Mock Draft Revised
-Dexter Sports
3:26 PM
Dexter-Sports Inbox
On Wednesday, The first draft the Dexter-Sports mock draft was released. Today, version 2.0 hits the blog, with a little bit more insight on who is going where. It is amazing how much can change in less than a week.
1) Tampa Bay Rays: Tim Beckham, SS Griffin (GA) HS - Nothing in the media, or in the Rays management has followed my belief that the Rays would like to take Gordon Beckham. It doesn't hurt that Beckham has struggled so far in regional play.
2) Pittsburgh Pirates: Pedro Alvarez, 3B Vanderbilt - I still think that the Pirates have to go with Alvarez with their pick because he has the bat that they need. Alvarez is one of the few absolute bats in the first round and the Pirates will take advantage of it.
3) Kansas City Royals: Buster Posey, C Florida State - Despite the wash out in regionals, Florida State's Buster Posey will be the one the Royals place their focus on with the third pick. Expect Posey to stay behind the plate.
4) Baltimore Orioles: Brian Matusz, LHP San Diego - Matusz helps an Oriole organization that has focused on position players the last few years. The best pitcher in the draft all around, Matusz compares to last year's number one pick, David Price.
5) San Fransisco Giants: Justin Smoak, 1B South Carolina - Smoak is too tempting for the Giants at the five slot. With a young staff, Aaron Crow could be an option, but rebuilding that aging offense is imperative. Gordon Beckham doesn't seem to be an option, but Eric Hosmer could be.
6) Florida Marlins: Kyle Skipworth, C Patriot (CA.) HS - Skipworth is still the pick, even with Eric Hosmer's draft stock rising and multiple links to the Marlins. Skipworth brings it at the catcher position and the Marlins need that depth badly.
7) Cincinnati Reds: Gordon Beckham, SS Georgia - It isn't that Aaron Crow's draft stock is dropping by any means, it's just with this offense available, the Reds have to capitalize. Especially at a weak position in their minor league system.
8) Chicago White Sox: Eric Hosmer, 1B American Heritage (FL) HS - Hosmer is Kenny William's second option to Gordon Beckham, but he will take Hosmer without complaining. Hosmer is possibly the best prep bat in the draft.
9) Washington Nationals: Aaron Crow, RHP Missouri - Aaron Crow will drop right into that hands of Jim Bowden, and even though it is the safe pick, it might not be the right one. Shooter Hunt could be the better pitcher at the end of the day, but Crow has the better upside right now.
10) Houston Astros: Shooter Hunt, RHP Tulane - With Crow dropping to the ninth pick, it gives the Astros a chance to take Shooter Hunt over Tanner Scheppers. Hunt will bring a great curve and major league ready pressence to the table for the Astros. Hunt could be the best pitcher in this draft.
11) Texas Rangers: Christian Friedrich, LHP Eastern Kentucky - I still like the Rangers taking a chance on Friedrich with this pick because they need pitching desperately. Brett Wallace, Tim Melville, Anthony Hewitt and Aaron Hicks are all better options.
12) Oakland Athletics: Brett Wallace, 1B/3B Arizona State - Brett Wallace could be the next Eric Chavez in Oakland. Wallace is the perfect fit for Billy Beane. A big bat with questionable defense. Wallace also walked a ton this season. With a little bit of professional experience, Wallace could become the next Miguel Tejada out of that organization.
13) St. Louis Cardinals: Tim Melville, RHP Holt (MO.) HS - I'm sticking with the local boy at this pick, because he has simply dazzled scouts in the area. He has a plus fastball that is gaining velocity by the month and a good plus curve that has kept hitters honest. Melville once threw a baseball through his high school goal posts from 330 feet away.
14) Minnesota Twins: Zach Collier OF Chino Hills (CA.) HS - The Twins were really hoping for Wallace, but make do with the best outfielder in the draft. Collier has been linked as high as number nine with the Nationals. He is a complete hitter and a decent fielder. Collier projects as a right fielder. He could start his career in center.
