2014 MLB Draft prospects rankings: Nos. 45-41

Today we’ll be rounding out the first ten of our 2014 MLB Draft prospects rankings. In case you didn’t catch the first five, you can do so here. And don’t forget the ten that just missed my top 50.

In focus for this post, we will take a peek at a trio of college players and a pair of high school players.

Within the college ranks, we’ll look at a late-blooming pitcher, an outfielder with a sweet swing, and an infielder who, should certain factors not go the right way, could even take a crack at pitching. I’ll admit that when I started studying him, I found this particular draft prospect intriguing. Slightly reminded me of a recent pick from the same school.

From the prep ranks, I got my eye on a strong catching prospect from Louisiana. I’ll give this much away. I don’t see the need to move him to another position. And isn’t there’s always a high school arm that deserves some props? Of course, there is. Even more so when he’s from Texas.

Here’s the next five in our 2014 MLB Draft prospects rankings.

45. Matt Chapman, Cal. State – Fullerton, 3B, 6′ 2″, 215 lbs.

Last summer, Baseball America dubbed Chapman its #10 prospect on the Collegiate National Team. That opened a few more eyes.

Chapman is an interesting study. There aren’t as many questions about his defense (his arm is among the best in this draft, if not the best) as there are his bat. He projects more as a third baseman even though he can play shortstop. Offensively, his numbers from this season aren’t bad (.318/.417/.511, 6 HR, 44 RBI), there are worries the bat may not transfer well to the pro level. Not as much pop as some would like from the third base position.

Not a high lift of the front leg and his hands are fairly close to his right ear. There’s a bit of lift in his swing, so there is the potential to produce power. It’s a matter of finding it.

And you could see that Chapman does possess a nice set of wheels.

But Chapman could make the transition to being a full-time pitcher. While he has received very little work as a pitcher, it is something some organizations may consider especially if Chapman shows he is unable to hit pro pitching.

Again, the workload as a pitcher is extremely limited, but it is reported he has touched 98 before. He did make a couple of relief appearances with the Collegiate National team, hurling two innings of shutout ball. He also whiffed three opposing batters.

In talking about Chapman, kind of sounds a little like another recent Fullerton draft pick: Michael Lorenzen. Lorenzen had far more work as a reliever than Chapman has experienced. He could be a project as a pitcher provided the organization that drafts him is rather deep. If that route is chosen, he would be a project due to the limited work.

44. Chase Vallot, Thomas More HS (LA), catcher, 6′, 210 lbs.

Remember what I said about Jakson Reetz? That all applies to Vallot in that he will stay behind the plate. Sure, first base is a possibility, and he has played there before.

Vallot gets good loft lending itself to see his power potential. He displayed some of that power and potential when he won the home run derby at the Perfect Game National last June. He also displays good patience at the plate.

His defense is above what Reetz offers, and Vallot’s footwork is a definite asset. He also adds a strong arm to his defensive package. His accuracy might be the only thing that will need some fine tuning. When a throw is off, it’s usually not by a whole lot. Perfect Game rates Vallot’s POP time of 1.87 as one of the better POP times in the country. Whatever improvements are needed there will come in time.

Vallot has committed to Mississippi State.

43. Matt Imhof, Cal Poly, LHP, 6′ 5″, 220 lbs.

Imhof wasn’t highly touted when he was in high school at Mission San Jose. He wasn’t even drafted before heading to Cal Poly. I guess you could say he’s gotten a late start on his baseball career. Turns out that his late arrival is a good thing.

Imhof’s fastball runs from the high 80’s to low 90’s. He also adds some cut action to the pitch, as you will soon see. At 6’ 5” and 220, as Imhof fills out his tall frame, you should see the velocity increase. Yes, even at 220, his lean 6′ 5″ frame could use a little filling.

It’s the breaking ball and off-speed pitches that are still developing. His breaking ball can be devastating, but it lacks some consistency.

Not a lot of wasted motion with his smooth, easy delivery. It is also a bit deceptive as the ball isn’t easy to pick up as he pulls it out of his glove. You saw the big curve that cold create havoc to lefties. Liked the pickoff play, too.

This past season, Imhof achieved a record of 9-4 with a 2.55 ERA and a 1.091 WHIP. He struck out 120 and walked 38 in 91.2 innings of work.

42. Mike Papi, Virginia, OF, 6′ 3″, 210 lbs.

Papi can play all three outfield positions, but corner is best suited for him. He’s even played a little first base. But it’s the bat the gains the attention.

He has a quick bat and displays good plate discipline and pitch recognition. For this past season, Papt hit .299, but his OBP was .455. He drew a total of 50 walks compared to just 36 strikeouts. This in 186 AB.

Some believe the power isn’t quite there. That might not actually be the case as the field Virginia calls home, Davenport Field, has a reputation for being pitcher-friendly. Papi managed to lead the Cavaliers in home runs with 10. He also drove in 47 which was also tops on the team. Adding a little muscle won’t hurt, but not too much.

I don’t see much going on with his swing. Seeing this compact, free and easy stroke from a left-handed bat can set a lefty apart from a righty. This swing just looks natural. This is why I made the statement about not adding too much muscle. This swing is nice to watch.

You saw his home-to-1B time on the video. Papi only attempted nine steals this season. He was successful on six of those attempts. He’s not a burner, but he’s not excessively slow either.

You could add that Papi is also dependable as he was one of only two Wahoos to start every game during the regular season.