Pre-season Draft Rankings...

[Greg Pappas]

This is just a quick look at the guys I'll be previewing and the order I've ranked them at least as the season nears. These rankings are highly likely to change during the coming season, and may not be overly recognizeable by draft time. ;)

1. Pedro Alvarez, College 3B
2. Brian Matusz, College LHSP
3. Eric Hosmer, High School 1B
4. Aaron Crow, College RHSP
5. Justin Smoak, College 1B
6. Tim Beckham, High School SS
7. Tim Melville, High School RHSP
8. Kyle Skipworth, High School C
9. Yonder Alonso, College 1B/DH
10. Aaron Hicks, High School RHSP/OF

[furryburres]

This is just a quick look at the guys I'll be previewing and the order I've ranked them at least as the season nears. These rankings are highly likely to change during the coming season, and may not be overly recognizeable by draft time. ;)

1. Pedro Alvarez, College 3B
2. Brian Matusz, College LHSP
3. Eric Hosmer, High School 1B
4. Aaron Crow, College RHSP
5. Justin Smoak, College 1B
6. Tim Beckham, High School SS
7. Tim Melville, High School RHSP
8. Aaron Hicks, High School RHSP/OF
9. Yonder Alonso, College 1B/DH
10. Daniel Webb, High School RHSP

I sent an email to Zrebiec to try and get him to convince Jordan to try and get Beckham. He said that for whatever reasons, they're actually considering him above Alvarez.

[TakebackOPACY]

Greg, your early Top 10 list is as good as any other. This seems like the right thread for throwing out names for 11-20+, perhaps with some emphasis on who might crack Greg's Top 10.

Isaac Galloway: High School OF
Early projections are as a CF'er good at every facet of the game.

Brandon Crawford: College SS/3B
Everyone's listing him at SS, but even his college coach is playing him more at 3B. He's in a few internet Top 10's that I've found, but I agree with Greg. He doesn't crack the Top 10 and certainly isn't a consideration for the fourth pick imo.

Gerrit Cole: High School RHSP
From what I'm reading, he's the most likely to crack Greg's Top 10. PGCrosschecker just named him the "Best pitcher in the land", aka the #1 HS pitching prospect. (No, I don't have a subscription to pgcrosschecker).

Harold Martinez: High School SS/3B
Plays mostly SS now, but projects to 3B (every list that I've seen lists him as a 3B). Excellent offensively and defensively. Another serious contender for Top 10 status.

Alex Meyer: High School RHP
At 6'7", "Bubba" seems to fit what MacPhail likes. He's an intimidating power pitcher with good control and movement on his fastball.

Jacob Thompson: College RHP
He's a polished college pitcher with a wicked curveball. He was 11-0 with a 1.50 ERA and a 0.97 WHIP as a sophomore at UVA.

There's plenty more. Man, these 'experts' have their work cut out for them.

[rhall]

I sent an email to Zrebiec to try and get him to convince Jordan to try and get Beckham. He said that for whatever reasons, they're actually considering him above Alvarez.

Wonderful! I have been trying to tell people about Beckham and how the O's should be targeting him if he falls to them. I would be ecstatic if the O's draft him. At least that's how I feel now. Things could change since there's still a season to play :)

[Bosibus]

Greg,

Who do you see falling to us or should I say, what is your mock draft?

[wayne25]

Until there is more parity between the bats and the arms down on the farm, I say take the best bat. Unless they are dead certain they can get Tex, that would mean taking a 1st baseman. Hosmer , alonso, alverez, smoak, in whatever order they finish the season. Yeah, I'd put alverez at 1st also. If beckham is really outstanding and they have no reservations about his bat, that would be exception the the above.

