12/16/13

Nine Baseball - December 2013 - Mock




1. Houston Astros- Carlos Rodon, LHP, North Carolina State
As close to a slam dunk as it gets at number one. Rodon features a nasty mid-90s fastball with plenty of armside run, a big league slider and a developing change. He has the frame, the stuff, and demonstrated in Omaha last year the competitive drive clubs love out of a top pick.
 
2. Miami Marlins – Jeff Hoffman, RHP, East Carolina
I see LHP Carlos Rodon as the frontrunner coming into the 2014 season, but I think it could be closer than people realize. East Carolina RHP Jeff Hoffman is the number two prospect in this draft and could make a run at the #1 pick by the time June rolls around as a 6’4 RHP who sits mid 90s with a plus curveball.
 
3. Chicago White Sox- Tyler Kolek, RHP, Shepherd (TX) HS
The 6’6’’ 250lb. Texan is comparable to Noah Syndergaard in repertoire and pedigree. He features an explosive fastball capable of triple digits, a biting curve in the low 80s, and an average changeup. His combination of athleticism, live arm, and size will keep him at the top of draft boards.
 
4. Chicago Cubs – Michael Gettys, OF, Gainesville (GA) HS
I have had Gettys as the number 1 player in the 2014 HS class since he put on a show at the National Showcase. The 6’2, 200 OF runs a 6.4, has a 100 mph arm from the OF, and has some elite bat speed. He is a two-way prospect who sits in the low 90s on the mound as well, but his future is in the OF.
 
5. Minnesota Twins- Alex Jackson, C/OF, Rancho Bernardo (CA) HS
With Joe Mauer moving to 1B the Twins need their next catcher of the future, and very well may get it in Jackson. He has the arm and blocking skills to be a Major League catcher, but he could face a similar fate if his hit tool develops like some think it will. A sound athlete that could have a future in the outfield as well.
 
6. Seattle Mariners – Grant Holmes, RHP, Conway (SC) HS
In a HS class that may have the best pitching of any class in recent memory, I see Holmes as the top arm. The 6’2, 190 RHP sits 92-94 and dialed it up to 97 in Jupiter with his BB being a true out-pitch as well. Dominated at National Showcase, East Coast Pro, and PG All-American.
 
7. Philadelphia Phillies- Marcus Wilson, OF, Serra (CA) HS
Philadelphia loves high upside athletes with a deep toolbox, as evidenced by recent drafts, and Marcus Wilson fits that description to a “T”. A nice blend of arm strength, bat speed, easy actions, range, and speed along with an extremely projectable frame make Wilson one of the most intriguing players in the draft.
 
8. Colorado Rockies – Braxton Davidson, 1B, T.C. Roberson (NC) HS
Davidson was named the Nine Baseball Summer Player of the Year after his fantastic showing this summer. He comes into the year as the best pure hitter in the HS class with some massive power, including a three homer showing at the Tournament of Stars. It is easy to dream on how well he would do out in Colorado.
 
9. Toronto Blue Jays- Jacob Gatewood, SS, Clovis (CA) HS
With Toronto having their two protected picks split by the Mets, they are likely to consider New York’s needs when making their first pick. Gatewood is a tall, athletic shortstop with one of the biggest bats in the draft, but many project his arm and lateral movement may take him to third. Above-average athleticism, build, and his potential power make him an exciting prospect.
 
10. New York Mets – Trea Turner, SS, North Carolina State
Turner had a fantastic freshman season at N.C. State and has continued to prove to be one of the elite players in college baseball. He is a game changer who can do almost anything on the field and would be a steal at the 10th pick in the draft for the Mets.
 

7 comments:

Dan said...

I want Tyler Beede. Like reallllllllyyyyyy want him to be drafted by him. I would also like Gatewood, but since he was gone and it wan't Beede I guess I'd be fine with Turner. That said I don't that much knowledge on the draft yet. I'd also love a LHP, but idk if anyone is a fit.

Mack Ade said...

I think Beede will be around when the Mets pick #10 but Sandy likes to go High School with his number one pick.

If you like lefties, check out Kodi Medeiros

Kevin said...

The hope needs to be that High School arms have solid breakout years making it hard for teams above us to pass them up. This could realistically drop Turner, Gatewood or Jackson to us at #10.

Would be really bummed to see Beede or Gatewood land in Philly.

Mack Ade said...

Kevin, there are about 17-18 top tier players in this draft with half of them being RHPs

It will hard for the Mets to screw up this pick

Anonymous said...

Deep draft? That's great. Now all they need to do is pick the best pitcher available at the 10th pick and then do the same with their next few picks as well.

Just keep producing high quality starting pitchers and every year they'll be able to do another Docket trade. Develop the arms, let other teams develop the bats, and you just pick the ones you want lAter on after they've gotten closer to the big leagues.

Next year when Harvey is back, the Mets will trade Nurse before the season starts. They get a few more top prospects. If they keep drafting the best arms possible, that system shouldn't change.

Mack Ade said...

Anonymous -

There are 5 great HS RHP - Tyler Kolek, Grant Holmes, Touki Touissant, Dylan Cease, and Luis Ortiz

Beede and Jeff Hoffman are top tier college RHP

The guy you hope falls here is Holmes, but don't be surprised that the 'best player available' isn't another SS

Anonymous said...

Gettys would be my ideal pick at 10. However, if he's gone, I'd be just fine with Holmes. Followed by the lefty, Aiken.