1.  Bryce Harper, C, CC of Southern Nevada

He has been called the natural by some and is most likely the #1 prospect in this class when all is said and done.  It has been well chronicled how he left high school early to become a member of this class, but I don’t know if he is as big of a slam dunk as Stephen Strasburg or even Justin Upton for that matter.  His power is undeniable as he has routinely launched 500 foot homers in batting practice (see YouTube), but there are some questions about how high of an average he will hit for.  He is off to a blistering start to his collegiate career and doing it with a wood bat.  Some question his size at the catcher position, but that has not slowed down Matt Wieters.  He has the tools to stick at catcher with good technique and a strong arm.  Overall the package is special when you consider his potential as a run producer and the fact that he plays arguably the most premium position.

502 foot homer

2.  Jameson Taillon, RHP, The Woodlands HS, TX

In my opinion the main competition for the #1 spot on this list.  Taillon is the complete package.  He has size (6’7″ 230 pounds), the stuff (fastball up t0 99 mph and potentially 2 plus breaking balls), and great makeup.  They don’t make high school pitchers much better than this.

video

3.  Anthony Ranaudo, RHP, LSU

Ranaudo has a huge frame and looks the part of a dominating power pitcher, but he doesn’t really have the stuff to back it up.  He has a decent arsenal with a fastball in the 88-92 range and a very good breaker, but he does not project as the top of the rotation starter that you would like at the top of a draft.  He has missed some time with a stress reaction in his elbow and needs to come back strong and show he is healthy or his biggest strengths (his track record and the fact that he is considered a fairly safe pick) will go out the window.

4.  Drew Pomeranz, LHP, Mississippi

Pomeranz is clearly the best lefty in the draft with a fastball that can reach the mid-90′s on occasion but is usually more around 89-92 mph.  He complements it with a very good curveball and a picture perfect 6’5″ 220 pound frame.  The questions about work ethic  that surrounded his older brother while in the Cardinals system give me some pause as does his delivery, but I will give him the benefit of the doubt that he is a different man.

5.  Karsten Whitson, RHP, Chipley HS, FL

Whitson has a smooth delivery, a projectable frame, and present stuff.  He can touch the mid-90′s with his heater and also possesses one of the top breakers in the high school class.  Add in a change and good command, and Whitson is a very intriguing choice.

video

6.  AJ Cole, RHP, Oviedo HS, FL

Another projectable high school righty, Cole is very similar to Whitson.  He can also crank it up to 95 mph with the heater, has a good breaker in his curveball, and has a surprisingly good change.  He may have even more projection that Whitson when he fills out his rail thin frame.  I give Whitson the slight edge because I like his delivery better.

video

7.  Manny Machado, SS, Brito HS, FL

Machado is a smooth operator in the field with a strong arm and a solid bat.  He projects to hit for pretty good power for a middle infielder, and he is the top high school position player in the draft.

8.  Deck McGuire, RHP, Georgia Tech

McGuire has been a stud since the day he stepped foot on campus.  He definitely fits the bill from a statistical standpoint, but he does not possess the power arsenal that you would expect from his hulking 6’6″ frame.  What he does have is solid command of a great mix of pitches.  He may not have the ceiling of some of the high school arms, but he is a pretty sure bet to be a #3 starter some day.

9.  Chris Sale, LHP, Florida Gulf Coast

Another top collegiate lefty in this class, Sale is a big workhorse lefty with a fastball in the low to mid 90′s and a devastating change up.  There are questions about the level of competition he faces, but he was the #1 prospect on the Cape last summer.

10.  Dylan Covey, RHP, Maranatha HS, CA

Covey is a strong high school righty with big velocity up to 96 mph and a power curve.  He reminds some of Chad Billingsley for his big stuff and his polish as a high school pitcher.

video

11.   Zack Cox, 3b, Arkansas

There are some questions about how much power he will hit for with wood, but he is off to a great start this season and can flat out hit.  I have seen him hit some bombs in college and think the power will be there.  He still has some work to do at third, but he has a plus arm and has done some pitching for the Razorbacks.

video

12.  Josh Sale, OF, Bishop Blanchet HS, WA

He is limited athletically and is probably going to be stuck in left field, but this kid can hit both for power and average.  Sale is the top high school bat in the draft and also draws rave reviews for his makeup.

Sale goes yard

13.  Brandon Workman, RHP, Texas

Workman turned down a 3rd round bonus out of high school and after his first 2 seasons in college some may have said that was a mistake as he had so-so success as a swing man for the Longhorns.  That has all changed this year as he is finally putting it together as a starter.  Workman has the stereotypical 6’5″ 220 pound frame as well as a fastball that can touch the mid-90′s and a hammer 12-6 curve that could push him toward the top of a big league rotation.

14.  Jesse Hahn, RHP, Virginia Tech

Hahn has gone from an unsung high school teammate of Matt Harvey to likely passing him on draft boards.  He has one of the best fastballs in the draft touching 99 mph on the Cape last summer and sitting easily at 92-96 this spring with a ton of movement.  He hadn’t had much success in the past, but he is throwing strikes and getting results this year.  His secondary pitches need some work, but he has the type of fastball that can get outs by itself.

