Updates 5/26/08

[Greg Pappas]

Go here or read below. Also please check out the mock draft section.

The Orioles pick #4, #50, #81, #116 and add 30 for each additional pick thereafter.

1. *Pedro Alvarez, College 3B, Vanderbilt, Age=21, 6' 2 - 225. The third-baseman, from the same college (Vanderbilt) as last year's overall #1 pick David Price, is the consensus #1 rated player after stellar Freshman and Sophomore campaigns. Alvarez is well put together at 6' 2 225 lbs., bats left, throws right and plays a decent third base. However, it's his bat that most feel have him at the head of the class.

Update... May 25, 2008;

Struggled defensively but came back pretty well, considering the hand injury.

In 154 AB's > .312 BA, 9 HR, 28 RBI, 27 BB's, 26 K's, 3/4 SB's, .424 OBP/ .591 SLG/ 1.015 OPS.

2. Tim Beckham, (GA) High School SS, Age=18, 6' 0 - 188. With continued progress he profiles as an All-Star SS, both with the glove and at the plate. He is an athletic defender with graceful actions and a very strong arm. Unlike many High School SS's, Beckham will stay at short.

Update... May 21, 2008;

Originally listed at 6' 2, now BA has him at an even 6', which has me thinking that his projections may be looked at a bit differently. Maybe it's just me, but I see him now as a 4-tool guy, with power less likely.

In 78 AB's > .500 BA, 5 HR, 31 RBI, 16 SB's

3. Buster Posey, College C, Florida State, Age=21, 6' 1 - 205. Posey's defensive strengths, athleticism, and solid offensive skillset have scouts abuzz, as the former SS has bounded into top 10 consideration and should challenge HS'er Kyle Skipworth for the 'top catcher' spot.

Update... May 25, 2008;

Posey has been spectacular in '08 and is being rumored as a possible 1st overall pick.

'College Player of the Year'?

In 214 ABs> .467 BA, with 19 HR's, 73 RBI, 46 BB's, 20 K's, 5/8 SB's / .567 OBP/ .864 SLG/ 1.431 OPS!

4. *Brian Matusz, College LHSP, San Diego, Age=21, 6' 4 - 195. Matusz (pronounced MAT-is) is one of those pitchers that just has ML'er written all over him. The University of San Diego junior stands 6' 4 and weighs in at 195 lbs. He employs a sweet combination of crafty lefty with a low nineties fastball and consistently throws three quality pitches for strikes.

Updated... May 19, 2008;

Matusz's regular season is over and he's staked a claim to the title of 'Best College Pitcher'.

In 12 starts and 1 relief appearance > 88.0 IP... 2.05 ERA, 75 Hits/20BB's, 122 K's, and a .223 BAA.

5. *Eric Hosmer, (FL) High School 1B, Age=18, 6' 4 - 220. For me, Hosmer may be the single best 1B prospect in the last 20 years and while some discount his value for being a 1B'man, I have him as my personal overall best prospect in the draft. He is big at 6' 4 220, and strong enough to launch massive shot after massive shot throughout both batting practice and in the games he plays. Already a very good defender at 1B, Eric profiles as a middle of the order beast. With perhaps the sweetest swing in the draft he won the WWBA (World Wood Bat Association) Tourney MVP back in October, adding to an impressive collection of accolades.

Update... May 21, 2008; The #1 player on the #1 team in the country, Hosmer remains my personal highest rated player.

In 122 PA's /87 AB's> .471 BA, 11 HR's, 27 RBI, 16/16 SB's, 31 BB's, 12 K's, .607 OBP/.989 SLG/ 1.596 OPS!

6. #Justin Smoak, College 1B, South Carolina, Age=21, 6' 3 - 200. I love Smoak... in a manly way naturally =P. Justin was a borderline 1st rounder as a High School senior, and the switch-hitting first baseman has done nothing to disappoint the South Carolina fan base since his freshman campaign in '06. Smoak is well built at 6' 3 200 lbs., with sound swing mechanics from both sides of the plate that generates both average and power.

Update... May 25, 2008; Brilliant season has helped scouts determine that he is the real deal... and a big deal at that. A 2-1 BB/K rate foretells of many good things for the slugger.

In 220 AB's > .377 BA, 21 HR, 66 RBI, 55 BB's, 27 K's , 1/4 SB's, .502 OBP/ .745 SLG/ 1.247 OPS.

7. Aaron Crow, College RHSP, Missouri, Age=21, 6' 2 - 215. Missouri right-hander Aaron Crow really burst onto the scene during his dominating Cape Cod season (Collegiate Wood Bat League) this past fall. At 6' 2 215, he is not overly big, but is a solid athlete and easily repeats his mechanics, which may contribute to why his command of a low to mid-nineties fastball (which has hit 98 occasionally) has been outstanding.

