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The future of the Astros

I’ll just leave this here: https://t.co/3LboM5XCyL

— jordan (@astrosjordan)

June 21, 2014

#2014 astros

Your 2014 AL Cy Young Award Winner?

#2014 Astros #dallas keuchel

Jon Singleton's Day

#2014 astros #jon singleton

The Wander Franco Show

The Astros didn't make a huge splash in last year's International Free Agent period, but Wander Franco is one of the names I remember reading about.

I remember reading about him for two reasons:

Ben Badler wrote about him, and Ben Balder's awesome.

His brother is also named Wander Franco, which I also found awesome, and amusing.

11 months later, Franco looks like someone I might want to keep my eye on.

Dominican Summer League stats don't mean much, especially when a six-game sample size is involved. BUT how can you not notice Franco's insane start to the season.

Through six games, he's slashing .400/.655/.800, with an ISO of .400 and BB percentage of 44.8%, to compliment his minuscule 3.4 K%.

The 17-year-old Aybar (Erick and Willy) nephew stands 6'1", 190. All the scouting reports (basically one) I could get my hands on indicate he doesn't have standout tools.

But Oz Ocampo (Astros INTL Director of Scouting) likes him, and he's the guy who scouted and signed him. Here's what he said about Franco:

“Our scouts have been following Wander since he was 13 years old. [He] comes from a baseball family, and has an advanced feel for the game. His best tool is his bat. Offensively, Wander is one of the most advanced hitters in this year’s July 2nd class. He is a line-drive, gap-to-gap hitter with a selectively aggressive approach and above-average pitch recognition for his age.”

“Defensively, Wander has plus instincts at shortstop, showing smooth hands, solid footwork, a strong arm, and a very good internal clock. We project him to play shortstop, second, or third base in the future.”

Badler talked about him out-performing his tools in games, and it appears like he's on his way to doing the same in the 2014 DSL. The way the last eight years have played out, when I see someone with stats like Franco's in the DSL, and hear the phrases "overacheiver" and "great feel for the game", I immediately think Altuve.

Franco is a prospect fetus– he's so far away, he may flame out before I can finish this sentence – but as long as he keeps hitting like he has, he's worth bookmarking on Fangraphs.

#astros top prospects

Mac Marshall's change-up tho. Sign his ass, Astros.

#2014 MLB Draft

2014 MLB Draft: Grading Astros Picks, Rounds 1-10

For the second consecutive season, the majority of the Astros picks in the first 10 rounds were college guys. I'm a little disappointed they didn't take at least one more high-upside high schooler, and hope they don't leave money on the table two years in a row.

Update: They selected Mac Marshall in the 21st round, who is the high upside HS'er I was looking for. He's a tough sign, but the Astros just might have enough $$$, and his ceiling is a 2/3 starter.

That said, it's difficult to be disappointed with the Astros first six picks. Aiken is a slam dunk, to go along with Fisher, Reed, Mengden, and Nix, who were all thought of as first-round talents at one point or another.

Fisher, Reed and Davis add much-needed POWER to the Astros system, and I'm interested to see how some of the big-ass pitchers (Nix: 6'4", 205; Dykxhoorn: 6'8"; Velazquez: 6'4"; Gause: 6'5", 250) develop in pro ball.

Power bats, big pitchers and high floor guys were a common theme. Below is my grading of each pick, and MLB ceilings for most:

1. Brady Aiken, LHP, HS (San Diego)

Potential four-pitch mix, with three "plus" pitches (FB, CB, CH), clean, easy delivery, projectable frame. There's nothing not to like.

MLB ceiling: Clayton Kershaw; Grade: A+

1A. Derek Fisher, OF, Virginia

Smooth swing, above-average (60) hit/power tools, decent athlete. Tools haven't manifested in games yet, but unusual upside for a college bat. Despite being a decent athlete, left field is his destiny.

MLB ceiling: Poor man's Matt Holiday; Grade: B+

2. AJ Reed, 1B/DH, Kentucky

Him and Jake Gatewood neck-and-neck for most raw power in entire draft. He's not going to give you much on defense, but plus power and an average hit tool could lead to a few .265, 30+ HR seasons in the majors.

MLB ceiling: Bigger Adam Laroche; Grade: B+

3. JD Davis, 1B/OF, Cal State Fullerton

Like Reed, Davis is a big first baseman with above-average power, a potentially-average hit tool, and not much else. If all goes well, his prime could include a few seasons of .250, low-to-mid twenties homers.

MLB ceiling: Right-handed Garrett Jones; Grade: B-

4. Daniel Megnden, RHP, Texas A&M

Potential four-pitch mix, with maybe one being above-average, and the rest average. He came into the season with the potential to be a late first rounder, but injuries caused him to fall to the fourth. He could move through system relatively fast, once he gets injuries under control.

