Combined Mock Draft: East Meets West
Our third mock of the year was composed by both of our writers. East Coast and West Coast square off and trade picks for the first 60 selections of the draft. Each pick has a comment explaining our decisions and a link to each players' scouting report is provided.
Questions, comments, thoughts? Post at the bottom of the page or contact us via e-mail (c2c@coast2coastprospects.com), on Facebook or on Twitter (@c2c_prospects)
Questions, comments, thoughts? Post at the bottom of the page or contact us via e-mail (c2c@coast2coastprospects.com), on Facebook or on Twitter (@c2c_prospects)
1) Astros: (West Coast) Mark Appel RHP Stanford University JR
Appel has been getting buzz at the 1:1 spot for quite a long time. He's always had the stuff and strong projectability for a college guy, and the only knock on him was that his statistics and results weren't quite living up to his electric stuff. They have this year, however, and Appel has proven that he deserves to be in the top 5 conversation. The Astros could tab Buxton if they are looking for upside or a bat, but Appel, in my opinion, has the best combination of upside and floor of anyone in this draft.
Appel has been getting buzz at the 1:1 spot for quite a long time. He's always had the stuff and strong projectability for a college guy, and the only knock on him was that his statistics and results weren't quite living up to his electric stuff. They have this year, however, and Appel has proven that he deserves to be in the top 5 conversation. The Astros could tab Buxton if they are looking for upside or a bat, but Appel, in my opinion, has the best combination of upside and floor of anyone in this draft.
2) Twins (East Coast) Kevin Gausman RHP LSU SO
Mike Zunino would be very tough to pass up here with the imminent move of Mauer to first base. However, the Twins need pitching and Gausman's upside is too large to pass up along with his ability to move quickly.
Mike Zunino would be very tough to pass up here with the imminent move of Mauer to first base. However, the Twins need pitching and Gausman's upside is too large to pass up along with his ability to move quickly.
3) Mariners: (West Coast) Byron Buxton OF Appling County HS
Buxton has consistently stood out as the strongest prep bat in the class. He could go anywhere in the Top 5, but the Mariners aren't going to be drafting for need at this spot, and Buxton is probably the best player available. A case could be made for Correa, Zunino or Zimmer here, but I see them going with Buxton. If they are looking for a safer bet, Zunino is their guy. If it's a pitcher, any one of the "Big 3" (Appel, Gausman, Zimmer) could be the pick.
Buxton has consistently stood out as the strongest prep bat in the class. He could go anywhere in the Top 5, but the Mariners aren't going to be drafting for need at this spot, and Buxton is probably the best player available. A case could be made for Correa, Zunino or Zimmer here, but I see them going with Buxton. If they are looking for a safer bet, Zunino is their guy. If it's a pitcher, any one of the "Big 3" (Appel, Gausman, Zimmer) could be the pick.
4) Orioles: (East Coast) Carlos Correa SS Puerto Rico Baseball Academy
Carlos Correa could have the most upside in this class and even with Machado in the system, either of them could wind up moving to third down the line for an extremely exciting left side of the infield.
Carlos Correa could have the most upside in this class and even with Machado in the system, either of them could wind up moving to third down the line for an extremely exciting left side of the infield.
5) Royals: (West Coast) Mike Zunino C Florida University JR
I like Zunino a lot and he's a pretty safe pick here at 5. He's a solid college catcher with the ability to stick at the position and has some pop in his bat. There have been some minor concerns about his stats in conference play, but Zunino has shown he can hit at every level and I'm not too worried about those. He's a solid pick overall and will definitely be off the board early.
I like Zunino a lot and he's a pretty safe pick here at 5. He's a solid college catcher with the ability to stick at the position and has some pop in his bat. There have been some minor concerns about his stats in conference play, but Zunino has shown he can hit at every level and I'm not too worried about those. He's a solid pick overall and will definitely be off the board early.
6) Cubs: (East Coast) Kyle Zimmer RHP University of San Francisco JR
The Cubs have been going for upside recently from both college and high school and Zimmer has the most upside of any college arm, even with his recent velocity dip.
The Cubs have been going for upside recently from both college and high school and Zimmer has the most upside of any college arm, even with his recent velocity dip.
