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Thread: MLB.com Mock Draft Top 10

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    MLB.com Mock Draft Top 10

    1. Washington Nationals: Stephen Strasburg, RHP, San Diego State
    He was the top guy heading into the season and basically ran away and hid right from the get-go. The only question was about the bonus demands, and whether Washington would be willing to go down that road, knowing they really had to sign their first pick after not getting pitcher Aaron Crow into the fold a year ago. It seems likely they will select Strasburg, and look for the Nats to get it done and move him on the fast track.

    2. Seattle Mariners: Dustin Ackley, 1B/OF, North Carolina
    This is where it gets murkier. After Strasburg, it's still very much up in the air. If the Mariners want to go with a pitcher, it's looking like Crow and perhaps Kyle Gibson are still in the mix. It's no secret that when he was the Brewers' scouting director, Mariners general manager Jack Zduriencik loved the bats, and Ackley's the best one in this class. The question mark around him is his position, as most would like him to play the outfield, but he hasn't been out there very much for scouts to evaluate. Considering Zdureincik took Matt LaPorta and turned him into an outfielder, it might not matter.

    3. San Diego Padres: Mike Minor, LHP, Vanderbilt
    Traditionally, the Padres have been fairly college-heavy, at least early in Drafts, and the thinking here is they'll go that route again. The pick for now is the Vandy southpaw with a very good track record, but a guy like Crow could fit as well. If the M's don't take Ackley, the Padres very well could. That being said, there is some talk going on in the organization about going in a different direction. Specifically, that's toolsy outfielder Donavan Tate, who has tremendous athletic talent and a commitment to play football and baseball at North Carolina.

    4. Pittsburgh Pirates: Alex White, RHP, North Carolina
    The Pirates would have serious interest in Ackley if he somehow gets to them, but that seems unlikely at this point. If they decided a college bat is what they need, there has been some talk they've been interested in USC shortstop Grant Green. The next-best choices might be college arms, and Pittsburgh has been all over the Tar Heels' ace, as well as watching Crow and current Missouri starter Kyle Gibson. Don't forget the high school arms because they haven't, with prep stars like Zack Wheeler, Matthew Purke and Matt Hobgood still in the mix.

    5. Baltimore Orioles: Aaron Crow, RHP, Fort Worth Cats
    Crow was taken No. 9 overall a year ago by the Nationals, but didn't sign. Instead of returning to Mizzou, he went the indy route, pitching for a Fort Worth club that has had guys like Luke Hochevar pitch for it. Word is Crow looks the same as he did a year ago, and there were plenty of teams who liked him in 2008. The O's were one of them before they decided to go in another direction, and they still like the right-hander. Like in most spots in the top 10, a team looking at Crow is probably also looking at Gibson. Wheeler, the high schooler out of Georgia, is on their short list as well, and they could go for a bat like Green if they so choose.

    6. San Francisco Giants: Michael Trout, OF, Millville Senior HS, N.J.
    And now we have our first high schooler going off the board. This is a little bit of a leap, but there's no doubt Trout has been a late riser on Draft boards. Word is the Giants have been in heavy to see the toolsy outfielder and they are an organization willing to take whoever they want, regardless of perception. In that regard, they could also have interest in Tate. They could have an interest in Wheeler if they wanted to go with the young power arm instead.

    7. Atlanta Braves: Zack Wheeler, RHP, East Paulding HS, Dallas, Ga.
    This one almost seems to make too much sense, with the Braves loving power arms and taking guys in their own backyard. Wheeler fits both of those criteria. If Wheeler is taken above them -- which is extremely possible -- they could look elsewhere for a high school pitcher, perhaps Purke or fellow lefty Tyler Matzek.

    8. Cincinnati Reds: Kyle Gibson, RHP, Missouri
    Once again, it's college-arm time and it might just depend on who falls to Cincy at this spot. In this scenario, it's Gibson, and the Reds would likely be just fine with that. They might have a discussion about Tanner Scheppers, who has top-of-the-Draft talent, but still has the question mark of a shoulder issue following him. A high shcool arm like Jacob Turner could enter the mix as well.


