1. Houston Astros – Mark Appel, RHP, Stanford
Appel is 9-1 with a 2.37 ERA, 1.02 WHIP and 116 K/24 BB over 110 innings this season. If you toss out his two starts against Fresno State and Arizona, in which he gave up a combined 13 runs over 16 innings, he has a 1.21 ERA over his other 97 innings. He has seven games with at least 10 strikeouts, averages 7.9 innings per start, and at 6’-5”, 220 pounds, the right-hander has the frame to be a workhorse at the next level. His fastball sits in the mid-90s, has a plus swing-and-miss slider, an above-average change-up with late fade and will also mix in a cutter. The Astros will play it safe here, and Appel is the most major-league ready pitcher in the draft.
2. Minnesota Twins – Kevin Gausman, RHP, LSU
The draft-eligible sophomore is 10-1 on the season with a 2.84 ERA, 1.09 WHIP and 125 K/24 BB over 107.2 innings. He has outstanding control and his 10.5 K/9 show the kind of power he gets behind his pitches. At 6’-5”, 200 pounds, he uses his size, and upper-90s fastball to blow away hitters. His change-up has late, fading action and should be an above-average pitch, while his breaking ball is a developing above average offering. Like Appel, should be on the fast track to the majors.
3. Seattle Mariners – Mike Zunino, C, Florida
With all of the depth the Mariners have in their rotation, and even more in their farm system, they can grab the best catcher in the draft in Zunino, who excels on both sides of the plate. Through 54 games, the right-hander is hitting .323 with 27 doubles, 16 home runs, 55 RBI and has even swiped nine bases. The 6’-3”, 220-pound junior is a big presence behind the dish and also brings outstanding leadership skills with him. Should be a quick riser to the show.
4. Baltimore Orioles – Byron Buxton, OF, Appling County HS (GA)
The Orioles continue to be the darlings of the 2012 MLB season, and with guys like Dylan Bundy, Manny Machado and Nick Delmonico in their system, they can continue to add to their bright future with the best high school player in the draft. Buxton is a 6’-1”, 180-pound right-hander who often draws comparisons to Justin Upton for his all-around game. Through 33 games this season, he is hitting .533 with 17 doubles, three triples, three home runs, 28 RBI and 35 stolen bases. He has some of the quickest wrists in the draft and that allows for some incredible bat speed.
5. Kansas City Royals – Lucas Giolito, RHP, Harvard-Westlake HS (CA)
The Royals could grab the player with the highest ceiling in this draft. Giolito is a 6’6”, 220-pound right-hander who can dial his fastball up to triple-digits. The injury to his elbow isn’t serious, and even if he takes a few ticks off his fastball as a precaution, it is still a lethal pitch. His curveball and slider are already above-average pitches with plus potential. He also mixes in a change-up and split-finger to keep hitters off balance. Has a strong commitment to UCLA in his back pocket, but being selected this high would most likely sway him away from it.
6. Chicago Cubs – Kyle Zimmer, RHP, San Francisco
Theo Epstein needs to hit a home run in this, his first draft with the team as President of Operations. Selecting Zimmer, a 6’-3”, 225-pound flamethrower would be a great start. A converted infielder who never pitched in high school, he has become one of the best power/control pitchers in the country. Through 13 starts, he has a 2.85 ERA, 1.05 WHIP and 104 K/17 BB over 88.1 innings. He was kept on a short leash to start the season but has averaged 7.4 innings over his last nine starts, showing the durability to be a front line starter at the next level. His fastball can reach 98 mph and he has been clocked at 94 mph deep into games. He also features a power curve that projects to a wipe-out pitch at the next level. His slider is above average, his change-up is still developing, and he has excellent command of all four pitches. Huge upside.
7. San Diego Padres – Carlos Correa, SS, Puerto Rico Baseball Academy (PR)
The Padres always need bats and Correa projects to a high-average hitter with some serious pop. He already is one of the better defensive players in this draft with his soft hands, range and strong arm. At 6’-4” and 190 pounds, he is currently a line-drive hitter with extremely quick wrists. One of the most exciting players in this draft with huge upside. He does, however, have a commitment to Vanderbilt, a school known for keeping its players.