MLB ceiling: Wade Miller; Grade: B

5. Jacob Nix, RHP, HS (California)

During certain points this season, some felt Nix was a first-round talent. At 6'4", 205, he's a big boy, who can crank his fastball up to the mid-to-high 90s. Outside of size and FB, everything else a major work in progress. The UCLA commit will certainly command over-slot $$$, but has modest MOR upside.

MLB ceiling: N/A; Grade: B

6. Brock Dykxhoorn, RHP, Central Arizona College

The 6'8" JuCo pitcher has very little untapped potential, but a decent floor. His low-90s fastball, average SL/CH, smooth delivery, and average control profile as a middle reliever / swingman. You need guys like Dykxhoorn in your organization, and his name is terrific.

MLB ceiling: Jon Rauch; Grade: C

7. Derick Velazquez, RHP, Fresno St.

At times, his FB has been in the mid-90s, which is complimented by a breaking ball that's flashed above average at times. His frame indicates he may be able to add some weight and velocity. Sounds like Astros intend for him to be a relief pitcher. 6th/7th inning guy, who could move quickly.

MLB ceiling: N/A; Grade: C+

8. Bobby Boyd, CF, West Virginia

Another low-upside pick – Boyd's career will likely fall somewhere between an organizational player and a 5th OF. His best attribute is his speed, and he doesn't swing-and-miss much.

MLB ceiling: Endy Chavez w/ weaker arm; Grade: C-

9. Bryan Radziewski, LHP, Miami (FL)

He possesses an average breaking ball, which is his best pitch. His fastball sits in the 80s. He seems to out-pitch his stuff, but doesn't present much upside.

MLB ceiling: N/A; Grade: C-

10. Jay Gause, RHP, Faulkner University

At 6'5", 250, Gause is a house. He can crank his fastball up into the mid-90s, and recorded some impressive strikeout numbers at Faulkner. Could be an intriguing guy to watch, as a potential power reliever.

MLB ceiling: N/A; Grade: C

#2014 mlb draft

2014 Astros Top 20 Prospects, Post-Draft

*Note: I left off anyone who appeared in the Majors and/or over the age of 25*

1. Carols Correa, SS, Lancaster (age 19)

Not only is Correa the best prospect in the Astros system – you can make the case that he's the best prospect in baseball. He has All-Star caliber tools, to go along with an All-Star caliber make-up. The 2012 first overall pick has flashed everywhere he's played, and you'll have to look hard to find any significant holes in his game.

The power is coming along nicely, and he should have a few seasons in the Majors with 30+ homers. Speed won't be a huge part of his game, especially as he ages, but savvy on the basepaths could put him in line for double-digit steals annually. He's playing in Lancaster, which is one of the most hitter-friendly parks in the Minors, but he's hitting just as well on the road. Based on a small sample size, he's struggled against lefties this year, but the rest of his minor league career indicates that he hits lefties just as well as righties. Sky is the limit for Correa, and I expect him in Houston by 2016, whether it's at SS or 3B.

MLB Upside: Troy Tulowitzki

2. Brady Aiken, LHP, N/A (age 17)

Like Correa, it's difficult to identify a significant weakness in Aiken's game coming out of HS. Weaknesses will surface once he enters pro ball, which will force the 17-year-old to adjust, but there is nothing to nit-pick now, other than his age. A fastball in the low-to-mid 90s, smooth delivery, and three potential plus offerings have drawn Clayton Kershaw and Cole Hamels comparisons. Aiken is unusually polished for a HS pitcher, and because of that, could move at a faster pace than a typical teenager.

MLB Upside: Cole Hamels

3. Mark Appel, RHP, Lancaster (age 22)

Between Appel's early-career struggles and Kris Bryant's home run parade, the sky has already fallen on Mark Appel, in the eyes of a few over-emotional Astros fans. He's battling some injuries, and the organization might have to adjust how they handle the pitching prospect, but not all is lost for Appel – not even close.

Appel still possess frontline stuff – a plus (but straight) fastball, a plus slider, and a potentially above average change. He also has a good frame and smooth delivery. He's faced some bad luck, both on and off the field, but I expect him and the Astros to re-group, and finish the season strong.

MLB Upside: Harder-throwing Matt Cain

4. Vince Velasquez, RHP, Lancaster (age 22)

He doesn't have the upside of Foltynewicz or McCullers, but I think he's a better pitcher right now. Despite some injury concerns, Velasquez has consistently performed well at every level. His FB-CH combo is polished, and unlike his other high-upside counterparts, he's been able to limit the walks throughout his career.

