MLB-Draft.com's latest mock: 5-6-08

[Greg Pappas]

Go here (http://www.mlb-draft.com/mock-draft.html) or see below...


Round 1

1 Rays > Tim Beckham, H.S. SS, (GA)

2 Pirates > *Pedro Alvarez, College 3B/1B, Vanderbilt

3 Royals > Gordon Beckham, College SS, Georgia

4 Orioles > #Justin Smoak, College 1B, South Carolina

5 Giants > Buster Posey, College C, Florida State

6 Marlins > *Brian Matusz, LHSP, San Diego

7 Reds > Aaron Crow, College RHSP, Missouri

8 White Sox > *Kyle Skipworth, H.S. C, (CA)

9 Nationals > T. Scheppers, College RHSP, Fresno State

10 Astros > Shooter Hunt, College RHSP, Tulane

11 Rangers > *Eric Hosmer, H.S. 1B, (FL)

12 Athletics > Yonder Alonso, College 1B, Miami (FL)

13 Cardinals > Tim Melville, H.S. RHSP, (MO)

14 Twins > *C. Friedrich, College LHSP, E. Kentucky

15 Dodgers > *Brett DeVall, H.S. LHSP, (FL)

16 Brewers > Josh Fields, College RHRP, Georgia

17 Blue Jays > *Brett Wallace, College 1B, Arizona State

18 Mets > Ethan Martin, H.S. RHSP, (GA)

19 Cubs > Alex Meyer, H.S. RHSP, (IN)

20 Mariners > *R. Havens, College 2B, South Carolina

21 Tigers > Aaron Hicks, H.S. CF/RHSP, (CA)

22 Mets > Gerrit Cole, H.S. RHSP, (CA)

23 Padres > *Ike Davis, College 1B/OF, Arizona State

24 Phillies > Lance Lynn, College RHSP, Mississippi

25 Rockies > *David Cooper, College 1B, California

26 D'Backs > *Kyle Lobstein, H.S. LHSP, (AZ)

27 Twins > #Jemile Weeks, College 2B, Miami

28 Yankees > Andrew Cashner, RHRP, TCU

29 Indians > *C. Gillaspie, College 3B, Witchita State

30 Red Sox > *Zach Collier, H.S. OF, (CA)

Supplemental Round 1

31 Twins > *Dennis Raben, College OF, Miami

32 Brewers > Brad Holt, RHSP, UNC-Wilmington

33 Mets > *Allan Dykstra, College 1B, Wake Forest

34 Phillies > Cody Satterwhite, College RHSP, Ole Miss

35 Brewers > Scott Green, College RHSP, Kentucky

36 Royals > Tyler Sample, H.S. RHSP, (CO)

37 Giants > Ryan Perry, College RHP, Arizona

38 Astros > Jake Thompson, College RHSP, Virginia

39 Cardinals > Casey Kelly, H.S. SS, (FL)

40 Braves > Michael Palazzone, H.S. RHSP, (GA)

41 Cubs > *Nick Maronde, H.S. LHSP, (KY)

42 Padres > Bryan Price, RHRP, Rice

43 D'Backs > Sonny Gray, H.S. RHSP, (TN)

44 Yankees > *Tim Murphy, LHSP, UCLA

45 Red Sox > Zach Stewart, RHRP, Texas Tech

46 Padres > Casey Kelly, H.S. SS, (FL)

Round 2

47 Rays > Isaac Galloway, H.S. OF, (CA)

48 Pirates > *Ryan Flaherty, 2B/SS, Vanderbilt

49 Royals > Zach Putnam, RHRP, Michigan

50 Orioles > Tyson Ross, RHSP, California

[Camden_yardbird]

Not a single pitcher in the top 5? Really. I wonder if this could be a reaction to statistics at this time of year that tend to favor hot hitting position prospects.

I would be floored if the Pirates took a Boras client. I see them taking a pitcher.

[Pruke]

Interesting that they show teams moving towards position players early on and Crow / Matsuz moving beyond the top 5.

Not that I dislike the concept of having Smoak, but the thought we'd not get Alvarez or either of the Beckhams leaves me a little...I dunno...Disappointed?