7) Padres: (West Coast) Lucas Giolito RHP Harvard-Westlake HS
The most controversial name in the draft, Giolito went down with an arm injury late in the year and his stock is a huge question mark. The talent, however, is anything but doubted, and he was in the running to be the first high school righty to ever be taken with the first overall pick. The Padres have a lot of picks, and a lot of money to spend this year, so it's feasible that they could afford his big price tag. We have them taking two very signable college guys in the supplemental round to offset Giolito's inevitable contract.
The most controversial name in the draft, Giolito went down with an arm injury late in the year and his stock is a huge question mark. The talent, however, is anything but doubted, and he was in the running to be the first high school righty to ever be taken with the first overall pick. The Padres have a lot of picks, and a lot of money to spend this year, so it's feasible that they could afford his big price tag. We have them taking two very signable college guys in the supplemental round to offset Giolito's inevitable contract.
8) Pirates: (East Coast) Marcus Stroman RHP Duke University JR
As I said in my initial mock, the Pirates could have a potentially filthy top three in their rotation with Gerrit Cole and Jameson Taillon and the Pirates
already have a plethora of young hitters on their MLB roster and farm system, so there seems to be no reason to change here.
As I said in my initial mock, the Pirates could have a potentially filthy top three in their rotation with Gerrit Cole and Jameson Taillon and the Pirates
already have a plethora of young hitters on their MLB roster and farm system, so there seems to be no reason to change here.
9) Marlins: (West Coast) Albert Almora OF Mater Christian HS
Almora went here in my earlier mock and I don't see any reason to move him. He's a local guy, he's been getting Top 15 buzz and the Marlins like prep products quite a bit. He seems like a solid selection in this spot, and although I don't personally like him this high, he's not too much of a reach. He's talented and has proven it for Team USA and he's got quite a bit of upside, especially if the bat develops some pop. If the Marlins are looking for an arm, McCullers would be an excellent choice here.
Almora went here in my earlier mock and I don't see any reason to move him. He's a local guy, he's been getting Top 15 buzz and the Marlins like prep products quite a bit. He seems like a solid selection in this spot, and although I don't personally like him this high, he's not too much of a reach. He's talented and has proven it for Team USA and he's got quite a bit of upside, especially if the bat develops some pop. If the Marlins are looking for an arm, McCullers would be an excellent choice here.
10) Rockies: (East Coast) Lance McCullers RHP Jesuit HS
The same as my initial mock: McCullers fits the profile of a Rockie from Jesuit HS and is the type of power arm that the Rockies need to miss bats in Coors Field. Ross also selected McCullers with this pick in his initial mock, so there seems to be a consensus between us here, go figure.
The same as my initial mock: McCullers fits the profile of a Rockie from Jesuit HS and is the type of power arm that the Rockies need to miss bats in Coors Field. Ross also selected McCullers with this pick in his initial mock, so there seems to be a consensus between us here, go figure.
11) Athletics: (West Coast) Richie Shaffer 3B Clemson University JR
Everyone has heard that the A's don't take high school guys early, and this year probably won't be the one that differs from that strategy. Shaffer is a big, college power bat at a position of need in their system. Billy Beane does have a lot of money to spend this year, and he's been quoted as saying that he plans on taking some risks, but these will probably come after the first round. Shaffer fits the Oakland profile perfectly and is a nice combination of drafting for need and taking one of the best players left on the board.
Everyone has heard that the A's don't take high school guys early, and this year probably won't be the one that differs from that strategy. Shaffer is a big, college power bat at a position of need in their system. Billy Beane does have a lot of money to spend this year, and he's been quoted as saying that he plans on taking some risks, but these will probably come after the first round. Shaffer fits the Oakland profile perfectly and is a nice combination of drafting for need and taking one of the best players left on the board.
12) Mets: (East Coast) David Dahl OF Oak Mountain HS
I had my Mets taking Trahan here, but that was because Dahl was off the board. A very similar 5 tool potential talent to Brandon Nimmo, they should fit nicely together in the outfield and batting order for a long time.
I had my Mets taking Trahan here, but that was because Dahl was off the board. A very similar 5 tool potential talent to Brandon Nimmo, they should fit nicely together in the outfield and batting order for a long time.
13: White Sox (West Coast) Michael Wacha RHP Texas A+M JR
Wacha is a solid college arm with a good mix of projectability and present skills. He's a power guy who throws a heavy fastball from a good downhill angle and he could be a pretty quick mover through the White Sox system. We know the White Sox like their upside guys, and we have them taking one later in the mock, but in order to afford him they can't go too much over-slot at 13.
