1. Washington Nationals: Bryce Harper, C, South Nevada (JC)

It’s pretty much a foregone conclusion that the Nationals will select Harper within the next 24 hours. The Nationals plan to move Harper to the outfield which is a smart move to ensure that his bat always stays fresh. Harper has been hyped up big time and should be a huge power hitter as long as he can keep his ego in check. Look for the Nationals to select his brother, Brian, at some point later in the draft.  

 

2. Pittsburgh Pirates: Manny Machado, SS, Brito HS (FL)

(Committed to Florida International)

The Pirates are reportedly down to three players, Machado, Jameson Taillon and a college pitcher (either Drew Pomeranz or Chris Sale). They have had a tendency to avoid prep arms early but Taillon could be a different story, so don’t be surprised if they go that route. Machado on the other hand is a five tool player who should develop both offensively and defensively. I think that the Pirates view Taillon and Machado on the same level but what will ultimately separate them is that the fact that Machado will play every day. I think that the college pitcher is not a real option.  

 

3. Baltimore Orioles: Jameson Taillon, RHP, The Woodlands HS (TX)

(Committed to Rice)

This pick is extremely simple, the Orioles will take whoever the Pirates don’t. Like the Pirates, the Orioles don’t have a true preference and will just be patient to see who comes to them. Taillon is a big righty with a power fastball and a very good curve. He is going to be a good pitcher but I have my doubts that he will be a great pitcher. He lacks elite command which is going to be his biggest hurdle.  

 

4. Kansas City Royals: Yasmani Grandal, C, Miami

One minute Grandal wants a Buster Posey like bonus, the next he has a pre-draft deal with the Royals, the next the deal isn’t done. Overall, Grandal will be the Royals selection. He isn’t going any higher than this and I think they decided he was their choice and are trying to lock him in to give the Grandal camp that their best option is with the Royals. Grandal is not a great prospect and if he gets a huge bonus, Royals fans will be disappointed.  

 

5. Cleveland Indians: Drew Pomeranz, LHP, Mississippi University

The Indians have really like both Pomeranz and Sale but Pomeranz has been a top pick for the better part of the year. Once considered the top pitcher in the draft has seen his stock fall a little because of some inconsistencies. Pomeranz has rebounded and had a good showing in both the SEC tournament and the NCAA Regional’s. Pomeranz should rise quickly through the minors and probably should end up as a #2 or #3 starter.  

 

6. Arizona Diamondbacks: Chris Sale, LHP, Florida Gulf Coast

I have followed Sale the last few months and have been impressed by his consistency and makeup. Sale certainly doesn’t have the best stuff in the draft but has the potential to be a very good #3 starter who logs 200+ innings every year. The Diamondbacks are going to select a college pitcher here and Deck McGuire is another option but Sale’s consistency trump what McGuire has done.  

 

7. New York Mets: Zack Cox, 3B, Arkansas University

No one really knows what the Mets are going to do and sometimes we wondering if Omar Minaya knows what he is actually doing. But a good sign to who they are going to select comes from the fact that Minaya has recently scouted both Zack Cox and Justin O’Connor. Cox is the safest college bat in thedraft and while he has made noise about wanting a Pedro Alvarez like bonus he will ultimately sign because of the strength of next year’s class. Cox is very similar to Mets first basemen Ike Davis.  

 

8. Houston Astros: Delino DeShields Jr, OF, Woodward Park Academy (GA)

(Committed to LSU)

Everyone who follows the draft has heard that the Astros love DeShields. They are enamored with his athletic ability and speed. Most have assumed that they are looking at DeShields at #19 but there are a lot of teams between now and their second pick that have interest in DeShields. If they truly like DeShields that much he will be the pick at #8. This could be a destination for Josh Sale as well. I don’t really like DeShields and think he is very limited. I don’t the pick if they selected him at #19 so at #8, I would be very critical.  

 

9. San Diego Padres: Michael Choice, OF, Texas-Arlington

I have had the Padres taking Nick Castellanos with this selection for the last couple of mocks but that was with Choice being selected before they could pick. Choice has had a very nice career and many think that he can be a power hitting right fielder with plate discipline. I believe that a lot of his walks come from the lack of support he had in his lineup and might not translate as well as some scouts think. He won’t demand a huge bonus.  