[wayne25]

Until there is more parity between the bats and the arms down on the farm, I say take the best bat. Unless they are dead certain they can get Tex, that would mean taking a 1st baseman. Hosmer , alonso, alverez, smoak, in whatever order they finish the season. Yeah, I'd put alverez at 1st also. If beckham is really outstanding and they have no reservations about his bat, that would be exception the the above.

sorry, I left out Martinez. Gold glove quality fielder to consider (harold)

[bluehens45]

Greg, i know its earily but if we were sitting at #1 who would you take? What do you know about the Edward Salcedo kid? Where do you think we would go in the draft if he was eligible? Any chance at all you think we get interested? As always Thanks

[Greg Pappas]

Greg, your early Top 10 list is as good as any other. This seems like the right thread for throwing out names for 11-20+, perhaps with some emphasis on who might crack Greg's Top 10.

Isaac Galloway: High School OF
Early projections are as a CF'er good at every facet of the game.

Brandon Crawford: College SS/3B
Everyone's listing him at SS, but even his college coach is playing him more at 3B. He's in a few internet Top 10's that I've found, but I agree with Greg. He doesn't crack the Top 10 and certainly isn't a consideration for the fourth pick imo.

Gerrit Cole: High School RHSP
From what I'm reading, he's the most likely to crack Greg's Top 10. PGCrosschecker just named him the "Best pitcher in the land", aka the #1 HS pitching prospect. (No, I don't have a subscription to pgcrosschecker).

Harold Martinez: High School SS/3B
Plays mostly SS now, but projects to 3B (every list that I've seen lists him as a 3B). Excellent offensively and defensively. Another serious contender for Top 10 status.

Alex Meyer: High School RHP
At 6'7", "Bubba" seems to fit what MacPhail likes. He's an intimidating power pitcher with good control and movement on his fastball.

Jacob Thompson: College RHP
He's a polished college pitcher with a wicked curveball. He was 11-0 with a 1.50 ERA and a 0.97 WHIP as a sophomore at UVA.

There's plenty more. Man, these 'experts' have their work cut out for them.

These are guys that are in the first-round consideration list I've compiled, with Harold Martinez at #11.

I am going to do a single thread 11-30, virtually encompassing the remaining 1st rounders. :)

[Greg Pappas]

Greg,

Who do you see falling to us or should I say, what is your mock draft?

I was going to wait until the amateur season was well under way for my first mock, but as a (very) preliminary shoot...

1. Tampa Bay Rays > Pedro Alvarez, 3B, Vandebilt
2. Pittsburgh Pirates > Brian Matusz, LHSP, San Diego
3. Kansas City Royals > Aaron Crow, RHSP, Missouri
4. Baltimore Orioles > Tim Beckham, SS, High School (GA)
5. San Francisco Giants > Justin Smoak, 1B, South Carolina
6. Florida Marlins > Eric Hosmer, 1B, High School (FL)
7. Cincinnati Reds > Tim Melville, RHSP, High School (MO)
8. Chicago White Sox > Yonder Alonso, 1B/DH, Miami
9. Washington Nationals > Harold Martinez, 3B, High School (FL)
10. Houston Astros > Aaron Hicks, RHSP/OF, High School (CA)

[Greg Pappas]

Greg, i know its earily but if we were sitting at #1 who would you take? What do you know about the Edward Salcedo kid? Where do you think we would go in the draft if he was eligible? Any chance at all you think we get interested? As always Thanks

Hypothetically, were we at #1 and basing my pick on what I/we know now, I'd take Pedro Alvarez.

I know that Salcedo is a desirable 16 year old free agent SS with serious upside that many scouts are excited about. He looks 19 or so body wise, standing 6'3 and weighing 190 lbs, and has been compared to one Alex Rodriguez. Oh yeah, Scott Boras is his rep.

As always, there is a level of distrust among some in the scouting community as concerns the validity of Salcedo's age, as with the recent history of mainly latino players falsifying age documents and receiving a far larger bonus based of a 2-3 year age gap. Whether or not Salcedo is 16 or 19 is a matter of importance certainly, and some teams may have shied away, while others seem satisfied that he is what he/his handlers claim to be; 16. The Yankees and Indians seem to be among those attempting to sign him, and Boras is asking 4-5 million. One thing is apparent; Salcedo will be playing in the minors in '08.