MLB Upside: Anibal Sanchez

5. Mike Foltynewicz, RHP, Corpus Christi (age 22)

When Fotly is on, he's as un-hittable as any pitcher in the Astros system. The problem is, he's rarely "on".

His 100 MPH fastball remains his calling card, but when he falls to command it, it doesn't matter – opposing batters knock it out of the ballpark. His slider and curve also show flashes of dominance, but those flashes are sprinkled in, while he's consistently inconsistent with his secondaries.

It's becoming increasingly doubtful that he ever comes close to his ceiling, but with the amount of quality arms in the Astros' system, he may present tremendous value as a reliever.

MLB Upside: Kerry Wood

6. Lance McCullers, RHP, Lancaster (age 20)

Like Folty, McCullers has filthy stuff, but his inability to locate may ultimately prevent him from fulfilling his potential. He's walking nearly five batters per nine this season, and his lack of control may be negatively affecting his previously-great GB/FB ratio.

Hopefully he improves as his season continues. Most pitchers just try to survive that launching pad that is Lancaster. I think he ultimate destiny is an 8th or 9th inning guy.

MLB Upside: Francisco Rodriguez

7. Derek Fisher, OF, N/A (age 20)

Before his injury, and disappointing 2014 season, Fisher had a chance to go in the top 10 of this year's draft. Instead, he fell to pick 37, and the Houston Astros.

Similar to #KingGeorge Springer, coming out of UConn, Fisher has more tools + untapped potential than your typical college hitter. Scouts put 60+ grades on both hit/power tools, to go along with decent foot speed.

Despite his tools, Fisher has generally underperformed, and is a liability on defense. His true power has only shown up in BP, and his instincts in the outfield leave much to be desired.

He has a swing and tools I believe in, and if he can realize at least 80% of his potential, he has a chance to be a very solid MLB leftfielder.

MLB Upside: Poor man's Matt Holiday

8. Michael Feliz, RHP, Quad Cities (age 21)

After being suspended 50 games for PEDs in 2010, Feliz has steadily moved through the Astros system. His big frame, mid-to-high 90s FB and potentially plus slider give him mid-rotation upside, if he reaches his potential.

His walks are up to nearly five per nine this season, which is not good, but he's still generating a lot of weak contact and missed bats, based solely on stuff. He's going to have to cut down on the walks, as he moves to the higher levels, but he's just a notch below McCullers, in terms of potential.

MLB Upside: Edwin Jackson

9. Delino DeShields Jr., OF, Corpus Christi (age 21)

Many have questioned DDJ's #want and #grit throughout his career, but he erased some of those questions when he broke his face in half, and showed up at the ballpark the next day.

DDJ has always been one of my favorite prospects in the Astros system, but whatever upside I once thought he had has eroded, and he'll probably won't ever be more than a fill-in starter and/or good bench player. The lack of hard contact is extremely disappointing.

MLB Upside: Rajai Davis

10. Josh Hader, LHP, Lancaster (age 20)

Acquired in the Bud Norris trade, Hader is one of the more difficult Astros prospects to rank. The statistical case for him is easy:

He's a 20-year-old, dominating the hitter-friendly California League, to a tune of 11.11 K/9 and a 2.31 ERA.

However; all signs point to him outperfoming his stuff, due to the deception caused by his delivery. He really only has one above average pitch – his low-to-mid 90s fastball. We'll see if the deceptive delivery and decent velocity continue to make up for the general lack of stuff.

MLB Upside: Harder-throwing Dontrelle Willis

11. Nick Tropeano, RHP, Oklahoma City (age 23)

12. Kyle Smith, RHP, Corpus Christi (age 21)

13. Rio Ruiz, 3B, Lancaster (age 20)

14. Domingo Santana, OF, Oklahoma City (age 21)

15. Andrew Thurman, RHP, Quad Cities (age 22)

16. AJ Reed, 1B, N/A (age 21)

17. Teoscar Hernandez, OF, Lancaster (age 21)

18. Andrew Aplin, OF, Corpus Christi (age 23)

19. Conrad Gregor, 1B, Lancaster (age 22)

20. Tony Kemp, 2B, Lancaster (age 22)

#astros top prospects

2013 MLB Draft: Best Available for Day 3

*obviously most of these guys are tough signs*

HS Pitchers

1. Kyle Serrano, RHP - Curve and change have chance to be plus pitches. Nice delivery. Tough sign, since dad is Tenesse coach.

2. Jake Brentz, RHP - Very little experience on mound. Good athlete with real nice delivery and fastball that’s touched 96 probably has pitching coaches drooling.

