MLB Mock Draft 2011: Each Team's Biggest Target in Round One

In June of every year, after most of the baseball on high school and college baseball fields has been completed for the spring, Major League Baseball conducts its annual amateur draft. All 30 teams have sent out scouts to evaluate as much talent as possible, in some cases following specific players throughout their high school and college careers.

Drafting in baseball is never an exact science. While the age of sabermetrics has afforded scouts an extra tool to use, there are still variables that can’t be measured. For instance, John Smoltz wasn’t drafted until the 22nd round of the 1985 draft by the Detroit Tigers, but he will arguably be in the Hall of Fame in a few years’ time. Raul Ibanez, currently playing in his 16th season with the Philadelphia Phillies, wasn’t drafted until the 36th round.

The first round has been littered with players in the past who were destined for greatness by their selections but never panned out. In 1991, the New York Yankees selected pitcher Brien Taylor with their first pick. Taylor received a signing bonus of $1.55 million, one of the largest ever given out. However, Taylor got into a fight while defending his brother and hurt his shoulder, never pitching one game in the majors.

In 1966, the New York Mets, trying to build a decent franchise at the time, decided to pick catcher Steve Chilcott over Reggie Jackson. Chilcott played six years in the minors and was dogged by injuries, never making it to the majors.

So, when the Amateur Draft starts on Monday, June 6, teams will huddle in Seacaucus, NJ to draft either the best player available or a specific player they have been targeting based on need, hoping that the player they select doesn’t turn into the next biggest bust.

Here is our attempt at figuring out the biggest need for each team in Major League Baseball.

Doug Mead is a featured columnist with Bleacher Report. His work has been featured on the Seattle Post-Intelligencer, SF Gate, CBS Sports, the Los Angeles Times and the Houston Chronicle. Follow Doug on Twitter, @Sports_A_Holic.

Arizona Diamondbacks

Danny Hultzen

It’s no secret that the Arizona Diamondbacks are targeting starting pitchers in this year’s draft. Their top selections on their board include three stud pitchers—Danny Hultzen, Dylan Bundy and Trevor Bauer—and they have the third and seventh picks overall.

Hultzen, a senior at Virginia, was recently honored as the ACC Pitcher of the Year for the second straight season after going 9-3 with a 1.49 ERA and an astounding 131 strikeouts in 90.1 innings, walking just 15. Baseball America also named Hultzen as the Midseason Player of the Year.

Trevor Bauer, a consensus freshman All-American last season at UCLA, is arguably the second best pitcher for the Trojans, behind highly touted Gerrit Cole, who many believe will be a first or second overall pick. Bauer continued impressing in his sophomore season, leading the Bruins to a 6-0 victory over rival Arizona State to clinch at least a share of the PAC-10 title.

For Bauer, it was his eighth straight complete game, striking out 14 to raise his nation-leading total to 189. What was most impressive is that 11 of those strikeouts came via his curveball. Bauer has been favorably compared to Tim Lincecum and has stated a preference to play for Arizona.

"I've talked to the Diamondbacks a little bit. I'd like to play for them, but we'll see how that turns out," Bauer told FOX Sports Arizona.

Dylan Bundy is a bit more high-risk, Currently, he is a senior out of Oklahoma and is considered the top high school arm in the draft. Bundy has an overall career high school record of 44-3, with an ERA under 1.00 and helped lead Owasso High to two straight Class 6A championship games.

All three prospects are projected to be top five picks, so Arizona will be tasked with figuring out which pitcher would best project greatness in the future.

My choices: Hultzen, Bauer

Atlanta Braves

The Atlanta Braves hold the 28^th pick in the first round of the Amateur Draft, and their overall needs would appear to be on the left side of the infield, with an aging Alex Gonzalez and Chipper Jones.

Levi Michael, a junior shortstop at North Carolina, could possibly fall to the Braves at this position, if the New York Mets don’t snatch him up first. Michael plays in one of the best college baseball conferences in the country, has hit over .300 the last two seasons and has played shortstop with a veteran-like presence.

