Draft 13 – Will Haynie, Corey Ray, Kyle Serrano, Collin Moran, Jonathan Gray

 

Will Haynie, C/3B, Brentwood Academy (TN) - The 6’-5”, 225-pound right-hander is a catcher now, but will most likely end up at third or a corner outfield position due to his size. He has very good power and has been showing a great approach at the plate this season. Over his last five games, he has gone 9-for-12 (.750) with two home runs, six walks and an .842 OBP. On the season, he is hitting .470/.613/.790 over 35 games with eight home runs, 31 walks and just 12 strikeouts. Committed to Alabama. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2013-mlb-draft-ten-high-school-players-on-the-rise/32935#ukjIhwu7UDCzZKTx.99

 

Corey Ray, OF, Simeon HS (IL) - The 5’-11” left-hander just keeps mashing the baseball. On Friday, he went 2-for-3 with a double, triple, two RBI, two walks and a stolen base as Simeon beat Lane Tech — my old stomping grounds — 10-5 in the Public League playoffs. Over his last 11 games, he is hitting .485 with four doubles, four triples, two home runs, 14 RBI and has stolen 12 bases. He has also drawn 12 walks for a .630 OBP/1.030 SLG. A quick-twitch athlete who can play all three outfield positions due to his strong arm and speed, Ray has been flashing his five-tool ability at the right time. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2013-mlb-draft-9/33241#WdxR2YIG1GzGdJCZ.99  

 

Kyle Serrano, P, Tennessee 50%- Serrano's Dad is the new coach at Tennessee and the SEC is growing all the time. It could be a good step for the elder Serrano's coaching career if his son came aboard and helped turn around Tennessee. http://www.minorleagueball.com/2013/5/20/4344286/2013-mlb-draft-players-with-signability-questions

 

Castle‏@TheACastle - IF Colin Moran goes to Astros, Cubs will surely be in war with Scott Boras for Appel, Gray, or Bryant.

 

The Cubs are finalizing prep work for the First-Year Player Draft, to be held June 6, and Theo Epstein, president of baseball operations, led a group of front office executives to Oklahoma to meet Wednesday with right-handed pitcher Jonathan Gray. http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20130522&content_id=48302062&notebook_id=48323968&vkey=notebook_chc&c_id=chc&tcid=tw_article_48302062

Draft 13 – Nick Ciuffo, Caleb McClanahan, Colin Moran, Jonathan Gray

Nick Ciuffo, Lexington HS (SC) - Ciuffo is a strong offensive prospect, with solid pop and bat speed to go along with a good catcher’s build (6-1, 200). Ciuffo projects to hit for solid average as he makes really good contact and has strong plate discipline. In terms of receiving skills and arm strength, Ciuffo is one of the strongest catching prospects in this draft, but needs to refine those skills for better consistency. With proper development, Ciuffo should become an everyday starter with plus offensive ability and decent defensive tools. LINK

RHP Caleb McClanahan – Central Arkansas - Like Graveman, Caleb McClanahan is no stranger to Mississippi State, but he is also looking for a better outcome the second time around. He gave up two runs on three hits in 4.1 innings in the Bears lone loss to the Bulldogs. But if he pitches like he has multiple times this year, Mississippi State could find itself fighting through the loser’s bracket.  LINK

Jim Callis‏ @jimcallisBA -

Go get Gray & Manaea for $9.2 mil. @Biggio4HOF: Better deal for #astros... 1.1 Colin Moran 2.1 Manaea or 1.1 Gray 2.1 slot player ? #mlbdraft

There is a great chance that with the first overall pick in the 2013 MLB Draft, the Houston Astros will be selecting one of three players; Mark Appel, Kris Bryant, or Jonathan Gray.  Others, such as Colin Moran and Kohl Stewart also remain possibilities.  General consensus has Gray tabbed as Houston’s pick and he has a great case as the best prospect in the 2013 class. LINK

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

Draft 13 – Akeem Bostick, Jacob Heyward, Jonathan Gray, Matt Williams, Jonah Wesely

Akeem Bostick, RHP, West Florence HS (SC) - The 6’-5” right-hander has turned a lot of heads this season with an easy delivery and a fastball that has touched 95 mph. He also adds solid secondary stuff and has great body control despite his size. Over 56 innings this season, he has 96 K/25 BB and has allowed just 23 hits. He has had six double-digit strikeout games with a career-high 13 over seven shutout innings on March 5. His command is a little inconsistent but with his size, and more left in the tank as far as velocity goes, he has a lot of upside. Should be available at 77. LINK

Dan Kirby ‏@DanMKirby

Jacob Heyward and Daz Cameron on the same team is unfair to any pitcher. Heyward has 3 BB and 3-R HR, Daz is 4-for-5 w/ 2B, BB, 2 RBI.

