Draft 13 – Corey Ray, Eric Jagielo, Reese McGuire, Kevin Ziomek, Phillip Ervin

 

Corey Ray, OF, Simeon HS (IL) - Playing in the same backyard as the Cubs, Ray is a 5’-11”, 190-pound left-hander who is a quick-twitch athlete with very good speed, as well as excellent bat speed. His short, compact swing allows him to make consistent contact and drive the ball to all fields and more power should come as he matures. He has a strong arm, and both his speed and instincts allow him to play all three outfield spots. The weather was brutal for baseball players in Chicago this spring creating many rain outs and cold-weather games. In 15 recorded games, he has hit .381 with nine extra-base hits, nine stolen bases and has drawn 13 walks for a .536 OBP/.643 SLG. He could be available when the Cubs pick at 108. Committed to Louisville. http://throughthefencebaseball.com/2013-mlb-draft-25-high-upside-targets-for-chicago-cubs/32522/#MvYdf3hwz57dhWIe.99  

Eric Jagielo is a third baseman right now, but he could end up shifting to first base or a corner outfield spot in the pros because he doesn't have the softest hands or the most accurate throwing arm. Regardless, what Jagielo does really well is hit. He controls the strike zone well, thanks to good pitch recognition, solid hand-eye coordination and plus bat speed. He also projects to hit for plus power. http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1600761-ranking-the-10-fastest-rising-2013-mlb-draft-prospects/page/7

 

Before Reese McGuire can think too much about the MLB Draft, he wants to lead Kentwood High School to another state championship. The highly touted catcher helped the Conquerors win the 4A (Washington’s largest classification) title last year, and another trophy would cap an unforgettable senior season. “The season is great,” McGuire told me. “We got first in league, so it was awesome. Our pitching stepped up and everyone has done their part to make the team better.” Even though he’s focused on “the now,” McGuire isn’t afraid to look ahead to the MLB Draft in a few weeks. http://allaroundtim.com/reese-mcguire-ready-for-mlb-draft/

Kevin Ziomek, Vanderbilt - The 6'3" Ziomek drew some early buzz because of a blistering start in which he shut down his opponents and missed a ton of bats.  He hasn't sustained that pace but he's still firmly entrenched as a 2nd round option.  For Cubs fans, there is the obvious connection with minor league pitching coordinator Derek Johnson -- so it would seem the Cubs would know more about Ziomek than any other team. http://www.chicagonow.com/cubs-den/2013/05/mlb-draft-2nd-round-the-college-lefties/

 

Phillip Ervin's only chance to play Division I baseball came from Samford, and in three weeks he'll likely be the highest drafted player from the state of Alabama. And if you're in Birmingham and want to see him play up close and in person, this Thursday and Friday is your last chance. http://www.al.com/sports/index.ssf/2013/05/samfords_phillip_ervin_the_sta.html

Draft 13 – Jan Hernandez, Phil Bickford, Mike Papi, Hunter Harvey, Phillip Ervin

Jan Hernandez, 3B, Carlos Beltran Baseball Academy (PR) - At 6’-3” and 195 pounds, the right-hander possesses great bat speed and raw power. Playing for the same school as 2012 first-overall pick Carlos Correa, he is well known in the scouting community. His strong arm, soft hands and range could make him a great defender at the hot corner and his bat should justify the position. His size alone makes him an intriguing prospect in the 2013 MLB draft. LINK

Phil Bickford, RHP, Oaks Christian HS (CA) - It seems that I have been writing a lot about Bickford over the last couple of weeks. That’s because he just keeps giving me something to write about. On Friday, the 6’-4” right-hander tossed six more scoreless innings, striking out 11 to one walk. Over his last four starts, he has allowed one run on six hits over 27 innings, striking out 50 to six walks. He has been flashing his plus fastball that can touch 97 mph and showing excellent command. On the season, he has a 0.95 ERA, 0.59 WHIP and 112 K/12 BB over 66.1 innings. My hopes of him being available when the Cubs pick again at 41 are dwindling by the day. Committed to Cal State Fullerton. LINK

Dan Kirby‏  @DanMKirby

Virginia So. 6'-3" (L) Mike Papi leads nation in OBP (.543). Hitting .403 over 43 G w/ 10 2B, 5 HR, 46 RBI, 35 BB/19 K. Big bat for 2014.

Another participant at last year's Under Armour All-American Game, Hunter Harvey has an athletic, projectable frame with a fastball that is already above-average and could potentially be a plus offering if he can consistently throw it in the 93-96 range he has shown at times. The right-hander also throws a curveball and changeup, the former a lot more than the latter. He will need to improve the command and feel of his breaking ball and get used to throwing the changeup in games, but the upside is there for him to be a late-first rounder. LINK

I like Phillip Ervin a lot. Is it crazy to suggest that he’s a little teeny tiny bit like the college version of everybody’s favorite high school hitter, Clint Frazier? Both are praised for, in order, their 1) electric bat speed, 2) well-rounded overall skill sets, 3) above-average arm strength (pre-injury for Frazier), 4) picture perfect pro-ready swings, 5) above-average speed on the base paths, and 6) advanced pitch recognition skills. The main concern for both is that they are maxed-out physically. Additionally, both can hack it in center (Ervin more than Frazier), but profile best defensively in right field (again, assuming Frazier’s bum arm bounces back in time). This is all far too simplistic a comparison and I’m clearly not taking into account the crucially important differences in their hair, but you can kind of see how the two share some things if you keep an open mind, right? LINK

Draft 13 – Phillip Ervin, Dustin Driver, Kohl Stewart, J.B. Woodman, Clint Frazier

