2014 Draft Links: McDaniel's Top 30 HS Prospects

Fox's Kiley McDaniel came out with his top 30 2014 high school draft prospects today.  If you read his Jacob Gatewood profile, linked yesterday, it shouldn't come as a surprise that Gatewood occupies the first slot.  Here's his top three:

1. Jacob Gatewood, SS, Clovis HS (CA)

 6'3/175, R/R, Draft Day Age: 18.70, USC commit, Full Report & Video

Quick Take: Lanky, projectable shortstop likely moves to third base professionally but would be above average there defensively and has easy plus raw power for a complete package that, with some offensive adjustments, could rival 2012 #1 overall pick SS Carlos Correa(Astros).

2. Alex Jackson, C/RF, Rancho Bernardo HS (CA)

6'2/215, R/R, Draft Day Age: 18.45, Oregon commit, Full Report & Video

Quick Take: Rumor is that this dynamic talent with a plus arm and lightning-quick release from behind the plate will move to the outfield long-term to save his health like Bryce Harper. Jackson isn't a Harper-level talent but has special bat speed and above average power: enough to go in the top 10 picks even as an outfielder, in the mold of Padres 2013 1st rounder Hunter Renfroe.

3. Tyler Kolek, RHP, Shepherd HS (TX)

6'5/245, Draft Day Age: 18.48, No college commitment, Full Report & Video

Quick Take: Scouts were tossing around Jonathan Gray comparisons (2013 #3 overall pick, Rockies) when the XL-framed righty hit 100 mph a few months ago with a plus high-70's curveball. He works in the 93-96 mph area more often, has a usable changeup and is a good athlete for his size given his age.

The top thirty is free and well worth a look.  What initially strikes me is the potential depth and quality of the pitchers in this high school class.  I doubt a high school pitcher will go #1 overall, but with this kind of depth, hopefully, the Astros can get a McCullers-type with their second pick.