2013 MLB Draft prospect profile: Phil Bickford, Oaks Christian HS (Calif.)

This is the first in a series in which I profile some potential Dodgers' draftees for the 2013 draft. Next up, Phil Bickford.

Vitals
6'4, 185 pounds
17 years old (18 on July 10)
Bat: R
Throw: R

Location
Westlake Village, Calif.
Oaks Christian High School

Rankings
Baseball America: 20
MLB.com: 26
MLB Draft Insider: 34
Minor League Ball: 46
Perfect Game: 44

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Bickford is a projectable right-handed pitcher from Oaks Christian High School. There's a lot of tape on the kid and, despite a somewhat unorthodox delivery, has some of the best stuff of any prep pitcher in this draft.

Bickford has a low-90s fastball that's touched 95-96 MPH in some starts. Some have said it's a potential 70 pitch at it's pinnacle. It has the ability to be a plus-plus pitch.

His off-speed pitches leave a lot to be desired. His curveball isn't as tight as it needs to and is currently a below-average pitch. That, unfortunately, is his best breaking pitch. He also has a slider and changeup that aren't close to average.

His arm slot is a true 3/4 and he hides the ball well, which offers deception.

Video



Bickford is committed to California State University, Fullerton, but he's signable.

Being a local guy could play into his favor with the Dodgers. He's an athletic, projectable prep pitcher, which is exaclty what the Dodgers like,

Bickford is No. 4 on my big board and would be a nice selection. He's definitely a higher ceiling guy than Hunter Harvey, and I like guy with boom potential.

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