2014 MLB draft prospects rankings: Nos. 35-31

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.