1. Dorian Goodwin became the number 1 pick of the Draft. Columbus hopes they can develop him into a 5 tool player in RF. The possibility is there though we think hitting for average might be overridden by his power.
Grade: A+
2. Paul King selected by Syracuse. This pick was a surprise to most as a heralded starting pitcher or power hitter is the norm. However an everyday shutdown closer can be hard to come.Development may take some time but it will pay off in the end.
Grade: A+
3. Aramis Solano selected by Toledo. Has a long way to go to be effective at the ML level and could be a bit of a bust, only time will tell. Health could be a concern along with the lack of pitches that overshadows his ability with control, splits and velo quite a bit.
Grade: B+
4. Wil Ray selected by Norfolk. A small surprise as most pundits had him penciled in as the probable #1 overall pick. All the requirements are available to be a number 1 starting pitcher in a ML rotation one day.
Grade: A+
5. Bobby Lackey selected by Norfolk. The Tides are hoping his skills come along to be that great center fielder every one searches for and rarely finds. There is a lot of promise but he may fall somewhat short of greatness. Has or will have the tools to necessary to be a cut above most. The question could be where to put him in the lineup, has speed but getting on base could be tricky in the top of the lineup.
Grade: A
6. Alex Rivera selected by Tucson. This pick might turn out to be a total bust in more ways than one. Doesn't have the true ability to play infield and may find him relegated to corner outfield. Does have a decent eye and looks effective against pitchers and has power. His biggest knock is hitting the ball or the lack of it to be more exact.
Grade: B-
7. Louis Hoffman selected by Pawtucket. Playing 2B may be a dream or should I say playing a great 2B. This is one of the screwball things as he has the power and ability to hit any pitch into the upper deck but can't throw the ball. Depending on development or lack of it might turn into a very solid 1B. Still one cannot deny his awesome hitting ability and will find somewhere to play fo sure.
Grade: A-
8. Mel Knowles selected by Little Rock. The Govs were hoping for an everyday for average hitting machine. Defensively he might become a rock behind the plate though the handling of pitchers will have to come from the bench. Might be better served as a DH and (only thing left) emergency catcher. Umm...wait a sec, Little Rock is in the NL....They already found out hitting machines break down as he is OFS already.
Grade: A-
9. Neil Sinclair selected by Las Vegas. SS? Okay so he is short at 5-8 but me thinks 3B is the place he should be, so load up and move 60 feet to the right. Not too bad in the hitting department either but has to grow to get there.
Grade: A-
10. Marshall Barker selected by El Paso. His glove looked like a bust in RF so we moved him to 1B without delay. His bat and hitting style is a force we like. He will make a good cornerstone to build around.
Grade: A
11. Denard Booker selected by Jacksonville. Jax figured out quickly that he couldn't even begin to play 2B and moved him to LF. I think he might have enough initiative to play RF also. Decent at the plate with a little bit of pop.
Grade: B+
12. Alexi Cruz selected by Portland. Having signing issues as he may not have passed his physical. Anyway, he wants to be a 2B but could easily become a go to utility as he possesses enough skill to play anywhere. Lets don't forget his very good hitting skills for average.
Grade: A-
13. Willie Sandoval selected by Memphis. Has some unique qualities for a pitcher. Not sure I have seen a lefty off-speed closer before. Then again few lefties get a chance to develop like Willie. Now, keeping him off the DL might be the toughest part for him to have a career.
Grade: B
14. Robb Cormier selected by Iowa City. Took a chance, doesn't look promising.
15. Pepper Dillard selected by Jackson. Could be a very good setup man to closer, wouldn't call him shutdown as he has a somewhat weak second pitch. The DL has his name written on it, oops my bad, maybe because he is already there.
Grade: B
16. Ernie Rigdon selected by Hartford. Drafted as a SS and has an outside chance of being one though if you ask me, pretty dim chance but there are of course more positions other than SS. Hitting doesn't look all that robust either.
Grade: C+
17. Max Rondon selected by Fargo. Sure he is a lefty and most avoid them like the plague in this game for good reason. He has some rather great abilities and the best part is development shouldn't be too difficult. He doesn't have the durability of a starter but should be a stalwart working out of the pen. I wouldn't hesitate using him as a closer even.