Wacha is a solid college arm with a good mix of projectability and present skills. He's a power guy who throws a heavy fastball from a good downhill angle and he could be a pretty quick mover through the White Sox system. We know the White Sox like their upside guys, and we have them taking one later in the mock, but in order to afford him they can't go too much over-slot at 13.
14) Reds: (East Coast) Max Fried LHP Harvard-Westlake HS
Fried seems to have fallen enough and to the perfect place, where the Reds could really use a lefty power arm in the rotation, as it seems Aroldis will be the closer for a long time.
Fried seems to have fallen enough and to the perfect place, where the Reds could really use a lefty power arm in the rotation, as it seems Aroldis will be the closer for a long time.
15) Indians (West Coast) Courtney Hawkins OF Carroll HS
Hawkins is quite the athlete and definitely has a lot of tools to work with. The hit tool is a big question mark, but everything else is there and he brings serious raw power to the table. This is Cleveland's only selection in the Top 60, their fans will probably want them to go with some upside early and Hawkins certainly fits the bill.
Hawkins is quite the athlete and definitely has a lot of tools to work with. The hit tool is a big question mark, but everything else is there and he brings serious raw power to the table. This is Cleveland's only selection in the Top 60, their fans will probably want them to go with some upside early and Hawkins certainly fits the bill.
16) Nationals: (East Coast) Andrew Heaney LHP Oklahoma State University JR
The Nationals could really use an arm that could move quickly to help out the major league roster down the stretch this year with innings limits on some of their top young arms and Heaney could certainly be that guy.
The Nationals could really use an arm that could move quickly to help out the major league roster down the stretch this year with innings limits on some of their top young arms and Heaney could certainly be that guy.
17) Blue Jays: (West Coast) Ty Hensley RHP Edmond Santa Fe HS
The Blue Jays have a bunch of picks early and will probably go for a balance of signability and upside. Hensley is more of the latter and is a big Oklahoma high school arm with number two starter potential. He's already got a solid fastball and curveball under his belt, and the development of his change-up is the key to unlocking his potential. Regardless, he's a solid high school arm and a good addition to the Jays system.
The Blue Jays have a bunch of picks early and will probably go for a balance of signability and upside. Hensley is more of the latter and is a big Oklahoma high school arm with number two starter potential. He's already got a solid fastball and curveball under his belt, and the development of his change-up is the key to unlocking his potential. Regardless, he's a solid high school arm and a good addition to the Jays system.
18) Dodgers: (East Coast) Stephen Piscotty 3B Stanford University JR
I gotta go Piscotty again, as the Dodgers have to really like this Stanford product and could really use a third baseman at the minor league level at this point. Keep Magic smiling.
I gotta go Piscotty again, as the Dodgers have to really like this Stanford product and could really use a third baseman at the minor league level at this point. Keep Magic smiling.
19) Cardinals: (West Coast) Chris Stratton RHP Mississippi State University JR
Stratton fits the Cardinals mold pretty well and is a solid college righty that could move through the system quickly. He's a pretty typical power arm with some good stuff and great results at Mississippi State. Stratton has been getting mid first round buzz for awhile and should find a place somewhere around 19. He's definitely a safe choice here, though he's got a bit of upside as well and with 5 picks in the Top 60, the Cards are going to have to balance the two early.
Stratton fits the Cardinals mold pretty well and is a solid college righty that could move through the system quickly. He's a pretty typical power arm with some good stuff and great results at Mississippi State. Stratton has been getting mid first round buzz for awhile and should find a place somewhere around 19. He's definitely a safe choice here, though he's got a bit of upside as well and with 5 picks in the Top 60, the Cards are going to have to balance the two early.
20) Giants: (East Coast) Deven Marrero SS Arizona State University JR
There are some questions regarding Marrero's bat, but the Giants have been looking for a shortstop ever since they missed out on Jose Reyes and Marrero has fallen enough.
There are some questions regarding Marrero's bat, but the Giants have been looking for a shortstop ever since they missed out on Jose Reyes and Marrero has fallen enough.