8. Pittsburgh Pirates – Andrew Heaney, LHP, Oklahoma State
Heaney has been arguably the best pitcher in college this season. Through 15 starts, he is 8-2 with a 1.60 ERA, 0.80 WHIP and 140 K/22 BB over 118.1 innings. Hitters are only hitting .168 against him, he has tossed six complete games and he leads the nation in strikeouts. His change-up and slider are both above-average offerings, and his command is off the charts. His fastball sits in the low-90s with good movement. At 6’-2” and 185 pounds, he isn’t a power pitcher, despite his high strikeout totals. Instead, he relies on his pinpoint control and ability to throw any pitch, in any count. A future rotation of Jameson Taillon, Gerrit Cole and Heaney could be devastating to the NL Central.
9. Miami Marlins – Lance McCullers, RHP, Jesuit HS (FL)
McCullers finished his brilliant season at Jesuit going 13-0 with a 0.18 ERA, 0.75 WHIP and 140 K/30 BB over 77.1 innings. He actually walked more batters than he allowed hits (28). His fastball has been legendary since he hit 96 mph on the radar gun as a sophomore, and it currently can touch triple-digits. Along with his fastball, he also features a knee-buckling curveball and a slider that projects to plus. He has a feel and poise for the game not seen in many players his age, which could be in the genes, as his father, Lance McCullers, was a seven-year major league veteran. A commitment to Florida shouldn’t be a problem, especially if he is selected by a home-town team.
10. Colorado Rockies – Chris Stratton, RHP, Mississippi State
Few have seen their stock soar as much as Stratton this season. After posting a 5.25 ERA over a combined 154.1 innings as a freshman and sophomore, he has become one of the best pitchers in the country this season. Through 16 starts, he is 11-1 with a 2.21 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 123 K/22 BB over 102 innings. His coming out party was on March 16 when he fanned 17 LSU batters over 8.2 innings, allowing one run on four hits in a no-decision in match-up against Kevin Gausman. He features a fastball that can hit 95 mph, a curveball that borders on plus and an above-average change-up. He is a great command pitcher with power and he has a great mound presence.
11. Oakland Athletics – Travis Jankowski, OF, Stony Brook
If there ever was a player that defined Billy Beane’s “moneyball” philosophy, Jankowski is it. He gets on base at a high clip, rarely strikes out, has elite speed, plays gold-glove caliber defense and has some pop in his bat. Through 56 games, the 6’-3”, 200-pound left-hander is hitting .411 with 16 doubles, nine triples, four home runs, 40 RBI and 35 stolen bases. He has been on another planet as of late, going 46-for-86 (.535) over his last 21 games with 13 extra-base hits, 21 RBI, 14 stolen bases and just two strikeouts.
12. New York Mets – Albert Almora, OF, Mater HS (FL)
Almora is the most polished high school player in the draft, and once he fills out his 6’-2”, 180-pound frame, could end up being the best position player to come out of this draft. He has all five tools and is a high character player with great leadership abilities. He has been a member of Team USA a record-tying six times and was the MVP of the 2011 Pan Am Championships as Team USA won the gold medal by going undefeated in the event. He hit .603 with six home runs, 34 RBI and 27 stolen bases this season.
13. Chicago White Sox – Michael Wacha, RHP, Texas A&M
Wacha is a 6’-6”, right-hander who can dial his fastball up to 95 mph and has one of the best change-ups in the draft. Through 15 starts, he is 8-1 with a 2.21 ERA, 1.01 WHIP and 107 K/17 BB over 106 innings. He has excellent control, great mound presence and could also fly through the White Sox system.