15) Los Angeles Dodgers: Aaron Hicks, RHP/OF Wilson (CA.) HS - Someone is going to take a chance in the middle of the round on this kid. Hicks has the highest floor of anyone in the draft. The Dodgers will have to decide if he will be a career hitter or pitcher though.
16) Milwaukee Brewers: Brett Lawrie OF/IF Brookswood SS (Canada) - Lawrie fits the bill of the Brewers' draft tendency. He is a solid hitter with power that rates up to 70 on the 20-80 scale. He has been compared to Dan Uggla and with the bat comes a lot of versatility. The Brewers will take the approach of teaching him a position where they need help. Lawrie could also be plugged in at catcher.
17) Toronto Blue Jays: Yonder Alonso, 1B Miami - The Jays really like Alonso because of his durability and complete package at first base. He is very comparable to Lyle Overbay but with more power.
18) New York Mets: Andrew Cashner, RHP Texas Christian - Everyone, including Cashner, will be shocked to go this early, but the Mets will fall in love with his constant 98 MPH fastball and domination as a reliever this season.
19) Chicago Cubs: Gerrit Cole Orange Lutheran (CA.) HS - The Scott Boras client might go from most likely a UCLA to a professional ballplayer, because of his high draft status. The cubs like him because of his 96 MPH fastball and his tall frame. Cole could become a future closer as well because of his lack of great mechanics.
20) Seattle Mariners: Joshua Fields, RHP Georgia - The Mariners would have considered Cashner over Fields but with him gone, they will go with Georgia's all-time save leader. Not a bad pick at this point.
21) Detroit Tigers: Ethan Martin, RHP/3B Stephens County (GA.) HS - The Tigers will be in no hurry to bring up anyone at any position but catcher. With the top three off the board the Tigers will take the highly talented Martin and make a decision if Martin is more talented offensively or as a pitcher.
22) New York Mets: Ike Davis, 1B Arizona State - With Carlos Delgado on the way out, the Mets will be looking for a power hitting first baseman. Davis fits the bill, and even though he isn't the most powerful hitter available at the first base position, he is the whole package. Others, like David Cooper of Cal, do not have the glove.
23) San Diego Padres: Reese Havens, SS South Carolina - Reese might be a stretch here, but the Padres really need a good middle infielder. With Mike Antonelli and Chase Headley majors bound, short stop seems like the position to fill. The Padres could deal Khalil Greene if they continue to be in the basement of the NL.
24) Philadelphia Phillies: Conor Gillaspie, 3B Wichita State - Gillaspie projects to be a doubles hitter and could be a good fit long term with Ryan Howard and the gang. Gillaspie is known for his high work ethic and ability to learn. Gillaspie could be the regular once Pedro Feliz's time is up with the Phillies.
25) Colorado Rockies: Jemile Weeks, 2B Miami - Weeks, who is the brother of Brewers lead off hitter Rickie Weeks, has a very similar scouting profile. Weeks will add speed and switch hitting ability to a system that really lacks a top notch second baseman.
26) Arizona Diamondbacks: Jake Odorizzi, RHP Highland (IL.) HS - The Diamondbacks are one of those that believe Odorizzi is the best high school pitcher in the draft. With him available to him, they will jump on this opportunity to develop yet another young talented pitcher.
27) Minnesota Twins: Dennis Raben, OF Miami - Nothing attracts more than left handed power, and with the future in mind, the Twins would love to ink up Raben to play with Delmon Young and Carlos Gomez in the future.
28) New York Yankees: David Cooper, 1B California - Not being sold on Shelly Duncan and with Jason Giambi on the way out, David Cooper seems like a good choice. He will most likely end up being a DH.
29) Cleveland Indians: Issac Galloway, OF Los Osos (CA) HS - Galloway will be taken here because Cleveland does not have a supplementary pick. Galloway is a top notch athlete with speed, and a very good throwing arm from the outfield. His bat continues to get better as he matures, which should seal the deal for the Indians.
30) Boston Red Sox: Ryan Perry, RHP Arizona - Why would the Red Sox go pitching? They will not be able to pass up on Perry, because of his often 98 MPH fastball. The Red Sox will further develop his secondary pitches and he could even be turned into a bullpen pitcher with a nasty fastball and slider.