    9. Detroit Tigers: Tyler Matzek, LHP, Capistrano Valley HS, Mission Viejo, Calif.
    The Tigers are liable to do anything and will take whoever they feel is the best player available, period. That often means they are linked with whatever wild cards there are in a Draft. This time, that could mean Tate, it could mean Scheppers, or it could mean Turner. Instead, for this first week, we'll go with the prep lefty from SoCal in Matzek, who's dazzled at times with his great stuff but has been a little enigmatic with consistently bringing it to the table.

    10. Washington Nationals: Chad Jenkins, RHP, Kenesaw State
    I know what you're thinking -- that the Nats are going cheap because of Strasburg. Not so fast. Sure, if they can save a few dollars here, they won't say no, but the fact of the matter is Jenkins was rising up many Draft boards, not just in Washington, surpassing his teammate Kyle Heckathorn, also a first-round candidate. And it's not like he's the only option here. They could get in on the Scheppers hunt or, believe it or not, re-draft Crow. They were also spotted en force watching Matzek recently, and he could be the guy if they go high school arm here.
    http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?...=.jsp&c_id=mlb


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    Re: MLB.com Mock Draft Top 10

    I would be thrilled if the draft plays out that way. I like Gibson a lot. Baseball Prospectus has the Reds taking Grant Green. I'd be fine with that too.

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    Re: MLB.com Mock Draft Top 10

    Quote Originally Posted by OnBaseMachine View Post
    I would be thrilled if the draft plays out that way. I like Gibson a lot. Baseball Prospectus has the Reds taking Grant Green. I'd be fine with that too.
    I like Mayo's draft much better....

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    Re: MLB.com Mock Draft Top 10

    Is there a draft guide online or in print, I like reading about these guys but I dont know where to look, like who is Grant Green?

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    Re: MLB.com Mock Draft Top 10

    Quote Originally Posted by icehole3 View Post
    Is there a draft guide online or in print, I like reading about these guys but I dont know where to look, like who is Grant Green?
    Try this:

    http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/events/draft/...?content=green

    They have video and scouting reports on about 80 of the top prospects.

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    Re: MLB.com Mock Draft Top 10

    If the Reds are looking at their choice Gibson and Green on the #8 pick, they should do a jig.
    I'm not a system player. I am a system.

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    Re: MLB.com Mock Draft Top 10

    Works for me.

    That's the most likely scenario I see playing out for the REDS....the opportunity to draft Kyle Gibson (probably now a 40-60 shot at him being there, where I thought earlier a 50-50 shot), and that Jockety will happily take him if he's there.

    I doubt seriously if White goes before Gibson, and if Gibson is gone, then my second choice is that Walt takes Alex White. I much prefer Gibson, though.

    I also think that Matzek goes before both of them and that's why Gibson becomes available to the REDS.
    Last edited by Kingspoint; 05-21-2009 at 07:31 PM.

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    Re: MLB.com Mock Draft Top 10

    Quote Originally Posted by AmarilloRed View Post
    Try this:

    http://mlb.mlb.com/mlb/events/draft/...?content=green

    They have video and scouting reports on about 80 of the top prospects.
    thx

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    Re: MLB.com Mock Draft Top 10

    MLB.com released a new top 20 mock draft today:

    1. Washington Nationals: Stephen Strasburg, RHP, San Diego State
    Was, is, and will continue to be the top guy.

    2. Seattle Mariners: Dustin Ackley, 1B/OF, North Carolina
    As stated above, this continues to make sense. The only thing that could change it would be a money issue, though the M's continue to scout some of the advanced arms, like Aaron Crow.

    3. San Diego Padres: Mike Minor, LHP, Vanderbilt
    It sounds like there's a split in Padres-town, with some wanting the college lefty and some wanting the toolsy high school outfielder Donavan Tate. Aaron Crow continues to be scouted heavily here as well. There wasn't enough to change the pick ... yet.

