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ARIZONA DIAMONDBACKS
Few teams had as many top picks perform as well as the Diamondbacks. If toolsy talents such as Williams, Bray and McPhearson come together, this class could go from good to great.
BONUS SPENDING: $7.12 million
POSITION PLAYERS
BEST PURE HITTER: He didn’t see a ton of elite pitching in high school, but OF Justin Williams (2) adjusted quickly to pro ball, finishing up at low Class A South Bend after tearing through two Rookie levels. His present strength helps him drive the ball consistently. » BEST POWER HITTER: Some scouts thought Williams had the most raw power in the high school class, but 1B Daniel Palka (3) led the Atlantic Coast Conference in home runs (17) and slugging (.637) before hitting nine more homers and slugging .516 in 252 at-bats in his debut. » FASTEST RUNNER: Many scouts considered OF Matt McPhearson (4) the draft’s fastest premium prospect, earning 80 grades on the 20-80 scale when he’s healthy, with a 6.22-second 60-yard dash time. He was slowed by a hamstring injury this spring but stole 15 bases in 18 tries after signing despite a modest .200/.311/.238 start. » BEST DEFENSIVE PLAYER: OF Colin Bray (6) is a 70 runner and long strider in center field, and he has plenty of arm strength.
PITCHERS
BEST FASTBALL: Arizona loaded up on big arms. Athletic RHP Braden Shipley (1) can sit in the 94-98 mph range. RHP Aaron Blair (1s) has heavy sinking life on an 88-94 mph heater that touches higher, while LHP Daniel Gibson (7) reaches 95 from the bullpen. » BEST SECONDARY PITCH: RHP Jimmy Sherfy (10) has a lot of effort in his low-slot delivery but produces plus sliders with mid-80s velocity.
ODDS AND ENDS
BEST PRO DEBUT: Palka and Williams, who may have overachieved in batting .351/.397/.452 with 18 doubles in 208 at-bats over three levels. Sherfy had seven saves and 29 strikeouts in 17 innings, half of them at South Bend. Blair, Gibson and Shipley also pitched for the Silver Hawks in the Midwest League playoffs. » BEST ATHLETE: Shipley, who was recruited as a shortstop, is a fifth infielder after he delivers a pitch, and he ranks right with Bray and McPhearson. » MOST INTRIGUING BACKGROUND: OF Cory Hahn (34) was one of the nation’s top freshman outfielders in 2011 when he injured his spine on a slide while playing for Arizona State, leaving him partially paralyzed from the neck down. He’s remained an inspirational part of the Sun Devils community, which the hometown Diamondbacks honored by drafting him. Shipley’s cousin Jordan was an NFL wide receiver. Four of McPhearson’s brothers played college football, including Gerrick, who was an NFL draftee.
» CLOSEST TO THE MAJORS: Sherfy and Gibson are quick-moving college relievers. » BEST LATE-ROUND PICK: OF Jacob Cordero (11) got $135,000 for his athleticism and bat speed. » THE ONE WHO GOT AWAY: RHP Andy Ravel (21) took his polished four-pitch mix and projectable upper-80s fastball to Kent State.
ATLANTA BRAVES
Atlanta has sped players to the majors in recent years, and Hursh, Wren and Caratini could join that parade. Considering their track record with junior-college products, keep an eye on Brosius and Oliver as well.
BONUS SPENDING: $4.73 million
POSITION PLAYERS
BEST PURE HITTER: Victor Caratini (2) hit .377 in the spring at Miami-Dade CC, then rapped 23 doubles and hit .290/.415/.430 in his pro debut. He has a polished approach and compact, line-drive swing. He’s converting from third base to catcher in instructional league. » BEST POWER HITTER: The Braves believe Caratini will translate some of his doubles into home runs with more experience against pro pitching. Scouts outside the organization aren’t as sure due to a flat bat path. » FASTEST RUNNER: Scouts thought OF Kyle Wren (8) slowed down in 2012 as an eligible sophomore, but his explosive speed was back in 2013. It plays on the bases and in center field. » BEST DEFENSIVE PLAYER: C Tanner Murphy (4) will trail Caratini developmentally, but he has better raw tools defensively, with good hands and arm strength.
PITCHERS
BEST FASTBALL: RHP Jason Hursh (1) is a Tommy John survivor who can pitch from 92-98 mph with his fastball as a starter, with heavy life at times. RHP Carlos Salazar (3) has reached 97 mph as a starter and has a strong build to maintain his velocity. » BEST SECONDARY PITCH: RHP Tyler Brosius (21) hadn’t pitched in two years but picked up a cutter/slider at Walters State (Tenn.) JC this spring. By the end of the year, he was throwing it with power at up to 87 mph while also throwing a solid, hard curveball.
