2013 MLB Draft: Targets for the Chicago Cubs with the 75th Pick

Targets for the 75th pick of the 2013 MLB Draft

The Chicago Cubs had a great first day of the 2013 MLB Draft. First, they selected slugger Kris Bryant from the University of San Diego, with the second overall pick in the draft. Bryant is the best offensive player in this draft, making scouts drool over his amazing raw power. With their second round pick, the Cubs took LHP Rob Zastryzny out of the University of Missouri. Zastryzny is a crafty left-handed pitcher who mixes up his pitches very well. He has good control and a fastball that sits in the low 90s. Both picks will be talked about extensively for the next few days, but I am here to preview the Cubs' next pick.

Rounds 3-10 take place on Friday, starting at 1 p.m. ET. The Cubs will have the second pick of the day (75th overall). The selection of Bryant adds to an already impressive array of offensive talent in the Cubs' minor league system. Because of their excess of position player talent and the apparent lack of starting pitching prospects, it is widely thought that President of Baseball Operations Theo Epstein, General Manager Jed Hoyer and Senior Vice President of scouting and player development Jason McLeod, will once again load up on pitching in the draft.

In the 2012 draft, the Cubs took outfielder Albert Almora with their first round pick, and followed that with 10 consecutive pitchers. After selecting Bryant in the first this year, I think we will probably see something similar this year. I think there is a very good chance that the Cubs take a pitcher with the 75th pick, but if they feel the right pick is an offensive prospect, they will make that pick. Here are five guys that I think are options for the Cubs.

Daniel is a Chicago Cubs writer for www.RantSports.com. He also contributes to TotalSportsBlog.com. Follow him on Twitter @D_Schmelzer and add him to your network on Google.

Kent Emanuel, LHP, UNC

Kent Emanuel has had a very successful career at the University of North Carolina. This season, Emanuel has gone 11-3 with a 2.70 ERA. He has 88 strikeouts with only 27 walks in 120 innings pitched. Emanuel has a good fastball that sits in the low 90s and a very good change-up. His breaking ball does need some work, but it does have potential. Emanuel is a guy that throws a lot of strikes and should move through the minor leagues rapidly.

Jon Denney, C, High School

I think that the Cubs probably go with pitching with this pick. That being said, if they do take a bat, I think Jon Denney is the guy. The Cubs' minor league system is severely lacking in the catching department. Denney would instantly become the best catching prospect in the system. Defensively, Denney is solid but not spectacular. Most importantly, scouts think he can stick at the position throughout his professional career. Denney's value is with the bat. He shows great ability to make contact and shows very good power, especially for a catcher.

Carlos Salazar, RHP, High School

Carlos Salazar is a very raw pitching prospect with a very high ceiling. His best pitch is his fastball that reaches 98, which is very impressive for an 18-year-old. He does struggle with control and he will need to work on his secondary pitches, but he has a ton of potential. Salazar will likely take a while to develop, but the end result could be outstanding.

Bobby Wahl, RHP, Ole Miss

Bobby Wahl is a very polished college pitcher from Ole Miss. He has a fastball that sits at 93-94, a slider that scouts consider a plus pitch and a change-up that could use some work, but does have potential. He changes speeds and locates pitches very well. There is a lot to like about Wahl and I think he could be a great pick for the Cubs.

Dylan Covey, RHP, San Diego

Dylan Covey is Bryant's (Cubs' first round pick) teammate at San Diego. He has a good fastball that sits in the mid 90s and has good natural sink. He throws his breaking ball harder than most, but it is effective. His change-up is very advanced for a college pitcher. Covey is a little raw, but the stuff is undeniably there.