14. Cincinnati Reds – Max Fried, LHP, Harvard-Westlake HS (CA)
Fried, a teammate of Giolito, is the top prep left-hander in the draft and has one of the better curveballs in the country, regardless of class. His fastball sits in the low-90s with late sink and his change-up is a developing plus pitch. He went 8-3 this season with a 2.41 ERA and 111 strikeouts over 69.2 innings. At 6’-4”, he has the frame to develop more velocity .
15. Cleveland Indians – Walker Weickel, RHP, Olympia HS (FL)
Weickel, a 6’-6” right-hander, went 12-1 this season with a 1.07 ERA and 87 strikeouts. His delivery is downhill and deceptive with his fastball touching 94 mph and his low-70s curveball and low-80s change-up both project to plus offerings. He is a big-game pitcher who went 2-0 with a 0.66 ERA and 12 K/2 BB over 13.1 innings for gold-medal winning U18 Team USA at the Pan Am Championships this past fall.
16. Washington Nationals – Marcus Stroman, RHP, Duke
The Nationals like taking college pitchers in the first round and can get one of the more dominant ones in the draft in Stroman, a 5’-9” flamethrower who leads the nation in strikeouts-per-nine innings at 12.5. Through 14 starts, he has a 2.39 ERA, 1.11 WHIP and 136 K/26 BB over 98 innings. Some question his durability to be a starter at the next level, but he averages seven innings per start, showing no signs of tiring out. With a fastball that touches 95 mph, and a tight slider that can be ridiculously mesmerizing at times, he could also be a dominant closer.
17. Toronto Blue Jays – Victor Roache, OF/1B, Georgia Southern
Roache had surgery for a broken wrist he suffered just six games into the season. It shouldn’t cause any long-term effects, and he did lead the nation in home runs last year with 30, so his draft status should remain this high. He has power to all fields, and his quick wrists allow him to catch up to any pitch. His approach at the plate is getting better and more refined every year, so he should be a good-average hitter at the next level.
18. Los Angeles Dodgers – Deven Marrero, SS, Arizona State
The Dodgers would be thrilled to find Marrero still on the board as they would be getting the best defensive shortstop in the draft who also can handle the bat. Through 54 games, he is hitting .284 with 20 extra-base hits, 33 RBI and 11 stolen bases. He also has a great approach at the plate as he has only struck out 17 times all season. Over 146 career games, he is hitting .326 with 37 doubles, 11 triples, 12 home runs, 95 RBI, 33 stolen bases and just 71 strikeouts.
19. St. Louis Cardinals – Gavin Cecchini, SS, Barbe HS (LA)
Cecchini is one of the most athletic players in the draft. He hit .467 with seven home runs, 32 RBI, 31 stolen bases and had a .527 OBP as he lead Barbe to a state championship this season. He uses a wooden bat, making his season all that more impressive. Defensively, his speed, soft hands and strong arm will allow him to stick at shortstop, but could easily make a transition to second base. Led U18 Team USA with a .469 average at the Pan Am Championships, adding 10 RBI and eight stolen bases while playing a flawless second base.
20. San Francisco Giants – Richie Shaffer, 3B/1B, Clemson
The Giants can add some big time power to their organization with Shaffer, a 6’-4”, 210-pound right-hander who is hitting .339 with 19 doubles, 10 home runs and 46 RBI through 59 games this season. He also has a great approach at the plate as he has drawn 58 walks on the season, good for a .479 OBP. A superb defensive first baseman, he has made the transition over to third base this season and could play either at the next level.
21. Atlanta Braves – Tanner Rahier, SS, Palm Desert HS (CA)
Rahier recently worked out for the Braves, and word is they were extremely impressed with his all-around play and character. With Chipper Jones retiring after this season, Rahier has a lot of Chipper in him in that he works harder than anyone on and off the field, has power to all fields, can hit for a high average and, just like Chipper, his size (6’-2”, 200 pounds) could force him to move from shortstop to third base. Braves fans should be thrilled if they land Rahier here.