21) Braves: (West Coast) Victor Roache OF Georgia Southern University JR
Roache was here in both of our early mocks and we see no reason to change that now. He's a local guy who went down with an injury, but he could be a steal at 21 if he comes back in good form. Roache hit an absurd 30 HR's in 2011 with the new BBCOR bat standards and he's definitely a power guy who could be an impact bat if everything works out for him.
Roache was here in both of our early mocks and we see no reason to change that now. He's a local guy who went down with an injury, but he could be a steal at 21 if he comes back in good form. Roache hit an absurd 30 HR's in 2011 with the new BBCOR bat standards and he's definitely a power guy who could be an impact bat if everything works out for him.
22) Blue Jays: (East Coast) Stryker Trahan C Acadiana HS
The Blue Jays love upside and Trahan certainly has it. With the ability for 5 tool potential behind the plate or in the outfield if necessary, the Jays would love to add this guy to their already stacked farm system. Trahan reminds me a lot of Brett Lawrie with his bat and thus I love this pick here.
The Blue Jays love upside and Trahan certainly has it. With the ability for 5 tool potential behind the plate or in the outfield if necessary, the Jays would love to add this guy to their already stacked farm system. Trahan reminds me a lot of Brett Lawrie with his bat and thus I love this pick here.
23) Cardinals: (West Coast) Corey Seager 3B Northwest Cabbarus HS
Seager has gotten a lot of helium this spring thanks to reports of improvement with the bat. He's a physical, athletic infielder who would probably be best at 3rd in the future. A good prep product to balance out the Stratton pick earlier, Seager has got some upside and if his bat is improving as people say it is, could be a solid third baseman at the next level.
Seager has gotten a lot of helium this spring thanks to reports of improvement with the bat. He's a physical, athletic infielder who would probably be best at 3rd in the future. A good prep product to balance out the Stratton pick earlier, Seager has got some upside and if his bat is improving as people say it is, could be a solid third baseman at the next level.
24) Red Sox: (East Coast) Gavin Cecchini SS Barbe HS
The Red Sox could use a shortstop and Gavin could certainly be paired in Boston with his brother Garin. The second coming of Rico Petrocelli.
The Red Sox could use a shortstop and Gavin could certainly be paired in Boston with his brother Garin. The second coming of Rico Petrocelli.
25) Rays: (West Coast) Zach Eflin RHP Hagerty HS
Eflin is a local guy for the Rays and has shot up draft boards recently thanks to a velocity spike early this spring. He went down with a forearm strain near the end of the year, but came back from it well and looked good in his final start of the year. He's a big, projectable power arm that would do well in the Rays system that's known for churning out pitchers.
Eflin is a local guy for the Rays and has shot up draft boards recently thanks to a velocity spike early this spring. He went down with a forearm strain near the end of the year, but came back from it well and looked good in his final start of the year. He's a big, projectable power arm that would do well in the Rays system that's known for churning out pitchers.
26) Diamonbacks: (East Coast) Matt Smoral LHP Solon HS
The Diamondbacks are continually looking for pitching and this high upside lefty could be a very nice addition to their already deep collection of arms, albeit with some injury concerns.
The Diamondbacks are continually looking for pitching and this high upside lefty could be a very nice addition to their already deep collection of arms, albeit with some injury concerns.
27) Brewers: (West Coast): Joey Gallo 3B/1B Bishop Gorman HS
I see the Brewers using these two picks to balance each other out. One could be a bigger risk, potentially a tougher sign, while the other would be a safer choice. Looks like East Coast agrees here as he has them taking the safer Naquin, while Gallo is definitely a big risk. He has huge power potential with a big frame and an even bigger swing, but he's going to need a lot of refinement at the next level.
I see the Brewers using these two picks to balance each other out. One could be a bigger risk, potentially a tougher sign, while the other would be a safer choice. Looks like East Coast agrees here as he has them taking the safer Naquin, while Gallo is definitely a big risk. He has huge power potential with a big frame and an even bigger swing, but he's going to need a lot of refinement at the next level.
28) Brewers: (East Coast) Tyler Naquin OF Texas A&M JR
The Brewers usually go for college guys and even though they went for a high school guy in Gallo the pick before, I see them going back to their past trends here and taking Naquin, a guy that could help out the major league roster sooner rather than later.
The Brewers usually go for college guys and even though they went for a high school guy in Gallo the pick before, I see them going back to their past trends here and taking Naquin, a guy that could help out the major league roster sooner rather than later.