Updated... May 25, 2008;

Crow has bounced back strong, very strong.

In 14 starts> 98.1 IP, 2.56ERA, 82 Hits/33 BB's, and 117 K's.

8. *Kyle Skipworth, (CA) High School C, Age=18, 6' 3 - 195. Skipworth has been a steady riser among scouts who have watched his growth in the California H.S. ranks. Skipworth was tremendous during the summer and at the wood bat AFLAC classic, until fading at the Area Code Games later in the year.

At a physically impressive 6' 4 205, Kyle features a 4-tool skill-set, with speed being his only detriment. He reminds some of Joe Mauer, with excellent athleticism, a sweet left-handed swing, good eye, and plus power. Defensively he is above average, in positioning, receiving the ball well, and having a good arm to boot.

Update... May 21, 2008

Skipworth has been amazing, improving his defense & solidifying his status as a top ten player in the draft.

In 111 PA's/87 AB's, .540 BA, 13 HR's, 47 RBI, 19 BB's, 16 K's, .631 OBP/ 1.138 SLG/ 1.769 OPS!!!

9. Gordon Beckham, College SS, Georgia, Age=21, 6' - 190. There's another Beckham in Georgia... Gordon is his name, and he's pushing his way into the limelight. The University of Georgia standout burst onto the scene last fall in the Cape Cod collegiate wood bat league, leading the league in HR's and playing a sound SS, and really stepped it up this junior year, belting 15 HR's by early April. There is a healthy debate among scouts as to whether he can stick at short, but most believe that he can not only stick, but be at least league average. Gordon is about 6' 195 lbs, but appears skinny to me, and while not fast, shows good quickness and range, employing a good arm from the hole. He is compared occasionally to Khalil Greene, but Gordon should hit for a higher average while being less of a defender than Khalil.

Update... May 25, 2008; College Player of the Year? It's between him & Posey.

In 218 AB's> .394 BA, 23 HR's, 57 RBI, 44 BB's, 27 K's, 17/18 SB's, .544 OBP/.811 SLG/1.355 OPS!

10. *Brett Wallace, College 1B/3B, Arizona St, Age=21, 6' 2 - 245. Wallace could always hit and has also always been an on-base machine, but it's the development of serious HR power that has most scouts convinced he'll be a very good pro.

Brett should be a good ML hitter for years, and seems among the 'safer' bats in the draft. The White Sox are reportedly interested at pick #8. Future projection? .300-25-.850+ OPS is a rough estimate.

Update... May 26, 2008;

In 216 AB's> .412 BA, 20 HR, 78 RBI, 42 BB's, 31 K's, .527 OBP/.764 SLG/1.291 OPS

Player's 11 - 100

11 . Shooter Hunt, College RHSP, Tulane -- Having as good year, but walks a concern. Could be a solid #2 starter.

In 14 starts> 91.2 IP... 2.45 ERA, 49 Hits/51 BB's, 119 K's, and a .156 BAA!

12 . *Yonder Alonso, College 1B, Miami (FL) -- Great hitter and on-base machine, but real concerns about his ability to hit lefties.

179 AB's> .380 BA, 21 HR's, 66 RBI, 65 BB's, 28 K's, 8-14 SB's, .542 OBP/.799 SLG/1.341 OPS

13 . *Christian Friedrich, College LHSP, E. Kentucky -- He's been outstanding against inferior competition. Behind only Matusz among college lefties.

10 GS, 65.2 IP, 1.78 ERA, 32 hits, 24 BB's, 86 K's, .142 BAA (as of May 4th).

14 . #Aaron Hicks, H.S. RHSP/CF, (CA) -- Scouts are split: Hitter or Pitcher? Hicks' FB regularly hits the mid 90's and can hit 97, and has a nasty curveball. As a CF'er with blazing speed, good instincts and a rocket arm, Hicks can play mad defense. And while he can hit and run very well, can he hit with power?

12 GS> 63.1 IP, 0.88 ERA, 38 hits, 26 BB's, 104 K's // 126 AB's, .494-4-23, 35 BB's, 11 K's, 37/41 SB's

15 . Andrew Cashner, College Closer, TCU -- The 6' 5 righty is likely the top closer in the draft, with truly nasty stuff. Upper 90's heat and nasty slider combo= wicked closer prospect. Walks need to come down.