ODDS AND ENDS
BEST PRO DEBUT: Wren was too good for Rookie-level Danville (9-for-22), then hit .328/.382/.456 for low Class A Rome. He ranked third in the organization with 35 steals despite playing just 53 games. Brosius struck out 35 in 27 innings and joined Wren in Rome. Hursh didn’t give up a run in his first 18 innings, spanning into the second inning of his seventh start. » BEST ATHLETE: RHP Alec Grosser (11) has excellent athleticism for a pitcher. He was a prep quarterback and throws plenty of strikes from a low three-quarters slot. He also has the hand speed to improve his below-average breaking ball. OF Connor Oliver (23) is the best athlete among position players. » MOST INTRIGUING BACKGROUND: Wren’s father Frank is the Braves’ general manager. Brosius originally attended North Carolina State as a quarterback, where he sat behind current NFL quarterbacks Mike Glennon and Russell Wilson. After he quit football in August 2012, he turned to baseball after a two-year hiatus and finished his debut in full-season ball. 3B Dylan Manwaring (9) is the son of former big league C Kirt. Unsigned OF Jacob Heyward (38) is the younger brother of Braves OF Jason. » CLOSEST TO THE MAJORS: Hursh and Wren. » BEST LATE-ROUND PICK: Brosius and Grosser, who signed for $400,000. » THE ONE WHO GOT AWAY: The Braves made a hard run at 1B Tyler Kuresa (14), who returned to UC Santa Barbara. Prep OF Stephen Wrenn (28) took his intriguing speed to Georgia.
BALTIMORE ORIOLES
Baltimore had a young draft focused on high-upside preps, but still found potential college contributors in Bierfeldt, Brault and Keller. A farm system in need of depth got an infusion of it.
BONUS SPENDING: $6.35 million
POSITION PLAYERS
BEST PURE HITTER: The Orioles are excited about C Chance Sisco (2), mostly because of his bat. He has tremendous plate discipline for his age, natural rhythm and a feel for the barrel of the bat with some strength from the left side. » BEST POWER HITTER: OF Conor Bierfeldt (12) was a Division III stud as a two-way player, and he has the Orioles intrigued with his well above-average raw power. The 6-foot-2, 220-pounder does a lot right in the batter’s box, from a short swing with strength and leverage to getting plenty of extension and using the opposite field. » FASTEST RUNNER: OF Josh Hart (1s) earns 70 grades on the 20-80 scale for his 3.98-second times to first base. » BEST DEFENSIVE PLAYER: OF Mike Yastrzemski (14) has solid defensive tools, with an average, accurate arm and slightly above-average speed. He layers on tremendous instincts and skilled footwork and routes in center.
PITCHERS
BEST FASTBALL: RHP Hunter Harvey (1) has a fresh, lively arm with a fastball that sits in the low 90s and has touched 97, and it’s easy to project more consistent premium velocity. RHP Jon Keller (22) was expected to get drafted higher thanks to a 90-95 mph fastball that comes out easy. He has also touched 97. » BEST SECONDARY PITCH: Harvey’s curveball flashes plus; the Orioles describe it as “electric” thanks to his good hand speed. LHP Stephen Tarpley (3) also flashes plus with his curve.
ODDS AND ENDS
BEST PRO DEBUT: Sisco fell short of the playing time to qualify for the batting title (.371/.475/.464 in 97 at-bats) but dominated the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League before a promotion to short-season Aberdeen. Bierfeldt led Aberdeen to its first-ever playoff berth, ranking second in the New York-Penn League with 12 homers and leading it in slugging while hitting .264/.351/.511. 1B Trey Mancini (8), who also has plus raw power, set Aberdeen’s single-season hits record (84) while batting .328/.382/.449. » BEST ATHLETE: Hart. » MOST INTRIGUING BACKGROUND: Yastrzemski is the grandson of Hall of Famer Carl. Harvey’s father Bryan was a two-time all-star closer with the Angels and Marlins. 3B Federico Castagnini (30) was born and raised in Italy before moving to Colorado in high school and then playing at Creighton. LHP Travis Seabrooke (5) is the son of former NHL player Glen. » CLOSEST TO THE MAJORS: The Orioles see Harvey moving quickly, but Keller could beat him if he relieves. » BEST LATE-ROUND PICK: Keller, Bierfeldt and LHP Steven Brault (11), a polished Colorado product who is a good enough singer to have performed the national anthem prior to a Northwoods League game last summer. » THE ONE WHO GOT AWAY: The new coaching staff at Georgia successfully re-recruited projectable RHP Robert Tyler (28).
BOSTON RED SOX
Boston invested heavily in building pitching depth in this draft, taking Ball as the first high school lefthander in the draft, and Denney, who looked like a first-round pick heading into the spring.