29) Rangers: (West Coast) Lucas Sims RHP Brookwood HS
Sims is another power arm the Rangers can add to their already impressive collection. He can run his fastball up into the 95-96 range and is quite athletic for a prep pitcher. He's a solid pick in the late 1st round and could definitely be converted into an above-average power reliever if starting at the next level doesn't work out.
Sims is another power arm the Rangers can add to their already impressive collection. He can run his fastball up into the 95-96 range and is quite athletic for a prep pitcher. He's a solid pick in the late 1st round and could definitely be converted into an above-average power reliever if starting at the next level doesn't work out.
30) Yankees: (East Coast) Tanner Rahier SS Palm Desert HS
Derek Jeter has had an incredible start to 2012, but his years are certainly numbered and the Yankees need a shortstop of the future, as Eduardo Nunez will not cut it. Rahier can rake and has a very solid chance to stick at short. I'm sure it would be an honor for Rahier to be the successor to his childhood hero.
Derek Jeter has had an incredible start to 2012, but his years are certainly numbered and the Yankees need a shortstop of the future, as Eduardo Nunez will not cut it. Rahier can rake and has a very solid chance to stick at short. I'm sure it would be an honor for Rahier to be the successor to his childhood hero.
31) Red Sox: (West Coast) Walker Weickel RHP Olympia HS
Weickel was initially getting some buzz in the Top 15 picks, but a less than stellar spring and a slight velocity drop have seen him fall down a few places. However, he still has a big, projectable, lanky frame, which gives all of his pitches some deception. His fastball currently sits in the 89-91 range, with the potential for more. Weickel definitely has some potential and his current package is only a little behind what scouts perceived it to be.
Weickel was initially getting some buzz in the Top 15 picks, but a less than stellar spring and a slight velocity drop have seen him fall down a few places. However, he still has a big, projectable, lanky frame, which gives all of his pitches some deception. His fastball currently sits in the 89-91 range, with the potential for more. Weickel definitely has some potential and his current package is only a little behind what scouts perceived it to be.
32) Twins: (East Coast) Barrett Barnes OF Texas Tech JR
Barnes is pretty polished and after taking a college arm with their first pick, in Gausman, I see the Twins going with a bat here. Barnes is the best college bat left on the board. A typical Twins prospect.
Barnes is pretty polished and after taking a college arm with their first pick, in Gausman, I see the Twins going with a bat here. Barnes is the best college bat left on the board. A typical Twins prospect.
33) Padres: (West Coast) Addison Russell SS/3B Pace HS
Russell fell a little bit in our draft, as a lot of projections have him going in the end of the first round. He's a controversial prospect and one that would do much better if he manages to stick at short. Regardless of his defensive home, he's a big, strong athlete with some power potential and he generates some good bat speed and raw power at the plate.
Russell fell a little bit in our draft, as a lot of projections have him going in the end of the first round. He's a controversial prospect and one that would do much better if he manages to stick at short. Regardless of his defensive home, he's a big, strong athlete with some power potential and he generates some good bat speed and raw power at the plate.
34) Athletics: (East Coast) James Ramsey OF Florida State University SR
A lefty college bat, who will be very signable as a senior, enough said. This pick could allow the A's to go over slot with their next choice and look for more upside.
A lefty college bat, who will be very signable as a senior, enough said. This pick could allow the A's to go over slot with their next choice and look for more upside.
35) Mets (West Coast) Hunter Virant LHP Camarillo HS
Virant is an intriguing high school lefty who has shown flashes of some good potential. He definitely knows how to pitch and shows good polish for a high school arm. His fastball isn't overpowering, but he controls it well and it has some good run to it. Virant is still fairly risky, as any high school pitcher is, but he's got a fair amount of upside and a surprising amount of polish.
Virant is an intriguing high school lefty who has shown flashes of some good potential. He definitely knows how to pitch and shows good polish for a high school arm. His fastball isn't overpowering, but he controls it well and it has some good run to it. Virant is still fairly risky, as any high school pitcher is, but he's got a fair amount of upside and a surprising amount of polish.
36) Cardinals: (East Coast) Pierce Johnson RHP Missouri State University JR
A local kid, Johnson would fit nicely in St. Louis who need to go with a safer pick after taking Seager with their last pick.