15.  Christian Colon, SS, Cal St Fullerton

Colon got off to a slow start this spring, but he has heated up recently.  He has been a star the last two summers playing with Team USA and has produced in college.  He may not have the best tools, but he is smooth in the field, knows how to hit, and is a gamer.

video

16.  Yordy Cabrera, SS, Lakeland HS, FL

The son of the Tigers’ minor league hitting coordinator has been around pro baseball his whole life.  He has impressive tools including power and a plus arm.  There have been some questions about him translating impressive batting practice displays over to games and his age as he is already 20 years old after moving over from the Dominican to attend high school in the US.  Some also believe he will outgrow short, but he definitely looks the part of a middle of the order bat.

video

17.  Austin Wilson, OF, Harvard-Westlake HS, CA

Speaking of looking the part, Wilson is everything you look for in a stud big league right fielder.  He has a ripped 6’4″ frame, huge power, and a cannon for an arm.  He also has unbelievable makeup as he is committed to Stanford and his parents attended MIT and Harvard.  He has also proven that he is not just all tools and hit an impressive homer off Karsten Whitson in the Under Armour All-America game last summer.

homer off Whitson

BP

18.  Kevin Gausman, RHP, Grandview HS, CO

The projectable Gausman has a sinker that he can run up to 96 mph as well as a good curve and change up.  He also has a nice delivery and throws strikes.

video

19.  Nick Castellanos, 3b, Archbishop McCarthy HS, FL

Castellanos put on a show at the Under Armour game last summer winning the home run derby and going 4-4 with 4 doubles during the game.  He looks the part at third with good hands, a strong arm, and plenty of power.

video

20.  Alex Wimmers, RHP, Ohio St

Wimmers doesn’t have the stuff of some of the high school hurlers that will be available, but he knows how to pitch and is having a great spring.  He generally works from 90-92 mph with a curve and a change that have both been rated highly, but what sets him apart is his command and his composure on the mound.

21.  Matt Harvey, RHP, North Carolina

Harvey has been all over the place as a draft prospect.  From once being considered 1a to Rick Porcello in high school to pricing himself out of pro ball to an up down college career.   He is on the way back up currently topping out at 97 mph along with a nasty, hard slider and dominating on Friday nights for North Carolina.

22.  Bryce Brentz, OF, Middle Tennessee St

Brentz put himself on the map by putting up video game numbers last year slugging .930.  He has an aggressive approach, but he gets results.  He is also a decent athlete having pitched in the past, and he has moved over from right to center this season.  In a draft short on college position players, someone will likely jump on Brentz early looking for a bat.

23.  Stetson Allie, RHP/3b, St. Edward HS, OH

Allie is as physically gifted as any player in this class.  He has touched 99 mph on the mound and would also be one of the top power bats in the draft if he chooses to go that direction.  As is typical with dual sport or two way players, he is raw, but the upside is as good as any player in the draft.

video

24.  Sammy Solis, LHP, San Diego

Solis missed last season with a herniated disc, but he has come back very strong this year.  He has very good command of a fastball that sits 89-92 and can reach 94 and his change may be his best pitch.  He comes at hitters with a different delivery dropping down from 3/4 to sidearm, but he knows how to pitch.

25.  Jedd Gyorko, 2b/SS, West Virginia

Gyorko does not have the tools that you would look for in a first round pick, but what he does is hit.  He has drawn some comparisons as a mini version of Kevin Youkilis.   He has a strong arm, but he doesn’t have much speed.   Gyorko plays short in college, but most see a move over to 2nd or even 3rd in pro ball.

Cape Cod Home Run Derby

26.  Chevez Clarke, OF, Marietta HS, GA

A draft wouldn’t be complete without a 5-tool high school outfielder in the first round, and Clarke may be that guy this year.  He has plus speed and is a plus defender in center.   He doesn’t have a whole lot of power, but he takes advantage of his speed as a switch hitter, and he is having a great spring.

video

27.  Stefan Sabol, C, Aliso Niquel HS, CA

Teams love athletic catchers that have a chance to hit, and Sabol is exactly that.  The cousin of Troy Polamula, Sabol runs a 6.7 second 60 yard dash and also has a plus arm.  He needs some work behind the plate, and some see an eventual move to the outfield.  However, a catcher with his kind of skills is hard to find, and someone will give him a chance to stick.

video

28.  Cam Bedrosian, RHP, East Coweta HS, GA

Small righties have a stigma about them, but teams need to get over that with Bedrosian.  He has a power arm and holds his stuff deep into games.  The son of Cy Young winner Steve, the younger Bedrosian has a 96 mph fastball, a plus slider, and knows how to pitch.

striking out Bryce Harper

29.  Kris Bryant, 3b, Bonanza HS, NV

Bryant is about the only bat in the draft that can match up to Bryce Harper from a raw power standpoint as he has put on some unbelievable batting practice displays.  There are some questions about him translating that over to games, but others have given him Troy Glaus comparisons.

video

30.  Micah Gibbs, C, LSU

Catchers usually get overvalued, and that could happen with Gibbs this year.  He is a switch hitter from a top college program that receives all kinds of praise for his leadership abilities drawing some Jason Varitek comparisons.  He is solid behind the plate and although he may not hit for a lot of power, he should hit for a decent average.

Honorable mention in no particular order: Michael Choice, Gary Brown, Todd Cunningham, Yasmani Grandal, Kyle Parker, Brett Eibner, Kyle Blair, Chad Bettis, Kaleb Cowart, Drew Cisco, DeAndre Smelter, Robbie Aviles, James Paxton, Leon Landry

I can’t figure out how to directly link to the individual pages on the new set-up for the mlb.com draft profiles, so here is a link to the page and you can select the players to read the scouting reports and watch the videos.

MLB Draft Profile

Like many teams it sounds like the Cardinals are bringing in a big group of players for individual workouts, so I wouldn’t read a whole lot into what you hear on any one player working out with the team.  There is something that stands out to me about this article though.