 

10. Oakland Athletics: Christian Colon, SS, Cal State Fullerton

The Athletics like a bunch of players and I wouldn’t be surprised to see anyone from Gary Brown to Barrett Loux as the selection. They won’t go for someone who is looking for a huge bonus but won’t shy away from Boras clients. Colon was once considered a lock to go in the top 10 but after a poor start he had to prove that he was worthy of being a first round pick. Colon was playing through an injury and after he was healthy started raking. He was hitting for power and average and drawing more walks. Colon is solid defensively but will probably move to second in the future.  

 

11. Toronto Blue Jays: Karsten Whitson, RHP, Chipley HS (FL)

(Committed to Florida)

This is a new Blue Jays regime and I expect them to go with a high ceiling player and won’t be scared off by bonuses. Whitson has the best command of any of the prep pitchers and might have the easiest transition into professional baseball.He has a plus fastball and a good feel for his changeup which is rare for a high school pitcher. If Whitson isn’t the pick I still think they will go for a high school player.  

 

12. Cincinnati Reds: Deck McGuire, RHP, Georgia Tech

The Reds will go with a guy they can sign relatively quick and won’t want to go way over slot. McGuire is good enough to be in the Top 10 but has a ceiling of a #3 starter. He is also on the safer side and will be pitching in the major leagues. The Reds could also go with any of the other college arms or Bryce Brentz or Kolbrin Vitek.  

 

13. Chicago White Sox: Barrett Loux, RHP, Texas A&M

The White Sox will absolutely take a college arm with this selection. The question is just which one will they take. Alex Wimmers has had the best season of the group that’s left but has been battling a hamstring injury, while it hasn’t been serious hasn’t allowed teams an extra long look. Loux has climbed up draft boards very steadily and cemented his status as a first round pick. He led the Aggies to an opening round win in the Coral Gables Regional, pitching 8 very good innings while striking out 10. Most expect him to pitch Monday in an elimination game against Miami with the right to go to the Super Regional’s.  

 

14. Milwaukee Brewers: Jesse Biddle, LHP, Germantown Friends HS (PA)

(Committed to Oregon)

The Brewers have been in on a ton of different guys over the past few weeks and that’s the way they like it. They are pretty tight lipped about who is going to be their selection but it seems as if Biddle will be the guy. Biddle is a big lefty with very good stuff and highly projectable. He is still considered to be raw because he pitches in the northeast and could be even better than what scouts have seen. If the Brewers go another direction they might take Brandon Workman or Matt Harvey.  

 

15. Texas Rangers: Brandon Workman, RHP, Texas

The Rangers are going to be very careful with all of their picks and are not looking to break the bank. This pick was compensation for not signing Matt Purke and therefore is not protected so this will be an ultra safe pick. Workman is another pitcher who many expect to be an above average pitcher with a limited ceiling but at the same time eat 200 innings a year. Workman should sign for slot and might be one of the better bargains in the draft. In the Longhorns opening round game Workman pitched a complete game shutout.  

 

16. Chicago Cubs: Justin O’Connor, C, Cowan HS (IN)

(Committed to Arkansas)

The Cubs would love to have Justin O’Connor as they have been on him for awhile now but other teams (like the Mets) are catching on. O’Connor has a very good bat and has shown that he can handle the position of catcher which makes him a plus pick if he can stay there. The Cubs really need to make sure they hit on their pick so this will be a guy they have done their homework on.  

 

17. Tampa Bay Rays: Josh Sale, OF, Bishop Blanchet HS (WA)

(Committed to Gonzaga)

If Sale falls to the Rays it will be the biggest steal of the first round. Sale is a power hitting outfielder who reminds me of Bryan Braun. Just about anyone from the Mets down could select Sale and it would be a great pick. The Rays are going to take whoever they think is the best player with this pick regardless of signing bonus or risk.  

 

18. Los Angeles Angels: Dylan Covey, RHP, Maranatha HS (CA)

(Committed to San Diego)

The Angels love to take players from California and love to take prep players which makes Voey the perfect fit. Covey is my favorite prep pitcher in the draft and was pushing to go in the top 5 early on in the season but has fallen off as of late. Covey’s best pitch is his power curveball which will be a plus pitch. He has a good fastball but he needs to be taught when and how to use it. Covey isn’t the most projectable high school pitcher but he has a feel for the game and can become a very good pitcher.  