A local kid, Johnson would fit nicely in St. Louis who need to go with a safer pick after taking Seager with their last pick.
37) Red Sox: (West Coast) Travis Jankowski OF Stony Brook University JR
Jankowski is a Northeast guy and profiles as a classic leadoff hitter. He's never going to hit for much power, but he'll put the ball in play and is always a threat to run. He uses his speed in the outfield and should be a fairly quick riser in the Sox system. We have the Sox taking two prep products before this, so a safer, more signable pick like Jankowski makes some monetary sense here.
Jankowski is a Northeast guy and profiles as a classic leadoff hitter. He's never going to hit for much power, but he'll put the ball in play and is always a threat to run. He uses his speed in the outfield and should be a fairly quick riser in the Sox system. We have the Sox taking two prep products before this, so a safer, more signable pick like Jankowski makes some monetary sense here.
38) Brewers: (East Coast) Adam Brett Walker 1B Jacksonville University JR
The Brewers need a first baseman of the future and Brett Walker can hit bombs, which could help weather some of the damage of the Fielder loss.
The Brewers need a first baseman of the future and Brett Walker can hit bombs, which could help weather some of the damage of the Fielder loss.
39) Rangers: (West Coast) Nick Travieso RHP Archbishop McCarthy HS
Travieso is a classic, raw power arm. He's been clocked as high as 99 mph and while the development of everything else is pretty far behind, the velocity is certainly alluring. His secondary offerings are unrefined at best, but at the very worst he could be converted into a power reliever with quite a bit of upside.
Travieso is a classic, raw power arm. He's been clocked as high as 99 mph and while the development of everything else is pretty far behind, the velocity is certainly alluring. His secondary offerings are unrefined at best, but at the very worst he could be converted into a power reliever with quite a bit of upside.
40) Phillies: (East Coast) Lewis Brinson OF Coral Springs HS
The Phillies continue to pile on high risk, high reward upside talent and Brinson certainly has very high upside, as one of the best athletes in the
draft. He should at least be a very solid defender in center at the big league level and I love his talent at the plate.
The Phillies continue to pile on high risk, high reward upside talent and Brinson certainly has very high upside, as one of the best athletes in the
draft. He should at least be a very solid defender in center at the big league level and I love his talent at the plate.
41) Astros: (West Coast) Peter O'Brien C Miami University (FL) SR
O'Brien, a transfer from Bethune-Cookman, has put up big power numbers at every level. He's a big guy for a catcher, but he has shown that there's enough athleticism there to probably stick behind the dish. He should be a fairly easy senior sign, and his power potential is definitely notable.
O'Brien, a transfer from Bethune-Cookman, has put up big power numbers at every level. He's a big guy for a catcher, but he has shown that there's enough athleticism there to probably stick behind the dish. He should be a fairly easy senior sign, and his power potential is definitely notable.
42) Twins: (East Coast) Mitch Brown RHP Rochester Century HS
The Twins have already taken a college pitcher and hitter, so I think it's time they go for more upside (even though Gausman still has considerable upside) and take local product Brown. They should have extra money to sign him for over slot, but it probably will not be necessary, as I'd bet it would be a pleasure for him to stay at home as a Twin.
The Twins have already taken a college pitcher and hitter, so I think it's time they go for more upside (even though Gausman still has considerable upside) and take local product Brown. They should have extra money to sign him for over slot, but it probably will not be necessary, as I'd bet it would be a pleasure for him to stay at home as a Twin.
43) Cubs: (West Coast) Trey Williams 3B Valencia HS
Williams has very good bat speed and power potential and was initially regarded as one of the best prep players in his class. He's got major league bloodlines, but he's been falling down some draft boards the spring. The raw power and aggressive approach are still there, however, and the Cubs are notable for liking high upside guys.
Williams has very good bat speed and power potential and was initially regarded as one of the best prep players in his class. He's got major league bloodlines, but he's been falling down some draft boards the spring. The raw power and aggressive approach are still there, however, and the Cubs are notable for liking high upside guys.
44) Padres: (East Coast) Mitch Haniger OF Cal Poly JR
After going for guys with signability questions in Giolito and Russell, the Padres need to go for a college guy here and the local product Haniger seems like a good pick.
After going for guys with signability questions in Giolito and Russell, the Padres need to go for a college guy here and the local product Haniger seems like a good pick.
