2007 MLB Amateur Draft Thread

[Flash Tizzle]

Less than 20 hours remain before the draft. I'm excited!1!!

 

We'll see once and for all whether or not the organizational philosophy concerning draft picks has been altered. Our draft position is not a death knell. Williams agreed as much in a recent article.

 

"Forget about not having a top-10 pick," Williams said. "No one cares about that. All they care about is the product you put on the field. What that means is you have to work a little harder than the next guy. To our guys' credit, they have been busting their tails this year."

 

Just for fun, I'll list my useless draft board.

1. BAP (Best Available Pitcher among Josh Smoker, Michael Main, Madison Bumgarner)

2. Nevin Griffith (Most likely available at #25)

3. Matt LaPorta

4. Joe Savery (has recently begun to hit 95mph. Yes, he's a Rice pitcher; but before the season began he was a Top 10 selection.)

 

If I had to guess, I'd place money down we're choosing between Justin Jackson, Michael Burgess, and Nick Schmidt. The White Sox have found a way to irritate me with recent selections, so I'm guessing this year will be no different. Even with tough rhetoric from Williams.

 

Also, if anyone is interested, last year's draft thread: http://www.soxtalk.com/forums/index.php?sh...1&start=200

[RockRaines]

I cant wait to hear your reactions Flash.

[CWSGuy406]

Speaking of last year's draft, a lot of us were pretty pissed when Daniel Bard, the other UNC pitcher, didn't fall to the Sox -- IIRC, he was picked just one or two picks ahead of the Sox by Boston. Anyways, Bard hasn't done any better than McCollough (sp?) has done. Bard didn't pitch at all after his season at UNC (I assume he didn't sign?) and this year, in 16 innings pitched, his ERA is close to nine and he's given up 24 walks in just over 16 innings pitched.

 

Another guy a lot of us wanted was Pedro Beato, a DFE who didn't sign with Baltimore (?) the year before. He's doing okay this year but not great -- his ERA is 3.29 in A-ball but none of his peripherals really stick out.

 

The guy the Sox might have missed out on is Miami closer Chris Perez who is a pretty dominant reliever. That being said, I'm not going to bash the Sox for passing on a reliever in the first round.

[maggsmaggs]

Sox have not drafted a solid major league player in the last 14 years with their first selection. That's gotta be the worst track record of any major league team. This year Kenny is putting his ass on the line by being more invovled in the selection. Can we please draft an impact high school guy with upside?

[Flash Tizzle]

Keith, or anyone else with a subscription to Baseball America, is there any way to access Jim Callis' final mock drafts these last several years? I'm trying to determine how accurate he's been in the past.

 

I came upon 2006, and it was off quite a bit-- only eight of the thirty first round selections were correct; five within the Top 10.

[Chisoxfn]

I swear...if they draft a pitcher without some project ability in the first round I will s*** a brick. I'm sick of safe, I want to at least take a chance early on to get a potential ace of the rotation or a potential middle of the order run producer.

[maggsmaggs]

Keith, or anyone else with a subscription to Baseball America, is there any way to access Jim Callis' final mock drafts these last several years? I'm trying to determine how accurate he's been in the past.

 

I came upon 2006, and it was off quite a bit-- only eight of the thirty first round selections were correct; five within the Top 10.

 

All I could find was last year's, but I would guess he is pretty accurate compared to others. The MLB draft is probably the hardest to guess, so he has got to be one of the best. Also, a very nice guy who lives in the Chicago area.

2006

1. Royals: Projected Pick: Luke Hochevar, rhp, Fort Worth Cats.

2. Rockies: Projected Pick: Greg Reynolds, rhp, Stanford.

3. Projected Pick: Brad Lincoln, rhp, Houston.

4. Projected Pick: Evan Longoria, 3b, Long Beach State.

5. Mariners: Projected Pick: Brandon Morrow, rhp, California.

6. Tigers: Projected Pick: Clayton Kershaw, lhp, HS/Dallas.

7. Dodgers: Projected Pick: Kyle Drabek, rhp/ss, HS/The Woodlands, Texas.

8. Reds: Projected Pick: Drew Stubbs, of, Texas.

9. Orioles: Projected Pick: Bill Rowell, 3b, HS/Sewell, N.J.

10. Giants: Projected Pick: Daniel Bard, rhp, North Carolina.

11. Diamondbacks: Projected Pick: Andrew Miller, lhp, North Carolina.

12. Rangers: Projected Pick: Tim Lincecum, rhp, Washington.

13. Cubs: Projected Pick: Stephen King, ss, HS/Orlando.

14. Blue Jays: Projected Pick: Travis Snider, of, HS/Everett, Wash.

15. Nationals: Projected Pick: Chris Parmelee, of/1b, HS/Chino Hills, Calif.

16. Brewers: Projected Pick: Kasey Kiker, lhp, HS/Phenix City, Ala.

17. Padres: Projected Pick: Matt Antonelli, 3b, Wake Forest.

18. Phillies: Projected Pick: Chris Marrero, 3b, HS/Miami.

19. Marlins: Projected Pick: Brett Anderson, lhp, HS/Stillwater, Okla.

20. Twins: Projected Pick: Joba Chamberlain, rhp, Nebraska.

21. Yankees: Projected Pick: David Huff, lhp, UCLA.

22. Nationals: Projected Pick: Sean Black, rhp, HS/Mount Laurel, N.J.

23. Astros: Projected Pick: Brett Sinkbeil, rhp, Missouri State.

24. Braves: Projected Pick: Jeremy Jeffress, rhp, HS/South Boston, Va.

25. Angels: Projected Pick: Colton Willems, rhp, HS/Fort Pierce, Fla.

26. Dodgers: Projected Pick: Bryan Morris, rhp, Motlow State (Tenn.) CC.

27. Red Sox: Projected Pick: Jason Place, of, HS/Easley, S.C.

28 Red Sox: Projected Pick: Brooks Brown, rhp, Georgia.

29. White Sox: Projected Pick: Chris Perez, rhp, Miami.

30. Cardinals: Projected Pick: Max Scherzer, rhp, Missouri.

Supplemental First Round

 

31. Dodgers: Sean Watson, rhp, Tennessee.

32. Orioles: Emmanuel Burriss, ss, Kent State.

33. Giants: Max Sapp, c, HS/Windermere, Fla.

34. Diamondbacks: Hank Conger, c, HS/Huntington Beach, Calif.

35. Padres: Kyler Burke, of/lhp, HS/Chattanooga

36. Marlins: Caleb Clay, rhp, HS/Cullman, Ala.

37. Phillies: Jared Mitchell, of, HS/New Iberia, La.

38. Braves: Cody Johnson, 1b, HS/Panama City, Fla.

39. Indians: Kevin Mulvey, rhp, Villanova.

40. Red Sox: Jeff Locke, lhp, HS/Center Conway, N.H.

41. Yankees: Pedro Beato, rhp, St. Petersburg (Fla.) JC.

42. Cardinals: Ian Kennedy, rhp, Southern California.

43. Braves: Chris Tillman, rhp, HS/Fountain Valley, Calif.

Edited June 7, 2007 by maggsmaggs

[WhiteSoxfan1986]

Right now I have to go with Main, Savery, Laporta, in that order. Wieters or Porcello if one of them happen to fall to the Sox because of signability.

[GoodAsGould]

anyone got a mock draft they can post for this years first round? and sandwich picks if possible.

[WhiteSoxfan1986]

anyone got a mock draft they can post for this years first round? and sandwich picks if possible.