LINK

Here’s the quote I find very interesting

Trout just arrived back home last night from St. Louis, where he visited this weekend to work out for both the Cardinals, who have the 19th pick, and the Oakland Athletics, who pick 13th. They are the teams, according to Trout, that have shown the most interest in him.

Now, I don’t really think he is a realistic option for the A’s as there are some guys that fit their profile a lot better that should be available at that spot.  Trout usually has been going in the early to mid twenties in mock drafts, so he should be there when the Cardinals pick.

1.  Stephen Strasburg, RHP, San Diego St.

Strasburg is not only the best prospect in this draft, according to some he may be the best draft prospect ever.  The 6’5″ 220 pound monster consistently throws his fastball in the 95-97 range and occasionally runs it up to 100 mph.  He also has a plus breaker, but the thing that sets him apart is his unbelievable control of the two best pitches in the draft.

2.  Dustin Ackley, 1B/OF, North Carolina

I was very tempted to put Tanner Scheppers in this spot because his stuff is nearly as good as Strasburg, but I am going to keep Ackley here.  He may be the best pure hitter available in the draft this decade.  There are some questions about his power with wood and his arm after Tommy John surgery.  Even if he only hits for average power, he should still be a premium player because of his hitting ability and 70 speed which should enable him to shift to centerfield in pro ball.

3.  Tanner Scheppers, RHP, St. Paul

As I said, I was really tempted to put Scheppers at number two on this list.  He has the stuff of an ace with a mid-90′s heater and a hard curve.  He is athletic on the mound and has a very nice delivery.  However he isn’t without question marks after his shoulder injury last year, and he has battled control problems at times.  There is some risk involved, but the reward could be huge.

4.  Tyler Matzek, LHP, Capistrano Valley HS, Mission Viejo, CA

Matzek has the polish of a top college pitcher, but he is still in high school.  He throws strikes effortlessly with a 90-94 mph fastball, a tight curve, slider, and change.  His stuff is plenty good, and he reportedly touched 98 mph in a start last week, but what really separates him is his smooth delivery and pitching smarts.

5.  Aaron Crow, RHP, Fort Worth

Crow was the top college righty in last year’s draft, and he is once again near the top of the pitching crop.  Crow’s calling card is his heavy sinker that he throws from 92-96 mph and commands extremely well.  He also has a plus slider, but his change needs work and some have questioned his mechanics.  Even with those question marks, two plus pitches and good command will get you drafted early, and Crow shouldn’t need much time in the minors.

6.  Donovan Tate, OF, Cartersville HS, GA

Tate is an extremely impressive athlete whose father played football for Georgia and in the NFL.  Tate has committed to play football and baseball at North Carolina and is advised by Scott Boras, so it will take a significant bonus to sign him.  He is the best prep position player in the draft.  He has plus speed, and many believe he is a future gold glove centerfielder.  There are some those that question how much average he will hit for, but he has great bat speed and good pop.

7.  Jacob Turner, RHP, Westminster Christian Academy, St. Louis, MO

Turner is the complete package as far as a pitching prospect.  He has a big 6’5″ 225 pound frame, a fastball that he can run up to 98 mph, a big curve, a nice change, a nice delivery, and good command.  He has also had great coaching in high school from former big leaguers Andy Benes, Mike Matheny, and Todd Worrell.  The only thing that could cause him to fall in the draft is his association with Scott Boras.

8.  Zack Wheeler, RHP, East Paulding HS, Dallas, GA

Wheeler has present stuff and plenty of projection in his skiny 6’4″ frame.  He sits in the low-90′s with the fastball, but touches 95 mph and his heater has movement.  He adds in a plus slider and a good change and throws a lot of strikes.

9.  Matt Purke, LHP, Klein HS, Spring, TX

Purke gives this draft another top notch lefty with his mid-90′s fastball and plus slider.  He is best described as a slinger utilizing a 3/4 delivery that gives his pitches extra action.  Purke has more polish than you would expect from a youngster with his stuff, and scouts wonder if there might be more velocity left as he fills out his slender 6’3″ frame.  There are rumors that he is looking for a huge bonus which might scare some teams off, but he is one of the elite talents in this draft.

10.  Kyle Gibson, RHP, Missouri

Gibson has a smooth delivery, excellent command, good results, and a 6’6″ frame, but he can’t match the pitchers already mentioned on this list in terms of stuff.  He does possess an excellent slider, but his fastball usually only sits at 88-91.  Teams looking for upside will probably take someone else, but Gibson is a very safe bet to be a 3rd starter and will probably get there quickly as long as the recent dip in velocity isn’t a sign of an injury.

11.  Shelby Miller, RHP, Brownwood HS, TX

It seems like every year there is a Texas prep fireballer, and Miller fits the bill this year.  He possesses the best fastball in the high school class with tremendous life and great velocity that has reportedly reached 98 mph.  Miller has a smooth delivery, but he is a little more raw than guys like Turner and Wheeler.  He will show a plus curve at times, but it and his command needs some work.  Teams that value arm strength will have a tough time finding a pitcher with more.

12.  Mike Leake, RHP, Arizona St.

Leake has been able to overcome the small righty stigma and win over stat heads and scouts alike.  A good athlete that has doubled as a 2nd baseman at times, Leake has very good command and is a fierce competitor on the mound.  He also has good stuff in a low-90′s sinker that he can run up to 94 and mixes in a plus slider and a good change.

13.  Alex White, RHP, North Carolina

White has some of the best stuff in college baseball, but he struggles with consistency.  He has shown 3 plus pitches at times, but not usually all at the same time.  His fastball sits 91-94 and reaches 96, he has shown a wipeout slider at times, and his splitter can also be devastating.  He is a very good athlete, but he struggles to maintain a consistent delivery leading to control problems.  He is pretty raw for a top college pitcher, but if a team can get him straightened out, they may have themselves a top of the rotation starter.

