2014 MLB draft prospects rankings: Nos. 35-31

We finish off our second ten of our list of Call to the Pen’s 2014 MLB draft prospects.

Three prepsters and a pair of collegians take today’s stage. Speaking of pairs, a pair of impressive prep bats that should do well in the bigs appear. One can thump and the other can certainly provide a little pop. That last one could be a pain to opposing defenses, too.

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A pair of major league arms are showcased, too. One is extremely powerful. Bet you know where he fits into a team’s plans. The image above is a hint.

The other arm has scouts wondering if he can start of will be a member of a team’s bullpen.

The final member of out quintet can play some clean infield, but there are a couple of question marks in the minds of scouts.

Let’s get the ball rolling. We’ll head to Georgia to get a look at a player whose name I think we’ll be hearing a lot in years to come.

34. Alex Blandino, Stanford, 2B/3B, 6′, 190 lbs.

Blandino started a slow ascent up some prospect lists with an eye-opening performance during the 2012 Cape Cod League. During the regular season, he hit .312 with 3 HR and 25 RBI. The only knock was the 37 strikeouts in 138 AB. It was the postseason where he excelled. In six games, he hit .350 (7-for-20) with a pair of homers and 10 RBI, tops on the Yarmouth-Dennis Red Sox.

But Blandino might be a bit of a tweener. He owns the defensive tools to play third base, even played short when he was in the Cape Cod League. There is a perceived lack of arm strength, making second base more of a possibility as his positional home. His current build might be more geared toward second base, too.

But it’s not only that arm that has some scouts seeing him at second.

As we’ve already discussed, Blandino can certainly hit. He does possess some pop, but there are those that feel he doesn’t provide enough pop that a great many organizations prefer from the third base position. Another issue could be the ever-evolving perception that Stanford position players are unable to adjust to pitching at higher levels.

33. Kodi Medeiros, Waiakea HS (HI), LHP, 6′ 185 lbs.

Let’s get the biggest concern out of the way: stature. It is presumed Medeiros is too small to be a long-term starter at the major league level. We know there are a few that can perform at that level despite not being the “right build”. Case in point is Mike Leake of the Cincinnati Reds. While Leake did have a shoulder issue, he has proven to be reliable.

In fact, Medeiros is a couple of inches taller than Leake, and he is about the same weight. Maybe a pound or two could put that to rest because the Pepperdine recruit has a nice arsenal. More on that in a bit.

A simple, compact delivery. Back to Mediros and his pitches.

In the outing from which that above video was taken, Medeiros hit 94 with his fastball. He did hit 95 at a couple of last summer’s showcases, so the velocity is there. There is also some movement as was evident by the second pitch as it worked its way back over the inside corner of the plate.

His slider is almost on par with his fastball as far as its effectiveness. There are occasions where he gives this upper 70’s pitch so much break that he cannot keep it near the zone. It kind of resembles a slurve in this regard.

The changeup can be effective because of his 3/4 arm slot. It gives the pitch more drop as it approaches the plate.

32. Nick Burdi, Louisville, RHP, 6′ 3″, 220 lbs.

You might be led to think that Burdi is a one trick pony since he serves as the Cardinals closer. Along with that comes his phenomenal velocity. He is usually around 97 with his fastball, and Burdi has hit 100 on multiple occasions.

But Burdi also owns a slider that will make opposing batters look foolish. This is for two reasons. One is they think they’re going to see a lot of heat. But if that’s all they look for, Burdi will break out a low 90’s slider. Both pitches have “swing and miss” stuff.

That second pitch was simply unfair. And the third, too.

When you throw that hard, location will be erratic. His release comes from around 3/4 and has a slight whipping action. You would think that could create some insane movement. That movement will come out on occasion.

Yes, he does have a changeup, but he rarely throws it. No need when you have two pitches that are plus pitches. But if Burdi wishes to not be a reliever at the next level, developing that change will be paramount. Could be an organization or two that might be willing to try that transition.

Then again, when you possess two devastating pitches, why would you want to do anything else but close out games?

31. Braxton Davidson, TC Roberson HS (NC), 1B/OF, 6′ 3″, 215 lbs.

A couple of things stand out when you look at Davidson.

One, he has a bat that pounds the ball. Last June at the Tournament of Stars, he hit a home run that was estimated around 500 feet. This wasn’t during batting practice or even a home run derby. This was under game conditions. A real game. Needless to say, at following showcases and events, pitchers were hesitant to be close to the plate.

When you see video of Davidson, that turn-in with the front leg is the firs thing you notice. In a couple of other videos I watched, that turn-in was more pronounced and “sharper” than in the one above.

The second aspect is his outstanding arm. He has been clocked from the outfield at 95 mph.

Now, don’t expect Davidson to go out and steal you a base or two. It’s not part of his game. He won’t clog the bases (or he shouldn’t, as he has just enough speed to get by. A corner outfield position will play because of his arm, but if it is believed his lack of speed develops into an issue, he can play first base.