Draft 13 – Jon Denney, Kendall Graveman, Jonathan Crawford, Nick Banks

Jon Denney, Yukon HS (OK) - Denney has the most skilled bat of the catching crop, as he possesses great bat speed and fluid plate mechanics. He has strong wrists, which allows him to control the bat and drive the ball with raw power. In terms of defense, Denney still needs plenty of development. While he has a solid arm, he needs improvement in terms of maneuverability behind the plate and pitch adjustment. Given the event that he improves his defensive ability (or moves to first base), Denney should project to be a solid big league star with his strong offensive tools LINK

 RHP Kendall Graveman – Mississippi State - It’s been an up and down year for Kendall Graveman on the mound, as he’s posted a 5-5 record and 3.04 ERA. Mississippi State head coach John Cohen is leaning on Graveman to get his club a win in Friday’s opening game against Central Arkansas, but Graveman lost in an earlier matchup with the Bears, giving up four runs (three earned) on five hits in 5.2 innings of work. LINK

But for all the talk about possibilities, the best shot for the Gators to play deep into the postseason starts with Jonathan Crawford as the tone-setter. When Crawford is throwing strikes with his mid-90s fastball and keeping hitters guessing with off-speed stuff, he is awfully tough to hit. A good sign for the Gators is that Crawford is coming off one of his sharpest outings on May 16 at Georgia. LINK

Dan Kirby‏ @DanMKirby – Nick Banks does more than just hit. Pitched 6 IP, 0 ER, 2 H, 9 K/1 BB  in 10-0 W over Foster . Also went 2-for-4 w/ RBI

Draft 13 – Tyler Danish, Jon Denney, Dillon Overton, Jonathan Gray, A.J. Puk

Tyler Danish, RHP, Durant HS (FL) - The historic season continues for the 6’-1” right-hander as he tossed another shutout on May 7, striking out 14 to three walks. He now has gone 83 innings without allowing an earned run with 141 K/15 BB and just 28 hits allowed. His fastball has been clocked at 95 mph this season with late life and movement and his offspeed stuff is already above-average. He also stars at the plate, hitting .392 on the season with seven home runs, 24 RBI and a .515 OBP/.696 SLG. Committed to Florida. link

This has been a great season for prep catchers. Jon Denney is going to be a top-10 pick, Reese McGuire could go in the top-20, and now Sweaney is making his mark with a strong senior season. A tremendous athlete, Jake Sweaney plays football and baseball. His future lies in the latter, as he projects to stay behind the plate with a 6'2", 175-pound frame that he will fill out a bit as he gets older. link

Dillon Overton, Oklahoma - It's hard to believe now but Overton was the more heralded pitching recruit at Oklahoma over Jonathan Gray.  Overton, in fact, was still higher rated by most when the season began.  A forearm strain has caused him to drop.  Despite the smallest build of those we've talked about so far, Overton has the best fastball. When healthy, he works in the low 90s and is able to touch 95.  Moreover he also have the potential for 3 above average to plus pitches.  His slider is a swing and miss offering when right and his change up has good fade and gives him a legit out pitch vs. RH hitters. link

Jonathan Gray | RHP, Oklahoma - At 6-4, 235, Jonathan Gray throws hard — really hard.  He’s comfortable sitting in the upper-90s, and he cranks it up to the triple digits with ease.  The heater is an easy plus-plus pitch, and it only serves to amplify the effectiveness of the slider and the change — both solid offerings with plus potential.  Altogether, the repertoire is a wonderful whiff generator (112/19 K/BB in 94 IP this season).  Provided his command stays sharp as he ventures into pro ball, Gray’s pure stuff could have success in the upper levels right away.  A Class-A assignment to begin the year seems more likely, and probably more prudent, but I expect to see him reach Double-A by year’s end.  I also expect him to be off the board before pick 3.  Cubs and Astros fans should be excited at the prospect of landing this one.  link

WILD CARD: A.J. Puk, lhp/1b, Washington HS, Cedar Rapids: Puk has a whole deck of wild cards when it comes to his draft status, starting with his dual talents as a pitcher and hitter, as well as his strong desire to continue hitting. He is a very good student with a scholarship to one of the most prominent baseball schools in the country in Florida.  link