3:26 PM
Dexter-Sports Inbox
On Wednesday, The first draft the Dexter-Sports mock draft was released. Today, version 2.0 hits the blog, with a little bit more insight on who is going where. It is amazing how much can change in less than a week.
1) Tampa Bay Rays: Tim Beckham, SS Griffin (GA) HS - Nothing in the media, or in the Rays management has followed my belief that the Rays would like to take Gordon Beckham. It doesn't hurt that Beckham has struggled so far in regional play.
2) Pittsburgh Pirates: Pedro Alvarez, 3B Vanderbilt - I still think that the Pirates have to go with Alvarez with their pick because he has the bat that they need. Alvarez is one of the few absolute bats in the first round and the Pirates will take advantage of it.
3) Kansas City Royals: Buster Posey, C Florida State - Despite the wash out in regionals, Florida State's Buster Posey will be the one the Royals place their focus on with the third pick. Expect Posey to stay behind the plate.
4) Baltimore Orioles: Brian Matusz, LHP San Diego - Matusz helps an Oriole organization that has focused on position players the last few years. The best pitcher in the draft all around, Matusz compares to last year's number one pick, David Price.
5) San Fransisco Giants: Justin Smoak, 1B South Carolina - Smoak is too tempting for the Giants at the five slot. With a young staff, Aaron Crow could be an option, but rebuilding that aging offense is imperative. Gordon Beckham doesn't seem to be an option, but Eric Hosmer could be.
6) Florida Marlins: Kyle Skipworth, C Patriot (CA.) HS - Skipworth is still the pick, even with Eric Hosmer's draft stock rising and multiple links to the Marlins. Skipworth brings it at the catcher position and the Marlins need that depth badly.
7) Cincinnati Reds: Gordon Beckham, SS Georgia - It isn't that Aaron Crow's draft stock is dropping by any means, it's just with this offense available, the Reds have to capitalize. Especially at a weak position in their minor league system.
8) Chicago White Sox: Eric Hosmer, 1B American Heritage (FL) HS - Hosmer is Kenny William's second option to Gordon Beckham, but he will take Hosmer without complaining. Hosmer is possibly the best prep bat in the draft.
9) Washington Nationals: Aaron Crow, RHP Missouri - Aaron Crow will drop right into that hands of Jim Bowden, and even though it is the safe pick, it might not be the right one. Shooter Hunt could be the better pitcher at the end of the day, but Crow has the better upside right now.
10) Houston Astros: Shooter Hunt, RHP Tulane - With Crow dropping to the ninth pick, it gives the Astros a chance to take Shooter Hunt over Tanner Scheppers. Hunt will bring a great curve and major league ready pressence to the table for the Astros. Hunt could be the best pitcher in this draft.
11) Texas Rangers: Christian Friedrich, LHP Eastern Kentucky - I still like the Rangers taking a chance on Friedrich with this pick because they need pitching desperately. Brett Wallace, Tim Melville, Anthony Hewitt and Aaron Hicks are all better options.
12) Oakland Athletics: Brett Wallace, 1B/3B Arizona State - Brett Wallace could be the next Eric Chavez in Oakland. Wallace is the perfect fit for Billy Beane. A big bat with questionable defense. Wallace also walked a ton this season. With a little bit of professional experience, Wallace could become the next Miguel Tejada out of that organization.
13) St. Louis Cardinals: Tim Melville, RHP Holt (MO.) HS - I'm sticking with the local boy at this pick, because he has simply dazzled scouts in the area. He has a plus fastball that is gaining velocity by the month and a good plus curve that has kept hitters honest. Melville once threw a baseball through his high school goal posts from 330 feet away.
14) Minnesota Twins: Zach Collier OF Chino Hills (CA.) HS - The Twins were really hoping for Wallace, but make do with the best outfielder in the draft. Collier has been linked as high as number nine with the Nationals. He is a complete hitter and a decent fielder. Collier projects as a right fielder. He could start his career in center.
15) Los Angeles Dodgers: Aaron Hicks, RHP/OF Wilson (CA.) HS - Someone is going to take a chance in the middle of the round on this kid. Hicks has the highest floor of anyone in the draft. The Dodgers will have to decide if he will be a career hitter or pitcher though.