We sure could use legit 1B prospects, though.

[Pruke]

Not a single pitcher in the top 5? Really. I wonder if this could be a reaction to statistics at this time of year that tend to favor hot hitting position prospects.

I would be floored if the Pirates took a Boras client. I see them taking a pitcher.

Good point, quick fingers and agreement from this poster.

[Pruke]

Go here (http://www.mlb-draft.com/mock-draft.html) or see below...


Round 1

1 Rays > Tim Beckham, H.S. SS, (GA)

2 Pirates > *Pedro Alvarez, College 3B/1B, Vanderbilt

3 Royals > Gordon Beckham, College SS, Georgia

4 Orioles > #Justin Smoak, College 1B, South Carolina

5 Giants > Buster Posey, College C, Florida State

6 Marlins > *Brian Matusz, LHSP, San Diego

7 Reds > Aaron Crow, College RHSP, Missouri

8 White Sox > *Kyle Skipworth, H.S. C, (CA)

9 Nationals > T. Scheppers, College RHSP, Fresno State

10 Astros > Shooter Hunt, College RHSP, Tulane

11 Rangers > *Eric Hosmer, H.S. 1B, (FL)

12 Athletics > Yonder Alonso, College 1B, Miami (FL)

13 Cardinals > Tim Melville, H.S. RHSP, (MO)

14 Twins > *C. Friedrich, College LHSP, E. Kentucky

15 Dodgers > *Brett DeVall, H.S. LHSP, (FL)

16 Brewers > Josh Fields, College RHRP, Georgia

17 Blue Jays > *Brett Wallace, College 1B, Arizona State

18 Mets > Ethan Martin, H.S. RHSP, (GA)

19 Cubs > Alex Meyer, H.S. RHSP, (IN)

20 Mariners > *R. Havens, College 2B, South Carolina

21 Tigers > Aaron Hicks, H.S. CF/RHSP, (CA)

22 Mets > Gerrit Cole, H.S. RHSP, (CA)

23 Padres > *Ike Davis, College 1B/OF, Arizona State

24 Phillies > Lance Lynn, College RHSP, Mississippi

25 Rockies > *David Cooper, College 1B, California

26 D'Backs > *Kyle Lobstein, H.S. LHSP, (AZ)

27 Twins > #Jemile Weeks, College 2B, Miami

28 Yankees > Andrew Cashner, RHRP, TCU

29 Indians > *C. Gillaspie, College 3B, Witchita State

30 Red Sox > *Zach Collier, H.S. OF, (CA)

Supplemental Round 1

31 Twins > *Dennis Raben, College OF, Miami

32 Brewers > Brad Holt, RHSP, UNC-Wilmington

33 Mets > *Allan Dykstra, College 1B, Wake Forest

34 Phillies > Cody Satterwhite, College RHSP, Ole Miss

35 Brewers > Scott Green, College RHSP, Kentucky

36 Royals > Tyler Sample, H.S. RHSP, (CO)

37 Giants > Ryan Perry, College RHP, Arizona

38 Astros > Jake Thompson, College RHSP, Virginia

39 Cardinals > Casey Kelly, H.S. SS, (FL)

40 Braves > Michael Palazzone, H.S. RHSP, (GA)

41 Cubs > *Nick Maronde, H.S. LHSP, (KY)

42 Padres > Bryan Price, RHRP, Rice

43 D'Backs > Sonny Gray, H.S. RHSP, (TN)

44 Yankees > *Tim Murphy, LHSP, UCLA

45 Red Sox > Zach Stewart, RHRP, Texas Tech

46 Padres > Casey Kelly, H.S. SS, (FL)

Round 2

47 Rays > Isaac Galloway, H.S. OF, (CA)

48 Pirates > *Ryan Flaherty, 2B/SS, Vanderbilt

49 Royals > Zach Putnam, RHRP, Michigan

50 Orioles > Tyson Ross, RHSP, California

This Casey Kelly kid must be some ballplayer for teams to try to draft him ever when he's already been taken :D

[ChaosLex]

Only two things I have to add to Greg's list.