22. Toronto Blue Jays – David Dahl, OF, Oak Mountain HS (AL)
Dahl has a lot of Mike Trout in his game. The 6’-2”, 190-pound left-hander has elite speed, hits for a high average, has pop in his bat and is great defensively. As a junior at Oak Mountain High, Dahl batted .449 with 18 doubles, three triples and two home runs while driving in 29 runs. He struck out only 10 times in 118 at bats, posted a .703 slugging percentage, .493 on-base percentage and hit .488 with runners in scoring position. He then joined U18 Team USA and hit .364 with 11 runs, nine RBI and seven stolen bases batting leadoff, while also playing flawless defense for the gold medal winners. More power will come as he matures, and he has one of the highest ceilings in the draft.
23. St. Louis Cardinals – Chris Beck, RHP, Georgia Southern
Beck, a 6’-3”, 220-pound right-hander can hit 96 mph with his fastball and both his curveball and change-up are quality pitches. Through 16 starts, he has a 3.91 ERA, 1.41 WHIP and 115 K/29 BB over 103.2 innings. He fanned 16 batters in just six innings against College of Charleston on March 30. He has great command, the frame to be a workhorse and has huge upside.
24. Boston Red Sox – Joey Gallo, 3B/1B, Bishop Gorman HS (NV)
Gallo hit .514 with 21 home runs and 81 RBI over 37 games this season, including 19 long balls over his last 24 games. The 6’-5”, 220-pound left-hander hit 25 home runs as a junior, and finished his stellar career at Bishop Gorman with a Nevada state record 70 home runs, as well as four state titles. He has a long swing that could lead to a lot of strikeouts at the next level, but that can be fixed. He also stars on the mound as his fastball reaches the upper-90s, but the power from the left side is what teams want with him. Check out our interview with him here.
25. Tampa Bay Rays – Ty Hensley, RHP, Santa Fe HS (OK)
The Rays love drafting high school pitchers and are one of the best at developing them. Hensley, a 6’-5”, 220-pound horse has been shooting up draft boards all season. Known for working very quickly on the mound, he never lets batters get comfortable at the plate. He went 10-0 this season with a 1.51 ERA and 111 strikeouts over 55.1 innings. His fastball can get up to 95 mph with ease. His loose arm and easy delivery allow him to maintain his velocity late in games. He also features a sharp curve that grades as plus, as well as an above-average change-up.
26. Arizona Diamondbacks – Tyler Naquin, OF, Texas A&M
The Diamondbacks have stockpiled some impressive pitching over the last couple of drafts. In Naquin, they get one of the best hitters in the draft along with a guy with a reputation as having the best outfield arm in the country. Through 58 games, he is hitting .384 with 15 doubles, six triples, three home runs, 46 RBI and 21 stolen bases. The 6’-2” left-hander has the ability to be a base-stealing threat, as well as the frame to add more power down the road.
27. Milwaukee Brewers – James Ramsey, OF, Florida State
Ramsey has been one of the best players in the country for one of the best teams all season long. Through 58 games, he is hitting .383 with 10 doubles, six triples, 12 home runs, 49 RBI and nine stolen bases. His 53 BB/37 K show his advanced approach at the plate. The 6’-1”, 190-pound left-hander is a smart player who has enough arm to hold down left field at the next level.
28. Milwaukee Brewers – Courtney Hawkins, OF, Carroll HS (TX)
The 6’-3”, 220-pound right-hander is one of the better two-way players in the country but his bat is what teams are after. He hit .424 this season with 10 home runs, 37 RBI, 17 stolen bases and a .569 OBP. He is a terrific athlete who could be a 30 HR/30 SB guy down the line. A commitment to Texas could be a tough sign.
29. Texas Rangers – Stephen Piscotty, 3B/1B, Stanford
Piscotty is one of the purest hitters in the draft. Over his 167 career games, he is hitting .336 with 41 doubles, 12 home runs, 130 RBI and has struck out just 66 times in 678 at-bats. The 6’-3”, 210-pound right-hander may not have the power to hold down a corner infield position, but with his frame, could develop more down the line.