BONUS SPENDING: $6.24 million
POSITION PLAYERS
BEST PURE HITTER: OF Nick Longhi (30) could become an above-average hitter, with an easy swing, quick bat and an ability to use the whole field. The righthanded hitter faces questions about his ability to hit for power in games but has above-average raw power. » BEST POWER HITTER: C Jonathan Denney (3) has natural strength in his 6-foot-2, 205-pound frame and plus raw power, especially to his pull side. His power might not show up in games right away, as he is still learning to hit and adjusting to quality breaking stuff. » FASTEST RUNNER: OF Bryan Hudson (15) did not get many looks this spring but is a well above-average runner with a quick first step. He is working on getting out of the box quicker. NDFA OF Jervenski Johnson from Louisiana can run the 60-yard dash in 6.4 seconds. » BEST DEFENSIVE PLAYER: SS Mauricio Dubon (26) is a former soccer player who grew up in Honduras and moved to California during high school. He has great body control and feet, soft hands and the ability to throw from all angles.
PITCHERS
BEST FASTBALL: Physical 6-foot-5, 225-pound RHP Joe Gunkel (18) was the talk of instructional league after showing a 90-94 mph fastball with life and command from a low arm slot. RHP Myles Smith (4) can touch 97 mph, and RHP Teddy Stankiewicz (2) can touch 96. » BEST SECONDARY PITCH: LHP Corey Littrell (5) has a plus changeup that flashes even better. Stankiewicz can get caught between two breaking balls at times, but his slider has plus potential. LHP Trey Ball (1) has the makings of a plus curveball.
ODDS AND ENDS
BEST PRO DEBUT: Gunkel struck out 43 percent of the New York-Penn League hitters he faced, with a nearly 11-1 strikeout-walk ratio and 1.29 ERA in 20 innings. RHP Kyle Martin (9) had an inconsistent arm slot and velocity at Texas A&M. Boston raised his slot, and the 6-foot-6 Martin’s velocity returned to 91-95 mph, and he registered a 1.25 ERA at two stops. » BEST ATHLETE: A lean 6-foot-6, 185-pound athlete, Ball is a plus runner who showed potential with the bat and can dunk a basketball. RHP Jalen Williams (16) has a low-90s fastball and was committed to Nicholls State as a wide receiver. At 6-foot-5, 190 pounds, Johnson has rare athleticism and was committed to Southeast Louisiana as a football/ baseball athlete. » MOST INTRIGUING BACKGROUND: OF Jeff Driskel (29) was Florida’s starting quarterback this fall but was lost for the season to a leg injury. LHP Gabe Speier (19) is the nephew of Reds bench coach and former major leaguer Chris. Littrell’s father Jack played in the minors and his grandfather played in the majors. » CLOSEST TO THE MAJORS: Gunkel as a reliever and Littrell as a starter. » BEST LATE-ROUND PICK: Longhi netted $400,000, the most of four over-slot signings after the 10th round; Gunkel for under slot. » THE ONE WHO GOT AWAY: OF Ryan Boldt (22) entered the year as a potential first-rounder, but a knee injury clouded his outlook, so he's now at Nebraska.
CHICAGO CUBS
Bryant was too good for the pitching-starved Cubs to pass up. They went for volume with their pitchers thereafter, with Zastryzny likely to help soon and Clifton the biggest wild card.
BONUS SPENDING: $11.1 million
POSITION PLAYERS
BEST PURE HITTER: 3B Kris Bryant (1) spread out at the plate this spring, keeping his head still and lower while reducing his overall pre-swing movement. That cut down on his swing-and-miss tendencies, and he hit .336 in 128 at-bats in his pro debut. » BEST POWER HITTER: Bryant’s showed his top-of-the-scale raw power all spring, hitting 31 homers to earn BA’s College Player of the Year award, and as a pro, as he hit nine homers and slugged .688. » FASTEST RUNNER: OF Carcer Burks (9) turned in 6.5-second 60-yard times in a predraft workout. OF Jacob Hannemann (3) isn’t as fast out of the batter’s box but flies once under way. » BEST DEFENSIVE PLAYER: Hannemann could stand to add polish, but he outruns his mistakes in center field. C Will Remillard (19) got a $150,000 bonus mostly for his catch-and-throw skills, with his arm being his best tool.
PITCHERS
BEST FASTBALL: Six-foot-7 RHP Scott Frazier (6) tops out at 97 mph and sits in the 94-96 range, but right now he doesn’t generate many swings and misses. LHP Rob Zastryzny (2) sits at 90-91 but adds and subtracts, throws strikes and gets many more swings and misses in the strike zone with his heater. RHP Trey Masek (5) has touched 95 with life. » BEST SECONDARY PITCH: RHP Tyler Skulina (4) stands out for his hard, late power slider in the low 80s.
