There are definitely some interesting shortstops in this year’s class, although I would say that both Cabrera and Cecchini will outgrow the position and be moved to third base in pro ball. Neither lacks for athleticism, but both have bigger body types to grow into and their range will suffer as a consequence. I expect Machado and O’Conner to stay in the middle of the infield.

In my opinion, Machado is ahead of where Mier was last year at this point. Defensively, the slight edge goes to Mier because Machado occasionally fields the ball too deeply, but both have equally fluid actions and arm strength.

It’s at the plate where Machado separates himself from Mier, however. When I saw Mier at USA Baseball’s Tournament of Stars in 2008, he had an issue with timing his load, which led to inconsistent / bad contact. (That seems to be less of an issue now than it was then, as Mier had a nice offensive showing (.276/.380/.484) with Greeneville last season, but I’m only comparing Machado to Mier at the same stage in their careers.)

Machado, on the other hand, sprays balls to all fields with a sound rotational swing, although it can get a bit long sometimes. I think both have a chance for 60 future power, but I give Machado the better odds of reaching that grade because it seems that he has a better aptitude for hitting.

Taillon was probably the single-most impressive player (along with Drew Cisco, rhp, Wando HS, Mount Pleasant, S.C.) on the summer showcase circuit this year. Considering his combination of size (6-foot-7, 230 pounds), power, polish and recent performance, Taillon looks like the safest high school pitcher in the draft right now.

The reason why I think Cole is the better prospect is simple, yet so fundamental to the scouting process: physical projection. Because Taillon is physically maxed out, what you see from him right now is basically what you are going to get from him later. Naturally, he will get a bit stronger, he will make a few mechanical tweaks, and he will improve his “how-to” knowledge of pitching. However, Cole makes for the better prospect in my opinion because he has a lot more room on his body (6-foot-5, 190 pounds) to add strength.

When I compare pitchers, I mainly focus on their arm strength, polish, delivery and physical projection. There are other things that come into play, but I’m trying to keep my explanation as simple as possible.

Here is how Cole vs. Taillon shakes out using the above criteria:

ARM STRENGTH – Both Cole and Taillon sit between 92-95 mph (I saw Cole touch 97 mph and Taillon touch 96 mph). There are also reports that Cole has touched 99 mph previously. The very slight advantage goes to Cole.

POLISH – Both Cole and Taillon have electric fastballs, curveballs with plus potential, and changeups that are better than anyone can reasonably expect from an 18-year-old. But Taillon separates himself a bit here because he showed better command this summer. Advantage to Taillon.

DELIVERY – Both Cole and Taillon have sound (for the most part) deliveries, but Cole has a more fluid, athletic delivery and can generate his velocity easier than Taillon. This is important because easier velocity means lesser risk for injury. Advantage to Cole.

PHYSICAL PROJECTION – Cole has a big advantage here, as explained above. And because he is throwing just as hard (or slightly harder) than Taillon already, I think Cole will ultimately trump Taillon in fastball velocity once he grows into his frame.

So Cole holds an advantage in three of my four major criteria. And the one advantage that Taillon holds over Cole (polish) is the least significant since Cole – with his natural athleticism and compact delivery – will stand a great chance to improve his command once he gains access to professional pitching coaches.

Thanks, Joe.

The Cole-Taillon debate is interesting, and there is certainly good reason for divided opinion because both pitchers are obviously very promising. I think I am going to go more in-depth on this debate in my next post.

No, I am not, but he looks like a great reporter!