Mock Draft Picks 11-20

[Stotle]

The next set of picks for the Mock Draft begin today. Here is the order for picks 11-20:

11. TEX (PeteCanes)
12. OAK (Stotle)
13. STL (Furry)
14. MIN (AllStar)
15. LAN (McNulty)
16. MIL (Markpolis)
17. TOR (Greg)
18. NYN (PeteCanes)
19. CHN (Stotle)
20. SEA (Furry)

Texas is on the clock!

[Greg Pappas]

Great job with all of this Stotle. Let's go Pete! :p

[Greg Pappas]

Hmmm... nothing? Not a single solitary pick? :o

[furryburres]

Where's PeteCanes?

[PeteCanes]

What's up fellas. I just got done with my Masters thesis project, expect my pick within the next couple of hours

[PeteCanes]

With the 11th pick in the 2008 Orioles Hangout Mock Draft, the Texas Rangers select...



...Yonder Alonso, 1B, University of Miami Hurricanes

Suspect athleticism and questions about his glove dropped the on-base machine several slots, but the fact of the matter is this guy can hit, and the Rangers are happy to have his big bat in the system to compliment top SS prospect Elvis Andrus, slugging third baseman Chris Davis, and a slew of pitching prospects. If his glove precludes much play in the field, the Rangers will slide him into the DH spot for about the next decade. If Alonso can repeat the production of another Hurricanes all-hit/no-field player, Ryan Braun, the Rangers will be sitting pretty in the power department for years to come.

[Stotle]

One of the better all-around college bats comes off the board at #11. The Rangers will likely be forced to slide Alonso into the DH role, defense aside. There is currently a bit of a log-jam at C, which has forced Saltalamacchia to split his time between C/1b/DH. Ultimately, Teagarden should end up behind the plate with Salty at first.

Alonso has the ability to spray linedrives to all fields, and displays solid power from pole to pole. He should fit in nicely as a #5 hitter, though there is potential for a #3.

OAK is on the clock!

[Stotle]

Since 1988, the Oakland Athletics have had 38 1st round picks. 31 of those picks have been college players and 7 have been high schoolers; 21 have been pitchers, and 17 have been positional prospects. Though the recent trend has been positional prospects (11 out of the last 16 first round picks since 2002), OAK's top positional players are all off of the board.

So, with the 12th pick of the draft, OAK selects RHP out of Fresno State, Tanner Scheppers. In 10 starts, Scheppers has blown away hitters to the tune of 97 SO/63.1 IP. Opponents have posted a .209 BA against Tanner, and just 2 wins in the 10 games Scheppers has taken the mound. Most recently, he stuck out 13

Scheppers will bring another power arm (low- to mid-90s FB) to the A's system and should move at a nice clip if he can fine-tune his secondary stuff -- slider/curve. He'll join Fautino de los Santos, Brett Anderson and Gio Gonazalez as the top arms in the system.

STL is on the clock!

[furryburres]

Recognizing their paralyzing need for any kind of infield prospects in the system, the St. Louis Cardinals pick an infielder. The question is, which one? In the end, they can't avoid going for the talent with the higher ceiling, selecting Harold Martinez from Braddock HS, Florida.

Martinez is rumored to have the second or third best bat in this draft's prep class, with an easy swing that produces power to all sides of the field. His ceiling, according to one scout, is Alex Rodriguez. In a park where it is not all too easy to hit for power, the Cardinals will welcome Martinez, with his pure right handed power and easy swing, to be a complement to Colby Rasmus and Albert Pujols on the next great Cardinals team. His body will continue to grow as he gets older, building more and more strength. This leads many to suggest that Martinez will end up at 3rd, instead of short, so concerns about him and Pete Kozma (last year's first round pick) are unwarranted. His defense at third base will most likely be Gold Glove-caliber, with already good range and a quick, strong arm. The best part is, Martinez won't turn 18 until this Saturday, making it possible to reach the majors by his 21st birthday.

Martinez has commited to Miami, but a new front office determined to rebuild a thin farm system (lead by new GM John Mozeliak), so they will be willing to go at least a little above the MLB's wussy slot suggestions. They would certainly want to, considering they could have the next great third baseman on their hands.

[McNulty]

Recognizing their paralyzing need for any kind of infield prospects in the system, the St. Louis Cardinals pick an infielder. The question is, which one? In the end, they can't avoid going for the talent with the higher ceiling, selecting Harold Martinez from Braddock HS, Florida.

