23JAN2013
Original article link: 2013 MLB Mock Draft: Fresh 1st-Round Predictions for the New Year, BleacherReport
With the spring season edging closer every day, draft talk is beginning to heat up as each organization quietly evaluates the top talent in the 2013 class. However, the format has already endured a significant change, as the qualifying offer system under the new collective bargaining agreement will deprive two teams of a first-round pick.
Because the Los Angeles Angels and Atlanta Braves signed free-agents Josh Hamilton and B.J. Upton this offseason, respectively, both organizations will not make a first-round selection. At the same time, because the Rangers and Rays each offered their free agents a qualifying offer, they will now receive an additional draft pick in the first round.
Here are my latest thoughts as to how the 2013 draft may play out. (USA alumni in bold)
1. Houston Astros: Austin Meadows, OF (Grayson HS, Ga.)
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Toolsy outfielder who has arguably the most upside in the 2013 draft class.
2. Chicago Cubs: Sean Manaea, LHP (Indiana State)
3. Colorado Rockies: Clint Frazier, OF (Loganville HS, Ga.)
4. Minnesota Twins: Mark Appel, RHP (Stanford)
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Even if Mark Appel is only mediocre this year at Stanford, the right-hander should still be a top draft pick.
5. Cleveland Indians: Ryne Stanek, RHP (Arkansas)
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While Appel gets all the hype, Ryne Stanek has the better pure stuff and arguably a higher ceiling with a three-pitch mix highlighted by a plus fastball.
6. Miami Marlins: Kris Bryant, 3B (San Diego)
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The top collegiate bat available in the 2013 draft class, Kris Bryant seems to be a safe solution to the Marlins’ current vacancy at the hot corner.
7. Boston Red Sox: Kohl Stewart, RHP (St. Pius X HS, Texas)
8. Kansas City Royals: Austin Wilson, OF (Stanford)
9. Pittsburgh Pirates*: Trey Ball, LHP/OF (New Castle HS, Ind.)
10. Toronto Blue Jays: Reese McGuire, C (Kentwood HS, Wash.)
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The Toronto Blue Jays lost Travis d’Arnaud in the trade for R.A. Dickey, so why not re-stock with the top catcher in the 2013 draft class?
11. New York Mets: Colin Moran, 3B/1B (North Carolina)
12. Seattle Mariners: Justin Williams, 1B/OF (Terrebonne HS, La.)
13. San Diego Padres: Oscar Mercado, SS (Gaither HS, Fla.)
14. Pittsburgh Pirates: Bobby Wahl, RHP (Ole Miss)
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Bobby Wahl may not be available at this point, but if he is, the Pirates will snatch the hard-throwing right-hander in a heartbeat.
15. Arizona Diamondbacks: Ian Clarkin, LHP (James Madison HS, Texas)
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Possessing the best fastball among prep left-hander, Ian Clarkin will likely gain momentum headed into the draft and could be a steal in the mid-first round.
16. Philadelphia Phillies: Aaron Judge, OF (Fresno State)
17. Milwaukee Brewers: Jonathon Crawford, RHP (Florida)
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Because of his fringy projection as a starter, Jonathan Crawford may not be selected as high as his pure stuff warrants. However, given his college experience and upside, he fits the Milwaukee Brewers’ needs.
18. Chicago White Sox: Stephen Gonsalves, LHP (Cathedral Catholic HS, Calif.)
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At 6’5”, the left-hander is highly projectable, but there’s a wide gap between the present and future.
19. Los Angeles Dodgers: Andy McGuire, IF/OF (James Madison HS, Va.)
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He played most of the 2012 season with an injured hip—he’s since had labrum surgery and expected to make a full recovery for 2013—but this kid can really play. He could even jump into the top 10 with a big season.
20. St. Louis Cardinals: Jeremy Martinez, C (Mater Dei HS, Calif.)
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A polished backstop who combines tools and a high baseball IQ, Jeremy Martinez has the upside of a high-level talent on both sides of the ball.
21. Detroit Tigers: Clinton Hollon, RHP (Woodford County HS, Kent.)
22. Tampa Bay Rays: Robert Kaminsky, LHP (St. Joseph HS, NJ)
23. Baltimore Orioles: Marco Gonzales, LHP (Gonzaga)
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A highly athletic two-way player, Marco Gonzales has an advanced three-pitch mix that’s highlighted by a plus changeup.
24. Texas Rangers: Chris Oakley, RHP (St. Augustine HS, NJ)
25. Oakland Athletics: Jon Denney, C (Yukon HS, Okla.)
26. San Francisco Giants: J.P. Crawford, SS (Lakewood HS)
27. New York Yankees: A.J. Puk, LHP (Washington HS)
28. Cincinnati Reds: Ryan Boldt, OF (Red Wing HS, Minn.)
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A cold-weather player, Ryan Boldt is an excellent athlete with raw baseball skills. However, he’s extremely projectable with a ceiling that should only increase this spring.
29. Washington Nationals: Kevin Ziomek, LHP (Vanderbilt)
30. Tampa Bay Rays (Upton): Karsten Whitson, RHP (Florida)
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A former top-10 pick of the San Diego Padres in 2009, Karsten Whitson is yet to show the promise at Florida that he did as a prep. However, he still has a plus arm with intriguing raw stuff.
31. Texas Rangers (Hamilton): Ryan Eades, RHP (LSU)
Filed under: 2013 MLB Draft
Tagged with: 2013 MLB Draft, Andy McGuire, Austin Meadows, Bobby Wahl, Ian Clarkin, Jeremy Martinez, Jonathon Crawford, Karsten Whitson, Kris Bryant, Marco Gonzales, Mark Appel, Reese McGuire, Ryan Boldt, Ryne Stanek, Stephen Gonsalves
