MLB Draft

Electric pitching prospects like Mark Appel and Jonathan Gray may have headlined the 2013 MLB draft class, but that doesn't mean there was a complete shortage on big-time sluggers.

There are a few prospects from this year's class that have the potential to be stars at the plate. 

While it’s only been a few days since the conclusion of the 2013 First-Year Player draft, some teams have already announced the signing of their early-round selections.

The 2013 MLB Draft is fresh in our minds, and although it's hard to contain the excitement about No. 1 pick Mark Appel finally being drafted, there are many lesser-known prospects who could make a splash sooner than we think. 

Corey Littrell

The 2013 MLB draft's 40 rounds are now all in the books as every organization has been given the opportunity to stock their farm systems for years to come.

The MLB draft is always an intriguing event because of the varied approaches that teams can choose to use.

The 2013 MLB draft has come and gone, and now it's time evaluate what the best first-round picks were.

A good first-round pick will have a lot of potential but will also reach the bigs in a relatively short period of time.

Which picks fit that bill?

Read on to find out.

Mark Appel, No. 1, Houston Astros

You may not have noticed since it's not broadcast in prime time or on ESPN, but the MLB draft took place this week, replenishing baseball's minor leagues with an influx of new prospects.

For some teams, the draft is a chance to improve for improvement's sake. They don't need to develop more talent, but if given the chance, who would turn down that opportunity?

But for other teams, the draft is a do-or-die endeavor, affecting the immediate fate of a ballclub and the natty suits who run it.

Now that the 2013 MLB draft is in the books, we can finally figure out which teams made the most improvements to their organization in the long haul, and which teams failed to do so. 

While the biggest picks came off the board on Thursday, the 40-round spectacle carried on until late Saturday when the 40th and final round was completed. 

After 40 rounds and over 1,200 players, it is time to reflect on what happened during the past three days in the 2013 Major League Baseball Draft. 

Obviously not all these players are going to contribute—some of them won't even make it out of short-season ball—but now is a time to be excited for the future and what could be. 

Player: Manny Ramirez Jr. 

Drafted by: Undrafted (expected to attend Central Arizona Community College)

Position: 1B

DOB: 6/15/1995 (Age: 17)

Height/Weight: 6'4"/215 lbs.

Bats/Throws: R/R

School: IMG Academy (FL)

College Commitment: Central Arizona Community College

Player: Jacob Heyward

Drafted by: Atlanta Braves (No. 1,153 overall)

Position: RF

DOB: 8/1/1995 (Age: 17)

Height/Weight: 6'2"/197 lbs

Bats/Throws: R/R

School: Eagle's Landing Christian Academy (GA)

College Commitment: Miami