2014 MLB draft prospects rankings: nos. 15-11
Bordering on the top 10 of the 2014 MLB draft prospects rankings. Have an oddity here in that this will be the first quintet that doesn’t include a prep player. All collegians here. Three solid arms, a backstop that possesses a quality bat and an athlete that should excel as a pro.
15. Max Pentecost, Kennesaw State, C, 6′ 2″, 190 lbs.
In the 2011 draft, the Texas Rangers selected Pentecost in the 7th round. Darn near signed him, too, but he elected to attend Kennesaw State in what now appears to be a brilliant move.
This season, all Pentecost has done is rake to the tune of a .423/.477/.634 slashline. Toss is 9 homers and 55 RBI. He walked and struck out the same number of times, 24. Within the Atlantic Sun conference, the slashline was even more impressive: .460/.500/.735. Yes, the bat will grab your attention.
All of this after being named the MVP of the Cape Cod League last season. Pentecost hits well because his approach is a professional one. In one at-bat, he’ll work the count. In the next, he’ll turn on the aggression. Sounds a bit like Michael Conforto except Pentecost should take some of his average to the pros. He’s more of a line drive hitter and can hit to all fields.
The defense is solid and his defensive skill set should see him stay behind the plate for some time. That alone makes Pentecost appealing.
Here’s some action form his time in the Cape Cod League.
14. Sean Newcomb, Hartford, LHP, 6′ 5″, 240 lbs.
Newcomb is a bit of a newcomer to the scene. And he’s made his presence known. A comparison that started to roll out after last year’s Cape Cod League performance were to Jon Lester. As far as his overall
The fastball certainly can be a plus pitch for Newcomb. It averages in the low 90’s, but I’ve read on a few sites that he’s hit 97 with this offering. It’s his other pitches that could use a bit of work.
There’s some disagreement on what his #2 pitch is. Some say it’s his low 80’s slider. Others have stated that the changeup is. Perfect Game ranks Newcomb’s changeup as the #4 among collegiate arms. Both could use a little attention.
Maybe the biggest concern is that Newcomb has a body and build that are already at their ceiling. That thought can play on the mind of those that are considering to select him. They’re at their peak, so where do you go from there? Actually, this could be a plus as he could be geared to provide you some quality innings from the get-go.
There is some upside here. If Newcomb can learn to make his delivery more repeatable, that could bring his slider and changeup more into play as effective pitches.
I think I have Newcomb right where he should go, about the middle of the first round.
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.
12. Brandon Finnegan, TCU, LHP, 5′ 11″, 185 lbs.
So you look at the height and weight and wonder if he can be a starter. This is where some lefty bias comes into play. But there’s more to Finnegan’s package than merely being a lefty hurler.
His fast ball sits around low to 90’s, but has popped a 97 and 98 before. Hard to believe a guy with Finnegan’s stature can produce that velocity. He can avoid bats with it, no question. But what about the rest?
One of his pitches is a slider than can at times resemble a curve. You know what’s next: a slurve. In this case, and not because he’s a lefty, if Finnegan can continue to develop the pitch one way or another, he’s will produce a second bona fide offering. Better yet, what about developing both a slider and a curve?
The changeup isn’t special. If Finnegan cannot make it as a starter, he can scrap this pitch.
Easy beginning with an explosive delivery. That can work both ways. We now see where Finnegan can generate the velocity. The explosive aspect of the delivery has produced concerns about Finnegan’s control and consistency. Then, the durability factor arose, especially when Finnegan had to leave an outing earlier this year. The diagnosis was minor shoulder inflammation.
11. Tyler Beede, Vanderbilt, RHP, 6′ 4″, 215lbs.
Three years ago, Beede was the 21st overall selection by the Toronto Blue Jays. (Note: So that makes two if the last three drafts the Jays couldn’t sign a first round pick.) Beede headed to Vandy and his star shone brightly while in Nashville. That star could get even brighter.
Offering a 92-94 mph fastball is a good place to start. Beede has reportedly hit 97 with the pitch. If there is a concern here, it would be with the control.
The curve will reside in the high 70’s to low 80’s and show some plus qualities. It might be his best pitch. The pitch takes a nice downward plane with quality depth. If he stays on top of it, it can be a knee bender.
Then there’s the changeup. This pitch, around 80 mph, can also be devastating. There’s decent depth along with fade. That combination can baffle hitters.
Yes, you have the potential for no less than two plus pitches with maybe a third in development. If the command wasn’t so inconsistent (he issued 41 free passes in 90.1 innings of work), he’d be a top 5 pick guaranteed.
And if Beede can corral his command , there’s no question he can be a #2 in many rotations. Might get glimpses of a #1.