Cory Spangenberg, a third baseman with Indian River State (JC) could also be targeted by the Braves. Spangenberg was recently named Florida’s junior college player of the year, and his stock has risen quickly, so he may not be available at this spot. Hitting .477 with a .553 on-base percentage tends to open eyes quickly. Spangenberg could also potentially play second base as well.

My choice: Michael

Baltimore Orioles

Another year, another high draft pick for the Baltimore Orioles. Arguing what their needs are is kind of like arguing about the needs of an impoverished third-world nation—the needs are too great to list.

However, since the Orioles have targeted pitchers in recent drafts, they have quite a few prospects in the system already. Based on need, the O’s may be looking at outfielders, and Bubba Starling, a senior at Garnder-Edgerton HS in Kansas, is one of the most highly touted center field prospects in the draft, if he so chooses to play baseball.

Starling has already received a scholarship to play quarterback for the University of Nebraska and has indicated that he is leaning towards attending, where he will star in both football and baseball.

Josh Bell is considered to be just below Starling among many experts’ outfielder rankings. Bell hit .584 for Dallas Jesuit HS with 13 home runs and 16 stolen bases and projects to be a potential five-tool player as well.

My choice: Bell—Starling will select Nebraska over MLB

Boston Red Sox

By virtue of losing both Adrian Beltre and Victor Martinez to free agency, the Boston Red Sox have two picks in the first round of the Amateur Draft, and the consensus is that they will stock up on pitchers, especially following the Adrian Gonzalez trade which cost valuable arms (read Casey Kelly), and also look for a top catcher. Jarrod Saltalamacchia may be hitting a bit better these days, but the Sox are thin in the catching ranks throughout their organization.

GM Theo Epstein has always been a proponent of going after the best player available, however, if Blake Swihart is available with the 19th pick, Epstein just might pull the trigger. Swihart, one of the top prep school prospects, is a switch-hitting catcher/third baseman who hits for power, hits to all fields and has shown great promise defensively.

Swihart, however, has been strongly wooed by the University of Texas, so Epstein may have to pony up some dollars in order to woo Swihart away from college.

Another strong possibility for the Sox is Taylor Guerrieri, currently a senior at Spring Valley High School in Columbia, SC. Guerrieri features a mid-90s fastball, strong curveball and was recently ranked by Baseball Prospectus as the No. 8 best prospect in the draft.

Guerrieri, however, has also committed to college (South Carolina), so his signing will be an issue as well.

Nicky Delmonico could be an interesting choice for the Sox as well. Delmonico recently helped Farragut HS win its fourth consecutive Tennessee state championship, hitting .411. Delmonico switched to catcher this year after playing third base in his junior season and was also used out of the bullpen on occasion. His versatility bodes well for his draft status.

Chicago White Sox

The Chicago White Sox lost their first round draft pick when they signed slugger Adam Dunn away from the Washington Nationals. They do, however, have a sandwich pick, the 47th selection, by virtue of losing reliever J.J. Putz to free agency.

The White Sox certainly struck gold last year with their selection of Chris Sale in the first round. Sale’s ascension through the organization was rapid, pitching in only 11 minor league games before getting the call up to the majors in August of last year.

It’s unlikely that the White Sox can strike gold again, especially with such a low pick in the sandwich round. However, scouting director Doug Laumann recently told the Chicago Tribune that he still believes the White Sox can pick up some quality players.

"I've eliminated 20 to 25 guys," said Laumann. "The claim that people are saying this is the best draft in 20 years, I don't have a great feel for. But at 47, I feel there are a lot of quality guys who will be there around the second, third and fourth rounds."

Chicago has favored college pitchers with their top selection in recent years, however, they could use this pick to go after senior pitcher Michael Kelly, who just helped Boca Raton HS win the Florida Class 5A state title.

If the White Sox continue along the college route, Florida State’s Sean Gilmartin might be their man. Gilmartin posted a 1.35 ERA for the Seminoles, the lowest ERA for any pitcher with at least 50 innings pitched in the last 40 years. Gilmartin doesn’t dazzle with a blazing fastball, but possesses a great changeup and pinpoint control—just 15 walks in 15 starts.