14.  Grant Green, SS, USC

Green had an outstanding summer on the Cape where he showed a great bat with good pop and drew comparisons to Evan Longoria.  He was also a very good defender at short last spring for the Trojans.  He got off to a rough start this spring, and some scouts have begun to question his power and his defense.  Some believe he just has suffered from draftitis and will be fine once he gets out playing pro ball.  In a draft lacking in position player talent, Green should still go early if he doesn’t price himself out as one of the few players that projects to be an offensive force in the middle infield.

15.  Chad James, LHP, Yukon HS, OK

James is yet another talented lefty in the prep class.  He can also reach the mid-90′s with his heater and adds in a plus curve and one of the best change ups in the high school class.  He has a projectable 6’4″ 200 pound frame, and a smooth, athletic delivery.

16.  Bobby Borchering, 3B, Bishop Verot HS, Fort Myers, FL

The big 6’4″ switch hitter is the best pure bat in the high school class and should hit for both average and power.  Many believe that as he fills out he will eventually have to shift over to first base, but for now he has enough range, soft hands, and plenty of arm for the hot corner.

17.  Chad Jenkins, RHP, Kennesaw St.

Jenkins has really stepped up as a top draft prospect this year passing teammate Kyle Heckathorn.  His velocity has increased, and he now utilizes a sinker in the 90-93 mph range, a plus slider, and a good change.  He has the build of an innings eater at 6’4″ 225 pounds, and fills the zone with strikes.  He may not project as a top of the rotation starter, but he should be a quality major league starter rather quickly.

18.  Mike Minor, LHP, Vanderbilt

Another guy who doesn’t have top of the rotation stuff, but knows how to pitch and should move fast.  Minor has a solid four pitch mix that starts with a fastball that sits anywhere from 88-91 and touches 93 at times and he could sit in the low 90′s in the future when he fills out his 6’4″ frame.  His change is his best secondary pitch, but he can also mix in a curve and slider.  Minor has a big time track record at Vandy and Team USA making him a favorite of stats oriented clubs.

19.  Rex Brothers, LHP, Lipscomb

Brothers has a better fastball and slider than Minor as both are considered plus pitches.  He sits comfortably at 92-94 with the fastball, touches as high as 96, and holds his velocity deep into games.  His hard, wipeout slider is in the mid to high 80′s.  While Brothers has more upside than Minor, many believe he is destined for the bullpen because of his delivery and control problems.

20.  Eric Arnett, RHP, Indiana

Arnett has the look of a top of the rotation horse with his 6’5″ 225 pound frame, fastball that touches 96, and mid-80′s slider.    He came out of nowhere this season to establish himself as a first round talent on an Indiana team surprisingly loaded with early round talent.  While he has been incredibly durable this season pitching very deep into starts, he will have to develop his change to remain in a big league rotation.

21.  Tyler Skaggs, LHP, Santa Monica HS, CA

Skaggs doesn’t offer the high end velocity of the prep lefties mentioned earlier, but he may have the most projection.  He sits 88-91 now, but many believe he could eventually sit in the mid-90′s after he adds muscle to his 6’4″ 180 pound frame.  Skaggs is not all projection as he already throws a good curve, and has a change and slider as well.

22.  Tim Wheeler, OF, Sacramento St.

Wheeler got himself noticed with a strong Cape Cod League season last summer, but really busted onto the scene this spring with a monster season.  He features above average power and speed and solid baseball instincts which should make him a good all around outfielder.

23.  Matt Hobgood, RHP, Norco HS, CA

Hobgood features a hard sinker in the 92-94 range and one of the better curves in the high school ranks.  He also shows a change and slider at times, but his ticket to the big leagues will be spotting that heavy sinker.  He has a massive 6’4″ 245 pound frame, so there isn’t much projection left, but that shouldn’t be a problem as long as he learns to throw strikes with what he already has.

24.  Everett Williams, OF, McCallum HS, Austin, TX

Not as raw as you might think, Williams has a pretty good stick.  He also has surprising power for a guy that only stands 5’10″ 200 pounds finishing second in last year’s AFLAC game homerun derby.  He’s not the burner you would expect, but he does have good speed and knows how to use it.

25.  Mike Trout, OF, Milville HS, NJ

Trout has become a favorite of scouts both for his tools and his makeup.  His best tool is his speed as he covered the 60 yard dash in 6.5 seconds.  He has an idea of what he is doing at the plate and has some pop, but what makes him attractive is his passion for the game.  Trout has been called a faster version of Aaron Rowand.

1.  Stephen Strasburg, RHP, San Diego St.

If any team had the first pick in this year’s draft and didn’t take Strasburg first overall, they should be immediately contracted.

2.  Tanner Scheppers, RHP, St. Paul

He has the injury history, but his stuff is also a step above anyone else left on the board.  Think Matt Garza.

3.  Aaron Crow, RHP, Fort Worth

Crow also has great stuff, but its not quite on par with Scheppers.  Still, he pounds the zone with a great sinker and a wipeout slider.

4.  Tyler Matzek, LHP, California HS

Lefty with a nice frame, plus velocity, 4 usable pitches, and some polish.  Can you really ask for more?

5.  Kyle Gibson, RHP, Missouri

He doesn’t have the upside of Alex White, but I think he is a safer bet to be a solid #3 starter.  He doesn’t have the elite fastball velocity you look for, but his slider is a devastating pitch and he has excellent command.