 

1. DEVIL RAYS. Tampa is looking at three players: Price, California prep third baseman Josh Vitters and Georgia Tech catcher Matt Wieters. Price is No. 1 on most boards, and other clubs would be surprised if the Rays go in a different direction.

 

• Projected Pick: David Price.

 

 

Matt Harvey, Rick Porcello

2. ROYALS. Kansas City will kick the tires on Boras clients such as New Jersey high school righthander Rick Porcello and righthander Max Scherzer, who’s following the same independent ball path as Luke Hochevar, the Royals’ No. 1 overall pick a year ago. If the Royals don’t want to exceed slot, Missouri State lefthander Ross Detwiler would be the best option.

 

• Projected Pick: Rick Porcello.

 

3. CUBS. Chicago seems like a natural fit for one of Boras’ higher-priced guys, such as Wieters or North Carolina State righthander Andrew Brackman. But the Cubs have been on Vitters since April and their ardor isn’t cooling. They’re also the first team that would consider taking Clemson lefthander Daniel Moskos or Indiana high school righthander Jarrod Parker.

 

• Projected Pick: Josh Vitters.

 

 

Beau Mills

4. PIRATES. Pittsburgh covets Vitters, but if he’s gone a position player will still be the preference because the team has had bad luck keeping first-round pitchers healthy (John VanBenschoten, Bryan Bullington, Brad Lincoln). The Pirates prefer a collegian and won’t take a Boras client, so that could lead them to Lewis-Clark State (Idaho) slugger Beau Mills. Georgia prep outfielder Jason Heyward is a more well-rounded prospect.

 

• Projected Pick: Beau Mills.

 

5. ORIOLES. Baltimore wants some pitching help after taking high school hitters Brandon Snyder and Billy Rowell with its last two first-round picks. The Orioles are unlikely to do business with Boras but should get their pick of the best college lefthanders, Detwiler and Moskos.

 

• Projected Pick: Ross Detwiler.

 

6. NATIONALS. Mike Rizzo, Washington’s assistant general manager and vice president of baseball operations, drafted Scherzer 11th overall when he was Arizona’s scouting director last June. A healthier Scherzer would be tough to pass up for the Nationals, who also are looking at Porcello and Quebec high school righthander Phillippe Aumont.

 

• Projected Pick: Max Scherzer.

 

7. BREWERS. Owner Mark Attanasio is enthused by his club’s success and is willing to pay for top talent. Milwaukee is zeroing in on California high school third baseman/catcher Mike Moustakas, who rivals Vitters as the best high school hitter in the draft. Taking a member of the deep high school pitching crop would be Plan B.

 

• Projected Pick: Mike Moustakas.

 

8. ROCKIES. Colorado has some interest in another California high school third baseman, Matt Dominguez, but also has a lot of hot-corner depth in the organization. Taking a pitcher would make more sense, and teams behind the Rockies worry that Moskos won’t get past them.

 

• Projected Pick: Daniel Moskos.

 

9. DIAMONDBACKS. If Arizona signs Scherzer before the draft, it could look to save some money by taking a college senior, such as Vanderbilt righthander Casey Weathers. If not, the Diamondbacks would love a college pitcher, though there’s no obvious candidate if Detwiler and Moskos are off the board. There will be plenty of quality high school arms, however, and a run on them will start here.

 

• Projected Pick: Phillippe Aumont.

 

10. GIANTS. San Francisco has a pipeline from Lewis-Clark State, and Mills could get here if Pittsburgh doesn’t overdraft him. Even if he were available, San Francisco might be more tempted by North Carolina high schooler Madison Bumgarner, the top prep lefty.

 

• Projected Pick: Madison Bumgarner.

 

11. MARINERS. Brackman hasn’t had a consistent season and there are fears that he may seek a deal similar to the $10 million that two-sport star Jeff Samardzija got from the Cubs in January. Seattle really needs pitching, however, and Brackman’s upside may be too high to ignore.

 

• Projected Pick: Andrew Brackman.

 

12. MARLINS. Florida has used its five first-round picks in the last four years on pitchers and that streak should continue in 2007. Of the best high school arms, the Marlins would prefer Parker or Aumont. Heyward also will be in the their mix. Tennessee center fielder Julio Borbon would fill a need, but he’s also represented by Boras.

 

• Projected Pick: Jarrod Parker.

 

13. INDIANS. Count Cleveland in for a high school pitcher as well. The Indians would consider Mills if he makes it this far, but they’re more apt to choose between Aumont, Bumgarner, Parker, Texas prep righthander Blake Beavan or Georgia high school lefty Josh Smoker.

 

• Projected Pick: Blake Beavan.

 

14. BRAVES. It wouldn’t surprise anyone if the top two players on Atlanta’s draft board at this point would be a pair of home-state high school products, Heyward and Smoker. Getting an athletic, power-hitting right fielder like Heyward at No. 14 would be a nice value. Bumgarner also would be a consideration if he’s still around.

 

• Projected Pick: Jason Heyward.

 

15. REDS. Beavan and Heyward are probably on Cincinnati’s short list but won’t quite make it this far. If the Reds would entertain the thought of choosing a Boras guy, Borbon would be a prime candidate. They’ve shown a lot of interest in Texas high school third baseman Kevin Ahrens, who could go at No. 16 if Cincinnati doesn’t pounce on him.

 

• Projected Pick: Kevin Ahrens.

 

16. BLUE JAYS (from Rangers). Toronto has focused almost solely on college picks under general J.P. Ricciardi, but went in a different direction and took prep slugger Travis Snider in the first round last year. The Blue Jays are looking for infielders and catchers, and most of the best prospects there this year are high schoolers. Matt Dominguez, Moustakas’ teammate at Chatsworth High, could be the fourth prep third baseman to go in the first 16 picks.

 

• Projected Pick: Matt Dominguez.

 

17. RANGERS (from Astros). Texas desperately needs a center fielder and has never been afraid to deal with Boras, and Borbon is the best center fielder in the draft. The Rangers, as always, wouldn’t mind some college pitching, but that wouldn’t be a good value here.

 

• Projected Pick: Julio Borbon.

 

 

Matt Wieters

18. CARDINALS. Though Wieters is regarded by many as the best position player in the draft, his ties to Boras and the belief that he’ll want a hefty major league contract could cause him to plummet in the first round. St. Louis has drafted several Boras clients in recent years and loves college players with a track record of success at major programs, so the slide could stop here. Scherzer and Florida senior first baseman Matt LaPorta are two more Boras guys who would fit the Cardinals profile. If St. Louis wants a guy who will sign for slot, Arkansas lefthander Nick Schmidt (like Scherzer, a St. Louis area product) is a possibility.

 

• Projected Pick: Matt Wieters.

 

19. PHILLIES. Philadelphia likes to draft upside. Heyward would be a natural choice if he somehow fell this far. The Phillies might be the first club who would take Florida high school outfielder Michael Burgess, but his inability to make consistent contact would make that a risky choice. Fast-rising Pennsylvania prep catcher Devin Mesoraco is a better bet, plus he plays a premium position.

 

• Projected Pick: Devin Mesoraco.

 

20. DODGERS (from Red Sox). Los Angeles would love for one of the top high school pitchers to fall this far. If that doesn’t happen, the Dodgers have hit with first-round prep lefthanders Scott Elbert and Clayton Kershaw in the last three years and could go that route again. Georgia’s Josh Smoker and Nathan Vineyard, and Massachusetts’ Jack McGeary all fit the L.A. mold.

