2009 MLB Mock Draft: Picks 1-10

7.  Atlanta Braves: Shelby Miller, RHP
Brownwood High School
Height: 6-3     Weight: 195      Age: 18           Bats: R           Throws: R

Atlanta’s Recent First Round Selections: 2008- No Selection, 2007- Jason Heyward, OF, 2006- Cody Johnson, 1B, 2005- Joey Devine, P

Fastball – Speed: Mid-high 90s

                 Command: Great command and control of this, smooth delivery

                 Movement: Average movement, it’s a heavy ball that gets on hitters fast

Grade: A

Curveball - Speed: Mid-70s

                  Command: Has trouble with inconsistently on this one

                  Movement: Two seam and four seam spin
Grade: B-

Miller bursted on the scene in 2008, his junior season, when he threw three consecutive no-hitters against his high school opponents. The hard throwing righty, is said to be a very “down to earth” player and isn’t a fan of all the attention he is getting.

He has just two pitches to speak of, a changeup is non-existent if he even has one. But, the speed of fastball will get most batters. It’s not only clocked in the upper-90s on a regular basis, it’s a “heavy” fastball that gets on hitters quick and almost pushes the bat back.

The Atlanta Braves did not make a selection in the 2008 First Round, so they are going to make extra sure that this is the guy for them. If Miller isn’t selected here, expect it to be Kyle Gibson.

8.  Cincinnati Reds: Grant Green, SS
University of Southern California
Height: 6-3     Weight: 180      Age: 22           Bats: R           Throws: R

Cincinnati’s Recent First Round Selections: 2008- Yonder Alonso, 1B, 2007- Devin Mesoraco, C, 2006- Drew Stubbs, OF, 2005- Jay Bruce, OF

Hitting – Power: Not much to speak of, unless he gets an inside fastball

              Contact: Needs to cut down the K’s, but has solid contact

              Approach: Has a great inside-out swing that is very beneficial

Grade: A-

Running - Speed: His acceleration is down, but when he gets going he can fly

                 Base running: Not very aggressive, likes to go one base at a time

                 Smarts: A very cautious runner
Grade: B+

Fielding – Arm Strength: Can make a solid throw from the shortstop hole to first base

                 Arm Accuracy: Accuracy comes second nature to this kid

                 Glove: He can make the hard plays, but the routine plays are tricky at times
Grade: B+

Grant Green has gone up and down the position player draft board, and was recently ranked higher then Dustin Ackley until his 2009 season. Green does have Five-Tool potential, most scouts say.

He has started for USC since his Freshman season and played in the Cape Cod league in his time off from college ball. For that league, he was named top prospect by Baseball America.

Green has had an inconsistent glove throughout his years at Southern California. The uncharacteristic errors have nipped him a few times, but he does have a very strong arm to make up for a lot of bobbles and misjudgments.

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