ODDS AND ENDS
BEST PRO DEBUT: Bryant helped Daytona win the high Class A Florida State League title, hitting .350 in the playoffs. RHP Zack Godley (10) helped Boise reach the short-season Northwest League finals, going 2-0, 2.03 overall with 28 strikeouts in 27 innings. » BEST ATHLETE: Hannemann redshirted for Brigham Young’s football team as a 6-foot-1, 195-pound defensive back, then raked in the spring for BYU’s baseball team after having missed two years while serving on his Mormon mission. He’s strong, fast and explosive » MOST INTRIGUING BACKGROUND: Hannemann, who also is distantly related to assistant general manager for scouting/player development Jason McLeod. RHP Daniel Poncedeleon (14) signed a term sheet but failed his physical, so the Cubs didn't sign him. He has been ruled ineligible to return to his college team, though Houston is appealing the NCAA’s decision. » CLOSEST TO THE MAJORS: Bryant won’t need long at all with the bat; the only question is if he’ll play third base or move to an outfield corner. » BEST LATE-ROUND PICK: RHP Trevor Clifton (12) signed for $375,000. He fell thanks to a raw delivery and his green makeup, but his arm strength produces 91-94 mph fastballs and he flashes plus secondary stuff. He needs a lot of polish. » THE ONE WHO GOT AWAY: Poncedeleon, as well as C Jeremy Martinez (37), a physically mature, strong-bodied centerpiece of Southern California’s recruiting class.
CHICAGO WHITE SOX
Chicago loaded up on power arms like RHP Andrew Mitchell (4), Lowry and Danish, and focused on athletic up-the-middle position players, getting one of the draft’s best athletes in Anderson.
BONUS SPENDING: $5.28 million
POSITION PLAYERS
BEST PURE HITTER: From a wiry build with strong wrists and forearms, SS Tim Anderson (1) has an easy and simple swing, compact path and above-average bat speed. » BEST POWER HITTER: The athletic, switch-hitting 3B Trey Michalczewski (7) has natural strength, bat speed and leverage in his swing, and could eventually hit at least 20 home runs a season. » FASTEST RUNNER: Chicago prioritized athleticism, and came away with three runners who grade as 70 or better on the 20-80 scale: Anderson, OF Adam Engel (19) and OF Jacob May (3). May doesn't maximize his speed out of the box because of a big hack and is learning to use his speed, but he ran the 60-yard dash in 6.3 seconds at his predraft workout. » BEST DEFENSIVE PLAYER: Engel has first-step quickness and gets good reads in center and a fringy but accurate arm.
PITCHERS
BEST FASTBALL: Physical 6-foot-4, 228-pound RHP Brad Goldberg (10) sat 94-96 mph out of the bullpen with above-average sink. RHP Thaddius Lowry (5) can touch 96. RHP Tyler Danish (2) sits in the low 90s from a low arm slot with plus-plus movement at his best and plus command.
» BEST SECONDARY PITCH: Danish has a plus slider and an emerging changeup that flashes plus.
ODDS AND ENDS
BEST PRO DEBUT: SS Toby Thomas (21) hit .319/.329/.462 for Rookie-level Bristol, May hit .286/.346/.461 at low Class A Kannapolis and Engel hit .301/.379/.414 at Rookie-level Great Falls and led the Pioneer League with 31 steals. Goldberg posted a 1.54 ERA across three levels, and Danish had a 1.38 ERA in 26 Appy League innings. » BEST ATHLETE: A standout high school basketball player, Anderson is an outstanding athlete with speed, quickness and natural strength. » MOST INTRIGUING BACKGROUND: May comes from a strong baseball lineage. His father (Lee Jr.) was a 1986 first-rounder and is the Mariners hitting coordinator, his grandfather (Lee Sr.) was a three time all-star outfielder and his uncle Carlos played 10 seasons in the majors. RHP James Dykstra (6), whose fastball touches 94 mph, is the brother of 2006 first-rounder Allan. 1B Cody Yount (37) is the nephew of Hall of Famer Robin and the son of former big league pitcher Larry. » CLOSEST TO THE MAJORS: In a system with a track record of moving arms quickly, Goldberg, who finished at high Class A, has a chance to move swiftly in the bullpen if his slider continues to develop. Danish could move as quickly as any high school pitcher because of his advanced stuff, command and bulldog mentality. » BEST LATE-ROUND PICK: Engel at slot. RHP Matt Ball (11), a projectable 6-foot-5, 195 pounder who touches the low 90s, was the only over-slot selection after the 10th round, signing for $150,000. » THE ONE WHO GOT AWAY: Chicago signed all but four of its picks. LHP Tavo Rodriguez (33), who had inconsistent velocity but was up to 93 mph at times, will attend Oklahoma.