 

• Projected Pick: Josh Smoker.

 

21. BLUE JAYS. Toronto will be looking for more infielders and catchers. Backstops such as Tennessee’s J.P. Arencibia and Oregon State’s Mitch Canham should be available in the supplemental round, but the middle-infield talent pool is a lot shallower. The Jays could take Oklahoma high schooler Pete Kozma if they wanted someone who can stay at shortstop, or California prepster Nick Noonan if they wanted more bat and were willing to take a second baseman.

 

• Projected Pick: Pete Kozma.

 

22. GIANTS (from Dodgers). With six picks before the second round, San Francisco could take Weathers to get someone who wouldn’t be difficult to sign and could help its big league bullpen in a hurry. The Giants are also on college pitchers such as Kent State righthander Chris Carpenter, UC Riverside righty James Simmons and San Francisco lefty Aaron Poreda. If Mills somehow lasted this long, San Francisco would take him.

 

• Projected Pick: Casey Weathers.

 

23. PADRES. San Diego’s scouting braintrust likes polished college pitchers, such as Schmidt and Simmons. Rice lefthander Joe Savery, who has yet to completely regain his stuff after offseason shoulder surgery, would be a consideration and possible steal if he finishes strong.

 

• Projected Pick: James Simmons.

 

24. RANGERS (from Angels). Connecticut righthander Matt Harvey ranked with Porcello as the top high school pitching prospect at the beginning of the spring. He has slipped only slightly, putting him on the same level as the Parker-Beavan-Baumgarner-Aumont group. Harvey could drop behind all of them because he’s represented by Boras, and his kind of talent is hard to pass up down here if the club can afford it.

 

• Projected Pick: Matt Harvey.

 

25. WHITE SOX. Chicago has reshuffled its scouting department after some lackluster drafts, and there’s a mandate to take someone with a lot more ceiling than college righthanders Lance Broadway and Kyle McCulloch, the team’s last two first-rounders. Florida high schooler Michael Main fits the bill as either a live-armed righthander or a five-tool outfielder.

 

• Projected Pick: Michael Main.

 

26. ATHLETICS. Oakland has taken more high schoolers in the last two drafts, but its first-round targets this year appear to be college players with a track record of performance. Arencibia led Team USA in homers last summer, while Simmons, Canham and James Madison outfielder Kellen Kulbacki all played well in the Cape Cod League. Texas outfielder Kyle Russell set a strikeout record on the Cape, but he’s leading NCAA Division I in homers and has the most upside of this group.

 

• Projected Pick: Kyle Russell.

 

27. TIGERS. Detroit will take the top player available, regardless of the cost. The Tigers have a need at first base, and Florida’s Matt LaPorta (a Boras client) has had arguably the best offensive season in college baseball. Other players in Detroit’s sights include Ahrens, Carpenter, Mesoraco, Vineyard and Arizona high school righthander Tim Alderson.

 

• Projected Pick: Matt LaPorta.

 

28. TWINS. Minnesota will hope a talented high schooler falls down to them at No. 28, such as Kozma or Smoker, but in this scenario 13 prepsters will have gone off the board. That could leave the Twins looking at high schoolers such as Texas third baseman Will Middlebrooks, Florida shortstop Drew Cumberland, Mississippi outfielder Wendell Fairley, Noonan and Vineyard.

 

• Projected Pick: Will Middlebrooks.

 

29. GIANTS (from Mets). San Francisco needs hitters more than pitchers, but it would be delighted if it came away with Bumgarner, Weathers and Carpenter in the first round. Poreda might be a bit of a money saver or a possibilty for the Giants’ next pick at No. 32.

 

• Projected Pick: Chris Carpenter.

 

30. YANKEES. As usual, money will be no object for New York. LaPorta would fill the Yankees’ biggest hole in their major league lineup, though they like to draft premium athletes (such as Oklahoma State center fielder Corey Brown) and pitchers (such as McGeary, Carpenter or Maryland’s Brett Cecil) with early picks.

 

• Projected Pick: Jack McGeary.

[WhiteSoxfan1986]

Keith, or anyone else with a subscription to Baseball America, is there any way to access Jim Callis' final mock drafts these last several years? I'm trying to determine how accurate he's been in the past.

 

I came upon 2006, and it was off quite a bit-- only eight of the thirty first round selections were correct; five within the Top 10.

 

2005

1. DIAMONDBACKS

Arizona faces two scenarios—one where Drew signs, the other where he doesn’t. There have been rumors all spring that a Drew signing will prompt the Diamondbacks to take another Boras client with the No. 1 pick, either St. John’s righthander Craig Hansen or Wichita State righthander Mike Pelfrey—or even Weaver, if he doesn’t sign with the Angels. Scouting director Mike Rizzo insists the pick will not be linked to the Drew signing, though with three weeks remaining he had Pelfrey, Hansen and Tennessee righthander Luke Hochever—all Boras clients—on a short list of potential picks, along with Virginia high school shortstop Justin Upton, the consensus best talent in the draft. If Rizzo has his way, the pick will be Upton. But a new ownership group has been pushing for one of the pitchers, thinking he could help a revived big league team in a potential pennant push this year.

PROJECTED PICK: Justin Upton.

 

2. ROYALS

This is Kansas City's highest pick ever, and it represents the most important in this once-proud franchise’s history—even more important than the selection of Bo Jackson in 1986. The Royals need immediate help in the form of a premium college player like Nebraska third baseman Alex Gordon, yet there are rumblings they'll try to cut a predraft deal for a more affordable player, as they did in 2003 and 2004. At least three Kansas City officials, including GM Allard Baird, deny those rumors and say the team will pay to sign the best available player. They’ve aggressively scouted Gordon and North Carolina prep outfielder Cameron Maybin, with Gordon being the more prudent pick because he is signable and could be in the big leagues by next year. But if the Royals have just $2 million to $2.2 million to sign the pick, as rumored, they would consider Arizona outfielder Trevor Crowe, San Diego high school outfielder John Drennen, Oregon State outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury or Texas A&M shortstop Cliff Pennington. All are potential first-rounders, but none is worthy of the second pick. No matter who they pick, the Royals will have an agreement in place with the player before the draft.

PROJECTED PICK: Alex Gordon.

 

3. MARINERS

The Mariners will take the best player available, and have a pecking order of Gordon, Long Beach State shortstop Troy Tulowitzki and Upton. Former general manager Pat Gillick has sat on Gordon and Upton most of the spring, while national crosschecker Rick Ingalls has been a regular at Tulowitzki’s games. The Mariners recognize this as a golden opportunity to get a marquee domestic talent--they haven’t drafted and signed a first-round pick since 1999. They need to get it right because they don't draft again until the fourth round.

PROJECTED PICK: Troy Tulowitzki.

 

4. NATIONALS

They have a new name, but the Nationals are still owned by Major League Baseball and will toe the line on signing bonuses. With former Reds GM Jim Bowden calling the shots, the pick could be unconventional, but signs point to Virginia third baseman Ryan Zimmerman, the best defensive player in the country. The Nats could try to cut a predraft deal with him. A delegation of Nationals officials made the junket to nearby Charlottesville, Va., for a recent series against Miami and saw Zimmerman launch a tape-measure home run—dispelling notions that he doesn’t hit for power. They also saw Miami third baseman Ryan Braun put on a strong show, sparking interest in him. They would also consider Upton, another Virginia product, in the unlikely event he is still available. The team won’t pick again until the fourth round, but they have made up for that shortcoming by being aggressive on the international market over the last several months.