6.  Jacob Turner, RHP, Missouri HS

Has established himself as the top high school righthander available.  He has touched 97 mph and backs it up with a nice slider.  Plus he is the local favorite.

7.  Zack Wheeler, RHP, Georgia HS

A lot of people have Shelby Miller ranked ahead of Wheeler, but until I see more video on him I can’t jump him ahead of one of my favorite players in this draft.  Wheeler still has a lot of projection left, but he already has 3 very good pitches including a fastball that reaches 95 mph.  He also throws a lot of strikes.

8.  Dustin Ackley, OF, North Carolina

He is a sure bet to hit, but no one has seen him play outfield and there are questions about his power with a wood bat.  He would be a lot higher on the list if I was just straight ranking prospects, but the Cardinals have enough guys that profile to play a corner outfield spot and don’t really have the power to be an asset there.

9.  Alex White, RHP, North Carolina

He has plus stuff from the right side, but he has never dominated like his stuff would indicate.  Still, he is a safer bet than the high school arms still on the board, and his stuff is just as good.

10.  Matt Purke, LHP, Texas HS

Purke has better velocity than Matzek, but he also has more effort in his delivery.  He may have the best 1-2 punch of any lefty in the draft, but he needs to work on refining his delivery, command, and a third pitch.

11.  Grant Green, SS, USC

Has been somewhat of a disappointment, but he has a track record of success in college and with wood on the cape.  May not stick at short long term, but at worst he is a 15-20 homer bat at the 2nd base position.

12.  Shelby Miller, RHP, Texas HS

The prototypical Texas fireballer, Miller can crank the heater up to 98 mph.  He throws a plus curve every once in a while, but it needs work.  Miller has as much arm strength as anyone in the draft, but he doesn’t have the polish of the guys already mentioned on this list.

13.  Mike Leake, RHP, Arizona St.

He gets the knock of being a guy that pitches above his stuff, but people don’t realize that his stuff is actually pretty darn good as he pitches with a 90-94 mph sinker, a plus slider, an above average change, and also mixes in a curve.  Add to that his athleticism, bulldog mentality, and very good control and you have quite a package.

14.  Donovan Tate, OF, Georgia HS

The best overall athlete in the draft, Tate has the makings of a 5-tool stud in center in the mold of Adam Jones.  There are some questions which include making some adjustments with the bat and his commitment to play football at North Carolina.

15.  Chad James, LHP, Oklahoma HS

James is more in the mold of Shelby Miller as far as high school hurlers go.  He has the arm strength which includes a 95 mph fastball and shows a nice breaker, but he needs to improve his polish.  James is a good athlete, so he should be able to find a consistent delivery and repeat it.

16.  Bobby Borchering, 3B, Florida HS

Borchering offers a quick bat and impressive power from both sides of the plate.  At 6’4″ 200 pounds he has improved his defense at third, but some feel he will have to move across the diamond after he fills out.  Still, he is probably the safest bet among the high school position players to hit.

17.  Rex Brothers, LHP, Lipscomb

A collegiate lefty with a plus fastball/slider duo, Brothers can dial it up around 96 mph.  He is short and stocky  and doesn’t have great control, but he does maintain his velocity deep into starts.  However many believe his control, delivery, and lack of a quality third pitch mean he is destined for a big league bullpen.  Similar to Blue Jays rookie lefty Brett Cecil.

18.  Chad Jenkins, RHP, Kennesaw St.

Jenkins is built like a horse at 6’4″ 225 pounds and matches that frame with good stuff.  He pounds the strike zone with a sinker that he throws from 90-93 and a plus slider.  He also throws a change and shows an advanced feel for pitching.

19.  Tyler Skaggs, LHP, California HS

Skaggs just screams projection at 6’4″ 180 pounds, but he already shows good stuff.  He runs his fastball up to 92, but usually works at 88-90 and adds in a plus curve.  He is a good athlete and repeats his smooth delivery very well.

1.  Nationals-Stephen Strasburg, RHP, San Diego St.

It will cost a fortune, but even the Nationals can’t screw this one up.

2.  Mariners-Dustin Ackley, 1B/OF, North Carolina

The Mariners have loaded up on pitching in recent drafts, but this year they will go with the best available bat.

3.  Padres-Kyle Gibson, RHP, Missouri

The Padres are known for reaching to save money.  Gibson is a good pitcher, but he isn’t the second best pitcher in the draft.  However, he might be willing to take a little below slot.

4.  Pirates-Alex White, RHP, North Carolina

The Pirates are in need of talent all over the field, and White may be the best prospect still on the board.

5.  Orioles-Tanner Scheppers, RHP, St. Paul

High ceiling righty would add another great arm to the stable the O’s are putting together.

6.  Giants-Tyler Matzek, LHP, California HS

The Giants had great success with a couple of high school hurlers in 2007 when they drafted Madison Bumgarner and Tim Alderson.  They could look to go that way again if the top prep pitcher is still on the board.

7.  Braves-Donovan Tate, CF, Georgia HS

Everyone knows the Braves love local talent, and Tate could be the best athlete in the draft.

8.  Reds-Aaron Crow, RHP, Fort Worth

Supposedly the Reds were close to pulling the trigger on Crow last year.  I doubt they would pass on him again.

9.  Tigers-Jacob Turner, RHP, Missouri HS

The Tigers aren’t afraid to spend big money in the draft, so they likely won’t hesitate to meet the big demands of Turner.

10.  Nationals-Mike Leake, RHP, Arizona St.

Leake has been arguably the 2nd best pitcher in college baseball this year.  The Nationals would love to add another fast mover to go along with Strasburg.

11.  Rockies-Zack Wheeler, RHP, Georgia HS

Wheeler is a big, projectable righty with 3 plus pitches and good control.

