MLB Draft 2013: Schedule, Daily Start Times, TV Info and More

The 2013 MLB draft starts on Thursday and will feature 40 rounds of selections over three days.

This year's class features a strong combination of power arms, led by Mark Appel, and talented sluggers like Kris Bryant who will provide struggling franchises with hope for the future.

As always, there are multiple factors in play for teams early in the draft. They must decide whether to target more polished players who are closer to making an impact in the majors or a high-upside prospect capable of being a game-changing force down the line.

The other issue is teams' ability to sign their prospects. Some prospects will opt against joining the franchise that selects them because they don't get the type of deal they want. Instead, they will choose to take their chances again in the draft next year. Identifying players likely to sign at reasonable value is key for teams.

Let's take a look at all the key information for the draft along with a complete schedule, the order for Round 1 and a closer examination of the top prospects.

Where: Studio 42 in Secaucus, N.J.

When: Thursday, June 6 – Saturday, June 8

Watch: MLB Network (Thursday)

Live Stream: MLB.com (All days)

Daily Schedule

Date	Time (ET)	Rounds
June 6	7 p.m.	1-2
June 7	1 p.m.	3-10
June 8	1 p.m.	11-40

Round 1 Order

Pick	Team
1	Houston Astros
2	Chicago Cubs
3	Colorado Rockies
4	Minnesota Twins
5	Cleveland Indians
6	Miami Marlins
7	Boston Red Sox
8	Kansas City Royals
9	Pittsburgh Pirates
10	Toronto Blue Jays
11	New York Mets
12	Seattle Mariners
13	San Diego Padres
14	Pittsburgh Pirates
15	Arizona Diamondbacks
16	Philadelphia Phillies
17	Chicago White Sox
18	Los Angeles Dodgers
19	St. Louis Cardinals
20	Detroit Tigers
21	Tampa Bay Rays
22	Baltimore Orioles
23	Texas Rangers
24	Oakland Athletics
25	San Francisco Giants
26	New York Yankees
27	Cincinnati Reds
28*	St. Louis Cardinals
29*	Tampa Bay Rays
30*	Texas Rangers
31*	Atlanta Braves
32*	New York Yankees
33*	New York Yankees

*Denotes compensatory selection. Order via MLB.com.

Top Prospects

1. Mark Appel (RHP)

Mark Appel didn't sign after he was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates with the eighth pick last year. He went back to Stanford and has done nothing to hurt his already sky-high stock, striking out more than a batter per inning and posting a 2.12 ERA in his senior season.

The Stanford product possesses an MLB-ready fastball that clocks in the mid-90s although his secondary pitches, most notably a changeup and a slider, are still a work in progress. Learning to use them effectively in relation to his 95 mph heat is the biggest key.

Another aspect Appel will need to fine-tune in the minors is command. He needs to work all four corners of the zone to become an ace. Major league hitters can handle any fastball if it's right down the middle. Once the right-hander can spot it, he'll be ready for the bigs.

2. Kris Bryant (3B/OF)

Kris Bryant already has the appearance of a middle-of-the-lineup slugger. At 6'5'', 215 lbs. he has ideal size and athleticism for the hot corner. A standout at San Diego, his raw power makes him the most intriguing hitter in the class.

What makes Bryant special is his ability to spray the ball without sacrificing his pop. A lot of hitters with his ability to crush the ball tend to become pure pull hitters over time. He's maintained more of a balance, which is a positive sign.

In terms of areas for improvement for Bryant, the most important is increasing his contract rate. Most power hitters have holes in their swing, a sacrifice made for additional pop, but Bryant must attempt to limit his strikeouts moving forward. His defense could also improve.

3. Jonathan Gray (RHP)

Gray tested positive for Adderall leading up to the draft, according to Keith Law of ESPN. Although the failed test won't lead to an immediate suspension for Gray, it does open him up to follow-up testing. Jon Heyman of CBS Sports said a major league general manager doesn't believe it's a major concern.

Only time will tell if it impacts his draft status, but the talent is obvious. The Oklahoma star possesses a tremendous fastball and an improved slider, which will be his strikeout pitch. Finding a more-consistent third pitch will be his task in the minors.

In all likelihood, it will be a changeup. He needs something to keep the hitters honest because both his fastball and slider are power pitches. He has also showcased a curveball, but shouldn't focus too heavily on it until his changeup is big-league ready.