2006 FIRST ROUND DRAFT PICK UPDATE
1. Luke Hochevar Royals Double-A Wichita
Is struggling for the first time in short pro career
2. Greg Reynolds Rockies Double-A Tulsa
Is dominating at Double-A with outstanding command
3. Evan Longoria Devil Rays Double-A Montgomery
Hasn't had a home binge like last year, but up to 215 pounds, slugging above .500
4. Brad Lincoln Pirates Disabled list
Won't pitch again until 2008 after having Tommy John surgery on his elbow
5. Brandon Morrow Mariners Seattle
Having command issues, but his high-90s fastball has taken him on a rocket ride to big leagues
6. Andrew Miller Tigers High Class A Lakeland
Made majors last year, is struggling recently in stint with Lakeland
7. Clayton Kershaw Dodgers Low Class A Great Lakes
High schooler is dominating Midwest League, making bid for midseason promotion to Inland Empire
8. Drew Stubbs Dodgers Low Class A Dayton
Strikeouts (every 3.1 at-bats) still a big concern and isn't dominating low Class A as you would expect a three-year college vet to do
9. Bill Rowell Orioles Disabled list
After strong 2006 debut has missed first month with oblique injury
10. Tim Lincecum Giants San Francisco
His 0.29 ERA for Triple-A Fresno nearly defies belief; quickly earned a spot in Giants rotation
11. Max Scherzer Diamondbacks Independent Fort Worth
Unsigned first-rounder makes his official independent league debut on Saturday
12. Kasey Kiker Rangers Extended spring training
Expected to join low Class A Clinton in the not-too-distant future
13. Tyler Colvin Cubs High Class A Daytona
Poor strikeout-to-walk ratio is only knock against former Clemson star
14. Travis Snider Blue Jays Low Class A Lansing
Has hit from the get-go of his pro career, and is in the running for Midwest League batting title.
15. Chris Marrero Nationals Low Class A Hagerstown
Move to left field means he'll have to hit a ton as he advances, and he's starting to
16. Jeremy Jeffress Brewers Extended spring training
Flame-thrower proved last season (5.88 ERA) that he's a long ways away
17. Matt Antonelli Padres High Class A Lake Elsinore
Has handled move to second while continuing to hit for average, power still a question
18. Kyle Drabek Phillies Low Class A Lakewood
Getting a rough introduction to life in low Class A
19. Brett Sinkbeil Marlins Disabled list
Made two starts in Jupiter before going on disabled list with forearm tightness
20. Chris Parmelee Twins Low Class A Beloit
Strikeouts (every 2.5 at-bats) have been a problem
21. Ian Kennedy Yankees High Class A Tampa
Polished college pitcher has easily handled debut in Tampa
22. Colton Willems Nationals Extended spring training
Righthander could be in Hagerstown at some point this year
23. Max Sapp Astros Low Class A Lexington
Power potential hasn't turned into power production yet; has thrown out 30 percent of basestealers
24. Cody Johnson Braves Extended spring training
Bad stint in Gulf Coast League last year (.184/.260/.281) made it clear the Braves will have to be patient
25. Hank Conger Angels Low Class A Cedar Rapids
Is hitting for power, but struggling to throw out runners (has caught 18 percent of basestealers
26. Bryan Morris Dodgers Disabled list
Righthander won't be back until 2008 after Tommy John surgery
27. Jason Place Red Sox Low Class A Greenville
Strikeouts (every 2.5 at bats), batting average (.188) are causes for concern, but he is a high schooler in his first full season
28. Daniel Bard Red Sox Disabled list
Nothing was working for him in Lancaster before he headed to the disabled list with a strained tricep
29. Kyle McCullouch White Sox High Class A Winston-Salem
Safe pick has been solid but unspectacular for Winston-Salem, which kind of fits his pre-draft scouting report
30. Adam Ottavino Cardinals High Class A Palm Beach
Ottavino's plus fastball has dominated Florida State League hitters