11.
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The High School SS will make the move to 3B at some point, as his glove and footwork won’t cover the ground need at the ML level. However, his bat will allow for the switch and make him a productive player regardless. He’s got great power potential and could hit 30+ HRs per year. Not very fleet of foot, he makes the plays necessary and with his SS arm can make all the throws. Bird was signed to a ML contract and an over-slot bonus, however, it he pans out, it will be well worth the cost.
ETA: 14
Grade: B+
12.
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The slim LH by way of Lawson State CC has turned in a solid 8-3 recod in 14 RL games. Not only tall, but well-built, Turner can light up a radar gun at 90+ and should reach 95+ with good movement later on. His curveball is solid, but he lacks a 3rd plus pitch. He could reach the MLs as a #2/3 SP.
ETA: 13
Grade: B
13.
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The Steamers grabbed the first Catcher of the draft at #13 in Cox. He is a solid all-around C, with good footwork behind the plate and a reliable arm. Cox is a smart player and won’t clog the bases as a runner and is patient at the plate. He has a solid approach though he’ll hit better vs. LH pitching as RHs still can get inside on him and jam his hands. Overall, he’s a good value at #13 as a solid future C.
ETA: 14
Grade: B
14.
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Colby Stanley is a mature 19 yr. old and could move fast for the Wichita franchise. His ceiling is as a #3 SP as none of his offerings wow you, but his command and pitch-ability allow him to be competitive. He is able to work both sides of the plate against both LH and RH hitters and his bulldog mentality will serve him well as a future SP’er.
ETA: 13
Grade: C+
15.
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A steal at #15, Ramiro Stanley has the ceiling of a future #2. Though a little short, he still gets on-top of his pitches. He throws a cut FB to keep hitters honest, but his meal ticket is a drop-off-the-table changeup. The depth and late break allow him to be effective vs. both LH and RH hitters. Add in his top durability and stamina, as he pitched 7 innings on 3 days rest twice in the Minnesota High School class AAA tournament, and Sanches is a great pick here.
ETA: 14
Grade: A
16.
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Gene does one thing very well….hit. Out of Gateway HS in Auroroa Col. the Colorado Orangemen have known about him for many years, especially since his legendary batting practice at Coors field for his county All-star squad. The local kid is a switch hitting machine. His power rates as a 70 on the 30-80 scout scale and he can hit both RH and LH hitting, though his LH stroke is more fluid. He also commands the zone very well from either side of the plate and looks to be a perfect fit for Coors field.
ETA: 15
Grade: B+
17.
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The son of Dominican immigrants, Villarreal has been on the scouting radar for a few years as well. The Baylor Jr. was originally drafted by Norfolk in the 35th round in season 7, though he did not sign. Villarreal is a tall RH’er with great movement on his hard sinker and a solid curve to back it up. He is durable and with his solid control should be able to be a 200+ inning guy in the MLs. His limiting factor is the lack of a true out pitch, which will limit him to a #3 SP role.
ETA: 13
Grade: B
18.
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Frankie Weeks is another short pitcher with big-time ability. AT 5-9, weeks gets his whole body in his motion, but isn’t violent and should be a durable pitcher. Stuff wise, he could have the best FB/Slider movement of the draft. Only topping 89 and 78 respectively, the two pitches work very well together and allow Weeks to be very effective regardless of his radar speed. If he continues to improve he could be a quality #2/3 SP’er and could make a few all-star teams.
ETA: 15
Grade: B
19.
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The university of Missouri Sr is poised to make a quick run to the MLs. The LH is already in HiA, and doing quite well. His FB has excellent movement and his slider limits RH hitters, allowing him to work both LH and RH hitters. With a great health record, Rivers needs to tune up his control and could be making his debut in late season 12.
ETA: 13 (full-time)
Grade: A-
20.
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Phillips is a solid all-around RF with a strong, accurate arm and the speed to cover any RF. His bat though, is more tailored to the leadoff/#2 spots than the traditional middle-order RF’er, but San Antonio’s stadium isn’t any old ballpark, and is much more defense and OB% oriented, which Phillips fits right into. As a RH hitter, he’s actually better vs. RH pitching and just needs to see more LHs, though they are able to get by him low-n-in with sliders and change-ups, which he tends to pull-off of.
ETA: 15
Grade: B-