1. I have my doubts that the Pirates take Alvarez. Call it a gut feeling...

2. I also doubt the Royals will pass on their hometown boy (i.e., Crow).

Otherwise, I'm in your corner, Greg. Great list as always. :)

[markpolis]

This Casey Kelly kid must be some ballplayer for teams to try to draft him ever when he's already been taken :D

He's really good if he can get two signing bonuses.

Maybe Greg can hire you as a cross-checker for his site. ;)

[wickedwitch]

I would be floored if the Pirates took a Boras client. I see them taking a pitcher.

The Pirates have completely changed management since last year. While I don't think they'd put the money out for just any Boras client, Alvarez could be that exception.

[Stotle]

Not a single pitcher in the top 5? Really. I wonder if this could be a reaction to statistics at this time of year that tend to favor hot hitting position prospects.

I would be floored if the Pirates took a Boras client. I see them taking a pitcher.

Well, this year's draft is heavy on positional talent and light on elite pitching. Still, I think both Crow and Matusz are gone in the first five picks. PIT and Matusz have had an open dialogue for some time, and the rumor is he's told them he'll sign for slot. My best guess right now would be:

TAM -- Posey or T-Bex
PIT -- Matusz
KAN -- Crow (even with the rough couple of weeks)
BAL -- one of G-Bex/Alvarez/Smoak or the left-over from TAMs Posey/T-Bex

[OsandBohs11]

Why would the Royals semi-reach for Gordon Beckham when they have Moustakas, he's is supposed to be a stud shortstop

[Greg Pappas]

This Casey Kelly kid must be some ballplayer for teams to try to draft him ever when he's already been taken :D

Doh! My bad... thanks. :)

[Greg Pappas]

Why would the Royals semi-reach for Gordon Beckham when they have Moustakas, he's is supposed to be a stud shortstop

Moustakas will not play SS in the majors, but likely 3B or possibly 2B.

[laxtonto]

3rd Mock Draft I have seen so far with Texas taking Hosmer.

Looks like his demands are making him slip. As a resident of Dallas in shocked and pleasently pleased with this.

I havent heard anything from my Rangers interns regarding the draft, but i should hear something soon after finals.

Any other guys that might fall like Porcello from last year?

[Bmo24Ph]

If both Beckhams and Alvarez go in the Top3, IMO we should take Aaron Crow. He's a stud. But I have a gut feeling we're going to get lucky and end up with Alvarez =]

[Pruke]

Doh! My bad... thanks. :)

Not at all and please don't think I meant anything negative by it.

However, there must be something about the kid for you to think of him twice - is he really good? Maybe we should hope / pray for him in R2!

[allstar1579]

Moustakas will not play SS in the majors, but likely 3B or possibly 2B.

More likely 2B if they have Gordon at 3B right? I know its still 2 years away before it is a problem, but I thought Gordo was supposed to be pretty decent at 3rd. Makings of a good INF there if they took a Beckham or Smoak or Hosmer huh?

[Greg Pappas]

Not at all and please don't think I meant anything negative by it.

However, there must be something about the kid for you to think of him twice - is he really good? Maybe we should hope / pray for him in R2!

I knew you were just pointing out a mistake, so it's cool, thanks. :)

Casey Kelly has a strong commitment to Tennessee as a QB AND SS, and is a major talent, but a bit of a project as a hitter. He could go late R1 to a team that thinks they can buy him away from college. High risk/high reward type.

[Greg Pappas]

More likely 2B if they have Gordon at 3B right? I know its still 2 years away before it is a problem, but I thought Gordo was supposed to be pretty decent at 3rd. Makings of a good INF there if they took a Beckham or Smoak or Hosmer huh?

Gordon is more than adequate at 3B, but if the Royals feel MM is better served at third, rather than 2B, Gordon is skilled enough to move to 1B.

[Greg Pappas]

Not a single pitcher in the top 5? Really. I wonder if this could be a reaction to statistics at this time of year that tend to favor hot hitting position prospects.

I would be floored if the Pirates took a Boras client. I see them taking a pitcher.