3. Connor Jones, RHP - Good life on fastball. Slider has potential to be plus. Might be impossible sign.

4. Garrett Williams, RHP - Somewhat projectable and although inconsistent, could have a really nice four-pitch mix in future.

5. Chadler Eden, LHP - Limited projection, but already has explosive arm. Touched 96 w/ fastball. Still needs a lot of work. Probably a college guy.

6. Jonah Wesely, LHP - Four-pitch mix with good slider. Flat-out dominant in HS.

7. AJ Puk, LHP - Projectable with solid fastball.

8. Jordan Sheffield, RHP - Showed electric stuff. Had to have Tommy John surgery. Near-lock to go to Vandy

HS Outfielders

1. Billy Roth, HS - One of my favorite swings in the draft. Looks like he’ll be a good hitter. Profiles as a future RF with big arm.

2. Dane McFarland, HS - Freak athlete at 6’4” with raw bat speed that gets you excited. Raw, but plenty of upside.

3. Ryan Boldt, HS - Not one legitimate plus tool, but potentially above-average across the board. Season-ending injury will cause him to fall.

HS Corner Infielders

1. Rowdy Tellez, 1B, HS - Not a huge fan of the swing, but has a good approach and HUGE raw power. Average defensively. Mammouth guy at 6’5”, 250.

2. Cavan Biggio, 3B, HS - Chance to be a really really good hitter, but one-ish tool player with no true position.

HS Middle Infielders

1. Andy McGuire, SS, HS - Has solid tools all-around, but don’t like his swing much. Won’t stick at SS.

2. Connor Heady, SS, HS - Poor man’s Adam Everett holds a special place in my heart.

HS Catchers

1. Francis Christy, HS - Good athlete with chance to be above-average hitter. Modest defensive upside. Raw.

2. Tyler Alamo, HS - Big guy at 6’4”. Above-average arm and raw power.

3. Jeremy Martinez, HS - Below-average athlete. Don’t like that he was out of shape to start season. Don’t love the swing, like everyone else. Does have upside. I just wouldn’t draft him, considering where he’s universally ranked.

#2013 mlb draft

Breakdown of Astros Top 10 Picks

1. Mark Appel, RHP, Stanford - Been the best prospect throughout the entire process. Great mechanics/delivery. Three plus pitches. Good athlete. The concerns are: the workload, an occasionally straight fastball that gets squared up and not becoming dominant until his senior season. Last year, his upside was a two. This year it’s closer to a one. I don’t think he has true Ace upside, but a good number one is certainly possible.

MLB Upside: Harder-throwing Matt Cain

2. Andrew Thurman, RHP, UC Irvine - Profiles as MOR innings-eater. Plus command. Plus change. Improved velocity. Four pitches. Will move quickly through minors. Generates weak contact.

MLB Upside: Paul Maholm

3. Kent Emanuel, LHP, UNC - Deceptive delivery with above-average change. Advanced pitcher. BOR upside. Body still has projection left, but awkward delivery limits any sort of velocity increase. Polished pitcher, but low upside overall.

MLB Upside: Joe Saunders

4. Conrad Gregor, 1B, Vanderbilt - Typical Jeff Luhnow pick. College hitter who knows how to work strike zone. Simple lefty stroke. Has raw power, but only hit three homers in 2013. Was pitched around to extent. Flashed power on Cape. Solid athlete, good defense. Nice body.

MLB Upside: Yonder Alonso

5. Tony Kemp, 2B, Vanderbilt - Built like Jose Altuve. High energy player. Fun to watch. Will make occasional great play at 2B but has limitations. Profiles as future lead-off hitter. Short, simple swing. No power, but good speed and eye. Should sign.

MLB Upside: Poor man's Luis Castillo

6. Jacob Nottingham, C, Redlands HS (CA) - Insanely raw in all aspects of the game. Not a huge fan of his long swing, but there's a glimmer of above-average raw power in there. Good athlete with really nice frame. There were a bunch of HS catchers I liked more. Mainly, Brian Navaretto, who went three picks later.

MLB Upside: Erik Kratz

7. James Ramsay, CF, South Florida - Small (5'11", 180). Decent trip slash of .337/.409./449. Ranked #1 in ALL of D1-Baseball in runs saved (+15). I'm all for drafting a guy with one elite tool. Yay for a defensive replacement!

MLB Upside: Slower Joey Gathright

8. Jason Martin, CF, Orange Lutheran HS (CA) - Small guy who plays hard. Chance to be above-average CF. Quick swing with decent bat speed.

MLB Upside: N/A

9. Brian Holberton, C, UNC - Relatively polished hitter. Still needs reps behind plate. Raw power from left side is his meal ticket.

