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[BSLChrisStoner]

MLB Pipeline: Top 200 Prospects

http://m.mlb.com/new...s-list-unveiled

[RichardZ]

My picks just going by players rated at or below are slots and just going by reading the reviews and checking out video.   I realize the O's will probably not do it this way.   I have only one college pitcher in the top 4 picks.    Bet the O's go with at least 2 or 3 pitchers with their picks.

 

Will Benson | Rank: 38

School: The Westminster (Ga.) SchoolsYear: SeniorPosition: OFAge: 17 DOB: 6/16/1998Bats: L Throws: LHeight: 6' 6" Weight: 220 lb.
Commitment: Duke
VIDEO

Scouting grades: Hit: 45 | Power: 55 | Run: 55 | Arm: 55 | Field: 55 | Overall: 50
It's almost impossible to discuss Benson with a scout and not have Jason Heyward's name come up as a comparison. They're both Atlanta-area high school prospects, left-handed hitters with similar builds at the same stage of their careers and outstanding athletes for their size. Benson led The Westminster Schools to the Georgia 3-A championship this spring, the Wildcats' first title since 1975.
Benson's bat speed and strength give him well-above-average raw power, and the fact that he's more aggressive than Heyward bodes well for Benson's chances of tapping into it. He's at his best when he uses a short stroke, though he falls into the trap of trying to do too much at times. He hasn't had a great spring with the bat but still has enough offensive upside and all-around potential to go in the first round.
A solid runner, Benson led the U.S. 18-and-under team with four steals in 14 games during the summer. Though he plays center field in high school, the Duke recruit will move to right field in pro ball and has the required arm strength for the position. He also has experience at first base.




Nonie Williams | Rank: 60

School: Turner (Kan.) HSYear: SeniorPosition: SSAge: 18 DOB: 5/22/1998Bats: R Throws: RHeight: 6'2" Weight: 200 lb.
Commitment: Louisiana State
VIDEO
Scouting grades: Hit: 45 | Power: 50 | Run: 65 | Arm: 60 | Field: 50 | Overall: 50Williams was an early-round prospect for the 2017 before he chose to reclassify for the 2016 Draft a year ago. MLB approved that decision, making him part of a banner high school crop in Kansas. Williams, who will turn 18 three weeks before the draft, is the state's best position prospect since Bubba Starling went fifth overall to the Royals in 2011.
A homeschooled student who takes a class and plays at Turner High (Kansas City, Kan.), Williams offers an exciting array of tools. He has well above-average bat speed and foot speed and plus raw power and arm strength. He has committed to switch-hitting and while his natural right-handed stroke is quicker and more fluid, his lefty swing is fast and loose.
Williams already is bigger than the typical big league shortstop and lacks classic actions for the position, so he'll likely need a new defensive home in pro ball. The Louisiana State recruit has the quickness for second base and the arm strength for third base, though some scouts question his hands and think he's destined for center field. He has the offensive upside to profile at any of those spots, and the work ethic to make the most of his tools.



Akil Baddoo | Rank: 72

School: Salem (Ga.) HSYear: SeniorPosition: OFAge: 17 DOB: 8/16/1998Bats: L Throws: LHeight: 6'1" Weight: 195 lb.
Commitment: Kentucky
VIDEO
Scouting grades: Hit: 50 | Power: 50 | Run: 60 | Arm: 40 | Field: 50 | Overall: 45The Georgia high school ranks have produced 13 outfielders selected in the first two rounds in the six previous Drafts this decade, and Baddoo could add to that number in 2016. The Kentucky recruit has an intriguing power/speed combination and has improved in both departments over the last year.
Baddoo has made strides with his bat as well and has the potential to hit for both power and average. He has a loose, whippy left-handed swing with plenty of bat speed. Add in his plus speed, and he has the upside of a 20-20 player if everything comes together.
Baddoo's quickness stands out more than his instincts in center field, so he could wind up on an outfield corner. With his below-average arm, that would mean shifting to left field, though scouts who like him think he'd still provide enough offense to profile there.




Matt Krook | Rank: 92

School: OregonYear: Redshirt SophomorePosition: LHPAge: 21 DOB: 10/21/1994Bats: L Throws: LHeight: 6' 3" Weight: 205 lb.Previously Drafted: 2013, CBA (35) - MIA

VIDEO
Scouting Grades: Fastball: 60 | Curve: 55 | Changeup: 50 | Control: 45 | Overall: 45A top prospect in high school taken No. 35 overall by the Marlins in 2013, Krook went on to Oregon after a disagreement over a post-Draft physical. Eight starts into his freshman year, he needed Tommy John surgery and missed all of 2015. He began his return in the Cape Cod League last year and began the year as a starter. Inconsistencies that often come in the first year back from surgery plagued the left-hander and he was eventually removed from the Ducks' rotation.
Early on this season, Krook struggled to find the strike zone consistently. Things clicked for a while as the spring wore on, but then he lost the ability to throw strikes again. There were times he looked like the first round arm many thought he would be this year, with a low-90s fastball and a devastating power breaking ball. He could have an average changeup as well in time. In other instances, he's looked lost on the mound. His arm action, with a bend in his elbow, makes it difficult to find a consistent release point, meaning command could be a problem beyond the surgery comeback.
Krook has shown he's healthy, a big step in determining his Draft status. Some teams may pass because of the history and the mechanics, but some might see a big lefty with a future as a starter.