My choice: Gilmartin

Chicago Cubs

The Chicago Cubs have the ninth overall pick in next Monday’s Amateur Draft, and they could go in one of two directions. Baseball America has outfielder Bubba Starling falling all the way to the ninth slot for the Cubs, however, considering all the hype surrounding Starling, he could very well be gone by then.

If so, look for the Cubs to go with pitching. The Cubs have not had a true ace since, well, since a calmer Carlos Zambrano. If either the aforementioned Dylan Bundy or Trevor Bauer is available, the Cubs won’t hesitate to pull the trigger on either one.

My choice: Bundy

Cincinnati Reds

The Cincinnati Reds have the 27th pick in the first round of the draft, and several boards have them selecting Texas A&M right-hander John Stilson. However, the Aggies just announced that Stilson will miss the remainder of the 2011 with a torn labrum in his throwing shoulder, which is a huge blow to Texas A&M’s College World Series hopes, not to mention Stilson’s draft status.

Sophomore Andrew Chafin of Kent State could very well be the choice for the Reds at this slot. Redshirted last season after an elbow injury led to Tommy John surgery, Chafin is throwing in the mid-90s again, and features a great command of the strike zone. In 71.1 innings, Chafin has struck out 91 while walking just 19.

My choice: Chafin

Cleveland Indians

The Tribe has the eighth overall pick in the draft, and judging from their recent success in plucking pitchers from the college ranks (Alex White, Drew Pomeranz), they may continue the trend.

Many boards have the Indians selecting Georgia Tech pitcher Jed Bradley, who has been projected as one of the top five pitchers overall in the draft. If position players fall before Bradley, the Indians would have their shot. Bradley has shown great poise, features a low-to-mid 90s fastball and a hard, late-breaking slider.

Vanderbilt sophomore Sonny Gray is a possibility for the Indians as well. Gray recently went through a dry spell, securing his first win in a month last Thursday in an SEC semifinal victory over top-ranked South Carolina.

Gray has a small frame, much like Tim Lincecum, and has what has been called the best curveball in college baseball. Some boards have Gray going as high as No. 4, so the Indians would be well-served if Gray fell to them at No. 8.

My choice: Bradley

Colorado Rockies

The biggest needs right now for the Rockies are starting pitching and second base. With the 20th pick in the first round, recent rumors have the Rockies picking University of Hawaii second baseman Kolten Wong.

Wong possesses tremendous bat speed, speed on the basepaths, and is solid defensively. Because of his size, he has been favored comparably to Dustin Pedroia.

If the Rockies go for pitching, some boards have them selecting University of Kentucky right-hander Alex Meyer. At 6’9”, Meyer projects as a strong power pitcher who sometimes struggles with command (Randy Johnson, anyone?).

Meyer was drafted by the Red Sox out of high school in 2008 with their 20th round pick, but Meyer elected to pitch for the Wildcats, and it appears the right choice was made. Meyer finished off his junior season with a 2.94 ERA in 110 strikeouts in 101 innings.

My choice: Wong

Detroit Tigers

The Detroit Tigers lost their 19th overall pick to the Boston Red Sox when they signed free agent catcher/designated hitter Victor Martinez, and since they did not offer arbitration to any Type A or B free agents, the Tigers also don’t have a sandwich pick.

So, Detroit waits until the second round and 76th pick overall. This year’s draft is deep in pitching—not so much for position players. However, with the Tigers’ problems in the middle infield, they could be wise to pursue high school shortstop Phil Evans, a senior at La Costa Canyon High School (CA). Evans is gifted with great defensive abilities and is slated to be a decent contact hitter. He has committed to play ball at San Diego State University with coach Tony Gwynn, however, the right signing bonus could be the right lure.

High school shortstop Christian Lopes could also be a choice here for the Tigers. Lopes possesses great bat speed, above-average speed and very quick and soft hands at the shortstop position.

My choice: Lopes

Florida Marlins

The Florida Marlins have the 14^th pick in the Amateur Draft, and while the Marlins have picked nine high school players with their last 11 first-round picks, the thought is they will continue the trend.

Several boards have the Fighting Fish going after Archie Bradley with this selection. Bradley, out of Broken Arrow High School (OK) has raw power, with a fastball in the mid-90s, a developing knuckle curve and a circle change that he’s been working on for two years.

