Brent Jones

Cornell's baseball alumni include Rangers general manager Jon Daniels and player personnel director A.J. Preller, as well as Major League Baseball chief executive Rob Manfred. Jones figures to be their highest-drafted player since the Twins drafted Chris Schutt in the seventh round in 2003. Part of a recent wave of talent from New Mexico (including Matt Moore and Louisiana State's Alex Bregman), Jones has matured physically since his academic prowess took him to the Ivy League. He has improved his feel for pitching, but it's his arm strength and velocity that will make him a draft pick. He jumped up draft boards by consistently sitting at 95 mph last fall, and he has maintained that velocity this spring, sitting at 92-95 mph and reaching 96-97 at times. His hard curveball, which he throws with a spike grip, can give him a second plus pitch at times, but it's inconsistent and can get him into trouble. He rarely throws a changeup. The 6-foot-3, 220-pounder has some effort to his delivery, including a head snap, that limits his command and will likely push him to the bullpen.