30. New York Yankees – Corey Seager, 3B, Northwest Cabarrus HS (NC)
At 6’-4” and 190 pounds, the left-hander has impressed scouts this season with his ability to drive the ball out to left and center field. He hit .517 with 10 doubles, 10 home runs and 28 RBI in just 68 at-bats as a junior last season. His brother, Kyle Seager, is one of the best rookies in baseball this season for the Seattle Mariners. Corey already has more power than him, and could end up the better of the two.
31. Boston Red Sox – Stryker Trahan, C, Arcadiana HS (LA)
Other than Zunino, Trahan is the only other catcher who has franchise player-type abilities. With his short stroke and excellent bat speed, he generates incredible power and should hit for a high average. Hit .460 with five home runs as a junior in 2011 with a 1.281 OPS. At 6’-2” and 215 pounds, he makes for a big target behind the plate, and his strong arm and footwork make him a solid defender. Has been clocked at 6.64 in the 60. Phenomenal athlete who could be a standout right fielder if he chooses. He also hits from the left side, a rarity for catchers.
Supplemental Round
32. Minnesota Twins – PierC. Johnson, RHP, Missouri State
After taking Gausman, the Twins could continue to load up on pitching with Johnson, a 6’-3” power pitcher who has a 2.55 ERA, 1.15 WHIP and 112 K/26 BB over 91.2 innings this season. He is finishing the season strong, too, allowing just three runs over his last 25 innings while striking out 27 to just three walks. His fastball sits in the 92-95 mph range, along with an above-average change-up and curveball.
33. San Diego Padres – Nolan Fontana, SS/2B, Florida
Fontana is an all-around player who is hitting .290 with nine home runs, 28 RBI and 11 stolen bases through 59 games. He has also drawn 44 walks to just 24 strikeouts, showing an advanced approach at the plate. After taking Correa at number-seven, they could lock up their middle infield of the future. Fontana is also a very good defender, and has drawn comparisons to Chase Utley.
34. Oakland Athletics – Dylan Baker, RHP, Western Nevada CC College
Baker, a 6’-3”, 215-pound right-hander, is the top JUCO pitcher in the draft and has been nearly untouchable all season. Through 15 starts, he is 12-0 with a 1.86 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 114 K/38 BB over 72.2 innings. His 14.1 K/9 ratio and .132 BAA shows how dominant he has been this year. He has three pitches that all grade as plus already – a fastball that touches 97 mph, a hammer curve and a mid-80s slider that wipes out hitters. The one knock on him as been his control, as his 4.7 BB/9 needs improvement.
35. New York Mets – Zach Eflin, RHP, Hagerty HS (FL)
There may not have been a prep pitcher who improved his stock more than Eflin this year. The 6’-5”, 200-pound right-hander has had his fastball clocked as high as 97 mph, and it routinely sits in the 92-94 mph range. He did have an arm injury that caused him to miss some time, and some scouts worried that it could be more serious than initially thought, but Eflin got a clean MRI, went out and tossed three innings, allowing two hits while hitting 94 mph on the radar gun. Moxie like that can’t be taught.
36. St. Louis Cardinals – Addison Russell, SS, Pace HS (GA)
The shortstop position is very deep this year, and Russell excels on both sides of the field. With soft hands, exceptional range and a canon arm, he fields his position effortlessly, but a move to third could come due to his size. Played for U18 Team USA at the Pan Am Championships hitting .393 with nine RBI, four stolen bases. He hit the team’s only home run of the tournament, a grand slam in the bottom of the first inning against Canada in the gold-medal game that put the game away early for Team USA. Overall, he hit .364 with 14 RBI, six stolen bases and a 1.095 OPS over 15 games for the team. One of those players who makes the game look incredibly easy.