    4. Pittsburgh Pirates: Aaron Crow, RHP, Fort Worth Cats
    The Pirates aren't definitely taking a pitcher, but with the strength of the Draft being on the mound, it does make some sense. Their general manager was at Crow's last outing, along with some other GMs who will be picking in the top 10. The other side of that coin, of course, is that the Pirates could take a bat here, thinking the pitching depth will extend to their sandwich-round pick and beyond. If that's the case, USC shortstop Grant Green is in the mix.
    Last week's projection: Alex White

    5. Baltimore Orioles: Zack Wheeler, RHP, East Paulding HS, Dallas, Ga.
    The thinking is still pitching here, and some of the college arms are probably still in the mix. But the Orioles have really been on some of the top high school arms, namely Jacob Turner, from Missouri, and Wheeler. Like the Pirates, it's possible Green is still being discussed. With rumored bonus demands following Turner right now, we'll go with the seemingly more signable Wheeler.
    Last week's projection: Crow

    6. San Francisco Giants: Tyler Matzek, LHP, Capistrano Valley HS, Mission Viejo, Calif.
    This is a spot that shows just how volatile this thing is. Normally by now, a team picking fifth can hone in on a couple of players. But everyone, including GM Brian Sabean, has been running around trying to see as many players as possible. They like Michael Trout, as mentioned last week, but that now seems like it's too much of a reach. A high school pitcher seems most likely at this point. With Wheeler gone, that could mean Turner or Matzek, the top prep lefty in the class. A big arm like Tanner Scheppers could be of interest to them. Want some dark horses? How about ASU starter Mike Leake (they were at his last regular-season start) or Stanford closer Drew Storen.
    Last week's projection: Michael Trout

    7. Atlanta Braves: Shelby Miller, Brownwood HS, Texas
    There's little question that if Wheeler lasts this far, the Braves wouldn't let the local product go further. If Wheeler is gone and Matzek is available, that'd be a strong possibility. With both off the board, it's on to the next available high school arm in all likelihood. That might be Turner based on pure talent, but the signability issue would likely make the Braves look to Miller, a fine right-hander in his own right.
    Last week's projection: Wheeler

    8. Cincinnati Reds: Tanner Scheppers, RHP, St. Paul Saints
    This is another place where "best arm available" is likely going to be the philosophy. One of the college guys could rise back into this slot, but right now it seems more likely they'll go with the indy-league re-draft in Scheppers, who's got a big, big arm. If they don't feel comfortable with the medical report there, they could just as easily go with the top high school arm remaining, if Matzek or perhaps Turner is still around.
    Last week's projection: Kyle Gibson


    9. Detroit Tigers: Jacob Turner, Westminster Christian Academy, Mo.
    Sounds like a broken record, right? Another arm, most likely from the prep ranks. The Tigers haven't shied away from Scott Boras guys in the past. In fact, the one Turner might want to compare himself to -- Rick Porcello -- is already in the big leagues. If they really want to roll the dice, they could go after the toolsy and athletic Tate.
    Last week's projection: Matzek

    10. Washington Nationals: Chad Jenkins, RHP, Kenesaw State
    Still thinking Jenkins could be the guy here and there wasn't enough to go on to make a change yet. There's no guarantee the Nats will be making a money-saving pick only here and if they really want to throw caution to the wind, they could go with any of a number of apparent "tough signs" like Matthew Purke on the mound or Green at the plate. That seems unlikely and the Nats could be looking for other Jenkins-like options. One might be Storen, who threw extremely well with several members of the Nationals front office in attendance lats weekend.

    11. Colorado Rockies: Kyle Gibson, RHP, University of Missouri
    A year ago, the Rockies picked at No. 25 and were pleasantly surprised that college lefty Christian Friedrick dropped in their laps. They won't have to wait for as big of a slide this time at No. 11, but they could take advantage of a similar scenario. That could mean Mizzou's Gibson or North Carolina's White. For now, the thinking is Gibson. If one of those two doesn't fall, someone like lefty Rex Brothers could be considered and ASU's Leake probably enters into every conversation from this spot forward.