Martinez is rumored to have the second or third best bat in this draft's prep class, with an easy swing that produces power to all sides of the field. His ceiling, according to one scout, is Alex Rodriguez. In a park where it is not all too easy to hit for power, the Cardinals will welcome Martinez, with his pure right handed power and easy swing, to be a complement to Colby Rasmus and Albert Pujols on the next great Cardinals team. His body will continue to grow as he gets older, building more and more strength. This leads many to suggest that Martinez will end up at 3rd, instead of short, so concerns about him and Pete Kozma (last year's first round pick) are unwarranted. His defense at third base will most likely be Gold Glove-caliber, with already good range and a quick, strong arm. The best part is, Martinez won't turn 18 until this Saturday, making it possible to reach the majors by his 21st birthday.

Martinez has commited to Miami, but a new front office determined to rebuild a thin farm system (lead by new GM John Mozeliak), so they will be willing to go at least a little above the MLB's wussy slot suggestions. They would certainly want to, considering they could have the next great third baseman on their hands.

Ballsy! I like it.

[Stotle]

STL surprises everyone and grabs Harold Martinez at #12. Martinez is mired in a season-long slump at the plate and has scarcely resembled the prep-star that wow'ed scouts during last year's summer showcases.

Most believed Martinez would fall out of the first round and far enough to make signing him a problem. The University of Miami is the big loser here, as the Hurricanes thought they would have the first-round talent for three years after his dismal performance for Braddock in '08.

This is a bit of a headscratcher -- hopefully for the STL scouting department, Martinez will sign early and get a season of instructional ball under his belt. Then, STL will pray that '07 Martinez strolls into camp next spring, and not the '08 version. Otherwise, the Cardinals will be left thinking about some of the intriguing talents they passed on here.

MIN is on the clock!

[allstar1579]

Pick 14 - MIN

After toying with reaching a bit for a college 2B here, MIN ultimately remembers they are a small market team and one can never have enough pitching and takes Tim Melville -RHP Missouri HS.

[McNulty]

The Dodgers will select with pick 15 Aaron Hicks, (CA) High School OF/RHSP

Kevin Goldstein says that their minor league system lacks depth at catcher, outfield and right-side infielders. With Skipworth gone, the best value here is the dual threat of Hicks. Like Greg, I think he'll be an outfielder also.

[Stotle]

MIN grabs the consensus most refined HS SP in the draft. Melville is a complete player who rates as 60 and 50 in hitting and power, respectively. What he's known for, of course, is his work on the mound.

He has a polished repetoire that features a low-90s plus-fastball and the makings of a plus curveball and solid plus changeup. He boasts solid command and incredible poise on the mound. Two starts ago, he took a no-hitter to the last strike of the game before hanging a curveball and allow a single (last year he threw a perfect game and 5-inning no-hitter). MIN may have been better served going with a college arm, as the cupboard is pretty bare on the farm, with Liriano, Bonser, Slowey, Baker, Garza and Blackburn all reaching the ML over the last 2 seasons. Still, Melville's upside is undeniable and the Twins may have gotten a steal at #14.

LAN is on the clock!

[allstar1579]

MIN grabs the consensus most refined HS SP in the draft. Melville is a complete player who rates as 60 and 50 in hitting and power, respectively. What he's known for, of course, is his work on the mound.

He has a polished repetoire that features a low-90s plus-fastball and the makings of a plus curveball and solid plus changeup. He boasts solid command and incredible poise on the mound. Two starts ago, he took a no-hitter to the last strike of the game before hanging a curveball and allow a single (last year he threw a perfect game and 5-inning no-hitter). MIN may have been better served going with a college arm, as the cupboard is pretty bare on the farm, with Liriano, Bonser, Slowey, Baker, Garza and Blackburn all reaching the ML over the last 2 seasons. Still, Melville's upside is undeniable and the Twins may have gotten a steal at #14.

LAN is on the clock!


Was looking college the entire time trying to match up with the young talent they have in the majors now, but don't forget the Santana trade. The pitching cupboard isn't bare with Guerera, and Mulvey waiting in the wings, and 8 of their top 10 prospects are pitchers at high A or above. So they are going to need to start to work on the next wave of talent to come through in a few years. The life of a small market team.

[laxtonto]

With the 11th pick in the 2008 Orioles Hangout Mock Draft, the Texas Rangers select...