There was a time when it looked like Mark Appel would have no competition as the top player, college or high school, available. He was in the mix for that spot last year before falling to Pittsburgh with the No. 8 pick, then was unable to come to terms with them on a deal that allowed him to return to Stanford for his senior season. Along comes Jonathan Gray, who was in the mid-first round mix when the season started, showing a fastball that has jumped an entire grade to plus-plus, plus slider and an average changeup. Now the debate for the No. 1 pick has gotten much louder. LINK

John Whittle‏ @johnmwhittle -

2013 uncommitted INF Matt Williams played 120 games in high school over five years. Had a career BA of .411, 102 RBIs, 66 BB, 17 Ks. Wow.

 Mack Ade ‏@JohnMackinAde

Jonah Wesely JONAH!!!! you gettin' ready, son?

Jonah Wesely ‏@JonahWesely- @JohnMackinAde so excited!

Draft 13 – Garrett Williams, Aaron Judge, Josh Hart, Jonathan Gray, Kohl Stewart

Garrett Williams, LHP, Cavalry Baptist HS - In 2007, Williams led his Lubbock team to the consolation game of the Little League World Series where he hit his pitch limit with one out to go in the game. Up to that point, he had tossed 5.2 no-hit innings, striking out 14 batters. Flash forward six years and the 6’-3” southpaw is still dominating opposing hitters. In his last start, he struck out 15 over seven shutout innings and now has 89 K/26 BB over 41.2 innings, allowing just 13 hits. A great athlete and hitter, he features a low-90s fastball with late life and a plus curveball. A polished pitcher who also starred for U18 Team USA baseball, he would be a great selection if he was still available at pick 41. Committed to Oklahoma State. link

Is Aaron Judge still there for Detroit at #21? If so, is he a worthy choice at that point? - Jim Callis: Judge might be. It’s a tough call. If you dream on him, he could be a lot better than the No. 21 pick. But the game power is inconsistent (better this year) and he strikes out a lot. So there’s a good deal of risk too. I think it could go either way–I wouldn’t take him before No. 21 (and wouldn’t argue vociferously if he went No. 21), but someone might dream on him and pop him in the teens. link

Josh Hart, OF, Parkview HS (GA) - The 6’-1” left-hander has been hitting everything in sight lately. Over his last seven games, he has gone 14-for-23 (.609) with five extra-base hits, 11 RBI and has drawn five walks for a .700 OBP/1.087 SLG. On the season, he is now hitting .453 over 28 games with 13 extra-base hits, 23 RBI, 19 stolen bases and has drawn 11 walks for a .547 OBP/.733 SLG. The toolsy outfielder has been a four-year starter for one of the top programs in the country. link

Jonathan Gray might be the only other prospect who has matched Appel, at least in terms of week-by-week performance. He had a no-decision against West Virginia on Friday, so his record stayed put at 8-1. His ERA is 1.20. In 89 2/3 innings, the right-hander has 104 strikeouts against just 16 walks, holding hitters to a .166 batting average. - link

Nick J. Faleris ‏@NickJFaleris

Kohl Stewart (rhp, St. Pius X (Houston, TX)) shoved it today: 7 IP, 2 H, 3 BB, 14 SO. 114 pitches; 65% strikes; 65% 1st P strikes

Draft 13 – Dominic Smith, Francis Christy, Gavin Collins, Phil Bickford, Jonathan Gray

 

Player:  Dominic Smith  Position:  1B  School:  Serra (CA)  Date of Birth:  2/6/1995  Height/Weight:  6’1/200  Bats/Throws:  L/L  2013 Class:  HS Senior  Committed To:  Southern Cal  Scouting Report:  Solid build  Advanced hitter  Hits to all fields  Plus bat speed  Solid power potential Average runner Plus defense at first  Can handle a corner outfield spot  Strong arm link

Francis Christy, Casa Grande HS (CA) - Another left-handed hitting catcher, the 6’-1”, 215-pound Christy shows a lot of potential with the bat with good power. He hit .421/.505/.763 as a junior and has played in many big summer events and tournaments. He has a canon arm, very good footwork behind the plate and looks like he can remain at his current position. Committed to Oregon. link

Gavin Collins, El Toro HS (CA) - A polished hitter with a short, compact swing, the 6’-0”, 195-pound right-hander is also a very good athlete with above-average speed. His swing doesn’t have a lot of moving parts which allows him to wait on his pitch and drive it to all fields. He hasn’t played much behind the plate this season due to an ankle injury but his strong arm and athleticism project well there, although a move to third base could be in the future for him. Committed to Mississippi State. link