37. Boston Red Sox – Jeremy Baltz, OF, St. Johns
Baltz is one of the better pure hitters in the draft and has been on fire recently at the plate, going 36-for-77 (.468) over his last 21 games. On the season, the 6’-3”, 200-pound right-hander is hitting .342 with seven home runs, 49 RBI, 17 stolen bases and has drawn 30 walks to just 20 strikeouts. He hit .396 with 24 home runs and 85 RBI as a freshman, earning National Freshman of the Year honors and showing he is much more than a contact hitter.
38. Milwaukee Brewers – Brian Johnson, LHP, Florida
Johnson has been knocked around a bit this season, but he still remains one of the better southpaws in the draft. At 6’-4” and 200 pounds, he features a low-90s fastball with sink, an above-average change-up and his slider projects to a plus pitch at the next level. Has great mound presence and an advanced feel for pitching. Through 15 starts, he is 7-4 with a 3.67 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and 64 K/15 BB over 81 innings. He is also a tremendous hitter as he is hitting .318 with 12 doubles, five home runs and 39 RBI on the season.
39. Texas Rangers – Rock Rucker, LHP/OF, Russell County HS (AL)
Rucker is one of the better two-way players in the country and could make it as either a hitter or a pitcher. At 6’-5”, the left-hander can sling his fastball up to 95 mph and also has a developing plus curveball. He went 7-0 this season with a 0.76 ERA and 70 strikeouts over 36 innings. At the plate, he generates a ton of power from the left side and is a great athlete. He hit .382 with 13 doubles, eight home runs, 41 RBI and a 1.177 OPS over 40 games. The Rangers could grab a sleeper with a very high ceiling. Check out our interveiw with Rock here.
40. Philadelphia Phillies – Adam Brett-Walker, OF/1B, Jacksonville
The Phillies can add some insurance for Ryan Howard as Walker is a 6’-5”, 225-pound beast of a hitter much like Howard. One of the top power hitters in the draft, Walker hit .409 with 13 home runs and 73 RBI over 61 games as a sophomore in 2011. Has a long swing that leads to a lot of strikeouts, but he isn’t afraid to take a walk either. Through 56 games, he is hitting .343 with 14 doubles, 12 home runs, 42 RBI, 19 stolen bases and has drawn 29 walks to 47 strikeouts.
41. Houston Astros – Ty Buttrey, RHP, Providence HS (NC)
Another prep pitcher who saw his stock soar after hitting 97 mph on the radar gun, Buttrey is a 6’-5”, 205-pound right-hander who is just getting used to starting games. His fastball sits in the 92-94 mph range, his mid-80s change-up has late fade and projects to plus, and he also features a upper-70s hard curveball that he says is a knuckle-curve. He has a smooth delivery, and he is a quick pitcher, not letting opponents get comfortable in the box. High upside.
42. Minnesota Twins – D.J. Davis, OF, Stone HS (MS)
Davis is arguably the fastest player in the draft, hits from the left side, makes good contact and has some pop in his bat. He has been shooting up draft boards all season and most rank him among the top-20 high school players in the country. Over 26 games this season, he hit .373 with seven home runs, 27 RBI, 27 walks and was 24-for-25 in stolen base attempts. The best part about him is that he isn’t committed to any college yet so he shouldn’t have any signability issues.
43. Chicago Cubs – Kurt Heyer, RHP, Arizona
The Cubs can add another top college arm in Heyer, a 6’-1”, 180-pound right-hander who is 11-2 on the season with a 2.03 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and 92 K/19 BB over 119.2 innings. Heyer is a big-game pitcher and has been the team’s Friday night starter since day one of his freshman season. Not a power pitcher, instead he relies on his ability to keep hitters off balance with his array of pitches. He averages eight innings per start, a great sign of durability for the next level. Check out our interview with Kurt here.
44. San Diego Padres – Matthew Smoral, LHP, Solon HS (OH)
Smoral is a 6’-8” southpaw with a lot of upside. He has an easy, fluid delivery, and mixed with his size, could emerge as a front line workhorse down the line. He features a low-90s fastball and a change-up with late sink. Both pitches are potential plus offerings and he has command of both of them. He is very aggressive on the mound, attacking hitters inside and out without fear.