50. IP, 9 saves, 1.80 ERA, 19 hits, 25 BB's, 74 K's, .120 BAA!

16 . Tim Melville, H.S. RHSP, (MO) -- Coming into this season Melville ranked as the #1 HS hurler. After a subpar campaign scouts are a bit concerned. FB/Curve combo is very good, but he's in real danger of dropping below some of the other top HS arms.

47. IP> 3.00 ERA, 32 hits, 15 BB's, 72 K's

17 . Ethan Martin, H.S. RHSP, (GA) -- Who knew? The highly touted third baseman has shocked the scouting community, and has vaulted into the top of the prep hurlers rankings, showcasing consistently outstanding stuff. 60 IP> 1.36 ERA, 122 K's/22 BB's // .528, 12 HR's, 27 RBI

18 . Josh Fields, College Closer, Georgia -- Mid to upper 90's heat and a hard downer curveball have dominated college hitters, and with a bit more command Fields could be special.

29.2 IP, 16 saves, 1.52 ERA, 9 hits, 18 BB's, 53 K's, 0.92 BAA!

19 . Casey Kelly, H.S. SS/RHSP, (FL) -- A great HS QB, he has a dual-sport committment toTennessee. Will sign only as a SS, although he is a great pitcher as well. Clubs are split, but he could be special.

20 . Gerritt Cole, H.S. RHSP, (CA) -- The hardest throwing prep hurler could be a great pro, but only if he finds control of his power stuff and simply awful attitude. **A Scott Boras Client***

51 IP> 0.69 ERA, 15 BB's, 83 K's

21 . *Reese Havens, College SS/2B, South Carolina -- Should play 2B as a pro, profiling as a good hitter and average fielder. Won't run at all, which hurts a bit at 2B, but should hit enough.

234 AB's, .363 BA, 16 HR's, 53 RBI, 55 BB's, 42 K's, 1/5 SB's, .490 OBP/.637 SLG/1.127 OPS.

22 . *Zach Collier, H.S. OF, (CA) -- At 6' 2 195, the athletic Collier is among the fastest risers in the draft. The 17 year old OF'er has impressed scouts with his all-around game. Average arm, good speed, serious potential at the plate from the left side. In 80 AB's> .450 BA, 7 HR's, 24 RBI, 12 SB's.

23 . *Jason Castro, College C, Stanford -- The 20 year old had a solid junior campaign, aleviating health concerns, and his overall improvment in all areas has scouts looking at him as a potential 1st rounder.

233 AB's> .369 BA, 11 HR's, 56 RBI, 20 BB's, 34 K's, 4/4 SB's, .418 OBP/.592 SLG/1.010 OPS

24 . #Jemile Weeks, College 2B, Miami -- The catalyst for the Hurricane offense has been outstanding again this year.

140 AB's> .400 BA, 9 HR, 44 RBI, 17 BB's, 21 K's, 14/15 SB's, .466 OBP/.721 SLG/1.187 OPS

25 . *Ike Davis, College 1B/OF, Arizona State -- Finally showing the scouts what they've been waiting for. Big year, big power.

153 AB's, .412 BA, 15 HR's, 62 RBI, 24 BB's, 22 K's, 5/6 SB's, .483 OBP/.843 SLG/1.326 OPS

26 . *David Cooper, College 1B, California -- Great hitter, although scouts wish he were bigger (6' 1, 210). No problem for me.

153 AB's, .392 BA, 16 HR's, 47 RBI, 28 BB's, 24 K's, 0/1 SB's, .481 OBP/.778 SLG/1.259 OPS

27 . Jake Odorizzi, HS RHSP, (IL)

28 . *Conor Gillaspie, College 3B, Wichita State

29 . Brett Lawrie, HS SS/3B/C, (Canada)

30 . Ross Seaton, HS RHSP, (TX) --

31 . Tanner Scheppers, College RHSP, Fresno State

32 . *Brett DeVall, H.S. LHSP, (FL) -- The lefty shows advanced poise and command of a good FB, projectable curve/slider, and tremendous changeup. Could be special with increased velocity.

33 . *Kyle Lobstein, H.S. LHSP, (AZ) -- The 6' 3 180 lefty is very projectable, drawing Chuck Finley comps.

9 GS, 42.1 IP, 1.32 ERA, 36 hits, 11 BB's, 75 K's

34 . Alex Meyer, H.S. RHSP, (IN) -- The 6'7 righty has a very projectable skillset and should be a 1st rounder.

3 GS, 13.2 IP, 2.05 ERA, 6 hits, 8 BB's, 22 K's

35 . Ryan Perry, College Closer, Arizona --

36 . *Mike Montgomery, HS LHSP, (CA) --

37 . Anthony Hewitt, HS OF/SS, (CT) -- Major helium for the northeast product (CT). Superior physicality, man-strong, fast and hits the ball with real thunder in his bat. Somewhat raw at bat, but will go high (R1-R2).

