2009 MLB Mock Draft: Picks 1-10

1. Washington Nationals: Stephen Strasburg, RHP

     San Diego State University

     Height: 6-5     Weight: 220      Age: 20           Bats: R           Throws: R

Washington’s Recent First Round Selections: 2008- Aaron Crow, P, 2007- Ross Detwiler, P, 2006- Chris Marrero, 3B, Colten Williams, P, Bryan Morris, P, 2005- Ryan Zimmermann, 3B

Fastball – Speed: Mid-High 90s, can reach triple digits

                 Command: Has better control then command, can leave some pitches high

                 Movement: Normally a true pitch, not much direction change at all.

Grade: A+

Slider - Speed: Low-Mid 80s

             Command: Excellent command over this pitch

             Movement: Almost a slurve or at sometimes a 12-6 curve, tight spin.
Grade: A-

Changeup – Speed: Low 80s

                     Command: Not as good of command as the slider, but still solid

                     Movement: Under-developed, not needed necessarily
Grade: C+

Stephen Strasburg is the consensus top pick in this year’s draft and has been for awhile now. The hype surrounding this college junior is amazing.

A dominating fastball mixed in with an excellent power “slurve” makes Strasburg nearly unhittable. Coaches all praise Stephen and his work ethic to become a better pitcher and to work on his pitches. A pitch he needs help with his is changeup, as he rarely needs to use it in games, because of the success of his other two pitches.

This past summer, Strasburg pitched with the U.S.A. Olympic team and won a Bronze Medal in Beijing, China. He threw 11 innings of work and struck out 16 batters, while posting a 2.45 ERA against the world’s best.

So far in 2009, through 54.1 innings of work, he has 107 strikeouts, that’s nearly two strikeouts every three outs he pitches. Simply lights out!

2.   Seattle Mariners: Dustin Ackley, 1B/OF
North Carolina University
Height: 6-1     Weight: 184      Age: 21           Bats: L            Throws: R

Seattle’s Recent First Round Selections: 2008- Joshua Fields, P, 2007- Phillippe Aumont, P, 2006- Brandon Morrow, P, 2005- Jeff Clement, C

Hitting – Power: Much less than what you would expect from a first baseman

              Contact: Simply a pure hitter that can use all fields

              Approach: Great bat control and speed, best all-around hitter in the draft

Grade: A

Running - Speed: Deceptive speed for a guy who can play first

                 Base running: Maybe the best base runner in the country

                 Smarts: Uses his easy stride and surprises speed to swipe some bases
Grade: A

Fielding – Arm Strength: Recovering from Tommy John, it’s okay at the moment

                 Arm Accuracy: Doesn’t need this at First, but if he plays CF it’s pretty good

                 Glove: He’ll definitely catch the ball for you, but nothing flashy
Grade: C+

Undoubtedly the best college position player available in this year’s Rookie Draft. Dustin Ackley is recovery Elbow Ligament Replacement surgery (Tommy John) and is working on regaining some arm strength by draft day.

Calling him a pure hitter is the best way to put it. He consistently hits the ball to all fields and shows glimpses of power at times. Since his power is a little weak for a first basemen, he might move to center field to relieve some pressure from his bat.

Not only can he hit, he may be the best runner in America. You name me a first basemen that can consistently steal bases for you. Can you think of somebody? I didn’t think so. North Carolina didn’t pick this guy to play with them for no reason, you know.

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