2009 MLB Draft 1-15: Is Strasburg The Best Pitching Prospect Ever?

(Photo by Donald Miralle/Getty Images)

The MLB Draft is one of the most exciting days that I experience every year. It's not as big as the NFL Draft or maybe even the NBA Draft, but I have always taken a huge interest in it.

This years draft is deep in pitching. The Washington Nationals have the first pick and the 10th pick due to them not being able to sign Aaron Crow, their first pick of last year.

1. Washington Nationals: Stephan Strasburg RHP

Ht/Wt: 6'4"/230 lbs.
Birthdate: 7/20/88
Drafted From: San Diego State

Strasburg has been the No. 1 prospect since Day One, and his 17-strikeout no-hitter solidified it. He has touched triple digits with his fast ball and has some devastating breaking pitches. Strasburg has been called the best pitching prospect ever. If true we could see him in the Majors fairly quickly.

2. Seattle Mariners: Dustin Ackley CF/1B

Ht/Wt: 6'1"/190 lbs.
Birthdate: 2/26/88
Drafted From: UNC

Ackley moved to first due to having Tommy John Surgery. His power is OK, nothing special. He will do most of his damage on the base paths, as he has above-average speed. If scouts think he can go back to center field, Ackley won't last long on draft day.

3. San Diego Padres: Donovan Tate CF

Ht/Wt: 6'3"/190 lbs.
Birthdate: 8/29/88
Drafted From: UNC

White is a good talent from North Carolina and has six pitches he can throw effectively. The only downside of White is at times he lacks total command, but that can be fixed with some mechanical tweaks.

5. Baltimore Orioles: Tyler Matzek LHP

Ht/Wt: 6'3"/210 lbs.
Birthdate: 10/19/90
Drafted From: Capistrano Valley HS (Calif.)

Matzek is a good pitcher, could be an ace in the Majors. He knows how to pitch and does it effectively. He at times does only what he needs to do. When he wants, he can be tremendous.

6. San Francisco Giants: Aaron Crow

Ht/Wt: 6'2"/205 lbs.
Birthdate: 11/6/88
Drafted From: Fort Worth Cats

Crow was a first-round pick last year but refused to sign with the Washington Nationals. He then went to Fort Worth to play in an independent league. He looked rusty at times, but with his stuff the Giants would love to have him aboard.

7. Atlanta Braves: Tanner Scheppers RHP

Ht/Wt: 6'4"/200 lbs.
Birthdate: 1/17/87
Drafted From: Fresno State

Because of an injury, Scheppers fell to the second round last year. He did not sign and went and played for an independent team. Now he is healthy and looking to rebound, as he is projected to be a top-10 pick. I think the Braves are the ones to grab him.

8. Cincinnati Reds: Shelby Miller RHP

Ht/Wt: 6'4"/215 lbs.
Birthdate: 10/10/90

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