PROJECTED PICK: Ryan Zimmerman.

 

5. BREWERS

The Brewers pick fifth for the second year in a row. Jack Zduriencik has an enviable track record in his five-year tenure as scouting director and probably will take the best player available again—unless new ownership or GM Doug Melvin dictates a college player who will provide a more immediate return. If they’re available, Gordon or Zimmerman would fill a need at third base, as would Southern California catcher Jeff Clement behind the plate. Zduriencik rarely tips his hand, but Maybin and Texas outfielder Jay Bruce are thought to be in his high school mix, as are Braun and Cal State Fullerton lefthander Ricky Romero.

PROJECTED PICK: Cameron Maybin.

 

6. BLUE JAYS

Toronto will stick with its college-heavy approach, but would make an exception for Upton. Gordon, Tulowitzki and Zimmerman also are on a short list of six prospects, along with Romero and Townsend. The Blue Jays seem resigned that the four hitters will be gone and have focused on Romero, making it the second year in a row they would take a college lefthander with their first pick.

PROJECTED PICK: Ricky Romero.

 

7. ROCKIES

While they have shown a lot of interest in Braun and three high school outfielders—Maybin, Bruce and Florida’s Andrew McCutchen—the Rockies are not afraid to take a Boras client, especially if they feel the player’s talent warrants the potential risk of a lengthy signing process. Hochevar has that kind of ability and he has local appeal, as he grew up in Colorado.

PROJECTED PICK: Luke Hochevar.

 

8. DEVIL RAYS

Tampa Bay’s baseball people traditionally prefer high-ceiling, high school talent and like Bruce, Maybin, McCutchen and Alabama outfielder Colby Rasmus. There also has been interest in Braun and Clement. But a year after taking Rice righthander Jeff Niemann with the fourth overall pick, the Rays are intrigued with the idea of adding Townsend, Niemann’s former college roommate. Townsend, who coincidentally was the eighth pick a year ago, worked out at the Devil Rays minor league complex in St. Petersburg before a throng of scouts in mid-May and was scheduled to do so again a week later. With a fastball in the 86-90 mph range, he wasn’t in midseason form, but he’s the player the Devil Rays have targeted.

PROJECTED PICK: Wade Townsend.

 

9. METS

Mets GM Omar Minaya has personally scouted St. John’s righthander Craig Hansen and isn’t averse to sticking his neck out on a Boras client—particularly someone with local appeal who could be in the big league bullpen by September. Braun and Bruce have also generated interest from new scouting director Russ Bove, who prefers high-ceiling prospects. The Mets proved in the offseason they are willing to spend money to attract talent, and they want to make a splash with this pick because they forfeited their second- and third-round selections to sign Carlos Beltran and Pedro Martinez. If Drew is back in the draft, the Mets would be one of the teams that would seriously consider taking him--they came very close to selecting him a year ago.

PROJECTED PICK: Craig Hansen.

 

10. TIGERS

New Tigers scouting director David Chadd has Wichita roots, and knows Pelfrey personally. That would be a natural match in this spot, though the Tigers have also eyed Braun and Clement.

PROJECTED PICK Mike Pelfrey.

 

11. PIRATES

The Pirates returned to their more traditional draft approach in 2004 by drafting a high school player, after seeing little immediate payback from going the college route for three years. Clement, Romero and Stanford first baseman John Mayberry or North Carolina State closer Joey Devine might still be considered better fits in the club’s quest to reverse a 12-year drought of winning seasons at the big league level, but there are stronger indications they prefer a young, athletic outfielder like Bruce or McCutchen.

PROJECTED PICK: Andrew McCutchen.

 

12. REDS

The Reds have been hot on the trail of Florida righthander Chris Volstad, the best high school arm in the draft. But they have a more pressing need for a catcher or third baseman, with Clement and Braun the most likely players still on the board who could fill those holes.

PROJECTED PICK: Jeff Clement.

 

13. ORIOLES

New scouting director Joe Jordan is a product of the Marlins organization and is expected to follow his former club’s attraction to high school talent. The Orioles have shown the most interest in Bruce, Volstad and Oklahoma outfielder C.J. Henry among players likely to still be on the board. Baltimore GM Jim Beattie has personally been in to see Ellsbury, so he can’t be ruled out.

PROJECTED PICK: Jay Bruce.

 

14. INDIANS

Cleveland has made it known it wants a college bat. Clement is an option if he’s available, as is Braun, who is on a lot of teams’ lists but doesn’t appear to be anyone’s first choice. Maybin and McCutchen are the only high school players the Indians would consider, though high school outfielder Drennen is a fallback.

PROJECTED PICK: Ryan Braun.

 

15. WHITE SOX

The White Sox would prefer a college pitcher, but they have made it clear they won’t have any dealings with Boras. Miami righthander Cesar Carrillo and Tulane lefthander Brian Bogusevic, who both grew up near Chicago, are on the club’s short list.

PROJECTED PICK: Cesar Carrillo.

 

16/22/29. MARLINS

With three first-round picks and five of the first 44, the Marlins are in a position to stockpile talent. But there’s the matter of paying for it, and they may have little choice than to pay less than slot money for one or two of the picks—or burn one of the picks on an unsignable player. The Marlins will likely play it straight with the first two selections. The two players they were considering most seriously for the 16th selection are Volstad, a local product, and Ellsbury. If they go for Volstad, they’d prefer a premium high school bat after that, with Drennen, Henry and Rasmus the prime options.

PROJECTED PICKS: Chris Volstad/Jacoby Ellsbury/Colby Rasmus.

 

17. YANKEES

The Yankees have not drafted well for a decade, and there’s growing pressure to replenish a depleted farm system—even if it means overpaying. If Drew or Weaver were to re-enter the draft, the Yankees might be a prime suitor. There is a split opinion in the Yankees hierarchy, with some favoring a college player like Bogusevic or fast-rising UMass righthander Matt Torra, and others preferring a high school talent like Volstad, Bruce, Henry or Virginia catcher Brandon Snyder. Henry reportedly has a high price tag, but as a dual-sport athlete his bonus could be spread out over several years.

PROJECTED PICK: C.J. Henry.

 

18. PADRES

San Diego initially showed an interest in three college hitters: Ellsbury, Crowe and Stanford second baseman Jed Lowrie. Then it swung to Bogusevic and another college lefthander, Long Beach State’s Cesar Ramos. The Padres also have been linked to local products Drennen and Henry Sanchez, two of the premier high school hitters in the draft, but they probably wouldn’t consider either seriously until the sandwich round. The only demographic that the Padres almost assuredly will not consider is a high school pitcher, especially with former A’s GM Sandy Alderson and scouting director Grady Fuson now part of the management team. The pick is expected to come down to the two college lefthanders, with Bogusevic likely to get the nod because he has a higher ceiling than Ramos, who is possibly the most polished pitcher in the draft.

PROJECTED PICK: Brian Bogusevic.

 

19. RANGERS

New farm director Dom Chiti, a former pitcher, has been actively scouting players for the Rangers this spring with his sights set on a power arm. He’s checked out Volstad, Torra and Fresno State righthander Matt Garza, but there may be no greater power pitcher available than Baylor righthander Mark McCormick--a Boras client and a Texan.

PROJECTED PICK: Mark McCormick.