Few teams had as many top picks perform as well as the Diamondbacks. If toolsy talents such as Williams, Bray and McPhearson come together, this class could go from good to great.
BONUS SPENDING: $7.12 million
POSITION PLAYERS
BEST PURE HITTER: He didn’t see a ton of elite pitching in high school, but OF Justin Williams (2) adjusted quickly to pro ball, finishing up at low Class A South Bend after tearing through two Rookie levels. His present strength helps him drive the ball consistently. » BEST POWER HITTER: Some scouts thought Williams had the most raw power in the high school class, but 1B Daniel Palka (3) led the Atlantic Coast Conference in home runs (17) and slugging (.637) before hitting nine more homers and slugging .516 in 252 at-bats in his debut. » FASTEST RUNNER: Many scouts considered OF Matt McPhearson (4) the draft’s fastest premium prospect, earning 80 grades on the 20-80 scale when he’s healthy, with a 6.22-second 60-yard dash time. He was slowed by a hamstring injury this spring but stole 15 bases in 18 tries after signing despite a modest .200/.311/.238 start. » BEST DEFENSIVE PLAYER: OF Colin Bray (6) is a 70 runner and long strider in center field, and he has plenty of arm strength.
PITCHERS
BEST FASTBALL: Arizona loaded up on big arms. Athletic RHP Braden Shipley (1) can sit in the 94-98 mph range. RHP Aaron Blair (1s) has heavy sinking life on an 88-94 mph heater that touches higher, while LHP Daniel Gibson (7) reaches 95 from the bullpen. » BEST SECONDARY PITCH: RHP Jimmy Sherfy (10) has a lot of effort in his low-slot delivery but produces plus sliders with mid-80s velocity.
ODDS AND ENDS
BEST PRO DEBUT: Palka and Williams, who may have overachieved in batting .351/.397/.452 with 18 doubles in 208 at-bats over three levels. Sherfy had seven saves and 29 strikeouts in 17 innings, half of them at South Bend. Blair, Gibson and Shipley also pitched for the Silver Hawks in the Midwest League playoffs. » BEST ATHLETE: Shipley, who was recruited as a shortstop, is a fifth infielder after he delivers a pitch, and he ranks right with Bray and McPhearson. » MOST INTRIGUING BACKGROUND: OF Cory Hahn (34) was one of the nation’s top freshman outfielders in 2011 when he injured his spine on a slide while playing for Arizona State, leaving him partially paralyzed from the neck down. He’s remained an inspirational part of the Sun Devils community, which the hometown Diamondbacks honored by drafting him. Shipley’s cousin Jordan was an NFL wide receiver. Four of McPhearson’s brothers played college football, including Gerrick, who was an NFL draftee.
» CLOSEST TO THE MAJORS: Sherfy and Gibson are quick-moving college relievers. » BEST LATE-ROUND PICK: OF Jacob Cordero (11) got $135,000 for his athleticism and bat speed. » THE ONE WHO GOT AWAY: RHP Andy Ravel (21) took his polished four-pitch mix and projectable upper-80s fastball to Kent State.
ATLANTA BRAVES
Atlanta has sped players to the majors in recent years, and Hursh, Wren and Caratini could join that parade. Considering their track record with junior-college products, keep an eye on Brosius and Oliver as well.
BONUS SPENDING: $4.73 million
POSITION PLAYERS
BEST PURE HITTER: Victor Caratini (2) hit .377 in the spring at Miami-Dade CC, then rapped 23 doubles and hit .290/.415/.430 in his pro debut. He has a polished approach and compact, line-drive swing. He’s converting from third base to catcher in instructional league. » BEST POWER HITTER: The Braves believe Caratini will translate some of his doubles into home runs with more experience against pro pitching. Scouts outside the organization aren’t as sure due to a flat bat path. » FASTEST RUNNER: Scouts thought OF Kyle Wren (8) slowed down in 2012 as an eligible sophomore, but his explosive speed was back in 2013. It plays on the bases and in center field. » BEST DEFENSIVE PLAYER: C Tanner Murphy (4) will trail Caratini developmentally, but he has better raw tools defensively, with good hands and arm strength.
PITCHERS
BEST FASTBALL: RHP Jason Hursh (1) is a Tommy John survivor who can pitch from 92-98 mph with his fastball as a starter, with heavy life at times. RHP Carlos Salazar (3) has reached 97 mph as a starter and has a strong build to maintain his velocity. » BEST SECONDARY PITCH: RHP Tyler Brosius (21) hadn’t pitched in two years but picked up a cutter/slider at Walters State (Tenn.) JC this spring. By the end of the year, he was throwing it with power at up to 87 mph while also throwing a solid, hard curveball.