 

19. Houston Astros: Luke Jackson, RHP, Calvary Christian HS (FL)

(Committed to Miami)

The Astros are another team that no one really knows what they are doing but they are in on Luke Jackson who is the fastest rising player of the past week. Jackson like Covey isn’t highly projectable but has very good stuff. There has been talk that Jackson could go as high as #14 to Milwaukee but should fall into the laps of the Astros at #19.  

 

20. Boston Red Sox: Kolbrin Vitek, 2B, Ball State University

Most people want to tag this is a spot for Anthony Ranaudo but it’s a just because they are the Red Sox and are willing to spend. I expect them to go with an easier sign at #20 and select two higher priced players in the supplemental round. It has been rumored that Theo Epstein really likes Vitek who has a very advanced bat and has the range and ability to play centerfield. The Padres are also said to love Vitek but if he makes it past them, the Red Sox could be his destination and if Epstein likes him that much he needs to select him here.  

 

21. Minnesota Twins: Alex Wimmers, RHP, Ohio St.

The Twins go a variety of routes with their first round pick. They have selected outfielders in 3 of the last 4 drafts with the lone exception being last year when college right Kyle Gibson fell to them over an injury that wasn’t very severe. This year Alex Wimmers falls to themover an injury that wasn’t very severe (sound familiar). If Wimmers is gone they will most likely select an outfielder like Bryce Brentz, Reggie Golden or Gary Brown.  

 

22. Texas Rangers: Bryce Brentz, OF, Middle Tennessee State University

I truly believe the Rangers will be extra cautious with their selections and ensure that they are not going to select anyone who will command a very high signing bonus due to all of their financial issues. I have Brentz falling because of his poor performance over the last two weeks. Brentz has shown that he has a ton of power but I have doubts that it will translate into professional baseball.  

 

23. Florida Marlins: Aaron Sanchez, RHP, Barstow HS (CA)

(Committed to Oregon)

Sanchez is a highly projectable righty that has good stuff already. The Marlins are said to be very high on Sanchez and he is pretty much the only prep arm they will considering taking with this selection. He has a plus curve and a fastball that has some very good late life. He is still raw and has a ton of potential. They could also look into any of the college arms but are not willing to go very high over slot.  

 

24. San Francisco Giants: Nick Castellanos, 3B, Archbishop McCarthy HS (FL)

(Committed to Miami)

The Giants will take a bat with this selection and I have heard they like Vitek but he probably won’t make it this far. Castellanos currently players shortstop but is going to have to move when he makes it to the majors as he doesn’t have enough range to stay at short. I don’t think that Castellanos will be able to hit enough and I know that some scouts have questions as to how much power he will develop.  

 

25. St. Louis Cardinals: Stetson Allie, RHP, St. Edwards HS (OH)

(Committed to North Carolina)

Allie has the best pure arm in this draft after Jameson Taillon. The problem with Allie is that he has very poor control and needs to be taught how to pitch. The Cardinals were uncharacteristic last year when drafting Shelby Miller and I think they will make a similar move this year and take Allie.  

 

26. Colorado Rockies: Matt Harvey, RHP,North Carolina

This is another tough spot to project but the easiest name to go with would be Kevin Gausmann who is from Colorado. But Harvey may fall a little bit because of questions about how much of a bonus he will want. I still have questions to how good Matt Harvey is. When he came out of high school he was viewed as a high profile pitcher who would be a tough sign, otherwise he would have went earlier.I believe that he will ultimately end up in the bullpen at the major league level.  

 

27. Philadelphia Phillies: Mike Kvasnicka, C, Minnesota

The Phillies are an interesting team to evaluate as they seem to like some higher priced players and some that would be considered overdrafts. I think they will end up playing it safe and select Kvasnicka. He converted last year from the outfield to catcher where he still doesn’t play full time but will in professional baseball. He has a solid bat but it would look much better as a catcher than a corner outfielder.  