    12. Kansas City Royals: Tony Sanchez, C, Boston College
    This year's Jason Castro? Sanchez isn't as highly regarded as Castro was last year, but it could happen as a similar reach for the top college catcher in the class. He's a good catch-and-throw guy who showed something with the bat this year. The Royals would probably love for Gibson to slide to here and there's a natural inclination to think they'd also be keen on Missouri product Turner. This is another spot where Storen could be a backup option.

    13. Oakland A's: Alex White, RHP, University of North Carolina
    No longer can you just take the most stats-friendly college guy and plug him into the A's slot. If one of those big high school arms are still around, that could happen. One who's still on the board is Matt Hobgood, but that seems a bit unlikely at this point. If Scheppers slides, would the A's take a shot? Maybe.

    14. Texas Rangers: Matthew Purke, LHP, Klein HS, Texas
    This isn't just a "put the best Texas arm with the Rangers" pick, though that does enter into the equation. The "other" Texas high schooler, Miller, is high on the list, with none other than Nolan Ryan having seen him. But in this scenario, he's off the board. Purke, based on talent, is one of the top prep arms, and perhaps the best lefty, in the class. But there's been talk of high bonus demands, which could push him down to this point of the first round.

    15. Cleveland Indians: Rex Brothers, LHP, Lipscomb University
    In a perfect world for the Indians, one of those high school arms would make it down here. In this projection, alas, it is not a perfect world, so the Indians will look for a power arm, one that might be able to start, but at the very least could get to the big leagues quickly in the pen. Brothers, with a plus fastball and slider, fits that mold quite well.

    16. Arizona Diamondbacks: Mike Leake, LHP, Arizona State
    Another "in our own backyard" kind of deal, it's still extremely possible Leake will be gone at this point, but he's still on the board in this scenario, and the D-Backs won't let him go further than this. The right-hander might be a bit "under-sized," but he's done nothing but win in a tough conference for three years now, coming off a simply dominant junior year that would likely get more love as one of the best college seasons if it weren't for that Strasburg guy.

    17. Arizona Diamondbacks: Bobby Borchering, 3B, Bishop Verot HS, Fla.
    It makes some sense, doesn't it, for Arizona to go with one arm and one bat with their back-to-back picks? Maybe even more sense to go with the "safe" college guy and a more risky high school hitter? Perhaps. Borchering's a switch-hitter with pop and while he may eventually have to move over to first, he'll at least get the opportunity to stay at third.

    18. Florida Marlins: Eric Arnett, RHP, Indiana University
    The temptation is always to give the Marlins the top high schooler on the board, and that's certainly a possibility. Pitching-wise, that could be James. Offensively, perhaps a Trout or Everett Williams comes into play. For now, we'll play a wild card, knowing that Arnett and his breakout season are in the mix here. A strong regional showing could move Arnett up a few more picks to where he could become a late signability pick a la Greg Reynolds circa 2006, but for now he's on the board and a distinct possibilty.

    19. St. Louis Cardinals: Grant Green, SS, USC
    He had to go somewhere in the first round, right? Despite the lackluster start to his junior season, Green did finish strongly and with some more energy and effort to his game. That, combined with what he did in the Cape last summer and the fact he plays a premium position, is why he's still being discussed up and down the first-round board. The Cardinals aren't the automatic college-guy team they once were, but they do like their middle infielders (Pete Kozma, Tyler Greene).