If Bradley isn’t available, the Marlins could decide to make a rare college selection with Taylor Jungmann  from the University of Texas. The Marlins already have a full stable of lefty prospects in the system, so if the Marlins are looking to add a right-hander who could move up the ladder quickly to complement Josh Johnson, Jungmann could be their man.

My choice: Bradley—just too good of an arm to pass up

Houston Astros

Okay, aside from the catcher’s position, assuming that Jason Castro returns to full health from his spring training knee injury, the Astros pretty much need help everywhere.

Since 2002, the only first round pick that the Houston Astros made that graduated to their major league roster has been Castro (2008). Their selections were pretty good the previous ten years (Brad Lidge, Ramon Castro, Billy Wagner, Lance Berkman), but lately, not so much.

With that said, the Astros need anyone who can move through the ranks quickly. The sentimental pick here is local Texas product Taylor Jungmann. Jungmann was named the Big 12 pitcher of the year and was 12-0 with a 0.95 ERA in 14 starts. With poise, a maturity level beyond his years and great command of the strike zone, Jungmann just could be that talent who rises to the top quickly.

Kentucky Wildcats pitcher Alex Meyer has also been mentioned in this slot, primarily for the same reasons—his potential to move up the ladder quickly.

My choice: Jungmann

Kansas City Royals

The Royals have the No. 5 pick in the first round, and they have had great success with first round draft picks over the last several years, with Eric Gordon, Eric Hosmer, Luke Hochevar, Zack Greinke and Billy Butler all making the big club in pretty quick order. Mike Moustakas, their first round selection in 2007, could join those ranks very shortly as well.

The Royals could very well go with the local sentimental pick here with Kansas high school star outfielder Bubba Starling. The Royals just might be the only team that could trump Starling’s decision to play football for the University of Nebraska.

Jed Bradley could be a possible choice here as well. The Royals love left-handed pitching prospects, and with Bradley’s college experience and Georgia Tech, he could move up the ladder quickly.

Trevor Bauer could also fit into this slot, for the same reasons as Bradley—his poise on the mound and more years of experience in college with UCLA that could lead to a rapid promotion.

My choice: Bauer, if the Diamondbacks don’t select him with the third overall choice.

Los Angeles Angels

I don’t think there’s any question that the Los Angeles Angels will go after pitching, pitching, pitching. Their farm has been sorely depleted with the recent trades involving Dan Haren and Alberto Callaspo.

With the 17^th overall pick, the Angels will no doubt go after a pitcher who they feel can move through the system quickly, a la Tyler Chatwood (2008). Taylor Guerrieri would be a top ten pick if it weren’t for the studs listed ahead of him, and the Angels could see him fall to this slot.

Right-hander Dillon Howard has also been mentioned as a possible pick here. A senior out of Searcy High School in Arkansas, Baseball America called Howard the best high school baseball player to play in Arkansas since current Angel Torii Hunter. A mid-90s fastball with great movement will certainly help his case.

My choice: Howard

Los Angeles Dodgers

With the 16th overall pick, the Dodgers pick just ahead of their SoCal brethren, the Angels. Many of the boards and mock drafts that I have seen thus far have the Dodgers going after pitching, but there may be one particular player left on the board that the Dodgers may not want to pass up—catcher Blake Swihart.

Swihart is committed to Texas, but maybe the lure of playing for a storied franchise can make him change his mind, along with a tidy bonus.

Center fielder Mikie Mahtook of LSU could be a great choice here for the Dodgers, especially if they are unable to sign Matt Kemp to a long-term deal. Mahtook was hitting .383 with 14 home runs and 56 RBI through the middle of last week and was leading the SEC with 29 stolen bases.

A five-tool very similar to Kemp. Who knows, if Kemp stays in LA, maybe Mahtook could be switched to left field?

My choice: Swihart

Milwaukee Brewers

With the Brewers recently trading for Zack Greinke and Shawn Marcum, and dealing a bunch of prospects in return, they are badly in need of help everywhere in their farm system. The Brewers have the 15^th overall pick, so quality players will still be available, especially pitchers.