ODDS AND ENDS
BEST PRO DEBUT: Wren was too good for Rookie-level Danville (9-for-22), then hit .328/.382/.456 for low Class A Rome. He ranked third in the organization with 35 steals despite playing just 53 games. Brosius struck out 35 in 27 innings and joined Wren in Rome. Hursh didn’t give up a run in his first 18 innings, spanning into the second inning of his seventh start. » BEST ATHLETE: RHP Alec Grosser (11) has excellent athleticism for a pitcher. He was a prep quarterback and throws plenty of strikes from a low three-quarters slot. He also has the hand speed to improve his below-average breaking ball. OF Connor Oliver (23) is the best athlete among position players. » MOST INTRIGUING BACKGROUND: Wren’s father Frank is the Braves’ general manager. Brosius originally attended North Carolina State as a quarterback, where he sat behind current NFL quarterbacks Mike Glennon and Russell Wilson. After he quit football in August 2012, he turned to baseball after a two-year hiatus and finished his debut in full-season ball. 3B Dylan Manwaring (9) is the son of former big league C Kirt. Unsigned OF Jacob Heyward (38) is the younger brother of Braves OF Jason. » CLOSEST TO THE MAJORS: Hursh and Wren. » BEST LATE-ROUND PICK: Brosius and Grosser, who signed for $400,000. » THE ONE WHO GOT AWAY: The Braves made a hard run at 1B Tyler Kuresa (14), who returned to UC Santa Barbara. Prep OF Stephen Wrenn (28) took his intriguing speed to Georgia.
BALTIMORE ORIOLES
Baltimore had a young draft focused on high-upside preps, but still found potential college contributors in Bierfeldt, Brault and Keller. A farm system in need of depth got an infusion of it.
BONUS SPENDING: $6.35 million
POSITION PLAYERS
BEST PURE HITTER: The Orioles are excited about C Chance Sisco (2), mostly because of his bat. He has tremendous plate discipline for his age, natural rhythm and a feel for the barrel of the bat with some strength from the left side. » BEST POWER HITTER: OF Conor Bierfeldt (12) was a Division III stud as a two-way player, and he has the Orioles intrigued with his well above-average raw power. The 6-foot-2, 220-pounder does a lot right in the batter’s box, from a short swing with strength and leverage to getting plenty of extension and using the opposite field. » FASTEST RUNNER: OF Josh Hart (1s) earns 70 grades on the 20-80 scale for his 3.98-second times to first base. » BEST DEFENSIVE PLAYER: OF Mike Yastrzemski (14) has solid defensive tools, with an average, accurate arm and slightly above-average speed. He layers on tremendous instincts and skilled footwork and routes in center.
PITCHERS
BEST FASTBALL: RHP Hunter Harvey (1) has a fresh, lively arm with a fastball that sits in the low 90s and has touched 97, and it’s easy to project more consistent premium velocity. RHP Jon Keller (22) was expected to get drafted higher thanks to a 90-95 mph fastball that comes out easy. He has also touched 97. » BEST SECONDARY PITCH: Harvey’s curveball flashes plus; the Orioles describe it as “electric” thanks to his good hand speed. LHP Stephen Tarpley (3) also flashes plus with his curve.
ODDS AND ENDS
BEST PRO DEBUT: Sisco fell short of the playing time to qualify for the batting title (.371/.475/.464 in 97 at-bats) but dominated the Rookie-level Gulf Coast League before a promotion to short-season Aberdeen. Bierfeldt led Aberdeen to its first-ever playoff berth, ranking second in the New York-Penn League with 12 homers and leading it in slugging while hitting .264/.351/.511. 1B Trey Mancini (8), who also has plus raw power, set Aberdeen’s single-season hits record (84) while batting .328/.382/.449. » BEST ATHLETE: Hart. » MOST INTRIGUING BACKGROUND: Yastrzemski is the grandson of Hall of Famer Carl. Harvey’s father Bryan was a two-time all-star closer with the Angels and Marlins. 3B Federico Castagnini (30) was born and raised in Italy before moving to Colorado in high school and then playing at Creighton. LHP Travis Seabrooke (5) is the son of former NHL player Glen. » CLOSEST TO THE MAJORS: The Orioles see Harvey moving quickly, but Keller could beat him if he relieves. » BEST LATE-ROUND PICK: Keller, Bierfeldt and LHP Steven Brault (11), a polished Colorado product who is a good enough singer to have performed the national anthem prior to a Northwoods League game last summer. » THE ONE WHO GOT AWAY: The new coaching staff at Georgia successfully re-recruited projectable RHP Robert Tyler (28).
BOSTON RED SOX
Boston invested heavily in building pitching depth in this draft, taking Ball as the first high school lefthander in the draft, and Denney, who looked like a first-round pick heading into the spring.