    20. Toronto Blue Jays: Drew Storen, RHP, Stanford University
    Storen's name is popping up all over the place in the first round, particularly as a guy who might be considered to be a backup option up high if money becomes an issue. It's probably more realistic that he finds a home somewhere in this neck of the woods. He's closed for Stanford and could get to the big leagues in a hurry as a reliever, but there are those who feel he has the stuff to start. If Storen isn't an option, this is another place where Tony Sanchez could land if he doesn't go higher.
    http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?...tnerId=rss_mlb

    Tanner Scheppers? No thanks. He's got a great arm but I don't like his injury history. In this scenario, both Kyle Gibson and Grant Green are available. If you're the Reds, you have to take one of those two guys if they're available. Gibson would look real nice in the Reds rotation behind Cueto and Volquez a couple years from now.

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    Re: MLB.com Mock Draft Top 10

    im a scheppers guy. if they get a clean medical report and believe he is healthy im all for it

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    Re: MLB.com Mock Draft Top 10

    Quote Originally Posted by OnBaseMachine View Post

    Tanner Scheppers? No thanks. He's got a great arm but I don't like his injury history. In this scenario, both Kyle Gibson and Grant Green are available. If you're the Reds, you have to take one of those two guys if they're available. Gibson would look real nice in the Reds rotation behind Cueto and Volquez a couple years from now.
    I'll go with whomever the Reds decide is best and won't question it. Crow, Scheppers, Matzek, Gibson, Green, whomever.

    Maybe the Reds scouts think Scheppers is a very advanced prospect who has great stuff and maybe they are not that worried about his injury history. Maybe they think these other guys are several years away and iffy.

    As long as the Reds do not revert to their previous practice of overdrafting apparently to save money, I trust their judgment on these things. They have done very well in the last several drafts. If they take Scheppers, I would expect that his stuff is just better than the other available pitchers and he is closer to the major leagues.
    Last edited by Kc61; 05-28-2009 at 05:59 PM.

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    Re: MLB.com Mock Draft Top 10

    I would have no problem with Scheppers if the Reds were drafting #20 overall, but I'd hate to see them draft a guy with past shoulder problems at #8 overall, especially when there is equal or better talent available. So far, Scheppers has been underwhelming with the St. Paul Saints, posting a 3.86 ERA in 14 IP, with 14 hits allowed and a 8 BB/15 K ratio. Some of you may remember, prior to his injury last year, I was a huge fan of Scheppers. As good as his stuff may be, he's not worth the risk at #8 overall. Gibson is better anyways, so if it comes down to Gibson or Scheppers, Gibson should be the obvious pick, IMO.

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    Re: MLB.com Mock Draft Top 10

    Baseball America released their second mock draft today and have the Reds selecting Tanner Scheppers...They have Crow going #4 to the Pirates, Gibson #5 to the Orioles, and Grant Green #12 to the Royals.

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    Re: MLB.com Mock Draft Top 10

    Quote Originally Posted by OnBaseMachine View Post
    Baseball America released their second mock draft today and have the Reds selecting Tanner Scheppers...They have Crow going #4 to the Pirates, Gibson #5 to the Orioles, and Grant Green #12 to the Royals.
    They also have scouting reports out on their top 100. Needless to say I still don't see any reason to pass on Grant Green if he's there. I also found it interesting that Scheppers report was that his injury was initially called a stress fracture of the (throwing) shoulder and then later described as "significant wear and tear". Not a Reds-Esque type of pick IMO, they have went out of their way the past few years with this group drafting arms with little wear and tear, obviously staying away from arms with a bit more likely chance of injury.
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    Re: MLB.com Mock Draft Top 10

    New MLB.com mock draft:

    1. Washington Nationals: Stephen Strasburg, RHP, San Diego State
    Was, is and will continue to be the top guy.

    2. Seattle Mariners: Dustin Ackley, 1B/OF, North Carolina
    There's not enough information to change this pick, though there was some buzz that the Mariners were backing off of him. If that's the case, Aaron Crow still seems like the best bet.

    3. San Diego Padres: Mike Minor, LHP, Vanderbilt
    Still the same debate of college pitcher vs. high school athlete (Tate). There could be some discussion between Minor and Crow here, and it could go either way. But Minor remains the choice for now.

