2013 MLB Draft: Colorado Rockies Select Jonathan Gray with Third Overall Pick
By John Parent
June 3, 2012; Charlottesville, VA, USA; Oklahoma Sooner pitcher Jonathan Gray (22) pitches against the Army Black Knights in the first inning in game three of the Charlottesville regional at Davenport Field. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Laferriere-USA TODAY Sports
Throughout the mock draft season, expert after expert had the Colorado Rockies, picking third overall, drafting college slugger Kris Bryant. With two elite college arms at the top of this class, it looked like the pitching-challeneged Rockies would be shutout of landing a top hurler.
When Bryant went off the board to the Cubs at number two, however, the Rockies were left with an easy choice in drafting Oklahoma right hander Jonathan Gray.
Gray, a 6’4″ starting pitcher, has been considered one of the top two (along with Mark Appel) arms in this draft class and projects as a top-of-the-rotation pitcher. Gray gets excellent drive with his lower half, generating “easy” velocity without maximum effort and that velocity has reached as high as 98 mph. Considering his sturdy frame, there are no concerns over Gray’s ability to maintain velocity deep into games and repeating his mechanics has been a strong suit for him.
Gray features a slider that projects as a plus pitch, though can flatten out at time. His change needs a bit more development but is expected to be a quality offering at the big league level as well. The 21-year-old should move quickly through the system and could reach Colorado within as couple of seasons, depending on how well he can command his pitches.
The Rockies are a club that will have a very hard time attracting free agent pitchers, making developing their own extremely important. That Gray fell into their laps might be the best thing to happen to this franchise since Matt Holliday was called safe without ever touching the plate in 2007.
Gray tested positive for the amphetamine adderall in the pre-draft screening. That positive test will not result in a suspension, though Gray will face more frequent testing once he’s signed to a professional contract.