45. Pittsburgh Pirates – Hunter Virant, LHP, Camarillo HS (CA)
Virant is a Greg Maddux-type pitcher in that he isn’t going to overpower you, rather dominate you with his command, aggressiveness and ability to throw any pitch, in any count. Has four pitches that all grade out to at least average, and with his 6’-4”, 180-pound frame, has a lot of room for improvement. His fastball is his best pitch, sitting in the low 90s, and his curveball has serious potential. He is also a freak athlete with elite speed and a tremendous hitting abilities, something that will come in handy playing in the National League. Another member of U18 Team USA, Virant is a gamer who plays his best in the biggest events.
46. Colorado Rockies – Barrett Barnes, OF, Texas Tech
Barnes is one of the premiere power/speed guys in the draft, as well as being a very good defensive outfielder. Through 55 games, the 6’-1”, 210-pound right-hander is hitting .325 with 17 doubles, six triples, nine home runs, 49 RBI and 19 stolen bases. He has also walked 32 times to just 39 strikeouts, showing a very good approach at the plate.
47. Oakland Athletics – Jake Barrett, RHP, Arizona State
Barrett made the transition to closer this season and has been brilliant all year. Through 33.1 innings, he has a 1.68 ERA, 0.90 WHIP, 11 saves and 36 K/9 BB. He is ultra-competitive on the mound and can get his fastball in the upper 90s to go along with a plus curveball and decent change-up. One of those players that could go straight to the majors.
48. Chicago White Sox – Kyle Hansen, RHP, St. Johns
The 6’-8”, right-hander is a power pitcher who also has pinpoint control of his pitches. Through 14 starts, he has a 3.44 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 100 K/26 BB over 86.1 innings. He fanned 16 batters to no walks in a six hit shutout against Cincinnati on April 22.
49. Cincinnati Reds – Lucas Sims, RHP, Brookwood HS (GA)
At 6’-2”, Sims has a lively arm and can get his fastball in the upper 90s. His curveball already rates as plus, his change-up is above average and he has added a sinker to his arsenal this season. Went 4-1 with a 2.38 ERA with 52 strikeouts over 32 innings as a junior in 2011 and is 4-0 with a 0.89 ERA over 39.1 innings this season, his first as a starter. He has a bulldog mentality on the mound and could be a potentially dominant closer down the line if he goes that route.
50. Toronto Blue Jays – Nick Williams, OF, Ball HS (TX)
Williams is still raw in some areas but his tremendous power and smooth stroke from the left side have drawn some comparisons to Ken Griffey Jr. He also has excellent speed, which should make him a threat on the base paths once he becomes a better base runner. His arm has been clocked at 93 mph, and mixed with his speed, makes him a plus defender, as well. Williams has as much talent as anyone in the draft, he just needs some refining.
51. Los Angeles Dodgers – Max Foody, LHP, IMG Academy (FL)
At 6’-4”, 225 pounds, Foody is a big, power lefty with a lot of upside. His fastball touches 94 mph, and his curveball is a potential plus pitch. Has overcome Tommy John surgery to remain one of the best pitchers in the country. Went 4-1 this season with a 2.65 ERA and 37 strikeouts over 39.2 innings, allowing just 22 hits. The Dodgers love their pitching, and Foody is a big-time sleeper.
52. St. Louis Cardinals – Justin Amlung, RHP, Louisville
The 6’-1”, right-hander is 8-4 on the season with a 2.36 ERA, 0.97 WHIP and 100 K/23 BB over 103 innings. He is holding opponents to a .184 batting average and his 4.7 K/BB and 8.8 K/9 ratios show the kind of power/control pitcher he is.
53. Texas Rangers – Jesse Winker, 3B, Olympia HS (FL)
The Rangers can continue to add power as Winker is a left-handed hitter with excellent bat speed and an impressive approach at the plate. Hit .509 with seven home runs as a junior. At 6’-3” and 200 pounds, he has raw power to all fields and gets good reads on pitches. Was named most outstanding pitcher at the Pan Am Championships, going 2-0 with 10.1 scoreless innings for gold-medal-winning Team USA. His bat, however, is what scouts are in love with.