Were he draft eligible, he'd go in the top 10.

As far as gauging the Orioles interest in Edward, I tend to be skeptical, as there has been little to no known inquiry/interest on our part, at least that has been reported.

[bluehens45]

Thanks Greg. I absolutely love your commentary and am extremely excited for more of your draft analysis. Love the Beckham pick. Any ideas of who we could be looking at in other rounds? Its probally way to early. Anyone you are high on that may be around in the 2nd-3rd? Im also excited to hear your thoughts on the Brob trade, if one ever happens. Again thanks Brutha.

[Greg Pappas]

Thanks Greg. I absolutely love your commentary and am extremely excited for more of your draft analysis. Love the Beckham pick. Any ideas of who we could be looking at in other rounds? Its probally way to early. Anyone you are high on that may be around in the 2nd-3rd? Im also excited to hear your thoughts on the Brob trade, if one ever happens. Again thanks Brutha.

I am fond of High School bats in the early rounds, at least I often do, and this year if we were to grab Beckham, Alvarez, Smoak, Hosmer or any other touted positional prospect we could still take another in round 2. I base these thoughts on the good core of young arms and far less positional strength in our system, however Jordan will/should take the best player on the board regardless of position.

I like a few kids that could be real good, although not projected as first rounders at this juncture, they could move into 2nd-3rd round consideration, if not higher;

Cutter Dykstra 2B R-R 6-0 175 High School (CA) Yes, Lenny's son. Hard nosed, with a good bat.
Kyle Long 1B L-L 6-7 280 High School (VA) Yes, Howie's son. Monstrous power.
Brett Mooneyham lhp L-L 6-4 215 High School (CA) Projectable lefty could go in round one quite easily if he pitches to his considerable projection.

[Jimbo81]

Did you say Kyle 6'7 280 that dude is huge.

By the way, how many picks did we lose because of FA last yr.

[bluehens45]

Cutter Dykstra 2B R-R 6-0 175 High School (CA) Yes, Lenny's son. Hard nosed, with a good bat.
Kyle Long 1B L-L 6-7 280 High School (VA) Yes, Howie's son. Monstrous power.
Brett Mooneyham lhp L-L 6-4 215 High School (CA) Projectable lefty could go in round one quite easily if he pitches to his considerable projection.


All three look very enticing. Not 100% sure but I think I read somewhere that Long commited to play both Football and baseball for FSU. I hear he is a outstanding OL prospect as well. I mean look at his brother he could very well go #1 overall to Miami this year. Dykstra is def a position of need for our system. Mooneyham looks very solid as well. Great Great info Greg. Thanks

[TakebackOPACY]

I am fond of High School bats in the early rounds, at least I often do, and this year if we were to grab Beckham, Alvarez, Smoak, Hosmer or any other touted positional prospect we could still take another in round 2. I base these thoughts on the good core of young arms and far less posirional strength in our system, however Jordan will/should take the best player on the board regardless of position.

I like a few kids that could be real good, although not projected as first rounders at this juncture, they could move into 2nd-3rd round consideration, if not higher;

Cutter Dykstra 2B R-R 6-0 175 High School (CA) Yes, Lenny's son. Hard nosed, with a good bat.
Kyle Long 1B L-L 6-7 280 High School (VA) Yes, Howie's son. Monstrous power.
Brett Mooneyham lhp L-L 6-4 215 High School (CA) Projectable lefty could go in round one quite easily if he pitches to his considerable projection.

I'm pretty sure there's already ten or so compensatory first round picks, dropping our 2nd round pick to somewhere around #44-46.

[Bosibus]

I was going to wait until the amateur season was well under way for my first mock, but as a (very) preliminary shoot...