12.  Royals-Matt Purke, LHP, Texas HS

The Royals are another team that has shown they will take the best available player.  Purke might have the best stuff out of any high school pitcher.

13.  Athletics-Rex Brothers, LHP, Lipscomb

Billy Beane likes college players, and has had good success with collegiate lefties.  Brothers is probably the top college lefty in the draft.

14.  Rangers-Shelby Miller, RHP, Texas HS

The Rangers would be thrilled if this Texas fireballer makes it to them.

15.  Indians-Tim Wheeler, OF, Sacramento St.

Wheeler is one of the few collegiate position players that is a legit first round pick this year.

16.  Diamondbacks-Andrew Oliver, LHP, Oklahoma St.

Oliver has had a down year, but he has a history of success and plus stuff from the left side.

17.  Diamondbacks-Rich Poythress, 1B, Georgia

Poythress has a big time bat, but he is limited defensively.  He is probably a little bit of a reach at this point, but the D-backs may be looking to save a little money.

18.  Marlins-Chad James, LHP, Oklahoma HS

The Marlins love prep pitchers, especially ones who can throw 95 from the left side.

19.  Cardinals-Eric Arnett, RHP, Indiana

Arnett is the kind of big college righthander with plus stuff that the Cardinals love.  Luhnow has also shown that he will go off the board of what many people think will happen, and you could say that this would be a bit of a reach.  They have also shown that they will pass on guys who fall because of some questions about signability, and that is the case in this mock as I have them passing on Grant Green who was once considered a top 5 pick.

Stephen Strasburg, RHP, San Diego St.

7 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 10 K

2 runs?  What is wrong with Strasburg?

Alex White, RHP, North Carolina

7 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 6 K

Nice outing from White on a weekend when a lot of potential first rounders got lit up.

Mike Leake, RHP, Arizona St.

9 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 12 K

Leake has been dominant in a year no one other than Strasburg has dominated.  He has solidified himself in the top 15 picks.

James Paxton, LHP, Kentucky

5.1 IP, 11 H, 9 R, 8 ER, 0 BB, 6 K

Well at least he didn’t walk anyone.

Andrew Oliver, LHP, Oklahoma St.

2.1 IP, 7 H, 8 R, 8 ER, 3 BB, 1 K

Another ugly outing from one of the college pitchers projected to go in the Cardinals’ range.

Mike Minor, LHP, Vanderbilt

7.2 IP, 10 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 2 BB, 7 K

At least he got deep.

Rex Brothers, LHP, Lipscomb

4.1 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 2 BB, 6 K

Does anyone want to move up the draft board?

Kyle Heckathorn, RHP, Kennesaw St.

9 IP, 11 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 15 K

Big righty has some of the best stuff in the draft.  The question is can he control his stuff and will he eventually have to move to the pen.

Kendal Volz, RHP, Baylor

3.2 IP, 12 H, 7 R, 7 ER, 0 BB, 1 K

Volz has had a pretty rough season.

Brooks Raley, LHP, Texas A&M

6 IP, 9 H, 6 R, 6 ER, 1 BB, 3 K

Another lefty getting beat around on Friday night.

Alex Wilson, RHP, Texas A&M

2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 3 K

Sam Dyson, RHP, South Carolina

9 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 13 K

Tommy John survivor has huge arm.  He was one of the few that actually tried to separate himself a little this weekend.

Saturday

Chad Jenkins, RHP, Kennesaw St.

9 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 10 K

Doesn’t possess the same stuff as his teammate Heckathorn, but he throws a ton of strikes and is a pretty safe bet to be a middle of the rotation starter.

Dustin Ackley, 1B/OF, North Carolina

4-5, 2 2B, HR, 4 R, 4 RBI, BB, SB

Still the top hitter in the draft.

Tony Sanchez, C, Boston College

2-6, R, 3 RBI

Sunday

Alex Wilson, RHP, Texas A&M

2 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K

Brad Boxberger, RHP, USC

6 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 8 K

One of the better outings of the year for Boxberger.

Kyle Gibson, RHP, Mizzou

1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K

Just a tune-up against a non-conference opponent this weekend.

Grant Green, SS, USC

2-4, HR

Only the 4th homer of the year for Green.

1.  Stephen Strasburg, RHP, San Diego St.

Best prospect by far in this draft, some say the best pitching prospect ever.  Tossed a no-no on Friday in which he struck out 17.

2.  Dustin Ackley, OF/1B, North Carolina

Best position player in the draft holds the #2 spot for now until we see a little more from the 2 independent league pitchers.

3.  Aaron Crow, RHP, Fort Worth

Arguably the best pitcher in last year’s loaded draft is back and sitting near the top of the board in this year’s weaker draft.  Touched 97 mph in his first outing of the season, but showed some expected rust.

4.  Tyler Matzek, LHP, California HS

High school lefty with polish and great stuff.

5.  Tanner Scheppers, RHP, St. Paul

Some teams may be scared off by last year’s injury, but he has unbelievable stuff and a prototypical frame.  Think Matt Garza.

6.  Alex White, RHP, North Carolina

Has the stuff and the size of a top of the rotation starter, but has not dominated like some would like.

7.  Donovan Tate, OF, Georgia HS

Super toolsy outfielder sits atop the prep position player prospects.

8.  Kyle Gibson, RHP, Missouri

Dominating righty still has room to fill out and add even more to already impressive stuff.

9.  Shelby Miller, RHP, Texas HS

Top prep righty has mid-90′s heat and a bulldog mentality.