However, LSU center fielder Mikie Mahtook has been mentioned by several experts and mock drafts as the logical choice for the Brewers at this slot, so who am I to go against conventional wisdom?

My choice: Mahtook—a no-brainer

Minnesota Twins

The Twins have the 30^th pick in the first round of Monday’s draft, and the picks among mock drafts and experts at this slot are all over the map.

Several boards have the Twins selecting left-handed pitcher Tyler Anderson out of the University of Oregon. Anderson is not unfamiliar to the Twins, who drafted him out of high school in 2008 with their 50^th round pick. Three years later, Anderson could still be a great fit for the Twins.

Anderson makes great sense for a team that desperately needs strong starting pitching.

My choice: Anderson

New York Mets

The New York Mets have had decent success with first round picks in recent years (Ike Davis ’09, Mike Pelfrey ’05, Philip Humber ’04, Lastings Milledge ’03, Scott Kazmir ’02), and with veteran baseball man Sandy Alderson in place, that shouldn’t change.

The Mets have the 13th pick, and while Alderson is considered a great judge of talent, it remains to be seen how much bonus money he’ll have to float offers out there. Several boards have the Mets looking for outfield, and considering their current situation (Beltran probably gone, will look to deal Bay and his massive deal), it makes perfect sense.

UConn outfielder George Springer has tremendous tools and has impressed at both the Cape Cod league and for Team USA as well as at UConn. Springer led the Huskies with 77 hits, 12 home runs, 51 runs scored and 72 RBI. His .379 average was also impressive, and he stole 29 bases to boot.

Wyoming outfielder Brandon Nimmo is also a fast riser on many expert’s boards, which is unusual in itself, considering that Nimmo is in one of three states in the US that don’t play high school baseball (Montana and South Dakota are the other two).

However, Nimmo has impressed scouts during showcase events with his raw power, strong throwing arm and baserunning skills. If Nimmo is selected in the first round, he would become the highest draft pick ever from the state of Wyoming.

My choice: Springer

New York Yankees

The New York Yankees don’t have a pick until the sandwich round, during which they will have the 51^st selection. Historically, the Yankees have not had great success with first round picks in the last 15 years, with only Eric Milton, Phillip Hughes and Ian Kennedy making it all the way to the majors.

This year, the Yankees will look to draft the best player available, and several boards have the Yanks looking at Kevin Comer, a senior at Seneca HS in New Jersey. Comer is easily the top pitching prospect in Jersey, with a fastball that tops out in the low 90s, but with the potential for more velocity. Comer also features a two-seam fastball with sink and a changeup in the low 80s. Comer is committed to Vanderbilt, but the draw of the Yankees could be a turning point.

Dillon Maples could draw attention as well, especially after striking out 20 in a seven-inning game earlier this month. Maples is 9-0 for the season with Pinecrest High School (NC). Twelve of his 20 strikeouts came on called third strikes, and his fastball reached 93 MPH, but also featured what was called by his coach as “unbelievable.”

My choice: Comer

Oakland Athletics

The Athletics line up with the 18th pick in the first round of Monday’s draft, and the thought is that corner infielders will be high on the A’s shopping list.

Utah’s C.J. Cron has been the one common name associated with this pick. Cron, a first baseman with a sweet swing and great eye, was recently named the MWC Conference Player of the Year for the second straight season, leading the MWC in home runs (eight) slugging percentage (.848) and on-base percentage (.508). Cron is also solid defensively and could move up the ladder rather quickly in Oakland.

Josh Bell, a gifted high school outfielder, has also been mentioned, but with his five-tool potential, may not be available for this pick.

My choice: Cron

Philadelphia Phillies

The Philadelphia Phillies lost their first-round draft pick with the signing of Cliff Lee from the Texas Rangers, however, they do have the 39th pick in the sandwich round by virtue of the Washington Nationals signing Jayson Werth, so they’re not left totally in the dark.

The feeling is that the Phillies will look for outfield help, in the wake of the loss of Werth and the age of Raul Ibanez. Charles Tilson out of New Trier High School (IL) has been mentioned here. Tilson is viewed as an all-around player with great athletic ability who shows promise.

