2013 MLB Mock Draft; Version 1
Our first blind grasp at what the first round might look like next June. I look forward to this being completely blown up by the new year, as a few prep bats and arms may begin their rise to the top. The rest of the 1st round follows the break.
1. Astros: Mark Appel, RHP (Stanford) – Stock is still plenty high. Not sure a prep bat can unseat him just quite yet.
2. Cubs: Clint Frazier, OF (Georgia HS) – The most polished of the top 3 prep bats. Definitely not short on tools. Who couldn’t use a ginger Mike Trout?
3. Rockies: Ryne Stanek, RHP (ASU) – Colorado has favored someone from the college ranks more often than not in recent history.
4. Twins: Austin Meadows, OF (Georgia HS) – Arguably one of the top 3 overall players, he will be hard to pass up.
5. Indians: Sean Manaea, LHP (Indiana State) – Following the Cleveland trend of taking college players in Round 1. A legit top-5 guy.
6. Marlins: Kris Bryant, INF (San Diego) – In my opinion the most valuable (and polished) college bat. Could still stick at 3rd as a pro.
7. Red Sox: Trey Ball, OF/LHP (Indiana HS) – Just tons of projection at both the plate and on the mound. Maybe another Casey Kelly situation here.
8. Royals: Jonathon Crawford, RHP (Florida) – He will go this high if he can miss more bats and shore up any control concerns.
9. Pirates (for Mark Appel): Kohl Stewart, RHP (Texas HS) – Definitely raw, but also definitely has the stuff. May just hinge on his delivery, and if a team believes he can clean it up as a pro.
10. Blue Jays: Ian Clarkin, LHP (California HS): Great stuff for a prep lefty. Just needs to make sure he throws strikes in the spring.
11. Mets: Robert Kaminsky, LHP (New Jersey HS)
12. Mariners: Marco Gonzales, LHP (Gonzaga)
13. Padres: Bobby Wahl, RHP (Ole Miss)
14. Pirates: Jon Denney, C (Oklahoma HS)
15. Diamondbacks: Colin Moran, 3rd (North Carolina)
16. Phillies: Reese McGuire, C (Washington HS)
17. Brewers: Stephen Gonsalves, LHP (California HS)
18. White Sox: Justin Williams, OF (Louisiana HS)
19. Dodgers: JP Crawford, SS (California HS)
20. Cardinals: Austin Wilson, OF (Stanford)
21. Tigers: Oscar Mercado (Florida HS)
22. Angels: Zach Collins, C/1st (Florida HS)
23. Rays: Michael Lorenzen, OF (Cal State Fullerton)
24. Orioles: Jacoby Jones, 2nd (LSU)
25. Rangers: Cavan Biggio, INF (Texas HS)
26. Athletics: Phillip Ervin, OF (Samford)
27. Giants: Andrew Mitchell, RHP (TCU)
28. Braves: Ryan Boldt, OF (Minnesota HS)
29. Yankees: Clinton Hollon, RHP (Kentucky HS)
30. Reds: Garrett Williams, LHP/INF (Louisiana HS)
31. Nationals: Aaron Judge, OF (Fresno State)
I’m surprised that you have Austin Wilson drafted that low. I would expect that he’s a top 10 pick at least.
I’m also surprised that Jordan Sheffield isn’t on there. From what I’ve read/heard his stuff has been electric recently.
I did like Wilson a lot out of high school, but like others, I wonder what effect the Stanford hitting style will have on him long-term. He also hasn’t hit quite as much as I thought he would either. Not that it would surprise me to see him go earlier, because a team either likes him or simply because he just has a great junior year.
As for Sheffield, he is definitely one of those prep arms that could be in the first, especially after what he did down in Jupiter. The arm speed and velocity are great, and so is the curve. I’m excited to see what reports say about him in the spring.
Very surprised that you don’t have Brett Morales in the 1st round.
Could certainly see him there with that fastball. Depends on if he can be signed away from the Gators.
What are you hearing on Drew Ward? He’s a huge wild card from what I understand.
Last I heard in October was that he was pushing to graduate early to get in for 2013. Nothing confirmed as of yet. I assume his bat would put him up among the top prep players.
Where is Jonah Wesely? Do you guys think is he a 1st round talent?
He could be, as Wisely seems to be one of the more polished prep lefties out there. The velocity he’s shown as a LHP doesn’t hurt either. There are a good number of very talented prep LHP in California, but that should only help bring more scouts to the area to see him as well.
Comp rounder for sure?
I think he stands a good chance of going there, mainly because of his polish. Will be easier to say come spring.