Grade: A-
18. Yannick Schmidt selected by New Britain. Not much use as a catcher at all. Could make a nice DH for average however if he develops well.
Grade: B
19. Malachi Levrault selected by Jacksonville. Could turn into a good defensive SS at the ML level. Hitting for average against right-handed pitchers is a plus and has great speed. Three and half tools this late in the draft for a position player is pretty good.
Grade: A-
20. Brian Moreno selected by Louisville. This is normally where the first or second closer is taken, an odd draft with so many being taken already. Still there were plenty to go around and Brian can be just as good though he lacks the super control of his predecessors.
Grade: B++
21. Ronald Miller selected by Boise. What a behemoth at the plate he can be! The downside is his lack of durability but not that worrisome as he could only be a DH. Not a bad cornerstone for a rebuilding team.
Grade: B+
22. Fred Masset selected by New Orleans. Just like the previous pick a DH disguised as a catcher though I am not sure what a NL team would want with him. The best player left on the board is rather doubtful, possible future trade is a maybe. A very good for average hitter with a little pop.
Grade: B
23. Milton Fischer selected by Omaha. His Range falls into question as his glove and arm look great for 3B as time will tell but definitely not for SS. Loves to hit lefties but overall hitting has some pop but just isn't going to net him any trophies. The great thing is the fact he is an everyday player.
Grade: B
24. Earle Sheets selected by Memphis. RF looks a little too exhausting for him, might be a touch overzealous for 1B but that is where I would put him. Could develop into a good for average hitter with a little pop added.
Grade: B-
25. Corban Burkett selected by Colorado Springs. Health might be an issue. One of those players that may turn out to be a bit maudlin. Can play at COF but nothing great. Can hit with a bit of power and prefers southpaws over righties quite a bit.
Grade: B-
26. William Hunter selected by Colorado Springs. Trouble in the signing department but on whose accord? Definitely a project player that may not pan out.
Grade: C+
27. Brandon Nichting selected by Boise. Starting pitching was not really very accommodating in this draft but Brandon could be considered a number 3 or 4 starter in a ML rotation. Decent control, splits and a couple good pitches highlight this off-speed fly ball type. That fourth pitch if it doesn't get dropped could be parked quite often.
Grade: B-
28. Pascual Rijo selected by Colorado Springs. SS is a doubtful lifetime position as his glove just doesn't get the job done and the arm just may end up as mediocre. 3B is more likely but lack of hitting style just doesn't turn anyones crank that much.
Grade: C
29. York Carew selected by El Paso. Control could be a bit on the low side of being good but the splits are good and at least a pitch or two to keep hitters on their toes. Still could be a good end of rotation starter at the ML level. Can't expect to find an ace this late in the first round.
Grade: B-
30. Arthur Hansen selected by El Paso. Fancies himself as a 2B but we like him in CF much better. Could be a GG standout at either position. Hitting is not his strong suit but won't be absolutely terrible.
Grade: C+
31. Vic Terrero selected by Albuquerque. CF is a long shot best kept a secret. COF is more along his lines to be sure. A bit of a health risk but who knows. Has good speed to go along with his good for average hitting, just don't expect very many long balls.
Grade: B-
32. Max Perez selected by Tacoma. Has the tools to be a sometimes closer as he doesn't have very good stamina or durability. Has shown he can get out of an inning quickly without being to damaged which is a plus.
Grade: C+
33. Sergio Wolcott selected by Columbus. Left-handed with a poor right split and off-speed also. Great control, good repitoire of pitches is very helpful with a ground ball attitude. Wait and see is all we can do but I don't consider him a bad pick this late..
Grade: B-
34. Mickey Washington selected by Columbus. 2B looks doubtful as LF/1B looks to be his strong suit. A little speed doesn't assist his below average hitting style either. Chances aren't good he will make a ML roster.
Grade: C
35. Bert Hentgen selected by Albuquerque. 2B doesn't look so hot but an outside chance at 3B, might be better suited in RF. Has some speed but less than average hitter with a little pop.
Grade: C
36. John Allen selected by Vancouver. Overlooked by many teams is this three pitch closer. Good control, splits, velo and pitches, what more can you ask for. Okay, better durability answers that question.
Grade: B
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