    4. Pittsburgh Pirates: Aaron Crow, RHP, Fort Worth Cats
    The Pirates would love it if the Mariners and Padres passed on Ackley and he dropped to them, something that now sounds to be at least a remote possibility. The other choices are the same, with Grant Green potentially in the mix if they want a bat and Ackley's gone. Other college pitchers in the mix could be Alex White or Kyle Gibson, though that seems unlikely now, and there might be a high school pitcher or two who could sneak up here.

    5. Baltimore Orioles: Zack Wheeler, RHP, East Paulding HS, Dallas, Ga.
    No change here as of now, with pitching the name of the game. Jacob Turner and Wheeler are still in the high school mix. Green might be the bat who's still being discussed as well. Word was that Wheeler went to Baltimore for a meet up and there was talk that the O's and college pitcher Alex White's agent spoke about his signability. California high school right-hander Matt Hobgood was also reportedly planning to meet with the Orioles, but there isn't enough definitive information to go in that direction now.

    6. San Francisco Giants: Tyler Matzek, LHP, Capistrano Valley HS, Mission Viejo, Calif.
    There are still a number of possibilities here, but after Matzek's two-hit shutout in the playoffs on Tuesday, there was no real reason to make a switch.

    7. Atlanta Braves: Alex White, RHP, University of North Carolina
    The Braves are more than likely to go with the "best arm available." They'd love it if hometown hero Wheeler or California standout Matzek were around, but in this scenario both are off the board. It looks like Shelby Miller is off the list now and the Braves may go the college route. White has been pitching with a bit of a hamstring issue and assuming the Braves are assured he's fine otherwise, he could be their guy.
    Last week's projection: Miller

    8. Cincinnati Reds: Mike Leake, RHP, Arizona State
    An undersized right-hander is not typically the M.O. for the Reds, who would love for Matzek to still be available here. They'll also have a conversation about Tanner Scheppers, but here's thinking the concerns about his shoulder will make them pass. Turner fits Cincy's mold more and is a possibility, but signability might get in the way. That leaves Leake, who's done nothing but perform, perhaps well enough to get some teams that normally would pass to look at him.
    Last week's projection: Scheppers


    9. Detroit Tigers: Jacob Turner, RHP, Westminster Christian Academy, MO
    Staying put with this pick as it's still a definite possibility. Two of the Draft's wild cards, Scheppers and Tate, could feasibly find a home here. For now, though, Turner remains the pick.

    10. Washington Nationals: Drew Storen, RHP, Stanford
    I know what people will think, that this is purely a money-saving maneuver. I won't refute that completely as Storen should not be a tough sign. But he's also a guy who could get to the big leagues this season as a reliever and might have upside potential as a starter. Add in a makeup that is off the charts and it's easy to see why the Stanford closer has moved up and will land in the first round even if he doesn't go here. If Minor somehow slips here, he won't get past this spot.
    Last week's projection: Chad Jenkins

    11. Colorado Rockies: Rex Brothers, LHP, Lipscomb
    This is another place where Hobgood's name has been mentioned as a possibility and the Rockies would probably entertain any of the high school arms selected above should any of them fall to here. They could go best player, period, and roll the dice with Texas high school lefty Matt Purke and his supposed high price tag, but instead the thinking is they'll go with the hard-throwing Brothers, who could get to the big leagues quickly if and when he's shortened up into a relief role.
    Last week's projection: Kyle Gibson

    12. Kansas City Royals: Kyle Gibson, RHP, University of Missori
    Normally, the Royals would probably be ecstatic for Gibson to be available here and not just because it'd be a "backyard" pick. But Gibson had two straight starts of dropped velocity, throwing a reported 82-87 mph in his regional win last weekend. He was quoted as saying that it was just some forearm tightness caused by the long season. The alarm bells you're hearing are that baseball folk will make a quick leap from "forearm tightness" to an elbow problem. If he can get the medical question answered, this is a good spot for him. If not, he could keep sliding. As a backup, there was word that North Carolina high schooler Wil Myers had impressed recently in a workout.
    Last week's projection: Tony Sanchez