1. Tampa Bay Rays > Pedro Alvarez, 3B, Vandebilt
2. Pittsburgh Pirates > Brian Matusz, LHSP, San Diego
3. Kansas City Royals > Aaron Crow, RHSP, Missouri
4. Baltimore Orioles > Tim Beckham, SS, High School (GA)
5. San Francisco Giants > Justin Smoak, 1B, South Carolina
6. Florida Marlins > Eric Hosmer, 1B, High School (FL)
7. Cincinnati Reds > Tim Nelville, RHSP, High School (MO)
8. Chicago White Sox > Yonder Alonso, 1B/DH, Miami
9. Washington Nationals > Harold Martinez, 3B, High School (FL)
10. Houston Astros > Aaron Hicks, RHSP/OF, High School (CA)

This is right where I want to be. I think we should take the best position prospect at our time no matter what position except for C.

Is there any Marylanders supposed to be going in the 1st three rounds?

[TakebackOPACY]

This is right where I want to be. I think we should take the best position prospect at our time no matter what position except for C.

Is there any Marylanders supposed to be going in the 1st three rounds?

Greg's read more than I have. I might be missing someone. But I think Tyler Hibbs is the top HS prospect out of MD. Get this: He's a pitcher/3B. In 57 innings pitched at Arundel High, he struck out 86 batters. In 89 at bats, he didn't strike out once! He batted .584.

I have no idea where he projects. The only thing I found said Top 10 rounds. But I suppose like a lot of HS'ers, it'll partially depend on how committed he is to school (Florida State).

He's not from Maryland, but Mitch Harris from the Naval Academy will go in the early rounds.

[Bosibus]

Greg's read more than I have. I might be missing someone. But I think Tyler Hibbs is the top HS prospect out of MD. Get this: He's a pitcher/3B. In 57 innings pitched at Arundel High, he struck out 86 batters. In 89 at bats, he didn't strike out once! He batted .584.

Quite impressive...thanks.

[WebLink21]

I was going to wait until the amateur season was well under way for my first mock, but as a (very) preliminary shoot...

1. Tampa Bay Rays > Pedro Alvarez, 3B, Vandebilt
2. Pittsburgh Pirates > Brian Matusz, LHSP, San Diego
3. Kansas City Royals > Aaron Crow, RHSP, Missouri
4. Baltimore Orioles > Tim Beckham, SS, High School (GA)
5. San Francisco Giants > Justin Smoak, 1B, South Carolina
6. Florida Marlins > Eric Hosmer, 1B, High School (FL)
7. Cincinnati Reds > Tim Nelville, RHSP, High School (MO)
8. Chicago White Sox > Yonder Alonso, 1B/DH, Miami
9. Washington Nationals > Harold Martinez, 3B, High School (FL)
10. Houston Astros > Aaron Hicks, RHSP/OF, High School (CA)

I am starting to like the idea of drafting Beckham more and more everytime I read about him. What do you think the time table is for Beckham to reach the bigs? Are you thinking 3-4 years?

[odogs101]

This is right where I want to be. I think we should take the best position prospect at our time no matter what position except for C.

Is there any Marylanders supposed to be going in the 1st three rounds?

Baseball America just released their Top 100 draft prospects for H.S. and College.

No MD guys in the H.S. list but the top 3 localish guys would be..

29. Scott Silverstein lhp L-L 6-5 210 St. John's College HS, Washington, D.C.

36. L.J. Hoes of R-R 6-0 175 St. John's College HS, Washington, D.C.

and Howie's other kid..

58. Kyle Long lhp/1b L-L 6-7 280 Saint Anne's-Belfield HS, Charlottesville, Va.

on the College list

11. Jacob Thompson rhp Jr. R-R 6-6 215 Virginia

29. Mitch Harris rhp Sr. R-R 6-4 215 Navy

52. David Adams 2b Jr. R-R 6-2 210 Virginia


66. Jeremy Farrell 3b Jr. R-R 6-4 215 Virginia

[Greg Pappas]

Greg's read more than I have. I might be missing someone. But I think Tyler Hibbs is the top HS prospect out of MD. Get this: He's a pitcher/3B. In 57 innings pitched at Arundel High, he struck out 86 batters. In 89 at bats, he didn't strike out once! He batted .584.

