As the draft rapidly approaches, let’s continue our previews with a look at the top high school pitchers. This is a deep and talented crop. A team with extra picks could acquire a bevy of talented arms from this draft. High school stats often are misleading and at times just plain incorrect, so take them for what they’re worth. Remember, a lot can happen between now and draft day. Here’s a look-see:

Jacob Turner-RHP, Westminster Christian Academy, St. Louis

   The premier high school righty in the draft, Turner rapidly has moved up draft boards and might have passed Missouri standout Kyle Gibson in the eyes of some scouts. A Scott Boras client who has signed with North Carolina, Turner is rumored to be seeking a $7 million signing bonus. Turner (6-foot-5, 205 pounds) consistently throws 92-94 from a three-quarters arm slot that makes his fastball appear even quicker. He has touched 98. Turner throws a big-breaking curve that he sometimes struggles to command. He repeats his delivery very well. Turner has been tutored by former big leaguers Todd Worrell, Andy Benes and Mike Matheny.

Tyler Matzek-LHP-Capistrano Valley HS, Mission Viejo, Calif.

   Some scouts prefer Matzek to any high school pitcher available. A late bloomer, Matzek signed with Oregon’s fledgling program. He has drawn comparisons to Cole Hamels for his easy arm action, intelligence and stuff. Matzek generally throws his fastball 90-93 and has touched 94. His curve breaks sharply. His command can at times elude him a bit, but overall he is solid and shows potential for a change up and a slider. At times Matzek elevates pitches out of the zone, but pro instruction should help smooth his mechanics.

Shelby Miller-RHP-Brownwood (Texas) HS

   The 6-3, 205-pound Miller is the latest in a long line of Texas prep pitchers to have scouts salivating. His fastball typically ranges from 92 to 93, but has hit 96 and is regarded by some as the best in the draft because of its tremendous life. Miller throws downhill with a smooth delivery and easy arm action. A hard worker, Miller also throws a curve with plus potential, if he commands it better. An all-state football player as a tight end, Miller has signed with Texas A&M, but is unlikely ever to see Aggie Land as he projects to go in the top 15 picks.

Zach Wheeler-RHP-East Paulding HS, Dallas, GA.

   Some scouts view Wheeler as the top prep pitcher available. No matter, he likely will be a top 10 selection. Scouts love the projection in his lanky, long-limbed frame. Wheeler, whose brother Adam is a former Yankees farmhand, throws in the low 90s, hitting 94 from time to time. His mechanics suggest he will have at least average command. Wheeler’s curve is more of a slurve, but it’s a good one and for some grades as a plus pitch. Wheeler has signed at Kennesaw State and is considered quite signable.

Matt Purke-LHP-Klein HS, Spring, Texas

   Purke throws amazingly hard for a left-hander, consistently in the 92-95 range. His slider might be the best of any high school hurler available. He would benefit from adding a change up. Purke’s signability is a question. He is committed to Texas Christian. Purke has a deceptive low-three-quarters delivery and slings the ball, giving his pitches added life. His delivery, however, has more effort than scouts like. Purke features outstanding makeup.

Tyler Skaggs-LHP-Santa Monica (Calif.) HS

   Skaggs is a likely first rounder based on projection. Some believe he will throw 95 m.p.h. as he matures and fills out his 6-4, 180-pound frame. Skaggs, who throws in the upper 80s to low 90s, has starred on the national showcase stage and has outpitched more heralded hurlers. He is extremely tough on left-handers because of his fastball’s armside run. Skaggs incorporates his legs well into his delivery. His curve is intriguing, while his change and slider are developing. Skaggs is committed to Cal State-Fullerton.

Garrett Gould-RHP-Maize (Kansas) HS

   Gould (6-4, 200) struck out 95 in 57 innings and didn’t just blow hitters away. Although is fastball sits in the low 90s and has touched 94, it’s his curve that has scouts excited. Gould has some effort to his delivery, which concerns some scouts. Gould is athletic and also plays right field. He is expected to be a two-way standout at Wichita State if he doesn’t sign to play pro ball.

Chad James-RHP-Yukon (Okla.) HS

   A hard worker, James has improved dramatically this season. His fastball has touched 95, but typically is in the 91-92 range. James (6-4, 205) features a curve that at times is a plus pitch but is inconsistent. His change up is advanced. Very athletic, James is an Oklahoma State signee. His brother, Justin, you might remember, was acquired by the Reds from the Blue Jays for Buck Coats.

Brody Colvin-RHP-More HS,  Lafayette, La.

   Colvin is more of a project. Scouts love his 94 m.p.h. heat, but his mechanics need work. At 6-4, 190, even more velocity is deemed possible. Colvin’s fastball already moves so much that he has difficulty controlling it. So dialing down his velocity actually might make him a better pitcher. His curve ranks among the best in the draft when he’s on. Athletic, Colvin is an LSU signee.

Madison Hobgood-RHP-Norco (Calif.) HS

   An imposing 6-4, 245, Hobgood has thrived against strong competition. His stuff is raw, but impressive as his fastball has hit 95. Hobgood typically pitches 90-94 and maintains velocity deep into games, boosting his stock because he could remain a starter. If not, some think he could be a dominating reliever. Starter is more likely, as Hobgood features a sharp curve with late break and aptitude for a change and a slider. Command is Hobgood’s biggest issue.

   Others to watch: Madison Younginer-RHP-Mauldin (S.C.) HS; Zach Von Rosenberg-RHP-Zachary (La.) HS; Keyvius Sampson-RHP-Forest HS, Ocala, Fla.; Dylan Floro-RHP-Buhach Colony HS, Atwater, Calif.; Michael Heller-RHP-Mooney HS, Sarasota, Fla.; Bryan Berglund-RHP-Royal HS, Simi Valley, Calif.