38 . Tyson Ross, College RHSP, California -- Imposing at 6' 6 235, Ross has the stuff of a top of the rotation starter, but has been frustratingly inconsistent.

7 GS, 43 IP, 3.56 ERA, 37 hits, 16 BB's, 41 K's, .231 BAA

39 . *Allan Dykstra, College 1B, Wake Forest -- Big & power-packed 1B'man has been pitched around all season.

137 AB's, .328 BA, 12 HR's, 32 RBI, 48 BB's, 31 K's, 4/5 SB's, .531 OBP/.657 SLG/1.188 OPS

40 . Zach Stewart, College Closer, Texas Tech --

41 . Tyler Ladendorf, JC SS, Howard (TX) --

42 . Destin Hood, HS OF, (AL) --

43 . Zach Putnam, College Closer, Michigan --

44 . Bryan Price, College Closer, Rice

45 . Daniel Webb, H.S. RHSP, (KY)

46 . Zeke Spruill, HS RHSP, (GA) -- The power armed Spruill jumped his FB up to 95 this year and could be very very good with continued development.

48 IP > 2.63 ERA, 61 K's/8 BB's

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

48 . *Dennis Raben, College OF, Miami

49 . Brett Hunter, College Closer, Pepperdine -- Came into the season as the top Closer prospect, but a season ending injury will have scouts concerned over his value.

50 . Chris Carpenter, College RHSP, Kent State --

51 . *Wade Miley, College LHSP, Southeastern Louisiana --

52 . Brad Holt, College RHSP, UNC Wilmington -- The 6' 4 righty has great stuff, but is unrefined. Down the road he could become a solid #2-3 starter.

10 GS, 57.1 IP, 3.61 ERA, 46 hits, 20 BB's, 62 K's, .216 BAA

53 . Stephen Fife, College RHSP, Utah --

54 . Tyler Sample, H.S. RHSP, (CO)

55 . *Jay Austin, HS CF, (GA) -- The fastest player in the draft has showed scouts his ability to hit, which was all they were waiting to see. Outstanding athlete could be special, with 5 tools present.

.515 BA, 15 HR's, 43 RBI, with 26 stolen bases

56 . Sonny Gray, H.S. RHSP, (TN) -- Were he 3 inches taller... the 5' 10 Gray may be as good a HS pitcher as there is, yet concerns over his height have scouts unsure of his seemingly great potential. Injured ankle in late April.

57 . *Lonnie Chisenhall, JC 3B, Pitt (NC) --

58 . Cody Satterwhite, College RHSP, Mississippi --

59 . Harold Martinez, SS/3B, High School (FL) --

60 . *Robbie Ross, LHSP, H.S. (KY) -- At 5' 11 and 180 lbs, Ross is a bit on the smallish side, but big on stuff, outdueling fellow highly rated lefties Brett DeVall and Nick Maronde.

61 . Preston Guilmet, College RHSP, Arizona --

62 . *Tim Murphy, College LHSP, UCLA -- The 6' 2 205 lefty is still learning to pitch, but offers an intriguing set of 4 pitches.

10 GS, 2 relief appearances, 69.2 IP, 3.49 ERA, 59 hits, 31 BB's, 77 K's, .236 BAA

63 . Lance Lynn, College RHSP, Mississippi -- Good command of ML-average stuff. Innings-eater. Likely #4-5 starter.

9 GS, 54.2 IP, 3.79 ERA, 49 hits, 14 BB's, 67 K's, .228 BAA

64 . Carlos Gutierrez, College Closer, Miami

65 . *Tyler Stovall, H.S. LHSP, (AL) -- The 6' 1 - 190 lefty considerably raised his stock this season, jumping his FB 4-5 mph to 92-94, touching 96, and throwing an out-pitch slider. Re-writing the AL HS record books. Strong Auburn commitment.

66 . *Nick Maronde, H.S. LHSP, (KY) --

67 . Andy Burns, H.S. 2B, (CO)

68 . *Shane Peterson, College 1B/OF, Long Beach State

69 . Roger Kieschnick, College OF, Texas Tech

70 . *Zach Cox, H.S. 3B, (KY)

71 . Seth Lintz, HS RHSP, (TN)

72 . James Darnell, College 3B, South Carolina

73 . Scott Bittle, College Closer, Mississippi

74 . #Robbie Grossman, HS CF, (TX)

75 . Aaron Schafer, College RHSP, Wichita State

76 . *Anthony Gose, LHP/OF, High School (CA)

77 . Josh Lindblom, College Closer, Purdue

78 . *Ryan Flaherty, 2B/SS, Vanderbilt -- Merely adequate showing at SS this year. A likely 2B'man as a pro.

