2014 MLB draft prospects rankings: Nos. 40-36

40. Justus Sheffield, Tullahoma HS (TN), LHP (OF), 6′, 190 lbs.

Familiar name, but according to a Yahoo! Sports report from last October, neither Justus nor his older brother Jordan are related to the former big leaguer Gary. No mention of the relationship on Jordan’s bio on the Commodores website either.

Anyway, Justus differs from his brother in that he’s a lefty hurler. We know that lefties tend to get that little extra look merely because of that. But Justus has earned that extra look. He does posses three pitches that are thought to have plus potential.

The fastball has hit 94, but it averages just a couple of ticks lower. His curveball sits in the mid to high 70’s and can display nice depth as well as nice rotation. The changeup, which is also in the mid to high 70’s in velocity, can be equally effective. Developing a slider, a pitch that is still developing, makes Sheffield a potential first round selection.

There are only two concerns, one a little concerning and the other, not so much. Jordan was thought to be a first round talent, but he had his 2013 season was derailed due to Tommy John surgery. I know these guys are different, but there’s that genetic connection that sometimes seeps through during evaluations.

The other is the lack of height. At 6′, there might be worries of Justus being able to always be on top of his pitches.

Justus has committed to Vanderbilt, the same school where Jordan is currently . Go fig. Vandy getting a highly touted prep pitcher. And another lefty, no less.