...Yonder Alonso, 1B, University of Miami Hurricanes

Suspect athleticism and questions about his glove dropped the on-base machine several slots, but the fact of the matter is this guy can hit, and the Rangers are happy to have his big bat in the system to compliment top SS prospect Elvis Andrus, slugging third baseman Chris Davis, and a slew of pitching prospects. If his glove precludes much play in the field, the Rangers will slide him into the DH spot for about the next decade. If Alonso can repeat the production of another Hurricanes all-hit/no-field player, Ryan Braun, the Rangers will be sitting pretty in the power department for years to come.


One of the better all-around college bats comes off the board at #11. The Rangers will likely be forced to slide Alonso into the DH role, defense aside. There is currently a bit of a log-jam at C, which has forced Saltalamacchia to split his time between C/1b/DH. Ultimately, Teagarden should end up behind the plate with Salty at first.

Alonso has the ability to spray linedrives to all fields, and displays solid power from pole to pole. He should fit in nicely as a #5 hitter, though there is potential for a #3.

OAK is on the clock!


Not to nit pick, but Texas has Chris Davis at 1B, a top 75 or so guy that is raking in AA Frisco that was second in all of the minors in HR adn RBI last year, so unless Alonso out distances max ramierez as a all hit guy i cant see him making it as everyday DH.

Davis was moved at the beginnig of ST, didnt think his defense at #rd was adequate and internal discussions have already begun about moving MY to 3B or keeping Blalock.

But, besides that, these have been absolutely great so far. I would have gotten in sooner with is but alas finals week.

[Stotle]

Not to nit pick, but Texas has Chris Davis at 1B, a top 75 or so guy that is raking in AA Frisco that was second in all of the minors in HR adn RBI last year, so unless Alonso out distances max ramierez as a all hit guy i cant see him making it as everyday DH.

Davis was moved at the beginnig of ST, didnt think his defense at #rd was adequate and internal discussions have already begun about moving MY to 3B or keeping Blalock.

But, besides that, these have been absolutely great so far. I would have gotten in sooner with is but alas finals week.

Agreed, though Davis is still a year from ML consideration, I think (I could be wrong). Since Salty is already here, I think he has the inside track (he was a pretty good prospect in his own right). Alonso is a pretty special bat -- we won't know how he matches up with Davis until he gets into a MiL uniform and start taking cuts.

Good post -- thanks.

[laxtonto]

Agreed, though Davis is still a year from ML consideration, I think (I could be wrong). Since Salty is already here, I think he has the inside track (he was a pretty good prospect in his own right). Alonso is a pretty special bat -- we won't know how he matches up with Davis until he gets into a MiL uniform and start taking cuts.

Good post -- thanks.

According to both the GM publicly and from what i hear internally, Salty is not going back to 1B. He either pans out as a C or he gets dealt as a C. The internal view is that Salty would loose to much value by moving him off the C postion. All signs point to Davis being promoted mid june to AAA with an outside shot at the majors in Spetemeber unless there is a complete tear down of the mlb roster or another rash of injuries in the system.

I wouldnt be suprised to see Texas go after a college arm unless someone falls becasue of contract demands.

[Stotle]

Was looking college the entire time trying to match up with the young talent they have in the majors now, but don't forget the Santana trade. The pitching cupboard isn't bare with Guerera, and Mulvey waiting in the wings, and 8 of their top 10 prospects are pitchers at high A or above. So they are going to need to start to work on the next wave of talent to come through in a few years. The life of a small market team.

Very good points all around. I did forget about the Santana trade. Melville would make a nice 1-2 punch with Guerra -- Mulvey is a couple years ahead of the two. Compared to two years ago, though, the cupboard is indeed quite bare. ;)

Good post.

[PeteCanes]

Not to nit pick, but Texas has Chris Davis at 1B, a top 75 or so guy that is raking in AA Frisco that was second in all of the minors in HR adn RBI last year, so unless Alonso out distances max ramierez as a all hit guy i cant see him making it as everyday DH.

Davis was moved at the beginnig of ST, didnt think his defense at #rd was adequate and internal discussions have already begun about moving MY to 3B or keeping Blalock.

But, besides that, these have been absolutely great so far. I would have gotten in sooner with is but alas finals week.

Good catch on Davis being moved to 1st, didn't see that.

I (Texas) picked the best player available. Some draft boards have Alonso going near the top five.

[markpolis]

With the 16th pick in the first round of the 2008 MLB Amateur Draft, the Milwaukee Brewers select Joshua Fields, rhp, Senior, Georgia.