    13. Oakland A's: Tanner Scheppers, RHP, St. Paul Saints
    Speaking of medical questions, whether the one about Sheppers' shoulder can be answered will determine where the big right-hander goes. He's thrown very well this spring and to most who have seen him, he looks just fine. What team doctors say is a different story and Scheppers is planning on meeting with some teams individually for examinations. Some teams have already passed on him, but the A's are still studying it carefully. Stuff-wise, he belongs higher.
    Last week's projection: White

    14. Texas Rangers: Shelby Miller, RHP, Brownwood HS, Texas
    Last week, it appeared like Miller might go above this spot, leaving the Rangers with the option of taking Purke and dealing with that potential signability issue. It's not that Purke is completely out of the question, but as mentioned last week, the Rangers have been on Miller all along.
    Last week's projection: Purke

    15. Cleveland Indians: Eric Arnett, RHP, University of Indiana
    Without one of the better high school arms making it down here, it's looking like the college-pitcher angle will play well here. The Indians were at Arnett's regional start en force and they liked how the big right-hander competed. He's a good athlete with great makeup who will sign quickly, something that works in his favor.
    Last week's projection: Brothers

    16. Arizona Diamondbacks: A.J. Pollock, OF, Notre Dame
    If Leake, last week's pick, somehow gets this far, he'd likely go no further. But since that doesn't seem probable at this point, it's time to look elsewhere. There are some high school bats they could consider, like a Mike Trout, perhaps, but word on the proverbial street was that they might go for who they believe is the best polished bat on the board and that could be the Notre Dame outfielder.
    Last week's projection: Leake

    17. Arizona Diamondbacks: Bobby Borchering, 3B, Bishop Verot HS, Fla.
    Borchering's a switch-hitter with pop and while he may eventually have to move to first base, he'll at least get the opportunity to stay at third. He's considered to be one of the best high school bats in the class.

    18. Florida Marlins: Chad Jenkins, RHP, Kenesaw State
    Sticking with a college pitcher in this spot again. With Arnett, last week's pick, going a few slots higher, another big right-hander could make sense. Jenkins has been mentioned as high as No. 10, a bit as a safe sign, but also because he pitched himself into first-round consideration.
    Last week's projection: Arnett

    19. St. Louis Cardinals: Grant Green, SS, USC
    Green remains one of the tougher guys to pinpoint, with his name still in the mix all over the board. He could go higher or he could slide until the end of the first round. For now, he stays put.

    20. Toronto Blue Jays: Everett Williams, OF, McCallum HS, Texas
    This might seem like quite a departure, especially compared to last week's choice, a college closer, but in recent years, the Jays have shown a willingness to draft toolsy high school outfielders early, taking Kenny Wilson and Eric Eiland in the second round each of the past two years. They still could go the college route and take catcher Tony Sanchez, but Williams gets raves from some regarding his hitting ability and overall set of skills.
    Last week's projection: Storen

    21. Houston Astros: Jared Mitchell, OF, Louisiana State University
    There are varying opinions of Mitchell's upside as a hitter, but no one doubts his speed and athleticsm. A two-sport standout at LSU, there are plenty who believe his bat speed will turn into power and he'll develop into a center fielder with power who can steal bases once he's no longer playing football and can focus only on baseball.

    22. Minnesota Twins: Matt Hobgood, RHP, Norco HS, Calif.
    Hobgood's name has been tossed around much higher up and he does seem to be at or near the top of the unofficial "second tier" of high school arms right now. If Hobgood does go earlier, another high school pitcher like Garrett Gould could be in the mix. Offensively, the Twins wouldn't mind if Borchering were still available in this slot.

    23. Chicago White Sox: Michael Trout, OF, Millville HS, NJ
    The White Sox had great success with the college bat last year, but there won't be a Gordon Beckham at this slot. They've never been afraid of high school athletes and there are a few who could fit in here. Trout, who was coming on strong as his season in the Northeast extended a bit longer than some other high schoolers, could fit nicely.

