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MLB Dirt - 2013 Oakland Athletics Top 16 Prospects





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1Addison Russell(19-SS)It looks like Russell, who has a shot at staying at short, could be a steal even though he was taken in the first half of the first round. He struggles against breaking stuff but has incredible bat speed and well above-average hit tool and power. He has solid range and a great arm. His bat will likely play anywhere but if he can stick at short, he has show the work ethic and ability to, he can be a star. -Jonathan C. Mitchell
2Dan Straily(24-RHP)Straily was one of the biggest surprise prospects last year and he really improved all aspects of his game. Straily put together a terrific year at AA and AAA and I had the chance to see him pitch for AAA Sacramento. He has a smooth, effortless delivery and projects to be a real middle of the rotation innings eater. His fastball sits in the low to mid 90s and he has three secondary pitches (changeup, slider, and curveball) that all project to be solid pitches. Straily got a cup of coffee in the bigs last year but I think he’ll break camp in the A’s rotation. -Michael Schwartze Scouting ReportVideo.
3A.J. Cole(21-RHP)Cole still has projection in his 6’4” 180 pound frame and his mid-90s fastball could reach the upper-90s if he fills out. His breaking ball and change-up are both improving but he commands his plus fastball very well and keeps it down in the zone and limits walks. He has the upside of a #2 starter and has time to reach that ceiling. -JCM
4Michael Choice(23-OF)Plus raw power to go with solid patience at the plate but he does have pitch recognition problems and strikes out a bit much. His season was cut short thanks to a broken hand, but at age 22 in AA he held his own with a 117 wRC+ while playing passable defense in CF. He has the arm for RF but if he can stay in CF, many have their doubts, his ceiling is much higher. -JCM
5Sonny Gray (23-RHP)The stuff is there with a fastball that sits 91-94 and can go even higher in short outings and an above-average breaking ball. He needs to improve his command and change-up if he wants to remain a starter but his current mix could likely play in high-leverage situations right now. The A’s know the value of a starter will give him the proper time to prove he can remain a starter. -JCM



the rest of the list...  http://mlbdirt.com/2012/12/29/2013-oakland-athletics-top-16-prospects/

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