Another great outfielder who is in their sights is Missouri prep-schooler Johnny Eierman. Eierman has committed to LSU however, so Ruben Amaro Jr. and company may have to pony up to convince the youngster to come play with Ryan Howard, Chase Utley and co.

My choice: Tilson

Pittsburgh Pirates

Christian Petersen/Getty Images

OMAHA, NE - JUNE 28: Starting pitcher Gerrit Cole #12 of the UCLA Bruins pitches against the South Carolina Gamecocks during game 1 of the men's 2010 NCAA College Baseball World Series at Rosenblatt Stadium on June 28, 2010 in Omaha, Nebraska. (Photo by

Once again, the Pittsburgh Pirates are at the top of the draft board, and once again, all eyes will be on them. The Pirates struck gold three years in a row with Paul Maholm, Neil Walker, Andrew McCutchen (2003-2005), Pedro Alvarez (2008) and Daniel Moskos (2007), who was just called up to replace the injured Joe Beimel in the bullpen.

The general consensus is that the Pirates will draft UCLA pitcher Gerrit Cole with the pick. Cole has faced some struggles in recent weeks, however. And former big league pitching coach Rick Peterson feels that Cole’s delivery is ripe for an elbow injury.

Other draft boards have the Pirates taking Rice University third baseman Anthony Rendon. Rendon has been facing doubts, however, as much of the season he has been limited to designated hitter duty due to a muscle strain in his right shoulder.

Seattle Mariners’ GM Jack Zduriencik asked Rendon to release his medical history. Rendon did play at second base during the Conference USA tournament, however, he has not played third since March 25.

My choice: Cole

Source: NY Baseball Digest

San Diego Padres

Matt Barnes

The San Diego Padres have the 10th and 25th picks in the first round on Monday, along with three more compensatory picks in the sandwich, meaning they’ll be able to stock up with great talent.

A majority of boards and mock drafts have the Padres selecting high school right-hander Matt Barnes with the 10th pick. All Barnes, another highly touted pick out of UConn (along with George Springer), did at UConn this year was go 11-3 with a 1.12 ERA.

Alex Meyer, another power pitcher out of Kentucky, could be a possibility here if he drops that low in the draft.

For the 25th pick, Javier Baez could be a draw for the Padres. Baez is a middle infielder from Arlington Country Day High School in Jacksonville, Fla, and is one of those players that shows great all-around skills and the “tools.”

Andrew Susac could also be available with this pick. Susac, a catcher from Oregon State, is the second highest rated catcher in the draft behind Blake Swihart, and some think Susac is a better all-around player.

My choice: Barnes 10th, Baez 25th

San Francisco Giants

The World Champion San Francisco Giants have the 29th overall selection in Monday’s draft, and many believe that the Giants will stay in the state and select Henry Owens, a 6’5” left-hander out of Edison High School. Owens threw a no-hitter just 10 days ago, striking out 12, and suffered just his first loss of the season last Friday in a sectional playoff game.

Oregon pitcher Tyler Anderson has also been mentioned in this slot, and Anderson features a plus curve that has been favored comparably to Tom Glavine.

My choice: Owens—the Giants can take a little time with his development.

Seattle Mariners

The Seattle Mariners will pick right behind the Pirates with the second overall pick in the draft, and Anthony Rendon is the name most often associated with this choice.

However, in recent days there has been some waffling, as GM Jack Zduriencik has publicly called on Rendon to release his medical history in the wake of questions surrounding his injured shoulder. Rendon has taken the bulk of his at-bats this year with Rice as a DH, and Zduriencik wants to see if there is more than meets the eye.

The M’s could go with UCLA pitcher Gerrit Cole if the Pirates are scared off by his recent struggles, or they could decide to try to convince Kansas high school outfielder Bubba Starling to spurn the scholarship offer at the University of Nebraska.

My choice: Rendon—he did recently play second base, and as far as the Mariners are concerned, he’s just too good of a hitter to pass up.

St. Louis Cardinals

With the St. Louis Cardinals’ recent spate of pitching woes and a very deep draft in terms of pitching, the 22nd pick could be used for one of the best lefty prospects in high school who hasn’t been mentioned yet, Daniel Norris. Norris, pitching out of Johnson City, TN, features a mid-90s fastball, power curveball, a low-to-mid 80s change and a circle change as well. Scouts have raved about his mechanics and his poise.