 

20. CUBS

The Cubs will take the best player available in this position, with Utah high school lefthander Mark Pawelek a prime candidate. They’ll have to think about the pick, though, because Pawelek is represented by Boras—and it’s been five years since the last Boras high school player signed. If the Cubs get cold feet, two players they would turn to are Snyder and fellow Virginian Justin Bristow, who has generated much two-way debate this spring.

PROJECTED PICK: Mark Pawelek.

 

21. ATHLETICS

While the A’s may stray from their “Moneyball” approach and grab a high school player or two, it’s unlikely it would be with this pick—though Drennen is intriguing because he fits the A’s style. Crowe or Ellsbury, top-of-the-order college hitters with high on-base percentages, or Arizona State hitting machine Travis Buck, are more likely fits. A polished starting pitcher like Torra or a closer like Devine, who should move quickly to the big leagues, also are considerations.

PROJECTED PICK: Trevor Crowe.

 

23/26. RED SOX

The reigning World Series champions have six picks before the start of the second round. They will concentrate on college players, but are certain to slip in a high school player or two like Sanchez, the best power-hitting prospect in the draft, or South Carolina shortstop Reese Havens. If he’s still on the board at 23, Torra would get picked in a heartbeat. He’s one of New England’s own, a strike-thrower and one of the fastest-rising pitchers in the draft. Ellsbury, a Johnny Damon clone, is in demand as well, but it’s looking more doubtful that he will be available. Other players the Red Sox have paid close attention to are Bogusevic, Devine, Lowrie and Winthrop outfielder Daniel Carte. With the potential for a $7 million-$8 million payout to sign their first six picks, the Red Sox may look to cut a deal with one of the selections and were exploring the possibility of drafting slick-fielding Cuban shortstop Yuniel Escobar, 21, who defected to the U.S. in the fall and is subject to the draft.

PROJECTED PICKS: Matt Torra/Henry Sanchez.

 

24. ASTROS

The Astros have made drafting Texans a high priority and Townsend, Pennington and supposedly unsignable high school outfielder Jordan Danks would be made to order. Houston also has shown a strong interest in McNeese State righthander Jacob Marceaux.

PROJECTED PICK: Cliff Pennington.

 

25. TWINS

Virginia has always been a favored scouting ground for the Twins, more than ever this spring with the richest crop of talent in the state’s history. The Twins have concentrated on Snyder and Bristow—a former high school teammate of Matt Moses, the Twins’ 2003 first-rounder. They’ve also looked at power arms like Garza and Kentucky high school righthander Chaz Roe, as well as the athletic Henry.

PROJECTED PICK: Brandon Snyder.

 

27. BRAVES

The Braves are the most high school-oriented organization in the draft and will consider all the premium arms in the Southeast like Roe, Texas’ Craig Italiano, Tennessee’s Bryan Morris, Mississippi’s Cory Satterwhite and Louisiana’s Josh Wall. Italiano has the best fastball in the prep ranks, Morris the best breaking ball. If Torra slipped through, he would be a rare college arm they would consider.

PROJECTED PICK: Chaz Roe.

 

28/30. CARDINALS

St. Louis has the weakest farm system in the game and is looking at this draft as a golden opportunity to replenish. It has four extra picks this year. The Cardinals didn’t sign a single high school player a year ago and have concentrated their efforts on collegians like Buck, Carte, Devine, Garza, Mayberry, Georgia Tech shortstop Tyler Greene, Mississippi first baseman Stephen Head, Stanford first baseman John Mayberry and St. John’s righthander Anthony Varvaro. The Cardinals have never shied away from Boras clients, so could take a stab at McCormick or Texas catcher Taylor Teagarden, or even Georgia Tech righthander Jason Neighborgall, one of the hardest-throwing but wildest pitchers in the draft.

PROJECTED PICKS: John Mayberry/Taylor Teagarden.

 

 

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

 

Four teams do not have first-round picks this year. Here’s how they may be approaching their first selection:

 

37. ANGELS

The Angels haven’t signed Weaver and don't have a first-round pick after signing free-agent shortstop Orlando Cabrera. They’ll need to find more of the creative scouting that highlighted their 2004 draft to make up for the shortfall, beginning with this pick. The Angels have a preference for Southern California arms and high school righthanders Trevor Bell, Sean O’Sullivan and Ryan Tucker all are candidates for this spot. O’Sullivan's velocity fell off 4-5 mph this spring, but the Angels know him better than most teams because he played on one of their scout teams in the past, and they’re confident he can return to his previous form. Drennen is also a possibility, as is Pawelek—the player scouting director Eddie Bane drove 500 miles each way to see in one day this spring.

PROJECTED PICK: Sean O’Sullivan.

 

40. DODGERS

With “Moneyball” teams like the Athletics, Blue Jays, Cardinals and Red Sox gobbling up the top college players in front of them, the Dodgers should end up with a premium high school talent, possibly one who slides for signability reasons. Scouting director Logan White has an enviable track record with high school players and should have his pick from among Florida righthander Tyler Herron, Morris, Tucker and Louisiana pitchers Josh Wall and Sean West.

PROJECTED PICK: Bryan Morris.

 

67. PHILLIES

The Phillies forfeited their first-round pick for signing Jon Lieber, but may be in position to take a run at tough signs like Havens, Arizona righthander Brett Jacobson, Georgia righthander Buster Posey and Texas outfielders Danks and Kyle Russell—all of whom won’t be drafted in the first round but might consider signing if offered first-round money.

PROJECTED PICK: Brett Jacobson.

 

134. GIANTS

This is the latest first selection in draft history as the Giants won’t pick until the fourth round after signing Armando Benitez, Mike Matheny and Omar Vizquel as free agents. It’s difficult to know who will still be on the board by then, but players like Loyola Marymount righthander Stephen Kahn, Tulane righthander Micah Owings and Texas A&M righthander Kevin Whelan were all potential first-round picks at the start of the year and could provide good value.

PROJECTED PICK: Stephen Kahn.

 

2004

 

1. Padres: Matt Bush, ss, Mission Bay HS, El Cajon, Calif.

 

The Padres initially narrowed their field to three players: Florida State shortstop Stephen Drew, Rice righthander Jeff Niemann and Long Beach State righthander Jered Weaver. With less than a week to go, they zeroed in on Drew, only to be stopped cold when owner John Moores abruptly decided that San Diego would not exceed Major League Baseball's bonus recommendation for the No. 1 slot, believed to be in the neighborhood of $3.5 million. That took Drew out of play, as he reportedly wants a package similar to the $3.6 million bonus and $4.79 million guaranteed big league contract Rickie Weeks got as the No. 2 overall pick last year. The Padres quickly switched gears to local product Bush and signed him the day before the draft for $3.1 million.

2. Tigers: Justin Verlander, rhp, Old Dominion

 

When the Tigers thought Drew was going No. 1, they focused on La Grange (Texas) HS righthander Homer Bailey, Niemann and Verlander. Though Niemann's offseason arthroscopic elbow surgery and in-season groin strain aren't long-term concerns, they prevented him from pitching at 100 percent and dropped him out of the running. Detroit did consider Drew when he suddenly became available, but ultimately decided to go for pitching. There's still a small chance the Tigers could cut a deal with Bailey, but Verlander appears to be their man.

3. Mets: Philip Humber, rhp, Rice

 

If Verlander gets past Detroit, the Mets will take him. With that not expected to happen, New York was locked in on Humber before Drew unexpectedly became available. Whether Mets ownership would approve the money to sign Drew remains unclear, but the consensus is they'll settle on Humber regardless.

