2014 MLB draft prospects rankings: nos. 15-11

13. Trea Turner, NC State, SS, 6′ 1″, 170 lbs.

If you like speed and defense, then Turner’s your guy. If you like those with a lot of athleticism, then Tuner is even more your guy. The glove is solid, the footwork screams middle infielder, and his arm is that of a shortstop. All his defensive package lacks is being more consistent.

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But what about Turner’s bat? Ah, now we’re hitting on something. Or are we?

You would think Turner’s elite speed would make him a singles hitter. A guy that bunts for a fair number of his base hits. Knocks the ball into the ground (just had a Willie Mays Hayes thought) in order to get on base and use that speed to get into the mind of opponents. Be disruptive on those basepaths.

Turner can do that, but it’s not always the case. He doesn’t necessarily have to do that. Turner has gap power and can surprise by taking a pitch or two over the fence. Couple that with his speed and baserunning ability, and you could make him into an ideal leadoff candidate.

The question, as it is with many prospects, is if Turner can bring his bat to the next level. I think he can.

His swing as a bit of Dustin Pedroia in it.