Jon Denney heads list of Top 10 high school catchers for the 2013 MLB Draft

While the Yukon Millers won't have a chance to win today's Oklahoma Class 6A state championship game, it will still be a special Mother's Day for Yukon (Okla.) catcher Jon Denney and his mother.

Regarded as the top catcher in the class of 2013 by most mock drafts and baseball analysts, Denney credits his mom for making him a potential first round Major League Baseball draft pick.

"The most influential person in my life has been my mother," said Denney. "She's been my best friend and mentor. The biggest thing I learned is how to accept failure."

Yukon lost in its semifinal game to Norman North 2-1 on Friday. Owasso defeated Broken Arrow 5-3 in the other semifinal and will advance to the championship game.

Other than the semifinal loss, there hasn't been much in the way of failure for Denney this season. Yukon finished the season with a 33-9 record and Denney is a big reason why. He's batting .462 with 46 RBIs, 40 walks, 13 doubles, six triples and 11 home runs.

"Jon has good bat speed, can hit for power, has a good arm, good body, he can receive, he can run and he has good feet," said Yukon coach Kevin James. "He is very well traveled. He has been all over the country to showcases. He is a confident, but humble person."

Last summer, Denney played in all of the major events, including the Area Code Games, the Under All-American Game and he played for Team Marucci.

"It was an unforgettable experience going to all of those places," said Denney. "I'll never forget the Area Code Games. With a wood bat, I hit a ball 439 feet, which they said was the longest ball ever hit at the Area Code Games. I'll also never forget playing in the Under Armour game and being able to play on Wrigley Field."

Signed to play at the University of Arkansas, Denney will likely be getting a call on June 6, the first day of the MLB draft.

"It's always been a dream to play pro ball and me and my family are excited to see what happens," he said.

Denney ranks as the top catcher in the class of 2013. As many as five high school catchers could go in the first round with Reese McGuire, Jeremy Martinez and Chris Okey all in the mix. Here's a look at nine other catchers who have a chance to be drafted high in next month's MLB draft.

Reese McGuire, Kentwood (Covington, Wash.)
Some ranking services have McGuire as the first high school catcher selected in this year's draft and just about all of them have him going among the top 20 selections. He had an outstanding summer and he has led Kentwood to an 18-4 record in the spring. He's batting .418 with 10 doubles, three triples and three home runs. He's also flashed some speed by leading his team in stolen bases with nine.

Nick Ciuffo, Lexington (S.C.)
Besides having a 25-game hitting streak during the season, Ciuffo has Lexington in the semifinals of the South Carolina Class 4A state championships. He's batting .504 on the season with seven doubles and four home runs. Most mock drafts have Ciuffo going in the mid-to-late first round.

Read Kevin Askeland's feature on Nick Ciuffo
 
Jeremy Martinez, Mater Dei (Santa Ana, Calif.)
At one time regarded the top catcher in the class of 2013, Martinez is still a potential first round pick. He hasn't quite posted the power numbers scouts like to see in a catcher as he is hitting .400 with only four doubles and no home runs. Still, he has loads of experience behind the plate and has played in national tournaments for close to four years. Look for Martinez to go somewhere in the compensatory rounds.

Chris Okey, Eustis (Fla.)
Like Martinez, Okey has played on the big stage for several years, competing with Team USA 18U in world competition. He also had Eustis doing well this season, going 22-9 and reaching the second round of the state playoffs. He batted .393 with 29 RBIs, six doubles and four home runs. Most mock drafts include Okey among the top four high school catchers to be selected in the first round or in the compensatory round.

Brian Navarreto, Arlington Country Day (Jacksonville, Fla.)
The separation between the top five catchers and the rest of the players on the list starts here. Navarreto is seen as a quality power hitter who also throws well from behind the plate. However he's more likely to get snapped up somewhere in the second or third round.

Corey Simpson, Sweeny (Texas)
A strong offensive player, Simpson is batting .578 with 11 doubles, 10 home runs and 39 RBIs. He's also one of the bigger catching prospects at 6-foot-3, 220 pounds.

Francis Christy, Casa Grande (Petaluma, Calif.)
Also known more for his defense, Christy has a great arm and has thrown out 12 runners this season. He's also performed well at the plate, batting .406 with seven doubles and five home runs for 21-2 Casa Grande.

Ronnie Healy, Elev8 Sports Institute
A former Jupiter player, Healy left high school in December to play full time for Elev8 Sports Institute in Florida, formerly known as the Bucky Dent School. The squad played mostly AAU teams and small colleges and posted a 34-12 record.

Tyler Alamo, Cypress (Calif.)
At 6-4, Alamo has a big frame and he makes the list more for his defensive ability than his offensive output. Will likely need to work on his swing at the next level to become a consistent producer at the plate.