More Names to Know for the 2013 Draft

Several months ago, I took a look at a few names to know for the 2013 draft.  Here's a second installment.  Check it out after the jump.

 

 

 

College

Austin Wilson

Measurables: 6'4, 210 lbs
Bats: R, Throws: R
DOB: 02/07/1992
Position: OF
School: Stanford

Austin Wilson was a highly touted prep outfielder who was considered a first round talent back in 2010.  He lasted until the 13rd round because of an allegedly ironclad commitment to Stanford.  Alleged fact became actual fact as Wilson chose not to sign with the St. Louis Cardinals and instead became a Stanford Cardinal.

Wilson is a prototypical right fielder with a strong arm, enough athleticism to be plus and the ability to hit for average and power.  Currently, most of Wilson's pop is in the batting cage, but he began turning his raw power into game power late in his Sophomore year and this summer in the Cape Cod League this summer.  With a strong Junior campaign, Wilson could turn himself into a top 5 pick come June 2013.

Sean Manaea

Measurables: 6'5, 215 lbs
Bats: L, Throws: L
DOB: 02/01/1992
Position: P
School: Indiana State

Manaea put himself on the draft prospect map this summer with a strong showing in the Cape Cod League.  He displayed a strong fastball, touching 96 with an easy arm action.  Manaea also flashed an above-average slider at times, but his secondary stuff needs work overall.

Still, lefties with his velocity and a fairly repeatable delivery don't grow on trees.  In a year without any pitchers with clear ace upside, Manaea has a chance to be the first pitcher off the board, especially if he improves his secondaries and commands this coming season. 

Colin Moran

Measurables: 6'3, 209 lbs
Bats: L, Throws: R
DOB: 10/01/1992
Position: 3B
School: North Carolina 

Colin Moran is arguably the best pure hitter in this draft class, similar to another former UNC product, Dustin Ackley.  Moran's pure hitting skills might also make him the highest college bat to come off the board, also like Ackley.

However, to mimic Ackley in becoming the number 2 overall pick, Moran will have to improve both his power and defense. Currently, he could end up at first base - where his bat won't play as well - if he doesn't improve at third base, although it's entirely possible for him to be adequate or better at the hot corner.  In addition, Moran will have to do better than the 3 homeruns he hit his sophomore year to see his draft stock skyrocket. 

High School 

 

Clint Frazier

Measurables: 6'0, 190 lbs
Bats: R, Throws: R
DOB: 09/06/1994
Position: OF
Loganville (Ga.) HS

What Frazier lacks in stature - he only stands at 6'0, although he weighs a study 190 lbs - he makes up for in tools.  He's got plenty of speed and arm, and has a fairly good chance to stick at centerfield.  What really makes Frazier stand apart happens at that plate.

The Georgia native has elite bat speed that gives him the upside that teams crave.  A strong spring and proof that Frazier can stick at centerfield gives him the opportunity to be the first prep outfielder off the board - beating out fellow Georgia product Austin Meadows - with an outside shot of going first overall. 

Kohl Stewart

Measurables: 6'2, 195 lbs
Bats: L, Throws: L
DOB: 08/16/1995
Position: P

Kohl Stewart is actually a two-sport standout, excelling at both baseball and football.  In football, he's a top recruit as a quarterback. His arm strength carries over to the mound with a fastball that sits in the low-to-mid 90's and touches the upper 90's on occasion.

Right now Stewart is more of a thrower than a pitcher, but he shows good athleticism and a solid feel for a slider and changeup.  Stewart is currently committed to Texas A&M in both football and baseball, but unless he has a bad spring or injury, he'll most likely step foot on campus when he gets paid seven figures in the first round in the June MLB draft, most likely in the top half. 

Trey Ball

Measurables: 6'6, 175 lbs
Bats: L, Throws: L
DOB: 06/27/1994
Position: P, OF

Every year, there will be a two-way player that standouts.  This year it's Ball, who doubles both as a left-handed pitcher and an outfielder.  On the mound, Ball sits in the high 80's and touches the low 90's.  In addition, he has a loose arm and an extremely projectable frame.

However, Ball is probably better as a positional player.  In the outfield, his arm translates to a plus arm.  He also has above-average speed, that gives him an outside chance to stick in centerfield.  At the plate, he has a loose left-handed swing that could have both plus future power and future hit tool, giving him a potential five tools.