With six picks in the first sixty-two overall, the Brewers look to replenish a system that has been depleted in recent years with the graduation of prospects to the big league club. Picks #32,35,53 and 54 are compensatory picks for losing Francisco Cordero and Scott Linebrick. (reason enough for the Orioles to consider holding onto Sherrill until the end of the seaon)

Scouting director Jack Zduriencik have done a tremendous job in recent drafts. No organization has done a better job of having such high impact players like Prince Fielder, Ryan Braun, Rickie Weeks, Govani Gallardo, J.J. Hardy and Corey Hart graduate to the major league team in such a short time period.

Scouting director Jack Zduriencik and the Brewers will be looking to do the same thing this year with Fields. Fields could be a contributor to the major league team as early as this season. The Brewers project Fields to play a similar role to the one Joba Chamberlain and Huston Street played for their teams right out of college.

Going into his junior season at Georgia, Fields was destined to be an early to mid first round pick. In his sophomore season, Fields help lead the Bulldogs to the College World Series and he dominated in the 2006 Cape Cod league. But a poor junior season saw him fall to the Atlanta Braves in the second round. Disappointed with the negotiations with his hometown team, he was unable to reach a contract agreement and decided to return to the Georgia Bulldogs for his senior season. It was a huge risk (turning down a signing bonus of over $500K), but one that Fields was determined to make pay off... and it has. Fields is back to blowing away hitters with a mid-90's fastball and power breaking ball. In his first 15 innings this season he had a 0.00 ERA with 32K's. Fields looks to sign a contract in the $1.4-$1.5Mil range. A nice $1mil bonus for that extra year in college.

One thing we also should know about the Brewers is they won't go over slot money for their draft picks. Even though Fields refused to sign last year with the Braves, he is a college senior and has very little leverage. He should be a quick, easy sign. At least the Brewers hope so because they would really like to see Fields in a Brewers uniform by late August, early September. With six picks early in the draft, the Brewers will be looking for value, but make no mistake, they see Fields as the best player available and someone who can contribute to the major league club very quickly.

No team was a better story last year than the Milwaukee Brewers. Their young nucleus of players helped them lead the National League Central for most of the season before pitching problems finally caused them to slip to second place. Still, at 83-79 they posted their first winning season since 1992. If not for yet another injury to staff ace Ben Sheets and the meltdown of their bullpen, the Brewers might have made their first playoff appearance in 25 years.

The Brewers are hoping Joshua Fields can help them get to the post-season this season and many more seasons to come. A lot to ask of a rookie pitcher, but the Brewers think Fields has what it takes to get it done.

[Greg Pappas]

With the 17th pick in the first round of the MLB Amateur Draft, the Toronto Blue Jays select Brett Wallace, 1B/OF/DH, Arizona State.
Comments to follow.

[allstar1579]

Very good points all around. I did forget about the Santana trade. Melville would make a nice 1-2 punch with Guerra -- Mulvey is a couple years ahead of the two. Compared to two years ago, though, the cupboard is indeed quite bare. ;)

Good post.

Touche' my friend, no where near the depth they had, but if Liriano gets it back together, and Mulvey ends up being HALF of what they think he can, they should be ok. I really almost took Weeks to play 2B for them, but I thought it was a couple picks early for him, and like you said, they need to build up depth again. I would have taken Sheppers but someone beat me to it ;)

[markpolis]

Touche' my friend, no where near the depth they had, but if Liriano gets it back together, and Mulvey ends up being HALF of what they think he can, they should be ok. I really almost took Weeks to play 2B for them, but I thought it was a couple picks early for him, and like you said, they need to build up depth again. I would have taken Sheppers but someone beat me to it ;)

Momma Weeks is very, very upset I didn't take Weeks for the Brewers. She went so far as to say having the Weeks brothers together would save the team money because they could bunk together in Spring Training and on road trips when the younger Weeks made it to the show. Also, she would have them share their per-diem during road trips.

She also promised to have cookouts for the entire team every Sunday during the season. The Sunday cookouts almost persuaded me to select lil' Jemile.

[PeteCanes]

With the 18th pick in the 2008 OH Mock Draft the New York Mets select...


...Gerrit Cole RHSP Orange Lutheran High School Santa Anna, California

The Mets take a chance on convincing the 6'3" righty, and recent Scott Boras advisee, to shun his commitment to UCLA. History with Scott Boras indicates a deal can be made. Minaya will have to spend a great deal of money on this pick, but the Mets will be able to commandeer a legitimate top ten talent in this years draft with the 18th pick. Cole sports a fastball that now reaches 97 mph with late movement, and a developing slider described as "nasty".