4. Devil Rays: Jeff Niemann, rhp, Rice

 

Though the Devil Rays already have the minors' best prospect in shortstop B.J. Upton, their scouts quickly homed in on Redan HS (Decatur, Ga.) shortstop Chris Nelson. But new owner Stuart Sternberg and manager Lou Piniella believe Tampa Bay has a greater need for pitching, and they'll get their way. Niemann pitched well in front of a Rays delegation this weekend, and will be their choice unless his bonus demands push them to Bailey.

5. Brewers: Mark Rogers, rhp, Mount Ararat HS, Orr's Island, Maine

 

The Brewers have rebuilt their farm system from the worst to the best in the game in three short years, thanks mainly to high school draft picks. They'll start the 2004 draft with another, unless Humber unexpectedly falls to them. Rogers had as much helium as any of the top prospects as the draft approached, rising near the top of draft boards for several clubs.

6. Indians: Jeremy Sowers, lhp, Vanderbilt

 

The Indians would love to get a crack at a power righthander like Verlander, Niemann or Humber. That's unlikely to happen, so they'll go in the opposite direction with the draft's most polished college lefthander, Sowers. Before Bush went off the board, Cleveland would have considered him very seriously. Another Rice righthander, Wade Townsend, is a longshot.

7. Reds: Homer Bailey, rhp, La Grange (Texas) HS

 

The Reds had hoped that Bush or Rogers would get to them, but their consolation prize is a nice one. Bailey is the consensus best high school pitcher in the draft. Cincinnati drafted Sowers in 2001's first round and failed to sign him—some would say by design—and might take a second chance should Cleveland pass on him.

8. Orioles: Chris Nelson, ss, Redan HS, Decatur, Ga.

 

Add the Orioles to the list of teams that wish they could get a shot at Rogers. But Baltimore has to be happy with Nelson, whom scouts consider a safer bet to hit than Bush. If they can't get Nelson, the Orioles will opt for Pine Richland HS (Gibsonia, Pa.) catcher Neil Walker. Had Williamsport (Md.) HS righthander Nick Adenhart not blown out his elbow in May, he would have been a natural pick for his homestate club.

9. Rockies: Wade Townsend, rhp, Rice

 

The Rockies would love Nelson and will settle for choosing between two righthanders whom several clubs project as big league closers, Townsend and New Orleans' Thomas Diamond. There were rumors Friday that the Rockies would be the club to take Weaver, who reportedly wants Mark Prior money ($10.5 million big league contract), but those had disappeared by Sunday.

10. Rangers: Scott Elbert, lhp, Seneca (Mo.) HS

 

After using 2003's ninth overall pick on high school lefthander John Danks, who looks great so far, the Rangers will tab another prep southpaw in Elbert. The feeling is that Texas would take him over Bailey, though they won't have to decide between the two. If both high school arms somehow go off the board, the Rangers would snap up one of the Rice righthanders. Late Sunday-night rumor: Texas A&M lefty Zach Jackson might be in the mix. Wolfson HS (Jacksonville) righthander Eric Hurley also has been mentioned, but he'd be a stretch at No. 10.

11. Pirates: Neil Walker, c, Pine Richland HS, Gibsonia, Pa.

 

After ownership pushed the Pirates to take college players with their last two first-round picks, including the regrettable choice of Bryan Bullington over Upton with 2002's No. 1 overall choice, Pittsburgh likely will go the prep route. Among the players who possibly could get to them, the Pirates would take them in this order: Nelson, Sowers (the lone collegian), Walker and Crespi HS (Northridge, Calif.) shortstop Trevor Plouffe. Plouffe would come at a discount. Walker, their likely choice, has some extra cachet as a product of suburban Pittsburgh.

12. Angels: Philip Hughes, rhp, Foothill HS, Santa Ana, Calif.

 

After making this pick, the Angels won't choose again until No. 113 after surrendering their second- and third-round picks as compensation for free agents Bartolo Colon and Kelvim Escobar. Anaheim's best-case scenario would be to nab Bailey, Rogers or Nelson, but they look like they'll be long gone. Plan B for the Angels is Hughes, Elbert or Hurley.

13. Expos: Thomas Diamond, rhp, New Orleans

 

The feeling early on was that the Expos would follow a similar path to 2003, when they took college reliever Chad Cordero at No. 20, signed him for below-slot money and expedited him to the big leagues. While William & Mary closer Bill Bray is a possibility, Montreal most likely will wind up with either Townsend or Diamond, depending on whom the Rockies leave them. If the Expos want to go for a super-budget pick, they could take Fresno State outfielder Richie Robnett, who should be available to them in the second round.

14. Royals: Billy Butler, 1b/3b, Wolfson HS, Jacksonville

 

With multiple first-round picks a year ago, the Royals slightly overdrafted players and paid them below-slot bonuses. Kansas City will do the same thing in 2004, starting with agreeing to terms with Butler on Sunday for $1.45 million, $200,000 under the estimated recommendation for the pick. Before choosing the fast-rising Butler, who began drawing interest from several clubs at the bottom of the round, the Royals had been linked to Miami (Ohio) first baseman Mike Ferris and then Boston College righthander Chris Lambert.

15. Diamondbacks: Bill Bray, lhp, William & Mary

 

The Diamondbacks have been trying to keep their interest in Bray quiet, but now it's an open secret that he's their target unless Townsend or Diamond happen to tumble. Arizona had Bray in for a workout the weekend before the draft and could sign him very quickly. The Diamondbacks' second choice is Oklahoma lefthander David Purcey.

16. Blue Jays: David Purcey, lhp, Oklahoma

 

The Blue Jays are looking at most of the same players as the Diamondbacks and in roughly the same order: Townsend, Diamond, Purcey and Jackson. Bray and Minnesota's Glen Perkins are the next two southpaws on their list. If Toronto opts for a position player, Oklahoma State third baseman Josh Fields is believed to be their target.

17. Dodgers: Zach Jackson, lhp, Texas A&M

 

The Dodgers were at the center of several rumors during the final weekend before the draft. Word spread quickly that new general manager Paul DePodesta will impose his "Moneyball" beliefs on scouting director Logan White, forcing him to concentrate on college players. However, that may also be a smokescreen designed to help players fall to Los Angeles, which has three of the top 33 picks. Those extra choices would make it easier for the Dodgers to gamble that they could sign Weaver, whose brother Jeff is in their rotation, but they have decided to go in another direction. For a while it seemed like Elbert could get to them, but now he won't. Los Angeles has kept this pick very close to the vest, but they may pick from a deep pool of college lefties and choose the polished Jackson.

18. White Sox: Josh Fields, 3b, Oklahoma State

 

The White Sox are known to be interested in college catchers and lefthanders, and three days before the draft word was that they would take Long Beach State southpaw Jason Vargas. But they can probably get Vargas (or a comparable lefty) plus a backstop in the supplemental first round. Chicago likes to draft athletes and is taking a hard look at Fields, a record-setting quarterback at Oklahoma State. Clemson lefty Tyler Lumsden could be another option.

19. Cardinals: Stephen Drew, ss, Florida State

 

St. Louis has bought into the "Moneyball" approach and has been thought to be after Fields for more than a month. If the White Sox break the Cardinals' heart, they could go for broke and select Drew. St. Louis GM Walt Jocketty has a history of signing Scott Boras-advised draft picks, including Stephen's older brother J.D. If the Cardinals decide to be more fiscally conservative, they'd probably select a college lefty such as Perkins, Jackson or Lumsden.

