The Joy of a Minor League Draft, Part 2

Moustakas came onto the scene last year as a mature prep star from California and was selected by the Royals with the second overall pick in the 2007 MLB amateur draft. The Royals signed the 18-year-old in time to get him some Rookie ball action, despite the fact that he is represented by Scott Boras.

Limited to 40 at-bats at Idaho Falls last year, Moustakas still was able to demonstrate the pop that so attracted the Royals. A sweet swinging lefty, scouts rave that Moustakas can flat out rake. He has a patient swing that puts the head of the bat in the strike zone, and he uses his size (6'0" 190 lbs.) well to produce power.

He's projected to start in A-ball this year, but due to his mature approach, don't be shocked to see a promotion to AA if he can keep his batting average above .300 and demonstrate plus gap power early on.

4) Chris Tillman, Starting Pitcher (Baltimore Orioles)

At this point in our league's draft, there were still plenty of good prospects out there who posted big numbers in 2007. So you have to ask yourself, why Tillman?

This is the sort of pick that can ruin your draft karma and earn you an "F" come time to hand out draft grades.

Tillman has two years of pro experience under his belt with little to show for it other than mediocre statistics. An average ERA to go with an average WHIP and K-to-BB ratio rarely equate to a first round selection.

If Chris has an upside though, it has to be his size and age. He'll turn 20 in April and has the physical assembly you look for in a southpaw.

Let's hope he's a late bloomer.

5) Matt Wieters, Catcher (Baltimore Orioles)

If you have a bat, can swing it, and are willing to don an Orioles' uniform, you might just have the most potential for immediate job growth of any profession, anywhere in this country, from Provincetown to Pasadena.

Everyone knows the Orioles need to start hitting and Wieters, the product of Georgia Tech's hit machine, was an easy target for the team last June during the amateur draft. Wieters hits from both sides of the dish for power and average.

His collegiate career reminds me a little bit of Pat Burrell and Phil Nevin with all the plus power and plus strikeouts that will probably translate into during Wieters' pro career.

Positionally, Matt's a big catcher at 6'5", but scouts project him to remain behind the plate since his game-calling and defensive abilities have steadily improved through his college career. Consequently, as a hard-hitting catcher, his fantasy value greatly increases.

Out of necessity, I predict Wieters finds himself in Camden Yards come Opening Day 2009. 

6) Fautino De Los Santos, Starting Pitcher (Oakland A's)

I don't know what's more impressive about De Los Santos—his fastball (>96 mph) or the fact that Billy Beane was able to wrangle him away from the White Sox along with top pitching prospect Gio González in exchange for Nick Swisher.

In 2007, Fautino mowed down nearly every batter he faced in the Sally League, showing off an electric arm. At the same time, De Los Santos lacked a viable second and third pitch to complement his fastball and had a tendency to get wild with his pitches.

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