MLB Upside: Ryan Doumit

10. Austin Nicely, LHP, Spotswood HS (VA) - Projectable lefty returning from injury. Moldable mechanics. FB in low 90s, but chance to add velocity. Chance for three average pitches. Considered a tough sign.

MLB Upside: N/A

#2013 mlb draft

2013 MLB Draft: Non-Top 100 Sleepers

Here are three HS pitchers who didn't crack my Top 100, but I'm legitimately intrigued by. Likely to go in rounds 3-7.

1. Casey Meisner - Potential mid-rotation guy who gets groundballs and eats up innings. Good athlete, projectable frame, pitches downhill.

2. Cory Thompson - Pitches and plays shortstop. Small frame limits projection, but extremely smooth athlete with easy velocity. Big-time project, but could pay off.

3. Akeem Bostick - Projectable frame. Freak athlete. Already touched 95. Has very little skill as a pitcher, but a great guy to take a flier on. I'm sure every pitching coach would love to get their hands on him.

#2013 mlb draft

2013 MLB Draft: My Top 10 Prospects

1. Mark Appel - Been the best prospect throughout the entire process. Great mechanics/delivery. Three plus pitches. Good athlete. The concerns are: the workload, an occasionally straight fastball that gets squared up and not becoming dominant until his senior season. Last year, his upside was a two. This year it’s closer to a one. I don’t think he has true Ace upside, but a good number one is certainly possible.

2. Kris Bryant - Had contact/strikeout concerns in HS and, to a lesser extent, coming into the season. He’s made the necessary adjustments and the production is hard to ignore. He’s likely a RF, but bat has big-time value, regardless of position. I think Jayson Werth is a good comparison. People forget Werth was a 5.0 WAR player for a good stretch.

3. Jonathan Gray - Throws 100 with relative ease. Slider is plus, to go along with plus-plus heater. Mechanics stand to improve. Needs to develop a plus third pitch to become an Ace. He has some mechanical flaws and there’s some injury risk. Unsure how positive test for Adderall factors in.

4. Clint Frazier - Small stature concerns some. Plus-plus bat speed. Believe he has potential to hit 35-40 bombs, despite size. Hit tool still relatively undeveloped. Shown signs of big arm, but tendonitis has hindered it. Plays extremely hard. Fun personality, a lot of confidence. Don’t see true superstar potential, but multiple-time All-Star very possible.

5. Braden Shipley - Potential four-pitch mix, with three above-average pitches. High intangibles, good athlete. Legitimate number two upside.

6. Kohl Stewart - Mechanics are raw, need to be developed, but could have the highest upside of any pitcher in the draft. Slider and fastball have potential to be plus-plus pitches. Committed to A&M to play quaterback.

7. Colin Moran - Might be the best present hitter in entire draft. Solid defensively with good arm, but lack of range may force move to 1B. Natural tools make up for flawed swing, but things may change against advanced pitching. Upside w/ bat is similar to Kevin Youkilis. Major League Floor is James Loney.

8. Reese McGuire - High School catchers are always a scary proposition. McGuire is already a good defender with a great chance to stick at the position. Good intangibles, leadership qualities. Bat has upside, with pop, but still a question mark.

9. Jon Denney - Love his short, powerful swing. Has the potential to be an above-average hitter with plus power. Has a good arm behind the plate, but lack of present catching skills will probably force a move to 1B or OF. Bat should play anywhere.

10. Hunter Renfroe - Has three potential plus tools (arm, speed, power). Performance has finally matched tools in 2013, but hit tool still a question mark. Similar prospect to George Springer was coming out.

#2013 mlb draft

My 2013 MLB Draft Profiles

Here are all the draft profiles I wrote for TCB this year:

Aaron Judge

Michael Lorenzen

Colin Moran

Jon Denney

Rowdy Tellez

Travis Demeritte

Cavan Biggio

Jason Monda

Ryan Boldt

Justin Williams

Cord Sandberg

Billy McKinney

Adam Frazier

Alex Balog

Buck Farmer

Dustin Driver

Jordan Sheffield

#2013 mlb draft

2013 MLB Draft: My Top 20 College Pitchers

(Read our collaborative rankings at TCB. Here are my personal rankings).

1. Mark Appel, RHP, Stanford - Mechanics and delivery as good as it gets. Chance to have three-plus pitches. Good athlete. Legit Number One upside.

2. Jonathan Gray, RHP, Oklahoma - Effortless triple-digit heat. Slider is legit plus pitch. Mechanics imperfect. Still working on third pitch.