54. Philadelphia Phillies – Mitchell Traver, Houston Christian HS (TX)
At 6’-7” and 250 pounds, Traver is a big and strong right-hander with a plus fastball that can hit 95 mph with late life. His curveball is a potential plus pitch, and his change up is developing nicely. Struck out 67 batters over 41 innings as a junior, but also walked 27 batters, showing needed improvement on his command. Over 61.1 innings this season, he has a 1.60 ERA, 75 strikeouts and has only allowed 33 hits. His 36 walks, however, show he still needs to improve on his command to be an effective starter at the next level. The potential is very high.
55. Chicago Cubs – Pat Light, RHP, Monmouth
Light is a 6’-6” right-hander who can dial his fastball up to 95 mph and also has an above average slider and change-up. He is a power pitcher with some of the best control in the draft and is 8-3 on the season with a 2.40 ERA, 0.99 WHIP with 102 K/16 BB over 101.1 innings.
56. San Diego Padres – Kyle Carter, OF/LHP, Columbus HS (GA)
Carter has tremendous power from the left side, something every team covets. He won the sixth-annual Power Showcase at Chase Field in December by smacking seven bombs in the final round – six more than anyone else. He has 11 home runs on the season and is also an outstanding pitcher, going 7-1 on the season with a 0.89 ERA and 54 strikeouts over 45 innings. Still raw in some areas but a very high ceiling.
57. Cincinnati Reds – Carson Kelly, 3B/RHP, Westview HS (OR)
Kelly is an athlete who excels both on the mound and at the plate. He hit .473 with 14 home runs as a junior and is a line-drive hitter with power to all fields. Has very good bat speed and a solid approach at the plate. His strong arm and athleticism should allow him to stick at third base, if he chooses. As a pitcher, his curve, sinker and 93 mph fastball are all quality pitches with the ability to get better with more time and focus on the mound. Was outstanding at the Pan Am Championships for Team USA, going 2-0 1.29 ERA and 12 K/1 BB over 14 innings.
58. Toronto Blue Jays – Martin Agosta, RHP, St. Mary’s
Agosta is known for having unreal composure on the mound and a feel for the game not seen in many players his age. He is a tactician on the mound, keeping hitters off balance by throwing in and out at will. At 6’-1”, 185-pounds, he generates a lot of power from his frame and can get his fastball up to 96 mph, but controls it better in the lower-90s. His cutter is his wipe-out pitch and he also throws in a slider. On the season, he is 9-2 with a 2.18 ERA, 1.10 WHIP and 95 K/27 BB over 103.1 innings.
59. St. Louis Cardinals – Danny Poma, OF, Hofstra
One of the most exciting players in the country, Poma is hitting .430 with 78 runs, 32 doubles, seven home runs, 48 RBI, 29 stolen bases and a 1.213 OPS through 56 games. He leads the nation in doubles, runs, hits and ranks second in batting average. At 6’-1”, 210-pounds, he also runs a 6.6/60 and is a plus-defender with an outstanding arm. He went 6-for-6 against NYIT on April 10, and has 16 three-hit games on the year. He also has a tremendous approach at the plate, drawing 22 walks to just 16 strikeouts on the season. Hit .382 last season, with 16 doubles, 28 RBI and 20 stolen bases over 47 games.
60. Toronto Blue Jays – Keon Barnum, 1B, King HS (FL)
Barnum is a big-time power hitter who has power to all fields from the left side of the plate. Hit .491 with six home runs and 10 stolen bases in 55 at-bats his junior season. He also walked an incredible 26 times, showing amazing discipline for his age. At 6’-4” and 220 pounds, has the frame, to go along with a plus arm and defense, to stick at first base. He hit .417 this season, with five home runs, 15 RBI, ten stolen bases and drew 26 walks over 26 games.