2013 MLB Draft prospect profile: Ian Clarkin, Madison HS (Calif.)

This is the third in my 2013 MLB Draft profile series of potential Dodger draft picks. Up now, Ian Clarkin from Madison High School in San Diego.

Vitals
6'2, 190 pounds
18 years old
Bat: L
Throw: L

Location
San Diego, Calif.
Madison High School

Rankings
Baseball America: 17
MLB.com: 18
MLB Draft Insider: 41
Minor League Ball: 18
Perfect Game: ?
Scouting Baseball: 30

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Clarkin is the player who has been mocked most to the Dodgers. Baseball America was first to do so a few weeks ago. Last week, three separate mocks had the Dodgers selecting Clarkin at No. 18. The more I read up on the kid, the more I like him.

He's a little more polished than the other two high school pitchers I've profiled (Hunter Harvey and Phil Bickford). He has a lower ceiling than the two, but that's not to say Clarkin isn't a quality draft prospect.

Clarkin has a fastball that sits in the 88-92 MPH range and has touched the mid-90s. It plays up a bit from the left side. His best secondary offering is his low-to-mid-70s curveball. It's a big bender with a chance to be a plus pitch. His changeup is a high-70s/low-80s pitch with a little bit of potential.

His delivery looks smooth and clean enough to work long-term. What I notice is his arm slot, which is closer to a true over-the-top than the traditional three-quarters/high three-quarters arm slot from many left-handers.

Not many high schoolers have a legitimate three-pitch repertoire, but Clarkin has just that. If he can refine his control and command, he'll be an intriguing prospect.

Clarkin offers a little projectability, but he's already a solid 190 pounds, so I wouldn't expect his fastball to tick up too much more. A consistent low-90s fastball is probably about the best to expect from him going forward.

Video



He's committed to the University of San Diego, a club that's losing Kris Bryant this year to the draft (a Top 3 pick).

Clarkin is No. 6 on my big board right now and could very well be moved up before Thursday. If the Dodgers land him, I won't be upset.

Photo credit: Courtesy of Perfect Game

Looking at some potential Dodgers' draft picks in 2013 MLB mock drafts

The 2013 MLB Draft is three weeks from yesterday. Apparently, Thursday was a big mock draft day, as Keith Law (ESPN Insider), Jonathan Mayo (MLB.com) and John Sickels (Minor League Ball) all released mocks.

Manaea

I’m going to look at all the legitimate mock drafts out there to this point to take the temperature of the experts to see who the Dodgers might target in three weeks.

Baseball America

LHP Ian Clarkin, Madison HS (CA)

My take: I’d be OK with his selection. Clarkin is a lefty who has decent size (6’2, 190) with a fastball in the 89-91 MPH range. With his frame, he has some projectability, so adding velocity isn’t out of the question. He also has a curveball and changeup.

Law

LHP Matt Krook, St. Ignatius Prep HS (CA)

My take: Krook has better size than Clarkin (6’4, 195) and has more helium. He’s shooting up the draft boards. He has a low-90s fastball and a curveball.

Mayo and Sickels

RHP Phil Bickford, Oaks Christian HS (CA)

My take: Committed to CSU Fullerton, Bickford is a big righty (6’4, 200) with a heavy fastball that has touched 97 MPH. He has a slider that could be a plus pitch down the road. He also mixes in a changeup. His arm talent is unquestioned.

Kiley McDaniel

LHP Sean Manaea, Indiana State

My take: Once thought of as a surefire Top-5 selection, Manaea has fallen down draft boards due to injury concerns and decreased velocity. McDaniel makes a good case for the Dodgers popping Manaea. He’s likely going to take a lot of money to sign, and the Dodgers have plenty of that (despite the limitations).

My MLB Draft

1B/OF Dominic Smith, Serra HS (CA)

My take: I’d be shocked if Smith fell this far, as he’s a likely Top 12-15 pick at worst. If he did, however, he’d be the best player available. In the MLB Draft, taking the BPA is usually the best strategy.

Sports Illustrated

OF Phillip Ervin, Samford

My take: This pick makes the least sense of them all, but I might actually like it. While I say in the latest episode of "Dugout Blues" I wouldn't be opposed to the Dodgers taking a guy like Fresno State outfielder Aaron Judge, the team really doesn't need another outfield prospect. But, the scouting reports are favorable (good hit tool, fast, athletic, strong arm), so his selection wouldn't be the worst thing. But as a college hitter, he'd be on a faster track to the majors than a high schooler. I may have talked myself into liking this potential pick.

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I’m looking forward to the draft. I’ll have some posts in the coming weeks about potential draftees. Also, Jared Massey and I will podcast after the Dodgers’ selection in the first round and post it immediate for instant analysis.

Photo credit: Courtesy of the Missouri Valley Conference