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2015 MLB Draft: Ranking The Top 10 Pitching Prospects

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2015 MLB Draft: Ranking the Top 10 Pitching Prospects

Carson Fulmer Vanderbilt
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The 2015 MLB Draft is fast-approaching and it's time to take a closer look at some of the top prospects. In this slideshow, we will take a more in-depth view at the best pitchers in this draft class. The MLB draft is more subjective than the NFL and NBA drafts, so one team may have a guy ranked No. 1 on their board, but the next team may have him ranked at 20. A player's value can vary from one extreme to the other based on the slightest thing.

10. Nathan Kirby, Virginia

University of Virginia left-handed pitcher, Nathan Kirby, was a potential top-10 pick until he suffered a lat strain in April. Now he may not be drafted in the first round. Kirby possesses a low-90s fastball along with a potentially great slider and good change-up. Before his injury, Kirby had thrown 59.1 innings and posted a 2.28 ERA with a 75/30 K/BB ratio. His prior two seasons, he combined to have a 2.96 ERA in 146 innings.

9. Kolby Allard, San Clemente HS (CA)

Kolby Allard was the top prep pitching prospect in this draft before suffering a back injury in March. He has fallen down a lot of draft boards and I can't understand why. He's still only 17 years old, so it's not as if he's going to be pitching in the majors any time soon. Draft him, let him get healthy and then reap the rewards. Allard already has a plus fastball that sits in the mid-90's and his curveball could develop into a great out pitch in time.

8. James Kaprielian, UCLA

UCLA right-hander, James Kaprielian, is the most pro-ready pitcher in this draft, but the question is whether or not a team will be able to get him under contract. Kaprielian is rumored to have a high price tag, and that could force some teams to shy away from him. He's a four-pitch pitcher with a low-90s fastball, a nice changeup, a slider and curveball. He could be ready to help a team in 2016 if he signs.

7. Donny Everett, Clarksville HS (TN)

There is one thing no major league organization is able to teach a pitcher, and that's how to throw 100 mph. Prep pitcher Donny Everett, is already able to touch 100 mph and he's only 18 years old. He also has a hard slider and a changeup that needs some work, but coaches can help him refine those. He could be a top-of-the-rotation pitcher down the road, as long as he stays healthy.

6. Walker Buehler, Vanderbilt

Walker Buehler looks to be a surefire MLB starter, but I'm just not sure his ceiling is more than a No. 3 starter. Buehler possesses a good mid-90s fastball which is his best pitch. He also has a slider, curve, and changeup to pair with the fastball. Buehler has had a great career at one of college baseball's powerhouses, Vanderbilt, and he looks ready to turn that into a solid major league career.

5. Tyler Jay, Illinois

University of Illinois left-hander, Tyler Jay has been the fastest riser in the last month leading up to the draft. In April, he was considered a late first rounder, but he his value has skyrocketed so high that there's talk of the Arizona Diamondbacks taking him with the first overall pick. Jay has great stuff with a mid-to-upper 90s fastball, a nasty slider and a developing changeup, but he's been a closer for the Illini, it will be interesting to see if he can become a starter.

4. Carson Fulmer, Vanderbilt

Carson Fulmer is a little bit of a wild card. He has had a tremendous college career as a starter at Vanderbilt, but there are scouts that worry about his delivery and whether or not he can hold up over an entire MLB season. Fulmer possesses a high-effort delivery and it's possible he could end up a career reliever. Either way, his stuff is electric. Fulmer has a mid-90s fastball with a slider, curve, and changeup.

3. Michael Matuella, Duke

I would take Michael Matuella in a heartbeat and not think twice. Matuella was the projected No. 1 overall before tearing his UCL earlier this season. With the success rate of Tommy John surgery these days, it's worth taking the risk on a guy whose fastball touches 97, and off-speed pitches are pro-ready.

2. Dillon Tate, UC Santa Barbara

Dillon Tate is finishing up his first career season as a starting pitcher. Scouts seem worried that his fastball velocity has dropped as the season has worn on, and his off-speed pitches haven't been near as crisp. Some experts are even saying he may end up better suited as a reliever. I think it's just a matter of getting used the grind of starting for an entire season, something he's never done before.

1. Brady Aiken, IMG Academy

Brady Aiken was the first overall pick in the 2014 MLB draft, but the Houston Astros played games with the high schooler and tried to change their offer to him at the last minute. The deadline to sign passed, and Aiken ended up attending IMG Academy as a result. He then tore his UCL and had Tommy John surgery. Again, Tommy John doesn't scare me at all, and in a weak pitching class, Aiken is still the best talent.

Jason Fletcher is a MLB Featured Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @JasonFletcher25, “Like” him on Facebook, or add him to your network on Google+.

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A game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Atlanta Braves is in full swing when a flying bat hurdles its way towards a young fan. Veuer's Mara Montalbano takes a look at the boy's hero.

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