The 2014 MLB Draft is shaping up to be one of the most promising in recent years, as a combination of a deep and talented crop of players and elite pitchers North Carolina State LHP Carlos Rodon and East Carolina Jeff Hoffman, has draft pundits salivating. The Nationals possess the #19 pick in this June’s draft, and have an excellent opportunity to replenish their farm system that has suffered from trades and graduations in recent years.
Although we are early into the college baseball season, these are a few of the many draft eligible prospects that have caught my eye thus far this year, in the 2nd installment of Scouting the Draft.
Brandon Finnegan LHP Texas Christian University
Scouted -> 2.14.14 vs. Jacksonville University – (7 IP, 3 hits, 3 walks, 13 strikeouts)
In his first start of the season, Finnegan overwhelmed the Jacksonville lineup with two plus offerings, flashing a powerful mid-90s fastball with excellent life and a devastating slider he threw for strikes; in addition, later in the game he showed a mediocre, but promising changeup with arm-side run that induced whiffs from right-handed batters. Finnegan’s delivery is fairly polished though involving more effort than one might like, and his command of the strike zone is a bit below-average at this stage in his development. However, his biggest negative for scouts is his size, as he is listed below 6-0 tall with little physical projection remaining.
If a team can overlook his less than prototypical size and believes in his changeup, Finnegan could be selected in the first 20-40 selections this June, as it is rare to find left-handed pitchers with two present plus pitches.
NatsGM Projected Draft Status -> Late 1st Round through Round 2
Charlie White CF University of Maryland
Scouted -> Numerous Times, Most Recently 3.2.14 vs Massachusetts
An intriguing prospect playing his college baseball near Nationals Park, White serves as Maryland’s leadoff hitter and center fielder for the second consecutive year in 2014. A left-handed batter with excellent contact skills and a knack for reaching base, White lacks home run power which limits his upside professionally. Defensively, White utilizes his blazing speed, solid baseball instincts, and average arm to be a dynamic center fielder. Without much physical projection remaining, White will need to maximize his impressive speed, hit, and defensive tools to overcome his lack of power in his attempt to climb through the minor leagues.
A redshirt junior, White was drafted in the 29th round last year by the Yankees, but should see a jump up draft boards this coming June. White could be a nice Day 2 selection, especially for a somewhat budget conscious organization.
NatsGM Projected Draft Status -> 7th Round to 10th Round
Grayson Greiner C University of South Carolina
Scouted -> Three times, Most Recently 2.28.14 vs. Clemson
The first thing you notice about Greiner is his physically imposing size, as he appears larger than his listed 6-5 220lbs; this immediately makes scouts question if Greiner will be able to remain a catcher in the professional ranks. However, Greiner provides a big, quiet target for the pitcher, shows notable arm strength, and is fairly agile behind the plate, making him a surprisingly quality defensive catcher. Offensively Greiner has a longish swing with quality bat speed, but has not shown the production or power one might expect from such a strong, talented prospect in his first two collegiate seasons.
Greiner will be an interesting prospect this coming June, as some teams will be put off by his size and lack of power numbers in college, yet some team will fall in love with his present defensive skills and dream on the potential of his bat. While I do not see him as a 1st round pick, polished collegiate catchers are always in demand on draft day, and I see Greiner being selected early in June.
NatsGM Projected Draft Status -> 2nd to 3rd Round
Casey Turgeon 2B University of Florida
Scouted -> Numerous Times, Most Recently 2.28.14 vs. Illinois
A polished collegiate hitter with an excellent, compact left-handed swing, Turgeon has gap power and the ability to occasionally pull one over the fence. Along with average or slightly above-average speed and excellent awareness of the strike zone, Turgeon’s aptitude for the game allows him to play above his tools. Maxed out physically around 5-10 175lbs and likely limited to second base defensively, the team that selects him will be convinced his hit tool and intangibles will allow him to reach the majors. In a class lacking many collegiate bats, Turgeon slots in nicely on Day 2 of the draft.
NatsGM Projected Draft Status -> 4th to 6th Round