187 AB's, .321 BA, 12 HR's, 49 RBI, 32 BB's, 36 K's, 8/9 SB's, .414 OBP/.578 SLG/.992 OPS

79 . Jason Espisito, HS 3B, (CT)

80 . *Jaff Decker, H.S. OF/1B, (AZ)

81 . *Xavier Avery, H.S. CF, (CA) --

82 . *Brad Hand, HS LHSP/1B, (MN)

83 . Kyle Weiland, College Closer, Notre Dame

84 . Quinton Miller, HS RHSP, (NJ)

85 . Jake Jefferies, College C, UC-Davis

86 . *Jordan Danks, College OF, Texas

87 . *Brett Mooneyham, H.S. LHSP, (CA)

88 . *TJ House, HS LHSP, (MS)

89 . *Dan Schlereth, College Closer, Arizona

90 . *Evan Fredrickson, College LHSP, San Francisco

91 . Logan Forsythe, College 3B, Arkansas

92 . Niko Vasquez, H.S. SS/2B, (NV)

93 . Aaron Weatherford, College Closer, Miss. St.

94 . *Ryan Westmoreland, H.S. CF, (RI)

95 . Bobby Bundy, H.S. RHSP, (OK)

96 . *Eric Thames, College OF, Pepperdine

97 . Austin Dicharry, H.S, RHSP, (TX)

98 . *Dan Hultzen, H.S. LHSP, (DC)

99 . Zach Cone, H.S. OF, (GA)

100 . #Adrian Nieto, H.S. C, (FL)

[allstar1579]

pssst. you have Zack Cone at 94 and 99...

[Greg Pappas]

pssst. you have Zack Cone at 94 and 99...

He's that good. Thanks.

[Sports Guy]

Unless they aren't saying anything, i don't have much faith in us taking Smoak.

[Greg Pappas]

Unless they aren't saying anything, i don't have much faith in us taking Smoak.

Most sites guess wrong quite a bit, even with late info before the draft starts... so I try not to read too much into things, but rather use my best judgement for each pick. Time will tell.

[allstar1579]

He's that good. Thanks.

Anytime buddy. I know it's a lot of names to keep track of.

I think it will be a wait and see draft. JJ won't know who he is taking until KC has picked. I just really hope we take a bat though, I'd like to see some more position players soon, and there are some really special ones there in that group. I would be perfectly happy with a guy that not a lot of people are high on, Hosmer.

[Greg Pappas]

Anytime buddy. I know it's a lot of names to keep track of.

I think it will be a wait and see draft. JJ won't know who he is taking until KC has picked. I just really hope we take a bat though, I'd like to see some more position players soon, and there are some really special ones there in that group. I would be perfectly happy with a guy that not a lot of people are high on, Hosmer.

Who's not high on Hosmer? :angryfire:

I don't think anyone at the OH has been down on him, although some see him as in the second-tier, behind Alvarez, TBeckham and Posey.

[Greg Pappas]

A guy'd love to grab at pick #50 is Jay Austin, the gifted H.S. CF prospect from the state of Georgia. Jay has a chance to be a true 5-tool player, and displayed serious skills this season.

[allstar1579]

Who's not high on Hosmer? :angryfire:

I don't think anyone at the OH has been down on him, although some see him as in the second-tier, behind Alvarez, TBeckham and Posey.

Haha, calm down buddy, I mean not high on, as in not a popular pick for us to take at #4 We all love your boy.

[Jammer7]

Haha, calm down buddy, I mean not high on, as in not a popular pick for us to take at #4 We all love your boy.

Greg's boy? Huh, we atleast have shared custody.

[Greg Pappas]

Greg's boy? Huh, we atleast have shared custody.

Jammer gets him on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays, so... I get four days to three. :rofl:

[Sports Guy]

Well, Jonathon Mayo of MLB.com is now saying Smoak is really being considered by the Orioles.

[Crazysilver03]

Well, Jonathon Mayo of MLB.com is now saying Smoak is really being considered by the Orioles.

Do you have a link? Just so I can read the write-up or whatever they have?

Thanks

[ChaosLex]

Well, Jonathon Mayo of MLB.com is now saying Smoak is really being considered by the Orioles.

The O's have also been heavily scouting Matusz and Crow. Should make for an interesting draft day.

[ChaosLex]

Do you have a link? Just so I can read the write-up or whatever they have?

Thanks

Here ya go, my good man.

http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20080528&content_id=2786402&vkey=draft2008&fext=.jsp