45) Pirates: (West Coast) J.O. Berrios RHP Juan XXIII HS (Puerto Rico)
Berrios is one of a few notable Puerto Rican prospects this year. He's pretty raw, but the pure stuff is there and despite his relatively small stature, he generates some good velocity. We have the Pirates taking Stroman in the 1st and he and Berrios can definitely bolster their already solid pitching depth.
Berrios is one of a few notable Puerto Rican prospects this year. He's pretty raw, but the pure stuff is there and despite his relatively small stature, he generates some good velocity. We have the Pirates taking Stroman in the 1st and he and Berrios can definitely bolster their already solid pitching depth.
46) Rockies: (East Coast) Skye Bolt OF Holy Innocents HS
Another prototypical Rockies prospect from Holy Innocents HS, Bolt is one of my favorite players in this year's class, having seen him in person at East Cobb. He has an incredibly solid all around game and can impact the game in many ways, despite his lack of an elite tool.
Another prototypical Rockies prospect from Holy Innocents HS, Bolt is one of my favorite players in this year's class, having seen him in person at East Cobb. He has an incredibly solid all around game and can impact the game in many ways, despite his lack of an elite tool.
47) Athletics: (West Coast) Daniel Robertson 3B Upland HS
Robertson is a guy both of us like quite a bit. He's got a smooth line-drive swing, generates some lift and projects some power as well. He's a shortstop now, but he will probably move over to 3rd in the long run. He's a local guy for the Athletics and they have some money to spend this year, which they may need for this UCLA commit.
Robertson is a guy both of us like quite a bit. He's got a smooth line-drive swing, generates some lift and projects some power as well. He's a shortstop now, but he will probably move over to 3rd in the long run. He's a local guy for the Athletics and they have some money to spend this year, which they may need for this UCLA commit.
48) White Sox: (East Coast) Nick Williams OF Galveston Ball HS
The White Sox love high upside, toolsy outfielders and Williams is the epitome of high risk, high reward. He is very raw, but his ceiling is about as high as anybody else's. Seems like a good risk for the Sox to take here, as he should be fairly signable due to his stock falling of late.
The White Sox love high upside, toolsy outfielders and Williams is the epitome of high risk, high reward. He is very raw, but his ceiling is about as high as anybody else's. Seems like a good risk for the Sox to take here, as he should be fairly signable due to his stock falling of late.
49) Reds: (West Coast) Dylan Baker RHP Western Nevada CC
Baker has put up some video game numbers at Western Nevada thanks to some excellent, power stuff. He's not playing against the best competition, but the results are there and while he's definitely a risk, his price tag shouldn't be too high.
Baker has put up some video game numbers at Western Nevada thanks to some excellent, power stuff. He's not playing against the best competition, but the results are there and while he's definitely a risk, his price tag shouldn't be too high.
50) Blue Jays: (East Coast) Nolan Fontana SS Florida University JR
The Blue Jays have taken two high school guys already and need a more signable guy here. They don't have many middle infield prospects on the farm and
Fontana is a very steady all around player.
The Blue Jays have taken two high school guys already and need a more signable guy here. They don't have many middle infield prospects on the farm and
Fontana is a very steady all around player.
51) Dodgers: (West Coast) Pat Light RHP Monmouth University JR
I like Light a lot and he stands out among the many right-handed college arms. He's got a solid arsenal of pitches with the potential to have three that grade out as average or above in the future. His command is strong and he should move quickly through any minor league system.
I like Light a lot and he stands out among the many right-handed college arms. He's got a solid arsenal of pitches with the potential to have three that grade out as average or above in the future. His command is strong and he should move quickly through any minor league system.
52) Cardinals: (East Coast) Clate Schmidt RHP Allatoona HS
The Cardinals are great with working with young pitching and Schmidt has front of the rotation potential. After going for two college guys and a high school guy, with their first three picks, they stay balanced here, as they always are as an organization.
The Cardinals are great with working with young pitching and Schmidt has front of the rotation potential. After going for two college guys and a high school guy, with their first three picks, they stay balanced here, as they always are as an organization.