I like Phillip Ervin a lot. Is it crazy to suggest that he’s a little teeny tiny bit like the college version of everybody’s favorite high school hitter, Clint Frazier? Both are praised for, in order, their 1) electric bat speed, 2) well-rounded overall skill sets, 3) above-average arm strength (pre-injury for Frazier), 4) picture perfect pro-ready swings, 5) above-average speed on the base paths, and 6) advanced pitch recognition skills. The main concern for both is that they are maxed-out physically. Additionally, both can hack it in center (Ervin more than Frazier), but profile best defensively in right field (again, assuming Frazier’s bum arm bounces back in time). This is all far too simplistic a comparison and I’m clearly not taking into account the crucially important differences in their hair, but you can kind of see how the two share some things if you keep an open mind, right? link

Dustin Driver, RHP, Wenatchee HS (WA) - One of the better power arms among prep players in the 2013 MLB draft, the 6’-2”, 200-pound right-hander may still be available when the Cubs pick at 41. If he is available, he has frontline stuff headlined by a low/mid-90s fastball that maintains velocity deep into games with good sink. He also adds an above-average change-up and a developing curveball. His delivery is clean and easy and he is very aggressive on the mound, attacking hitters inside and out. Committed to UCLA. link

If 1-3 are Appel, Gray, Manaea, what do the Twins do? Can't take Bryant since he'd be sent to high A where Sano is playing third. I'm not sure they'd want to take another OF but I don't know if the 4th best pitcher is a better option. - Jim Callis: Don’t think Manaea goes No. 3 right now. But if that did happen, I might take Kohl Stewart at No. 4.

J.B. Woodman, OF, Edgewater HS (FL) - A two-sport star, the 6’-2” left-hander’s future may be brighter on the diamond as he has shown an advanced bat with pop this season. Over 26 games, he is hitting .571 with nine doubles, three home runs, 29 RBI and has stolen 19 bases. He has also drawn 18 walks to just six strikeouts for a .660 OBP/.831 SLG. With his strong arm — he has been clocked at 91 mph from the outfield — along with his speed (6.6/60), he should be able to remain at centerfield. He projects as a leadoff-type hitter. Committed to Ole Miss. link

Why Clint Frazier should be the top pick: "He is a dangerous hitter every time he walks into the box. He has that potential, that swing, that strength, that loft, that aggressive approach to change the game with one swing of the bat. He can hit balls out of Yellowstone Park. It's advanced high school power. Between the two, he's the closest of being a sure pick to hit you 30 home runs. With his arm, he could stay in center field, but I'd like him in right field. Runners won't take the extra base on him." - link

Draft 13 – Corey Simpson, Mikey Reynolds, Jarrett Arakawa, Jonathan Denny, Phillip Ervin

Corey Simpson, Sweeny HS (TX) - More offense than defense, the 6’-3”, 220-pound Simpson does make for a big target behind the plate and is solid enough defensively to be given a shot to stick behind the plate. Offense is where he shines, though, as he is hitting .578 over 24 games with 11 doubles, 10 home runs, 39 RBI and has drawn 16 walks for a .659 OBP/1.183 SLG. He has tremendous power from the right side and has a good understanding of the strike zone — as many catchers seem to possess. Committed to Houston. - link

Mikey Reynolds, SS (Texas A&M): While he might not have a ton of power, the 5’9″ senior has shown off a strong approach this year. After transferring over from Paradise Valley CC last year, Reynolds posted a .306/.417/.403 line in 58 games with 21 SB (2 caught). Reynolds did struggle a bit in the Northwoods League this past summer however, hitting .246/.362/.339. He’s made some noticeable adjustments this year, hitting .388/.453/.442 (.444 wOBA) in 33 games, with a 14:11 bb to k ratio (and 12 SB). If he can manage to keep it up (and be a capable defender), he should be an interest bat-first middle infielder on Day Two. link

JARRETT ARAKAWA, lhp, University of Hawaii. Following a strong sophomore season at the University of Hawaii, Arakawa earned all-Cape Cod League honors over the summer and appeared poised to become the top pick out of the Aloha State in this draft. But he suffered a torn labrum and missed his entire junior season. The nature and timing of that injury make him a longshot for this draft, but he's a player that organizations will keep tabs on as he attempts to make the arduous recovery.  link

Jon Denney | C | Yukon HS (Yukon, OK) - Height/Weight: 6-foot-2/200 pounds B/T: R/R Draft Day Age: 18y 8m - In a deep draft for high-school catchers, Denney boasts the highest offensive ceiling of the bunch. A strong and solid 6-foot-2, 200-pound frame and compact, powerful swing help Denney to produce legit plus power to all fields, which he taps into both during batting practice and in games. He shows solid balance throughout his swing and is generally quiet in his head and hands. A well below-average runner, Denney’s offensive game relies primarily on brute force, but the swing is controlled enough, and the feel genuine enough, for the hit tool to project to average or better, as well. link

I like Phillip Ervin a lot. Is it crazy to suggest that he’s a little teeny tiny bit like the college version of everybody’s favorite high school hitter, Clint Frazier? Both are praised for, in order, their 1) electric bat speed, 2) well-rounded overall skill sets, 3) above-average arm strength (pre-injury for Frazier), 4) picture perfect pro-ready swings, 5) above-average speed on the base paths, and 6) advanced pitch recognition skills. The main concern for both is that they are maxed-out physically. Additionally, both can hack it in center (Ervin more than Frazier), but profile best defensively in right field (again, assuming Frazier’s bum arm bounces back in time). This is all far too simplistic a comparison and I’m clearly not taking into account the crucially important differences in their hair, but you can kind of see how the two share some things if you keep an open mind, right? link