20. Twins: Glen Perkins, lhp, Minnesota

 

The Twins have three of the next six picks, plus two more selections between the first and second rounds. Despite initial rumors to the contrary, Minnesota will choose players based on talent rather than their willingness to accept below-market deals. The Twins have been on homestate product Perkins for a while and have to choose him here if they don't want to risk losing him.

21. Phillies: Jay Rainville, rhp, Bishop Hendricken HS, Pawtucket, R.I.

 

Unless Purcey somehow sneaks by Arizona and Toronto, the Phillies likely will go to Rocco Baldelli's alma mater and take Rainville. Other college lefties that they'd consider include Perkins and Lumsden. This probably is as high as Virginia Commonwealth righthander Justin Orenduff or John Connally HS (Austin) outfielder Greg Golson could go.

22. Twins: Trevor Plouffe, ss, Crespi HS, Northridge, Calif.

 

Again, the Twins will play the percentages here. The Athletics have let it be known that they're interested in Plouffe—yes, Oakland would consider a high schooler—and Minnesota might lose him if it waits until No. 25. If Trabuco Hills HS (Lake Forest, Calif.) shortstop Andrew Romine's price tag weren't so high, the Twins could take Hurley here and wait on Plouffe or Romine three picks later.

23. Yankees: Jered Weaver, rhp, Long Beach State

 

If any team can afford to spend $10.5 million on Weaver, it's the Yankees. Some sources say they'd welcome the chance to draft Weaver, while others say they wouldn't touch him after his brother Jeff couldn't handle the pressure of pitching in New York. Should Weaver fall past the Yankees, he could keep dropping until he hits the Red Sox (No. 65) or Cubs (No. 66) in the late second round. If the Yankees are going to spend big money, Drew might be a better fit and would plug their hole at second base. This much is certain: New York wants athletes and power arms to restock its thin farm system. Princeton outfielder/wide receiver B.J. Szymanski was a good fit here in the first category before a tough weekend in the NCAA playoffs made it likely the Yankees could get him at the end of the supplemental first round. They're in more than anyone on Woodinville (Wash.) HS outfielder/quarterback Matt Tuiasosopo, but probably can land him with the first pick in the second round. Pitching candidates include Hurley, Lumsden and Notre Dame righthander Grant Johnson. New York also likes South Carolina catcher Landon Powell.

24. Athletics: Danny Putnam, of, Stanford

 

It's "Moneyball II: The Sequel," as the A's have six of the first 67 choices. Putnam fits their offensive profile to a tee, as he's a pure hitter with some power and very good on-base ability. Oakland GM Billy Beane is said to covet Powell, of whom one club executive says, "Powell is what ("Moneyball" author) Michael Lewis thinks Jeremy Brown is." The A's can wait two more picks before they have to take Powell, however.

25. Twins: Eric Hurley, rhp, Wolfson HS, Jacksonville

 

The Twins probably will come back with a second first-round pitcher here, with Hurley and Rainville toward the top of their list. If both high schoolers are gone, they could look to collegians Jackson and Johnson. If the pitching has started to thin out, Golson would be a possibility.

26. Athletics: Landon Powell, c, South Carolina

 

If the White Sox or Yankees pop Powell, Oakland's catching target will become Cal State Fullerton's Kurt Suzuki. The A's can comfortably wait until the supplemental first round for Suzuki, so if Powell is gone they'll probably choose the top lefthander on their board. Bray (if he slides), South Carolina's Matt Campbell, Alabama's Taylor Tankersley and Texas' J.P. Howell are candidates if that happens.

27. Marlins: Tyler Lumsden, lhp, Clemson

 

The Marlins have built their big league rotation around high school draft picks but figure to take a college arm to kick off their 2004 draft. Lumsden, Tampa righthander Eric Beattie and Vargas are the names mentioned most. Florida also is stronger than most clubs on Milton HS (Alpharetta, Ga.) Dexter Fowler, but perhaps not enough to take him at No. 27.

28. Dodgers: Mark Trumbo, rhp, Villa Park HS, Orange, Calif.

 

If the Dodgers are going "Moneyball," one obvious college choice would be Orenduff. But the guess here is that the rumors aren't true and Los Angeles will take a blend of college and high school picks. Local product Trumbo has some appeal to the Dodgers, even though he's a prep righthander and carries a reported $1.5 million price tag. If they choose him but can't lure him away from the University of Southern California, they'd recoup a supplemental first-rounder next year. Other high school candidates include Fowler and Monsignor Pace HS (Miami) lefthander Gio Gonzalez, but one or both should be available when Los Angeles picks again at No. 33.

29. Royals: Chris Lambert, rhp, Boston College

 

After appearing to decide on Lambert as the 14th overall pick as of Friday, the Royals switched to Butler over the weekend—but still may get Lambert 15 choices later. They're not as high as they used to be on Ferris, another of their early targets, and would be more likely to take Campbell or Gonzalez if Lambert is gone.

30. Rangers: Greg Golson, of, John Connally HS

 

The Rangers don't figure to venture out of state for their second first-rounder. If someone beats Texas to Golson, it could turn to Tremble Tech (Fort Worth) righthander Yovani Gallardo. Central Florida righty Matt Fox could be the Rangers' guy if they adhere to their usual college approach.

[Flash Tizzle]

anyone got a mock draft they can post for this years first round? and sandwich picks if possible.

Do I?!

 

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20...7&fext=.jsp

 

http://www.sportscity.com/MLB-2007-Mock-Draft

 

http://www.realgmbaseball.com/src_betweent...aft_version_20/

 

http://sports.yahoo.com/mlb/news?slug=jp-m...o&type=lgns

 

http://mvn.com/mlb-draft/2007/06/06/mock-d...-final-version/

[danman31]

If the White Sox take Corey Brown or Brackman as those last two mock drafts predict I'd be rather embarrassed. Brackman is a high upside guy, but he has serious health concerns right now. Corey Brown would be a very good 2nd rounder as low as the Sox 2nd rounder is this year, but I don't think he is a first round talent.

[Flash Tizzle]

If the White Sox take Corey Brown or Brackman as those last two mock drafts predict I'd be rather embarrassed. Brackman is a high upside guy, but he has serious health concerns right now. Corey Brown would be a very good 2nd rounder as low as the Sox 2nd rounder is this year, but I don't think he is a first round talent.

I agree.

 

Personally, I just shift through different mock drafts to get a feeling of where people place different prospects.

 

It's funny, though, how even with Callis' connection through Baseball America his infamous day-before mock drafts are frequently off. It's not as if half the board is full of names he didn't mention, but many players shift three or four spots while others drop/gain 10-15 spots.

 

According to the information posted by WSF, Callis' 2004 and 2005 mock drafts were similar in terms of accurately forcasting the various positions. In 2004, 11 of the 30 first round draft picks were correctly guessed; none after selection 18 and 7 in the Top 10. In 2005, 9 of the 30 first round draft picks were correctly guessed; none after selection 21 and 5 in the Top 10.

 

Even someone such as Callis, with the information he has, can't put together something the day before the amateur draft. There always a good two or three names which inexplicably drop out of the draft heavens. Maybe we'll be lucky, defy about every mock draft, and snatch up Main.

