Maturing Jake Skole looking to stand out

Rangers outfield prospect Jake Skole shares a thread with Bryce Harper and Manny Machado -- two of the top young players in the majors -- as all three were selected in the first round of the 2010 MLB Draft. But that's the extent of the parallels, especially for Skole, whose status as a top prospect has been tarnished by poor production in the minors and a 50-game suspension last season for amphetamine use.

The 21-year-old, who was the 15th overall pick in 2010, is seeking a fresh start this year as he attempts to avoid falling behind the other young outfielders in the Texas farm system. He has yet to play above the Class A level in his career.

"I need to start the season and put 2012 behind me, get back on the right track and on the right path," Skole told MLB.com. "Like a lot of guys, I just need repetition and I need to keep playing. We need to keep learning the game and learn what kind of player we are, figure out what we need to produce."