3. Bradey Shipley, RHP, Nevada - Potential to have three plus pitches. Good athlete. Good intangibles.

4. Chris Anderson, RHP, Jacksonville - Two potentially plus pitches. Solid delivery. Strong legs.

5. Sean Manaea, LHP, Indiana State - Fastball is plus, with good life. Slider has chance to be plus. Deceptive delivery helps. Delivery could improve overall. Stock has fallen since cape. Secondary stuff needs work. Injury concerns.

6. Andew Thurman, RHP, UC Irvine - Profiles as MOR innings-eater. Plus command. Plus change. Improved velocity. Four pitches. Will move quickly through minors. Groundball tendency.

7. Marco Gonzalez, LHP, Gonzaga - Safe pick. Good athlete. Good fielder. Good command. Good mechanics. Four-pitch mix with plus change-up. MOR upside, will move quickly.

8. Alex Gonzalez, RHP, Oral Roberts - Third straight pitcher with good feel for pitching, four-pitch mix and MOR upside. Gets groundballs. Good fastball. Safe-ish. Will move quickly.

9. Alex Balog, RHP, San Francisco - Reminds me of Astros prospect, Jarred Cosart. Has ability to generate weak contact and has three pitches that flash plus at times.

10. Cody Reed, LHP - Fastball and curve could be plus. Delivery is fairly clean. Nice upside.

11. Ryne Stanek, RHP, Arkansas - Four pitches with big fastball and plus slider. Plagued by inconsistency in performance and mechanics.

12. Aaron Blair, RHP, Marshall - Average fastball w/ above-average life. Change has chance to be plus. Former pick of Astros.

13. Jonathan Crawford, RHP, Florida - Chance for three above-average pitches. Concerns w/ mechanics and injuries. Already filled out leaves little projection.

14. Bobby Wahl, RHP, Ole Miss - Chance to have three average pitches. Slider might be above-average. Has had a bad season, but modest upside.

15. Ryan Eades, RHP, LSU - Curve has potential. Fastball has potential. I don't see upside as higher than a #4 or middle reliever.

16. Jimmie Sherfy, RHP, Oregon - Mid-90s fastball with nasty slider. Dominant reliever in college.

17. Andrew Mitchell, RHP, TCU - Plus curveball. Good heater. Inconsistent command at times. Profiles as high-leverage reliever.

18. Colby Suggs, RHP, Arkansas - Chance at two plus pitches (fastball and curve). Inconsistent command/control. Small stature combined with stuff makes him a probable reliever.

19. Corey Knebel, RHP, Texas - Fastball and slurve flash plus. Deceptive delivery works in favor. Command concerns. Suspended twice at Texas.

20. Kent Emanuel, LHP, UNC - Deceptive delivery with above-average change. Advanced pitcher. BOR upside.

#2013 mlb draft

2013 MLB Draft: My Top 20 HS Pitchers

Read our collaborative HS pitcher rankings at TCB. Here are my personal rankings.

1. Kohl Stewart, RHP - Fastball and Slider both have potential to be plus-plus. Delivery is work in progress. Going to be a really tough sign w/ football scholarship.

2. Kyle Serrano, RHP - Curve and change have chance to be plus pitches. Nice delivery. Another tough sign, since dad is Tenesse coach.

3. Casey Shane, RHP - Projectable groundball, inning-eating MOR pitcher. Like his delivery, fastball movement and change-up. Easier sign than first two.

4. Jake Brentz, RHP - Very little experience on mound. Good athlete with real nice delivery and fastball that's touched 96 probably has pitching coaches drooling.

5. Connor Jones, RHP - Good life on fastball. Slider has potential to be plus. Might be impossible sign.

6. Rob Kaminsky, LHP - Nice delivery, plus curve. Small and fastball can get too flat at times.

7. Ian McKinney, LHP - Small guy who can barely touch 90 w/ his fastball, but really knows how to pitch. Delivery is good. Stuff is a good. Command is good. Wouldn't be surprised if he was one of draft's major steals.

8. Garrett Williams, RHP - Somewhat projectable and although inconsistent, could have a really nice four-pitch mix in future.

9. Phil Bickford, RHP - Projectable frame w/ plus heater. College would probably do him good. Tough sign.

10. Chadler Eden, LHP - Limited projection, but already has explosive arm. Touched 96 w/ fastball. Still needs a lot of work. Probably a college guy.

11. Ian Clarkin, LHP - Curve is good. Fastball is solid. Good athlete.

12. Matt Krook, LHP - Projectable w/ two potentially above-average pitches. Mechanics create injury concerns. Considered a tough sign.