 

28. Los Angeles Dodgers: Kaleb Cowart, 3B/RHP, Cook HS (GA)

(Committed to Florida St.)

There are a lot of people who think Cowart talked himself out of the first round with the bonuses he is expecting. But I don’t think that will scare off the Dodgers who typically love two way players and projectable high school talents. Cowart can make it from both positions. He has a lot of power as a hitter and a power arm as a pitcher. I think Cowart is a guy who will end up surprising people and signing.  

 

29. Los Angeles Angels: Peter Tago, RHP, Dana Hills High School (CA)

(Committed to UCLA)

Tago is one of the bigger projects out of the first round selections but has a ton of upside. Similar to Covey, he isn’t the biggest pitcher on the mound but is extremely athletic and throws very hard. Tago has a plus fastball and a plus curve but is going to have to improve his control.  

 

30. Los Angeles Angels: Anthony Ranaudo, RHP, LSU

The Angels generally love high school players but I think ultimately they will decide they can’t pass up on Anthony Ranaudo. Just a few months ago most people have Ranaudo ticketed for Pittsburgh but an elbow injury and some terrible outings pushed Ranaudo out of the picture. Yet over the past two weeks Ranaudo has re-established himself as a first round pick. However, some teams are going to be scared off by the fact that he is going to be anticipating a large signing bonus and they are still unsure about his arm. This is definitely a gamble worth taking for a team like the Angels because of the amount of picks they have.  

 

31. Tampa Bay Rays: Derek Dietrich, 3B, Georgia Tech

This is an unprotected pick for the Rays so they will be careful with who they select here. Dietrich is the Yellow Jackets starting shortstop but will have to move positions once he gets to the majors. He is a left handed bat with some pop in it and should be able to stick in the majors as a utility player.  

 

32. New York Yankees: A.J. Cole, RHP, Oviedo HS (FL)

(Committed to Miami)

The Yankees are not scared off by anyone and are a team that really doesn’t care what kind of criticism they get for their selections but they could be huge winners if they get a chance to land Cole on draft day. Cole is a big righty with a plus fastball and the potential for three other pitches. He has a commitment to Miami and is expected to attend unless he is given a significant bonus which the Yankees may be willing to do.  

 

33. Houston Astros: Chad Bettis, RHP, Texas Tech

The Astros are said to like Chad Bettis with this pick. He is a safe selection with limited upside. Chad Lewis could also be an option with this pick.  

 

34. Toronto Blue Jays: Kellin Deglan, C, Langley HS (Canada)

(Committed to Florida International)

As long as Deglan doesn’t go in the first round he will be a Toronto Blue Jay. There are a lot of teams interested but it would be a smart pickup for the Jays.  

 

35. Atlanta Braves: Jake Skole, OF, Blessed Trinity HS (GA)

(Committed to Georgia Tech)

Skole is another name that has been flying up draft boards and has committed to Georgia Tech to play both baseball and football. In the beginning of the year Skole had a hand injury that kept him out for six weeks which hurt his draft stock. Once he came back he was absolutely tearing the cover off the ball. The Braves also love taking players from the area.  

 

36. Boston Red Sox: Tyrell Jenkins, RHP, Henderson HS (TX)

(Committed to Baylor)

Jenkins is committed to player quarterback for the Baylor Bears but it is known that he will sign for the right price. The Red Sox are looking to spend a little in the supplemental round and Jenkins is a very athletic pitcher with a high upside.  

 

37. Los Angeles Angels: Tony Wolters, SS, Rancho Buena Vista HS (CA)

(Committed to San Diego)

Another prep California player for the Angels. They have been scouting Wolters heavily and I would be surprised if he wasn’t there selection in this round.  

 

38. Toronto Blue Jays: Mel Rojas Jr., OF, Wabash Valley CC

Rojas is a five tool outfielder with a very high upside but is still extremely raw. There are a lot of teams interested in Rojas because he posses all the tools but he has to put it together.  

 

39. Boston Red Sox: Austin Wilson, OF, Harvard-Westlake HS (CA)

(Committed to Stanford)

Wilson is a very intriguing prospect. He has a very strong commitment to Stanford but could be signed away. He is a large, athletic outfielder who looks the part and should hit for power.  