Bruins fans' fears are confirmed in a painful, drawn-out process with the Mets' first round pick. Look for a last minute signing.

[markpolis]

With the 18th pick in the 2008 OH Mock Draft the New York Mets select...


...Gerrit Cole RHSP Orange Lutheran High School Santa Anna, California

The Mets take a chance on convincing the 6'3" righty, and recent Scott Boras advisee, to shun his commitment to UCLA. History with Scott Boras indicates a deal can be made. Minaya will have to spend a great deal of money on this pick, but the Mets will be able to commandeer a legitimate top ten talent in this years draft with the 18th pick. Cole sports a fastball that now reaches 97 mph with late movement, and a developing slider described as "nasty".

Bruins fans' fears are confirmed in a painful, drawn-out process with the Mets' first round pick. Look for a last minute signing.

The Mets won't have a problem signing this kid. A friend of mine (who works in the same industry as me) has met and talked to Cole's father. Cole's father told him if he gets first round money he will sign. Let's assume if the Met's take him at #18 he will get first round money. ;)

My same friend's brother is also a scout pretty high up with the Twins.

Mark my words, this won't be another Pedro Beato fiasco for the Mets.

[allstar1579]

With the 18th pick in the 2008 OH Mock Draft the New York Mets select...


...Gerrit Cole RHSP Orange Lutheran High School Santa Anna, California

The Mets take a chance on convincing the 6'3" righty, and recent Scott Boras advisee, to shun his commitment to UCLA. History with Scott Boras indicates a deal can be made. Minaya will have to spend a great deal of money on this pick, but the Mets will be able to commandeer a legitimate top ten talent in this years draft with the 18th pick. Cole sports a fastball that now reaches 97 mph with late movement, and a developing slider described as "nasty".

Bruins fans' fears are confirmed in a painful, drawn-out process with the Mets' first round pick. Look for a last minute signing.

Good pick man, I would have loved to take him, but I figured Boras, 1st round money and the Twins did not mix well.

Now that I know there were cookouts offered, I can't believe I didn't pick Weeks. :)

[markpolis]

Good pick man, I would have loved to take him, but I figured Boras, 1st round money and the Twins did not mix well.

Now that I know there were cookouts offered, I can't believe I didn't pick Weeks. :)

Only offered to Brewers because of big brother Ricky. ;)

[allstar1579]

Only offered to Brewers because of big brother Ricky. ;)

Sweet, I'll make sure whatever team takes him can trade for Ricky too, I mean anyone is worth it, how do you put a price tag on Sunday cookouts????

[allstar1579]

Who's got 19?

[Stotle]

With the 19th pick, the Cubs select Christian Friedrich -- junior SP for Eastern Kentucky.

Through 10 starts, Friedrich holds a 5-1 record, 1.78 ERA, .142 BAA and 0.85 WHIP. He has 86 SO in 66.2 IP.

In his most recent start, after retiring the first four batters faced, he allowed one second inning double to Samford Catcher Bear Burnett (a bloop down the line between the 3b and LF) before retiring the last 20 batters in order. In 8 IP, Friedrich struck out 9, walked none and allowed just the one bloop double.

Friedrich's calling card is a hard plus curve that he throws with plus command. The Cubs look at him and see a young Zito, though Friedrich will have to work a bit on commanding his fastball in the zone. His curveball is so good it will play in the MiL regardless of his progress with the fastball. Chicago will take their time and allow Friedrich to progress at his own pace -- learning to "pitch" at each level before advancing him. It shouldn't take long.

Friedrich is a terrific get at 19, and could be one of the top three pitchers in the entire draft when all is said and done. The Cubs hope he'll be ready to make significant contributions with the big club by the start of the 2011 season.

SEA is on the clock!

[furryburres]

With the 20th pick in the 2008 Amateur Draft, the Seattle Mariners select Alex Meyer, a teenager out of Greensburg, Indiana. Meyer is a big guy, with a fastball to match his 6-7, 200 pound frame. Better yet, his size allows him to go longer into games without being fatigued, giving him almost endless potential as a K master, as he gets strikeouts with his fastball velocity, and can get deep into games. His fastball moves all over the place. His slider makes many people whiff, although his changeup is a work in progress. He will need to develop some sort of breaking ball if he wants to stay out of the bullpen, but the Mariners aren't concerned, believing that he can learn in the 3 years he has until he is 20.

Meyer is currently an amazing two way player, also able to hit for impressive power.
He currently has a .449/.472/.816 line in hich school, which is certainly great. But the Mariners have a feeling that this is their ace of the future.