt. Erratic release point and timing leaves command an item to monitor down the road. He does showcase a compact delivery and leverage should allow it to improve down the road. Daniel has very potent arm speed and another year under the belt could iron out the wrinkles. High track and follow at this stage. LINK

6-20-13  -  Mike (Dallas) - I realize its a little early for 2014 draft discussions but I saw a report that said Nick Burdi is a top 5 candidate for next years draft. I realize he throws really hard but is a guy who has been a reliever in college really considered that high of a prospect? If he is that good, why is he not a starter in college? - - - Keith Law: Nick Burdi is not a top 5 draft prospect unless, as you say, he becomes a starter. No team would risk the opprobrium of taking a closer with a top five pick.