16) Milwaukee Brewers: Brett Lawrie OF/IF Brookswood SS (Canada) - Lawrie fits the bill of the Brewers' draft tendency. He is a solid hitter with power that rates up to 70 on the 20-80 scale. He has been compared to Dan Uggla and with the bat comes a lot of versatility. The Brewers will take the approach of teaching him a position where they need help. Lawrie could also be plugged in at catcher.
17) Toronto Blue Jays: Yonder Alonso, 1B Miami - The Jays really like Alonso because of his durability and complete package at first base. He is very comparable to Lyle Overbay but with more power.
18) New York Mets: Andrew Cashner, RHP Texas Christian - Everyone, including Cashner, will be shocked to go this early, but the Mets will fall in love with his constant 98 MPH fastball and domination as a reliever this season.
19) Chicago Cubs: Gerrit Cole Orange Lutheran (CA.) HS - The Scott Boras client might go from most likely a UCLA to a professional ballplayer, because of his high draft status. The cubs like him because of his 96 MPH fastball and his tall frame. Cole could become a future closer as well because of his lack of great mechanics.
20) Seattle Mariners: Joshua Fields, RHP Georgia - The Mariners would have considered Cashner over Fields but with him gone, they will go with Georgia's all-time save leader. Not a bad pick at this point.
21) Detroit Tigers: Ethan Martin, RHP/3B Stephens County (GA.) HS - The Tigers will be in no hurry to bring up anyone at any position but catcher. With the top three off the board the Tigers will take the highly talented Martin and make a decision if Martin is more talented offensively or as a pitcher.
22) New York Mets: Ike Davis, 1B Arizona State - With Carlos Delgado on the way out, the Mets will be looking for a power hitting first baseman. Davis fits the bill, and even though he isn't the most powerful hitter available at the first base position, he is the whole package. Others, like David Cooper of Cal, do not have the glove.
23) San Diego Padres: Reese Havens, SS South Carolina - Reese might be a stretch here, but the Padres really need a good middle infielder. With Mike Antonelli and Chase Headley majors bound, short stop seems like the position to fill. The Padres could deal Khalil Greene if they continue to be in the basement of the NL.
24) Philadelphia Phillies: Conor Gillaspie, 3B Wichita State - Gillaspie projects to be a doubles hitter and could be a good fit long term with Ryan Howard and the gang. Gillaspie is known for his high work ethic and ability to learn. Gillaspie could be the regular once Pedro Feliz's time is up with the Phillies.
25) Colorado Rockies: Jemile Weeks, 2B Miami - Weeks, who is the brother of Brewers lead off hitter Rickie Weeks, has a very similar scouting profile. Weeks will add speed and switch hitting ability to a system that really lacks a top notch second baseman.
26) Arizona Diamondbacks: Jake Odorizzi, RHP Highland (IL.) HS - The Diamondbacks are one of those that believe Odorizzi is the best high school pitcher in the draft. With him available to him, they will jump on this opportunity to develop yet another young talented pitcher.
27) Minnesota Twins: Dennis Raben, OF Miami - Nothing attracts more than left handed power, and with the future in mind, the Twins would love to ink up Raben to play with Delmon Young and Carlos Gomez in the future.
28) New York Yankees: David Cooper, 1B California - Not being sold on Shelly Duncan and with Jason Giambi on the way out, David Cooper seems like a good choice. He will most likely end up being a DH.
29) Cleveland Indians: Issac Galloway, OF Los Osos (CA) HS - Galloway will be taken here because Cleveland does not have a supplementary pick. Galloway is a top notch athlete with speed, and a very good throwing arm from the outfield. His bat continues to get better as he matures, which should seal the deal for the Indians.
30) Boston Red Sox: Ryan Perry, RHP Arizona - Why would the Red Sox go pitching? They will not be able to pass up on Perry, because of his often 98 MPH fastball. The Red Sox will further develop his secondary pitches and he could even be turned into a bullpen pitcher with a nasty fastball and slider.
