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November 23, 2012

BP Unfiltered

Daily Draft Video: Early 2014 Standouts

by Nick J. Faleris

Touki Toussaint (RHP) out of Christian Academy (Coral Springs, FL) established himself as a top follow in the 2014 draft class with two lights-out performances at the 2012 WWBA World Championship, hosted by Perfect Game USA. Toussaint climbed to the mid-90s with his fastball and paired it with an above-average curve. He is already being discussed as a potential 1st Rounder for 2014.

N.C. State's Carlos Rodon (LHP) enjoyed a strong freshman debut in Raleigh and followed it up with a solid showing as a rising sophomore for USA Baseball's Collegiate National Team.  Rodon is a power arm boasting a low- to mid-90s fastball, a low-80s slider of swing-and-miss quality, and a solid mid-80s changeup with some deception. He's currently the top talent in the 2014 Draft Class.

Handsome Monica (C/RHP) out of St. Paul's School (Covington, LA) joined potential 2013 1st Rounders Justin Williams, Oscar Mercado and Matthew McPhearson with the Marucci Elite squad at this year's WWBA World Championship. Monica has developing strength at the plate and soft hands behind it, giving him a shot for early-round attention as an offensive-minded backstop.

N.C. State's Trea Turner (INF) led the nation in stolen bases (57) as a freshman this spring, while driving his way to a .336/.432/.459 triple-slash line. Turner currently projects as a second baseman, though he could be shifted to center field as a pro where his true "80" speed would play-up. He was a force this summer with the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team, as well, and will be one of the top watched collegians next summer leading-up to his draft-eligible junior year.

Nick J. Faleris is an author of Baseball Prospectus. Follow @NickJFaleris
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