Keith Law of espn.com recently got to see two high school shortstops who play in Florida and provide an updated scouting report on the pair. One, Manny Machado, he calls the second best prospect in the draft - behind Bryce Harper and ahead of Jameson Taillon - and the other, Nick Castellanos, figures to be selected in the first round.
Manny Machado, Brito Miami Private HS, SS
Manny Machado is going to get the Alex Rodriguez comparison - tall, athletic, right-handed-hitting Latino shortstop from a Miami-area high school - but A-Rod Lite is more apt, since he's not preternaturally gifted as a hitter as A-Rod was. Machado can hit with strong, quick wrists, good rotation, and excellent extension through his swing. He has a 70 (out of 80) arm and good hands at shortstop although there's some sentiment that he'll outgrow the position. He's going to fill out significantly over the next 10 years, but he has the tools to be a plus defender at shortstop.
Nick Castellanos, Archbishop McCarthy High School, SS
Although Castellanos lacks the defensive acumen to play shortstop professionally, his bat is still strong enough to fit at third base. Castellanos has very strong hands and wrists, so even though he still has an 18-year-old's build, he can generate power now. Whatever team drafts him will likely do so to play third base or even possibly a corner outfielder if necessary. His bat projects to hit for average and power when he reaches his mid-20s.
In the comments section of Law's report, he notes that the Pirates sent a number of talent evaluators to watch Machado. Drew Pomeranz is also a named being linked to the Pirates with the second overall pick. Either way would leave Taillon for the Orioles with the third pick, something they'd be excited about. The Mets have also been linked to Machado if he ever lasted to their pick, #7, but the Royals have not shown much interest picking at #4.
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