Tuesday, May 28, 2013

2013 MLB Draft prospect profile: Hunter Harvey, Bandys HS (N.C.)

This is the first in a series in which I profile some potential Dodgers' draftees for the 2013 draft. First up, Hunter Harvey.

Vitals
6'3, 175 pounds
18 years old
Bat: R
Throw: R

Location
Catawba, N.C.
Bandys High School

Rankings
Baseball America: 33
MLB.com: 22
MLB Draft Insider: 23
Minor League Ball: 34
Perfect Game: 12

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Harvey is the son of former Major League reliever Bryan Harvey, who was perhaps most famous for his mustache. His brother Kris Harvey was drafted first by the Atlanta Braves in the fifth round of the 2002 MLB Draft as a catcher, then by the Florida Marlins in 2005 draft as an outfielder. Now, he's a relief pitcher in the Marlins' system.

Harvey boasts a low-90s fastball that has touched 94 MPH in his high school career. Some reports have his fastball touching 97 this season, which would be incredible. It could be a plus pitch for him if he can command it and potentially add velocity.

His curveball is his best secondary pitch. It sits in the mid-70s and is his out pitch.

From Keith Law's write-up of him:
"(H)e varied the shape of the breaking ball, although I'm not sure how deliberate that was, throwing some with real two-plane break and depth and others that were more vertical as he'd try to hit the inside corner to right-handers."
He also has a 79-82 MPH changeup that he admittedly doesn't throw as much as he should. He'll need a consistent third pitch if he's going to make it as a starting pitcher.

Video



Perhaps one of the most attractive parts about Harvey's draftability is the fact he's not committed to a college, thus making him an "easy sign." Harvey could go to a junior college if he doesn't get what he wants, but with his father advising him, it'd be surprising if Harvey passes up anything more than $1.5 million in a bonus.

Harvey is an intriguing prospect because of his projectability. He's 175 pounds soaking wet and every bit of 6'3. That is something the Dodgers look for in their draftees. Harvey is the prototypical Logan White draftee.

I have Harvey No. 2 on my big board right now. It's conceivable he'll be there at No. 18 when the Dodgers pick. If he is, he'd be a good pick.

Photo credit: Courtesy of Perfect Game

5 comments:

  1. If Harvey undergoes a rigorous strength and conditioning program that sees him adding a good 20 pounds of muscle on that ultra-projectable frame (especially the lower half where velocity is maintained), he could possibly be another Shelby Miller-type arm in the making with that power fastball/curve combo of his. He was one of two H.S. pitchers that I wouldn't mind seeing the Dodgers take at No. 18 if he were made available to them (Bickford was the other). I agree that he would be a good selection for the Dodgers in the 1st round of this upcoming draft.

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