[maggsmaggs]

He's a mock draft from Kevin Goldstein of Baseball Prospectus via CNNSI.com.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/base...ctus/index.html

 

If Porcello was available (like Goldstein thinks) for the Sox. I would be so pissed at the Sox's organization. To turn away the best high school pitcher in arguably the best high school pitching draft class in recent memeory, would be sad. Hopefully, he's available and the Sox take him, but if they didn't... Although, Alderson is a guy I really like. Imagine if Brad Radke threw in the mid to upper 90's, and that's what Alderson could be. SICK.

Edited June 7, 2007 by maggsmaggs

[southsideirish71]

He's a mock draft from Kevin Goldstein of Baseball Prospectus via CNNSI.com.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/base...ctus/index.html

 

If Porcello was available (like Goldstein thinks) for the Sox. I would be so pissed at the Sox's organization. To turn away the best high school pitcher in arguably the best high school pitching draft class in recent memeory, would be sad. Hopefully, he's available and the Sox take him, but if they didn't... Although, Alderson is a guy I really like. Imagine if Brad Radke threw in the mid to upper 90's, and that's what Alderson could be. SICK.

 

I want the sox to take a high school pitcher with outstanding upside. Alderson fits that. This draft is so deep, we can get a number one type this late in the draft.

 

If Kenny picks up Borchard II aka Michael Burgess I will start a campaign for his head similiar to my campaign for Walkers head.

[Flash Tizzle]

He's a mock draft from Kevin Goldstein of Baseball Prospectus via CNNSI.com.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/base...ctus/index.html

 

If Porcello was available (like Goldstein thinks) for the Sox. I would be so pissed at the Sox's organization. To turn away the best high school pitcher in arguably the best high school pitching draft class in recent memeory, would be sad. Hopefully, he's available and the Sox take him, but if they didn't... Although, Alderson is a guy I really like. Imagine if Brad Radke threw in the mid to upper 90's, and that's what Alderson could be. SICK.

Yeah, we discussed Goldstein's placement of Porcello in another thread. There's no way he drops out of 30. For comparison sakes, last year similar predicitons were made of Andrew Miller and Max Scherzer; both were gone by #12.

 

I like Anderson as well. You just have to wonder whether his delivery is something you project for a starting pitcher. Watching him pitch on Mlb.com reminded me of Derrik Turnbow. It just doesn't appear very clean. If we had a compensation pick I wouldn't argue with the selection, but we need less of a red-flag. I honestly wouldn't be upset if the White Sox selected him, though. You're not going to find perfection at #25, and his numbers and scouting reports indicate the talent Anderson posseses.

[WhiteSoxfan1986]

He's a mock draft from Kevin Goldstein of Baseball Prospectus via CNNSI.com.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2007/base...ctus/index.html

 

If Porcello was available (like Goldstein thinks) for the Sox. I would be so pissed at the Sox's organization. To turn away the best high school pitcher in arguably the best high school pitching draft class in recent memeory, would be sad. Hopefully, he's available and the Sox take him, but if they didn't... Although, Alderson is a guy I really like. Imagine if Brad Radke threw in the mid to upper 90's, and that's what Alderson could be. SICK.

 

If the Sox pass on Porcello or Wieters it will make this season twice as bad as it already is.

[Flash Tizzle]

Interesting:

 

Jackson mingles with ChiSox

by Andrew Pearson, [email protected]

published June 6, 2007 12:18 am

 

Comment » e-mail this Print this

 

ASHEVILLE — If Thursday proves to be a day that Roberson senior Justin Jackson will never forget, Tuesday was a good test run.

 

What began as a simple pre-draft workout for the Chicago White Sox unfolded into much more at the Windy City’s U.S. Cellular Field.

 

Jackson briefly chatted up an idol, New York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter. He took batting practice pitches from Chicago manager Ozzie Guillen. And to Jackson’s surprise, White Sox players treated him more like a colleague than a kid during pregame drills.

 

“It was just awesome,” said Jackson, a shortstop who is expected to be an early pick Thursday when the Major League Baseball draft begins.

 

“I felt lucky to get this kind of opportunity. I had a lot of fun meeting guys like Jeter and Jermaine Dye.”

 

The White Sox, whose first picks in the MLB draft come at No. 25 and No. 89, were at least the sixth different team that Jackson has visited in the last eight days.

 

Chicago was so impressed with Jackson’s original workout Tuesday morning that he got invited back later to share the field with White Sox players as they prepared for a home game with the Yankees.

 

“Just to be around all of those guys was special,” Jackson said. “They really accepted me.”

 

http://www.citizen-times.com/apps/pbcs.dll...ID=200770606003

 

I know people will insist our minor league infield depth is practically nonexistent, but I would hope Jackson isn't our first round selection. He's certainly not the "best player available" at #25, and even though I like him, it'd be my personal preference (and one I hope the organization shares) to concentrate on pitching early.

[Rowand44]

my personal preference (and one I hope the organization shares) to concentrate on pitching early.

This will always be my preference, no matter what we have in the system at the time.

Edited June 7, 2007 by Rowand44

[whitesoxfan101]

I can't see us screwing up our first pick here. Can't wait to see who we take, wish I could watch it on TV though .

[SoxAce]

I haven't been this excited since I saw Hester run the opening kick in the S.B. all the way to the house.

[beautox]

fun times, can't wait for this to start, callis has chimed in with his day of Mock Draft

 

25. White Sox. Chicago general manager Kenny Williams is demanding more high-ceiling talent, and his club held out slim hope for a shot at Bumgarner that won't materialize. The White Sox' second choice appears to be Withrow, though the Phillies could ruin that for them. Plan C could be North Carolina prep shortstop Justin Jackson, Middlebrooks or Virginia prep righthander Neil Ramirez.

 

Projected Pick: Justin Jackson, ss, Roberson HS, Asheville, N.C.

 

Link

 

on a side note Asheville is where my mother lives. woo woo

[daa84]

tampa bay is getting a great player today....vandy coach tim corbin, who has coached at clemson in the past, said he can't imagine having a player like david price ever again. he doesnt know how he landed him in the first place...the guy has everything, stuff, makeup, competetiveness...he is going to be a stud. 94-95 consistently with the fastball from the left side, 86 with the slider...both pitches he can spot in any count...solid curve thrown a bit slower, and a change he just uses to show hitters....not to mention the first teammate out of the dugout to congratulate a guy who lays down a bunt, hits a HR, etc...and an incredible work ethic and desire....ive seen him get so upset after losing in madden for PS2 that he played it for like a week straight just to get better to beat the guy. its simply a rare combination of talent and makeup that you just dont see everyday...

[maggsmaggs]

fun times, can't wait for this to start, callis has chimed in with his day of Mock Draft

Link

 

on a side note Asheville is where my mother lives. woo woo

FWIW, Jackson is ranked the 48th best prospect by Baseball America, Neil Ramirez 71st, Will Middlebrooks is ranked 36st, Withrow is ranked 44th and Bumgarner is ranked 14th. So there seems to be a big gap at the players that we are looking at ranked by Baseball America. I can only imagine if we got Bumgarner and one day in the bigs, he sucked, his name would be pretty funny for insults.

 

I think Price is pretty special, but I think he is slightly overrated since he is pretty much a two-pitch pitcher, although some scouts say his change-up is another potential plus pitch. I personally think he will be a solid pitcher, but not a true #1, and I think Rick Porcello will be the better pitcher in time. But this pick is simply a no-brainer for the D-Rays since he is ready for the majors next year and not only a solid pitcher, but he is a gamer, student of the game, and I have heard a pretty nice guy.

Edited June 7, 2007 by maggsmaggs