With the 2014 Amateur Draft commencing on Thursday night, June 5, on MLB Network, and running through Saturday, June 7, we would like to highlight some of the Class of 2014 talent that should represent the Commonwealth in this year’s draft. The top of this year’s class in Virginia is very strong on the mound; here are our top 5 prep prospects for this year’s draft:

#1 JB Bukauskas, RHP, Stone Bridge High School, Ashburn, VA

Bukauskas was originally a member of the class of 2015 and then reclassified last summer, reportedly in an effort to get to college more rapidly. He is committed to the University of North Carolina and has told teams that he plans to honor that commitment.

Bukauskas stands 5-11, 200 pounds, and is filled out so there is not much projection that will take place there. He has added significant strength since last summer and now sits in the 94-97 range and has touched the 98-100 range on occasion. The ball explodes out of his hand and shows at least average command that could develop into above average. He shows a slider that flashes plus but has lacked consistency and he has rarely needed to use his change-up, but it has been rated as average to slightly below. Bukauskas primarily has used his fastball this season, so scouts have had a tough time evaluating his offspeed and pitches.

Bukauskas projects as number 2 starter with a floor as a high leverage reliever. The development of his offspeed pitches will dictate where he ultimately ends up. Nationally, this is a very deep pitching class, especially at the prep level. Bukauskas’ signability will dictate how he goes, which could be as high as the late first round but is more likely in the second or third round range.

#2 Nick Wells, LHP, Battlefield High School, Haymarket, VA

Wells has a prototypical frame as he stands at 6-5, 180 lbs. A big factor in Wells’ prospect status is the projection that his frame offers. Currently, Wells throws from a high three-quarters slot and is consistently in the 86-91 range with his fastball and can reach 92 to 93. If he can fill that frame out, his velocity could become elite. His breaking ball is above average and flashes plus. He rarely has to use his change-up so it has not been evaluated. He is mechanically sound with the only alarming thing being that he has a drop and drive motion, which is atypical for pitchers of his height.

Wells projects to be at worst a number 4 starter or late inning reliever, with the potential of being a number 2 starter if his offspeed develops and his velocity increases as he fills out his frame. Expect to see his name called in the top 5 rounds with signability dictating how high he ultimately goes.

#3 Blake Bivens, RHP, George Washington High School, Danville, VA

Bivens has a strong frame at 6-2, 205 pounds. His fastball sits in the low 90s from a high three-quarters slot and he creates outstanding downward plane on the pitch. He fills up the strike zone but his command inside the zone will need some work. He has a curveball that flashes plus that he also can pound the zone with. Bivens has also not had to show his change-up much this year so it has not been evaluated.

Currently, Bivens projects as a back-of-the rotation starter who could develop into a number 2 or 3 type if he can improve his command and offspeed offerings. He is committed to Liberty, and his signability will play a large role in how high he goes. Another red flag for scouts is that he has been shut down from pitching in game action since an extended outing in early May.

#4 Derek Casey, RHP, Hanover High School, Mechanicsville, VA

Casey stands 6-1, 185 and is very athletic. He has room to add weight to his frame which will help his durability and velocity over time. He generates a lot of downhill plane for his height and his fastball usually sits in the low 90s, occasionally flashing in the 93-95 range. He pitches primarily off of his fastball and has not used his offspeed stuff very often as both pitches currently grade out as below average but can show average. There is some concern about his health as his hands break into an inverted-w position.

Casey carries a middle reliever’s projection with a ceiling of a mid-rotation starter if he develops better offspeed pitches. Casey is committed to the University of Virginia, which will affect where he is drafted as usually UVA’s prospects make it to campus.

#5 Devon Fisher, C, Western Branch High School, Chesapeake, VA

Fisher is our first position player on this list as this year’s top prep draft prospects in Virginia are predominantly on the mound. Fisher has a solid 6-0, 205 pound frame that is filled out, offering little projection there. He is a below average runner, which is ok as a catcher. Defensively, Fisher has one of the stronger prep arms in the country, is very athletic, and has a good feel for blocking and receiving. He figures to be able to stick at catcher, which helps him significantly. Offensively, Fisher is not as advanced. He shows average power and quick hands, but his contact skills are currently graded out as below average as he has had trouble generating consistent hard contact.

Fisher projects as a defense-first catcher who at worst would be a back-up at the major league level and could develop into a starter if his offense becomes more consistent. Fisher is committed to the University of Virginia, which means signability will impact his draft position.