           Phil Bickford, RHP, Oaks Christian HS (CA) - One of my personal favorites in the 2013 MLB draft, the 6’-4” right-hander most likely won’t be around when the Cubs pick at 41. He has been touching 97 mph and sitting 91-94 mph with more room for velocity as he matures and tweaks his delivery. He adds solid breaking stuff and his offspeed stuff is still developing, as is the case with most prep pitchers. Over his last three starts, he has allowed one run on four hits over 21 innings, striking out 39 to five walks. If he is available at 41, he would be a huge steal in my opinion. link

Dan Kirby‏  @DanMKirby

Oklahoma RHP Jonathan Gray tonight: 8 IP, 2 ER, 9 H, 6 K/1 BB. Over last 9: 0.77 ERA, 0.69 WHIP, 39 H, 85 K/9 BB over 70 IP.

Draft 13 – Ben McCoubrey, Kyle Serrano, Jonathan Gray, Rob Kaminsky, Phil Ruggiero

Prep Baseball Report‏ @prepbaseball

PA: '13 Ben McCoubrey (4-4, R, 2 2B, 4 RBI) & '15 Jamie Clauson-Wolf (2-3, 2 R, 2 RBI) lead @gfsbaseball to 11-5 non-conf win over GAMP

Kyle Serrano, RHP, Farragut HS (TN) - Over his last four starts, the 6’-0”, 190-pound right-hander has allowed two runs on seven hits over 24.1 innings. He also has 43 strikeouts to just six walks over that span for a 15.9 K/9 ratio. He features a mid-90s fastball to go along with a plus curveball and is very polished on the mound. Committed to Tennessee.  link

Jonathan Gray positions himself in the middle of the rubber.  In the windup he stands at a 45 angle off the rubber.  He takes a small side step before he rocks into his delivery and drops his hands to his belt and up to his chest before positioning himself to make the pitch.  He has a high leg kick with a good drive from his back leg.  He gets good extension on his landing and lands with a slightly bent knee.  He keeps his is lead shoulder closed allowing him to hide the ball longer.  Gray shows a nice clean arm action from the ¾ arm slot.  He also shows good arm extension on his release of all of his pitches.

There will be an army of scouts again today in New Jersey to watch high school ace Rob Kaminsky pitch. Call it the Mike Trout Effect. They will see what Nana Wanda, Kaminsky’s grandmother on his mother’s side, has known all along. link

Prep Baseball Report ‏@prepbaseball

PA: CG from Phil Ruggiero @Ruggiero_24, 3-3, 3B, 3 RBI day from Tyler Buskirk @ty7buzz gives Pen Argyl 3-1 win over 2A #15 NDGP

Draft 13 – Devin Williams, Rob Kaminsky, Kyle Serrano, Cord Sandberg, Jonathan Gray

Devin Williams who’s from Missouri and plays for Hazelwood West High (Awesome High School name). He has a 90-94 fastball and a very intriguing changeup. Did I mention he’s also 6’2 and maybe 170lbs? So it’s fair to say there’s some room for muscle and maturity and that’s leading me to believe there’s more left in the tank for him. He’s committed to Mizzou and being it’s the hometown college and he hasn’t gotten a ton of draft love there’s probably a good shot they get him. - link

Dan Kirby ‏@DanMKirby

St. Joseph HS (NJ) LHP Rob Kaminsky has 38 Ks and has allowed 5 hits over 19 IP, including a no-hitter - 7th of his career

Farragut HS (TN) RHP Kyle Serrano over 6 starts: 1.84 ERA, 0.79 WHIP, 64 K/15 BB, 12 H over 34.1 IP (16.8 K/9

Manatee HS (FL) 6'-3" lefty Cord Sandberg's last 8 games: 17-for-29 (.586) w/ 4 2B, 2 3B, 4 BB, 2 SB, .636 OBP/.862 SLG

The 100-mph-throwing University of Oklahoma right-hander Jonathan Gray, who rejected a Yankees offer for about $500,000 two years ago as a 10th-round selection, made a wise decision. He has shot up the board and is now projected to be a top-five pick in the draft, maybe even top two. One NL scout summed up like this: "Really good. Power arm rumored to have touch 103.'' The 103 figure couldn't be verified, but scouts said he hit 101 in several recent games, including a 7-2 win over Pepperdine on March 2 and a 1-0 victory over Northwestern (La.) State on March 15. What's more, in the shutout when he struck out 12 and walked none, he hit 99 in the last inning. He also has the ability to make his fastball sink or cut. link