The MLB draft begins tonight at 6pm Eastern time. This is one of my favourite times of year! Its where young men's hard work pays off and where we learn our favourite teams future stars. As George W. Bush would say, it's where wings take dream!
*In previous feature I gave projected picks, however this stuff changes day to day so some picks in mock will be different.
#1: Houston Astro's - Brady Aiken/ LHP/ Cathedral HS (Cali)
This pick really comes down to Aiken and Carlos Rodon. Rodon was a lock for #1 coming into the year but a slow start had scouts cooling off. Many believe Aiken has the best stuff in the entire class. Projects as a top of the rotation guy.
#2: Miami Marlins - Carlos Rodon/ LHP/ NC State
I really can't see Miami passing up on Rodon. He is the best player available, has the drafts best pitch with an 80's slider, and is Cuban-American. Apparently Jeffrey Loria wants him badly.
#3: Chicago White Sox - Tyler Kolek/ RHP/ Shepherd HS (Texas)
There has been some talk of possibly Aaron Nola, however, you can't turn down this kind of potential for a guy who, while talented, probably ends up a #3 or #4 starter. He has the best fastball in draft, reaches 100 easy.
#4: Chicago Cubs - Michael Conforto/ OF/ Oregon State
Here is where things get interesting. The could go any number of ways in order to save money and spend it on prospects who fall. Conforto is the safest bat, however, expect Max Pentecost to get a long look as well as Alex Jackson.
#5: Minnesota Twins - Nick Gordon/ SS/ Olympia HS (Fla.)
This is probably the biggest lock of the draft unless Rodon or Aiken somehow fall. The Twins have been all over the son of Flash Gordon and brother of Dee. He's a true SS who projects to have a plus bat and good defense. Should be an All-Star
#6: Seattle Mariners - Trea Turner/ SS/ NC State
The first major surprise! The Mariners are always one of the harder teams to get a read on. They have been linked with Alex Jackson a lot, however, I just see them taking a surprise pick a Trea Turner seems to be someone they'd like. His speed will play as will his plate discipline. He may never be more than a singles and doubles hitter, but if he hits for average he could be the perfect place setter for Robinson Cano at the top of the lineup.
#7: Philadelphia Phillies - Aaron Nola/ RHP/ LSU
Easily the safest pick of the entire draft, I don't think there's anyway Nola falls past Philly. The two have been linked the entire process. First starter to the majors.
#8: Colorado Rockies - Alex Jackson/ C/ Rancho Bernardo HS (Cali.)
And so ends the fall of Alex Jackson. This is excellent value as the Rockies get the best hitting catcher in the draft. He has plus power and a good bat. He may have to move to the outfield. If he stays behind the plate he will probably be a top 3 hitting catcher within 5 years.
#9: Toronto Blue Jays - Max Pentecost/ C/ Kennesaw State
The Jays have been linked with Touki Toussaint the entire process. However, I just don't think they go more than pitcher this draft after going pitcher so heavily in last years draft. Pentecost is the best all around C in the draft. Should hit for a good average and hit 15-20 HR a year. Could sign underslot.
#10: New York Mets - Sean Newcomb/ LHP/ Hartford
One of my favourite prospects and one of the fastest risers, expect Newcomb to reach the majors fairly quickly and do so as a #2 or #3. Played against weak competition but that shouldn't matter as he began throwing more strikes and has good stuff that'll make batters miss at the next level. Could rise as high as #3.
#11: Toronto Blue Jays - Jeff Hoffman/ RHP/ East Carolina
The only reason the Jays don't take Toussaint is because they rate Hoffman higher. He has a slightly better ceiling, is safer, and is closer. He has a great fastball and a deadly curveball like Toussaint. I think the Jays lean Hoffman as he'll cost less and because he's more polished.
#12: Milwaukee Brewers - Kyle Freeland/ LHP/ Evansville
Haven't seen them linked to Freeland, but I don't think they expected him to fall. They need to stock their prospect cupboard and Freeland offers a safe pick despite weak opponents.
