Finally to the top five of our 2014 MLB draft prospects rankings. As I said yesterday, I think you know who they are. You can probably figure out the order as well. There could be debate among the top two or three.
I think there’s little question whose the top prep position in this draft class. It’s Jackson, and I don’t think it’s close. He has the bat and he has the defensive skills. That said, there’s some debate on what position Jackson will fill as a pro.
His skills behind the plate aren’t elite, but he owns a strong arm and his POP time of 1.73 is tops in this class. Even with that, some believe Jackson would need some more development of his overall receiving package.
But that also leads some to think that Jackson might be a better for as a right fielder. The arm is plenty strong (he’s been clocked at 98 from the outfield), and there is enough athleticism present to make the move as he does possess some foot speed. There’s a feeling that hearing a positional change might be in order has caused Jackson to give up on the thought of catching at the big league level.
The reasoning behind a position switch is that there is a general feeling Jackson will further mature and fill out his frame even more, possibly being unable to handle behind the plate duties over the long haul.
Honestly, it makes no difference. His bat plays well at many positions. He displays a willingness to go the other way. Jackson also possesses good bat speed and power is certainly a characteristic that could be further developed.
Jackson has committed to Oregon.
4. Nick Gordon, Olympia HS (FL), SS, 6′ 2″, 170 lbs.
The son of Tom “Flash” Gordon and brother of Los Angeles Dodgers second baseman Dee Gordon has genetics in his corner.
For one, Nick owns a 94 mph fastball. That came from Dad. His 60-yard time is a quick 6.65. That’s the brother coming through. He got a few more skills from his brother.
Nick has flashed some gap-to-gap power that could develop into some good pop. He has quick wrists that aids in attaining that. Gordon has added a little weight and muscle to his frame. If he continues doing so, his bat will develop even more. His speed grabs your attention, making Gordon one of the fastest players in this draft class.
Nick has the shortstop skills (strong arm being one) , but the question of possibly suspect range does get mentioned on occasion. This might facilitate a move to either second base or center field. Sound familiar? Honestly, I don’t get it. Are these concerns because of his brother? I know that can have an adverse effect.
But I see Gordon staying at short. In a draft class lacking at the shortstop position, Gordon could stake a claim he’s the best shortstop.
So word is that Kolek has hit 102 on the gun. He’s also hit 100 or more many times this past spring. You didn’t need that knowledge to assess that he’s the top power arm in this class, but it helps.
The fastball easily sits in the mid 90’s. He’ll throw a mid 70’s curve that needs some attention as consistency hasn’t always been present. When it’s right, it’s a true 12-6 offering. His slider sits in the low 80’s and has even more break that the curve. The changeup is “there”. It’s a low 80’s pitch, but Kolek hasn’t had to use it much to get out the prep bats he faces. Adding this to his arsenal would make him
And imagine if he already had that changeup…
If you want to point to one aspect of Kolek’s game that needs the greatest attention, it would be his control and command. When you know you can hit triple digits, it can play in your head thinking you must do it on every pitch. This could lead to overthrowing, thus losing the ability to locate your pitches.
His delivery isn’t as “clean” as other as there are a lot of moving parts. Being 6′ 5″ can have that effect.
Kolek has a commitment to TCU.
2. Carlos Rodon, North Carolina State, LHP, 6′ 3″, 235 lbs.
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No question Rodon could top the list. On other rankings, he is. And I think he could be the first pitcher from this class to make the majors as he has everything you want from a starter.
His physical build is impressive. There should be no concerns regarding durability. He’s pretty much “filled out”. He’s not massive, but he’s in good shape.
He offers a fastball the routinely sits in the low to mid 90’s. Rodon can also offer a fastball of the two-seam variety that’s a couple of ticks slower. Yes, it has some movement that tails.The changeup isn’t used much (low 80’s), but could be a sold addition to the mix.
But Rodon owns a slider that can be extremely filthy. The mid 80’s pitch has fantastic horizontal movement and some slight vertical movement as well. Perfect Game notes that Rodon’s slider is the best among this draft class. You’ll see…
His delivery is easy to watch, and Rodon has little issue repeating it. He has improved his command and is unafraid to work both sides of the plate. To see him go to the Astros at #1 would not be a shock. Taking polished, collegiate arms in back-to-back years would bode well for the franchise’s future.
On most lists, Aiken does take home the top spot. He’s as projectable as any player. While he put on a few pounds since last fall, Aiken could afford to add a few more. I’m sure once he gets into a program, we’ll not only see a slight weight increase, but a slightly different build to him.
While his fastball is not exactly a “blow away” pitch, Aiken can regularly register in the low 90’s. He’s added a couple mph to it (has reportedly hit 97) and more is in the offering. Aiken can locate this pitch, this forcing hitters to adjust their eye level. That’s when he gets you with his mid 70’s curve and low 80’s changeup. Both have the potential to be plus pitches, but both will be no worse that above average offerings.
If Aiken chooses, he could certainly develop a slider. There’s been reports that his curve at times can resemble one.
His delivery offers a lot of deception. His frame has some to do with that, but is arm action plays a role as he keeps his arm directly behind him. A lefty hitter would have a hard time picking up pitches.
For the past few months, Aiken worked diligently on his command and control. It was a wise choice as that work has paid huge dividends
Aiken has committed to UCLA. The Bruins sure could use him, but I doubt he gets there.