I have no idea where he projects. The only thing I found said Top 10 rounds. But I suppose like a lot of HS'ers, it'll partially depend on how committed he is to school (Florida State).

He's not from Maryland, but Mitch Harris from the Naval Academy will go in the early rounds.

Yeah, this is a down year for Marylanders, although not too far away in tiny Seaford, DE is a SS prospect that has me particularly intrigued; Derrik Gibson.

This past fall during the WWBA (World Wood Bat Assoc.) Fall Championship Tournament in Jupiter, Fla., which ran Oct. 25-29, the 6'1 170 lbs Gibson was outstanding, and was under consideration for Tourney MVP, which went to stud 1B prospect Eric Hosmer. Gibson players for the Orioles Scout Team and went 9-19, with three doubles and two triples. Derrik is a tremendous athlete, able to play CF as well as SS and is a UNC Tar Heel signee.

From PerfectGame.org 10/28/07...

"Shortstop Derrick Gibson (Seaford, Del., HS) was one of the tournament’s top offensive performers in pool play and had more four hits in the two playoff wins for the Orioles while stealing three bases."

BA has him preliminarily ranked as the 39th best H.S.'er, while Perfect Game has him as the preseason 101st overall draft-eligible youngster.

[Greg Pappas]

I am starting to like the idea of drafting Beckham more and more everytime I read about him. What do you think the time table is for Beckham to reach the bigs? Are you thinking 3-4 years?

Waaay too early... but there are many cases of top HS'ers moving very quickly through the minors. Four years is a fair guess at this juncture.

[JTrea81]

Waaay too early... but there are many cases of top HS'ers moving very quickly through the minors. Four years is a fair guess at this juncture.

Such as our very own Adam Jones...

[TJ Wrangler]

Greg's read more than I have. I might be missing someone. But I think Tyler Hibbs is the top HS prospect out of MD. Get this: He's a pitcher/3B. In 57 innings pitched at Arundel High, he struck out 86 batters. In 89 at bats, he didn't strike out once! He batted .584.

I have no idea where he projects. The only thing I found said Top 10 rounds. But I suppose like a lot of HS'ers, it'll partially depend on how committed he is to school (Florida State).

He's not from Maryland, but Mitch Harris from the Naval Academy will go in the early rounds.

I played high school ball against Hibbs. Keep in mind that he's only about 5'8, maybe 160 lbs dripping wet, and hasn't really grown since his freshman year.

He's the definition of an overhyped Arundel product. Sorry if any Arundel guys are reading this, but Arundel's baseball program has a tendency to overhype their players.

With Hibbs, you're getting an unprojectable body, a low-mid 80's fastball, and a very good curveball. His offensive numbers are inflated because he didn't really face much pitching in Anne Arundel county, as there really isn't any elite talent that I've seen.

Some Anne Arundel county guys to keep an eye on besides Hibbs are recent Graduates Chris Moore-RHP/CF out of Chesapeake, and Shawn Pleffner-1b/LHP out of Arundel. Pleffner looks like a good power bat.

[coe76]

Another somewhat local kid to add to the list is Mike Bianucci OF from Auburn. He graduated form Woodson H.S. in Fairfax, VA. Drafted last year by the Angels in the 23rd round. Projected to go higher but apparently salary expectations/signability (likes Auburn apparently) made him drop.

[Baseballlover]

Baseball America just released their Top 100 draft prospects for H.S. and College.

No MD guys in the H.S. list but the top 3 localish guys would be..

29. Scott Silverstein lhp L-L 6-5 210 St. John's College HS, Washington, D.C.

36. L.J. Hoes of R-R 6-0 175 St. John's College HS, Washington, D.C.

and Howie's other kid..