53) Rangers: (West Coast) D.J. Davis OF Stone HS
I considered Shane Watson here, but that would have been three consecutive high school power arms for the Rangers. Davis has one excellent tool, his speed, and reports on the bat are improving as well. He's got good potential as a leadoff man with good range in the outfield, but there's still a lot of risk here. Our Rangers draft is risky as a whole, and the budget could be difficult to work out, but Davis doesn't have a 4 year college commit, making him a relatively easy sign.
I considered Shane Watson here, but that would have been three consecutive high school power arms for the Rangers. Davis has one excellent tool, his speed, and reports on the bat are improving as well. He's got good potential as a leadoff man with good range in the outfield, but there's still a lot of risk here. Our Rangers draft is risky as a whole, and the budget could be difficult to work out, but Davis doesn't have a 4 year college commit, making him a relatively easy sign.
54) Phillies: (East Coast) Kyle Twomey LHP El Dorado HS
The Phillies rotation is showing some signs of fragility recently, suggesting what everyone knows: you can't have too much pitching. After taking a potentially impact bat in Brinson, they take a pitcher in Twomey here, who has big potential from the left side. He's more of a pitchability guy than a power arm, but has the repetoire remeniscent of some of the arms in the current Phillies rotation.
The Phillies rotation is showing some signs of fragility recently, suggesting what everyone knows: you can't have too much pitching. After taking a potentially impact bat in Brinson, they take a pitcher in Twomey here, who has big potential from the left side. He's more of a pitchability guy than a power arm, but has the repetoire remeniscent of some of the arms in the current Phillies rotation.
55) Padres: (West Coast) Tony Renda 2B California JR
Renda is an in-state guy who may not have the definite talent for the supplemental round, but he's certainly not an incredible reach and the Padres need a signability pick here. He's a second baseman with some decent pop in the bat and he can field his position pretty well. Renda's ceiling isn't too high, but he's a safe, signable pick here to balance out Giolito and Addison Russell early.
Renda is an in-state guy who may not have the definite talent for the supplemental round, but he's certainly not an incredible reach and the Padres need a signability pick here. He's a second baseman with some decent pop in the bat and he can field his position pretty well. Renda's ceiling isn't too high, but he's a safe, signable pick here to balance out Giolito and Addison Russell early.
56) Cubs: (East Coast) Shane Watson RHP Lakewood HS
Watson has fallen very far, but the Cubs could take a chance here on this California prep arm, after going for another California prep in Williams and San Francisco pitcher Kyle Zimmer.
Watson has fallen very far, but the Cubs could take a chance here on this California prep arm, after going for another California prep in Williams and San Francisco pitcher Kyle Zimmer.
57) Reds: (West Coast) Chris Beck RHP Georgia Southern University JR
Beck was getting first round buzz earlier in the year, though he's been a bit too hittable at Georgia Southern this season. He's got the build, mechanics and stuff of a workhorse starter, and definitely profiles as a 3 or 4 starter at the next level.
Beck was getting first round buzz earlier in the year, though he's been a bit too hittable at Georgia Southern this season. He's got the build, mechanics and stuff of a workhorse starter, and definitely profiles as a 3 or 4 starter at the next level.
58) Blue Jays: (East Coast) Austin Maddox RHP Florida University JR
Maddox would be a nice addition to the Jays bullpen and they know they will have to continue adding impact arms out of the rotation and pen to compete in the very tough AL East.
Maddox would be a nice addition to the Jays bullpen and they know they will have to continue adding impact arms out of the rotation and pen to compete in the very tough AL East.
59) Cardinals: (West Coast) Clint Coulter C Camas HS
Coulter is a big, strong kid with a power bat. High school catchers are always a risk, but Coulter is one of the better one's in his class and stands out for his athleticism and power potential at the plate.
Coulter is a big, strong kid with a power bat. High school catchers are always a risk, but Coulter is one of the better one's in his class and stands out for his athleticism and power potential at the plate.
60) Blue Jays: (East Coast) Dane Phillips C Oklahoma City College JR
I already have the Jays taking Trahan, a catcher with questions about whether or not he can stick behind the plate and by taking Phillips they add another. They already have Arencibia and D'Arnaud and thus are definitely not short on catchers, but Phillips' bat is intriguing regardless of position.
I already have the Jays taking Trahan, a catcher with questions about whether or not he can stick behind the plate and by taking Phillips they add another. They already have Arencibia and D'Arnaud and thus are definitely not short on catchers, but Phillips' bat is intriguing regardless of position.
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