 

40. Los Angeles Angels: Gary Brown, OF, Cal State Fullerton

Brown has the best speed of just about any player in the draft and he knows how to use it. The Angels like players like Brown and he should be able to go through the system quickly. He should be a quality leadoff hitter in the majors.  

 

41. Toronto Blue Jays: Asher Wojciechowski, RHP, The Citadel

This is too far down for Wojciechowski but he doesn’t have the same upside as some of the pitchers that are going to go before him. He could easily be a first round selections and could go just outside the top 10 but there are some concerns that his arm was abused a little bit in college and that could scare some teams off.  

 

42. Tampa Bay Rays: Kevin Gausman, RHP, Grandview HS (CO)

(Committed to LSU)

The Rays might be the best team in the majors at scouting and developing arms so I expect them to take one of two highly projectable pitchers in the first and supplemental rounds. The Rockies are all over Gausman but he may not make it past the Rays.  

 

43. Seattle Mariners: Marcus Littlewood, SS, Pine View HS (UT)

(Committed to Samford)

The Mariners are tight lipped on what they do but I have heard they are taking a close look at position players and one that stands out is Littlewood. He has a very good bat but may have to move away from shortstop if he continues to grow. They will take a look at Kris Bryant, Brett Eibner and Yordy Cabrera.  

 

44. Detroit Tigers: James Paxton, LHP, Grand Prairie (Independent)

The Tigers typically take a lot of arms early on in the draft and generally look at college players. Paxton is a solid choice this late and falls more because he has dominated the Independent circuit. But he is left handed and throws hard.  

 

45. Texas Rangers: Jordan Swagerty, RHP, Arizona St.

Swagerty is the Sun Devils closer and should make a very fast ascension into the major leagues. Swagerty should get selected at some point during the supplemental round.  

 

46. St. Louis Cardinals: Brett Eibner, RHP/OF, Arkansas

Brett Eibner has made it known that he would prefer to hit rather than take the mound which I think will get him selected a little lower than he deserves. Eibner will make it as an outfielder and reminds me of Jim Edmonds (just not as good defensively).  

 

47. Colorado Rockies: Cam Bedrosian, RHP, East Coweta HS (GA)

(Committed to LSU)

Don’t be surprised if Bedrosian is the Rockies first round pick. I had initially believed that’s where he was going but decided that they would probably select Matt Harvey if he is still there. Bedrosian could also end up with the Braves.  

 

48. Detroit Tigers: Mike Foltyniewicz, RHP, Minooka HS (IL)

(Committed to Texas)

The Tigers will most likely select two pitchers in the supplemental round and while Paxton should be an easier sign, Folytniewicz will be tougher. He is committed to Texas and there are rumors that he want to go there unless he is paid like a first round player. If that becomes the case keep an eye out for A.J. Vanegas or Ryne Stanek.  

 

49. Texas Rangers: Reggie Golden, OF, Wetumpka HS (AL)

(Committed to Alabama)

Golden is another guy who is a five tool type player and is worth the risk with this selection in the supplemental round. Golden won’t be the toughest signbut may require an over the slot bonus.  

 

50. St. Louis Cardinals: Seth Blair, RHP, Arizona St.

If the Cardinals do select Stetson Allie with their first round pick, I believe their two supplemental picks will be college players. There is a variety of ways to go but Blair has been the most consistent.  

 

Notable Players who should go early in Round 2

Christian Yelich, 1B/OF, Westlake HS (CA)

Micah Gibbs, C, LSU

Drew Vettelson, OF, Central Kitsap HS (WA)

Yordy Cabrera, 3B/RHP, Lakeland HS (FL)

Jesse Hahn, RHP, Virginia Tech

Jedd Gyorko, 3B/2B, West Virginia

Kyle Blair, RHP, San Diego St.

Sammy Solis, LHP, San Diego St.

Austin Wates, OF, Virginia Tech

Mike Lorenzen, OF, Fullerton Union HS (CA)

Kris Bryant, 3B, Bonanza HS (NV)

Jacob Petricka, RHP, Indiana St.

Todd Cunningham, OF, Jacksonville St.

Chad Lewis, 3B, Marina HS (CA)

Taijuan Walker, RHP, Yucaipa HS (CA)