13. Jonah Wesely, LHP - Four-pitch mix with good slider. Flat-out dominant in HS.

14. AJ Puk, LHP - Projectable with solid fastball.

15. Trey Ball, LHP - Extremely projectable and already touching 94. Not sure whether he's a hitter or pitcher.

16. Andrew Church, RHP, HS - Missed a lot of season because of eligibility issues. Four-pitch mix with intriguing stuff. HENDERSON NEVADA REPRESENT.

17. Carlos Salazar, RHP - Strong legs, explosive fastball, improved secondaries. Mechanics need work.

18. Blake Taylor, LHP - Projectable pitcher with three potentially average pitches.

19. Hunter Harvey, RHP - Lock to sign. Curve is most interesting pitch.

20. Derik Beauprez, RHP - Very little pitching experience, but high-upside project. There's a lot to like here, from delivery to easy gas.

#2013 mlb draft

2013 MLB Draft: My Top 20 Outfielders

Read our collaborative outfielder rankings at TCB. Here are my personal rankings.

1. Clint Frazier, HS - True five-tool potential. 40-home run potential with plus-plus bat speed. Big arm before injury and range-y enough to stick in center. Multiple-time All-Star upside.

2. Hunter Renfroe, Mississipi State - Plus arm. Plus runner. Plus raw power. Performance has finally matched toolset this season. If he hits consistently, chance to be All-Star.

3. Phillip Ervin, Samford - Potentially four above-average tools, with one exception being his average arm. Like everything about him as a hitter. .300 with 20 homers, 20 steals and good defense in CF is doable. We'll look back and think he was drafted too low.

4. Austin Meadows, HS - Good athlete. Five-tool potential is overstated, in my opinion. Chance to be good hitter and centerfielder, but don't see superstar potential.

5. Josh Hart, HS - Going to be really good in CF. Plus-plus runner. Upside w/ bat, but swing needs legitimate fixing.

6. Aaron Judge, Fresno State - Built like an NBA power forward, with insane raw power. Power doesn't always show up in games. Good athlete, could be above-average in RF.

7. Austin Wilson, Stanford - Similar to Judge in a lot of ways. I have concerns about his bat against advanced pitching. History of underperforming, given tools.

8. Cord Sandberg, HS - Legit five-tool potential. Football probably holds him back, from a developmental standpoint – he's raw. QB scholarship is tough to turn down.

9. Billy Roth, HS - One of my favorite swings in the draft. Looks like he'll be a good hitter. Profiles as a future RF with big arm.

10. Billy McKinney, HS - Reminds me of David Murphy. One of the safest college bats in the class. Polished.

11. Mason Smith, HS - Centerfield profile. Solid hit tool with chance to add some pop down the road.

12. Dane McFarland, HS - Freak athlete at 6'4" with raw bat speed that gets you excited. Raw, but plenty of upside.

13. Ryan Boldt, HS - Not one legitimate plus tool, but potentially above-average across the board. Season-ending injury will cause him to fall.

14. Michael Lorenzen, CSF - Plays elite-level defense in CF with a big arm. Hit tool has serious questions. ML comp. is Drew Stubbs w/ less power. Floor is Brandon Barnes-type bench guy. Elite defense is hard to ignore.

15. KJ Woods, HS - Monster arm and huge raw power. Good enough athlete to play right – loses value if he moves to first. Will probably go to college.

16. Stephen Wrenn, HS - Plus-plus runner with plus defense in CF. Puts ball in play. Juan Pierre-type.

17. Justin Williams, HS - Raw power is legit. Hate his swing and the vibe he gives off in interview. Will struggle against advanced pitching. For where he's ranked, no thanks. Should go to LSU.

18. Matt McPhearson, HS - Probably fastest runner in entire draft. Plays good D in CF. Another Juan Pierre-type.

19. Terry McClure, HS - Big-time athlete with intriguing hitting upside. CF profile.

20. Ivan Wilson, HS - Good athlete with tools. Super-raw. Project in every sense.

#2013 mlb draft

2013 MLB Draft: My Top 20 Corner Infielders

Read our collaborative CIF rankings at TCB. These are my personal rankings.

1. Kris Bryant, 3B, San Diego - Seems to be getting over-hyped just a bit. 80 power is just thrown around. Jayson Werth is a great comparison. He's going to play RF.

2. Colin Moran, 3B, UNC - Arguably the best hitter in the draft. Good enough to wind up at 3B, hit .300/.400 with 20-25 homers during prime.

3. DJ Peterson, 3B, New Mexico - Bat + approach are on Moran's level. Probably moves to 1B. Like Moran, .300/.400 with 20 HRs, during prime, is in play.

4. Eric Jagielo, 3B, Notre Dame - Potential to be plus hitter with solid pop. Underwhelming defense. Average MLB 3B upside.