Javier Baez’ name has also been floated around with this selection as well. Baez would need a bit more time to hone his skills as a middle infielder.

My choice: Norris

Tampa Bay Rays

Anthony Meo

By virtue of losing so many players during the offseason to free agency, Tampa Bay hit the mother lode with this year’s draft, with the 24th, 31st and 32nd picks, plus an additional seven picks in the sandwich round. That’s 10 picks total out of the first 62 picks overall!

Tampa Bay will have the ability to restock their shelves quckly, losing Matt Garza, Carlos Pena, Carl Crawford, Grant Balfour, Rafeal Soriano and Dan Wheeler.

Their first thought should be pitching. Their bullpen took a huge hit with the loss of three dependable relievers, not to mention starter Garza.

Robert Stephenson, a prep righty from Alhambra High School (CA) comes with a high pedigree, sporting an 8-2 record, a hot fastball and is still developing.

Utah first baseman C.J. Cron could be a pick for the Rays that yields benefits quickly. Cron has what scouts have called a maturity beyond his years, great plate discipline and can hit to all fields.

Anthony Meo, a right-hander pitching for Coastal Carolina, has already developed a slider that scouts say is major-league ready, to go along with a mid-90s fastball and great command. Meo could see a rapid promotion with his slider and plate command.

Shortstop Levi Michael has been mentioned as well. Michael has excelled as a hitter over his career at UNC and could also see rapid movement within the system. The Rays may have to act fast on Michael however, as the Braves covet him with their 28th pick.

Finally, Jorge Lopez, another prep right-hander out of Puerto Rico who could sneak into the first round with tremendous upside.

My choice: Stephenson, Meo, Lopez

Texas Rangers

The Texas Rangers have the 33rd and final pick in the first round of Monday’s draft by virtue of free agent pitcher Cliff Lee signing with the Phillies.

Several boards have the Rangers going after TCU left-hander Matthew Purke. Purke’s stock dropped significantly after suffering shoulder soreness earlier this season, however, the upside is just too much to ignore.

Josh Osich, a left-hander out of Oregon State, has also been mentioned here. Osich returned this season after undergoing Tommy John surgery and redshirting last season. Osich was back up in the mid-90s and threw a no-hitter earlier in the year.

My choice: Osich

Toronto Blue Jays

Calling all relievers, Toronto Blue Jays manager John Farrell needs a bullpen!

The Blue Jays have the 21st  pick in the first round, and Jose Fernandez, a right-handed pitcher out of Alonso High School (FL) has already drawn comparisons to Felix Hernandez. Fernandez struck out an incredible 134 batters in 93 innings with a 1.35 ERA. Unfortunately, he lost the state Class 6A state final game, but Fernandez was already on the radar.

The Blue Jays are gifted with quite a few pitching prospects now, so they could use the first pick to go after a position player who could rise quickly through the ranks. University of South Carolina outfielder Jackie Bradley could be that player. Bradley has been injury-prone throughout his college career however, but his five-tool potential might be enough to entice the Blue Jays to take a chance.

My choice: Fernandez

Washington Nationals

Alex Meyer

Let’s see, over the last two seasons, the Nats have drafted the two players who have drawn more hype than any other baseball draftees in history (Stephen Strasburg, Bryce Harper). What can they do for an encore?

The Nats do have the sixth overall pick, plus the 23rd pick as compensation for the Chicago White Sox signing away Adam Dunn. Just about every board has the Nationals going after one of the prized pitchers with their sixth pick. If either Dylan Bundy, Trevor Bauer or Danny Hultzen is available at No. 6, the Nats will absolutely take any one of them. If they aren’t available, they’ll go after Alex Meyer out of Kentucky.

The 23re pick should see the Nats going for one of the top position players. Lately, rumors have tied Miami Dade Community College outfielder Brian Goodwin with this selection. Goodwin has good plate discipline, hits to all fields, plays the outfield well and could develop power.

My choice: Meyer, Goodwin