MLB Draft 2012: One 'Hometown' Prospect All 30 Teams Will Target

Every year there are several teams who, due to their advanced knowledge of in-state prospects, walk away from the draft with a steal. Even if a player doesn’t pan out as the organization hopes, there’s an obvious advantage to drafting within the team’s respective state—especially this year under the new collective bargaining agreement, as it may persuade a player to sign rather than honor their college commitment.

So, with the MLB First-Year Player Draft a little over 24 hours away, here is a look at one hometown prospect that each organization may target.

(Sorry, Blue Jays fans, but because I know very little about the Canadian prospect scene, they’ve been omitted from this list. Don’t worry, though, as you’ll be just fine with four first-round picks. If you know of a specific player, please share via the comments section.)

Baltimore Orioles: Branden Kline, RHP, Virginia

The Orioles could target Kline—who attended a Maryland high school—with their second-round pick if he’s still available and they don’t select a pitcher in the first round.

Boston Red Sox: Rhett Wiseman, OF, BB & N HS (Mass.)

Depending on their draft strategy in the first round, it’s conceivable that the Red Sox look at Wiseman with their second-round pick (No. 87 overall).

New York Yankees: Travis Jankowski, OF, Stony Brook

It’s doubtful that the Yankees would overdraft Jankowski with their late pick in the first round, but any time after that he’s fair game. Then again, they do already have Brett Gardner, who Jankowski parallels in many respects.

Tampa Bay Rays: Peter O’Brien, C, Miami

The Rays don’t have a plethora of early picks as they did in 2011, and it’s no secret that they’re interested in a catcher. If O’Brien is still on the board after the second round and they don’t draft one of the prep catchers I’ve noted in my mock drafts, O’Brien could be their guy.

Cleveland Indians: Matt Smoral, LHP, Solon HS (Ohio)

If the Tribe doesn’t select either Andrew Heaney, Chris Stratton or Michael Wacha with their first-round pick, then I’m pretty confident they’ll grab Smoral instead.

Kansas City Royals: Dalton Friend, LHP, Jefferson CC (Mo.)

The Royals draft their pitchers based upon upside, not necessarily track record and experience, and there’s plenty to dream on in Friend.

Chicago White Sox: Kevin Ross, SS/3B, Niles West HS (Ill.)

A local prep standout, Ross is one of the top position players in Illinois with a 90 mph arm across the diamond and projectable power. I saw him at a showcase this past winter, and there’s plenty to like in this kid.

Minnesota Twins: Mitchell Brown, RHP, Century HS (Minn.)

If the Twins are able to land Buxton at No. 2, then they’ll definitely target a high-ceiling arm with their next pick. They have a history of drafting hometown guys (Joe Mauer, for example) and this year Brown may be the one.

Detroit Tigers: Victor Roache, OF, Georgia Southern (attend HS in Ypsilanti)

Yes, Roache—who attended a Michigan high school in Ypsilanti—has missed basically the entire season after breaking his wrist in the opening week. But he has so much power that he’s warranted first-round looks; don’t be surprised if he’s drafted earlier than expected.

Los Angeles Angels: Hunter Virant, LHP, Camarillo HS (Calif.)

His stock is sliding due to questions surrounding signability, and he may still be on the board when the Angels finally make their first pick in the third round.

Texas Rangers: Stephen Johnson, RHP, St. Edwards University

Possessing the best fastball in the draft, Johnson continues to fly under the radar given his role as a relief pitcher and that he pitches for Division-II St. Edwards.

Seattle Mariners: Clint Coulter, C, Union HS (Wash.)

There’s a strong chance that the Mariners draft Mike Zunino with the third pick in the draft, but if they don’t—and Coulter somehow slides out of the first round—they could target him with their second-round pick (No. 64 overall).

Oakland Athletics: Max Fried, LHP, Harvard-Westlake (Calif.)