10.  Matthew Purke, LHP, Texas HS

Has better stuff than Matzek, but there is more effort in his delivery and some worry about his control and mechanics.

11.  Zack Wheeler, RHP, Georgia HS

95 mph fastball, nasty breaking ball, and projectable 6’4″ frame make Wheeler a hot commodity.

12.  Grant Green, SS, USC

Once considered the top college position player in the draft,  Green has had a down year and scouts now question his power and ability to stay at short.

13.  Mike Leake, RHP, Arizona St.

Suffers from the small righty stigma, but he has good stuff, great control, and has done nothing but win with the Sun Devils.

14.  Jacob Turner, RHP, Missouri HS

Built like a horse at 6’5″ 220 pounds, he also has impressive stuff headlined by a 92-94 mph fastball.  You may have heard them talking about him during the Cardinals game yesterday when they mentioned that Mo and Jocketty were in the stands at one of his starts.

15.  Rex Brothers, LHP, Lipscomb

Top college southpaw possesses a 97 mph heater and a plus slider.  The questions with him center around control and his lack of a third pitch.

16.  Andrew Oliver, LHP, Oklahoma St.

Lefty is finally starting to rebound from long layoff due to eligibility issues.  Oliver may have the most complete arsenal of any collegiate lefty.

17.  Rich Poythress, 1B, Georgia

Poythress has done nothing but mash, and he will go as soon as someone is ready to take a player with only one tool.  However, it is the most important tool.

18.  Jared Mitchell, OF, LSU

Mitchell isn’t lacking for tools, but he has the opposite problem from Poythress.  He can fly and has some pop, but will he hit for enough average?

19.  James Paxton, LHP, Kentucky

Paxton throws 97 mph from the left side and throws strikes.  He has been a little too hittable and the ERA doesn’t look great, but somebody will be intriqued by what he does offer.  He reminds me a lot of former first rounder Aaron Poreda.

20.  Tyler Skaggs, LHP, California HS

Projectable high school lefty with 3 pitches.  He is nowhere close to a finished product, but you can dream on the upside.

21.  Luke Bailey, C, Georgia HS

Takes a hit due to recent Tommy John surgery, but still has impressive bat and receiving skills.  Look for a big market franchise to jump on Bailey and try to convince him it is better to rehab as a professional.

22.  Mike Minor, LHP, Vanderbilt

Has had a somewhat down year, but he has a young team behind him.  Still getting a lot of strikeouts and keeping the walks low.  He won’t ever be a top of the rotation starter, but he has 4 major league pitches and throws strikes.

23.  Tim Wheeler, OF, Sacramento St.

Toolsy college star has power and speed from the left side.

24.  Kendal Volz, RHP, Baylor

The big righty has power stuff, but his max effort style and shaky control lead many to believe he is destined for the bullpen.

25.  Max Stassi, C, California HS

Another member of the talented prep catching crop in this year’s draft, Stassi is known for his smooth stroke at the plate.

26.  Matt Hobgood, RHP, California HS

Monster high school righty has 2 plus pitches in his fastball and arguably the best curve in the prep ranks.

27.  Alex Wilson, RHP, Texas A&M

Another smallish righty, Wilson is a Tommy John survivor with big time stuff and surprisingly good control.

28.  Mychal Givens, SS/RHP, Florida HS

Right up there with Tate as the best athlete in the draft, Givens is a smooth shortstop with plus speed.  However, some teams may prefer him on the mound because of his 97 mph fastball.

29.  Jason Stoffel, RHP, Arizona

Its not a great year for college relievers, but Stoffel is the best pure reliever in the draft.  The stuff is down from the past, but some believe he has been overworked and will benefit from a little time off.

30.  Tony Sanchez, C, Boston College

The top collegiate catcher in the draft is putting up great numbers this year for the Eagles.  Teams love catchers that produce, and Sanchez won’t have to wait long to hear his name called on draft day.

Friday

Stephen Strasburg, RHP, San Diego St.

8 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 12 K

What is there to say?

Alex White, RHP, North Carolina

6.2 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 3 BB, 5 K

Doesn’t dominate like his stuff would make you think.

Kyle Gibson, RHP, Mizzou

8 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 1 BB, 8 K

This line is similar to a lot of the pitchers below, quite a few runs for a low number of base runners.

Andrew Oliver, LHP, Oklahoma St.

8.2 IP, 9 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 0 BB, 9 K

Look at the Gibson comment.  Oliver does have good stuff from the left side, and if he keeps throwing strikes he will go very high.

Rex Brothers, LHP, Lipscomb

9 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 10 K

Brothers may have the best left handed arm in the college class.

James Paxton, LHP, Kentucky

8 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 12 K

Once again a lot of runs for a low WHIP.

Brooks Raley, LHP, Texas A&M

7.2 IP, 7 H, 3 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 9 K

He can’t match the stuff of lefties like Brothers, Paxton, and Oliver, but he knows how to pitch.

Alex Wilson, RHP, Texas A&M

1.1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K

Sam Dyson, RHP, South Carolina

8.2 IP, 9 H, 5 R, 5 ER, 2 BB, 7 K

The Tommy John survivor has big time stuff, but his numbers don’t look great.  He is one of the hardest guys to place in the draft because he is still rather raw, and he has the extra leverage of being a draft eligible sophomore.

Aaron Miller, OF, Baylor

3-4, 2B, HR, 2 RBI

At one time considered the top prospect in this class, Miller still has the ideal rightfield prototype with a power arm and bat.  The question is will he hit for enough average, and some clubs may prefer his arm on the mound.

