Dodgers Look to Close Out League

As we prepare for the MLB draft, franchises across the league are finalizing their plans for a crucial part of the summer. As is the case at this time every year, the battle to pick up the most exciting prospects in the country is beginning to really heat up, and there is no shortage of talented youngsters heading into this year’s MLB draft. While the Twins will head into the draft with the first pick, the Cincinnati Reds and the San Diego Padres are also in a strong position to add a top selection to their ranks.

A glance at your baseball betting guide this season shows there are a host of ways to bet on baseball aside from the obvious method of backing a potential World Series winner, and this season has already shown that the MLB could well be one of the most interesting leagues to bet on this year. Because this has been such an open campaign so far, it makes this draft a particularly crucial one for those teams looking to push on for the World Series. So, let’s take a closer look at some of the stand-out players that will make the step up to the majors this year.

Jordon Adell: At six-foot-two and 155 pounds, you could be forgiven for thinking Adell lacks the physical strength to succeed in the MLB. When faced with his stats as a senior, though, it’s hard to argue that the 18-year old doesn’t have the potential to be a real star. In just 35 games as a senior, Adell has .562 with 25 home runs, 61 RBIs, 53 runs scored with a .667 on-base percentage and an outstanding 1.437 slugging percentage. Perhaps the best all-around prospect in the draft, Adell has all the tools to be a sensational pick for a franchise.

Shane Baz: Power-hitting third basemen capable of doubling up as a pitcher don’t come around too often and that’s what makes Baz such an interesting option heading into this year’s draft. Boasting a fastball in the mid-90’s as well as a solid curveball and clever change-up, and the power to hit 18 home runs in the opening round of Area Code Games home run derby last year, the Texan has attracted interest from a host of franchises.

Austin Beck: Based on his ability to power hit, Beck may well be one of the first high school position players picked up in this year’s draft. At five-foot-11 and 175-pounds, the youngster still has some growing to do if he’s going to be able to hang in the majors – but he certainly has the makings of a very good player. Having bounced back from a torn anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in his left knee last year, Beck has proven he is over his injury. And with one heck of a right arm on him, the rookie could be a perfect right fielder in the big leagues.

Alex Faedo: At six-foot-five and 225-pounds, Faedo is an impressive physical specimen, the big man has been a real star for the Florida Gators, helping the team to the super regionals of the NCAA Tournament, going 7-2 with 2.60 ERA in 107 1/3 innings. The pitcher threw four scoreless innings against Wake Forest in Game 1 of the super regionals and many feel the 21-year old is more than ready to make the step up into the big leagues this year.