The 2014 MLB First Year Player Draft is less than one hour away. Many prospects are awaiting the call for their shot at the Majors. The Phillies, who are currently 24-33, hold the seventh pick. They have lost five straight games and don’t exactly look promising for the rest of the season. They are not playing good baseball, and age is a major factor. Many players are pushing 35 or are older. Thirty-five in baseball years is like 57.
On the left side of the infield, shortstop Jimmy Rollins is 35 and is nearing the end of his career. The Phils have two notable shortstop prospects in Roman Quinn and last year’s first round pick, JP Crawford. They are playing in Clearwater and Lakewood, respectively. Reid Brignac is currently playing third base. He is 28, but third base prospect Maikel Franco is tearing it up in AAA Lehigh Valley. Expect to see Franco sooner than later with the big club.
With a bounty of solid outfield prospects, the big hole to fill is on the right side of the infield. First baseman Ryan Howard is 34 and second baseman Chase Utley is 35. The Phillies have no first or second baseman among their Top 20 Prospects.*
Many of the Top 200 Draft Prospects* are outfielders, pitchers and catchers So don’t be surprised if the Phillies don’t use their top pick on an infielder. Many quality pitchers will be on the board at the seventh pick. Picking a pitcher in the first round would not be disappointing selection this year.
*Prospect Rankings from MLB.com
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