    24. Los Angeles Angels: Garrett Gould, RHP, Maize HS, Kansas
    The temptation is to give the Angels high schoolers and to have them come from Southern California. In this edition, the high schoolers are there, but the Angels will tread outside of state lines, starting with Gould, a fast-rising right-hander from Kansas. He's got one of the best curves in the class and the Angels were in attendance for his dominant championship-winning start a while back.

    25. Los Angeles Angels: Matthew Purke, LHP, Klein HS, Texas
    Based on talent alone, Purke likely belongs in the top 10, or at least in that conversation. But talk of a very large bonus demand has caused a slide, and who knows, maybe that was the point. The Angels have not been afraid of "tough signs" over the years and they might be willing to take the chance here. If they were to stay in SoCal, someone like shortstop Jiovanni Mier could come into play.

    26. Milwaukee Brewers: Matt Davidson, 3B, Yucaipa HS, Calif.
    This will be Bruce Seid's first Draft as scouting director, so it's difficult to know which direction he'll go in. If one of the high school pitchers gets down here, that could be the way to go, though some believe the Brewers will want to take less of a risk the first time around. Davidson, a high school bat with some definite power potential, would provide a happy medium.

    27. Seattle Mariners: Tony Sanchez, C, Boston College
    It's quite possible that the Mariners will try to split their two first-rounders, so if they go hitter at No. 2, this could be a spot to take a pitcher. They also have multiple picks, so they can always make up for that if need be. There will be some high school catchers available here and in some of those other picks, but if the best college catcher in the class is available, he could come off the board right here.

    28. Boston Red Sox: Max Stassi, C, Yuba City HS, Calif.
    There's always an inclination to place the signability sliders with the Red Sox and there's no doubt they'll take the best player on the board at the time, regardless of that issue. For that reason, names like Tate, Purke and Green will be mentioned here. Stassi is possibly the best of the deep high school catching class and there were rumors that he was floating top-of-the-first round bonus figures to teams. The Red Sox certainly wouldn't flinch.

    29. New York Yankees: Brett Jackson, OF, Cal-Berkeley
    Often, the Yankees get lumped in as that end-of-round haven for the tough signs, but here's the thing. They didn't sign their pick last year -- that's why they have a first-rounder this year -- and if they don't sign the pick this year, they won't get compensation. That's not saying they'll go safe, but it's something to think about. Jackson's got some very intriguing tools in a slightly more advanced package than you'd get from the high school set.

    30. Tampa Bay Rays: Jiovanni Mier, SS, Bonita HS, Calif.
    Now this is a different vantage point, isn't it? The Rays may not know what to do with themselves having to wait until pick No. 30. But it's a problem they'd love to have. They've always been a best-available kind of team and will certainly see how things go by the time they get to make a selection. They could have interest in a guy like Mitchell if he sticks around, as well as some of the better high school bats. Mier is one of the few who actually will be able to stay at short, something that's always in high demand.

    31. Chicago Cubs: Tim Wheeler, OF, Sacramento State
    Trying to figure out Tim Wilken's drafts might be an exercise in futility because there's no telling which way he might go. They have taken a college bat with one of their first two picks in each of the past three Drafts, for whatever that's worth. Wheeler could go higher if teams decide to go the college-hitter route, as he's shown an ability to make consistent contact, run well and hit with a little more power this year than he had in the past.

    32. Colorado Rockies: Slade Heathcott, OF, McCallum HS, Texas
    Heathcott has tools aplenty, with an ability to hit for average and power, speed that plays on both sides of the ball and a plus arm. He's an intense competitor on the field -- perhaps the football mentality showing. Much has been made of a rough family life for Heathcott, but that shouldn't necessarily reflect poorly on him.

    http://cincinnati.reds.mlb.com/news/...=.jsp&c_id=mlb


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