BONUS SPENDING: $6.24 million
POSITION PLAYERS
BEST PURE HITTER: OF Nick Longhi (30) could become an above-average hitter, with an easy swing, quick bat and an ability to use the whole field. The righthanded hitter faces questions about his ability to hit for power in games but has above-average raw power. » BEST POWER HITTER: C Jonathan Denney (3) has natural strength in his 6-foot-2, 205-pound frame and plus raw power, especially to his pull side. His power might not show up in games right away, as he is still learning to hit and adjusting to quality breaking stuff. » FASTEST RUNNER: OF Bryan Hudson (15) did not get many looks this spring but is a well above-average runner with a quick first step. He is working on getting out of the box quicker. NDFA OF Jervenski Johnson from Louisiana can run the 60-yard dash in 6.4 seconds. » BEST DEFENSIVE PLAYER: SS Mauricio Dubon (26) is a former soccer player who grew up in Honduras and moved to California during high school. He has great body control and feet, soft hands and the ability to throw from all angles.
PITCHERS
BEST FASTBALL: Physical 6-foot-5, 225-pound RHP Joe Gunkel (18) was the talk of instructional league after showing a 90-94 mph fastball with life and command from a low arm slot. RHP Myles Smith (4) can touch 97 mph, and RHP Teddy Stankiewicz (2) can touch 96. » BEST SECONDARY PITCH: LHP Corey Littrell (5) has a plus changeup that flashes even better. Stankiewicz can get caught between two breaking balls at times, but his slider has plus potential. LHP Trey Ball (1) has the makings of a plus curveball.
ODDS AND ENDS
BEST PRO DEBUT: Gunkel struck out 43 percent of the New York-Penn League hitters he faced, with a nearly 11-1 strikeout-walk ratio and 1.29 ERA in 20 innings. RHP Kyle Martin (9) had an inconsistent arm slot and velocity at Texas A&M. Boston raised his slot, and the 6-foot-6 Martin’s velocity returned to 91-95 mph, and he registered a 1.25 ERA at two stops. » BEST ATHLETE: A lean 6-foot-6, 185-pound athlete, Ball is a plus runner who showed potential with the bat and can dunk a basketball. RHP Jalen Williams (16) has a low-90s fastball and was committed to Nicholls State as a wide receiver. At 6-foot-5, 190 pounds, Johnson has rare athleticism and was committed to Southeast Louisiana as a football/ baseball athlete. » MOST INTRIGUING BACKGROUND: OF Jeff Driskel (29) was Florida’s starting quarterback this fall but was lost for the season to a leg injury. LHP Gabe Speier (19) is the nephew of Reds bench coach and former major leaguer Chris. Littrell’s father Jack played in the minors and his grandfather played in the majors. » CLOSEST TO THE MAJORS: Gunkel as a reliever and Littrell as a starter. » BEST LATE-ROUND PICK: Longhi netted $400,000, the most of four over-slot signings after the 10th round; Gunkel for under slot. » THE ONE WHO GOT AWAY: OF Ryan Boldt (22) entered the year as a potential first-rounder, but a knee injury clouded his outlook, so he's now at Nebraska.
CHICAGO CUBS
Bryant was too good for the pitching-starved Cubs to pass up. They went for volume with their pitchers thereafter, with Zastryzny likely to help soon and Clifton the biggest wild card.
BONUS SPENDING: $11.1 million
POSITION PLAYERS
BEST PURE HITTER: 3B Kris Bryant (1) spread out at the plate this spring, keeping his head still and lower while reducing his overall pre-swing movement. That cut down on his swing-and-miss tendencies, and he hit .336 in 128 at-bats in his pro debut. » BEST POWER HITTER: Bryant’s showed his top-of-the-scale raw power all spring, hitting 31 homers to earn BA’s College Player of the Year award, and as a pro, as he hit nine homers and slugged .688. » FASTEST RUNNER: OF Carcer Burks (9) turned in 6.5-second 60-yard times in a predraft workout. OF Jacob Hannemann (3) isn’t as fast out of the batter’s box but flies once under way. » BEST DEFENSIVE PLAYER: Hannemann could stand to add polish, but he outruns his mistakes in center field. C Will Remillard (19) got a $150,000 bonus mostly for his catch-and-throw skills, with his arm being his best tool.
PITCHERS
BEST FASTBALL: Six-foot-7 RHP Scott Frazier (6) tops out at 97 mph and sits in the 94-96 range, but right now he doesn’t generate many swings and misses. LHP Rob Zastryzny (2) sits at 90-91 but adds and subtracts, throws strikes and gets many more swings and misses in the strike zone with his heater. RHP Trey Masek (5) has touched 95 with life. » BEST SECONDARY PITCH: RHP Tyler Skulina (4) stands out for his hard, late power slider in the low 80s.