5. Dominic Smith, 1B, HS - Swing needs work overall, but already a good hitter. Could become plus w/ polish. Good defensively, with a plus arm that would play really well in RF.

6. Rowdy Tellez, 1B, HS - Not a huge fan of the swing, but has a good approach and HUGE raw power. Average defensively. Mammouth guy at 6'5", 250.

7. Chad Pinder, 3B, Virginia Tech - Poor man's Matty D. He's improved every year.

8. Ryon Healy, 3B, Oregon - Advanced hitter with unrealized power. Looks goofy at third, but think he finds a way to stick.

9. Cavan Biggio, 3B, HS - Chance to be a really really good hitter, but one-ish tool player with no true position.

10. Trey Williams, 3B, College of Canyons - One of the biggest enigmas in the draft. Very good athlete who possesses high upside w/ bat. Concerns with swing and intangibles.

11. Travis Demeritte, SS, HS - Pretty, pretty swing. Stance needs major work. Could develop above-average power. Will move to 3B.

12. Trey Michalczewski, 3B, HS - Good athlete, nice frame, intriguing upside at the plate.

13. Cory Simpson, 1B, HS - Monster power with quick swing. No other tools.

14. Zack Collins, 1B, HS - Solid upside with bat + power. Not much else.

15. Joey Martarano, 3B, HS - Tools to be ranked higher. Power and defense are good at 3B. Boise State scholarship for football scares me away.

16. Ryan McMahon, 3B, HS - Chance to be plus defensively. Not the biggest fan of the swing.

17. Kevin Franklin, 3B, HS - Above-average raw power. Big arm. Might not be good enough to stick at 3B. 1B move likely.

18. Matt Oberste, 1B, Oklahoma - Solid hitter with 20-homer potential. Could be fringe starter in MLs.

19. Drew Ward, 3B, HS - Power is only real tool. There's definitely upside.

20. Brian Ragira, 1B, Stanford - Power potential, not much else. Bench player at next level.

#2013 mlb draft

2013 MLB Draft: My Top 20 Middle Infielders

Read our collaborative MIF rankings on TCB. These are my personal rankings.

1. Tim Anderson, SS, JuCo - Love everything about him as a hitter. 70 runner to boot. The former bball player is athletic enough to stick at SS, but weak arm will force a move to 2B/CF. Legit star potential.

2. Jan Hernandez, SS, HS - High upside w/ the bat. Will probably move to third.

3. Oscar Mercado, SS, HS - Lack of focus and lackluster season has him lower than he should be, but has the tools to be a very good player. Won't change positions.

4. JP Crawford, SS, HS - Has a chance to be a star at short. I don't like his swing. I also don't like the fact that his effort can be inconsistent. Old for class.

5. Dustin Peterson, SS, HS - Won't stick at short, but one of the best HS hitters in the class. Reminds me of Rio Ruiz.

6. Malik Collymore, 2B, HS - Big upside with the bat. Chance to be solid 2B as well. Late riser.

7. Hunter Dozier, SS, Stephen F. Austin State - Big tools combined with great numbers this season, but might struggle hitting in pro ball. If he can consistently make good contact, watch out.

8. Jacoby Jones, 2B, LSU - Insane toolset, but won't matter if he can't hit, and don't have much confidence in him doing so.

9. Andy McGuire, SS, HS - Has solid tools all-around, but don't like his swing much. Won't stick at SS.

10. Brandon Trinkwon, SS, Santa Barbara - Good defender with a chance to be a solid hitter. Weak arm will force a move from short.

11. LJ Mazzilli, 2B, UConn - Solid across the board. Profiles as a useful utility player in the future.

12. Adam Frazier, SS, MSU - *tries not to make Nolan Fontana comparison*

13. Connor Heady, SS, HS - Poor man's Adam Everett holds a special place in my heart.

14. Garrett Hampson, SS, HS - Poor man's Tim Anderson, all the way down to the basketball background. Weak arm will also force a move to 2B/CF.

15. Trae Arbet, SS, HS - Chance to be above-average defensively at SS. Bat has average potential.

16. Riley Unroe, SS, HS - Average tools with plus speed and chance to be slightly above-average at the plate.

17. Chris Rivera, SS, HS - The most polarizing player on this list. Tools warrant a much higher ranking, but consistently underachieves. Any time a prospect hits below .200 in HS it's a red flag.

18. Errol Robinson, SS, HS - This is where things get real murky. Chance to be average player. That's about it.

19. Tucker Neuhhaus, SS, HS - No standout tools. Average across the board. Could develop some pop. Probably a 3B.

20. Wesley Jones, SS, HS - Utility/backup upside.

#2013 mlb draft

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