58. Kyle Long lhp/1b L-L 6-7 280 Saint Anne's-Belfield HS, Charlottesville, Va.

on the College list

11. Jacob Thompson rhp Jr. R-R 6-6 215 Virginia

29. Mitch Harris rhp Sr. R-R 6-4 215 Navy

52. David Adams 2b Jr. R-R 6-2 210 Virginia


66. Jeremy Farrell 3b Jr. R-R 6-4 215 Virginia

The Silverstein kid is 6'6" 225lbs and was selected as both an AFLAC and Louisville Slugger All-American. He has been clocked at 93 mph and should be viewed as a first round pick unless he decides to attend UVA.

[Baseballlover]

I played high school ball against Hibbs. Keep in mind that he's only about 5'8, maybe 160 lbs dripping wet, and hasn't really grown since his freshman year.

He's the definition of an overhyped Arundel product. Sorry if any Arundel guys are reading this, but Arundel's baseball program has a tendency to overhype their players.

With Hibbs, you're getting an unprojectable body, a low-mid 80's fastball, and a very good curveball. His offensive numbers are inflated because he didn't really face much pitching in Anne Arundel county, as there really isn't any elite talent that I've seen.

Some Anne Arundel county guys to keep an eye on besides Hibbs are recent Graduates Chris Moore-RHP/CF out of Chesapeake, and Shawn Pleffner-1b/LHP out of Arundel. Pleffner looks like a good power bat.

Hibbs is a good local talent -- but on a national scale he is viewed as lower tier Division 1 --

[Runs2the1Show]

Baseball America just released their Top 100 draft prospects for H.S. and College.

No MD guys in the H.S. list but the top 3 localish guys would be..

29. Scott Silverstein lhp L-L 6-5 210 St. John's College HS, Washington, D.C.

36. L.J. Hoes of R-R 6-0 175 St. John's College HS, Washington, D.C.

and Howie's other kid..

58. Kyle Long lhp/1b L-L 6-7 280 Saint Anne's-Belfield HS, Charlottesville, Va.

on the College list

11. Jacob Thompson rhp Jr. R-R 6-6 215 Virginia

29. Mitch Harris rhp Sr. R-R 6-4 215 Navy

52. David Adams 2b Jr. R-R 6-2 210 Virginia


66. Jeremy Farrell 3b Jr. R-R 6-4 215 Virginia

I currently play against Hoes and Silverstein on a regular basis. They are damn good. Especially Hoes. Nothing but line drives. Silverstein hits 92-94 on a regular basis. Both solid, good attitudees.

[TJ Wrangler]

Hibbs is a good local talent -- but on a national scale he is viewed as lower tier Division 1 --

Not sure I'd give him that much credit. I'm really not impressed by him at all, and this comes from seeing him play fairly frequently. He has talent, but he's only a good high school player. I'd be willing to bet that he doesn't succeed at Florida State, and I'll guarantee that he never plays a major league game.

Sorry if I'm coming off as standoff-ish, but all I hear is the hype around him, and it is definitely undeserved.

[TJ Wrangler]

I currently play against Hoes and Silverstein on a regular basis. They are damn good. Especially Hoes. Nothing but line drives. Silverstein hits 92-94 on a regular basis. Both solid, good attitudees.

It must be a real pleasure to play against true top talent like that. That coach must be loving live by having two top 40 guys on his team.

[Baseballlover]

Saint Johns College High School in DC had nine (10) seniors sign with Division 1 Colleges. The school is preseason ranked Number 2 in the US by Collegiate Baseball ---- I would rank both Calvert Hall, Baltimore and Paul VI, Virginia in the same class of skill --- all three have excellent (top ranked) baseball programs.

FYI -- per Pefect Game and Baseball America --- LJ Hoes is signed with North Carolina and Silverstein has signed with Virginia although both will have to make a decision in May/June. Hoes is ranked 36th (First Team Louisville Slugger All-American) and Silverstein 29th (AFLAC and First Team Louisville Slugger All-American) for the top 100 prospects in US by Baseball America (this weeks edition). Apparently both have met with the Orioles Area Scout as well as the other MLB Area/National Scouts during the past three months.