ODDS AND ENDS
BEST PRO DEBUT: Bryant helped Daytona win the high Class A Florida State League title, hitting .350 in the playoffs. RHP Zack Godley (10) helped Boise reach the short-season Northwest League finals, going 2-0, 2.03 overall with 28 strikeouts in 27 innings. » BEST ATHLETE: Hannemann redshirted for Brigham Young’s football team as a 6-foot-1, 195-pound defensive back, then raked in the spring for BYU’s baseball team after having missed two years while serving on his Mormon mission. He’s strong, fast and explosive » MOST INTRIGUING BACKGROUND: Hannemann, who also is distantly related to assistant general manager for scouting/player development Jason McLeod. RHP Daniel Poncedeleon (14) signed a term sheet but failed his physical, so the Cubs didn't sign him. He has been ruled ineligible to return to his college team, though Houston is appealing the NCAA’s decision. » CLOSEST TO THE MAJORS: Bryant won’t need long at all with the bat; the only question is if he’ll play third base or move to an outfield corner. » BEST LATE-ROUND PICK: RHP Trevor Clifton (12) signed for $375,000. He fell thanks to a raw delivery and his green makeup, but his arm strength produces 91-94 mph fastballs and he flashes plus secondary stuff. He needs a lot of polish. » THE ONE WHO GOT AWAY: Poncedeleon, as well as C Jeremy Martinez (37), a physically mature, strong-bodied centerpiece of Southern California’s recruiting class.
CHICAGO WHITE SOX
Chicago loaded up on power arms like RHP Andrew Mitchell (4), Lowry and Danish, and focused on athletic up-the-middle position players, getting one of the draft’s best athletes in Anderson.
BONUS SPENDING: $5.28 million
POSITION PLAYERS
BEST PURE HITTER: From a wiry build with strong wrists and forearms, SS Tim Anderson (1) has an easy and simple swing, compact path and above-average bat speed. » BEST POWER HITTER: The athletic, switch-hitting 3B Trey Michalczewski (7) has natural strength, bat speed and leverage in his swing, and could eventually hit at least 20 home runs a season. » FASTEST RUNNER: Chicago prioritized athleticism, and came away with three runners who grade as 70 or better on the 20-80 scale: Anderson, OF Adam Engel (19) and OF Jacob May (3). May doesn't maximize his speed out of the box because of a big hack and is learning to use his speed, but he ran the 60-yard dash in 6.3 seconds at his predraft workout. » BEST DEFENSIVE PLAYER: Engel has first-step quickness and gets good reads in center and a fringy but accurate arm.
PITCHERS
BEST FASTBALL: Physical 6-foot-4, 228-pound RHP Brad Goldberg (10) sat 94-96 mph out of the bullpen with above-average sink. RHP Thaddius Lowry (5) can touch 96. RHP Tyler Danish (2) sits in the low 90s from a low arm slot with plus-plus movement at his best and plus command.
» BEST SECONDARY PITCH: Danish has a plus slider and an emerging changeup that flashes plus.
ODDS AND ENDS
BEST PRO DEBUT: SS Toby Thomas (21) hit .319/.329/.462 for Rookie-level Bristol, May hit .286/.346/.461 at low Class A Kannapolis and Engel hit .301/.379/.414 at Rookie-level Great Falls and led the Pioneer League with 31 steals. Goldberg posted a 1.54 ERA across three levels, and Danish had a 1.38 ERA in 26 Appy League innings. » BEST ATHLETE: A standout high school basketball player, Anderson is an outstanding athlete with speed, quickness and natural strength. » MOST INTRIGUING BACKGROUND: May comes from a strong baseball lineage. His father (Lee Jr.) was a 1986 first-rounder and is the Mariners hitting coordinator, his grandfather (Lee Sr.) was a three time all-star outfielder and his uncle Carlos played 10 seasons in the majors. RHP James Dykstra (6), whose fastball touches 94 mph, is the brother of 2006 first-rounder Allan. 1B Cody Yount (37) is the nephew of Hall of Famer Robin and the son of former big league pitcher Larry. » CLOSEST TO THE MAJORS: In a system with a track record of moving arms quickly, Goldberg, who finished at high Class A, has a chance to move swiftly in the bullpen if his slider continues to develop. Danish could move as quickly as any high school pitcher because of his advanced stuff, command and bulldog mentality. » BEST LATE-ROUND PICK: Engel at slot. RHP Matt Ball (11), a projectable 6-foot-5, 195 pounder who touches the low 90s, was the only over-slot selection after the 10th round, signing for $150,000. » THE ONE WHO GOT AWAY: Chicago signed all but four of its picks. LHP Tavo Rodriguez (33), who had inconsistent velocity but was up to 93 mph at times, will attend Oklahoma.
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