#13: San Diego Padres - Touki Toussaint/ RHP/ Coral Springs
The Whales Vagina Padres are said to be enamored with Toussaint. Understandable, and this is probably the furthest he'll fall.
#14: San Francisco Giants - Grant Holmes/ RHP/ Conway HS (S.C.)
Grant Holmes offers top 5 stuff and a mature frame. He is probably one of the two safest high school pitchers. Giants will benefit as he falls into their lap. Only downside is he's maxed out physically. What you see is what you'll get.
#15: LA Angels - Bradley Zimmer/ OF/ San Francisco
The Angels have had success selecting toolsy outfielders in the past, why not try again. He will stick in CF and has a chance to develop a plus bat, and above average running speed. He could be a 25 HR 25 SB guy with good defense in a premium spot.
#16: Arizona Diamondbacks - Jacob Gatewood/ SS/ Clovis HS (Cali.)
Some would consider this a reach, however, if Gatewood develops he has perhaps the most power in the draft. The ball flies out of Arizona. It seems a fit. We'll need to move to 3B.
#17: Kansas City Royals - Tyler Beede/ RHP/ Vanderbilt
Months ago was a top 5 pick. Control issues, however, have caused him to drop. I think KC wants a bat here, but I also think they like Beede.
#18: Washington Nationals - Erik Fedde/ RHP/ UNLV
Had a Newcomb like rise before his injury except higher. Has been linked to the Nationals who might pull what they did with Giolito and draft him for the upside he provides. Jeff Hoffman would be in play if he fell as should Brandon Finnegan.
#19: Cincinnati Reds - Sean Reid-Foley/ RHP/ Sandalwood HS (Fla.)
Has been linked to the Reds throughout the process. A 2 pitch guy who can be a #3 if he develops another pitch. If not, a high leverage bullpen arm is likely.
#20: Tampa Bay Rays - Kyle Schwarber/ C/ Indiana
Tampa wants a bat, Kyle Schwarber is the best left on my board and probably theirs.
#21: Cleveland Indians - Derek Hill/ OF/ Elk Grove HS
With 3 picks in the next 17 selections, expect them to take best player regardless. Derek Hill is that guy. Likely ends up in CF, has a great arm, will provide good D. Not a HR hitter, but should hit a lot of doubles. Downside is his low upside. If he can't develop his bat, he's a AAAA guy.
#22: LA Dodgers - Derek Fisher/ OF/ Virginia
Should have gone higher. Dodgers could use another OF as Matt Kemp and Andre Ethier will likely be gone soon. All about the bat. Could be a 30 HR guy. Question is where he plays D. Limited to LF.
#23: Detroit Tigers - Nick Burdi/ RHP/ Louisville
The Tigers love flamethrowers, Nick Burdi is that. There have been links between player and team.
#24: Pittsburgh Pirates - Luis Ortiz/ RHP/ Sanger HS (Cali.)
BPA and on my board its Luis Ortiz who's number 14. I feel its the same for the Pirates.
#25: Oakland Athletics - Tiquan Forbes/ SS/ Colombia HS (Miss)
They have been linked the entire process. If he gets there he's gone. Projects to be above average with the bat and in the field. Will likely move to 3B.
#26: Boston Red Sox - Justus Sheffield/ LHP/ Tullahoma
Justus Sheffield has a very good feel for pitching. I think Boston has him highly rated. However, the same is true for Gillaspie. I think they go for the pitcher and the upside.
#27: St. Louis Cardinals - Casey Gillaspie/ 1B/ Witchita St
I think the Cardinals play it safe and go for the best bat left on the board. Could also try Alex Blandino
Best 10 not yet drafted:
Monte Harrison - OF
Brandon Finnegan - LHP
Michael Chavis - 3B
Braxton Davidson - OF
Mac Marshall - LHP
Kodi Medeiros - LHP
Michael Gettys - OF
Scott Blewett - RHP
Dylan Cease - RHP
Forrest Wall - 2B
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