Although I believe the A’s will take Richie Shaffer at No. 11, it’ll be awfully hard to pass on Fried if he’s still on the board.

Washington Nationals: Mike Garza, SS/3B, Georgetown University

He won’t be selected in the top 10 rounds, but he’s still an intriguing prospect with offensive potential and the ability to play a multitude of infield positions.

Atlanta Braves: James Ramsey, OF, Florida State (attended HS in Alpharetta)

The Braves had stated that they’re after established collegiate hitters with upside, and although Ramsey lacks the upside of some other collegians, he’s a pretty safe bet to reach to the major leagues.

Miami Marlins: Lance McCullers, Jr., RHP, Tampa Jesuit HS (Fla.)

He’s got some of the best pure stuff in the 2012 draft class, and if they’re interested in a pitcher, I could see them overdrafting him at No. 9.

New York Mets: Tom Murphy, C, Buffalo

If he’s still on the board by the second round, he could be a nice addition and solid pick at No. 71.

Philadelphia Phillies: Jared Price, RHP, Twin Valley HS (Pa.)

A right-hander who works in the low-90s, the Phillies could look to add another arm to their bleak system with Price, who they could target anywhere from Rounds 3 through 10.

Chicago Cubs: Alex Young, LHP, Carmel Catholic HS (Ill.)

A highly athletic southpaw with a low-90s fastball and two above-average off-speed pitches, the Cubs could draft Young within the first 10 rounds, especially if they land Almora at No. 6. They’re willing to gamble on upside this year.

St. Louis Cardinals: Pierce Johnson, RHP, Missouri State

With four picks in the first round (supplemental round included), I’d be surprised if they don’t take Johnson with one of them.

Pittsburgh Pirates: Joe DeCarlo, 3B/SS, Garnet Valley HS (Pa.)

An under-the-radar prospect, DeCarlo has as much upside as some potential first-rounders but simply hasn’t had as much exposure. The Pirates could target him in the third or fourth round, especially if they land a pitcher at No. 8 overall.

Houston Astros: Barrett Barnes, OF, Texas Tech

If they ultimately select right-hander Mark Appel over Byron Buxton at 1.1, look for the Astros to secure a toolsy outfielder with their next pick. Barnes, whose stock as been holding steady as a potential sandwich pick, might be their guy.

Milwaukee Brewers: Adam Brett Walker, 1B/OF, Jacksonville (attend HS in Milwaukee)

The Brewers are looking to add power this year after a pitching-heavy draft in 2011. If they can get the right-handed slugger at the end of the second round, it could be a steal.

Cincinnati Reds: Taylore Cherry, RHP, Vandalia-Butler HS (Ohio)

Cherry’s stock has been sliding all spring and might continue to, as he’s a 19-year-old senior. Still, he’s got some upside and could be a nice fit with the Reds.

Los Angeles Dodgers: Mitch Haniger, OF, Cal Poly

They’ll snatch up a power arm with their first-round pick, but I’d love to see the Dodgers target the toolsy Haniger in the sandwich round.

San Diego Padres: Tanner Rahier, SS, Palm Desert HS (Calif.)

If Carlos Correa doesn’t slide to them in the first round, they have to hope that the immensely talented Rahier is still there for them at No. 33 overall.

San Francisco Giants: Lucas Giolito, RHP, Harvard-Westlake (Calif.)

The biggest wild card in the draft; who is going to go all-out and take him? There are certainly plenty of options, and the Giants at No. 20 is one of them.

Arizona Diamondbacks: Deven Marrero, SS, Arizona State

There will be external pressure for the D-Backs to take the hometown star at No. 26, and if the guys they like are off the board, it’s definitely a possibility.

Colorado Rockies: Kevin Gausman, RHP, LSU

It’s incredibly doubtful that Gausman—who attended high school in Colorado—makes it to the Rockies at No. 10, but if he does, there’s no doubt it my mind that they’ll jump all over the right-hander.