Chris Dominguez, 3B, Louisville

2-5, HR, SB

Dominguez has as much raw power as anyone in the draft, and he is a surprisingly good athlete for his size as the steal was his 17th of the year.  A team that believes he will make enough contact to use his power could pop him pretty early.

Saturday

Jason Stoffel, RHP, Arizona

1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 3 K

The draft’s top closer prospect finally pitches like it.

Dustin Ackley, OF/1B, North Carolina

2-4, HR, 3 RBI

You have to love the increased power this year.

Jared Mitchell, OF, LSU

2-4, 2B, RBI

Super athlete will go to a team that prefers tools.  He is a little more raw than the typical college star due to the time he has spent on the football field.

Blake Smith, OF, California

2-5, 2B

Another rightfield prototype.

Chris Dominguez, 3B, Louisville

2-5

Sunday

Alex Wilson, RHP, Texas A&M

3 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 3 K

I would like to see him back in the rotation.  He will surely head back there in pro ball.

Robert Stock, RHP, USC

7 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 5 BB, 10 K

Really pitching well lately.  I haven’t seen a scouting report on his stuff, but his impressive strikeout totals lead you to believe that it is pretty strong.

Jared Mitchell, OF, LSU

2-5, 2 RBI

Brett Jackson, OF, California

2-3, 2B, 2 R, 2 BB

5-tool centerfielder should pop early as one of the few potential stars in the college crop.

Blake Smith, OF, California

2-5, HR, 2 R, 2 RBI

Robbie Shields, SS/2B, Florida Southern

2-5 in game 1 and 2-5 in game 2

Doesn’t have the tools you expect in a top of the draft middle infielder, but he knows how to play the game.

We will be coming out with an update on our top draft prospects soon, but for now you will have to be content with checking the status updates inside.

Friday

Alex White, RHP, North Carolina (top 10)

6.2 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 3 BB, 5 K

Follows an outstanding start with a mediocre one.  That’s the story of his season.

James Paxton, LHP, Kentucky (first round)

7 IP, 6 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 11 K

Lefty has amazing velocity, but somehow manages to give up more runs than his base runner total would lead you to believe.

Mike Minor, LHP, Vanderbilt (first round)

7.2 IP, 7 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 3 BB, 13 K

Big time strikeout total, but he continues to struggle just a little bit.

Andrew Oliver, LHP, Oklahoma St. (first round)

7 IP, 5 H, 0 R, 4 BB, 10 K

Don’t like the high walks, but this is the kind of start that is more indicative of his talent than most of his season.

Brooks Raley, LHP, Texas A&M (round 2-5)

8 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 10 K

Arguably outpitched Oliver, but ended up taking the loss as he allowed a run.

Alex Wilson, RHP, Texas A&M (sandwich round)

1 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 0 BB, 1 K

Followed up Raley’s brillance with this clunker.

Stephen Strasburg, RHP, San Diego St. (whoever will pay him)

7 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 3 ER, 1 BB, 14 K

Human?  No, he still got the win (9-0) and had strikeouts for 2/3 of the outs he recorded.

Mike Leake, RHP, Arizona St. (first round)

9 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 7 K

The early odds on favorite to be the Cardinals’ pick may be pitching himself too far up the draft board.

Brad Boxberger, RHP, USC (late first/sandwich)

9 IP, 4 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 11 K

Dominating start for Boxberger.  It’s amazing what happens when you throw strikes.

Jason Stoffel, RHP, Arizona (sandwich/2nd round)

1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K

Draft’s top college reliever in a year that is weak for college relievers.

Rich Poythress, 1B, Georgia (first round)

3-3, 2 2B, 2 BB, 2 RBI

Poythress continues to mash, but how high will people take a right/right first baseman?

D.J. LeMahieu, SS, LSU (late first/sandwich)

2-5, 2B

How high he goes depends on who believes he can stick at short.

Grant Green, SS, USC (top 10)

2-3, 2 R

Isn’t showing the power teams hoped for, but he is still the top middle infielder in the draft and that tends to make you a lot of money.

Josh Phegley, C, Indiana (round 2-5)

2-3, BB

Not having quite as good of a season as last year, but teams love catchers that can hit.

Tony Sanchez, C, Boston College (sandwich/2nd round)

1-4, HR, 2 RBI

Top collegiate back stop is moving up draft boards.

Saturday

Dustin Ackley, OF/1B, North Carolina (top 10)

2-4, HR, 3 RBI

Increased power stroke has made him the draft’s #2 prospect.  Now if they would just play him in center.

Jared Mitchell, OF, LSU (late first/sandwich)

1-4, HR

Exciting power/speed combo in the outfield, but he has been slumping recently against the better pitching in the SEC.

D.J. LeMahieu

3-5

Jason Kipnis, OF, Arizona St. (sandwich)

3-4, SB

Doesn’t have the best tools, but all he has done is produce the last 2 years.

Brett Jackson, OF, California (first round)

3-5, 2 R, 2 RBI

Potential 5-tool outfielder will benefit from weak college position player crop.

Blake Smith, OF, California (round 2-5)

2-5, HR, 2 R, 2 RBI

Rightfield prototype with power and arm strength, but will he make enough contact?

Grant Green 1-3

Sunday

Alex Wilson

5 IP, 9 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 0 BB, 7 K

Not pitching well since move the pen.

Robert Stock, RHP, USC (round 2-5)

8 IP, 9 H, 5 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 9 K

I think it is safe to say the one time prep catching phenom is now a better pitching prospect.

Jason Stoffel

2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 1 BB, 1 K

Jared Mitchell

3-5, 2B, SB, 2 R

D.J. LeMahieu

2-4, RBI

Blake Smith

2-4

Tony Sanchez 1-4, HR, 2 RBI