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MLB Draft 2013: Prospects Ranked 7-10

David Oh No breaks into his top ten prospect list for the 2013 MLB draft, revealing his prospects ranked seven through ten.

By David Hood
A pitcher of this potential caliber is ranked in David Oh No's top ten prospects available in the 2013 draft.
A pitcher of this potential caliber is ranked in David Oh No's top ten prospects available in the 2013 draft.
Patrick McDermott

Today we will delve into my Top Ten list with the back four. You can read the four notable names I omitted from the top ten from my post yesterday.


10) Alex Gonzalez, RHP, 6'3", 200, Oral Roberts

Having pitched the last three years in my backyard, I have seen plenty of quality outings from Gonzalez. He ranks here ahead of more famous college names for his consistency, steady growth, and high floor. While Ryne Stanek, Sean Manaea, Jonathan Crawford, and Chris Anderson generated early headlines they have struggled to live up to, Gonzalez continues to impress with each outing. The profile puts him ahead of several names on this list even on their best day: a 90-94 mph fastball with plus cutting movement and one of the best sliders in the draft. Add solid build and command, and you have an easy forecast for a number three pitcher.

Game Video, BLFutures (5/11/13)


9) Trey Ball, LHP, 6'6", 175, New Castle High School (IN)

Ball beats out a handful of collegiate arms to this spot for me because of my preference for the profile and an unusual safety net. Ball is another highly athletic arm that portends to future arm strength and allows him to flash plus arm speed on his change. I have more concerns about his ability to repeat his delivery given his size and gangly frame.

At 6'6", Ball has more arms and legs to keep in sync than the two 6'3" athletic right handers I ranked above him. Ball will also need to fill out to hold velocity deeper in games, but the tools are there for a number 2 along the lines of Cole Hamels. Additionally, Ball is so good as an outfield prospect that should pitching look like an unlikely future endeavor in A ball, Ball can be switched over the the offensive side giving teams a better chance of him ultimately providing value down the road. I think Ball requires more projection than guys he outranks, but the upside and athletic profile are hard to ignore.

Interview, ESPN (8/10/12)



8) Reese McGuire, C, 6'1", 190, Kentwood High School (WA)

Given the recent gushing over Austin Hedges and his defensive chops, teams are starting to put more emphasis on defensive ability behind the plate. While not up to the defensive standards of Hedges, McGuire has flashed a quiet glove in receiving, a fast release, and arm strength to pair with an advanced feel for game-calling. Reports on McGuire's hitting ability read better than Hedges' did, and he has room to add strength to an athletic frame. Plus defensive catchers often get a free pass on hitting, but McGuire could flash .280-15 homer potential with a cleaned up stroke (he loads a little long, can be late to get his foot down, and needs to shorten the path of his hands).




7) Dominic Smith, 1B, 6'0", 195, Serra High School (CA)

At this point in the rankings, the college players that were once seen as top ten guys have begun showing considerable flaws (see yesterday's post), so three straight upside plays fill the board, starting with Smith. Recently, Keith Law linked Smith's name to the Rockies, and to the casual observer, this would make sense considering Smith's best fit position and Helton's eminent retirement, however this theory places undue pressure on Smith's bat while also diminishing his candidacy as the pick outright. With Coors Field as his home park, Smith's ceiling is that of a perennial batting title threat, thanks to his bat speed, barrel control, and searing line drive batted ball profile. Smith also gets high marks for his defense and, as a bonus, can throw up to 92 mph off the mound.

The downside with Smith is that given the demands of playing outfield at Coors Field, Smith is well short athletically to attempt it, and his could fill out his 6'0, 190 lbs. frame even further, leaving him stuck at first base. The first base profile is exceedingly hard to fill, and HS first base prospects don't have the greatest track record, but I like Smith's chances because of the stoutness of the hit tool presently, with power to come. One thing to consider with Smith is that he's very young for his HS class, and statistically, this has been a significant indicator of future upside.





My next post will cover prospects I ranked #4-6. Look for that Monday morning.

Make sure to follow David Oh No on twitter at @davidchood. He is best reached there for questions.

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