Kent Emanuel

An unsigned 19th-rounder out of high school, Emanuel didn't sign and became North Carolina's ace after Matt Harvey left for pro ball. He tossed a complete-game shutout during the 2011 College World Series and has been the team's ace the last two seasons; he lasted seven innings or more in 10 of his first 11 starts in 2013. He has a power pitcher's body at 6-foot-4, 225 pounds but pitches with a funky delivery that gives him deception but precludes much projection in terms of velocity. He pitches with a fringe-average fastball, touching 90-91 but sitting 87-89 mph. His fastball plays up because he locates it well, both inside and down, and pitches with a tough angle to hitters. He also locates an above-average changeup. He has improved both his curveball and slider, though neither is a swing-and-miss pitch. He's an excellent athlete with a good pickoff move who repeats his herky-jerky delivery. His deception keeps hitters from getting consistent good swings, but limits his ceiling a bit, because he's not going to throw harder with his current delivery. Emanuel pitches with poise and maturity, and his polish should allow him to move quickly.