I think that with the tremendous helium of collegians Gordon Beckham, Justin Smoak and Buster Posey into top 5 consideration, it has forced teams at the top of the draft to feel more secure in their respective talents, whereas earlier in the season there were doubts. I understand why you would feel that way, but I truly believe that GBeck has moved into the top 5, and Smoak has shown scouts the talent they felt he has had within him all along. These are major talents that have forced their way up, and are challenging Crow and Matusz's perceived positions in the first five.

While the Pirates have been cheap, there are rumblings that the new management will make a splash and grab the best player available and show the fans that the Pirates ae a viable organization again and there will no longer be a fiasco such as Moskos over Wieters. I believe this draft will go a long way towards showing Pittsburgh fans a new direction OR a same ol'-same ol' poorly run once-proud franchise.

[allstar1579]

I think that with the tremendous helium of collegians Gordon Beckham, Justin Smoak and Buster Posey into top 5 consideration, it has forced teams at the top of the draft to feel more secure in their respective talents, whereas earlier in the season there were doubts. I understand why you would feel that way, but I truly believe that GBeck has moved into the top 5, and Smoak has shown scouts the talent they felt he has had within him all along. These are major talents that have forced their way up, and are challenging Crow and Matusz's perceived positions in the first five.

While the Pirates have been cheap, there are rumblings that the new management will make a splash and grab the best player available and show the fans that the Pirates ae a viable organization again and there will no longer be a fiasco such as Moskos over Wieters. I believe this draft will go a long way towards showing Pittsburgh fans a new direction OR a same ol'-same ol' poorly run once-proud franchise.

I agree too, but I could just as easily see them taking Smoak, or G Beckham, I think they need to make a big "sexy" pick to appease the fans (like Wieters last year) but I'm starting to think that top 5 has become even closer together talent wise over the past month.

[McNulty]

I really think the O's need to grab a position player. Smoak is about as close to a sure middle of the order bat as it gets in the draft, and I'd much rather they take him then a pitcher. I'd rather them have Beckham, Alvarez or Posey also.

Why does the stupid draft have to a month away still?

[ChrisP]

I just wanted to say you have an impressive site Greg.:clap3: (and I wanted to use the clapping emoticon)

[ChaosLex]

I think that with the tremendous helium of collegians Gordon Beckham, Justin Smoak and Buster Posey into top 5 consideration, it has forced teams at the top of the draft to feel more secure in their respective talents, whereas earlier in the season there were doubts. I understand why you would feel that way, but I truly believe that GBeck has moved into the top 5, and Smoak has shown scouts the talent they felt he has had within him all along. These are major talents that have forced their way up, and are challenging Crow and Matusz's perceived positions in the first five.

While the Pirates have been cheap, there are rumblings that the new management will make a splash and grab the best player available and show the fans that the Pirates ae a viable organization again and there will no longer be a fiasco such as Moskos over Wieters. I believe this draft will go a long way towards showing Pittsburgh fans a new direction OR a same ol'-same ol' poorly run once-proud franchise.

The best part about Smoak is he's not represented by Boras. At least, not yet. ;)

[Greg Pappas]

I just wanted to say you have an impressive site Greg.:clap3: (and I wanted to use the clapping emoticon)

My first chance to see the new emoticon. :)

Thanks for the kind words. It's not easy trying to run it virtually alone. Rhall has a blog and chats with me to discuss ideas, but the site is difficult to handle by myself. I do need assistance, mainly providing updated stats and such. :)

[Mackus]

I'd take Alvarez or T. Beckham over either of the pitchers, but I don't think Smoak or Hosmer would be off my board before them. I really won't complain about any of the guys available at #4 though. If we end up with any of Alvarez, T. Beckham, Crow, Matusz, Smoak, or Hosmer I'll be thrilled.

[wayne25]

I really think the O's need to grab a position player. Smoak is about as close to a sure middle of the order bat as it gets in the draft, and I'd much rather they take him then a pitcher. I'd rather them have Beckham, Alvarez or Posey also.

Why does the stupid draft have to a month away still?

AGREE! nO PITCHERS, (please) Add Hosmer to this list also.